| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09720772B2 |
Memory system, method for controlling magnetic memory, and device for controlling magnetic memory
A memory system according to an embodiment includes a plurality of magnetic nanowires, a read unit that reads data from the magnetic nanowires, a shift control unit that shifts domain walls in the magnetic nanowires, and a read control unit. The read control unit is configured to control the read unit to read the data from the magnetic nanowires in parallel, store two or more of the data read in parallel, and when the data corresponding to a first magnetic nanowire of the magnetic nanowires are delayed or advanced as compared to the data corresponding to a second magnetic nanowire of the magnetic nanowires, determines a misalignment in the data and correct the data based on the misalignment. |
| US09720768B2 |
System and method for early packet header verification
A receiver, transmitter and method for early packet header verification are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: (1) receiving a payload flit of a preceding packet and a header flit of a current packet; and (2) using a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) in the header flit to verify the payload flit of the preceding packet and the header flit of the current packet. |
| US09720767B2 |
Storage apparatus and storage apparatus control method
A storage apparatus includes a channel control unit, a storage device, and a processor. The channel control unit includes a plurality of operation units. The processor specifies, when receiving a request for read of a plurality of pieces of element data from a host computer, the plurality of pieces of element data to the plurality of operation units, respectively. The plurality of operation units respectively reads the plurality of pieces of element data from the storage device, calculates a plurality of partial codes that is a plurality of guarantee codes on the basis of the plurality of pieces of element data, and transmits the plurality of partial codes to the processor. The processor calculates, on the basis of the plurality of partial codes, a sequence code that is a guarantee code of sequence data including the plurality of pieces of element data which is concatenated. |
| US09720764B2 |
Uncorrectable memory errors in pipelined CPUs
Uncorrectable memory errors in pipelined central processing units. A processor core may be connected to a memory system and it may include a processor cache. In response to determining an uncorrectable error in data stored in the memory system, the address of a memory location of the uncorrectable error is stored in an address buffer and a recovery procedure is performed for the processor core. When fetching data from a memory location and if it is determined that the address of this memory location is stored in the address buffer, the content of a cache line related to the address is moved into a quarantine buffer of the processor core. When detecting an error in the data of the moved cache line, a repair procedure for the data of this address is triggered. |
| US09720763B2 |
Proactive cloud orchestration
Methods, systems, and devices are described for providing proactive cloud orchestration services for a cloud hardware infrastructure. A health management system may monitor component(s) of the cloud hardware infrastructure. The health management system may determine a failure probability metric for the component(s) based on the monitoring of the component and in consideration of historical information associated with the component, or similar components. The health management system may determine an optimization strategy for the component and, when an optimization decision has been reached, initiate a reconfiguration procedure to implement the optimization strategy. The optimization strategy may provide for mitigating or eliminating the consequences of the component failure associated with data loss, downtime, and the like. |
| US09720760B2 |
Mitigating wireless networking problems of a wireless network
Systems, methods and apparatuses for mitigating a wireless networking problem of a wireless network are disclosed. One method includes determining, by an analytics engine, a problem associated with the wireless network, wherein the analytics engine is operative as a central intelligence for detection, analyzing, classifying, root-causing, or controlling the wireless network. The method further includes receiving, by the analytics engine, a collected user input and state information, mapping, by at least the analytics engine, a problem signature of the user input and the state information to at least one of a number of possible problem network conditions, determining, by the analytics engine, instructions for alleviating the problem based on the mapping of the problem signature, and providing, by the analytics engine, the instructions. |
| US09720755B2 |
Information processing device
An information processing device includes: a virtual machine built in the information processing device and able to use a physical device included by the information processing device; and an information processing device failure managing unit for detecting a failure in the information processing device. The virtual machine includes: a virtual machine failure managing unit for detecting a failure in the physical device which the virtual machine can use; and a failure notifying unit for notifying occurrence of a failure in the physical device detected by the virtual machine failure managing unit to the information processing device failure managing unit. |
| US09720753B2 |
CloudSeer: using logs to detect errors in the cloud infrastructure
Systems and methods are disclosed for detecting error in a cloud infrastructure by running a plurality of training tasks on the cloud infrastructure and generating training execution logs; generating a model miner with the training execution logs to represent one or more correct task executions in the cloud infrastructure; after training, running a plurality of tasks on the cloud infrastructure and capturing live execution logs; and from the live execution logs, if a current task deviates from the correct task execution, indicating an execution error for correction in real-time. |
| US09720752B2 |
Techniques for performing resynchronization on a clustered system
Various embodiments are generally directed an apparatus and method for receiving information to write on a clustered system comprising at least a first cluster and a second cluster, determining that a failure event has occurred on the clustered system creating unsynchronized information, the unsynchronized information comprising at least one of inflight information and dirty region information, and performing a resynchronization operation to synchronize the unsynchronized information on the first cluster and the second cluster based on log information in at least one of an inflight tracker log for the inflight information and a dirty region log for the dirty region information. |
| US09720745B2 |
Method and apparatus for device-specific communication between application programs
A method for providing communication between application programs running via devices connected to a same network is provided. The method includes an operation for connecting a first application program, which is running in a first device via a web socket server in the first device, with a second application program, which is running in a second device, and an operation for transmitting and receiving data between the second application program and the first application program via the web socket server. |
| US09720742B2 |
Service and system supporting coherent data access on multicore controller
A system and method for accessing coherent data on a controller. The system and method include a first buffer and a second buffer that each may be read from or written to and an indicator that indicates which of the first or the second buffer is read from while the other of the first or second buffers is written to. The system and method also include a read synchronization protocol that allows the coherent data to be read from the buffer that the indicator indicates is the read buffer and a write synchronization protocol that allows the coherent data to be written to the buffer that the indicator indicates is the write buffer. |
| US09720738B2 |
Datacenter scheduling of applications using machine learning techniques
A computer-implemented method including: (i) receiving a computational task to be processed by the datacenter environment; (ii) receiving a set of computational task parameters, The computational task parameters specifying characteristics of the computational task to be processed; (iii) receiving a set of computing entity parameters, The computing entity parameters specifying characteristics of the computing entities; (iv) transmitting the computational task parameters and the computing entity parameters to a scheduling entity; and (v) selecting one or more computing entities of The plurality of computing entities for processing the computational task by the scheduling entity, based on various factors. |
| US09720737B2 |
Controlling resource allocation with automated consumption against a work breakdown structure
A computer system displays a user interface display with a user input mechanism that can be actuated in order to identify a set of resources, and corresponding capacities. A team configuration is stored in memory and reflects the configuration of the resources and corresponding capacities that were identified. A task dependency structure is obtained, and is indicative of an underlying project. Resources from the stored team configuration, and corresponding capacities, are assigned to the tasks in the task dependency structure and the team configuration is updated, in memory, to reflect the assignments. A display is generated that shows the state of the underlying memory, and that is indicative of a remaining capacity and a consumed capacity. |
| US09720736B2 |
Job management and resource allocation in a data protection system
A system according to certain aspects improves the process of managing jobs and allocating resources to those jobs. The system can include a job manager that processes and generates resource allocation requests for a plurality of jobs and a resource allocator that allocates computing resources for the plurality of jobs based on the resource allocation requests. The process of allocating resources may involve locking one or more resource objects before allocating the computing resources for the plurality of jobs and unlocking the locked resource objects after the computing resources have been allocated for the plurality of jobs. |
| US09720735B2 |
Policy-based data routing for a multi-mode device
Communication devices capable of at least two communication modes (e.g. WLAN, WMAN and WWAN and/or wired modes) can be configured to optimize communications using a policy-based mechanism to configure connections and routes. A rules engine evaluates its policies on a state change (e.g. network availability, time of day, etc.) to configure a routing table and, together with communication APIs, provides an appropriate connection to an application for its respective communications. Policies may be responsive to various factors such as Radio Access Technology (high/low bandwidth), cost, presence, time of day, location, application type and quality of service (QoS) requirements among others to optimize communications. |
| US09720734B2 |
Multi-host configuration for virtual machine caching
Systems and methods disclosed herein are used to efficiently configure a plurality of memory caches. In one aspect, a method includes a server receiving or accessing a storage policy including a first caching mode for a first set of one or more virtual machine elements and a second caching mode for a second set of one or more virtual machine elements. If a virtual machine element requires configuration, the server determines whether the virtual machine element is a virtual machine element of the first set or the second set. If the virtual machine element is a virtual machine element of the first set, the server applies the first caching mode to a section of a logical solid state drive. If the virtual machine element is a virtual machine element of the second set, the server applies the second caching mode to the section of the logical solid state drive. |
| US09720731B2 |
Methods and apparatus for coordinating and selecting protocols for resources acquisition from multiple resource managers
Techniques are disclosed for allocation of resources under the control of resource managers and the choice and coordination of resource acquisition protocols to communicate with these resource managers. The resource managers may be distributed and heterogeneous. For example, a technique for use by a service provider for allocating one or more resources from multiple resources associated with multiple resource managers based on at least one service agreement offer from a service client comprises the following steps/operations. At least one service agreement offer is obtained. A resource allocation is automatically determined based on the obtained service agreement offer. The automated step/operation of determining the resource allocation comprises: (i) coordinating selection of a resource acquisition protocol from among multiple resource acquisition protocols for use in communicating with the multiple resource managers to acquire one or more resources associated therewith; and (ii) evaluating a performance associated with one or more of the multiple resource acquisition protocols. |
| US09720730B2 |
Providing an asymmetric multicore processor system transparently to an operating system
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a multicore processor with first and second groups of cores. The second group can be of a different instruction set architecture (ISA) than the first group or of the same ISA set but having different power and performance support level, and is transparent to an operating system (OS). The processor further includes a migration unit that handles migration requests for a number of different scenarios and causes a context switch to dynamically migrate a process from the second core to a first core of the first group. This dynamic hardware-based context switch can be transparent to the OS. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09720725B2 |
Prefetching of discontiguous storage locations as part of transactional execution
Transactional execution of a transaction beginning instruction initiates prefetching, by a CPU, of discontiguous storage locations specified by a list. The list includes entries specifying addresses and may also include corresponding metadata. The list may be specified by levels of indirection. Fetching of corresponding discontiguous cache lines is initiated while in TX mode. Additional instructions in the transaction may be executed and use the prefetched cache lines. |
| US09720713B2 |
Using hardware transactional memory for implementation of queue operations
Using hardware transactional memory (HTM) for queue operations includes invoking a first operation for a concurrent linked queue of an interpretive program using a Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler of a virtual machine, wherein the first operation does not use HTM, determining whether a data processing system executing the virtual machine supports HTM, and responsive to determining that the data processing system does support HTM, detecting, using a processor and within the first operation, a call to a second operation that is that is configured, in byte code, to return an indication of a failed hardware transaction. Responsive to detecting the second operation, a machine code implementation of the first operation that includes a machine code implementation of the second operation is generated. The machine code implementation of the second operation is an implementation of the first operation that does use HTM. |
| US09720712B2 |
Physical/virtual device failover with a shared backend
The subject matter of this specification can be implemented in, among other things, a method that includes identifying an assigned device that is assigned to a guest operating system of a virtual machine. The method includes transmitting, to the guest operating system, a request indicating a failover event. The failover event involves a switch from the assigned device to an emulated device. The assigned device and the emulated device share a backend physical device. The method further includes receiving an acknowledgement message from the guest operating system that it is ready to switch from the assigned device to the emulated device. The method further includes preventing access to the assigned device by the guest operating system. The method further includes associating a device driver of a hypervisor with the backend physical device and providing a notification to the guest operating system that the emulated device is available for use. |
| US09720710B2 |
Dynamically provisioning, managing, and executing tasks
Embodiments relate to systems, devices, and computer-implemented methods for provisioning, managing, and executing tasks. An agent program can be configured to receive task data, determine a task definition corresponding to the task data, retrieve the task definition, and execute the task definition using the task data. The agent program can additionally be configured to set a time-to-live for the task definition and locally delete the task definition when the time-to-live elapses. |
| US09720704B2 |
Data driven hardware chips initialization via hardware procedure framework
A method provides processor initialization in different platform environments via a single code set. The method includes: in response to detecting a power-on operation of the processor, a microcontroller retrieving hardware procedures (HWP) framework code from a storage and triggering execution of the HWP framework code on the processor. The execution of the HWP framework code generates a HWP framework that comprises a plurality of application programming interfaces (APIs) which govern how all communication processes involving hardware procedures can be accomplished. The method further includes performing one or more initialization procedures by communicating one or more attribute data via the HWP framework to configure the processor for operation within a specific platform environment in which the processor is to be operated. The HWP framework includes standard interfaces and enables direct updates to hardware procedures without requiring a new flash code or a firmware patch. |
| US09720701B2 |
Providing support for device states
A method of providing support for power-management of a device. The method may include gathering contextual data from a sensor communicatively coupled to a sensor controller. The method may also include receiving power-management data including an operational state of a main processor of the device. The method may also include modifying the operation of the device based on the contextual data and the power management data. |
| US09720700B1 |
Secure storage devices, with physical input device, for secure configuration in a configuration-ready mode
A secure storage device includes a physical key input device, a secure memory and a controller. The controller arbitrates access by a host to securely configure the device based on the device's mode of operation. The controller determines whether the device is in a configuration-ready mode based on information within the device. Only when the device is in the configuration-ready mode, the device may be configured by the host. When a device is in a non-configuration-ready mode, the device is prevented from being configured by the host, but the device can be set to the configuration-ready mode, for example, by nullifying configuration data (e.g., PINs), by creating new encryption key(s), and by setting the mode to the configuration-ready mode. A null PIN is unusable to unlock the device after being locked. A new encryption key is unusable to decrypt data previously stored in the device, making such data unrecoverable. |
| US09720699B2 |
Efficient RAM usage in computing devices
Systems and methods are disclosed for managing program code in a computing device, such as an embedded system. In a computing device, a non-volatile flash memory stores program code comprising initialization code designed to be executed a single time during device booting, main program code separate from the initialization code, and main code loader code designed to direct a controller of the computing device to load the main program code from the flash memory to the RAM when executed by the controller. The controller loads the initialization code and the main code loader code to first and second adjacent portions of the RAM, respectively, and loads the main program code, separately from the initialization code, to a third portion of the RAM at least partially overlapping the first portion but not overlapping the second portion, thereby at least partially overwriting the initialization code. |
| US09720698B2 |
Method and device for increased boot sequence speed using a cache in non-volatile memory
An OS bootloader or other code or data requested by firmware during a boot sequence is cached inside ROM or another non-volatile memory location. Firmware uses this cached version, instead of retrieving the OS bootloader or other code from a peripheral location to speed up the boot sequence. Embodiments also create additional room in the cache based on pre-determined rules if the cache doesn't already include the requested data and doesn't have enough room to store the requested data at the time of the firmware's read request. |
| US09720696B2 |
Independent mapping of threads
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for mapping the architected state of one or more threads to a set of distributed physical register files to enable independent execution of one or more threads in a multiple slice processor. In one embodiment, a system is disclosed including a plurality of dispatch queues which receive instructions from one or more threads and an even number of parallel execution slices, each parallel execution slice containing a register file. A routing network directs an output from the dispatch queues to the parallel execution slices and the parallel execution slices independently execute the one or more threads. |
| US09720695B2 |
System for providing trace data in a data processor having a pipelined architecture
The invention is a method and system for providing trace data in a pipelined data processor. Aspects of the invention include providing a trace pipeline in parallel to the execution pipeline, providing trace information on whether conditional instructions complete or not, providing trace information on the interrupt status of the processor, replacing instructions in the processor with functionally equivalent instructions that also produce trace information and modifying the scheduling of instructions in the processor based on the occupancy of a trace output buffer. |
| US09720689B2 |
Context-specific view of a hierarchical data structure
Dynamic ontological working sets support the automatic identification of a context-specific working set (or a visualization of a tree in a hierarchical data structure) that displays those tree nodes that are most relevant to an identified context. Pre-defined rules are used to determine a level of relevance to be applied when identifying the context-specific working set. Context-specific working sets may be displayed automatically when identified. |
| US09720684B2 |
Merit based inclusion of changes in a build of a software system
Software configuration management for a software system under development includes receiving a change to the software system under development from a first user, determining a merit score for the first user, wherein the merit score is calculated according to success of prior changes received from the first user, and comparing, using a processor, the merit score for the first user with a merit threshold for the software system under development. The change is accepted for inclusion in a build of the software system under development responsive to determining that the merit score for the first user complies with the merit threshold. |
| US09720682B2 |
Integrated software and hardware system that enables automated provisioning and configuration of a blade based on its physical location
An integrated software and hardware system is described that functions as a communications service broker in a telecommunications (telecom) network environment. The system can be used to perform mediation and orchestration of services in the telecom network. The integrated system provides the ability of fully automated configuration and provisioning of a compute blade module based on its physical location (in a chassis enclosure). In accordance with an embodiment, each blade in the chassis is assigned either a worker or bootstrap role. The worker blades perform the core processing of the service broker functionality and the bootstrap blades are used to provide the bootstrapping and administration of the worker blades. |
| US09720681B2 |
Device programming system with data broadcast and method of operation thereof
A method of operation of a device programming system includes: providing a target programmer, having a programming bus; coupling an electronic device, having a non-volatile memory, to the target programmer by the programming bus; and programming a data image into the non-volatile memory by the target programmer includes: subscribing to a broadcast message, receiving a logical block, of the data image, by the broadcast message for programming the non-volatile memory, and sending an unsubscribe message after receiving the logical blocks of the data image from the broadcast message. |
| US09720678B2 |
Network switching method, version upgrade method, and terminal device
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a network switching method, a version upgrade method, and a terminal device, which relate to the field of communications technologies. A terminal receives a user instruction that instructs the terminal to access a network of a target operator. If an operator of a network currently accessed by the terminal is different from the target operator, a preset file is read to obtain image information corresponding to the target operator. A target image file corresponding to the target operator is obtained according to the image information and version switching is performed according to the target image file. The preset file includes image information that corresponds to all image files of operators stored in the terminal in one-to-one correspondence. |
| US09720674B1 |
Automating application of software patches to a server having a virtualization layer
A method and system for automating application of software patches to a server system having a virtualization layer. A plurality of software patches are downloaded to a computer system having a first operating system. The software patches to apply to a server console operating system are then determined. The software patches are automatically copied to the server system by executing a first script file. The copied software patches are automatically decompressed by executing a second script file. The decompressed software patches are installed in a specified order by executing the second script file. The console operating system is rebooted only after all software patches are installed. |
| US09720669B2 |
Deployment of software across an enterprise system
Software is prepared for deployment across an enterprise system. The software initially included a base package and now includes an extended package. The extended package includes duplicate files and new files with respect to the base package. A method comprises using a computer to create indices of files for each of the base and extended packages, the indices identifying properties of the files; compare the properties of the files listed in the indices to identify the duplicate files and the new files in the extended package; and create a deployment package that includes only the new files. |
| US09720666B2 |
Densely stored strings
The disclosed embodiments provide a system for densely storing strings within the memory of a software program. During operation, the system receives a set of characters to be stored in a string, wherein each character is encoded using a multi-byte public encoding. The system then stores the set of characters in the string at least in part by performing the following steps. The system determines whether every character of the set can be encoded using a first private encoding that consumes less space per character than the multi-byte public encoding. Responsive to determining that every character of the set can be encoded using the first private encoding, the system stores a particular value associated with the first private encoding in a particular field of the string. The system then stores the set of characters in the string in the first private encoding. |
| US09720664B2 |
Method for defining alias sets
One or more processors determine whether a first procedure within a first program meets a first criterion. The first criterion is included in a plurality of criteria that are configured for pessimistic aliasing. Responsive to the determination, one or more processors determine whether to flag the first procedure for pessimistic aliasing. |
| US09720661B2 |
Selectively controlling use of extended mode features
An optimizer identifies application code to be modified and modifies that code, such that the application includes unmodified code and modified code. Based on generating the modified code, the optimizer sets one or more controls to selectively enable use of extended mode features by the application. The extended mode features include one or more features at an instruction set level different from an instruction set level available to the application. The controls may be set in a control register or entries of address translation structures, as examples. |
| US09720657B2 |
Managed assertions in an integrated development environment
The present disclosure relates to maintaining assertions in an integrated development environment (IDE) tool. According to one embodiment, the IDE receives a request to add an assertion at a specified location within source code of an application from a user interacting with an integrated development environment (IDE) tool. The source code is stored in a first file associated with a development project. The IDE tool receives a definition for the assertion and stores the definition for the assertion in a second file associated with the development project. The IDE tool creates an association in the development project between the source code of the application and the assertion. |
| US09720655B1 |
User interface event orchestration
Methods, systems and computer program products for user interface event orchestration are provided. A computer-implemented method may include defining a business domain object, associating the business domain object with a user interface component type, defining a rule for an event of the user interface component type, generating an event handling routine providing the defined rule in a programming language, and associating the generated event handling routine with a user interface component of an application interface. |
| US09720654B2 |
Modifying a middleware
An apparatus for modifying a middleware shared by multiple tenants by preparing a data packet comprising modification information and tenant information, the modification information comprising information of a specific class to be modified in the middleware as well as modification content for the specific class, the tenant information indicating a specific tenant of the plurality of tenants to which the modification content is directed; and in response to acquisition of the data packet: modifying the specific class in the middleware in runtime according to the modification information to create a modified specific class; and applying the modified content only to the specific tenant. When multiple tenants share a same middleware, different versions of the middleware may be provided for respective tenants, without affecting the use by other tenants, thereby satisfying sharing and customization requirements of each of the multiple tenants. |
| US09720651B2 |
Strategy maintenance system
A strategy-maintenance system comprises a memory, an interface, and a processor. The system is operable to store a plurality of templates. A template comprises a statement that facilitates writing one or more strategies. The system may further communicate to a first computer the plurality of templates for presentation on a first graphical user interface. The system also receives a first selection of at least one of the plurality of templates for a strategy. The strategy is operable to calculate a key value based on at least one of the plurality of templates. The system finally executes the strategy to calculate the key value and communicates the strategy for execution on a remote machine. |
| US09720650B2 |
Method for post-processing an output of a random source of a random generator
A method and an assemblage for post-processing an output of a random source of a random generator are presented. In the method, an output signal of the random source is compressed, thereby yielding a sequence of compressed signal values that are checked in terms of their distribution. |
| US09720648B2 |
Optimized structure for hexadecimal and binary multiplier array
A method for hiding implicit bit corrections in a partial product adder array in a binary and hexadecimal floating-point multiplier such that no additional adder stages are needed for the implicit bit corrections. Two leading-one correction terms are generated for the fraction in the multiplier floating-point number and two leading-one correction terms are generated for the fraction in the multiplicand floating-point number. The floating-point numbers may be single-precision or double-precision. Each leading-one correction term for the single-precision case is appended to the left of an intermediate partial product sum in the adder array that is an input to an adder so as to not to extend the bits in the input further to the left than the bits in another input to the adder. Each leading-one correction term for the double-precision case replaces an adder input that is unused when base-2 floating-point numbers are multiplied. |
| US09720647B2 |
Multipattern regular expression search systems and methods therefor
A tool, system, and method for searching input data includes a pattern input module, configured to receive regular expression patterns of symbols. An interpreter module may be configured to access individual ones of the symbols of the input data and upon accessing each symbol and compare a thread against the symbol. For each pattern, the thread corresponding to the pattern is compared against the symbol prior to the at least one thread being compared against a subsequent symbol of the input data. An output module may be configured to output an indication of ones of the patterns determined to be contained within the input data based on the comparison of the corresponding at least one thread to the symbols of the input data. |
| US09720645B2 |
Audio obstruction effects in 3D parallax user interfaces
Various systems and methods for providing audio obstruction effects in 3D parallax user interfaces are described herein. An apparatus comprises: a presentation module to present a 3D parallax user interface on an electronic device, the 3D parallax user interface including a foreground layer and a background layer, the foreground layer having a foreground user interface component and the background layer having a background user interface component, the foreground user interface component obstructing at least a portion of the background user interface component; a receiving module to receive a signal to generate an audio notification for the background user interface component; and an audio effect module to: determine an audio effect to apply to the audio notification, the audio effect based on the position of the background user interface component in relation to the foreground user interface component; and apply the audio effect to the audio notification. |
| US09720642B2 |
Prioritizing media content requests
Examples described herein may include a first playback device sending a first request for first media content to a computing system associated with a media service provider and a second playback device sending a second request for second media content to the computing system. The first and second playback devices may be associated with an account of the media service provider. The computing system may determine whether either or both of the first and second playback devices are allowed to receive the respective requested media content based on information included in the first request and the second request. Such information included in the requests may characterize playback operations respectively associated with the requests and/or may indicate a time at which the respective playback devices last received a playback command. |
| US09720640B2 |
Multifunction button
Aspects of the present invention enable a storage device (e.g., a recordable book, toy, computing device) to be controlled with a single control button that performs multiple functions. Different interactions with the button produce a different control input. In one aspect, the storage device is an audio recording device that can record, lock, unlock, transfer to a separate storage device, or play back one or more audio recordings. These five functions (i.e., recording, locking, unlocking, transferring, and playing back) are initiated or facilitated by depressing a single button located on the audio storage device for different lengths of time or in different patterns. Audio recordings may be played in response to user interactions with the button to help the user interact with the button properly and warn the user of action that is about to be taken. |
| US09720637B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a first display unit and a second display unit disposed parallel with the first display unit in a first position or a second position, wherein the first display unit and the second display unit overlap in the first position and are extended out in the second position. The display device further includes a sliding unit having at least one engaging groove which the first display unit and the second display unit are inserted into and slide through, a first driving unit disposed on one side of the first display unit, and a second driving unit disposed on one side of the second display unit. |
| US09720633B2 |
Image forming apparatus, image forming system, image processing method, and computer-readable recording medium
An image forming apparatus according to the present invention performs image processing on image data in units of pages stored in a page memory on the basis of parameter setting, transferring the image data to a buffer at a first speed, transmitting the image data, which is read out from the buffer at a second speed, to an image forming unit, and executing parameter setting for image processing performed when image data for a subsequent page is transferred after the image data for a single page has been transferred but before image data for the subsequent page is started to be transferred, wherein the first speed is faster than a second speed. |
| US09720632B2 |
Image formation apparatus, method for management of image formation apparatus, and non-transitory storage medium
There is provided an image formation apparatus that can prevent a system from having a reduced throughput even when the system includes an increased number of image formation apparatuses. When each MFP included in the system detects a presence of a user within a predefined range, the MFP notifies another MFP of the detection result. Each MFP determines, based on the detection result, a group of one or more MFPs from which the MFP of interest requests a list of one or more jobs issued by the user, more preferentially than another MFP, and the MFP of interest notifies another MFP accordingly. |
| US09720626B2 |
Cluster configuration information replication
One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for cluster configuration information replication, managing cluster-wide service agents, and/or for cluster-wide outage detection. In an example of cluster configuration information replication, a replication workflow corresponding to a storage operation implemented for a storage object (e.g., renaming of a volume) of a first cluster may be transferred to a second storage cluster for selectively implementation. In an example of managing cluster-wide service agents, cluster-wide service agents are deployed to nodes of a cluster storage environment, where a master agent actively processes cluster service calls and standby agents passively wait for reassignment as a failover master in the event the master agent fails. In an example of cluster-wide outage detection, a cluster-wide outage may be determined for a cluster storage environment based upon a number of inaccessible nodes satisfying a cluster outage detection metric. |
| US09720625B1 |
Storage system and method for adaptive thermal throttling
A storage system and method for adaptive thermal throttling are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for adaptive thermal throttling is provided that is performed in a storage system having a memory. This method comprises determining if a temperature of the storage system is above a threshold temperature; and in response to determining that the temperature of the storage system is above the threshold temperature: reducing performance of the storage system in an iterative manner until the temperature of the storage system is within a temperature envelope around the threshold temperature; and storing, in the memory, a value indicating what the performance of the storage system was reduced to in order to get the temperature within the temperature envelope. Other embodiments are possible, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination. |
| US09720620B1 |
Efficient data volume replication for block-based storage
A block-based storage system may implement efficient replication for restoring a data volume from a reduced durability state. A storage node that is not replicating write requests for a data volume may determine that replication for the data volume is to be enabled. A peer storage node may be identified that maintains a stale replica of the data volume. One or more replication operations may be performed to update stale data chunks in the stale replica of the data volume with current data chunks without updating data chunks in the stale replica of the data volume that are current. Stale replicas that are no longer needed may be deleted according timeouts or the amount of stale data in the replica. |
| US09720618B1 |
Maintaining backup snapshots using continuous replication from multiple sources
A method and system for synthesizing backup snapshots is discussed. IO's may be streamed from multiple locations, and placed in journal files. These journal files may thereafter be used to synthesize the backup snapshot. |
| US09720614B2 |
Allocating storage for cloned data
A method and associated systems for efficient management of cloned data. One or more processors create a “child” clone of a “parent” software image. The child and parent contain identical information organized into identical sets of file blocks. To conserve storage, each child block initially points to a physical storage location already in use by a corresponding parent block, rather than requiring additional storage of its own. The first time a child block is updated, however, it will require additional physical storage. At the time of the child's creation, the processors reserve a number of physical blocks sufficient to store the contents of all child file blocks likely to be updated. A child file block is identified as likely to be updated by analyzing past volatility of a corresponding file block of the parent or of corresponding file blocks of other children of the same parent. |
| US09720605B2 |
Method for dynamically establishing translation layer of solid state disk
A method for dynamically establishing a transition layer of a solid state disk (SSD). When a SSD is activated, the storage mode of the logical to physical (L2P) table is dynamically selected according to the state in the buffer memory of the SSD and the comparison between the capacity of the buffer memory and that of the L2P table. The establishing position of a flash translation layer (FTL) is suitably adjusted according to the selected storage mode such that the lifespan of the SSD can be prolonged. |
| US09720603B1 |
IOC to IOC distributed caching architecture
In an embodiment of the invention, a method which speeds up the transfer of data and increases the data throughput in an IO network comprised of Host Bus Adapters (HBAs)/IO bridges-switches, IO devices, and hosts is described. In the embodiment of the present invention, HBAs and IO bridges-switches utilize a multi-level cache composed of volatile memories (such as SRAM, SDRAM, etc.) and solid-state memories (such as flash, MRAM, etc.). These memories are used to cache the most recently accessed IO data by an active host or by another HBA/IO bridge-switch. Cache content can be from the local IO devices (the ones connected directly to the HBA/IO bridge-switch), from remote IO devices (the ones connected to different HBA/IO bridges/switches), or from both (a portion from local IO devices and another portion from remote IO devices). The combination of these caches from different HBAs/IO bridges-switches creates the cache for all IO devices in the entire network. Multiple copies of the same IO cache are possible depending on the transactions with the hosts. |
| US09720601B2 |
Load balancing technique for a storage array
A technique for load balancing uses heuristic-based algorithms with respect to input/output (I/O) latency of workloads destined to storage devices, e.g., solid state drives (SSDs), of a storage array attached to a storage system. Illustratively, “front-end” requests received from a host result in a back-end workload as those requests are processed by a storage I/O stack of the storage system and stored on the storage array. Accordingly, the technique maintains a consistent latency for the host requests (front-end) to control latency for the back-end workload. The load balancing technique illustratively load balances fixed (back-end) workloads having similar I/O sizes and I/O patterns. Illustratively, the technique balances the workloads across a plurality of storage ports over one or more I/O paths to the SSDs. Access to the SSDs may then be distributed among the storage ports. |
| US09720600B2 |
Apparatus and method for transferring data between storages having different access speeds
An apparatus is connected to a first storage and a second storage which is accessed at an access speed lower than an access speed of the first storage. The apparatus accesses each of blocks stored in the second storage, and counts, for each of the blocks, the number of accesses made for the each block. The apparatus determines, based on the number of accesses that has been counted for each of the blocks, a transfer target block that is a target which is to be transferred from the second storage to the first storage, and determines a transfer time at which transfer of the transfer target block is to be performed. The apparatus transfers the determined transfer target block to the first storage at the determined transfer time. |
| US09720598B2 |
Storage array having multiple controllers
