| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US11157358B2 |
Memory module, error correction method of memory controller controlling the same, and computing system including the same
A memory module includes first memory chips, each having a first input/output width, and configured to store data, a second memory chip having a second input/output width and configured to store an error correction code for correcting an error in the data, and a driver circuit configured to receive a clock signal, a command, and an address from a memory controller and to transmit the clock signal, the command, and the address to the first memory chips and the second memory chip. An address depth of each of the first memory chips and an address depth of the second memory chip are different from each other. |
| US11157355B2 |
Management of foreground and background processes in a storage controller
A background process is configured to periodically scrub a boot storage of a storage controller to ensure operational correctness of the boot storage. One or more foreground processes store a system configuration data of the storage controller in the boot storage of the storage controller. The background process and the one or more foreground processes are executed to meet predetermined performance requirements for the background process and the one or more foreground processes. |
| US11157354B2 |
Dynamic random access memory devices and memory systems having the same
A DRAM device includes first terminals, second terminals, third terminals, a control signal generator, a CRC unit, a row decoder, a column decoder, and a memory cell array. The control signal generator generates a control signal. The CRC unit performs a first CRC logical operation on a first data group including qn-bit first data generated by inputting n-bit first data q times, generates a first CRC result signal, performs a second CRC logical operation on a second data group including qn-bit second data by inputting n-bit second q times, generates a second CRC result signal, and generates an error signal based on the first CRC result signal and the second CRC result signal. The error signal is generated based on the second CRC result signal regardless of the first CRC result signal in response to the control signal. |
| US11157352B2 |
Compensation of read errors
A method for compensating for a read error is disclosed, wherein each of n states are read from memory cells of a memory, the states being determined in a time domain. If the n states do not form a code word of a k-from-n code, a plurality of states from the n states, which were determined within a reading window, are provided with a first valid assignment and fed to an error processing stage. If the error processing does not indicate an error, the n states are further processed with the first valid assignment, and if the error processing indicates an error, the plurality of states that were determined within the reading window are provided with a second valid assignment and the n states are further processed with the second valid assignment. Accordingly, a device, a system and a computer program product are also disclosed. |
| US11157348B1 |
Cognitive control of runtime resource monitoring scope
Embodiments include cognitive control of runtime resource monitoring scope. Aspects include obtaining historical data for each of a plurality of metrics for a computer system and calculating, based on the historical data, an anomaly relationship score for each of the plurality of metrics. Aspects also include calculating, based on the historical data, a sensitivity score for each of the plurality of metrics and determining a priority score for each of the plurality of metrics based upon a weighted combination of the anomaly relationship score and the priority score. Aspects further include receiving real-time data for each of the plurality of metrics and presenting a subset of the real-time data to a user, the subset created by selecting one or more of the plurality of metrics based on the priority score of each of the plurality of metrics. |
| US11157342B2 |
Memory systems and operating methods of memory systems
A memory system includes a processor that includes cores and a memory controller, and a first semiconductor memory module that communicates with the memory controller. The cores receive a call to perform a first exception handling in response to detection of a first error when the memory controller reads first data from the first semiconductor memory module. A first monarchy core of the cores performs the first exception handling and the remaining cores of the cores return to remaining operations previously performed. |
| US11157341B1 |
Data contracts
A method for facilitating communication between application components is provided. The method comprises invoking, by a data consumer, a data contract by requesting data, wherein the data contract specifies communication parameters between application components. The data contract identifies and invokes a provider component in response to the invocation by the data consumer. The provider translates input data from the data consumer to construct a producer request and sends the producer request to a data producer. The data producer sends output data to the provider in response to the producer request. The provider translates and sends the output data to the data contract, and the data contract send the translated output data to the data consumer. |
| US11157339B1 |
Automation of a process running in a first session via a robotic process automation robot running in a second session
Automation of a process running in a first session via robotic process automation (RPA) robot(s) running in a second session is disclosed. In some aspects, a form is displayed in a user session, but one or more attended RPA robots that retrieve and/or interact with data for an application in the first session run in one or more other sessions. In this manner, the operation of the RPA robot(s) may not prevent the user from using other applications or instances when the RPA robot(s) are running, but the data modifications made or facilitated by the RPA robot(s) may be visible to the user in the first session window. |
| US11157336B2 |
Technologies for extending triggered operations
Technologies for extending triggered operations include a host fabric interface (HFI) of a compute device configured to detect a triggering event associated with a counter, increment the counter, and determine whether a value of the counter matches a trigger threshold of a triggered operation in a triggered operation queue associated with the counter. The HFI is further configured to execute, one or more commands associated with the triggered operation upon determining that the value of the counter matches the trigger threshold, and determine, subsequent to the execution of the one or more commands, whether the triggered operation corresponds to a recurring triggered operation. The HFI is additionally configured to increment, in response to a determination that the triggered operation corresponds to a recurring triggered operation, the value of the trigger threshold by a threshold increment and re-insert the triggered operation into the triggered operation queue. Other embodiments are described herein. |
| US11157334B2 |
Control method and apparatus for broadcast sending, storage medium, and electronic device
A control method for broadcast sending includes: acquiring a receiver queue corresponding to a broadcast message to be sent; determining a target receiver according to priorities of receivers in the receiver queue and a predetermined priority; and sending the broadcast message to the target receiver. |
| US11157332B2 |
Determining when to release a lock from a first task holding the lock to grant to a second task waiting for the lock
Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for determining when to release a lock from a first task holding the lock to grant to a second task waiting for the lock. A determination is made as to whether a holding of a lock to the resource by a first task satisfies a condition and whether the lock is swappable. The lock is released from the first task and granted to a second task waiting in a queue for the lock in response to determining that the holding of the lock satisfies the condition and that the lock is swappable. The first task is indicated in the queue waiting for the lock in response to granting the lock to the second task. |
| US11157330B2 |
Barrier-free atomic transfer of multiword data
A barrier-free atomic transfer method of multiword data is described. In the barrier-free method, a producer processor deconstructs an original parameter set of data into a deconstructed parameter set; and performs a series of single-copy-atomic writes to a series of single-copy-atomic locations. Each single-copy-atomic location in the series of single-copy-atomic locations comprises a portion of the deconstructed parameter set and a sequence number. A consumer processor can read the series of single-copy-atomic locations; verifies that the sequence number for each single-copy-atomic location in the series of single-copy-atomic locations is consistent (e.g., are all the same sequence number); and reconstructs the portions of deconstructed parameter set into the original parameter set. |
| US11157316B1 |
Determining action selection policies of an execution device
Computer-implemented methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer-readable medium, for generating an action selection policy for causing an execution device to complete a task are described. Data representing a task that is divided into a sequence of subtasks are obtained. For a specified subtask except for a first subtask in the sequence of subtasks, a value neural network (VNN) is trained. The VNN receives inputs include reach probabilities of reaching a subtask initial state of the specified subtask, and predicts a reward of the execution device in the subtask initial state of the specified subtask. A strategy neural network (SNN) for a prior subtask that precedes the specified subtask is trained based on the VNN. The SNN receives inputs include a sequence of actions that reach a subtask state of the prior subtask, and predicts an action selection policy of the execution device in the subtask state of the prior subtask. |
| US11157313B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer storage medium for controlling a storage system
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method, and apparatus and a computer readable medium for controlling a storage system. For example, a method for controlling a storage system is provided. The method comprises: determining a control factor related to a background operation in the storage system, the control factor including a usage state of a storage resource pool in the storage system; setting a priority level for the background operation based on the determined control factor; and controlling execution of the background operation based on the set priority level. Embodiments of the present disclosure may accelerate execution of background operations, improve resource utilization efficiency, and ensure good I/O performance. |
| US11157308B2 |
Function call sequence processing
Methods, systems and computer program products for processing an input sequence of a plurality of function calls on at least one processor. Each function call of the plurality of function calls is associated with an abort probability, and each function call is also associated with a processing cost per function call on the basis of a number of processor instructions of the respective function call and the abort probability of the respective function calls. During processing of the function calls according to an input sequence, the abort probability for at least some of the function calls may be updated taking into consideration whether or not the processing of the respective function call caused an abort. The processing cost per function may be updated during processing, and an updated input sequence may be determined by rearranging the order of the function calls based on the processing cost. |
| US11157307B2 |
Count and transaction identifier based transaction processing
A computer-implemented method for processing a transaction may include, upon receiving a transaction change request, operating a coordinator to generate a unique transaction identifier for the transaction request, send a data change request along with the unique transaction identifier to sources, and store the unique transaction identifier along with a respective first change count in a transaction status table. The method may also include, upon receiving a query, operating a given source to determine from the transaction status table, a second change count of sources associated with the unique transaction identifier, determine whether the second change count matches the first change count for each source, and when the first and second change counts match in each of the other sources, read data associated with the query from the given source and each source. |
