Document Document Title
US09870489B2 Detection of the authenticity of an electronic circuit or of a product containing such a circuit
A method of authenticating a slave device. The method includes initializing, by a host device, a charge retention circuit of the slave device, and receiving, by the host device, an indication of a discharge time of the charge retention circuit. The host device authenticates the slave device based on the received indication of the discharge time of the charge retention device.
US09870488B1 Method and apparatus for securing programming data of a programmable device
Circuitry and methods prevent unauthorized programming, or reprogramming, of a programmable device, by requiring a signature in the configuration data to match a signature previously stored in the programmable device. A programmable integrated circuit device includes an input for configuration data, and programming control circuitry operable to derive a current signature from the configuration data, examine a first bit stored in the programmable integrated circuit device, and when the first bit is in a first state, compare the current signature to a first predetermined signature stored in the programmable integrated circuit device and configure the programmable integrated circuit device according to the configuration data only when the current signature matches the first predetermined signature, and when the first bit is in a second state, configure the programmable integrated circuit device according to the configuration data without comparing the current signature to the first predetermined signature.
US09870484B2 Document redaction
A method for redacting an electronic document (ED) having a file format, including: obtaining a request to redact a sensitive data item in the ED; identifying a first and a second instance of the sensitive data item in a markup of the ED, where the second instance of the sensitive data item is not visible in a rendered version of the ED; and generating a redacted ED having the file format by replacing the first and the second instance of the sensitive data item with a neutral data item.
US09870483B2 Row-level security in a relational database management system
Access control methods provide multilevel and mandatory access control for a database management system. The access control techniques provide access control at the row level in a relational database table. The database table contains a security label column within which is recorded a security label that is defined within a hierarchical security scheme. A user's security label is encoded with security information concerning the user. When a user requests access to a row, a security mechanism compares the user's security information with the security information in the row. If the user's security dominates the row's security, the user is given access to the row.
US09870478B1 Data protection for storage device
A method for protecting data on a first storage device from unauthorized access is provided. The method includes copying a data map, such as a file allocation table, from the first storage device, on which the data to be protected resides, to a second storage device. A security key is established for the data map. The data map is then deleted from the first storage device, to render unusable the data thereon. The data map is restored to the first storage device upon successful input of the security key.
US09870473B2 System and method for security processor control over CPU power states
The present disclosure presents methods and apparatuses for controlling a power state, which may include a C-state, of one or more processing cores of a processor. In an aspect, an example method of securing a power state change of a processor is presented, the method including the steps of receiving a power state change request from the processor, the processor having a plurality of potential power states each including an operating power profile; determining a power state change request mode associated with the processor; forwarding the power state change request to a security processor where the power state change request mode is a one-time request mode; receiving a power state change request response from the security processor in response to the request; and adjusting the current power state of the processor to the target power state where the power state change request response comprises a power state change approval.
US09870468B1 System and method for segregating data in a dynamic programming language
Systems and methods are for segregating data and code implemented in a dynamic language, where the segregated data and code operate in an environment, where the environment and the segregated data and code are controlled using a common dynamic language. The environment is implemented in the common dynamic language, the environment including a framework, the framework including a plurality of properties. A visible framework property is identified that is visible to applications. An invisible framework property is identified that is not visible to the applications. A first application is implemented in a first sandbox within the environment, wherein the first application is implemented in the common dynamic language, wherein the first application is unable to access the invisible framework property, and wherein the first application is able to access the visible framework property.
US09870465B1 Apparatus, method and article to facilitate automatic detection and removal of fraudulent user information in a network environment
A fraud detection system may obtain a number of known fraudulent end-user profiles and/or otherwise undesirable end-user profiles. Using statistical analysis techniques that include clustering the end-user profiles by attributes and attribute values and/or combinations of attributes and attribute values, the fraud detection system identifies on a continuous, periodic, or aperiodic basis those attribute values and/or attribute value combinations that appear in fraudulent or otherwise undesirable end-user profiles. Using this data, the fraud detection system generates one or more queries to identify those end-user profiles having attribute values or combinations of attribute values that likely indicate a fraudulent or otherwise undesirable end-user profile. The fraud detection system can run these queries against incoming registrations to identify and screen fraudulent end-user profiles from entering the system and can also run these queries against stored end-user profile databases to identify and remove fraudulent or otherwise undesirable end-user profiles from the end-user database.
US09870462B2 Prevention of cable-swap security attack on storage devices
Generally, this disclosure provides systems, devices, methods and computer readable media for prevention of cable swap security attacks on storage devices. A host system may include a provisioning module configured to generate a challenge-response verification key-pair and further to provide the key-pair to the storage device to enable the challenge-response verification. The system may also include a link error detection module to detect a link error between the host system and the storage device. The system may further include a challenge-response protocol module configured to initiate, in response to the link-error detection, a verification challenge from the storage system and to provide a response to the verification challenge based on the key-pair.
US09870459B2 Physical token-less security screening using biometrics
In physical token-less security screening using biometrics, a person provides biometric data to a security computing device as part of a security screening. The biometric data is used by the security computing device to look up an identifier (such as an airline account identifier or a security status identifier) for the person from a security back end. The identifier is used by the security computing device to obtain electronic pass information (such as an electronic boarding pass or a security screening status indicator) from a third party computing system (such as an airline computing system or a clearinghouse), which may be used to clear the person and/or otherwise facilitate the security screening. In some implementations, these techniques may also be used for physical token-less pass processing (such as boarding pass-less airline processing, confirmation of assigned traveling credentials, or determination of security protocols).
US09870452B1 Assigning new passcodes to electronic devices
An electronic book distribution system includes electronic devices that reset their passcodes after specified authentication failures. The passcodes of an individual electronic device is reset to a value that is generated using a predefined function of a randomly generated support code. The support code is displayed to the user, and the user is instructed to contact a support service in order to obtain the new passcode. The support service independently authenticates the user, calculates the new device passcode using the same predefined function used by the electronic device, and provides the new passcode to the user.
US09870451B1 Dynamic management, assembly, and presentation of web-based content
In a method for seamlessly providing health-related information, a patient presentation is identified. Each of at least some presentation nodes is selectively activated or not activated for a particular instance of the presentation, and corresponds to respective content assets to be presented if the node is activated. A first node sequence to be activated for an instance of the presentation is determined. First content to be at least partially presented during a first portion of the instance is identified based on the first node sequence, and sent to a client device. A message indicating when the client device is ready for additional content is received, and a second node sequence to be activated for the instance is determined. Second content that is to be at least partially presented during a second portion of the instance is identified based on the second node sequence, and sent to the client device.
US09870447B2 Medical data transfer component
Diabetes care management system and method for transferring medical data from a handheld medical recording device to a host computer via a data transfer component. The steps of the data transfer component comprising detecting a data upload request and detecting a medical device ready to communicate, verifying a unique ID, receiving patient medical data, including an authentication token with patient medical data, and sending patient medical data along with the authentication token for association with a user account.
US09870446B2 3D-volume viewing by controlling sight depth
A medical image data processing method for determining a set of medical image data to be displayed, the data processing method being constituted to be executed by a computer and comprising the following steps: acquiring medical image data comprising three-dimensional medical image information describing an anatomical structure, and displaying the medical image information; acquiring navigation display feature data comprising navigation display feature information describing at least one graphical navigation feature; displaying the navigation display information simultaneously with the medical image information; acquiring viewing direction data comprising viewing direction information describing a spatial relationship of a viewing direction of a user relative to the position of the at least one graphical navigation feature; determining, based on the viewing direction data, image information subset data comprising image data subset information describing a subset of the medical image information to be selected for display.
US09870442B2 Equivalence checking between two or more circuit designs that include square root circuits
Methods and apparatuses are described for proving equivalence between two or more circuit designs that include one or more division circuits and/or one or more square-root circuits. Some embodiments analyze the circuit designs to determine an input relationship between the inputs of two division (or square-root) circuits. Next, the embodiments determine an output relationship between the outputs of two division (or square-root) circuits based on the input relationship. The embodiments then prove equivalence between the circuit designs by using the input and output relationships.
US09870437B2 Systems and methods for detecting and modeling curb curves in complex urban scenes
Computer-implemented methods and systems of detecting and modeling curbs include receiving a cloud of three-dimensional (3D) data points acquired along street locations. A plurality of vertical scanlines (e.g., arrays of 3D data points obtained at given horizontal locations) are identified within the cloud of 3D data points. One or more curb points indicating the potential presence of a curb in the plurality of vertical scanlines are identified. A synthesized set of non-overlapping curb curves are generated in order to close gaps between certain curb points while removing certain other outlier curb points. Successive curb curves in the synthesized set of non-overlapping curb curves are then identified as belonging to one or more curb segments. A curb model that fits each of the one or more curb segments to one or more curb model shape representations can then be generated.
US09870433B2 Data processing method and system of establishing input recommendation
A data processing method of establishing an input recommendation is provided. The method establishes an inverted index having a variable prefix length based on entry number distribution, thus preventing the established inverted index from generating a number of index entries that are rarely used, and reducing the redundancy of the input recommendation index that is created.
US09870432B2 Persisted enterprise graph queries
A computer search service can receive an enterprise graph query from a client computing device that is remote from the computer search service, with the enterprise graph query identifying an actor object set, a target object set, and a relationship between the actor object set and the target object set. The search service can return results of the enterprise graph query to the client device. The search service can receive from the client device an indication of user input instructing the search service to persist the enterprise graph query, with the indication of user input also instructing the search service to associate the persisted enterprise graph query with an entity. Moreover, in response to receiving the indication of user input, the search service can persist the enterprise graph query as well as associate the persisted enterprise graph query with the entity and/or enter a subscription entry for the query.
US09870424B2 Social network based contextual ranking
A ranked set of users may be calculated from an expertise categorization for each user and a person's trust in the users for specific categories. The ranked set of users may be used for presenting search results, recommendations, social marketing, or other uses. A person's reputation may be determined through various online activities. A person's trust in another person may be related to their proximity and activity in one or more social networks.
US09870422B2 Natural language search
Embodiments are provided for natural language search. In some embodiments, a content search request for content items related to an account with a content management system may be received, at least one filter from the content search query request may be determined to identify content items based on at least one of a management function and a content interaction function performed with a content item for the account, and the at least one filter may be applied to accessible content items for the account to identify content items.
US09870419B2 Application cache profiler
In an embodiment of the invention, a method for data profiling incorporating an enterprise service bus (ESB) coupling the target and source systems following an extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) process for a target system and a source system is provided. The method includes receiving baseline data profiling results obtained during ETL from a source application to a target application, caching the updates, determining current data profiling results within the ESB for cached updates, and triggering an action if a threshold disparity is detected upon the current data profiling results and the baseline data profiling results.
US09870417B2 Merging business object hierarchies
The present disclosure involves systems, software, and computer-implemented methods for merging object hierarchies. An example method includes identifying a first object hierarchy including one or more objects, each of the one or more objects representing a query associated with a data set; identifying a second object hierarchy including one or more objects; and generating a merged object hierarchy including the one or more objects from the first object hierarchy and the one or more objects from second object hierarchy, the merged hierarchy combining objects from the first and second object hierarchies that match and share a common parent object, and separately maintaining objects from the first and second object hierarchies that match and do not share a common parent object.
US09870415B2 System and method for fast query response
The disclosure generally describes computer-implemented methods, software, and systems for handling data access request, including: receiving a request submitted by a user to access data entries stored at a primary data server; determining whether the received request is supported by a fast query service engine, the fast query service engine being different from the primary data server; in response to determining that the received request is supported by the fast query service engine, directing the request to the fast query service engine; receiving query results from the fast query service engine, the query results composed from more than one answer sets maintained in in-memory data store at the fast query service engine, the answer sets the in-memory data-store being synchronized with the primary data server; and providing the query results to the user submitting the request.
US09870413B1 Direct connections to a plurality of storage object replicas in a computer network
A system and method for efficiently accessing replicas of a storage object. A first node may perform a find operation to determine a plurality of nodes that each store a replica of a first storage object. For each node in the plurality of nodes, the first node may establish a direct connection to the node. The first node may then access the replicas of the first storage object using the respective direct connections to the plurality of nodes. In one embodiment, the nodes may be nodes in a peer-to-peer network. Establishing a direct connection to each storage object replica may enable the first node to communicate with each node in a single hop without having to pass messages via intermediate nodes in the peer-to-peer network.
US09870410B2 Constructed data stream for enhanced event processing
Embodiments described herein are directed to methods and systems for enhanced event processing. An enhanced event processing request is received, the enhanced processing request comprising an indication of input data from a database data source. The input data indicated in the enhanced event processing request is accessed using a constructed data stream. The constructed data stream provides access to a collection of snapshots over time of database data of the database data source. The data from constructed data stream source may be accessed as a function of a selected value and a selected time. The constructed data stream data includes the temporal element, which is unavailable with the database data, the temporal element facilitates performing enhanced event processing for the database data using the constructed data stream data. An output for the enhanced event processing request is generated based on the input data accessed using the constructed data stream data.
US09870408B2 Search method and system
A search method is disclosed. The method obtains a plurality of search results for a query based on first relevance scores, and classifies the plurality of search results into a plurality of classifications. Based on respective rankings of the plurality of search results in corresponding classifications of the plurality of classifications, second relevance scores for the plurality of search results are generated, and the plurality of search results are ranked based on the first relevance scores and the second relevance scores. The technique achieves lower consumption of system resources, faster computation speed and more flexibility in diversification of search results.
US09870402B2 Distributed storage device, storage node, data providing method, and medium
A distributed storage device according to the present invention includes: a plurality of storage nodes, the plurality of storage nodes includes: a data storage unit that accumulates stream data output from a device; a first time frame generation unit that generates a time frame synchronized with another storage node and associates a data element included in stream data accumulated in the data storage unit with one of time frames; a data selection unit that selects a data element associated with a predetermined time frame from the stream data accumulated in the data storage unit, based on an access request from a client terminal; and a data transmission unit that transmits a data element selected by the data selection unit to the client terminal.
US09870398B1 Database-table sampling-percentage selection
A database system may include a storage device configured to store a plurality of database tables. The database system may further include a processor in communication with the storage device. The processor may determine a first sampling percentage to be used on a column of a database table. The first sampling percentage may be based on a respective frequency of each column value in the column. The processor may determine a second sampling percentage to be used on the column in generation of the plan to respond to the database query. The second sampling percentage may be based on size of the database table. The processor may select the maximum of the first sampling percentage and the second sampling percentage. The selected sampling percentage may be used to collect statistics on the column. The collected statistics may be used to generate at least one database query response plan associated with the column. A method and computer-readable medium may also be implemented.
US09870394B2 Query routing method, query routing server performing the same and storage medium storing the same
Provided is a method, server, and storage medium for query routing. A query may be processed on a query routing server using a same distributed file system and connectable with a plurality of query performance engines sharing metadata. The method may include receiving, through a user input interface, a query and a criterion to select a query performance engine among a plurality of query performance engines, and determining, by a query routing server, one of the plurality of query performance engines based on the received criterion.
US09870393B2 Graph processing in database
The subject matter described herein relates to database middleware for enabling graph processing. A middleware between the graph data and underlying relational or SQL database is proposed. The local properties and topology information of nodes in the graph can be stored in a single node table in the database, thereby eliminating the need for a physical junction table. The middleware may efficiently translate graph queries into SQL queries over related tables. In some examples, the middleware may optimize the translated queries using the topology knowledge which is oblivious to the database query engine.
US09870392B2 Retrieval method and system
A retrieval method and system are disclosed. The method involves: A). searching a catalog table of retrieval keywords based on a retrieval keyword inputted by a user at a terminal, and acquiring a first data terms set including the inputted retrieval keyword; B). searching a data table of information index based on each data term of the first data terms set related to the inputted retrieval keyword, and acquiring a second data terms set; C). combining and sending the first data terms set to the terminal wherein the first data terms set is combined in a way of recursion, and sending the second data terms set to the terminal. The solution extracts semantics by formalizing retrieval character strings, and guides and returns retrieval information, thereby improving the deterministic, logic and efficiency of retrieval and user experience.
US09870391B1 People search using proximity
Disclosed are various embodiments for providing a people search that uses proximity in ranking results. A search query for a person is obtained from a user. The search query is executed on a directory comprising profiles that each correspond to a respective person. Resulting profiles that match the search query are thereby obtained. The resulting profiles are ordered based at least in part on a measure of proximity of each respective person to the user.
US09870390B2 Selecting from OR-expansion states of a query
Methods, stored instructions, and computer systems are described for selecting an OR-expansion state of a query. A query processor accesses a certain query and a control parameter. The certain query comprises disjunctive predicates, and the control parameter indicates a certain procedure of a plurality of alternative stored procedures for expanding queries comprising disjunctive predicates into semantically equivalent candidate queries comprising combinations of subqueries. Based at least in part on the control parameter, the query processor selects the certain procedure to expand the certain query into one or more certain semantically equivalent candidate queries, each comprising a different combination of two or more subqueries. The query processor causes cost-based evaluation of subject queries, including the certain query and the one or more certain semantically equivalent candidate queries. The query processor then selects a query of the subject queries for execution or for further evaluation or transformation.
US09870388B2 Analyzing usage of visual content to determine relationships indicating unsuccessful attempts to retrieve the visual content
An MMR system includes an analytics module for monitoring and analyzing the creation and usage of visual content search. The analytics module is part of an MMR gateway and provides a mechanism for administrators to determine the usage patterns and other information about users of the MMR system. The analytics module comprises a monitoring module, a usage database, an access analysis module and a presentation module. The monitoring module collects information about the retrieval request, image queries, context information and recognition results. The usage database stores the information collected by the monitoring module.
US09870379B2 Searching files
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to searching files. In aspects, a search engine is able to search not only the current files but also is able to search for deleted and previous versions of files that satisfy queries. The search engine may maintain an index that facilitates searches. In addition, the search engine may also determine not only that a file satisfies a query but what version(s) of the file satisfies the query.
US09870373B2 Daisy-chain storage synchronization system and method
A daisy-chain storage synchronization (DSS) system and method that permits a daisy-chain of interconnected pass-thru disk drive controllers (PTDDCs) each connected to a SATA local disk drive (LDD) disk storage element (DSE) to support state synchronization within PTDDCs in the daisy-chain is disclosed. The PTDDCs within the daisy-chain are configured to individually maintain drive state information (DSI) relating to the LDD as well as chain state information (CSI) relating to the individual PTDDCs within the daisy-chain. This state information may be modified on receipt of out-of-band signaling (OBS) from other PTDDC elements up the daisy-chain as well as OBS from other PTDDC elements down the daisy-chain. CSI is determined in part by conventional SATA OBS state register protocols that are modified by internal state registers (ISR) in each individual PTDDC daisy-chain element so as to make the DSS transparent to existing SATA OBS single-disk standard hardware command protocols.
US09870372B2 Fast application streaming using on-demand staging
Embodiments are directed to rapidly launching a virtual software application using on-demand file staging, rapidly launching a virtual software application using on-demand registry staging and to rapidly publishing a virtual software application using on-demand staging. In one scenario, a computer system creates a high-level file listing that includes a list of specified high-level data files and directories that are part of a virtual application package. The computer system receives an indication from an application user that the virtual application is to be accessed and dynamically creates sparse data files for those data files that are to be accessed based on the received indication. Then, upon determining that the virtual application is attempting to access the sparse data files, the computer system dynamically streams the data corresponding to the sparse data files on demand from the remote data store.
US09870371B2 Associating application-specific methods with tables used for data storage
A method of accessing data includes storing a table that includes a plurality of tablets corresponding to distinct non-overlapping table portions. Respective pluralities of tablet access objects and application objects are stored in a plurality of servers. A distinct application object and distinct tablet are associated with each tablet access object. Each application object corresponds to a distinct instantiation of an application associated with the table. The tablet access objects and associated application objects are redistributed among the servers in accordance with a first load-balancing criterion. A first request directed to a respective tablet is received from a client. In response, the tablet access object associated with the respective tablet is used to perform a data access operation on the respective tablet, and the application object associated with the respective tablet is used to perform an additional computational operation to produce a result to be returned to the client.
US09870369B2 Distributed resource contention detection and handling
A system and method are disclosed for detecting and handling resource contention in a cluster file system. In one implementation, a processing device determines a measure of congestion for a resource that is shared by a first node of a cluster file system and a second node of the cluster file system, where the first node has a first local queue for lock requests for the resource, and wherein the second node has a second local queue for lock requests for the resource. The processing device adjusts a parameter for a node of the cluster file system in view of the measure of congestion.
US09870368B2 Concurrent access and transactions in a distributed file system
Embodiments described herein provide techniques for maintaining consistency in a distributed system (e.g., a distributed secondary storage system). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first set of file system objects included in performing the requested file system operation is identified in response to a request to perform a file system operation. An update intent corresponding to the requested file system operation is inserted into an inode associated with each identified file system object. Each file system object corresponding to the inode is modified as specified by the update intent in that inode. After modifying the file system object corresponding to the inode, the update intent is removed from that inode.
US09870363B2 Intelligently categorizing data to delete specified amounts of data based on selected data characteristics
A data processing system assigns stored documents within a distributed storage system (DSS) to various document categories to enable a target number of documents to be deleted. An intelligent storage management (ISM) utility identifies a data storage threshold value used to control data storage within the DSS. If a current storage usage exceeds the data storage threshold value, the ISM utility calculates, based on the current storage usage, a target number of documents that can be deleted from the DSS. The ISM utility utilizes a recursive process, which includes assigning stored documents to groups including a set of document categories based on data characteristics of the stored documents. The ISM utility further utilizes the recursive process to delete, based on an established ordering of the groups, all of the stored documents assigned to a subset of the groups in order to remove the target number of stored documents.
US09870357B2 Techniques for translating text via wearable computing device
A method of presenting translated content items is disclosed. It is detected that a content item has been captured by a device of a user. It is identified that the content item is a candidate content item for translation. The candidate content item is translated; and the translated candidate content item is presented via a user interface of a wearable display of the device.
US09870351B2 Annotating embedded tables
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for extracting and annotating text. Heuristics are applied to extracted text data in order to detect the readability of the text data. The text data is converted to an intermediate form. The transformed intermediate form is converted back to the original text format. Character and feature correspondence; positional logic; and queries to determine if the text data within a line corresponds with a token header are used to maintain the formatting and annotate the original text.
US09870350B2 Pie chart based information management system
A method for visually accessing information. A computer system displays pie charts in a graphical user interface in a display system. The pie charts have sections that represent pieces of the information, and each of the pie charts represents a type of the information. The computer system receives a user input selecting a portion of the sections from the pie charts displayed in the graphical user interface. The computer system displays a new pie chart in the graphical user interface using the portion of the sections selected by the user input. The new pie chart has new sections representing selected pieces of the information corresponding to the portion of the sections. The new sections have sizes based on a policy, and the sizes for the new sections indicates relative values of the pieces of the information with respect to each other. The new pie chart enables visually accessing the information.
US09870343B2 Product inspection device, product inspection method, and computer program
A product inspection device that includes a measuring section, a deemed standard deviation calculation unit, a measurement value standard deviation calculation unit, a determination unit, and a risk calculation unit. The measuring section measures characteristic values of products, the deemed standard deviation calculation unit calculates a deemed standard deviation, and the risk calculation unit calculates a consumer risk and a producer risk based on at least one of an average value of the measured characteristic values of some of the products contained in a measured product lot, the deemed standard deviation, or the measurement value standard deviation. The determination unit changes a inspection standard based on at least one of the calculated consumer risk or the calculated producer risk, and determines whether or not all the products contained in the product lot are non-defective articles with the changed inspection standard as a reference.
US09870341B2 Memory reduction method for fixed point matrix multiply
Embodiments include computing devices, apparatus, and methods implemented by the apparatus for memory reduction for fixed point matrix multiply on a computing device. The computing device may implement a partial matrix multiplication using a first block of fixed point data of a first matrix and a second block of fixed point data of a second matrix using full precision resulting in a first intermediate result. The computing device may down convert the first intermediate result by converting fixed point data of the first intermediate result to fixed point data using lower precision resulting in a first down converted intermediate result.
US09870340B2 Multithreading in vector processors
In one embodiment, a system includes a processor having a vector processing mode and a multithreading mode. The processor is configured to operate on one thread per cycle in the multithreading mode. The processor includes a program counter register having a plurality of program counters, and the program counter register is vectorized. Each program counter in the program counter register represents a distinct corresponding thread of a plurality of threads. The processor is configured to execute the plurality of threads by activating the plurality of program counters in a round robin cycle.
US09870338B2 Systems, apparatuses, and methods for performing vector packed compression and repeat
Embodiments of systems, apparatuses, and methods for performing in a computer processor vector packed compression and repeat in response to a single vector packed compression and repeat instruction that includes a first and second source vector register operand, a destination vector register operand, and an opcode are described.
US09870336B2 Implementing sideband control structure for PCIE cable cards and IO expansion enclosures
A method, system and computer program product are provided for implementing sideband control structure for Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIE) add-in cards, or cable cards, that utilize cables to connect to input/output (IO) expansion enclosures in a computer system. System firmware uniquely identifies a cable card present in a PCIE slot in a system unit. Enclosure management functions utilize sideband control paths integrated within at least cable providing sideband control signaling, and providing PCIE signaling lanes between the cable card and the IO enclosure.
US09870333B1 Instrumentation chassis including integrated accelerator module
A peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) eXtensions for instrumentation (PXIe) chassis includes a backplane, multiple peripheral slots, a mezzanine card and an integrated accelerator module. The peripheral slots are located on the backplane and configured to receive insertable PXIe peripheral modules, respectively. The mezzanine card is on the backplane and configured to accommodate at least one of connectors, integrated circuits (ICs) and signal lines incorporated in the PXIe chassis. The integrated accelerator module is on the mezzanine card within the PXIe chassis and configured to accelerate processing of signals received from the PXIe peripheral modules.
US09870332B2 Protocol conversion system
An Ethernet/Fiber Channel conversion system includes a chassis having a first end and a second end that is located opposite the chassis from the first end. An Ethernet interface is located on the first end and is configured to directly mate with an Ethernet port on an Ethernet device. A Fiber Channel interface is located on the second end. An Ethernet/Fiber Channel conversion engine is housed in the chassis and configured to receive Ethernet protocol signals through the Ethernet interface, convert the Ethernet protocol signals to Fiber Channel protocol signals, and send the Fiber Channel protocol signals through the Fiber Channel interface. The Ethernet/Fiber Channel conversion engine is also configured to receive Fiber channel protocol signals from the Fiber Channel IHS through the Fiber Channel interface, convert the Fiber channel protocol signals to Ethernet protocol signals, and send the Ethernet protocol signals through the Ethernet interface.
US09870327B2 Message-based memory access apparatus and access method thereof
A message-based memory access apparatus and an access method thereof are disclosed, The message-based memory access apparatus includes: a message-based command bus, configured to transmit a message-based memory access instruction generated by the CPU to instruct a memory system to perform a corresponding operation; a message-based memory controller, configured to package a CPU request into a message packet and sent the packet to a storage module, and parse a message packet returned by the storage module and return data to the CPU; a message channel, configured to transmit a request message packet and a response message packet; and the storage module, including a buffer scheduler, and configured to receive the request packet from the message-based memory controller and process the corresponding request.
US09870326B2 Transfer apparatus, transfer system, and non-transitory computer readable medium
A transfer apparatus includes first and second communication paths, an accepting unit, a registration unit, an acquisition unit, and a transfer unit. The accepting unit accepts a request for data. The registration unit detects and registers a range that has been specified for writing. The acquisition unit acquires the data from a memory controller via the first communication path in a case where the request is issued for a registered range, and acquires the data from the arbitration device via the second communication path in a case where the request is issued for an unregistered range. The transfer unit transfers the acquired data. In a case where a first range detected from the arbitration device overlaps at least a portion of or is adjacent to a second range, which has been registered, the registration unit combines the first and second ranges into a continuous range and registers the continuous range.
US09870325B2 Common die implementation for memory devices with independent interface paths
A memory device includes at least two independent interface paths, an interface path including multiple memory banks. The memory device can selectively operate in a bank mode or a bank group mode. In bank mode, banks are operated as logical banks, where separate physical banks from different interface paths operate in parallel. When a logic bank is accessed, all physical banks belonging to the logical bank are accessed in parallel across the interface paths. In bank group mode, banks are operated independently, but accessed in bank groups. A separate interface path is operated as an independent bank group, and a bank is individually accessed in its bank group. In bank group mode, back to back access to separate bank groups is possible without resulting in access delay.
US09870323B2 Thresholding task control blocks for staging and destaging
For thresholding task control blocks (TCBs) for staging and destaging, a first tier of TCBs are reserved for guaranteeing a minimum number of TCBs for staging and destaging for storage ranks. An additional number of requested TCBs are apportioned from a second tier of TCBs to each of the storage ranks based on a scaling factor that is calculated at predefined time intervals. The scaling factor is multiplied by a total number of a plurality of requests from each of the storage ranks for the TCBs from the second tier of TCBs for determining a maximum number of the TCBs to be allocated to each of the storage ranks.
US09870319B1 Multibank queuing system
Data items to be stored in a queue are received, where the queue is distributed among a plurality of memory banks. The data items are distributed among the plurality of memory banks, including selecting memory banks in which to store the data items based on pseudorandom numbers generated for the data items, where the pseudorandom numbers are generated using a first pseudorandom number generator initialized with a first seed. Subsequently the data items are retrieved from the plurality of memory banks, including selecting memory banks from which to retrieve the data items based on the pseudorandom numbers regenerated for the data items, where the pseudorandom numbers are regenerated using a second pseudorandom number generator initialized with the first seed.
US09870316B2 Bidirectional counter in a flash memory
A method of storing a counter in at least two non-volatile memory pages, including: a step of initializing a page with an initial value and then, on each update of the counter value, a step of storing an update value and an opcode associated with this value, selected from a set of opcodes, the current value of the counter being given by application of the successive update operations to the initial value of the page.
US09870315B2 Memory and processor hierarchy to improve power efficiency
A computing memory includes an execution unit and an access processor coupled with a memory system, where the execution unit and the access processor are logically separated units. The execution unit is for processing operand data. The access processor is for providing operand data and configuration data to the execution unit. The access processor reads operand data from the memory system and sends the operand data to the execution unit. The execution unit executes the operand data according to the provided configuration data. The access processor includes information about execution times of operations of the execution unit for the provided configuration. The access processor reserves time-slots for writing execution unit results provided by the execution unit into selected locations in the memory system based on the information about the execution times, upon sending at least one of the operand data and the configuration data to the execution unit.
US09870314B1 Update testing by build introspection
The present disclosure provides new and innovative methods and systems for ordering tests in an application update environment. For example, an update to an application may be received. A file name of a file affected by the update may be detected. A correlation matrix, which associates file names and the test names with correlations based on test metrics, may be queried with the file name to return a correlation between the file name and a test. A test plan may be built based on the correlation between the detected file name and the test, and may include an ordered list based on correlations from the correlation matrix. The test plan may then be run. A test failure and test metric of a test may be detected and the correlation matrix may be updated with a correlation between the file name and the failed test based on the test metric.
US09870313B2 Unit-level formal verification for vehicular software systems
According to one exemplary embodiment, a method for preparing a software component for verification is provided. The method may include receiving the software component and a design model. The method may also include generating a wrapper program based on the received software component and the received design model. The method may then include associating the received software component with the generated wrapper program. The method may further include determining a plurality of inputs for the received software component based on the received design model. The method may also include sending the determined plurality of inputs and the received software component with associated wrapper program to a verification tool.
US09870312B2 Generating reusable testing procedures
A selection of a plurality of graphical user interface (GUI) components of a GUI is received. The selection is received so that the GUI can be tested. Attributes of the selection of GUI components are determined. Using the attributes, a default procedure for testing the GUI is determined. The default procedure includes a first set of input values for GUI components of the plurality of GUI components. The default procedure includes a first sequence in which the first set of input values are provided. Modifications to the default procedure are received. Using the modifications, a final procedure with a second set of input values provided in a sequence is generated. The GUI is tested with the final procedure. Testing the GUI includes providing the second set of input values to respective GUI components in the second sequence.
US09870310B1 Data providers for annotations-based generic load generator
A generic transaction generator framework for testing a network-based production service may work in conjunction with a product-specific transaction creator module that executes transactions on the service. The transaction creator module may include runtime-discoverable information, such as source code annotations, to communicate product specific details to the framework. Runtime-discoverable information may identify transaction types, transaction methods, data provider methods and data sources. The framework may generate and execute various test transactions and may call a data provider method to prepare data for the transaction and pass the prepared data to a transaction method. The framework may also load and parse test data from a data source and provide the test data to the data provider method for use when preparing data for the transaction.
US09870303B2 Monitoring and correlating a binary process in a distributed business transaction
A dynamic monitoring process begins with configuring a start and end method to be monitored. The dynamic monitoring process may intercept both the start and end methods as and when the loader is initiated or at runtime to dynamically attach and detach the instrumentation. A loader may then be modified to call a library method upon detection of the start method. The library method may serve as a notification to the start of the method and causes a reflector to retrieve information from the incoming request. The incoming information may include data from which a business transaction name may be determined. The business transaction name is then associated with the monitoring of the particular request. When an exit call is detected, a call may be made to the library for a method which invokes a decorator. The decorator may insert business transaction name and other data into the outgoing call.
US09870302B2 Providing data to a user interface for performance monitoring
A method, system, and computer readable storage medium for providing data to a user interface for performance monitoring are disclosed, in which an a data definition is acquired, where the data definition is generated in response to a definition of the user interface. Data is acquired from data sources based on the data definition. The acquired data is processed based on the data definition, and the processed data is cached.
US09870300B2 Logged event frequency visualization
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for logged event frequency visualization. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for logged event frequency visualization is provided. The method includes loading into memory of a computer system a set of logged data entries and associated time stamps from a data store of log entries and computing in the computer system a frequency of logging for each of the logged data entries. The method additionally includes concurrently displaying in a log viewer both the logged data entries and also a visualization of the frequency of logging for each of the logged data entries.
US09870299B2 Logic circuit for the gathering of trace data
A logic circuit comprises a plurality of functional logic units each having an independent clock signal and a trace bus for carrying trace data. A trace gathering logic unit collects trace data from the functional logic units, the trace gathering logic unit having a clock signal independent of the clock signals of the functional logic units and a trace bus for receiving trace data from the functional logic units; multiplexing logic for multiplexing portions of trace data from different functional logic units onto the trace bus of the trace gathering logic unit; and, synchronization logic coupled to the multiplexing logic for communicating trace data from the functional, logic units to the trace gathering logic unit based on the clock signal of the trace gathering logic unit, the synchronization logic comprising detection logic when valid trace data from the functional logic units is available for placing on the trace bus of the trace gathering logic unit, and signaling logic coupled to the detection logic for signaling to the trace gathering logic unit that valid trace data is on the trace bus.
