| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09891980B2 |
Aggregated page fault signaling and handline
A processor of an aspect includes an instruction pipeline to process a multiple memory address instruction that indicates multiple memory addresses. The processor also includes multiple page fault aggregation logic coupled with the instruction pipeline. The multiple page fault aggregation logic is to aggregate page fault information for multiple page faults that are each associated with one of the multiple memory addresses of the instruction. The multiple page fault aggregation logic is to provide the aggregated page fault information to a page fault communication interface. Other processors, apparatus, methods, and systems are also disclosed. |
| US09891979B2 |
Dynamically adjusting a log level of a transaction
A method dynamically adjusts a log level of a transaction. The method includes: buffering the most detailed logs of a transaction having highest log level into a memory; checking if all dependency-defined transactions within a dependency list/tree for the transaction are completed; and, in response to the completion of all dependency-defined transactions within the dependency list/tree for the transaction, obtaining a log filter level for the transaction in association with the transaction results (success/failure) of dependency-defined transactions, wherein the log filter level is a new log level for the transaction. |
| US09891976B2 |
Error detection circuitry for use with memory
Various implementations described herein may refer to and may be directed to error detection circuitry for use with memory. In one implementation, an integrated circuit may include a memory array having a plurality of rows of memory cells, where a respective row is configured to store a data word and one or more check bits corresponding to the data word. The integrated circuit may also include inline error detection circuitry coupled to the respective row and configured to generate one or more flag bit values based on a detection of one or more bit errors in the data word stored in the respective row. The integrated circuit may further include error correction circuitry configured to correct the one or more bit errors in the data word stored in the respective row in response to the one or more generated flag bit values. |
| US09891975B2 |
Failure prediction system of controller
From an error information containing a content of a correctable error that has occurred in a controller of a failure prediction system and an ID of the controller and manufacturing information of a machine to which the controller is attached, a failure of a controller belonging to a group of controllers in which such an error as indicated in the error information has not occurred yet is predicted. |
| US09891973B2 |
Data storage system durability using hardware failure risk indicators
Methods, apparatuses, systems, and devices are described for improving data durability in a data storage system. In one example method of improving data durability, a hardware failure risk indicator may be determined for each of a plurality of data storage elements in the data storage system. The method may also include storing one or more replicas of a first data object on one or more of the plurality of data storage elements, with a quantity of the one or more replicas and a distribution of the one or more replicas among the plurality of data storage elements being a function of the hardware failure risk indicators for each of the plurality of data storage elements. In some examples, the hardware failure risk indicators may be dynamically updated based on monitored conditions, which may result in dynamic adjustments to the quantity and distribution of the data object replicas. |
| US09891969B2 |
Method and apparatus for device state based encryption key
An apparatus and a method for encrypting and decrypting data in a device are provided. The apparatus includes a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to transmit a data command from an application to an encryption driver that executes in a kernel space, determine if the application is authenticated to perform the data command based on an access policy, transmit, when the application is authenticated, a first key to a cryptographic library that executes in an application space, and perform the data command based on the first key after receiving a response via the cryptographic library. The first key is stored in an encryption driver in the kernel space and is not available to applications in the application space. |
| US09891965B2 |
Multi-window control method and electronic device supporting the same
A multi-window control method and an electronic device supporting the same is provided. The multi-window control method includes changing a size of at least one specific window among a plurality of windows, and altering a focus to the at least one specific window based on a changed size of the at least one specific window. |
| US09891964B2 |
Network traffic processing
As disclosed herein a method, executed by a computer, for providing improved multi-protocol traffic processing includes receiving a data packet, determining if a big processor is activated, deactivating a little processor and activating the big processor if the big processor is not activated and an overflow queue is full, and deactivating the big processor and activating the little processor if the big processor is activated and a current throughput for the big processor is below a first threshold or a sustained throughput for the big processor remains below a second threshold. The big and little processors may be co-located on a single integrated circuit. An overflow queue, managed with a token bucket algorithm, may be used to enable the little processor to handle short burst of data packet traffic. A computer program product and an apparatus corresponding to the described method are also disclosed herein. |
| US09891963B2 |
System and method for optimizing user notifications for small computer devices
A system and method for notifying users in a manner that is appropriate for the event and the environment for the user. The method of the present invention relates to determining the desired properties of an event and assigning varying notification characteristics to that event. Profiles are created of the various events, wherein each profile relates to a different mode or situational environment, such as a meeting environment, an office or normal environment, a louder outside-type environment, etc. The invention further relates to placing the small computer device in a particular mode, either automatically or manually. Once in a particular mode the device provides notifications according to that mode. |
| US09891962B2 |
Lock management system, lock management method and lock management program
Provided is a lock management system, a lock management method and a lock management program whereby lock acquisition and release processes can be carried out at high speed.A lock management system 1 having a multiprocessor includes: a lock acquisition process 310 for carrying out a lock acquisition process for a thread according to one or more lock modes, at least a portion of the lock modes being a shared lock that can be acquired by one or more threads; and lock status holding means 410 for managing the number of threads acquiring a lock, by first information which can express the number of threads by one word that can be handled by an indivisible access command of the multi-processor, and second information representing a whole range of the number of threads that can possibly acquire a lock in each lock mode. |
| US09891961B2 |
Load distribution apparatus, load distribution method, storage medium, and event-processing system
This invention implements appropriate load distribution in an event-processing system, that includes: a plurality of event generators that generate events and transmit the events to an allocation apparatus, and a plurality of allocation apparatuses that receive events from one or a plurality of event generators and transmit the received events to a processing apparatus. The load distribution apparatus includes an acquiring unit that is configured to acquire a reception status, or a transmission status, these status representing information about receiving or transmitting of the events. The load distribution apparatus also includes an updating unit that is configured to update the allocation apparatus specified for the specific event generator to another allocation apparatus, on the basis of the reception status or the transmission status, so that a load applied to the allocation apparatus is leveled among the plurality of allocation apparatuses. |
| US09891959B2 |
Stage-aware performance modeling for computer cluster sizing
A method, apparatus, and computer program product for configuring a computer cluster. Job information identifying a data processing job to be performed is received by a processor unit. The data processing job to be performed comprises a plurality of stages. Cluster information identifying a candidate computer cluster is also received by the processor unit. The processor unit identifies stage performance models for modeled stages that are similar to the plurality of stages. The processor unit predicts predicted stage performance times for performing the plurality of stages on the candidate computer cluster using the stage performance models and combines the predicted stage performance times for the plurality of stages to determine a predicted job performance time. The predicted job performance time may be used to configure the computer cluster. |
| US09891953B2 |
Dynamic resource configuration based on context
Aspects of the disclosure allocate shares of processing resources or other physical resources among virtual machines (VMs) operating as, for example, virtual desktops on a plurality of host computing devices. Allocations of resources are adjusted based on the user activity, VM activity, and/or application activity detected by an agent executing on each VM. Allocated shares may be boosted, unboosted, or normalized, depending on the type and duration of detected activity, by a resource allocation manager executing on a management server. |
| US09891950B2 |
Scheduling MapReduce tasks based on estimated workload distribution
A method for scheduling MapReduce tasks includes receiving a set of task statistics corresponding to task execution within a MapReduce job, estimating a completion time for a set of tasks to be executed to provide an estimated completion time, calculating a soft decision point based on a convergence of a workload distribution corresponding to a set of executed tasks, calculating a hard decision point based on the estimated completion time for the set of tasks to be executed, determining a selected decision point based on the soft decision point and the hard decision point, and scheduling upcoming tasks for execution based on the selected decision point. The method may also include estimating a map task completion time and estimating a shuffle operation completion time. A computer program product and computer system corresponding to the method are also disclosed. |
| US09891946B2 |
Dynamic relocation of applications in a cloud application service model
Software that performs the following steps is provided: (i) running an application on a first virtual machine on a first physical server, with the application including a first plurality of independently migratable elements, including a first independently migratable element that utilizes a first computing resource on the first virtual machine and a second independently migratable element that utilizes a second computing resource on the first virtual machine; and (ii) on condition that a first migration condition exists, migrating the first independently migratable element to a second virtual machine on a second physical server, such that the first independently migratable element is able to utilize a computing resource that is similar to the first computing resource on the second virtual machine on the second physical server while the second independently migratable element remains able to utilize the second computing resource on the first virtual machine on the first physical server. |
| US09891945B2 |
Storage resource management in virtualized environments
Storage resource management in virtualized environments is provided. In this regard, when receiving a request for accessing a target general purpose partition (GPP) in a storage device, partition switching circuitry is configured to determine whether the target GPP equals a current GPP that is accessed by a list of existing requests. The partition switching circuitry adds the request into the list of existing requests if the target GPP equals the current GPP. Otherwise, the partition switching circuitry waits for the list of existing requests to be executed on the current GPP before switching to the target GPP to execute the request received from a client. By switching to the target GPP after executing the list of existing commands on the current GPP, it is possible to share a plurality of GPPs among multiple clients in a virtualized environment while maintaining data integrity and security in the storage device. |
| US09891940B2 |
Introspection method and apparatus for network access filtering
Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for performing network access filtering and/or categorization through guest introspection (GI) on a device. In some embodiments, this GI method intercepts directly on a device a data message that device is preparing to send, and uses a service appliance to determine whether the data message can be sent. The device in some embodiments is a guest virtual machine (VM) that executes on a multi-VM host computing device along with a service VM (SVM) that is the service appliance that determines whether the data message can be sent based on a set of filtering rules. In some embodiments, the method uses one or more introspectors (e.g., network introspector and/or file introspector) to capture introspection data from the guest VM (GVM) about the data message that the GVM is preparing to send. To perform the network access filtering, the GI method in some embodiments captures contextual information, such as user and application information (e.g., application associated with a particular URL request). Hence, in some embodiments, this method seamlessly processes granular user-aware URL filtering rules (e.g., members of the sales organization can access social networking sites but not other members). This approach requires no additional configuration on networking infrastructure. |
| US09891939B2 |
Application compatibility with library operating systems
Application compatibility is facilitated by use of library operating systems. Library operating systems can encapsulate portions of an application likely to break application compatibility. An application can be bound to a compatible library operating system that operates over a host operating system. Furthermore, library operating system version can be greater than, equal, or less than the version of the host operating system. Consequently, both backward and forward compatibility is enabled. |
| US09891936B2 |
Method and apparatus for page-level monitoring
An apparatus and method for page level monitoring are described. For example, one embodiment of a method for monitoring memory pages comprises storing information related to each of a plurality of memory pages including an address identifying a location for a monitor variable for each of the plurality of memory pages in a data structure directly accessible only by a software layer operating at or above a first privilege level; detecting virtual-to-physical page mapping consistency changes or other page modifications to a particular memory page for which information is maintained in the data structure; responsively updating the monitor variable to reflect the consistency changes or page modifications; checking a first monitor variable associated with a first memory page prior to execution of first program code; and refraining from executing the first program code if the first monitor variable indicates consistency changes or page modifications to the first memory page. |
| US09891931B2 |
Techniques for efficient remote presentation session connectivity and routing
Techniques are disclosed for efficient remote presentation session connectivity and routing. In an embodiment, the roles of a remote presentation session deployment involved in receiving a connection from a client and determining a virtual machine (VM) to serve the client's remote presentation session are consolidated on one or more servers of the deployment that host such VMs. When this consolidated role receives a connection set up communication from a client, it uses information local to it and its server to determine a VM to serve the remote presentation session. Where the deployment comprises a plurality of such servers, the consolidated role may communicate with an inter-server connection broker to determine a different server that will conduct the remote presentation session. |
| US09891930B2 |
Rapid identification of object properties in an evolving domain model of an enterprise application on the cloud
The present disclosure involves systems, software, and computer implemented methods for identifying traits of an object. In one example, a set of traits is identified in an object-oriented system. A set of trait rules is identified. A trait data structure is generated. A set of classes in the object-oriented system is identified. For each class in the set of classes, a metadata structure is constructed. For each trait in the trait data structure, a trait rule in the trait computation rules structure is identified. The trait rule is applied to the particular metadata structure to generate a trait rule result. Whether the particular class has the particular trait is determined based on the trait rule result. In response to a determination that the particular class has the particular trait, the trait data structure is updated. The updated trait data structure indicates that the particular class has the particular trait. |
| US09891926B2 |
Heterogeneous core microarchitecture
Embodiments relate to a heterogeneous core microarchitecture. An aspect includes binding, by an operating system that is executing on a processor comprising a core comprising a heterogeneous microarchitecture comprising two or more flows, a job that is being executed by the operating system to a flow of the two or more flows. Another aspect includes issuing an instruction corresponding to the job with a tag indicating the binding of the job to which the instruction corresponds. Yet another aspect includes executing the instruction by the flow in the core that is indicated by the tag. |
| US09891924B2 |
Method for implementing a reduced size register view data structure in a microprocessor
A method for implementing a reduced size register view data structure in a microprocessor. The method includes receiving an incoming instruction sequence using a global front end; grouping the instructions to form instruction blocks; using a plurality of multiplexers to access ports of a scheduling array to store the instruction blocks as a series of chunks. |
| US09891921B2 |
Data processor selecting a flag out of a plurality of flags generated by an instruction operating on multiple operand sizes in parallel
The RISC data processor is based on the idea that in case that there are many flag-generating instructions, the number of flags generated by each instruction is increased so that a decrease of flag-generating instructions exceeds an increase of flag-using instructions in quantity, thereby achieving the decrease in instructions. With the data processor, an instruction for generating flags according to operands' data sizes is defined. To an instruction set handled by the RISC data processor, an instruction capable of executing an operation on operand in more than one data size, which performs a process identical to an operation process conducted on the small-size operand on low-order bits of the large-size operand, and generates flags capable of coping with the respective data sizes regardless of the data size of each operand subjected to the operation is added. Thus, the reduction in instruction code space of the RISC data processor tight in instruction code space can be achieved. |
| US09891920B2 |
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for generating a dependency vector based on two source writemask registers
Embodiments of systems, apparatuses, and methods of performing in a computer processor dependency index vector calculation in response to an instruction that includes a first and second source writemask register operands, a destination vector register operand, and an opcode are described. |
| US09891918B2 |
Fractional use of prediction history storage for operating system routines
A microprocessor includes a predicting unit having storage for holding a prediction history of characteristics of instructions previously executed by the microprocessor. The predicting unit accumulates the prediction history and uses the prediction history to make predictions related to subsequent instruction executions. The storage comprises a plurality of portions separately controllable for accumulating the prediction history. The microprocessor also includes a control unit that detects the microprocessor is running an operating system routine and controls the predicting unit to use only a fraction of the plurality of portions of the storage to accumulate the prediction history while the microprocessor is running the operating system routine. |
| US09891917B2 |
System and method to increase lockstep core availability
A system and method for increasing lockstep core availability provides for writing a state of a main CPU core to a state buffer, executing one or more instructions of a task by the main CPU core to generate a first output for each executed instruction, and executing the one or more instructions of the task by a checker CPU core to generate a second output for each executed instruction. The method further includes comparing the first output with the second output, and if the first output does not match the second output, generating one or more control signals, and based upon the generation of the one or more control signals, loading the state of the main CPU core from the state buffer to the main CPU core and the checker CPU core. |
| US09891916B2 |
Dynamically updating hardware prefetch trait to exclusive or shared in multi-memory access agent system
A hardware data prefetcher is comprised in a memory access agent, wherein the memory access agent is one of a plurality of memory access agents that share a memory. The hardware data prefetcher includes a prefetch trait that is initially either exclusive or shared. The hardware data prefetcher also includes a prefetch module that performs hardware prefetches from a memory block of the shared memory using the prefetch trait. The hardware data prefetcher also includes an update module that performs analysis of accesses to the memory block by the plurality of memory access agents and, based on the analysis, dynamically updates the prefetch trait to either exclusive or shared while the prefetch module performs hardware prefetches from the memory block using the prefetch trait. |
| US09891915B2 |
Method and apparatus to increase the speed of the load access and data return speed path using early lower address bits
A microprocessor implemented method for resolving dependencies for a load instruction in a load store queue (LSQ) is disclosed. The method comprises initiating a computation of a virtual address corresponding to the load instruction in a first clock cycle. It also comprises transmitting early calculated lower address bits of the virtual address to a load store queue (LSQ) in the same cycle as the initiating. Finally, it comprises performing a partial match in the LSQ responsive to and using the lower address bits to find a prior aliasing store, wherein the prior aliasing store stores to a same address as the load instruction. |
| US09891905B2 |
Utility meter intelligent firmware update system and method
One embodiment describes a utility metering system. The utility metering system includes a utility meter that is communicatively coupled to a utility service provider, in which the utility meter includes firmware. The utility meter stores a firmware update downloaded from the utility service provider, and determines a particular time to update the firmware with the firmware update, in which the particular time is determined based at least in part on historical time of use data, time of use pricing rates, or a combination thereof. The historical time of use data include utility consumption by a consumer over time and the time of use pricing rates include the price per unit of utility charged to the consumer. Additionally, the utility meter updates the firmware at the particular time. |
| US09891900B2 |
Generation of specialized methods based on generic methods and type parameterizations
Generic method specialization represents the ability to specialize generic methods over various types. When implementing generic method specialization an annotated class file may include a generic method declaration that is annotated with specialization metadata indicating elements of the generic method to be adjusted during specialization. The annotated method may be usable directly as an erased method implementation (e.g., to load the method when instantiated with reference types) and may also be usable as a template for specialization. When a generic method is being prepared for execution, such as when it is first invoked during runtime, a specialization method generator function may be used to specialize the generic method based on the specialization metadata in the generic method declaration. The specialization method generator function may use the annotated generic method declaration as a template for specialization. |
| US09891898B1 |
Low-level programming language plugin to augment high-level programming language setup of an SDN switch
A method involves compiling a first amount of high-level programming language code (for example, P4) and a second amount of a low-level programming language code (for example, C) thereby obtaining a first section of native code and a second section of native code. The high-level programming language code at least in part defines how an SDN switch performs matching in a first condition. The low-level programming language code at least in part defines how the SDN switch performs matching in a second condition. The low-level code can be a type of plugin or patch for handling special packets. The sections of native code are loaded into the SDN switch such that a first processor (for example, x86 of the host) executes the first section of native code and such that a second processor (for example, ME of an NFP on the NIC) executes the second section of native code. |
| US09891893B2 |
System and method for a development environment for building services for a platform instance
An improved system and method are disclosed for creating a configuration for a platform instance using a development environment that has a graphical user interface (GUI). The method includes creating a service to be run by the platform instance and providing a graphical representation of a block library containing available blocks that are available for use by the service. Input is received via the GUI identifying at least some of the available blocks as selected blocks, where the selected blocks are to be run by the service. Input is received via the GUI arranging the selected blocks into an order of execution. The development environment generates and stores at least one configuration file containing the order of execution for use by the platform instance. |
| US09891892B2 |
Method and device for producing a computer program product for a mobility device and mobility device
An assignment of at least one state variable to a respective graphic object is carried out as a function of a user input. An assignment of a respective vehicle parameter or personal characteristic to one state variable respectively, which is assigned to the respective graphic object, is carried out as a function of a user input. This takes place with the inclusion of a respective assignment function, which represents an imaging rule of the respective vehicle parameter or personal characteristic onto the respective state variable.The computer program product is generated in an automated manner, specifically such that it is designed for generating a signalizing signal during its run, which signalizing signal is a function of the respective currently provided value of the respective vehicle parameter or personal characteristic, which is assigned to the respective graphic object, and which signalizing signal is designed for signalizing the graphic object or objects corresponding to the respective assignment function relative to the respective currently provided value of the respective vehicle parameter or personal characteristic on an imaging system. |
| US09891886B2 |
Split-path heuristic for performing a fused FMA operation
A microprocessor performs a fused multiply-accumulate operation of a form ±A*B±C. An evaluation is made to detect whether values of A, B, and/or C meet a sufficient condition for performing a joint accumulation of C with partial products of A and B. If so, a joint accumulation of C is done with partial products of A and B and result of the joint accumulation is rounded. If not, then a primary accumulation is done of the partial products of A and B. This generates an unrounded non-redundant result of the primary accumulation. The unrounded result is then truncated to generate an unrounded non-redundant intermediate result vector that excludes one or more least significant bits of the unrounded non-redundant result. A secondary accumulation is then performed, adding or subtracting C to the unrounded non-redundant intermediate result vector. Finally, the result of the secondary accumulation is rounded. |
| US09891885B2 |
Flying display device
A display device includes a display unit, at least a flight unit connected to the display unit, a position information receiving unit obtaining information on a current position of the display device, a sensor unit obtaining information of a user, a flight control unit automatically controlling a flight of the display device, a posture information obtaining unit obtaining posture information of the display device, a main control unit controlling an overall operation of respective components of the display device, a posture correction unit varying an angle of the display device or the display unit, a vibration system, a voice recognition unit, a communication module, an input member transmitting input information to the communication module, a power source unit, an obstacle detection unit, a joint manipulator connecting the at least one flight unit and the display unit, and a connector connecting the display unit and the display device. |
| US09891883B2 |
Methods and system for cue detection from audio input, low-power data processing and related arrangements
Methods and arrangements involving electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablet computers, wearable devices, etc., are disclosed. One arrangement involves a low-power processing technique for discerning cues from audio input. Another involves a technique for detecting audio activity based on the Kullback-Liebler divergence (KLD) (or a modified version thereof) of the audio input. Still other arrangements concern techniques for managing the manner in which policies are embodied on an electronic device. Others relate to distributed computing techniques. A great variety of other features are also detailed. |
| US09891880B2 |
Information display regarding playback queue subscriptions
An example non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed by a control device, cause the control device to perform functions. The functions comprise configuring a first playback device associated with a first user-account to (i) play media content from a playback queue comprising one or more audio tracks stored at a network location and (ii) enable one or more other user-accounts associated with other playback devices to subscribe to the playback queue. The functions further comprise receiving an indication that a second user-account associated with a second playback device has subscribed to the playback queue. The functions further comprise in response to receiving the indication, displaying a subscriber indicator on the control device showing that the second user-account has subscribed to the playback queue. An example control device and an example method, both related to the example non-transitory computer-readable medium, are also disclosed herein. |
| US09891878B2 |
Information processing system, information processing apparatus, and computer-readable recording medium
An information processing system includes an acquirer configured to acquire, from a printer driver, at least one setting option settable in the printer driver; a generator configured to generate first display information for displaying, on a terminal device, a setting screen that allows setting of the acquired setting option; and a transmitter configured to transmit the first display information to the terminal device. |
| US09891877B2 |
Server apparatus that distributes print data, management method of print data, and storage media
According to an embodiment, a server apparatus includes a storage unit and a control unit. The storage unit correlates print data to a user ID of which a user registers the print data, and stores the correlated print data. The control unit performs controlling such that when the control unit receives a preparation instruction of a sharing access code from a display operating unit, the control unit correlates the sharing access code to a print data designated among the print data registered by the user, and causes the correlated result to be stored in the storage unit. When the control unit receives designation of the sharing access code from the display operating unit, the control unit reads out information relating to the print data correlated to the sharing access code from the storage unit, and causes the read-out information to be displayed on the display operating unit. |
| US09891874B2 |
Non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing distributed printing control program, and distributed printing control apparatus
Provided is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for controlling distributed printing to be executed in a distributed printing system including at least plural image forming apparatuses. The program, when being executed, causes an apparatus in the distributed printing system to perform the following processing of controlling distributed printing. The processing includes dividing a print job into job portions, and distributing the job portions to virtual queues corresponding to the image forming apparatuses, respectively. The processing further includes sequentially sending, to each of the image forming apparatuses, job portions in the corresponding virtual queue, in accordance with a status of job processing of the each of the image forming apparatuses, and moving one or more job portions from one to another of the virtual queues so as to keep a ratio of the numbers of job portions remaining in the virtual queues constant. |
| US09891873B2 |
Print system, display control device, display control method, and non-transitory computer readable medium that specifies a storage medium to be replaced
A print system includes a memory, a replacement information output unit, and a display controller. The memory includes plural storage media that store image data to be supplied to a printer. The replacement information output unit receives, from each of the plural storage media, attribute information representing an internal state of the storage medium, and outputs information specifying a storage medium that needs to be replaced among the plural storage media by using the attribute information. The display controller receives the information output by the replacement information output unit and performs control to display, on a display, for the storage medium specified by the information, information indicating a physical position of the storage medium in the memory and indicating that the storage medium needs to be replaced. |
| US09891868B2 |
Charging processing system, charging processing method, and recording medium
A charging processing system includes: a receiving unit configured to receive a request to execute a first function which a first device has, from a second device that does not have the first function; a function executing unit configured to execute the first function; and a charging processing unit configured to perform charging processing such that an amount of charge for execution of the first function is larger as there is a larger difference between a performance with regard to the first function and a performance of the second device or a performance with regard to a second function which has a lower performance than the first function and which the second device does not have. |
| US09891867B2 |
Protocol for interaction between wireless devices and other devices
A proxy software service determines all I/O devices independent of subnet location, on a network; provides a network interface on a wireless subnet that can receive and respond to requests; responds to such requests for each I/O device so identified so that the I/O device is available to the wireless device user for device selection; transfers and translates, if necessary, the IPP stream received from the wireless device to the network address of the I/O device so that the I/O device simulates a compliant I/O device; and transfers and translates, if necessary, all necessary status and command messages from the present protocol to the protocol supported by a legacy I/O device. |
| US09891859B1 |
Systems and methods for managing non-volatile memory based on temperature
Systems and methods for managing data in non-volatile memory devices across a large range of operating temperatures are provided. Embodiments discussed herein selectively reprogram previously programmed data at a temperature that better enables the data to be read regardless of where within the range of operating temperatures the data is being read. Circuitry and methods discussed herein can keep track of a program temperature associated with each portion of non-volatile memory and use this information along with other criteria to selectively perform temperature based moves of data. This enables a mechanism for data to programmed in out-of-bounds temperature ranges to be reprogrammed within an in-bounds temperatures range so that a temperature delta between the reprogrammed temperature and the read operation temperature is below a threshold that ensure efficient and error free read operations to be performed. |
| US09891854B2 |
Memory management method
A method for managing main memory including DRAM and NVRAM in a computer depending on the operation state of the computer is provided. The method includes: (a) upon start of the computer, loading a program and the like into the DRAM, and loading predetermined read-only data and the like into the NVRAM; (b) in a state transition from a normal operation to a suspend state, moving data in the DRAM to the NVRAM; (c) in a state transition from the suspend state to the normal operation, reading data from the NVRAM for program execution; (d) in the case where a data write to the NVRAM occurs, stopping the data write, and moving data in a data area of the NVRAM subjected to the data write, to the DRAM; and (e) performing the data write to the DRAM to which the data has been moved. |
| US09891853B1 |
Memory calibration abort
A method and apparatus for selective calibrations of a memory subsystem is disclosed. The memory subsystem includes a memory and a memory controller. The memory controller is configured to periodically perform calibrations of a data strobe signal conveyed to the memory and a reference voltage used to distinguish between a logic 0 and a logic 1. The memory subsystem is also coupled to receive a clock signal (e.g., at the memory controller). If a pending change of frequency of the clock signal is indicated to the memory controller during performance of a periodic calibration, the reference voltage calibration may be aborted prior to or during the performance thereof, while the data strobe calibration may be completed. |
| US09891849B2 |
Accelerated recovery in data replication environments
A method for accelerating recovery in a data replication environment includes maintaining a secondary out-of-sync bitmap for a secondary volume. The secondary out-of-sync bitmap indicates which storage elements on the secondary volume are not synchronized with storage elements on a primary volume. The method further generates, for the primary volume, a tracking bitmap indicating which storage elements on the primary volume need to be updated with data from the secondary volume. This tracking bitmap is initialized with values from the secondary out-of-sync bitmap. Upon receiving a write from the secondary volume to a storage element on the primary volume, the method resets the corresponding bit in the tracking bitmap. Upon receiving a write from a host system to a storage element on the primary volume, the method also resets the corresponding bit in the tracking bitmap. A corresponding system and computer program product are also disclosed. |
| US09891834B2 |
Writing data spanning plurality of tape cartridges
A method includes, in a tape apparatus system, receiving a request to write a file from a host, and, in response to the request, dividing sequentially received data of the file into two or more segments. Each of the two or more segments have a predetermined size. The method further includes sequentially writing a series of the two or more segments onto one or more tapes, and determining the predetermined size based on a capacity use efficiency of a plurality of other tapes and a time to copy when a spanning file, written by spanning on the one or more tapes, is copied to the plurality of other tapes. A corresponding computer program product and computer system are also disclosed. |
| US09891833B2 |
Eliminating garbage collection in nand flash devices
A storage device, such as a NAND flash device, avoids the need for garbage collection. An application executing on a host system tracks data objects that are marked as invalid and maintains an association between data objects and logical blocks, each logical block corresponding to a physical block of memory in the NAND flash device. Upon determining that the logical block contains no valid objects, the application instructs an SSD to trim the physical block of memory corresponding to the logical block. The application also aggregates write commands until a full block of data is ready to be written, at which point the application transmits a write command to the SSD. |
| US09891831B2 |
Dual data storage using an in-memory array and an on-disk page structure
The subject matter disclosed herein provides methods for the dual storage of data using an in-memory array and an on-disk page structure. An in-memory array holding a column of data can be maintained. One or more pages can be maintained. Each of the one or more pages can have one or more rows for storing the column of data. Random access can be provided to a subset of the one or more rows by at least loading the subset of rows from the one or more pages to the in-memory array without loading all of the rows from the one or more pages. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described. |
| US09891828B2 |
Tiered storage system, storage controller, and tiering control method
According to one embodiment, a tiered storage system includes a first storage device, a second storage device and a storage controller. The first and second storage devices are positioned as an upper tier and a lower tier, respectively. The storage controller transfers data of q physical extents in the second storage device to q free physical extents in the first storage device, when an access request from a host computer designates access to one or more logical blocks including a first logical block, the first logical block is included in a first logical extent, and the first logical extent belongs to an extent group including q logical extents to which the q physical extents are allocated. |
| US09891827B2 |
Multiprocessor computing apparatus with wireless interconnect and non-volatile random access memory
A fan-less Multiprocessor-Computing-Apparatus (MCA) housed in a Metallic-Enclosure (ME) acting as an electromagnetic-Shield for wireless-communications/interconnects (WLI) among components of MCA enabling the whole-range-frequencies from lows of 10-HZs to highs of GHZ and beyond to be able to address almost unlimited Shared-Memory-Units (SMUs) by each processor with each SMU permanently tuned to send/receive data at a particular frequency. The ME is dust-proofed and filled with clean-air/vacuum for efficient-and-reliable WLI. The ME also acts as a heat-sink with the components of MCA placed on Circuit-Boards are mounted on inside in a plane parallel to the respective side of the ME of any required size and shape and heat producing components are firmly attached to the ME, which is waterproofed and placed-under-water for cooling. The SMUs are made up of static non-volatile Random Access Memory that can be read-from and written-to optically. |
| US09891824B2 |
Sub-block input/output (I/O) commands for storage device including byte stream buffer
Embodiments relate to sub-block input/output (I/O) commands in a computer storage device. An aspect includes receiving a plurality of I/O commands on an I/O interface of the computer storage device, the computer storage device comprising a byte stream buffer module comprising a plurality of byte stream buffers, a block buffer module comprising a plurality of block buffers, and a main storage comprising a plurality of fixed-size storage blocks. Another aspect includes processing the plurality of I/O commands by the computer storage device. Another aspect includes a block write command comprising a command to write an amount of write data having a size equal to one of the plurality of a fixed-size storage block. Another aspect includes a sub-block write command comprising a command to write an amount of write data having a size that is less than a size of a fixed-size storage block. |
| US09891819B2 |
Apparatus and method for inputting character using touch screen in portable terminal
A method of inputting characters in a portable terminal is provided. The method includes displaying a plurality of characters on a keyboard, detecting a touch on the keyboard, displaying one character corresponding to a key corresponding to the touch on the keyboard as enlarged relative to other characters upon detecting the touch, displaying the character, which is displayed enlarged when detecting a release of the touch, in a character input area upon detecting a release of the touch on the keyboard, and displaying a plurality of recommended words in a vicinity of the keyboard based on characters which have been inputted so far, at least one of the plurality of recommended words comprising the characters which have been inputted so far. |
| US09891816B2 |
Method and mobile terminal for processing touch input in two different states
A method and a mobile terminal for processing touch input are provided. The mobile terminal has a rectangular touch screen with long sides and short sides. The mobile terminal having two state: a first state in which only the short sides are parallel with a horizontal surface and a second state in which only the long sides are parallel with the horizontal surface. The method comprises the following steps of: obtaining from the touch screen a gesture in a first direction as input by a touch object on the touch screen when the mobile terminal is in the first state; triggering a first touch command in response to the gesture in the first direction; obtaining from the touch screen a gesture in a second direction as input by the touch object on the touch screen when the mobile terminal is in the second state, the second direction being the same as the first direction; and triggering the first touch command in response to the gesture in the second direction. According to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to achieve a uniform operation gesture for the same operational instruction by means of self-conversion of the mobile terminal, such that the user experience can be improved. |