| US11157305B2 |
Methods and systems for provisioning a virtual resource in a mixed-use server
A method for provisioning a virtualized resource includes directing, by a provisioning machine, a server-executed hypervisor to provision a virtual machine. The provisioning machine directs generation of an organizational unit within a first organizational unit within a multi-tenant directory service separated from a second organizational unit in the multi-tenant directory service by a firewall. The provisioning machine associates the virtual machine with the first organizational unit. The provisioning machine establishes a firewall policy on the virtual machine restricting communications to the virtual machine and excluding a user associated with the second organizational unit. The provisioning machine receives a request to provision a virtualized resource for at least one user. The server establishes a connection between a client machine of the at least one user and the at least one virtual machine providing the at least one virtual resource. |
| US11157304B2 |
System for peering container clusters running on different container orchestration systems
A system of one or more computers is configured to peer container clusters running on different container orchestration systems. One general aspect includes moving an endpoint service container between an original cluster and a target cluster of a cluster mesh. In at least one embodiment, a remote service endpoint container is instantiated at the original cluster using service registry information accessed by a mesh operator. In at least one embodiment, the service registry information includes the hostname/path information for the endpoint service container operating at the target cluster. The remote service endpoint container is configured to allow the dependent container at the original cluster to consume services available at the endpoint service container at the target cluster as though the endpoint service container is local to the dependent container. |
| US11157303B2 |
Detecting bus locking conditions and avoiding bus locks
A processor may include a register to store a bus-lock-disable bit and an execution unit to execute instructions. The execution unit may receive an instruction that includes a memory access request. The execution may further determine that the memory access request requires acquiring a bus lock, and, responsive to detecting that the bus-lock-disable bit indicates that bus locks are disabled, signal a fault to an operating system. |
| US11157300B2 |
Managing virtual machine security resources
In a virtualized environment where multiple guest virtual machines receive security services from multiple security virtual machines, a guest virtual machine automatically transitions to a new virtual security machine under various conditions. For example, the guest virtual machine may select a new security virtual machine when connectivity to the current security virtual machine degrades below a predetermined threshold, or in response to a request from the current security virtual machine indicating, e.g., that the current security virtual machine is about to shut down or otherwise terminate security services to the guest virtual machine. |
| US11157297B2 |
Control device and control method for preventing unintentional overwriting of data
The objective of the present invention is to prevent a conflict between variable names and consequently the unintentional overwriting of data when a plurality of programs that define a shared variable exist. A control device (1) is equipped with a program management part (11), a data storage part (13a), and a shared variable symbol table (13b). The program management part (11) acquires an identifier for a first user program, generates a shared variable name that includes the identifier and a variable name of a shared variable defined in the first user program, associates the shared variable name and an address of the shared variable with each other, and records these in the shared variable symbol table (13b). |
| US11157296B2 |
Creating a virtual machine containing third party code
A Virtual Machine (VM) is created utilizing a virtual Operating System (OS) disk and virtual application disks, each of which may be from disparate third party suppliers. One or more files in the virtual application disk are then linked to a specific file system location (node) in the virtual OS disk. |
| US11157293B2 |
Dynamic incident console interfaces
Computer interfaces are provided for managing and deploying contextually relevant event canvases based on entity roles. Some systems are configured for identifying events and generating contextually relevant canvases associated with those events, which are contextually based on roles assigned to the events. A master canvas is also provided for facilitating navigation between the various canvases and to assign roles to the canvases, as well as for facilitating management configuration of the canvases. The master canvas includes a tabbed interface that allows navigation, configuration, and insight into the various canvases. |
| US11157292B2 |
Instance mapping engine and tools
The presently disclosed systems and methods collect information associated with client instances, and use the information associated with the instances. In particular, information related to database servers and/or applications servers providing the instance may be retrieved from databases that store information relating to instances, and written and saved in an instance configuration file. Moreover, instances may be deployed or provisioned by reading an instance configuration file and setting properties of the instance using the parameters saved in the instance configuration file. Two instance configuration files may be compared to determine differences between the two files. Additionally, the instance may be reverted back to the previously healthy version of the instance using the previous instance configuration file. The disclosed systems and methods also include enforcing policies related to instances, and determining financial costs associated with implementing an instance defined by an instance configuration file. |
| US11157290B2 |
Method and circuit for waking up I2C device
A method and circuit for waking up an I2C device are disclosed. The method includes determining whether a start signal is received; determining whether a next signal immediately received after the start signal is an address signal when the start signal is received; matching the next signal immediately received after the start signal with an address of the I2C device when the next signal is the address signal; and generating a wake-up signal to wake up the I2C device when the next signal immediately received after the start signal is matched with the address of the I2C device. |
| US11157286B2 |
Non-cached loads and stores in a system having a multi-threaded, self-scheduling processor
Representative apparatus, method, and system embodiments are disclosed for a self-scheduling processor which also provides additional functionality. Representative embodiments include a self-scheduling processor, comprising: a processor core adapted to execute instructions; and a core control circuit adapted to automatically schedule an instruction for execution by the processor core in response to a received work descriptor data packet. In a representative embodiment, the processor core is further adapted to execute a non-cached load instruction to designate a general purpose register rather than a data cache for storage of data received from a memory circuit. The core control circuit is also adapted to schedule a fiber create instruction for execution by the processor core, and to generate one or more work descriptor data packets to another circuit for execution of corresponding execution threads. Event processing, data path management, system calls, memory requests, and other new instructions are also disclosed. |
| US11157284B1 |
Predicting an outcome of an instruction following a flush
An apparatus is described, comprising processing circuitry to speculatively execute an earlier instruction and a later instruction by generating a prediction of an outcome of the earlier instruction and a prediction of an outcome of the later instruction, wherein the prediction of the outcome of the earlier instruction causes a first control flow path to be executed. The apparatus also comprises storage circuitry to store the outcome of the later instruction in response to the later instruction completing, and flush circuitry to generate a flush in response to the prediction of the outcome of the earlier instruction being incorrect. Permission circuitry permits the generating of the prediction by the processing circuitry. When re-executing the later instruction in a second control flow path following the flush, the processing circuitry is adapted to perform the generating the prediction of the outcome of the later instruction as the outcome stored in the storage circuitry during execution of the first control flow path. The permission circuitry is adapted to permit or inhibit generating the prediction of the outcome of the later instruction as the outcome stored in the storage circuitry in dependence on a condition. |
| US11157283B2 |
Instruction prefetch based on thread dispatch commands
A graphics processing device comprises a set of compute units to execute multiple threads of a workload, a cache coupled with the set of compute units, and a prefetcher to prefetch instructions associated with the workload. The prefetcher is configured to use a thread dispatch command that is used to dispatch threads to execute a kernel to prefetch instructions, parameters, and/or constants that will be used during execution of the kernel. Prefetch operations for the kernel can then occur concurrently with thread dispatch operations. |
| US11157278B2 |
Histogram operation
A digital data processor includes an instruction memory storing instructions each specifying a data processing operation and at least one data operand field, an instruction decoder coupled to the instruction memory for sequentially recalling instructions from the instruction memory and determining the data processing operation and the at least one data operand, and at least one operational unit coupled to a data register file and to an instruction decoder to perform a data processing operation upon at least one operand corresponding to an instruction decoded by the instruction decoder and storing results of the data processing operation. The operational unit is configured to increment histogram values in response to a histogram instruction by incrementing a bin entry at a specified location in a specified number of at least one histogram. |
| US11157277B2 |
Data processing apparatus with respective banked registers for exception levels
Data processing apparatus comprises a processing element configured to access an architectural register representing a given system register; mapping circuitry to map the architectural register representing the given system register to a physical register selected from a set of physical registers; a register bank having a set of two or more respective banked versions of the given system register, in which a respective one of the banked versions of the system register is associated with each of a plurality of current operating states of the processing element; in which, when the processing element changes operating state from a first operating state associated with a first one of the banked versions of the system register to a second operating state associated with a second, different, one of the banked versions of the system register, the processing element is configured to store the current contents of the architectural register representing the given system register to the first one of the banked versions of the system register and to copy the contents of the second one of the banked versions of the system register to the architectural register representing the given system register. |
| US11157276B2 |
Thread-based organization of slice target register file entry in a microprocessor to permit writing scalar or vector data to portions of a single register file entry
A computer system, processor, and method for processing information is disclosed. The system, processor and/or method includes at least one computer processor; a register file associated with the at least one processor, the register file having a plurality of entries for storing data where a whole entry has two halves, the register file having multiple ports to write data to the register file and multiple ports to read data from the register file; and one or more execution units associated with the register file, the execution units configured to read data from the register file and to write data to the register file, wherein the processor is configured to write either scalar data or vector data to a single register file entry. |