US09870298B2 Application resource utilization management
Methods and systems for automatically identifying an application that is experiencing performance problems caused by a resource utilization event may include receiving an indication that an application is experiencing a performance issue. It may be determined that the performance issue is caused by a resource utilization event on a device. The resource utilization event may include the application and one or more other applications running simultaneously, use of one or more functions of the device simultaneously by at least one of the first application and one or more other applications, and/or a resource utilization overload based on simultaneous use of a plurality of sensors on the device. Next, action may be taken to correct the performance issue of the application.
US09870295B2 Automation of workflow creation and failure recovery
A system includes a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium comprises instructions executable by the processor to cause the system to perform a method. The method comprises receiving a first job to execute and executing the first job. A plurality of data associated with the first job is determined. The plurality of data comprises data associated with (i) a second job executed immediately prior to the first job, (ii) a third job executed immediately after the first job, (iii) a determination of whether the first job failed or executed successfully and (iv) a type of data associated with the first job. The determined plurality of data is stored.
US09870294B2 Visualization of behavior clustering of computer applications
Dimensionality reduction, such as principal component analysis, may be performed against a time series of performance observations for a computer application. A visual representation of the results may be displayed in one, two, or three dimensions, and often show clusters of operational behavior. The representation may be animated to show a sequence of observations and how the behavior of an application may change from one cluster of operation to another. The representation may be further applied to show both a historical view of the observations and new observations. The time series may contain performance and operational data, as well as metadata observed from a computer application.
US09870293B2 Memory device performing post package repair (PPR) operation
A memory device including; a memory cell array including memory cells connected to word lines and bit lines, and redundancy memory cells connected to a redundancy word line and the bit lines, and control logic configured to control execution of a post package repair operation by the memory device. The control logic includes a PPR control circuit that programs a bad row address to a non-volatile memory during a normal PPR operation in response to the normal PPR command, and programs the bad row address to a volatile memory during a fast PPR operation in response to the fast PPR command, and replaces the bad row in the memory cell array with a redundancy row associated with the redundancy word line.
US09870292B2 Configurationless redundancy
A method for configuring components in a computing system. A selected one of the components is designated as a primary component, the other components thereby automatically adopting a status of secondary component. The designation of the primary component is stored in a first memory that is accessible by at least one of the primary component, at least one secondary component, and the computing system. Upon occurrence of a predetermined computing system event, the first memory is read to determine the designation of the primary component. A configuration file from a second memory is automatically copied to a memory of at least one secondary component, thereby creating a new configuration file in the at least one secondary component.
US09870288B2 Container-based processing method, apparatus, and system
A container-based processing method includes: when a container state needs to be backed up, determining that content of a first control group file in at least one control group file of the container is modified; acquiring, a file name of the first control group file corresponding to the first flag bit; searching for, according to a correspondence between the file name of the at least one control group file and a storage location of the at least one control group file, a storage location of the first control group file corresponding to the file name of the first control group file, and extracting modified content of the first control group file from the first control group file stored in the storage location of the first control group file; and backing up the file name of the first control group file and the modified content of the first control group file.
US09870285B2 Selectively de-straddling data pages in non-volatile memory
An apparatus, according to one embodiment, includes: one or more memory devices, each memory device comprising non-volatile memory configured to store data, and a memory controller connected to the one or more memory devices. The memory controller is configured to: detect at least one read of a logical page straddled across codewords, store an indication of a number of detected reads of the straddled logical page, and relocate the straddled logical page to a different physical location in response to the number of detected reads of the straddled logical page, wherein the logical page is written to the different physical location in a non-straddled manner. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in additional embodiments.
US09870284B2 First responder parities for storage array
Embodiments relate to correcting erasures in a storage array. An aspect includes dividing data into a plurality of stripes for storage in a storage array comprising a plurality of storage locations, each stripe comprising M rows and N columns, each of the M rows including a number r of row parities, wherein r is greater than zero. Another aspect includes dividing each stripe into two or more column sets, each column set comprising a respective set of one or more columns of the stripe. Another aspect includes adding a respective first responder parity to each column set, wherein each first responder parity gives parity information for only the two or more columns in the first responder parity's respective column set. Yet another aspect includes, based on an isolated erasure in a column set, correcting the isolated erasure by reading data from only storage locations corresponding to the column set in which the isolated erasure occurred using the first responder parity of the column set.
US09870283B2 Memory error detection
Systems and methods are provided for detecting and correcting address errors in a memory system. In the memory system, a memory device generates an error-detection code based on an address transmitted via an address bus and transmits the error-detection code to a memory controller. The memory controller transmits an error indication to the memory device in response to the error-detection code. The error indication causes the memory device to remove the received address and prevent a memory operation
US09870281B1 Power loss mitigation for data storage device
A Data Storage Device (DSD) includes a disk for storing data, a volatile memory for temporarily storing data to be written on the disk, and a Non-Volatile Solid-State Memory (NVSM) for storing data. Data is stored in the volatile memory in preparation for writing the data on the disk. The data is written from the volatile memory onto the disk, and it is determined whether the data written on the disk is qualified as written. In the event of an unexpected power loss, a portion of unqualified data that has not been qualified as written is transferred from the volatile memory to the NVSM.
US09870275B2 Processor thread management
Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for managing processor threads of a plurality of processors. In one embodiment, a parameter of performance of the computing system is measured, and the configurations of one or more processor nodes are dynamically adjusted as a function of the measured parameter of performance. In this manner, the number of processor threads being concurrently executed by the plurality of processor nodes of the computing system may be dynamically adjusted in real time as the system operates to improve the performance of the system as it operates under various operating conditions. It is appreciated that systems employing processor thread management in accordance with the present description may provide other features in addition to or instead of those described herein, depending upon the particular application.
US09870269B1 Job allocation in a clustered environment
Described herein are systems, devices, and methods for using a job scheduler that allocates jobs to cluster nodes in a data warehouse. The cluster nodes in the data warehouse may generate information about the availability to execute new jobs. The job scheduler may use the information about the availability to determine which cluster node to allocate a particular job based on current information or a prediction of availability. As a result the data warehouse becomes more stable.
US09870268B2 Virtual computing instance migration
A customer submits a set of preferences including hardware specifications for instantiating a virtual machine instance. The virtual machine instance may be instantiated in a physical host computer system that does not conform to the set of preferences. The virtual computer system service may be configured to evaluate the specifications of the available physical host computer systems to determine whether any of the available physical host computer systems conform to the set of preferences. Accordingly, the virtual computer system service may further evaluate the available physical host computer systems to determine whether available physical host computer systems comprise available slots for instantiating the existing virtual machine instance. If the one or more available physical host computer systems have available slots, the virtual computer system service may migrate the existing virtual machine instance to an available physical host computer system in order to fulfill the customer request.
US09870266B2 Background job processing framework
The described technology relates to scheduling jobs of a plurality of types in an enterprise web application. A processing system configures a job database having a plurality of job entries, and concurrently executes a plurality of job schedulers independently of each other. Each job scheduler is configured to schedule for execution jobs in the jobs database that are of a type different from types of jobs others of the plurality of job schedulers are configured to schedule. The processing system also causes performance of jobs scheduled for execution by any of the plurality of schedulers. Method and computer readable medium embodiments are also provided.
US09870264B2 Methods and systems for coordinated transactions in distributed and parallel environments
Automated techniques are disclosed for minimizing communication between nodes in a system comprising multiple nodes for executing requests in which a request type is associated with a particular node. For example, a technique comprises the following steps. Information is maintained about frequencies of compound requests received and individual requests comprising the compound requests. For a plurality of request types which frequently occur in a compound request, the plurality of request types is associated to a same node. As another example, a technique for minimizing communication between nodes, in a system comprising multiple nodes for executing a plurality of applications, comprises the steps of maintaining information about an amount of communication between said applications, and using said information to place said applications on said nodes to minimize communication among said nodes.
US09870262B2 Processing element management in a streaming data system
Stream applications may inefficiently use the hardware resources that execute the processing elements of the data stream. For example, a compute node may host four processing elements and execute each using a CPU. However, other CPUs on the compute node may sit idle. To take advantage of these available hardware resources, a stream programmer may identify one or more processing elements that may be cloned. The cloned processing elements may be used to generate a different execution path that is parallel to the execution path that includes the original processing elements. Because the cloned processing elements contain the same operators as the original processing elements, the data stream that was previously flowing through only the original processing element may be split and sent through both the original and cloned processing elements. In this manner, the parallel execution path may use underutilized hardware resources to increase the throughput of the data stream.
US09870259B2 Triggered queue transformation
Methods and systems disclosed herein relate generally to evaluating resource loads to determine when to transform queues and to specific techniques for transforming at least part of queues so as to correspond to alternative resources.
US09870245B2 Optimized migration of virtual objects across environments in a cloud computing environment
An appliance migration mechanism (AMM) optimizes migration of a live virtual appliance with virtual objects between cloud environments to minimize temporary connections that use significant cloud resources during the migration. The AMM determines a cost of connections of each virtual object in the virtual appliance and produces an order of migration for the virtual objects. The cost of connections of the virtual objects may be determined by the total number of connections and the maximum number of connections. Alternatively the cost of the connections of the virtual objects for migration could be determined by a weighting the costs of the connections where the weighting may consider loading or other factors on the connection.
US09870244B2 Optimized migration of virtual objects across environments in a cloud computing environment
An appliance migration mechanism (AMM) optimizes migration of a live virtual appliance with virtual objects between cloud environments to minimize temporary connections that use significant cloud resources during the migration. The AMM determines a cost of connections of each virtual object in the virtual appliance and produces an order of migration for the virtual objects. The cost of connections of the virtual objects may be determined by the total number of connections and the maximum number of connections. Alternatively the cost of the connections of the virtual objects for migration could be determined by a weighting the costs of the connections where the weighting may consider loading or other factors on the connection.
US09870239B2 Method and device for running application program
The present disclosure relates to a method and a device for running an application program. The method includes: receiving a triggering signal instructing to run a second application program in a operating first application program; loading and parsing an installation package of the second application program to obtain a program component of the second application program through the first application program; and running the program component of the second application program in a runtime environment provided by the first application program.
US09870238B2 Method, medium, and system for multitenant hosted virtual machine infrastructure
A multi-tenant virtual machine infrastructure (MTVMI) allows multiple tenants to independently access and use a plurality of virtual computing resources via the Internet. Within the MTVMI, different tenants may define unique configurations of virtual computing resources and unique rules to govern the use of the virtual computing resources. The MTVMI may be configured to provide valuable services for tenants and users associated with the tenants.
US09870235B2 Recording events generated for performing a task through user equipment
Described embodiments provide for a method of recording events generated for performing a task through user equipment. In the method, an activation input may be received for activating an event recording mode. Upon the activation of the event recording mode, events generated in the user equipment may be recorded. Upon the receipt of an inactivation input for inactivating the event recording mode, an identification code may be assigned to a set of the recorded events. The set of the generated events may be stored with the assigned identification code.
US09870233B2 Initializing a memory subsystem of a management controller
A method for initializing a memory subsystem (212) of a management controller (200) includes, with an additional memory initialization module (206) of the management controller (200), initializing the memory subsystem (212) of the management controller (200) in response to the memory subsystem (212) not being properly initialized. A management controller (200) includes a memory subsystem (212) including a memory controller (214) and a memory (216); firmware (208) able to initialize the memory subsystem (212); and a memory initialization module (206) to initialize the memory subsystem (212) if the memory subsystem (212) is not properly initialized.
US09870231B2 Age based fast instruction issue
In an approach for selecting and issuing an oldest ready instruction in an issue queue, one or more processors receive one or more instructions in an issue queue. Ready to execute instructions are identified. An age of the instructions are represented in a first age array. One or more subsets of the instructions are generated for subset age arrays that each hold an age of the instructions in a subset. A 1-hot signal is generated that identifies an oldest ready instruction in the first age array and a 1-hot signal is simultaneously generated that identifies an oldest ready instruction in each subset age array. A candidate instruction is selected with each subset signal that is represented in the subset age array of the subset signal, wherein a candidate instruction is an oldest ready instruction in the subset age array. A candidate instruction is selected with the major signal and issued.
US09870224B1 Assessing quality of code in an open platform environment
Techniques for driving higher quality of code may be provided. For example, code may be received for hosting on a computing resource. A computing service may be implemented to analyze the code prior to the hosting. The analysis may include assessing components of the code against criteria associated with code performance. Based on the analysis, the computing service may determine a quality of the code, provide recommended changes to the code that may improve the quality, and identify a proper computing resource for hosting the code at the quality.
US09870222B2 Air-conditioning system
An air-conditioning system is provided with an air-conditioning apparatus management apparatus and an air-conditioning apparatus which transmits and receives various signals to and from the air-conditioning apparatus management apparatus. The air-conditioning apparatus management apparatus manages the air-conditioning apparatus, an operational state of the air-conditioning apparatus management apparatus is linked to an operational state of the air-conditioning apparatus, and software set in the air-conditioning apparatus management apparatus is updated based on the operational state of the air-conditioning apparatus management apparatus.
US09870220B2 Memory flash apparatus and method for providing device upgrades over a standard interface
An electronic device includes routing logic operatively coupled to a communication port that is externally accessible so that there is no need to disassemble the electronic device to gain access. The port may be a USB (universal serial bus) port and provides access to an internal bus. The routing logic is also operatively coupled to a memory subsystem such that it may route data from an external device, connected at the port, to the memory subsystem to modify or replace a boot code, including a BIOS code. A memory interface device includes an interface module, a memory interface module for communicating with a memory subsystem including a boot PROM (programmable read only memory), and a routing logic coupled to the interface module and the memory interface module. The routing logic routes data from the external device to the boot PROM, so that a boot code, including a BIOS (basic input/output system), may be modified or replaced.
US09870217B2 Toolkit event configuration of applets on a card computing device with installation parameters
A method involves registering events. The method may include receiving an install command for an applet by a runtime environment executing on a card computing device. The install command may comprise a tag-length-value (TLV) structure with a tag identifying an event-list for registration with a toolkit registry of the runtime environment. Further, the event-list may comprise a toolkit event. The method may further include executing, by the runtime environment, the install command for the applet. The method may further include creating an applet instance of the applet in response to executing the install command. The method may further include registering the applet instance with the toolkit registry by generating, by the runtime environment, a toolkit registry object for the applet instance. Registering the applet instance with the toolkit registry may further include assigning the toolkit registry object to the applet instance. The method may further include identifying the toolkit event of the event-list based on the tag of the TLV structure of the install command. The method may further include registering the toolkit event of the event-list to the toolkit registry object assigned to the applet instance.
US09870215B2 Tracking an application installation state
An apparatus, method, and system for receiving a request for a transaction using a computer system. An absence of a first user identification of an application on a first user device is determined, when a beacon of the computer system does not detect the first user identification within a defined geographical area. A plurality of transaction data from a transaction device is received. A second user identification based on the received transaction data is generated. An installation status of the application on the first user device based on the generated second user identification and the absence of the first user identification is also generated.
US09870213B2 Unified consumption experience for software installation
A maintenance planner receives an installation request for installation of a software product and associated update on a client system, and provides a media download for installing the software product and associated update, along with an installation file characterizing both the software product and a delta file. The delta file describes differences between the software product, the associated update, and any additional update used to satisfy the installation request.
US09870208B2 Analysis of source code for deployment
A method comprises receiving a source code having a data set with a processor, opening the data set and identifying compile stage dependencies and run stage dependencies in the data set, determining whether a compile stage dependency has been identified, determining whether the identified compile stage dependency is accessible responsive to determining that the compile stage dependency has been identified, retrieving the compile stage dependency responsive to determining that the identified compile stage dependency is accessible, and compiling the source code and saving the compiled source code in a memory using the retrieved compile stage dependency responsive to determining that no run stage dependencies have been identified.
US09870206B2 Replication structure in a graphical programming language
System and method for creating a graphical program. A first replication structure may be included in a graphical program, where the first replication structure specifies replication of any graphical program code inside the first replication structure. First graphical program code may be included inside the first replication structure. An implementation of the graphical program may be automatically generated, including generating multiple instances of an implementation of the first graphical program code within the implementation of the graphical program. Executing the graphical program may include executing the multiple instances, e.g., concurrently and/or serially.
US09870203B2 Consumption layer for business entities
A system includes a first non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and a second non-transitory computer-readable storage medium each having stored thereon computer executable program code which, when executed on a computer system, causes the computer system to perform steps. The steps associated with the first non-transitory computer readable medium include generating a Service Adaptation Definition Language (SADL) definition for each of a plurality of business entity types, the SADL definition being based on an intermediate representation of each of the plurality of business entities, and publishing the SADL definition as a service of a SADL engine. The steps associated with the second non-transitory computer-readable storage include discovering the SADL definition and displaying, on a user interface, a representation of the SADL definition, the user interface configured to enable selection of two or more business entity types each associated with a different model layer framework.
US09870194B2 Multi-screen display device having light-transmissive cover with invisible bezel
A multi-screen display device including a light transmissive cover with an invisible bezel includes: a plurality of screen display units (11); bezels (12) formed between the screen display units (11); and a plurality of light transmissive covers (120), each of which has a rear surface (110a), a front surface (110c), and a side surface (110b), and is provided to the screen display units (11) while outer peripheral circumferences (120′) of the front surfaces (120c) of the adjacent light transmissive covers are in contact with each other, and is provided to the screen display unit (11) so that the bezel (12) is positioned between the pair of facing inclined side surfaces (120b) of the adjacent light transmissive covers (120). Accordingly, there is an advantage in that the bezel is invisible.
US09870191B2 Display device, displaying method, and computer-readable recording medium
A display device communicates with a terminal device and includes a display unit, an extracting unit, a generating unit, and a transmitting unit. The display unit displays display data including at least one of image data and drawn data corresponding to an operation performed by a user on a screen. The extracting unit extracts a part of the display data specified by the user out of the display data displayed by the display unit. The generating unit generates image data in a form corresponding to the terminal device based on the extracted display data. The transmitting unit transmits the image data to the terminal device.
US09870190B2 Floating image display apparatus
A floating image display apparatus including a plurality of display modules, a first directional film, and at least one transflective element is provided. The display modules include a first display module and a second display module. The first display module includes a first and a second display panel. The second display module is located on an opposite side to the first display module and includes a third and a fourth display panel. The third display panel is disposed corresponding to the first display panel and the fourth display panel is disposed corresponding to the second display panel. The first directional film is disposed on the first display module and is located between the first and second display modules. The transflective element is located between the first and second display modules, and each of the transflective element and the second display module form an included angle θ1.
US09870189B2 Head mounted display apparatus and method for displaying a content
A head mounted display apparatus and a method for displaying a content are provided. More particularly, a head mounted display apparatus which changes an operation of a virtual character in a content displayed on a display in accordance with a plurality of touches and a method for displaying a content are provided. One of the exemplary embodiments include a head mounted display apparatus which changes an operation of a virtual character in a content displayed on a display corresponding to combination of a first touch detected from a touch pad of the head mounted display apparatus and a second touch detected from a peripheral portable apparatus and a method for displaying a content.
US09870187B2 State-based auxiliary display operation
Described is a technology by which routing of data may be automatically modified based on detected state data of a computing system. For example, user input may be routed from an actuator set to a host computer system when the host computer system is in an online state, or to an auxiliary computing device when the host computer system is offline. State may be determined based on one or more various criteria, such as online or offline, laptop lid position, display orientation, current communication and/or other criteria. The auxiliary display and/or actuator set may be embedded in the host computer system, or each may be separable from it or standalone, such as a remote control or cellular phone.
US09870186B2 Machine-state-based display of documentation
A method displays documentation about a machine on a preferably portable display device. The method is distinguished by the fact that the display device communicates with the machine via a data link. The portable display device communicates with the machine via a data link and the documentation contains partial items of documentation. The states of the machine are registered by a computer of the machine, and that the parts of the documentation matching the registered machine states are selected automatically and displayed on the display device.
US09870183B2 System and method for energy efficient print job queuing
A document processing system includes a print job queue management system configured to temporarily hold print jobs in the print queue during periods of light use, so as to maximize the amount of time that the document processing system spends in energy efficient low power modes. The print job queue management system compares print jobs in the queue with print job hold criteria and releases print jobs for printing when certain criteria are met, such as when a threshold number of documents or pages are in the print queue, if an incoming print job is designated as high priority print job to be immediately printed, or during particular times of the day that are designated as peak use times, which can be determined from historical data. A user can manually force a document to print from the user interface of the document processing systems.
US09870179B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and image processing system
An information processing apparatus includes processors configured to execute computer-executable instructions to execute a process including reading first setting information indicating a first setting content with respect to a first device; referring to function information indicating one or more functions of a second device, and determining whether there is a function, which is not included in the one or more functions of the second device, among one or more functions corresponding to the first setting content; and referring to first term information including a term indicating the first setting content, when there is the function corresponding to the first setting content that is determined as not being included in the one or more functions of the second device, and displaying, on the display device, the function, which is determined as not being included in the one or more functions of the second device, in association with the term.
US09870176B2 Storage appliance and method of segment deduplication
Ingest data for virtual volumes (V) is split into segments (B1, B2, B3, B4) of a size that can be buffered in main memory. Data deduplication processing then occurs directly on the segments (B1, B2, B3, B4) in main memory, without the need for disk I/O.
US09870175B1 Control chip memory power sequence
A control chip for memory power sequence including input pins, a control circuit and output pins is provided. The control chip is compatible with a plurality of processor platforms. The input pins are configured to receive control signals corresponding to each of the processor platforms. The control circuit is configured to determine a selected processor platform among the processor platforms in which the control chip for memory power sequence is operated, and generate corresponding power switching signals according to the control signals of the selected processor platform. The output pins are configured to output the corresponding power switching signals to control a power sequence of a memory on the selected processor platform.
US09870173B2 Apparatus and method for optimized n-write/1-read port memory design
An optimized design of n-write/1-read port memory comprises a memory unit including a plurality of memory banks each having one write port and one read port configured to write data to and read data from the memory banks, respectively. The memory further comprises a plurality of write interfaces configured to carry concurrent write requests to the memory unit for a write operation, wherein the first write request is always presented by its write interface directly to a crossbar, wherein the rest of the write requests are each fed through a set of temporary memory modules connected in a sequence before being presented to the crossbar. The crossbar is configured to accept the first write request directly and fetch the rest of the write requests from one of the memory modules in the set and route each of the write requests to one of the memory banks in the memory unit.
US09870172B2 Address collision avoidance in a memory device
Embodiments herein provide for avoiding address collisions in a memory device. In one embodiment, a memory controller includes a command scheduler operable to process a read-modify-write I/O command to a location in memory, to detect another I/O command to the same memory location while the read-modify-write I/O command is accessing the memory location, and to stall the other I/O command until the read-modify-write I/O command is complete while allowing a third I/O command to access the memory.
US09870171B2 Affinity-aware parallel zeroing of memory for initialization of large pages in non-uniform memory access (NUMA) servers
A system includes a processor and a memory storing a program, and a computer readable medium includes a program for zeroing memory in computing systems where access to memory is non-uniform. When executed on a processor, the program causes the processor to perform an operation that includes receiving, via a system call, a request for a pool of memory. The operation also includes determining a size of the requested pool of memory, and creating a dummy memory segment. The size of the dummy memory segment is larger than the size of the requested pool of memory. The operation further includes filling the dummy memory segment with one or more pages, based on the determined size of the requested pool of memory, and deleting the dummy memory segment.
US09870169B2 Interleaved all-level programming of non-volatile memory
Techniques are disclosed for programming memory devices such as solid-state drives. In an embodiment, a memory controller is configured to execute a programming sequence that interleaves coarse and fine tuning steps for neighboring word lines. In one example, three consecutive word lines are programmed in six steps. At step 1, word line n is coarse programmed to an intermediate voltage level; at step 2, word line n+1 is coarse programmed to an intermediate voltage level; at step 3, word line n is fine programmed to its target voltage level; at step 4, word line n+2 is coarse programmed to an intermediate voltage level; at step 5, word line n+1 is fine programmed to its target voltage level; at step 6, word line n+2 is fine programmed to its target voltage level. No reads are allowed until all cell levels are programmed. Phase change memory may be used as staging buffer.
US09870168B1 Key-value store with internal key-value storage interface
A key-value store is provided having one or more key-value storage interfaces. A key-value store on at least one compute node comprises a memory for storing a plurality of key-value pairs; and an abstract storage interface comprising a software interface module that communicates with at least one persistent storage device providing a key-value interface for persistent storage of one or more of the plurality of key-value pairs, wherein the software interface module provides the one or more key-value pairs to the at least one persistent storage device in a key-value format. The abstract storage interface optionally processes one or more batch operations on the plurality of key-value pairs. A distributed embodiment for a partitioned key-value store is also provided.
US09870160B2 Method of operating memory system including nonvolatile memory and memory controller
A method of operating a nonvolatile memory (NVM) is provided which includes calculating an assignment interval between successive assignments of erase blocks to free blocks from among a plurality of memory blocks of the NVM, and adjusting a number of erase blocks of the plurality of memory blocks according to the assignment interval. The erase blocks are memory blocks, having an erased state, from among the plurality of memory blocks, and the free blocks are memory blocks, which are selected to write data, from among the erase blocks.
US09870159B2 Solid-state disk (SSD) management
SSD wear-level data (320) is generated on managed nodes (202) having SSDs (206). The wear-level data is collected by a management node (204).
US09870154B2 Network storage system using flash storage
A system can comprise an I/O circuitry, a processor, reconfigurable circuitry, an array of flash storage devices, and a serial interconnect network that is coupled to transfer data between the I/O circuitry, the processor, the reconfigurable circuitry and the flash storage devices. The processor can be configured to designate an interconnect address space for use in communication over the interconnect network among the I/O circuitry, the processor, the reconfigurable circuitry and the flash storage devices. The reconfigurable circuitry can be configured to translate data addresses during transfers of data between the I/O circuitry and the array of flash storage devices. A method to access an array of flash storage devices that are coupled to I/O circuitry over a serial interconnect network can comprise using reconfigurable circuitry to capture data during transfers of data over the serial interconnect network.
US09870153B2 Non-volatile memory systems utilizing storage address tables
Non-volatile memory systems utilizing storage address tables are disclosed. A non-volatile memory system may include a non-volatile memory, a memory die command manager in communication with the memory, and a command manager in communication with the memory die command manager. The memory die command manager is configured to identify a free die of the memory to store data, where the free die of the memory is identified independent of a host logical block address associated with the data; store the data at a physical block address at the free die; and generate an entry in a first address table, the first address table associating the physical block address with a virtual logical block address. The command manager is configured to generate an entry in a second address table, the second address table associating the virtual logical block address with a host logical block address received with the host write command.
US09870149B2 Scheduling operations in non-volatile memory devices using preference values
A method of scheduling memory operations to be performed by non-volatile memory devices in a storage system includes identifying a plurality of memory operations to be performed by a plurality of non-volatile memory devices in the storage system. The number of memory operations in the plurality of memory operations is no greater than the number of non-volatile memory devices in the plurality of non-volatile memory devices; each memory operation is to be performed by a distinct non-volatile memory device; and the memory operations include host writes, garbage collection writes, and garbage collection reads. The method also includes, for each non-volatile memory device, assigning preference values to each of the memory operations. The method further includes assigning each memory operation to a distinct non-volatile memory device, using the preference values assigned to each of the memory operations for each non-volatile memory device.
US09870147B2 Touch control method in mobile terminal having large screen
A touch control method of a portable device which includes a display and a touch sensor relating to the display, comprises steps of sensing user's touch start and touch moving toward one direction on the touch sensor, moving an image presented on the display according to the user's touch moving, temporarily fixing the moved image, sensing user's following touch on the moved image, and activating a linked function by using coordinates of the following touch on the moved image, wherein the moved image provides an image area around an opposite border of the display to be exposed from one border of the display.
US09870145B2 Multiple-application mobile device methods, systems, and computer program products
Methods, computer software, apparatuses, and systems are described in connection with a mobile device including at least one processor operatively coupled to a touchscreen and memory. The memory stores a first application and a second application. The mobile device is configured for: presenting, utilizing the touchscreen, at least one menu including a plurality of interface elements including a first application interface element associated with the first application and a second application interface element associated with the second application; detecting, utilizing the touchscreen, a first user input in connection with the first application interface element associated with the first application; in response to the first user input, presenting, utilizing the touchscreen, a first visual component for presenting first data associated with the first application; detecting, utilizing the touchscreen, a second user input in connection with the second application interface element associated with the second application; in response to the second user input, presenting, utilizing the touchscreen, a second visual component for presenting second data associated with the second application, such that a first border of the first visual component corresponds to a second border of the second visual component; detecting, utilizing the touchscreen, a third user input; and in response to the third user input, automatically changing, utilizing the at least one processor and the touchscreen, the presentation of the first visual component and the second visual component, such that the first border of the first visual component corresponds to the second border of the second visual component.
US09870144B2 Graph display apparatus, graph display method and storage medium
A graph display apparatus includes a display unit and a processor. The display unit includes a touch panel. The processor performs the following processes: controlling the display unit to display a graph on a graph display area in a coordinate range, the graph corresponding to an expression; acquiring a position designated by a touch of a user on the graph display area; and when a drag operation is detected after the touch of the user ends, changing the coordinate range with the designated position fixed in response to the drag operation, thereby reducing or enlarging the graph, and controlling the display unit to display the reduced or enlarged graph.
US09870142B2 Displaying device which can receive pinch out operation
An image forming apparatus as a displaying device receives a pinch out operation on a touch panel of a portable telecommunication terminal device, when displaying the operation screen on the touch panel of the portable telecommunication terminal device. The image forming apparatus determines whether there is an identified area in the operation screen or not when receiving the pinch out operation. The image forming apparatus enlarges the image around a center of the enlargement in the identified area, in case that there is the identified area in the operation screen. The image forming apparatus enlarges the image around a center of the enlargement as a point moved from a midpoint of the pinch out operation in a direction determined based on displacement of the two contact points, a distance of the movement is determined based on displacement of the two contact points, in case that there is not the identified area in the operation screen.
US09870138B2 Method for displaying content and electronic device thereof
A method and system for extending display content across multiple display devices over a network using fingerprint of a user by registering fingerprints of the user in a master device and allowing the user to perform an action on the master device is provided. The method includes broadcasting, by the master device, a first key to one or more slave devices after authorizing the user and generating the first key based on a polarity of a hand performing the user action on the master device and considering a relative location of the slave device, and extending, by the master device, the display content to one or more identified slave devices within the network after establishing a connection between the master device and one or more slave devices.
US09870137B2 Speed/positional mode translations
Gestures for converting from a position control mode to a motion continuation mode are disclosed. A position control mode can be invoked when the user simultaneously places two or more fingers upon a sensor panel. The fingers can then be moved around to effect position control. A motion continuation mode can be invoked when one or more fingers are lifted off (but at least one finger remains in contact with the sensor panel). If the motion continuation mode is invoked, a virtual control ring can be generated, and scrolling of the viewable area or dragging of the cursor or object can continue in a particular direction specified by a velocity vector pointed in the direction of finger movement at the time the motion continuation mode is invoked, and having a magnitude proportional to the velocity of the finger at the time the motion continuation mode was invoked.
US09870134B2 Interactive blocking and management for performing arts productions
One or more embodiments present positional information associated with a text to a user. In one embodiment, a determination is made that at least one line from a digital representation of text has been selected. Another determination is made that the line is associated with a set of positional information. The set of positional information is presented on a digital representation of a venue along with the presentation of the line of text.
US09870129B2 Method and system for reconfiguring a multidimensional interface using dimension tiles
A method, system, and computer program product for human-machine interface devices. Embodiments commence upon receiving a set of dimensions, at least some of the dimensions having a plurality of dimension values, then generating for display, a first interactive user interface comprising a series of dimension tiles corresponding to the set of dimensions. A second interactive user interface comprising at least some of the dimensions is displayed in tandem such that a user interaction upon the first interactive user interface causes a change in the second interactive user interface. The dimension tiles can be used in configuration operations such that upon receiving a user interaction upon the dimension tiles, the change in configuration is reflected over the second interactive user interface.
US09870128B1 Rule-based presentation of related content items
Features are disclosed for presenting multiple content items based on one or more rules defining how the multiple content items are to be presented. One content item may be a primary content item, and any number of additional content items may be related to or supplement the primary content item in some way. Rules may define which related content items may be presented and, in the case of multimedia content (e.g., content with both audio and video elements), which elements of the primary content may be overridden by or mixed with related content, and which may not. References to related content may be embedded in the primary content item, or references may be accessed at a content management system or service.
US09870127B2 Shared inter-operational control among multiple computing devices
A collaborative computing device group operative under a shared multiple discrete desktop user interface is established from a first desktop of a first computing device and a different discrete desktop of a second computing device physically located in user visual proximity to the first computing device. A color-coded graphical representation of a user-interface control port that allows authorized cursor navigation to and from the second computing device is displayed on the first desktop oriented in a respective direction of the second computing device. A cursor of the second computing device is authorized to migrate, under control of a user of the second computing device, from the different discrete desktop through the color-coded graphical representation of the user-interface control port of the second computing device to the first desktop and the first computing device is controlled in accordance with visual navigation and control of the cursor of the second computing device.
US09870122B2 Graphical user interface for rearranging icons
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for moving one or more icons on an electronic device. The method includes, receiving a selection of at least one icon and moving the selected icon(s) to a queue. The selected icon(s) are moved from the queue to a target location, upon an indication of the target location. The target location is made up of at least a target page and a position on the target page.
US09870121B2 Desktop reveal expansion
A dual-screen user device and methods for revealing a combination of desktops on single and multiple screens are disclosed. Specifically, a determined number of desktops is displayed to at least one of the screens of the device conditioned upon input received and the state of the device. Where a screen of the device is determined to be inactive, the desktop is not displayed to the screen, but is stored in a virtually displayed state by the device. Upon receiving input that the inactive screen is active, the device can actually display the desktop to the screen.
US09870118B2 Non-transitory storage medium encoded with computer readable information processing program, information processing apparatus, method of controlling information processing apparatus, and information processing system, capable of controlling virtual camera while grasping overall condition of virtual camera arranged in virtual space
A non-transitory storage medium encoded with a computer readable information processing program executable by a computer of an information processing apparatus, causing one or more processors to perform a region display module having, together with an object representing a virtual camera located within a virtual space, at least a part of a region representing a range within the virtual space for setting a position of the object displayed, an input acceptance module accepting an input for the displayed object, an object posture setting module setting a posture of the object based on the input to the input acceptance module, a virtual camera control module controlling the virtual camera based on the posture of the object set by the object posture setting module, and a picked-up image display module having a picked-up image displayed, which is picked up by the virtual camera controlled by the virtual camera control module.