| US09891815B2 |
Device having touch screen and three display areas
A device which includes: a housing that has a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface; a touch screen that is disposed on the third surface of the housing; at least one display that is a display, which is disposed inside the housing and has a first display area performing display on the first surface and a second display area performing display on the second surface; and a controller that displays a screen according to a first operation in the first display area if the first operation is detected by the touch screen of the third surface, and displays a screen according to a second operation different from the first operation in the second display area if the second operation is detected by the touch screen of the third surface. |
| US09891810B2 |
Collaboration for network-shared documents
Disclosed are various embodiments for facilitating collaboration among users for network-shared documents. A computing environment can identify that a particular identifier was used in a communication regarding a file being accessible on various client devices. A suitable task to perform in association with at least one of the plurality of client devices can be identified based on the identifier and a determination can be made whether performance of the task would comply with at least one compliance rule. In response to the performance of the task complying with the at least one compliance rule, the task can be performed. |
| US09891809B2 |
User terminal device and controlling method thereof
A user terminal device is provided. The device includes a display configured to display a screen including an object, a detector configured to detect a user drawing input which is input on the object or in an area surrounding the object, a controller configured to, in response to the user drawing input being detected, execute a program corresponding to the object and display, on the display, a screen where the user drawing input is processed as an input of the program. Accordingly, the operations of the user terminal device may be controlled conveniently. |
| US09891808B2 |
Interactive user interfaces for location-based data analysis
Various systems and methods are provided that display various geographic maps and depth graphs in an interactive user interface in substantially real-time in response to input from a user in order to determine information related to measured data points, depth levels, and geological layers and provide the determined information to the user in the interactive user interface. For example, a computing device may be configured to retrieve data from one or more databases and generate one or more interactive user interfaces. The one or more interactive user interfaces may display the retrieved data in a geographic map, a heat map, a cross-plot graph, or one or more depth graphs. The user interface may be interactive in that a user may manipulate any of the graphs to identify trends or current or future issues. |
| US09891807B1 |
Determining usefulness of a data alert
An alert may provide a user with notification when a trigger condition regarding the operation of an enterprise is satisfied. Prior to setting the alert, a proposed alert with the trigger condition may be received. The trigger condition may be compared with a database of operational data related to operation of the enterprise over a period of time to obtain historical trigger data. The historical trigger data may indicate how the proposed alert would have functioned if applied to the operational data for the period of time, for example, by indicating how many times the alert would have been triggered during the period of time. The historical trigger data may be provided to a user, and may facilitate user determination of whether the proposed alert will perform as desired. Once the desired proposed alert has been entered, the user may set the proposed alert as an actual alert. |
| US09891806B2 |
Assignment rotator
A method and data processing system for linking a plurality of data structures of a data processing system with a plurality of elements of a man-machine interface (MMI) are provided. The method includes the steps: provision of an MMI with a plurality of elements, arranging a plurality of data structures in a list, selection of an element of the MMI by a user, automatic linking of a first data structure from the list with the selected element of the MMI, and setting the beginning of the list to the data structure that follows the previously linked data structure in the list. The steps of selection of an element of the MMI by a user, automatic linking of a first data structure from the list with the selected element of the MMI, and setting the beginning of the list to the data structure are carried out repeatedly. |
| US09891802B2 |
Checkbox mass editing
Methods and systems for selecting multiple rows, columns, and/or cells are described. A user opens or otherwise accesses a file or document containing multiple rows, columns, and/or cells. The user hover a cursor or pointer over a particular row, column, or cell, or the user touches a particular row, column, or cell on a touchscreen. A single checkbox appears for that particular row, column, or cell. When the user selects that checkbox, unselected checkboxes for the other rows, columns, or cells appear. From there, the user can choose to select all the checkboxes or just some of the checkboxes to perform a mass action on the selected rows, columns, or cells. |
| US09891799B2 |
Game program, computer control method, and information processing apparatus
A computer-implemented method for operating a computer game involving moving a plurality of objects. A game screen on which a plurality of objects are displayed may be displayed on a touchscreen. If a swipe operation is detected, a plurality of the objects may be moved. If a swipe operation is detected while a touch operation that specifies any of the plurality objects is also being detected, the plurality of objects excluding the object specified with the touch operation are collectively moved in a direction indicated by the swipe operation. |
| US09891798B2 |
Face image tracking system
A face image tracking system for a site includes a storage unit storing face images of persons that were acquired when the persons visited the site, an imaging unit configured to capture a face image of a person when the person requests deletion of a face image of the person stored in the storage unit, and a processing unit configured to extract one or more stored face images that have at least a threshold similarity to the face image of the person captured by the imaging unit, and delete one of the extracted face images from the storage unit. |
| US09891792B1 |
Method and system for building and utilizing interactive software system predictive models using biometric data
Biometric data is collected to obtain more detailed, connected, and reliable feedback data from users of an interactive software system that has a more empirical and objective basis. The biometric data is then used to create emotional pattern predictive model data representing emotional pattern predictive models associated with users of the interactive software system. The individual emotional pattern predictive models associated with multiple users of the interactive software system are then analyzed and processed to generate emotional pattern profile data for categories of users. These biometric data based predictive models are then used for targeted product diagnosis, targeted interventions, targeted marketing/upsell attempts, and grouping and analysis of feedback and user categories and feedback sources. |
| US09891784B2 |
Apparatus and method of displaying medical image
A method of displaying a medical image includes displaying a first image that is generated by rendering volume data of an object in a first direction, displaying on the first image a viewer tool for generating a second image, wherein the viewer tool indicates a section of the object, generating the second image by rendering sub-volume data included in the volume data in a second direction which is different from the first direction and indicated by the viewer tool, and displaying at least a part of the second image. |
| US09891783B2 |
Navigation system for a 3D virtual scene
A navigation system for navigating a three-dimensional (3D) scene that includes a model or object with which a user can interact. The system accommodates and helps both novice and advanced users. To do this, the system provides scale GUIs that are positioned in the view and show the view position in the scene. |
| US09891782B2 |
Method and electronic device for providing user interface
An electronic device that uses a method of providing user interface is provided. The method includes detecting a first touch input within a predetermined distance from an edge of a touch screen, displaying a first cursor at a position spaced away from the first touch input in response to the first touch input, detecting a movement of the first touch input in a first area, the first area being mapped to a screen of the touch screen and determined according to a position where the first touch input occurs, and moving the first cursor in the same manner as the movement of the first touch input in the first area. |
| US09891778B2 |
Image forming apparatus
A touch key of an operation console includes a circuit board (310) having a light source (312, 314), a light transmitting portion (322) transmitting light, a non-transparent light shielding portion (324) and a semi-transparent operation panel (300) covering upper surfaces of the light transmitting portion and the light shielding portion. The light transmitting portion accommodates the light source. The surfaces of light transmitting portion and light shielding portion in contact with each other are tightly sealed, and the circuit board (310) and the light shielding portion (324) cover the light transmitting portion (322) such that the light is emitted only from the surface in contact with the operation panel (300). Thus, leakage of light from around a figure indicating a touch key can be prevented, and the operation console comes to have a high-class look. |
| US09891777B2 |
Method for manufacturing touch-panel conductive sheet, and touch-panel conductive sheet
An object of the invention is to provide a method for more easily manufacturing a touch-panel conductive sheet in which end portions of lead-out wires are collected on one surface side of a substrate with high productivity, and a touch-panel conductive sheet. The method for manufacturing a touch-panel conductive sheet of the invention includes: forming, on a rear surface of a substrate, first detection electrodes and rear surface-side wires of which one ends are electrically connected to the first detection electrodes and the other ends have first pad portions, and on a front surface of the substrate, second detection electrodes, second lead-out wires which are electrically connected to the second detection electrodes, and second pad portions which are arranged at positions opposed to the first pad portions via the substrate; forming through holes penetrating the first pad portions, the substrate, and the second pad portions; and producing through wires which electrically connect the first pad portions and the second pad portions by filling the through holes with a conductive material to form first lead-out wires which include the rear surface-side wires and the through wires and are electrically connected to the first detection electrodes. |
| US09891775B2 |
Touch-sensitive display device with metal electrodes in a mesh pattern
Disclosed herein is a touch-sensitive display device comprising: a first set of metal electrodes including a first metal electrode; a second set of metal electrodes including a second metal electrode and a third metal electrode, the first metal electrode located between the second metal electrode and the third metal electrode such that the second metal electrode is physically separated from the third metal electrode; a first set of touch electrodes including a first touch electrode that is connected to the first metal electrode; a second set of touch electrodes including a second touch electrode and a third touch electrode, the second touch electrode connected to the second metal electrode and the third touch electrode connected to the third metal electrode; an insulation film having a plurality of contact holes; and a connection electrode electrically connecting the second metal electrode to the third metal electrode through the plurality of contact holes. |
| US09891771B2 |
Providing hover touch on a touch panel and method for driving the touch panel
A touch panel includes touch electrodes and a touch driver configured to apply a driving signal to the touch electrodes to form sensing capacitors comprising the touch electrodes, the touch driver configured to sense a change in an amount of charge caused by the sensing capacitors. The touch driver is configured to distinguish hovering and floating based upon a result of sensing the time change in an amount of charge. The touch driver is configured to apply a highest level of the driving signal to a hovering electrode corresponding to a hovering position from among the touch electrodes. |
| US09891765B2 |
Method and apparatus for data transmission via capacitance sensing device
A system made up of a first device which includes a communication interface and a processing device and a second device which includes a touch sensor assembly and a controller, where the controller uses the touch sensor assembly to communicate with the processing device through a capacitor that is jointly formed by the touch sensor assembly and a conductive portion of the communications interface. |
| US09891763B2 |
Current feedback techniques for capacitive sensing
Examples of the present disclosure generally provide current feedback techniques for capacitive sensing with an input device. A processing system for an input device includes an operational amplifier having a non-inverting input, an inverting input, and an output. A voltage source is coupled to the non-inverting input. A first voltage-controlled current source is coupled between the output and the inverting input to form a feedback path. A second voltage-controlled current source is coupled to the output and configured for modifying a charge on a capacitor based on a control voltage at the output. A determination module is coupled to the capacitor and configured for determining a capacitance measurement at the inverting input based on the charge on the capacitor. |
| US09891761B2 |
Touch sensing device and touchscreen device
There are provided a touch sensing device and a touchscreen device. The touch sensing device includes: a driving circuit applying a driving signal having a predetermined first period to a node capacitor; a buffer circuit converting capacitance of the node capacitor into a voltage signal; a buffer capacitor being charged and discharged depending on an output voltage from the buffer circuit; and an integration circuit integrating voltages charged in the buffer capacitor, wherein, in a normal touch mode, the buffer circuit integrates capacitance of the node capacitor to generate the voltage signal, and, in a proximity touch mode, the buffer circuit generates the voltage signal by following the voltages charged in the node capacitor. |
| US09891754B2 |
Method for controlling display and device using the same
Disclosed is a method for controlling a display and a display using the same. The method includes: detecting the approach of a user's hand to the display unit, determining a user's input hand shape; and displaying a display screen corresponds to the determined user's input hand shape. Through the present invention, a user may render a higher menu list and a lower menu list to be displayed on one screen, and may control display screen shift direction and speed, merely by performing a finger extending and folding action. Further, the user may control the size of a display screen by inputting the finger extending and folding action. |
| US09891747B2 |
Multi-touch sensitive display device and method for assigning touch identification therein
A disclosed method for assigning a touch identification in a multi-touch sensitive display device is includes applying a touch driving signal to touch sensors of a touch screen and generating raw touch data, detecting touch points based on the raw touch data and respectively assigning temporary identifications (IDs) to the touch points, grouping the touch points based on a difference in distances between the touch points to form touch groups, and forming adaptive touch groups respectively based on the touch groups. The method also includes setting a comparison block including one or more of the adaptive touch groups contacting or overlapping each other, and matching the temporary ID assigned to one of the touch points within the comparison block in the current frame to one of a plurality of touch IDs within the comparison block in a previous frame. |
| US09891740B2 |
High density sensor module
A high-density sensor module includes a substrate with a printed circuit board, a first supporting member disposed on a upper surface of the printed circuit board, the first supporting member includes at least one first sensing channel with a first right sidewall, at least one sensor disposed on the first right sidewall and electrically connected to the printed circuit board, and at least one first conductive unit arranged in the first sensing channel. The angle between the first right sidewall and the upper surface of the printed circuit board is not less than 90°. When the first conductive unit is subjected to a pressure from outsides, the first conductive unit slides along a direction toward the upper surface of the printed circuit board and presses the sensors, and the pressure is conductive from the first conductive unit to the sensor. The sensing density and sensing resolution are enhanced. |
| US09891739B2 |
Deformable touch and strain sensor
Various examples of deformable sensors are disclosed. In one example, a deformable sensor comprises a ground electrode comprising a plurality of spatially separated lines, and a set of individually-indexed signal channels interdigitated with the spatially separated lines, each individually-indexed signal channel comprising a stretchable conductive path encapsulated in an elastomeric material. |
| US09891736B2 |
Vibrating device and electronic device using same
In an embodiment, a surface of a smartphone 10 is covered with a transparent protective panel 22 supported by rims 16 of a housing 12, and a display device 18 and touch panel 20 are placed in a storage part 14 of the housing 12. The protective panel 22 is constituted by joining a glass plate 22A and resin plate 22B together, and concave parts 30A, 30B are provided on the joining surface side of the resin plate 22B, with piezoelectric vibrating elements 40 placed therein and joined to the glass plate 22A, wherein vibration is transmitted to the surface of the protective panel 22 as surface acoustic waves, demonstrating a haptic function, and also, audible vibration is generated because the modulus of elasticity of the resin plate 22B is lower than that of the glass plate 22A, achieving an operation as a speaker (or receiver). |
| US09891735B2 |
Display device including touch sensing sensor
A display device includes: a substrate; a pixel driving circuit disposed in a first region on the substrate; an encapsulation layer disposed on the pixel driving circuit; a touch sensing layer formed on the encapsulation layer and including a touch sensing sensor; and a touch-driving layer including a touch driving circuit disposed in a second region on the substrate, integrally formed with the pixel driving circuit, and electrically connected to the touch sensing sensor to apply a signal thereto. |
| US09891732B2 |
Selective rejection of touch contacts in an edge region of a touch surface
The selective rejection of touch contacts in an edge region of a touch sensor panel is disclosed. In addition, by providing certain exceptions to the rejection of edge contacts, the functionality of the touch sensor panel can be maximized. Contacts in edge bands around the perimeter of a touch sensor panel can be ignored. However, if a contact in the edge band moves beyond a threshold distance or speed, it can be recognized as part of a gesture. To accommodate different finger sizes, the size of the edge band can be modified based on the identification of the finger or thumb. Furthermore, if contacts in the center region of a touch sensor panel track the movement of contacts in the edge band, the contacts in the edge band can be recognized as part of a gesture. |
| US09891731B2 |
Touch panel, method of producing the same, optical thin film substrate and method of producing the same
A touch panel of the present invention includes: a cover substrate; a connector being provided on an area of the cover substrate other than a display area, and including a color layer and a shield layer, the shield layer being formed from a multilayer structure, the multilayer structure being configured so that a metal layer and a dielectric layer which is thicker than the metal layer are alternately laminated; and a touch panel substrate being arranged to face the cover substrate with the connector interposed therebetween. |
| US09891728B2 |
Device having touch panel, radar apparatus, plotter apparatus, ship network system, symbol specifying method and symbol specifying program
A touch panel device displays a nautical chart and symbols indicating waypoints arranged on the nautical chart. The touch panel device detects touch operations at two or more positions on the display screen and touched positions thereof. The touch panel device creates an area on the display screen based on the two or more detected touched positions, specifies one or more of the symbols located within the created area, and performs cut processing and the like on the one or more of the symbols. |
| US09891720B2 |
Systems and methods for providing functionality based on device orientation
Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media can determine a first orientation in which a computing system is positioned. A first functionality can be provided when the computing system is positioned in the first orientation. It can be determined that the computing system becomes positioned in a second orientation. A second functionality can be selected, out of a set of functionalities, based on a current state associated with the computing system. The second functionality can be provided when the computing system becomes positioned in the second orientation. |
| US09891718B2 |
Devices for measuring finger motion and recognizing hand gestures
This invention can be embodied in a wearable device or system for measuring finger motion and recognizing hand gestures comprising a distal loop which encircles the intermediate phalanx of a finger, a proximal loop which encircles the proximal phalanx of the finger, a joint-spanning strip which connects these two loops, and a bend sensor which is part of the joint-spanning strip. Changes in energy transmitted through, or generated by, the bend sensor are used to measure the motion and/or configuration of the proximal interphalangeal joint. |
| US09891716B2 |
Gesture recognition in vehicles
A method and system for performing gesture recognition of a vehicle occupant employing a time of flight (TOF) sensor and a computing system in a vehicle. An embodiment of the method of the invention includes the steps of receiving one or more raw frames from the TOF sensor, performing clustering to locate one or more body part clusters of the vehicle occupant, calculating the location of the tip of the hand of the vehicle occupant, determining whether the hand has performed a dynamic or a static gesture, retrieving a command corresponding to one of the determined static or dynamic gestures, and executing the command. |
| US09891713B2 |
User input processing method and apparatus using vision sensor
A method and apparatus for processing a user input are provided. The method includes: determining a type of the user input based on a change amount of an input image; and processing the user input based on the determined type. |
| US09891711B1 |
Human machine interface with haptic response based on phased array LIDAR
A device and a method for a human machine interface (HMI). The HMI device includes a dome having a hemispherical shape, a base attached to the dome forming an inverted cup like structure with a hollow interior, a chip scale lidar attached on the base and positioned to scan for a motion of an object external to the dome, at least one haptic device attached to the base and connected to the dome, and an HMI controller configured to send and receive signal from the chip scale lidar, detect and recognize a gesture based on the signal from the chip scale lidar, and activate or deactivate the at least one haptic device. |
| US09891706B2 |
Mobile terminal and control method therof
A mobile terminal including a wireless communication unit configured to provide wireless communication; a camera configured to obtain an image of at least one user; a display configured to display the image obtained by the camera; and a controller configured to extract a gaze direction of the at least one user from the captured image, and display a guide image for guiding the gaze direction based on the extracted gaze direction on the display unit in proximate relationship with the camera. |
| US09891705B1 |
Automatic boresighting of head-worn display
A system and method for automatic boresighting of a head-tracking system for a HWD or HUD accesses georeferenced pose (position/orientation) data of an aircraft or other mobile platform from a georeferenced head-tracker and platform-referenced head pose data (based on fiducial markers within the aircraft cockpit) from the inertial measurement units of an optical, magnetic, or optical/magnetic platform-referenced head tracker (PRHT) and determines misalignments of the PRHT relative to the boresighted inertial reference system (IRS) of the aircraft. Based on the determined misalignments and accessed data, the IMUs of the PRHT may be updated and aligned with the aircraft boresight. Misalignments of head-mounted fiducial markers with the boresighted IRS may be determined for updating the alignment of an optical head-tracker fixed relative to the aircraft cockpit. |
| US09891698B2 |
Audio processing during low-power operation
A system may configure at least a low power engine (LPE) and network interface circuitry when transitioning from an active state to a low-power state. The network interface circuitry may be configured to receive information from a network and to store any received information containing audio information into a memory location. The LPE may be configured to monitor the memory location, to retrieve the stored information from the memory location, to generate audio information based on the stored information and to provide the audio information to audio circuitry for playback. It is also possible for the LPE to receive audio information from the audio circuitry, to generate information for transmission based on the audio information and to store the information into a second memory location. The network interface circuitry may then retrieve the stored information from the second memory location and transmit the information to the network. |
| US09891694B2 |
Reducing power consumption of volatile memory via use of non-volatile memory
A method includes initiating a transition from an operating mode to a sleep mode at an electronic device that includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. In response to the initiating, data is copied from the volatile memory to the non-volatile memory and a portion of the volatile memory is disabled. Another method includes determining that a low performance mode condition is satisfied at an electronic device that includes a volatile memory that stores a first copy of read-only data and a non-volatile memory that stores a second copy of the read-only data. A memory mapping of the read-only data is updated from the volatile memory to the non-volatile memory. A portion of the volatile memory that stores the first copy is disabled and access of the read-only data is directed to the non-volatile memory instead of the volatile memory. |
| US09891689B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit that determines power saving mode based on calculated time difference between wakeup signals
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor integrated circuit includes the following configuration. A arithmetic processing circuit includes a first processor core performing arithmetic processing and a common unit containing a cache memory storing data and programs, and the first processor core or the common unit is divided into a first circuit and a second circuit. The first clock gating circuit supplies or stops a clock to the first circuit. The first power switch supplies or cuts off a power supply voltage to the first circuit. The second clock gating circuit supplies or stops the clock to the second circuit. The second power switch supplies or cuts off the power supply voltage to the second circuit. The controller controls the clock gating circuits and the power switches. |
| US09891688B2 |
Method for operating at least two data processing units with high availability, in particular in a vehicle, and device for operating a machine
A method for operating at least two data processing units with high availability, in particular in a vehicle, is provided. A first data processing unit and a second data processing unit can each provide the same function to an extent of at least 60 percent or at least 90 percent. The second data processing unit removes automatically at least one entry for a process to be executed from a memory unit or automatically places itself into a standby mode. |
| US09891687B2 |
Image forming apparatus, system-on-chip (SoC) unit, and driving method thereof
An image forming apparatus is connected to a host device including first and second power domains which are separately supplied with power and includes first and second memories to be disposed in the second power domain, a main controller disposed in the first power domain and to perform a control operation using the first memory in a normal mode, and a sub-controller disposed in the second power domain and perform a control operation using the second memory in a power-saving mode, where when the normal mode is changed to the power-saving mode a power supply to the first power domain is shut off, the first memory operates in a self-refresh mode, and the main controller copies central processing unit (CPU) context information into a context storage unit, and when the power-saving mode is changed to the normal mode, the main controller is booted using the CPU context information stored in the context storage unit. |
| US09891681B2 |
Adaptive graphics subsystem power and performance management
Examples are disclosed for adaptive graphics subsystem power and performance management including adjusting one or more power management or performance attributes for a graphics subsystem for a computing platform based on a comparison of a current quality metric to a target quality metric. The current and target quality metric to be separately determined based on current and target quality of service (QoS) values for power management and performance for at least portions of the computing platform. |
| US09891679B2 |
Single phase redundant power supply systems for reducing phase current imbalances
A single phase redundant power supply system may include a first power supply having an input coupled to a first phase voltage in a polyphase power distribution system and an output coupled to a load for supplying an amount of DC power to the load, and a second power supply having an input for coupling to a second phase voltage in the polyphase power distribution system and an output coupled to the load for supplying an amount of DC power to the load. At least the first power supply is configured to reduce phase current imbalances in the polyphase power distribution system by adjusting the amount of DC power supplied to the load by the first power supply and the amount of DC power supplied to the load by the second power supply. |
| US09891677B2 |
Skin based system cooling using internal system fan
A system and method for improving the cooling of the skin of an information handling system. More specifically, in certain embodiments, the information handling system comprises an air moving device positioned to generate boundary layer disruption on the external skin of the system. In certain embodiments the air moving device is located within the information handling system. |
| US09891667B2 |
Connectable module and electronic device including the same
A connectable module used in a wearable electronic device is provided. The connectable module includes a first elastic part disposed to exert a specific elastic force against a pressure applied in a side direction, a second elastic part disposed to exert a specific elastic force against a pressure applied in a vertical direction, and a main body connected to the first elastic part and the second elastic part. |
| US09891665B2 |
Wearable smart device
A wearable smart device have a display, a body configured to support the display by having a prescribed curvature to be worn on a user body of a user, a band configured to be detachably coupled with the body by having a prescribed curvature, a first connector configured to couple a first end portion of the band to the body, the first connector configured to separate the first end portion of the band from the body, and a second connector configured to couple a second end portion of the band opposing the first end portion to the body, the second connector configured to separate the second end portion of the band opposing the first end portion from the body. A first direction for separating the band from the body in the first connector is different from a second direction for separating the band from the body in the second connector. |
| US09891664B2 |
Electronic device having standing unit
Disclosed is an electronic device that includes a standing unit capable of obliquely supporting the main body. The electronic device may include: a main body that includes a first surface on which a display is disposed and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface; a standing unit received in the second surface of the main body so as to be concealed from the outside or extracted from the second surface of the main body so as to obliquely support the main body; and a cover disposed on the second surface of the main body to operate in conjunction with the standing unit, the cover being configured to allow the received standing unit to be hidden and to obliquely support the main body together with the standing unit, and the standing unit may be received in, or extracted from, the second surface by rotational, tensile, and compressive operations. |
| US09891661B2 |
Glare reduction hood for a touchscreen display
A glare reduction hood for a touchscreen display includes an elongated closure structure having an open mounting end and an opposite, open viewing end. The mounting end includes an attacher for attaching and securing the hood to a touchscreen display. The elongated closure structure includes a pierceable panel disposed between the mounting and viewing ends and having an openable and predisposably closed access. The closure structure shields the touchscreen display, the access is pierceable by a piercing object and intimately fitable around the piercing object so that light is unlikely to be transmitted through the access, and the touchscreen display is viewable through the viewing end and contactable via the access. |
| US09891660B2 |
Display device
A display device includes: a display panel; a light source unit, which irradiates the display panel; a frame, which supports the display panel and the light source unit; and a protective plate, which is disposed on a front surface of the display panel, wherein the protective plate provided with: an adhesive member disposed in a peripheral area of the frame and; a fixing member that is supported by the adhesive member at a position corresponding to the adhesive member disposed in the peripheral area of the frame and is fixed to a fitting portion formed in the frame to be fixed to the frame, and wherein the fixing member includes a fall-prevention structure portion to suppress the protective plate from falling from the frame. |
| US09891654B2 |
Secure clock switch circuit
An integrated circuit (IC) having a clock switch that switches the system clock between an internal clock and an external clock based on whether or not the IC has finished downloading device configuration at boot and on whether or not the internal clock is functional. Further restrictions on the use of the external clock are imposed by the clock switch based on a life-cycle state of the IC. The use of the clock switch makes it significantly more difficult for the clock to be tampered with, thereby protecting the security settings of the IC and/or preventing unauthorized access to secure data stored on the IC using an external-clock-based security attack. |
| US09891648B2 |
Switching converter with smart frequency generator and control method thereof
A control method of a switching converter, wherein the switching converter has a main transistor and is configured to provide an output signal. The control method includes: generating a feedback signal indicative of the output signal of the switching converter; generating a clock signal to determine the switching frequency of the main transistor; generating a control signal to control the main transistor based on the clock signal and the feedback signal; and detecting whether the on-time of the main transistor is smaller than a time threshold based on the control signal. If the on-time of the main transistor is smaller than the time threshold, the frequency of the clock signal will be adjusted to regulate the on-time of the main transistor to be equal to the time threshold. |
| US09891646B2 |
Capacitively-coupled hybrid parallel power supply
Operational mode changes in a system-on-a-chip (SoC) integrated circuit in a complex device such as a mobile phone cause spikes in current demand which can cause voltage droops that disrupt operation of the SoC. A hybrid parallel power supply capacitively couples a switching-mode power supply and a low-dropout voltage regulator in parallel to provide high efficiency and fast response times. The low-dropout voltage regulator may include a class-AB operational transconductance amplifier driving the coupling capacitor. The switching-mode power supply and the low-dropout voltage regulator can regulate their outputs to slightly difference voltage levels. This can allow the switching-mode power supply to supply most of the SoC's current demands. |
| US09891645B2 |
Progressive optimization dispatching method of smart distribution system
smart power distribution system and a method to progressively dispatch the power is described. The method steps are all automatic and self-adaptive. The method can be executed in an unattended manner to automatically correlate real time data vs. historical data, planning data vs. operation data. Based on a long cycle periodical variation and short-term random variations in load, and taking into account the temporary load power supply and maintenance needs, a multi-stage progressive multiple time scales optimal dispatching method is developed, including the distributed power, micro-grids, energy storage devices, electric vehicles charge-discharge facility and other elements of the Intelligent power distribution systems, to achieve coordinated operation of the network, power, load resources to ensure a continuous safe and reliable smart power distribution system operated at high quality and efficiency. |
| US09891641B2 |
Equipment having noise elimination function, PLL circuit and voltage/current source
Equipment having a noise elimination function according to embodiments includes a signal generator configured to generate a signal in which a noise component other than thermal noise is discretely included, a noise detecting unit configured to detect the noise component other than the thermal noise discretely included in output of the signal generator, and a signal correcting unit configured to eliminate the noise component detected by the noise detecting unit from the output of the signal generator, and generation of noise other than thermal noise is detected, and a signal from which noise is reliably eliminated is generated. |
| US09891639B2 |
Integrated circuit power supply regulator
The current signature of an electronic function is masked by controlling a current source that supplies power for the electronic function is controlled in a dynamically-varying manner. Excess current is detected and compared to a threshold. If the detected excess current meets the threshold, the operation of the electronic function is modified, for example by controlling a clock. |
| US09891638B2 |
Systems and methods for communicating high speed signals in a communication device
A coupling module can be used to communicate high speed signals between an optical transceiver and a processing module of an optical communication device, such as an optical line termination (OLT) or an optical network unit (ONU). The coupling module can adjust the DC offset voltage level of the signal output by the optical transceiver to the DC offset voltage level required by the processing module. In addition, the coupling module splits the output signal from the optical transceiver and passes the signal to both a high pass filter and a low pass filter that are connected in parallel. The outputs of the high pass filter and the low pass filter are then combined and provided to the processing module. The high pass filter and the low pass filter can be configured such that all frequencies of the signal from the optical transceiver are provided to the processing module. |
| US09891626B2 |
Seismic sensor deployment with a stereographically configured robot
Described herein a robot assisted method of deploying sensors in a geographic region. The method of deploying sensors is posed as a Markovian decision process. The robot assigns each grid cell in a map of the geographic region a reward value based on a surface elevation of the geographic region and a soil hardness factor. Further, the robot determines an action for each grid cell of the plurality of grid cells, wherein the action corresponds to an expected direction of movement of the robot in the grid cell. The robot computes a global path as a concatenation of actions starting from a first grid cell and terminating at a second grid cell. The method monitors the movement of the robot on the computed global path and computes a second path based on a deviation of the robot from the global path. |
| US09891623B2 |
Automated driving system of vehicle
A driving plan of the vehicle is generated based on the map information and the information on the surroundings of the vehicle detected by a detection sensor, and an automated driving operation of the vehicle is controlled based on this driving plan. When a change in the operating state of the engine is predicted from the driving plan, an advanced control of the control command value of the engine operation control device where the control command value of the engine operation control device is made to change is started in advance of the predicted change of the operating state of the engine. When there is a demand for sudden stop of the vehicle contrary to the driving plan of the vehicle, this advanced control is stopped. |
| US09891622B2 |
Driving assistance device
A driving assistance device, including an automated driving switch; an emergency button; and a controller configured to provide either automated driving in which travel is performed along a current travel path of a host vehicle or automated stopping in response to manipulation by a driver of the automated driving switch or of the emergency button. |
| US09891618B2 |
Program correcting device and program correcting method of industrial robot
A program correcting device comprises an executing part which executes a simulation of operation of the robot based on an operating program, a calculating part which calculates a variation with time of a TCP speed from the simulation results, an evaluating part which evaluates a pattern of the calculated variation with time if a minimum value of the TCP speed during the calculated variation with time is a predetermined lower limit value or less, a selecting part which selects a correction scheme of the operating program for increasing the minimum value of the TCP speed from a plurality of correction schemes, in accordance with the evaluation results of the pattern of the variation with time, and a correcting part which corrects the operating program in accordance with the selected correction scheme. |
| US09891612B2 |
Intermediate linear positioning
A system is described for positioning a load in of multiple positions disposed over a linear axis. A linear actuator moves the load into each of the positions. A first position is at an end of the movement, with a second position opposite. A third position is intermediate between the first and the second positions. A stop actuator is made of a configurable material switchable selectively between an engaged configuration, in which the load is positioned in the at least third position, and a disengaged configuration, in which the load is freely movable between the first and the second positions. |
| US09891608B2 |
Portable human-machine interface device
Systems, methods, and software to facilitate management of industrial operations are disclosed herein. In at least one implementation, a portable HMI device is connected to a display system via a video interface, wherein the video interface provides interchangeability between a plurality of different display systems. A plurality of applications is stored in the portable HMI device. A remote navigation interface of the portable HMI device receives a selection transmitted from a remote navigation device, wherein the selection is associated with an industrial operation application of the applications displayed on the display system. The portable HMI device processes the selection of the industrial operation application and responsively executes the industrial operation application to communicate with an application server. A communication interface of the portable HMI device receives industrial operation data associated with the industrial operation application transmitted from the application server over a communication network for display on the display system. |
| US09891607B2 |
Scale and indicator correlation for an adjustment dial
The invention provides consistent settings between local and remote parameter adjustments of both local and remote HMI. A dial (4) is superimposed on a bistable display substrate (2), having an indicator (7) configured to be manually aligned with a displayed character representing a manual setting of a parameter value for controlling local equipment. A network interface (18) is connected over a communications network (17) to a remote HMI (16), configured to receive a new parameter value for controlling the local equipment (25). A controller (14) samples the current position of the indicator (7) of the dial (4), and provides a control input signal (20) to the bistable display substrate (2) to control a display of the new parameter value in the current position of the indicator (7) of the dial (4) and to provide the new parameter value to the local equipment (25). |