A storage system comprises a storage array comprising a plurality of solid state storage devices (SSDs), a first processor comprising a first root complex of the storage system, a plurality of controller devices, and a first switch to interconnect the plurality of SSDs, the first processor and the plurality of controller devices. A first controller device of the plurality of controller devices is to connect the storage system to one or more remote servers. The first controller device is further to receive a first request from a first server of the one or more remote servers and determine whether the first request is a data request or a control request. The first controller device is further to send a first message to a first SSD of the plurality of SSDs via the first switch, bypassing the first processor, responsive to a determination that the first request is a data request. |
| US09720592B2 |
Mobile gesture reporting and replay with unresponsive gestures identification and analysis
In gesture reporting and replay, touch events are captured from an operating system of a client device for touch actions on a touchscreen. The touch events are interpreted as gestures. Any application events are captured from an application in response to the gestures. A given gesture and any given application event in response to the given gesture are compared against an expected application event. When there is a match, the given gesture is identified as a responsive gesture. When there is no match, the given gesture is identified as a non-responsive gesture. The gesture information for the given gesture, any application event in response to the given gesture, and a screen layout displayed on the touchscreen at the time of the given gesture are sent to a service. For the information received, the service replays the given gesture and generates a report. |
| US09720589B2 |
Touch display device including visual accelerator
A touch display device includes a touch sensor, a visual accelerator, and a display. The touch sensor senses a touch. The visual accelerator visualizes the touch. The display displays information corresponding to the visualized touch. When the touch is outside a visual acceleration area, the visual accelerator does not process the touch. When the touch is in the visual acceleration area, the visual accelerator visualizes the touch on the display. |
| US09720586B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing for interaction with content within a digital bezel
An apparatus, method, and computer program product are described that provide for an active digital bezel area on a display of a device. Touch input may be received in a bezel area provided on the display, where user interaction with content presented within the bezel area at a location corresponding to the location of the touch input is initially disabled. A force component of the touch input may be detected and compared to a predetermined force threshold. In cases in which the force component of the touch input exceeds the predetermined force threshold, user interaction with the content at that location may be enabled. In this way, the force exerted by the user in applying a touch input in the bezel area may be considered an indication of the user's intent to interact with corresponding content within the bezel, and such interactions may be provided for accordingly. |
| US09720581B2 |
Responsive image rendition authoring
A method may include receiving a first input containing a markup language file, an image, and a style sheet file having breakpoints and image display rules for generating image renditions of the image. The method may further comprise displaying a first image rendition based upon the breakpoints and the image, the first image rendition having the first image and crop borders corresponding to the breakpoints. The method may further comprise receiving an input indicating modification of the image rendition, and displaying a second image rendition based upon the modification to the first image rendition. The method may further comprise amending the markup language file with at least one image display rule based upon the second image rendition, the at least one image display rule conforming to the first set of image display rules. |
| US09720579B2 |
Processing element placement tool
A method, system, and computer program product for selectively associating one or more processing elements, or portions thereof, to one or more compute nodes. The method, system, and computer program product can include presenting a stream computing application, presenting metrics associated with at least one compute node and at least one processing element (or portion thereof), receiving input from a graphical display, associating one or more processing elements (or portions thereof) to one or more compute nodes, and updating the graphical display and the metrics to reflect the selective associations. |
| US09720573B2 |
Method for controlling page flipping of terminal and terminal
Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a method for controlling page flipping of a terminal. The method includes: obtaining a distance or variation of distance between an object and a terminal and on a designated direction of the terminal; generating a page flipping operation instruction corresponding to the distance or variation of distance between the object and the terminal according to a preset corresponding relationship between the distance or variation of distance between the object and the terminal and page flipping operation instructions; executing the page flipping operation instruction. Embodiments of the present invention further discloses a terminal. Employing the present invention, a page flipping operation instruction corresponding to the distance or variation of distance between the object and the terminal may be generated, and the page flipping operation instruction is executed, making modes of page flipping be various, and improving experience of users of the terminal. |
| US09720571B2 |
Immersive mode for a web browser
Various aspects of the subject technology relate to systems, methods, and machine-readable media for providing a light bar for a web browser in an immersive mode. A system is configured to display a web browser in a first browsing mode, wherein the browser in the first browsing mode comprises one or more tabs and receive, from a user, an indication to enter a second browsing mode for the web browser. In response to receiving the indication, the web browser may be displayed in the second browsing mode in which the one or more tabs are not shown. One or more light bars may also be displayed in a display area of the web browser at locations corresponding with the one or more tabs. Each of the one or more light bars is associated with one of the one or more tabs. |
| US09720570B2 |
Dynamic sorting and inference using gesture based machine learning
The technology disclosed relates to identification of future activity options. In particular, it relates to identifying future activity options that are similar to a selected future activity, similar to past activities, that meet descriptive language criteria, that form compatible sequences of activities, or that form compatible multi-day sequences of activities. The technology disclosed also relates to rapid and convenient sorting through activity options. |
| US09720567B2 |
Multitasking and full screen menu contexts
Multitasking and full screen menu contexts are described. In one or more implementations, an input is received to cause output of a menu in a user interface of a computing device. Responsive to this receipt, a determination is made as which of a plurality of portions displayed simultaneously in the user interface in a multitasking mode has focus, each of the plurality of portions corresponding to an output of a respective one of a plurality of applications. Responsive to the determination, output is caused of the menu as associated with the focused portion of the user interface and having a representation of at least one function based the focused portion, the representation selectable to cause performance of the function. |
| US09720561B2 |
Progress bar with graphical effects to indicate download progress and connection state
The invention relates to MicroBlog field, and provides method, apparatus and terminal for page refreshing. The method includes: outputting a preset animation interface when a page refreshing operation is performed, wherein the preset animation interface comprising a preset logo, moving cursors, and a refresh progress bar, and the moving cursors move to the refresh progress bar starting from the preset logo; calculating and outputting current length of the refresh progress bar when it is detected that the moving cursors arrive at the refresh progress bar; and outputting pulled refresh information when the current length of the refresh progress bar equals to width of the preset animation interface. The invention can enable a user to get better sense of experience when a preset animation interface is output upon page refreshing. |
| US09720558B2 |
Systems and methods for providing a personalized media service user interface
An exemplary method includes a media service provider system tracking statuses of media programs with respect to a user of a media service through which the media programs are distributed by way of a plurality of different media distribution models and providing a user interface view personalized for the user for display on a display screen, the user interface view including personalized user interface content that indicates one or more of the statuses of one or more of the media programs with respect to the user. In certain examples, the statuses indicated in the user interface view may include at least a first status of a first media program distributed by way of a first media distribution model and a second status of a second media program included in the media programs and distributed by way of a second media distribution model. Corresponding systems and methods are also described. |
| US09720557B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing always-on-top user interface for mobile application
An approach for providing an always-on-top user interface for a mobile application is described. An always-on-top module may provide an always-on-top user interface mode for a mobile application, wherein the always-on-top user interface mode presents at least one session of the mobile application in a user interface element that is always visible in a display of a mobile device. The always-one-top module may also receive an input for activating the always-on-top user interface mode for the mobile application. Further, the always-one-top module may render the user interface element for presenting the at least one session in the display of the mobile device. |
| US09720551B2 |
Touch window
A touch window includes a substrate, and an electrode on the substrate. The electrode includes a first mesh line, a second mesh line crossing the first mesh line and a reinforcement part adjacent to the first or second mesh line. |
| US09720550B2 |
Adaptable input active zones at an information handling system projected user interface
Inputs to a projected or other type of displayed user interface are filtered at different portions of the displayed visual images to provide a user-defined input management. For example, a user defines a portion of a desktop so that touch inputs have a first effect while the other portion of the desktop has a second effect, thus allowing the user to manage the risk of inadvertent inputs in the defined portion relative to other desktop regions. In one embodiment, an icon activates and deactivates touch input filtering in a region defined by dragging the icon around the user interface. The defined region is depicted with an identifying visual image, such as a coloration or shading that distinguishes the regions as having a response to touch inputs different from that of other regions. |
| US09720549B2 |
Touch-sensitive display device
A touch-sensitive display device includes a display body, a container, a movable cover and at least two optical modules. The display body has a display surface. The container is connected with the display body. The movable cover pivots on the container so as to have an open position and a storage position. The two optical modules are disposed on the movable cover. When the movable cover is at the open position, the two optical modules protrudes outward from an extended surface of the display surface, such that the two optical modules is exposed outward from the container. When the movable cover rotates from the open position to the storage position, the movable cover drives the two optical modules to move backward to be underneath the extended surface of the display surface, such that the two optical modules are located inside the container. |
| US09720547B2 |
Optical apparatus including non-electric type touch panel
An optical apparatus includes a touch substrate; a waveguide layer arranged on the touch substrate, the waveguide layer including a plurality of waveguides; an optical output structure arranged on the waveguide layer and configured to output light propagating in the plurality of waveguides at touched locations on the touch substrate; a gap layer arranged to provide a predetermined gap between the waveguide layer and the optical output structure; and an optical system, which projects light output by the optical output structure. |
| US09720546B2 |
Calibration of a force sensitive device
A force sensitive surface measures force or pressure applied to the surface. The surface may also detect the touch position. The force sensing surface is calibrated with a stylus having a force measuring element. The stylus measures the force information from force applied on the surface and sends the information to the device with the force sensing surface. The device detects the same force and calibrates the force sensing element according to the information received from the stylus. The device may also detect the position of the touch. As the force information obtained from different portions of the surface may be different, the calibration may be repeated for multiple positions on the force and touch sensitive surface. The calibration may also be used to calibrate a position sensing feature on a force sensing surface having multiple force sensors. |
| US09720544B2 |
Techniques for reducing jitter for taps
Distinguishing sloppy taps from sliding motions is disclosed using an algorithm that can take into account both a time instability factor Tinst and a touch instability factor Zinst. A limited amount of motion per frame can be subtracted off immediately following the detection of a touch event. Small lateral motions indicative of a sloppy tap can be suppressed, while fast finger motions indicative of a quick, long cursor movement can immediately pass through the filter without being suppressed by a significant amount. A motion pass-through suppression factor can be applied subtractively to motion in particular direction as a function of Zinst and Tinst, wherein Zinst can represent a suppression value given as a finger speed for a particular percentage change in touch instability per frame, and Tinst can represent a suppression value given as finger speed for a particular tpress. |
| US09720541B2 |
Arrangement of sensor pads and display driver pads for input device
The disclosure generally describes input devices with associated processing system configured to perform display updating and capacitive sensing. The processing system includes first and second pluralities of display driver pads coupled with a plurality of source lines, and a plurality of sensor pads disposed between the first and second pluralities of display driver pads and coupled with a plurality of sensor electrodes through a plurality of conductive routing traces. The plurality of sensor electrodes includes at least one common electrode of a display device, the common electrode configured to be driven for display updating and capacitive sensing. The processing system is configured to drive the plurality of source lines for display updating, and to drive the plurality of sensor electrodes for capacitive sensing. |
| US09720538B2 |
System and method for measuring individual force in multi-object sensing
An input device is provided that facilitates improved user interface functionality by determining force information for each of multiple objects in a sensing region. The input device includes a processing system, a sensor configured to sense objects in a sensing region proximate a surface, and a plurality of force sensors. The plurality of force sensors are coupled to the surface to provide a plurality of measures of force applied to the surface. The processing system is configured to determine positional information for each the multiple objects sensed by the sensor in the sensing region. Furthermore, the processing system is configured to determine force information for each of the multiple objects from the positional information and the plurality of measures of force applied to the surface. Thus, device and method provides the ability to determine both positional information and force information for each of multiple objects in a sensing region. |
| US09720537B2 |
Scaling pressure data from a pressure-sensitive device
A method and apparatus for filtering pressure data from a pressure-sensitive device is disclosed. A computer implemented method for filtering pressure data from a pressure-sensitive device comprises receiving, from a pressure sensitive device, a raw pressure value for a stroke, filtering the raw pressure value for the stroke to determine a filtered pressure value, and computing a width of a stroke based on the filtered pressure value. |
| US09720531B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device capable of applying an appropriate driving signal to a piezoelectric element is provided. The electronic device 1 includes a piezoelectric element 31 and a control unit 40 configured to apply a driving signal to the piezoelectric element 31, and the control unit 40 applies a driving signal so that a voltage of a positive electrode of the piezoelectric element 31 is equal to or greater than a voltage of a negative electrode thereof. |
| US09720528B2 |
Display apparatus, control method thereof, input apparatus, and display system
A display apparatus including: a display unit; an image processor which processes an image signal to display an image on the display unit; a communication unit which communicates with an input apparatus including a button and a touch pad; and a controller which controls the image processor to display a first item corresponding to a current setting state of the display apparatus in response to a first input from the input apparatus through manipulation of the button and to display at least one second item to be selected to change the current setting state on the display unit in response to a second input from the input apparatus through the touch pad, subsequent to the first input. |
| US09720527B2 |
Evolutionary touch-based graphical user interface for electronic devices
An electronic device having a customizable interface includes a processor configured to execute instructions and a display device configured to generate an interface based in part in response to the processor. The electronic device further includes a touch screen associated with the display device and configured to sense a user input with respect to a plurality of objects, wherein the input is provided to the processor. The processor further configured to determine at least one of a physical aspect of the user input and a frequency of an interaction with each of the plurality objects displayed on the touch screen. The processor further configured to modify a manner in which the plurality objects are displayed on the display device based on the determination of at least one of the physical aspects of the user input and the frequency of interaction with the plurality of objects. |
| US09720525B2 |
High resolution and high sensitivity optically activated cursor maneuvering device
A cursor-manipulating device comprising a light diffusing surface, for example a Lambertian surface, covering a cavity containing a light source and an image sensor, wherein the cursor-manipulating device is a touch pad like device. The image detector senses the touching of the outer surface of the cursor-manipulating device with a pointing device, for example a finger, in which the outer surface comprises a light diffusing surface that allows the image sensor to capture and track an image of the pointing device touching the light diffusing surface in order to control a cursor of an electronic device. Multiple touching devices, like fingers, can be used to control simultaneous events on the screen of an electronic device, e.g. a notebook PC, cellular phone, game device and a GPS device. |
| US09720523B2 |
Active pencil and transmitter
A device includes a connector configured to electrically contact a conductive core of a pencil and a circuit electrically connected to the contact. The circuit transmits a signal via the contact and the conductive core. |
| US09720522B2 |
Determining response to contact by hand with region of touchscreen
An apparatus that has a touchscreen, is configured to determine a response to a contact by a hand with a region of the touchscreen, and includes a first means for determining a location of a graphical projection of a digital pen onto the touchscreen, a second means for determining, via an ultrasonic wave, a first angle between a first line along an edge of the touchscreen and a second line along the graphical projection, a third means for determining a distance between the touchscreen and the digital pen, and a fourth means for determining, from the distance, the response to the contact by the hand with the region defined by the location and the first angle. |
| US09720520B2 |
Imaging input/output with shared spatial modulator
An image input/output apparatus and method includes a light source in optical communication with a spatial radiation modulator for projecting an output image and an image sensor for capturing an input image along a shared input/output path. In a described embodiment, the display of an output image and the capture of an input image is effected using a common spatial radiation modulator (SRM) in the form of a deformable mirror device (DMD). |
| US09720516B2 |
Viscoelastic keyboard key design
A system and method which provide a keyboard with keys which are configured using a viscoelasticity model. More specifically, with the viscoelasticity model at least certain keys within the keyboard include an elastic component and a viscous component. The elastic component provides a component force which occurs substantially immediately upon application of a stress to the key and relaxes substantially immediately upon release of the stress from the key. In this way the elastic component functions similarly to a spring in a mechanical dashpot model key. The viscous component provides a component force which grows with time as long as a stress is applied to the key. In this way, the viscous component functions similarly to a dash in a mechanical dashpot model key. |
| US09720513B2 |
Apparatus and method for receiving a key input
Provided are an apparatus and method for inputting a character The apparatus includes a recognition unit configured to measure lengths from arbitrary points on a user's hands to respective fingertips and recognize a click gesture using the measured lengths, a control unit configured to control character input according to the recognized click gesture, and a display unit configured to display a character pad for the character input and display a character input according to the click gesture recognized on the character pad. |
| US09720506B2 |
3D silhouette sensing system
A 3D silhouette sensing system is described which comprises a stereo camera and a light source. In an embodiment, a 3D sensing module triggers the capture of pairs of images by the stereo camera at the same time that the light source illuminates the scene. A series of pairs of images may be captured at a predefined frame rate. Each pair of images is then analyzed to track both a retroreflector in the scene, which can be moved relative to the stereo camera, and an object which is between the retroreflector and the stereo camera and therefore partially occludes the retroreflector. In processing the image pairs, silhouettes are extracted for each of the retroreflector and the object and these are used to generate a 3D contour for each of the retroreflector and object. |
| US09720505B2 |
Extramissive spatial imaging digital eye glass apparatuses, methods and systems for virtual or augmediated vision, manipulation, creation, or interaction with objects, materials, or other entities
A sensing and display apparatus, comprising: a first phenomenon interface configured to operatively interface with a first augmediated-reality space, and a second phenomenon interface configured to operatively interface with a second augmediated-reality space, is implemented as an extramissive spatial imaging digital eye glass. |
| US09720503B2 |
Vibration control device and computing device including the same
A vibration control device configured to provide a haptic function and control a vibration device driven by a sine wave. The vibration control device includes a sampling frequency signal generator and a sine wave synthesizer. The vibration control device is configured to generate a sampling frequency signal using a clock signal, wherein the sampling frequency signal is related to an operation cycle of a digital filter; and the sine wave synthesizer includes the digital filter. The digital filter is configured to adjust at least one of a cycle of the sine wave and amplitude of the sine wave using the sampling frequency signal and a plurality of coefficients of the digital filter; and generate an adjusted sine wave. |
| US09720501B2 |
Dynamic tactile interface
One variation of a dynamic tactile interface includes: a tactile layer including a deformable region and a peripheral region adjacent the deformable region; a substrate coupled to the tactile layer, the substrate defining fluid channel and cooperating with the deformable region to define a variable volume fluidly coupled to the fluid channel; a displacement device coupled to the bladder, displacing fluid into the variable volume to transition the deformable region from the retracted setting to the expanded setting, and displacing fluid out of the variable volume to transition the deformable region from the expanded setting to the retracted setting, the displacement device defining a equilibrium range of fluid pressures within the fluid channel; a reservoir fluidly coupled to the fluid channel and supporting a reserve volume of fluid; and a valve selectively controlling transfer of fluid from the reservoir to the fluid channel. |
| US09720499B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus having a screen on which recording by a user's touch can be performed is provided. The display apparatus includes a display configured to provide the screen, an accommodator configured to accommodate the display and having a screen aperture formed thereon with a predetermined depth to expose the screen, a touch position sensor configured to sense the position of a touch device that is used by a user when a distance between the screen and the touch device is shorter than the predetermined depth, a vibration sensor mounted on the display and configured to sense vibration of the display due to a contact of the touch device with the screen, and a controller configured to control the display to perform recording on a point of the screen that corresponds to the sensed position of the touch device when the vibration is sensed. |
| US09720498B2 |
Controlling a vehicle
Systems and techniques are disclosed for controlling a vehicle. A vehicle control apparatus includes a sensing unit that senses an eyeline of a passenger in a vehicle. The vehicle control apparatus also includes a controller. In some implementations, the controller identifies a window of the vehicle that corresponds to the sensed eyeline of the passenger, detects a window control action performed by the passenger, and controls the identified window to open or close based on the window control action performed by the passenger. In some implementations, the controller identifies a device of the vehicle that corresponds to the sensed eyeline of the passenger, and operates the identified device based on the sensed eyeline of the passenger, wherein the identified device is a multimedia device or a navigation device of the vehicle. |
| US09720496B2 |
Techniques for stabilizing a display scene output
Various embodiments are generally directed to an apparatus and method for determining when an eye is focused on a display scene and determining movement of the eye based on image information when the eye is focused on the display scene. Various embodiments may also include detecting motion of an apparatus based on motion information and adjusting at least one of a position and a size of a frame in the display scene based on at least one of the movement of the eye and the motion of the apparatus. |
| US09720493B2 |
Managing access to data on a client device during low-power state
Disclosed is a novel system and method for maintaining computing functionality when a client device must be used in a low-power state. More particularly, when a client device is placed in a low-power state, sleep mode, or even shut-down, this method transfers aspects of the machine state onto a virtual machine in the cloud. This virtual machine may then function as a partial or full emulator of the user's client machine and thus can be: 1) accessed; and 2) communicated with by the machine's owner or others who use the machine. As long as the client device is shutdown, the cloud continues to temporarily function as the user's machine. Numerous embodiments are disclosed including a “hybrid decomposition feature” in which the data on the client machine is prioritized and then transfer to a server, typically a virtual emulator, component by component or piecemeal manner or manner. |
| US09720487B2 |
Predicting power management state duration on a per-process basis and modifying cache size based on the predicted duration
Durations of power management states are predicted on a per-process basis. Some embodiments include storing, in one or more data structures associated with one or more processes, information indicating previous durations of a power management state associated with the process(es). Some embodiments also include predicting a subsequent duration of the power management state for the process(es) using information stored in the data structure(s). |
| US09720482B2 |
Unbalanced load sharing with parallel power supplies
Methods, computing systems and computer program products implement embodiments of the present invention that include determining a required electrical power level for one or more computer elements. Upon selecting a first value indicating a first electrical power level that is less than the required electrical power level, the first value is conveyed to a first power supply unit (PSU), so that that the first PSU delivers, to the one or more computer elements, the first electrical power level. A second value is selected that indicates a second electrical power level that is different from the first value, the second value indicating a difference between the required electrical power level and the first electrical power level. The second value is conveyed to a second PSU, so that that upon receiving the second value, the second PSU delivers, to the one or more computer elements, the second electrical power level. |
| US09720478B2 |
Storage battery monitoring method, storage battery monitoring system, and storage battery system
A storage battery monitoring method receives identification information indicating a storage battery system and characteristic data of a storage battery, the characteristic data including history information which indicates charging and discharging history of the storage battery; determines, based on the received history information, a deterioration model corresponding to the storage battery from among deterioration models managed in a database, the deterioration models each indicating a relationship between a state of health and a number of charging and discharging cycles performed by the battery as indicated by the charging and discharging history; generates control data for suppressing deterioration of the storage battery at a predetermined point in time according to the corresponding deterioration model; and transmits the generated control data to cause the storage battery system to control the storage battery. |
| US09720475B2 |
Information processing system, information processing device, and information processing method
An information processing system includes a receiving unit that receives user operation; a setting unit that holds association information in which pieces of necessity information each indicating necessity of a shutdown process indicating a process required for stopping power supply to a corresponding device are associated with a plurality of devices, respectively; a first instruction unit that instructs a target device for which the power supply is to be stopped to perform the shutdown process when the receiving unit receives operation to stop the power supply and the target device requires the shutdown process based on the association information; and a second instruction unit that instructs a power supply control device that controls execution or stop of the power supply to the target device to stop the power supply to the target device when the shutdown process of the target device is completed. |
| US09720468B2 |
Controller and a method for power sequencing a computer
A controller and a method for power sequencing a computer. The controller may be configured to provide to a south bridge, before the south bridge has completed power management resets, a real time clock signal at a first frequency, and provide to the south bridge, after the south bridge has completed power management resets, a real time clock signal at a second frequency. |
| US09720467B2 |
Thermal mitigation adaptation for a mobile electronic device
The various embodiments provide methods and systems for adjusting the thermal mitigation system of a mobile electronic device when an add-on outer casing is attached. The mobile electronic device determine whether an add-on outer case is attached to the mobile electronic device and change a thermal mitigation parameter of a thermal mitigation process implemented on the mobile electronic device in response. The determination may be via a sensor or a user input. A changed thermal mitigation parameter may be stored in memory, or input by a user or in a communication from the add-on case. The changed thermal mitigation parameter may be determined based on a particular make, model or properties of the add-on case, and/or may be obtained from a database stored in the device or accessed via a network. Removal of the case may be detected and the thermal mitigation parameter returned to an initial value. |
| US09720464B2 |
Dynamic thermal platform operating point for electronic devices
In one example a electronic device comprises a housing, at least one heat generating component disposed within the housing, at least one internal heat dissipation device positioned proximate the at least one heat generating component, and a thermal interface defined in at least a portion of the housing to allow direct thermal contact between the heat dissipation device and an external heat dissipation device. Other examples may be described. |
| US09720463B2 |
Scalable panel cooling system
Method and system are provided for controlling a scalable panel cooling system having multiple cooling panels for cooling heat-generating components housed in a support structure. The method includes: dividing the support structure into areas, each area of the support structure capable of housing a heat-generating component; for each area of the support structure: providing a cooling panel adjacent the area of the support structure; determining whether the area of the support structure is housing an operational heat-generating component; in the case that the area of the support structure is housing an operational heat-generating component, activating the cooling panel adjacent the area of the support structure housing the operational heat-generating component; and in the case that the area of the support structure is not housing a operational heat-generating component, deactivating the cooling panel adjacent the area of the support structure. |
| US09720462B2 |
Heat dissipation in computing device
A computing device is disclosed. The computing device includes a shock mount assembly that is configured to provide impact absorption to sensitive components such as a display and an optical disk drive. The computing device also includes an enclosureless optical disk drive that is housed by an enclosure and other structures of the computing device. The computing device further includes a heat transfer system that removes heat from a heat producing element of the computing device. The heat transfer system is configured to thermally couple the heat producing element to a structural member of the computing device so as to sink heat through the structural member, which generally has a large surface area for dissipating the heat. |
| US09720461B2 |
Carrier with adjustable heat removal elements
A system for removing heat from a computing device includes a carrier and one or more heat removal elements. The carrier includes a carrier surface having a carrier surface pattern. The carrier surface pattern includes coupling portions. The coupling portions of the carrier surface pattern selectively couple, at different locations on the pattern, the heat removal elements to the carrier. The heat removal elements conduct heat from heat producing components of the computing device to the carrier. The carrier conducts heat away from the heat removal elements. |
| US09720459B2 |
Carbon-fiber chassis of an information handling system
A chassis and a method of manufacturing a chassis of an information handling system are disclosed. The chassis includes a carbon-fiber composite and a plurality vents of formed in the carbon-fiber composite. Each of the plurality of vents is a channel extending through the carbon-fiber composite. |
| US09720458B2 |
Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal comprises: a metallic frame; a first cover and a second cover coupled to a front surface and a rear surface of the metallic frame, respectively; and a first waterproof layer and a second waterproof layer formed between the first cover and the metallic frame, and between the second cover and the metallic frame, respectively, wherein the metallic frame includes: a base portion configured to support a display unit formed on the front surface of the metallic frame; and an edge portion formed along an outer periphery of the base portion so as to radiate heat generated from the base portion, and exposed to outside of the mobile terminal between the first cover and the second cover. |
| US09720457B1 |
Solid state disk
A solid state disk is provided, including: a main body, including a shell portion having a light-penetrable shell portion, a substrate disposed on the shell portion and a memory module disposed on the substrate, the substrate having a light-penetrable portion and a first face and integrally formed with the light-penetrable portion, the first face having a first coating layer which has an emergent light-penetrable portion, the light-penetrable shell portion corresponding to the emergent light-penetrable portion, the substrate including a transmission port, the memory module electrically connected to the transmission port; a light-emitting portion, buried in the substrate and electrically connected to the transmission port, a light emitted from the light-emitting portion being capable of being projected toward an interior of the substrate to the light-penetrable portion and the emergent light-penetrable portion and via the light-penetrable shell portion to an exterior of the solid state disk. |
| US09720455B2 |
Display device
A display device including: a first body member; a second body member; a hinge coupling the first body member and the second body member; a flexible display panel that is foldable, that is fixed to the first body member and to the second body member, and that is configured to display an image; and a controller configured to: measure a temperature of the flexible display panel; and control the hinge, when the measured temperature is lower than a reference temperature, to: maintain a state in which the first body member and the second body member are folded; or maintain a state in which the first body member and the second body member are unfolded. |
| US09720453B2 |
Fabric adhesion to an apparatus
Techniques for fabric adhesion to an apparatus are described. According to one or more embodiments, an apparatus is laminated with fabric utilizing one or more fabric layers. In at least some embodiments, multiple adhesive zones are defined on a fabric layer. Each adhesive zone, for instance, has a particular set of properties, such as a particular location on a fabric layer, a particular adhesive thickness, a particular adhesive type, and so forth. In at least some embodiments, different adhesive zones differ from one another based on one or more of their respective properties and thus enable different fabric characteristics to be specified at different adhesive zones. |
| US09720451B2 |
Information handling system port seal
An information handling system opening, such as at a cable port, selectively closes and opens through inflation and deflation of a seal, such as an expanding balloon structure interfaced with a microfluidic reservoir. The seal fills the opening to block contaminants from entering the information handling system and deflates to provide room for cables to pass when desired. Automated sealing of a port is provided in response to detection of contaminants, such as liquids or dust. |
| US09720448B2 |
Display unit and its manufacturing method
A display unit which can realize reduction in thickness and weight of the display unit by omitting a void between a touch panel and a display panel, and its manufacturing method. Whole faces of the touch panel and the display panel are directly bonded together with an adhesive layer in between. The display panel has a structure wherein a driving substrate in which organic light emitting devices are formed and a sealing substrate are bonded together with an adhesive layer in between. The touch panel has a structure wherein a lower plastic film in which a transparent electrode is formed and a touch-side plastic film in which a transparent electrode is formed are layered so that the transparent electrodes are placed opposite. The display panel is constructed with only the driving substrate, and the organic light emitting devices are sealed by the touch panel instead of the sealing substrate. Therefore, thickness and weight of the display unit can be further reduced. |
| US09720446B2 |
Information handling system projected work space calibration
Desktop surface references are selected and applied to define a coordinate system for calibrating projected visual images and end user inputs at the projected visual images. For example, a desktop edge is detected with the depth camera by the increase in detected distance along the axis from the depth camera to the desktop edge, and then the desktop edge is used as an origin for a coordinate system that defines a projection area for presenting a user interface. Monitoring end user inputs and projected outputs relative to the desktop edge aids in coordinating interactions by a user through the projected user interface in the event the camera or projector move relative to the desktop surface. |
| US09720444B2 |
Furniture system for computer system having integral display
A furniture system is for a computer system having an integral display. The furniture system includes a base section. A computer-peripheral section is configured to extend from the base section. The computer-peripheral section presents a built-in computer-peripheral having built-in computer-peripheral wiring configured to interface with the computer system. A computer-support section presents a fixedly-attached computer-mounting mechanism configured to couple with the computer system in such a way that the integral display faces the user of the computer system. The computer-support section is configured to move relative to the computer-peripheral section in such a way that the integral display of the computer system and the computer system are movably positionable at selected user-display positions. |
| US09720442B2 |
Flash insert for mobile phone case
A case, for an electronic device such as a mobile phone, containing an insert located near a camera, still image recorder, or video recorder and a flash of the device is disclosed. The placement, material, color and properties of the insert helps reduce and/or eliminate problems associated with the case affecting the resultant flash/light from the camera, causing and adding erroneous colors, effects, and information on the resulting pictures, images, sensors, or videos. |
| US09720441B1 |
Generating time-of-day values without causing execution stalls
A system and method for generating a timestamp without processor core execution stall are provided. For example, the method includes generating, using a first processor core, a timestamp. The method also includes preventing, using the first processor core, a second processor core from accessing the timestamp for a minimum time granularity interval. The time granularity interval provides a delay such that the timestamp generated by the first processor core is earlier in time than a second processor core timestamp. |
| US09720440B2 |
Communication apparatus and method for controlling communication apparatus
There is provided a communication apparatus. A communication unit transmits data to a communication module, which communicates with an external device, according to a clock signal, and receives data from the communication module in accordance with a timing corresponding to a timing signal generated by delaying the clock signal. An adjustment unit adjusts an amount of the delay. A control unit controls the communication unit to repeatedly perform first processing for transmitting a first command to the communication module, second processing for receiving a first response that is sent from the communication module, and third processing for transmitting a packet to the communication module according to the first response. In a predetermined mode, the control unit controls the communication unit to perform processing for transmitting data of the packet regardless of contents of the first response. |
| US09720439B2 |
Methods, apparatuses, and systems for deskewing link splits
Systems, methods, and apparatuses are described for deskewing between multiple lane groups of deskewed data streams. Multiple distinct and deskewed lane groups can be aligned by utilizing an inter-group synchronized set of counters. The counters supply a way to measure the time delta (counter difference) in clocks between the multiple streams. Using this delta, one or more streams can be stalled to align the multiple streams. The counter values are communicated between the multiple groups in a way that they align to set data stream markers. These fixed markers and the breaking up of the counters in relation to the periodicity of the markers allows for a robust way to compare the multiple streams and calculate an accurate time delta. |
| US09720438B2 |
Clock switch device and system-on-chip having the same
A clock switch device includes a controller and a switching circuit. The controller sets a clock switch period using a control signal when a logic level of a mode signal is changed. The switching circuit receives a first clock signal, a second clock signal and an auxiliary clock signal. The switching circuit, based on the control signal, outputs one clock signal between the first clock signal and the second clock signal as a glitch free clock signal before the clock switch period, stops outputting the one clock signal and outputs the auxiliary clock signal as the glitch free clock signal during the clock switch period, and stops outputting the auxiliary clock signal and outputs another clock signal between the first clock signal and the second clock signal as the glitch free clock signal after the clock switch period. |