| US11157272B2 |
Automatic identification of appropriate code reviewers using machine learning
A deep learning model is trained on historical pull requests to automatically identify appropriate reviewers to review source code from one or more source code repositories. The model is trained on features that are based on past pull requests from the source code repositories and that represent the context of the syntactic representation of the changed code. The model learns patterns found in the changed source code and of the past peers associated with the changed source code to relate certain source code fragments with certain peers. The model generates probabilities based on the learned patterns which are used to identify appropriate reviewers more suitable to review the source code. |
| US11157267B1 |
Evaluation of dynamic relationships between application components
A computer-implemented method includes receiving, by a processor, real time operation data related to an application, identifying components of the application based on the operation data, extracting relationships and interdependencies between the components, and generating a graph of the identified components, the relationships and the interdependencies. The method also includes determining one or more dynamic metrics of the identified components, the one or more dynamic metrics indicative of interactions between the components, extracting statistical information describing at least one of performance and resource consumption based on the operation data, incorporating the dynamic metrics into the graph, determining a behavior of at least one component based on a pattern of appearance of the at least one component in the graph, and generating a model of the application based on the identified components and the determined behaviors. |
| US11157262B2 |
Program updating device, program updating system and program updating method
Provided is a program updating device, program updating system, and a program updating method for updating a program without imposing a load on a user. A program updating device (“PUD”) includes a communication unit transmitting/receiving information to/from an in-vehicle device operating on a software program, the PUD transmitting update information of a software program from the communication unit to execute update processing, further including: a determination unit configured to determine whether an operation switch of a vehicle has been switched from an on-state to an off-state; a state control unit configured to, if it is determined that the operation switch has been switched to the off-state, instruct to transition to a driving-prohibition state and hold an ignition-on state; and an update processing unit configured to start update processing based on the update information after confirming of a state is made. |
| US11157260B2 |
Efficient information storage and retrieval using subgraphs
An extended ontology may be generated from an ontology such that one or more classes of the extended ontology is associated with a marker and input data may be received. Further, based on the extended ontology and the marker, a subgraph representation of the input data may be generated, where the subgraph representation omits a piece of information included in a first graph representation of the input data, and the subgraph representation includes a plurality of acyclic subgraphs. The acyclic subgraphs may be stored in one or more databases and an acyclic subgraph of the plurality of acyclic subgraphs may be provided as an input to an executable program, where the application of rules associated with the extended ontology by the executable program causes a cyclic graph to be generated from the acyclic subgraph such that the cyclic graph comprises a piece of information omitted from the acyclic subgraph. |
| US11157259B1 |
Semantic and standard user interface (UI) interoperability in dynamically generated cross-platform applications
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for facilitating communication between widgets of cross-platform applications. An exemplary system is configured to instantiate a cross-platform application comprising a plurality of application widgets. The system is further configured to determine that a first application widget of the plurality of application widgets executes instructions through an execution container of the cross-platform application. The system is further configured to receive a request comprising criteria from the first application widget, wherein the criteria specify an application widget to listen for communications from. The system is further configured to receive a communication from the second application widget and determines that the communication matches the criteria of the request by the first application widget. The system is further configured to transmit to the first application widget an update containing data from the communication. |
| US11157256B2 |
Instant installation of apps
A device which runs software applications includes a network interface, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium and at least one processor. The device identifies that a link for installation of a new software application is selected by user interaction with a software application that is running on the device. In response to the identification, an installation client is invoked to run in the background on the device without exiting the currently-running software application. The installation client is instructed to automatically download an installation file of the new software application over the network using the network interface. The new software application is installed on the device using the downloaded installation file. |
| US11157255B2 |
Software asset management
Systems and methods are disclosed for provisioning software in computing networks. For example, methods may include invoking one or more discovery probes; retrieving software usage data based at least on the one or more discovery probes; determining software usage predictions based on the software usage data; allocating, based on the software usage predictions, per user software entitlements and per device software entitlements to obtain an allocation of software entitlements; and invoking installation or uninstallation of software responsive to the allocation of software entitlements. |
| US11157254B2 |
Method, apparatus, and device for processing web application package
Implementations of the present specification disclose a method, an apparatus, and a device for processing a web application package. In the method, processing the web application package includes: determining a resource required by a web application; storing the resource; determining a resource address corresponding to a storage location of the resource; and generating a web application package that comprises the resource address, wherein the web application package excludes the resource corresponding to the resource address. |
| US11157253B1 |
Computer-automated software release and deployment architecture
A software deployment system includes a release module, a deployment control module, and a deployment module. The release module is configured to generate a first release object identifying a specific version of a first set of files in a version control system. The files encode deployment parameters, including a pointer to an executable form of a first application. The deployment control module is configured to promote the first release object to an environment by copying the first set of files to a location in the version control system corresponding to the environment. The deployment module is configured to, after the first release object is promoted to an environment, deploy the first release object by: configuring the environment according to the deployment parameters; copying the executable form of the first application from the pointer location to the environment; and initiating execution of the copied executable form in the environment. |
| US11157250B2 |
Inductive equivalence in machine-based instruction editing
Computer software development has produced many advances within computer science and in most aspects of modern society. Even with modern quality control, bug finding, and other code checking applications, computer software is often less than ideal. A developer may write code that is functionally accurate but lacks security, documentation, speed, storage, reusability, and/or other elements that may make a segment of software code less than ideal. Identifying equivalent code, within a defined hypothesis strength and/or resource limitation, and, when found, replacing it with a vetted equivalent promotes the deployment of software that is more robust, secure, usable and reusable, and/or satisfies performance or other objectives. |
| US11157236B2 |
Room correction based on occupancy determination
An audio reproduction device and method for room correction based on occupancy determination is provided. The audio reproduction device includes a speaker which reproduces audio, and includes a memory which stores a plurality of room-correction (RC) presets. The audio reproduction of the speaker is controlled within an enclosed physical space based on each of the plurality of RC presets. The audio reproduction device receives an occupancy signal from at least one sensor communicatively coupled with the audio reproduction device. The audio reproduction device further determines a number of people of a set of people, present in the enclosed physical space, based on the received occupancy signal. The audio reproduction device retrieves first room-correction (RC) preset from the stored plurality of RC presets based on the determined number of people. The audio reproduction device further controls the audio reproduction of the speaker based on the retrieved first RC preset. |
| US11157233B1 |
Application subset selective audio capture
Techniques for selective audio capturing are described herein. In some cases, a user, such as a content provider, may select one or more computing processes from which to capture audio data. The audio data may be captured for transmission to at least one other computing device. Code may be injected into at least the one or more computing processes. In some cases, upon execution of the code, storage locations of the audio data are obtained. Thus, the audio data may be captured from the storage locations, and the captured audio data may be transmitted to one or more other computing devices. Additionally, based, at least in part, on a user selection, other audio data from other computing processes executing on the computing device may not be transmitted to the one or more other computing devices. |
| US11157230B2 |
Motion activated sound generating and monitoring mobile application
The present system includes a mobile application for generating sound based on motion, monitoring the sound generated by a plurality of users, and communicating the monitoring results to a plurality of user interface. The present system provides a fusion of motion sensing processor technology with motion activated sound effects to create a unique application for a digital noise-maker that can be used for business and/or entertainment use by online and/or live communities of sports fans and spectators. |
| US11157225B2 |
Information-processing device registering print queue information including print setting on memory
A set of program instructions, when executed by a computer of an information-processing device, causes the computer to perform: detecting; and registering. The detecting detects, after first print queue information is registered, second print queue information being registered. The first print queue information includes a first print queue name, a first print setting, and a first port ID. The first print queue name is based on a printer name acquired via a plug-and-play process for a printer connected to a first port. The second print queue information includes a second print queue name, a second print setting, and a second port ID. The second print queue name is based on the printer name and different from the first print queue name. The registering registers, in response to the detecting, third print queue information including the printer name, the first print setting, and the second port ID. |
| US11157224B2 |
Information processing apparatus for notifying status of a periodically executed process and non-transitory computer readable medium