| US09891598B2 |
Watch type terminal
There is disclosed a watch type terminal including a frame in which electronic components are mounted, a case configured to cover a lateral area of the frame, a display unit located in a front side of the case, a metal ring arranged in an edge area of a front side of the display unit, a window provided in a front side of the metal ring and configured to cover the display unit, a clock hand installed between the window and the display unit, a driving unit provided in a back side of the display unit, connected to one end of the clock hand through the display unit, and configured to vary the position of the clock hand, and a controller implemented to control the display unit, so that the user may see and tells the time even in case the display unit is turned off and the external design is improved. Even when the display unit is deactivated, the user may be provided with time information. |
| US09891595B2 |
Systems and methods for operating an energy-efficient display
Described systems and methods allow minimizing energy use and increasing battery life of a wearable device such as a smartwatch, by optimizing the way an image displayed to the user is updated in response to an event. In some embodiments, an image of each display object (e.g., clock hand, text, weather symbol, fitness icon) is individually stored in an image cache, such as a processor register or a separate section of memory. A new, updated on-screen image is computed dynamically, by combining cached images of the respective display objects. When the appearance of a current display object must change in response to the event, an updated image of the respective object is cached for future use. |
| US09891594B2 |
Heterogeneous sampling delay line-based time to digital converter
A delay line-based time to digital converter includes: a coarse counter for counting a pulse of a timing clock and measuring a time when an edge of an input signal is detected; a fine time interpolator including a plurality of first delay elements and a plurality of second delay elements, a delay line with the input signal as an input, and a flip-flop unit with outputs of the first delay element or outputs of the second delay elements as inputs and the timing clock as an operation frequency; and a timestamp generator for receiving a digital value on a time measured by the coarse counter and the fine time interpolator, and generating a timestamp on the input signal by using the received digital value. |
| US09891591B2 |
Magnetic clock escapement and device for regulating the operation of a clock movement
A magnetic clock escapement, and a regulating device, the escapement including a first circular network formed by N1 magnetic lines and a second circular network formed by N2 magnetic lines, N2 being different from N1. The first and second networks are superimposed to define a combined pattern having a magnetic Moiré effect. The combined pattern is coupled magnetically to at least one magnet of a resonator to pace operation of a mechanical clock movement. The first magnetic structure is carried by an escapement wheel and can rotate relative to the second fixed magnetic structure with an angular frequency F1. The combined pattern rotates with a greater angular frequency F2 and equal to the angular frequency F1 multiplied by the number N1 and divided by the number ΔN equal to this number N1 minus the number N2, F2=F1·N1/ΔN. |
| US09891589B2 |
Barometer clock
A barometer clock includes a clock face, a clock mechanism, and a spindle located in the face and driven by the mechanism. A barometer mechanism includes a barometric sensor, drive means and drive shaft and a plurality of display members located behind the clock face, each member engaged to the drive shaft by a gear mechanism and rotatable by the shaft in response to a signal by the barometric sensor. The clock face includes an aperture, each display member being rotatable between a respective visible location wherein the display member may be observed through the aperture and a hidden location wherein the display member is concealed by the clock face. The gear mechanisms are adapted to successively move the display members between hidden and visible locations as the drive shaft rotates to provide a display characteristic of weather conditions associated with pressure conditions measured by the barometric sensor. |
| US09891585B2 |
Incoherent fluorescence digital holographic microscopy using transmission liquid crystal lens
A new optical arrangement that creates high efficiency, high quality Fresnel Incoherent Correlation Holography (FINCH) holograms using transmission liquid crystal GRIN (TLCGRIN) diffractive lenses has been invented. This is in contrast to the universal practice in the field of using a reflective spatial light modulator (SLM) to separate sample and reference beams. Polarization sensitive TLCGRIN lenses enable a straight optical path, have 95% transmission efficiency, are analog devices without pixels and are free of many limitations of reflective SLM devices. An additional advantage is that they create an incoherent holographic system that is achromatic over a wide bandwidth. Two spherical beams created by the combination of a glass and a polarization sensitive TLCGRIN lenses interfere and a hologram is recorded by a digital camera. FINCH configurations which increase signal to noise ratios and imaging speed are also described. |
| US09891572B2 |
Paper humidifying apparatus and image forming system
A paper humidifying apparatus includes humidifying rollers, a first drive unit and a controller. The humidifying rollers, forming a pair, are pressed against each other forming a nip portion and apply moisture to a sheet of paper when sandwiching and conveying the sheet of paper. The first drive unit which makes the humidifying rollers separate from each other or press against each other. The controller controls the first drive unit. The controller controls the first drive unit so as to make the humidifying rollers separate from each other and receive the sheet of paper, and after a tip of the sheet of paper passes a position corresponding to the nip portion, the controller controls the first drive unit so as to make the humidifying rollers press against each other to apply moisture to the sheet of paper. |
| US09891571B2 |
Post-processing device and image forming apparatus
A post-processing device includes a processing stacking portion that allows media to be stacked thereon; a binding member that performs a binding process on the media; a medium ejection portion on which the media ejected from the processing stacking portion are stacked and which moves upward and downward; and a pressing member that presses an upper surface of the media on the medium ejection portion. When media that have not been subjected to the binding process are stacked on the medium ejection portion, the pressing member and the media are brought into contact with each other. When media that have been subjected to the binding process are stacked on the medium ejection portion, the pressing member and the media are disposed further away from each other than when media that have not been subjected to the binding process are stacked on the medium ejection portion. |
| US09891570B2 |
Image forming device, image forming system, and image forming method
There are included an image forming unit for forming an image on continuous paper, a continuous paper conveying unit for conveying the continuous paper, and a control unit for controlling the image forming unit and the continuous paper conveying unit, wherein, after conveyance is started by the continuous paper conveying unit in printing preparation and before printing is started, the control unit is enabled to perform meandering prevention approach control of stabilizing conveyance of continuous paper that is being conveyed, and allows switching between performance and non-performance of the meandering prevention approach control and/or changing a level of the meandering prevention approach. |
| US09891567B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An embodiment of an image forming apparatus includes a first image forming unit including a photosensitive drum and a fur brush for cleaning toner on the photosensitive drum and a second image forming unit including a photosensitive drum and a fur brush for cleaning toner on the photosensitive drum. In at least one embodiment for image formation, the fur brush in the first image forming unit and the fur brush in the second image forming unit start at different timings. |
| US09891566B1 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device according to an embodiment includes a first rotating body, a pressing unit, an urging member, a base body section, a screw shaft section, and a rotation regulating section. The pressing unit includes a belt, a second rotating body, and a supporting frame. The supporting frame supports the second rotating body. The urging member urges the pressing unit in a direction in which the second rotating body approaches the first rotating body. The base body section is rotatable around an axis. The shape of a cross section of the base body section orthogonal to an axial direction is a noncircular shape. The screw shaft section projects from the base body section and regulates a movement of the pressing unit in a direction in which the pressing unit approaches the first rotating body. The rotation regulating section comes into contact with the outer surface of the base body section to regulate the rotation of the base body section. |
| US09891565B1 |
Fixing member, fixing apparatus and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
The present invention is directed to providing a fixing member that can form high quality electrophotographic images. The fixing member includes a substrate, an elastic layer on the substrate and a surface layer bonded to the elastic layer with an adhesive layer. The surface layer contains a fluorine resin. The surface layer having a thermal resistance in the thickness direction of 3.0×10−5 m2·K/W or more and 1.3×10−4 m2·K/W or less and the peel adhesion strength between the surface layer and the elastic layer is 3.0 N/cm or more and 20.0 N/cm or less, while the elastic layer undergoes a cohesive failure in a peel test between the surface layer and the elastic layer and the fluorine resin contains a tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoroethyl vinyl ether copolymer, the polymerization ratio of perfluoroethyl vinyl ether in the copolymer being 3.0 mol % or more and 5.8 mol % or less. |
| US09891559B2 |
Transfer apparatus and image forming apparatus
Certain embodiments provide a transfer apparatus, which including: an conductive intermediate transfer member; a transfer section configured to secondarily transfer a toner image onto an image receiving medium in a constant current system; a conveyance section configured to convey the image receiving medium; and a high voltage transformer configured to apply a bias to the transfer member, wherein the sum of the products of the volume resistivities [Ω·cm] and the thicknesses [cm] of the intermediate transfer member and the transfer member is equal to or greater than 3.6×108 Ω·cm2, and the conveyance speed V[mm/s] of the image receiving medium={the output upper limit value A[V] of the absolute value of the voltage output from the transfer polarity side of the high voltage transformer}×0.009. |
| US09891557B2 |
Image formation apparatus having intermediate transfer belt speed control
An image formation apparatus includes: an intermediate transfer belt that carries and conveys a developer image formed by an image formation section; a driver that conveys the intermediate transfer belt in a predetermined direction; a transfer device that transfers the developer image carried on the intermediate transfer belt onto a predetermined medium; a first detector that detects a belt conveyance speed, which is the speed of the intermediate transfer belt conveyed; a controller that controls the driver; a conveyer section that conveys the medium to the transfer device; and a second detector that detects a medium conveyance speed, which is the speed of the medium conveyed by the conveyer section. The controller controls driving of the driver on the basis of the belt conveyance speed and the medium conveyance speed. |
| US09891556B2 |
Wet type developing device
A wet type developing device including a developing roller and an anilox roller, the wet type developing device includes: a dual purpose roller being opposite to the surface of the anilox roller, leaving a gap therebetween, upstream of a region of contact between the surfaces of the anilox roller and the developing roller and being in contact with the surface of the developing roller upstream of the region of contact between the surfaces of the anilox roller and the developing roller and being rotationally driven. A surface part of the dual purpose roller is made of a porous member that has flexibility and elasticity. |
| US09891553B2 |
Toner level sensing for a replaceable unit of an image forming device
A method for estimating an amount of toner remaining in a reservoir of a replaceable unit for an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes receiving by processing circuitry pulses from a sensor. The processing circuitry counts the number of the pulses received from the sensor. Upon receiving a request from a controller of the image forming device, the processing circuitry sends to the controller of the image forming device the count of the pulses received from the sensor and resets the count of the pulses received from the sensor. |
| US09891549B2 |
Light scanning apparatus, image forming apparatus, and method of manufacturing light scanning apparatus
A light scanning apparatus, including: a light source configured to emit a light beam; a rotary polygon mirror configured to deflect the light beam emitted from the light source so that the light beam scans on a surface of a photosensitive member in a main scanning direction; a motor configured to rotate the rotary polygon mirror; and a rotational position detection unit configured to detect a magnetic flux change caused by rotation of the motor to generate a rotational position detection signal, wherein an emitting start timing of the light beam from the light source is determined based on the rotational position detection signal in order to maintain a writing start position of the light beam with respect to the photosensitive member in the main scanning direction. |
| US09891548B2 |
Image forming method, toner, and image forming apparatus
An image forming method is provided. The method includes the steps of forming an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductor; developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image with a toner; transferring the toner image onto a recording medium having a smoothness of 20 s or less; and fixing the toner image on the recording medium. The toner exhibits an adhesion force of 100 gf or more, where the adhesion force is the maximum value of a pull force between a layer of the toner and standard paper determined by a tacking test with a probe temperature of 140° C. |
| US09891546B2 |
Ultraviolet-curable liquid developer
An ultraviolet-curable liquid developer containing a cationically polymerizable liquid monomer, a photoinitiator according to formula (1), and a toner particle. In the developer the cationically polymerizable liquid monomer contains a vinyl ether compound, the molar average SP value of the cationically polymerizable liquid monomer is not more than 9.0, the molar average number of functional groups for the cationically polymerizable liquid monomer is at least 1.8, the photoinitiator contains a specified compound, and the content of the specified compound is at least 0.01 mass parts and not more than 5.00 mass parts per 100 mass parts of the cationically polymerizable liquid monomer. |
| US09891541B2 |
Thermal conditioning unit, lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A thermal conditioning unit to thermally condition a substrate, the thermal conditioning unit including: a thermal conditioning element having a first layer, in use, facing the substrate and including a material having a thermal conductivity of 100 W/mK or more, a second layer and a heat transfer component positioned between the first and second layers; and a stiffening member which is stiffer than the thermal conditioning element and configured to support the thermal conditioning element so as to reduce mechanical deformation thereof, wherein the thermal conditioning element is thermally isolated from the stiffening member. |
| US09891529B2 |
Light transmission device and method for semiconductor manufacturing process
A light transmission device is provided. The light transmission device includes a light source, a light transmission module and at least one light regulator. The light transmission module transmits a portion of the light of the light source for implementing a first semiconductor manufacturing process over the wafer. The light source is utilized to implement a second semiconductor manufacturing process over a wafer. The first semiconductor manufacturing process is different from the second semiconductor manufacturing process. The at least one light regulator regulates the light of the light transmission module transmitted to the wafer. |
| US09891528B2 |
Extreme ultraviolet lithography with reduced exposure dose and negative tone development
A method of lithography patterning includes forming a resist layer over a substrate and providing a radiation with a first exposure dose to define an opening to be formed in the resist layer. The opening is to have a target critical dimension CD1 after developed by a negativ-tone development (NTD) process. The method further includes exposing the resist layer to the radiation with a second exposure dose less than the first exposure dose and developing the resist layer in a negative-tone development process to remove unexposed portions of the resist layer, resulting in an opening between resist patterns. A critical dimension CD2 of the opening is greater than CD1 by a delta. The method further includes forming an interfacial layer on sidewalls of the resist patterns. The interfacial layer has a thickness that is substantially equal to half of the delta. |
| US09891524B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, includes forming an energy-ray-curable resin layer containing a sensitizer for increasing sensitivity to exposure light, on an underlayer region including a semiconductor substrate, irradiating the energy-ray-curable resin layer with energy rays to form a lower layer film containing the sensitizer, forming a resist film on the lower layer film, diffusing the sensitizer from the lower layer film into the resist film by thermal treatment, irradiating the resist film in which the sensitizer is diffused with exposure light, and developing the resist film irradiated with the exposure light. |
| US09891521B2 |
Method for depositing thin film
Disclosed herein is a method of depositing a thin film. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method of depositing a thin film, including: a step of forming a protective layer containing silicon on a substrate; and a step of forming a sacrificial layer on the protective layer, wherein the protective layer and the sacrificial layer may include silicon (Si), and the step of forming the protective layer may include a step of supplying a precursor containing silicon and a step of supplying plasma activating a purge gas. |
| US09891519B2 |
Free form fracturing method for electronic or optical lithography using resist threshold control
A computer implemented method of fracturing free form target design into elementary shots for defined roughness of the contour comprises determining a first set of shots which pave the target design and determining a second set of shots to fill the gaps. The dose levels of overlapping shots in the first or second sets of shots are determined so the compounded dose is adequate to the resist threshold, considering the proximity effect of the actual imprint of shots on the insulated target. A dose geometry modulation is applied and rounded shot prints are produced by shots not circular that may overlap. The degree of overlap is determined as a function of desired optimization of fit criteria between a printed contour and the contour of the desired pattern. Placements and dimensions of the shots are determined by a plurality of fit criteria between printed contour and contour of the desired pattern. |
| US09891515B2 |
Projection screen
A projection screen including a substrate, Fresnel structures and a protective layer is provided. The Fresnel structures are located on a surface of the substrate facing an image-source side and arranged along a first direction. Each Fresnel structure extends along a second direction. The protective layer has a first surface facing the image-source side. The first surface has optical microstructures. The optical microstructures are orthographically projected on a reference plane to form orthographic projection patterns. Each of the orthographic projection patterns has a first axis and a second axis substantially perpendicular to each other. The first axis passes through two end points having a maximum distance in the first direction. The second axis passes through two end points having a maximum distance in the second direction. Each of the orthographic projection patterns is symmetry to at least one of the first axis and the second axis. |
| US09891514B2 |
Light source apparatus and projection display apparatus
A light source apparatus and a projection display apparatus according to the present disclosure include: a laser light source; and a multiplexing reflection mirror having a first surface on which a partial reflection coating having a predetermined reflectance is formed, and a second surface on which a total reflection coating is formed, the first surface and the second surface being opposite to each other and formed in a parallel flat shape. The multiplexing reflection mirror is disposed so as to incline toward an optical path of an emission light from the laser light source such that the emission light is incident from first surface. |
| US09891513B2 |
Illumination unit and display
An illumination unit includes: a light source section including a laser light source; an optical-path branching device outputting light incident from the light source section, by branching the light into an outgoing optical path of illumination light and other optical path; a photodetector receiving a light flux that travels on the other optical path; a control section controlling an emitted light quantity in the laser light source, based on a quantity of the light flux received by the photodetector; and a light-quantity-distribution control device disposed between the optical-path branching device and the photodetector on the other optical path, the light-quantity-distribution control device controlling a light quantity distribution in the light flux to be incident upon the photodetector. |
| US09891512B2 |
Image projection apparatus and storage medium storing light source power control program
The image projection apparatus combining lights from first and second light sources to project an image. First and second usable times of a first light source in the apparatus installed respectively in first and second installation positions have a relation that, when the power for the first light source is fixed, the second usable time is shorter than the first usable time. The second usable time shorter than a third usable time of the second light source in the second installation position. The power controller sets, in the second installation position, the power for the first light source to be lower than the power for first light source in the first installation position and set the power for the second light source to be equal to or higher than the power for the second light source in the first installation position. |
| US09891511B2 |
Illumination system and wavelength-converting device thereof
An illumination system includes a solid-state light-emitting element and a wavelength-converting device. A first waveband light is emitted to an optical path by the solid-state light-emitting element. The wavelength-converting device is disposed on the optical path and includes a phosphor plate. The phosphor plate is a solid mixture having a phosphor agent and a binder. The weight percent of the phosphor agent is from 10 to 70, such that the first waveband light is transformed into a second waveband light. Under this circumstance, the efficiency of heat conduction of the phosphor plate is effectively enhanced, thereby enhancing the converting efficiency of the wavelength-converting device, which is strong enough to be applied to rotate with great rigidity. Meanwhile, not only the space requirement is reduced, but also the phenomena of hot spot and heat diffusion are avoided, such that the cost and difficulty of manufacturing the wavelength-converting device are significantly reduced. |
| US09891510B2 |
Method for implementing a device for displaying a real image
Method of using a device for displaying a real image of the head-up display (HUD) type in a passenger compartment comprising glazing, notably laminated glazing, said device comprising a source emitting a beam of radiation of the visible UV or IR laser type or of the light-emitting diode type, directed towards a portion of said glazing comprising a fluorescent material absorbing said radiation and re-emitting light in the visible region, the illumination of said portion by the beam enabling a real image to be displayed on the glazing. |
| US09891507B2 |
Projection type image display device and projection optical system
A system including a light source configured to illuminate light onto an image modulation element; a projection optical system including at least a first lens system and a second lens system configured to project the image modulated by the modulation element; and circuitry configured to shift a position of the first lens system in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the projection optical system based on an optical zoom factor, wherein a position of the image modulation element is unchanged when the circuitry shifts the position of the first lens system. |
| US09891504B2 |
Holding assembly for a camera
A mounting device and system for holding a camera or tool on a surface or a tripod. A camera holder has an upper panel that folds open to expose an adhesive surface on an upper panel to adhere to a wall, while the bottom panel holds metal objects, such as a camera or tools that will attach to a magnetic surface. A tripod adapter for mounting the camera holder has a pocket designed to match the shape of the camera holder for mounting, while leaving the front surface of the camera holder exposed for attachment of the camera. A flexible wraparound silicon or rubber camera adapter or grip can be attached to the camera holder to hold the camera through an elastic grip, rather than magnetic or adhesive means of attachment. |
| US09891503B2 |
Light emitting device including first and second power sources, method of controlling the same, image pickup apparatus, and storage medium
A light emitting device including first and second power sources, which is capable of emitting light without being affected by a charging recycle period. The light emitting device includes an LED as a light emitting section for emitting light, and illuminates an object by light emission from the LED. The light emitting device further includes a first power source and a second power source that is charged by the first power source. Light emission from the LED is controlled using one of the first power source and the second power source as an input power supply according to light emitting current for causing the LED to emit light. |
| US09891497B2 |
Electrochromic device and method for producing electrochromic device
To provide an electrochromic device including: a support; a first electrode formed on the support; a second electrode facing the first electrode, where through-holes are formed in the second electrode; an electrochromic layer disposed in a space between the first electrode and the second electrode; a first electrolyte layer disposed in the space between the first electrode and the second electrode; a second electrolyte layer disposed to communicate with the first electrolyte layer through the through-holes; an inorganic protective layer, which is disposed on a surface of the second electrolyte layer not facing the second electrode, and is configured to shield oxygen and water vapor; and an organic protective layer disposed on a surface of the inorganic protective layer that does not face the second electrolyte layer. |
| US09891494B2 |
Pixel unit and driving method thereof, driving module, display panel and display device
The invention relates to a pixel unit, a driving method of the pixel unit, a driving module of the pixel unit, a display panel and a display device. The pixel unit includes four sub-pixels and a first color filter, a second color filter, a third color filter and a fourth color filter corresponding to the four sub-pixels respectively, the first color filter allows only light of a first color to pass through, the second color filter allows only light of a second color to pass through, the third color filter allows only light of a third color to pass through, and the fourth color filter allows light of n different colors selected from the first color, the second color, and the third color to pass through, wherein n is larger than or equal to 2. |
| US09891492B2 |
Array substrate and liquid crystal display including the same
Array substrate includes a gate line which extends along a first direction, a gate insulating layer which covers the gate line, a data line located on the gate insulating layer and intersects the gate line, a thin-film transistor (“TFT”) which has a control electrode connected to the gate line and an electrode connected to the data line, a pixel electrode connected to the other electrode of the TFT, where the pixel electrode includes branch electrodes, openings are defined between the branch electrodes, each of the openings includes a first bent portion which corresponds to a middle part of the pixel area and a second bent portion and a third bent portion located symmetrically to each other with respect to the first bent portion, and the data line includes a cover region which protrudes toward the pixel area and covers at least part of the pixel area. |
| US09891484B2 |
Transparent conductive film and liquid crystal display (LCD) comprising the same
A transparent conductive film includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer disposed on the first conductive layer, and a third conductive layer disposed on the second conductive layer. The second conductive layer includes silver (Ag) and an alloy element, the alloy element has a smaller atomic radius than the Ag, and a thickness of the second conductive layer is in a range of 20 Å to 60 Å. |
| US09891483B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix pattern, each pixel including a first electrode and a second electrode for generating a transverse electric field, wherein: in a first group of pixels arranged in a line along either a row direction or a column direction, pairs of pixels are arranged repeatedly, each pair of pixels including two adjacent pixels that are different from each other in terms of an electrode structure of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode; and voltages of the same polarity are applied to the two adjacent pixels included in the pair of pixels, and voltages of different polarities from each other are applied to two pixel pairs adjacent to each other in the first group of pixels. |
| US09891481B2 |
Display substrate and display device
The present disclosure provides a display substrate and a display device, which display substrate including a base substrate a plurality rows of subpixel units formed on the base substrate. Each of the subpixel units is of a parallelogram shape including first sides parallel to the row direction and second sides inclined with respect to vertical direction, wherein the vertical direction is perpendicular to the row direction, second sides of subpixel units in the same row have consistent incline direction, and second sides of subpixel units in adjacent two rows have opposite incline directions. With the display substrate provided in the present disclosure, a display mode of two-pixels-two-domains pixel structure may be implemented by designing subpixel units in the display substrate as parallelograms and making subpixel units in adjacent two rows to have opposite incline directions, which allows to effectively increase viewing angle and reduce color shift while the display substrate is used for virtual display. |
| US09891480B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a first substrate comprising a pixel area a first pixel electrode on the pixel area and a second pixel electrode overlapping the first pixel electrode; a second substrate including a common electrode and facing the first substrate; and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first pixel electrode includes first and second sides parallel to a side of the pixel area; third and fourth sides respectively extending from first ends of the first and second sides, inclined with respect to the first and second sides and parallel to each other; and fifth and sixth sides parallel to each other, and connecting the second and first sides with the third and fourth sides, respectively. An acute angle between each of the third to sixth sides, with respect to the first and second sides, exceeds about 135 degrees. |
| US09891477B2 |
Method for manufacturing HVA pixel electrode and array substitute
The present disclosure discloses a method for manufacturing a HVA pixel electrode and an array substrate. The method comprises: a first metal material is deposited on a substrate, and a first conductive metal layer is formed through etching; a first insulating material and a semiconductor material are deposited on a first conductive metal layer, and an intermediate layer is formed through etching; a second insulating material is deposited on the intermediate layer, and a second conductive metal layer is formed through etching; the second conductive metal layer and an exposed part of the intermediate layer are coated with a second insulating material, and contact holes and a three-dimensional insulating structure are formed through etching; the surface of the insulating structure and the exposed parts of other layers are coated with a transparent conductive material, and a transparent conductive layer is formed through etching. A photomasking procedure is saved, and manufacturing cost is saved. The manufacturing time of array substrate can be shortened, the production capacity can be improved, and the penetration of liquid crystal display panel can be improved. |
| US09891474B2 |
Flexible liquid crystal panel and manufacture method thereof
The present invention provides a flexible liquid crystal panel and a manufacture method thereof. The flexible liquid crystal panel comprises a first, a second flexible substrates (1, 3) oppositely located, a first, a second flat layers (11, 31) respectively located at an inner sides of the first, the second flexible substrates (1, 3), a color filter layer (33) located between the second flexible substrate (3) and the second flat layer (31), a spacing retaining wall (5) located on the second flat layer (31), seal glue (7) coated on a side of the spacing retaining wall (5) close to the first flexible substrate (1) and a liquid crystal layer (9); the spacing retaining wall (5) comprises a plurality of transverse parts (51) parallel with one another extending transversely and a plurality of longitudinal parts (53) parallel with one another extending longitudinally, and the transverse parts (51) and the longitudinal parts (53) interlace with one another to separate a plurality of sub pixels, and the liquid crystal layer (9) is filled in closed districts formed by the transverse parts (51) and the longitudinal parts (53) interlacing with one another. |
| US09891473B2 |
Laminated film, organic electroluminescence device, photoelectric converter, and liquid crystal display
Provided is a laminate film having a substrate and at least one thin film layer which has been formed on at least one surface of the substrate, in which at least one of the thin film layer contains silicon atoms, oxygen atoms, and carbon atoms. |
| US09891472B2 |
Electrophoretic light guide plate, backlight unit, display device and display control
The disclosure provides a light guide plate, a backlight unit, a display device and a display control system. The light guide plate has a first operation state and a second operation state. In the first operation state, an upper surface of the light guide plate is a surface where light comes out, and in the second operation state, the upper surface of the light guide plate includes a light exiting region and a non-light exiting region. In the technical solution of the present disclosure, when the display device performs a regional displaying, the light guide plate operates in the second operation state, here the upper surface of the light guide plate includes the light exiting region and the non-light exiting region; light emitted by a light source finally comes out from the light exiting region of the light guide plate after reflections inside the light guide plate. |
| US09891471B2 |
Backlight unit having a lens with refraction and reflection portions
A display device is provided. The display device includes: a substrate; and at least one light assembly separately located on the substrate, wherein the light assembly includes: a light source; and a lens configured to shield an upper surface and a side surface of the light source, wherein the lens includes: a refraction portion separately located on the upper surface of the light source; and a reflection portion separately located at the side surface of the light source. Thereby, the lens includes a reflection portion located at a side surface of the light source, thereby improving light efficiency of a backlight unit. |
| US09891467B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a backlight that emits unpolarized blue light, a reflective polarizing layer which is provided on an emission side of the backlight and converts blue light to linearly polarized light, a quantum rod layer which is provided on a blue linearly polarized light emission side of the reflective polarizing layer and converts blue linearly polarized light to red linearly polarized light and green linearly polarized light using multiple quantum rods, and a liquid crystal panel disposed on a red linearly polarized light and green linearly polarized light emission side. In the quantum rod layer, a polarization direction of the blue linearly polarized light emitted from the reflective polarizing layer and a long axis direction of the quantum rods are parallel to each other. |
| US09891464B2 |
Color resist mask sheet and method of use thereof
The present invention provides a color resist mask sheet and a method of use thereof. The color resist mask sheet includes an align coat mark region and an align test mark region. The align coat mark region includes a plurality of equally spaced align coat marks of coat color resist; the align test mark region includes a plurality of equally spaced align test marks for coating the test color resist, wherein each align test mark corresponds to each align coat mark. |
| US09891458B2 |
Input-capable display device
An input-cable display device is provided including a first substrate on which a pair of electrodes that drive a liquid crystal layer are provided; a second substrate wherein the liquid crystal layer is formed within an inner surface of the second substrate between the first substrate and the second substrate; a detection electrode and a dielectric film that are laminated on an outer surface of the second substrate; a detector; a light shielding film; and a color filter layer, wherein the pair of electrodes provided on the first substrate comprises a pixel electrode and a common electrode, and the light shielding film and the color filter layer are laminated on the inner surface of the second substrate. |
| US09891450B2 |
Integrated electro-optic modulator
An E/O phase modulator may include a waveguide having an insulating substrate, a single-crystal silicon strip and a polysilicon strip of a same thickness and doped with opposite conductivity types above the insulating substrate, and an insulating interface layer between the single-crystal silicon strip and polysilicon strip. Each of the single-crystal silicon strip and polysilicon strip may be laterally continued by a respective extension, and a respective electrical contact coupled to each extension. |
| US09891449B2 |
Clip-on type eyeglasses
This invention provides a clip-on member 1 includes a lens mounting rod 2 to which clip-on lenses are mounted, and a pair of upper clipping arms 4 and another pair of lower clipping arms 5 made of elastic members for attachment to the eyeglass frame. The upper clipping arms 4 include an upper hooking part 4a and another upper hooking part 4b with which the upper clipping arms 4 are fitted and mounted to the brow part of the spectacle frame from above. The lower clipping arm 5 includes an arm part 7a, an arm part 7b, and a pinching part 8. The arm parts 7a and 7b have left engagement part Sa and right engagement part Sb respectively held by the holding parts 6a and 6b, and placed at the nasal area of the spectacle frame between its right and left lenses. The lower left and right hooking parts 7a and 7b, as an extension of the clipping arms 7aand 7b, exercise theft elastic force towards the opposite sides, thus moving away from each other. |
| US09891448B2 |
Tinted polarized lenses having selective frequency filtering
A tinted polarized lens for attenuating ambient light reducing glare and improving color discrimination for a user is disclosed. In some embodiments, the lens has uniform transmittance across the visible spectrum with selective filtering of light at 480 nm and 580 nm. In some embodiments, the lens may reduce light in the blue region of the spectrum while maintaining color discrimination. In some embodiments, the level of attenuation provided by the lens may vary based on the intensity of light present while maintaining selective filtering at 480 nm and 580 nm. |
| US09891443B2 |
Optical device
An optical device may include a movable part including a lens; a holding part to hold the movable part; and a drive mechanism to drive the movable part. The holding part may include a case body. The drive mechanism may include a plurality of drive magnets; a plurality of sheet-shaped coils including a coil part; and a flexible printed circuit board including a coil attaching part. A plurality of the sheet-shaped coils may be attached to one face of the coil attaching part. A thickness of the coil attaching part is thinner than the sheet-shaped coil. A width of the coil attaching part may be narrower than a width of the sheet-shaped coil. |
| US09891442B2 |
Variable curvature display device and displaying method thereof
A display device includes a display panel displaying an image and having a first radius of curvature, a distance measuring unit measuring a user distance, the user distance being a distance between the display panel and a user, and a curvature radius changing unit receiving the measured user distance from the distance measuring unit, to change the first radius of curvature of the display panel to a second radius of curvature different from the first radius of curvature. |
| US09891440B2 |
Infrared interactive remote control device and projection system using same
Provided are infrared interactive remote control devices and projection systems using same, which can distinguish an indication state and an interactive control state. A pattern disc rotatable around a rotating shaft is provided in the infrared interactive remote control device. In a normal state, a visible light source works independently, and indication pattern holes in the pattern disc are positioned on an optical path to allow visible light to pass through, so that indication light spots corresponding to the indication pattern holes are formed. When a control button is pressed down, the visible light source and an infrared light source work together, and the pattern disc is driven to rotate, so that the control pattern holes are positioned on the optical path to allow the visible light to pass through, and control light spots corresponding to the control pattern holes are formed to indicate an interactive control state. |
| US09891439B2 |
Light source, light combining device, and projection device with the light source
A light source comprises a light combining device for guiding incident light from a first light emitting source (310) and incident light from a second light emitting source (340) with different incident directions to combine two paths of incident light into one path of emission light emitted from a first optical path. The light combining device comprises a guide part (330), for guiding light from the second light emitting source (340) to converge into the first optical path, and hindering a part of light from the first light emitting source (310) from entering the first optical path, the luminous flux of the hindered part of the light being less than the luminous flux of light from the first light emitting source (310) entering the first optical path. This light source can effectively reduce the cost and achieve a better heat dissipation effect and is especially suitable for a projection device. |
| US09891435B2 |
Apparatus, systems and methods for providing motion tracking using a personal viewing device
An apparatus, methods and systems to provide a personal viewing device configured to display an image. The personal viewing device configured to be worn by a user. At least one sensor coupled to the personal viewing device. At least one camera coupled to the personal viewing device and facing outwardly with respect to the personal viewing device. A processor configured for interaction analysis. The processor in communication with the personal viewing device, the at least one sensor and the at least one camera. |
| US09891434B2 |
Image display system
An image display system includes a projector, a transparent screen, and a polarization adjuster. The projector projects image light. The transparent screen diffuses the image light that has been projected, to display an image. The polarization adjuster adjusts the image light that is to enter the transparent screen so that the image light is p-polarized. |
| US09891430B2 |
Laser projector
A laser projector includes a laser source module for generating an input light beam, a deflection component that deflects the input light beam to mutually orthogonal first and second scanning directions to form a scanning light beam, a first prism and a second prism both used for allowing the scanning light beam to pass therethrough for performing two-dimensional scanning on an imaging surface and formation of an image. By adjustment of the angle between the first prism and the second prism, various conditions are satisfied to achieve image distortion correction and image lift. |
| US09891429B2 |
Controllable polymer actuator
A controllable polymer actuator (1) comprising a dielectric elastomeric film (2); a first (3) and a second (4) deformable electrode arranged on opposite sides of the dielectric elastomeric film such that application of a voltage between the electrodes causes an active portion (7) of the controllable polymer actuator to change topography. The controllable polymer actuator (1) further comprises a deformation controlling layer (5, 6) connected to the dielectric elastomeric film. The deformation controlling layer at least locally has a higher stiffness than the dielectric elastomeric film, and exhibits a spatially varying stiffness across the active portion (7). This may enable surface topographies that could not at all be achieved using previously known controllable polymer actuators and/or may enable a certain surface topography to be achieved with a simpler electrode pattern and/or fewer individually controllable electrodes. |