| US09720436B2 |
Operation input device
In an operation input device, a supporting part supports an operation part to be displaceable with respect to the base part, and a reaction force generating part generates reaction force in an axial direction coaxial with the displacement direction in response to the displacement. The supporting part includes: a support member having: one end connected to the base part and another end protruded from the base part; and a plurality of plate springs respectively having a plate surface perpendicular to a center axis of the support member, arranged radially around the center axis, and a tip in a radial direction connected to the operation part. The reaction force generating part includes: an electromagnet generating magnetic force in an axial direction parallel to the center axis of the support member; and a magnetic member arranged opposite to the electromagnet to receive magnetic force to apply reaction force to the operation part. |
| US09720435B2 |
Reference current source
Systems, methods, and apparatus for generating a reference current. A reference current source can include a current generator circuit; a first resistance circuit that has a positive temperature dependence; and a second resistance circuit that has a negative temperature dependence. The first resistance circuit and the second resistance circuit can be connected in parallel to the current generator circuit. |
| US09720431B2 |
Method for optimizing the flexible constraints of an electric power system
A method for optimizing the flexible constraints of an electric power system includes a step S1 of expressing the total power generation cost of the electric power system by using the sum of quadratic functions of active power outputs of all generator sets in the system and constructing an objective function, a step S2 of selecting a multi-dimensional flexible optimization model or a flexible power generation cost optimization model according to the practical situation of the electric power system and the practical purpose of optimization, a step S3 of determining the operating conditions of the electric power system, and a step S4 of carrying out load flow calculation. |
| US09720429B2 |
Sensing a switching-power-supply phase current
In an embodiment, a coupled-inductor structure includes first and second windings. The first winding is configured to conduct a phase current, has a first node configured for coupling to a phase node of a power supply, and has a second node configured for coupling to an output node of the power supply and to a first node of a sense impedance that is configured to generate a sense signal representative of the phase current. And the second winding is configured for magnetic coupling with the first winding, has a first node coupled to the first node of the first winding, and has a second node configured for coupling to a second node of the sense impedance. For example, the first winding may be a phase inductor of a switching power supply, and the impedance may be a capacitor that generates a sense voltage representative of the phase current. |
| US09720423B2 |
Apparatus and method for process control
A method and a device for open-loop or closed-loop control of a process uses an actuator, a position sensor, a process valve, a process sensor, and a tuning stage. n positions of the process valve are approached, and the associated actual position values are detected. The respective actual process values are detected for each corresponding actual position value to thus obtain value pairs of actual position values and actual process values. Correction values are calculated based on the identified value pairs, and position set values corrected with the correction values are determined to compensate for nonlinearities of the process, such that a linear overall behavior is achieved. |
| US09720420B2 |
Two-stage switching valve
An annular valve seat is projected radially inward from a passage wall. A valve element is located on the upstream side of the valve seat. A spring biases the valve element toward the upstream side. The valve element has a through hole to pass fluid between the upstream side and the downstream side when the valve element is seated on the valve seat. The valve element switches between a large opening state, in which the valve element is lifted from the valve seat to pass fluid around an outer circumferential periphery of the valve element and to pass through the through hole, and a small opening state, in which the valve element is seated on the valve seat to pass fluid through the through hole. The valve element is supported and slidable on a guide surface, which is formed on the passage wall, at the outer circumferential periphery. |
| US09720419B2 |
System and method for remote control of unmanned vehicles
An open architecture control system is provided that may be used for remote and semi-autonomous operation of commercial off the shelf (COTS) and custom robotic systems, platforms, and vehicles to enable safer neutralization of explosive hazards and other services. In order to effectively deal with rapidly evolving threats and highly variable operational environments, the control system is built using an open architecture and includes a high level of interoperability. The control system interfaces with a large range of robotic systems and vehicles, autonomy software packages, perception systems, and manipulation peripherals to enable prosecution of complex missions effectively. Because the control system is open and does not constrain the end user to a single robotics system, mobile platform, or peripheral hardware and software, the control system may be used to assist with a multitude of missions beyond explosive hazard detection and clearance. |
| US09720418B2 |
Autonomous vehicle monitoring and control
An autonomous vehicle may be partially controlled or monitored by a remote endpoint assigned to the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle sends one or more assisted driving messages directly to the autonomous vehicle or through a server. The server may identify multiple potential remote driving endpoints and assign one or more of the potential remote driving endpoints to the autonomous vehicle. The one or more potential remote driving endpoints return a command to the autonomous vehicle directly or through the server. |
| US09720416B1 |
Vehicle security system
A determination is made that a vehicle is unoccupied. Detecting of at least one of an unexpected object in the vehicle and an intrusion into a vehicle compartment is performed. A route to a location is selected according to detected object and/or intrusion. The vehicle is navigated to the location. |
| US09720414B1 |
Autonomous vehicle providing services at a transportation terminal
Methods and systems are provided for providing services to an individual at a transportation terminal. In one method, an item is received with a mobile robot from an individual at a first location at the transportation terminal. The item is autonomously secured with the mobile robot using a component of the mobile robot to thereby prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing the secured item. The secured item is autonomously transported with the mobile robot from the first location to a second location at the transportation terminal. The mobile robot is capable of independent navigation without need for physical or electromechanical guidance devices in an environment within which the mobile robot operates. |
| US09720410B2 |
Remote assistance for autonomous vehicles in predetermined situations
Example systems and methods enable an autonomous vehicle to request assistance from a remote operator in certain predetermined situations. One example method includes determining a representation of an environment of an autonomous vehicle based on sensor data of the environment. Based on the representation, the method may also include identifying a situation from a predetermined set of situations for which the autonomous vehicle will request remote assistance. The method may further include sending a request for assistance to a remote assistor, the request including the representation of the environment and the identified situation. The method may additionally include receiving a response from the remote assistor indicating an autonomous operation. The method may also include causing the autonomous vehicle to perform the autonomous operation. |
| US09720408B2 |
Methods and apparatus to detect root causes of alarm patterns in process control systems
Methods and apparatus to detect root causes of alarm patterns in process control systems are disclosed. An example method includes retrieving process control data generated in a process control system during a historical period of time. The process control data includes alarm data associated with alarms activated during the historical period of time. The example method also includes generating an alarm activation timeline for the historical period of time. The alarm activation timeline includes icons representative of the alarms to visually represent a temporal relationship of activation of the alarms, where one of the icons is representative of an alarm that is no longer active. The example method further includes storing the alarm activation timeline in a database. |
| US09720407B2 |
Substrate processing system, substrate processing apparatus and method for accumulating data for substrate processing apparatus
A substrate processing system includes a monitored data receiving unit receiving a plurality of types of monitored data; a temporary memory unit periodically storing the monitored data; a monitored data rate detection unit detecting, as a monitored data rate, a total number of times each type of monitored data changes during a first time period by more than a predetermined amount; a monitored data writing allocation unit allocating a storing frequency to each type of monitored data based on the monitored data rate and an upper limit; a monitored data writing unit writing the monitored data to the temporary memory unit during the second time period based on the storing frequency; an accumulative memory unit storing the monitored data for a plurality of periods; and an accumulative data writing unit reading the monitored data for every third time period and storing the monitored data in the accumulative memory unit. |
| US09720406B2 |
Measuring system
A measuring system including: at least one sensor module having a measuring transducer and an electronics module. The electronics module has a data memory, and a superordinated control unit, connected to the at least one sensor module via an interface module. The interface module has a signal processing, and communication, electronics, which converts received signals from a control unit into signals processable by the sensor module and outputs these signals to the sensor module. The control unit is embodied to execute an operating program; the operating program is embodied to read out sensor specific data and, based on the data read out, to provide to a user a guiding through a sequence of steps for performing at least one calibration procedure associated with the sensor module and to operate the sensor module for performing the calibration procedure. |
| US09720402B2 |
Method and device for monitoring and controlling an industrial process
The present disclosure relates to a method for facilitating monitoring and control of an industrial process by means of a portable device comprising a projector arranged to project process graphics associated with process components of the industrial process. The method comprises a) obtaining, by means of the portable device, process component identification data of a process component; b) obtaining distance data for determining a distance between the portable device and the process component; and c) obtaining a process graphics image based on the process component identification data and the distance data for projection by the portable device, wherein the process graphics image is associated with a portion of the industrial process comprising the process component, and wherein information contained in the process graphics image is based on the distance between the portable device and the process component. The present disclosure further relates to a computer program and to a portable device. |
| US09720398B2 |
Method and apparatus for customizing tool paths for aircraft parts
A method and apparatus for customizing tool paths. A reference tool path is identified for a tool based on an expected shape for a surface of an object. Offset data is generated for a plurality of sample points identified for use in evaluating the surface of the object. The offset data identifies a difference between the expected shape for the surface of the object and an actual shape of the surface of the object. The reference tool path is modified using the offset data to form a modified tool path for the tool. |
| US09720395B2 |
Synchronization control for reconnecting microgrid to main grid after islanding
A method and system are provided. The method includes synchronously reconnecting a microgrid to a main grid after islanding of the microgrid. The synchronously reconnecting step includes calculating a phase angle difference between synchrophasor measurements collected from a common coupling on the main grid and synchrophasor measurements collected from a common coupling on the microgrid. The synchronously reconnecting step further includes calculating, by a controller, a frequency reference deviation based on the phase angle difference. The synchronously reconnecting step also includes adjusting a frequency of the diesel generator based on the frequency reference deviation. |
| US09720393B2 |
Automation system and method of manufacturing product using automated equipment
An automated control of a system having a plurality of cooperating components involving controlled elements and sensors uses a simulator configured to simulate operation of the components. The simulator stores data representing states of the components and modifies the states over time in accordance with simulated operation of the system. An input module receives data from at least the sensors and updates in the simulator the data representing states of the components. An output module reads from the simulator the data representing states of the components and generates at least controlled element control signals for the controlled elements of the components. The simulator contains a virtual state machine representing the system, and automation of the system is achieved without state machine logic representing the system within the input module and the output module. |
| US09720389B2 |
Context recognition apparatus and method
Context recognition methods and apparatus are provided for an application processor and a micro control unit. It is determined whether an operation switch condition for switching to a sleep mode is satisfied. A request for execution of a context recognition function is sent to a micro control unit, when the operation switch condition is satisfied. The application processor switches to the sleep mode, when the context recognition function is executed by the micro control unit. The micro control unit collects sensor data at previously stored time intervals, and previously stored state information is updated based on the sensor data. |
| US09720388B2 |
Method for controlling an electrical system
A method is provided for controlling an electrical system. A first characteristic value of the electrical system is determined. For the first characteristic value, a suitable first group of optimizing variables is determined. A first group of command variables suitable for the first group of optimizing variables is determined. For the first group of command variables, a first group of current boundary values is determined. For each boundary value of the first group of current boundary values, a prediction is made to obtain a first group of predicted boundary values. A probability is assigned to each predicted boundary value of the first group of predicted boundary values to obtain a first group of predicted, probability-related boundary values. All boundary values of the first group of current boundary values and of the first group of predicted, probability-related boundary values are prioritized in order to obtain prioritized boundary values. The prioritized boundary values are used to calculate at least one control value with which the system may be controlled. |
| US09720386B2 |
Field device for determining or monitoring a physical or chemical, process variable
A field device for determining or monitoring a physical or chemical, process variable, comprising: a sensor, which works according to a defined measuring principle; and a control/evaluation unit. The control/evaluation unit is realized on a partially dynamically reconfigurable FPGA component, which is constructed from a plurality of FPGA blocks units. Each FPGA block unit comprises a plurality of logic blocks. Global resources or global function blocks are associated with each FPGA block unit or groups of FPGA block units. At least a first section and a second section are provided on the FPGA-component. The sections comprise FPGA block units and corresponding global resources global function blocks. In each section a digital measuring path comprising a plurality of software based and/or hardware based, function modules, is partially dynamically reconfigurable. |
| US09720385B2 |
Timepiece with internal antenna
A timepiece includes a case that is made of a conductive material, a bezel that is made of a nonconductive material, a patch antenna that is disposed inside the case and at the back side of the dial, and a bezel that is made of a ceramic. |
| US09720383B2 |
Electronic timepiece and electronic device
An electronic timepiece enables a simple construction, and an electronic device has the electronic timepiece. A wristwatch has a button or external operating member; a controller that sets the operating mode of the wristwatch based on an input operation of the button. Based on the continuous input time that the button is operated continuously, the controller changes the operating mode between a timekeeping mode that receives a satellite signal from one or more GPS satellites and adjusts the internal time information based on time information contained in the received satellite signal; and a positioning mode that receives satellite signals from three or more GPS satellites and adjusts the internal time information based on time information and positioning information contained in the received satellite signals. |
| US09720382B2 |
Electronic timepiece
An electronic timepiece has an outside perimeter part disposed around a dial, hands, and a control unit. Further, 40 to 60 time zone indicators including time difference information representing the time difference between Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and the standard time used in each time zone are on the outside perimeter part. The control unit indicates a specific time zone indicator with a hand. |
| US09720379B2 |
Chronometer with speed selector
The invention relates to a timepiece movement comprising at least first and second functions implementing the display of at least first and second pieces of information. According to the invention, the movement has a selection member comprising an actuator, at least one lever configured to take at least first and second positions, respectively corresponding to the first and second functions, and respectively corresponding to the creation of first and second kinematic connections, and a cam cooperating with the actuator and the at least one lever so as to create the first and second kinematic connections. |
| US09720378B2 |
Apparatus to monitor chronologically the term of a pregnancy and to reconfigure itself to celebrate the date baby is due
A chronometer to monitor the passage of time prior to a projected date of birth of a baby and to recognize and celebrate the birth of the baby. The chronometer includes a generally hollow egg-shaped housing including a bottom, a top, a hinge mechanism, and a latching mechanism. The hinge mechanism rotatably connects the top to the bottom so the top can open and close. The latching mechanism releasably connects the top to the bottom. The chronometer also includes a replica of a young chicken housed in the chronometer, and includes a display to indicate the length of time until the projected birth date of the baby. |
| US09720377B2 |
Jewellery item
A timepiece includes a representation of a non-rectilinear object, the representation particularly including a movable element kinematically connected to a drive mechanism. The representation also includes at least one second movable element, the drive mechanism being arranged such that the movable elements each move, simultaneously and in synchronization, between a first and a second end position, and vice versa, the movable elements forming the representation at a first size and at a second size greater than the first, respectively, when the movable elements are in the first and second end positions thereof. |
| US09720376B2 |
Band type electronic device and substrate arrangement method
A band-type electronic device and a method for configuration of a flexible circuit board in a band-type electronic device are disclosed. The band-type electronic device includes a plurality of segments connected with each other in a band-like shape, a plurality of electronic components arranged in the plurality of segments, and a flexible circuit board connected to the plurality of electronic components arranged in the plurality of segments, wherein the flexible circuit board is partly deformed into a meandering shape in at least one of the plurality of segments. |
| US09720366B2 |
Drive coupler for a rotatable component of an electrophotographic image forming device
A drive element for a rotatable component of an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a body having a center hole for receiving a drive shaft therein. The center hole defines a rotational axis of the body. A drive coupler is positioned on the body and centered around the rotational axis. A drive slot on the body extends radially relative to the rotational axis and is sized to receive a cross pin. The drive slot includes one or more snap features formed on the body that are positioned to retain the cross pin axially in the drive slot and that permit the cross pin to snap axially into and out of the drive slot. |
| US09720356B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus includes a developing unit that stores a developer containing a toner and develops an electrostatic charge image on a image holding member by the developer to form a toner image, a transfer unit that transfers the toner image on the image holding member onto a recording medium, and a fixing unit that performs an operation of heating and pressing twice or more to the toner image on the recording medium by at least one heating and pressing member which contacts with the toner image, wherein the toner has a sea and island structure of a sea portion containing a binder resin and an island portion containing a release agent, a maximum frequent value and a skewness in distribution of eccentricity B of the island portion is 0.75 to 0.95 and −1.10 to −0.50, respectively, and eccentricity B is defined in the specification. |
| US09720355B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearer, a transfer member, and a power source. The image bearer includes a plurality of layers. The transfer member forms a transfer nip between the image bearer and the transfer member. The power source outputs a transfer bias to transfer a toner image from the image bearer onto a recording sheet in the transfer nip. The transfer bias alternates between a transfer-side bias that causes the toner image to move from the image bearer to the recording sheet, and an opposite-side bias different from the transfer-side bias. A duty ratio of a time period, during which the opposite-side bias is output, relative to one cycle of a waveform, is greater than 50%. |
| US09720354B2 |
Intermediate transfer belt
An intermediate transfer belt for use in electrophotography is provided. The intermediate transfer belt includes a thermoplastic resin having a vinylidene difluoride (VdF) structure. The intermediate transfer belt has a degree of crystallinity in the range of 17% to 39%. |
| US09720352B2 |
Image forming apparatus with accurate positioning of sensor unit
An image forming apparatus is designed to be capable of easily suppressing a variation of an inclination of a sensor relative to an endless belt and capable of high accuracy and stabilized sensing operation. The image forming apparatus includes a belt unit having an endless belt supported to be rotatable in a circumferential direction, an image forming unit for forming an image on the belt unit, and an optical sensor for detecting light projected onto the endless belt. The image forming apparatus further includes a sensor supporting member for supporting the sensor, and a positioning portion including, as a unit, a first positioning portion for positioning the belt unit by being contacted by the belt unit and a second positioning portion positioning the sensor supporting member by being contacted by the sensor supporting member. |
| US09720350B2 |
Device for connecting a centerless auger to a rotatable member
An auger assembly according to one example embodiment includes an auger having a helical flight extending along a longitudinal axis. The auger has a central opening running along the longitudinal axis. The auger has an end that includes at least a portion of a turn having substantially zero pitch. A retaining member has a body including a groove on an outer surface of the body. The groove has a shape complementary to the helical flight at the end of the auger. At least a portion of the end of the auger is retained within the groove. A rotatable coupling member extends along the longitudinal axis. At least a portion of the rotatable coupling member is positioned within the central opening of the auger and presses the outer surface of the retaining member against an inner diameter of the end of the auger. |
| US09720349B2 |
Developer supply kit, developer supplying device and image forming apparatus
A developer supply kit detachably mountable to a developer supplying apparatus comprising a developer supply container and a developer accommodated therein, wherein the developer supply container includes, a developer accommodating portion accommodating the developer, a discharge opening for discharging the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion, a drive receiving portion to which a driving force is inputted from the developer supplying apparatus, and a pump portion operable so that an internal pressure of the developer accommodating portion alternately and repetitively changes between a pressure lower than a ambient pressure and a pressure higher than the ambient pressure, by the driving force received by the drive receiving portion, wherein the developer accommodated in the developer supply container includes toner containing binder resin material and a coloring material, the developer satisfies, 10≦E (mJ)≦80, 0.4≦Ea (mJ)≦2.0, where E is total energy when it is not aerated, and Ea is total energy when it is aerated. |
| US09720347B2 |
Image forming apparatus and developing cartridge
A developing cartridge includes a case having a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall, and a developing roller disposed between the first sidewall and second sidewall. The developing roller can include a developing roller shaft and a developing roller member configured to carry a developing agent thereon, the developing roller member disposed around the developing roller shaft. Also, the developing cartridge can include an electrode disposed on the first sidewall adjacent to the developing roller shaft, the electrode electrically connected to the developing roller member, and a driven coupling disposed on the second sidewall. The electrode can include, an extending portion extending in a direction away from the first sidewall. An outermost periphery of the driven coupling defines a projection plane projecting in a direction towards the electrode, wherein at least a part of the extending portion is disposed within the projection plane. |
| US09720345B2 |
Image forming apparatus
The present invention provides an image forming apparatus including: a first moving member pressed and moved by an openable/closable member when the openable/closable member is opened, and switching a cartridge from a state where the cartridge is positioned in an image forming position to a state where the positioning is released; and a second moving member pressed and moved by the openable/closable member when the openable/closable member is opened, and moving the exposure member from an exposure position to a retracted position, wherein when the positioning of the cartridge is released, a reaction force applied from the first moving member to the openable/closable member reaches a first peak, when the exposure member is moved to the retracted position, a reaction force applied from the second moving member to the openable/closable member reaches a second peak, and timing of the first peak is different from timing of the second peak. |
| US09720344B1 |
Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and non-transitory computer readable medium
An image forming apparatus includes a charger, a charge eliminator, and a controller. The charger charges a surface of an image carrier. The charge eliminator eliminates residual charge from the surface of the image carrier charged by the charger. The controller performs control to reduce a level of charge elimination performed by the charge eliminator during a third period compared to a level of charge elimination performed by the charge eliminator during a second period in which an image for determining an image-forming condition is formed. The third period is a period other than the second period within a first period that is a period, other than a period of normal image formation, during which the surface of the image carrier is charged by the charger. |
| US09720342B2 |
Developing agent container including supply chamber and waste chamber
An image forming device includes a housing; a conveying belt, and a retaining member. The retaining member retains image bearing members that juxtaposed with and spaced apart from one another. The retaining member is slidingly movable relative to the housing in a direction that the image bearing members are juxtaposed. The retaining member retains the image bearing members to confront the conveying belt. The image bearing members and the conveying belt are arranged in a reference direction. The retaining member includes a cleaning member that removes residual developing agent from the conveying belt, and a guide unit that guides the recording medium to the conveying belt. The guide unit is located on the image bearing member side and the cleaning member is located on the conveying belt side. At least part of the guide unit overlaps at least part of the cleaning member when projected in the reference direction. |
| US09720340B2 |
Toner
Provided is a toner that has satisfactory chargeability and hardly causes a reduction in image density, fogging, and density unevenness in various environments ranging from a low-temperature and low-humidity environment to a high-temperature and high-humidity environment. The toner includes toner particles obtained by fixing resin particles to toner base particles each containing resins, in which: the resins contain 50.0 mass % or more of a styrene-acrylic resin and 1.0 to 40.0 mass % of a polyester resin A; the polyester resin A contains 0.10 to 30.00 number % of an isosorbide unit; the fixing amount of the resin particles to the toner base particles is from 0.1 to 5.0 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the toner base particles; and the glass transition temperature of the resin particles is higher than the glass transition temperature of the toner base particles. |
| US09720339B2 |
Toner, developer using the toner, image forming apparatus
A toner including at least a crystalline resin as a binder resin, wherein a tetrahydrofuran soluble content of the toner includes 5.0% or more as a peak area of a component having a molecular weight of 100,000 or greater in a molecular weight distribution measured by gel permeation chromatography, and the tetrahydrofuran soluble content of the toner has a weight-average molecular weight of 20,000 to 60,000. |
| US09720336B2 |
Microlithographic apparatus and method of varying a light irradiance distribution
A microlithographic apparatus includes an objective that includes a transmission filter that is configured to variably modify a light irradiance distribution in a projection light path. The transmission filter includes a plurality of gas outlet apertures that are configured to emit gas flows that pass through a space through which projection light propagates during operation of the microlithographic apparatus. The transmission filter further includes a control unit which is configured to vary a number density of ozone molecules in the gas flows individually for each gas flow. In this manner it is possible to finally adjust the transmittance distribution of the transmission filter. |
| US09720334B2 |
Stage apparatus, lithography apparatus, method of manufacturing an article, and determination method
The present invention provides a stage apparatus including a stage being movable, comprising a driving unit configured to drive the stage by providing thrust to the stage, a measuring unit configured to measure a position of the stage, and a control unit configured to control the position of the stage by supplying, to the driving unit, a signal composed of a first signal for reducing a deviation between a current position of the stage and a target position, and a second signal for reducing vibration of the stage caused by a thrust ripple included in the thrust. |
| US09720332B2 |
Information calculation method, exposure apparatus, exposure method, device manufacturing method, program, and recording medium
An information calculation method includes: calculating liquid information regarding a liquid on an object, which faces an optical member that emits exposure light, when moving the object; and calculating region information indicating a region, in which the liquid information satisfies predetermined conditions, on the object. |
| US09720331B2 |
Liquid immersion member, exposure apparatus, exposing method, method of manufacturing device, program, and recording medium
A liquid immersion member is used in a liquid immersion exposure apparatus which exposes a substrate by exposure light via a first liquid between an emitting surface of an optical member and the substrate, and is capable of forming a liquid immersion space on an object movable below the optical member. The liquid immersion member includes a first member that is disposed at at least a portion of surrounding of the optical member; a second member that includes at least a portion disposed below the first member, that is capable of being opposite to the object and that is movable outside an optical path of the exposure light; and a protection part that protects the optical member. The protection part decreases a change in pressure which the optical member receives from the liquid in the liquid immersion space. |
| US09720323B2 |
Chemically amplified positive resist composition and pattern forming process
A resist composition comprising a resin adapted to be decomposed under the action of acid to increase its solubility in alkaline developer and a sulfonium or iodonium salt of nitrogen-containing carboxylic acid has a high resolution. By lithography, a pattern with minimal LER can be formed. |
| US09720318B2 |
Pattern definition of nanocellulose sheets through selective ashing via lithographic masking
A masked etching process can prepare patterned nanocellulose for use in conformal electronics such as electrodermal structures might be adhered to human skin. |
| US09720316B2 |
Reflective mask blank for EUV lithography and process for its production, as well as substrate with reflective layer for such mask blank and process for its production
A mask blank for EUV lithography (EUVL) excellent in in-plane uniformity of the peak reflectivity of light in the EUV wavelength region and in in-plane uniformity of the center wavelength of reflected light in the EUV wavelength region, at the surface of a multilayer reflective film, and a process for its production, as well as a substrate with reflective layer for EUVL to be used for the production of such a mask blank for EUVL, and a process for its production. A substrate with reflective layer for EUVL having a reflective layer for reflecting EUV light formed on a substrate, where the reflective layer is a multilayer reflective film having a low refractive index layer and a high refractive index layer alternately stacked plural times. |
| US09720315B2 |
Reflective mask blank, method of manufacturing reflective mask blank, reflective mask and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
Provided is a reflective mask blank capable of facilitating the discovery of contaminants, scratches and other critical defects by inhibiting the detection of pseudo defects attributable to surface roughness of a substrate or film in a defect inspection using a highly sensitive defect inspection apparatus. The reflective mask blank has a mask blank multilayer film comprising a multilayer reflective film, obtained by alternately laminating a high refractive index layer and a low refractive index layer, and an absorber film on a main surface of a mask blank substrate, wherein the root mean square roughness (Rms), obtained by measuring a 3 μm×3 μm region on the surface of the reflective mask blank on which the mask blank multilayer film is formed with an atomic force microscope, is not more than 0.5 nm and the power spectrum density at a spatial frequency of 1 μm−1 to 10 μm−1 is not more than 50 nm4. |
| US09720314B2 |
Dual projection in short screen distance
A theatre system is described that includes a screen and a projection system. The projection system includes a first mirror and a second mirror that are positionable within axes for imaged light and between projection lenses of projectors and the screen. The axes include a first axis and a second axis. The first mirror and the second mirror are configured for causing the first axis and the second axis to be parallel to each other and to have a displacement between the first axis and second axis along a dimension by which the screen is curved. |
| US09720313B2 |
Imaging plate for projection
An imaging plate for projection, the imaging plate comprising an impermeable plate and a projecting device disposed in said one surface of the plate in a certain distance, wherein the projecting device is capable of projecting light and image; the plate having a plurality of cylinder through holes disposed on both surface thereof; wherein the cylinder through holes are filled with transparent pillars, one end of said pillar defined an input end which receives the light and image from the projecting device and then guides them to an output end thereof; wherein an inner wall of the cylinder through holes comprises a light reflective surface; wherein the both input end and output end of transparent pillar are parallel to the rear and front surface of the plate. |
| US09720309B2 |
Optical projection apparatus and illumination apparatus using same
An optical projection apparatus includes a light specification setting unit for setting a specification of a light, a shape setting unit for setting a shape made by the light, a position setting unit for setting a position of the shape, a size setting unit for setting a size of the shape, an optical data generation unit for generating optical data based on the specification, the shape, the position, and the size. The optical projection apparatus further includes a light drawing unit for generating light drawing data by performing a drawing process with the optical data, an optical projection unit for projecting the shape at the position with the light drawing data, and a manipulation unit for allowing a user to set one or more parameters indicating the specification, the shape, the position, and the size. |
| US09720300B2 |
Dual-tap electro-optic modulator auto-bias control
A method and apparatus for controlling operation of an electro-optic modulator is disclosed. A first intensity of light is obtained at an input to the electro-optic modulator. A second intensity of light is obtained at an output of the electro-optic modulator. A difference between the obtained first intensity and the obtained second intensity is used to control a biasing of a modulator transfer function of the electro-optic modulator to control the electro-optic modulator. |
| US09720296B2 |
Display panel
A display panel is provided. The display panel includes a first substrate, a first insulating layer, a common electrode, a second insulating layer, a first pixel electrode, and a second pixel electrode. The first insulating layer is located on the first substrate. The common electrode having a first through hole is located on the first insulating layer. The second insulating layer covers the common electrode and partially covers the first through hole. The first pixel electrode is located on the second insulating layer and penetrates through the first through hole. The second pixel electrode is located on the second insulating layer. The second pixel electrode is adjacent to the first pixel electrode and overlaps a portion of the first through hole. |
| US09720293B2 |
Display panel
A display panel includes pixel structures. Each pixel structure includes an active device, a pixel electrode, and a protective layer. The pixel electrode is electrically connected to the active device, wherein the pixel electrode has at least one block-shaped electrode. The protective layer is located below the pixel electrode and includes a recess main portion and recess branched portions. The width of the recess main portion is greater than 0 μm and equal to or less than 4 μm, and the recess branched portions are extended along at least four directions. The pixel electrode covers the recess main portion and the recess branched portions. The display panel includes at least one polarizer, wherein the direction of an adsorption axis of the polarizer is different from the four directions of extension of the recess branched portions. |
| US09720291B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display includes: a first substrate; a gate line disposed on the first substrate; an insulating layer disposed on the gate line; and first and second subpixel electrodes respectively including pixel branch electrodes, wherein the first and second subpixel electrodes respectively comprise first and second regions, the first and second regions of the first subpixel electrode have a polygonal shape where two sides meet in a diagonal line, and one of sides of the polygon, excluding the diagonal line, is perpendicular to the gate line, the first and second regions of the second subpixel electrode have grooves disposed at one of sides thereof corresponding to the shape of the first subpixel electrode, the first and second regions of the first subpixel electrode are connected with each other, and the first and second regions of the second subpixel electrode are connected with each other. |
| US09720283B2 |
Curved display device comprising first and second liquid crystal molecules with respective first and second pretilt-angles and method of manufacturing the same
A curved display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and second substrates, the liquid crystal layer including liquid crystal molecules, a first alignment layer including reactive mesogens which are polymerized with each other, the first alignment layer being disposed between the first substrate and the liquid crystal layer, and a second alignment layer disposed between the liquid crystal layer and the second substrate, where the reactive mesogens have a functional group having charges. |
| US09720275B2 |
Display device, color filter and manufacturing method thereof
A method of manufacturing a color filter is provided. The method includes: forming at least black matrix electrodes, first electrodes, second electrodes and third electrodes insulated from each other on a base substrate; and depositing at least a black matrix layer, a first color filter pattern, a second color filter pattern and a third color filter patter on the base substrate using an electrophoretic deposition process respectively by means of the black matrix electrodes, the first electrodes, the second electrodes and the third electrodes. A color filter and a display device are also provided. The described solution provides a process which is simple, convenient to operate, ease of control, and allows fast film formation. |
| US09720269B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a display module configured to output image information, a front case configured to cover a front edge portion of the display module, with an opening formed in a central portion, and a rear case coupled to the front case to cover a back side of the display module, with a rib projected therefrom to support the back side of the display module. The display module includes a display panel, a light guide unit arranged on the back side of the display panel, a back cover configured to cover the first lateral side of the light guide unit and a predetermined portion of the back side of the light guide unit, and a light source coupled to the back cover. The display device may reduce the material cost and the overall weight by omitting a metallic top cover and reducing the size of the back cover. |
| US09720268B2 |
Display panel and method for narrowing edges and increasing edge strength thereof
An edge narrowing method for a display panel is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing the display panel, a grinding apparatus and a polishing apparatus; tilting the display panel so that the first substrate and a grinding member of the grinding apparatus have a first grinding angle therebetween; grinding the first substrate and the light-shielding area with the grinding apparatus while the display panel is tilted at the first grinding angle, thereby forming a first grinding end surface; stopping grinding of the first substrate and the light-shielding area when the width of the light-shielding area is between 0.35 and 1 mm; and polishing the first grinding end surface with the polishing apparatus to form a first end surface. |
| US09720266B2 |
Liquid crystal display with switchable viewing angle and method of viewing angle control
An LCD with switchable viewing angle includes a first substrate, second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer. The first substrate is provided with a first electrode and a first alignment film. The second substrate is provided with a second electrode, a third electrode and a second alignment film. The liquid crystal molecules adjacent to the first alignment film are tilted at a first pretilt angle. The liquid crystal molecules adjacent to the second alignment film are tilted at a second pretilt angle. The first pretilt angle and the second pretilt angle have the same magnitude but are contrary in direction. When no bias voltage is applied to the first electrode, the LCD is displayed with a narrow viewing angle; and when a bias voltage is applied to the first electrode, the LCD is displayed with a wide viewing angle. |
| US09720264B2 |
Polarization-maintaining optical fibre and preform and method for producing the same