US09870116B1 Controlling actions for browser extensions
A method for controlling actions for browser extensions includes registering, at a browser process module, a list of one or more rules from a browser extension, where the rules define one or more conditions and one or more corresponding actions to take when the conditions are satisfied. A renderer process module that is in communication with the browser process module applies the conditions to content of web pages rendered in the browser application. The renderer process module determines whether any of the conditions are satisfied by the content of the web pages rendered in the browser application using the renderer process module. The browser process module or the renderer process module performs the actions defined in the rules in response to at least one of the conditions defined in the rules being satisfied.
US09870114B1 Media element navigation using a virtual jog wheel
A virtual jog wheel for navigating a set of media elements is disclosed. A graphical user interface including the virtual jog wheel and a set of media elements is provided. A command from a user corresponding to a rotational movement of a touch object relative to the virtual jog wheel is identified. In response to the command, a user may navigate from a first position in a first media element of the set of media elements to a second position in a second media element of the set of media elements.
US09870113B2 Capacitive discharge circuit for touch sensitive screen
A capacitive discharge circuit includes a line having a capacitance, a switched capacitor circuit including a capacitor, a switched circuit coupled to the line, and a voltage regulator coupled between the switched capacitor circuit and the switched circuit. A controller operates the switched capacitor circuit and switched circuit to in a first phase, charge the capacitor by coupling the capacitor between a common mode and a power supply, and in a second phase, discharge the capacitor by coupling the voltage regulator in series with the capacitor between the power supply node a ground. The controller is also configured to in a third phase, charge the capacitor by coupling the capacitor between the common mode and the power supply, and in a fourth phase, share charge between the line and the capacitor by coupling the voltage regulator and the capacitor in series between the line and the ground.
US09870112B2 Frequency conversion in a touch sensor
A touch sensitive device includes a touch interface having rows and columns, a signal generator for generating a plurality of unique orthogonal signals in a first range and having a first frequency spacing on at least a plurality of the rows, respectively, and a heterodyning frequency converter. The heterodyning frequency converter receives a signal present on a column, the signal comprising signals within the first range and having the first frequency spacing. The heterodyning frequency converter converts the signal to a heterodyned signal comprising signals in a second range and having the first frequency spacing, and outputs the heterodyned signal. A touch processor identifies touch on the touch interface at least in part by processing the heterodyned signal.
US09870110B2 Self-capacitance input device with hovering touch
A self-capacitance input device with hovering touch includes a sensing electrode layer, a reflection and deflection electrode layer, an insulation layer, and an amplifier with a gain greater than zero. The sensing electrode layer has a plurality of sensing electrodes on one side for sensing a touch or approach of an external object. The reflection and deflection electrode layer is disposed on the other side of the sensing electrode layer and has at least one reflection and deflection electrode. The insulation layer is disposed between the sensing electrode layer and the reflection and deflection electrode layer. The amplifier has an output coupled to the reflection and deflection electrode layer.
US09870107B2 Display device with capacitive touch panel
A display device with a capacitive touch panel includes a laminate between a display panel and a cover layer, the laminate having a circularly polarizing plate, a first conductive layer, and a second conductive layer. The circularly polarizing plate includes a substrate and a polarizing plate. The first conductive layer, the second conductive layer, and the substrate are positioned closer to the display panel than is the polarizing plate, and the first conductive layer is positioned closer to the cover layer than is the second conductive layer. The first and second conductive layers are arranged apart from each other in a stacking direction so as to form a capacitive touch sensor. One of the first and second conductive layers is formed on one surface of the substrate. The substrate has an optical film with a phase difference of λ/4. The polarizing plate has a polarizing film.
US09870104B2 Dynamic clustering of touch sensor electrodes
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a sensor having a plurality of electrodes and a controller having a processor and a memory. The memory includes logic operable, when executed by the processor, to connect each electrode of a first subset of the plurality of electrodes, apply voltage to the first subset, and determine a first value associated with a capacitance of the first subset. Based at least on the first value, the logic is further operable to connect each electrode of a second subset of the plurality of electrodes, the second subset having fewer electrodes than the first subset, apply voltage to the second subset, and determine a second value associated with a capacitance of the second subset.
US09870102B2 Input device and electronic device
An input device includes a display section, a touch panel, a pressed position detecting section, a pressing force detecting section, a storage section, and a control section. The touch panel includes a plurality of electrodes. The pressed position detecting section determines whether or not the touch panel is pressed according to a resistance between two electrodes among the electrodes and a pressing determination threshold. The pressed position detecting section detects a pressed position where the touch panel is pressed. The pressing force detecting section detects a determination pressing force at a time when the pressed position detecting section determines a pressing. The storage section stores therein the pressed position and the determination pressing force in association with the pressed position. The control section changes the pressing determination threshold in correspondence with the pressed position according to the pressed position and the determination pressing force stored in the storage section.
US09870100B2 Multi-touch sensing apparatus using rear view camera of array type
A multi-touch sensing apparatus using a rear view camera of an array type is provided. The multi-touch sensing apparatus may include a display panel to display an image, a sensing light source to emit light to sense a touch image which is generated by an object and displayed on a back side of the display panel, and a camera to divide and sense the touch image. The camera may be arranged in an edge of a lower side of the multi-touch sensing apparatus, or a mirror to reflect the touch image may be included in the multi-touch sensing apparatus.
US09870098B1 Pressure-sensitive touch screen display and method
An electronic device includes a pressure-sensitive touch screen display that can dynamically monitor a user's interaction with the device, and adjust the pressure thresholds of different areas of the touch screen display based on the user's monitored interactions. The orientation of the device is determined, the touch screen display is divided into sections, and the device monitors the pressure the user applies in the different sections of the screen. A pressure map is then created that includes pressure detection thresholds specific to the orientation and user for one or more regions of the screen. The device may include different pressure maps for different orientations of the device. When the user interacts with the touch screen, the device determines what the user intended based on the orientation of the device and the thresholds in the pressure map for that orientation for the region of the screen touched by the user.
US09870097B2 Noise cancellation technique for capacitive touchscreen controller using differential sensing
A differential sensing scheme provides a means for detecting one or more touch events on a touch sensitive device in the presence of incident noise. Instead of sensing one touch sensitive channel, such as a row, column, or single touch sensor, multiple touch sensitive channels are sampled at a time. By sampling two nearby channels simultaneously and doing the measurement differentially, noise common to both channels is cancelled. The differential sensing scheme is implemented using simple switch-capacitor AFE circuitry. The originally sensed data on each individual channel is recovered free of common-mode noise. The recovered sensed data is used to determine the presence of one or more touch events and if present the location of each touch event on the touch sensitive device.
US09870096B2 Systems and methods for reducing effects of interference in input devices
The embodiments described herein provide devices and methods that facilitate improved input device performance. Specifically, the devices and methods provide improved resistance to the effect of interference on input devices, and in particular, to the effect of unison noise on proximity sensors that use capacitive techniques to generate images of sensor values. The devices and methods provide improved resistance to the effects of interface by using images of sensor values and one or more profiles of sensor values. An image of sensor values is combined with one or more profiles of sensor values to produce a modified image of sensor values, the modified image having reduced errors due to noise. This reduction in errors due to noise can improve the accuracy and performance of the input device.
US09870092B2 Display device
A display device is configured that the common electrode wiring layer is divided in a source wiring layer direction, the metal wiring layer is disposed above the source wiring layer at a position in contact with the upper part of the common electrode wiring layer, and the metal wiring layer is not disposed at a position where the common electrode wiring layer is divided. Alternatively, the metal wiring layer is not disposed at a position between the same colors as those at the division position of the common electrode wiring layer.
US09870091B2 Touch screen and display apparatus
A touch screen comprising an array substrate, a color filter substrate, a primary emitting module, a secondary emitting module and a processor, the primary emitting module comprises a first emitting electrode and a receiving electrode both provided on a surface of the color filter substrate away from the array substrate and a first capacitance is formed therebetween; the first emitting electrode emits an excitation signal to the receiving electrode; the receiving electrode transmits the excitation signal to the processor; the secondary emitting module emits a secondary signal to the receiving electrode when a touch pressure of a finger touching the touch screen is greater than a predefined value, thus a characteristic of the excitation signal received by the receiving electrode changes; the processor processes the excitation signal to obtain the characteristic of the excitation signal and determines an intensity of the touch pressure.
US09870089B2 In-cell touch screen having a driver for concurrently scanning a plurality of electrode lines and a method of driving the same
The present invention is directed to a method of driving an in-cell touch screen. A common voltage (VCOM) layer of the in-cell touch screen is divided into transmit (TX) electrodes and receive (RX) electrodes, the TX electrodes forming TX electrode lines in a first direction and the RX electrodes forming RX electrode lines in a second direction. The TX electrode lines are arranged into a plurality of groups. The groups of TX electrode lines are concurrently scanned in touch sensing mode.
US09870086B2 Electronic device and method for unlocking in the electronic device
An electronic device and an unlocking method in the electronic device are provided. The electronic device includes a display unit configured to display at least one function icon on a lock screen, at least one camera, and a controller configured to recognize a face based on data received from the at least one camera in response to a request for unlocking, to select a function icon to be executed from among the at least one function icon, to perform unlocking based on the facial recognition, and to execute, simultaneously with the unlocking, a function corresponding to the selected function icon.
US09870083B2 Multi-device multi-user sensor correlation for pen and computing device interaction
A grip of a primary user on a touch-sensitive computing device and a grip of a secondary user on the touch-sensitive computing device are sensed and correlated to determine whether the primary user is sharing or handing off the computing device to the secondary user. In the case of handoff, capabilities of the computing device may be restricted, while in a sharing mode only certain content on the computing device is shared. In some implementations both a touch-sensitive pen and the touch-sensitive computing device are passed from a primary user to a secondary user. Sensor inputs representing the grips of the users on both the pen and the touch-sensitive computing device are correlated to determine the context of the grips and to initiate a context-appropriate command in an application executing on the touch-sensitive pen or the touch-sensitive computing device. Meta data is also derived from the correlated sensor inputs.
US09870081B2 Display device and touch-operation processing method
The operability is improved according to a use form without complicating a detection mechanism of a display device. A display device (1) according to the present invention includes: a use form determining unit (55) that determines a holding form based on a touch position of a touch operation for an end face (A or B) of a casing (17) and determines an attended area that is an area of the display area (P) attended by a user for a touch operation; and a display control unit (54) that changes a display mode of a screen to be displayed on the display area based on the holding form and the attended area.
US09870077B2 Touch panel and correcting apparatus thereof
A touch panel correcting apparatus for correcting a first coordinate and a second coordinate associated with a touch position is provided. The correcting apparatus includes a memory and a controller. The memory stores a look-up table storing a plurality of corrected coordinates. The controller selects a corrected first coordinate from the look-up table according to the first coordinate, and substitutes the corrected first coordinate and the second substitute into a function to generate a corrected second coordinate corresponding to the second coordinate.
US09870076B1 Transmitter pen positioning system
A transmitter pen positioning system includes a transmitter pen, at least two photo-receiving modules, and a signal processing unit. The transmitter pen generates a light beam signal. Each photo-receiving module has an optical lens and a photo-receiving sensor. The photo-receiving sensor receives the light beam signal passing through the optical lens via a first photo-receiving surface and a second photo-receiving surface and correspondingly converts the light beam signal into a first photocurrent signal and a second photocurrent signal. The signal processing unit receives the first and the second photocurrent signals, and correspondingly calculates an incident angle of the light beam signal according to a difference between the first and the second photocurrent signals and calculate position information of the transmitter pen according to the at least two incident angles. Accordingly, the complexity of the positioning system is simplified and a real-time position calculation is implemented.
US09870070B2 Hand held pointing device with roll compensation
A pointing device includes accelerometers and rotational sensors that are coupled to a processor. The processor samples the accelerometers and rotational sensors to detect gravity and pointing device motion and uses algebraic algorithms to calculate roll compensated cursor control signals. The processor transmits the cursor control signals to a receiver that is coupled to an electronic device that moves the cursor on the visual display.
US09870069B2 Detection of user activities by a portable device
A portable consumer device, such as a mobile phone or a tablet computer, may be configured to collect measurements data associated with at least one of movement of the portable consumer device or orientation of the portable consumer device, as well as data associated with an external environment of the portable consumer device. The collected data may be evaluated in order to determine motion of the portable consumer device over time and contextual information associated with the portable consumer device. A user activity may be determined based upon the determined motion and the determined contextual information. As desired, the user activity may be evaluated in association with a suitable application scenario, such as a gaming application scenario.
US09870068B2 Depth mapping with a head mounted display using stereo cameras and structured light
A tracking system generates a structured light pattern in a local area. The system includes an array of lasers that generate light. The array of lasers includes a plurality of lasers and an optical element. The plurality of lasers are grouped into at least two subsets of lasers, and each of the at least two subsets of lasers is independently switchable. The optical element includes a plurality of cells that are each aligned with a respective subset of the array of lasers. Each cell receives light from a corresponding laser of the array of lasers, and each cell individually applies a modulation to the received light passing through the cell to form a corresponding portion of the structured light pattern that is projected onto a local area.
US09870065B2 Information display apparatus with proximity detection performance and information display method using the same
An information display apparatus with proximity detection performance contains a display device that displays image information, a sensor constituted of plural detection electrodes, and an adjusting device of detection resolution that adjusts the detection resolution to be detected based on a distance between the sensor and an object that is contacted to any one of the detection electrodes.
US09870064B2 System and method for blended reality user interface and gesture control system
A blended reality user interface and gesture control system includes one or more sensors, a head-mounted display, and a blending engine. The blending engine is configured to receive a live reality and virtual reality feeds, track movement of a user using the sensors, detect a command based on the tracked movement, blend the live and virtual reality feeds into a blended view based on the detected command, and display the blended view on the head-mounted display. In some embodiments, the blending engine is further configured to detect an amount of head tilt of the user and adjust a blending factor controlling an amount of transparency of the live reality feed within the blended view based on the amount of head tilt. In some embodiments, the blending engine is further configured to detect manipulation of a controller by the user and adjust the blending factor based on the detected manipulation.
US09870063B2 Multimodal interaction using a state machine and hand gestures discrete values
A system for associating between a computerized model of multimodal human interaction and application functions, comprising: (a) An interface for receiving instructions from a programmer defining one or more application functions. (b) A memory storing hand gestures each defined by a dataset of discrete pose values and discrete motion values. (c) A code store storing a code. (d) One or more processors coupled to the interface, the memory and the code store for executing the stored code which comprises: (1) Code instructions to define a logical sequence of user input per instructions of the programmer. The logical sequence combines hand gestures with non-gesture user input. (2) Code instructions to associate the logical sequence with the application function(s) for initiating an execution of the application function(s) during runtime of the application in response to detection of the logical sequence by analyzing a captured data depicting a user during runtime.
US09870059B2 Hand detection device and hand detection method
An image processing device includes a processor; and a memory which stores a plurality of instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to execute: acquiring an image which includes a first region and a second region of a user; detecting, from a group of candidate areas for the first region and the second region included in the image, the candidate area corresponding to the first region based on biometric characteristics of the first region; determining a connection direction between the first region and the second region based on outer edges of the candidate area corresponding to the first region; and selecting the candidate area corresponding to the second region from the group of candidate areas based on the connection direction.
US09870058B2 Control of a real world object user interface
Systems and methods described allow users to select and obtain significant information about objects in the real world, and further to employ gestures as a “real world” interface to manipulate information and to manipulate the selection of objects. In this way, users may be enabled to make better decisions when, e.g., traveling and shopping, and may further be enabled to obtain significant information about objects with which they are surrounded. The systems and methods may include a camera which monitors a user's hand movements or gestures to control a UI, particularly where a user is interacting with real-world objects. Gestures can move the focus of a UI from one real world object to another. The systems and methods may also include a projector to illuminate selected objects, or to display information about objects.
US09870055B2 Electronic device including selectively operable audio output transducers of transducer port/radiator pairs and related methods
An electronic device may include a housing, a display carried by the housing, and audio output transducer and passive radiator pairs carried by the housing. The electronic device may also include a controller capable of selectively operating the audio output transducers. In another embodiment, the electronic device may include audio output transducer and serpentine tuning port pairs.
US09870054B2 Tactile supply device
Provided is a tactile sensation supply device for transferring various types of tactile sensations to a user using tactile sensation providers that include magnetic particles. The tactile sensation supply device includes tactile sensation providers made of magnetic particles and a matrix material, and a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field to transform the tactile sensation providers.
US09870050B2 Interactive projection display
Disclosed are an interactive projection display method and an interactive projection display system. The method comprises: obtaining to-be-displayed location information corresponding to a coordination device; obtaining display information corres-ponding to the coordination device; generating, according to the display information, virtual display content corresponding to the coordination device; and projecting the virtual display content to a location corresponding to the to-be-displayed location information at a fundus of a user. According to the method and the system, virtual display content, used to interact with a user, of a coordination device is projected near the coordination device, to cause interaction between the user and the coordination device to be more convenient.
US09870048B2 Head-mounted display device, method of controlling the same, and computer program
In a head-mounted display device equipped with a display section, through which an external world can visually be recognized, the head-mounted display device includes a superimposition image display control section adapted to make the display section display a predetermined image so as to be superimposed on the external world to visually be recognized in a see-through manner, an imaging section adapted to capture an image of at least a predetermined range out of the external world visually recognized in a see-through manner, a partial image determination section adapted to determine a partial image of a predetermined range, which corresponds in position to the predetermined image, out of the captured image obtained by the imaging section, and a visibility correction section adapted to correct visibility of the predetermined image displayed by the superimposition image display control section in accordance with color information related to the partial image determined.
US09870046B2 Distribution of tasks among asymmetric processing elements
Techniques to control power and processing among a plurality of asymmetric processing elements are disclosed. In one embodiment, one or more asymmetric processing elements are power managed to migrate processes or threads among a plurality of processing elements according to the performance and power needs of the system
US09870040B2 Changing settings for a transient period associated with a deterministic event
Disclosed embodiments relate to a system that changes transmitter and/or receiver settings to deal with reliability issues caused by a predetermined event, such as a change in a power state or a clock start event. One embodiment uses a first setting while operating a transmitter during a normal operating mode, and a second setting while operating the transmitter during a transient period following the predetermined event. A second embodiment uses similar first and second settings in a receiver, or in both a transmitter and a receiver employed on one side of a bidirectional link. The first and second settings can be associated with different swing voltages, edge rates, equalizations and/or impedances.
US09870029B2 Rollable display apparatus
Disclosed is a rollable display apparatus including: a flexible display panel that includes a pixel array; a roller part having a surface for winding the display panel; a first housing receiving the roller part and having a first opening through which a portion of the display panel passes; a rotational controller coupled between the roller part and the first housing, the rotational controller configured to: in a first state, enable the roller part to rotate in a first direction to unwind the display panel from the roller part but prevent rotation of the roller part in a second direction opposite the first direction, in a second state, enable the roller part to rotate in the second direction to wind the display panel onto the roller part, and switch from the first state to the second state responsive to receiving a triggering operation from a user.
US09870027B2 Mass storage device operation
Activation of a release button is detected, where the release button is to separate a tablet computing device from a docking station while a mass storage device of the docking station is performing an operation. In response to the detection, power is maintained to the mass storage device from a battery of the docking station to complete the operation.
US09870022B2 High load release device
The restraining strap has a rectangular cross section with a broad side against cylindrical sections holding a release member. The moment of inertia for a rectangular cross section strap is represented by the formula I=BH3/12. The lower moment of inertia reduces the load on the fusible link. With no limit to the number of wraps around the cylindrical sections, higher preloads can be accommodated by increasing the number of wraps of the restraining strap without affecting the moment of inertia or the amount of force borne by the fusible link. The actuator has a catch extending between the restrainer and actuator. The catch ends engage the restrainer and actuator and, upon release from the actuator, the catch rotates to allow the restrainer to unwind from about the cylindrical sections.
US09870017B2 Voltage regulation system and method for providing power to a load
A voltage regulation system for providing power to a load is provided. The voltage regulation system includes a voltage regulator operable to set an operating voltage of the load at a first voltage level which corresponds to a first voltage requirement of the load, receive a second voltage requirement of the load which is different than the first voltage requirement and produce a voltage ramp from the first voltage level to the second voltage level. The voltage regulator is further operable to transition the operating voltage from the first voltage level to the second voltage level at a same ramp rate as the voltage ramp and with a lag between the voltage ramp and the transition in the operating voltage.
US09870016B2 Circuit for interconnected direct current power sources
Controlling a power converter circuit for a direct current (DC) power source is disclosed. The power converter may be operative to convert input power received from the DC power source to an output power and to perform maximum power point tracking of the power source. The power converter is adapted to provide the output power to a load that also performs maximum power point tracking.
US09870014B1 Digital low drop-out regulator
A regulator may comprise: an ADC unit for detecting a change in an output voltage and outputting an error code based on the detected result; a digital processing unit for generating a proportional control signal, a plurality of integral control signals, a counting signal, and an error sign signal based on the error code, outputting pull-up and pull-down control signals by multiplying the error code by a proportional gain factor in response to the proportional control signal, and outputting a plurality of sub-pull-up control signals by performing integration on the integral control signals based on the counting signal and multiplying the integration result by an integral gain factor; a first driving unit for outputting a first current in response to the pull-up and pull-down control signals; and a second driving unit for outputting a second current in response to the sub-pull-up control signals.
US09870011B2 Circuit arrangement and a method for operating a circuit arrangement
According to various embodiments, a circuit arrangement may be provided, comprising a driver circuit configured to deliver a switching signal to a power switch such that the power switch controls a load current, a gate-back regulation circuit selectively connected to the driver circuit and the load current, and a diagnostic circuit configured to provide an enabling signal, which allows the gate-back regulation circuit to become active; and wherein the enabling signal is dependent at least in part on a condition independent of the load current.
US09869998B2 Wireless data communications between a remotely operated vehicle and a remote location
A remote control system for controlling a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) may comprise an ROV wireless transceiver operatively in communication with one or more wireless transceivers deployed at a distance from the ROV. The remote wireless transceivers are operatively in communication with one or more ROV consoles and ROV may be operated from the remote location by operatively connecting the first ROV console to a second wireless data transceiver; establishing wireless data communications between the second wireless data transceiver and the ROV wireless transceiver; and controlling a predetermined ROV function at the ROV from the first ROV console via communications established between the second wireless data transceiver and the ROV wireless transceiver. Two or more such remote wireless data transceivers and/or remote ROV consoles may be provided for redundancy, ancillary functions, or the like.
US09869997B2 Protection monitoring system with fault indicators
A protection monitoring system is provided that includes a protection fault handler. The protection fault handler includes a protection fault indicator. The protection fault handler is configured to activate the protection fault indicator upon indication of a protection fault signal. Moreover, the protection fault signal is indicative of a critical fault which has occurred in a protection system monitored by the protection monitoring system. The protection monitoring system also includes a user inhibit handler. The user inhibit handler includes a user inhibit indicator. Moreover, the user inhibit handler is configured to activate the user inhibit indicator upon indication of a user inhibit signal. Furthermore, the user inhibit signal is indicative of a user-enabled alarm inhibit or a user-enabled bypass.
US09869996B2 System and method for using an internet of things network for managing factory production
An Internet of things (IoT) network for managing assembly of a multi-part product in a production environment. A user wears a device that provides a hands-free display of assembly instructions while the user is assembling the product. The user also wears sensors for transmitting data about the user's location within the production environment. Point of assembly sensors are disposed at locations within the production environment for transmitting data regarding where the product is and should be assembled. The product's parts also include sensors that transmit data regarding location of the parts and how they are assembled. A backend computer system stores product assembly information including the assembly instructions, where the user should be to assemble the product, how the product should be assembled, and verification of assembly accuracy. Alerts are generated if information from the sensors does not corresponding with the preprogrammed information in the computer system.
US09869992B2 Thermal displacement correction device for working machine
Provided is a thermal displacement correction device for a working machine that includes a thermal displacement correction amount calculation unit for calculating a thermal displacement correction amount and configured to correct a thermal displacement amount caused by heat generated and radiated from the working machine and changing with time by the thermal displacement correction amount, the thermal displacement correction device for the working machine including: a correction error coefficient storage memory; a correction precision calculation unit configured to calculate the correction precision of the thermal displacement correction amount based on the thermal displacement correction amount and the correction error coefficient; and a correction precision degradation notification unit.
US09869988B2 Programmable controller system for performing analog-to-digital conversion based on an adjustable conversion characteristic table
An analog input unit as an analog unit attached to a PLC includes an A/D converting unit as a first converting unit performing conversion between an analog value and a digital value according to a first conversion characteristic, a shared memory as a retaining unit retaining a conversion characteristic table indicating a second conversion characteristic of conversion between digital values, and a conversion processing unit as a second converting unit converting a digital value according to the second conversion characteristic by referring to the conversion characteristic table. The conversion characteristic table includes combinations of a first value that is a digital value and a second value that is a conversion result of the first value, the number of which corresponds to resolution of a digital value in the analog unit, and the second value of each of the combinations of the first value and the second value can be adjusted.
US09869987B2 Field bus system with industrial measurement device having automonous control operation
A process control system includes an I/O module configured to be connected to a field device which is installed in a plant in which an industrial process is controlled, the I/O module autonomously transmitting data received from the field device, and a higher-level device that comprises a memory which temporarily stores the data autonomously transmitted from the I/O module, the higher-level device reading the data stored in the memory at a predetermined period.
US09869986B2 Detection device, sensor, electronic apparatus, and moving object
A detection device includes: a detection circuit which carries out detection processing of a physical quantity on the basis of a signal from a physical quantity transducer and outputs detected data of the physical quantity; and a correction unit which carries out correction processing on the detected data and outputs the data after the correction processing as output data. The correction unit carries out the correction processing to reduce an integration error generated in the case where the output data is subjected to integration processing, on the detected data of m bits, and outputs the output data of n bits (n and m being natural numbers, holding n
US09869981B2 Control device diagnostic using accelerometer
A diagnostic device is physically coupled to a control device in a process control system, and includes an accelerometer that determines when a motion or vibration of the control device is greater than a predetermined threshold. When this condition is detected, one or more other components of the diagnostic device (e.g., processor, communication module, etc.) are activated, and a distress signal is transmitted from the diagnostic device using the activated components. Consequently, the duty cycles of components of the diagnostic device are decreased and optimized, leading to significant power savings. Indeed, in some embodiments, energy harvesting may be sufficient to power the diagnostic device. Further, in some embodiments, the diagnostic device may not require a component processor.
US09869980B2 Device for controlling a working machine
A device for controlling a working machine has at least two control levers which are each operatively connected to at least one control device via an actuation unit. The actuation unit comprises a switching device with which the assignment between control levers and control devices is interchangeable. The switching device comprises at least four levers, of which every two levers are assigned to a control lever. Each of the four levers has a stop point for an actuation element. Each actuation element engages on the stop point with the respective assigned lever via couplings that can be detached without tools.
US09869975B2 Electronic timepiece
An electronic timepiece has a time display unit including a dial made from a non-conductive material, and hands; and a movement that drives the hands. The movement includes a circuit board, a planar antenna attached to the circuit board, a stepper motor that drives the hands, and a battery. The planar antenna, the stepper motor, and the battery are disposed to positions overlapping the time display unit in plan view, and not overlapping each other in plan view.
US09869974B2 Electronic device
An electronic device includes a display module having a hole and including a plurality of first light sources disposed along a perimeter of one side of the display module and a plurality of second light sources which are positioned opposite the plurality of first light sources and are disposed along a perimeter of the other side of the display module, a shaft rotatably inserted into the hole of the display module, a movement which is positioned in the rear of the display module, is connected to one end of the shaft, and provides a rotational force for the shaft, a window which is separated from the display module and is positioned in front of the display module, and a hand which is positioned between the display module and the window and is fixed to the other end of the shaft.
US09869973B2 Scheduling device for customizable electronic notifications
An adjustable alarm indicator of an alarm application is described. The adjustable alarm indicator may be presented in connection with an alarm setting sequence. The adjustable alarm indicator may include a variable element having a variable annular shape, a first element associated with a first end of the variable element, and a second element associated with a second end of the variable element. The first element may be independently moveable to adjust the size of the variable element. The second element may be dependently moveable to cause the first element, the second element, and the variable element to move.
US09869970B2 Hologram module, display device having the same and wearing device having the same
A hologram module includes a phosphor layer and a rainbow hologram sheet. The phosphor layer has a phosphor array structure. The rainbow hologram sheet has a first display layer and a second display layer. The first display layer is disposed on the phosphor layer and has a first barcode array corresponding to the phosphor array structure. The second display layer is disposed on the first display layer and has a second barcode array corresponding to the first barcode array. The phosphor array structure, the first barcode array and the second barcode array are chromatic. A color of the phosphor array structure meets with a color combined by the first barcode array and the second barcode array so as to display a hologram image converted from light emitted by the phosphor array structure via the first and second barcode arrays.
US09869969B2 Holographic display
A holographic display includes: a light source; at least one beam steerer configured to control a propagation direction of a beam emitted from the light source; an optical element configured to condense a beam passing through the at least one beam steerer; and a spatial light modulator configured to form a three-dimensional (3D) image by modulating a beam passing through the at least one beam steerer.
US09869962B2 Housing structure, electronic apparatus, and image forming apparatus
A housing structure includes a housing, a cover, and a plurality of paths of gas. The cover spatially partitions an inside and an outside of the housing. The plurality of paths of gas connect the inside and the outside of the housing and include a plurality of bypass portions. Two or more paths of gas of the plurality of paths of gas communicate with an outside of the cover via a single housing opening that communicates an inside and the outside of the cover with each other.
US09869961B2 Electrophotographic image forming apparatus containing organic photoreceptor, unit for supplying lubricant, and cleaning blade
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus using an organic photoreceptor in which at least a charge generation layer, a charge transport layer, and a protective layer are laminated in order on a conductive support includes at least a unit for supplying a lubricant onto a surface of the organic photoreceptor and a unit for removing toner remaining on the surface of the organic photoreceptor with a cleaning blade, and satisfying the following conditions (1) to (3): (1) the protective layer of the organic photoreceptor contains at least metal oxide fine particles in a cured resin obtained by curing a polymerizable compound; (2) a universal hardness of the surface of the organic photoreceptor is in a range of 220 to 280 N/mm2; and (3) a JIS-A hardness of a portion of the cleaning blade to be abutted on the organic photoreceptor is in a range of 70 to 78°.
US09869960B2 Process cartridge, electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit
The process cartridge comprises a photosensitive drum having an axis L1 and a coupling member having an axis L2. The coupling member includes (i) a first end portion connected to a drum flange, (ii) a second end portion, and (iii) a connecting portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion. The coupling member is movable between (i) a first position in which a tip of the at least one projection is a first distance away from the photosensitive drum as measured in the direction of the axis L1 and (ii) a second position in which the tip of the at least one projection is a second distance away from the photosensitive drum as measured in the direction of the axis L1, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.
US09869958B2 Image forming apparatus that controls movement of a continuous sheet through a fixing unit
An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes: an image forming unit for forming an image on a continuous paper; a fixing unit for fixing by heat the image which has been formed on the continuous paper by the image forming unit; conveyance units for conveying the continuous paper; and a control unit for controlling the conveyance units to convey the continuous paper in such a manner that, when an image forming operation by the image forming unit is stopped, the same portion of the continuous paper, on which the image is not formed, does not remain in the fixing unit for a predetermined period of time.
US09869953B2 Image forming apparatus
The image forming apparatus, a conveyance speed of a recording material at a fixing nip portion, controlled by a control portion of the image forming apparatus so that a part of the recording material being conveyed touches a guide member between a transfer nip portion and a loop detection device for a period after an operation for maintaining a loop amount of the recording material being conveyed within a predetermined range is finished until the recording material trailing edge exits out the transfer nip portion.
US09869949B2 Toner cartridge with a toner switch assembly
A toner cartridge is provided. The toner cartridge can be removably mounted on an imaging device. The toner cartridge includes a housing with a toner storage; a toner outlet aligned with a toner inlet on the imaging device; and a switch assembly disposed between the toner outlet and the toner inlet and controlling toner in the toner cartridge to flow from the toner outlet into the toner inlet. The switch assembly slides between a first position to open the toner outlet and a second position to close the toner outlet.
US09869948B2 Grippable toner container, and image forming apparatus containing same
A toner container includes a container main body, a first toner storage portion, a second toner storage portion, and a gripping portion. The container main body is elongated. The first toner storage portion stores toner in its inside and is provided in one side in a longitudinal direction of the container main body. The second toner storage portion stores toner in its inside and is provided in the other side in the longitudinal direction. The gripping portion is provided between the first toner storage portion and the second toner storage portion, and includes a concave portion which is formed in a side portion of the container main body on one side in a width direction of the container main body, the width direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
US09869947B2 Toner container and image forming apparatus
A toner container is attachably and detachably formed at a container-attaching part of an image forming apparatus, and includes a first IC tag. The first IC tag is arranged on a circumferential surface of the toner container. The first IC tag makes communication with a reader arranged at the container-attaching part when the toner container is attached to the container-attaching part. The first IC tag cannot make communication with the reader when a distance between the first IC tag and the reader is less than a threshold distance (for example, less than 2 mm). With the first IC tag being arranged at a position opposite to the reader, the distance (for example, 1 mm) between the first IC tag and the reader is shorter than the threshold distance. The first IC tag is arranged at a position separate from the position opposite to the reader.
US09869942B2 Imaging apparatus and process of forming image with electrophotographic photoreceptor having protective layer containing particulate P-type semiconductor
An imaging apparatus including: an electrophotographic photoreceptor; a charging unit to charge the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor; an exposing unit to perform exposure of the electrophotographic photoreceptor charged by the charging unit; a developing unit to feed a toner to the electrophotographic photoreceptor exposed by the exposing unit to form a toner image; a transfer unit to transfer the toner image formed on the electrophotographic photoreceptor; a lubricant feeding unit to feed a lubricant onto the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor; and a cleaning unit to remove the residual toner on the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor, wherein the electrophotographic photoreceptor includes a conductive support, a photoreceptive layer, and a protective layer disposed in sequence, the protective layer includes a resin containing a particulate P-type semiconductor, and the protective layer has a surface roughness Rz of 0.030 μm or more and 0.075 μm or less.