| US09891427B2 |
Variable modulation of radiation and components
Various embodiments include systems and methods to provide selectable variable gain to signals in measurements using incident radiation. The selectable variable gain may be used to normalize signals modulated in measurements using incident radiation. The selectable variable gain may be attained using a number of different techniques or various combinations of these techniques. These techniques may include modulating a modulator having modulating elements in which at least one modulating element acts on incident radiation differently from another modulating element of the modulator, modulating the use of electronic components in electronic circuitry of a detector, modulating a source of radiation or combinations thereof. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US09891426B2 |
Laser scanning display device
A dimmer unit is equipped with a first light detection unit that modulates the light intensity of composite laser light emitted from a composite laser light emission unit and detects the light intensity of the composite laser light before entering the dimmer unit, and a second light detection unit that detects the light intensity of the composite laser light after entering the dimmer unit. The light intensity characteristic for each color in the composite laser light emission unit is calculated on the basis of the light intensity detected by the first light detection unit, and the white balance of each color in the composite laser light emission unit is adjusted on the basis of the light intensity detected by the second light detection unit. |
| US09891423B2 |
Method for the correction of spherical aberration in microscopic applications
A procedure for the correction of spherical aberration in microscopic applications, wherein various recordings of a specimen to be observed are taken and evaluated for the purpose of changing the setting values of the optical system. The correction values are stored in a correction matrix as a function of the recording position, the recording time, the wavelength, and the temperature, wherein the determination and storage of the correction values are carried out in each recording position in the x, y, and z coordinates, and/or the correction values are determined after a selection of grid points by interpolation, so that the correction values of the interpolated correction matrix are the starting values for the subsequent exact determination by measurement. |
| US09891421B2 |
Bessel beam plane illumination microscope
A microscope has a light source for generating a light beam having a wavelength, λ, and beam-forming optics configured for receiving the light beam and generating a Bessel-like beam that is directed into a sample. The beam-forming optics include an excitation objective having an axis oriented in a first direction. Imaging optics are configured for receiving light from a position within the sample that is illuminated by the Bessel-like beam and for imaging the received light on a detector. The imaging optics include a detection objective having an axis oriented in a second direction that is non-parallel to the first direction. A detector is configured for detecting signal light received by the imaging optics, and an aperture mask is positioned. |
| US09891420B2 |
Variable 3-dimensional stereomicroscope assembly
The embodiments herein provide a variable three-dimensional stereomicroscope assembly. The assembly includes housing, an eye-piece optical unit provided with left and right eye pieces for viewing a target-object through left and right eyes respectively. A pair of movable and telescoping arms detachably coupled to the objective lens unit along with moveable sleeves for focusing a light reflected from the target object. Optics are provided to enable a desired binocular vision of the target-object through the left and right eye pieces simultaneously. The pair of movable and telescoping arms are individually moved and rotated to focus on the target-object. The stereomicroscope assembly includes mechanical and optical devices, and moveable arms, for varying the distance between the left and right optical path ways, by positioning the movable and telescoping arms at variable angular positions of convergence, for focusing on the target-object, and to increase or vary the degree of three-dimensional vision/depth-perception. |
| US09891418B2 |
Apparatus for imaging a sample surface
The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for imaging surface area of a sample having a surface topography with the aid of confocal microscopy, such as confocal Raman and/or fluorescence microscopy. The apparatus comprises a surface topography sensor that provides values for the surface topography. The surface topography values allow for the surface to be maintained in the confocal plane during scanning. |
| US09891417B2 |
Locally imaging a structure in a sample at high spatial resolution
For high spatial resolution imaging a structure in a sample, the structure being marked with luminescence markers, light that has an effect on the emission of luminescence light by the luminescence markers is directed onto the sample with an intensity distribution having a zero point and intensity maxima neighboring the zero point in at least one direction. A scan area which is a part of the sample is scanned with the zero point. Luminescence light emitted out of a local area including the zero point is registered and assigned to the respective location of the zero point in the sample. Dimensions of the scan area, in at least one direction in which the intensity maxima are neighboring the zero point, are limited such that they are not larger than 75% of a distance of the intensity maxima in the at least one direction. |
| US09891415B2 |
Zoom lens and imaging apparatus
A zoom lens is constituted by, in order from the object side to the image side: a positive first lens group; a positive second lens group; a negative third lens group; a negative fourth lens group; and a positive fifth lens group. The first lens group and the fifth lens group are fixed with respect to an image formation plane while the second lens group, the third lens group, and the fourth lens group move to change the distances among adjacent lens group when changing magnification. Conditional Formula (1) below is satisfied. 2.1 |
| US09891413B2 |
Imaging lens
An imaging lens which uses a larger number of constituent lenses for higher performance and features a low F-value, low-profile design and a wide field of view. Designed for a solid-state image sensor, the imaging lens includes constituent lenses arranged in order from an object side to an image side: a first positive refractive power lens; a second negative refractive power lens; a third lens; a fourth lens; a fifth lens; a sixth lens having a concave image-side surface near an optical axis; and a seventh negative refractive power lens. |
| US09891411B2 |
Optical image capturing system
An optical image capturing system includes, along the optical axis in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, and a fifth lens. At least one lens among the first to the fifth lenses has positive refractive force. The fifth lens can have negative refractive force, wherein both surfaces thereof are aspheric, and at least one surface thereof has an inflection point. The lenses in the optical image capturing system which have refractive power include the first to the fifth lenses. The optical image capturing system can increase aperture value and improve the imaging quality for use in compact cameras. |
| US09891410B2 |
Imaging lens
An imaging lens includes a first lens having negative refractive power; a second lens having positive refractive power; a third lens having positive refractive power; and a fourth lens, arranged in this order from an object side to an image plane side. The second lens is arranged to face the third lens. The first lens has a focal length f1 and the fourth lens has an Abbe's number νd4 so that the specific conditional expressions are satisfied. |
| US09891405B2 |
Camera module and electronic device using same
A camera module of an electronic device includes a lens unit with a first coil, a vibration unit with a second coil, and a magnetic unit. The vibration unit is positioned outside the lens unit and spaces a first certain distance with the lens unit. The magnetic unit is positioned outside the vibration unit and spaces a second distance with the vibration unit. When the first coil receives electrical signal, the first coil is actuated to move with the lens unit. When the second coil receives electrical signal, the second coil is actuated to move with the vibration unit with the vibration unit. Therefore, the magnetic blocks are cooperated with the lens assembly and the vibration block, to make an automatic focusing function and a vibration function being combined in the camera module. |
| US09891404B2 |
Polymer device, method of manufacturing the same, lense module, and imaging unit
A polymer device includes: a pair of electrode layers; a polymer layer inserted between the pair of electrode layers; and an expansion-contraction suppression layer arranged between the pair of electrode layers, the expansion-contraction suppression layer being arranged away from the respective electrode layers, and the expansion-contraction suppression layer being configured to suppress expansion and contraction of the polymer layer. |
| US09891403B2 |
Motor for driving lenses
Disclosed is a motor for driving lenses. The motor includes a case, a yoke fixed in the case, a magnet fixed in the yoke, a carrier equipped with lenses and installed in the magnet such that the carrier moves up and down within the magnet, a coil coupled with the carrier, in which the coil cooperates with the magnet to move up and down the carrier, a spring unit including first and second springs having arc shapes and being separated from each other while forming a ring shape as a whole, in which an outer peripheral surface of the spring unit is fixed to the case, an inner peripheral surface of the spring unit is fixed to the carrier to elastically support the carrier, and a lead wire of the coil is connected to the spring unit so that external power is supplied to the coil, a spacer supporting the outer peripheral surface of the spring unit, and a terminal provided on the spacer, in which one side of the terminal protrudes downward by passing through a bottom of the case to make connection with the spring unit and a main PCB of a product. |
| US09891402B2 |
Optical mount comprising at least one clamping unit with an adhesive gap
An optical mount, comprising an outer ring (1), an inner ring (2), at least two manipulator units, by means of which the inner ring (2) is adjustable with respect to the outer ring (1) in an adjustment plane perpendicular to a mount axis, and at least one clamping unit (0) acting independently of the manipulator units. The clamping unit (0) is formed by a threaded hole (4), which is directed radially to the mount axis (1.1) in the outer ring (1), and a screw (5) supported in said threaded hole (4), said screw (5) having a through hole (8) along the screw axis (5.0) which is connected with the inner ring (2) in the clamping condition via an adhesive gap (7) filled with adhesive (6). |
| US09891399B2 |
Packaging assembly for telecommunications components
An assembly including a pallet, a carousel mounted on the pallet, a plurality of tray assemblies stacked one on top of the other on the carousel. Each of the tray assemblies include a tray body, at least one fiber optic adapter supported at a top side of the tray body and a first spool mounted beneath the tray body. The first spool has spaced-apart flanges and fiber optic cable wrapped about the first spool at a location between the spaced-apart flanges. At least some of the flanges of the first spools of adjacent tray assemblies are coupled together. |
| US09891396B2 |
Optical module
An electrical interface includes an insulating body, first electrodes, and second electrodes. The insulating body includes a first front edge surface and a second front edge surface facing in a direction along a transmission direction of an optical signal at an optical interface and having different heights. The first electrode and the second electrode are provided on the insulating body so as to have a thickness from the first front edge surface and the second front edge surface in a direction of the height. A first flexible wiring board and a second flexible wiring board include a first area and a second area extending in directions along the first front edge surface and the second front edge surface, respectively, of the insulating body, and include, in the first area and the second area, first pads and second pads electrically connected with the first electrodes and the second electrodes. |
| US09891395B2 |
Optical transmitter or transceiver including optical multiplexer with input and output ports on a single side
A multi-channel optical transmitter or transceiver includes an optical multiplexer with input and output ports on a single side. The optical multiplexer receives optical signals at different channel wavelengths on a plurality of mux input ports on one side and combines the optical signals into a multiplexed optical signal, which is output on an optical output port on the same side. The optical multiplexer may be located at a distal end of a transceiver or transmitter housing. In one embodiment, the optical multiplexer is a reversed planar lightwave circuit (PLC) splitter including splitter output ports that are used as the mux input ports and a splitter input port that is used as the mux output port. The mux input ports may be optically coupled to respective transmitter optical subassembly (TOSA) modules with optical fibers. |
| US09891393B2 |
Imaging through optical fibers for coupling optimization
Technologies are generally provided to establish imaging through an optical fiber to enhance optical coupling between an optoelectronic device and the optical fiber. Imaging may be established by determining transmission properties of the optical fiber based on an observed light pattern, and applying a phase mask to input light based on the transmission properties to produce a focused light at the output end of the optical fiber. The focused light may be employed to determine a position and orientation of the optoelectronic device relative to the optical fiber by scanning the focused light and collecting light reflected from the scanning of the optoelectronic device at a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera and generating an image of the optoelectronic device. The position and orientation of the target device may be adjusted employing precision alignment tools to enhance alignment of the target device with the optical fiber for optimal coupling. |
| US09891387B2 |
Fiber optic adapter with enhanced alignment
A fiber-optic adapter with enhanced alignment is described. The adapter has two opposing housing halves and two opposing floating connector latches. Each housing half has a channel. The channels are configured to align when the two housing halves are secured together. The channels of the housing halves also have pockets which are configured to utilize a clearance fit, allowing the connector latches to float when the housing halves are secured together. |
| US09891386B2 |
Hybrid connector for both electrical and optical transmission
A hybrid plug connector including an insulative housing defining a cavity to receive an optical fiber assembly therein, and a plurality of passageways to receive a plurality of terminals therein. A printed circuit board is located behind the terminals and connected to the terminals. An electrical cable is mounted to a rear portion of the circuit board. The whole optical fiber assembly is received within the housing and is somewhat back and forth moveable along a front-to-back direction for buffering for compliantly coupling with another optical fiber assembly built within the complementary receptacle connector when the plug connector is inserted into the complementary receptacle connector. A lens module is formed on the optical fiber assembly for collimating the light beams from the optical fibers. |
| US09891385B2 |
Integrated lens with multiple optical structures and vent hole
An integrated lens with integrated functional optical surfaces for use in optical communication is disclosed. The integrated lens includes first and second cavities and a fiber adapter. The device also includes integrated first and second lenses. The first cavity houses one or more optical transmitting and/or receiving devices. The second cavity has a first optical surface and an optional second optical surface. The fiber adapter has the second lens. The integrated lens enables a small size, a light weight, high coupling and a high transmission efficiency, and can be produced by injection molding using a single mold. The integrated lens is applicable to optical signal coupling, fiber connections, optical modules, and optical or optoelectronic communication. |
| US09891381B2 |
Coated optical fiber
Provided is a coated optical fiber excellent in both characteristics of the microbending loss resistance and the low-temperature characteristic. The coated optical fiber 1 comprises an optical fiber 10 that has a cladding layer composed of glass formed on an outer periphery of a glass core, a primary coating layer 20 that coats an outer periphery of the optical fiber 10, and a secondary coating layer 30 that coats an outer periphery of the primary coating layer 20, wherein the primary coating layer 20 has a Young's modulus of 1.2 MPa or less, the secondary coating layer 30 has a Young's modulus of 700 MPa or more, and the primary coating layer 20 contains tin in a content of 70 ppm or less. |
| US09891380B1 |
Graphene optic fiber
A deep-UV optical circuit includes a laser emitting light wavelengths (λ) below 250 nm. The circuit also includes a graphene optical cable formed of an optic core formed of a gas or vacuum having an index of refraction ranging between 1.000 and 1.002 and a cladding layer formed of a graphene cylinder made of a contiguous lattice of covalently-bonded carbon atoms surrounding the optic core. The circuit also includes an optical detector circuit configured to detect the light. The graphene optical cable optically couples the laser to the optical detector circuit, where the optical cable transmits light wavelengths (λ) below 250 nm as graphene has an index of refraction less than 1 for light wavelengths (λ) below 250 nm. |
| US09891377B2 |
Multicore fiber and optical cable
A multicore fiber including two or more cores each capable of single mode transmission, a cladding covering around the two or more cores in common, and a low refractive index portion having a refractive index lower than a refractive index of the cladding, wherein a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction includes a region where two or more cores of a part or all of the two or more cores are arranged in a circular shape and at least a part of the low refractive index portion is arranged inside an inscribed circle of the cores included in the region. |
| US09891374B2 |
Display device having a support member
A display device includes a display device including a display panel and a light source configured to emit light. A light guide member is configured to receive the light and guides the light toward the display panel. A protective member is dimensioned and configured to receive the light guide member. The protective member includes a sidewall portion. A support member is configured to absorb pressure from the light guide member. |
| US09891373B2 |
Display device and backlight module thereof
Provided is a backlight module including a light guide plate having a horizontal light guide plate body and a first bent portion near a non-incidence side; and an optical assembly having a horizontal optical assembly body and a second bent portion near the non-incidence side, the optical assembly body is attached tightly to an upper surface of the light guide plate body, and the second bent portion is attached tightly to the first bent portion. Further provided is a display device having the backlight module. By removing the frame and the back plate portion on at least one incidence side and bending corresponding ends of the light guide plate and the optical assembly, multi-side backlight effect of the backlight module is achieved. |
| US09891372B2 |
Backlight module and liquid crystal display device using same
A backlight module includes a light guiding plate having a side surface, at least one light source facing towards the light guiding plate, and a thermal insulation element. The thermal insulation element is configured to prevent heat from the at least one light source from transferring to the bezel and display panel. The thermal insulation element is coupled to the side surface. The at least one light source is enclosed by the light guiding plate and the thermal insulation element. |
| US09891370B2 |
Methods, systems, and products for image displays
Methods, systems, and products illuminate display devices. An image is injected into a waveguide. The image propagates at total internal reflectance within the waveguide. A frustrator withdraws a frustrated image from the waveguide, and the frustrated image may be displayed to a viewer. |
| US09891367B2 |
Backlight unit and display device including the same
A backlight unit includes: a lower case including a bottom portion and a side portion on an edge of the bottom portion, a light guide plate accommodated in the lower case, and a light source module including a circuit board between the light guide plate and the side portion of the lower case and a light source on the circuit board, where the light guide plate includes a first light collecting pattern on a lower surface of the light guide plate, and a second light collecting pattern on the lower surface of the light guide plate and between the light source module and the first light collecting pattern. |
| US09891364B2 |
Waveguide apparatus for illumination systems
A waveguide such as optical fiber is to receive a primary light in a longitudinal (propagation) direction. The fiber has formed therein scattering structures that re-direct the propagating primary light out of the waveguide, for instance in a transverse direction. A photo-luminescent layer absorbs the re-directed primary light to thereby emit secondary wavelength converted light having a different wavelength than and broader bandwidth than the primary light, resulting in white illumination light, being the secondary light combined with any unabsorbed primary light. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US09891361B2 |
Organic light emitting display device and method of manufacturing the same
Discussed are an organic light emitting display device and a method of manufacturing the same in which organic and inorganic films are formed on a polarization plate, and the polarization plate is attached to an organic light emitting panel so that the organic and inorganic films seal the organic light emitting panel, thereby achieving improved polarization and a simple sealing structure. |
| US09891352B2 |
Anti-glare film and process for producing the same
An anti-glare film comprises an anti-glare layer having a ridge on a surface thereof. The ridge is formed by phase separation of a plurality of resin components, and the ridge has a branched structure and a total length of not less than 100 μm, and one or more of the ridges per square millimeter exist on the surface of the anti-glare layer. |
| US09891346B2 |
Method of printing an optical element
The present inventions refers to a method for printing an optical element (11) comprising the steps of ejecting at least one droplet (6) of printing material comprising silicone towards a substrate (8) in a first step and curing the droplet deposited on the substrate in a second step. |
| US09891344B2 |
Computer estimation method, and method for oil exploration and development using such a method
The invention relates to a method for estimating a set of variables associated with sites of an area, the method comprising the following steps: a) a set of observation data is supplied, b) a variable associated with a site of a first sub-area is estimated by krigeing, using the precision matrix of the first sub-area, c) a second adjacent sub-area is determined, d) a variable associated with a site of the second sub-area is estimated by krigeing, on the basis of the first sub-space, the second sub-space, and the precision matrix determined for the first sub-space. |
| US09891340B2 |
Positioning device for determining object depth
A positioning device for determining an object depth of a concealed positioning object includes a first positioning sensor, a second positioning sensor, and a computation unit. The computation unit can determine the object depth using at least a first positioning characteristic variable of the first positioning sensor. The computation unit can also correct the determined object depth in at least one operating state using a second positioning characteristic variable of the second positioning sensor. |
| US09891338B2 |
Electric near-field probe, control system for same, and piezoelectric crystal detector
Provided is a compact and lightweight electric field probe which has a transmitting/receiving function whereby piezoelectric crystals can be excited through the application of an alternating current electric field thereto, and piezoelectric effect signals can be detected with sufficient sensitivity. Also provided are a control system for the same, and a piezoelectric crystal detector. The electric near-field probe is provided with a capacitor, in which the space between two metal plates that are positioned parallel to each other is filled by a conductor or air, and a series resonance circuit, which has a prescribed resonance frequency and is connected in series to an inverter that is formed by winding a conductive wire around a toroidal core. The electric near-field probe is configured such that: an electric near-field, which originates from the leakage electric field from the capacitor generated by the application of alternating current voltage to the series resonance circuit, is transmitted to the piezoelectric crystals, and the piezoelectric crystals are excited; and the piezoelectric effect signal, which is generated by the excited piezoelectric crystals, is received by the capacitor, and is detected by the series resonance circuit. The control system is for said electric near-field probe. |
| US09891336B2 |
Acoustic isolator for downhole tools
The disclosure addresses multiple embodiments of an acoustic isolator, and an acoustic logging tool which incorporates the acoustic isolator. The acoustic isolator is configured to minimize acoustic transmissions which could otherwise adversely affect acoustical measurements being made by an acoustic receiver. The described acoustic isolators include a plurality of longitudinally arranged mass members coupled to a central supporting structure, in a configuration to reduce acoustic transmissions in at least selected frequency ranges. |
| US09891332B2 |
Quality control for broadband sweeps
A method for determining a quality control quantity corresponding to energy provided by a seismic source and related devices are provided. The method includes determining an envelope of a pilot signal associated with the seismic source; measuring a source signal of the energy provided by the seismic source; normalizing the pilot signal and the source signal using the determined envelope; and determining, in a processor, the quality control quantity using the normalized pilot signal and the normalized source signal. A control mechanism configured to implement the method includes a storage device holding data of a pilot signal associated with the seismic source; and a processor connected to the storage device and configured to carry out the method steps. A computer-readable medium having instructions to carry out steps of the method is also provided. |
| US09891331B2 |
Exploration method and system for detection of hydrocarbons from the water column
A method for detecting hydrocarbons is described. The method includes obtaining seismic data associated with a body of water in a survey region. Then, a filter is applied to at least a portion of the seismic data to enhance diffraction anomaly signals with respect to horizontal or nearly horizontal signals associated with the water-column to form filtered seismic data. Once filtered, seepage locations are identified from the filtered seismic data. |
| US09891326B2 |
Positioning server
A positioning server has a positioning database. The positioning database is configured to store information relating wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP) signal measurements to points of a geographic positioning grid. motion information provided by dead-reckoning systems of a plurality of wireless devices and reference location information provided by at least one of a satellite positioning system and a wireless local area network (WLAN) positioning system of each wireless device is also stored. WLAN access point (AP) signal measurements acquired by each wireless device in correspondence with the motion information is stored as are non-causally determine positions of the wireless devices based on the motion information and reference locations. Positioning server is also configured to generate a geographic positioning grid that relates the AP signal measurements to points of the positioning grid based on the determined positions. |
| US09891323B2 |
GNSS signal processing method, positioning method, GNSS signal processing program, positioning program, GNSS signal processing device, positioning apparatus and mobile terminal
A demodulation unit for a GNSS signal processing device includes an operator that selects an error detecting method based on signs of early and late differential values and calculates an error detection value. A code phase range where an error detection value is not 0 is wide with a first error detecting method, and is narrow with a second. Immediately after capturing a GNSS signal, a code phase difference between the GNSS signal and a prompt replica signal is large, and signs of the early differential value and the late differential value are different from each other. In this case, the first method is used. As the code phase is driven, the code phase difference between the GNSS signal and the prompt replica signal becomes smaller, and the signs of the early differential value and the late differential value become the same. In this case, the second method is used. |
| US09891321B2 |
Method and arrangement for developing a three dimensional model of an environment
The present invention relates to a method and arrangement for developing a 3D model of an environment. The method comprises steps of providing a plurality of overlapping images of the environment, each image associated of navigation data, providing distance information, said LIDAR information comprising a distance value and navigation data from a plurality of distance measurements, and developing the 3D model based on the plurality of overlapping images and the distance information. The step of developing the 3D model comprises the steps of providing the 3D model based on the plurality of overlapping images; and updating the 3D model with the distance information using an iterative process. |
| US09891318B2 |
Location detection system
Various embodiments are directed to a location detection system. The location detection system may utilize one or more light sources in a fixed and known position capable of emitting modulated light. The location detection system may utilize one or more light receivers in a fixed and known position operative to detect light emitted by the light sources that has been reflected back off an object. The location detection system may utilize a processor circuit that may be communicatively coupled with the light receiver and the light sources. The processor circuit may be operative to receive signals indicative of the detected reflected emitted light from the light receiver. The processor circuit may also be operative to process the signals to determine a location of the object that reflected the emitted light. |
| US09891316B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting target in periphery of vehicle
An on-vehicle target detection apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a radar sensing portion and a processing unit that processes information from the radar sensing portion. The processing unit detects a target that is present in the periphery of the vehicle based on detection results from the radar sensing portion, and determines a depth determination value indicating the depth of the target detected. The processing unit compares the depth determination threshold and a threshold set in advance and determines that the target is a low-lying target that is surmountable by the vehicle, when the depth determination value is determined to be less than the threshold. |
| US09891307B2 |
Positioning systems for wireless networks
The invention provides a method of computing positioning of a mobile device in a wireless network. This positioning method exchanges packets between pairs of wi-fi nodes. The packets include count stamps of packet transmit and receipt. Differential ranges between a mobile device and plural pairs of wi-fi nodes are used to locate the mobile device. |
| US09891306B2 |
Geolocating a remote emitter
A method for improving geolocation accuracy in a passive radar warning receiver, using synchronized data curve-fit and interpolation to asynchronous and noisy receiver and navigation measurements over observation periods that are extended to reduce inaccuracies caused by noise. The present disclosure yields synchronized data samples at intervals short enough that constant-rate equations are valid, even though the actual motions over the observation interval may be more complex and have higher-order dynamics. It reduces noise, synchronizes data samples, and is readily adapted to motions with variable acceleration. The method generates rate samples short enough to satisfy constant rate assumptions, yet fit data over intervals long enough to enhances measurement accuracy by reducing measurement noise. |
| US09891305B2 |
Chip-scale star tracker
A chip scale star tracker that couples starlight into a lightguide such that the angle of incidence partially determines the mode of propagation of the starlight in the lightguide. A baffle system integrated with the lightguide prevents propagation of light incident from a predetermined range of angles. |
| US09891300B2 |
Method and apparatus for acquiring magnetic resonance data
In a method and apparatus for magnetic resonance data acquisition, data are acquired according to a single-slab three-dimensional turbo or fast spin-echo pulse sequence, wherein the inner volume selection in the phase-encoding direction takes place by radiating a pair of adiabatic RF pulses, instead of the single refocusing RF pulse that is conventional. The radiation of the adiabatic RF pulses allows a high RF pulse bandwidth to be achieved, for a given limit on the peak radio-frequency field strength. Such a high RF pulse bandwidth reduces off-resonance-related artifacts. |
| US09891299B1 |
Methods and systems for correcting B0 field in MRI imaging using shim coils
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes a plurality of radio frequency (RF) coils configured to produce a static B0 field having non-homogeneous characteristics. The MRI system includes an RF transceiver configured to acquire MR imaging data from the RF coils for an area of interest. The system includes a DC source coupled to at least one of the RF coils to form a shimming RF coil, the DC source configured to force a select DC current through the shimming RF coil to at least partially shim the non-homogeneous characteristics of the B0 field. The shimming RF coil includes first and second conductors that exhibit distributed capacitance along a length thereof. At least one of the first and second conductors have first and second termination ends with an elongated and continuous conductive path therebetween to convey the select DC current from the DC source through the shimming RF coil. |
| US09891298B2 |
Automatic current switching of current leads for superconducting magnets
The invention provides for magnetic resonance imaging system (600) comprising a superconducting magnet (100) with a first current lead (108) and a second current lead (110) for connecting to a current ramping system (624). The magnet further comprises a vacuum vessel (104) penetrated by the first current lead and the second current lead. The magnet further comprises a magnet circuit (106) within the vacuum vessel. The magnet circuit has a first magnet circuit connection (132) and a second magnet circuit connection (134). The magnet further comprises a first switch (120) between the first magnet connection and the first current lead and a second switch (122) between the second magnet connection and the second current lead. The magnet further comprises a first current shunt (128) connected across the first switch and a second current shunt (130) connected across the second switch. The magnet further comprises a first rigid coil loop (124) operable to actuate the first switch. The first rigid coil loop forms a portion of the first electrical connection. The magnet further comprises a second rigid coil loop (126) operable to actuate the second switch. The second rigid coil loop forms a portion of the second electrical connection. |
| US09891297B2 |
Magnetic sensing and imaging using interactions between surface electron spins and solid state spins
Systems and methods for magnetic sensing and imaging include a sensor having a network of isolated electron-spin quantum bits (qubits) disposed on the surface of the sensor; and a solid state electronic spin system disposed below the surface of the sensor, wherein the solid state electronic spin system has a spin-state dependent fluorescence; a source of light; a source of first external perturbation, wherein the source of first external perturbation generates a magnetic field; a source of second external perturbation; wherein, the source of light and the first and second external perturbations are configured to coherently and independently manipulate the spin states of at least one qubit and at least one solid state electronic spin system; and a detector to optically measure the solid-state electronic spins spin-state dependent fluorescence. |
| US09891295B2 |
Sensor device and sensor arrangement
A sensor arrangement according to an embodiment includes a board with a plurality of conductive lines of a first type, and a plurality of conductive lines of a second type different from the conductive lines of the first type, and a recess. The sensor arrangement further includes a plurality of sensor devices mechanically accommodated on a main surface of the board and arranged around the recess, each sensor device being electrically coupled to the conductive lines of the first type and at least to one of the conductive lines of the second type, wherein each conductive line of the second type electrically couples a sensor device with at least one other item different from the sensor devices of the plurality of sensor devices. A projection of the conductive lines of the first and second types perpendicular to the main surface is crossing-free. Each conductive line of the first type electrically couples at least all of the plurality of sensor devices. |
| US09891293B2 |
Magnetic sensor device preventing concentration of magnetic fluxes to a magnetic sensing element
A magnetic sensor device that includes an annular magnetic body, a coil wound around the magnetic body, the coil configured to apply a magnetic field that rotates 360 degrees by a half way point in a peripheral direction of the magnetic body, and a magnetoresistance effect element arranged at a center of the annular magnetic body and including a fixed layer having a magnetization direction fixed in a direction of the magnetic field to be measured. The magnetic body includes a tapered portion located at a position where a line passing through the center of the magnetic body and extending in a shorter-axis direction intersects the magnetic body, the tapered portion having a narrowed portion narrowed down toward the magnetoresistance effect element, and having dumbbell-shaped inner and outer peripheries, and the narrowed portion having a width reduced toward the magnetoresistance effect element. |
| US09891288B2 |
Devices and methods for power transmission level indication
Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to a wireless communications device comprising a wireless power transmission detector and a wireless power transmission indicator for displaying to a user the current level of wireless power transmission. A voltmeter and ammeter take readings from the wireless transceiver circuit while the wireless communications device is on. A power logic stored on a memory within the wireless communications device converts the readings into a wireless power transmission level. The wireless power transmission level is output to an indicator on the wireless communications device where a user can view it. Exemplary embodiments include a true battery life indicator on the wireless communications device. The true battery life indicator gives an amount of time a battery powering the wireless communications device will last at the current wireless power transmission level. |
| US09891285B2 |
Battery fuel gauge
A system includes a battery; an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the battery and capable of measuring an output voltage of the battery; a processor, receiving measured battery output voltages from the analog-to-digital converter; the processor using a first equivalent circuit model of the battery to estimate battery current when the battery operation is static; and the processor using a second equivalent circuit model of the battery to estimate battery current when the battery operation is dynamic. |
| US09891282B2 |
Chip fabric interconnect quality on silicon
Described is a signature accumulator with a first set of logic devices, a second set of logic devices, and a memory device. The first set of logic devices includes compaction logic that couples an N-bit input bus to a K-bit first intermediate bus. The second set of logic devices includes commutative arithmetic operation logic that couples both the K-bit first intermediate bus and a K-bit signature bus to a K-bit second intermediate bus. The memory storage device includes a storage element that couples the K-bit second intermediate bus to the K-bit signature bus. The K-bit signature bus is also coupled to a valid-data input signal path. |
| US09891281B1 |
Method and system for automatically identifying test runs contributing to coverage events of interest in verification test data
A method includes receiving from a user, via a user interface, coverage-event characteristics. Using a processor, output data of test runs executed on a device-under-test is analyzed to identify one or a plurality of coverage events that possess the coverage-event characteristics and to identify one or a plurality of contributing test runs in said test runs that contributed to said one or a plurality of coverage events. Information on said one or a plurality of contributing test runs is outputted via an output device. |
| US09891277B2 |
Secure low voltage testing
An integrated circuit includes a normal voltage detector configured to detect a normal voltage at which the integrated circuit being fully functional. A first voltage detector detects a first voltage that is less than the normal voltage. A second voltage detector detects a second voltage that is less than the first voltage. A reset module is coupled to a supply voltage, the normal voltage detector, the first voltage detector, and the second voltage detector. The reset module includes test logic to, when the supply voltage rises to the first voltage from the second voltage, perform a pass/fail test when the integrated circuit is in a pass/fail test mode, and perform a power up reset when the integrated circuit in not in the pass/fail test mode. |
| US09891275B2 |
Integrated circuit chip reliability qualification using a sample-specific expected fail rate
Disclosed is a method for performing reliability qualification of manufactured integrated circuit (IC) chips. In the method, IC chips are manufactured according to a design and sorted into groups, which correspond to different process windows within a process distribution for the design. Group fail rates are determined for the groups. Reliability qualification of the manufactured IC chips is performed. Specifically, a sample of the IC chips is stress tested and the manufactured IC chips are qualified if the actual fail rate of the sample is no greater than an expected fail rate. The expected fail rate used is not, however, the expected overall fail rate for all the manufactured IC chips. Instead it is a unique expected fail rate for the specific sample itself and it is determined considering fail rate contributions from only those specific groups of IC chips from which the IC chips in the sample were selected. |
| US09891274B2 |
Device test method
A device test method performed in a substrate test apparatus which includes a mounting table for mounting thereon a substrate on which a device having an electrode is formed, the mounting table being movable by a X-direction motor and a Y-direction motor, and a probe card arranged to face the mounting table. A measuring electrode is arranged to correspond to the electrode of the device, the probe card has a probe that is engageable with the measuring electrode, and the X-direction motor or Y-direction motor generates torque to keep the mounting table from moving when measuring an electrical characteristic of the device. In the device test method, after the probe is engaged with the measuring electrode, when measuring an electrical characteristic of the device, the maximum value of the torque generated by the X-direction motor or Y-direction motor is limited to a predetermined value or less. |
| US09891272B2 |
Module testing utilizing wafer probe test equipment
A module plate is provided for use with a wafer handler and testing mechanism. The module plate has a diameter equivalent to an integrated circuit wafer and a height equivalent to or less than a height of a module lid associated with each module in a plurality of modules associated with the module plate. The module plate has a plurality of cutouts in the module plate that have a width equivalent to a width of the module lid and at least a length equivalent to a length of the module lid. The height of the module plate is such that, when a test head contacts a module base of each module in a plurality of modules, the module lid contacts a chuck on which the module plate resides during testing of the module thereby providing resistance in order to accurately test the module. |
| US09891270B2 |
High power laser diode test system and method of manufacture
A high power laser diode test system is disclosed which includes a housing body defining at least one device test module compartment therein, a power supply, the system controller, and thermal control system positioned within the device test module compartment, a device test module having at least one carrier device receiver formed therein detachably coupled to the housing body, and at least one carrier device configured to support at least one laser diode device coupled thereto detachably positioned within the carrier device port formed on the device test module. |
| US09891267B2 |