An information processing apparatus includes a memory that stores log information on a process serving as a monitoring target and performed in past, a generating unit that generates, by using the log information, periodicity information that identifies a time period within which the process is periodically executed, and a notifying unit that, if the process has not been executed within the time period as scheduled in accordance with the periodicity information generated by the generating unit, notifies that the process has not been executed. |
| US11157216B2 |
Methods and devices for managing printing of content
A computer implemented method, device, and computer program product for managing printing of content on a printing device is provided. The method operates under control of one or more processors configured with specific executable program instructions. The method includes analyzing a request to print content to determine one or more characteristic of interest (COI) associated with the request. The method identifies types of printing attributes associated with the request. The types of printing attributes include printing settings and a duplex setting to be implemented at the printing device in connection with generating printed output. The method determines a user duplex expectation (UDE) status with respect to the one or more COI. The method manages addition of a duplex indicia (DI) to the printed output based on the determining and processes the request. |
| US11157215B2 |
Information processing apparatus, image forming system, information processing method, and storage medium
An information processing apparatus includes an obtaining unit and a control unit. The obtaining unit obtains, from a verification apparatus configured to perform, for each printed material of printed materials, verification about whether the printed material satisfies a given condition, information that is based on a result of the verification. Each of the printed materials is a recording medium on which an image is printed by a printing apparatus. The control unit performs control so that output of the printed materials from the printing apparatus is suppressed when a given number of printed materials are handled as one bundle and the number of printed materials that satisfy the given condition reaches the given number based on the verification result. The control unit performs control so that insertion paper interspacing a plurality of bundles is output next to the given number of printed materials that satisfy the given condition. |
| US11157213B2 |
Parallel memory access and computation in memory devices
An integrated circuit (IC) memory device encapsulated within an IC package. The memory device includes first memory regions configured to store lists of operands; a second memory region configured to store a list of results generated from the lists of operands; and at least one third memory region. A communication interface of the memory device can receive requests from an external processing device; and an arithmetic compute element matrix can access memory regions of the memory device in parallel. When the arithmetic compute element matrix is processing the lists of operands in the first memory regions and generating the list of results in the second memory region, the external processing device can simultaneously access the third memory region through the communication interface to load data into the third memory region, or retrieve results that have been previously generated by the arithmetic compute element matrix. |
| US11157212B2 |
Virtual controller memory buffer
Method and apparatus for managing data transfers. In some embodiments, first and second storage devices respectively include first and second controllers, first and second local memories, and first and second non-volatile memories (NVMs). A virtual controller memory buffer (CMB) is formed from a dedicated portion of each of the first and second local memories for control by a host device. The first controller receives a virtual command set from the host device, and extracts a first local command to transfer data between the host device and the first NVM. In some cases, the second controller also receives the virtual command set and concurrently extracts a different, second local command to transfer data between the host device and the second NVM. Alternatively, the first controller may extract and forward the second local command to the second controller. The first and second NVMs may form an NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) namespace. |
| US11157208B2 |
Methods and apparatus for improving data transformation in processing devices
An example apparatus includes a memory, a data writer to write received first data into the memory in a first order, and a data reader to read the first data from the memory in a second order, wherein the data writer is to write second data into the memory in the second order. |
| US11157207B2 |
Apparatus and method for engaging plural memory system with each other to store data
A data processing system includes a host configured to handle data in response to an input entered from an external device. The data processing system further includes a plurality of memory systems engaged with the host, wherein the plurality of memory systems are configured to store or output the data in response to a request generated by the host. A first memory system among the plurality of memory systems can store metadata for the plurality of memory systems. |
| US11157205B2 |
Object storage system with control entity quota enforcement
Example object storage systems, bookkeeping engines, and methods provide quota enforcement for control entities, such as accounts, users, and buckets. An object data store is configured to enable control entities to access data objects associated with each control entity. Quota thresholds associated with requesting control entities are determined. Object usage values corresponding to the quota thresholds are determined. Data object access requests are denied responsive to object usage values exceeding quota thresholds for the requesting control entities. |
| US11157204B2 |
Method of NVMe over fabric RAID implementation for read command execution
A non-volatile memory express over fabrics (NVMeoF) redundant array of independent disks (RAID) controller includes an NVMeoF RAID target module, an NVMeoF RAID implementation module, and an NVMeoF RAID initiator module. The NVMeoF RAID target module receives one or more NVMeoF commands from one or more computer hosts. The NVMeoF RAID implementation module receives the one or more NVMeoF commands from the NVMeoF RAID target module and performs RAID functionalities on the one or more NVMeoF commands. The NVMeoF RAID initiator module receives the one or more NVMeoF commands from the NVMeoF RAID implementation module and transmits the one or more NVMeoF commands to the one or more storage target devices to establish one or more virtual queue pair connections and enable direct data transfer between the one or more computer hosts and the one or more storage target devices. |
| US11157203B2 |
Adaptive load balancing in storage system having multiple input-output submission queues
An apparatus comprises a host device configured to communicate over a network with a storage system. The host device comprises a plurality of communication adapters, each of which comprises a corresponding plurality of input-output (IO) submission queues, and a multi-path input-output (MPIO) driver configured to obtain an IO operation that targets a given logical volume of the storage system and to identify a plurality of paths between the host device and the given logical volume. Each identified path comprises a communication adapter and a corresponding IO submission queue of that communication adapter. An IO load weight and a queue depth weight are determined for each identified path. An adaptive weight for each identified path is determined as a function of the determined IO load weight and the determined queue depth weight for that identified path and a target path is selected from the identified paths based at least in part on the determined adaptive weights. |
| US11157199B1 |
Multi-mode address mapping management
In one aspect of multi-mode address mapping management in accordance with the present disclosure, mapping and unmapping operations may be conducted in one of multiple address mapping management modes to both improve overall system performance and maintain data integrity. In one embodiment, a first address mapping management mode such as a rigorous mode, for example, confirms completion of an unmapping of an address mapped data unit buffer before a re-mapping is permitted. Mapping and unmapping operations may be switched to a performance mode in which unmap completion confirmation is bypassed to improve performance. In one embodiment, address mapping management modes may be switched in real time as a function of monitored operating conditions. Other aspects and advantages are provided, depending upon the particular application. |
| US11157198B2 |
Generating merge-friendly sequential IO patterns in shared logger page descriptor tiers
Techniques for generating merge-friendly sequential IO patterns in shared logger page descriptor (PD) tiers. The techniques can be employed in an active-active clustered system that includes a primary storage node, a secondary storage node, a logger shared between the primary and secondary storage nodes, and a storage device such as a non-volatile memory (NVM) device. The techniques can include allocating at least a first trunk and a second trunk in a shared PD tier of the logger, sequentially writing PD metadata and/or data by the primary storage node and the secondary storage node to the first trunk and the second trunk, respectively, merging the PD metadata/data units sequentially written to each respective trunk together to obtain PD metadata/data having an increased size up to the size of the respective trunks, and storing the merged PD metadata/data to the NVM device. |
| US11157196B2 |
Erasing device
An erasing device includes: a first connector that is detachably connected to a storage device; a second connector that is detachably connected to an information processing device; a data eraser that erases information stored in the storage device after the storage device and the information processing device are connected to one another; and an access controller that, after the information stored in the storage device is erased by the data eraser, brings the information processing device from a state where the information processing device cannot access the storage device into a state where the information processing device can access the storage device. |
| US11157190B2 |
Method, device and computer program product for managing raid
Techniques manage redundant arrays of independent drives (RAID). The techniques involve: in response to a target stripe to be built in the RAID, determining, from a resource pool, whether there are spare extents associated with at least one system disk. The techniques further involve: in response to determining that there are spare extents associated with at least one system disk, determining an adjacent relationship of used extents associated with the at least one system disk within a RAID stripe. The techniques further involve: determining, based on the adjacent relationship and the spare extents, an extent for building the target stripe. Accordingly, the total number of the RAID stripes including extents associated with the system disks can be reduced significantly, and a balance can be achieved within spare extents associated with system disks and spare extents associated with user disks for building a RAID stripe. |
| US11157188B2 |
Detecting data deduplication opportunities using entropy-based distance
Techniques for processing data may include: receiving a candidate data block; computing a distance using a distance function, wherein the distance is an entropy-based distance and denotes a measurement of similarity between the candidate data block and a target data block; and determining, using the distance, whether to perform data deduplication of the candidate data block with respect to the target data block to identify at least one sub-block of the candidate data block that is a duplicate of at least one sub-block of the target data block. If the distance is less than a threshold, it may be expected to have a matching sub-block between the candidate and target data blocks. The distance may be a difference between entropy values for the candidate and target data blocks. The first entropy value may be used to determine whether to compress or perform partial deduplication for the candidate data block. |
| US11157187B2 |
Method, device, and computer program product for overwriting data