US09869941B2 Substrate cleaning method, substrate cleaning apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium
A substrate cleaning method includes: a first step in which a cleaning liquid is ejected from a nozzle N2 to a central portion of a wafer W; a second step in which a dry gas is ejected from a nozzle N3 to the central portion of the wafer W to form a dry area; a third step in which the cleaning liquid is ejected from the nozzle N2 while the nozzle N2 is moved from a central side of the wafer W to a peripheral side thereof; a fourth step in which a width of an intermediate area generated between a wet area and the dry area is acquired; and a fifth step in which, when the width of the intermediate area exceeds a predetermined threshold value, a process parameter is changed such that the width of the intermediate area becomes the threshold value or less.
US09869936B2 Detection apparatus, measurement apparatus, lithography apparatus, and method of manufacturing article
The present invention provides a detection apparatus which causes light to be incident obliquely on a substrate including a plurality of layers whose refractive indices are different from each other and detects a height of the substrate using light reflected from the substrate, the apparatus comprising an optical system including a polarizer for reducing s-polarized light and configured to cause light, in which s-polarized light has been reduced by the polarizer, to be incident on the substrate at an angle of incidence within a range of 40° to 55°.
US09869935B2 Fast generation of elements with individually patterned anisotropy
The present invention relates to an apparatus which allows producing elements with individually patterned anisotropic properties, where the pattern may vary from element to element. An apparatus according to the invention comprises a support for a substrate and an exposure unit for providing spatially modulated aligning light with a first polarization plane, wherein the exposure unit contains a light source, a spatial light modulator, which can be controlled electronically, for example by a computer, and a projection lens. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for fast production of elements with individually patterned anisotropic properties using such an apparatus.
US09869933B2 Pattern trimming methods
Methods of trimming a photoresist pattern comprise: (a) providing a semiconductor substrate; (b) forming a photoresist pattern over the semiconductor substrate, wherein the photoresist pattern is formed from a photoresist composition comprising: a first polymer comprising acid labile groups; and a photoacid generator; (c) coating a pattern trimming composition over the photoresist pattern, wherein the pattern trimming composition comprises a second polymer and a solvent system, wherein the solvent system comprises one or more monoether solvents in a combined amount of 50 wt % or more based on the solvent system; (d) heating the coated semiconductor substrate, thereby causing a change in solubility of a surface region of the photoresist pattern in a rinsing agent to be applied; and (e) contacting the photoresist pattern with a rinsing agent to remove the surface region of the photoresist pattern, thereby forming a trimmed photoresist pattern. The methods find particular applicability in the manufacture of semiconductor devices.
US09869930B2 Compound, resin, resist composition and method for producing resist pattern
A compound represented by formula (I), a resin including a structural unit derived from the compound and a resist composition including the resin: wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a C1 to C6 alkyl group in which a hydrogen atom may be replaced by a halogen atom, R2 represents a C1 to C12 fluorinated saturated hydrocarbon group, A1 represents a single bond, a C1 to C6 alkanediyl group or *-A3-X1-(A4-X2)a-(A5)b-, * represents a binding site to an oxygen atom, A2, A3, A4 and A5 each independently represent a C1 to C6 alkanediyl group, X1 and X2 each independently represent —O—, —CO—O— or —O—CO—, W1 represents a C5 to C18 divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group, a represents 0 or 1, and b represents 0 or 1.
US09869928B2 Extreme ultraviolet light (EUV) photomasks, and fabrication methods thereof
Embodiments of EUV photomasks and methods for forming a EUV photomask are provided. The method comprises providing a substrate, a reflective layer, a capping layer, a hard mask layer, and forming an opening therein. An absorber layer is then filled in the opening and over the top surface of the hard mask layer. A planarized process is provided to remove the absorber layer above the top surface of the hard mask layer and form an absorber in the opening, wherein the absorber has a top portion wider than a bottom portion.
US09869926B2 Wavelength conversion element, light source device, and projector
A wavelength conversion element includes: a wavelength conversion layer; a light-transmissive member provided on a light-incident surface side of the wavelength conversion layer and including a support surface including an inclined portion inclined with respect to the light-incident surface; and a first reflection portion provided along the support surface and reflecting fluorescence light. The first reflection portion includes a dichroic film that transmits excitation light. The excitation light passes through the dichroic film and the light-incident surface in this order to enter the wavelength conversion layer. Defining a plane including the light-incident surface as a reference surface, a distance between the reference surface and the first reflection portion in a periphery region of the first reflection portion is smaller than a distance between the reference surface and the first reflection portion in a central region of the first reflection portion.
US09869925B2 Light source device, illumination device, and projector
A light source device includes: a plurality of light-emitting elements including a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element each of which emits light in a first direction; and a base material including a base portion that extends in a second direction inclined with respect to the first direction. The plurality of light-emitting elements are disposed along the second direction on one side of the base portion.
US09869924B2 Interface device and control method
A laser light application unit (2100) has a laser light source for applying laser light. A control information acquisition unit (2200) acquires control information indicating each of a plurality of directions in which an image is to be irradiated. A control unit (2300) controls an interface device (2000) such that the image is irradiated in each of the plurality of directions indicated by the control information. The laser light applied by the laser light application unit (2100) is incident on a first light collection unit (2400). The first light collection unit (2400) diffracts the incident laser light such that the laser light forms the image that is not similar to that at the time of incidence.
US09869922B2 Optical lens system for camera
An optical lens system for photographing an object, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises an object image forming member for forming an image of the object, a light source for providing light to the object, optical lenses, an aperture stop area, and a switching aperture disposed in the aperture stop area. The switching aperture includes a base plate having, in the center thereof, an opening for an image to be taken, a blade having, in the center thereof, a pin hole for an image to be magnified such that a magnified image corresponding to the object is formed, and a variable connection member bent or straightened according to power supply to induce light incident from the object to form a photographed image via the opening for an image to be taken or form a magnified image via the pin hole for an image to be magnified.
US09869919B2 Electrochromic element, optical filter, lens unit, image pickup apparatus, and window member
Provided is an electrochromic element, which is capable of correcting possible charge imbalance, and is suppressed in color remaining, the electrochromic element including: a first electrode; a second electrode; a third electrode; and an electrolyte, an anodic organic electrochromic compound, and a cathodic redox substance that are arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode being transparent, in which: the third electrode is electrically connectable to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode through the electrolyte; the third electrode further has a redox substance; and a reduced form of the redox substance of the third electrode is more easily oxidized than a reduced form of the anodic organic electrochromic compound.
US09869917B2 Active matrix substrate and method for manufacturing the same
An active matrix substrate in a liquid crystal panel of an FFS mode has a data line 24 including an amorphous Si film 122, an n+amorphous Si film 123, a main conductor part 133, and an IZO film 141. The main conductor part 133 and the IZO film 141 are etched at a portion close to the end of a covered region of a photoresist 142, to form the n+amorphous Si film 123 larger than the main conductor part 133 and the IZO film 141. A pattern of a photomask for a source layer is made larger than a pattern of a photomask for a pixel electrode layer, to form the amorphous Si film 122 larger than the n+amorphous Si film 123. The main conductor part 133 is formed of a molybdenum-based material, and in a layer over the data line 24, two-layered protective insulating films are formed such that a compressive stress is generated in one film and a tensile stress is generated in the other film. Accordingly, a high-yield active matrix substrate having a common electrode is provided.
US09869912B2 Low temperature poly-silicon TFT substrate
The present invention provides a LTPS TFT substrate, which includes a black matrix arranged on a first buffer layer of the LTPS TFT substrate to have an area where a TFT device is located is shielded by the black matrix thereby preventing the TFT device from being influenced by light irradiation, maintaining stability of the TFT device; and also saving the manufacturing process of a shielding metal layer, reducing one photo-mask, and lowering down manufacturing cost so as to allow the black matrix, in achieving the functionality of its own (shielding leaking light of the pixel), to also take the place of a shielding metal layer that is commonly adopted in the prior art to shield light for the TFT device and thus providing duality of functionality.
US09869911B2 Display apparatus having a driver disposed on a flexible substrate and method of manufacturing the same
A display apparatus includes a display panel and a display panel driver. The display panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate facing the first substrate, the first substrate including a switching element and a pixel electrode disposed thereon, the pixel electrode being electrically connected to the switching element. The display panel driver is configured to apply a driving signal to the display panel. The display panel driver includes a first flexible substrate on which a driving chip is mounted, wherein the first flexible substrate is electrically connected to the display panel, and a second flexible substrate electrically connected to the first flexible substrate, wherein the second flexible substrate is disposed on a surface of the first flexible substrate.
US09869910B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a display region, a plurality of lead-out lines led from the display region, and an application circuit that applies a voltage to liquid crystal in the display region through each of the lead-out lines. Each of the lead-out lines has a tilt portion wired with a directional component parallel to a peripheral direction enclosing the display region in a plan view, and when a difference between a voltage applied to one of the lead-out lines and a voltage applied to another one of the lead-out lines is specified as an applied voltage difference, each of the lead-out lines is wired such that, in a plan view, the taper portion of one of the lead-out lines is overlapped with the taper portion of another one of the lead-out lines having the applied voltage difference lower than a difference with adjacent one of the lead-out lines.
US09869909B2 Liquid crystal display apparatus
Provided is a liquid crystal display apparatus capable of preventing a disclination and minimizing a decrease in contrast ratio caused by leakage of light. A counter electrode formed on an array substrate has a plurality of slits within one pixel. The slit which is relatively short has bent edge portions in which edges of the slit are bent. The slits which are relatively long do not have bent edges.
US09869908B2 Pixel inversion artifact reduction
A system and device for driving high resolution monitors while reducing artifacts thereon. Utilization of Z-inversion polarity driving techniques to drive pixels in a display reduces power consumption of the display but tends to generate visible horizontal line artifacts caused by capacitances present between the pixels and data lines of the display. By introducing a physical shield between the pixel and data line elements, capacitance therebetween can be reduced, thus eliminating the cause of the horizontal line artifacts. The shield may be a common voltage line (Vcom) of the display.
US09869907B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
The present invention improves the aperture ratio of a pixel of a reflection-type display device or a reflection type display device without increasing the number of masks and without using a blackmask. A pixel electrode (167) is arranged so as to partially overlap a source wiring (137) for shielding the gap between pixels from light, and a thin film transistor is arranged so as to partially overlap a gate wiring (166) for shielding a channel region of the thin film transistor from light, thereby realizing a high pixel aperture ratio.
US09869906B2 Liquid crystal display device comprising a plurality of pixel electrodes each having first, second, and third stem electrodes
A liquid crystal display device includes pixels, each including a pixel electrode including first and second stem electrodes, which extend in a first direction and are spaced apart from each other, a third stem electrode, which extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersects the first and second stem electrodes, a first edge electrode, which extends in the second direction and intersects first ends of the first and second stem electrodes, a second edge electrode, which extends in the second direction and intersects second ends of the first and second stem electrodes, and branch electrodes, which extend from the first, second, and third stem electrodes in a direction which is different from the first and second directions where a boundary line is defined between the first and second stem electrode.
US09869905B2 Display panel
A display panel comprising a first substrate, a second substrate and a light shielding layer is provided. The first substrate comprises several display units arranged in a matrix and forming an image display region. The display units comprise m*n pixels arranged in a matrix. The second substrate is opposite to the first substrate. The light shielding layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate comprises several extending portions. The projection of one of the extending portions on the first substrate overlaps at least one of the pixels. Each pixel having the largest overlapping area with the extending portion is a first pixel, and other pixels are second pixels. In each display unit, there is at most one first pixel per column or per row. In the image display region, all of the pixels adjacent to the first pixel are second pixels.
US09869901B2 Method and material for manufacturing alignment layer, display substrate, and display panel
The present disclosure provides a composition for forming an alignment layer. The composition includes a chiral additive and polymerizable liquid crystal monomers. The composition also includes an initiator for enabling polymerization reactions in the liquid crystal monomers. Further, the polymerizable liquid crystal monomers include at least one of polymerizable cholesteric liquid crystal monomers and polymerizable nematic liquid crystal monomers.
US09869900B2 Liquid crystal display panel and method of manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display panel includes substrates opposed to each other, a liquid crystal layer interposed between the substrates, a seal line surrounding an outer peripheral portion of the liquid crystal layer and disposed between the substrates and a liquid crystal alignment layer including a polyimide, the liquid crystal alignment layer including a first region and a second region disposed in an outer peripheral portion of the first region and disposed on one surface of at least one of the substrates, wherein at least a portion of the second region is overlapped with the seal line, the second region having a surface roughness value greater than that of the first region.
US09869895B2 Coating device, method of manufacturing display substrate using the same and display substrate manufactured using the same
A coating device includes an upper stage, a lower stage and a spraying part. The upper stage masks an upper surface of a display panel. The lower stage masks a lower surface of the display panel. The spraying part sprays ink to a side surface of the display panel. The side surface of the display panel is exposed between the upper stage and the lower stage. The coating device includes the upper stage and the lower stage, so that the coating device may form a coating layer of uniform thickness by precisely spraying ink. In addition, a cross-section of the coating layer may be precisely formed having specific shape such as an L or C shape. A display apparatus having high light usage efficiency and reduced light leakage may be provided by using the coating device.
US09869891B2 Liquid crystal display device and method of manufacturing the same
A thin-film transistor includes a gate electrode made of metal, a light transmissive gate insulating film that covers the gate electrode, a semiconductor film that overlaps with the gate electrode through the gate insulating film, and a source electrode and a drain electrode, made of metal, and spaced from each other. The gate electrode and the semiconductor film have respective through-holes communicated with each other so that the gate insulating film enters an inside of the through-holes. The gate insulating film has an area of the inside of the through-holes of the gate electrode and the semiconductor film. The source electrode and the drain electrode pass through the inside of the through-holes of the gate electrode and the semiconductor film so as to overlap with a part of the area of the inside of the through-hole of the gate insulating film and avoid a remaining portion thereof.
US09869886B2 Adaptive spectacles for motor vehicle drivers or passengers
Adaptive glasses for drivers or passengers of a motor vehicle, the glasses comprising lenses having a screen whose coefficient of transmission is variable between a maximum value (CTMAX) and a minimum value (CTmin). According to one embodiment of the invention, the coefficient of transmission (CT) of the glasses lenses (28) is controlled according to a wireless communication protocol.
US09869880B2 Projection device and projection-type video display device
An illumination device includes an optical element including a hologram recording medium capable of diffusing a coherent light beam, the hologram recording medium comprising a plurality of regions, each region diffusing a coherent light beam to an illuminated region corresponding to that region, and an irradiation device configured to irradiate the optical element with the coherent light beam so as to allow the coherent light beam to scan the hologram recording medium. The coherent light beam incident to a position existing in each region of the hologram recording medium is diffused to an entire region of the illuminated region corresponding to the region in order to illuminate the entire region of the illuminated region.
US09869879B2 Objective lens and microscope
An objective lens (OL) according to the present invention comprises, in order from an object side, a first lens group (G1) having positive refractive power, and a second lens group (G2) having negative refractive power. The first lens group (G1) comprises a positive meniscus lens (L1) having a concave surface facing the object side, a positive lens (L2) dispose close to an image of the positive meniscus lens (L1), and a diffractive optical element (DOE) having a diffractive optical surface (D). The second lens group (G2) is composed of three cemented lenses (CL21 to CL23) which are configured with a positive lens and a negative lens cemented each other. When d00 denotes a distance from the object side to the positive meniscus lens (L1), and TL0 denotes a distance from the object side to the objective lens rear end surface, 0.11≦d00/TL0≦0.19 is satisfied.
US09869878B2 Flexible touch screen panel and flexible touch screen display device
A flexible touch screen panel includes a thin film substrate including a first section and a second section and first sensing electrodes disposed in the first section and the second section, the first sensing electrodes being connected to one another along a first direction. The first sensing electrodes include a first stack structure in the first section and a second stack structure in the second section, the second stack structure being different from the first stack structure.
US09869873B2 Stereo display device
A stereo display device includes plural projectors, a lens array, and a concave axicon lens array. The projectors project images to plural viewing regions at an image side. The lens array is disposed between the projectors and the image side. The concave axicon lens array is disposed between the lens array and the image side.
US09869872B2 Three-dimensional display device
A display device is provided. The display device includes a projection lens, a Fresnel lens, an angle magnifying screen, a vertical diffuser and a first micro-deflector. The projection lens is configured to provide an original image. The first micro-deflector is provided between the Fresnel lens and the angle magnifying screen, and the angle magnifying screen is provided between the first micro-deflector and the vertical diffuser. The first micro-deflector is configured to redirect the original image into a first perspective image and a second perspective image. A perspective direction of the first perspective image differs from a perspective direction of the second perspective image.
US09869870B2 3D display device with adjustable grating layer
A 3D display device, comprising: a display panel (01); a first grating layer (02), located at a light exiting side of the display panel (01) and comprising hole-like light-transmitting regions arranged in an array form; a second grating layer (03), located over the first grating layer (02) and comprising hole-like light-transmitting regions arranged in an array form; and an adjusting device (04), configured to adjust a relative shift between the first grating layer (02) and the second grating layer (03) so as to realize switching between a 2D display state and a 3D display state, wherein, the hole-like light-transmitting regions included in the first grating layer (02) correspond to the hole-like light-transmitting regions included in the second grating layer (03) in a one-to-one correspondence relationship, pixel units (05) arranged in an array form are provided within the display panel (01); in the 2D display state, an overlap region of projections of each pair of the hole-like light-transmitting regions on the display panel (01) covers a region of at least one pixel unit (05); in the 3D display state, an overlap region of projections of each pair of the hole-like light-transmitting regions on the display panel (01) is smaller than the region of one pixel unit (05).
US09869863B2 Systems and methods for processing a 2D video
A system includes one or more hardware processors, a head mounted display (HMD), a digital camera device, and a path extraction engine. The path extraction engine is configured to receive two-dimensional (2D) video from the digital camera device, the 2D video presenting a 2D view of a three-dimensional (3D) object, the digital camera device moving along a camera path as the digital camera device captures the 2D video, identify a plurality of 2D features associated with the 3D object within the 2D video, track the plurality of 2D features across multiple frames of the 2D video, estimate motion in pixels associated with each 2D feature of the plurality of 2D features, using the estimated motion in the pixels, identify 2D motion caused by the digital camera device moving along the camera path, and compute a first camera position of the digital camera device based on the identified 2D motion.
US09869860B2 Apparatus and method for controlling head up display
An apparatus for controlling a head up display includes: a memory configured to store first road information of a road on which a vehicle is being driven; a camera configured to obtain image data of the road in front of the vehicle; a control module configured to obtain second road information of the road by analyzing the image data of the front and extracting a plurality of points based on the first road information and the second road information; and an output module configured to output the plurality of points on a viewing area of a wind shield of the vehicle.
US09869858B2 Electrical tuning of resonant scanning
A scanning device includes a frame, having a central opening, and an array including a plurality of parallel mirrors contained within the central opening of the frame. Hinges respectively connect the mirrors to the frame and define respective, mutually-parallel axes of rotation of the mirrors relative to the frame. A main drive applies a driving force to the array so as to drive an oscillation of the mirrors about the hinges at a resonant frequency of the array. A sensor is configured to detect a discrepancy in a synchronization of the oscillation among the mirrors in the array, and an adjustment circuit applies a corrective signal to at least one of the mirrors in order to alleviate the detected discrepancy.
US09869857B2 Optical grating phase modulator for laser interference photoetching system
An optical grating phase modulator for a laser interference photoetching system is composed of a substrate, an optical grating, an electric motor and an optical grating positioner. The optical grating, the electric motor and the optical grating positioner are all mounted on the substrate. The optical grating is circular or rectangular, and adopt transmission or reflection type optical grating. A light beam is incident on the optical grating and generates diffraction, and when the electric motor drives the optical grating to continuously move relative to the incident light beam, diffracted light will generate a frequency shift, thereby realizing the phase modulation of the light beam. The optical grating phase modulator has the advantages of high phase modulation speed, high regulation precision and wide regulation range, thereby improving the whole performance of an interference photoetching system.
US09869855B2 Picture element driven by two sets of grayscale values, one set being less than the other
An electrowetting display device includes a control system for changing a configuration of first, second and third fluids by applying a voltage level of a first voltage to a first electrode and by applying a voltage level of a second voltage to a second electrode. The voltage level of the first voltage is selected from a first plurality of voltage levels and the voltage level of the second voltage is selected from a second plurality of voltage levels, the second plurality of voltage levels comprising fewer voltage levels than the first plurality of voltage levels.
US09869854B2 Endoscopic system
This disclosure an optical unit having a plurality of structural elements such as lens and a spacer having two or more opposing surfaces of the plurality of structural elements are bonded and secured to each other. A contact portion of the bonding portion is configured to prevent spreading of an adhesive and an adhesive reservoir is provided at the bonding portion. This disclosure further provides an apparatus having an imaging optical system configured to image a side surface in a tubular passage and an illuminating optical system that is arranged centrally within the imaging optical system.
US09869849B2 Projection optical system and projection type display device
A projection optical system is constituted by, in order from the reduction side, a first optical system constituted by a plurality of lenses for forming an image displayed by image display elements as an intermediate image, and a second optical system constituted by a plurality of lenses for forming the intermediate image on a magnification side conjugate plane. Conditional Formula (1) below is satisfied. 8.20
US09869848B2 Single element radiometric lens
The disclosure describes systems and apparatuses that include a focusable lens, as well as methods for focusing the optical lens. The focusable lens system includes a single element lens having a concave refractive surface characterized by a first radius of curvature and a convex refractive surface characterized by a second radius of curvature larger than the first radius of curvature. A detector element generates electrical signals representative of infrared rays refracted by the single element lens and incident on the detector element, and an aperture stop is disposed around an optical axis of the optical system and secured in a constant position relative to the detector element, the aperture stop configured to limit a cone angle of rays refracted by the single element lens. They system also includes image processing circuitry configured to generate digital pixilation data based on electrical signals generated by the detector element.
US09869845B2 Optical image capturing system
An optical image capturing system includes, along the optical axis in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, a fifth lens, a sixth lens, and a seventh lens. At least one lens among the first to the sixth lenses has positive refractive force. The seventh lens can have negative refractive force, wherein both surfaces thereof are aspheric, and at least one surface thereof has an inflection point. The lenses in the optical image capturing system which have refractive power include the first to the seventh lenses. The optical image capturing system can increase aperture value and improve the imagining quality for use in compact cameras.
US09869842B2 Imaging lens and electronic apparatus including the same
An imaging lens includes first to fourth lens elements arranged from an object side to an image side in the given order. Through designs of surfaces of the lens elements and relevant lens parameters, a short system length of the imaging lens may be achieved while maintaining good optical performance.
US09869838B2 Optical fiber cable and method of manufacturing same
An optical fiber cable is provided. The cable includes: an optical fiber core having a central axis; a presser winding covering the optical fiber core; a sheath covering the presser winding; two tension members in the sheath and facing each other with the central axis therebetween; and two rip cords facing each other with the central axis therebetween and being in direct contact with the sheath and the presser winding. The optical fiber core includes a plurality of optical fiber tapes arranged around the central axis and having mutually different stripe ring marks applied thereon. Each optical fiber tapes includes a plurality of optical fibers intermittently adhered to each other.
US09869837B2 Heat dissipating communication system
A communication system includes a receptacle cage and a circuit board. The receptacle cage has walls defining a port that is configured to receive a pluggable module therein. The receptacle cage houses a communication connector configured to electrically connect to the pluggable module. The receptacle cage and the communication connector therein are both mounted on a top face of the circuit board. The circuit board defines at least one opening through the circuit board in a port mounting area that aligns with the port of the receptacle cage. The at least one opening is configured to receive heat dissipating fins therethrough that transfer heat from the pluggable module in the port through the circuit board to a cooling fluid beyond a bottom face of the circuit board.
US09869835B2 Device for incoupling and/or outcoupling optical signals
In order to further develop a device for coupling optical signals into at least one waveguide, wherein the device comprises at least one send-site circuit, which based on incoming signals from send-site terminal contacts actuates at least one electro-optical converter, which sends out the optical signals in the direction of the axis of the waveguide, in such a way that a corresponding miniaturization of the coupling device is enabled at low optical losses while at the same time the manufacturing expenses are to be low, it is proposed that the send-site circuit is arranged essentially in the plane of a send-site substrate comprising the send-site terminal contacts.The corresponding is true for a device for decoupling optical signals from at least one waveguide.
US09869833B2 Optical receiver using a photodetector with a self-aligned lens
A constructed photodetector, an optical receiver, and a receiver unit in an optical communication system are disclosed. One example of the disclosed constructed photodetector includes an optoelectronic element having an active area that converts light having a wavelength of interest into electrical signals and a substrate on a face that opposes the active area, where the substrate is non-transparent to light having the wavelength of interest. The constructed photodetector further includes a lens-chip that is at least partially transparent to light having the wavelength of interest, where the lens-chip includes a first side and an opposing second side, where the first side of the lens-chip includes an integrated lens, and where the second side of the lens-chip includes one or more electrical traces. The constructed photodetector further includes at least one connector that provides a physical and electrical connection between the optoelectronic element and the lens-chip.
US09869829B2 Optical interposer for waveguides
A process for preparing a subassembly, the process comprising (a) defining the location of one or more grooves for receiving at least one polymer waveguide in a wafer, (b) etching the grooves into the wafer, each groove having sidewalls and a first facet at the terminal end perpendicular to the side walls, the first facet having a first angle relative to the top planar surface, (c) coating the first facet with a reflective material, and (d) disposing a fluid polymer waveguide precursor into each groove, and writing a core into the polymer material by directing at least one laser beam on the first facet by directing the laser beam into the top of the polymer material such that the beam reflects off of the first facet and down the interior of the polymer material to form the core in the polymer waveguide.
US09869822B2 Device for distributing hybrid cable and transitioning from trunk cable to jumper cable
A transition device for interconnecting a hybrid trunk cable and electronic equipment includes: an enclosure having first and second ends; a trunk power connector mounted to the first end of the enclosure; a trunk optical connector mounted to the first end of the enclosure; and a plurality of hybrid jumper cables exiting the second end of the enclosure, each of the hybrid jumper cables including at least two power conductors terminated with jumper power connectors and at least one optical fiber terminated with a jumper optical connector.
US09869821B2 Probe for optical imaging
A 3D-scanning optical imaging probe which inhibits rotation unevenness of rotational sections, shaft run-out, friction, and rotation transmission delay by reducing the occurrence of torque loss and rotation transmission delay, and which is capable of obtaining 3D scans and observation images within a fixed frontal range. A substantially tubular catheter has, provided along substantially the same line therein: a fixed-side optical fiber; a first optical path conversion means which is rotationally driven by a first motor, and which rotates and emits a beam of light forwards and tilted at an angle with respect to a rotational axis; and a second optical path conversion means which, at a tip side of a rotation-side optical fiber rotationally driven by a second motor, tilts an optical path by a micro-angle with respect to the rotational axis, and rotates and emits the beam of light to irradiate the first optical path conversion means therewith.
US09869820B2 Optical probe, light intensity detection, imaging method and system
Gradient index lenses, or GRIN lenses, are useful for collimating light from a waveguide and reducing loss when coupling two fibers or coupling the fiber to other optical components. There is provided herein a method to align a GRIN lens to the distal end of an optical fiber with precise lateral alignment. The alignment occurs by: (1) rotating the fiber with respect to the lens so that the fiber is parallel with the lens, such that a light is transmitted through the fiber and then through the lens, and (2) translating the fiber laterally with respect to the lens based on the position of a circle pattern that appears on the screen after the distal end of the lens. The transmitted light is centered in the circle pattern for centered alignment or positioned at calculate distance from the center of the circle pattern for off-axis alignment.
US09869817B1 Interferometer based on a tilted MMI
An optical interferometer based on multi-mode interference (MMI) devices includes an input port, an output port, a first MMI device connected to the input port at an input face of the first MMI device, a second MMI device connected to the first output port at an output face of the second MMI device. In the optical interferometer, an output face of the first MMI device and an input face of the second MMI device are directly connected, the first MMI device includes a first and a second self-imaging points at an interface between the first MMI device and the second MMI device, and a propagation axis of the second MMI device is tilted with respect to a propagation axis of the first MMI device, causing a path length difference between an upper optical path via the first self-imaging point and a lower optical path via the second self-imaging point.
US09869814B2 Hybrid single-mode and multimode optical fiber
A hybrid optical fiber integrates features of multimode optical fibers and single-mode optical fibers. The hybrid optical fiber possesses an optical core having a first core region and a second core region to provide improved optical mode coupling ratio for single-mode transmission while maintaining a broad bandwidth for multimode transmission. The hybrid optical fiber's optical core may optionally include a depressed trench positioned between the optical core's first core region and the optical core's second core region to reduce modal dispersion and to improve modal bandwidth during multimode transmissions.
US09869813B2 Backlight unit, display device comprising the same and method for manufacturing the same
A backlight unit includes first light guide plates (LGPs) provided in a line shape, and second LGPs provided in a line shape and disposed between the first LGPs. The backlight unit may include a controller configured to control a plurality of light sources to provide a light to the first LGPs when a three-dimensional (3D) image is displayed on a display panel that receives the light from at least one of the first LGPs and the second LGPs, and to provide the light to the first LGPs and the second LGPs when a two-dimensional (2D) image is displayed on the display panel.
US09869812B2 Light guide body, light emitting apparatus, and amusement machine
A light guide body configured to guide at least first and second light having different colors that enter the light guide body from at least one light source has a light exit surface having a light emitting region that emits the first light and the second light from the at least one light source, and a reflection region that reflects, toward the light emitting region, the first light and the second light that enters the light guide body. The reflection region has a first pattern region where a plurality of first reflection patterns that reflects the first light are arranged, and a second pattern region where a plurality of second reflection patterns that reflects the second light are arranged. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the light exit surface, the first pattern region and the second pattern region at least partially overlapping with each other.
US09869809B2 Backlight unit, liquid-crystal display apparatus, and stacked structure
Sufficiently sharp directivity can be secured with a simple configuration in a configuration that improves the efficiency of utilizing the light exiting from a primary light source using a reflective polarizing plate. A backlight unit (2) supplies light exiting from an exit surface of a light guide plate (12) to a liquid-crystal display panel (3) via a reflective polarizing plate (16) after correcting directivity of the exiting light using a prism sheet (14) having a downwardly convex shape. A ¼-wavelength plate (15) is provided between the prism sheet (14) and the reflective polarizing plate (16), between the prism sheet (14) and the light guide plate, or between the light guide plate and a reflective sheet disposed on a surface of the light guide plate opposite to the prism sheet (14).
US09869808B2 Planar light-emitting unit
A planar light-emitting unit includes a light emission region and a non-light emission region located in an outer periphery of the light emission region. A non-space region is provided between a light guide member and a diffusion member in a region corresponding to the non-light emission region such that a space is formed in a region corresponding to the light emission region between the light guide member and the diffusion member. The non-space region includes a protruding region extending to the light emission region from the non-light emission region, and a conditional expression 0<Δ≦2d×tan θ is fulfilled, where Δ is a protruding amount (mm) from the non-light emission region of the non-space region, d is a thickness (mm) of the light guide member, and θ is a total reflection critical angle between the light guide member and air.
US09869796B2 Fabrication process and package design for use in a micro-machined seismometer or other device
An accelerometer or a seismometer using an in-plane suspension geometry having a suspension plate and at least one fixed capacitive plate. The suspension plate is formed from a single piece and includes an external frame, a pair of flexural elements, and an integrated proof mass between the flexures. The flexural elements allow the proof mass to move in the sensitive direction in the plane of suspension while restricting movement in all off-axis directions. Off-axis motion of the proof mass is minimized by the use of intermediate frames disbursed within and between the flexural elements. Intermediate frames can include motion stops to prevent further relative motion during overload conditions. The device can also include a dampening structure, such as a spring or gas structure that includes a trapezoidal piston and corresponding cylinder, to provide damping during non-powered states. The capacitive plate is made of insulating material. A new method of soldering the capacitive plate to the suspension plate is also disclosed.
US09869795B2 Distributed acoustic sensing system with variable spatial resolution
Systems and methods for distributed acoustic sensing based on coherent Rayleigh scattering are disclosed herein. A system comprises a pulse generator, an optical fiber coupled to the pulse generator, an interferometer coupled to the optical fiber, a photodetector assembly coupled to the interferometer, and an information handling system, which activates two optical gain elements so as to vary the optical path length of the interferometer. A method comprises sending an optical pulse down an optical fiber, splitting backscattered light from the optical pulse into a first backscattered pulse and a second backscattered pulse, activating a first optical gain element and a second optical gain element, sending the first backscattered pulse into a first arm of an interferometer, sending the second backscattered pulse into a second arm of an interferometer, combining the first and second backscattered pulses to form an interferometric signal, and receiving the interferometric signal at a photodetector assembly.
US09869793B2 Multiband common-optical-path image-spectrum associated remote sensing measurement system and method
The present invention relates to a multiband common-optical-path image-spectrum associated remote sensing measurement system and method. The system includes an infrared window (1), a two-dimensional rotating mirror (2), a planar reflector (3), a reflective multiband infrared lens system (4), a Fourier interference spectrum module (5), an image-spectrum associated processing module (6), a power supply module (7), a refrigerating module (8), and a display module (9); the incident light enters from the infrared window (1), is reflected by the two-dimensional rotating mirror (2), and then is reflected by the planar reflector (3) to the reflective multiband infrared lens system (4) and then is split by a spectroscope (42); the transmitted light is focused by means of a convergent lens and is imaged on an infrared detector (43); the reflected light is focused on an infrared optical fiber coupler (44) and enters the Fourier interference spectrum module (5) through an infrared optical fiber to form an interference pattern, and further, spectrum data is obtained through Fourier transformation; the image-spectrum associated processing module (6) effectively combines broadband spectrum imaging and non-imaging spectrum data, and controls the two-dimensional rotating mirror (2) to point to a target, thereby implementing intelligent remote sensing measurement. The present invention has capabilities of performing local scene region spectrum measurement and multi-target tracking spectrum measurement, has high speed, an appropriate data amount, and low cost.
US09869790B2 Buried asset locator device that takes orientation of device into account during sensing process
A locator device for generating buried asset data is disclosed. The device includes an elongated housing accommodating at least two sensors, wherein each sensor is for reading analog radio frequency (RF) signals from a buried asset, wherein the at least two sensors having a known distance between them, and wherein the housing may be oriented either horizontally or vertically, a sensing device for sensing an orientation of the elongated housing, and a processor for reading RF signals from the buried asset, applying an orientation filtering process to the signals based on the orientation, converting the signals into buried asset data having depth data, position data and electrical current data for a buried asset, and, a display unit for displaying the buried asset data in a graphical user interface, wherein the buried asset data corresponds to the RF signals that were read.