Kernel based cluster fault analysis
A fault analysis method comprises: receiving fault data from wafer level testing that identifies locations and test results of a plurality of die; applying a kernel transform to the fault data to produce cluster data, where the kernel transform defines a fault impact distribution that defines fault contribution from the failed die to local die within an outer radial boundary of the fault impact distribution. Applying the kernel transform comprises: centering the fault impact distribution at a location of each die that failed wafer level testing, associating each local die that falls within the outer radial boundary with a respective fault contribution value according to the fault impact distribution, and accruing fault contribution values associated with each respective die of the plurality of die to produce a cluster value for the respective die, which correlates to a probability of failure of the respective die at a future time. |
| US09891266B2 |
Test circuit and method
A method is disclosed that includes the operations outlined below. For a plurality of dies on a test fixture, an antenna distance between each of first antennas of one of the dies and every one of first antennas of the other dies is determined. The dies are categorized into die groups, wherein the antenna distance between each of the first antennas of one of the dies in one of the die groups and every one of the first antennas of the other dies in the same one of the die groups is larger than an interference threshold. Test processes are sequentially performed on the die groups. Each of the test processes is performed according to signal transmissions between the first antennas and second antennas of the under-test device each positionally corresponds to one of the first antennas. |
| US09891262B2 |
Apparatus for insulating monitoring
The invention relates to an apparatus for insulation monitoring between a low-voltage supply system and a high-voltage supply system, wherein the apparatus can be connected both to a high-voltage positive connection and also to a high-voltage negative connection and also to the low-voltage supply system, wherein the apparatus has a plurality of electrical contacts for coupling monitoring connections to the high-voltage circuit by means of a respective high-voltage positive connection and by means of a respective high-voltage negative connection, it being possible for said contacts to be connected in different sections of the high-voltage supply system. |
| US09891259B2 |
Predicting service life of electrical equipment
The service life of electrical equipment is predicted using a thermal history sensor mounted in the electrical equipment. At least one thermal history sensor is mounted inside or on an outer wall surface of electrical equipment. The thermal history sensor includes dissimilar metal joints, and the resistance values of the dissimilar metal joints change in response to the amount of intermetallic compound growing in the dissimilar metal joints due to the temperature inside the electrical equipment or of the outer wall thereof during operation. A determining mechanism periodically or irregularly monitors and stores in memory the resistance values of the dissimilar metal joints from the thermal history sensor, and uses the stored history of resistance values to predict the service life of the electrical equipment. |
| US09891258B2 |
Methods and apparatus for thermal testing of antennas
Methods and apparatus for thermal testing of an antenna. Embodiments enable positioning a unit under test having an antenna in an anechoic chamber and, manipulating a RF transparent heat chamber over the antenna. A system can raise a temperature in the heat chamber to a selected temperature and obtain antenna performance information while the antenna is heated in the heat chamber. Temperature affects on antenna performance can be determined. |
| US09891257B2 |
Testing system and method using electromagnetic near field measurements
A system, method and computer readable medium are provided. One system includes a transmit antenna, at least one receive antenna, and a controller configured to operate the transmit antenna and the at least one receive antenna to acquire coupled signal information from a device under test. The system also includes a processor configured to approximate a shape of a structure within the device under test using changes in resonance determined from the coupled reflected signal information and caused by different materials forming the structure. |
| US09891254B2 |
Capacitive sensing system and method
The invention provides a capacitive sensor circuit in which a capacitance to be sensed is selectively coupled into a ring oscillator circuit. The ring oscillator frequency is measured with the capacitance coupled and not coupled, and a capacitance is derived from the change in ring oscillator frequency. |
| US09891253B2 |
Bluetooth-enabled intelligent electronic device
An intelligent electronic device (IED), e.g., an electrical power meter, having wireless communication capabilities, e.g., Bluetooth connectivity, for transmitting and receiving data without a hardwire connection is provided. A system and method for retrieving revenue metering data from at least one IED, e.g., a revenue meter, are also provided. The system includes at least one intelligent electronic device including a transceiver configured for receiving calculated energy consumption data from a processor and transmitting the calculated energy consumption data via a spread-spectrum frequency hopping technique; and a data collection device configured for receiving the calculated energy consumption data from the at least one intelligent electronic device in response to supplying a pairing passkey to the intelligent electronic device. |
| US09891251B2 |
Microfabricated calorimeter for RF power measurement
Disclosed is a radio frequency (RF) power calorimeter having a load electrically coupled to a RF input, a variable low-frequency power source electrically coupled to the load and configured to apply low-frequency bias to the load. The RF power calorimeter includes a thermal medium thermally coupled to the load. Additionally, the RF power calorimeter includes an outlet temperature sensor thermally coupled to the thermal medium, the outlet temperature sensor being positioned to measure the temperature of the thermal medium due to heating by the load. The RF power calorimeter also has circuitry configured to use temperature measurements of the thermal medium in thermal contact with an RF load in combination with the low-frequency bias to measure average power of an RF source electrically coupled to the RF input. Also disclosed in a method of measuring RF power using the RF power calorimeter. |
| US09891244B2 |
Microelectronic packages having split gyroscope structures and methods for the fabrication thereof
Methods for fabricating microelectronic packages and microelectronic packages having split gyroscope structures are provided. In one embodiment, the microelectronic package includes a first Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) die having a first MEMS gyroscope structure thereon. The microelectronic package further includes a second MEMS die, which has a second MEMS gyroscope structure thereon and which is positioned in a stacked relationship with the first MEMS die. The first and second MEMS gyroscope structures overlap as taken along a first axis orthogonal to a principal axis of the first MEMS die. |
| US09891241B2 |
Automatic analysis device
An automatic analysis device in which a probe is washed in a short period of time and the amount of washing water which may be mixed in at the time of suctioning of a succeeding liquid can be decreased. Washing water is supplied to a throttle portion of a washing tank from a washing nozzle. A reagent probe is inserted into the washing tank. Washing of the outside of the reagent probe, washing of the throttle portion, and a washing operation for the inside of the reagent probe are performed while a lowering operation of the reagent probe is performed. The automatic analysis device is configured to perform a drying operation by using vacuum nozzles even when the reagent probe is lifted, and thus, washing and drying operations of the reagent probe can be sped up and can be performed in a short period of time. |
| US09891232B2 |
BIN1 expression as a marker of skeletal muscle mass and neurological conditions
Provided are methods for determining skeletal muscle mass in subject. Also provided are methods for diagnosing a neurological condition or disease or a condition or disease associated with reduced skeletal muscle mass in a subject. Further provided are purified antibodies that bind specifically to a BIN1 polypeptide that is expressed specifically in skeletal muscle. |
| US09891229B2 |
Method for determining ubiquitin chain length
Protein ubiquitylation, an essential post-translational modification, regulates almost every cellular process including protein degradation, protein trafficking, signal transduction, and DNA damage response in eukaryotic cells. The diverse functions of ubiquitylation are thought to be mediated by distinct chain topologies resulting from eight different ubiquitin linkages, chain lengths, and complexities. Currently, ubiquitin linkages are generally thought to be a critical determinant of ubiquitin signaling. However, ubiquitin chain lengths, another key element of ubiquitin signaling, have not been well documented especially in vivo situation during past three decades from the discovery of ubiquitin. The reason of this was simply because no method has been available for determination of ubiquitin chain length in endogenous ubiquitylated substrates. In the present invention, a practical technique for determining the actual length of substrate-attached polyubiquitin chains from biological samples is established. Using the method, the mean length of substrate-attached polyubiquitin chains was determined and the robustness of ubiquitin chain length regulation in cells is investigated. The following is a summary of findings in this invention: 1. A method for determining ubiquitin chain length was developed and this method was named ‘ubiquitin protection from trypsinization’ (Ub-ProT). 2. Using Ub-ProT, it was determined that the mean length of substrate-attached ubiquitin chains is in the dimer to decamer range. 3. By quantitative proteomics, it was found that the mean lengths of five major types of ubiquitin chains can be divided into two groups. 4. Proteasome-inhibition did not alter the mean length of substrate-attached polyubiquitin chains, indicating that cells have a robust system for regulating ubiquitin chain length. |
| US09891224B2 |
Biomarkers for aggressive prostate cancer
The present invention relates to the field of biomarkers. More specifically, the present invention relates to biomarkers useful in diagnosing aggressive prostate cancer. In one embodiment, a method for identifying patients as having or likely to have aggressive prostate cancer comprises the steps of (a) obtaining a biological sample from the patient; (b) performing an assay on the biological sample to detect fucosylated fucosylated DPP-4, sTIE-2, sVEGFR-1, and FUT8; and (c) identifying the patient as having or likely to have aggressive prostate cancer if there is a statistically significant difference in the levels of fucosylated TIMP-1, fucosylated DPP-4, sTIE-2, sVEGFR-1 and FUT8. |
| US09891222B2 |
Methods and compositions for identification and quantification of ENOX2 transcript variants as indications of cancer presence in blood serum and other body fluids based on gold or silver nanoparticle formation
The present invention includes a semi-quantitative method for the detection of ENOX2 transcript variants from one or more anti-ENOX2 antibody-binding spots on a blot comprising the steps of: electrophoretically separating proteins from a concentrated blood, serum, or plasma sample from the subject; transferring the electrophoretically separated proteins to a substrate; separating the one or more ENOX2 transcript variants from the one or more anti-ENOX2 antibody-binding spots; and measuring an ENOX2-catalyzed conversion of an ionic silver or gold to a colloidal silver or gold detected by light scattering from the one or more anti-ENOX2 antibody binding spots on the substrate, wherein each of the one or more spots is indicative of the ENOX2 transcript variant. Also provided is the basis for a point of care test to detect ENOX2 transcript variants based on use of colloidal gold or silver complexes with ENOX2 as a rapid simple test for cancer presence. |
| US09891215B2 |
Methods for the electrochemical treatment of self-assembled monolayers
The present invention provides compositions and methods directed to an electrode initialization step for the electrochemical treatment of monolayers used in electrochemical detection of target analytes on the surface of a monolayer. Electrode initialization creates a more stable monolayer, and resolves variability within the electrochemical signal detected on the monolayer. |
| US09891213B2 |
Granulocyte-based methods for detecting and monitoring immune system disorders
Methods are provided for determining a subject's susceptibility to an allergic reaction upon exposure to an offending allergen. Methods are also provided for determining and monitoring a subject's responsiveness to ongoing allergy treatment |
| US09891211B2 |
Gamma 9 delta 2 T cell receptors
The current invention provides methods to identify γ9δ2T-cell receptors (γ9δ2TCR) that mediate anti-tumor responses. Surprisingly, it was now found that the CDR3 regions of the γ9-T-cell receptor chain and the δ2-T-Cell receptor chain (δ2TCR chain) are of importance. Based on these findings, combinatorial-γδTCR-chain-exchange (CTE) is proposed as an efficient method for identifying γ9δ2TCRs that mediate anti-tumor responses. Using the method of the invention, specific sequences of the respective γ9TCR and δ2TCR chains were identified that mediate anti-tumor responses. Hence, the invention further provides for specific γ9δ2TCRs, or fragments thereof, that may be used e.g. in diagnostics or treatment of cancer. The invention further provides for nucleic acid sequences, genetic constructs and retroviral vectors that can be used to express the γ9δ2TCRs according to the invention. |
| US09891208B2 |
Concrete temperature stress testing machine system and concrete temperature stress testing method
A concrete temperature stress testing machine system including: a concrete temperature stress testing machine and a walk-in environment simulation laboratory system; and the walk-in environment simulation laboratory system includes a walk-in environment simulation laboratory, a host control cabinet, a compressor set room, an environment room control cabinet and a computer. The concrete temperature stress testing machine achieves the temperature deformation self-compensation by using the combination of different proportions of invar and No. 45 steel, an embedded type directly measuring deformation technology of the concrete temperature stress testing is achieved by the fit between the upper and side embedded parts, the embedded rod and the extending rod. The concrete temperature stress testing machine system according to embodiments of the present disclosure may compensate the impact of the temperature deformation by itself and directly measure the true deformation of concrete, thereby having high accuracy, good long-term stability, easy operation and other advantages. |
| US09891207B2 |
Paper microfluidic devices for detection of improvised explosives
Paper microfluidic devices for testing for explosives are provided, along with methods of fabricating and using the same. One or more channels are formed on a paper substrate, and a test spot is formed in at least one of the channels. The channels can be hydrophobic. A test reagent is provided in the test spot and tests for explosives. |
| US09891206B2 |
Back titration methods for scaling cations and downhole tools for performing such methods
A method for determining scaling cation concentration may include introducing a first solution that includes a scaling cation, incrementally adding a portion of the first solution to a volume of a second solution comprising a counter scaling anion and a complexing agent, wherein the second solution comprises a fixed concentration of the counter scaling anion and the agent, to form a mixed solution, adding the first solution to the second solution until a precipitate of the scaling cation and the counter scaling anion forms, and determining the scaling cation concentration of the first solution. |
| US09891200B2 |
Metal coordination complex for detection of vapors and anions and process for the preparation thereof
The present invention discloses novel multi-action copper complexes which are used for reversible vapochromic detection of polar solvents as well as anion sensing in both aqueous and non-aqueous media. |
| US09891194B2 |
Acquisition of fragment ion mass spectra of ions separated by their mobility
The invention provides a method for acquiring fragment ion spectra of substances in complex substance mixtures wherein a trapped ion mobility spectrometer (“TIMS”) is used as the ion mobility separator separation device. The fragment ion spectra may be used for the identification of high numbers of proteins in complex mixtures, or for a safe quantification of some substances, by their fragment ion mass spectra in a mass spectrometer with up-front substance separator. TIMS with parallel accumulation provides the unique possibility to prolong the ion accumulation duration to find more detectable ion species without decreasing the measuring capacity for fragment ion mass spectra. The high measurement capacity for fragment ion mass spectra permits the repeated measurement of low abundance ion species to improve the quality of the fragment ion spectra. |
| US09891192B2 |
System and method for flat panel detector gel and blot imaging
A system and method for generating a digital image in fluorescence gel imaging is disclosed. The method includes providing a gel sample and placing the gel sample on a flat panel detector having array of photodiodes and transistors that collect light generated from the gel sample. The gel sample is illuminated using a light source integrated into the flat panel imaging system and light emitted by the gel sample responsive to an excitation of the gel sample by light provided by the light source is then collected, with the light emitted by the gel sample being collected by the array of photodiodes of the flat panel detector and converted to electric charges to generate light data. The light data is then processed to generate a digital image of the gel sample. |
| US09891188B2 |
Gas concentration detecting device
A gas concentration detecting device includes a gas concentration detecting element and an electronic control unit. The gas concentration detecting element includes a first electrochemical cell and a second electrochemical cell. The electronic control unit is configured to detect the concentration of the sulfur oxide contained in the test gas based on a first detected value correlated with a current flowing through the first electrochemical cell acquired when a first removing voltage is applied to the second electrochemical cell and a measuring voltage is applied to the first electrochemical cell. |
| US09891179B2 |
Apparatus and method for processing and interpreting NMR logging data
Apparatus, method and system for processing and interpreting nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data acquired for a formation from within a subterranean wellbore that includes independently obtaining D−T1 and D−T2 from the same set of NMR data using a dual step independent 2D inversion method that provides adequate resolution in all dimensions for T1, T2, and D distributions. |
| US09891178B2 |
Industrial CT scanning test system
An industrial CT scanning test system. The test system includes a test base, a multi-axis motion swivel table supported on the test base, a ray generator, an image acquisition device, and a fluid pressure loading device, and further includes a control device. The fluid pressure loading device includes at least one loading cylinder, and in case of performing a scanning experiment, the at least one loading cylinder is placed on a sample stage of the multi-axis motion swivel table together with a sample, and real-time loading of loads in different directions on the sample is performed according to test requirements. |
| US09891177B2 |
TDI sensor in a darkfield system
A wafer scanning system includes imaging collection optics to reduce the effective spot size. Smaller spot size decreases the number of photons scattered by the surface proportionally to the area of the spot. Air scatter is also reduced. TDI is used to produce a wafer image based on a plurality of image signals integrated over the direction of linear motion of the wafer. An illumination system floods the wafer with light, and the task of creating the spot is allocated to the imaging collection optics. |
| US09891174B2 |
Reactor, test apparatus, and test method
Disclosed herein are a reactor, a test apparatus, and a test method, which measure, when a material included in a sample acts as an interfering material with respect to estimating a concentration of a target material, a concentration of the interfering material, and correct an estimated concentration of the target material based on the concentration of the interfering material, thereby improving the reliability and accuracy of the concentration of the target material. The reactor includes: a target material detecting chamber in which a first reagent that includes a first material that is activated by a target material is contained; a first material detecting chamber in which a second reagent that includes the target material is contained; an inlet hole into which a sample is injected; and a channel configured to connect the inlet hole, the target material detecting chamber, and the first material detecting chamber to each other. |
| US09891170B1 |
Stand alone portable sensing system for advanced nanoparticle tracers
A portable sensing system for nanomaterial tracers used in oil producing wells is provided. The portable sending system includes a separation device such as a hydrocyclone or carboy, a filtration device having filtration media, a waste container, and spectrometer. The portable sensing system may also include or be connected to a portable computer such as a laptop. The portable sensing system may be connected to a wellhead without any modification of the wellhead or a producing line. Additionally, the portable sensing system may perform separation, filtration, and detection on a sample without manual or automatic pumps and other moving parts, and using gravity and the existing fluid pressure of the sample to promote fluid flow for the separation, filtration, and detection. |
| US09891168B2 |
Device and method for sensing at least one partially specular surface with column-by-column analysis of the global or local intensity maximum
Among a device and a method for sensing at least partially specular surfaces, the device includes a detection face and an illuminator configured to project a pattern onto the detection face by reflection via the at least partially specular surface. |
| US09891167B2 |
Optical analyte sensor
A waveguide sensor capable of direct, real-time detection and monitoring of analytes in the vicinity of the waveguide surface without requiring the tagging or labeling of the analyte, is described. Analytic and numerical calculations have predicted that by locally detecting either changes in the evanescent field or changes in the light coupled out of the waveguide as a result of the presence of the analyte, high detection sensitivity will be able to be achieved. |
| US09891166B2 |
Fiber optic sensor for measurement of carbon dioxide
Fiber optic sensors include sensor regions in which an optical phase is modulated by an analyte to be detected. A long period fiber grating (LPG) is coupled to a coating that is arranged to selectively interact with the analyte. The resulting phase change is detected based on a transmission spectrum associated with the LPG so that analyte is detected and quantified. A plurality of such sensors is distributed along a fiber to form a sensor array that can be situated to detect analyte at a plurality of discrete regions. |
| US09891162B2 |
Photometric measurement cell
An online colorimetric analyzer that generates an indication of a material in a sample is provided. The analyzer includes a peristaltic pump configured to convey. A photometric cell is operably coupled to the peristaltic pump to receive the sample. An illumination source is disposed to direct illumination through the sample in the photometric cell along an angle of incidence. A photodetector disposed to receive illumination passing through the photometric cell along the angle of incidence and provide a signal indicative of a color of the sample. A controller is coupled to the illumination source, the photodetector and the peristaltic pump. The photometric cell is tilted relative to vertical such that a surface of liquid present when the photometric cell is partially filled substantially reflects the illumination away from the angle of incidence. |
| US09891159B2 |
Microparticle analysis apparatus to improve analytical precision based on detection of forward-scattered light
There is provided a microparticle analysis apparatus including a light detection unit configured to detect forward-scattered light generated from a microparticle that is an analysis target. The light detection unit includes a circuit having a high-pass filter that removes low frequency noise included in light entering the light detection unit and switches to the high-pass filter according to a predetermined frequency of the forward-scattered light. |
| US09891158B2 |
Method for detecting particles
The present invention concerns a method of detecting particles which move along a trajectory and which produce or at least influence electromagnetic radiation, an electrical field or a magnetic field, wherein the electromagnetic radiation, the electrical field or the magnetic field is detected, in which a structuring device is used, which either ensures that the particles along the trajectory produce or at least influence electromagnetic radiation, an electrical field or a magnetic field substantially only at non-periodic spatial spacings, or ensures that the electromagnetic radiation, the electrical or the magnetic field is detected substantially only at non-periodic spatial spacings along the trajectory. To provide a method of detecting particles which move along a trajectory and which produce or at least influence electromagnetic radiation, an electrical field or a magnetic field, it is proposed according to the invention that the detected signal S is processed by means of a mismatched filter F1 and if the signal DF1(S) filtered in that way fulfils a predefined threshold criterion a particle is detected and if the signal filtered in that way does not fulfill the predefined threshold criterion no particle is detected. |
| US09891157B2 |
Microanalysis of cellular function
An inverted microwell (102) provides rapid and efficient microanalysis system (100) and method for screening of biological particles (128), particularly functional analysis of cells on a single cell basis. The use of an inverted open microwell system (102) permits identification of particles, cells, and biomolecules that may be combined to produce a desired functional effect also functional screening of secreted antibody therapeutic activity as well as the potential to recover cells and fluid, and optionally expand cells, such as antibody secreting cells, within the same microwell. |
| US09891151B2 |
Drilling-resistance measuring device for use underwater
The invention relates to a drilling-resistance measuring device (10) and to a method for material testing in a humid environment or underwater. The drilling-resistance measuring device (10) comprises a housing (1), in which a drive and a drill chuck (3) coupled to the drive are arranged, in which drill chuck a drilling needle (4) is or can be releasably held, wherein the housing (1) has a drilling-needle outlet opening (5′) enclosed by a drilling-needle outlet guide (5), through which drilling-needle outlet opening the drilling needle (4) extends out of the housing (1). The drilling-resistance measuring device (10) comprises at least one water-tight bellows (6), which is arranged in the interior of the housing (1) around the drilling needle (4) between the drill chuck (3) and the drilling-needle outlet guide (5), wherein moisture or water can enter the bellows (6) through the drilling-needle outlet opening (5′). |
| US09891150B2 |
Method for measuring or identifying a component of interest in a biological system
A method for measuring or identifying a component of interest in a biological system is disclosed herein. The method includes positioning a fiber within the biological system, the fiber being at least partially coated with a polymeric extraction phase for adsorbing the component of interest from the biological system, the extraction phase being positioned within the biological system; adsorbing the component of interest onto the extraction phase; removing the fiber from the biological system; inserting the fiber into a nanospray needle; flowing solvent through the nanospray needle; desorbing the component of interest from the extraction phase into the solvent; and nanospraying the desorbed component of interest into an analytical instrument for measurement or identification. |
| US09891149B2 |
Method and apparatus for automated analysis
A method for pretreatment of a sample of whole blood in a discrete fluid analyzing instrument comprises automated means for handling and analyzing the sample and means for performing a pretreatment step on the sample or a sub-sample of the sample. The means for pretreatment are used for immobilizing at least one substance or analyte from the sample or sub-sample wherein the substance or analyte is reversibly immobilized. Usually, the apparatus further comprises means for eluting the substance or analyte from the capture means prior to analysis. |
| US09891142B2 |
Time-stamping and synchronization for single-wire safety communication
A time-stamping layer is provided for time-stamping of events detected in an industrial safety system. The technique implemented by the time-stamping layer uses autonomous device counters and simple arithmetic to label detected events (e.g., safety switching events) with accurate time-stamps without the need to synchronize clocks of the individual safety input devices and safety relay on the safety circuit. In some embodiments, the time-stamping technique is implemented in a single-wire safety system architecture that yields reliable safety device monitoring without the need for dual redundant signal channels. |
| US09891139B2 |
Catalyst deterioration diagnosis system and catalyst deterioration diagnosis method
A system for diagnosing the degree of deterioration of a catalyst disposed in an exhaust path of an internal combustion engine and oxidizes or adsorbs a target gas in an exhaust gas, includes a temperature sensor measuring a temperature of the exhaust gas at the upstream from a catalyst in an exhaust path and a gas sensor detecting a target gas at the downstream of the exhaust path and outputting an output value in accordance with a concentration of the target gas, wherein a control element is configured to diagnose the degree of deterioration in the catalyst, based on at least the output value in the gas sensor, the temperature of the catalyst identified based on a measurement value in the temperature sensor, and the threshold value at the temperature of the catalyst. |
| US09891137B2 |
Induction diagnostics for skip fire engines
A variety of methods and arrangements for detecting failure of the commanded air induction in an internal combustion engine are described. In some embodiments, the intake manifold pressure is monitored. An air induction event generates a fluctuation in the intake manifold pressure, which is recorded. The signal is processed through a diagnostic filter to help determine whether the actual induction matched the commanded induction. In other embodiments, measured crankshaft acceleration is compared with estimated crankshaft acceleration. If the two quantities differ by a threshold amount an induction fault is detected. The two detection methods may also be combined. The describe approaches are particularly well suited for use in engines operating in a skip fire mode with cylinder deactivation and/or a dynamic firing level modulation mode. |
| US09891136B2 |
Methods to determine a bearing setting
A method for determining a bearing setting of a bearing in a shaft assembly, in which the shaft assembly includes a housing and a shaft rotatable with respect to the housing, with the bearing including a first bearing part coupled to the shaft and a second bearing part coupled to the housing, includes positioning a first portion of a measuring device in direct or indirect contact with the housing and a second portion of the measuring device in direct or indirect contact with the shaft. The method also includes measuring with the measuring device a parameter indicative of an amount of contact between the first bearing part and the second bearing part. |
| US09891135B2 |
Fault detection system for actuator
A failure detecting device of a fault detection system includes a detection time calculator, which calculates a stroke time T3 required for a piston to travel between one end and another end of an actuator based on detection signals from a first sensor and a second sensor, a statistical processor that performs a predetermined statistical calculation with respect to the stroke time T3, and a fault response detector, which detects whether or not a fault of the actuator has occurred based on a processing result of the statistical processor. |
| US09891132B2 |
Method for leak testing closed, at least partially gas filled containers
For detected smallest leak in closed containers, which are at least to a part filled with a gas, the container (1) is pressurized by a test gas (g(s)) for an amount of time. The test gas (g(s)) comprises a gas species (s). The amount of the addressed gas species (s) which has penetrated in the container 1 it is sensed (7) as a leak indication. |
| US09891128B2 |
Pressure sensor having a digital circuit unit connected to adjustment terminals and earth terminals
According to the invention, a pressure receiving space of a pressure sensor is prevented from being charged. In the pressure sensor, a diaphragm is mounted on a base fixed in a cover to form the pressure receiving space in which oil is sealed. A semiconductor pressure detection device is provided in the pressure receiving space, and adjustment lead pins and an earth-terminal lead pin are connected to terminals of the semiconductor pressure detection device by bonding wires. A wiring substrate is provided with the base of the pressure receiving space interposed and faces the base, and a metal foil is provided such that one or more lead pins of the adjustment lead pins and the earth-terminal lead pin are electrically connected in the wiring substrate. Therefore, the charging of the insulative medium sealed in the pressure receiving space is prevented. |
| US09891127B2 |
Capacitive pressure measuring cell and pressure measuring device
The invention relates to a capacitive pressure measuring cell for detecting the pressure of a medium adjacent to the pressure measuring cell, comprising a ceramic elastic measuring membrane, the first side of which at least partially contacts the medium and the second side of which facing away from the medium comprises a measuring electrode, and a ceramic cylindrical basic body disposed opposite to the second side of the measuring membrane and comprising at least one counter electrode which forms a measuring capacitance with the measuring electrode. |
| US09891126B2 |
Method for soldering a connecting element
Method for soldering a connection element to a connection point on an electrically conductive coating that is suitable for soft-soldering on an insulating surface of a base body using a soft-soldering method; as well as sensors manufactured using this method for which a spatial limitation of the wetting of the coating with soft-solder material, during the process of soft-soldering, is effected by providing a groove in the base body which at least partly surrounds the connection point on the outside. At least a part of the area of the external insulating surface of the base body including the connection point is coated with the coating, and soft-solder material is locally applied to the connection point and the connection element is soldered onto the connection point using the applied soft-solder material in a soft-soldering process. |
| US09891122B2 |
Load sensing system
An actuator including a pair of load sensors arranged in the load path through the actuator. The load sensors are antagonistically preloaded and their outputs electrically connected to a processor for calculating a load in the actuator from the difference in loads measured by the respective load sensors. |
| US09891121B2 |
Attachment method to keep optical fiber in tension
A method using a capstan device and different bonding methods for minimizing undesirable time-dependent effects that occur in sensing devices that use optical fibers placed in tension. |
| US09891118B2 |
Temperature sensor
A temperature sensor includes a metal tube containing thermo-sensitive element and filled with an insulating filling material, and a housing to which the metal tube is fixed. The metal tube includes a small-diameter part and a large-diameter part. The distal end of the small-diameter part is located beyond a virtual line. The virtual line passes a center of a maximum virtual circle which is an inscribed circle that contacts at least three points on an inner surface of the pipe in a cross-section perpendicular to an axial direction of the pipe, and is perpendicular to a center axis line of the metal tube. The whole of the small-diameter part and the part of the large-diameter part filled with the filling material are located within a center virtual circle which is coaxial with the maximum virtual circle and has an inner diameter of ⅔ of that of the maximum virtual circle. |
| US09891115B2 |
Microchip sensor din housing structure
A sensor structure includes a fixing assembly and a sensing assembly. The fixing assembly includes a connection member. The sensing assembly includes a sleeve, an engaging member, a microchip, and a fastening member. The engaging member is received in the sleeve and is detachably engaged with the connection member. The microchip is coupled to the engaging member and is received in the sleeve. The fastening member latches the sleeve and is detachably fit around the connection member. |
| US09891114B2 |
Flexible laminated thermocouple
A flexible laminated thermocouple is provided and includes layers of insulation material. At least one of the layers has a longitudinal axis and includes thermocouple conductors formed of differing electrically conductive materials. Each of the thermocouple conductors includes a main section extending along the longitudinal axis and a flange extending transversely to the longitudinal axis. The main sections are insulated from one another and the thermocouple conductors are insulated from thermocouple conductors of another layer. |
| US09891113B2 |
Thermal sensor and method for producing a thermal sensor
The present disclosure relates to a thermal sensor and a method for producing a thermal sensor of this type having a low signal-to-noise ratio at relatively high signal strengths. To this end, a thermoelectric generator is combined with a field effect transistor and a diode. Owing to its integrated diode and the barrier effect associated therewith, the thermal sensor is suitable for the economical and efficient design of imaging sensor arrays for converting thermal radiation into electrical signals. |
| US09891111B2 |
Thermowell with infrared sensor
A thermowell assembly for measuring a process temperature includes an elongate thermowell having a proximal end and a distal end. A bore extends between the two ends with the thermowell assembly configured to extend into a process fluid. An infrared sensor detects infrared radiation from the distal end through the bore of the thermowell and responsively provides a sensor output. A configuration is provided in which infrared radiation received by the infrared sensor from a wall of the bore is reduced and or radiation received from the distal end of the bore is increased. |
| US09891110B1 |
System including distance sensor for non-contact temperature sensing
A system includes a temperature sensor and a distance sensor. The distance sensor provides an indication of distance between the temperature sensor and an object to be measured. By determining the distance between the temperature sensor and the object, the system determines whether the object is sufficiently close to the temperature sensor to make an accurate temperature measurement, such as by determining whether the object completely fills the field of view of the sensor. In an implementation, the distance sensor includes a light source and a photodetector configured to detect light having wavelengths that correspond to those generated by the light source. |
| US09891109B2 |
Portable colour sensor
The present concept is a portable color sensor for measuring color of a substrate that includes a single flat printed circuit board with a top and bottom side which includes at least one LED light and one color sensor and at least one light pipe receiving light from the LED and transmitting it onto a substrate at an angle theta. It also includes a tube frame including an optical tube for receiving light reflections from the substrate and directing the reflections to the color sensor. The light pipes and the tube frame, are mounted and compression fit between the printed circuit board and a lower housing. |
| US09891108B2 |
Spectroscopic method for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis
The present invention relates to a method for detecting Alzheimer's disease in a subject. This method involves providing a sample from the subject, subjecting the sample to a spectroscopic analysis to produce a spectroscopic signature for the sample, determining whether the spectroscopic signature for the sample corresponds to an Alzheimer's disease spectroscopic signature, and identifying a subject as having Alzheimer's disease where the spectroscopic signature for the sample from that subject corresponds to the spectroscopic signature for Alzheimer's disease. Also disclosed is a method for monitoring Alzheimer's disease progression in a subject, involving providing a sample from a subject with Alzheimer's disease, subjecting the sample to a spectroscopic analysis to produce a spectroscopic signature for the sample, comparing the spectroscopic signature for the sample to a prior spectroscopic signature from the subject or to a spectroscopic signature standard for a specific stage of Alzheimer's disease, and determining the progression of Alzheimer's disease in the subject based on said comparing. |
| US09891105B2 |
Microspectroscope including optical fibers and spectroscope
A microspectroscope includes: a light source; a plurality of light projecting optical fibers that receive light from the light source; a spectroscope; a plurality of light receiving optical fibers for guiding received light to the spectroscope; and a confocal optical system for causing each of a plurality of beams from the plurality of light projecting optical fibers to be condensed and irradiated onto a sample, and forming images of a plurality of beams from a plurality of condensing points on the sample, respectively on the plurality of light receiving optical fibers. |
| US09891103B2 |
Assembling method of spectrometer and assembling system
A spectrometer comprising a waveguide module, a diffractive component, and a light sensor is provided. The waveguide module has a first reflective surface, a second reflective surface opposite to the first reflective surface, and a light channel between the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface. The diffractive component has a diffractive surface and a plurality of strip-shaped diffractive structures located on the diffractive surface. The sharpness of the profile of the strip-shaped diffractive structures on a first side of the diffractive surface is greater than that on a second side of the diffractive surface. When viewed along a direction perpendicular to the second reflective surface, the first side of the diffractive surface is positioned between the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface with a distance away from the second reflective surface. A method for assembling the spectrometer and an assembling system are also provided. |
| US09891102B2 |
Simplified light sensing circuit, light sensing apparatus including the light sensing circuit, method of driving the light sensing apparatus, and image acquisition apparatus and optical touch screen apparatus including the light sensing apparatus
In a simplified light sensing circuit, a light sensing apparatus including the light sensing circuit, a method of driving the light sensing apparatus, and an image acquisition apparatus and optical touch screen apparatus including the light sensing apparatus, the light sensing circuit includes an oxide semiconductor transistor including a channel layer including an oxide semiconductor material, for each pixel. The oxide semiconductor transistor is configured to operate as a light sensing device that senses light and a switch that outputs light sensing data. |
| US09891101B2 |
Information-reading component and information-reading device utilizing same
An information-reading element may be provided, which can be made small, and allows the number of adjustment steps to be reduced, and an information-reading device may be provided. An information-reading element may be provided and equipped with a light-emitting element, which serves as a polarized light-emitting part for emitting polarized light as outgoing light, and a light-receiving element, which serves as a polarized light-receiving part for receiving the polarized light as returning light after the polarized light is reflected off a reflecting plate, said reflecting plate being a target object from which information is to be read, wherein the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element have different polarization characteristics from each other. |
| US09891097B2 |
Brightness calibration method used in optical detection system with a plurality of diffusers
A brightness calibration method used in an optical detection system includes a single source illuminator and a probe card. The single source illuminator is configured to illuminate the probe card. The probe card has a plurality of detection sites. The brightness calibration method includes: sequentially detecting brightness values at the detection sites through one of a plurality of diffusers by a sensing chip; sequentially detecting transparencies of the diffusers at one of the detection sites by the sensing chip; and selecting and respectively disposing the diffusers corresponding to larger ones of the transparencies over the detection sites corresponding to smaller ones of the brightness values, and selecting and respectively disposing the diffusers corresponding to smaller ones of the transparencies over the detection sites corresponding to larger ones of the brightness values. |
| US09891096B2 |
Body weight scale with visual notification system and method
An interactive body weight scale is presented. The body weight scale may have computing and data communication ability to track a user's weight by connecting to a number of different electronic devices. The body weight scale is capable of recording an audio message, converting the audio message to message text, and transmitting the message to a remote social network. The scale may also receive message responses from the remote network and play the messages back based on whether a particular message is a positive message. A scale use indicator provides a reminder for a user to use the body weight scale. |