Data overwriting techniques involve: comparing, based on a request for overwriting target data in a storage area to cover original data, a first compression ratio with a second compression ratio; in accordance with a determination that the first compression ratio is larger, compressing the target data into fragments at the first compression ratio; storing the fragments in segments in the storage area, the segments being previously used for storing corresponding fragments of the original data; and storing at least one padding data fragment in at least one free segment interleaved with the segments and/or free sectors in the segments. Accordingly, the overwritten data can be stored in the storage area in a continuous manner, while the write alignment requirement of the storage device can be satisfied, thereby saving the additional read overheads incurred by the write request and enhancing the write performance of the storage device. |
| US11157184B2 |
Host access to storage system metadata
A host system performs I/O processing using metadata for a storage system, where none or some of the metadata is stored on the host system. The host system may be coupled to the global memory of the storage system along a communication path that includes an internal switching fabric of the storage system and does not include a network located externally to the storage system. The host system may exchange communications over the communication path to access indirection layers on the storage system to determine a global memory address of metadata corresponding to an I/O operation. The host system may include a host metadata table of global memory addresses for metadata of logical locations logical devices. The host system may query the host metadata table for a global memory address of metadata corresponding to a logical location specified in an I/O operation. |
| US11157180B2 |
Computing systems including storage devices controlled by hosts
Disclosed is a computing system which includes a storage device and a host. The storage device may include a nonvolatile memory, and the host may control the storage device based on a physical address of the nonvolatile memory and may send an asynchronous event request command to the storage device. The storage device may monitor the nonvolatile memory and may send an asynchronous event request corresponding to the asynchronous event request command to the host based on the monitoring result. The asynchronous event request may include requesting another command from the host based on the monitoring result. In some aspects, the host may send an erase command for erasing to erase a selected memory block of the nonvolatile memory to the storage device. In response, the storage device may send an erase pass response or an erase delay violation response to the host in response to the erase command. |
| US11157177B2 |
Hiccup-less failback and journal recovery in an active-active storage system
Techniques for providing hiccup-less failback and journal recovery. The techniques include determining a head position of a data log of a primary node and placing a marker at a corresponding position in a data log of a secondary node. In response to an IO request, the head of the primary log is moved to allocate space for writing a data entry, and the secondary node is directed to move a head of the secondary log to allocate space for writing the data entry. In response to a data entry being flushed from the primary node, a tail of the primary log is moved to reclaim allocated space for a previous data entry, and the secondary node is directed to move a tail of the secondary log to reclaim previously allocated space. In response to a tail of the secondary log coinciding with the marker position, content of the logs is synchronized. |
| US11157169B2 |
Operating modes that designate an interface modality for interacting with an automated assistant
Implementations described herein relate to transitioning a computing device between operating modes according to whether the computing device is suitably oriented for received non-audio related gestures. For instance, the user can attach a portable computing device to a docking station of a vehicle and, while in transit, wave their hand near the portable computing device in order to invoke the automated assistant. Such action by the user can be detected by a proximity sensor and/or any other device capable of determining a context of the portable computing device and/or an interest of the user in invoking the automated assistant. In some implementations location, orientation, and/or motion of the portable computing device can be detected and used in combination with an output of the proximity sensor to determine whether to invoke the automated assistant in response to an input gesture from the user. |
| US11157165B2 |
Permanent synchronization system for handwriting input
Disclosed is a device for inputting symbols in an entry field. An example of the device includes an interface unit having a touch screen and a module for processing graphics objects. The module may include a detection unit for detecting a start and an end of a current graphics object being input; a storage unit for storing graphics data corresponding to the input graphics object; a recognition unit for generating a list of candidate strings of symbols from the graphics data, each candidate string being associated with a pertinence value; and an insertion unit for inserting into the entry field a string selected by the user from the list, a data group comprising the graphics data, the candidate strings, the pertinence values, and an identifier of the selected string being stored during a predetermined duration. |
| US11157159B2 |
Augmented reality scrollbar
Systems and methods for displaying a group of virtual objects and a scrollbar in a virtual, augmented, or mixed reality environment are disclosed. The group of virtual objects can be scrolled, and a virtual control panel can be displayed indicating objects that are upcoming in the scroll. The scrollbar can provide real-time feedback that can give the user an indication of the point from which the scrolling started, the point at which the scrolling currently has reached, an amount of the group of virtual objects that are displayed to the user relative to the total amount of the group of virtual objects, or a relative position of the currently-viewable virtual objects relative to the entire group of virtual objects. |
| US11157157B2 |
Apparatus, method, computer-readable storage medium, and smartphone for causing scrolling of content in response to touch operations
An information processing system includes circuitry that causes a first scrolling of a displayed content region within its boundaries in response to a first user operation. The circuitry of the information processing system also causes a second scrolling of the displayed content region beyond its boundaries in response to a second user operation. |
| US11157155B2 |
Air line displaying method, apparatus and system, ground station and computer-readable storage medium
The present disclosure provides an air line displaying method and a ground station. The method includes: displaying a first air line view, the first air line view including height information of at least one waypoint in an air line; when detecting a first operation performed by a user on a waypoint of the at least one waypoint, adjusting height information of the waypoint; and sending adjusted height information of the waypoint to an aircraft. By adjusting the air line view through human-computer interaction, the air line view displayed by the ground station can be edited. This makes it convenient for the user to adjust the air line and further enables the aircraft to receive a new air line in time, thereby facilitating flight of the aircraft. |
| US11157146B2 |
Display apparatus and control method thereof for providing preview content
A display apparatus may include a display, a communicator including circuitry configured to communicate with a server, a user input unit including circuitry configured to receive a user input, and a processor. The processor may be configured to, based on a first user input, control the display to display a menu providing at least one image quality of a preview content that is selectable, receive a second user input of selecting the at least one image quality of the preview content, control the communicator to transmit a request for the preview content at the selected image quality to the server, and control the display to display an image based on the preview content received from the server. |
| US11157143B2 |
Music user interface
The present disclosure relates to music user interfaces. A device, comprising a display and a rotatable input mechanism, one or more processors, memory, and one or more programs, is described. In response to receiving the first user input, the one or more programs may include instructions for ceasing display of an audio playback user interface and displaying a first user interface of a first set of user interfaces. While displaying the user interface of the first set of user interfaces, the one or more pogroms may include instructions for: receiving a second user input representing a directional swipe in a second direction and, in response to receiving the second user input, ceasing display of the first user interface of a first set of user interfaces and displaying the audio playback user interface. |
| US11157142B2 |
Document processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium
A document processing apparatus includes a display controller and a button update unit. The display controller performs, in a document processing application that is capable of adding multiple types of objects to an electronic document to be processed, control such that a display screen is displayed, the display screen including multiple recent instruction input buttons that are allocated multiple object adding instructions for adding an object to the electronic document, the multiple object adding instructions having been recently received from a user; and a button update unit that performs button update processing for updating an object adding instruction allocated to one of the multiple recent instruction input buttons to a newly received object adding instruction. In a case where it is determined that object adding instructions for adding a same type of objects to the electronic document to be processed are received consecutively, the button update unit does not perform the button update processing. |
| US11157139B2 |
Optimizing object displays on user interfaces
A computing device receives a request to render a listing of item entries on a user interface, receives a notification of selection of a user interface element on the user computing device requesting presentation of objects corresponding to each of the item entries, and determines first objects that correspond to the first item entry in the listing of item entries. The computing device analyzes each of the first objects that correspond to the first item entry by determining that the user has a preferred first object, determining that the first objects comprise the preferred first object, determining that the user has a preferred provider, and determining availability of the preferred first object at the preferred provider. The computing device renders the preferred first object in a first highlighted position on the user interface with each remaining first object that corresponds to the first item entry in a non-highlighted first position. |
| US11157138B2 |
Thumbnail generation for digital images
Detecting a first facial region in a first image. Extracting the detected first facial region. Generating a first facial thumbnail based on the extracted first facial region for use in representing the first image. |
| US11157135B2 |
Multi-dimensional object rearrangement
A method includes displaying, on a touch-sensitive display, a plurality of application icons in a first configuration at locations on a hexagonal grid in relation to an origin. The application icons have corresponding ranks based on their respective locations in relation to the origin. In response to detecting a movement of a user contact from a first position to a second position: the display of a first application icon at a first location is translated to a second position; a second configuration of the application icons is determined based on the first location and the second location; and the display of the application icons is transitioned from the first configuration to the second configuration. In the second configuration, no application icon except the first application icon is displaced by more than one location relative to the first configuration. |
| US11157132B2 |
Immersive experience password authentication in extended reality environments
Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for the performing of a user authentication task in a virtual environment, for secure authentication of a user utilizing three dimensions. An embodiment operates by using a group of objects shown in a field of view to the user, wherein the user selects a subset of these group of objects by using a virtual environment device to constitute a password. Such a password, because it is chosen in three dimensions and wherein user movement in three-dimensions may be analyzed per an individual user profile according to machine learning logic, is efficient and secure. |
| US11157130B2 |
Cursor-based resizing for copied image portions
A copied image portion, such as an extracted image object, may be rendered together with (e.g., within) a cursor control element. Simply by resizing the cursor control element, the copied, rendered image portion may also be resized accordingly. For example, as the cursor control element is enlarged or reduced, the copied, rendered image portion within the cursor control element is also enlarged or reduced. In this way, a user may easily preview and designate a desired size of the copied, rendered image portion, and then simply place the cursor control element at a desired destination location (in the same or different image) to complete the desired pasting operation, and with a desired size of the pasted image portion. |
| US11157127B2 |
User terminal apparatus and controlling method thereof
A user terminal apparatus is provided. The user terminal apparatus includes a display consisting of a main display area disposed on a front side of the user terminal apparatus and a sub display area extended from one side of the main display area to be disposed on at least one area of a rear side of the user terminal apparatus, and a processor configured to provide a lock screen to a display area of at least one of the main display area and the sub display area and, in response to a user input of releasing the lock screen being sensed, control the display to provide a different home screen based on a display area where the user input is sensed. |
| US11157126B2 |
Capacitive touch panel that detects the approach of the user
A touch panel is formed by laminating: a glass substrate having a touch surface; an X-axis sensor unit having parallel patterns, each of which having diamond-shaped X-axis lattices 10A and 10B aligned in an X-axis direction; an Y-axis sensor unit having parallel patterns each of which having Y-axis lattices 14A and 14B aligned in a Y-axis direction; and an insulation layer arranged between the X-axis sensor unit and the Y-axis sensor unit. The X-axis lattices and the Y-axis lattices are not overlapped when seen from a side of the touch surface. A gap 17 is formed between a frame line 10a of the X-axis lattice and a frame line 14a of the Y-axis lattice. A protrusion part 12 extended parallel to a lattice side of a fine lattice from the frame line 10a of the X-axis lattices 10A and 10B is arranged in the gap 17. |
| US11157123B2 |
Touch sensor integrated display device
A touch sensor integrated display device is provided comprising gate lines and data lines formed on a substrate to be intersected with each other, a plurality of pixel electrodes formed at intersections between the gate lines and the data lines, and a common electrode formed to overlap the plurality of pixel electrodes through an insulating film disposed between the common electrode and the plurality of pixel electrodes, wherein the common electrode includes at least two touch electrodes, each of which is connected to at least one of signal lines arranged in one of a first direction and a second direction crossing the first direction. |
| US11157121B2 |
Conductive member for touch panel, touch panel, and conductive member
In a conductive member in which a first electrode layer is positioned closer to a touch surface side compared to a second electrode layer, the first electrode layer includes a plurality of first sensing electrodes aligned in a first direction, each of the first sensing electrodes has a plurality of first electrode lines and has a first electrode width W1, the second electrode layer includes a plurality of second sensing electrodes aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, each of second sensing electrodes has a plurality of second electrode lines and a plurality of non-connection lines insulated from the plurality of second electrode lines, and has a second electrode width W2, and the second electrode width W2 is larger than the first electrode width W1. |
| US11157118B2 |
Electronic panel and electronic apparatus having the same
An electronic panel including a base substrate, a display unit including pixels and an encapsulation layer, a sensing unit including first and second conductive patterns disposed on different layers with a sensing insulating layer therebetween, a planarization portion disposed between the display unit and the sensing unit and including a flat surface, an inclined surface, and a recess portion, and a crack sensing portion spaced apart from the first and second conductive patterns and including a crack sensing pattern overlapping with the planarization portion, a first connection line connected to one end of the crack sensing pattern and extending in a first direction, and a second connection line connected to the other end of the crack sensing pattern, spaced apart from the first connection line, and extending in the first direction, in which at least one of the first and second connection lines overlaps with the recess portion. |
| US11157116B2 |
Touch panel controller having reduced noise and power consumption and sensing device including the same
A sensing device includes a touch panel including first and second sensor electrodes, and a touch panel controller acquiring a sensing signal from the touch panel and detecting a user input based on the sensing signal. The touch panel controller acquires the sensing signal from at least one of the first sensor electrodes and the second sensor electrodes in a first mode operating at a first power. The touch panel controller selects a first transmitting electrode, a second transmitting electrode, and receiving electrodes from one of the first sensor electrodes and the second sensor electrodes, inputs a first driving signal to the first transmitting electrode, and inputs a second driving signal having a phase difference of 180 degrees with respect to the first driving signal to the second transmitting electrode in a second mode operating at a second power and a third mode in which a sensing operation is performed. |
| US11157107B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing touch interface
An apparatus performs a method for providing a touch interface. The method includes receiving a touch input from a touch detection unit, detecting touch characteristics according to the touch input, and generating events different from each other according to the detected touch characteristics. |
| US11157106B2 |
Piezoresistive sensing input device
A system and method for input sensing comprises a display device having at least one piezoresistive sensing transistor. During a first period, a first resulting signal is received with a first data line by driving a first piezoresistive sensing transistor of a first subpixel of the display device with a first select signal. The first resulting signal corresponds to a change in resistance of the first piezoresistive sensing transistor. Further, at least one of force information and positional information associated with an input object may be determined at least partially based on the change in resistance. |
| US11157105B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a substrate including a display area and a non-display area, a display element layer, a pad group, a touch electrode layer, and a touch insulation layer. The display element layer includes display elements disposed in the display area. The pad group is disposed on the substrate and includes output pads disposed in the non-display area. The output pads include central output pads and outer output pads disposed outside the central output pads in a first direction. The touch electrode layer is disposed on the display element layer. The touch insulation layer is disposed on the display element layer and contacts the touch electrode layer. A groove pattern is defined in the touch insulation layer overlapping the non-display area, and does not overlap at least a predetermined number of the outer output pads in a second direction. |
| US11157100B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes: a display module configured to display an image and to be folded about a folding axis at a folding area defined on a plane; a support member below the display module; and a protective member between the display module and the support member. The support member includes a folding part overlapping the folding area and configured to be folded about the folding axis, and the folding part includes a plurality of joint portions extending parallel to the folding axis and connected to each other. Each of the joint portions includes a support surface supporting the display module, and when the support member is folded, a cusp point is formed between adjacent ones of the support surfaces on a cross-section. |
| US11157093B1 |
Computer mouse with vibration function
A computer mouse with vibration function includes a base, a press control module disposed on a front portion of the base, a palm support disposed on a rear portion of the base, a vibrator installed on the palm support for receiving the signal from the computer, and a plurality of vibration damping units each of which includes a vibration damper abutting between the palm support and the base. The vibration dampers of the vibration damping units are disposed around the vibrator. |
| US11157092B2 |
Smart mouse for an information handling system
Systems and methods are disclosed for a smart mouse that may include transmitting, by the mechanical switch of the smart mouse, a signal to a microcontroller unit of the smart mouse in response to a movement of the smart mouse caused by a user, the movement causing the mechanical switch to be in a closed position, the signal indicating that the mechanical switch is in the closed position; receiving, by the microcontroller unit, the signal indicating that the mechanical switch is in the closed position; and in response to receiving the signal: causing, by a power switch of the smart mouse, at least one battery of the smart mouse to provide power to an optical unit of the smart mouse, the provided power causing the optical unit to be in an on state, the on state of the optical unit causing the smart mouse to be electrically enabled for use. |
| US11157088B1 |
Keyboard actuation in convertible device
One embodiment provides a method, including: receiving, at an information handling device, an indication to transmit an electrical pulse to an electropermanent magnet; transmitting, responsive to the receiving and using a pulse transmitter, the electrical pulse to the electropermanent magnet; and affecting a movement of a keyboard of the information handling device based on the received electrical pulse. Other aspects are described and claimed. |
| US11157085B2 |
Method and apparatus for switching display mode, mobile terminal and storage medium
A method for switching display mode of a mobile terminal includes: detecting gesture operations at a left edge and/or a right edge of a screen of the mobile terminal; upon detection a specified gesture operation for switching display mode, acquiring, according to the specified gesture operation, a mode switching instruction that corresponds to the specified gesture operation; and switching the current display mode according to the mode switching instruction. |
| US11157084B2 |
Touch enabling process, haptic accessory, and core haptic engine to enable creation and delivery of tactile-enabled experiences with virtual objects
Various systems, methods and computer program products are disclosed which provide tactile feedback from virtual objects. In some particular embodiments, a touch-enabled platform (TEP) is configured to: receive data indicating a user is contacting a touch interface on a device; analyze the data to determine a characteristic of the contact between the user and the touch interface; and provide a waveform to actuate vibration at the touch interface based upon the characteristic of the contact and a display characteristic at the touch interface. |
| US11157082B2 |
Method, human machine interface, machine computing unit and computer programs to control at least one actuator to carry out at least one task