US09869789B2 Methods and systems for monitoring a subsurface formation with a land active streamer
The present disclosure includes a method for monitoring a subsurface formation including disposing an antenna in a horizontal wellbore, the antenna including a plurality of piezoelectric modules. A voltage signal is applied to at least one of the piezoelectric modules to cause the at least one piezoelectric modules to emit seismic energy into the subsurface formation. A resulting signal is received at a receiver. A property of the subsurface formation is determined based, at least in part, on the resulting signal.
US09869788B2 Seismic detector
A technique facilitates seismic wave detection with a seismic receiver. The seismic receiver has a tool body, a vibrationally isolated sensor package mounted in the tool body, and a plurality of contact shoes. The contact shoes are mounted around the sensor package in a distribution which enables three-point contact with a surrounding wellbore wall regardless of the azimuthal orientation of the sensor package.
US09869786B2 Data acquisition method and system
Disclosed is a system for acoustically exploring structure of a floor below a water body. The system can comprise a vessel, at least one streamer placed in the water and towed by the vessel. The system can also comprise a plurality of acoustic sensors positioned at regular intervals along the length of the streamer. The longitudinal direction of the streamer can make an angle with the horizontal. The system can also comprise a source for generating acoustic pulses placed in the water and towed by the vessel using a tow line. The tow line can have such length that the horizontal distance between the vessel and the source is larger than the horizontal distance between the vessel and the first sensor closest to the vessel and smaller than the horizontal distance between the vessel and the last sensor most remote from the vessel.
US09869777B2 Scintillator
Provided is a scintillator having a crystal containing CsI (cesium iodide) as a host material thereof and thallium (Tl) and bismuth (Bi), and a novel scintillator which maintains a high output and simultaneously can further enhance the afterglow characteristics. There is proposed a scintillator having a crystal containing CsI (cesium iodide) as a host material thereof and Tl, Bi and O, wherein the concentration a of Bi with respect to Cs in the crystal is 0.001 atomic ppm≦a≦5 atomic ppm; and the ratio (a/b) of the concentration a of Bi with respect to Cs in the crystal to the concentration b of O with respect to I in the crystal is 0.005×10−4 to 200×10−4.
US09869775B2 Method for processing ceramic scintillator array
A method for processing a ceramic scintillator array, characterized in that, comprising the following steps: (a) forming, in a first direction, a predetermined number of straight first-direction through-cuts which are parallel to each other and spaced from each other on a scintillator substrate by using laser; (b) adequately filling the first-direction through-cuts with an adhesive and solidifying the adhesive; (c) forming, in a second direction. a predetermined number of second direction through-cuts which are parallel to each other at a predetermined interval on the scintillator substrate by using laser, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; and (d) adequately filling the second direction through-cuts with the adhesive and solidifying the adhesive bond.
US09869774B2 Radiation imaging apparatus, driving method for the same, and non-transitory computer-readable medium
A radiation imaging apparatus, comprising a plurality of sensors and a driving unit, each sensor including a detection element, a sampling unit and a reset unit, wherein the driving unit performs an operation of causing the reset unit to initialize the detection element, an operation of causing the sampling unit to sample a signal from the detection element in accordance with radiation irradiation started after the operation of initializing, and an operation of outputting a signal sampled by the operation of sampling, and wherein the driving unit changes, in accordance with a frame rate, a timing of the operation of outputting while maintaining constant a time from the operation of initializing to the operation of sampling.
US09869773B2 Hybrid-organic X-ray detector with conductive channels
A detector for high-energy radiation, e.g., for x-radiation and/or UV radiation, may include (a) a substrate having a first electrical contact, (b) optionally a first intermediate layer, (c) a layer including an organic matrix of a photoactive material and insoluble scintillator particles distributed substantially homogeneously in the organic matrix, (d) optionally a second intermediate layer, and (e) a second electrical contact, wherein the mixture ratio between the scintillator particles and the organic matrix in layer (c) is selected in such a way that the intermediate space filled with the organic matrix has a distance between two scintillator particles that corresponds to at most five times the depth of penetration of the emitted radiation of the scintillator particles. A method for producing a corresponding detector is also disclosed.
US09869772B2 Systems and methods for handheld device based battery efficient context monitoring, detection of a vehicular motion and identification of a specific vehicle
A method performed in connection with a handheld communication device for monitoring a context in a battery efficient manner and for detecting a vehicular context, the handheld communication device comprising a GPS hardware component, a network-based position estimation component and a data processor, the method comprising: identifying a non-vehicular context; when the non-vehicular context is not identified, powering on the GPS hardware component and acquiring speed data using the GPS hardware component, determining whether the acquired speed is within predetermined vehicular speed ranges and identifying either a vehicular context or the non-vehicular context; when the vehicular context is not identified, powering off the GPS hardware component to save battery power.
US09869768B2 Device for detecting distance and apparatus for processing images comprising same
The present invention relates to a device for detecting distance and an apparatus for processing images comprising same. The device for detecting distance according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a light source portion for outputting an output light based on a plurality of transmission signals having different frequencies; a scanner for sequentially scanning in a first direction and then a second direction to output the output light into an external area; a detection portion for converting received light, which corresponds to the output light and is received from the outside, into reception signals; and a processor for calculating distance to an external object and varying the frequency of the transmission signals, based on the plurality of transmission signals and the plurality of reception signals, wherein the processor calculates a first distance to the external object based on a first transmission signal from among the plurality of transmission signals and a first reception signal corresponding to the first transmission signal, calculates a second distance to the external object based on a second transmission signal from among the plurality of transmission signals and a second reception signal corresponding to the second transmission signal, and calculates a final distance to the external object based on the first and second distances that have been calculated. As a result, the distance to the external object can be accurately detected.
US09869766B1 Enhancement of airborne weather radar performance using external weather data
Systems and methods for controlling a weather radar system are provided. A system for controlling a weather radar system includes a communications system including a transmitter-receiver and a processor. The transmitter-receiver is configured to receive first weather data from an external location. The first weather data includes a first weather condition, a location of the first weather condition, and a time of sensing the first weather condition. The processor includes a control module coupled with the communications system and configured to determine a point of interest based on the first weather data; acquire, by controlling an onboard weather radar system, second weather data at the point of interest; provide data representative of weather near the point of interest based at least in part on the second weather data; and transmit, by the transmitter-receiver, the data representative of weather near the point of interest to an external weather radar system.
US09869765B2 Alarm system and method for vehicle
An alarm system for a vehicle comprises a sensor disposed on an installation plane of the vehicle, configured to emit a plurality of frequency-modulated continuous waveform (FMCW) signals toward a reverse plane of the installation plane and receiving reflected signals of the plurality of FMCW signals, to detect information of a plurality of targets within a specified range corresponding to the vehicle; an alarm being controlled to generate an alarm signal; and a control module coupled to the sensor and the alarm, capable of receiving the information of the plurality of targets detected by the sensor; determining a vehicle information of the vehicle in relation to an external environment according to the information of the plurality of targets; and determining movement statuses of the plurality of targets in relation to the vehicle according to the vehicle information and the information of the plurality of targets, and accordingly controlling the alarm.
US09869757B2 Self-calibrating laser tracker and self-calibration method
Some embodiments of the invention relate to a laser tracker for determining the position of a target and in particularly for the continuous tracking of the target. In some embodiments, the laser tracker includes a beam source for generating measurement radiation, an angle measuring function for determining a horizontal pivot angle and a vertical pivot angle, a distance measuring function and a position sensitive surface detector for determining a point of impact of the reflected measurement radiation on the surface detector and for generating an output signal in order to control a target tracking function. The laser tracker may include a self-calibrating function for calibrating a beam offset using a reflecting calibration device.
US09869746B2 Method for estimating angle of arrival of multi-target moving at high speed
A method for estimating an angle of arrival of multiple targets moving at a high speed includes defining a range and a resolving power of an angle of arrival and an angular velocity of a plurality of direction finding targets (S1100), setting minimum values of the angle of arrival and the angular velocity within the range to be a set angle of arrival and a set angular velocity (S1200), and adding angle of arrival resolution and angular velocity resolution to the set angle of arrival and the set angular velocity, respectively, deriving a two-dimensional spatial spectrum of a transformed incident signal using a pre-steered vector until the angle of arrival and the angular velocity become a maximum value, and estimating a peak value of the spatial spectrum as a measured angle of arrival and a measured angular velocity of the target (S1300).
US09869741B2 Method for imaging a part region of an examination object in a magnetic resonance system
A method for imaging a part region of an examination object in a magnetic resonance system. In an embodiment, a first and second gradient field are respectively created such that, at a respective first and second position at the edge of the field of view, a distortion caused by a non-linearity of the respective first and second gradient field, and a distortion caused by a Bo field inhomogeneity, cancel each other out. By way of the respective first and second gradient, respective first and second magnetic resonance data which contains the respective first and second position are acquired. A first and second respective readout direction, in which the respective first and second magnetic resonance data are acquired, are selected as a function of a location of the respective first and second position. From the magnetic resonance data, an image of the part region is defined.
US09869740B2 Method and apparatus for determining characteristics of cerebral ischemia based on magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging
A method including determining a cerebral ischemia region of a patient based on a magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging of the patient; determining a DWI gray scale distribution parameter in a region with low ADC values in the magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging; and judging whether the DWI in the region with low ADC values in the magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging and the ADC values in the region with low ADC values in the magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging are mismatched according to the DWI gray scale distribution parameter in the region with low ADC values in the magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging is disclosed. The method provides a more scientific and objective basis for making a decision on whether the acute cerebral ischemia patient should be treated with thrombolysis, thereby improving a cure rate of the cerebral ischemia patient.
US09869739B2 Heteronuclear nuclear magnetic resonance fingerprinting
Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with heteronuclear nuclear magnetic resonance fingerprinting (NMRfp) are described. One example apparatus includes individually controllable radio frequency transmission coils configured to apply varying NMRfp RF excitations to a sample. The NMR apparatus may apply excitations in parallel. The excitations cause different nuclei to produce different signal evolutions. Different pairs of nuclei may produce different signal evolutions depending on quantum correlations between the types of nuclei.
US09869738B2 Method for determining the position of a ferromagnetic particle and associated MRI system
A method for determining the position of at least one ferromagnetic particle (30) in a liquid matrix (31) with an MRI system (50). An MRI measurement sequence (MS1, MS2) is applied (20) to a measurement volume (52) in which the particle is situated. The measurement sequence includes a plurality of individual measurements (E1, E2), during each of which there is a spatially encoding gradient switching operation, including an excitation pulse (1) and signal recording (2), via the MRI system. The measurement sequence has a multiplicity of measurement blocks (MB1, MB2), which each include one or more individual measurements and, in a pause of the spatial encoding, an intermediate gradient (ZW) switched by the MRI system. The intermediate gradients are dimensioned such that, averaged over time, the particle is kept substantially in the same position (M1, M2) over each measurement block.
US09869737B2 Methods and systems for accelerated MR imaging
A method for operating a Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging system that includes generating radio frequency (RF) excitation pulses in a volume of patient anatomy and generating slice select magnetic field gradients for phase encoding and readout RF data acquisition in the patient anatomy. The method further includes concurrently acquiring T1 map image data of slices of an image by: (i) acquiring image calibration data using a pre-scan sequence; (ii) inverting a longitudinal magnetization in the volume of patient anatomy using a non-selective inversion recovery pulse; (iii) applying an excitation RF pulse to different slices in the volume of patient anatomy to rotate a portion of the longitudinal magnetization in a transverse direction; (iv) sampling individual slice image data of the slices in response to applying the excitation RF pulse; and (v) separating the concurrently acquired T1 map image into separate slices.
US09869736B2 Water/fat image identification method and device, and harmonization method and device
Example embodiments relate to a water/fat image identification method and device including obtaining a water/fat image pair calculated by a Dixon method, and marking these as a first image and a second image; calculating grayscale histograms for the first image and the second image, respectively, to obtain a first grayscale histogram and second grayscale histogram; subtracting the second grayscale histogram from the first grayscale histogram to obtain a water/fat relationship graph; searching for the highest peak and lowest trough in the water/fat relationship graph, and if the highest peak is located behind the lowest trough, determining the first image as being a water image and the second image as being a fat image; and otherwise, determining the opposite.
US09869735B2 MRI coil assembly with a radio frequency shield switchable between a blocking state and a transparent state
A magnetic resonance imaging system (300, 400) acquires magnetic resonance data (342). The magnetic resonance imaging system includes a coil assembly (319) configured for radiating and/or receiving radio frequency energy from an imaging zone. The coil assembly has a first surface (315) configured for being directed towards the imaging zone and includes at least one coil element (317). The coil assembly further comprises a radio frequency shield (319) switchable between an RF blocking state (804) and an RF transparent state (802). The at least one coil element is between the first surface and the radio frequency shield. The switchable radio frequency shield includes at least two conductive elements (322). The radio frequency shield includes at least one radio frequency switch (324) configured for electrically connecting the at least two conductive elements in the blocking state and disconnecting the at least two conductive elements in the transparent state.
US09869733B2 Superconductor magnetic resonance imaging system and method (super-MRI)
Methods and apparatuses for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or magnetic resonance spectroscopy comprising a superconducting main magnet operable to generate a uniform magnetic field in an examination region, at least one superconducting gradient field coil operable to apply a respective at least one magnetic field gradient within the examination region, and at least one RF coil that is operable to transmit and receive radio frequency signals to and from the examination region, and that is configured for cooling and comprises at least one of (i) a non-superconducting material that when cooled to a temperature below room temperature has a conductivity higher than that of copper at that temperature and (ii) a superconducting material. The main magnet, the gradient coils, and each of the at least one RF coil of a given system may each be implemented as high temperature superconductor materials.
US09869731B1 Wavelength-modulated coherence pumping and hyperfine repumping for an atomic magnetometer
An FM-NMOR magnetometer and concomitant magnetometry method comprising providing a linearly-polarized pump beam generator, employing a center wavelength approximately equal to a center wavelength of hyperfine peaks, and employing a modulation amplitude in the range HFS-3×LW to HFS.
US09869730B2 Magnetic detection apparatus
In a magnetic detection apparatus that prevents the output waveform from deviating regardless of whether two magneto-resistance elements are displaced relative to a magnet or accurately disposed relative to the magnet, the above two magneto-resistance elements are angled in consideration of a change in the direction of application of the magnetic field during displacement of the positional relationship and the anisotropy of the magneto-resistance elements so that the magneto-resistance elements are oriented in a direction in which the deviation of the output waveform caused by a change in the magnitude of application of the magnetic field during displacement of the positional relationship is cancelled, thereby preventing the detection accuracy of a magnetic moving body (detection target) being affected even if the magneto-resistance elements are displaced relative to the magnet due to manufacturing variations.
US09869728B2 Synthetic test circuit for valve performance test of HVDC
Embodiments of a synthetic test circuit for a valve performance test of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) are presented. In some embodiments, the synthetic test circuit comprises a resonance circuit configured to comprise a first test valve to test an operation of an inverter mode and a second test valve to test an operation of a rectifier mode. The synthetic test circuit may comprise a power supply (P/S) configured to provide the resonance circuit with an operating voltage. The synthetic test circuit may comprise a direct current/direct current (DC/DC) converter configured to bypass a DC offset current of the resonance circuit. The first test valve may be an inverter unit, which may have a positive DC current offset. Further, the second test valve may be a rectifier unit, which may have a negative DC current offset.
US09869726B2 Wireless battery management control and monitoring system
A battery management system using a sensor inside of the battery that sensor enables monitoring and detection of various events in the battery and transmission of a signal from the sensor through the battery casing to a control and data acquisition module by wireless transmission. The detection of threshold events in the battery enables remedial action to be taken to avoid catastrophic events.
US09869724B2 Power management system
A battery monitoring unit monitors at least one from among: (i) the attachment state of secondary battery pack; (ii) the low state of a battery voltage VBAT; and (iii) the state of whether it is possible or impossible to use the secondary battery. A battery measurement unit measures the battery voltage VBAT, a charge/discharge current IBAT, and a temperature T of the secondary battery pack, and converts the measured values into digital data. A charging circuit is configured to charge the secondary battery pack using DC voltage from an external power supply based on the state information detected by the battery monitoring unit and the information measured by the battery measurement unit. A coulomb counter measures the charge/discharge current IBAT at predetermined time intervals, and integrates the measurement value, thereby calculating the sum total of the charged/discharged amount. The battery management circuit is monolithically integrated on a single semiconductor substrate.
US09869723B2 Power management scheme for separately and accurately measuring battery information of each of multiple batteries
A power management apparatus used in a system comprising multiple batteries includes an ADC measurement circuit and a processing circuit. The ADC measurement circuit is configured for measuring or detecting a plurality of voltage levels for each of the multiple batteries. The processing circuit is configured for calculating a DC current for each of the batteries according to an internal resistance of each of the batteries and the detected voltage levels, and for estimating an internal voltage level for each of the batteries according to the calculated DC current.
US09869722B1 Method and apparatus for electrical component life estimation
Systems and methods for estimating electrical component degradation caused by an operating parameter that stresses the component in a series of stress cycles, in which cycle count values are maintained which individually correspond to a range of values of the operating parameter, and a plurality of maximum cycle values are stored, which individually correspond to one of the ranges and represent the number of stress cycles in the corresponding range at which the component is expected to have a user defined failure probability value. For a given stress cycle, one of the count values is incremented that corresponds to the range that includes a measured or sensed value, and a cumulative degradation value for the electrical system component is computed as a sum of ratios of the individual count values to the corresponding maximum cycle values.
US09869721B2 System and method for inspecting assembled condition of alternator
The present disclosure provides a system and a method for inspecting an assembled condition of an alternator capable of inspecting a driving condition using a smart box monitoring sensor data received from an ECU of a vehicle and then determining whether the assembled condition of the alternator is bad. A system for inspecting an assembled condition of an alternator includes: a smart box configured to receive driving data of a vehicle from an ECU and determine whether the assembled condition of the alternator is bad based on the driving data of the vehicle; and a server configured to receive result data depending on whether the assembled condition of the alternator is bad from the smart box.
US09869720B2 Method of determining stationary signals for the diagnostics of an electromechanical system
The present invention is concerned with a method of determining stationary signals for the diagnostics of an electromechanical systems in which electrical rotating machinery is used and in which at least one electrical or mechanical signal is measured during an operation of the electromechanical system. The method is used especially for condition monitoring of electric motors and generators. The method consists of measuring an analog waveform signal (S) of the electromechanical system and then manipulating that signal in various ways to obtain a frequencies spectrum, from which a vector of interest frequencies and corresponding vector of amplitudes are extracted to diagnose the electromechanical system.
US09869713B2 Through-silicon via (TSV) crack sensors for detecting TSV cracks in three-dimensional (3D) integrated circuits (ICs) (3DICs), and related methods and systems
Through-silicon via (TSV) crack sensors for detecting TSV cracks in three-dimensional (3D) integrated circuits (ICs) (3DICs), and related methods and systems are disclosed. In one aspect, a TSV crack sensor circuit is provided in which doped rings for a plurality of TSVs are interconnected in parallel such that all interconnected TSV doped rings may be tested at the same time by providing a single current into the contacts of the interconnected doped rings. In another aspect, a TSV crack sensor circuit is provided including one or more redundant TSVs. Each doped ring for a corresponding TSV is tested independently, and a defective TSV may be replaced with a spare TSV whose doped ring is not detected to be cracked. This circuit allows for correction of a compromised 3DIC by replacing possibly compromised TSVs with spare TSVs.
US09869710B2 Determining insulation resistance for photovoltaics
Method and device for determining an insulation resistance RISO of a photovoltaic system (1) with respect to earth potential (EP), comprising a DC-DC converter unit (4) which converts a first DC voltage generated by the photovoltaic generator (2) into a second DC voltage which is applied to an intermediate circuit (5) that temporarily stores the electrical energy, supplied by the photovoltaic generator (2), for a DC-AC converter unit (6) connected thereto, wherein the intermediate circuit (5) contains a reference node (BK) having an adjustable reference potential (BP), and comprising a measuring unit (7) which picks up the measuring voltages between the reference potential (BP) and the earth potential (EP) at different reference potentials (BP), and an evaluation unit (8) which evaluates the measuring voltages that have been picked up in order to determine the insulation resistance of the photovoltaic generator (2) of the photovoltaic system (1).
US09869708B2 Integrated circuit protection during high-current ESD testing
A method of protecting devices within an integrated circuit during electro-static discharge (ESD) testing using an ESD test system is provided. The method includes applying a direct current (DC) bias voltage to an input of at least one device of the integrated circuit and applying an ESD simulated signal to at least one other input of the integrated circuit. The applied ESD simulated signal is conducted along a first current path to a first ground, while a low-current signal associated with the at least one device is conducted along a second current path to the second ground. The DC bias voltage is maintained between the input of the at least one device and the second ground at a substantially constant value in response to a signal variation on the second ground that results from the applied ESD simulated signal.
US09869707B2 Printed circuit integrated broadband directional bridge
There are provided methods and devices for realizing a broadband directional bridge, and a network analyzer test set based on the directional bridge structure. In some embodiments the directional bridge comprises a resistive bridge and a balun. The balun further comprises a transmission line which is surrounded by ferrite material and is implemented on a main printed circuit board (PCB).
US09869705B2 Magnetometer sampling to determine an electric power parameter
A method of analyzing an alternating electrical current includes polling a magnetometer at a constant sampling frequency to generate a plurality of magnetic field strength readings. The polling occurs over a plurality of cycles of the alternating electrical current. A time stamp is then assigned to each of the plurality of magnetic field strength readings, and the readings are saved within a common circular buffer according to each reading's respective time stamp and the fundamental frequency of the electrical current. A processor may then determine one or more harmonics of the magnetic field by analyzing the common circular buffer using a Fourier transform.
US09869699B2 Internal chirp generator with time aligned acquisition in a mixed-domain oscilloscope
A mixed-domain oscilloscope (MDO) includes a signal generator configured to generate a test signal having a span ranging from a user-configurable start frequency to a user configurable stop frequency, an output channel coupled to the signal generator and configured to transmit the test signal, an RF input channel configured to receive a return signal based on the test signal, an acquisition section configured to acquire and digitize the return signal as an acquisition record, and a ramp busy signal generator configured to substantially time-align the acquisition record with the test signal. The test signal includes a chirp signal that is a linearly swept sine wave that spans between the user-configurable start frequency and the user-configurable stop frequency. Methods include calibrating the chirp signal, connecting the MDO in various test configurations relative to external return loss bridge and DUT equipment, and performing measurements such as S21 (db), S11 (db), and distance-to-fault type measurements.
US09869692B2 Micromechanical Z-sensor
A micromechanical Z-sensor, including a rocker having trough structures which is twistably supported with the aid of a spring device, the rocker having a mass distribution which is asymmetric with respect to the spring device, first electrodes situated above the trough structure, and second electrodes situated below the rocker, and a catch device including at least one spring element against which a stop element which is anchored to a substrate is able to strike, at least two catch devices which are spatially separated from each other being provided per rocker arm of the rocker.
US09869691B2 Spring-mass system with a small transverse displacement
A spring-mass system including a support, a mass mobile with respect to the support, at least one first and one second spring connecting the mass to the support allowing a displacement of the mass relative to the support along a first direction, the first spring being the symmetrical of the second spring with respect to an axis, each first and second spring comprising at least first and second series-connected beams arranged in zigzag, and a first closed frame surrounding the mass, at a distance from the mass and the support, each first beam having a first end connected to the support and a second end attached to the first frame and each second beam having a third end attached to the first frame and a fourth end connected to the mass.
US09869688B2 Device for solid-phase microextraction
Device for solid-phase microextraction and analysis of substances to be analyzed, in particular in a gas chromatograph, with at least one collector, which is made of sorbent and/or adsorbent material and is placed on a rod-like support, and with at least one sample container, which is sealed with a pierceable partition wall and into which the collector is introduced piercing the partition wall for a sampling time, wherein the sealing of the sample container is assembled from the pierceable partition wall and a clamping ring, which can be mounted on the sample container and presses the partition wall together with a sealing element onto an upper rim of the sample container, and which comprises a socket in which a fitting of a transport adapter which is attached to a handling end of the rod-like support can be anchored detachably and with sealing surface pressure after the collector is inserted into the sample container following piercing the partition wall.
US09869686B2 Automatic analyzer
With the increase in the speed of operation of a device, it is necessary to perform washing to drying for a wide range of a probe in a short time. A probe, a washing nozzle which ejects a washing liquid, a vacuum nozzle which sucks air, a washing tank, which is connected to the washing nozzle and the vacuum nozzle, and in which washing and drying of the probe is performed by ejecting the washing liquid from the washing nozzle and then sucking air by the vacuum nozzle, a waste liquid flow path, which is connected to the washing tank, and into which the washing liquid is discharged, and a shielding member 100 which shields a flow path between the washing tank and the waste liquid flow path after the washing liquid is ejected from the washing nozzle.
US09869684B2 Accurate measurement of glutathione for disease diagnosis and drug metabolite screening
A method of measuring and calculating (preferably by a computer with output to a user) tGSH (total glutathione very particularly defined) with sample preparation and assay methods that have been confirmed to provide accurate and reliable tGSH and related diagnostic assays in blood or tissue from a patient.
US09869683B2 Methods and kits for determining von Willebrand factor activity in the absence of ristocetin
Described herein are method(s), kit(s), reagent(s) and the like for determining von Willebrand factor (VWF) activity in a sample in the absence of ristocetin.
US09869682B2 Method for detecting the presence of a gynaecological growth
The invention relates to a method for detecting the presence of a gynaecological growth, in particular for the diagnosis of endometriosis. The invention also relates to a method of identifying a biomarker for detecting the presence of a gynaecological growth and to biomarkers identified by said method.
US09869681B2 Process for treating an individual with an esthetic defect of skin by modulating SASPase FLG2 complex
The present invention relates to the use of a compound, suitable for modulating the interaction between first and second partner proteins, or between homologues, mutants, or fragments of said proteins, said first and second proteins being SASPase and filaggrin-2, or FLG2, as an active agent for treating and/or preventing aesthetic defects in the skin, and/or in the appendages thereof, linked to an imbalance in the differentiation and/or proliferation of the cells of the epidermis.
US09869680B2 HER3 protein SRM/MRM assay
The current disclosure provides for specific peptides, and derived ionization characteristics of the peptides, from the Receptor Tyrosine-Protein Kinase erbB-3, or Her3 , that are particularly advantageous for quantifying the Her3 protein directly in biological samples that have been fixed in formalin by the method of Selected Reaction Monitoring (SRM) mass spectrometry, or what can also be termed as Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry. Such biological samples are chemically preserved and fixed wherein said biological sample is selected from tissues and cells treated with formaldehyde containing agents/fixatives including formalin-fixed tissue/cells, formalin-fixed/paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue/cells, FFPE tissue blocks and cells from those blocks, and tissue culture cells that have been formalin fixed and or paraffin embedded. A protein sample is prepared from said biological sample using the Liquid Tissue™ reagents and protocol and the Her3 protein is quantitated in the Liquid Tissue™ sample by the method of SRM/MRM mass spectrometry by quantitating in the protein sample at least one or more of the peptides described. These peptides can be quantitated if they reside in a modified or an unmodified form. An example of a modified form of a Her3 peptide is phosphorylation of a tyrosine, threonine, serine, and/or other amino acid residues within the peptide sequence.
US09869673B2 Diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets of kawasaki disease
The present invention provides for compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating Kawasaki disease. More specifically, the proteomes of patients with KD are enriched for the meprin A, filamin B, and filamin C, which serve as biomarkers (and potential therapeutic targets) for KD. Accordingly, detection of these biomarkers, using compositions and methods provided for herein, can inform the therapy delivered to the subject.
US09869671B2 Analyzing bacteria without culturing
The invention generally relates to conducting an assay on a sample that isolates a pathogen from the sample and allows for analysis of the pathogen with minimal (i.e., at most 24 hrs of culturing) or no culturing of the pathogen. In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods for identifying a pathogen from a sample that involve obtaining a sample including a pathogen, conducting an assay that isolates the pathogen from the sample, culturing the isolated pathogen for at most about 24 hrs, and analyzing the pathogen.
US09869667B2 System and method for controlling learning period for adaptive noise cancellation
A data acquisition system coupled to a mains power source and a method of operating the data acquisition system are disclosed. A test probe is configured to be coupled to a subject, and an analog to digital converter converts a signal from the test probe to samples. A noise replica generator generates estimates of noise in the samples, and a noise removal block removes from each sample an estimate of noise therein. When the subject is undergoing stimulation, the samples are provided to only the noise removal block. When the subject is not undergoing stimulation, the samples are provided to both the noise replica generator and the noise removal block.
US09869662B2 Chromatograph/mass spectrometer data processing device
If multiple polyvalent ion peak candidates with different valences surmised to be derived from the target compound have been obtained, a mass chromatogram in the vicinity of the retention time of the target compound at the mass-charge ratio m/z of each polyvalent ion peak candidate is generated, and these are overlaid and displayed on the display screen. If the polyvalent ions are derived from the same compound, peaks of similar shape having a peak top near the retention time should appear in multiple mass chromatograms. Therefore, the user can check the displayed mass chromatograms and easily determine whether they reflect a combination of polyvalent ions derived from the target compound (a) or not (b).
US09869660B2 Systems and methods for viewing data generated by rotational scanning in non-destructive testing
A non-destructive testing system for testing a work piece. The non-destructive testing system includes an ultrasonic probe, including a matrix of transducers, and a control unit including a display. The control unit is configured to control the ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic probe and the control unit are configured to obtain multiple S-scan images. The ultrasonic probe and the control unit are configured to obtain a first S-scan image at a first direction orientation, and the ultrasonic probe and the control unit are configured to obtain a second S-scan image at a second direction orientation different from the first direction orientation. The control unit is configured to process the first and second S-scan images to provide at least an image upon the display.
US09869659B2 Acoustic sensor
An acoustic sensor includes a side wall, closed at each end by an end wall, to form a substantially cylindrical cavity, a transmitter and a receiver operatively associated with first and second respective end walls. Properties of the relative dimensions of the cavity are configured to create a desired oscillatory motion of the end walls, and oscillations of a fluid pressure in the cavity, to generate an electrical signal via the receiver to be output from the sensor. An array of acoustic sensors can be connected to allow calibration of one of the array of sensors.
US09869658B2 Electronic label free detection of DNA complexes using nanogap
A technique for electrical detection of a molecule is provided. A fluidic bridge is formed between a nanopipette and a fluid cell, where the molecule is in the nanopipette. A voltage difference is applied between the nanopipette and the fluid cell, where the fluid cell contains an electrolyte solution. Entry of the molecule into the fluidic bridge is determined by detecting a fore pulse. The fluidic bridge between the nanopipette and the fluid cell is broken to form a nanogap. In response to waiting a time interval, the fluidic bridge is reformed between the nanopipette and the fluid cell to close the nanogap. The molecule is determined to exit the nanopipette by detecting an after pulse.
US09869653B2 Electrochemical sensors with carrier field
An electrochemical sensing apparatus and methods are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided having a carrier that supports an electrochemical module and that communicates between electrodes on the electrochemical module and an analyte measurement device.
US09869651B2 Enhanced sensitivity of graphene gas sensors using molecular doping
The sensitivity of a graphene gas sensor to a gas analyte molecule may be significantly enhanced using molecular doping, which may be as effective as substitutional doping and more effective than electric-field doping. In particular, the room temperature sensitivity of NO2-doped graphene to NH3 was measured to be comparable to the sensitivity of graphene doped with substitutional boron atoms and superior to that of undoped graphene by an order of magnitude. The detection limit for NO2-doped graphene gas sensors was estimated to be about 200 ppb, which may be improved with extended exposure to NO2, compared to a detection limit of about 1.4 ppm for undoped graphene. While the stability analysis of NO2-doped graphene sensors indicates that the doping method may not be completely stable, molecular doping is nevertheless a candidate technique for sensitivity improvement by enhancing the initial carrier concentration.
US09869650B2 Pattern inspection apparatus
A pattern inspection apparatus includes a column to scan a substrate on which a pattern is formed, using multi-beams composed of a plurality of electron beams, a stage to mount the substrate thereon and to be movable, a detector to detect secondary electrons emitted from the substrate because the substrate is irradiated with the multi-beams, and a drive mechanism to move the detector in order to follow movement of the stage.
US09869648B2 High density grids
An X-ray data collection grid device is provided that includes a magnetic base that is compatible with robotic sample mounting systems used at synchrotron beamlines, a grid element fixedly attached to the magnetic base, where the grid element includes at least one sealable sample window disposed through a planar synchrotron-compatible material, where the planar synchrotron-compatible material includes at least one automated X-ray positioning and fluid handling robot fiducial mark.
US09869644B2 Ultrafast table-top dynamic radiography of spontaneous or stimulated events
Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for performing radiography. For example, certain embodiments concern X-ray radiography of spontaneous events. Particular embodiments of the disclosed technology provide continuous high-speed x-ray imaging of spontaneous dynamic events, such as explosions, reaction-front propagation, and even material failure. Further, in certain embodiments, x-ray activation and data collection activation are triggered by the object itself that is under observation (e.g., triggered by a change of state detected by one or more sensors monitoring the object itself).
US09869640B2 Method and device for examining a mask
A method for examining a mask includes providing a position data set having error positions of the mask to be examined, providing a structure data set having the structure of the mask, and specifying structural features of the mask, the values of which are to be determined. At each error position, determining the values of the specified structural features of the structure by using a computing unit, determining a measuring task from specified decision criteria and from the determined values of the structural features of the structure by using the computing unit, and carrying out the determined measuring task in a manner controlled by the computing unit. In addition, a device, in particular a microscope, for carrying out the method is provided.
US09869634B2 System and method for dissolved gas analysis
A method implemented on a processor includes emitting a light beam from a light source to a component in an absorption cell, wherein the light beam comprises a plurality of wavelength beams. The method further includes generating a plurality of response signals due to the presence of the component, corresponding to the plurality of wavelength beams of the light beam. The method also includes detecting the plurality of response signals by a photo detector coupled to the absorption cell. The method includes determining a concentration of the component based on the plurality of response signals.