| US09891092B2 |
Device for determining the fill level of a medium in a container
A method for determining the fill level of a medium (2) in a container (3) that is advantageous as compared to the prior art is achieved in that several emitting devices (6) are supplied with electromagnetic signals and that an emitting behavior of at least a portion of the emitting devices (6) is evaluated in view of the fill level of the medium (2). |
| US09891091B2 |
Level measurement method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for determining the location of a phase boundary such as a fill level, in a vessel. The method includes: providing at least one source of radiation capable of emitting radiation through a portion of the interior of the vessel; providing a plurality of radiation detectors, each detector being capable of detecting, within a part of the measurement range, radiation emitted by the source; and providing a data processing unit for calculation of the position of the phase boundary from the amount of radiation detected by the detectors, wherein the data processing unit calculates the position of the phase boundary from the amount of radiation detected by the detectors by: (i) in a first step, determining within which detector stage the phase boundary is located; and then (ii) in a second step, determining the position of the phase boundary within the detector stage determined in (i). |
| US09891090B1 |
Measuring cup with cap, grip, and leveler
The measuring cup is a calibrated measuring device that configured for use in measuring volume. The measuring cup is configured for use with an analyte material selected from the group consisting of: a fluid analyte material, a semi-rigid analyte material, a granular analyte material, or a crystalline analyte material. The measuring cup comprises a cap, a body, and a leveler. The cap and the leveler are attached to the body. The body is a contained and calibrated volume that is used to measure the volume of the analyte material. The cap is a handle that is used to manipulate the measuring cup. The leveler is a device that levels the analyte material within the body of the measuring cup. |
| US09891089B2 |
Modular fluid meter test bench
The disclosed invention is a modular fluid meter test system configured for testing the accuracy of fluid flow meters. The modular test system is configured with an input module, an output module and zero or more center modules. The system is configured to be shipped disassembled so that it can be installed inside a test facility without the need to modify the entrances of the structure to house the test system. |
| US09891086B2 |
Fluid dispenser
A fluid dispenser having a fluid reservoir, a fluid suction chamber of variable volume that defines an extraction and application space; a dip tube that connects the reservoir to the chamber at an injection orifice that defines an injection axis; and a suction mechanism for sucking, during a suction stage, fluid from the reservoir into the chamber through the injection orifice. The injection orifice is situated a little way inside or outside the extraction and application space, such that the fluid is injected in the form of an axial jet into the extraction and application space and fills it, at least in part, without the injection orifice penetrating into the space. |
| US09891085B2 |
Ultrasound fuel flow sensing and control
Methods and apparatus for measuring liquid fuel flows within a conduit are disclosed. An example flow sensor may include a conduit arranged to flow fuel therethrough along a flow axis, the conduit defining a flow area orthogonal to the flow axis. The flow sensor may further include a first transducer arranged to direct a first signal through the conduit proximate the flow area to a second transducer, the second transducer being arranged to direct a second signal through the conduit proximate the flow area to the first transducer, the first transducer being spaced apart from the second transducer by a signal path length, and in a direction parallel to the flow axis by an axial distance. The fuel flow measuring system may further include a processor arranged to calculate a fuel mass flow rate based on first and second signal transit times, known fuel properties and a fuel temperature. |
| US09891083B2 |
Probe tip for air data probe
A probe assembly includes a heat source; and a probe tip configured to enhance conduction of heat provided by the heat source into a front end tip of the probe. The probe tip includes: a first region having high thermal conductivity in at least a z-direction, wherein the z-direction is parallel to an axis along which the probe tip is extended; and at least one additional region having thermal characteristics different from the first region. |
| US09891082B2 |
Vibration resistant mount for meter used in industrial field devices
A field device includes a housing and a process variable transducer configured to measure or control a process variable in an industrial process. Field device circuitry in the housing is coupled to the process variable transducer. A meter body mount is carried in housing. A meter is affixed to the meter body mount by an attachment mechanism. The meter includes a display element. A cover seals the meter in the housing. |
| US09891078B2 |
Interferometric encoders using spectral analysis
Determining information about a degree of freedom of rigid body motion of an encoder scale includes: directing a first beam toward an encoder scale, in which the first beam diffracts from an encoder scale; combining a diffracted component of the first beam with a second beam to form an interfering output beam; monitoring changes in the output beam as a function of a wavelength of the first and second beams; and determining the information about a degree of freedom of rigid body motion of the encoder scale based on changes in the output beam as a function of the wavelength. |
| US09891077B2 |
Dual composite light field device
An apparatus is disclosed for capturing image information. The apparatus includes a waveguide having opposed planar input and output faces. A diffractive optical element (DOE) is formed across the waveguide. The DOE is configured to couple a portion of the light passing through the waveguide into the waveguide. The light coupled into the waveguide is directed via total internal reflection to an exit location on the waveguide. The apparatus further includes a light sensor having an input positioned adjacent the exit location of the waveguide to capture light exiting therefrom and generate output signals corresponding thereto. A processor determines the angle and position of the coupled light with respect to the input face of the waveguide based on the output signals. |
| US09891074B2 |
Sensor system with a three half-bridge configuration
A sensor system for sensing a physical quantity is disclosed. The sensor system includes a first sensor path comprising a first first sensing element and a second first sensing element and a first intermediate node being provided in between the first first sensing element and the second first sensing element. The sensor also includes a second sensor path comprising a first second sensing element and a second second sensing element and a second intermediate node being provided in between the first second sensing element and the second second sensing element. A third sensor path is provided and comprises a first third sensing element and a second third sensing element and a third intermediate node being provided in between the first third sensing element and the second third sensing element. A signal processing device is also included. |
| US09891073B2 |
Method and device for providing guidance to street view destination
Disclosed is a method and device for providing guidance to a street view destination. The method includes: acquiring a real scenario image of a scenario in which a device is located; determining, according to a current location and a device facing direction of the device, annotated information needing to be displayed; displaying, in the real scenario image, the annotated information needing to be displayed; determining selected annotated information; and displaying detailed information of a street view corresponding to the selected annotated information. |
| US09891071B2 |
Mapping road illumination
A method and apparatus for providing navigation services including illumination data. A request for a route is received with one or more preferences related to illumination for the route. One or more road segments that have illumination road attributes that correspond to the one or more preferences are selected. The illumination road attributes are calculated as a function of high beam frequency for the one or more road segments. The route is generated including the one or more road segments. The route is provided with the illumination road attributes. |
| US09891066B2 |
System for displaying a three-dimensional landmark
A system and method for processing a 3-dimensional landmark providing a 3-dimensional representation of a 3-dimensional real world object located at a predefined geographic location is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a data set containing the 3-dimensional landmark, determining a largest continuous horizontal surface of the 3-dimensional landmark, and storing the determined largest horizontal surface as road traffic area of a road network used by a user when moving on the object. |
| US09891062B2 |
System for estimating a cruising range of a vehicle
A navigation system may estimate a cruising range of a vehicle by performing a road network search. Digital map data that includes a set of road segments, where each road segment in the set can be associated with a hierarchy class and an elevation, may be retrieved. A road segment-specific weighting factor can be calculated for the road segments. The weighting factor can be calculated dependent on a distance of the specific road segment to a current location of the vehicle and on the elevation of the specific road segment. The road segments are selectively discarded by the navigation system based on the weighting factor and the associated hierarchy class to create a selected set of road segments. The road network search expands route links for the selected set of road segments based on an associated estimated energy consumption of the vehicle travelling along the route links. |
| US09891058B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing navigation guidance via proximate devices
An approach is provided for connecting a first device with a second device proximate to a navigation destination. The approach involves determining a destination associated with a first device and/or a first user of the first device. The approach also involves determining a second device, and/or a second user of the second device within a proximity threshold of the destination. The approach further involves causing a transmission of a navigation assistance request from the first device and/or the first user to the second device and/or the second user, wherein the request seeks navigation guidance information related to the destination and/or a point of interest associated with the destination from the second device and/or the second user. |
| US09891054B2 |
Inertial sensor aided heading and positioning for GNSS vehicle navigation
An apparatus and method for providing an improved heading estimate of a mobile device in a vehicle is presented. First, the mobile device determines if it is mounted in a cradle attached to the vehicle; if so, inertia sensor data may be valid. While in a mounted stated, the mobile device determines whether it has been rotated in the cradle; if so, inertia sensor data may no longer be reliable and a recalibration to determine a new relative orientation between the vehicle and the mobile device is needed. If the mobile device is mounted and not recently rotated, heading data from multiple sensors (e.g., GPS, gyroscope, accelerometer) may be computed and combined to form the improved heading estimate. This improved heading estimate may be used to form an improved velocity estimate. The improved heading estimate may also be used to compute a bias to correct a gyroscope. |
| US09891053B2 |
MEMS device with improved spring system
A system and method in accordance with an embodiment reduces the cross-axis sensitivity of a gyroscope. This is achieved by building a gyroscope using a mechanical transducer that comprises a spring system that is less sensitive to fabrication imperfection and optimized to minimize the response to the rotations other than the intended input rotation axis. The longitudinal axes of the first and second flexible elements are parallel to each other and parallel to the first direction. |
| US09891052B2 |
Micromechanical gyroscope structure
A microelectromechanical gyroscope structure, and a method for manufacturing a microelectromechanical gyroscope structure, comprising a seismic mass and a spring structure suspending the seismic mass to a body element with a suspension structure. The spring structure allows a primary oscillation motion about a primary axis that is aligned with the plane of the seismic mass, and a secondary oscillation motion where at least part of the seismic mass moves in a second direction, perpendicular to the direction of the primary oscillation motion. The spring structure is attached to the seismic mass at both sides of the suspension structure and said spring structure is in torsional motion about the primary axis that is common with the primary oscillation motion. The structure of the gyroscope enables mechanical compensation of a quadrature error of the seismic mass by etching a compensation groove on the top face of the seismic mass. |
| US09891048B2 |
Measurement equipment
The measurement equipment includes a rack, a first image capturing device, a second image capturing device, a third image capturing device and a fourth image capturing device. Wherein, the first image capturing device and the second image capturing device capture an entire image of a to-be-measured object, the third image capturing device and the fourth image capturing device capture a plurality of local images of a plurality of local areas of the to-be-measured object, and the entire image and the local images and are simultaneously captured. |
| US09891042B2 |
Measurement method, measurement apparatus, measurement program and computer readable recording medium in which measurement program has been recorded
A phase of a specific frequency is found by carrying out a two-dimensional Fourier transformation on an image of a two-dimensional grid image on the surface of an object taken by a camera, and the displacement of the surface of the object is measured from the phase. As a result, measurement that is strong against noise can be carried out without projecting a grid having a brightness distribution of precise cosine waves. In addition, the process is simple and the number of pixels used for the measurement is smaller than that in the sampling moire method. The displacement can be found at a high speed. |
| US09891041B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring thickness of transparent and/or translucent mediums using a reflecting signal that is normal or near normal to the mediums
Methods and apparatuses for measuring the thickness on at least one transparent or translucent medium and detecting the presence and/or location of any conductive coating on a non-conductive medium surface are described. |
| US09891040B2 |
Method and electronic device for measuring a distance
The present disclosure provides a method for measuring a distance. The method may comprise: controlling an image collection unit to collect an image of an object at a measuring position to obtain a first picture including the object; determining a first displaying area of the object in the first picture; controlling the image collection unit to collect an image of the object at a reference position to obtain a second picture including the object, the measuring position being different from the reference position; determining a second displaying area of the object in the second picture; obtaining a first actual distance from the measuring position to the reference position; and determining a second actual distance from the object to the measuring position based on the first displaying area, the second displaying area and the first actual distance. Meanwhile, the present disclosure further discloses an electronic device. |
| US09891035B2 |
Distance sensor and measurement method
A capacitive distance sensor includes a first guard electrode, a conductor, a second guard electrode, and insulators. The conductor includes a sensor electrode and a lead portion and is arranged on a side of a measurement target with respect to the first guard electrode. The second guard electrode is arranged on the side of the measurement target with respect to the conductor. The first guard electrode includes portions overlapping the sensor electrode and the lead portion. The second guard electrode includes a portion overlapping the lead portion and does not overlap the sensor electrode. |
| US09891030B1 |
Molded plastic cartridge with extended flash tube, sub-sonic cartridges, and user identification for firearms and site sensing fire control
Cartridges for firearms are created with extended flash tubes to ignite the propellant efficiently from base of the projectile to the interior rear of the cartridge case. Some firearms include a specially designed trigger and microphone capable of verifying a user's identity so that only an authorized user can discharge the firearm. Some firearms include a GPS sensor, World Time RF sensor, and stored updatable list of times, GPS coordinates, distances from the GPS coordinates such that the firearm is disabled for use in these restricted areas. |
| US09891029B2 |
Apparatus for collecting warheads
A bullet head-collecting apparatus capable of easily collecting bullet heads and of controlling the extent to which the force of impact is absorbed depending on the kind of bullet head is disclosed. The bullet head-collecting apparatus includes a case configured to have a hexahedral shape with open front and upper faces, a cover plate removably mounted on the open upper face of the case, a buffer unit disposed in the case so as to absorb the force of impact of a bullet head, and a bullet head impact control unit, which includes at least one pair of first fixed brackets internally mounted on both lateral side surfaces of the case in front of the buffer unit and at least one first bullet head control plate removably fitted into the pair of first fixed brackets. |
| US09891026B2 |
Access hatch for an unmanned turret of an armored vehicle
An armored vehicle, or battle tank, has a turret, the backplane of which has a hatch allowing access to an inner volume of the turret from the inner volume of the vehicle body. The access hatch has a rectangular-shaped opening and includes a plate for closing up the opening in the form of a plurality of sectors able first to slide in a translational movement in a horizontal movement section and next to be stacked on one another in a vertical stacking section, during the opening of the hatch, the sections being located superimposed in or above the backplane. The access hatch sectors and the backplane include ballistic protection in the form of a metal armor plate covered with an anti-spall coating. |
| US09891024B2 |
Device for thermal adaption
The invention relates to a device for thermal adaptation, comprising at least one surface element arranged to assume a determined thermal distribution, said surface element comprising a first heat conducting layer, a second heat conducting layer, said first and second heat conducting layers being mutually thermally isolated by means of an intermediate insulation layer, wherein at least one thermoelectric element is arranged to generate a predetermined temperature gradient to a portion of said first layer. The invention also relates to an object such as a craft. |
| US09891022B2 |
Optical sight
The invention relates to an optical-instrument making industry, namely, to optical sights used for small arms shooting.The technical result, which the claimed invention is intended to achieve, is a simpler design while maintaining functional capabilities and, correspondingly, increased reliability and a decreased cost of the product overall.Said technical result is achieved in that the optical sight includes a common eyepiece and two optical channels which are arranged in parallel and which have different magnification, each of which contains, arranged along the path of rays, an objective, reticles and an erecting system; the common eyepiece is provided on the axis of the lower-magnification channel, the objectives of both channels have equal focal lengths, reticles are provided in the common focal plane of the channels, the higher-magnification channel is additionally provided with an optical element which is positioned in front of the focal plane and which is capable of shifting the axis of the higher-magnification optical channel. |
| US09891018B2 |
Magnetic device for holding a firearm
A device that can hold a firearm can be used to prevent the firearm from being damaged, make the firearm aesthetically appealing, absorb the heat generated during use of the firearm, and reduce kick-back generated by the firearm. The device can include an inner portion, an outer portion, and magnets between the inner portion and the outer portion. The outer portion of the device can be made of a friction resistant material, which enhances durability to endure contact with items such as a gun rack or a stabilizing object. The inner portion of the device can be made of a soft material that can be used to cushion the firearm, and optionally clean the firearm. Related methods and products are also described. |
| US09891016B2 |
Firearm with a hammer mechanism
A firearm with a housing, a barrel fastened to the housing, a bolt for closure of a chamber provided in barrel, and a hammer mechanism to operate a firing pin arranged in the bolt. The hammer mechanism contains a hammer strut arranged between the firing pin and a cocking piece, offset parallel to the firing pin. |
| US09891013B2 |
Modular store
A store includes supplying modules, which define rows, which are arranged one next to the other. Each row has a predetermined number of crates. At least one flooring structure, which supports the supplying modules, defines a walk-off surface. A moving system for a handler of the crates includes an overhead-travelling-crane, which is arranged in the upper part of the supplying modules and is adapted to move the handler in a reference plane, so as to reach the single crates. The overhead-travelling-crane includes a horizontal truss, which, in turn, has a carriage, to which the handler is fixed. The horizontal truss is adapted to slide along at least two longitudinal guides rigidly fixed to the supplying modules of the external rows, which define the horizontal extension of the store. Each module is rigidly fixed to the flooring structure. |
| US09891010B2 |
Waste heat recovery apparatus having hollow screw shaft and method for the same
A waste heat recovery apparatus includes a waste processing module and a heat recovery module. The waste processing module includes a heat exchange unit and a drive unit. The heat exchange unit includes a hollow tubular structure having at least one material inlet, at least one material outlet and a screw mounted axially thereinside. The drive unit rotates the screw to extrude the waste material. The heat recovery module includes a heat storage unit, at least one conveying pipeline and a compression unit. The heat storage unit contains a heat-storing medium for storing thermal energy. The conveying pipeline connected to the heat exchange unit and the heat storage unit allows a working medium to flow through the heat exchange unit and the heat storage unit. The compression unit coupled to the conveying pipeline circulates the working medium to flow in the conveying pipeline. |
| US09891009B2 |
Tube for heat transfer
A tube for heat transfer in which the inner surface of the tube is grooved into a pattern. The pattern includes a first fin (10) and a second fin (20) which have different shapes, wherein the first fin comprises a shaft and a head integrally formed, the shaft extending from the inner surface in a direction away from the inner surface, the head extending from the shaft in a direction away from the inner surface. In a transverse cross section of the tube, the circumferential width of the head is larger than that of the shaft. |
| US09891003B2 |
Combined heat and power system
A CHP system includes a combustor as a heat source, a Rankine cycle apparatus, a second heat exchanger, and a thermal fluid flow path. The Rankine cycle apparatus includes, as an evaporator, a first heat exchanger that absorbs thermal energy from combustion gas (thermal fluid). The second heat exchanger absorbs thermal energy from the combustion gas and transfers the thermal energy to a heat medium. The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are disposed in the thermal fluid flow path. The thermal fluid flow path includes a first flow path that allows the combustion gas to reach the first heat exchanger directly from the combustor and a second flow path that allows the combustion gas to reach the second heat exchanger directly from the combustor. |
| US09891002B2 |
Heat exchanger with interconnected fluid transfer members
A heat exchanger can include a stacked array of interconnected fluid transfer members. The stacked array of interconnected fluid transfer members can include a first fluid transfer member, a second fluid transfer member, a third fluid transfer member, and a fourth fluid transfer member. The first fluid transfer member can include a liquid passageway extending lengthwise though the first fluid transfer member and a set of helical fins extending outwardly from an outer surface of the first fluid transfer member and rotating along a length of the first fluid transfer member. The stacked array of interconnected fluid transfer members can form a jointless structure. |
| US09891000B2 |
Center heating element for a vacuum heat treating furnace
A vacuum heat treating furnace for the heat treatment of metal parts includes a pressure vessel and a hot zone enclosure that defines a hot zone therein. A heating element array inside the hot zone enclosure includes a first heating element, a second heating element, and a center heating element. The first and second heating elements are suspended on opposing sides of the hot zone enclosure. The center heating element is suspended vertically from the hot zone enclosure between the first and second heating elements. The center heating element is adapted to be connected to the first and second heating elements to form a continuous circuit therewith. The center heating element may be connected to the first and second heating elements with removable/reusable fasteners to provide for reconfiguration of the hot zone to accommodate different size workloads. |
| US09890998B2 |
Substrate heating apparatus
A substrate heating apparatus includes: a heating chamber, as well as a heating unit and a suspension holding unit which are provided in the heating chamber. The heating unit is provided at the bottom of the heating chamber, and the suspension holding unit holds the substrate in suspension above the heating unit. The apparatus avoids collision and friction on the substrate, and ensures uniform heating of the substrate. |
| US09890995B2 |
Devices and methods for producing liquid air
Methods and devices for continuously producing liquid air. One embodiment includes bringing a first container confining an unpressurized first volume coupled to outer air in contact with a first cryogenic medium, and maintaining a temperature of the first cryogenic medium substantially higher than the boiling temperature of the first cryogenic medium for affecting continuous production of liquid air. |
| US09890994B2 |
Refrigerator with camera and control method for the same
A refrigerator includes a storage compartment formed in a cabinet of the refrigerator by a fixed insulation wall, the storage compartment being provided with an access opening. The refrigerator also includes a door rotatably provided to the cabinet to open and close the access opening, a drawer provided in the storage compartment, a camera fixed to a ceiling of the storage compartment to photograph both a first region for storing of food arranged in an external space of the drawer and a second region for storing of food arranged in an internal space of the drawer, and a controller configured to separate, through a capturing time of a picture containing both the first region and the second region, a first region picture and a second region picture from the picture to individually divide and store the first region picture and the second region picture. |
| US09890993B1 |
Cooler with secondary lid
A cooler with a modular light bar having multiple LEDs and a secondary lid is disclosed herein. The LEDs are preferably automatically activated by a switch positioned in the cooler. When the lid is in an open state, the switch completes a circuit from a battery to the LEDs of the modular light bar thereby allowing the LEDs to illuminate the entire interior chamber of the cooler. |
| US09890990B2 |
3D vacuum panel and a folding approach to create the 3D vacuum panel from a 2D vacuum panel of non-uniform thickness
A three-dimensional (3D) vacuum insulation panel (VIP) and a folding approach to create the 3D VIP from a two-dimensional (2D) VIP of non-uniform thickness for a refrigerator, a refrigerator freezer or a non-appliance, are disclosed. The folding approach includes placing a VIP main panel and a plurality of VIP wall panels on an outer film, where one or more panels are of a greater thickness than other VIP panels; placing an inner film on top of the VIP main and wall panels and sealing the films together. The inner film is longer than the outer film and this allows the films and the VIP wall panels to be folded into a finished panel, wherein the longer inner film allows for fording without causing tears or micro-cracks in the film that would adversely affect the insulation properties of the three-dimensional (3D) VIP. |
| US09890987B2 |
Ice-making assembly for a refrigerator or freezer
An ice-making assembly for installation in a domestic refrigerator or freezer is provided. The ice-making assembly comprises: a frame structure; and first and second ice-making trays supported for rotation about a rotational axis with respect to the frame structure between an ice production position and an ice discharge position, wherein the first and second ice-making trays are disposed behind one another in a direction of the rotational axis and each have a tray longitudinal dimension in the direction of the rotational axis that is larger than a tray width direction in a direction transverse to the rotational axis. |
| US09890986B2 |
Clear ice maker and method for forming clear ice
An ice maker assembly includes an ice tray having an ice forming plate with a top surface, a bottom surface and upstanding edges around a perimeter of the ice forming plate. A containment wall extends upwardly around the perimeter of the ice forming plate. The containment wall has a slot extending along a lower portion of the containment wall. The slot receives the upstanding edges of the ice forming plate to form the ice tray. A fluid line is configured to dispense water onto the top surface of the ice forming plate. A mechanical oscillating mechanism is coupled to the ice tray. The oscillating mechanism begins to rotate the tray in a rocking cycle about a transverse axis of the ice forming plate after ice has started to form along the top surface. |
| US09890985B2 |
Refrigeration device comprising an ice maker with double stops
A refrigeration device has an ice maker with an ice cube tray that is rotatably mounted about a rotational axis. The ice maker includes two stops for limiting the rotational movement of the ice cube tray about the rotational axis. |
| US09890984B2 |
Supercooling refrigerator and method for controlling the same
Provided is a supercooling refrigerator including, so as to supercool foods such as fish or meat and more uniformly and stably maintain a temperature in a storage chamber supercooling the foods, a body including a storage chamber storing goods such as the fish or meat in a supercooled state, a door installed in the body, a plurality of shelves installed in the storage chamber, on which the goods are stored, a cooling unit cooling internal air of the storage chamber, a cooling air supplying unit circulating the air cooled by the cooling unit into the storage chamber, and a cool air controlling unit controlling the temperature of the cool air supplied from the cool air supplying unit in a supercooling temperature range of the stored goods. |
| US09890982B2 |
Discrete frequency operation for unit capacity control
A variable speed electric drive for use in refrigerant systems includes an electric motor for driving an associated component at a variable speed that is a function of an operating frequency of the motor; and a control for supplying alternating discrete drive frequencies to the electric motor to provide a continuously variable speed drive of the associated component. The control cycles the drive frequency to the electric motor among the at least two discrete frequencies so that the variable average resultant speed at which the associated component is driven is a function of a combination of the selected at least two discrete frequencies. |
| US09890980B2 |
System and method of freeze protection of a heat exchanger in an HVAC system
A system and method of heat exchanger freeze protection for an HVAC system by operating an indoor unit assembly and an outdoor unit assembly in a cooling mode and operating a fan at an initial airflow, operating a temperature sensor to measure a temperature value of a heat exchanger, at the expiration of a first predetermined time period, determining whether the temperature value is less than or equal to a first temperature preset value, determining whether a current airflow multiplier is equal to a maximum airflow multiplier limit, increasing the current airflow by an airflow offset multiplier if the current airflow multiplier is less than or equal to the maximum airflow multiplier limit and the temperature value is less than or equal to the first temperature preset, and operating the fan at an increased airflow to move more air across the heat exchanger. |
| US09890979B2 |
System and method for venting refrigerant from an air conditioning system
An air conditioning service system includes an inlet port configured to connect to an air conditioning system to receive refrigerant, a discharge circuit, a pressure transducer, and a controller. The discharge circuit includes a plurality of discharge lines arranged in parallel with one another, each of the plurality of discharge lines fluidly connecting the inlet port to the atmosphere through an associated orifice to vent the refrigerant to atmosphere, and a plurality of discharge valves, each of which is configured to open and close an associated one of the plurality of discharge lines. The controller is configured to obtain the pressure at the inlet port and determine a theoretical mass flow rate through each of the plurality of discharge lines based upon the pressure and the cross-sectional area of the associated orifice, and to operate selected ones of the discharge valves based upon the determined theoretical mass flow rates. |
| US09890967B2 |
Systems and methods for HVAC and irrigation control
A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system has an irrigation subsystem and an HVAC system controller configured to selectively implement a drought related irrigation subsystem control scheme. |
| US09890964B2 |
Coaxial ventilator
A coaxial ventilator exchanges atmosphere between parts of a building that are at differing heights. The coaxial ventilator includes an outer conduit that extends from an upper end thereof downward to a lower end thereof. The outer conduit surrounds an inner conduit that extends substantially the entire length of the outer conduit. Both the outer and inner conduits are open at their respective upper ends and lower ends. Temperatures of atmosphere both surrounding and within the outer conduit and the inner conduit induce an exchange of atmosphere between the coaxial ventilator and surrounding atmosphere. |
| US09890961B1 |
AC window security device
An AC window security device is provided, comprising: a sill plate bracket, a cross-bar, a pair of U-brackets, and a pair of J-brackets. The sill plate bracket is configured to be secured to a window sill under a window AC unit in an at least partially open window. The lower end of each U-bracket hooks into an opening in one end of the sill plate bracket and extend vertically along a side of the AC unit. The upper end of each J-bracket fits over an upper frame of the at least partially open window. The upper end of each U-bracket is removably secured to the lower end of a corresponding J-bracket. The cross-bar is configured to be positioned along a top surface of the AC unit and removably secured to both U-brackets, wherein the at least partially open window is prevented from being opened. |
| US09890953B2 |
Attachment of ceramic matrix composite panel to liner
A combined liner and panel for use in a gas turbine engine comprise a ceramic matrix composite panel having a plurality of extending members extending away from a face of ceramic matrix composite panel which will face hot products of combustion. A liner includes a plurality of spring members that apply a bias force biasing the extending members. The spring members bias the extending members on the panel in a direction away from the face of the panel which will face the hot products of combustion. A gas turbine engine, and a method of attaching a ceramic matrix composite panel to a liner are also disclosed. |
| US09890952B2 |
Exhaust structure for combustion apparatus and construction method thereof
An exhaust tube includes one end portion and the other end portion and is connected at one end portion to a combustion apparatus, of which inside is defined as an exhaust passage for combustion gas. An exhaust pipe has an outer diameter greater than that of exhaust tube, into which a part of exhaust tube on a side of the other end portion is introduced. An exhaust adapter is attached between an outer circumferential surface of exhaust tube and an inner circumferential surface of exhaust pipe. On the side close to the other end portion in exhaust tube relative to exhaust adapter, an exhaust passage hole 1a is provided separately from an opening in the other end portion of exhaust tube. Exhaust passage hole has an opening area greater than a cross-sectional area of the exhaust passage and is in communication with the exhaust passage. |
| US09890951B2 |
All around radiation heating apparatus
The present invention provides a safer all-around radiation heating assembly than similar traditional heaters. As typical with traditional heaters, a shroud is used to surroundably cover a portable liquid propane tank. To replace the portable liquid propane tank, the shroud must be continuously raised to a predetermined height while a service person accesses the propane tank. There is a danger that if and when the shroud drops, a spark could be created resulting in igniting highly flammable escaped propane gas. The present invention overcomes dangers associated with the traditional heaters by eliminating the spark creation danger and by introducing a ventilation system to allow any leaked propane gas to escape away from the heater. |
| US09890948B2 |
Method for preheating feed water in steam power plants, with process steam outcoupling
A system for supplying feed water for an evaporator in a water-steam circuit has a condenser for condensing steam to obtain water that can be supplied with steam from a turbine installation. A degasification device for degasing condensate is coupled to the condenser such that a first portion of the condensate of the condenser can be fed to the degasification device. The heat exchanger is coupled to the condenser such that a second portion of the condensate of the condenser can be fed to the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger being coupled to a supply line such that feed water can be fed to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is configured such that the feed water can be heated using the second portion of the condensate. The heat exchanger is coupled to the degasification device such that the heated feed water can be fed to the degasification device. |
| US09890945B2 |
Reflector and sealing assembly for lighting assembly
A lighting assembly is provided having a housing supporting a lighting source such as a plurality of LEDs, a reflector having a central opening for the light source, a light transmitting cover and a frame attached to the housing to couple the frame and the light transmitting cover to the housing. The reflector has an outer perimeter with a channel formed in the top face and the bottom face for a continuous seal member. The frame is coupled to the housing to capture the frame and the light transmitting cover between the frame and the housing so that the seal members form a weatherproof seal between the light transmitting cover and the frame and between the frame and the face of the housing. |
| US09890943B2 |
Thermally dissipated lighting system
A lighting system or luminaire can comprise two environmentally sealed housings. One of the housings can house one or more light emitting diodes. The other housing can house a driver for supplying electricity to the light emitting diode or diodes. The housings can be nested together. For example, one of the housings can extend partially into a cavity of the other housing. A portion of the cavity can remain unfilled when the housings are nested, to provide an air gap between the two housings. The air gap can be environmentally exposed, for example exposed to moisture when the lighting system is mounted outdoors. |
| US09890940B2 |
LED board with peripheral thermal contact
A LED fixture is provided, the lamp comprising a LED board having a thermally conductive periphery, the LED board comprising at least one LED operable to emit light when energized through an electrical path from a base; and a heat sink assembly thermally coupled to the thermally conductive periphery. |
| US09890938B2 |
Decorative light
A decorative light can include: a lamp case defining a hollow interior region and having an open front end; a beam splitter located inside the lamp case, the beam splitter defining an interior region; a lighting module located within the interior region of the beam splitter, the lighting module including a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) located thereon; a motor located inside the lamp case, the motor coupled to the beam splitter and adapted to rotate the beam splitter with respect to the lighting module; and a front lens mounted to the open front end of the lamp case. A convertible support stand for an outdoor lighting product is also discussed. |
| US09890937B2 |
Devices and systems for improved traffic control signal assembly
Methods and apparatuses are provided for improved traffic control devices including a continuous central hanger support system that is integral to the traffic control device and provides a central load path. In an embodiment of the invention, the terminal housing and traffic signal housing of the traffic control device can be included in a single unit housing. A single unit housing can also include an integral backplate. Embodiments with an integral backplate can provide a solar energy generation system that utilizes a traffic signal's exterior surface as a substratum to secure thin-film photo cell laminates (TFPVL). The continuous central hanger integrated with the single unit housing can provide the traffic control device with improved securement of electrical components and structural stability for survivability during high wind events as compared to conventional traffic signal devices. |
| US09890936B2 |
LED tube light
An LED tube light includes a light tube and an end cap attached over an end of light tube. The end cap includes an insulating tubular part, sleeved over the end of the light tube. A magnetic object is disposed between an inner circumferential surface of the insulating tubular part and an outer circumferential surface of the end of light tube. A hot melt adhesive is also disposed between the inner circumferential surface of the insulating tubular part and an outer circumferential surface of the end of light tube. The insulating tubular part may have protruding portions formed on an inner circumferential surface of the insulating tubular part to be extending inwardly thereof, and disposed between an outer circumferential surface of the magnetic object and the inner circumferential surface of the insulating tubular part, thereby forming a gap therebetween. |
| US09890934B2 |
LED lamp bead wire clamping mounting structure
The invention relates to the technical field of Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs), and in particular to an LED lamp bead wire clamping mounting structure. The LED lamp bead wire clamping mounting structure includes a mounting seat and wire clamping parts, wherein the mounting seat is provided with two accommodation grooves for mounting the wire clamping parts and a mounting groove for mounting an LED lamp bead; the wire clamping parts are arranged in the accommodation grooves; each wire clamping part is provided with a bottom wall, a lamp bead connecting terminal connected with the bottom wall, two sidewalls upwards extending from the bottom wall and a crosswise-folded clamping piece connected with one sidewall; and the crosswise-folded clamping pieces extend to the other sidewalls. |
| US09890931B2 |
Control device for solid state lighting fixtures
The present disclosure provides a control device for solid state lighting fixtures. The control device is programmable and is configured to adjust the intensity of light emitted by solid state lighting fixtures. The control device includes a housing assembly and a programmable controller. |
| US09890928B2 |
Flat lighting device
The present invention relates to a flat lighting device (1) comprising a carrier (2) including a thermally conductive layer (7), at least one solid state light source (3) arranged on a front side of the carrier (2), and an electrically insulating cover member (5a, 5b) in thermal contact with said front side and a back side opposite said front side. The cover member (5a, 5b) is adapted to transfer heat from said carrier (2) out of the lighting device. The cover member (5a, 5b) comprises an optical structure (4) arranged on the carrier (2) in front of the at least one light source (3) and adapted to direct the light emitted by the at least one solid state light source (3). |
| US09890924B2 |
Optical device and light source module including the same
An optical device and a light source module including the same are provided. The optical device includes a first surface including an incident portion through which light that is emitted from a light source is incident, and a second surface through which the light incident through the incident portion is emitted. The incident portion may include a curved surface that is recessed toward the second surface, and a pointed vertex to which the curved surface is recessed, the pointed vertex being in a central portion of the optical device, and the central portion being through which an optical axis of the optical device passes. |
| US09890919B2 |
Lamp lens with reduced chromatic aberration and lamp for vehicle using the same