The invention relates to a method for producing a polarization-maintaining optical fiber, consisting of a core region and stress-generating elements embedded in the fiber body, having the following method steps: producing a core preform for the core region using internal deposition on a substrate tube, the internally coated substrate tube subsequently being collapsed, generating recesses on the core preform by virtue of the material on the outer surface of the core preform being removed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core preform at diametrically opposed positions, filling the recesses with stress-generating rods, with the tightest possible rod packing, in a freely selectable first filling geometry, possibly filling the recesses in addition with non-stress-generating rods in a second filling geometry, sheathing the filled core preform with a jacketing tube, preparing the sheathed core preform for a fiber-drawing process, and drawing the sheathed arrangement to form the optical fiber. A preform for producing a polarization-maintaining optical fiber contains a core preform, having a core region and a lateral region, and also contains a jacketing tube, which encloses the core preform, as well as stress-generating elements contained in the lateral region, wherein the stress-generating elements are provided in the form of recesses in the lateral region, wherein the recesses are filled with doped rods and/or undoped rods, and wherein the rod filling forms a first and/or a second arrangement geometry. |
| US09720254B1 |
Eyeglass structure with rear-view mirror
An eyeglass structure includes a glasses frame, a temple, and a rear-view mirror unit. The temple has a front end connected to a side edge of the glasses frame. The rear-view mirror unit includes a rear-view mirror and a holder. A first end of the holder is pivotally integrated with the temple or glasses frame for a rotational movement of the holder relative to the temple or the glasses frame. The rear-view mirror is pivotally fitted at a second end of the holder for a rotational movement of the rear-view mirror relative to the holder. A cyclist wearing a pair of eyeglasses with the eyeglass structure can watch traffic conditions at the back through the rear-view mirror for vigilant purposes such as avoiding collision risks proactively. |
| US09720246B2 |
Complex spatial light modulator and 3D image display including the same
A complex spatial light modulator for modulating a phase and amplitude of a light beam and a 3-dimensional (3D) display including the same are provided. The complex spatial light modulator includes a spatial light modulator modulating a phase of a light beam, a lenticular lens array disposed next to the spatial light modulator, and a volume holographic lens array spaced apart from the lenticular lens array and allowing light beams output from the lenticular lens array to be superimposed and to interfere with each other, and so that the phase and an amplitude of the light beam are simultaneously modulated. |
| US09720240B2 |
Wearable high resolution audio visual interface
An adjustable visual optical element is provided, which may be supported, for example, by an eyeglass. The optical element is preferably adjustable in each of the X, Y, and Z axes to allow the wearer to optimize projection of the optical element. A view axis of the display is preferably also angularly adjustable with respect to a wearer's straight ahead normal line of sight. Source electronics may be carried onboard the eyeglasses, or may be connectable to the eyeglasses via either a hardwire, optical guide, or radiofrequency link. |
| US09720230B2 |
Head mounted display, detection device, control method for head mounted display, and computer program
A head mounted display for supporting improvement in an act of moving a body is provided. The head mounted display includes image display unit that transmits external scenery therethrough and forms an image, a body motion detection unit that detects motions of a body of a user and at least a part of a tool bundled with the body, a model moving image acquisition unit that accesses a model moving image storage unit which stores, as a model moving image, a moving image showing a motion of the body, used as a reference of the act and stores the model moving image for each type of act, and acquires one or a plurality of model moving images corresponding to a detection result from the body motion detection unit, and a display control unit that causes the image display unit to form the acquired model moving image. |
| US09720229B2 |
Head-mounted display
A head-mounted display includes a first display portion, a second display portion, and a support portion. The first display portion is capable of presenting an image to an eye of a user. The second display portion is capable of presenting an image to the other eye of the user. The support portion has a band member and a first communication member. The band member connects the first display portion and the second display portion with each other and is curved to be disposed around a head portion of the user. The first communication member is disposed in the band member and electrically connects the first display portion and the second display portion. |
| US09720228B2 |
Collimating display with pixel lenses
A display assembly (515) includes: (a) an image display system (10) which includes an array of pixels (120) and (b) an array of pixel lenses (115). The array of pixel lenses has each lens positioned to collimate or substantially collimate light from a corresponding single pixel of the array of pixels. The display assembly (515) is used in a head-mounted display apparatus (500) which includes a frame (510) to support the display assembly (515) a desired distance from a user's eyes. The head-mounted display apparatus may also include a beam splitter (520) to reflect images from the display assembly (515) to the user's eyes. The head-mounted display apparatus may provide a wide field of view to the user and may be of the augmented-reality or immersive type. |
| US09720222B2 |
Calibration targets for microscope imaging
This disclosure is directed to optical microscope calibration devices that can be used with optical microscopes to adjust the microscope imaging parameters so that images of samples can be obtained below the diffraction limit. The microscope calibration devices include at least one calibration target. Each calibration target includes a number of features with dimensions below the diffraction limit of a microscope objective. Separate color component diffraction limited images of one of the calibration targets are obtained for a particular magnification. The color component images can be combined and image processed to obtain a focused and non-distorted image of the calibration target. The parameters used to obtain the focused and non-distorted image of the calibration target can be used to obtain focused and non-distorted images of a sample for the same magnification by using the same parameters. |
| US09720218B2 |
Volume imaging
A system for a laser-scanning microscope includes an optical element configured to transmit light in a first direction onto a first beam path and to reflect light in a second direction to a second beam path that is different from the first beam path; a reflector on the first beam path; and a lens including a variable focal length, the lens positioned on the first beam path. The lens and reflector are positioned relative to each other to cause light transmitted by the optical element to pass through the lens a plurality of times and in a different direction each time. In some implementations, the system also can include a feedback system that receives a signal that represents an amount of focusing of the lens, and changes the focal length of the lens based on the received signal. |
| US09720216B2 |
Zoom lens and imaging apparatus
A zoom lens includes, in order from the object side: a positive first lens group; a negative second lens group; a positive third lens group; a negative fourth lens group; and a positive fifth lens group. The distance between the first and second lens groups constantly increases, the distance between the second and third lens groups constantly decreases, the distance between the third and fourth lens groups constantly changes, and the distance between the fourth and fifth lens groups constantly increases when changing magnification from the wide angle to the telephoto end. The first lens group includes, in order from the object side, a negative lens, a positive lens, and a positive lens. The fourth lens group includes, in order from the object side, a negative lens, a negative lens, and a positive lens, and moves toward the image side when focusing from a far distance to a close distance. |
| US09720215B2 |
Zoom lens
A zoom lens including first to seventh lens units arranged in this order from an object side to an image side is provided. The first to seventh lens units respectively have refractive powers of negative, positive, negative, positive, positive, negative. The first to seventh lens units are disposed along an optical axis of the zoom lens, and a distance between the seventh lens and the image side is fixed, and the first lens unit, the second lens unit, the third lens unit, the fourth lens unit, the fifth lens unit and the sixth lens unit are adapted to move along the optical axis between the object side and the image side. |
| US09720214B2 |
Zoom lens system, imaging optical device, and digital apparatus
In a zoom lens system, a distance between a first lens group and a second lens group is increased, a distance between the second lens group and a third lens group is reduced, and a distance between the third lens group and a fourth lens group is reduced. The third lens group includes, in order from an object side, a front lens group and a rear lens group separated from each other by a widest air gap on an optical axis in the third lens group. Camera-shake correction is performed by moving whole or part of the front lens group as a camera-shake correction lens group perpendicularly to the optical axis. Conditional formula below is satisfied: −3.0 |
| US09720212B2 |
Variable focal length lens system and image pickup unit
A variable focal length lens system includes: first to fourth lens groups alternately having negative and positive refractive power; and an aperture stop; the first to fourth lens group being arranged to allow a space between the first and second lens groups to be decreased and spaces between the second and third lens groups and between the third and fourth lens groups to be varied, the third lens group travelling to allow image-plane position variation caused by subject position variation to be compensated and satisfying a following conditional expression, 0.05 |
| US09720208B2 |
Inner focusing lens
An inner focusing lens has sequentially from the object side, a first lens group having a positive refractive power, a second lens group having a negative refractive power, and a third lens group having a negative refractive power. The first lens group has negative meniscus lenses disposed farthest on the object side thereof. The second lens group is moved along the optical axis whereby focusing from a focus state for an object at infinity to a focus state for the minimum object distance is performed. The inner focusing lens satisfies predetermined conditions and thereby, realizes a compact inner focusing lens having high imaging performance at wide angles, suitable for compact cameras having a function of capturing video. |
| US09720206B2 |
Lens apparatus having magnification variator configured to move during magnification varying and image pickup apparatus having the same
A lens apparatus includes a magnification variator driven for zooming, a drive unit that drives the variator, a detector that detects the position of the variator, a deriving unit that derives a second drive signal to drive the drive unit based on: an information representing relationship between position of the variator and size of field of view; a position detected by the detector; and first drive signal, wherein field-of-view change rate obtained when the drive unit is driven based on the second drive signal is smaller than field-of-view change rate obtained when the drive unit is driven based on the first drive signal, and a corrector that outputs position data in which variation of speed of the variator is smaller than that of position data based on the second drive command, when the variator is driven based on the second drive command derived by the deriving unit. |
| US09720200B2 |
Method, system, and apparatus for installation of optical fiber cable
Methods, systems, and apparatuses that facilitate installation of a communications cable, e.g., an optical fiber cable, are disclosed. The system may include a communications cable and an adhesive for securing the cable to a surface. The method may include the use of an adhesive to secure the communications cable to a surface. The apparatus may include a pathway to avoid over-bending of the communications cable, which may otherwise result in transmission loss and compromise the performance of the cable. |
| US09720197B2 |
Transition box for multiple dwelling unit fiber optic distribution network
A transition box for a fiber optic network for a multiple distribution unit (MDU) is disclosed. The transition box comprises an enclosure a fiber optic adapter removably mounted in the enclosure. The fiber optic adapter is configured to receive one or more optical fibers of a riser cable to provide optical communication service from a service provider to a subscriber premises. A payout reel removably mounted in the enclosure stores slack of the riser cable paid out to at least one of one or more distribution levels in the MDU. |
| US09720196B2 |
Bridging connector for adjacent sliding trays
A sliding tray unit for communication channel patching includes at least first and second horizontally adjacent sliding trays, with each tray including a platform with a bulkhead, with an area between the bulkhead and a front of the sliding tray being considered a trough. Lips are formed at forward edges of adjacent troughs. Each lip includes an indentation or hole. A bridging connector includes a gap formed between front and back walls. The lips fit into the gap. First and second projections formed on the back wall project into the gap and removably snap into the indentions/holes of the adjacent lips. The first and second sliding trays slide as a single unit with the bridging connector installed on both lips. The bridging connector may pivot about the engagement between a projection and its mating indentation/hole when the other projection is removed from its mating indentation/hole, so that the adjacent sliding trays may slide independently. |
| US09720192B2 |
Interface for transmitting high-speed signal and optical module including the same
An interface for transmitting a high-speed signal and an optical module including the same. The interface may include a main substrate and a sub-substrate. The main substrate may have at least one high-speed signal line formed on the upper surface of the main substrate. The sub-substrate may have a first conductive line formed on the lower surface thereof so as to adjust high-speed signal transmission characteristics of the high-speed signal line, wherein the first conductive line may be coupled to the upper surface of the main substrate and partially overlap with the high-speed signal line. |
| US09720190B2 |
Optical module and method for manufacturing optical module
An optical module includes: at least one optical waveguide provided on a surface of a substrate; a plurality of grooves provided in the optical waveguide on the surface of the substrate and having both a surface orthogonal to the surface of the substrate and an inclined surface; multiple pairs of light-emitting and light-receiving elements aligned with the plurality of grooves in the optical waveguide and provided so as to correspond to light of different wavelengths on the optical waveguide; and a plurality of light-selecting filters each provided on an inclined surface of the plurality of grooves in the optical waveguide and reflecting light of the wavelength corresponding to the light-emitting element in the respective pair of light-emitting and light-receiving elements towards the optical waveguide, and selectively reflecting light of the corresponding wavelength from the light propagating through the optical waveguide towards the corresponding pair of light-emitting and light-receiving elements. |
| US09720188B2 |
Connecting mid-board optical modules
A clip connects two ferrules together, without a housing, to form a fiber optic connection. The clip has proximal and distal ends which define, and the clip has arms extending along the longitudinal axis to hold a cable-side ferrule in connection with fixed ferrule connected to a photonic module or die. The arms form an opening through which the cable-side ferrule is passed for connecting to the fixed ferrule. The arms have resilient bends forming a spring that can be resiliently extended along the longitudinal axis. The arms have a contact area at their ends which grasp the end of the cable-sided ferrule. The arms resiliently retract to compress the cable-sided ferrule towards the fixed ferrule with a predetermined force. The clip is positioned with respect to the circuit board using a pick and place system. The clip is not taller than either ferrule portion, enabling a limited vertical clearance. |
| US09720182B2 |
Fiber optic ferrule with improved ability to achieve ferrule mating plane contact
A fiber optic ferrule includes on a rear surface thereof a pair of spring pads, each of the pair of spring pads having an engagement surface facing away from the fiber optic ferrule to engage a spring to eliminate off-axis moments. A fiber optic connector is also provided that uses the fiber optic ferrule. The engagement surface could be flat or rounded. |
| US09720174B2 |
Optical package and a process for its preparation
A package including optical components has one or more structures with optical input or optical output. An optical interconnection optically connects to the optical input or optical output of the structure(s). A component is provided in which the optical interconnection and the optical input or optical output of the structure(s) are embedded. The component is made of a first material and the optical interconnection of a second material. The first and second materials are chemically identical. The first material has a first primary and/or secondary structure and the second material has a second primary and/or secondary structure. The first primary and/or secondary structure is different from the second primary and/or secondary structure. The refractive indices of the component and of the optical interconnection differ from each other by at least 0.0004 at 850 nm, 1,310 nm, and 1,550 nm, respectively. The optical interconnection is mechanically fixed by the component. |
| US09720173B2 |
Printing of liquid crystal droplet laser resonators on a wet polymer solution and product made therewith
A method of manufacturing a security feature for identifying objects or documents of value. The method may include the steps of encoding information in a pattern; and ink jet printing a chiral nematic liquid crystal material from a reservoir using a print head on to a substrate in the pattern. Thus, the method forms a patterned array of chiral nematic liquid crystal material deposits. The print head, or the reservoir, or both, may be heated to a temperature above the clearing point of the chiral nematic liquid crystal material. The chiral axes of the chiral nematic liquid crystal material deposits may be aligned substantially perpendicular to the substrate such that a predetermined portion of the electromagnetic spectrum is selectively reflected over other regions of the electromagnetic spectrum by the chiral nematic liquid crystal material deposits. |
| US09720172B1 |
Hyperuniform disordered material with resonant structures
An optical structure includes a Hyperuniform Disordered Solid (“HUDS”) structure, a waveguide, and a resonant cavity. The HUDS structure is formed by walled cells organized in a lattice. The waveguide is configured to guide an optical signal. The resonant cavity is formed along a boundary of the waveguide. The resonant cavity is configured to be resonant at a frequency band that is a subset of a bandwidth of the optical signal. |
| US09720160B2 |
Display device and optical member
Disclosed are a display device and an optical member. The display device includes a light source, a wavelength conversion member provided adjacent to the light source, and a reflection-transmission part interposed between the light source and the wavelength conversion member. |
| US09720159B2 |
Optical member and display device including the same
Disclosed are an optical member and a display device including the same. The optical member includes a receiving member; a host in the receiving member; and a plurality of wavelength conversion particles distributed in the host. The receiving member includes a light incident part having a first refractive index; and a light exit part having a second refractive index different from the first refractive index. The optical member improves the optical characteristics by adjusting the refractive indexes of the light incident part and the light exit part. |
| US09720157B2 |
Flame retardant light diffusing fiber
This disclosure is directed to lighting diffusing fibers (LDFs) having a flame retardant coating thereon. The LDFs comprise a glass RAL fiber core having a primary polymer coating of a clear, colorless polymeric material having an index of refraction less than that of the glass fiber core and a flame retardant coating applied over the primary coating. The flame retardant coating consist of approximately 35-85 wt. % UV curable polymer forming monomers and 15-65 wt. % of an inorganic, halogen free filler, along with at least one photoinitiator and an antioxidant. In an embodiment phosphor-containing polymer layer can be applied between the primary coating and the flame retardant coating. In another embodiment the phosphor can be added to the flame retardant coating. |
| US09720151B1 |
Broadband light funneling in ultrasubwavelength channels having periodic connected unfilled apertures
A structure for broadband light funneling comprises a two-dimensional periodic array of connected ultrasubwavelength apertures, each aperture comprising a large sub-aperture that aids in the coupling of the incoming incident light and a small sub-aperture that funnels a significant fraction of the incident light power. The structure possesses all the capabilities of prior extraordinary optical transmission platforms, yet operates nonresonantly on a distinctly different mechanism. The structure demonstrates efficient ultrabroadband funneling of optical power confined in an area as small as ˜(λ/500)2, where optical fields are enhanced, thus exhibiting functional possibilities beyond resonant platforms. |
| US09720150B2 |
Color-film substrates and liquid crystal devices
A color-film substrate and a liquid crystal device are disclosed. The color-film includes a substrate body and a color filter layer on the substrate body. The color filter layer includes duplicated color filter elements arranged in a sequence, and the color filter layer includes a first display area and a second display area arranged in a rim of the first display area. A thickness of the color filter elements of the second display area is larger than a thickness of the photo-resistor of the first display area such that a transmission rate of the display panel corresponding to the second display area is smaller than the transmission rate of the display panel corresponding to the first display area. In this way, the transmission rate of edges of the display panel is reduced and the light leakage problem can be overcome such that the uniformity of the brightness is enhanced. |
| US09720148B2 |
Camera system, in particular for a vehicle, and method for ascertaining pieces of image information of a detection area
A vehicle camera system includes a camera that includes an image sensor, a filter mask, and a control and evaluation device, to which the image sensor outputs an image signal with frames that correspond to different exposure times. The image sensor includes an arrangement of sensor pixels outputting pixel signals, and the filter mask includes an arrangement of filter pixels situated in front of respective ones of the sensor pixels, where different filter pixels have different transmission behavior. The control and evaluation device compares to each other pixel signals (a) contained in the frames of different exposure times, and (b) output by sensor pixels which record light filtered differently by the filter pixels. |
| US09720146B2 |
Display member, transfer foil, and article with display member
A display member according to this invention includes a plurality of pixels. At least one of the plurality of pixels includes a relief structure formation layer including a first region configured to display a predetermined color on a condition, and a second region different from the first region, a first layer made of a first material, and covering at least the first region, and a second layer made of a second material different from the first material, and covering the first layer. The display member displays an image based on a distribution of the first region on the condition that the display member is observed in the oblique direction, and displays an image based on a distribution of the second region on a condition that the display member is observed with transmitted light. |
| US09720145B2 |
High brightness multijunction diode stacking
An apparatus includes at least one multijunction diode laser situated to emit a plurality of beams along respective mutually parallel propagation axes, each beam having an associated mutually parallel slow axes and associated collinear fast axes, a fast axis collimator situated to receive and collimate the plurality of beams along the corresponding fast axes so as to produce corresponding fast axis collimated beams that propagate along associated non-parallel axes, and a reflector situated to receive the plurality of fast axis collimated beams and to reflect the beams so that the reflected fast axis collimated beams propagate along substantially parallel axes. |
| US09720144B2 |
Liquid crystal lens and cell for liquid crystal lens
Provided is a liquid crystal lens having low wavefront aberration. A liquid crystal lens (1) includes a liquid crystal layer (11), a first electrode (21), a second electrode (22), and a third electrode (23). The first electrode (21) is provided with an opening (21a) and a communicating cutout (21b) formed therein, the communicating cutout (21b) allowing the opening (21a) to communicate with the outside. The second electrode (22) includes a main electrode portion (22a) and a linear leading electrode portion (22b). The main electrode portion (22a) is disposed within the opening (21a). The main electrode portion (22a) is electrically insulated from the first electrode (21). The leading electrode portion (22b) is electrically connected to the main electrode portion (22a). The leading electrode portion (22b) is disposed within the communicating cutout (21b). The third electrode (23) faces at least part of the first and second electrodes (21, 22). A junction of the leading electrode portion (22b) with the main electrode portion (22a) has a width of 70 μm or less. |
| US09720141B1 |
Cover assembly for electronic devices
Describe herein are electronic devices that include a display stack having a cover component atop a display component. In some instances, the cover component includes an anti-reflective stack having multiple layers tuned to reduce the amount of natural light reflected at a user of the device. In some cases, an anti-fingerprint coating may be applied over the anti-reflective stack to provide an exterior surface to the display stack. |
| US09720139B2 |
Polymerizable polysiloxanes with hydrophilic substituents
The invention provides an actinically-polymerizable amphiphilic polysiloxane which comprises a polysiloxane polymer chain comprising a polylsiloxane segments comprising at least one siloxane unit having a low molecular weight hydrophilic polymer chain connected with a silicone atom of the siloxane unit, and (meth)acrylamido groups each covalently bonded to one of the ends of the polysiloxane polymer chain and/or to the end of one of low molecular weight hydrophilic polymer chains each connected with one silicone atom. The present invention is also related to a polymer, an actinically-crosslinkable silicone-containing prepolymer, a silicone hydrogel polymeric material, or a silicone hydrogel contact lens, which comprises repeating units derived from an actinically-polymerizable amphiphilic polysiloxane of the invention. In addition, the invention provides a method for making silicone hydrogel contact lenses using a water-based lens-forming formulation comprising an actinically-polymerizable amphiphilic polysiloxane of the invention and/or an actinically-crosslinkable silicone-containing prepolymer of the invention. |
| US09720138B2 |
Poly(oxazoline-co-ethyleneimine)-epichlorohydrin copolymers and uses thereof
The invention is related to poly(2-oxazoline-co-ethyleneimine)-epichlorohydrin copolymers and chemically-modified derivatives thereof as well as their uses in formation of non-silicone hydrogel coatings on silicone hydrogel contact lenses. |
| US09720136B2 |
Photo-alignment copolymer, optical anistropic film and its preparation method
This invention relates to a photo-alignment copolymer which enables the formation of an optical anisotropic film that exhibits superior optical anisotropy, an optical anisotropic film using the photo-alignment copolymer and a method of manufacturing the optical anisotropic film. The photo-alignment copolymer includes both of a photo-alignment repeating unit having a photo-reactive functional group such as a cinnamate-based functional group, a chalcone-based functional group, an azo-based functional group or a coumarin-based functional group, and a repeating unit having a specific structure able to increase optical anisotropy. |
| US09720130B2 |
Guided bayesian experimental design
A Bayesian methodology is described for designing experiments or surveys that are improved by utilizing available prior information to guide the design toward maximally reducing posterior uncertainties in the interpretation of the future experiment. Synthetic geophysical tomography examples are used to illustrate benefits of this approach. |
| US09720129B2 |
Electronics for a thin bed array induction logging system
A logging tool electronics system is disclosed with noise minimization features and pulse compression signal processing techniques to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of array induction logging tools. The borehole is radiated with a magnetic field produced by a configurable multi-frequency and/or multi-amplitude sine wave signal stimulus section driving a fully differential single transmitter coil. Received signals from multiple mutually balanced fully differential receiver arrays are processed by receiver signal chains using adaptive algorithms under firmware control. The received signals are used to determine the conductivity and resistivity of the formation surrounding the borehole. |
| US09720127B2 |
Caliper tool with in-situ temperature compensation
A tool for evaluating the internal surfaces of tubular is provided, wherein one or more arms extend outwardly from the tool into contact with an inner wall of the tubular, and changes in the dimensions or condition of the inner wall result in changes in the position of the ends of the arms relative to the tool. This motion is converted, through an electromagnetic transducer, into an electrical signal, the accuracy of which deteriorates as the temperature of the tool changes. Calibration transducers are provided on the tool to provide correction factors to convert the electromagnetic transducer output into an accurate reading of the distance of the end of the arms from the tool thereby increasing the accuracy of the assessment of the inner wall of the tubular. |
| US09720124B2 |
Logging in gas shale and other unconventional reservoirs
Apparatus and methods for characterizing hydrocarbons in a subterranean formation include obtaining a sample of the subterranean formation; measuring, uphole, the porosity of the sample; using a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tool downhole in the borehole, sending NMR pulse sequences configured for formation pore size and measuring NMR signals that characterize the formation at a location in the formation; analyzing the signals to find a gas porosity of the formation at the location; and determining a hydrogen index (HIg) of the subterranean formation from the gas porosity and from the porosity of the sample. The obtained HIg may then be used in conjunction with downhole NMR measurements to find corrected gas porosities at locations of the formation. |
| US09720122B2 |
Reflection-only sensor at multiple angles for near real-time determination of acoustic properties of a fluid downhole
Methods, systems, and devices for determining a parameter of interest of downhole fluid using an acoustic assembly comprising a single solid acoustic transmission medium having a face immersed in the downhole fluid. Methods include using characteristics of a plurality of acoustic pulse reflections from a solid-liquid interface at the face of the solid acoustic transmission medium to estimate the parameter of interest in near real-time. The characteristics may comprise a corresponding reflection amplitude and the corresponding unique angle of reflection for each acoustic pulse reflection. Methods may include generating a two dimensional data set from measured characteristics, generating a curve by performing data fitting on the two dimensional data set, and using the reciprocal slope of the curve to estimate the parameter of interest. Methods may include estimating time-dependent values for the parameter of interest substantially continuously while the acoustic assembly is on a single logging run in the borehole. |
| US09720112B2 |
Neutron detector
A device having: a scintillator material, an optically transparent element containing a glass or polymer and gadolinium oxide, and one or more photomultiplier tubes adjacent to the scintillator material. The optically transparent element is surrounded by the scintillator material. |
| US09720111B2 |
Neutron detector and method for detecting neutrons
An apparatus comprises a neutron detector. The neutron detector comprises a conversion layer comprising a mixture of a neutron absorbing material and a scintillation material; and a photodetector optically coupled to the conversion layer and arranged to detect photons generated as a result of neutron absorption events in the conversion layer; wherein the apparatus is adapted to be carried by a user and the conversion layer is positioned within the neutron detector such that when the apparatus is being carried by a user in normal use neutrons are absorbed in the conversion layer after passing through the user such that the user's body provides a neutron moderating effect. In some cases the apparatus may be carried in association with a backpack or clothing worn by a user, for example, the neutron detector may be sized to fit in a pocket. In other cases the apparatus may be a hand-held device with the conversion layer arranged within a handle of the device to be gripped by a user when being carried. |
| US09720097B2 |
Multi-antenna radio-navigation signals reception device
The invention relates to a device for receiving satellite radio-navigation signals comprising a plurality of receiving antennas forming an antenna array. The invention consists in using a plurality of antennas disposed around the circumference of a carrier and in demodulating the signals received by each antenna separately. The diversity of the demodulation chains is utilized to compensate the signal loss on one of the chains when the corresponding antenna experiences a signal loss due to the masking of the satellite by the carrier. |
| US09720094B2 |
Systems and methods for efficient reception and combining of similar signals received on two or more antennas
A radio signal processing system includes a first antenna; a second antenna; a first receiver communicatively coupled to the first antenna; a second receiver communicatively coupled to the second antenna; a first processing unit communicatively coupled to the first receiver and configured to receive a first signal from at least one of the first antenna and the second antenna when the system is operating in a first mode; a second processing unit communicatively coupled to the second receiver and configured to receive a second signal from the second antenna when the system is operating in a first mode; and wherein the first processing unit is further configured to receive a third signal from both the first antenna and the second antenna when the system is operating in a second mode. |
| US09720083B2 |
Using sounds for determining a worn state of a wearable computing device
Methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media are described herein related to using self-generated sounds for determining a worn state of a wearable computing device. A wearable computing device can transmit an audio signal. One or more sensors coupled to the wearable computing device may then receive a modified version of the audio signal. A comparison may be made between the modified version of the audio signal and at least one reference signal, where the at least one reference signal is based on the audio signal that is transmitted. Based on an output of the comparison, a determination can be made of whether the wearable computing device is being worn. |
| US09720081B2 |
Systems and methods for object localization and path identification based on RFID sensing
A networked radio frequency identification system includes a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tag readers, a computer in signal communication with the RFID tag readers over a network, and a software module for storage on and operable by the computer that localizes RFID tags based on information received from the RFID tag readers using a network model having endpoints and oriented links. In an additional example, at least one of the RFID tag readers includes an adjustable configuration setting selected from RF signal strength, antenna gain, antenna polarization, and antenna orientation. In a further aspect, the system localizes RFID tags based on hierarchical threshold limit calculations. In an additional aspect, the system controls a locking device associated with an access point based on localization of an authorized RFID tag at the access point and reception of additional authorizing information from an input device. |
| US09720080B1 |
Combined radar and telemetry system
A combined radar and telemetry system is described. The combined radar and telemetry system includes a processing unit that executes instructions, where the instructions define a radar waveform and a telemetry waveform. The processor outputs a digital baseband signal based upon the instructions, where the digital baseband signal is based upon the radar waveform and the telemetry waveform. A radar and telemetry circuit transmits, simultaneously, a radar signal and telemetry signal based upon the digital baseband signal. |
| US09720078B2 |
System and method for wide-area stratospheric surveillance
Methods and apparatuses for providing wide-area surveillance with a radar and/or other sensors from a stratospheric balloon launched from a land or ship platform for detection, tracking, and classification of maritime, land, and air objects such as ships, people/vehicles, or aircraft are described generally herein. In one or more embodiments, an apparatus is battery operated and includes a stratospheric balloon filled that is filled with helium when it is launched and a gondola with a radar system and communication equipment suspended therefrom. When launched, the apparatus can travel with the wind until it reaches an altitude of approximately 68,500 ft., then it can move substantially horizontally with the stratospheric winds until it returns to earth via a parachute. Multiple apparatus launches at periodic intervals can help provide continuous coverage of the surveillance area. The apparatus can be recovered and re-used or can be considered expendable. |
| US09720076B2 |
Calibration circuitry and method for a time of flight imaging system
A time of flight imaging system includes a light source coupled to emit light pulses to an object in response a light source modulation signal generated in response to a reference modulation signal. Each pixel cell of a time of flight pixel cell array is coupled to sense light pulses reflected from the object in response a pixel modulation signal. A programmable pixel delay line circuit is coupled to generate the pixel modulation signal with a variable pixel delay programmed in response to a pixel programming signal. A control circuit is coupled to receive pixel information from the time of flight pixel array representative of the sensed reflected light pulses. The control circuit is coupled to vary the pixel programming signal during a calibration mode to synchronize the light pulses emitted from the light source with the pulses of the pixel modulation signal. |
| US09720073B1 |
Vehicular radar sensing system utilizing high rate true random number generator
A radar sensing system for a vehicle includes transmit and receive pipelines. The transmit pipeline includes transmitters able to transmit radio signals. The receive pipeline includes receivers able to receive signals. The received signals are transmitted signals that are reflected from an object. The transmit pipeline phase modulates the signals before transmission, as defined by a first binary sequence. The receive pipeline comprises an analog to digital converter (ADC) for sampling the received signals. The transmit pipeline includes a pseudorandom binary sequence (PRBS) generator for outputting a second binary sequence of bits with an equal probability of 1 and 0. The first binary sequence is defined by least significant bit (LSB) outputs from the ADC and the second binary sequence of bits. The first binary sequence comprises a truly random unbiased sequence of bits with an equal probability of 1 and 0. |
| US09720060B2 |
FET switch as detune circuit for MRI RF coils
A radio frequency (RF) coil assembly for use in magnetic resonance includes a radio frequency coil (42, 100) and an electronic switch (28) which switches between open and closed states to detune and tune the coil to a preselected resonance frequency. Each electronic switch includes at least one field effect transistor (FET) (70) and a bias network (72). |
| US09720055B1 |
Magnetometer with light pipe
A device includes a diamond assembly. The diamond assembly includes a diamond with a plurality of nitrogen vacancy centers and electrical components that emit electromagnetic waves. The device also includes a light source configured to emit light toward the diamond and a photo detector configured to detect light from the light source that traveled through the diamond. The device further includes an attenuator between the diamond assembly and the photo detector. The attenuator is configured to attenuate the electromagnetic waves emitted from the electrical components of the diamond assembly. |
| US09720053B2 |
Magnetic sensor annealing using a rocking field
Implementations described and claimed herein provide a system comprising an external magnetic field generator, wherein the external field magnetic field generator is configured to rock an effective annealing magnetic field between a first positive angle and a second negative angle compared to a desired pinning field orientation in an AFM/PL structure. |
| US09720051B2 |
Sensor package including a magnetic field sensor and a continuous coil structure for enabling z-axis self-test capability
A magnetic field sensor includes in-plane sense elements located in a plane of the magnetic field sensor and configured to detect a magnetic field oriented perpendicular to the plane. A current carrying structure is positioned proximate the magnetic field sensor and includes at least one coil surrounding the in-plane sense elements. An electric current is applied to the coil to create a self-test magnetic field to be sensed by the sense elements. The coil may be vertically displaced from the plane in which the sense elements are located and laterally displaced from an area occupied by the sense elements to produce both Z-axis magnetic field components and lateral magnetic field components of the self-test magnetic field. The sense elements are arranged within the coil and interconnected to cancel the lateral magnetic field components, while retaining the Z-axis magnetic field components to be used for self-test of the magnetic field sensor. |
| US09720050B2 |
Systems and methods for offset reduction in sensor devices and systems
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for reducing errors in sensor devices and systems. In embodiments, the sensor devices comprise magnetic field sensor devices, such as ordinary or vertical Hall sensor devices, and the error to be reduced is a residual offset error, though in other embodiments other sensor devices can be used and/or other types of errors can be targeted for reduction or elimination. In one embodiment, at least two such sensor devices not electrically coupled with one another are sequentially operated in a spinning current-type mode such that an individual output signal from each of the at least two sensor devices is obtained. A total output signal can then be calculated, such as by averaging or otherwise combining the individual output signals from each sensor device. |
| US09720049B2 |
System and method for high voltage system isolation resistance measurement
A circuit that measures isolation resistance in a battery pack that is associated with a load includes four resistors. Two resistors are connected between terminals of the battery pack and another two resistors are connected in the load in parallel to the resistors in the battery pack. A controller operates two contactors to disconnect the battery from the load and measure first and second voltages in the battery pack and one of the two resistors. The controller operates the two contactors to connect the battery to the load and measures third and fourth voltages in the battery pack and one of the two resistors. The controller identifies the isolation resistance with reference to resistance values of the four resistors and the first, second, third, and fourth measured voltages. |
| US09720044B2 |
Method and apparatus for sensing the status of a circuit interrupter
A circuit interrupter apparatus for plug-in connection to a panel board. The circuit interrupter apparatus includes a line terminal for plug-in connection with a line power member provided as part of the panel board, a load terminal for plug-in connection with a load power member provided as part of the panel board, a moveable contact moveable between a closed position, where the line terminal is electrically coupled to the load terminal, and an open position, where the line terminal is not electrically coupled to the load terminal. The circuit interrupter apparatus also includes a sensor module for a plug-in connection to a number of signal conductors provided as part of the panel board. The sensor module detects whether the moveable contact is in the closed position or the open position and output a signal to at least one of the signal conductors indicating a current position of the moveable contact. |
| US09720041B2 |
Scan-based test architecture for interconnects in stacked designs
Aspects of the invention relate to scan-based test architecture for interconnects in stacked designs. The disclosed scan-based test architecture comprises a scan chain. Scan cells on the scan chain are configured to receive data from, based on bits of a control signal, outputs of neighboring scan cells or outputs of mixing devices that combine data from through-silicon vias with data from the outputs of the neighboring scan cells. The scan-based test architecture can be used to identify single or multiple defective through-silicon vias. |
| US09720036B2 |
Signal tracing using on-chip memory for in-system post-fabrication debug