US09869633B2 Spectral imaging of a sample using a plurality of discrete mid-infrared wavelengths
Spectrally analyzing an unknown sample (10A) for the existence of a characteristic includes (i) analyzing a first known sample (10C) having the characteristic and a second known sample (10D) not having the characteristic to identify less than fifty diagnostic spectral features, each diagnostic spectral feature being present at a different diagnostic wavelength in a mid-infrared spectral region; (ii) directing a plurality of interrogation beams (16) at the unknown sample (10A), each of the interrogation beams (16) having a different interrogation wavelength, and each interrogation wavelength corresponding to a different one of the diagnostic wavelengths; (iii) acquiring a plurality of separate output images (245) of the unknown sample (10A), wherein each of the output images (245) is acquired while the unknown sample is illuminated by a different one of the interrogation beams (16); and (iv) analyzing less than fifty output images (245) with a control system (28) to determine whether the characteristic is present in the unknown sample (10A).
US09869628B2 Methods of collecting cells from multi-well plates for use in flow cytometry
A method of collecting cells from individual wells of a multi-well plate for use in flow cytometry, the method including adding a suspension of cells to wells of the multi-well plate; and aspirating cells from different wells according to a collection pattern into a flow cytometer, wherein the collection pattern is a sequential ordering of wells beginning at a middle region of the multi-well plate and continuing towards an outer region of the multi-well plate. The method preferably including rotating or agitating the multi-well plate between steps of aspirating cells from different wells. Exemplary collection patterns include spiral-square collection pattern and a nearest well to center collection pattern.
US09869626B2 Particle size distribution measuring apparatus and particle size distribution measuring method
Provided is a dynamic light scattering type particle size distribution measuring apparatus 100 capable of accurately measure the particle sizes of a sample obtained from slurry or the like. The dynamic light scattering type particle size distribution measuring apparatus 100 is configured to include: a filter member 6 that is interposed between any adjacent two of a light source 4, a cell 2, and a photodetector 5 and attenuates light passing therethrough; and an information processing device 8 that measures a particle size distribution multiple times with time and combines particle size distributions obtained at respective times of measurement to thereby calculate the particle size distribution of the whole of portions of the sample introduced at the respective times of measurement. In addition, the filter member 6 is also configured to be changeable to one having a different attenuation level at every time of measurement.
US09869623B2 Process for evaluation of delamination-resistance of hard coatings on metal substrates
This disclosure relates to rapid and repeatable tests that can be used to evaluate the interfacial adhesion of coatings to substrates. In particular embodiments, tests are used to assess the resistance of anodic oxides to delamination from aluminum substrates. The tests can be conducted using standard hardness test equipment such as a Vickers indenter, and yield more controlled, repeatable results than a large sample of life-cycle tests such as rock tumble tests. In particular embodiments, the tests involve forming an array of multiple indentations within the substrate such that stressed regions where the coating will likely delaminate are formed and evaluated.
US09869621B2 Test bench combining high-frequency tribological stress and oligocyclic fatigue, on a blade disk of turboshaft engine of an aircraft including a test piece having a portion with a shape of a blade root of a rotor and is engaged in a groove shape complementary to another test piece
A test rig combining high-frequency tribological stress and low-cycle fatigue. The test rig includes a first test piece which is fixed to a frame and defines at least one bearing surface, a second test piece which is connected to an actuator for loading the second test piece so that it bears against the at least one bearing surface of the first test piece, a heater configured for heating the test pieces and a vibration generator, such as a shaker, for loading the test pieces in a vibratory manner so as to carry out a fretting fatigue and low-cycle and high-cycle fatigue test. One of the test pieces includes a portion in the shape of a turbine engine rotor blade root and which is inserted in a groove having a shape that is substantially complementary to the other test piece so as to reproduce a turbine engine blade-disc attachment.
US09869619B2 Self-assembled magnetic arrays
A magnetic device includes a substrate and an array including a plurality of magnetic particles, in which a magnetic dipole moment direction of each magnetic particle in a majority of the magnetic particles in the array alternates with respect to a magnetic dipole direction of a directly adjacent magnetic particle or directly adjacent magnetic particles in the array.
US09869615B2 Sample dispersion device and sample dispersion method
A sample dispersion device capable of preparing a measurement sample in the most suitable dispersion state without repreparing the measurement sample many times, is one that by introducing sample particles into a container and injecting the sample particles in the container using a pressure difference, disperses sample particles onto a holding member provided in a container to make the holding member hold the sample particles. The holding member has a holding surface made to hold the sample particles; and the holding surface has multiple portions having mutually different tilt angles.
US09869611B1 System and method for testing a building control system that controls and monitors environmental conditions in a building
A system and method is provided that facilitates testing a building control system. The system may include at least one rack including: a housing; a terminal panel; and a plurality of slidable field panels mounted in the housing in side-by-side relation. The terminal panel may includes a plurality of connection terminals that are wired to respective component terminals of a plurality of components mounted to the field panels. Each field panel may be configured to independently slide at least partially out of a front side opening of the housing via a plurality of slides mounted to each field panel and to the housing. The system may also include at least one story board including: a schematic illustration mounted to a frame that depicts components of a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system; and a plurality of instruments mounted to the frame at locations on the illustration adjacent the depicted components of the HVAC system, which instruments receive inputs from and provide outputs to the building control system through wires connected to the connection terminals of the at least one rack, so as to mimic aspects of an HVAC system in order to test the configuration of the building control system in the at least one rack.
US09869609B2 Vibration damping system and vehicle
A vibration damping system comprises a vibration applying device mounted on a frame and a control device that controls the vibration applying device, the control device comprising a voltage command producing part that produces a driving voltage command to drive the vibration applying device and a vibration failure diagnosis part that diagnoses whether there is failure based on a vibration detection signal output by a vibration detecting device, wherein the voltage command producing part produces the driving voltage command corresponding to a diagnosis frequency that is previously set at a frequency identical to a resonance frequency of the frame or the vibration applying device or at a predetermined frequency close to the resonance frequency and makes the vibration applying device generate the vibration applying force according to the driving voltage command, and the vibration failure diagnosis part diagnoses whether there is failure based on the vibration detection signal.
US09869605B2 Detector and methods of detecting
An ultrasonic detector suitable for mounting in a position for surveying an area for a source of airborne ultrasound, which detector comprises a sensor for detecting an ultrasonic sound signal, characterised by a transducer configured to produce a broadband ultrasonic sound signal for reception by said sensor enabling said ultrasonic detector to perform a self-test.
US09869603B2 Balloon catheter apparatus for internal combustion engine component leak detection and high pressure leak detection
An inflatable, balloon-type catheter apparatus which is conformable to fit most all intake and exhaust systems to delivery pressure (with or without smoke) to test the fluid integrity of the fluid system. The device is configured to be inserted into the canal of the intake or exhaust system and inflated to seal off the fluid system. The pressurized smoke is passed through the inflated inlet adapter to test for leaks.
US09869601B2 Device for detecting the motion of a compactor roller
A device for detecting the motion of a rotatable compactor roller about a compactor roller axis of rotation includes at least one motion sensor and an energy supply for the at least one motion sensor. The energy supply includes a generator having a stator and a rotor rotatable about a rotor axis of rotation with respect to the stator.
US09869599B2 High-temperature pressure sensing
A pressure sensing system includes a hot zone electronics module, a cool zone electronics module and a plurality of conductors that connect the hot zone electronics module to the cool zone electronics module. The hot zone electronics module includes a capacitive pressure sensor and an oscillator that provides an oscillating signal to the capacitive pressure sensor. The hot zone electronics module provides at least one DC sensor signal. The cool zone electronics module converts the at least one DC sensor signal into a pressure value and provides a DC power signal. The plurality of conductors convey the DC power signal to the hot zone electronics module and convey the at least one DC sensor signal to the cool zone electronics module.
US09869595B2 Device for thermokinetic property measurement
A device which can be used as a flow reactor for synthesis and for discerning the reaction kinetics as well as a flow calorimeter is a need in the art. To fulfill this need, the invention discloses a simple calorimeter that functions as a device to measure reaction kinetics, preferably heat of reaction in a continuous manner, in adiabatic as well as in isothermal conditions. The distinct advantages of the device include online determination of thermokinetic properties, continuous determination of thermokinetic properties and applicable for determination in adiabatic as well as isothermal modes. The device may function independently or may be used in combination with reactors, micro reactors or tubular reactors.
US09869594B2 Controller for steam bath having multiple temperature sensors
A controller and method for controlling the temperature of a steam room. The controller comprises a backing plate and a housing that serves as a moisture barrier. The housing comprises an overlay portion and mounts to the backing plate. A circuit board is mounted to the backing plate. One or more primary temperature sensors are mounted to the circuit board and located within the housing, are spaced above the circuit board, and are biased against the overlay portion. One or more secondary temperature sensors are located within the housing to sense a temperature of a backside of the respective one of more primary temperature sensors wherein an estimation of a temperature of the steam room is obtained.
US09869592B2 Graphene-based bolometer
A bolometer. In one embodiment a graphene sheet is configured to absorb electromagnetic waves. The graphene sheet has two contacts connected to an amplifier, and a power detector connected to the amplifier. Electromagnetic power in the evanescent electromagnetic waves is absorbed in the graphene sheet, heating the graphene sheet. The power of Johnson noise generated at the contacts is proportional to the temperature of the graphene sheet. The Johnson noise is amplified and the power in the Johnson noise is used as a measure of the temperature of the graphene sheet, and of the amount of electromagnetic wave power absorbed by the graphene sheet.
US09869587B2 Fiber grating demodulation system for enhancing spectral resolution by finely shifting linear array detector
A fiber grating demodulation system for enhancing spectral resolution by finely adjusting a linear array detector, includes a laser pump source, a wavelength division multiplexer, a fiber Bragg grating, a diaphragm, a slit, a collimating mirror, a light splitting grating, an imaging focus mirror, a linear array detector. The laser pump source, the wavelength division multiplexer, and the fiber Bragg grating are connected in sequence, the wavelength division multiplexer is connected to the diaphragm. Light emitted from the laser pump source is multiplexed by the wavelength division multiplexer and then enters the fiber Bragg grating, and a reflection spectrum of the fiber Bragg grating enters the slit of the fiber grating demodulation system as injected light. After passing through the slit, the injected light is reflected by the collimating mirror, the light splitting grating, the imaging focus mirror in sequence, and is finally converged to the linear array detector.
US09869584B1 Ambient light sensor
Presented here are devices and methods to correct ambient light measurements made in the presence of optical elements, such as the curved edge of the cover glass associated with the mobile device. In one embodiment, a film with optical properties is placed within the ambient light sensor to diffuse the high-intensity light beam coming from the optical element. In another embodiment, an aperture associated with the ambient light sensor is disposed to prevent the high-intensity light beam from entering the ambient light sensor. In another embodiment, a processor coupled to the ambient light sensor smoothes the peak associated with the high intensity light beam produced by the optical element.
US09869581B2 Detection device, load control device, and load control system
A detection device includes: a first sensor which detects, based on a captured image, whether a person is present in a first detection range; a plurality of second sensors which are disposed around the first sensor, and detect, based on infrared radiation, whether a person is present in respective second detection ranges each of which overlaps at least a portion of the first detection range; and at least one hood which blocks part of infrared radiation directed to at least one of the plurality of second sensors, to reduce a non-overlapping portion of a combined detection range of the first detection range of the first sensor and the second detection ranges of the plurality of second sensors, the non-overlapping portion being a portion in which the first detection range and the second detection ranges do not overlap.
US09869580B2 Controllable optical sensing
An optical sensing device for using light to locate objects or features in a field of view comprises a light source; a controllable lens having two states and being controllable between them, for example a multifocal lens having two or more foci for focusing light from the light source; and a sensor able to sense light reflected from an object, to determine information of the object. The use of two or more foci adds dynamic range to optical sensing to allow for reliable detection over a wide range of distances.
US09869576B2 Optical liquid level detection sensor and liquid overfill prevention system comprising such sensor
An optical liquid level detection sensor includes a light source for emitting a light beam, a liquid contact surface, and a light detector, where the light source is arranged to emit a light beam towards the liquid contact surface, which liquid contact surface reflects or transmits the light beam in dependence of liquid being present on the liquid contact surface, where the light detector is arranged to receive the light beam after reflection on the liquid contact surface, where the sensor includes an at least partially transparent ring element, and where the liquid contact surface is formed by an outer surface of the ring element.
US09869561B2 Method and apparatus for providing traffic event notifications
An approach is provided for determining an escape point for at least one predicted route, and causing a timely notification based on attributes associated with the escape point. The approach involves determining at least one predicted route for at least one vehicle. The approach also involves determining one or more traffic events associated with the at least one predicted route. The approach further involves determining at least one escape point for the one or more traffic events, wherein the at least one escape point represents at least one location at which the one or more traffic events can be avoided via at least one detour route. The approach also involves causing, at least in part, a presentation of one or more notifications related to the at least one escape point, the one or more traffic events, or a combination thereof based, at least in part, on characteristic information, availability information, or a combination thereof associated with the at least one escape point.
US09869560B2 Self-driving vehicle's response to a proximate emergency vehicle
A computer-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product controls self-driving vehicles (SDVs). An emergency message is transmitted to a receiver within a self-driving vehicle (SDV). The emergency message describes an emergency state of an emergency vehicle and an identified future route of the emergency vehicle. In response to the SDV receiving the emergency message, the SDV is redirected, via an auto-control hardware system on the SDV, to a location and on a route that does not conflict with the identified future route of the emergency vehicle.
US09869559B2 Method and system for obtaining trajectory pattern of route
A method and system for obtaining a trajectory pattern of a route. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for obtaining a trajectory pattern of a route. The method includes obtaining a set of points associated with the route, the set of points being obtained by at least one entity travelling along the route. A plurality of coverage areas covering a part of points in the set of points is determined. The coverage areas are connected based on main directions of the coverage areas to obtain the trajectory pattern related to the route. The main directions represent forward directions of the route in respective coverage areas. A corresponding system for obtaining a trajectory pattern of a route is described as well.
US09869558B2 Map data storage device, map data updating method, and computer program
A map data storage device, a map data updating method, and a computer program that can shorten the time required for a map data updating process. In the case where map data stored in a navigation-side local DB of a navigation apparatus are to be updated, the navigation apparatus updates the map data stored in the navigation-side local DB on the basis of map updating data received from a map distribution center, and prepares a data reference index that associates a PID (universal identification information) included in the map data with a record number (internal identification information) included in the map data on the basis of the updated map data. After that, in the case where an application is executed by the navigation apparatus, the prepared data reference index is referenced to access the map data stored in the navigation-side local DB.
US09869552B2 Gyroscope that compensates for fluctuations in sensitivity
A method compensates for a sensitivity of an inertial sensor having a resonator and an accelerometer. The method includes adding a test signal to a quadrature tuning voltage applied to the resonator of the inertial sensor. The method also includes receiving a quadrature error signal from the accelerometer of the inertial sensor. The method also includes detecting a phase difference between the quadrature error signal and the test signal. The method also includes determining a bandwidth of the accelerometer based on the detected phase difference, the bandwidth indicating the sensitivity of the accelerometer.
US09869550B2 Microelectromechanical gyroscope for sensing angular rate and method of sensing angular rate
A microelectromechanical gyroscope includes: a substrate; a stator sensing structure fixed to the substrate; a first mass elastically constrained to the substrate and movable with respect to the substrate in a first direction; a second mass elastically constrained to the first mass and movable with respect to the first mass in a second direction; and a third mass elastically constrained to the second mass and to the substrate and capacitively coupled to the stator sensing structure, the third mass being movable with respect to the substrate in the second direction and with respect to the second mass in the first direction.
US09869547B2 Position-measuring device and method for testing a clock signal
A position-measuring device includes a position-sensing unit, a processing unit, an interface unit, a clock generator and a time measurement unit position-sensing unit configured to generate digital position values. The processing unit processes instructions from subsequent electronics. The interface unit communicates with the subsequent electronics, according to rules of an interface protocol, via at least one interface line that transmits interface signals having a temporal behavior that is determined by the interface protocol so as to transmit the instructions from the subsequent electronics to the processing unit. The clock generator generates a clock signal that serves as a time base for functions of the position-sensing unit and the processing unit. The time measurement unit uses the clock signal as a time base, receives at least one interface signal and measures a time interval between a start event and a stop event of the at least one interface signal.
US09869545B2 Data acquisition devices, systems and method for analyzing strain sensors and monitoring turbine component strain
Data acquisition devices for analyzing reference objects and systems for monitoring turbine component deformation are provided. A data acquisition device has a longitudinal axis and includes a lens assembly and an image capture device in communication with the lens assembly for receiving and processing light from the lens assembly to generate images. The data acquisition device further includes a light source and a light tube coupled at a rear end to the light source. The light tube extends along the longitudinal axis between a front end and the rear end, and is operable to transport light from the light source therethrough and emit the light from the front end. The data acquisition device further includes an actuator operable to activate the image capture device and the light source.
US09869544B2 Method to determine length and area measurements within a smartphone camera image
A mobile communication device includes a processor operably coupled to a memory and to a wireless communication subsystem operable to send and receive data, a camera operably coupled to the processor, a sensor operably connected to provide to the processor a distance between the camera and an element viewable by the camera. Instructions are stored in the memory; when these instructions are executed by the processor, the mobile communication device takes an image with the camera, uses the sensor to determine a distance between the camera and at least one object recorded in the image, receives a request for a desired measurement comprising one of a desired length measurement and a desired area measurement of an element in the image, calculates the desired measurement, and provides the desired measurement to the user.
US09869543B2 Reducing algorithmic inaccuracy in scatterometry overlay metrology
Methods and systems for minimizing of algorithmic inaccuracy in scatterometry overlay (SCOL) metrology are provided. SCOL targets are designed to limit the number of oscillation frequencies in a functional dependency of a resulting SCOL signal on the offset and to reduce the effect of higher mode oscillation frequencies. The targets are segmented in a way that prevents constructive interference of high modes with significant amplitudes, and thus avoids the inaccuracy introduced by such terms into the SCOL signal. Computational methods remove residual errors in a semi-empirical iterative process of compensating for the residual errors algorithmically or through changes in target design.
US09869541B2 High-speed optical coherence tomography using multiple interferometers with suppressed multiple scattering cross-talk
A system for optical coherence tomography using multiple interferometers presented. The interferometry system includes a source configured to generate a variable wavelength light beam. A first splitter is configured to split the variable wavelength light beam to at least a first light beam and a second light beam. A first delay element is configured to delay the first light beam by a first time delay. A second delay element is configured to delay the second light beam by a second time delay, such that the delayed first light beam and the delayed second light beam are out of coherence with each other. A first interferometer is configured to receive the delayed first light beam as an input. A second interferometer is configured to receive the delayed second light beam as an input.
US09869539B2 Rotation angle and torsion angle sensor
The rotation angle and torsion angle sensor detects both the rotational position of a shaft and a torque applied to the shaft torque. The shaft a first shaft part and a second shaft part, which are interconnected by a torsion bar. A sensor disc is coupled via a rigid circumferentially and axially flexible membrane with the first shaft part. The sensor disc is coupled to a drive wheel via a coupling device, in such a way that the sensor disc is displaced in the axial direction upon relative rotation of the two shaft parts against each other, wherein the membrane bends in the axial direction.
US09869523B2 Compact space-saving gun silencer
A compact silencer (suppressor) device for a firearm comprising of multiple chambers which trap the gases from a projectile exiting the barrel of a gun to slow down the gases and reduce the temperature, sound, and flash associated with the projectile. In one embodiment, the first chamber which attaches to the barrel of the firearm comprises of sound baffling materials or gas porting baffles which vent gases from the second chamber passing rearward. The second chamber comprises of a chamber which can accommodate a retractable third chamber of the device, the second and third chamber of the device can have sound baffles to slow down the gases from the projectile.
US09869522B2 Firearm
A firearm is disclosed that includes an improved trigger system with twin disconnectors that are each independently selectable and adjustable to provide different trigger pull weights. The trigger assembly may be operably controlled by the safety selector which defines several different shaped engaging surfaces that allow the operator to selectively choose which of the disconnectors to operate with the firearm.
US09869520B2 Heat transfer management apparatuses having a composite lamina
Heat transfer management apparatuses are disclosed. In one embodiment, a heat transfer management apparatus includes a composite lamina having an insulator substrate and a plurality of thermal conductor traces coupled to the insulator substrate, where the plurality of thermal conductor traces are arranged into a first enhanced thermal conduction region and a second enhanced thermal conduction region. The heat transfer management apparatus also includes a heat generating component mount coupled to the composite lamina and a temperature sensitive component mount coupled to the composite lamina and positioned distally from the heat generating component mount. At least one of the plurality of thermal conductor traces is in electrical continuity with the heat generating component mount and the temperature sensitive component mount, and at least one of the plurality of thermal conductor traces is electrically isolated from at least one of the heat generating component mount or the temperature sensitive component mount.
US09869516B2 Continuous heating furnace
A continuous heating furnace (200) includes a conveyance body (210) stretched in an endless shape and configured to convey a burning target, a furnace main body (212) partially or entirely surrounding the conveyance body to form a burning space, and a roller (214) configured to support a portion of the conveyance body in the furnace main body. The continuous heating furnace (200) further includes one or more closed gas heaters having an introduction hole configured to introduce a fuel gas into a heater main body, a combustion chamber in which the fuel gas is combusted, a discharge section to which an exhaust gas is guided, a radiation surface heated by the exhaust gas flowing through the discharge section or combustion in the combustion chamber and configured to transfer radiant heat to a burning target, and an exhaust hole configured to exhaust the exhaust gas that heats the radiation surface to the outside of the heater main body, and disposed in the furnace main body, and an exhaust pipe (216) in communication with the exhaust hole of the closed gas heater and through which the exhaust gas is guided. In addition, the exhaust pipe enables heat exchange between the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust pipe and the roller.
US09869515B2 Suspension smelting furnace and a concentrate burner
The invention relates to a suspension smelting furnace comprising a reaction shaft (1), an uptake shaft (2), and a lower furnace (3), as well as a concentrate burner (4) for feeding reaction gas and fine solids into the reaction shaft (1) of the suspension smelting furnace. The concentrate burner (4) comprises a fine solids discharge channel (5) that is radially limited by the wall (6) of the solids discharge channel, a fine solids dispersion device (7) in the fine solids discharge channel (5), an annular reaction gas channel (8) that surrounds the fine solids discharge channel (5) and is radially limited by the wall (9) of the annular reaction gas channel (8), and a cooling block (10) that surrounds the annular reaction gas channel (8). The cooling block (10) is a component that is manufactured by a continuous casting method. The cooling block (10) is attached to the arch (11) of the reaction shaft (1) and the wall (9) of the annular reaction gas channel (8), so that the discharge orifice (12) of the annular reaction gas channel (8) is formed between a structure (13), which is jointly formed by the cooling block (10) and the wall (9) of the annular reaction gas channel (8), and the wall (6) of the solids discharge channel. The invention also relates to a concentrate burner (4) for feeding reaction gas and fine solids into the reaction shaft (1) of a suspension smelting furnace.
US09869513B2 Optimization of nucleation and crystallization for lyophilization using gap freezing
This application discloses devices, articles, and methods useful for producing lyophilized cakes of solutes. The devices and articles provide for a method of freezing liquid solutions of the solute by the top and the bottom of the solution simultaneously. The as frozen solution then provides a lyophilized cake of the solutes with large and uniform pores.
US09869510B2 Liquefied natural gas processing
A process and apparatus for the recovery of heavier hydrocarbons from a liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is heated to vaporize at least part of it, then supplied to a fractionation column at a mid-column feed position. A vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from the fractionation column below the mid-column feed position and directed in heat exchange relation with the LNG feed stream, cooling the vapor distillation stream as it supplies at least part of the heating of the LNG feed stream. The vapor distillation stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the fractionation column as its top feed. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the column are effective to maintain the column overhead temperature at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered in the bottom liquid product from the column.
US09869509B2 Refrigerator
Disclosed is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a main body having a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment, in which food is stored, a first door configured to open the first storage compartment via pivotal rotation thereof, a second door configured to be moved forward of the second storage compartment to open the second storage compartment, a receptacle configured to be moved along with the second door and received in the second storage compartment, the receptacle serving to store food therein, and a camera installed to the main body to take a picture of the receptacle. The refrigerator further includes a control unit configured to combine a plurality of pictures taken by the camera as the second door is moved and configured to correct the images into an image showing the receptacle.
US09869500B2 Heat pump system having a pressure trip sensor recalculation algorithm controller
One aspect presents an controller that comprises a control board, a microprocessor located on and electrically coupled to the control board, and a memory coupled to the microprocessor and located on and electrically coupled to the control board. The controller is configured to receive a trip signal from a refrigerant high pressure sensor and set a maximum heating % demand of the heat pump system based on the trip signal, recalculate a heating % demand based on at least one of the recalculated heating % demand or the maximum heating % demand.
US09869499B2 Method for detection of loss of refrigerant
A method is provided for detecting in real-time a refrigerant charge loss in a refrigerant vapor compression system. If both a sensed evaporator outlet superheat exceeds a target evaporator outlet superheat by at least a preset amount of superheat and a sensed degree of openness of an electronic expansion valve exceeds a preset degree of openness for a preset time of period, and a sensed air temperature of either a flow of supply air having traversed the evaporator or a flow of return air returning to the evaporator is changing at a rate less than preset air temperature rate of change, a service alarm is generated indicating a loss of charge warning.
US09869498B2 Refrigerant charging method for refrigeration device having carbon dioxide as refrigerant
A refrigerant charging method includes installing, cooling, confirming, and moving steps. In the installing step, a refrigeration device is installed on site. In the cooling step, a container is cooled to 31° C. or below using a cooling medium. In the confirming step, it is confirmed that the container has reached 31° C. or below. In the moving step, the refrigerant is moved to the intended charging space from the container upon confirming that the container has reached 31° C. or below via the cooling step. When moving the refrigerant from the container to the intended charging space, first, refrigerant that is in a gas phase within the container is moved into the intended charging space, whereupon refrigerant that is in a liquid phase within the container is moved into the intended charging space.
US09869496B2 Liquid chiller system
A liquid chiller system utilizing a refrigerant capable of possessing a liquid state and a gas/vapor state, the refrigerant being cycled through a closed loop assembly of a compressor, an eccentric condenser and an eccentric evaporator. The eccentric compressor has a lower integrated reservoir and the eccentric evaporator has an upper dedicated reservoir such that separate, dedicated separator or receiver vessels are not required. The eccentric condenser is positioned above the eccentric evaporator such that liquid refrigerant flows by gravity from the eccentric condenser to the eccentric evaporator.
US09869494B1 Thermoelectric coolers with asymmetric conductance
A TE cooler wherein the conductance between the peak temperature location and the hot side of the TE couple can be increased in a number of ways. The ways to increase the conductance between the peak temperature location and the hot side of the TE couple include one or more of introducing a thermal conductive/electrically insulating material to fill the voids between legs; modifying the leg geometry with a variable cross-section as a function of distance along the leg; and/or using functionally graded TE materials with varying thermal conductivity.
US09869491B2 Heat transfer device
A heat transfer device having a working fluid capable of circulating around a fluid flow path, the circulation around the fluid flow path bringing the working fluid in and out of thermal contact with a heat source, the heat transfer device comprising: a fluid containing portion internally defining a working fluid flow path; a heat source at least partially in thermal contact with the fluid containing portion; a gas substance generator at least partially within the fluid containing portion, and arranged to generate bubbles of vapor capable of driving the working fluid along a portion of the working fluid flow path in thermal contact with the heat source; wherein, in use, the driven working fluid absorbs heat from the heat source and transports the heat away from the heat source; and the driven working fluid returns to the gas substance generator to be recycled about the fluid flow path.
US09869488B2 Hinged hold-open assembly for roof ventilator
A hinged hold-open assembly for roof ventilator lids is provided, comprising a pair of hinged assemblies attached between the lid and a vent base, wherein each hinged assembly includes a hinge member; a retainer bracket affixed to the vent base, wherein the retainer bracket includes an extended member having a plurality of position holes corresponding to a closed position and a plurality of open positions; a position arm affixed to the lid, wherein the position arm includes a locking hole alignable with one of the position holes of the retainer bracket; and a locking device adapted to insert into both the locking hole and the position hole when said holes are aligned.
US09869487B2 Heat exchanger having stacked coil sections
A heat exchanger is provided with stacked coil sections. Each of the stacked coil sections is configured to circulate a fluid independent from the other coil section. An air moving device is used to circulate air through both of the stacked coil sections. The stacked coil sections are positioned to have the air exiting the one coil section entering the other coil section.
US09869486B2 Method of reducing heating energy consumption in commercial buildings
This invention teaches a method of controlling the heating system of a commercial building, to reduce the thermal energy consumed by use of thermal parameters which are derived from readily-available data both internal and external to the building. By deriving a statistical relationship for each of the Solar Gain Rate and Day-time Natural Cool-down Rate from observed data, then based on the weather forecast, it is possible to determine if, when and for how long the mechanical heating system can be turned off or disabled from supplying heat to some of all of the building in question.
US09869481B2 Method of controlling ventilation and chilling systems to conserve energy in commercial buildings
The invention provides a method to reduce the thermal energy used in a commercial building by use of thermal parameters which are derived from readily-available data both internal and external to the building. By deriving a statistical relationship for each of the OFVR—Overnight Forced Ventilation Rate—and DFAR—day-time forced air replacement—, based on the weather forecast, the invention provides controlling the time and duration for which the mechanical cooling system is to be turned off or disabled from supplying chilled water to the ventilation system, which in turn, supplies tempered fresh air to some of all of a selected commercial building.
US09869480B2 Managing air flow
Enclosure assemblies for managing air flow. Such assemblies include an enclosure and at least one inclined pathway in contact with the enclosure, each pathway including a pair of side wall portions and a top wall portion that collectively extend between spaced apart openings to define an air mass. One opening having a lower boundary and the other opening having an upper boundary, with the lower boundary being at an elevation higher than that of the upper boundary, such that when a temperature differential exists within a given pathway, warmer air will be trapped in an upper portion of the air mass and above the upper boundary, thereby impeding air flow from the enclosure.
US09869476B1 Non-electric forced air heating and cooling apparatus
A temporary or emergency heating and cooling apparatus and method for use in households without electrical power, but still supplied with water pressure and hot water, and with water discharge to a suitable open-loop discharge location such as a sewer or drain field. The apparatus in a preferred form comprises a water-powered fan adapted to be temporarily connected to a household cold water tap, a radiator thermally coupled to the fan flow path for heat transfer and supplied with either hot or cold water from a household tap, and a water discharge connection from the water-powered fan and the radiator to a household discharge or drain.
US09869471B2 Gas hot air gun head
A gas hot air gun head includes a fuel supply device engagable with a gas reservoir and having a fluid inlet end, a fluid outlet end and a channel extending from the fluid inlet end to the fluid outlet end. Further, a flow-guiding device connects to the fluid outlet end of the fuel supply device and includes a combustor. The combustor connects to the fuel supply device. The combustor includes a combustion chamber extending therethrough. The combustion chamber includes first and second flow-guiding plates engaging therein and separating from each other in an axial direction. The first flow-guiding plate includes a plurality of first holes extending therethrough. The second flow-guiding plate includes a plurality of second holes extending therethrough. A centerline of one of the plurality of first holes offsets from centerlines of the plurality of second holes.
US09869470B1 Lighter device with closed flame system
A lighter device having a torch integrated within a handle having a top handle end and a bottom handle end, the torch having a fuel tank, an ignition means, and an ignition actuating means; the lighter device further having a closed flame system having a base portion associated with the top handle end, a neck portion having a plurality of holes and configured to house and partially enclose a flame ignited by the torch, and an attachment portion; the base portion, the neck portion and the attachment portion being in communication and defining a hollow interior space, and thus supplying air flow to the flame by allowing the air flow into the hollow interior space from the plurality of holes.
US09869467B2 Once-through steam generator
A once-through steam generator comprises a duct having an inlet end in communication with a source of a hot gas; and a tube bundle installed in the duct and comprising multiple heat transfer tubes. The tube bundle has an economizer section, an evaporator section, and a superheater section. A steam separating device may be positioned between the evaporator section and the superheater section, wherein, as part of a wet start-up, hot water collected by the steam separating device is delivered from the steam separating device to mix with cold feedwater before it is introduced into the economizer section. A start-up module may be positioned in the duct near the inlet end, wherein, as part of a dry start-up, cold feedwater is delivered into the start-up module to generate hot water that is then mixed into the feedwater stream before it is introduced into the economizer section.
US09869465B2 Floor covering system comprising a lighting system
A floor covering system (10) with (a) a PVC-based floor covering (100) and (b) a lighting system (200) arranged to generate light (210). The PVC-based floor covering (100) has a user side (101) and an opposite back side (102). The lighting system (200) is arranged at the back side (102) of the PVC-based floor covering (100). The PVC-based floor covering (100) has a light transmission for light (210) generated by the lighting system (200) in the range of 0.5% to 30%, especially in the range of 1% to 20%.
US09869463B2 Heat sink for light emitting diode
A heat sink includes a base, to which an LED element is attached, and a plate-shaped heat dissipating surface integrally and continuously formed with the base around the LED element. The base and the plate-shaped heat dissipating surface are formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy having a specific thermal conductivity λ and a specific surface emissivity ε. When the plate thickness of the base and the plate-shaped heat dissipating surface is specified in a range from 0.8 to 6 mm, a total projected area of the heat dissipating surfaces of the heat sink is specified in a range from 19000 to 60000 mm2 so as to obtain a heat resistance of 4.0 K/W or smaller. Projected areas of two plate-shaped heat dissipating surfaces of the heat sink in two different directions are sufficiently increased with respect to corresponding sectional areas of the base.
US09869462B2 Modular lighting system
A modular lighting system may include a support structure, a plurality of heat sink modules physically supported by the support structure, and one or more light source modules coupled to the plurality of heat sink modules. The plurality of heat sink modules may be arranged in a modular manner such that the number of heat sink modules in the modular lighting system is variable, and each heat sink module may be an integral molded structure defining at least one opening or passageway.
US09869460B2 Lighting applications using organic light emitting diodes
A lighting device that includes a first panel of light sources, where the first panel has a first edge. The lighting device can also include a second panel of light sources, where the second panel has a second edge, where the second edge of the second panel of light sources is mechanically coupled to the first edge of the first panel of light sources. The first panel of light sources and the second panel of light sources can form an angle relative to each other. Adjusting the angle can adjust the light output from the light sources. Such an angle can be formed based on a target level of light received by a target area.