The present disclosure relates to a lamp lens with a reduced chromatic aberration, and a lamp for a vehicle using the same. In the lamp lens with a reduced chromatic aberration, a thin film formed of a predetermined material is coated or deposited on a surface of the lamp lens and the thin film is formed within 30% of a diameter of the lamp lens above and below a center of the lamp lens, to increase a reflection of light in a specific wavelength band, thereby efficiently reducing a chromatic aberration. |
| US09890918B2 |
Headlight device
A headlight device is disclosed. In an embodiment a headlight device includes a laser light source configured to emit collimated primary radiation, a conversion element comprising conversion regions configured to at least partly convert the collimated primary radiation into secondary radiation and to form luminous regions during operation, and separating webs which separate the conversion regions from one another, wherein the separating webs are nontransmissive to the collimated primary radiation and secondary radiation and a deflection unit configured to direct the collimated primary radiation onto the conversion element and to guide the collimated primary radiation as a scanning beam over partial regions of the conversion element. |
| US09890917B2 |
Headlight or the like having urethane binder resin on lens
A refurbished headlight or the like, with restored translucency, transparency, and luster and high durability, is provided as the aged headlight or the like of polycarbonate resin. Furthermore, a new headlight or the like, with a polycarbonate resin lens which is not degraded by aging over a long period of time, is provided. A headlamp, on which a membrane of clear urethane binder resin is provided after a surface layer of reinforced plastic or the like remaining on a lens surface and degraded parts of a lens body are removed by grinding, is provided. When a yellow tinge remains on the lens body, the headlamp, on which the membrane of urethane binder resin is provided by applying a purple-black mixed urethane coating mixed with a purple-black mixing pigment, is provided. Moreover, a new headlamp that has a membrane of clear urethane binder resin on a lens surface is provided. |
| US09890914B2 |
Lighting assembly
A modular track light emitting diode (LED) lighting assembly is provided for improved product lighting in display cases, including refrigeration applications. The modular track LED lighting assembly has a series of LED, including one or more flat LED arranged at an angle to form a lighting spine. In a specific inventive embodiment, the one or more flat LED are arranged at a forty five degree angle. Embodiments of the modular track LED lighting assembly may be configured with a single sided series of light sources or single lighting spine for installation on corners or shelves, or with a double sided series of light sources or lighting spines for mounting on mullions between doors of a display cabinet. The lighting assembly may be powered via battery, or via an alternating current (AC) source that is converted to a direct current (DC) voltage. |
| US09890910B2 |
Optical unit
An optical unit includes a light source having both a first light emitting element for emitting light having a first color and a second light emitting element for emitting light having a second color that is different from the first color; and a rotating reflector configured to be rotated in one direction around a rotational shaft, while reflecting the light having the first color and the light having the second color, which have been emitted from the light source. In the rotating reflector, a reflecting surface is provided such that a predetermined light distribution pattern is formed with the light having the first color and the light having the second color, which have been reflected by the rotation of the rotating reflector, being superimposed one on another. |
| US09890900B2 |
Quick gimbal connector and an aerial vehicle
A quick gimbal connector comprises: a first cylinder comprising a sliding slot on an inner wall of a first end of the first cylinder, at least one entrance provided at an end portion of the sliding slot, and a first boss provided on the first cylinder; a second cylinder coaxially and rotatably connected with the first cylinder; a connector; at least one rib provided on the connector; and a connecting plate fixedly connected with the second cylinder and being provided with a second boss. The at least one rib is configured to fit with the at least one entrance and can enter into and exit from the sliding slot via the at least one entrance when the first boss abuts against the second boss, such that the first cylinder and the connector can be locked or separated. |
| US09890895B2 |
Pipeline with heat-storing properties
The present invention relates to a process for producing pipelines with heat-storing properties, in which a) organic polyisocyanate is mixed with b) at least one polymeric compound having at least two isocyanate-reactive hydrogen atoms, c) optionally chain extender and/or crosslinker, d) catalyst, e) wax and f) optionally other assistants and/or additives, to give a first reaction mixture, and the first reaction mixture is applied to a pipe and allowed to react fully to give a first polyurethane layer. The present invention further relates to a pipeline with heat-storing properties obtainable by such a process. |
| US09890891B2 |
Liner assembly for pipeline repair or reinforcement and method of installing same
A liner assembly for pipeline repair or reinforcement includes an outer tubular liner, and an inner malleable inflatable bladder fabricated of a resilient material and positioned longitudinally within the tubular liner. The inflatable bladder has an outer surface configured to bond to the tubular liner and an inner surface configured to provide a resilient surface on the pipeline interior. |
| US09890890B2 |
High pressure pipe and fitting restraint system
A restraint system for use in securing temporary flow lines that include multiple pipe sections, each pair of pipe sections connected together with a fitting or coupling such as a hammer joint coupling. The system includes multiple pluralities of endless loop slings connected end to end with a cow hitch or girth hitch knot. Disconnectable fittings (e.g., shackles) are placed every three or more slings so that easy disassembly is afforded in case of leakage or other failure. |
| US09890887B2 |
Quick connector
A quick connector for making a releasable connection in a fluid line with a connector body, a male member, a retainer and a verification element. The connector body comprises a through bore, wherein the male member introduced into the through bore is releasably fixable in the through bore by the retainer. The retainer comprises a ring and the verification element has an annular body. The annular body of the verification element can be displaced in an axial direction with respect to the through bore from an initial open position to a verification position when the male member is secured by the retainer in the through bore to place the verification element in a verification and locked position. In one form, the retainer includes lifting arms pivotably attached within coupling openings which cooperate with the coupling projections of the verification element to permit axial translation of the verification element to the verification position when the male member is fully inserted into the through bore. |
| US09890886B2 |
Reverse snap push/pull quick connect coupling
A quick connect coupling assembly for interconnecting a tubular component to a mounting component is provided. The coupling assembly includes a retainer adapted to be coupled to the mounting component and having a pair of resiliently cantilevered snap arms. A housing for coupling with the mounting component has an inner cam surface and is configured to abut the mounting component. The snap arms each include a first deflector ramp that is aligned in proximity to the inner cam surface and a second deflector ramp adapted to releaseably engage a back surface of the mounting component. A push/pull feature permits the retainer to be pushed and causes the first deflector ramps to engage the inner cam surface and cause the snap arms to deflect inwardly and release the second deflector ramp from engagement with the back surface and allow the coupling assembly to be pulled out of the mounting component. |
| US09890885B2 |
Collet connection system for a subsea structure
A subsea connection system for connecting to a hub of a subsea structure has an outer sleeve, a collet having a plurality of collet segments in which the collet segments are movable between a lock position and an unlock position, a connection hub positioned in the interior of the hollow sleeve such that the collet extends around the connection hub, and a translation mechanism cooperative with the outer sleeve so as to move the outer sleeve between a forward position and a rearward position. The connection hub is suitable for abutting the hub of the subsea structure when the plurality of collet segments are in the lock position. The plurality of collet segments are in the unlock position when the outer sleeve is in the forward position. The plurality of collet segments are in the lock position when the outer sleeve is in the rearward position. |
| US09890884B1 |
Clamping ring with improved connecting structure
A clamping ring includes first and second clamping ring members, each of which includes: a) an inner curved contour with a circumferential span of at least 90° that extends from a lower face to an upper face, the upper face being formed with an aperture for receiving therein a fastener for tightening the first and second clamping ring members towards each other, and b) an inner groove for receiving therein a seal. The first clamping ring member includes a first connecting member that extends circumferentially beyond the lower face. The second clamping ring member includes a second connecting member that couples the first connecting member with the second clamping ring member. |
| US09890878B2 |
Formed hose with different fiber-reinforced regions
Formed hose configurations are provided which include an innermost elastomer layer, a first fiber-reinforcement region, and multiple second fiber-reinforcement regions. The first fiber-reinforcement region has a first fiber-reinforcement density, and is disposed, at least in part, at a bend region of the formed hose, and the multiple second fiber-reinforcement regions have a second fiber-reinforcement density, and are disposed at least at the first and second end regions of the formed hose. The second fiber-reinforcement density is greater than the first fiber-reinforcement density, and results in the first and second ends of the formed hose being less radially-deformable than the bend region of the hose. This facilitates providing a mechanical fluid-tight connection with a hose barb fitting when the formed hose is slid over the hose barb fitting, absent any clamp over the formed hose and hose barb fitting connection. |
| US09890877B2 |
Corrugated metal vent pipe and associated system and method
A corrugated metal vent pipe includes a helically corrugated pipe structure formed by helical winding of a corrugated metal strip, wherein the helically corrugated pipe structure has a diameter of between 15 inches and 36 inches and a plurality of vent openings distributed thereon. A first pipe end treatment is located on a first end of the helically corrugated pipe structure, and a second pipe end treatment is located on a second end of the helically corrugated pipe structure. |
| US09890872B2 |
Piston for pnuematic actuator in high vibration environment
A piston assembly includes a piston with a first cap disposed on a first end of the piston and a second cap disposed on a second end of the piston. A piston cross-member is in between the first cap and the second cap. A first cover is affixed to a first side of the piston cross-member. A second cover is affixed to a second side of the piston cross-member. The second side of the piston cross-member is opposite the first side of the piston cross-member. |
| US09890871B2 |
High-power bi-directional non-recovery spring magnetic valve comprising permanent magnet
A high-power bi-directional non-recovery spring magnetic valve including permanent magnets has an upper magnetic circuit part and lower magnetic circuit part symmetrically disposed and connected together via an armature connection rod and a housing connection ring, the upper magnetic circuit part comprises an upper iron core, an upper housing, an upper coil, an upper annular permanent magnet, an upper yoke iron and an upper push rod, the lower magnetic circuit part comprises a lower iron core, a lower housing, a lower coil, a lower annular permanent magnet, a lower yoke iron and a lower push rod. The magnetic valve comprising permanent magnets realizes bistable-state magnetic retaining, and has an adjustable retaining force for permanent magnet adjustment, quick response, and high output force. |
| US09890868B2 |
Aviation bypass valve including a shape memory alloy material
An aviation bypass valve for use in a heat exchanger apparatus, including a shape memory alloy material. The heat exchanger apparatus further including an air-cooled oil cooler disposed in a bypass fan duct of an aircraft engine. The heat exchanger apparatus including a bypass valve in fluid communication with the air cooled oil cooler. The bypass valve including a valve body, a piston disposed in the valve body and moveable therein and an actuation component. The actuation component including a shape memory alloy. The actuation component responsive to a change in at least one of a thermal condition and a pressure exerted thereon so as to move the piston, thereby opening and closing the bypass valve. |
| US09890866B2 |
Hydrant shear valve and method
A system and method are disclosed for shutting off the flow of liquid to a hydrant. A break away frangible activator of a valve body becomes dislodged responsive to a hydrant receiving sufficient inadvertent impact. A valve member closes in response to the impact to close off the flow of fluid to the hydrant. |
| US09890865B2 |
Flow control system having a planetary gear set
A system including a flow control system, including a flow control mechanism configured to control a flow of fluid through a fluid passage, a rack and pinion system coupled to the flow control mechanism and configured to transfer motion from an actuator to the flow control mechanism, a biasing element coupled to the rack and pinion system, wherein the biasing element is configured to store potential energy as the flow control mechanism transitions from a closed position to an open position or an open position to a closed position, and a failsafe device configured to release the potential energy stored in the biasing element to open or close the flow control mechanism. |
| US09890862B2 |
Support systems for mechanical seals
A seal support system for a mechanical seal includes a system vessel for containing barrier fluid. Closed loop pipe work connects the vessel to a mechanical seal with a device provided for feeding barrier fluid to the system vessel. A further vessel is provided that is able to be in fluid communication with the system vessel. The further vessel may be provided with an elastomeric membrane, which may be filled with a gas under pressure to an extent required to allow for the effect of the highest anticipated temperature which might occur in a particular application. |
| US09890861B2 |
Sealing member, scroll compressor including a sealing member and method for manufacturing a sealing member for a scroll compressor
A scroll compressor is provided that may include a casing, a discharge cover fixed inside of the casing, a first scroll revolved a rotational shaft, a second scroll provided on the first scroll to define compression chambers, the second scroll having an intermediate pressure discharge hole that communicates with a compression chamber of the compression chambers having an intermediate pressure, a back pressure plate provided on the second scroll and having an intermediate pressure suction hole that communicates with the intermediate pressure discharge hole, a floating plate movably provided at a side of the back pressure plate and defining a back pressure chamber, and a sealing member provided between the back pressure plate and the floating plate, the sealing member including a sealing body, and at least one protrusion provided at an incline with respect to a central line that extends in a horizontal direction of the sealing body. |
| US09890860B2 |
Seal between two elements having different coefficients of thermal expansion
The disclosure relates to a seal inserted between two elements having different coefficients of thermal expansion, the seal includes a first and a second metallic contact portion spaced along an axial stacking direction orthogonal with respect to a radial direction. Tight connection means between the first and second contact portions allow a relative movement between the first and second contact portions along the radial direction. A first and a second sliding part are respectively coupled in translation along the radial direction with the first and second contact portions and are stacked so as to be able to slide in relation to each other along the radial direction. |
| US09890855B2 |
Actuating device with a master cylinder actuatable by a gear selector drum for actuating the clutch
An actuating device for the selection and/or actuation of a gear ratio of a motor vehicle transmission and for engaging and/or disengaging a motor vehicle clutch, having a drive motor which drives a drive shaft that is connectible non-rotatingly to a gear selector drum of a transmission actuating device to move and/or rotate the gear selector drum, the gear selector drum also being connected to a transmission, and having a clutch actuating device which controls a release bearing of a clutch, wherein a master cylinder of the clutch actuating device, which is connected hydraulically to a slave cylinder that moves the release bearing, is actuatable depending on the position of the drive shaft, wherein an actuating segment which protrudes in the radial direction from the drive shaft is connected non-rotatingly to the drive shaft and the actuating segment actuates the master cylinder when the drive shaft is rotated in at least one direction of rotation, as well as to a drivetrain having such an actuating device is provided. |
| US09890852B2 |
Control device and control method for vehicle
A control device for a vehicle includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to limit a second hydraulic pressure so that a switching valve is switched to a normal position when the following conditions i) and ii) are satisfied. The condition i) is during partial failure in which a normally closed solenoid valve is de-energized. The condition ii) is when the switching valve is switched to a failure position due to the second hydraulic pressure and downshift to a specific gear shift stage not corresponding to a current gear shift stage occurs. |
| US09890846B2 |
Gearbox with sealed accessory vent
A gearbox vent apparatus includes: a gearbox; an accessory contained in a case mounted to the gearbox such than an interior space of the case communicates with an interior space of the gearbox, wherein the case includes a sidewall and an endwall, a hollow drive shaft mounted for rotation inside the case; an annular first seal element mounted to the drive shaft; an annular second seal element mounted to the case and contacting the first seal element so as to define a sealing interface; and a vent tube having a forward end coupled to the endwall in fluid communication with the drive shaft. |
| US09890845B2 |
Transmission
Provided a transmission including a first shaft, a second shaft connected thereto via a shift gear mechanism provided to a first shaft and generating a rotary output corresponding to a selected shift gear, a planetary gear mechanism, a transmission case for housing the planetary gear mechanism and a mounting member for fixing a ring gear of the planetary gear mechanism to the case. To the mounting member, an abutment support portion is formed for supporting the case by abutting to an inter-shaft portion positioned between the first shaft and the second shaft in the case. |
| US09890844B2 |
Openable forcipate gear mechanism, forcipate gear open-close mechanism, and winding machine
A forcipate gear open-close mechanism comprises a circular base spliced by two parts, an annular gear spliced by two parts, and an open-close device for driving the circular base and the annular gear to open or close. An annular guide rail formed by splicing is arranged on the circular base; the annular gear is mounted on the annular guide rail; and a power transmission device drives the annular gear to rotate along the annular guide rail. The annular gear and the circular ring-shaped base are each spliced by two parts; therefore, the gear mechanism can be clamped on an iron core conveniently, and a coil can be wound on a three-dimensional iron core conveniently. Moreover, the gear mechanism can not only be clamped on an iron core, but also be clamped on a columnar iron core. |
| US09890843B2 |
All-terrain vehicle and transmission mechanism thereof
A transmission mechanism of an all-terrain vehicle is provided, which includes an independent suspension axle. The independent suspension axle includes a left driving half-axle and a right driving half-axle. A jaw differential is provided at a joint of the left driving half-axle and the right driving half-axle and is configured to allow half-axles at two sides to rotate at different speeds when the axle of the all-terrain vehicle transmits power to the half-axles at the two sides, and prevent a wheel at one side from slipping. For the all-terrain vehicle adopting the jaw differential, side tipping, side slipping, and tire scuffing are not apt to occur, thus the vehicle may get rid of stuck conditions such as slipping, and the working reliability of the all-terrain vehicle is improved. An all-terrain vehicle adopting the transmission mechanism is further provided. |
| US09890842B2 |
Drive train device for a motor vehicle
A drive train device for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The drive train device has at least one component which is included for the purpose of transmitting a torque, and at least one cast-in element which is partially cast into the component, which is included for the purpose of transmitting the torque, where the component and the cast-in element are made of different materials. The drive train device has a sealing device which is included for the purpose of sealing a junction between the component and the cast-in element. |
| US09890839B2 |
Generating device for aircraft
An electric power generating device (1) capable of suppressing an increase of a frontal surface area of an aircraft engine includes a transmission (22) connected with a rotary shaft (9) of the engine (E), an electric power generator (34) driven by an output of the transmission (22), an input shaft (27) having a shaft axis extending in a direction crossing the rotary shaft (9) and connected with the rotary shaft (9), and a transmitting mechanism (21) connected with the input shaft (27) to drive the transmission (22) about an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the input shaft (27). The transmission (22) and the electric power generator (34) are disposed spaced a distance from each other in a direction circumferentially of the rotary shaft (9). |
| US09890838B2 |
Front gear changer
An electromechanical front gear changer for a bicycle is provided, the bicycle having a chain, including a base member attachable to the bicycle. A linkage is movably coupled to the base member. A chain guide is movably coupled to the linkage for contacting the chain. A motor is supported by the base member. A gear transmission is driven by the motor to move the linkage. A CPU is provided for controlling the motor and a power supply is supported by the base member to power the motor and the CPU. |
| US09890835B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
A multiple speed transmission includes an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and ring gears. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms. |
| US09890833B2 |
Planetary gear train for automatic transmission of vehicles
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft, an output shaft, first to fourth planetary gear sets and seven friction elements disposed to selectively connect the rotation elements with the rotation element and selectively connect the rotation elements with a transmission housing, and wherein the input shaft is continuously connected to the second rotation element, the output shaft is continuously connected to the eleventh rotation element, the first rotation element is continuously connected to the sixth rotation element, the first rotation element is continuously connected to the eighth rotation element, the third rotation element is continuously connected to the seventh rotation element, the ninth rotation element is continuously connected to the tenth rotation element, and the output shaft is selectively connected with the third rotation element, and wherein three friction elements among seven friction elements are operated at each speed stage. |
| US09890830B2 |
Link unit and link assembly having the same
A link unit includes two first chain plates and an assembling pin. Each of the first chain plates has a first inner end section, a first outer end section misaligned from the first inner end section, and opposite inner and outer side surfaces. The first outer end section of each of the first chain plates is formed with a connecting hole that has a first hole portion, a second hole portion, and a neck portion located between the first and second hole portions. The assembling pin is inserted through the connecting hole of each of the first chain plates, and is prevented from moving past the neck portions of the first chain plates so as to be positioned in the second hole portions of the first chain plates. |
| US09890828B1 |
Through-shaft steering damper
Generally described, aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to through-shaft dampers. In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the through-shaft dampers generally include a shaft having a piston traveling within a body, a first chamber for a damping fluid, and a second chamber for a gas. The chambers are separated by a movable wall associated with an insert and configured to provide a volumetric change of the second chamber that is inverse to a volumetric change of the damping fluid. The insert is configured such that the sealing surfaces of the movable wall do not interface the shaft during use of the damper. In this regard, a significant reduction in the total displacement traveled by the seals is realized. |
| US09890827B2 |
Energy absorbing truss structures for mitigation of injuries from blasts and impacts
Architected materials with superior energy absorption properties when loaded in compression. In several embodiments such materials are formed from micro-truss structures composed of interpenetrating tubes in a volume between a first surface and a second surface. The stress-strain response of these structures, for compressive loads applied to the two surfaces, is tailored by arranging for some but not all of the tubes to extend to both surfaces, adjusting the number of layers of repeated unit cells in the structure, arranging for the nodes to be offset from alignment along lines normal to the surfaces, or including multiple interlocking micro-truss structures. |
| US09890824B1 |
Method for manufacturing a monoblock-type aluminum caliper housing
A method for manufacturing a monoblock-type caliper housing includes: preparing a middle core mold provided with a first and second core-forming portion and a first, second, and third channel; pouring molding sand into the first and second core-forming portions and the first, second, and third channels; heating the middle core mold to form a middle core; forming a salt coating layer on the surfaces of the first, second, and third channel-forming portions of the middle core; putting and heating the middle core in the middle core mold; putting the resultant middle core in a casting mold; pouring molten aluminum in a cavity between the middle core and the casting mold to form a caliper housing; applying ultrasonic waves to the caliper housing to remove the middle core; rinsing the caliper housing; and forming an oil supply hole in the caliper housing. |
| US09890823B2 |
Friction lining arrangement for a disk brake
A friction lining or structure of a vehicle disk brake, including an absorption body with a mass MT, with a rear plate including hammer-head-shaped projections and friction material, which is fastened to the rear plate, for bearing against a friction ring, and wherein the projections engage in abutments of receiving recesses in a holder profile for the tangentially fixed holding and the axially displaceable guidance, and therefore introduction of a tangentially directed circumferential force (Fu, friction force) into the holder profile induces a tensile stress in at least one projection. An absorption system for suppressing undesirable vibrations is arranged on the friction lining. |
| US09890822B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling vehicle clutch
A method and an apparatus for controlling a clutch of a vehicle include determining whether a vehicle is moving under a condition in which a gearshift is coupled to the clutch. A clutch torque is learned in which the clutch is maintained in a micro-slip state by decreasing a target clutch torque for a corresponding gear level when it is determined that the vehicle is moving under the condition in which the gearshift is coupled to the clutch. Learning reliability is calculated by reflecting a difference between an engine torque and clutch torque. The clutch is maintained in the micro-slip state for the clutch torque learning or converting the clutch into a lock-up state, depending on a learning reliability level. |
| US09890816B2 |
Damper assembly including a spring damper transferring torque to a slip clutch
A damper assembly for an engine includes a first spring damper connectable to a torque input component and a slip clutch connected to the first spring damper. The first spring damper transfers torque input to the first spring damper to the slip clutch. A hybrid motor vehicle drive train and a method of forming a damper assembly are also provided. |
| US09890808B2 |
Telescoping propshaft
A propshaft with an universal joint, a first tubular member and a second tubular member. The universal joint has first and second yoke arms that are pivotally coupled to one another. The first tubular member is fixedly coupled to the first yoke arms and has a plurality of first teeth. The second tubular member slidably received over the first tubular member and includes a plurality of second teeth. The first and second teeth engage one another when the propshaft is in an extended condition. The second teeth engage the first yoke arms when the propshaft is in a retracted condition. |
| US09890807B1 |
Impaling washer for building construction
An impaling washer is provided for use in building construction. The impaling washer includes a sealing body having an aperture that is configured to receive a fastener. The fastener penetrates a membrane covering a wall and secures the sealing body to the wall. The sealing body includes an inner surface portion surrounding the aperture that seals against an outer surface of the membrane. At least one impaler extends from an outer side of the sealing body and away from the wall. The impaler is configured to engage a thermally-insulating material and hold the thermally-insulating material at the outer side of the sealing body. A thickness of the sealing body thereby forms a gap between the thermally-insulating material and the outer surface of the membrane for air insulation and drainage along the outer surface of the membrane. |
| US09890805B2 |
Blind rivet arrangement
Blind rivet sleeve for a blind rivet, having a sleeve head which has a bearing face for bearing against a visible workpiece surface, and having a sleeve shank, wherein the blind rivet sleeve has a through-opening through which a mandrel can be guided, wherein the sleeve shank has a head forming portion which, during the setting of the blind rivet, is designed to form a blind head, and has a folding portion which is arranged between the head forming portion and the sleeve head and which, during the setting of the blind rivet, is designed to form a sleeve fold for the purpose of achieving a clamping thickness compensation.In this arrangement, the sleeve head has in the region of the bearing face an axial recess for receiving at least part of the sleeve fold formed during the setting. |
| US09890804B2 |
Engine system utilizing hydraulic pressure
An engine system utilizing a hydraulic pressure includes an engine, a hydraulic system having at least one hydraulic pump discharging a hydraulic oil for operating an actuator and a hydraulic oil tank storing the hydraulic oil returned from the actuator, a hydraulic power transmission device connected to a hydraulic line between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic oil tank and configured to transmit a hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic oil as a driving source, and a vehicular auxiliary device driven by using the hydraulic pressure transmitted from the hydraulic power transmission device as the driving source. |
| US09890802B2 |
Cylinder phaser valves
A phaser valve for a piston and cylinder assembly helps to keep a pair of pistons in phase with each other. The phaser valve includes a poppet which is slidable between opposing seats of a valve housing. The poppet includes a head and a stem, both the head and the stem having concave portions which facilitate the flow of hydraulic fluid across the valve. The poppet head has two generally conical ends, so that the head makes a fluid-tight seal with a seat when the head is urged towards either seat. Due to its construction, the phaser valve may be built to fit within a very small space, while still allowing a substantial flow of fluid when the head is not in abutment with one of the seats. |
| US09890801B2 |
Hydraulic drive system for construction machine
In addition to a main pump 102 having two delivery ports 102a and 102b and performing the load sensing control, two subsidiary pumps 202 and 302 for the load sensing control for respectively performing assist driving on a boom cylinder 3a and an arm cylinder 3b are provided. When driving the boom cylinder 3a or the arm cylinder 3b, a selector valve 141 or 241 is switched and flows of hydraulic fluid are merged together and supplied to the boom cylinder 3a or the arm cylinder 3b. When driving actuators other than the boom cylinder 3a or the arm cylinder 3b, only the hydraulic fluid from the main pump is supplied to the actuators. In short, the hydraulic drive system is configured so that two specific actuators having great demanded flow rates and tending to have a great load pressure difference between each other when driving at the same time can be driven with hydraulic fluid delivered from separate delivery ports. With this configuration, wasteful energy consumption due to pressure loss in a pressure compensating valve can be suppressed, and in cases of driving an actuator of a low demanded flow rate, the hydraulic pump can be used at a point where the volume efficiency is high. |
| US09890798B2 |
Axial fan
There is provided with an axial fan comprising an impeller having a plurality of vanes; a motor rotating the impeller; a casing housing the impeller and the motor; a motor base mounting the motor; and a plurality of spokes connecting the motor base and the casing, wherein the motor base has a plurality of reinforcement ribs thereon, the plurality of reinforcement ribs being equal to or more than the plurality of spokes in number, and wherein the casing has a natural frequency equal to or higher than a frequency being transmitted to the casing from the motor when the motor is rotated at a rotation speed of 20000 rpm or more. |
| US09890797B2 |
Impeller with removable and replaceable vanes for centrifugal pump
The present disclosure relates to impellers with removable and replaceable vanes, and methods of constructing such impellers. According to aspects of the present disclosure, a plurality of impeller back plates are provided with differently configured slots to receive removable vanes. In addition, a plurality of differently configured vanes are disclosed which may be connected to the plurality of impeller back plates. As a result, the desired performance characteristics of a pump based upon end use applications may be efficiently and quickly achieved by combining appropriately configured vanes and back plate into a desired impeller providing the desired characteristics, together with a particular pump casing and motor. |
| US09890795B2 |
Cooling fan structure
A cooling fan structure includes a housing, a multistage fan wheel, and a stator-blade unit set. The housing is integrally formed and includes a first and a second frame, and a connecting spacer set connected to between the first and the second frame to define an open space therebetween. The multistage fan wheel is located in the housing and has a hub, around which a group of first and a group of second rotor blades are formed and axially spaced to define a bladeless zone on the hub between the first and the second rotor blades. The stator-blade unit set includes a first and a second stator-blade unit, which are assembled into the open space of the housing to circumferentially close the open space. The stator-blade unit set is exchangeable according to different high impedance systems to achieve different levels of high static pressure without increasing any mold-making cost. |
| US09890793B2 |
Variable diffuser vane
A vane for a variable diffuser includes a body with an inlet end and an outlet end, a leading surface extending from the inlet end to the outlet end, a trailing surface opposite the leading surface and extending from the inlet end to the outlet end, a first surface extending from the inlet end to the outlet end, and a second surface opposite the first surface and extending from the inlet end to the outlet end. The vane further includes a first cavity on the first surface of the vane adjacent the inlet end, a second cavity on the first surface of the vane adjacent the outlet end, a third cavity on the second surface of the vane adjacent the inlet end, and a fourth cavity on the second surface of the vane adjacent the outlet end. |
| US09890792B2 |
Radial or mixed-flow compressor diffuser having vanes
The invention relates to a vane (10) of a diffuser (5) for a radial or mixed-flow compressor (2) of an engine (1), including a leading edge (11) arranged facing a flow of gas, a trailing edge (12) being opposite the leading edge (11), a side upper surface wall (13) and a side lower surface wall (14) which connect the leading edge (11) to the trailing edge (12), and a profile including a curved line (15) having at least two points of inflection (I1, I2) between the leading edge (11) and the trailing edge (12). The invention also relates to a corresponding radial diffuser (2). |
| US09890790B2 |
Adjusted rotating airfoil
A compressor component having an airfoil with a profile in accordance with Table 1 is disclosed. The compressor component, such as a compressor blade, has an increased surface area over a portion of the airfoil chord length. The increased surface area allows for a greater amount of air to be taken in by the airfoil, thus increasing the air flow through the gas turbine engine. |
| US09890789B2 |
Fan for air conditioner
A first fan is disposed in a first air passage, and a second fan is disposed in a second air passage. A partition wall that divides inside of a casing into the first air passage and the second air passage has an inclination part that is inclined toward the second fan as extending outward in a radial direction. The second fan has an end portion located adjacent to the first fan in a rotation axis direction and a projection part projected from the end portion outward in the radial direction. The inclination part is provided to cover the projection part across a clearance. |
| US09890787B2 |
Wet gas compressor and method
A centrifugal compressor for processing a wet gas. The centrifugal compressor includes: a casing; and least one compressor stage comprising at least one impeller rotatingly arranged in the casing and provided with an impeller hub and a plurality of impeller blades, each impeller blade having a suction side and a pressure side. The at least one compressor stage comprises at least one droplet breaking arrangement configured for promoting breakup of liquid droplets flowing through the compressor stage. |
| US09890778B2 |
Method for operating a linear compressor
A method for operating a linear compressor includes measuring a current induced in a motor of the linear compressor and calculating an observed current of the motor of the linear compressor using at least an electrical dynamic model for the linear compressor and a robust integral of the sign of the error feedback. The method also includes detecting a head crash within the linear compressor if an error between the observed current of the motor of the linear compressor and the measured current induced in the motor of the linear compressor is greater than a crash threshold. |
| US09890772B2 |
Linear compressor
A linear compressor is provided that may include a shell in which a discharge port is provided, a cylinder disposed in the shell to define a compression space for a refrigerant, a piston disposed to be reciprocated in an axial direction within the cylinder, a discharge valve disposed on or at one side of the cylinder to selectively discharge the refrigerant compressed in the compression space, the discharge valve including an insertion protrusion, and a valve spring coupled to the discharge valve to provide a restoring force to the discharge valve. The valve spring may include a spring body having a central portion defined at a portion corresponding to a center of the cylinder, and an insertion hole defined in the spring body. The insertion hole may be coupled to the insertion protrusion of the discharge valve. The central portion of the spring body may be spaced apart from a central portion of the insertion hole. |
| US09890770B2 |
Electrothermal actuators
An electrothermal actuator includes at least one connecting portion; at least two operating portions; and at least two electrodes. Each of the at least one connecting portion and the at least two operating portions includes a flexible polymer layer and a carbon nanotube paper. A thickness ratio of the carbon nanotube paper and the flexible polymer layer ranges from 1:7 to 1:10. A density of the carbon nanotube paper is greater than 0.5 g/cm3. A thermal expansion coefficient of the carbon nanotube paper is greater than ten times that of the flexible polymer layer. A conductivity of the at least two operating portions along the current direction ranges from 1000 S/m to 6000 S/m. A conductivity of the at least one connecting portion along the current direction is greater than 6000 S/m. |
| US09890765B2 |
Load compensating devices
Various air deflector shapes, sizes and configurations for use in a load compensating device on an airfoil are provided. The air deflector arrangements are configured to alter the airflow around the air deflector in order to affect sound or acoustics associated with the air deflector when deployed during operation. Some example configurations that may alter the air flow around the air deflector include air deflectors having a plurality of apertures, air deflectors including a scalloped edge, and/or air deflectors including a plurality of protrusions extending from a portion of the air deflector. |
| US09890762B2 |
Positive boyancy hydraulic power system and method
A hydraulic power system is used in a river, ocean or any other body of water having a current. The method is useful for generating useful electric power from flowing water. The flowing water rotates a turbine and a pump that provides hydraulic power to an electric generator for a clean, renewable energy source. The hydraulic power system tethered to the bottom of a body of water and a positive buoyancy mechanism can be integrated or tethered to the pump assembly. The positive buoyancy can support the pump assembly at a predetermined distance above the sea floor. |
| US09890760B2 |
Control device for a vehicle
A control device suitable for use in a vehicle includes a housing, a circuit board having a circuit element disposed thereat, and a thermal fuse having a first contact soldered at the circuit board at a first solder joint and a second contact soldered at the circuit board at a second solder joint. The thermal fuse is biased by the housing of the control device to exert a force at the circuit board in a direction away from a surface of the circuit board. When a temperature at the circuit element exceeds a threshold temperature and when the first solder joint at the first contact sufficiently melts, the thermal fuse moves the first contact away from the circuit board to break the electrical connection at the first solder joint and between circuitry electrically connected to the first contact and circuitry electrically connected to the second contact. |
| US09890759B2 |
Control apparatus and control method
A discharge control unit causes a high voltage to be generated in a secondary coil by controlling an igniter unit so as to block a flow of current from a primary coil towards a ground side, and controls a spark plug so that electric discharge is formed between electrodes of the spark plug. An energy input control unit controls an energy input unit to input electrical energy to an ignition coil after start of control of the spark plug by the discharge control unit. A normal ignition control unit controls ignition of an air-fuel mixture in a combustion chamber only through control of the spark plug by the discharge control unit. A specific ignition control unit controls the ignition of the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber through control of the spark plug by the discharge control unit and through control of the energy input unit by the energy input control unit. A control unit performs ignition control by the specific ignition control unit until a first predetermined period elapses after a start-up condition of an engine is established, and switches to ignition control by the normal ignition control unit after the elapse of the first predetermined period. |
| US09890757B2 |
Electronic control of a spark plug for an internal combustion engine
An internal-combustion-engine electronic control system according to the present invention is provided with a power switching device that applies or shuts off a primary current of an ignition coil of an internal combustion engine so that at the secondary side of the ignition coil, there is generated a voltage for making an ignition plug of the internal combustion engine produce a spark discharge; and a control unit that turns on or off the power switching device. The internal-combustion-engine electronic control system is characterized in that the control unit is provided with a circuit unit that makes the power switching device softly shut off so as to prevent the ignition plug from producing the spark discharge, and in accordance with the characteristics of the power switching device, the control unit changes the characteristics of the soft shutoff halfway through the shutoff operation. |
| US09890754B2 |
Control apparatus for a vehicle
An internal combustion engine is provided that executes fuel injection and ignition with respect to a cylinder that remains stopped in an expansion stroke, and that performs ignition startup that starts up the internal combustion engine by rotationally driving a crankshaft by pressure of combustion accompanying the fuel injection. A motor generator (MG) that can rotationally drive the crankshaft is provided. A required assist torque Ast_trq exerted by the MG at the time of ignition startup is determined based on a maximum value Cyl_prss of an in-cylinder pressure that is detected by an in-cylinder pressure sensor at the time of ignition startup. The MG is controlled at the time of ignition startup based on the required assist torque Ast_trq that is determined. |