This invention relates to a method to control at least one actuator to carry out at least one task comprising repetitive sequences of operations, shorter than 1000 milliseconds by acquiring of endogenously generated electrical potentials within gamma frequency range generated by the brain and/or by the muscles of the body, head, or eyes of a human user, by acquiring electrical signals with sampling rate of at least 250 samples/s, by extracting the features of the signals related to high-frequency gamma waves between 30-200 Hz, by classifying, mapping and converting the signals into actions in real time, and by sending feedback and neurofeedback to a human user to enable him to control the interface. |
| US11157080B2 |
Detection device, detection method, control device, and control method
There is provided a detection device, including: a non-contact sensor unit that detects a shape of a finger; and a mounting unit that mounts the non-contact sensor unit on a hand at a more distal position than a carpal area. Generation of occlusions may be prevented and operations that utilize a shape of user's fingers may be detected more reliably, while a mounted component and an operating procedure may also be simplified. |
| US11157079B2 |
Multi-player calibration of various stand-alone capture systems
Two virtual reality (VR) systems are calibrated to share a common reference frame using a calibration step in which multiple VR users clap each other's hands. As two players do so, spikes are detected in the motion data when their hands come in contact. The spikes are used to effect timing synchronization of the disparate systems to align the motions. |
| US11157077B2 |
Method and system for dual mode eye tracking on wearable heads-up display
A method of tracking an eye of a user on a wearable heads-up display (WHUD) worn on the head of the user includes generating infrared light over an eye tracking period, scanning the infrared light over the eye, and detecting reflections of the infrared light from the eye. A motion parameter that is sensitive to motion of the WHUD is measured. Eye tracking is performed in a first mode that is based on glint for values of the motion parameter that fall within a first range of motion parameter values for which an error in measurement of glint position. Eye tracking is performed in a second mode that is based on glint-pupil vector for values of the motion parameter that fall within a second range of motion parameter values for which an error in measurement of glint position exceeds the error threshold. A head-mounted apparatus with eye tracking is disclosed. |
| US11157076B1 |
Power management for display systems
A display system is disclosed. The display system includes a display, an eye-tracking sensor, and a processor communicatively coupled to the display and the eye-tracking sensor. The computing device receives data from the eye-tracking sensor, determines, based on the eye-tracking data, whether a user's eye is looking at a display in the display system, and based on whether the eye is determined to be looking at the display, controls a power consumption of the display. |
| US11157074B2 |
Presenting assessment content to a user
Educational content can be presented to a user via a display. Eye movement of the user while the user gazes at the educational content can be monitored. Based, at least in part, on the monitoring the eye movement of the user while the user gazes at the educational content, a time when to present assessment content to the user can be determined. The assessment content can be presented to the user at the determined time. |
| US11157073B2 |
Gaze calibration for eye-mounted displays
A method for calibrating an orientation of an eye-mounted display relative to a user's gaze, preferably performed by a system. The system causes the eye-mounted display to project a calibration image onto the user's retina. The user provides information about a relative orientation between the user's gaze and the calibration image, for example a translation offset or a relative rotation. Based on the received information, an orientation for the eye-mounted display that aligns with the user's gaze is determined. Images to be projected by the eye-mounted display onto the user's retina can be adjusted based on the determined orientation. |
| US11157072B1 |
Direct retinal projector
A direct retinal projector may include a gaze tracking system that tracks position of a subject's pupil and automatically adjusts projection of a scanned light field so that the light field enters the pupil. A control loop adjusts a scanning mirror to substantially center an IR beam on a position sensing detector (PSD). In so doing, the scanning mirror is correctly positioned so that the scanned light field from the projector enters the subject's pupil. In addition, a direct retinal projector may include an adjustable focusing element that adjusts focus of a combined light beam generated by a projector as the light beam is scanned to an ellipsoid mirror that reflects the light beam to the subject's pupil. The focusing of the scanned beam may be adjusted as the beam is scanned across the azimuth angle of the curved ellipsoid mirror. |
| US11157064B2 |
Techniques to dynamically enable and disable accelerator devices in compute environments
Various embodiments are generally directed to an apparatus, method and other techniques to send a power operation initiation indication to the accelerator device via the subset of the plurality of interconnects, the power operation initiation indication to indicate a power operation to be performed on one or more infrastructure devices, receive a response the accelerator device, the response to indicate to the processor that the accelerator is ready for the power operation, and ucause the power operation to be performed on the accelerator device, the power operation to enable or disable power for the one or more of the infrastructure devices. |
| US11157062B2 |
Configurable digital interface for switching voltage regulators
A high-speed, low-latency configurable digital interface for a voltage regulator includes a first hardwired unit, a second hardwired unit and a programmable microcontroller interfaced between the first and second hardwired units. The first hardwired unit is operable to deserialize incoming frames received over the configurable digital interface into commands and data associated with operation of a switching voltage regulator, and serialize outgoing data into new frames for transmission over the configurable digital interface. The second hardwired unit is operable to process the commands included in the incoming frames deserialized by the first hardwired unit, and provide the outgoing data to be serialized into new frames by the first hardwired unit. The programmable microcontroller is operable to change one or more of the commands and data flowing between the first and second hardwired units. |
| US11157059B2 |
Radiation imaging apparatus, radiation imaging system, control method for radiation imaging apparatus, and non-transitory computer- readable storage medium
A radiation imaging apparatus comprising an imaging unit configured to generate a radiation image, a detector configured to detect radiation to monitor an incident dose, a processor including an amplifier and configured to perform processing of reading out signals from the imaging unit and the detector and outputting a signal based on the readout signals, and a controller configured to control the processor is provided. The controller causes the processor to operate in a first power consumption mode before radiation irradiation and perform a reset operation, and causes the processor to operate in a second power consumption mode with higher power consumption than the first power consumption mode in accordance with information indicating a start of radiation irradiation, and causes the processor to start outputting a signal for monitoring an incident dose based on a signal read out from the detector. |
| US11157058B2 |
Setting polling interval of open/closed position sensor for a movable portion of an electronic device based on activity state of the electronic device
An electronic device detects ambient contextual data and positioning data such as orientation and motion to determine an activity state of the electronic device. A controller sets a polling interval of an open/closed position sensor that is connected to a movable portion connected to a base to detect an open/closed event. In response to determining a first activity state, controller sets a first polling interval that mitigates power consumption. In response to determining a second activity state, the controller sets the polling interval to a second polling interval that is shorter than the first polling interval to reduce latency in detecting the open/closed event. |
| US11157053B2 |
Auxiliary module power supply
An example auxiliary module includes an external power supply interface to couple to an external power source, at least one subsystem to operate using power from the external power source, and a power controller coupled to the external power supply interface. The at least one subsystem is to receive control signals from a primary device. The power controller includes circuitry to provide power from the external power source to the at least one subsystem. The power controller is to further provide power control signals to the primary device. |
| US11157051B2 |
Systems and methods of dynamic thermal management for enhancing thermal performance in 5G enabled devices
Various aspects of the present disclosure include methods, components and wireless devices configured to determine appropriate generalized system-wide thermal management policies and settings in wireless devices depending upon whether communication activities are driving or otherwise causing thermal conditions. In various aspects, a processor may determine workload characteristics and select and apply an appropriate thermal management policy/solution (or thermal configuration, settings etc.) based on the determine workload characteristics. The processor may determine workload characteristics based upon data from two or more temperature sensors within the wireless device. The processor may select a generalized system-wide thermal management policy suitable for operating when communication activities (e.g., 5G communication activities) are generating so much heat that CPU-centric thermal management policies are in appropriate. |
| US11157039B2 |
Display device
A display device comprises: a cabinet including a receiving part having an open front surface; a movable plate disposed in the front of the receiving part to be slidable to the left or right and including a first opening formed to be vertically elongated; a display module held on the front surface of the movable plate to selectively cover the front surface of the receiving part according to a position of the movable plate; and a mount bracket fixed onto the rear surface of the display module and having one end which is inserted into the first opening and is then lowered to be fastened to the movable plate, whereby the display device can easily hold a display module and improve use of a space. |
| US11157038B2 |
Clock synchronization
In various examples, there is provided methods performed by nodes in a cluster of nodes to establish a master clock at a new master node following a reconfiguration of the nodes included in the cluster, whereby the master clock is provided by an old master node prior to the reconfiguration, and synchronize a local clock of slave nodes to clock of the new master node. The new master node sends a message to the slave nodes instructing them to disable their respective local clocks, receives acknowledgements that the local clocks have been disabled, waits until a time at which all leases have expired for any nodes removed from the cluster, sets the value of its clock to be greater than a maximum value that could have been provided by the old master node at the time the leases expired and indicates to the other nodes to re-enable their local clocks. |
| US11157037B1 |
Method and device for clock generation and synchronization for time interleaved networks
A multi-layer time-interleaving (TI) device and method of operation therefor. This device includes a plurality of TI layers configured to receive a plurality of input clock signals and to output a plurality of output clock signals, each of which can be configured to drive subsequent devices. The layers include at least a first and second layer including a fine-grain propagation device and a barrel-shifting propagation device configured to retime the plurality of input clock signals to produce divided output clock signals. The device can include additional barrel-shifting propagation devices to time interleave an initial two layers to produce one or more additional layers. Using negative phase stepping, the plurality of output clock signals is produced with optimal timing margin and synchronized on a single clock edge. |
| US11157036B2 |
Monitoring delay across clock domains using dynamic phase shift