US09869456B2 Fixture design for flexible LED circuit boards
Techniques are disclosed for designing light fixtures for flexible LED circuit boards. The flexible LED circuit boards include an array of LED packages and the surface of the flexible circuit boards is highly reflective. A flexible LED circuit board may be shaped to conform to a rigid preform and the preform may be concave, convex, corrugated, or have any other custom shape. The shape of the preform, as well as the location of the LEDs within the flexible LED circuit may determine the light distribution of the light fixture. Alternatively, the lighting fixture may have multiple rods held in place with side plates and a flexible LED circuit board may be woven between the rods. A set of hole patterns in the side plates determine the location of the rods and the rods will determine the shape of the flexible LED circuit.
US09869455B2 Adjustable luminaire for selectively controlling uplight/downlight ratio
Provided is an adjustable lighting system, configured to emit light at any of various bi-directional light-emission ratios. The adjustable lighting system includes a light source, and a reflective component positioned adjacent the light source. The adjustable lighting system also includes a movable positioning apparatus connected to the light source or the reflective component and configured to, when moved, change a relative positioning between the light source and the reflective component.
US09869454B2 Light-emitting apparatus
Embodiments provide a light-emitting apparatus including at least one light source, a wavelength converter configured to convert a wavelength of light emitted from the light source, a reflector configured to reflect the light having the wavelength converted in the wavelength converter and light having an unconverted wavelength, and a refractive member disposed in a light passage space between the reflector and the wavelength converter, the refractive member being configured to emit the reflected light.
US09869453B2 Light source, light source unit, and light source module using same
Provided are a light source, a light source unit, and a light source module that have small sizes, high output, and high coupling efficiency with an optical system, and further, can efficiently dissipate heat generation sources to exhaust heat. In the light source unit of the present disclosure, the light source is a semiconductor laser array. This configuration can realize high output of the light source, and high output of the whole light source unit. The light source unit includes a lens that converts outgoing beams to parallel beams, and an optical element having a plurality of optical surfaces with different minute inclination angles with respect to a principal surface. The minute inclination angles of the plurality of optical surfaces that intersect with optical rays of the plurality of outgoing beams passing through a principal point of the lens are opposite to one another with respect to the principal surface.
US09869446B2 Radiating device for a lighting device having first and second radiating modules
Provided are a radiating device and a lighting device, including a first radiating module configured to receive heat generated from a light source module; and a second radiating module that comprises a first member extending to the first radiating module and transmitting the received heat, and a second member configured to emit the heat transmitted from the first member to a light emitting space, and thus a production cost and a weight can be reduced, space utilization can be improved, and snow melting of an optical member can be realized.
US09869444B2 Flat lamp structure
A flat lamp structure may include a housing; a module in which at least one LED is disposed on a substrate; a reflector which reflects light emitted from the LED to the outside thereof; an inner lens which is disposed in front of the reflector with a predetermined interval to diffuse light emitted from the LED; and an outer lens which is disposed outside the inner lens and coupled to the housing, wherein the reflector has a first reflector part, a second reflector part, and a third reflector part having different optical properties and the first and second reflector parts have a specular reflection characteristic and the third reflector part has a Lambertian reflection characteristic, and reflects the light in all directions with the uniform brightness regardless of a direction to a diffuser surface to form a light emission surface.
US09869443B2 Vehicle lighting fixture
A vehicle lighting fixture can include a plurality of light sources; a plurality of optical deflectors provided to correspond to the light sources, the optical deflector configured to include a mirror part; a screen member configured to form a luminance distribution assigned to each optical deflector with the scanning light by the mirror part of the optical deflector; an optical system configured to project the luminance distributions on the screen member to thereby form a predetermined light distribution pattern; a changing unit configured to change the luminance distribution assigned to each of the optical deflectors; and a control unit configured to control the light sources and the optical deflectors so that the optical deflectors each can form the respective luminance distributions assigned to the respective optical deflectors on the screen member. The changing unit can change the respective luminance distributions assigned to the respective optical deflectors at a prescribed timing.
US09869442B2 Hybrid illumination system having a blue laser diode, dichroic mirror and yellow transmissive phosphor converter for generating white light
An illumination apparatus is provided that includes a yellow phosphor converter to receive a blue laser light beam and to convert a portion of the blue laser light beam to yellow light, a dichroic mirror optically coupled to the yellow phosphor converter to receive the phosphor-emitted light beam and to filter the phosphor-emitted light beam to provide a dichroic-filtered light beam, the dichroic mirror configured to pass yellow light and to reflect at least some blue light, and a blue light source optically coupled to the dichroic mirror to provide a blue light beam, the dichroic mirror configured to reflect the blue light beam in a same direction as the dichroic-filtered light beam.
US09869440B2 Lamp for vehicle with rotating reflector and light source positioned outside the reflector
A lamp for a vehicle includes a reflector configured to reflect received light and rotate with respect to at least one rotation axis to control an irradiation angle. A light source is positioned outside the reflector spaced apart from the reflector and is configured to generate light to be incident on the reflector.
US09869439B2 Advanced control of imitation candle devices
The disclosed embodiments relate to devices and methods for facilitating the operations and usage of electronic candle devices. In one exemplary aspect, an imitation candle device is disclosed. The imitation candle device comprises a body; a flame element protruding from top of the body; one or more light sources providing illumination for the flame element to produce an appearance of a true fire flame; a tapered chamber with an opening; a sensor component positioned at an end of the tapered chamber, the sensor component operable to produce an electrical signal in response to an input signal; and an electronic control circuitry coupled to the power supply operable to: receive the electrical signal, classify the electrical signal into a category among a plurality of categories, and control at least an output of the one or more light sources based on the electrical signal and the category of the electrical signal.
US09869438B2 Dynamic logo projection system and method of using the same
A system for dynamically projecting a logo onto a surface includes a light source, moveable lenses, and an actuator. The light source emits light toward the surface. The lenses are positioned with between the light source and the surface, with each lens having multiple transparent portions configured to permit some of the emitted light to pass through the lens in a corresponding light pattern. Each corresponding light pattern forms a different part of the logo. The actuator moves the lenses with respect to the emitted light in response to a control signal to thereby cause projection of the logo onto the surface. A vehicle includes a body having a door, road wheels in contact with a road surface, and the system which projects the logo onto the road surface proximate the door. The controller may be programmed to execute a method for projecting the logo.
US09869437B2 Multiple function LED projection light having built-in motor means
An LED light device includes a liquid container with floating miniatures. The miniatures are caused to move by a propeller driven through a magnetic coupling by a motor. Light from at least one LED passes through the liquid container and is projected onto another surface such as a wall or ceiling. The liquid moved by the propeller can be caused to move relatively slowly through a large opening or be accelerated by passage through a relatively small opening for liquid dance effects.
US09869434B2 Vehicle lighting fixture
A vehicle lighting fixture can utilize a plurality of optical deflectors configured to two-dimensionally scan with excitation light. The vehicle lighting fixture can form a predetermined light distribution pattern and have at least one first lighting unit and at least one second lighting unit. The first lighting unit can include: excitation light sources; optical deflectors corresponding to the excitation light sources, each including a mirror part that can two-dimensionally scan with excitation light in horizontal and vertical directions; a first wavelength conversion member configured to include scanning regions corresponding to the optical deflectors, forming a light intensity distribution image; and a first optical system configured to project the light intensity distribution images formed in the respective scanning regions to form a first light distribution pattern. At least one scanning region can overlap another scanning region in part to relatively increase a light intensity in the overlapped scanning region.
US09869431B2 Thermo-compression head, soldering system, and LED tube lamp
A thermo-compression head, a soldering system, and a LED tube lamp are disclosed. The thermo-compression head includes a bonding plane, a restraining plane, one or more concave guiding tank, and one or more concave molding tank. The bonding plane is for touching a second object. The restraining plane is adjacent to the bonding plane for touching a first object soldered to the second object. The concave guiding tank is formed on the bonding plane. An end of the concave guiding tank is opened near an edge of the bonding plane while an opposite end of the concave guiding tank is closed. The concave molding tank is formed on the restraining plane and positioned beside the concave guiding tank. The concave molding tank communicates with the concave guiding tank via the open end of the concave guiding tank.
US09869429B2 Bulk cryogenic liquid pressurized dispensing system and method
A system for dispensing cryogenic liquid to a use point includes a bulk tank containing a supply of carbon dioxide or other cryogenic liquid and a pressure builder that is in communication with the tank via a pressure building valve. The pressure builder uses heat exchangers to vaporize a portion of the cryogenic liquid as needed to pressurize the bulk tank. The pressurized cryogenic liquid is dispensed through a dispensing line running from the bottom of the tank. A vent valve also vents vapor from the tank to control pressure. Operation of the vent and pressure building valves is automated by a controller that receives data from sensors. The controller determines the required saturation pressure for the tank and varies the tank pressure to match and provide a generally constant outlet pressure depending on conditions of the cryogenic liquid.
US09869428B2 Liquid natural gas cooling on the fly
Described herein are systems and methods for cryogenic fluid delivery to achieve the lowest reasonable saturation pressure while dispensing a cryogenic fluid such as liquefied natural gas to a holding tank on a use device. The systems and methods utilize a liquid nitrogen component and a liquefaction engine, very cold liquefied natural gas and a liquefaction engine, or a combination of both very cold liquefied natural gas and a liquid nitrogen component to deliver LNG to a holding tank on a use device.
US09869423B2 Releasable mount apparatus and system with lock switch
A mounting system with a lock switch can be used to releasably attach a first item, such as a protective encasement for an electronic device, to a second item, such as a bicycle mount, suction cup mount, or a surface in a home, office, or vehicle. The mount assembly may include a housing that encloses a cam and torsion spring disposed within a housing volume and has a portion that rotates relative to the cam. A recess in the mount assembly can receive and retain a mounting cleat associated with the first item. One or more clasp mechanisms of the mount assembly can be configured to clasp the mounting cleat when it is inserted into the recess, and to release the mounting cleat when the one housing portion is rotated relative to the cam. A locking mechanism may be included that prevents the housing from rotating and releasing the cleat.
US09869419B2 Controller, method of operating a water source heat pump and a water source heat pump
In one embodiment, a water system includes a compressor, a condenser fluidly coupled to the compressor by refrigerant tubing, a modulating motor-controlled valve configured to alter a flow of water through the condenser, an accelerometer mechanically coupled to the water system, and a water system controller. The water system controller may be configured to perform an automated anti-water hammer procedure. During the automated anti-water hammer procedure, the water system controller may be configured to activate an operating procedure for the water system, transmit a control signal to the modulating motor-controlled valve, receive vibrational measurements received from the accelerometer, compare the vibrational measurements measured by the accelerometer to a predetermined vibration level associated with the operating procedure, and adjust the opening position and opening speed of the modulating motor-controlled valve for the operating procedure if the vibrational measurements exceed the predetermined vibration level associated with the operating procedure.
US09869417B2 Pipe coupling structure
A pipe coupling structure is capable of coupling pipes together without driving a screw and using a tool. An example pipe coupling structure includes a first engagement portion formed in an end portion of a first air-conditioning duct. The first engagement portion extends in the circumferential directions and protrudes inside of the first air-conditioning duct. A second engagement portion is formed in an end portion of a second air-conditioning duct. The second engagement portion extends in the circumferential directions and protrudes outside of the second air-conditioning duct. When the end portion of the second air-conditioning duct is inserted into the end portion of the first air-conditioning duct, the second engagement portion climbs over the first engagement portion, and thereby the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion engage each other.
US09869413B2 Clamping ring
A clamping ring that presses an end of a pipe against a connecting piece by back shrinkage. The clamping ring comprises a body comprising a plastic material having memory properties. The body has a first end to be positioned at a distance from the end of the pipe and a second end to be positioned close to the end of the pipe. The body of the clamping ring has a first position at the first end or at the distance from the first end having a first radial wall thickness. The body of the clamping ring has at least one second position between the first position and the second end such that the body of the clamping ring has a second radial wall thickness at the second position. The second radial wall thickness is smaller than the first radial wall thickness.
US09869402B2 Check valve
A check valve includes a hollow cylindrical valve body including an inclined rim at a first end, an annular section on an inner surface and tapered to a second end, and an annular groove on an outer surface; a hollow cylindrical outlet member including an axial channel, openings around an end surface, an internal annular trough, an annular flange extending outward from the trough of the outlet member, and an annular groove on an outer surface; a moveable member including an annular groove on an outer surface, a stem distal the groove of the moveable member, and an annular trough on an inner surface; a ring including an axial channel and openings around the channel; and a biasing member having a first end anchored in the trough of the moveable member and a second end anchored in the trough of the outlet member.
US09869398B2 Braking system using a valve
A system for blocking a plug valve, the system comprising: a plug (1) movable in rotation about an axis (Y-Y); and a blocker part (5); the system being characterized in that: the plug (1) presents an index portion having a first ramp (3) and a second ramp (4) that are arranged around the shaft (2) with oppositely-handed slopes; and the blocker part (5) presents first and second index portions (8, 9) adapted to come selectively into contact with the first and second ramps (3, 4) respectively; the first ramp (3) and the first index portion (8) serving to prevent the plug (1) from turning about the longitudinal axis (Y-Y) in a first direction of rotation, and the second ramp (4) and the second index portion (9) serving to prevent the plug (1) from turning about the longitudinal axis (Y-Y) in a second direction of rotation.
US09869396B2 Valve sealing arrangement
A valve comprises a fluid outlet, a fluid inlet, a valve seat (103) and a valve disk (102) arranged to move relative to the valve seat to control the flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet. The valve disk (102) comprises a body (201) and a sealing member (202), wherein the valve disk is connected to a spindle (101) via an articulating joint comprising two abutting surfaces, one of which is arranged to allow rocking motion between the surfaces providing the articulation thereby allowing the sealing member (202) to self-align on the valve seat (103). The articulating joint may be formed by an end surface of the spindle (101) abutting a ball bearing (207) located in a cavity (200) in the top of the valve disk (102).
US09869394B2 Sealing system and sealing ring
A sealing system for sealing shafts against liquid media, for example propeller shafts, impeller shafts, rudder stocks of ships and the like. Opposing corner regions of the sealing system that are located radially inside of a clamping space, for clamping at least one sealing ring, are formed by inclined run-on surfaces that diverge when viewed radially from the inside towards the outside. For accommodation in the clamping space, a clamping section of the sealing ring comprises two opposite edge regions that are formed by inclined surfaces that correspond to the run-on surfaces.
US09869392B2 Edge seal for lower electrode assembly
A lower electrode assembly useful for supporting a semiconductor substrate in a plasma processing chamber includes a temperature controlled lower base plate, an upper plate, a mounting groove surrounding a bond layer and an edge seal comprising an elastomeric band having an outer concave surface in an uncompressed state, the band mounted in the groove such that upper and lower ends of the band are axially compressed and a maximum outward bulging of the band is no greater than a predetermined distance.
US09869388B2 Continuously variable transmission
Inventions are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one aspect, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVT. A control system includes a control reference nut coupled to a feedback cam and operably coupled to a skew cam. In some cases, the skew cam is configured to interact with carrier plates of a CVT. Various inventive feedback cams and skew cams can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some transmissions described, the planet subassemblies include legs configured to cooperate with the carrier plates. In some cases, a neutralizer assembly is operably coupled to the carrier plates. A shift cam and a traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT.
US09869387B2 Predictive control of a change-of-mind-shift maneuver
A system includes a torque converter having a turbine, a transmission having friction clutches and an input member connected to the turbine, and a controller. The controller is programmed to control a change-of-mind shift maneuver of the transmission. By executing a method, the controller detects the change-of-mind shift maneuver, predicts an acceleration profile of the turbine for a next-requested shift of the detected shift maneuver as a function of a calibrated desired shift time and an output speed of the transmission, calculates a shift control value for a next-requested shift of the shift maneuver using the predicted acceleration profile, and executes the next-requested shift via the clutches using the calculated shift control value. The shift maneuver may be a skip-at-sync quick shift-to-quick shift or power downshift-to-power downshift. The shift value may be a clutch pressure for an offgoing holding clutch or a torque management level from an engine.
US09869386B2 Shift control method of electronic shift lever
A shift control method of an electronic shift lever may include detecting a collision of a vehicle when the vehicle is in an ignition-on state, detecting a shift range of the electronic shift lever, and preventing shifting by interrupting delivery of a signal for changing the shift range to a transmission, when the signal for changing the shift range is detected within a predetermined time after the detection of the collision.
US09869384B2 Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is provided with a brake device provided with a rotatable rotation-side friction plate and a non-rotatable fixed-side friction plate; a transmission case which accommodates the brake device; a lubrication oil supply section which supplies lubrication oil introduced into the transmission case to an upper portion of the brake device; and a lubrication oil discharge section disposed below the brake device, and configured to discharge lubrication oil supplied from the lubrication oil supply section to the brake device.
US09869382B2 Clad chainring
A bicycle chainring, including a generally annular body formed of at least an inner material, the inner material including a first side and a second side opposite the first side and a plurality of teeth disposed about a periphery of the body. At least some of the plurality of teeth are formed of both the inner material and an outer material, the outer material disposed on one or both of the first and second sides, the outer material having a greater wear resistance relative to the inner material and a thickness greater than 0.1 millimeter.
US09869380B1 Power transmission apparatus for vehicle
A power transmission apparatus may include an first shifting member receiving the torque of the engine from the second input shaft, changing the torque of the engine into first and second preliminarily shifted torques, and outputting the first and second preliminarily shifted torques; a second shifting member receiving the torque of the engine from the third input shaft, changing the torque of the engine into third and fourth preliminarily shifted torques, and outputting the third and fourth preliminarily shifted torques; and a third shifting member changing the torque of the engine selectively transmitted from the first input shaft and the first preliminarily shifted torque to the fourth preliminarily shifted torque selectively transmitted from the first shifting member or the second shifting member into eleven forward speed stages and one reverse speed stage, and outputting the eleven forward speed stages and the one reverse speed stage.
US09869371B2 Automatic transmission and a dog clutch for an automatic transmission
A dog clutch for an automatic transmission is provided. The dog clutch includes a magnet that is mounted to a sliding clutch. A solenoid is positioned adjacent the magnet and is configured for selectively adjusting the dog clutch between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration. A related automatic transmission is also provided.
US09869365B2 Isolator for use with engine that is assisted or started by an MGU or a motor through an endless drive member
In an aspect, an isolator is provided for isolating a device driven by an engine via an endless drive member. The isolator includes a shaft adapter that is connectable with a shaft of the device, a rotary drive member that is engageable with the endless drive member, a first isolation spring arrangement that is positioned to transfer torque between the shaft adapter and the rotary drive member, and a position-based damping structure. The damping structure is positioned to transfer torque via a frictional damping force between the rotary drive member and the shaft adapter at a selected amount of relative movement therebetween. The selected amount of relative movement is selected to be less than a maximum permitted amount of flexure of the first isolation spring arrangement.
US09869357B2 Disc brake
A brake carrier for an air-actuated disc brake. The brake carrier may have first and second carrier portions that may include a mounting arrangement and a recess. The recess may define a circumferential abutment surface for restraining motion of a brake pad in a circumferential direction and a radial abutment surface for restraining motion of the brake pad in a radially inward direction.
US09869355B2 Adjustable control of power take-off subsystem damping and system thereof
The present disclosure provides a method for controlling a power take-off assembly. The method includes providing a drive unit, a transmission having an output, a speed sensor, a controller including a memory unit and a processor, and the power take-off assembly including a clutch and a solenoid. The method also includes storing a first threshold in the memory unit, determining a current input speed of the drive unit with the speed sensor, and comparing the current input speed to the first threshold. The method further includes controlling an amount of hydraulic pressure supplied to the clutch and engaging the clutch.
US09869353B2 Clutch hydraulic system for vehicle
A vehicle clutch hydraulic system for a vehicle is provided with a mechanical oil pump, an electric oil pump, a forward clutch and a control valve unit. In the vehicle clutch hydraulic system, a main pump oil passage fluidly connects the mechanical oil pump to the control valve unit. A sub-pump oil passage fluidly connects the electric oil pump to a forward clutch oil passage into which an oil passage outlet opens at an inside location closer to a clutch rotational axis than a clutch oil chamber of the forward clutch.
US09869349B2 Bushing
A plain bearing bushing is formed from a material strip, wherein a first joining end of the material strip has a projection and a second joining end has a recess interacting with the projection, a base side of the projection being oriented towards the first joining end. A bushing is to be provided that is designed to be more advantageous with respect to the production method, in particular during the forming process, and with respect to dimensional tolerance and long-term stability. This is achieved by a bushing with clamping elements in which the joining ends of the material strip are fixed both in axial direction and in circumferential direction of the bushing in a frictionally engaged and/or formfitting manner.
US09869347B2 Slide guide unit and surveying instrument
There is provided a slide guide unit comprising; a guide base having V-grooves formed on both the side end faces in parallel, a slide block having a facing surface facing one of the V-grooves on both the side ends, conical recesses formed at two positions on the facing surface facing the one V-groove with a predetermined interval, first steel balls fitted in the conical recesses and fitted in the one V-groove, a steel ball support plate with spring action as disposed on a side surface of the slide block on the other V-groove side and a necessary number of second steel balls as fitted in a steel ball holding groove and the other V-groove, wherein the steel ball support plate has the steel ball holding groove facing the other V-groove, wherein the steel ball support plate presses the second steel balls to the other V-groove and the slide block is movable along the one V-groove side and the other V-groove side via the first steel balls and the second steel balls.
US09869340B2 Control cable actuation device
A control cable actuation device designed to be attached to a handlebar-steered vehicle frame member for a cable assembly including a control cable slidably disposed within a control cable housing. The actuation device includes a cable adjuster attachable to the frame member and an actuation lever configured to displace one end of the control cable. The cable adjuster is configured to receive the control cable and to axially displace to slidably displace the cable within the cable housing under cable adjustment. The lever is rotatably attached to the cable adjuster about a first axis to slidably displace the cable within the cable housing under cable actuation. The lever is also configured to rotate about a second axis to axially displace the cable adjuster to slidably displace the cable within the cable housing under cable adjustment.
US09869339B2 End-effector jaw closure transmission systems for remote access tools
A jaw closure transmission system is presented comprising an input sub-system, output sub-system and a transmission sub-system.
US09869337B2 Ceramic fastener
A ceramic fastener is constructed according to a method where the ceramic fastener has an outer shell of a strong ceramic material such as alumina or zirconia, and the outer shell has an interior bore filled with a glass-ceramic material.
US09869336B2 Anchor fastener
An anchor fastener includes a head, a generally cylindrical shaft extending from the head, and a base at a distal end of the shaft. The shaft includes a helical thread on an outer surface and a self-drilling tip at its distal end adjacent the base. The base is frangibly connected to the distal end of the shaft by at least one web of frangible material separable from at least one of the base and the shaft under application of a force to the shaft.
US09869334B2 Expansion anchor with grooves in the expansion cone
An expansion anchor with a bolt and at least one expansion element is disclosed. An oblique surface is arranged in the region of the first end of the bolt and forces the expansion element radially outward on the bolt if the bolt is displaced in a pull-out direction relative to the expansion element. The bolt has, in the region of its rear end facing away from the first end, a load-absorber which is suitable for introducing tensile forces which are directed in the pull-out direction into the bolt. At least one groove which is closed with respect to the first end is made in the oblique surface, which groove reduces the contact surface between the expansion element and the oblique surface.
US09869330B2 Multipiece tolerance ring
A tolerance ring can include a generally cylindrical body having a first partial-cylindrical sidewall and a second partial-cylindrical sidewall opposite the first partial-cylindrical sidewall. Each partial-cylindrical sidewall defines a first end and a second end. Further, a first gap can be established between the first end of the first partial-cylindrical sidewall and the first end of the second partial-cylindrical sidewall after installation around a post. The first gap can extend along the entire length of the tolerance ring such that a split is formed in the tolerance ring. The tolerance ring can also include a second gap between the second end of the first partial-cylindrical sidewall and the second end of the second partial-cylindrical sidewall. The second gap can extend along the entire length of the tolerance ring such that a split is formed in the tolerance ring. The tolerance ring can provide an installed concentricity, C, ≦50 μm.
US09869328B2 Cantilevered stator vane and stator assembly for a rotary machine
A stator vane assembly is provided. The stator vane assembly may comprise a stator vane, an outer shroud, and a spring. A first end of the stator vane may be fixed to an inner diameter (ID) surface of a vane platform. A slot may be disposed in a surface of the outer shroud, wherein a portion of the stator vane is configured to be located within the slot. In various embodiments, the stator vane may be configured to translate in a radial direction in response to a force between the stator vane and a rotor. In various embodiments, the spring may be configured to be coupled to an outer diameter (OD) surface of the vane platform, wherein the spring is configured to bias the ID surface of the vane platform toward the outer shroud.
US09869325B2 Fan blade
To improve upon a fan blade (6) with regard to the use of materials and the weight, in particular a fan blade for smoke venting fans, having fastening means (5) for fastening the fan blade (6) onto a fan hub as well as having a blade section (7), it is proposed that the blade section (7) shall have an outer jacket (8) enclosing a cavity.
US09869323B2 Linear gasket for an inter-blade platform
A linear gasket for an inter-blade platform that presents a length, the gasket including a linear base for fastening to the inter-blade platform and a linear lip projecting from the linear base, the linear lip including a linear distal end portion configured to contact a pressure side wall or a suction side wall of a blade, a linear groove being formed between the linear base and the linear lip over at least a fraction of a length of the linear gasket. The linear distal end portion includes at least one linear slit extending over at least a fraction of the length of the gasket.
US09869319B2 Vacuum pump
A vacuum pump includes a pump inlet, a pump outlet, a rotor rotatable about an axis of rotation, at least one process gas pump stage for conveying a process gas present at the pump inlet from the pump inlet to the pump outlet, a motor space, and a drive motor which is arranged in the motor space, is configured for rotationally driving the rotor and which has a motor stator, wherein at least one gas path is provided for the process gas from the pump inlet to the pump outlet which leads through the motor space and which leads at least sectionally along the motor stator or through the motor stator.
US09869318B2 Variable inlet vanes
A cooling system that includes two or more fans that each have a chassis. The chassis includes a first face, a second face, and a sidewall. The fans then can be attached to each other by attaching a sidewall of a first fan chassis to a sidewall of a second fan chassis. An adjustable vane is attached perpendicularly and approximately equidistant between the fans, with an angular control element that is attached to the first fan chassis. The vane can be oriented such that the vane divides the airflow distributed to the fans. The vane then can be adjusted radially by the angular control element, which is attached to the fan chassis. If an impeller of a fan chassis fails the vane can be adjusted radially using an angular control element to distribute more airflow to the failed fan superimposing the non-failed fan chassis.
US09869316B2 Pump arrangement
A pump arrangement, in particular a magnetic clutch pump arrangement, is provided. The pump arrangement includes a pump housing containing an impeller shaft, a containment shell which seals an enclosed chamber within the inner chamber of the pump housing, an impeller mounted on one end of the impeller shaft, an inner rotor mounted on the other end of the impeller shaft, a drive motor, a drive shaft that can be driven by the drive motor, and an outer rotor which is mounted on the drive shaft and co-operates with the inner rotor. The outer rotor has a hub and a first support element, and a hollow cylindrical portion between the hub and the first support element.
US09869313B2 Oil pump, engine cover and engine comprising the same
An oil pump is provided. The oil pump comprises: a shell; a rotor mounting part on the shell and having a rotor supporting structure; and a rotor mechanism disposed on the rotor mounting part. The shell has an inlet and an outlet and defines a low-pressure oil chamber and a high-pressure oil chamber. A partition wall is disposed between the low-pressure oil chamber and the high-pressure oil chamber for separating the low-pressure oil chamber and the high-pressure oil chamber. An engine cover comprising the oil pump and an engine comprising the engine cover are also provided.
US09869311B2 System for estimating a displacement of a pump
A system for determining an estimated displacement of a variable displacement hydraulic pump includes a control cylinder associated with the swash plate of the variable displacement hydraulic pump to control the angle of inclination of the swash plate and a valve that controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the control cylinder and has a position that defines an effective area of an opening of the valve. A pressure sensor generates pressure signals indicative of an output pressure from the variable displacement hydraulic pump. A controller is configured to receive pressure signals from the pressure sensor and determine an estimated displacement of the variable displacement hydraulic pump based upon the pressure signals from the pressure sensor and the position of the valve.
US09869307B2 Compressor having oil separator
An oil separation member has a partition member that partitions between a discharge chamber and a discharge passage. A circular ring portion is provided in the partition member in a manner extending toward the discharge passage. An introduction hole that communicates the discharge chamber and the discharge passage with each other is formed in the circular ring portion. The introduction hole extends in a tangential direction to the circular ring portion.
US09869305B1 Pump-engine controller
A system controller manages a gas turbine engine driving a pump directly or indirectly coupled to the engine. The controller is programmed to automatically determine and adjust inputs to the gas turbine engine in order to cause the pump to produce a user-specified hydraulic output.
US09869301B2 Wind turbine rotor shaft support structure
Support structures of a wind turbine, including a bearing housing that supports bearings that allow a rotor shaft to rotate about a rotor axis. The bearing housing may be constructed to minimize forces in the bearings in response moments that act on the rotor shaft about axes other than the rotor axis. The support structures of the wind turbine may also include a base to which the bearing housing may be mounted. The base may include features that minimize stress within the wind turbine structure and/or a yaw mechanism of the wind turbine in response to moments that act within the wind turbine about axes other than the rotor axis.
US09869299B2 Wind energy system and method for using same
A wind energy system with a wind turbine having a cowling surrounded by a diffuser, a plurality of inner rotor blades located inside of the cowling that rotate about an inner rotor hub, a plurality of outer rotor blades positioned between the diffuser and the cowling that rotate in an opposite direction to that of the plurality of inner rotor blades, a drive mechanism located within the inner rotor hub, a dynamic telescopic tower with a height that adjusts automatically by motors controlled by a controller based on input from sensors located in the dynamic telescopic tower and on the wind turbine, and a tower support that connects the wind turbine to the dynamic telescopic tower.
US09869297B2 Attachment method and system to install components, such as vortex generators, to a wind turbine blade
A method for installing an add-on component to a surface of a wind turbine blade includes attaching an adhesive side of strips of a double-sided adhesive tape onto either the surface of the wind turbine blade or a surface of the add-on component, the tape strips having a release liner on an opposite exposed side thereof. The tape strips having an extension tail of the release liner that extends beyond an edge of the add-on component when the add-on component is placed and held at a desired position against the surface of the wind turbine blade. With the add-on component held at the desired position, the extension tail is pulled away at an angle such that that release liner is removed along the length of the tape strip while maintaining the add-on component against the blade surface to attach the exposed adhesive under the release liner to either the surface of the wind turbine blade or the surface of the add-on component.
US09869294B2 Safety structure for performing servicing operations in a wind turbine and method for its installation
The safety structure comprises temporarily deployable safety bars that can be attached to a support member associated with at least one of a wind turbine hub, a wind turbine blade, a wind turbine root section, a wind turbine yaw mechanism, a wind turbine tower base, a wind turbine foundation, and a wind turbine nacelle. The bars can be coupled with each other and the structure may comprise at least one inflatable portion. The safety bars are first attached to the support member surrounding a wind turbine portion and then coupled to each other defining a fence structure.
US09869293B2 Wind turbine tower guide system, and a method for installing an installation unit
A wind turbine tower (10) with a guide system for guiding an internal installation unit (20) displaced relative to the inside of said tower (10) to a final mounting position inside said tower (10), said tower (10) having a first end (3) and an opposite second end (5), said first end (3) defining an entry opening for receiving said unit (20), said guide system comprising at least two parallel stays (32) for said guiding being mounted to the inside of the wall (8) of said tower (10) and extending from said first end (3) towards said second end (5), and engagement elements (35) mounted externally on said unit (20), said engagement elements (35) being configured for receiving a respective one of said stays (32).
US09869289B2 Ignition timing control device and ignition timing control system
The present invention provides an ignition timing control device and ignition timing control system for an internal combustion engine, capable of controlling an ignition timing of the engine promptly in response to a change in engine operating conditions. An ignition timing adjustment unit (43) is adapted to correct the ignition timing to a proper ignition timing in a retard region with reference to a maximum advance value based on a knocking signal outputted from a knocking detection unit (41) and a reference ignition signal (A) outputted from an external electronic control unit (37). The output signal from the ignition timing adjustment unit (43) can be thus promptly adjusted by retarding the ignition timing relative to a reference ignition timing given from the external electronic control unit (37) upon detection of engine knocking.
US09869283B2 Adjustment device for air inlet, method for adjusting an air inlet with an adjustment device, motor vehicle provided with an air inlet having an adjustment device
An adjustment device for adjusting an air inlet of a motor compartment of a motor vehicle between at least a first position in which the air inlet is substantially open and a second position in which the air inlet is substantially closed, comprising a drive unit for adjusting the air inlet between at least the first position and the second position, further comprising an auxiliary unit which is arranged for adjusting the air inlet in case of a calamity for bringing the air inlet to a predefined position, comprising at least one energy storage element.
US09869282B2 Canister installation structure
A canister is disposed in an underfloor regions α which is surrounded by a muffler arranged under a floor panel at a rear end of a vehicle body, a rear differential gear unit arranged under the floor panel at a location adjacent to the muffler in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and a rear suspension member arranged so as to cover the space between the muffler and the rear differential gear unit from the underside of the vehicle body.
US09869280B2 Mixer valve of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle
A mixer valve of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle has a drive device with a respective drive pinion and a control disc for driving two flaps. A single servomotor for driving the drive pinion is arranged in a corner region of an exhaust gas duct and of an intake duct.
US09869279B2 System and method for a multi-wall turbine combustor
A system includes a turbine combustor, which includes a first wall disposed about a combustion chamber, a second wall disposed about the first wall, and a third wall disposed about the second wall. The third wall is configured to combine an exhaust gas with an oxidant and the combustion chamber is configured to combust a mixture of a fuel, the oxidant, and the exhaust gas.
US09869277B2 System, method and apparatus for lean combustion with plasma from an electrical arc
The present invention provides a plasma arc torch that can be used for lean combustion. The plasma arc torch includes a cylindrical vessel, an electrode housing connected to the first end of the cylindrical vessel such that a first electrode is (a) aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel, and (b) extends into the cylindrical vessel, a linear actuator connected to the first electrode to adjust a position of the first electrode, a hollow electrode nozzle connected to the second end of the cylindrical vessel such that the center line of the hollow electrode nozzle is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel, and wherein the tangential inlet and the tangential outlet create a vortex within the cylindrical vessel, and the first electrode and the hollow electrode nozzle create a plasma that discharges through the hollow electrode nozzle.