A post-fabrication debug and on-line error checking framework for 2D- and 3D-ICs with integrated memories is described. A design-for-debug (DfD) architecture can include, for an IC with on-chip memory, a debug module connected to a functional bus of the IC. The debug module receives trace data for an interval, generates compact signatures based on the received data, and compares these signatures to expected signatures. Intervals containing erroneous trace data can be identified by the debug module and stored in on-chip memory. A single iteration of signal tracing for debug testing between automated test equipment and the IC is possible. |
| US09720033B2 |
On-chip parameter measurement
An apparatus and method for performing on-chip parameter measurement is disclosed. In one embodiment, an IC includes a number of functional circuit blocks each having one or more sensors for measuring parameters such as voltage and temperature. Each of the functional blocks includes circuitry coupled to receive power from a local supply voltage node. Similarly, the circuitry in each of the sensors is also coupled to receive power from the corresponding local supply voltage node. Each of the sensors may be calibrated to compensate for process, voltage, and temperature variations. Various methods based on characterization of the sensors may be used to perform the calibrations. |
| US09720030B2 |
Systems and methods for testing a clamp function for insulated gate bipolar transistors
An integrated circuit includes an insulated gate bipolar transistor (“IGBT”), a clamp element coupled to a control gate of the IGBT to allow current flow in a first direction when voltage is applied to the control gate of the IGBT, and a blocking element coupled to the control gate of the IGBT and to the clamp element. The blocking element allows current flow in a second direction when voltage is removed from the control gate of the IGBT, the second direction is opposite the first direction. A resistive element has a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal is coupled between an anode of the clamping element and an anode of the blocking element and the second terminal is coupled to an output of test circuitry. |
| US09720029B2 |
Semiconductor device including a sense element and a main element, and current detector circuit using the semiconductor device
False detection relating to overcurrent is prevented, and it is determined with no dead time whether or not the current of a main element is an overcurrent. By a gate signal indicating conductivity being applied to the gate of a sense element earlier than to a main element when the main element is caused to be conductive, and overshoot caused by a differential circuit of the sense element gate input portion being caused before current flows into the main element, it is possible to prevent false detection relating to overcurrent, and determine with no dead time whether or not the current of the main element is an overcurrent. |
| US09720026B1 |
Radiation hardened chip level integrated recovery apparatus, methods, and integrated circuits
Methods, apparatus, and integrated circuits that provide radiation hardening through chip level integrated recovery are provided. The apparatus may include first and second circuits within a partition of an integrated circuit having isolated grounds and a state machine configured to monitor current leakage of the first circuit while the first circuit is powered on and to power on the second circuit and power off the first circuit when the monitored first circuit current leakage exceeds a first current leakage threshold. The method may include powering a first circuit of a partition within an integrated circuit, monitoring current leakage of the first circuit while the first circuit is powered on and the second circuit is powered off, storing values representing a current leakage signature over an operating range of the first circuit, and powering off the first circuit and powering on the second circuit when the monitored first circuit current leakage exceeds a corresponding first current leakage threshold with the stored values. |
| US09720024B2 |
Sensor circuit, vehicle and method therefor
A sensor circuit includes at least one signal processing circuit connectable to at least one sensor operable on a channel and configured to receive and process a periodic sensor signal therefrom the sensor circuit further includes a switching device coupled between the signal processing circuit and the at least one sensor, at least one switch coupled to the switching device and a controller connected to the at least one switch and to an output of the signal processing circuit. The controller is operable to re-configure the switching device via control of the switch and determine whether a short condition exists on the at least one sensor or channel based on the output from the signal processing circuit. |
| US09720022B2 |
Systems and methods for providing characteristics of an impedance matching model for use with matching networks
Systems and methods for generating and using characteristics of an impedance matching model with different impedance matching networks are described impedances and/or power efficiencies are measured using a network analyzer or a sensor. The impedances and/or power efficiencies are used to determine the characteristics. With use of different impedance matching networks, the values of the characteristics are changed to achieve same or similar results across different plasma tools for a variety of conditions. |
| US09720021B2 |
Apparatus and method for selecting optimum electrical power converter for variable power source
A method and apparatus use a programmable logic circuit to receive data representing environmental conditions such as irradiance, temperature, wind, snow, elevation, and the like, in a given location, to provide an input signal to a simulated variable power source which produces an output that approximates the output of a variable power source such as a photovoltaic panel that is subject to such environmental conditions. Power from the simulated variable power source is separately directed to each of a number of power converters and the efficiency of each power converter is tested to determine the optimum power converter for use with the variable power source in the given location. |
| US09720017B2 |
Apparatus and methods thereof for power consumption measurement at circuit breaker points
Apparatus and methods are provided for the measurement of power consumption at points of interest, such as circuit breakers, machines, and the like. Accordingly, means are provided for measurement of power consumption for each electrical sub-network that is controlled by a circuit breaker. Each apparatus is enabled to communicate its respective data, in an environment of a plurality of such apparatuses, to a management unit which is enabled to provide finer granularity power consumption profiles. Challenges of measuring relatively low supply currents, wireless operation in an environment of a large number of apparatuses, and self-powering are addressed. |
| US09720015B2 |
Intelligent visualization in the monitoring of process and/or system variables
The disclosure relates to a method and system for intelligent visualization in the monitoring of process and/or system data used in technical processes and in the operation of technical systems. The behavior of signals in the past is analyzed and used for a future optimized visualization. Continuously running online algorithms support the system operator by detecting and correspondingly highlighting deviations from the historically observed signal patterns. |
| US09720014B2 |
Semiconductor evaluation apparatus and semiconductor evaluation method
A back surface potential lead-out portion has one end portion disposed in a side of a back surface of a semiconductor wafer held by a semiconductor wafer holding portion and the other end portion disposed in a side of a front surface of the semiconductor wafer held by the semiconductor wafer holding portion. The semiconductor wafer and the semiconductor wafer holding portion that holds the semiconductor wafer are movable in an in-plane direction of the semiconductor wafer. In a case where the semiconductor wafer and the semiconductor wafer holding portion that holds the semiconductor wafer are moved in the in-plane direction, a portion of the back surface potential lead-out portion located in the in-plane direction from the semiconductor wafer is fixed close to the outside of a movement region of the semiconductor wafer. |
| US09720013B2 |
Method of fabricating a semiconductor package
A method of testing a semiconductor structure is provided, including providing at least a semiconductor structure having an interposer and a semiconductor element disposed on the interposer; disposing the semiconductor structure on a carrier having a supporting portion, with the interposer being supported by the supporting portion; and performing a test process. The semiconductor structure has been tested for its electrical performance prior to packaging, thereby eliminating the necessity for a conductive pathway to pass through an inner circuit of an package substrate. Therefore, the testing process is accelerated and the time is save. |
| US09720011B2 |
Monitoring device and method for monitoring a movement profile of a user in the region of an actuating element of an aircraft or spacecraft
A monitoring device for monitoring a movement profile of a user in the region of an actuating element of an aircraft or spacecraft, having at least one movement sensor which is configured to detect a first monitoring space of the monitoring device and at the same time a second monitoring space of the monitoring device which differs from the first monitoring space. Also a method for monitoring a movement profile of a user in the region of an actuating element of an aircraft or spacecraft, with: detection of a first monitoring space of the monitoring device by at least one movement sensor; and simultaneous detection of a second monitoring space, which is different from the first monitoring space, by the at least one movement sensor. |
| US09720007B2 |
Method and assembly for transporting single and multiple reaction vessels
A method and apparatus for transporting single and multiple reaction vessels. At least one reaction vessel is provided and at least one tray includes at least two seats for the at least one reaction vessel, and at least one gripper. One of the reaction vessel or the tray is engaged with the gripper at a first position. The gripped element is transported to a second position wherein the gripper is released. A gripping collar is provided both on the reaction vessel and the tray for the gripper to engage. At one transport stage one of the reaction vessel or the tray is engaged with the gripper at a first position by pushing the gripper from above to engage with the gripping collar and in a second stage the transported element is disengaged from the gripper by moving the gripper sideways in relation to the center axis of the gripping collar. |
| US09720001B2 |
Methods for mass spectrometric biopolymer analysis using optimized weighted oligomer scheduling
A method for detecting a list of known biopolymer molecules comprises: calculating, for each biopolymer, a respective list of oligomer molecules predicted to be produced by chemical processing; calculating, for each oligomer molecule, a respective predicted chromatographic elution time period; assigning, for each biopolymer molecule, one or more selected oligomer molecules to be detected, wherein the selecting is performed using weighted selection probabilities determined from the predicted elution times; scheduling a plurality of oligomer detection events of a detection system, wherein each oligomer detection event corresponds to a respective one of the predicted elution time periods; performing the chemical reaction or processing of the sample to generate a processed sample; introducing the processed sample into a chromatographic system; introducing any eluting oligomers into the detection system; and operating the detection system so as to search for each of the selected oligomer molecules in accordance with the scheduled detection events. |
| US09719998B2 |
Ultraviolet absorbing polymeric dyes and methods for using the same
Water soluble light harvesting multichromophores that have an ultraviolet absorption maximum are provided. In some embodiments, the multichromophores include a conjugated segment including a fused 6-5-6 tricyclic co-monomer and a UV absorbance-modifying co-monomer. The multichromophores may include an acceptor chromophore covalently linked to the multichromophore in energy-receiving proximity therewith. In some embodiments, a specific binding member is covalently linked to the multichromophore. Also provided are methods of evaluating a sample for the presence of a target analyte and methods of labelling a target molecule using compositions including the light harvesting multichromophores. Kits and systems for practicing the subject methods are also provided. |
| US09719997B2 |
Methods of labeling cells with fluoroquinolone antibiotics
Provided are methods of labeling cells in at least one of a biological tissue, bacteria, and fungi with fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin). |
| US09719995B2 |
Drug selection for colorectal cancer therapy using receptor tyrosine kinase profiling
The present invention provides methods for selecting a suitable anticancer drug therapy, and for identifying and predicting response, for the treatment of colorectal cancer. The present invention also provides methods for monitoring the status of colorectal cancer and monitoring how a patient with colorectal cancer is responding to anticancer drug therapy. The present invention further provides methods for the rational selection of therapy with one or more anticancer drugs tailored to target signal transduction pathway components with dysregulated expression and/or activation levels in patients with somatic mutations in an oncogene. |
| US09719994B2 |
Method for detecting an infection by the hepatitis C virus
The invention relates to a method of in-vitro detection of an infection with a hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a biological sample, comprising the simultaneous detection of the HCV capsid protein and of an antibody directed against said capsid protein, said method using, for capturing the anti-capsid antibodies, a peptide comprising an antigenic fragment derived from the truncated HCV capsid. The invention also relates to the peptide for capturing the anti-capsid antibodies and the kits comprising it. |
| US09719990B2 |
Systems and methods for multi-analysis
Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample. |
| US09719984B2 |
Immunoassay methods
The invention relates to a method of detecting a disease state or disease susceptibility in a mammalian subject which comprises detecting an antibody in a test sample comprising a bodily fluid from said mammalian subject wherein said antibody is a biological marker of a disease state or disease susceptibility, the method comprising: (a) contacting said test sample with a plurality of different amounts of an antigen specific for said antibody, (b) detecting the amount of specific binding between said antibody and said antigen, (c) plotting or calculating a curve of the amount of said specific binding versus the amount of antigen for each amount of antigen used in step (a) and (d) determining the presence or absence of said disease state or disease susceptibility based upon the amount of specific binding between said antibody and said antigen at each different antigen concentration used. |
| US09719979B2 |
Methods of identifying crosslinking molecules for polymers
Methods for screening molecules or moieties for their ability to crosslink are disclosed. An aromatic carbonate, aromatic ester, or aliphatic ester group is attached to the molecule to mimic the presence of a polymer. A solution of the modified molecule is irradiated, and the first-order kinetic rate constant is measured. If the rate constant is high enough or a threshold amount of the molecule is consumed, a polymer is synthesized using the molecule/moiety as an endcap or co-monomer. The polymer is irradiated, and the increase in crosslink density and the gel formation percentage are determined. These parameters, if high enough, indicate the suitability of the molecule/moiety to act as a crosslinking agent, particularly for polycarbonates. Alternatively, the molecule/moiety may be identified as suitable solely by its first-order kinetic rate constant. |
| US09719978B2 |
Detecting oil under ice
Methods and systems for detecting oil proximate to a body of ice is disclosed herein. An example system includes an energy emitter disposed proximate to a first surface of a body of ice. An energy detector is disposed proximate to a second surface of the body of ice. The energy detector is used to map a distribution of oil proximate to the body of ice based, at least in part, on differences in energy transmitted through the body of ice. |
| US09719975B1 |
Mercury detection in water-based compositions
A method of detecting Hg2+ in an aqueous solution. The method includes contacting the aqueous solution with a composition containing a plant extract and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles. The composition has an average particle size of 30-50 nm. A color change following the contacting indicates the presence of Hg2+ in the aqueous solution. The composition is preferably synthesized by reduction of a silver salt with an extract of Ocimum basilicum. |
| US09719973B2 |
System and method for analyzing the effectiveness of an application to a crop
In accordance with an example embodiment, a system is presented for collecting information about a crop to analyze the general health the crop relative to corresponding information from a previous information collection process. To ensure an optimal harvest, a field is typically treated with multiple material application steps. Starting with seed application, the system collects visual information and corresponding positioning data. With each subsequent application (e.g., fertilizer, pesticide, etc.), the information collection process is repeated. The new information is compared to corresponding information from a previous application step, such that the effectiveness of the prior application can be revealed. |
| US09719968B2 |
Ultrasound probe
An ultrasound probe which is connected to an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes an acoustic element for converting an electric signal and an ultrasound to each other, an electric signal processing circuit electrically connected to the acoustic element, a case for storing the acoustic element and the electric signal processing circuit, an acoustic element board for electrically connecting the acoustic element to the electric signal processing circuit, and a partition part which is arranged to contact with the case and separates the acoustic element and the electric signal processing circuit. A space on the side of the acoustic element in the case separated by the partition part is filled with a first material having lower thermal conductivity than that of a material for forming an inner wall surface of the case. Accordingly, the heat generated by a circuit unit such as the electric signal processing circuit can be more efficiently dissipated. |
| US09719967B2 |
Structural health monitoring system
The present invention relates to a structural health monitoring system, for example a system used in the non-destructive evaluation of an aircraft structure. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for evaluating one or more anomalies within a structure using a structural health monitoring system that includes at least three transducers arranged in operative contact with the structure such that no two transducers are aligned to be parallel. A transducer excites an elastic wave that propagates through the structure, and reflections from any anomalies within the structure are collected by the three transducers. These collected signals are analyzed to identify an anomaly within the structure. Time of flight techniques are used to determine the location of the anomaly. |
| US09719959B2 |
Hydrogen ion sensor
Provided is a hydrogen ion sensor including: a substrate having a well and a first contact, the well having a second, a third, a fourth and a fifth contacts, the second contact having the same conductive type as the well, and the third, the fourth, and the fifth contacts having an opposite conductive type to the well; a first gate insulation layer on a region between the fourth contact and the fifth contact; a second gate insulation layer on a region between the third contact and the fourth contact; and a hydrogen ion sensing unit formed on the first gate insulation layer, wherein the hydrogen ion sensing unit transfers a voltage level adjusted according to a hydrogen ion concentration of a solution to be measured, to the first gate insulation layer. |
| US09719952B1 |
Method for measuring the amount of extracellular fluid surrounding a surface disposed within a plant and the ionic population and identity of the dominant ion in that fluid
This method determines the amount of extracellular fluid surrounding a surface disposed inside a plant, the ion population in that fluid and the identity of the dominant ion in that fluid. The method has four parts: 1) Providing an electrochemical circuit between the surface and external electronics 2) Executing two electrochemical procedures which result in a sequence of measured charge transfer values, 3) Processing the measured charge transfer values into a value proportional to the of extracellular fluid surrounding the surface, a value proportional to the total ion population in the fluid and a value that identifies the dominant ion in the fluid, 4) Generating a set of time/quiescent potential pairs of values which are used to identify the dominant ion type in the extracellular fluid during different time ranges. |
| US09719951B1 |
Method and apparatus for moisture detection
A method and apparatus for detecting moisture that includes at least three conductors. One of the conductors has a different resistance than the other conductors. A liquid extends between the conductors. The difference between the impedance through a pair of conductors and the liquid and the impedance of through another pair of conductors and the liquid may be used to determine the position of the liquid along a length of the conductors. Similar methods may be used to determine an area of a liquid with respect to the conductors. |
| US09719946B2 |
Ellipsometer and method of inspecting pattern asymmetry using the same
An ellipsometer includes a stage, a light source, a polarizer, a detector, and a processor. The stage is configured to support a substrate including a pattern. The light source is configured to emit illumination toward the substrate. The polarizer is configured to polarize the illumination. The detector is configured to generate, in association with a plurality of azimuthal angles, data corresponding to polarized illumination reflected from the substrate. The processor is configured to: control rotation of the stage in association with sequential inspection of the pattern at the plurality of azimuthal angles, and determine asymmetry of the pattern based on the data. Each azimuthal angle of the plurality of azimuthal angles corresponds to a different rotational state of the stage. |
| US09719943B2 |
Wafer edge inspection with trajectory following edge profile
This inspection system has an optical head, a support system, and a controller in electrical communication with the support system. The support system is configured to provide movement to the optical head with three degrees of freedom. The controller is programmed to control movement of the optical head using the support system such that the optical head maintains a constant angle of incidence relative to a wafer surface while imaging a circumferential edge of the wafer. An edge profiler may be scanned across the wafer to determine an edge profile. A trajectory of the optical head can be determined using the edge profile. |
| US09719942B2 |
Sintered ceramic and ceramic sphere
Provided are a sintered ceramic and a ceramic sphere which are inhibited from suffering surface peeling due to fatigue resulting from repetitions of loading and can attain an improvement in dimensional accuracy when subjected to surface processing and which have excellent wear resistance and durability. |
| US09719934B2 |
Reading of assays
Disclosed is an assay result reading apparatus for use with an assay in which a detectable substance tends to accumulate within a detection zone of the assay, the reading apparatus comprising: a housing or baffle, having a window therein; a light source which emits light through the window so as to illuminate the detection zone of the assay; and a light detector to detect the amount of light reflected and/or transmitted by the detection zone, which amount is at least partly dependent on the amount of detectable substance accumulated in the detection zone; wherein the shape of the window is adapted to render the reading apparatus less sensitive, preferably insensitive, to minor mis-positioning of the detection zone relative to one or more of the window, the light source and the light detector. |
| US09719933B1 |
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy of oil sands
A method of quantifying at least one property of interest of an oil sands ore sample is provided using a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) method. The LIBS method may be applied to oil sands ore being conveyed prior to a slurry process to measure oil sand composition and provide information which may predict extraction characteristics. The LIBS method may be applied to oil sands core samples in a laboratory setting to reduce the cost and analysis time associated with conventional laboratory measurement techniques. |
| US09719931B2 |
Surface enhanced raman spectroscopy resonator structures and methods of making same
A nanoplasmonic resonator (NPR) includes a substrate, a first metallic member disposed on the substrate, a second metallic member spaced apart from the first metallic member, and a first insulation layer at least partially disposed between the first and second metallic members. The first insulation layer includes at least one of a notch formed laterally therein such that there is an open gap separating outer edge portions of the first and second metallic members, at least a portion thereof having a toroid shape, and a length extending between the first and second metallic members which are laterally adjacent to each other. |
| US09719924B1 |
Wideband antenna structure with optics reflector as ground plane and associated methods
A compact transducer system includes both an antenna subsystem and an optical transducer subsystem. The antenna subsystem may include multiple radio frequency (RF) radiating elements disposed adjacent to a ground plane. The ground plane may also serve as an optical reflector within an optical path of the optical transducer subsystem. A secondary reflector may also be provided within the optical path of the optical transducer subsystem. The secondary reflector may be formed of dielectric material (e.g., meta-material) in some embodiments to prevent undesired coupling with RF circuitry. |
| US09719922B2 |
Optical system and optical quality measuring apparatus
An optical system comprising: a light source; a photodetector; a first light-receiving system for causing the photodetector to receive first reflected light with a first angle of reflection from a surface; and a second light-receiving system for causing the photodetector to receive second reflected light with a second angle of reflection, different from the first angle of reflection, from the surface is provided. Here, a first light-receiving area of the photodetector with respect to light, of reflected light from the surface, via the first light-receiving system is spaced apart from a second light-receiving area of the photodetector with respect to light, of the reflected light from the surface, via the second light-receiving system. |
| US09719918B2 |
Apparatus and system for determining, optimizing or monitoring at least one process variable
An apparatus for determining or monitoring at least one process variable, comprising: a sensor element and a measuring electronics, which form a measuring unit; and at least one control/evaluating/calculating unit arranged removed from the measuring unit; and/or an in/output unit arranged removed from the measuring unit and the control/evaluating/calculating unit. The control/evaluating/calculating unit and the in/output unit are connected with the measuring unit via a first interface and a second interface. The measuring electronics operates the sensor element and forwards the measurement signals via the interfaces to the control/evaluating/calculating unit as unprocessed, raw, measured values. The control/evaluating/calculating unit arranged removed from the measuring unit determines, improves and/or monitors the process variable based on the raw, measured values and makes such available via the in/output unit. |
| US09719914B2 |
Mobile water analysis
An embodiment provides a method, including: operating a motor to position sample fluid within a fluid channel of a cuvette; transmitting light through an optical chamber of the cuvette; measuring a value of received light that has been transmitted through the optical chamber; comparing the measured value of light to one or more thresholds; determining a position of the sample fluid within the fluid channel based on a comparison from the comparing step; and generating a response based upon the position of the sample fluid with the fluid channel. Other aspects are described and claimed. |
| US09719913B2 |
Outer part for a device and device
An outer part for a device which is attachable thereto as a housing and/or an attachment part, a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface being formed on the outer part so that at least one signal emitted by an optical and/or acoustic source is directly or indirectly deflectable onto at least one detector surface of an optical and/or acoustic detector, an optical path being configured as a cavern or continuous recess in the outer part or as a depression of a boundary surface of the outer part, the optical path having at least one opening via which at least one substance is transferable into the optical path, and the at least one signal being deflectable into the optical path to the second reflective surface which is formed at a second end of the optical path with the first reflective surface at a first end of the optical path. |
| US09719908B1 |
Electrofracturing test system and method of determining material characteristics of electrofractured material samples
A device for electrofracturing a material sample and analyzing the material sample is disclosed. The device simulates an in situ electrofracturing environment so as to obtain electrofractured material characteristics representative of field applications while allowing permeability testing of the fractured sample under in situ conditions. |
| US09719907B2 |
Particulate detection system
A particulate detection system (1) for detecting the quantity of particulates S in a gas under measurement EG, including a detection section (10), a drive circuit (210, 240), and a control section (230, 202). The detection section (10) has an ion source (11) and a particulate electrification section (12). The drive circuit (210) includes an ion source drive circuit (210) for performing constant current control. The control section (230, 202) includes current convergence determination means S2-S3, S5-S6, and detection start means S8 for starting detection of the quantity of the particulates S using the signal Is, detected by a detection circuit (230), after the gaseous discharge current Id has converged to an allowable range IR. |
| US09719901B2 |
Impact tester device
Systems and methods for testing an impact response of a material and/or structure to one or more impacts of known magnitude. The systems and methods include a portable impactor device for imparting an impact force on a surface of an engineered structure, wherein the portable impactor device has an adjustable orientation such that an impact may be delivered as an angle ranging from +90° to −90° relative to a horizontal plane. Additionally, the portable impactor device described may be utilized to test an impact response of one or more surface areas of a full-scale prototype structure. |
| US09719900B1 |
Strain-gauged washer for measuring bolt preload
This invention installs multiple miniature strain gauges inside a regular dimensioned bolt washer to accurately measure bolt preload. To enhance the strain gauge sensitivity, an alloy with low elastic modulus and high yield strength is selected to fabricate the metal washer. In addition, multiple gauges are connected in series to multiply the effective gauge length and enhance measurement sensitivity. Further, the stain gauges are encapsulated in the middle of the washer as opposed to on the external surface which offers much improved sensitivity and physical protection of the strain gauges. |
| US09719897B2 |
System and method for biological specimen mounting
A system and method for mounting a section onto a substrate, the system comprising: a fluid channel including: a fluid channel inlet that receives the section, processed from a bulk embedded sample by a sample sectioning module positioned proximal the fluid channel inlet, a section-mounting region downstream of the fluid channel inlet, and a fluid channel outlet downstream of the section-mounting region; a reservoir in fluid communication with the fluid channel outlet; and a manifold, fluidly coupled to the reservoir, that delivers fluid from the reservoir to the fluid channel inlet, thereby transmitting fluid flow that drives delivery of the section from the fluid channel inlet toward the section-mounting region. |
| US09719896B2 |
Aid for filling liquid, and method for filling liquid
A liquid filling aid that is placed on a plate-shaped member and defines a reaction chamber to be filled with a liquid, the aid includes a main body, a storage section that is formed in the main body and stores the liquid, a reaction section that is a recess formed at a bottom of the main body, a communication aperture for fluid communication between the storage section and the reaction section, and an air vent for communication between the reaction section and outside air, wherein the reaction section and an upper surface of the plate-shaped member define the reaction chamber and a liquid filling method including a step of placing the liquid filling aid on the plate-shaped member, and a step of discharging the liquid in an amount equal to or larger than the volume of the reaction chamber for supply to the storage section. |
| US09719894B2 |
Specimen collector for collecting a laser micro-dissectate
A laser microdissectate specimen collector for a laser microdissection device includes a collecting chamber configured to receive a dissectate. The collecting chamber has, on a specimen side, an opening open to the environment for receiving the dissectate. The collecting chamber also has a first valve. The first valve, in a closed state thereof, forms a closure of the collecting chamber opposite to the opening for retaining the dissectate. A capillary line is connected downstream of the first valve to the collecting chamber such that the capillary line is configured to transport the dissectate out of the collecting chamber. |
| US09719890B2 |
Micro-sampling for aquatic chemical analysis
The current invention describes in vivo and vitro (cultured) sampling technologies that allow direct temporal and spatial sampling from living ecosystems such as those associated with marine ecology. The optional use of parallel sampling methods, observatory design, provides for the ability to measure the response of individual organisms to a variety of both biotic and abiotic stresses. Sampling in small volumes and close proximity to living organisms has allowed direct measurement of various invertebrate and other aquatic species in marine ecosystems. These sampling techniques are intended to apply to any liquid based ecosystem in an attempt to minimize sampling as a dependent variable in measuring the chemical and biological behavior of the ecosystem. If is intended that this sampling technology be used to directly measure the chemical behavior of a wide variety of organisms; including, plants, animals, and micro-organisms (e.g. algae, plankton). These probes facilitate the direct measurement of metabolism, decomposition, pollution, and stress or stimuli from the local environment. A variety of sampling tips and probes have been developed for discrete and continuous sampling. A variety of sampling probe geometries, sizes, and sampling capabilities are disclosed that enable both contact and non-contact sampling of the chemical environment. The liquid sampling has been optimized for chemical analysis with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Fatty acid and lipid profiling have been demonstrated on a number of species from a cultured aquatic using these techniques. |
| US09719887B2 |
Field device commissioning system and field device commissioning method
A field device commissioning system includes a commissioning tool, which is configured to communicate with a field device and a repository. The commissioning tool is configured to retrieve at least one property from a field device. The commissioning tool is configured to determine, from a registration file in the repository, if the retrieved at least one property is in the registration file. When the retrieved at least one property is determined to be in the registration file, perform a first test. When the retrieved at least one property is determined to be not in the registration file, determine, from a control system loop information file in the repository, if the retrieved at least one property is for a predetermined field device. When the retrieved at least one property is determined to be for the predetermined device, perform a second test different from the first test. When the retrieved property is determined to be not for the predetermined device, perform a third test different from the first and second tests. |
| US09719876B2 |
Fluid pressure sensor
This fluid pressure sensor includes a coil the self inductance of which varies as a function of the pressure of a fluid inside the flexible pipe. This coil includes a turn including: a first portion and a second portion of its periphery rigidly mechanically connected to a first location and a second location on the periphery of the pipe, respectively, and third and fourth free portions of the periphery of the turn situated between the first and second portions and each on a respective side of a central axis of the pipe and each separated from the flexible pipe by a clearance. |
| US09719875B2 |
Low profile pressure sensor
A pressure sensor may comprise a nylon socket, an upper PCB, a lower PCB, and a hex housing. The nylon socket may include a plurality of co-molded electrical pin conductors extending axially from electrical connectors defined within a top end of the nylon socket for receiving an external electrical cable to a bottom end of the nylon socket. A top side of the upper PCB may have electrical contacts configured to contact the electrical pin conductors. The lower PCB may be connected to the upper PCB by at least one structural member, and electrically coupled to the upper PCB and to strain gauges coupled to a diaphragm. The hex housing may have an interior axial port extending from a bottom of said hex housing to a counterbore for holding the diaphragm, thereby exposing a first side of said diaphragm to the fluid within the axial port. |
| US09719872B2 |
High over-pressure capable silicon die pressure sensor with extended pressure signal output
A pressure sensor includes a base having a high-pressure contact portion, and a diaphragm positioned over the base and having an external top surface opposite the base. The external top surface is defined within a closed perimeter and external side surfaces extend down from an entirety of the closed perimeter toward the base. A high-pressure contact portion of the diaphragm is aligned with and separated by a gap from the high-pressure contact portion of the base. A sensing element is coupled to the diaphragm and provides an output based on changes to the diaphragm. When a hydrostatic pressure load above a threshold value is applied to the entire external top surface and external side surfaces of the diaphragm, the hydrostatic pressure load causes the high-pressure contact portion of the diaphragm to contact the high-pressure contact portion of the base. |
| US09719870B2 |
Read circuit for POSFET type tactile sensor devices
A read circuit of an electrical signal produced by a POSFET device comprising a transconductance amplifier connected at an inverting input thereof to the output of the POSFET device; and at least one neuron connected at the output to the transconductance amplifier. The transconductance amplifier is adapted to: receive a signal coming from the POSFET device representative of a force or pressure exerted on the POSFET device, and produce at the output at least one current signal representative of the force or the pressure. The at least one neuron is adapted to receive said at least one current signal and to produce at least one output signal, said at least one output signal being a pulse train having a frequency proportional to said at least one current signal produced by the transconductance amplifier. |
| US09719868B2 |
Electronic measurement unit for a polymorphous device for force measurement and polymorphous device including the same
An electronic measurement unit for a polymorphous device, comprising a number of lateral structures, each lateral structure including: a support structure; at least one sensor constrained to the support structure and generating an electrical signal indicative of a deformation of the support structure; and a coupling structure that constrains a corresponding external covering element to the support structure in a releasable manner, so that when the external covering element is constrained to the support structure and an external force acts on the external covering element, the electrical signal is indicative of the external force. |
| US09719867B2 |
Method and system for measuring heat flux
A heat flux sensor equipped measurement wafer includes a substrate, a cover thermally coupled to a portion of the substrate, a sensor cavity formed between the substrate and the cover, a thermal barrier disposed within at least a portion of the sensor cavity, a bottom temperature sensor thermally coupled to the substrate and insulated from the cover by a portion of the thermal barrier and a top temperature sensor thermally coupled to the cover and insulated from the substrate by an additional portion of the thermal barrier, wherein a temperature difference between the bottom temperature sensor and the top temperature sensor is related to a heat flux passing through the substrate and cover proximate to the sensor cavity. |
| US09719865B2 |
Thermally determining flow and/or heat load distribution in parallel paths
A method including obtaining calibration data for at least one sub-component in a heat transfer assembly, wherein the calibration data comprises at least one indication of coolant flow rate through the sub-component for a given surface temperature delta of the sub-component and a given heat load into said sub-component, determining a measured heat load into the sub-component, determining a measured surface temperature delta of the sub-component, and determining a coolant flow distribution in a first flow path comprising the sub-component from the calibration data according to the measured heat load and the measured surface temperature delta of the sub-component. |
| US09719864B2 |
Method and system for determining ambient temperature of an electronic device
A method for determining the ambient temperature of an electronic device, the device comprising heat-generating components (102) and a temperature sensor (105) positioned within a common casing (101), the method comprising the steps of: in an environment with a controlled ambient temperature: determining (307) a device-specific coefficient of power dissipation change (a) between a first (Emin) and second (Emax) power modes, wherein in the second power mode (Emax) the device dissipates more power than in the first power mode (Emin); and in an environment for which the ambient temperature is to be determined: measuring (203-205) temperatures (Tmin, Tmax) by the temperature sensor (105) for the first power mode (Emin) and the second power mode (Emax), calculating (206) ambient temperature (Tamb) as a function of the measured temperatures (Tmin, Tmax) and the device-specific coefficient of power dissipation change (a). |
| US09719862B2 |
Temperature-measurement probe
An apparatus, system and method for temperature measurement of a target site, such a human body site. The invention includes an intelligent temperature probe configured to physically contact a target site and to communicate with a host device, which can be implemented as a hand-held device or as a personal computer. The host device can compute, store and display an accurate predicted temperature, or an actual temperature at thermal equilibrium, of the target site for each of a plurality of different intelligent temperature probes that each have unique and varied operating characteristics. A set of unique operating characteristics for each temperature probe is represented by information communicated between each respective temperature probe and the host device. |
| US09719857B2 |
Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy sample chamber
Methods and apparatus for laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) sample chamber. An apparatus includes a sample chamber, a laser source connected to an excitation optics assembly, the excitation optics assembly connected to a first port on the sample chamber, a collimator assembly connected to a spectrometer, the collimator assembly connected to a second port on the sample chamber, and a first lens tube positioned on the first port and a second lens tube positioned on the second port, the first lens tube protecting the first port connected to the excitation optics assembly and the second lens tube protecting the second port connected to the collimator assembly from particles emitted when a laser pulse from the laser source ablates a surface of a target sample and generates a plasma. |
| US09719847B2 |
Detection circuit, driving method, probe, and subject information acquiring apparatus
A detection circuit detects a signal output from an element that receives an acoustic wave. The detection circuit is configured so as not to conduct a detection operation during a period in which the element does not receive the acoustic wave. |
| US09719846B2 |
Mud pulse detection using distributed acoustic sensing
An example system for detecting mud pulses may include a distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) data collection system coupled to a downhole drilling system, and an information handling system communicably coupled to the DAS data collection system. The information handling system may include a processor and memory coupled to the processor. The memory may contain a set of instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive quadrature DAS data signals from the DAS data collection system, determine a first template signal associated with mud pulses, transform the determined first template signal into analytic representation form, perform a matched filter operation using the quadrature DAS data signals and the transformed first template signal, and analyze an output signal of the matched filter operation to detect mud pulses in the downhole drilling system. |
| US09719845B2 |
Load cell overload protection by a relieving mechanism for fluid dispensing systems
A method for locking out load cells includes dispensing a fluid into a collapsible bag that is supported within a support housing, the support housing resting on a plurality of load cells that sense the weight of the fluid; manipulating a plurality of lockouts located adjacent to corresponding load cells from a first position to a second position so that the lockouts remove at least a portion of the weight of the fluid from the plurality of load cells; moving the support housing containing the collapsible bag with the fluid therein to a new location; and further manipulating the plurality of lockouts from the second position back to the first position so that the plurality of load cells again sense the full weight of the fluid within the collapsible bag. |