| US09890751B2 |
Air cleaner hose
An air cleaner hose is provided. The air cleaner hose includes a bellows part and a low-rigidity part. The low-rigidity part is in a region between the bellows part and one end of the air cleaner hose. The low-rigidity part is included in a part of the air cleaner hose in a circumferential direction, wherein the low-rigidity part is configured to have a buckling deformation such that a buckling load of the low-rigidity part with respect to a compressive load in an axial direction of the air cleaner hose is smaller than a buckling load of a region other than the low-rigidity part with respect to the compressive load. |
| US09890749B2 |
Method for controlling exhaust gas recirculation system for engine
A method for controlling an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system which is provided with an intake throttle valve and an EGR valve driven by a motor may include detecting an engine speed and an amount of intake air for each cylinder of an engine while the engine is operating, determining an amount of air flow supplied to the engine based on the engine speed and the amount of intake air for each cylinder, determining an equivalent cross-section of the EGR valve based on the amount of air flow, determining an opening angle of the EGR valve based on the engine speed, the amount of intake air for each cylinder, the amount of air flow, and the equivalent cross-section of the EGR valve, and controlling the EGR valve according to the opening angle of the EGR valve. |
| US09890741B2 |
Dual fuel common rail engine with co-axial quill assembly
A dual fuel common rail engine supplies pressurized natural gas and liquid diesel fuel at different pressures through a co-axial quill assembly for direct injection from a single fuel injector into an engine cylinder. Pressure waves in the gaseous fuel common rail are damped in a pressure damping chamber of the co-axial quill assembly to promote consistent gaseous fuel injection rates and quantities from the fuel injector. |
| US09890740B2 |
Exhaust duct
An exhaust duct includes a duct plate (21) having a cylindrical shape, a heat insulation panel (23) disposed at a predetermined interval on an inner surface side of the duct plate (21), a heat insulation material (22) disposed between the duct plate (21) and the heat insulation panel (23), and a connecting member (24) configured to connect the duct plate (21) to the heat insulation panel (23) and also including a first plate portion (31) and a second plate portion (32) as a stress absorption unit capable of absorbing stress in two directions intersecting in a longitudinal direction. With this structure, durability is improved by preventing damage of the connecting member between the duct plate and the heat insulation panel. |
| US09890734B2 |
Engine with cylinders each having direct injection nozzle and port injection nozzle, and injecting fuel from port injection nozzle when intake valve is closed during initial fuel injection
An engine includes first nozzles, second nozzles and a control unit. The first nozzles are arranged in cylinders, and inject fuel directly into the cylinders respectively. The second nozzles are arranged in intake ports of the cylinders, and inject fuel into the intake ports respectively. The control unit controls fuel injection of the first nozzles and the second nozzles. When the engine is started, the control unit performs initial fuel injection by one of the first and second nozzles into the cylinders having odd-number of initial ignition order, and performs initial fuel injection by the other one of the first and second nozzles into the cylinders having even-number of initial ignition order. |
| US09890733B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine
A control device is configured to calculate a basic accelerator request torque based on an accelerator opening degree detected by an accelerator opening degree sensor, and calculate a target acceleration increase amount based on relations between the target acceleration increase amount and an accelerator opening degree increase amount. Further, the control device is configured to calculate a torque increase amount correction amount based on the target acceleration increase amount, calculate a request engine torque based on the basic accelerator request torque and the torque increase amount correction amount, calculate a request injection amount based on the request engine torque, and control a fuel injection valve based on the request injection amount. The relations are such that as a present operating state is close to a constraint, a ratio of the target acceleration increase amount and the accelerator opening degree increase amount becomes smaller. |
| US09890730B2 |
Air-fuel ratio detection device and air-fuel ratio detection method
When an air-fuel ratio detection performed by detecting an output of a downstream sensor, which is a limiting-current type air-fuel ratio sensor arranged at a downstream side of a catalyst in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine, and calculating an air-fuel ratio at the downstream side of the catalyst in accordance with the output, if the output is within a predetermined range including an output corresponding to a theoretical air-fuel ratio, a relationship between the output and an air-fuel ratio that is calculated by calculation means is shifted more to a rich side relative to a correspondence relationship between an output of an upstream sensor, which is a similar sensor to the downstream sensor arranged at an upstream side of the catalyst in the exhaust passage of the engine, and an air-fuel ratio. |
| US09890729B2 |
Fuel injection control unit
A fuel injection control unit includes an injection amount detector and a correction unit. When implementing partial lift injection where a valve closing operation is started after the valve body starts a valve opening operation and before a valve body reaches a maximum valve open position, the injection amount detector detects a physical quantity (valve closing timing) having a correlation with an injection amount. When implementing the partial lift injection, the correction unit corrects an energization time of a fuel injection valve on the basis of a detection value (learning value) that was previously detected by the injection amount detector. An energization time in a small amount region longer than a predetermined time in the partial lift injection is allowed to be corrected on the basis of a value (small amount time detection value) detected in the small amount region by the injection amount detector. On the other hand, an energization time in an extremely small amount region shorter than the predetermined time is prohibited from being corrected on the basis of the above small amount time detection value. As a result, a precision in the injection amount in the partial lift injection is improved. |
| US09890728B2 |
Engine operating system and method
Methods and systems for evaluating cylinder pressure profiles in cylinders of an engine are disclosed. In one example, fuel injection timing of engine cylinders is adjusted to improve engine combustion in response to output of one or more pressure sensors installed in engine cylinders. Combustion within a plurality of engine cylinders may be adjusted in response to pressure sensed in a single engine cylinder. |
| US09890724B2 |
Control system of engine
A control system of an engine in which a purge gas containing evaporated fuel desorbed from a canister is supplied to an intake passage of the engine is provided. The control system includes a deceleration fuel cutoff module for performing a deceleration fuel cutoff to stop a fuel supply from an injector to the engine when a predetermined deceleration fuel cutoff condition is satisfied in a decelerating state of the engine, a purge unit for purging by supplying the purge gas to the intake passage during the deceleration fuel cutoff, an O2 sensor provided in an exhaust passage of the engine, an abnormality determining module for determining an abnormality of the O2 sensor based on a change of an output value of the O2 sensor that is caused by the deceleration fuel cutoff, and a purge restricting module for restricting the purge during the abnormality determination. |
| US09890722B2 |
Fuel injection control method for internal combustion engine
A fuel injection control method for an internal combustion engine includes instantaneous injection that injects fuel to a predetermined cylinder is executed immediately when it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied after cranking of the engine is started. A leaning influence ratio which is a ratio of a time period during which vaporized fuel supplied to the predetermined cylinder becomes lean to a instantaneous injection time period which is a time period over which fuel is injected by the instantaneous injection is estimated. A threshold value is set based on temperature of the engine. When the leaning influence ratio is larger than the threshold value, the instantaneous injection is inhibited. |
| US09890719B2 |
Control apparatus and control method for diesel engine
A control apparatus for a diesel engine includes a neighboring temperature estimating section which estimates a temperature of a neighborhood of a glow plug that heats an interior of a cylinder upon startup, and a supercharging pressure control section which controls a supercharging pressure in such a way that a rotation fluctuation of the engine does not increase, on the basis of the estimated temperature of the neighborhood of the glow plug. |
| US09890715B1 |
Vacuum for a vacuum consumption device
Methods and systems are provided for vacuum generating devices. In one example, a system includes a vacuum generating device having an annular venturi passage located between two identical halves. |
| US09890713B2 |
Heavy duty gas turbine inlet system
A silencer apparatus for a gas turbine inlet system ducting is disclosed. The inlet ducting contains a main silencer and a pre-silencer, and Inlet Bleed Heat (“IBH”) located between the silencers. The pre-silencer decreases the noise level from the turbine compressor and makes the air flow/temperature profiles more uniform. The main silencer reduces noise from the IBH and the remaining noise from the compressor to an appropriate level. The main silencer is comprised of a first plurality of sound-absorbing splitters disposed along the gas flow direction in the gas turbine inlet ducting. The pre-silencer is comprised of a second plurality of sound-absorbing splitters disposed along the gas flow direction in the gas turbine inlet ducting, but staggered with respect to the first plurality of splitters to thereby block a direct line of travel for noise acoustical waves from the compressor travelling opposite the gas flow direction in the inlet ducting. |
| US09890712B2 |
Method and apparatus for power storage
Cryogenic energy storage systems, and particularly methods for capturing cold energy and re-using that captured cold energy, are disclosed. The systems allow cold thermal energy from the power recovery process of a cryogenic energy storage system to be captured effectively, to be stored, and to be effectively utilized. The captured cold energy could be reused in any co-located process, for example to enhance the efficiency of production of the cryogen, to enhance the efficiency of production of liquid natural gas, and/or to provide refrigeration. The systems are such that the cold energy can be stored at very low pressures, cold energy can be recovered from various components of the system, and/or cold energy can be stored in more than one thermal store. |
| US09890709B2 |
Method and system for gas turbine extraction
A method and system to extract gas from a gas turbine having at least one gas extraction mechanism placed at the turbine section that extracts exhaust gas directly from the turbine stages through the turbine casing, providing a first exhaust gas path that extends from the turbine section through the exhaust section to the exhaust gas outlet, and a second exhaust gas path for extracted exhaust gas extending directly from the turbine stages inside the turbine casing to a duct outside of the turbine casing. The gas extraction system and method can be applied to a cogeneration system. |
| US09890706B2 |
Method and plant for transferring energy from biomass raw material to at least one energy user
A method for producing energy including: producing fuel gases from biomass raw material in a main receptacle unit (8), feeding produced fuel gas to a consumer unit (2,3), transferring energy from the consumer unit to at least one energy user (7). The method includes recovering heat and producing pressurized superheated steam, intermittently loading biomass raw material into at least one vessel (8′), being included in the main receptacle unit (8), pressurizing the loaded at least one vessel (8′) with pressurized superheated steam, passing pressurized superheated steam through the loaded and pressurized at least one vessel (8′), thereby contacting and heat treating said biomass raw material with the pressurized superheated steam for the production of said fuel gases, supplying produced fuel gases together with still superheated steam to the consumer unit (2,3). The invention also concerns a plant. |
| US09890704B2 |
Compressor system
In a gas turbine engine, the booster compressor is driven by both the low pressure or fan shaft and high pressure shaft through a differential gear arrangement. The rotational speed of the booster compressor is intermediate between the speed of the fan and the speed of the high pressure compressor. |
| US09890700B2 |
Systems and methods for a variable geometry turbine nozzle
Various systems and methods are described for a variable geometry turbine. In one example, a nozzle vane includes a stationary having a first cambered sliding surface and a sliding vane having a second cambered sliding surface where the second cambered sliding surface includes a flow disrupting feature in contact with the first sliding cambered surface. The sliding vane may be positioned to slide in a direction from substantially tangent along a curved path to an inner circumference of the turbine nozzle and selectively uncover the flow disrupting feature. |
| US09890698B2 |
Engine system for controlling flow of exhaust gas
An engine system for controlling flow of exhaust gas may include an intake line to receive external air, an engine including a combustion chamber to combust the external air and a fuel supplied through the intake line, to generate driving torque, an exhaust line to exhaust the exhaust gas combusted in the combustion chamber of the engine, a turbocharger including a turbine operated according to exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust line and a compressor to compress the external air flowing through the intake line, a catalyst device to reduce a harmful component included in the exhaust gas passing through the turbine of the turbocharger, a bypass line branched from the exhaust line between the combustion chamber and the turbine and converged in the intake line between the compressor and the combustion chamber, and a bypass valve disposed in the bypass line to selectively open/close the bypass line. |
| US09890693B2 |
Charge air cooler
A chamber for absorbing condensate formed in a charge-air-cooler of a turbocharged engine system. The chamber may include desiccant to absorb the moisture. The chamber may also include a valve that is controlled by the vehicle control module to open to allow airflow to pass by the desiccant and absorb the moisture from the desiccant or to place in a closed position to allow the desiccant to absorb the condensate formed in the charge-air-cooler. |
| US09890686B2 |
Electromotive coolant pump
An electrically motorized coolant pump includes a pump housing, a pump impeller being driven in a pump chamber, two suction-side intake ducts and a pressure-side outflow duct for the coolant. A control actuator that can be hydraulically actuated in response to a demand for coolant is disposed in a housing section of the pump housing between the suction side and the pressure side and the control actuator is coupled to a control element so as to open and close the intake ducts. |
| US09890684B2 |
Method of operating an exhaust gas aftertreatment
A method and a device for operating an exhaust gas aftertreatment, wherein a diesel particulate filter is regenerated during the operation, in particular passively regenerated, wherein a corrected differential pressure is calculated from a current differential pressure across the diesel particulate filter at a current exhaust gas volumetric flow rate and with a current correction factor. The current correction factor is determined by determining a lower differential pressure in a predetermined time interval at a defined exhaust gas volumetric flow rate, in particular in a specified exhaust gas volumetric flow rate interval around the defined exhaust gas volumetric flow rate, and comparing the lower differential pressure with a specified current reference value and, depending thereon, calculating a new correction factor or retaining the previous correction factor as the current correction factor. |
| US09890683B2 |
Exhaust gas purification system
It is an object to make it possible to burn and remove particulate matter without generating runaway even if the particulate matter is excessively accumulated at the time of regeneration of an exhaust gas purification device. A common rail engine and the exhaust gas purification device placed in an exhaust gas path of the engine are provided. A plurality of regeneration controls for burning and removing the particulate matter accumulated in the exhaust gas purification device can be executed. The plurality of regeneration controls include at least non-operation regeneration control for raising exhaust gas temperature by combining post injection (E) and predetermined high speed rotation speed, and recovery regeneration control which can be executed when the non-operation regeneration control fails. In the non-operation regeneration control and the recovery regeneration control, the engine is driven exclusively for burning and removing the particulate matter. The recovery regeneration control is carried out at exhaust gas temperature lower than that of the non-operation regeneration control while taking time longer than that of the non-operation regeneration control. |
| US09890682B2 |
System, apparatus, and method to address unwanted DEF-based deposits in diesel exhaust system
An exhaust system for a diesel engine is provided. The exhaust system includes a component body with a surface, and a surface treatment disposed on some of the surface or all of the surface. The surface treatment is disposed so as to receive Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) injected into the exhaust system during operation of the diesel engine. The surface treatment facilitates increased heat transfer to the received DEF to promote water evaporation and urea thermolysis of the received DEF. |
| US09890681B2 |
Heat exchange device with thermoactuator
A heat exchange device includes a thermoactuator that controls a valve to open and close one or the other of two fluid passageways. The thermoactuator includes a temperature-sensitive portion arranged to slidably advance a rod that actuates the valve as the temperature sensed by the temperature-sensitive portion increases. A stopper is positioned to abut the rod to limit advancement of the rod to thereby limit the degree of opening of the valve. |
| US09890680B1 |
Low-cost, thermally controlled inlet reductant dosing unit
A dosing unit for a diesel exhaust treatment system eliminates heat from the exhaust stream using an electrically operated fluid injector inside a cavity, sized and shaped to receive the electrically operated injector therein and surround the fluid injector in the cavity with engine coolant flowing through the cavity. Continuous welds aid heat transfer between the components. |
| US09890677B2 |
System and method for the monitoring and controlling of emissions for multiple engines
An apparatus for controlling a total emissions amount from a facility includes an emissions module structured to interpret data indicative of an emissions amount from a test cell system in the facility; an emissions threshold module structured to aggregate the emissions amount from each test cell system in the facility to determine a total emissions amount for the facility and compare the total emissions amount to a predetermined threshold for the facility; and an aftertreatment system control module structured to selectively control a component in an aftertreatment system associated with each test cell system responsive to the comparison of the total emissions amount to the predetermined threshold. |
| US09890675B2 |
Oil separator
An oil separator includes a casing that has an inlet for air and an outlet for air, and an impingement member that is provided inside the casing. Air that contains oil is introduced through the inlet into the casing and caused to strike the impingement member so that the oil is separated from the introduced air and is recovered. The outlet opens in the horizontal direction of the casing. The oil separator further includes an L-shaped elbow member that is attached to the outlet. The elbow member protrudes in the horizontal direction from the outlet and is bent upward. |
| US09890669B2 |
Continuous variable valve lift apparatus and engine provided with the same
A continuously variable valve lift apparatus may include a camshaft, a cam portion of which a cam is formed thereto and the camshaft is inserted into therein, a slider housing of which the cam portion is rotatably inserted therein, of which a position with respect to the camshaft is movable and of which a guide slot is formed thereto, a control portion selectively changing the position of the slider housing, a guide shaft disposed parallel to the camshaft and inserted into the guide slot for guiding movement of the slider housing, an output portion rotatable around a pivot shaft and of which a valve shoe is formed thereto and a valve unit driven by the valve shoe. |
| US09890668B2 |
Method and system for detecting malfunction of fastening bolt in CVVT
A method for detecting malfunction of a fastening bolt in a continuous variable valve timing (CVVT) includes: deciding whether a camshaft position sensor is operating normally; learning the most retarded angle position of the camshaft using the camshaft position sensor; deciding whether the learning of the most retarded angle position of the camshaft is normal; and comparing a PWM duty value used in the learning with a set first reference value when the learning of the most retarded angle position of the camshaft is normal. |
| US09890661B2 |
Aero engine rotor air floatation assembling device based on gantry structure
An aero engine rotor air floatation assembling method and device based on a gantry structure belong to mechanical assembling technology. The present invention can effectively solve the problem of poor coaxality after the aero engine rotor is assembled and has the characteristics of high coaxality after the rotor is assembled, reduced vibration, mounting easiness, high flexibility and improved engine performance. The measuring method and device are: determining rotary reference based on a rotary air bearing; determining the angular positioning of a rotary table according to a grating ruler; extracting the radial error of the radial mounting plane and the inclination error of the axial mounting plane of the rotor based on the four-probe measuring device to obtain the influencing weight of this rotor to the assembled rotor on coaxality; measuring respectively all the rotors required for assembling to obtain the influencing weight of each rotor to the assembled rotor on coaxality; vector optimizing the weight of each rotor to obtain the assembling angle of each rotor. |
| US09890660B2 |
Diaphragm assembly bolted joint stress reduction
A spacer for a diaphragm assembly coupling is disclosed. The spacer includes a base, a spacing portion, and a spacing body edge. The base includes a base body including a base edge. The spacing portion includes a spacing body and a spacing flange. The spacing body extends from the base and includes an outer diameter that is smaller than that of the base. The spacing flange extends outward from the spacing body and is spaced apart from the base. The spacing body edge is located at an intersection of the spacing body and the base body. A reference line extending from the spacing body edge to the base edge forms an angle from 10 to 30 degrees with the spacer axis. |
| US09890659B2 |
Mid-turbine frame vane assembly support with retention unit
A mid-turbine frame for a gas turbine engine includes a vane assembly supported within a case. The vane assembly directs airflow between a first turbine and a second turbine. A support rod extends through the vane assembly and is secured to the case by a retaining nut. The retaining nut extends through a guide attached to the vane assembly for aligning the vane assembly relative to the case portion. |
| US09890656B2 |
Variable stator vane arrangement
A variable stator vane arrangement includes a casing, a plurality of stator vanes, at least one control ring, a plurality of connecting rods and a crankshaft. The stator vanes are circumferentially spaced apart in the casing and the plurality of stator vanes are rotatably mounted in the casing. Each control ring is rotatably mounted on the casing and each stator vane is connected to an associated control ring. The crankshaft, rotatably mounted on the casing, is drivingly connected to each control ring and has an axis and a plurality of clevizes. Each connecting rod connects one of the clevizes on the crankshaft to a respective one of the control rings. At least one clevis is adjustably secured to the crankshaft by an adjusting mechanism and the adjusting mechanism is used to select the radial and/or angular position of at least one clevis relative to the axis of the crankshaft. |
| US09890654B2 |
Gas driven motor
Gas driven motors are presented including: a housing defining a circulation chamber and a shutter chamber, where the housing includes an intake port and an exhaust port; a drive axle positioned along a pair of parallel circulation chamber walls and rotatably attached thereto, where the drive axle is perpendicular to the pair of parallel circulation chamber walls; a vane having an attached edge, a leading edge parallel with and opposite to the attached edge, and a pair of vane side edges, where the pair of side edges are parallel with respect to one another and form a matching curve with respect to one another, where the vane includes a curved surface defined by the pair of side edges, where the vane is mechanically coupled with the drive axle along the attached edge. |
| US09890651B2 |
Blade of a rotary flow machine with a radial strip seal
The invention refers to a blade of a rotary flow machine including an airfoil having a suction surface and a pressure surface joining each other along a trailing and a leading edge. A radially outward directed airfoil tip and a radially inward directed end joining an inner platform connect the airfoil to a shank at a radial end of the airfoil and providing, at least one shank pocket radially encircled by an axially extending portion of the platform. At least one radially extending rim extends from the trailing edge side of the shank and has an essentially radially orientated first slot for receiving a seal. A mount extends radially inwardly from said shank pocket. The first slot has a first aperture on a shank surface orientated in an axial direction. |
| US09890648B2 |
Turbine rotor rim seal axial retention assembly
A retention device for maintaining a first rotary machine component axially loaded onto a second rotary machine component in a fixed axial position includes a lock block sized and configured to move between first and second aligned recesses in the first and second rotary machine components. The aligned recesses are shaped to prevent rotation of the lock block, and the lock block has a threaded bore extending therethrough. An actuator is threadably mounted in the bore, such that rotation of the actuator will, in use, move the lock block from the first aligned recess at least partially into the second aligned recess. |
| US09890645B2 |
Coolant flow redirection component
A gas turbine engine includes a compressor section, a combustor fluidly connected to the compressor section, and a turbine section fluidly connected to the combustor and mechanically connected to the compressor section via a shaft. Multiple rotors are disposed in one of the compressor section and the turbine section. Each of the rotors includes a rotor disk portion having a radially inward bore, and is static relative to the shaft. Each rotor is axially adjacent at least one other rotor and a gap is defined between each rotor and an adjacent rotor. A cooling passage for a cooling flow is defined between the shaft and the rotors, and a cooling flow redirection component is disposed at the gap and is operable to redirect the cooling flow in the cooling passage into the gap. |
| US09890644B2 |
Foundry core assembly for manufacturing a turbomachine blade, associated method of manufacturing a blade and associated blade
A foundry core for manufacturing a blade of a turbomachine including a tip section offset, including a core element for forming various internal cavities, the core element including a leading-edge cavity internal core, central cavity internal cores, and a trailing-edge cavity internal core. The internal core for the central cavity adjacent to the internal core for the trailing-edge cavity includes a bulge extending toward the core for the leading-edge cavity. |
| US09890637B2 |
Procedure for the construction of cross passages in double pipe tunnels
The procedure for the construction of underground transport infrastructures, comprises the steps of: excavating an underground transport tunnel comprising a first pipe and a second pipe substantially parallel to one another; making a bypass tunnel connecting the first pipe and the second pipe which comprises the sub-steps of: introducing a launching chamber along the first pipe up to a first predefined position chosen along the longitudinal direction of the first pipe, the launching chamber being able to launch a tunnel boring machine; introducing an arrival chamber along the second pipe up to a second predefined position chosen along the longitudinal direction of the second pipe, the arrival chamber being able to receive the tunnel boring machine; excavating the bypass tunnel making the tunnel boring machine move forward from the launching chamber to the arrival chamber along a direction transversal to the first pipe and to the second pipe. |
| US09890630B2 |
Method for measuring pressure in an underground formation
The invention relates to a method for measuring pressure in an underground formation containing a fluid, comprising the following consecutive steps: establishing fluid communication between a test chamber arranged in a drilling well and the underground formation, via a flowline; moving a piston in the test chamber so as to suction fluid into the test chamber; ensuring fluid isolation of the test chamber relative to the flowline; measuring the pressure in the flowline; and repeating the preceding steps. The invention also relates to a device for measuring pressure in an underground formation containing a fluid adapted for the implementation of said method. |
| US09890628B2 |
Fracturing device using shockwave of plasma reaction and method for extracting shale gas using same
A fracturing device using a shock wave of a plasma reaction includes a partition unit for partitioning a reaction space such that a reaction medium is accommodated therein, by sealing a part having a plurality of through-holes among well casing of a gas well provided at shale rock layer so as to extract shale gas and a probe for applying energy to the reaction medium such that the reaction medium generates shock wave by a plasma reaction as the energy is applied to the reaction medium accommodated inside the reaction space, so as to propagate shock wave to the shale rock layer. |
| US09890627B2 |
System and methods for controlled fracturing in formations
Controlled fracturing in geologic formations is carried out in a method employing a combination of alternating and impulsive current waveforms, applied in succession to achieve extensive fracturing and disintegration of rock materials for liquid and gas recovery. In a pre-conditioning step, high voltage discharges and optionally with highly ionizable gas injections are applied to a system of borehole electrodes, causing the formation to fracture with disintegration in multiple directions but confined between the locations of electrode pairs of opposite polarity. After pre-conditioning, intense current waveform of pulse energy is then applied to the system of borehole electrodes to create waves of ionization or shock waves with bubbles of heated gas that propagate inside and outside the high conductivity channels, resulting in rock disintegration with attendant large scale multiple fracturing. |
| US09890618B1 |
Oil leak containment system and method
Apparatus for containing oil and/or gas leakage from a drilling operation (off-shore or on-shore) comprised of an expandable membrane surrounding a central spline, an apparatus adapted to the removal of the captured oil or gas, and a blowout-handling “fuse” capability. The bottom section of the off-shore version includes operator-controlled extension members to expand the membrane to fully surround the drill site. Any further leakage from the well site will further expand the membrane from the spline sections as it moves upward. When the leaked material reaches the top an extraction apparatus included allows it to be extracted safely. |
| US09890602B2 |
Well runner
A drive module for a borehole or well tractor or runner comprises a drive module housing and a hydraulically actuated and pivoting drive arm comprising an arm housing and a drive wheel arranged thereto, wherein the drive wheel is driven by a motor mounted outside the drive arm housing and arranged along and parallel with the drive arm in resting position and onto or into the drive module wall for the cavity arranged or provided for the drive arm, and wherein the drive wheel is drivingly connected to the motor via a drive line arrangement, i.e. via a belt or chain drive arrangement and further via an angular gear or gearing arrangement mounted outside the drive arm housing. A borehole or well tractor or runner comprises at least one of said drive modules. |
| US09890597B2 |
Drill bits and tools for subterranean drilling including rubbing zones and related methods
A drill bit may include a bit body including at least one blade extending at least partially over a cone region of the bit body. Additionally, the drill bit may include a plurality of cutting structures mounted to the at least one blade and a rubbing zone within the cone region of the at least one blade, wherein cutting structures within the rubbing zone have a reduced average exposure. Additionally, a method of directional drilling may include positioning a depth-of-cut controlling feature of a drill bit away from a formation to prevent substantial contact between the depth-of-cut controlling feature and rotating the drill bit off-center to form a substantially straight borehole segment. The method may also include positioning the depth-of-cut controlling feature of the drill bit into contact with the formation to control the depth-of-cut and rotating the drill bit on-center to form a substantially nonlinear borehole segment. |
| US09890595B2 |
Methods of forming and methods of repairing earth boring-tools
A method of forming at least a portion of an earth-boring tool includes entering an electronic representation of at least one geometric feature of at least a component of an earth-boring tool in a computer system including memory and a processor, the computer system operatively connected to a multi-axis positioning system, a direct metal deposition tool, and a material removal tool. The processor generates a tool path for the direct metal deposition tool. The tool path is based at least in part on the electronic representation of the at least one geometric feature of the at least a component of the earth-boring tool. The direct metal deposition tool is operated along the tool path to deposit metal on an earth-boring tool component coupled to the multi-axis positioning system to at least partially form the at least one geometric feature of the earth-boring tool. Methods also include methods of repairing earth-boring tools. |
| US09890594B2 |
Advanced drilling systems and methods
New systems and methods capable system for drilling are disclosed. An example system can include a vertically-moving platform supporting a gyrotron capable of transmitted electromagnetic energy down a waveguide such that, as the vertically-moving platform moves downward, energy transmitted by the gyrotron through the waveguide will progressively drill a borehole in the earth. |
| US09890593B2 |
Steerable earth boring assembly having flow tube with static seal
A steerable earth boring assembly which includes an annular collar and a drive shaft with a drill bit, where the shaft pivots with respect to the collar. An upstream portion of the shaft inserts into an orientation sleeve which resides in the collar. An axial bore is obliquely formed through the sleeve, and in which the upstream portion inserts. Rotating the sleeve causes precession of the upstream portion, thereby pivoting the drill bit obliquely to the collar. Selective rotation of the sleeve orients the drill bit into a designated orientation for forming a deviated wellbore. Included in the assembly is a flow tube with an end in sealing contact with the drive shall. |
| US09890592B2 |
Drive shaft for steerable earth boring assembly
A steerable earth boring assembly which includes an annular collar and a drive shaft with a drill bit, where the shaft pivots with respect to the collar. An upstream portion of the shaft inserts into an orientation sleeve which resides in the collar. An axial bore is obliquely formed through the sleeve, and in which the upstream portion inserts. Rotating the sleeve causes precession of the upstream portion, thereby pivoting the drill bit obliquely to the collar. Selective rotation of the sleeve orients the drill bit into a designated orientation for forming a deviated wellbore. Included in the assembly is a flow tube with an end in sealing contact with the drive shaft. |
| US09890588B2 |
Operating system for a covering for an architectural opening
A covering for an architectural opening is provided. The covering may include a roller rotatable about a longitudinal axis, a shade associated with the roller, and an operating system operably associated with the roller. The operating system may include a base, a drive mechanism, a transmission, an actuator arm, and an engagement arm. The drive mechanism may be associated with the base to provide an input torque. The transmission may be associated with the drive mechanism to selectively transmit the input torque to the roller. The actuator arm may be associated with the base to indirectly set a rotation direction of the roller. The engagement arm may be associated with the base and engageable with the transmission. |
| US09890587B2 |
Drive assembly for a motorized roller tube system
A motorized roller tube for reeling and unreeling a flexible member between fully open and fully closed conditions operates with minimized sound level. A variable controller energizes a motor with a controllable RPM driving a gear reduction assembly. The motor has a speed versus torque characteristic which extends linearly from a high maximum RPM and low minimum torque, to a low minimum RPM and high maximum torque, and having a peak efficiency at a given RPM. The motor moves the flexible member between its fully open and fully closed positions at a motor speed less than the given peak efficiency RPM and less than 50% of its high maximum RPM, and at a motor efficiency which is less than 25% of the peak efficiency whereby the motor is intentionally operated in a high torque and low efficiency manner. |
| US09890584B1 |
Cordless magnetically attractive shade assembly
A shade assembly includes a first shading unit, a plurality of second shading units detachably connected with the first shading unit and arranged at the bottom of the first shading unit, and a third shading unit detachably connected with the first shading unit and arranged at the front face of the first shading unit. Thus, the shade cloth of each of the second shading units and the shade cloth of the third shading unit are expanded and folded to regulate the shading effect and the indoor brightness. |
| US09890583B2 |
Blind assembly with two blind head rail
A blind for a building opening having a first blind roller located in an upper region of a head rail, a second blind roller located in a lower region of the head rail, a first blind stored on the first blind roller, a second blind stored on the second blind roller, a first blind control guided forwardly and operable to lower and raise said first blind, and a second blind control guided forwardly and operable to lower and raise said second blind. |
| US09890579B2 |
Storage container, storage cabinet and storage system
The present document describes a storage cabinet and a storage system for storing a liquid and/or a granulate matter. The storage system includes at least one storage container for storing the liquid and/or the granulate matter. The storage container includes a container body with a main access, a main lid removably mounted to the container body for covering the main access and a secondary lid removably mounted to the container body and/or the main lid for covering a secondary access on the container body and/or the main lid, where the container body includes a top portion and a bottom portion adapted for stacking. The storage system further includes a storage cabinet with a floor member which includes a stacking element for receiving the bottom portion of the container body. |
| US09890570B2 |
Sliding door or window latch
A latch includes a protrusion that extends from a latch body. The protrusion moves from a fully extended position to a partially extended position when the door or window to which the latch is mounted is moved to a closed position. This movement of the protrusion disengages an anti-slam mechanism, allowing movement of a latch mechanism. Further, the partially extended protrusion engages in an anti-lift recess in the strike. Alternatively, the protrusion may extend from the strike and engage with an anti-lift recess in the latch body. |
| US09890569B2 |
Door latch assembly with convertible cam drive
A door latch assembly is described with a convertible cam drive having a door bolt assembly including a sliding bolt configured for reciprocal sliding action between a latch position and a release position. Such an embodiment includes a cam drive assembly having a bolt actuator as well as a cam holder configured for placement within the cam receiving aperture of the base plate to accommodate the base plate being mounted in one of the plurality of orientations with respect to the door. The cam drive assembly is constructed and arranged for receiving the cam engaging portion of the door handle when pivoted from the rest position to the actuating position, thereby causing the sliding bolt to move from a latch position to a release position using the bolt actuator. |
| US09890562B2 |
Locking arrangement
This invention relates to a locking arrangement 10 which includes a body 12 and a locking member 14 which is displaceable relative to the body 12. The locking member 14 defines at least one striker element engagement formation 18.1, 18.2 which is configured to engage a striker element 100 for part of its displacement relative to the locking arrangement 10 along a predetermined displacement path. The locking member 14 is displaceable between first and second spaced apart positions in each of which the engagement formation 18.1, 18.2 is positioned such that a said striker element 100 is releasably engageable therewith and between which a said striker element 100 is in engagement with the engagement formation 18.1, 18.2. The locking arrangement 10 further includes a securing mechanism 16 which is configured to secure the locking member 14 releasably in at least one of the first and second spaced apart positions. |
| US09890557B2 |
Leaf of a sliding window or sliding door and sliding window or sliding door provided with such a leaf
Leaf (4) of a sliding window (1) or sliding door, whereby this leaf (4) has a horizontal profile (13) and an upright side profile (12) perpendicular to the horizontal profile (13), whereby the horizontal profile (13) is provided with a lock plate (10) for a lock (9), whereby the leaf (4) is equipped with an adjustment mechanism to be able to adjust the position of the lock plate (10) in the direction (P) in which the horizontal profile (13) extends and to be able to secure the lock plate (10) to the leaf (4), whereby the adjustment mechanism can be operated from the side where the side profile (12) is located. |
| US09890550B2 |
Systems and methods for storage
In accordance with one embodiment, a system for storing commodities is provided. The system may include a tarpaulin. The tarpaulin may further have an internal strapping. In accordance with one embodiment, a method for storing commodities is provided. The method may include providing a tarpaulin. In one embodiment, the method for storing commodities may include configuring the tarpaulin to provide internal strapping. |
| US09890546B2 |
Reinforcement and repair of structural columns
A method and an article of manufacture are presented for reinforcing and/or repairing columns, towers, pylons, and the like, constructed from various materials including concrete, masonry, wood, plastics, and the like. One or more tensile bearing bands/rebars of material, such as fibrous material, are longitudinally/axially adhered or attached to the structure followed by wrapping of a semi-flexible or a semi-rigid sheet of material, at a relatively small distance, around the column. Subsequently filler material is poured in the cavity created between the wrapped sheet material and the column. Optionally, multiple layers of various material sheets, each sheet having substantially the same or different properties, may be wrapped around or be attached to the primary wrapped sheet. Appropriately chosen reinforcement bands/rebars, reinforcement sheets, and filler material can provide any desired additional tensile, compressive, shear and flexural strength to the column. |
| US09890545B1 |
Erection system
An erection system for one or more elongated elements, such as structural columns, pre-fabricated reinforcing cages or tower-like structures includes one or more longitudinal lifting bars running parallel with the elongated element's longitudinal direction. The lifting bars are installed within or onto the elongated element through apertures in the element's upper and lower support pieces. A rigging system supports the upper portion of the lifting bar. The lifting bar's lower portion includes external threading to receive an internally threaded load bearing nut. The load bearing nut supports the elongated element's weight onto the lifting bar's lower portion. The upper and lower support pieces stabilize the elongated element with lateral restraint. Removing the load bearing nut and raising the lifting bar up through the support piece's apertures extracts the lifting bar from the elongated element. Adjustable spreader bars separate multiple lifting bars to minimize lateral and bending stresses in the lifting bar. |