US09869275B2 Single actuator variable area fan nozzle system and method
A single actuator variable area fan nozzle (“VAFN”) system is provided. In contrast to typical system, the single actuator VAFN may comprise a single actuator, a linkage and a VAFN panel. The single actuator may be configured to actuate the VAFN panel between a stowed position and a deployed position. In various embodiments, the linkage may travel a path during deployment and/or retraction that is between the loft lines of the nacelle.
US09869272B1 Performance of a transcritical or supercritical CO2 Rankin cycle engine
A Rankine Expander System that converts low quality heat (heat usually at temperatures below 400 degrees Celsius) to electricity by using the properties of trans-critical CO2. The system is comprised of a compressor, an expander, three heat exchangers, and a permanent magnet alternator (PMA). It operates at pressures and temperatures that hold the CO2 above its critical point for the full cycle, and as such, attains high efficiencies even at low power. Under some conditions the efficiency can exceed 50%.
US09869269B2 Piston for an internal combustion engine
A piston for an internal combustion engine may include a piston head and a piston skirt. The piston head may include a piston crown, an encircling fire land, an encircling ring belt having a plurality of ring grooves and an encircling cooling duct disposed radially inwards from the ring belt. The cooling duct may be open in an axial direction away from the fire land and may be at least partially closed via a closure element. The cooling duct may have a cooling duct base and a cooling duct ceiling. The closure element may be arranged on the piston head to define the cooling duct base in a position above a lowermost ring groove of the plurality of ring grooves.
US09869268B2 Monolithic, galleryless piston and method of construction thereof
A galleryless piston for an internal combustion engine and method of construction thereof are provided. The piston has a monolithic piston body extending along a central longitudinal axis. The piston body has an upper wall forming an upper combustion surface with first and second portions, with the first portion extending annularly along an outer periphery of the upper wall and the second portion forming a combustion bowl. The upper wall has an undercrown surface on an underside of the combustion bowl directly opposite the second portion of the upper combustion surface. The undercrown surface has an openly exposed 2-dimensional surface area, as viewed looking along the central longitudinal axis, between about 35-60 percent of an area defined by a maximum outer diameter of the piston body, thereby providing an expansive area against which oil being splashed or sprayed can freely contact to cool the piston.
US09869265B2 Control method for heated injector system of a vehicle
A control method of the heated injector system for a vehicle including an injector, injecting fuel into an engine of the vehicle, and a fuel pump supplying the fuel to the injector, includes activating a heater to preheat the injector, stopping fuel supply by stopping driving of the fuel pump, and upon stopping the fuel supply, re-activating the heater to heat the injector.
US09869254B2 Method for determining fuel blend in a dual fuel mixture
A method is provided for determining fuel blend in a dual fuel mixture including a first and a second fuel in an internal combustion engine. The method includes the steps of measuring multiple engine parameters using sensors during transient cycle operation for a predetermined range of engine loads and fuel blends; using system identification of transient time series of the measurements to determine one or more relevant engine parameters; determining a model for estimation of the fuel blend based on said one or more engine parameters; using the model for determining a current fuel blend during transient operation using current measured values of the one or more engine parameters, and using the calculated current fuel blend for controlling the amount of dual fuel mixture injected into each cylinder of the internal combustion engine. A vehicle and a computer program product using the method are also provided.
US09869253B2 Multiple variable valve lift apparatus
A multiple variable valve lift apparatus may include a first moving cam provided to rotate together with a camshaft and move in an axial direction of the camshaft, and configured to form a first cam guide protrusion and a plurality of cams realizing different valve lifts from each other, a second moving cam provided to rotate together with a second camshaft and move in an axial direction of the second camshaft, and configured to form a second cam guide protrusion and a plurality of cams realizing different valve lifts from each other, a first operating device operated to move the first moving cam in a first direction, a second operating device operated to move the second moving cam in a second direction, a controller configured to control operations of the first operating device and the second operating device, and a valve opening/closing device.
US09869252B2 Method and system for an engine variable charge motion system
Methods and systems are provided for introducing a charge motion to a cylinder via a bladder in an intake manifold runner. In one example, a system may include positioning a bladder in an intake port proximate to a cylinder.
US09869249B2 Speed sensor probe location in gas turbine engine
A gas turbine engine includes a fan, a fan drive gear system coupled to drive the fan about an engine central axis, a compressor section including a first compressor and a second compressor and a turbine section. The turbine section includes a first turbine coupled to drive a first spool. The first spool is coupled at a first axial position to a compressor hub that is coupled to drive the first compressor. The first spool is also coupled at a second, different axial position to a fan drive input shaft that is coupled to drive the fan drive gear system. The turbine section also includes a second turbine coupled through a second spool to drive the second compressor. A sensor probe is operable to determine a rotational speed of the first spool. The sensor probe is located at a third axial position that is axially forward of the first axial position and axially aft of the second axial position.
US09869245B2 System and method for high efficiency power generation using a carbon dioxide circulating working fluid
The present invention provides methods and system for power generation using a high efficiency combustor in combination with a CO2 circulating fluid. The methods and systems advantageously can make use of a low pressure ratio power turbine and an economizer heat exchanger in specific embodiments. Additional low grade heat from an external source can be used to provide part of an amount of heat needed for heating the recycle CO2 circulating fluid. Fuel derived CO2 can be captured and delivered at pipeline pressure. Other impurities can be captured.
US09869243B2 Internal combustion engine for vehicle
In an internal combustion engine for a vehicle wherein a crankshaft is supported for rotation on a crankcase and a speed change gear shaft which extends in parallel to the crankshaft and forms part of a transmission for changing the speed of rotational power from the crankshaft is supported for rotation on the crankcase such that it is disposed on one side of the crankshaft with a plurality of oil filters being mounted from the same direction to enhance the maintenance. A cover is coupled to a crankcase on one end side of a crankshaft in an axial direction, and a plurality of oil filters are attached to an outer side wall of the cover on the opposite side to a transmission with respect to the crankshaft and are disposed in an upwardly and downwardly juxtaposed relationship with each other.
US09869241B2 Split cycle engine and method of operation
Split cycle engine that runs on gaseous fuels such as natural gas and synthesis gas (syngas) and to a method of operating the same. The engine includes a first compression chamber for compressing the gaseous fuel, means for supplying the gaseous fuel to the first compression chamber at a level of concentration that prevents predetonation of the fuel during compression, a second compression chamber for compressing air, a combustion chamber in which the compressed fuel and air are combined to reduce the concentration of the fuel to a level that allows the fuel to burn and expand in the combustion chamber, and an expansion chamber having an output member which is driven by expanding gas from the combustion chamber.Turbochargers or blowers pressurize and increase the volume of the fuel and air delivered to the respective compression chambers, and the concentration of the fuel is progressively reduced by the injection of air at spaced intervals as the fuel travels toward the compression chamber.
US09869236B2 Air intake control system for engine and method of controlling the same
An air intake control system for an engine, which is disposed in an intake line between a compressor of a turbocharger and an intake manifold and adjusts and controls air intake may include a motor for providing torque, a bypass line with a first end connected to the intake line and a second end connected to an external air line for delivering external air into the compressor, and a flow control valve assembly disposed at a divergent point from the intake line to the bypass line and selectively distributing air intake from the compressor to the intake manifold and the bypass line by adjusting a degree of opening of valve members in accordance with an amount of revolution of the motor.
US09869234B2 Structure for retaining temperature sensing device and internal combustion engine provided with same
A cooling pipe for an internal combustion engine includes with a resin-made water outlet for forming a circulation path for circulating a coolant for cooling an engine body, and an attachment part for retaining a water temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the coolant flowing through the water outlet, the attachment part being attached to the water outlet, a portion of the attachment part being in contact with the engine body, and the attachment part formed from a material whereby heat from the engine body is transmitted.
US09869232B2 Variable-speed pump control for engine coolant system with variable restriction
A cooling system for an internal combustion engine in a vehicle comprises a variable-speed coolant pump for providing a coolant flow to a plurality of heat-transfer nodes coupled in a coolant loop with the pump. Each node generates a flow rate request based on an operating state of the node. The coolant loop is configurable to a plurality of restriction states. A pump controller receives the flow rate requests, maps each respective flow request to a pump flow rate that would produce the respective pump flow rate request, selects a largest mapped pump flow rate, identifies a restriction state in which the coolant loop is configured, selects a pump speed in response to the selected flow rate and the identified restriction state, and commands operation of the pump to produce the selected pump speed.
US09869231B2 Amphibious vehicle
Provided is an amphibious vehicle with which it is possible to increase the driving power even when the engine rotational speed is low. When the engine rotational frequency is lower than a prescribed rotational frequency the fan flow volume of a fan is calculated on the basis of the fan outlet pressure (B1), the amount of heat exchange of a heat exchanger is calculated on the basis of the fan inlet temperature, the fan outlet temperature, and the fan flow volume (B2), a target fan rotational frequency is calculated on the basis of the engine rotational frequency and the heat exchange amount (B3), the fan rotational frequency is reduced so as to achieve the target fan rotational frequency (B4, B5), and the power transmitted to a travel device is increased, thereby increasing the drive torque (B6).
US09869228B2 Exhaust passage structure of outboard motor
In an exhaust passage structure in a V-type four-stroke engine of an outboard motor, an exhaust passage is connected to the respective exhaust ports of a plurality of cylinders so that a first exhaust passage portion is provided on at least one lateral side of the cylinder block in a width direction and collects exhaust gas discharged from the respective exhaust ports of the plurality of cylinder assemblies, while a second exhaust passage portion connects the first exhaust passage portion with an exhaust muffler chamber installed outside the engine, and an exhaust guiding portion is provided so as to oppose to a joint surface between the cylinder block and the cylinder head in a manner to be located in the first exhaust passage portion to guide the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust ports to a connecting portion between the first exhaust passage portion and the second exhaust passage portion.
US09869224B2 Ammonia generating device
An ammonia generating device is used for the treatment of exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, particularly for motor vehicles. The device includes a tank having a body capable of releasing ammonia by desorption. The device is also provided with a first single connection member comprising an electrical connection to supply the device with electricity and a fluid connection to allow evacuation of the ammonia produced following the desorption reaction.
US09869222B2 Method for removing soot from exhaust gases
A method for oxidizing soot from diesel exhaust gas from a diesel engine. The method involves providing a diesel particulate filter for receiving the diesel exhaust gas; coating a catalyst composition on the diesel particulate filter; and contacting the soot from the diesel exhaust gas with the catalyst coated diesel particulate filter at a temperature sufficient to oxidize the soot to carbon dioxide. The catalyst composition is a doped or undoped manganese oxide octahedral molecular sieve (OMS-2) material. A diesel exhaust gas treatment system that includes a diesel particulate filter for receiving diesel exhaust gas from a diesel engine and collecting soot; and a catalyst composition coated on the diesel particulate filter. The catalyst composition is a doped or undoped manganese oxide octahedral molecular sieve (OMS-2).
US09869221B2 Catalytic converter for vehicle
A catalytic converter for a vehicle includes an LNT converter into one side of which exhaust gas discharged from an engine flows and from the opposite side of which the exhaust gas. The LNT converter traps nitrogen oxide contained in the exhaust gas under a lean environment, desorbs the trapped nitrogen oxide under a rich environment, and reduces the nitrogen oxide contained in the exhaust gas or the desorbed nitrogen oxide. A connecting housing changes a direction of a path of the exhaust gas to a vertical direction, and allows a reducing agent to be injected to the exhaust gas. An SDPF converter changes a direction of a path of the exhaust gas to a direction opposite to a direction, captures particulate matters contained in the exhaust gas, and reduces nitrogen oxide contained in the exhaust gas using the injected reducing agent.
US09869216B2 System and method to decrease warmup time of coolant and engine oil in engine equipped with cooled EGR
A cooling system and method of using a cooling system for an engine equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. A pump provides pressure for circulating liquid through the cooling system. The cooling system has two loops: an engine cooling loop and an EGR cooling loop. The engine cooling loop cools the engine in a conventional manner. The EGR cooling loop goes first to an EGR cooler and next to an oil cooler. The heat exchange at the EGR cooler results in warmed coolant being delivered to the oil cooler, where it warms engine oil. Warm-up time for engine oil is thereby decreased.
US09869215B2 Continuous variable valve duration apparatus and engine provided with the same
A continuous variable valve duration apparatus may include a camshaft, first and second cam portions, of which the camshaft is inserted thereto, of which relative phase angles with respect to the camshaft are variable, a first and a second inner brackets transmitting rotation of the camshaft to the first and second cam portions respectively, a slider housing of which the first and second inner brackets are rotatably inserted thereto, of which relative position with respect to the camshaft is variable and of which a guide protruded portion is formed to an upper side thereof, cam caps of which each cam cap engaging portion is rotatably connected thereto, a connecting bracket connecting the cam caps and of which a guide slot for the guide protruded portion to be inserted thereto is formed thereto and a control portion selectively changing a position of the slider housing.
US09869213B2 Continuous variable valve lift apparatus and engine provided with the same
A continuously variable valve lift apparatus may include a camshaft, a cam portion on which a cam is formed and into which the camshaft is inserted, a slider housing into which the cam portion is rotatably inserted and disposed to be rotatable around a pivot shaft, a control portion configured to selectively rotate the slider housing around the pivot shaft, a rotation deliverer configured to transmit rotation of the camshaft to the cam portion, an output portion rotatable around the pivot shaft and on which a valve shoe is formed, and a valve device configured to be driven by the valve shoe.
US09869209B2 Kalina cycle based conversion of gas processing plant waste heat into power
A system includes a waste heat recovery heat exchanger configured to heat a heating fluid stream by exchange with a heat source in a crude oil associated gas processing plant; and a Kalina cycle energy conversion system including a first group of heat exchangers to heat a first portion of a working fluid by exchange with the heated heating fluid stream and a second group of heat exchangers to heat a second portion of the working fluid. The second group of heat exchangers includes a first heat exchanger to heat the second portion of the working fluid by exchange with a liquid stream of the working fluid; and a second heat exchanger to heat the second portion of the working fluid by exchange with the heated heating fluid stream. The energy conversion system includes a separator to receive the heated first and second portions of the working fluid and to output a vapor stream of the working fluid and the liquid stream of the working fluid; a first turbine and a generator to generate power by expansion of the vapor stream; and a second turbine to generate power from the liquid stream.
US09869208B2 Evaporator, rankine cycle apparatus, and combined heat and power system
An evaporator which heats working fluid with high-temperature fluid to evaporate the working fluid includes: a working fluid channel which is arranged in a flow direction of the high temperature fluid and through which the working fluid flows; and a temperature sensor which is provided for the working fluid channel. A part of the working fluid channel is exposed to outside of a housing of the evaporator, and the temperature sensor is provided in the part of the working fluid channel exposed to the outside of the housing of the evaporator in a region other than an inlet of the working fluid channel into which the working fluid flows from the outside of the evaporator and other than an outlet of the working fluid channel through which the working fluid flows out of the evaporator. The output value of the temperature sensor is used to adjust the temperature of the working fluid in the evaporator.
US09869207B2 Member assembling apparatus of rotary machine
A transition piece assembling apparatus according to the disclosure includes a pair of rails which is provided to be in the direction parallel with an axis of a combustor transition piece, and to be spaced at intervals and in a plane perpendicular to the axis of a combustor transition piece, support portions which are connected to the combustor transition piece and support the member to be movable in longitudinal directions of the rails, a trapezoidal screw which is disposed in parallel with the axis of the combustor transition piece between the pair of rails, a female screw block which is threaded onto the trapezoidal screw, and a sliding member which is provided between the female screw block and the combustor transition piece and connects the female screw block and the combustor transition piece to be movable relative to each other in a plane perpendicular to a female screw axis.
US09869197B2 Rotor for a steam turbine
A turbomachine is provided, wherein the rotor comprises a planetary gear on which low-pressure end stage blades are arranged, wherein the planetary gear is designed in such a way that the frequency of the rotating blades is lower than the frequency of the rotor.
US09869193B2 Sealing device between two axisymmetric coaxial parts
A sealing device between two axisymmetric coaxial parts, includes an elastic segment, two holding elements located on each side of the annular segment, an annular spacer arranged between the two holding elements, wherein the annular spacer has a notch around its peripheral rim; the annular elastic segment has a hooking element at each of its free ends, adapted to cooperate with the notch of the annular spacer, and to hold the elastic segment in a pre-holding position by elastic return force.
US09869192B2 Application of a connection joint to a stator stage by means of inflatable bladders
The present application relates to a method for assembling a stator stage of a turbomachine, the stage having an inner ring, an outer ring, and vanes extending radially between the inner ring and the outer ring. The method includes at least the following essential step: applying at least one inflatable bladder against at least one opening between a vane and one of the inner ring and the outer ring on that face of the ring which is opposite the face for application of a sealing material, so as to form one or more retention surfaces for the sealing material. The present application also relates to an assembly device designed for implementing the method.
US09869191B2 Geared low fan pressure ratio fan exit guide vane stagger angle
A fan exit guide vane assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of guide vanes having a pressure side and a suction side extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge. The vanes further include a span extending between a root and tip with a stagger angle defined as an angle between a longitudinal axis parallel to an engine axis of rotation and a line connecting the leading edge and the trailing edge that is less than about 15°.
US09869189B2 Method for friction welding a blade onto a turbine engine rotor disc; corresponding integral blade disc
A method of friction welding an airfoil (32) onto a rotor disk of a turbine engine, the disk having at its outer periphery a projecting stub (18) onto which the airfoil is to be welded, the method comprising a step consisting in mounting chocks (24) on leading and trailing edges of the stub, the method being characterized in that, before friction welding, the chocks are secured to the stub by welding, and in that during the friction welding operation, the beads of welding (28) between the chocks and the stub are expelled, at least in part, in seams of material (34) that form around the connection zone between the airfoil and the stub and that are subsequently to be removed or eliminated, e.g. by machining.
US09869182B2 Turbine rotor for an exhaust gas turbine and method for producing the turbine rotor
A turbine rotor for an exhaust gas turbine has a turbine rotor wheel made of a highly heat-resistant metal alloy and a rotor shaft made of steel. A rotor wheel hub and a rotor shaft end are connected to each other in a metallurgical bond by way of a solder connection. The rotor shaft end and/or the rotor wheel hub is formed with a central recess, which acts as a thermal choke. A closing plug is arranged in the respective recess, forming a closed cavity with the recess and closing off the recess toward the respective end face. The solder connection is formed between the end faces of the rotor wheel hub and the rotor shaft, between the closing plug and the rotor wheel hub, and between the closing plug and the rotor shaft.
US09869177B2 Device for anchoring in multilayer soil
The invention relates to an anchoring device wherein a positioning plate (5), intended for bearing on the ground surface, is mounted onto a hollow rod (2). The rod consecutively supports, from the positioning plate (5) to the free end (22), at least one helical force disk (6) then one helical penetration disk (8). Said anchoring device is characterized in that the rod extends after the helical penetration disk opposite the plate (5). Said anchoring device is moreover characterized in that a bit (4) is placed on the free end of said rod so that a first portion of the rod (2), capable of being screwed into at least one first ground layer, extends from the plate (5) to the helical penetration disk and moreover so that a second portion of the rod (2), capable of being anchored in a second ground layer, extends from the helical penetration disk (8) to the bit (4).
US09869176B2 Downhole to surface data lift apparatus
Data may be collected from a wellbore by retrievably deploying a data receiver tool to a location proximate a gauge located in the wellbore, where the gauge comprises a sensor used to collect data from the well and where the location is at a distance sufficient to allow wireless data communication between a first wireless data transceiver and a gauge wireless data transceiver; securing the data receiver tool at that location; transmitting data from the gauge memory to the data receiver tool; and storing the transmitted data in the data receiver tool writeable memory.
US09869171B2 Nanofiber strain gauge sensors in downhole tools
A downhole drilling tool may include a strain gauge inside a rolling-bearing element. For example, the downhole drilling tool may include a rolling-bearing element having an inner race, an outer race, and one or more bearings disposed between the inner and outer races; and a strain gauge disposed on an interior surface of the rolling-element bearing, the strain gauge including at least one circuit formed by (1) a first substrate and a second substrate defining a gap therebetween and having first conductive fibers and second conductive fibers, respectively, extending therefrom into the gap in an intermingling configuration, (2) an electrical connection between the first and second substrates, and (3) an electrical resistance sensor arranged within the electrical connection.
US09869170B2 Methods of controlling water production in horizontal wells with multistage fractures
A method for controlling water passage from an interval undergoing hydraulic fracturing to another interval in the same or a different well bore. The method introduces a relative permeability modifier at a pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture and fracture face in the subterranean formation surrounding the interval during fracturing. The method can reduce the water passage between two or more intervals of a well bore and between two or more well bores. The method can reduce the amount of water produced from a well, which reduces the processing necessary to remove water from the hydrocarbons produced from the well.
US09869167B2 Carbon dioxide-based geothermal energy generation systems and methods related thereto
A system comprises an injection well in communication with an underground reservoir containing a native methane-containing solution at a first temperature, a production well in communication with the reservoir, a supply system providing a non-water based working fluid to the injection well at a second temperature lower than the first temperature, wherein exposure of the working fluid to the native fluid causes a portion of methane to come out of solution to form a production fluid of at least a portion of the working fluid and the portion of methane, and exposure to the first temperatures heats the production fluid to a third temperature higher than the second temperature, wherein the heated production fluid enters the production well, and an energy recovery apparatus in communication with the productions well for converting energy in the production fluid to electricity, heat, or a combination thereof.
US09869165B2 Plunger lift arrangement
A plunger for extraction of hydrocarbon fluids from a gas well system wherein the plunger is arranged to move upwardly and downwardly in an arrangement of inner tubing within the gas well system. The plunger comprises an elongated housing sleeve having a longitudinally directed bore, an elongated central chamber within the longitudinally directed bore, the central chamber having a plug nestable seat at each end thereof; and a plug displacably arranged within the central chamber so as to seal the bore during travel of the plug in a first direction in the inner tubing, and to permit flow of fluid through the plunger as the plunger travels in a second direction in the inner tubing.
US09869164B2 Inclined wellbore optimization for artificial lift applications
A system for removing liquids from an inclined wellbore includes a plug member positioned within a heel section of the inclined wellbore, the plug member including an orifice therethrough; a first tubular member having a first end for providing fluid flow from the first portion of the wellbore to the second portion of the wellbore, a second end positioned at least partially within the second portion of the wellbore and providing fluid flow from the first portion of the wellbore to the second portion of the wellbore; a second tubular member positioned within the second portion of the wellbore, the second tubular member having a first end for receiving fluid from the second portion of the wellbore, the second end positioned adjacent the surface of the inclined wellbore; and a pump for pumping fluid from the second tubular member to the surface.
US09869158B2 Deep water drilling riser pressure relief system
A deep water drilling riser pressure relief system includes a drilling riser extending from a surface down to a BOP stack arranged subsea. The drilling riser comprises a drilling riser slip joint, an annular preventer arranged below the drilling riser slip joint, and at least one pressure relief device arranged in a lower part of the drilling riser. The at least one pressure relief device is configured to open so as to discharge a fluid from the drilling riser to the sea if a pressure difference between an inside and an outside of the drilling riser exceeds a predetermined threshold.
US09869147B2 Subsea completion with crossover passage
A system for producing or injecting fluids through a tubing hanger connected with a tubing string. The system includes a subsea tree with a tree flow passage and a tree annulus flow passage. The system includes a spool assembly separate from the subsea tree that includes a body with a spool longitudinal passage. The spool assembly also includes a spool lateral flow passage extending laterally from the spool longitudinal passage and configured to transfer the fluids to or from the tree flow passage. The spool assembly also includes a spool annulus flow passage in fluid communication with an annulus. The system includes a mating hub connection between the spool assembly and the subsea tree. The mating hub connection includes a connection configured to fluidly connect the spool lateral passage and the tree passage and an annulus connection configured to fluidly connect the spool annulus passage with the tree annulus passage.
US09869145B2 Actuated arm for use with a shaker
A system and method include a shaker configured to separate solids from a drilling fluid, the shaker having a screen assembly, and an actuated arm operatively coupled to the shaker, the actuated arm configured to interact with the screen assembly of the shaker. The actuated arm is configured to interact with the screen assembly of the shaker, with the actuated arm configured to remove, to inspect, to clean, to repair, or to replace the screen assembly of the shaker.
US09869144B2 Gate elevator
A shoulder elevator having a gated pipe opening is disclosed. The elevator has a ringed body having unclosed sector creating an opening for receiving a pipe within the body ring. Pivotally mounted gates positioned on opposite sides of the unclosed sector of the ringed body, move in unison to an open and partially close the unclosed sector of the ringed body around the pipe in response to pipe contact with rearward end of the gates. A lever is provided to manually pivot the gates to an open and closed position around a pipe. Lifting lugs or ears are provided to attach the elevator to the lifting links of a hoist.
US09869142B2 Torque anchor for blocking the rotation of a production string of a well and pumping installation equipped with such a torque anchor
A torque anchor intended to block the rotation of a production string with respect to a casing of a well; the torque anchor comprising a body and anchor cassettes comprising a wheel having a circumference and a wheel spindle supporting said wheel, a contact point of the circumference of the wheel being intended to come into contact with the casing, an opposite point being arranged diametrically opposite the contact point.For each anchor cassette, the wheel is mounted on the end of the wheel spindle; a positioning angle comprised between 30° and 180° being defined between a first straight line passing through the center of the casing and the contact point and a second straight line passing through the center of the casing and the opposite point.
US09869140B2 Steering system for drill string
A technique facilitates directional drilling of boreholes. A steerable system has a plurality of actuator pistons slidably mounted in a mechanical structure. The mechanical structure comprises a radially inward portion containing ports to deliver a portion of drilling mud to the plurality of actuator pistons. The mechanical structure also has a radially outward portion positioned to define a main flow passage extending longitudinally through the steerable system between the radially inward portion and the radially outward portion of the mechanical structure.
US09869136B2 Driveshaft clamping assembly
A clamping assembly may include a split-ring device and bearing for coupling to a driveshaft. The split-ring device may comprise split-ring shells having protrusions on an interior radial surface for positioning in grooves adjacent to radial protrusions on the driveshaft. In some aspects, the split-ring shells may include tabs corresponding to cavities on a first bearing for coupling the split-ring shell to the first bearing. In other aspects, the split-ring shells may be sized to create one or more gaps when positioned on the driveshaft. The first bearing may include one or more corresponding tabs for positioning in the one or more gaps created by the split-ring shells. A second bearing may be threadably coupled to the first bearing to suppress the axial and rotational movement of the clamping assembly separate from the driveshaft.
US09869126B2 Variable diameter stator and rotor for progressing cavity motor
A mud motor for use in a wellbore may include a stator and rotor. The tolerance between the stator and rotor may be varied along the length of the mud motor to, for example, reduce wear of the stator at predetermined locations. The tolerance may range from an interference fit to a clearance fit. The tolerance may vary multiple times across the length of the mud motor.
US09869125B2 Latch for ladder or step stool
A step stool or ladder includes a latch that engages a cross member to prevent a step from disengaging from the cross member. The curved end of the latch has a tail that provides additional weight to the end of the latch that engages the cross member and allows for decreased tolerances in manufacturing the latch. The other end of the latch has a knob that extends through an opening in the step so that the latch is accessible and to give visual cues to the user. The knob also maintains the latch in its position in the opening in the step. A bent out portion of the latch midsection serves to limit the amount of travel between the knob and the bent portion. The latch rotates on the portion of the latch between the bent portion and travel limiter and the knob attached to the latch.
US09869124B2 Motorized gearbox assembly with through-channel design
A method of retrofitting a window covering with a motorized tilting assembly. The method includes removing a tilt rod from a blinds tilting mechanism and introducing the motorized tilting assembly into the blinds tilting mechanism. The assembly includes a motor, a gearbox having an internal enclosure and an external enclosure, and an output shaft. The internal enclosure encloses gears, and the external enclosure encloses the internal enclosure. The output shaft includes a through-channel and extends through the internal enclosure and the external enclosure. The method further includes: selecting a tilt rod adapter having an internal shape complementary to the tilt rod and an external shape complementary to the through-channel of the output shaft; inserting the tilt rod adapter into the output shaft; and reinstalling the tilt rod such that the tilt rod passes completely through the output shaft and the tilt rod adapter.
US09869123B2 Attic entrance insulation cover
An attic-insulation cover designed to cover access doors leading into attic spaces, such as scuttle holes and vertical attic doors includes an attic insulation flange or border for placement over the attic opening frame, the attic insulation flange having a first top end and a second bottom end, an attic insulation jacket having a top wall, parallel side walls, parallel end walls and a bottom panel; and a closure device at the second bottom end of the attic-insulation flange for connecting the attic insulation flange and the attic insulation jacket.
US09869120B2 Programming of paired authorization codes in wireless transmitter and barrier operator prior to use by end user
Disclosed herein is a method including manufacturing a barrier opening system comprising a barrier operator, and at least one wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting commands to the barrier operator. Prior to delivery of the barrier opening system to an end user, an authorization code is programmed into the at least one wireless transmitter. Also prior to delivery of the barrier opening system to the end user, the barrier operator is placed into a learn mode. The authorization code is then transmitted to the barrier operator while the barrier operator is in the learn mode, using a transmitter external to the barrier opening system. The barrier operator then exits the learn mode. The barrier operator is thereafter packaged together the at least one wireless transmitter.
US09869111B1 Tent pole weight system
A tent pole weight system for erecting a tent includes a tent that has a plurality of poles. Each of the poles has a pair of ends. A plurality of weight units is provided. Each weight unit is selectively coupled an associated one of the ends of an associated one of the poles. Thus, each of the weight units retains the associated pole in a selected position.
US09869109B2 Drilling rig mast erection system
A drilling rig mast erection system includes a mast support shoe that is fixedly attached to a drilling rig substructure and has a support shoe pinned connection. A bottom mast section has a first mast pinned connection that is adapted to be pivotably connected to the support shoe pinned connection. A mast positioning apparatus is adapted to pivotably position the bottom mast section so that the first mast pinned connection is positioned adjacent to the support shoe pinned connection. The mast positioning apparatus includes a bottom mast support spreader having a first end that is adapted to be pivotably connected to the bottom mast section at a first spreader end pinned connection and a mast erection apparatus having a first end that is adapted to be pivotably connected to the bottom mast support spreader at a first mast erection apparatus pinned connection.
US09869108B2 Utility or meter pole top reinforcement method and apparatus
An apparatus for reinforcing an upstanding utility/meter pole having a worn top includes an elongated brace adapted to bear against the pole near a top end of the pole. A washer plate is disposed in overlying relation to the elongated brace. A front support is secured to an opposite side of the pole by an elongated bolt that extends diametrically through the pole and is engaged by a nut to secure the brace and front support in sandwiching relation to the pole. Additional embodiments are designed to reinforce cross arms secured to the utility pole.
US09869107B2 Pole arrangement
A pole arrangement comprising: —a pole (2) with a tubular external wall (4) of sheet metal; —a foundation (5) with a cavity (7) for receiving a lower section (8) of the external wall (4) of the pole; —a wedge element (6) for securing the pole in the cavity by wedging; and —a reinforcement element (23) mounted to a part of the section (8) of the external wall (4) of the pole received in the cavity, in order to counteract buckling of this part. The wedge element bears against the external wall of the pole through supporting projections, wherein there are free spaces between the supporting projections in order to allow parts of the external wall of the pole to be pressed into some of these spaces when the external is buckled in connection with a collision. The reinforcement element (23) is arranged at an axial distance from an upper opening (9) of the cavity in order to allow, in connection with a collision against the pole, buckling of the part of the external wall of the pole located between the reinforcement element and the opening of the cavity.
US09869106B2 Concrete construction of modular design
The invention relates to a concrete construction of modular design, comprising at least two upright precast concrete wall elements (7, 7′, . . . , 7′″) which are arranged next to one another and, where appropriate, above one another and have two narrow sides, an upper and a lower side and a front and a rear side, wherein a first honeycomb support (1) is anchored in one of the narrow sides and the opposite narrow side has a recess or depression (8) in which a further honeycomb support (1′) is anchored in such a way that, when mounting the narrow sides of the two precast concrete wall elements (7, 7′), the two honeycomb supports (1, 1′) can be connected by connecting means (9) with the formation of the vertical joint (16).
US09869105B2 Alignment structure for a wireless charging station
A wheel guide for a vehicle charging station includes front and back sides, and a top extending between the front and back sides. The top defines an aperture sized to circumscribe a wireless transmitter of the charging station. The wheel guide further includes a pair of spaced apart wheel slots recessed into the top. Each wheel slot includes an entrance defined in the front side and a pair of longitudinal walls extending from the entrance toward the back side. At least a portion of each of the walls is configured such that a slope of the wall is shallowest at the entrance and becomes increasingly vertical in a direction towards the back side to guide a wheel of a vehicle towards a centerline of the slot.
US09869103B1 Low profile circular drain with water stop for swimming pool
A sump drain includes a ring-shaped chamber having an inner sidewall with a diameter of at least about 18 inches and an outer sidewall, and a circular opening between the sidewalls preferably about an inch wide and optionally having a grid cover. Preferably the inner sidewall has a number of ports extending inwardly to radial conduits to a central hub for tying into a pool or spa filtering system, with the central hub operating as a clean out and having a removable cap. Upon installation, plaster substantially fills the space between the chamber and the central hub, such that the sump drain attractively blends in with the pool or spa floor. When installed, the top opening is preferably substantially flush with the pool or spa floor while being safely unblockable. And the sump drain preferably further includes channels both outboard and inboard from the chamber top opening and around the central hub, to help prevent water from passing through the plaster into the shotcrete of the pool or spa.
US09869100B2 Underlayment for a floor
An underlayment for a floor includes a dimpled substrate having a generally planar top side, an opposed bottom side, and a plurality of dimples formed therein. Each dimple is bounded by a dimple wall, and includes a dimple opening along the top side. A smoothing layer is bonded beneficial to the top side of the dimpled substrate and overlays and occludes the dimple openings.
US09869093B2 Roof vent for supporting a solar panel
A roof vent for supporting a solar panel is provided. The roof vent includes a vent member and a solar panel support element. The vent member is sized and shaped to mimic the appearance of a roof cover element. The vent member includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion separated from the lower portion by a gap. The solar panel support element is attached to the vent member.
US09869092B1 Adjustable rebar positioning device
A rebar positioning device with opposite ends for positioning adjacent to a form face of at least one form panel may include a support rod having opposite ends and an outer surface, with at least a portion of the outer surface being threaded. At least one bar clip may be movably mounted on the support rod. An orientation of the at least one bar clip on the support rod is adjustable, and a position of the at least one bar clip on the support rod is adjustable.