| US09719843B2 |
Optimized household scale with removable storage container
A household scale including a housing intended to be placed horizontally during use, the housing including a support, at least one weight measuring system, connected to a display unit for the result of the measurement, the scale being designed to hold on the support, during use, and a container for holding an item or ingredient. The housing includes a connection to the support enabling the support to hold the container in the following two positions. A stowage position in which the container is attached to the support regardless of the position of the scale in space, and a position of use in which the container is set down on the support not attached to it. |
| US09719842B2 |
Method for the discovery, validation and clinical application of multiplex biomarker algorithms based on optical, physical and/or electromagnetic patterns
A method for diagnosing or predicting the risk of shock, the method incorporating an algorithmic combination of optical, electromagnetic, and other sensors, along with their anatomic and temporal patterns. A method for developing the algorithms through iterative optimization using machine learning. |
| US09719839B2 |
Occupant sensor and seat with such an occupant sensor
An occupant sensor having a switching element, which comprises a top carrier layer and a bottom carrier layer separated by a spacer. The spacer has an opening defining an active zone in which the carrier layers may be brought together in response to a force acting on at least one of them. The switching element includes a first electrode and a second electrode arranged within the active area between the carrier layers such that an electrical contact is established between the first and second electrodes if the carrier layers are brought together. The occupant sensor includes a decoupling layer arranged on a top side of the switching element such that the decoupling layer covers the top carrier layer in the region of the active area. The decoupling layer and switching element are laterally displaceable with respect to each other in the region of the active area. |
| US09719838B2 |
Method for calibrating a multiple flow conduit flow meter
A method for calibrating a multiple flow conduit flow meter (200) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The multiple flow conduit flow meter (200) includes a first flow conduit (201) conducting a first flow stream and a pair of first pickoff sensors (215, 215′) affixed to the first flow conduit (201). The multiple flow conduit flow meter (200) further includes at least one additional flow conduit (202) conducting at least one additional flow stream and at least one pair of additional pickoff sensors (216, 216′) affixed to the at least one additional flow conduit (202). |
| US09719832B2 |
Apparatus for determining or monitoring a physical or chemical, process variable
The invention relates to an apparatus for determining or monitoring a physical or chemical, process variable, comprising a sensor element (2) having at least one temperature sensitive, sensor region and/or an electronics unit (3) having at least one component (4), whose specification requires use within a predetermined temperature range, wherein a connecting component (5) is provided between the temperature sensitive, sensor region and the remaining regions of the sensor element (2) and/or between the sensor element (2) and the electronics unit (3), wherein the connecting component (5) is composed at least partially of a metal- or ceramic foam (6) having a predetermined porosity. |
| US09719824B2 |
Thermal air flow sensor
A thermal air flow sensor that offers high flow rate measurement accuracy is provided. The thermal air flow sensor includes a measuring element. The measuring element includes: a semiconductor substrate; a heating resistor and a temperature measuring resistor both formed as a result of thin films being stacked over the semiconductor substrate; an electronic insulator including a silicon oxide film; and a diaphragm portion formed after part of the semiconductor substrate is removed. The heating resistor and the temperature measuring resistor are formed over the diaphragm portion. In the thermal air flow sensor, a ratio of an area occupied by the thin films to an area of the measuring element ranges between 40% and 60%. |
| US09719822B2 |
Method of ultrasonic flow measurement and device for the implementation of the method
A method of ultrasonic clamp-on flow measurement according to the transit time difference method and apparatus for the implementation of the method, wherein the electromechanical transducer element of at least one of the two acoustic transducers is comprised of at least two array elements and a correction factor is determined by comparing the transit times between the acoustic transducers while using different array elements. |
| US09719821B2 |
Multiphase flow measurement
A flow measurement device includes a first sensor device that responds to stimulus from fluid medium flowing through a measurement section by registering a measure representing a physical characteristic, a processor, and a data storage including a look-up table containing a first collection of values representing a first value of flow of a first fluid or a first value of flow of a second fluid, and a second look-up table containing a second collection of the values representing a second value of the flow of the first fluid or a second value of the flow of the second fluid, the processor receiving the measures registered during a measurement time interval and estimating a flow pattern of the fluid medium during the measurement interval where the flow pattern describes how the first and second fluids are distributed in the measurement section over the measurement time interval. |
| US09719820B1 |
Hybrid material pitot tube
A pitot tube includes a substantially cylindrical body portion having an interior defining a flow passage and a tip portion extending along a pitot tube axis from the body portion. The tip portion includes a disk, a tip cover and a high thermal conductive insert disposed between the disk and the tip cover and in thermal contact with both. |
| US09719818B1 |
Fluid meter system
A fluid intake system includes a fluid meter having a body with a hole extending the length of the body, the hole being configured to receive the fluid conduit therethrough, a sensor carried within the body and operably associated a computer, the sensor being configured to detect the flowrate of the fluid passing through the fluid conduit and relay a detected fluid flow to the computer, and a display operably associate with the computer, the display being configured to display a numerical value of the fluid flow rate. |
| US09719816B2 |
Fitting for positioning a probe in a hot gas path of a gas turbine engine
A fitting for positioning a probe in a hot gas path within a casing of a gas turbine engine is disclosed herein. The fitting includes a main body attachable to the casing opposite the hot gas path. The main body includes an internal bore and one or more cooling holes in communication with the internal bore. A compliant seal is positionable within the internal bore. In addition, a follower is positionable within the internal bore adjacent to the compliant seal. Moreover, the fitting includes a fastener configured to mate with the main body. In this manner, the follower deforms the compliant seal about the probe within the main body to secure and seal the probe within the main body. |
| US09719813B2 |
Connector mechanism for safely and quickly attaching and detaching a sensor
A connector mechanism for safely and quickly attaching or detaching a sensor. The connector mechanism includes a sensor head assembly comprising a detector body with an internal channel, an open distal end, and a sensor head attachment connector (HAC) located within the channel. The HAC includes a first electrical connection having at least a first contact member and a first key component located in a fixed location relative to the first contact member. The connector mechanism includes a sensor cartridge comprising a cartridge housing with a probe component, a second electrical connection having at least a second contact member configured to mate with the first contact member, and a second key component that is located in a fixed location relative to the second contact member. The first and second key components engage one another before the first and second contact members engage one another. |
| US09719812B2 |
Gas sensor housing
A housing for a gas sensor module is described herein. The housing can include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion can include at least one wall forming a cavity having a first cavity portion and a second cavity portion. The first portion can also include an inlet tube coupling feature and a distribution channel disposed adjacent to the first cavity portion. The first portion can further include an outlet tube coupling feature and a receiving channel disposed adjacent to the second cavity portion. The second portion can include a tuning fork coupling feature disposed adjacent to the second cavity. |
| US09719809B2 |
Optical unit and displacement measuring device
An optical unit includes: a first diffraction grating where light from a light source enters; a second diffraction grating that generates interference light as a result of diffracted light rays emitted from the first diffraction grating entering the second diffraction grating; and an optical member including a pair of reflective surfaces that are parallel and opposite to each other, the optical member being configured such that the pair of reflective surfaces respectively reflect ±mth-order diffracted light rays that are diffracted light rays of a specific order among a plurality of orders of the diffracted light rays emitted from the first diffraction grating so as to guide the ±mth-order diffracted light rays to the second diffraction grating, where m is a natural number. |
| US09719807B2 |
Method for precise position determination
In a method of determining a current position of an output element connected to an electric stepper motor, a current position of a rotor of the stepper motor is determined by a rotor position sensor. The determination of the current position of the rotor is refined as a function of information about a currently active phase of the stepper motor, and the current position of the output element is calculated in response to the refined determination of the current position of the rotor. |
| US09719806B2 |
Magnetic field sensor for sensing a movement of a ferromagnetic target object
A magnetic field sensor operates as a motion detector for sensing a movement of a ferromagnetic target object having features. The magnetic field sensor has a plurality of magnetoresistance elements to generate, in a first channel, a feature signal indicative of a proximity of a feature of a ferromagnetic target object and, in a second channel, an edge signal indicative of a proximity of an edge of a feature of a ferromagnetic target object. |
| US09719801B1 |
Methods and systems for calibrating sensors using road map data
Example methods and systems for calibrating sensors using road map data are provided. An autonomous vehicle may use various vehicle sensors to assist in navigation. Within examples, the autonomous vehicle may calibrate vehicle sensors through performing a comparison or analysis between information about the environment received by sensors with similar information provided by map data (e.g., a road map). The autonomous vehicle may compare object locations as provided by the sensors and as shown by map data. Based on the comparison, the autonomous vehicle may adjust various sensors to accurately reflect the information as provided by the road map. In some instances, the autonomous vehicle may adjust the position, height, orientation, direction-of-focus, scaling, or other parameters of a sensor based on the information provided by a road map. |
| US09719800B2 |
Screen symbology
A method and system for enhancing situational awareness in a rotary wing aircraft, includes receiving signals indicative of environmental information for the aircraft during a hover; determining signals indicative of a heading, course, and speed for the aircraft in response to the receiving of the environmental information; and displaying a composite symbology for heading, course, and speed on tactical display. |
| US09719799B2 |
Next generation electronic flight bag
An electronic flight bag for an aircraft includes a display device and a processing system. The display device is operable to render various images. The processing system is in operable communication with the display. The processing system is configured to receive various types of data from various aircraft systems and is operable, upon receipt of the data, to supply display commands to the display device that cause the display device to automatically render various images. These images may include, among other things, flight manual pages, checklists, approach charts, maintenance data, and various navigation displays. The electronic flight bag may also implement the functions of various other aircraft systems and devices. |
| US09719798B2 |
Context-sensitive navigational aid
A navigational aid including an intelligent display mode and a communication system communicates with a vehicle's sensor system and/or historical- or time-based information to reduce the number of businesses that are displayed on the map by filtering out unneeded or less preferred services. When the vehicle's fuel level sensor detects that the fuel tank is almost empty, a message can be sent from the sensor system to the navigational aid such that the navigational aid can then begin showing a visual indication (e.g., text or graphical information such as an icon) of the location of fuel stations on the screen. Additionally, the location receiver indicates to the filter when the navigational aid is close to the programmed destination. At that point, the filter can be informed that it should start showing garages or areas where the vehicle can be parked without having cluttered the screen with parking garages that were not close to the destination. Similarly, when in need of other services (e.g., hotel or restaurant services), the navigational aid can display preferred brands (while omitting non-preferred brands) and make reservations when a communication system is included which is capable of communicating with the service provider. Additionally, prices or relative prices for the services may also be indicated. |
| US09719795B2 |
Navigation device and navigation program product
A navigation device includes a travel road specification portion acquiring a current location of a vehicle and specifying a travel road actually traveled by the vehicle, a continuity determination portion determining an existence of a continuity between the travel road and a first road connected to an end point of the travel road, and an extension road designation portion. The end point of the travel road is defined as a reference end point, the travel road is defined as a reference road, and the first road is defined as a determination target road. The extension road designation portion designates the first road as a first extension road when the continuity determination portion determines that the continuity exists between the first road and the travel road. |
| US09719794B2 |
Route display method, route display apparatus, and database generation method
A route display method for display on a terminal apparatus comprises: acquiring starting point information indicating a starting point and destination information indicating a destination; generating route information indicating a route from the starting point to the destination, wherein the route information includes a plurality of passing points; extracting captured images corresponding to the plurality of the passing points from a database which stores the captured images in relation to corresponding image capturing locations respectively, wherein each of the image capturing locations is within a range from the each of the plurality of the passing points; and displaying the extracted captured images in association with a map image sequentially in an order from a first captured image corresponding to a first passing point closest to the starting point to a second captured image corresponding to a second passing point closest to the destination. |
| US09719791B2 |
Computerized systems and methods for providing travel information and/or content to users
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing travel information and/or content to users. According to certain embodiments, an area of interest is calculated based on a determined location of a user traveling along a route and a relative distance of travel. The area of interest is associated with coordinates on a map and includes at least a triangular area or a radial area. At least one database is searched to identify travel information and/or content within the area of interest. The travel information and/or content is stored in the database and associated with coordinates on the map. Instructions are provided at a first point in time to electronically display the identified travel information and/or content on a device of the user. Further identified travel information and/or content is displayed to the user at subsequent points in time as the user travels along the route. |
| US09719784B2 |
Micro-gyroscope and method for operating a micro-gyroscope
A micro-gyroscope for determining a rate of rotation about a Z-axis includes a substrate and two sensor devices each of which comprises at least one drive mass, at least one anchor, drive elements, at least one sensor mass and sensor elements. The drive mass is mounted linearly displaceably in the direction of an X-axis, and can be driven in an oscillatory manner with respect to the X-axis. The sensor mass is coupled to the drive mass by means of springs. The sensor mass is displaceable in the Y-direction, and sensor elements detects a deflection of the sensor mass in the Y-axis. The two sensor devices are disposed parallel to each other and one above the other in the direction of the Z-axis, and the drive mass in these two sensor devices are coupled to each other by means of a coupling spring. |
| US09719783B2 |
Level sensor
A level sensor (20) for a motor vehicle that comprises a housing (1), a rotor (2) that is rotatably mounted on the housing (1), a circuit board (3) that is enclosed by the housing (1) and contains at least a single stator as well as a connector (4). The level sensor (20) should be improved in such a way that the rotor (2) is easy to mount on the housing (1) and that there is practically no play so that a relative position of the stator as compared to a rotor structure (9) is largely maintained. Overall, the sensor should also be inexpensive to manufacture. This is achieved by the circumstance that the housing (1) exhibits a cylinder (6) with a circular cross-section that is mounted on the outside, that the rotor (2) is made of plastic with the exception of the rotor structure (9) and that the rotor (2) is guided within the cylinder (6) and interlocks with the latter. |
| US09719782B2 |
Method of detecting attitude faults based on magnetometer measurements
An avionics system comprises one or more attitude sources, each configured to produce a respective calculated attitude solution; at least one magnetometer configured to measure magnetic field; and at least one attitude monitor configured to use the respective calculated attitude solution from one of the attitude sources to project the measured magnetic field estimate or an Earth Magnetic Field Model (EMFM) estimate such that the measured magnetic field estimate and the EMFM estimate are in a common shared frame. The at least one attitude monitor is further configured to determine a difference between the measured magnetic field estimate and the EMFM estimate in the common shared frame. The at least one attitude monitor is further configured to output an alert, which indicates that the respective calculated attitude solution used to project the measured magnetic field estimate or the EMFM estimate is in error, if the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold. |
| US09719780B2 |
Observation device with a range finder
The invention describes an observation device, having two tubular observation parts, wherein the longitudinal axes of the observation parts in the region of the ocular sides are spaced apart by a distance of at least 54 mm. At least one observation part has a flared portion on an external side, wherein the flared portion is located inside a subsection of between 20% and 80% of an overall length of the observation part. The flared portion lies in an annulus section having a normal distance to the optical axis of the objective of between 130% and 250% of the radius the objective lens. |
| US09719774B2 |
Method for detecting cracks in an aircraft or gas turbine component
A method for detecting cracks in an aircraft or gas turbine component includes ascertaining geometric data about the component using an optical measurement method, analyzing the geometric data, using an electronic evaluation device, so as to automatically recognize and/or classify at least one of cracks and other damage and storing a position of the at least one of cracks and other damage. |
| US09719771B2 |
Rotation angle sensor for absolute rotation angle determination even upon multiple revolutions
A rotation angle sensor for detecting an absolute rotation angle upon single or multiple revolutions includes a magnetic field sensor and an encoder arrangement. The magnetic field sensor detects at least two orthogonal magnetic field variables. The encoder arrangement is rotatable depending on the absolute rotation angle relative to the magnetic field sensor, such that the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field sensor is dependent on a relative angular position of the encoder arrangement with respect to the magnetic field sensor. The encoder arrangement is furthermore displaceable relative to the magnetic field sensor. The relative angular position and the relative translational position of the encoder arrangement with respect to the magnetic field sensor is determined from the at least two orthogonal magnetic field variables. The absolute rotation angle is determined by means of the relative angular position and the relative translational position. |
| US09719769B2 |
Bidirectional displacement detector
A bidirectional displacement detector according to the present invention includes: a displacement detector which includes a first detection element and a second detection element; a base at which the first detection element is provided; an arm which is coupled to the base so as to be rotatable around an arm rotation axis extending in a horizontal direction, and at which the second detection element is provided; and a probe which is coupled to the base so as to be rotatable around a probe rotation axis perpendicular to the arm rotation axis. The probe has a contact part provided at a position away from the probe rotation axis, and a pair of abutment parts which is disposed along a direction of the arm rotation axis and on both sides with the probe rotation axis interposed therebetween and comes into contact with the arm so as to be able to be separated from the arm. Each of the pair of abutment parts is in contact with the arm from the lower side thereof and is biased upward. |
| US09719768B2 |
Methods and apparatus for aligning vehicle components
Some embodiments are directed to an indicator assembly for indicating an orientation between a vehicle seat back and a seat bottom. The indicator assembly can include an outer plate assembly that is configured to be supported by the seat bottom, and a movable plate that is movably supported by the outer plate assembly. A biasing device can apply a biasing force to bias the movable plate toward the seat back when the outer plate assembly is supported by the seat bottom to thereby define a projecting portion of the movable plate. The biasing device can enable the movable plate to move upon application of a force to the projecting portion that is greater than the biasing force. An indicator can indicate a relative orientation between the seat back and the seat bottom based on the amount of movement of the movable plate. |
| US09719767B2 |
Device for inspecting a profiled workpiece
A device for inspecting a profiled work pieces has a toothing, the profile metrologically detectable by the probe element of a profile probe. The profile and the profile probe are moved relative to one another and at right angles or tangentially to the measuring plane of the profile probe. The device measures work pieces having different numbers of teeth, modules and widths, directly after processing, on site and quickly, for accuracy and deviations, without special profiles for the toothing. The probe element of the profile probe can be applied to the profile of the work piece, can be applied to the profile edge of the work piece that is moving away from the probe element by the probe radius of the probe element, and subsequently, by the lateral surface of the probe element facing the profile edge opposite thereof, is configured so the probe element can be displaced from the profile gap. |
| US09719765B2 |
Device and method for measuring an antler
A method for measuring an antler rack having a plurality of beams includes the steps of providing a flexible measuring tape that includes a front surface having graduated indicia printed thereon and a rear surface having an adhesive layer. A free end of the measuring tape is positioned at the tip of a selected beam of the antler rack and the tape extended to a terminal point/end of the tape. The measuring tape is severed at the terminal point so as to determine a length of the selected beam. Then, the severed portion is adhered to the selected beam to indicate that the selected beam has been measured. These steps are repeated until all beams have been measured and respective severed portions have been adhered to the antler rack. The adhered portions are then viewed and the highest numerical graduation indicates the score of the antler. |
| US09719760B2 |
Fin deployment mechanism and projectile with such a mechanism
The invention relates to a fin deployment mechanism (1) comprising a base unit (3), deployable fins (8) movably arranged on the base unit (3) and, in the retracted position, bearing against the base unit (3), as well as a gas-generating device, in which the fins in the retracted position are fixed to the base unit, and in which at least one gas duct (6, 7) is arranged in the base unit (3) so as to conduct pressurized gas generated by the gas-generating device to the bottom side of the fins (8), which in the retracted position bear against the base unit (3), in order to create a force which acts on the fins (8) for deployment of the same (8′). The invention further relates to an artillery projectile comprising a fin deployment mechanism. |
| US09719758B2 |
Visual disruption network and system, method, and computer program product thereof
Aspects of the disclosed subject matter involve an airborne-based network for implementing a laser-based visual disruption countermeasure scan pattern system, method, and computer program product. The scan pattern can be comprised of a plurality of lasers each with their own scan pattern and may be used to disrupt an optical system of a weapon or an individual. One vehicle in the network can transmit target information and/or scan information to one or more other vehicles or to a non-vehicle remote location in the network. |
| US09719752B1 |
Spears and spear guns incorporating the same
A spear for use with a spear gun includes a hollow shaft having a leading end and a trailing end opposite the leading end, a piston retained in the hollow shaft and configured to slide within the hollow shaft, and a check valve. The piston forms a seal with an inner surface of the hollow shaft and divides the hollow shaft into a pre-charge chamber toward the leading end and a firing charge chamber toward the trailing end. The check valve is in fluid communication with the pre-charge chamber and is configured to permit a pressurized gas pre-charge to enter the pre-charge chamber and restrict the gas pre-charge in the pre-charge chamber from exiting the pre-charge chamber. |
| US09719751B2 |
Projectile delivery system with variable velocity control
A variable velocity pneumatic launcher including at least one chamber filled with a projectile. The launcher includes a ballast chamber filled with pressurized air released to propel a projectile from the launcher's barrel. The launcher includes a firing chamber filled with ambient air and a ballast chamber filled with pressurized air. A piston rod extends between the chambers and attaches to a firing piston and a ballast piston inside the firing chamber and ballast chamber, respectively. The rod is connected to a velocity valve which controls the rod's longitudinal movement. When the trigger is activated, pressurized air from the ballast chamber is delivered to the firing chamber. Because the surface area of the firing piston is greater than the ballast piston's surface area, the force exerted on the firing piston is sufficient to displace the ballast piston and allow pressurize air to be released into the upper chamber containing the projectile. |
| US09719749B1 |
Projectile launcher
The projectile launcher includes a riser base, an elongate barrel assembly attached to the riser base, a crank mechanism attached to the back of the barrel assembly, a trigger assembly, and an internal bow assembly mounted to the riser base. The crank assembly includes a rotatable crank for selective reciprocation of a cocking carriage riding inside a rail system in the barrel assembly. The cocking carriage selectively engages a projectile nock carriage riding within the rail system to push the nock carriage into a cocked position. The internal bow assembly includes vertically spaced upper and lower resilient bow arms and a system of pulleys and cables interconnecting the bow arms and the nock carriage. Cocking to the nock carriage flexes the bow arms in preparation for placement and firing of a projectile. The working components of the projectile launcher are enclosed by a covering to protect the user. |
| US09719747B2 |
Pneumatic system and method for simulated firearm training
A training method and apparatus are disclosed. The training method may include converting a firearm capable of firing live ammunition to a pneumatic training device incapable of firing live ammunition. The training method may further include cycling a pneumatic training device through one or more cycles. Each of the cycles may simulate an actual firing of the firearm. Each of the cycles may also include triggering a trigger assembly of the pneumatic training device, using a charge of a pressurized gas to reset the trigger assembly, and advancing a counter of the pneumatic training device. After a certain number of cycles have been completed, a next cycle may be attempted, but not completed. Accordingly, the training method may enable a user to safely and realistically practice reloading, jam or malfunction clearing, or the like. |
| US09719746B1 |
Machine gun assembly and interlock element for use with a machine gun assembly
A machine gun assembly includes, but is not limited to, a receiver, a barrel extension, and an interlock element. The barrel extension is mounted to the receiver and moves between forward and retracted positions with respect to the receiver. The barrel extension is configured for quick-release engagement with a barrel. The interlock element is mounted to the receiver and moves between a blocking position and a clear position. The interlock element has a blocking portion positioned to obstruct movement of the barrel extension to the forward position while in the blocking position and the blocking portion is positioned to permit movement of the barrel extension to the forward position while in the clear position. The interlock element moves to the blocking position when the barrel disengages from the barrel extension and moves to the clear position when the barrel is correctly engaged with the barrel extension. |
| US09719745B2 |
Noise suppressor for firearm
Novel noise suppressors to attach to firearms designed to minimize weight, maintain strength, increase accuracy, and improve usability. Disclosed embodiments include a blast chamber designed to withstand greater internal pressures than other suppressor components; a first baffle and spacer formed as a single component and subsequent baffles and spacers formed from separate components; a first baffle comprising a substantially semi-hemispherical dome and subsequent baffles comprising a substantially conical shape; and exterior bi-directional flutes formed on the exterior surface of the suppressor. |
| US09719742B2 |
Empty ammunition magazine bolt hold open device
For use on a firearm having a removable ammunition magazine, a longitudinally reciprocating bolt, and a pivoting bolt catch member, the present invention provides an empty ammunition magazine bolt hold open mechanism having a longitudinally extending axel pivotally mounted to the firearm for rotation about a longitudinal axis. The axel has a forward lever arm that extends transversely from the axis and is positioned to be engaged by a magazine follower when the magazine is empty of ammunition. Displacement of the forward lever arm causes rotation of the axel. The axel has a rear portion configured to engage the bolt catch and cause pivotal movement of the bolt catch member when the axel is rotated. |
| US09719740B2 |
Minigun with improved feeder sprocket and shaft
An improved delinking feeder receives a belt of linked cartridges, separates cartridges from the belt, and feeds the separated cartridges to a minigun for firing. The delinking feeder includes a feeder sprocket with a plurality of slots extending outward to an open end at an outer edge of the feeder sprocket body. Each of the slots is disposed along a curve. The curve decelerates a cartridge disposed in the slot as the cartridge moves outwardly in the slot. A feeder shaft is adapted to hold the feeder sprocket and a stripper. The shaft includes a section having a plurality of exterior splines, and the feeder sprocket includes an axial hole having a plurality of interior splines configured to mate with the plurality of shaft exterior splines. The stripper sleeve includes an axial hole having a plurality of interior splines configured to mate with the plurality of shaft exterior splines. |
| US09719737B2 |
Heat exchanger and production method
A stub connection for a heat exchanger that is arranged in a housing and has a stack including plates and fins. The housing consists of housing parts which can be joined together, and at least one first stub for a first heat-exchanging medium being integrated directly into the housing. The stub connection also includes at least one second stub for a second heat-exchanging medium that extends to outside the housing. The at least one second stub is configured for the connection of a line and is integrated directly or indirectly into the housing. |
| US09719735B2 |
Heat exchanger
A heat exchanger, particularly for a motor vehicle, having a tube/fin bundle with tubes, through which a coolant can flow, and having at least one manifold into which the coolant, coming out of the tubes, can flow, whereby the at least one manifold has a manifold top part and a manifold bottom part, whereby outwardly extending protrusions, which form a passage geometry for receiving the tubes of the tube/fin bundle, are formed on the manifold top part and the manifold bottom part. |
| US09719731B1 |
Chained heat pipes for thermal control
The present disclosure provides a thermal control apparatus for controlling temperatures in a payload of a balloon. The thermal control apparatus includes a plurality of heat pipes. A first heat pipe from the plurality of heat pipes has a first end and a second end and contains working fluid. A heat source is in thermal communication with the first heat pipe. The heat source is configured to heat the working fluid in the first heat pipe. A second heat pipe from the plurality of heat pipes contains working fluid and a portion of the second heat pipe is positioned a predetermined distance from the first heat pipe. The predetermined distance allows for a heat exchange from the first heat pipe to the second heat pipe. This heat exchange includes heat drawn away from the heat source. |
| US09719727B2 |
Fluid recirculation system for use in vapor phase particle production system
A method of and system for recirculating a fluid in a particle production system. A reactor produces a reactive particle-gas mixture. A quench chamber mixes a conditioning fluid with the reactive particle-gas mixture, producing a cooled particle-gas mixture that comprises a plurality of precursor material particles and an output fluid. A filter element filters the output fluid, producing a filtered output. A temperature control module controls the temperature of the filtered output, producing a temperature-controlled, filtered output. A content ratio control module modulates the content of the temperature-controlled, filtered output, thereby producing a content-controlled, temperature-controlled, filtered output. A channeling element supplies the content-controlled, temperature-controlled, filtered output to the quench chamber, wherein the content-controlled, filtered output is provided to the quench chamber as the conditioning fluid to be used in cooling the reactive particle-gas mixture. |
| US09719725B2 |
Heat treatment roller hearth furnace drive system
A drive system for a roller conveyor is described. The drive system may comprise a motor and a driving loop driven by the motor and having a driving side and a return side. The drive system may further comprise a first reducer configured to drive a rotation of the driving loop in a forward direction, a second reducer configured to drive the rotation of the driving loop in a reverse direction, and at least one sprocket driven by the driving side of the driving loop. The at least one sprocket may be configured to drive a rotation of at least one roller of the roller conveyor in the forward direction when the driving loop is rotating in the forward direction, and in the reverse direction when the driving loop is rotating in the reverse direction. |
| US09719724B2 |
Method and device for detecting straightness deviations and/or deformations in a rotary kiln
A method for detecting straightness deviations and/deformations in a rotary kiln (1), the rotary drum (4) of which includes bearing rings (6) spaced apart from one another in the axial direction and respectively supported on rollers (7), involves scanning the outer surface area (5) of the rotary drum (4), the bearing rings (6), the rollers (7) and/or the shafts (17) of the rollers (7) in a contactless fashion with the aid of at least one scanning device (12) such that three-dimensional position data regarding the scanned objects is obtained, and evaluating the three-dimensional position data with respect to the occurrence of a deviation of the rotary kiln axis (3) from a straight line, a deviation of the rotary drum (4) from a cylindrical shape and/or a deviation of the rotational axes (8) of the rollers from a line extending parallel to the rotary kiln axis (3). A device for detecting straightness deviations and/or deformations in a rotary kiln (1) is also provided. |
| US09719709B2 |
Air-conditioning apparatus with thermo-off postponement control
It is determined whether thermo-off postponement control is allowed or not on the basis of a current compressor operating frequency when a thermo-off condition is satisfied. If it is determined that thermo-off postponement control is allowed, the thermo-off postponement control in which a lowest operating frequency in an operating frequency range of a compressor is temporarily reduced within a range greater than or equal to a minimum operating frequency of the compressor in use so as to continue an operation. If it is determined that thermo-off postponement control is not allowed, thermo-off of stopping the compressor is performed. |
| US09719701B2 |
Thermoelectric heat pump
In certain embodiments, a thermoelectric heat pump includes a heat transfer region having an array of thermoelectric modules, a waste channel in substantial thermal communication with a high temperature portion of the heat transfer region, and a main channel in substantial thermal communication with a low temperature portion of the heat transfer region. An enclosure wall provides a barrier between fluid in the waste channel and fluid in the main channel throughout the interior of the thermoelectric heat pump. In some embodiments, the waste fluid channel and the main fluid channel are positioned and shaped such that differences in temperature between fluids disposed near opposite sides of the enclosure wall are substantially decreased or minimized at corresponding positions along the channels. |
| US09719698B2 |
Subsea cooling apparatus, and a separately retrievable submersible pump module for a submerged heat exchanger
The present invention concerns a cooling apparatus for subsea applications with a shell and tube heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a longitudinal shell. The shell forms a cavity with a fluid inlet port and fluid outlet port. A bundle of tubes extends from an inlet plenum chamber with an inlet port and into the shell on the same side of the shell as a bundle of tubes extending from an outlet plenum chamber with an outlet port. At least one tube sheet seals against the shell cavity and the inlet and outlet plenum chambers. The bundle of tubes extending from the inlet plenum chamber is in fluid connection with the bundle of tubes extending from the outlet plenum chamber. A retrievable pump module with a sealed pump module housing is placed adjacent the heat exchanger and includes a motor driving an ambient sea water pump. |
| US09719693B2 |
Dehumidifier
The invention discloses a dehumidifier, including a chassis, a mainframe, a water receiving tank and a water tank, wherein the mainframe and the water tank are arranged on the chassis, and the water tank is detachably connected with the mainframe; the water receiving tank is arranged on the mainframe, and the drainage nozzle of the water receiving tank is over against the water receiving opening of the water tank. The dehumidifier further includes a water receiving container and a sliding bracket, wherein the water receiving container is arranged on the sliding bracket, the sliding bracket is in slide connection with the mainframe, and an elastic element is arranged between the sliding bracket and the mainframe. The problem that after the water tank is pulled out, the residual water flow drops onto the chassis through the drainage nozzle, is solved, thus the growth of bacteria on the chassis can be avoided. |
| US09719691B2 |
Air-conditioning apparatus
When indoor units are performing a cooling operation, an air-conditioning apparatus controls four flow passage switching valves, for example a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, a third solenoid valve, and a fourth solenoid valve, so that a number of intermediate heat exchangers operating as evaporators is greater than in a cooling main operation. During the cooling main operation, a target value for suction pressure or evaporating temperature at a compressor is set equal to or lower than that in a case in which the indoor units are performing the cooling operation, and a frequency of the compressor and a capacity of a heat-source-side heat exchanger are controlled. |
| US09719690B2 |
Zone based heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) control using extensive temperature monitoring
System and methods for controlling an air conditioning (AC) system includes defining one or more zones to achieve control actions based on local conditions to create a localized dynamic system for localized control, wherein zones are defined by considering hot and cool areas of the room or location of heat generating equipment, wherein the zone definition changes dynamically based on time of day or based on occupancy, or wherein zones are defined in a customizable manner based on sensitivity analysis considering energy savings and comfort tradeoff or considering equipment with predetermined temperature restrictions; monitoring through sensor placement at predetermined locations in the room based on importance of the equipment, heat generation zones and proximity to the AC; determining appropriate temperature setpoints based on existing operating conditions; and applying temperature information at the predetermined locations to generate rules for the actuation of AC systems. |
| US09719688B2 |
PCM modules/packs/PCM arrangements
A transportable PCM (phase change material) module comprises a number of PCM packs; a housing for thermally insulting said number of PCM packs from a module's surrounding medium; spaces separating said packs and forming one or more channels for the flow of a fluid; said housing incorporating a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; whereby, in use, fluid flows through said channels from said inlet to said outlet. A PCM (phase change material) pack comprises a laminate of a first conducting panel and a second conducting panel enclosing a portion formed primarily of PCM; wherein said portion of PCM incorporates thermal conductors. |
| US09719687B2 |
Multi-temperature output fluid heating system
A multi-temperature output fluid heating system including an input for receiving a fluid supply, a single heating source, a first output, a second output and a bypass path. The first output is fluidly connected to the input, where the first output is adapted for control by a first control device and to receive heat from the single heating source to achieve a first temperature at the first output. The bypass path fluidly connects the input and the second output. The input is adapted to empty a first portion of the fluid supply into the first output and a second portion of the input into the bypass path. The second output is adapted to receive an output from the first output and an output from the bypass path to achieve a second temperature. |
| US09719685B2 |
System and method for flame stabilization
A system and method for flame stabilization is provided that forestalls incipient lean blow out by improving flame stabilization. A combustor profile is selected that maintains desired levels of power output while minimizing or eliminating overboard air bleed and minimizing emissions. The selected combustor profile maintains average shaft power in a range of from approximately 50% up to full power while eliminating overboard air bleed in maintaining such power settings. Embodiments allow for a combustor to operate with acceptable emissions at lower flame temperature. Because the combustor can operate at lower bulk flame temperatures during part power operation, the usage of inefficient overboard bleed can be reduced or even eliminated. |
| US09719683B2 |
Modulated power burner system and method
A power burner system for use with a heating appliance includes a burner tube, a gas valve for providing gas to the burner tube, and a variable speed combustion air blower for mixing air with the gas provided to the burner tube. The burner system further includes a control in communication with the gas valve and the combustion air blower. The control may also be in communication with various other devices of an appliance, such as a variable speed air-circulating fan, a variable speed exhaust fan, or various sensors associated with the heating appliance. The control modulates the gas valve and the combustion air blower to maintain substantially stoichiometric conditions of the gas and air provided to the burner tube and as a function of signals from at least one of the devices. In one embodiment, the burner system may be used in a conveyor oven. |
| US09719679B2 |
Waste incineration method
A basket for incinerating waste inside an incinerator for a duration longer than fifteen minutes with no need for waste to be molten earlier, particularly when waste is introduced inside the incinerator. The basket includes mainly of a glass fiber envelope: it is preferably stiffened by a lightweight metal structure located inside or outside the envelope or built into it. A gripping handle is installed on top of the assembly that is stiffened at the top by a metal tube to which a lightweight metal structure is fixed and by a base formed from a drip pan fixed to the base of the lightweight metal structure. |
| US09719676B2 |
Draining a power plant
A power plant, particularly a coupled gas and steam power plant, including a plurality of first drainage lines that are fluidically connected on the upstream side to a water-steam circuit and are fluidically connected on the downstream side to an overpressure vessel, is provided. Additionally, at least one steam-conducting supply line, via which steam can be fed back to the water-steam circuit, is fluidically connected to the overpressure vessel. A method for operating such a power plant, wherein the at least one steam-conducting supply line can supply steam to the water-steam circuit in the region of a low-pressure stage, particularly in the region of the steam drum of the low-pressure stage is also provided. |
| US09719670B1 |
Fan cooled LED light and housing
A light emitting diode (LED) system that includes a LED, a heat sink, a fan housing, a fan, and a cover is disclosed. The heat sink is typically coupled to the LED, and the fan housing is typically coupled to the heat sink opposite the LED. The fan housing is sized to fit within an electrical junction box and includes a fan housing aperture that extends through the fan housing. A cover may be coupled to the fan housing opposite the heat sink. The system may include at least one air intake opening and at least one air exhaust opening. When activated, the fan may external air into the fan housing through the air intake opening and direct the air toward the heat sink and ultimately through the air exhaust opening. In so doing, the temperature of the heat sink and the LED is reduced. |
| US09719668B2 |
Animation and GOBO forming means for illumination device
The present invention relates light forming means for modifying a light beam. The light forming means comprises a number of annular gobo segments arranged partially around the center of the light forming means and each of the annular gobo segments has an angular extent allowing the light beam to be enclosed by the annular gobo segment. The light forming means comprises also an annular animation segment forming an annular segment of the light forming means, wherein the angular extent of the animation segment is at least twice as big as the annular extent of at least one of the annular gobo segments. The present invention relates also to a light effect system and illumination device comprising such light forming means. |
| US09719666B2 |
Luminous element holder, connection piece and system including a luminous element holder and a connection piece
A luminous element holder for fastening to at least one body, includes a slot-like interior chamber, wherein, by means of at least one web protruding laterally into the interior chamber, the interior chamber is divided into a slot-like insertion chamber for receiving the at least one body and a receiving chamber, openly adjoining the insertion chamber, for at least one luminous element. |
| US09719663B2 |
Illuminating device and projector
An illuminating device may include a light source, an optical unit configured to adjust direction of light from the light source, a reflector, a light pipe, and an exciter. The light pipe may receive light having a first wavelength from the optical unit and direct the light having the first wavelength onto the exciter. The exciter may convert the light having the first wavelength into light having the second wavelength and reflects the light having the second wavelength to the reflector. A circumferential wall of the light pipe is configured to reflect the light having the first wavelength and to transmit the light having the second wavelength. |
| US09719662B1 |
Thin-form lens for volume lighting applications
A lighting apparatus includes a light source located on a centerline, a light redirecting lens positioned to receive light from the light source, and an outer reflector that receives light redirected by the redirecting lens. The redirecting lens includes an inner reflecting portion that includes a total internal reflection (TIR) surface that reflects light outward to an outer refracting portion. The outer refracting portion of the redirecting lens refracts the light outward and away from the position of the light source. The outer reflector receives the refracted light and reflects the inward toward the centerline and farther away from the light source. The lighting apparatus further includes a diffuser that diffuses the light from the outer reflector. The lighting apparatus may be configured longitudinally or may be configured to be rotationally symmetrical with respect to the centerline. |
| US09719659B2 |
Lamp
A lamp includes a base, a light emitting module mounted to the base, a lens member and a decorating unit. The lens member has a light input surface, a light output surface disposed in front of and spaced apart from the light input surface along an axis, and a through hole extending through the light input surface and the light output surface. Light emitted from the light emitting module enters the lens member through the light input surface and exits the lens member through the light output surface. The decorating unit is detachable and is optically disposed for decorating the lamp or for changing at least one of a wavelength, an output angle, a light field and so forth of the light passing through the lens member. |
| US09719658B2 |
LED flashlight
A lighting device with improved optical performance and efficiency is provided. The lighting device includes a source of energy, a light source, a reflector and a holder. The reflector has a first open end, a second end, and a parabolic profile extending between the first open end and second end. The focus of the parabolic profile is located outside of the profile. The reflector may also be movable relative to the light source. The lighting device may include a circuit that delivers a pulsed or thermally compensated pulsed current to the light source. The light device may also include a heat sink housing. |
| US09719656B2 |
Aspheric lens and emission device
An aspheric lens is rotating symmetrically with a central optical axis, the aspheric lens includes a first optical surface and a second optical surface opposite to the first optical surface, the second optical surface includes a first portion, the first portion is formed in a rotation symmetrical formed with the central optical axis and is flat. |
| US09719655B2 |
Optical device with micro sized facets, lens, lighting device, system and method having the same
An optical device comprising a first surface with a plurality of micro sized facets, each facet having a respective orientation. Said plurality of facets having an optical axis which extends parallel to the normal vector to an average orientation of all said respective orientations. The plurality of facets comprising at least a first and a second group of facets, each group is formed by a respective number of at least twenty-five compactly arranged neighboring facets. Each group is arranged to generate during operation a respective, mutually identical whole pattern. Each facet in a respective group is arranged to display a sub-pattern of said respective whole pattern. The whole patterns are mutually superpositioned. |
| US09719650B2 |
Vehicle lamp
A vehicle lamp includes a shade movable between a light blocking position and a light blocking release position. A light emitting surface of a light emitting element faces one side in a lateral direction and an upper end edge of the light emitting surface extends in a front-rear direction. A reflective surface of a reflector includes a first reflective area and a second reflective area. A low-beam light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line and an oblique cut-off line is formed by a reflected light beam from the first reflective area when the shade is at the light blocking position, and a high-beam light distribution pattern is formed by the reflected light beams from the first reflective area and the second reflective area when the shade is at the light blocking release position. |
| US09719646B2 |
Headlamp for vehicles
A headlamp for vehicles having a projection module containing a first light source for generating a first light bundle, a reflector assigned to the first light source, a lens, and an edge disposed in a focal plane for generating a low beam light distribution. The headlamp also includes a second light source for generating a second light bundle and an optics unit disposed between the lens and the second light source for generating a supplementary light distribution, such that by superimposing the supplementary light distribution and the low beam light distribution, a high beam light distribution is formed. The optics unit is formed by a flat waveguide having a light entry surface for receiving the second light bundle emitted from the second light source. The second light source is disposed in the proximity of the light entry surface, having a light exit surface, and flat sides extending between the light entry surface and the light exit surface, on which entering light can be conducted through total reflection. A light/dark border of the low beam light distribution is formed by the edge of the flat waveguide formed as the front outer edge, which connects the light exit surface and an upper flat side of the waveguide. The upper flat side of the flat waveguide is provided with a light blocking coating, such that an entry of light beams from the first light bundle striking the upper flat side is prevented. |
| US09719635B2 |
Bulb-type lamp structure
A bulb-type lamp structure contains: a heat dissipation body, an electronic board, a base, and a peripheral sleeve. The heat dissipation body includes a driver fixed therein, and the electronic board includes plural illumining elements arranged thereon. A first end of the heat dissipation body is connected with the base, and a second end of the heat dissipation body is coupled with the peripheral sleeve. The electronic board is electronically connected with the driver, and the driver is electronically coupled with the base, wherein the peripheral sleeve is a colorful cover. |
| US09719625B2 |
Pig handling device
A pig handling device has a housing, a cavity found in the housing in which a pig can be received, a connection by means of which the cavity is connectable to a processing system, the connection suitable for allowing the pig to pass through, and a handling element that is arranged in the cavity, influences the mobility of the pig in the cavity, and has a base element and a functional element. The base element has a first surface, and the functional element is connected to the base element in the cavity and has a second surface. The arrangement improves cleanability in that the handling element has a concavely curved transition surface arranged between the first surface and the second surface and having a core curvature region, and in that the base element and the functional element are bonded to one another outside of the core curvature region. |
| US09719619B2 |
Method and apparatus for clamping flanges and other connections
A clamp assembly for temporarily applying compressive force to a flange connection assembly, such as a bolted pipe flange. Frame members are pivotally attached to interconnecting linkage members to form an elongate assembly having joinable ends. When installed around the circumference of a flange connection assembly, interchangeable cuff members removably attached to the frame members apply compressive forces to a flange connection assembly in order to facilitate a fluid-pressure seal. |
| US09719618B2 |
Pipe joint
An annular sealing material seals a pipe joint between a socket and a spigot. The sealing material includes a bulb part which is composed of a first bulb, a second bulb located closer to the inner side of the socket than the first bulb, and a narrow part present between the first and second bulbs. The first bulb is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the socket. The second bulb is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the spigot. The second bulb is inclined towards the pipe center from the first bulb in a natural state before it is provided between the socket and the spigot. The inner diameter of the second bulb is smaller than the outer diameter of the spigot in the natural state. The second bulb is extensible in the pipe diameter direction due to elastic deformation of the narrow part. |
| US09719615B2 |
High strength steel pipe for line pipe superior in low temperature toughness and high strength steel plate for line pipe and methods of production of the same
The present invention provides high strength steel pipe for line pipe superior in low temperature toughness suppressed in drop of toughness of the HAZ and a method of production of the same, more particularly high strength steel plate for line pipe used as a material for high strength steel pipe for line pipe and a method of production of the same, in particular high strength steel pipe for line pipe superior in low temperature toughness characterized in that the chemical compositions of the base metal is, by mass %, C: 0.020 to 0.080%, Si: 0.01 to 0.50%, Mo: 0.01 to 0.15%, Al: 0.0005 to 0.030%, and Nb: 0.0001 to 0.030% contained in a range of C+0.25Si+0.1Mo+Al+Nb: 0.100% or less and the mixture of austenite and martensite present along prior austenite grain boundaries of the reheated part of the heat affected zone has a width of 10 μm or less and a length of 50 μm or less. |
| US09719614B2 |
Cable contact weather protection device
The invention relates to a cable contact weather protection device for receiving cable contact points, in particular of fiber optic cable contact points, with at least one cable pass-through sealing unit comprising at least two separate sealing modules, which are exchangeable independently from each other and each of which is provided to at least sectionally completely encompass, in at least one usage state, at least one elongate body in a circumferential direction. |
| US09719608B2 |
Actuator for valves in internal combustion engines
An actuator for a valve in an internal combustion engine includes an actuator housing, an electromagnet arranged in the actuator housing, the electromagnet comprising a yoke plate arranged at an axial end of the actuator housing, at least one clamping plate, and a sealing ring arranged at an axial side of the yoke plate facing the electromagnet. The sealing ring is pressed axially towards the yoke plate via the at least one clamping plate. |
| US09719604B2 |
Check valve for a fluid flow regulation system
Embodiments include a flow regulating device. The flow regulating device may include a check valve. The check valve can have a first flange, a second flange and a ball seated against a seat defined by the first flange. The check valve is in a closed position when the ball is seated against the first flange. One or more stoppers may be positioned at a distance from the first flange. A fluid may flow through a first orifice and a second orifice defined in the first and second flanges respectively, when the first check valve is in an open position. The fluid lifts the ball from the first orifice, and pushes the ball towards the second orifice. The stoppers abut the ball when the first check valve is in a fully open position. |
| US09719601B2 |
Canted, single vane, three-way butterfly valve
A canted, single vane three-way butterfly valve having a T-shaped housing having an inlet and one outlet port, a third port straddling said inlet and outlet ports, a single vane interspaced between the inlet and outlet ports supported by a central shaft, capable to selectively blocking fluid flow emanating from either inlet or outlet ports from entering said third port when the plenary axis of said vane is tilted forty five degrees from the central axis of either inlet or outlet ports. |
| US09719599B2 |
Fluid control device
As passages forming a main gas passage, each of the passage blocks 3 has a first inverted-V passage, a first outlet passage communicating between the apex of the first inverted-V passage and an outlet of a first on-off valve. As passages forming a vent gas passage, each of the passage blocks 3 has a second inverted-V passage and a second outlet passage communicating between the apex of the second inverted-V passage and an outlet of a second on-off valve. As passages forming a first sub-gas inflow passage, each of the passage blocks has a first inlet passage leading to an inlet of the first on-off valve and a common inlet passage. As passages forming a second sub-gas inflow passage, each of the passage blocks has a second inlet passage leading to an inlet of the second on-off valve and a communication path continued to the common inlet passage. |
| US09719596B2 |
Piston ring for internal combustion engines with increased fatigue strength, and method for producing same
A piston ring (2) having increased fatigue resistance includes a plastically deformable material. The piston ring (2) has a running face (4), which is delimited at the top by an upper running face edge (3) and at the bottom by a lower running face edge (1). Compressive stresses are introduced into the upper running face edge (3) and/or into the lower running face edge (1) along at least one part of the circumference, the compressive stresses having been produced by roller burnishing. |
| US09719594B2 |
Method and device for supporting a driver of a motor vehicle
A method for supporting a driver of a motor vehicle in which a quantity of permissible end positions of an in particular manual gear shift of the motor vehicle is determined and a manual gear shift actuation is detected. A target position of the manual gear shift actuation is determined, and a warning is output when the target position does not belong to the quantity of the permissible end positions. A gear shift actuation and gear shift movement of manual gear shift of the motor vehicle may also be determined. The gear shift movement path may include a starting position, an end position and a movement from the starting position into the end position, as a function of the gear shift actuation. The gear shift movement path is displayed in a graphic of a gear shift of the motor vehicle. |
| US09719591B2 |
Continuously variable transmission cooling fan
A continuously variable transmission cooling fan includes a moveable sheave cover attached to a drive clutch assembly of a continuously variable transmission, with a plurality of fan blades molded into the moveable sheave cover and arranged around the perimeter of the moveable sheave cover. Each fan blade may have a different length, curvature and angle of position than the adjacent fan blades. The continuously variable transmission cooling fan also may include a plurality of openings in the moveable sheave cover located radially inwardly from the fan blades. |
| US09719585B2 |
Axle assembly with torque distribution drive mechanism
An axle assembly with a differential assembly, a housing and a transmission. The transmission has a first and second planetary gearsets that have associated (i.e., first and second) ring gears, planet carriers and sun gears. The first planet carrier is coupled to a differential carrier of the differential assembly for common rotation. The second ring gear is non-rotatably coupled to the housing. The second planet carrier is coupled to the second differential output for common rotation. The second sun gear is coupled to the first sun gear for common rotation. |
| US09719582B2 |
Conical friction ring transmission
In a conical friction ring transmission, the safety device may have a normal state, in which electrical energy is applied to the safety device, and a failure state, in which the safety device is free of electrical energy, or a bi-stable safety actuator with a normal position and a failure position, and may change the effect parameter of a mechanical articulating element for adjusting a friction ring. An especially compact design of the conical friction ring transmission is thus achieved. |
| US09719581B2 |
Variator stator functional and manufacturing improvements
A continuously variable planetary (CVP) transmission, comprising a movable stator radially disposed about an axis, the movable stator having at least a first slot. The CVP transmission having a clip removably coupled to the first slot where the clip defining a channel and a planet spindle defining a first end where the first end is disposed within the channel of the clip. |
| US09719579B2 |
Speed change device
A speed change device that includes a first clutch that includes a first piston, a first engagement oil chamber, and a first clutch drum that has a first outer tubular portion which extends in an axial direction and with which an outer peripheral portion of a first friction engagement plate is fitted, and a second clutch that includes a second piston, a second engagement oil chamber, and a second clutch drum that has a second inner tubular portion that extends in the axial direction and that slidably supports an inner peripheral portion of the second piston. |
| US09719572B2 |
Hydraulic damper
A hydraulic damper (2) includes a first piston body member (233), a second piston body member (234), a third piston body member (235), and a compression stroke disc assembly (231) compressed at a radially inner side thereof between the first (233) and said second (234) piston body members. The hydraulic damper includes a rebound stroke disc assembly (232) compressed at the radially inner side thereof between the second (234) and third (235) piston body members, and the compression stroke disc assembly (231) additionally includes an annular supporting member (2319) positioning discs (2311-2318) of the compression stroke disc assembly (231) at radially inner side thereof, while a radially inner axial passage (23191) is defined at the radially inner side of the supporting member (2319). |
| US09719566B2 |
One-way clutch
A one-way clutch includes a first rotational member, a second rotational member, and a first rotational body. The second rotational member has plural first through holes in which bolts are inserted. A dimension of the first through hole in a circumferential direction is larger than a dimension of the first through hole in a radial direction. A first region and a second region are obtained by dividing the first through hole into two regions in the circumferential direction. The first region is located ahead of the second region in a rotatable direction of the second rotational member. The bolts are inserted such that the each of the bolts is located in the first region of the first through hole, and the second rotational member and the first rotational body are fastened by the bolts. |
| US09719565B2 |
Shift device with synchronizer
A shift device includes an output shaft, a hub, a speed gear, a sleeve, a synchronizer ring, lever members, and a spring. The lever members have torque receiving portions contactable with projections of the synchronizer ring to receive friction torque from the projections. Contact positions of the torque receiving portions and the projections in a synchronization operation are set at a hub side of the lever members and an axial-directional distance between points of support and the contact positions is less than a thickness of the lever member. |
| US09719563B2 |
Axle assembly having a tapered spline arrangement
An axle assembly having a tapered spline arrangement. The axle assembly may include a first shaft that may have a first spline and a clutch collar that may have a clutch collar spline that may be disposed in a hole that may receive the first shaft. The first spline and the second spline may be tapered in opposite directions. |
| US09719560B2 |
Rotary joint
A rotary joint which, in order to limit the mutual rotation of the outer bearing ring (2) with respect to the inner bearing ring (2), is provided with a raceway (11), which is limited by one or two stops (14) and in which a projection connected to the outer bearing ring engages. In order to ensure that a rotation greater than 360° is possible, the raceway is of helical design. |
| US09719559B1 |
Preloaded bearing assembly
A rolling bearing assembly including a nut for providing a preload is disclosed. A first plurality of rolling elements is supported between an inner bearing ring and an outer bearing ring. A first one of the inner bearing ring or the outer bearing ring includes an extension in an axial direction including a first engagement surface, and a second one of the inner bearing ring or the outer bearing ring includes a first axial end face defining a first axial bearing surface. A nut includes a second engagement surface configured to matingly engage with the first engagement surface, and a second axial end face of the nut defines a second axial bearing surface. The first axial bearing surface and the second axial bearing surface form an axial bearing. |
| US09719553B2 |
Rotation drive device
A rotation drive device includes a crankshaft which has two ends dynamically connected to a drive source and a driven device, respectively. The drive source drives the crankshaft to rotate the driven device. The crankshaft structurally changes to make the two ends of the shaft portion connected to the rotation drive portion and the driven portion, respectively, at different central angles, which divides the space into two subspaces which are located two sides of the shaft portion, so that the wire can be arranged in the subspaces at both sides of the shaft portion, thus enhancing the flexibility of wire distribution while improving rotation range of motion. |
| US09719551B2 |
Injection-molded roofing membrane plate
An injection-molded plastic roofing membrane plate includes a body and multiple cleats. The cleats extend from a bottom surface of the body. Each of the cleats has a rounded terminal end with a rounded terminal surface. The rounded terminal surfaces make surface-to-surface abutment with an underlying membrane in installation. The rounded terminal surfaces reduce wear on the underlying membrane that may otherwise occur. |
| US09719547B2 |
Anti-rotation rivetless nut plate
A method and apparatus for fastening structures. A first end of a body is placed into a hole on a first side of the structures. The body has an outer surface with a noncircular cross-section. A nut element is positioned on a flange at a second end of the body. A bolt is moved into a channel at the first end of the body towards the nut element on the flange on the second end of the body on the first side the structures. The bolt and the nut element are fastened to each other. |
| US09719541B2 |
Rotatable connector assembly
This invention relates to a rotatable connector assembly, also referred to as a two-part connector assembly that allows connection of one object or member bearing one part of the assembly to another object or member bearing the other part of the assembly, and further allows rotation of the members with respect to each other in a plane parallel to the plane of the assembled connector, assures that the two connector members remain attached under load and shear forces, and permits ready detachment of the connector members from each other. |
| US09719535B1 |
Varnish mitigation process
A method of flushing a hydraulic system including a fluid circuit and an in-service fluid flowing therein includes fluidly coupling a kidney loop to the fluid circuit such that at least a portion of the in-service fluid may flow therethrough, the kidney loop including a depth media filter and a micro-glass filter arranged in a parallel flow pattern and introducing a solvent cleaner into the in-service fluid at a concentration level between approximately 2.5% and approximately 6%, the solvent cleaner including at least one hydrocarbon group V fluid. The method further includes maintaining a temperature of the in-service fluid between approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit and approximately 155 degrees Fahrenheit and controlling the flow of the in-service fluid at a flow rate between approximately 3 gallons per minute and approximately 6.8 gallons per minute. |
| US09719534B2 |
Pneumatic insect robots
A modular pneumatic robotic actuator, including a first elongated hollow structure and a second elongated hollow structure connected to each other at a moveable joint; an inflatable bladder comprised of an elastomeric material disposed at the joint and immobilized between the first and second hollow structures, wherein the inflatable bladder inflates preferentially away from the joint; and a restraining membrane comprised of an elastomeric material disposed over the bladder and connecting the first and second hollow structures, wherein the restraining membrane is relaxed when the bladder is deflated. |
| US09719533B1 |
Vehicle hood lifter with detachable piston rod
A gas-powered actuator is provided. The actuator includes a housing and a piston movably positioned within the housing. A cavity is formed in the piston. The housing includes an opening formed therein. The opening is structured to permit insertion of a piston rod into the opening, then into the piston cavity. |
| US09719530B2 |
Electrohydraulic control circuit
An electrohydraulic control circuit for driving a hydraulically actuated actuating element (5, 6), by means of which a segment (5.3) of a manipulator, in particular of a large manipulator for truck-mounted concrete pumps, can be adjusted in terms of its orientation, wherein there are provided an electrically driven first valve (2.4), which is connected to hydraulic working lines of the actuating element (5.6) for the drive thereof, and leak-free check valves (2.5, 2.6) provided in the working lines of the actuating element (5.6), which valves are arranged on the actuating element (5.6) or on the segment (5.3) associated with this actuating element (5.6) and can be released for the normal operation of the actuating element (5.6), wherein the release of the check valves (2.5, 2.6) is driven by an electronic control unit (ECU) separate from the first valve (2.4) and the check valves (2.5, 2.6). |
| US09719528B2 |
Bubble lift system and bubble lift method
In a bubble lift system, a pressurized chamber at an upper end portion of a riser pipe applies a pressure to an upper portion inside the riser pipe to suppress an increase in the volume ratio of bubbles to a fluid mixture rising inside the riser pipe in a shallow water region. The upper end of the riser pipe is not opened to the atmosphere but is inserted into the pressurized chamber under a high pressure to thereby prevent expansion of the bubbles and gas. In addition, a deaerator for discharging bubbles separated by a centrifugal force is also provided in a middle portion of the riser pipe in a shallow water region to distribute the bubbles more evenly inside the whole riser pipe. The bubble lift system and a bubble lift method thus provided are efficient and employable even in a deep water region. |
| US09719527B2 |
Shred and shear pump
The present invention is a pump used for applications where a solid is present in wastewater and other liquids that requires cutting and reduction in size so as to pass the solid through the inlet to the outlet of the pump. The pump has a pump casing with an inlet and an outlet formed therein. A drive unit rotates a drive shaft extending axially through the pump casing to an impeller and a cutter bar. The pump is further configured with a radial cutter ring assembly positioned adjacent the cutter bar and the inlet providing a shredding cutting action of solids between the rotating cutter bar sliding past a radial cutter ring assembly held stationary, e.g. cutting blades formed in an edge of the cutter bar rotate across an internal surface of the radial cutter ring assembly. The pump also has an axial cutter ring assembly with one or more blades forming openings adapted for the passage of solids from the inlet to the outlet to provide a shearing cutting action of solids by a rotation of an upper surface of the cutter bar sliding past an axial cutting surface of the blades of the axial cutter ring assembly. The shred and shear pump may be configured with a plurality of slots on the internal surface of the radial cutter ring assembly to hold woven fibrous material for the shredding cutting action. The pump also features improved optimized flow, cutting and reducing solids in the form of woven fibrous materials, and adjustability of the cutter housing for precision and wear adjustment. |
| US09719526B2 |
Vertical cooler with liquid removal and mist eliminator
A vertical gas cooler suitable for use as an intercooler in a multi-stage compressor includes an inlet at its upper portion, a tube bundle, a centrally disposed mist eliminator assembly and a side-draw outlet. Optionally provided is a drain pipe from the mist eliminator assembly to a sump located below the side-draw outlet. |
| US09719522B2 |
Water pump
A water pump that minimizes defects in which cooling water flows externally is provided. The water pump is provided with a rotating shaft supported by a body via a bearing, an impeller that is disposed at one end of the rotating shaft, and a seal member that is disposed between the impeller and the bearing. A drain passage that sandwiches the seal member and communicates with a space formed on the opposite side of the impeller is formed in the body, and a reservoir is formed downstream from the drain passage. At an upper position of a wall portion that forms the reservoir, a drain hole is formed, and a water-absorbing planar member is positioned in the reservoir. |
| US09719514B2 |
Compressor
A positive displacement rotary compressor is designed for near isothermal compression, high pressure ratios, high revolutions per minute, high efficiency, mixed gas/liquid compression, a low temperature increase, a low outlet temperature, and/or a high outlet pressure. Liquid injectors provide cooling liquid that cools the working fluid and improves the efficiency of the compressor. A gate moves within the compression chamber to either make contact with or be proximate to the rotor as it turns. |
| US09719513B2 |
Vacuum pump
A pump includes a pump chamber in which a rotor with gates is supported so that it can rotate, an electric motor for driving the rotor, an outlet, and an inlet port that is fastened to a mounting plate and is in active connection with an inlet channel. The pump should be improved so that its service life and reliability are improved with minimal installation complexity in a vehicle, wherein intense cleaning of lines and devices connected on the suction side can be eliminated. This is achieved in that a filter is arranged in the area of the inlet channel between the mounting plate and the pump chamber. |
| US09719511B2 |
Scroll compressor in which a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll are placed between a partition plate and a main bearing
A scroll compressor of the present invention includes a partition plate, a fixed scroll, an orbiting scroll, a rotation-restraining member, a main bearing, a discharge space, a ring-shaped first seal member and a ring-shaped second seal member. A pressure in the medium pressure space is set lower than that in the discharge space and higher than that in the low pressure space. The first seal member and the second seal member are sandwiched by the partition plate by means of a closing member, the fixed scroll can move in an axial direction of the fixed scroll between the partition plate and the main bearing. If a high pressure is applied to the discharge space, the fixed scroll can be pressed against the orbiting scroll. |
| US09719510B2 |
Scroll fluid machine including pins and guide rings
A scroll expander includes: a driving scroll body having a first axis line as a rotary shaft line; a driven scroll body having, as a rotary shaft, a second axis line shifted with respect to the first axis line; a bearing plate having the second axis line as a rotary shaft; a cylindrical driving pin attached to the driving scroll body; and a cylindrical guide ring attached to the bearing plate and having an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the driving pin. Four driving pins are disposed on the circumference of a circle around the first axis line at an equal interval. Four guide rings are disposed on the circumference of a circle around the second axis line at the equal interval so as to correspond to the four driving pins. |
| US09719509B2 |
Motor driven compressor and manufacturing method thereof
To provide a motor-driven compressor which suppresses heat generation, enables power saving, exerts excellent durability, lowers a manufacturing cost, and hardly produces a defective product. The motor-driven compressor according to the present invention comprises a cover. The cover includes a first connector portion, first and second wires, and first and second resin portions. The first and second wires include first and second terminal portions having a cylindrical shape, lead portions, and first and second lid portions that are supported at opening end portions of the first and second terminal portions. The first and second lid portions close the opening end portions of the first and second terminal portions, and thereby prevent an insulating resin from entering the first and second terminal portions. |
| US09719508B2 |
Flexible impeller pump
A flexible impeller pump includes improved flexible impeller geometry, an impeller shaft having protruding portions that produce a stronger and more durable connection between the impeller shaft and the flexible impeller, a smoother housing cam surface, and wear resistant surfaces that are disposed between end faces of the flexible impeller and adjacent housing end walls. |
| US09719504B2 |
Pump having an automated gas removal and fluid recovery system and method
A precision pump system having a motor driver for accurately and repeatedly delivering process fluid, (e.g., photo chemicals) using a pumping fluid with minimal process fluid loss to a fabrication process and whereby the motor driver can be easily and quickly replaced without interrupting the fluid flow path. This is accomplished with the use of a process fluid reservoir and a pumping fluid reservoir that are associated with the pump, either integrated with the pump or closely adjacent. In addition, this precision pump system can be remotely monitored, viewed and controlled over the Internet. In addition, trapped process fluid within a downstream filtering block can be recirculated to the process fluid reservoir when trapped gas in the filter is removed. Furthermore, a nitrogen gas source is connected to the process fluid reservoir via a valve in case a need to insert a gas is required. |
| US09719501B2 |
Swash plate type variable displacement compressor
A swash plate type variable displacement compressor includes, a housing, a swash plate disposed in the housing and having therethrough an insertion hole, a rotary shaft inserted through the insertion hole of the swash plate, a plurality of pistons engaged with the swash plate, and a connecting member disposed between the rotary shaft and the swash plate and connecting the rotary shaft and the swash plate so as to change inclination angle of the swash plate relative to the rotary shaft. A pair of projections are provided in the insertion hole so as to extend toward the rotary shaft and restrict the movement of the swash plate relative to the rotary shaft. The paired projections are spaced away from each other so as not to be in contact with the rotary shaft simultaneously. |
| US09719498B2 |
System and method for recovering energy in a machine
An energy recovery system for a first machine includes a cylinder member, and a piston slidably disposed in the cylinder member and operatively coupled to a frame of the first machine. The piston and the cylinder member together define a chamber configured to receive a hydraulic fluid. The energy recovery system includes an accumulator in fluid communication with the chamber and a first valve assembly for regulating a flow of the hydraulic fluid from the chamber to the accumulator. The energy recovery system includes a controller configured to receive a signal indicative of a parameter of a payload that is to be received from a second machine during a work cycle thereof. The controller is configured to control the first valve assembly, during the work cycle of the second machine, to at least partially open the fluid communication between the chamber and the accumulator based on the received signal. |
| US09719492B2 |
Wind turbine rotor
A wind turbine rotor includes a hub, a plurality of blades, and a pitch system for rotating a blade substantially along its longitudinal axis. The pitch system includes a bearing, a motor, and a gear system, wherein the gear system has a driving pinion operationally connected with the motor, an annular gear arranged to mesh with the driving pinion. Additional gear teeth are arranged to mesh with other parts of the gear system in a predefined blade position for wind speeds at or below a nominal wind speed such that upon movement from the predefined blade position, the additional gear teeth come into contact with the other parts of the gear system before the driving pinion comes into contact with the annular gear. |
| US09719491B2 |
Systems for minimizing yaw torque needed to control power output in two-bladed, teetering hinge wind turbines that control power output by yawing
Systems and methods for increasing operational efficiency of wind turbines, especially offshore wind turbines. The invention discloses systems and methods for reducing the torque needed to rotate a rotor shaft axis with respect to the wind direction. Systems and methods for controlling the rotational speed of the rotor shaft axis are also disclosed. |
| US09719490B2 |
Wind turbine blade with bond paste inspection window and associated method
A wind turbine blade has an upper shell member and a lower shell member bonded at a leading and trailing edge of the blade with a bond paste applied between respective forward and rearward edges of the shell members. At least one of the shell members includes a first inspection window defined therein along one of the leading edge or trailing edge at a location corresponding at least to a design minimum bond width of the bond paste applied at the respective leading edge or trailing edge. The inspection window provides a visible access through the shell member such that a visible indication is generated through the inspection window when bond paste is injected and reaches the minimum bond width location in the chord-wise direction. |
| US09719489B2 |
Wind turbine rotor blade assembly having reinforcement assembly
Rotor blade assembly and methods for forming rotor blade assemblies are provided. A rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade including a shell and defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge and a trailing edge each extending between a tip and a root. The rotor blade further defines a span and a chord. The shell includes an inner skin, an outer skin, and a core disposed between the inner skin and the outer skin. The rotor blade assembly further includes a reinforcement assembly bonded to the shell, the reinforcement assembly comprising a reinforcement core. |
| US09719476B2 |
B-LCCR injector pilot valve orifice, armature and plunger guide arrangement
A fuel injector device for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine is provided in which the fuel injector includes a body having an upper chamber and a lower chamber, an annular shoulder between the upper and lower chambers, an armature assembly disposed in the upper chamber, and a pilot valve seat having an inlet orifice disposed in the lower chamber and an outlet orifice disposed in the upper chamber. The pilot valve seat has a shaft extending between the outlet and inlet orifice and an angled shoulder between the outlet and inlet orifice. The angle shoulder of the shaft prevents fuel flow around the shaft between the upper and lower chambers. The armature assembly is configured to move to an upward position and to a downward position, the shaft also being disposed within the armature assembly to guide the armature assembly between the upward and downward positions. |
| US09719472B2 |
Valve arrangement
A valve arrangement for a high pressure pump includes a pump housing with a depression, and a valve housing configured to be inserted in the depression, and a clamping disc. The valve housing has at least one radial projection with a first axial boundary surface and a second axial boundary surface arranged opposite the first axial boundary surface, wherein the clamping disc extends radially over the radial projection of the valve housing and has a third axial boundary surface that corresponds with the second axial boundary surface of the valve housing. On the circumferential side, the clamping disc has a thread that can be screwed into a thread on the inner side of the depression to brace the valve housing onto the first boundary surface. |
| US09719469B1 |
Turbo-piston engine
The present invention uses the exhaust gas of an internal combustion reciprocating engine to drive a turbine. The turbine is position around the cylinder. The turbine is connected to systems that will use the energy to improve the total system efficiency. One such system would be connected to a compressor to create the force induction required for two-stroke engines. |
| US09719467B2 |
Wastegate position sensor for wastegate and engine pressure sensor diagnostics
An engine pressure sensor monitoring system uses the position of a wastegate in a turbo-charged engine when known and calibrated engine operating conditions occur to provide diagnostic information for various engine pressure sensors and for the operation of the wastegate itself. Discrete measurement windows are defined for engine conditions with specific values for parameters that may include rpm, torque, injection timing and fuel consumption. Other sensor readings for intake manifold pressure, turbocharger compressor output pressure, peak cylinder pressure, and wastegate valve position during these measurement windows should match predicted values. If measured and predicted values do not match, one or more sensors may be bad and an alarm may be raised. |
| US09719465B2 |
Reverse core engine with thrust reverser
An engine system has a gas generator, a bi-fi wall surrounding at least a portion of the gas generator, a casing surrounding a fan, and the casing having first and second thrust reverser doors which in a deployed position abut each other and the bi-fi wall. |
| US09719462B2 |
Cylinder block for an internal combustion engine
A cylinder block for an internal combustion engine includes a network structure projecting from a sidewall thereof. The network structure is formed by a plurality of ribs including a first group of parallel ribs extending in a first diagonal direction with respect to an axis of a cylinder, a second group of parallel ribs extending in a second diagonal direction with respect to the axis of the cylinder, and a third group of parallel transverse ribs intersecting the diagonal ribs in such a way to form a triangular arrangement of ribs. The network structure further includes cylindrical portions in correspondence of the vertices of the triangular arrangement of ribs. |
| US09719461B2 |
Bulkhead insert for an internal combustion engine
An engine includes a cylinder block defining at least one main bearing bulkhead adjacent to a cylinder, and a crankshaft rotatably housed within the block by a main bearing. A bulkhead insert has a cap portion, and an insert portion provided within the bulkhead. The insert portion has having first and second end regions connected by first and second straps. Each strap having a flanged beam cross section. The first and second ends of the insert portion are configured to connect a main bearing cap column to a cylinder head column. Each of the first and second end regions define at least one protrusion having a surface substantially normal to engine combustion and reactive loads. The cap portion is configured to mate with the first end region at the main bearing cap column and support the main bearing. |
| US09719459B2 |
Sliding component for internal combustion engine and method of manufacturing sliding component for internal combustion engine
A sliding component for an internal combustion engine includes: a sliding component main body that includes a plurality of concave portions formed in a predetermined portion thereof; and a coating layer that covers a portion of the sliding component main body, in which the plurality of concave portions are not formed. |
| US09719458B2 |
Fuel injection control device of engine and fuel injection control method of engine
A fuel injection control device of an engine is disclosed, that is provided with a fuel injection valve configured to inject a fuel according to a target pulse width into an intake passage, an intake flow rate detection unit arranged to detect a flow rate of an intake air supplied to the engine, an intake pressure detection unit arranged to detect an intake pressure in the intake passage, a fuel pressure detection unit arranged to detect a pressure of a fuel supplied to the fuel injection valve, and a pressure control unit configured to control the fuel pressure according to an engine operation state. The device is further provided with a request pulse width calculation unit configured to calculate a request pulse width on the basis of an intake flow rate detected by the intake flow rate detection unit, a fuel pressure detected by the fuel pressure detection unit, and a differential pressure between the fuel pressure and an intake pressure detected by the intake pressure detection unit, a post-correction request pulse width calculation unit configured to calculate a post-correction request pulse width through correcting the request pulse width according to the differential pressure, when injecting a fuel of which flow rate is lower than a predetermined flow rate; and a target pulse width setting unit configured to set the target pulse width on the basis of the post-correction request pulse width. |
| US09719450B2 |
Method and apparatus for diagnosing a fuel pressure sensor
A device executes a power limiting process when the number of pressure sensors determined to be normal in a second determination process made by a second processing unit is smaller than or equal to one. When only one pressure sensor is determined to be normal through the second determination process, and when that pressure sensor and a pressure sensor connected to only a first processing unit are determined to be normal in a first determination process made by the first processing unit, a process associated with fuel injection based on a detected value of the pressure sensor determined to be normal in the second determination process is executed, and a degree of limiting engine power through the power limiting process is reduced as compared with when both the pressure sensors are determined to be abnormal in the first determination process. |
| US09719449B2 |
Diagnosis system of internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine comprises an exhaust purification catalyst arranged in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine and being able to store oxygen in inflowing exhaust gas and an air-fuel ratio sensor arranged at a downstream side of the exhaust purification catalyst in a direction of exhaust flow and detecting an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing out from the exhaust purification catalyst and stops or decreases a feed of fuel to a combustion chamber as fuel cut control. The abnormality diagnosis system calculates a characteristic of change of an air-fuel ratio based on an output air-fuel ratio output from the air-fuel ratio sensor at the time when the output air-fuel ratio first passes a part of an air-fuel ratio region of a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio or more after an end of the fuel cut control, and diagnoses abnormality of the air-fuel ratio sensor based on the characteristic of change of the air-fuel ratio. As a result, the diagnosis system can diagnose the abnormality of deterioration of response of the downstream side air-fuel ratio sensor when necessary without fail when performing fuel cut control. |
| US09719441B2 |
Control device for compression ignition-type engine
A control device for a compression ignition engine includes a controller configured to operate an engine body by compression ignition combustion when the engine body operates in a predetermined compression ignition range. When the engine body operates in a predetermined high load range of the compression ignition range, the controller maximizes a filling amount of the cylinder using a gas state adjustment system, and lowers an EGR ratio so that the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder is lean with an excess air ratio λ higher than 1 in a lower speed range, and maximizes the filling amount of the cylinder, and increases the EGR ratio so that the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder has the excess air ratio λ of 1 or lower in a higher speed range than the lower speed range. |
| US09719438B2 |
Turbocharger
A turbocharger system for a vehicle comprising a turbocharger, a tank for compressed gas and an exhaust manifold conduit in fluid communication with an inlet of the turbocharger. The tank is in fluid communication with the manifold conduit and is arranged and controlled to push compressed gas into the manifold conduit during a predetermined pulse duration time period for initial compressor spin up in the turbocharger. |
| US09719435B2 |
Systems and methods for real-time angle-domain measurement of filtered cylinder pressure
Techniques for measuring cylinder pressure include receiving an analog cylinder pressure signal indicative of pressure in a cylinder of an engine and an angular position signal indicative of an angular position of the engine. The analog cylinder pressure signal is converted to a digital cylinder pressure signal by (i) windowing the analog cylinder pressure signal in the angle-domain using the angular position signal and (ii) sampling the windowed analog cylinder pressure signal in the time-domain, and the digital cylinder pressure signal is filtered in the time-domain to obtain a filtered digital cylinder pressure signal. A measured pressure in the angle domain is obtained by sampling the filtered digital cylinder pressure signal using the angular position signal, and operation of the engine is controlled using the measured cylinder pressure. |
| US09719432B2 |
Control apparatus for internal combustion engine
A control apparatus for the internal combustion engine has a multicore processor mounted with a plurality of the cores, calculates various tasks regarding an operation of the internal combustion engine, and distributes the tasks to the plurality of the cores respectively to perform a calculation, and a controller that makes the number of cores for use in the calculation smaller while fuel cutoff is carried out than before the fuel cutoff is carried out. The controller selects, as a designated core, at least one of the cores for use in a specific calculation associated with combustion of the internal combustion engine. The controller stops the designated core from being used while fuel cutoff is carried out. As the specific calculation associated with combustion, for example, it is possible to mention a combustion forecasting calculation of a cylinder model, a temperature forecasting calculation of a catalyst temperature estimation model, and a fuel adhesion amount forecasting calculation of a fuel adhesion model. |
| US09719412B2 |
Method and system for binary flow turbine control
Methods and systems are provided for adjusting the opening of a scroll valve of a binary flow turbine. Scroll valve adjustments are used at different engine operating conditions to improve engine performance and boost response. Scroll valve adjustments are coordinated with wastegate and EGR valve adjustments for improved engine control. |
| US09719408B2 |
System and method for engine block cooling
A method is disclosed for improving fuel economy in an internal combustion engine. The method may involve sensing a temperature of an engine block and determining a block thermal energy representing an ability of the block to reject heat. An open loop control scheme may be used together with the block thermal energy to predict if a coolant in the block is about to enter a boiling condition and, when this is about to occur, to open a block valve to permit a flow of coolant through the block. A closed loop control scheme may be used together with the sensed temperature of the block to determine if a coolant boiling condition is about to occur, and to control the block valve to permit a flow of coolant through the block which is just sufficient to prevent the onset of coolant boiling in the block. |
| US09719407B2 |
Method for regulating engine temperature
A method for operating a device at a desired temperature is described. In one example, current supplied to a heater that melts a wax medium or material controlling flow through a valve is adjusted to reduce valve opening and closing delay. The method may improve device temperature control, thereby reducing device emissions, enhancing device performance, and improving device durability. |
| US09719399B2 |
Method of operating an exhaust emission control device, and corresponding exhaust emission control device
In a method of operating an exhaust emission control device, the presence of an actual pressure loss of a particulate filter is determined, and a model pressure loss is determined as a function of a state variable. On the basis of the actual pressure loss and the model pressure loss a pressure quotient is determined and a condition of the particulate filter is ascertained in a diagnostic mode in response to the pressure quotient. |
| US09719396B2 |
Method for operating a device for conveying a liquid
A method for operating a device configured to deliver a liquid includes: a) back-suctioning a liquid situated in a pressure line section counter to a usual delivery direction by at least one pump; b) monitoring at least one operating parameter of the at least one pump during the back-suctioning, the at least one operating parameter being representative of a counterpressure that the at least one pump operates against during the back-suctioning; and c) detecting an increase in the counterpressure, and stopping the back-suctioning. |
| US09719395B2 |
Component carrier for a dosing system
A component carrier of a dosing system including a plurality of components for injecting a urea solution into the exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine comprises a base plate forming the component carrier, a plurality of inner flow channels integrated into the base plate, and an inlet port and an outlet port connecting the inner flow channels with the coolant circuit of the internal combustion engine. The component carrier is heated by flowing a fluid having an elevated temperature and circulating in the coolant circuit from the inlet port to the outlet port passing through the inner flow channels and transferring the heat from the fluid to the component carrier. The components of the dosing system mounted on the component carrier and in thermal contact with the component carrier are heated by heat transfer from the heated component carrier. |
| US09719393B2 |
Exhaust system for dual fuel engines
An exhaust system for a dual-fuel engine includes an exhaust treatment component in an exhaust passageway. The exhaust treatment component is configured to treat exhaust from the combustion of a second fuel and not from combustion of a first fuel. A thermal enhancement device is in communication with the exhaust passageway and positioned upstream from the exhaust treatment component. A controller activates and deactivates the thermal enhancement device based on switching from the first fuel to the second fuel, wherein the first fuel has a higher sulfur content than the second fuel. The thermal enhancement device increases the temperature of an exhaust to combust a residual amount of the first fuel present in the exhaust passageway during the switch between the first fuel and the second fuel. |
| US09719391B2 |
Method and system for vacuum control
Methods and systems are provided for controlling and coordinating control of a post-catalyst exhaust throttle and an EGR valve to expedite catalyst heating. By closing both valves during an engine cold start, an elevated exhaust backpressure and increased heat rejection at an EGR cooler can be synergistically used to warm each of an engine and an exhaust catalyst. The valves may also be controlled to vary an amount of exhaust flowing through an exhaust venturi so as to meet engine vacuum needs while providing a desired amount of engine EGR. |
| US09719389B2 |
System and method for reducing cold start emissions using an active exhaust throttle valve and an exhaust gas recirculation loop
A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an engine start module and an exhaust throttle valve control module. The engine start module determines when an engine is started based on at least one of an input from an ignition system and the speed of the engine. The exhaust throttle valve control module selectively fully closes an exhaust throttle valve in an exhaust system of the engine when the engine is started to trap exhaust gas in the exhaust system. |
| US09719386B2 |
Multi-lobed soot blower
An exhaust after-treatment system including at least one exhaust treatment component (18); and a particulate matter dispersion device (40) located upstream of the exhaust treatment component (18). The particulate matter dispersion device (40) includes at least one nozzle line (61) having a plurality of nozzles (58) formed therein, and the particulate matter dispersion device (40) is operable to inject compressed gas towards the exhaust treatment component (18) to substantially minimize build-up of particulate matter at the exhaust treatment component (18). |
| US09719383B2 |
Network device and communication control method
A network device that is used in a mobile communication system that supports cellular communication in which a data path passes through a core network, and D2D communication that is direct device-to-device communication in which a data path does not pass through the core network, comprises: a control unit that sets a D2D radio resource that is ensured for the D2D communication from radio resources be available to the mobile communication system. The control unit changes an amount of the D2D radio resource such that the D2D radio resource reaches an appropriate amount. |
| US09719374B2 |
Turbine housing and exhaust gas turbine supercharger
A turbine housing includes a first shell member and a third shell member, which are formed from metal sheets and forming a housing body, and a tongue member, which is fixed to inner circumferential surfaces of the shell members and discrete from the shell members. The tongue member defines an inlet port and a scroll compartment in the housing body. |
| US09719373B2 |
Slotted distribution sleeve for a seal plate
A seal assembly for a gas turbine engine, may be manufactured in two pieces, the first piece is a seal plate with a cavity around its inner wall and the second piece is a sleeve that mounts in the cavity of the seal plate. The sleeve may have oil distribution channels that deliver oil to subsequent components and apertures that deliver oil to the seal plate. The volume of oil delivered to the seal plate can be set by the number of apertures and related radial holes in the sleeve. Because the sleeve delivers oil through the apertures and radial holes to an annulus in the cavity of the seal plate, cooling bores in the seal plate need only be drilled into the annulus and the number of cooling bores can be independent of the number of radial holes in the sleeve. |
| US09719372B2 |
Gas turbomachine including a counter-flow cooling system and method
A gas turbomachine includes a casing assembly surrounding a portion of the gas turbomachine and a counter-flow cooling system arranged within the casing. The counter-flow cooling system is configured and disposed to guide cooling fluid through the casing assembly in a first axial direction and return cooling fluid through the casing assembly in a second axial direction that is opposite the first axial direction. |
| US09719367B2 |
Ram air turbine pump leakage control
An exemplary method of controlling fluid flow in a ram air turbine assembly, includes redirecting flow moving in an axial direction against the surface of a drive shaft to flow moving in a radial direction away from the drive shaft to limit flow of the fluid from a hydraulic pump to a generator. |
| US09719365B2 |
Clearance control
A clearance control device including a segment having a passage to deliver fluid towards a component rotating past the segment. Also a fluid flow device having a first fluid path coupled to the passage and a second fluid path that is decoupled from the passage. A first plasma generator is located in the fluid flow device that directs fluid towards the first fluid path; a second plasma generator is located in the fluid flow device that directs fluid towards the second fluid path; and a control arrangement is configured to alternately energize the first and second plasma generators at an energizing frequency to deliver fluid to the passage at a frequency coincident with the passing frequency of the component. |
| US09719364B2 |
Process of boas grinding in situ
A process for machining a turbine engine blade outer air seal in situ, the process comprising replacing a blade with a cutting tool assembly proximate a blade outer air seal, wherein the blade outer air seal is assembled in a gas turbine engine case. The process includes coupling a blower to the blade outer air seal. The blade outer air seal comprises at least one flow path. The process includes creating a purge air stream with the blower through the blade outer air seal. The process includes machining the blade outer air seal, wherein particulate is formed from the machining. The process includes preventing the particulate from blocking the at least one flow path of the blade outer air seal. |
| US09719363B2 |
Segmented rim seal spacer for a gas turbine engine
A seal segment for a gas turbine engine includes a first axial span that extends between the first radial span and the second radial span. A second axial span extends between the first radial span and the second radial span, the first radial span, the second radial span, the first axial span and the second axial span forming a torque box. |
| US09719362B2 |
Turbine nozzles and methods of manufacturing the same
A turbine nozzle assembly includes an inner circumferential support platform, an outer circumferential support platform, and a plurality of airfoil vanes disposed between the inner circumferential support platform and the outer circumferential support platform. The turbine nozzle assembly further includes a plurality of impingement plates disposed along a radially outer surface of the outer circumferential support platform or a radially inner surface of the inner circumferential support platform, and a plurality of gap-maintaining features disposed between the plurality of outer or inner circumferential support platforms and the plurality of impingement plates. Each gap-maintaining feature of the plurality of gap-maintaining features is provided at a height such that a cooling air flow space is maintained between the plurality of outer or inner circumferential support platforms and the plurality of impingement plates. |
| US09719353B2 |
Interfacial diffusion barrier layer including iridium on a metallic substrate
An article may include a substrate, a diffusion barrier layer formed on the substrate, and a protective layer formed on the diffusion barrier coating. The diffusion barrier layer may include iridium. |
| US09719343B2 |
Method and apparatus for passive detection of near-surface human-scale underground anomalies using earth field measurements
Methods and apparatus are provided for passively detecting the presence of near-surface human-scale underground anomalies using earth field measurements. A sensor is used to measure at least one electric or magnetic component of the Earth's electromagnetic field at a frequency of 5 kHz or greater in proximity to the Earth's surface for a given area. The measured intensities are used to identify variations indicative of the presence of a near-surface human-scale underground anomaly. Measuring the intensity of at least one component of the electromagnetic field at a plurality of frequencies of 5 kHz or greater can be used to determine the depth and characteristic of a near-surface human-scale underground anomaly. |
| US09719342B2 |
Drill bit assembly imaging systems and methods
Drill bit assembly imaging systems and methods are disclosed herein. An example method disclosed herein includes directing light conveying an image of a target through a portion of a drill bit assembly and capturing the image via an image sensor disposed inside the drill bit assembly. The example method also include determining drilling information based on the image via an image processor disposed inside the drill bit assembly. |
| US09719341B2 |
Identifying a trajectory for drilling a well cross reference to related application
To control well drilling, information relating to a trajectory of a well is received, and fluid flow in the well is simulated according to the received information. Simulating the fluid production comprises simulating production flow assurance that seeks to reduce occurrence of mixtures of different types of fluids that reduce production of a target fluid. In response to results of the simulating, a further trajectory for further drilling of the well is identified. |
| US09719332B2 |
Method of minimizing wellbore instability
A process for reducing wellbore instability includes inputting pre-drilling assessment information into an hydraulics analysis and wellbore stability application, inputting a well plan into the hydraulics and wellbore analysis application, inputting a parameter measured at the wellsite into the hydraulics and wellbore stability analysis application, inputting an observation made at the wellsite into the hydraulics and wellbore stability analysis application, integrating the pre-drilling assessment information, the measured parameter, and the observation into the wellbore strengthening analysis application, and adjusting a drilling fluid parameter in response to the integrated pre-drilling assessment information, the measured parameter, and the observation. |
| US09719328B2 |
Formation swelling control using heat treatment
A downhole tool system includes a downhole tool string configured to couple to a downhole conveyance. The downhole conveyance extends into a wellbore, from a terranean surface, through at least a portion of a subterranean zone. The subterranean zone includes a geologic formation. The downhole tool system also includes a heating device coupled with the downhole tool string. The heating device is configured to transfer heat to the geologic formation in the wellbore at a specified temperature sufficient to adjust a quality of the geologic formation associated with a fluid absorption capacity of the geologic formation. |
| US09719327B2 |
Magnetic key for operating a multi-position downhole tool
A downhole tool for use in a wellbore tubular string comprises a housing having a bore therethrough forming part of a fluid flowpath through the wellbore tubular string, a sliding member operable to slide with respect to the housing, a plurality of magnetic pins, and a corresponding plurality of springs. A sliding line is formed by interfacing surfaces of the sliding member and the housing, and the plurality of pins comprise a locked position and an unlocked position whereby in the locked position at least one pin spans the sliding line to prevent the sliding member from sliding with respect to the housing and in the unlocked position no pins span the sliding line. The plurality of springs biases the pins towards the locked position. |
| US09719322B2 |
Landing collar, downhole system having landing collar, and method
A landing collar includes a tubular body having a longitudinally extending main flow path; and, a shearable liner wiper plug landing seat installed within the body and configured to receive a liner wiper plug in an unsheared condition of the landing seat. The landing seat movable in a downhole direction within the body in a sheared condition of the landing seat. The landing seat including at least one radial fluid communication passageway through a wall of the landing seat; wherein, in the sheared condition of the landing seat. The fluid communication passageway of the landing seat is in fluid communication with a fluid communication path between the tubular body and the landing seat. A method of completing a cemented liner with a wet shoe. |
| US09719320B2 |
Downhole tool with one-piece slip
Embodiments pertain to a downhole tool that includes a mandrel made of a composite material, a bearing plate disposed around the mandrel, the bearing plate having an angled inner plate surface configured for engagement with a mandrel surface; a composite slip disposed around the mandrel, and having a composite slip body configured with a one-piece configuration, a first cone disposed around the mandrel, and proximate to the composite slip; a second slip disposed around the mandrel; a sealing element disposed around the mandrel; and a lower sleeve coupled to the mandrel, and proximate to a second side of the metal slip. |
| US09719318B2 |
High-temperature, high-pressure, fluid-tight seal using a series of annular rings
The invention is directed to a novel and useful fluid-tight, metal-to-metal, annular seal which can be repeatedly cycled in a high temperature, high pressure environment. More specifically, the invention provides a metal-to-metal, annular, seal on a radially expandable sliding sleeve which moves longitudinally from a reduced ID section of a bore to an enlarged section of the bore. The seal is disengaged at the enlarged bore section resulting in rapid fluid flow and pressure equalization which would destroy many traditional elastomer seals. |
| US09719308B2 |
Polycrystalline diamond composite compact elements and tools incorporating same
A polycrystalline diamond (PCD) composite compact element 100 comprising a substrate 130, a PCD structure 120 bonded to the substrate 130, and a bond material in the form of a bond layer 140 bonding the PCD structure 120 to the substrate 130; the PCD structure 120 being thermally stable and having a mean Young's modulus of at least about 800 GPa, the PCD structure 120 having an interstitial mean free path of at least about 0.05 microns and at most about 1.5 microns; the standard deviation of the mean free path being at least about 0.05 microns and at most about 1.5 microns. Embodiments of the PCD composite compact element may be for a tool for cutting, milling, grinding, drilling, earth boring, rock drilling or other abrasive applications, such as the cutting and machining of metal. |
| US09719305B2 |
Expandable reamers and methods of using expandable reamers
Expandable reamers may include a housing and at least one blade supported by the housing. The at least one blade may be movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The at least one blade may be in the retracted position when a first actuation member is in a first longitudinal position and a second actuation member sleeve is affixed to the first actuation member. The at least one blade may be movable to the extended position when the first actuation member is in a second longitudinal position and the second actuation member is affixed to the first actuation member. The at least one blade may be in the retracted position when the first actuation member is in the second longitudinal position and the second actuation member obstructs an opening in a sidewall of the first actuation member. |
| US09719304B2 |
Remotely controlled apparatus for downhole applications and methods of operation
An apparatus for use downhole is disclosed that, in one configuration includes a downhole tool configured to operate in an active position and an inactive position and an actuation device, which may include a control unit. The apparatus includes a telemetry unit that sends a first pattern recognition signal to the control unit to move the tool into the active position and a second pattern recognition signal to move the tool into the inactive position. The apparatus may be used for drilling a subterranean formation and include a tubular body and one or more extendable features, each positionally coupled to a track of the tubular body, and a drilling fluid flow path extending through a bore of the tubular body for conducting drilling fluid therethrough. A push sleeve is disposed within the tubular body and coupled to the one or more features. A valve assembly is disposed within the tubular body and configured to control the flow of the drilling fluid into an annular chamber in communication with the push sleeve; the valve assembly comprising a mechanically operated valve and/or an electronically operated valve. Other embodiments, including methods of operation, are provided. |
| US09719301B2 |
Process for constructing a well for exploiting a reservoir under a sea-bed or ocean-bed
A process for constructing a well (1) for exploiting an oil or gas reservoir, comprising the following operations: (A) drilling a formation submerged by a water head, at least 3,600 meters deep or more, reaching the formation from the surface of the water with a drilling riser (7), and a drilling tool which passes internally through the drilling riser; and evacuating through the drilling riser (7) at least one of the circulating drilling fluid, the oil or natural gas coming from the formations and the resulting drilling materials. The drilling riser (7) has an external diameter equal to or smaller than 17 inches and reaches a wellhead (3) having an internal diameter equal to or smaller than 18.75 inches, and positioned in correspondence with or close to the seabed submerged which covers the formation. |
| US09719291B1 |
Hollow core door with internal air flow and sliding panel
Hollow core door apparatus for preventing the build up of pressure in a room having a register through which air flows into the room and the door includes an inside door skin and an outer door skin, and the door skins includes openings through which air flows and panels disposed in the openings to define the amount of air flowing through the openings in the skins. The door also includes at least a single fixed panel and a movable panel, both of which panels include openings through which air flows when the openings in the panels are aligned and which air flow is restricted when the openings are misaligned. The inside and outside panels have peripheral openings defined between the openings in the skins and the panels disposed in the openings and which peripheral openings define areas at least as great as the area of the openings in the fixed and movable panels, and the openings in the fixed and movable panels are offset from the peripheral openings to provide for a non-linear flow of air through the door to prevent the build up of pressure in the room and to restrict the non-linear air flow through the door when the openings in the fixed and movable panels are misaligned. An embodiment combining a noxious gas absorbent material with the pressure build up prevention capability is also illustrated. |
| US09719290B1 |
Garage door accessory
A garage door accessory is configured to increase ventilation into a garage. The garage door accessory includes at least one panel frame attached to at least one panel grate. At least one stow bar is attached to the panel frame. A lock assembly is attached to the panel grate and the panel frame; wherein the lock assembly further comprises a lock bar. |
| US09719287B1 |
Astragal with covered slidable lock block
An astragal assembly for use with double doors containing a slidable lock block with a moveable cover. The movable slidable lock block cover may be moved between an open position, wherein the slidable lock block can be moved between locked and unlocked positions, and a closed position, wherein the slidable lock block is immobilized. Accordingly, the slidable lock block cover increases the security of the double doors by preventing actuation of the slidable lock block when the double doors are closed. |
| US09719284B2 |
Hinge and damping device thereof
A damping device is applicable to a hinge. The damping device includes a housing, a damper, an abutting member and an adjusting member. The damper is arranged on the housing. The damper includes a first movable member and a second movable member movable relative to each other. The abutting member is configured to abut against the second movable member of the damper. The adjusting member is movable relative to the housing. When the adjusting member is moved to a first position relative to the housing, the adjusting member abuts against the first movable member of the damper. When the adjusting member is moved to a second position relative to the housing, the adjusting member does not abut against the first movable member of the damper. |
| US09719283B2 |
Actuating drive for furniture flaps
An actuating drive for moving a flap of an item of furniture, including: an actuating arm pivotally mounted about a pivoting axis for moving the flap, a spring device for applying a force onto the actuating arm, a transmission mechanism for transmitting a force of the spring device onto the actuating arm in a closing direction and for transmitting a force of the spring device onto the actuating arm, and an adjusting device for adjusting a position of an actuating portion of the actuating drive in or along a guide. The actuating drive includes a coupling device coupling the spring device, the pivoting axis of the actuating arm, and the actuating portion to one another. By adjusting the actuating portion in or along the guide, the position of the dead-center of the actuating arm and the force of the spring device acting towards the opening direction can be variably adjusted. |
| US09719281B2 |
Reinforcing method and arrangement for foldable furniture
A reinforcing arrangement for reinforcing a joint portion between two support units of a foldable furniture object, comprising a first mounting unit which comprises a first mounting body and a first guiding member outwardly protruded from the first mounting body mounting on the first support unit; a second mounting unit which comprises a second mounting body and a second guiding member or a second guiding groove complimentary to and moveably engaging with the first mounting unit to define a maximum extending angle of movement, thereby the first and second support unit are guided to lock into position at an unfolded position at the maximum extending angle and to unlock at a folded position; and a connecting unit pivotally connecting the first support unit and the second support unit between which the two mounting units are positioned, thereby the joint portion is reinforced. |
| US09719277B2 |
Electrically operable motor vehicle door lock
An electrically operable motor vehicle door lock (1) has a locking mechanism including at least one locking element (2) and/or actuating element, a motor (3) which acts on the locking element (2) and/or actuating element, and an emergency energy source (12) for emergency operation of the motor (3) in the event of failure of a main energy source (6). A switching element (8, 9) actuated by the main energy source (6) is provided. The switching element (8, 9) connects the emergency energy source (12) to the motor (3) electrically in the event of failure of the main energy source (6) to and provide for the emergency operation. |
| US09719276B2 |
Profile rail for locker system
A profile rail (1) is provided for forming a locker system (2) having a plurality of lockers (21, . . . , 26). The profile rail (1) is formed to integrate a locking mechanism (31) of one of the lockers (21) within the profile rail (1). The profile rail (1) comprises a lamella device (11) to cover the integrated locking mechanism (31; 32). The lamella device (11) is arranged to be displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal extension (L) of the profile rail (1). The lamella device (11) can be retained at a retaining site (12) of the profile rail (1) against longitudinal displacement. |
| US09719273B2 |
Fence vegetation barrier
A vegetation barrier for use beneath a fence to inhibit the growth of vegetation beneath said fence includes two vegetation barrier members and an intermediate member. Each vegetation barrier member is joinable to a fence post at one end and engages an intermediate member at the opposite end through longitudinally slidable engagement, allowing the vegetation barrier to readily accommodate uneven spacing between fence posts and further allowing the vegetation barrier to expand and contract. The vegetation barrier member and/or the intermediate member may further comprise elongated openings that allow the vegetation barrier to be secured to an underlying surface by a securement member that passes through the elongated opening and into the underlying surface, while still allowing for expansion and contraction of the vegetation barrier. Further provided are methods of covering a surface beneath a fence using said vegetation barrier. |
| US09719272B1 |
Stanchion or post with a spring-loaded assembly
A socket mounted post system including a post with a hollow base portion attached to a spring mechanism. The spring mechanism includes a pillar, the pillar having a finger extending from the hollow base portion. The finger is engageable with a socket that is mountable in a floor. The spring mechanism allows the post to flex angularly relative to a vertical orientation of the post. |
| US09719268B2 |
Ventilated athletic flooring systems and methods of assembling the same
A ventilated flooring system may generally include a base, a substructure, a top surface, a control box, an air mover, and a sensor. The base, the substructure, and the top surface may form a floor within which the sensor is disposed. The sensor may measure properties of air within the floor, sending measurements to the control box. The control box may activate and deactivate the air mover based on measurements from the sensor and control logic. In some examples, the air mover is connected to an HVAC system and routes air output from the HVAC system into the floor. Further, the ventilated flooring system may also include a second sensor for measuring ambient air, an alarm for providing notice of malfunctions, and/or networking capability that allows for remote monitoring of the system. |
| US09719262B2 |
Kit of parts for trimming step edges
An apparatus for trimming step edges includes an elongate member forming a nose piece for mounting at an edge of a horizontal existing surface. The member comprises a rear surface, a front face, a top surface extending therebetween, and a groove in the front face of the member. The groove has first and second side walls extending from first and second side edges at the front face and leading to a base recessed therefrom. The member is supported by screws received in the groove in a mounted position wherein the top surface of the member is spaced above the existing surface so that a thickness of a covering material, which disposed on the existing surface for covering same, is located between the top surface and the existing surface. Also, a lighting element is inserted in the groove for illuminating an area adjacent the edge of the existing surface. |
| US09719261B2 |
Assistance device for allowing a wheeled vehicle to pass over an obstacle
An assistance device (1) to allow a wheeled vehicle to overcome an obstacle, comprising a frame, (2), an upper plate (4), a lower plate (3) with lateral rims (41), a flap (5) and a locking member (71; 72). The upper plate (4) is supported on the lateral rims (41). By moving in translation between a deployed position and a storage position, the lower plate (3) mechanically determines the height position of the upper plate (4) by sliding on the lateral rims (41). The flap (5) pivots relative to the upper plate (4) between a substantially vertical rest position and a deployed position resting on the lower plate (3). The flap (5) forms a junction between the lower plate (3) and the upper plate (4). The locking member (71; 72) is supported by the lateral rims (41) and locks the flap (5) in the storage position of the lower plate (3) and releases the flap (5) when the lower plate (3) leaves the storage position of same. |
| US09719257B2 |
Friction fit composite column
A composite assembly includes a series of elongated layers joined lengthwise thereof. At least two of the elongated layers each have an upper elongated portion and a lower elongated portion secured together in an end-to-end relationship at a joint therebetween by a connector arrangement. The upper elongated portion is constructed of a wood material, and the lower elongated portion is constructed of a non-wood material. The lower elongated portion may have a reinforcing rod therein. |
| US09719253B2 |
Head-of-wall top track gasket member for acoustic and firestopping insulation
A sealing gasket assembly for sealing a head-of-wall construction including a member body having a top member with first and second spaced apart side panels depending from the top member. The intersection of the first side panel and the top member defines a first inside corner and a first outside corner and the intersection of the second side panel and the top member defines a second inside corner and a second outside corner. A supplemental sealing member extends along each of the first and second outside corners. Each supplemental sealing member is manufactured from a flexible material and is configured such that a panel abutment portion thereof extends along at least a portion of an outside surface of the respective side panel and a return portion extends along at least a portion of an outside surface of the top member. |
| US09719252B1 |
Hoarding systems
A hoarding system including a hoarding assembly; the hoarding assembly includes one or more wall-boards, one or more corner-connectors, a length of vertical-u-channel, a length of lower-horizontal-u-channel, a length of upper-horizontal-u-channel, one or more angle-braces, and one or more back-brace-panels to be used in functional and structural combination. The one or more wall-boards are structured and arranged to align and connect horizontally to enclose an area to prevent unauthorized ingress into that area and may be connected by the corner-connectors to make a right-angle. The one or more wall-boards may further include a door to allow ingress and egress to the enclosed area by a user. A kit for a hoarding system is also included, as is a method of use for a hoarding system. |
| US09719251B2 |
Modular in-wall functional conduits
Implementations of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for delivering and/or removing fluid from a discrete location within a building. In particular, the present invention involves a modular conduit system that can supply or remove air, water, gas, or other fluids to/from an individual space created by modular walls. |
| US09719250B2 |
Method and a system for fastening an object to a facade
A method and a system for fastening an object to a façade comprising at least one supporting wall made in a hard material coated externally with a thermal insulation coat made in a crumbly material, the object being fastened to the wall by means of a fastening member received in an area for receiving a plot made in a hard material arranged in projection out of the wall. The object is fastened to the wall in an indirect way offsetting towards the outside of the façade the area of the plot. The plot is fastened to the wall by a fastening area extending between the wall and the receiving area. The plot is a straight cylinder extending through the insulation coat. |
| US09719249B2 |
Flood vent having a panel
According to one embodiment, a flood vent includes a frame configured to form a fluid passageway through an opening in a structure. The flood vent further includes a panel configured to be coupled to the frame in the fluid passageway so as to at least partially block the fluid passageway through the opening in the structure. The flood vent also includes one or more connectors configured to couple the panel to the frame. The one or more connectors are further configured to uncouple the panel from the frame when 0.5-5.0 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure is applied to a portion of the panel by one or more of a fluid or an object carried by the fluid, so as to reduce an amount of blockage of the fluid passageway provided by the panel. |
| US09719246B2 |
Vapour-barrier membrane based on a PA666/EVOH blend
The invention relates to a vapor retarder membrane, intended to be used for improving the airtightness of a building or of a room, comprising at least one active layer having a water vapor permeability which increases with the surrounding relative humidity, said active layer comprising at least 90% by weight of a blend of ethylene/vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer and of a copolyamide 6-6.6 (PA666), the latter having a melting point below 210° C. |
| US09719244B2 |
Bale latch for extendable/retractable support column
An extendable and retractable column which is formed from at least three linked sections or chains. The linked sections include a plurality of individual segments linked end to end. As the linked segments are extended, each of the individual segments of the linked chains engage individual segments of adjacent linked sections to form a column. As the linked sections are retracted, each of the individual segments of the linked sections disengage from the individual segment of the adjacent linked sections and the individual linked sections may be rolled up into a multi-sided form for compact storage. |
| US09719237B2 |
Tool for removing hair from a drain
A tool for removing hair from a drain includes an elongate pole, a grappler part, a barb unit, and a handle. The grappler part is provided at a front end of the elongate pole and includes a head end and a grappler protruding from a side of the elongate pole. The head end of the grappler part has a curved, arrowhead, or hooked end plane. The barb unit provided on the elongate pole is adjacent to the grappler part and includes a plurality of barbs aligned with the grappler of the grappler part at the same side of the elongate pole. The handle provided at a rear end of the elongate pole includes a pointer for indicating orientation of the barbs and the grapplers of the grappler part. The tool can be smoothly operated by a user for effective removal of congested hair from a drain. |
| US09719236B2 |
Top-mount twist-on faucet
A top-mount faucet assembly includes a coupling mounted on a counter that selectively couples a faucet thereto. The counter coupling has a disc-shaped collar with two keepers and a land for selectively locking the faucet. The land has a v-shaped part and a n-shaped part. The faucet has a main valve body with a locking assembly. To couple the faucet to the counter coupling, the main valve body is placed over the coupling and turned clockwise so that slots align with the keepers to fix the faucet axially to the coupling. As the faucet rotates clockwise, the locking assembly rides along the v-shaped part until captured by the n-shaped part to lock the faucet in place rotationally. To uncouple the faucet from the coupling, a button is pushed so that the locking assembly moves radially inward out from the n-shaped part, then the faucet is turned counter-clockwise. |