A system and a method. The system may include a computing device configured for monitoring delay across clock domains using a dynamic phase shift. The computing device may be further configured to: use a counter value of a counter, a known primary clock period of a primary clock domain, a known secondary clock period of a secondary clock domain, and a current phase shift between a secondary clock and a phase shifted secondary clock to calculate a current offset between a last rising edge of the primary clock and a current rising edge of the secondary clock. |
| US11157033B2 |
Calibration knob
A split calibration knob can include a lower knob with a lower-knob attachment interface and an upper knob with an upper-knob attachment interface configured to be engaged with the lower-knob attachment interface. One of the lower-knob attachment interface and the upper-knob attachment interface can include a tube with a first press-fit feature and a first positioning feature positioned on the tube. The other of the lower-knob attachment interface and the upper-knob attachment interface can include a hub having an outward facing surface, a second press-fit feature configured to be engaged with the first press-fit feature to secure the upper knob to the lower knob, and a second positioning feature configured to be engaged with the first positioning feature to fix an orientation of the upper knob relative to the lower knob, thereby linking rotation of the lower knob to the rotation of the upper knob. |
| US11157031B2 |
Systems and methods for volt/VAR control in electric power management and automation systems
A dynamic auto-adaptive volt/VAR control includes a memory storing program code, a communications channel operatively connected to a volt/VAR device, and a processor. The processor is configured to access a database of prior system knowledge and receive real-time measurements and power system operating condition information. The processor processes the prior system knowledge and the real time measurements and operating condition information to create a set of commands for voltage and reactive power control that will result in at least one of: (a) maintaining a voltage profile at the volt/VAR device within predefined limits, or (b) reducing electrical losses through voltage optimization. The processor causes the set of commands to be sent to the volt/VAR device. |
| US11157030B2 |
Method of regulating operational modes in energy distribution systems
A distributed energy system, an energy intelligent terminal, and a control method thereof are disclosed. It determines an error between the sum of initial random external input power that can be assumed by each of all the energy intelligent terminals and target power, updates the alternative operation mode for each energy intelligent terminal in an iterative manner when the error satisfies an iteration start condition until an iteration exit condition being satisfied, and determines the alternative operation mode for each energy intelligent terminal in the final iteration period as the operation mode for next duty cycle so as to regulate operation mode of the distributed energy system in real time according to the target power and energy consumption power of load to which each energy intelligent terminal corresponds. The distributed energy system has ad hoc network capability with the characteristics of fast deployment and plug and play terminals. |
| US11157025B2 |
Pressure exchanger manifold resonance reduction
Apparatus and methods for reducing pressure exchanger manifold resonance. Example apparatus include a first manifold and pumps fluidly connected with the first manifold. Each pump is operable to inject a pressurized clean fluid into the first manifold. The apparatus may further include a second manifold and pressure exchangers each fluidly connected with the first and second manifolds. Each pressure exchanger is operable to receive the pressurized clean fluid from the first manifold and discharge the pressurized dirty fluid into the second manifold. The apparatus may also include a first flow restricting orifice fluidly connected along the first manifold, a second flow restricting orifice fluidly connected along the second manifold, and a discharge conduit fluidly connected with the wellbore to permit the pressurized dirty fluid to be injected into the wellbore during a well treatment operation. |
| US11157024B2 |
Rigid-flexible coupling motion platform driven by ball screw and control method thereof
A rigid-flexible coupling motion platform driven by a ball screw includes a base, a linear guide rail fixed to the base, a rigid-flexible coupling platform, a servo motor, a ball screw, a guide rail sliding block, a displacement sensor and a driving controller. The rigid-flexible coupling platform includes a frame and a workbench. The frame and the workbench are connected through a flexible hinge; the servo motor is configured to drive the ball screw; the workbench is connected with the ball screw; the frame is connected with the linear guide rail by the guide rail sliding block; the displacement sensor is configured to feed back the position of the workbench; and the driving controller controls the ball screw to drive the workbench to move according to different control modes. The advantages of the ball screw drive and the rigid-flexible coupling motion platform are fully combined, and the positioning precision of the platform is greatly improved. |
| US11157023B2 |
Automatic relocation of a vehicle based on proximity
A method, computer system, and computer program product for using a radio frequency trigger to move an unmanned aerial vehicle from an incoming vehicle path are provided. The embodiment may include receiving, by a processor, a radio frequency signal transmitted from a vehicle or an emergency response center. The embodiment may also include determining whether an unmanned aerial vehicle is in flight within a pre-configured threshold radius from the first responder vehicle or emergency response center. The embodiment may further include in response to determining the unmanned aerial vehicle is within the pre-configured radius, activating a “return home” function. The embodiment may also include commanding the unmanned aerial vehicle to fly out of the threshold radius. |
| US11157022B2 |
Flight control system
There is provided a flight control system including a virtual path setting unit, a first evaluation unit, a path determination unit, and a flight controller. The virtual path setting unit is configured to set a plurality of virtual paths other than a current path of an aircraft at a prescribed timing. The first evaluation unit is configured to evaluate envelope protection of each of the current path and the plurality of virtual paths. The path determination unit is configured to determine a path among the current path and the plurality of virtual paths, based on an evaluation result of the envelope protection. The flight controller is configured to control flight of the aircraft based on the determined path. |
| US11157021B2 |
Drone tours in security systems
An unmanned aerial vehicle is described and includes a computer carried by the unmanned aerial vehicle to control flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle and at least one sensor. The unmanned aerial vehicle is caused to fly a specific pattern within a facility, receive sensor data from a sensor carried by the vehicle, apply processing to the sensor data to detect an unacceptable level of detected feature differences in features contained in the sensor data, determine a new flight instruction for the vehicle based on the processing; and send the new flight instruction for the vehicle to a system for controlling flight of the vehicle. |
| US11157015B2 |
Coverage robot navigating
A method of navigating an autonomous coverage robot on a floor includes controlling movement of the robot across the floor in a cleaning mode. A sensor signal indicative of an obstacle is received. The robot is rotated away from the sensed obstacle. A change in the received sensor signal during at least a portion of the rotation of the robot away from the sensed obstacle is determined. The sensed obstacle is identified based at least in part on the determined change in the received sensor signal. |
| US11157014B2 |
Multi-channel sensor simulation for autonomous control systems
An autonomous control system combines sensor data from multiple sensors to simulate sensor data from high-capacity sensors. The sensor data contains information related to physical environments surrounding vehicles for autonomous guidance. For example, the sensor data may be in the form of images that visually capture scenes of the surrounding environment, geo-location of the vehicles, and the like. The autonomous control system simulates high-capacity sensor data of the physical environment from replacement sensors that may each have lower capacity than high-capacity sensors. The high-capacity sensor data may be simulated via one or more neural network models. The autonomous control system performs various detection and control algorithms on the simulated sensor data to guide the vehicle autonomously. |
| US11157013B2 |
Inspection robot having serial sensor operations
A system includes an inspection robot comprising a lead inspection sensor providing lead inspection data, and a trailing inspection sensor; a controller, comprising: an inspection data circuit structured to interpret the lead inspection data; a sensor configuration circuit structured to determine a trailing sensor configuration change for the trailing inspection sensor in response to the lead inspection data; and a sensor operation circuit structured to adjust a trailing sensor configuration for the trailing inspection sensor in response to the trailing sensor configuration change. |
| US11157009B2 |
Method and device for controlling floor cleaning robots
The present disclosure relates to a method and a device for controlling floor cleaning robots. The method includes obtaining cleaning task information that includes an overall cleaning task; determining cleaning control information for a plurality of floor cleaning robots based on the cleaning task information, wherein the cleaning control information includes control information for each one of the plurality of floor cleaning robots; and transmitting the cleaning control information to each one of the plurality of floor cleaning robots, so that each one of the floor cleaning robots performs a cleaning task based on the corresponding cleaning control information. |
| US11157008B2 |
Autonomous vehicle routing using annotated maps
A control system for an autonomous vehicle can determine a risk value for each respective path segment of a plurality of path segments in a given area that includes a destination of the autonomous vehicle. The risk value can correspond to a cost layer in a map that includes the respective path segment. Based on the risk value for each respective path segment, the control system can determine a travel route for the autonomous vehicle to the destination, and autonomously control the autonomous vehicle to navigate along the travel route to the destination. |
| US11157007B2 |
Approaches for encoding environmental information
Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media can access a first set of schema-based encodings associated with a first environment, wherein a schema-based encoding provides a structured representation of an environment based on a scenario schema. First information representing scenario information associated with the first environment can be generated based at least in part on the first set of schema-based encodings. One or more attributes for the first environment can be determined based at least in part the first information. |
| US11157003B1 |
Software framework for autonomous system
A software framework for an autonomous system can include a sortie controller that receives a sortie spawn request from at least one of a station controller, a vehicle controller and a mission controller that are each in communication with at least one of a plurality external systems. The sortie controller can instantiate a given sortie spawn with a reference to a given station model in a set of station models, a given vehicle model in a set of vehicle models and a given mission model in the set of the mission models. The software framework can also include a plurality of functions defined by the station controller, the vehicle controller and the mission controller. Each function can be configured to operate on the sortie spawn. The software frame work can further include a plurality of capabilities. Each capability can includes a plurality of properties. |
| US11157002B2 |
Methods, systems, articles of manufacture and apparatus to improve autonomous machine capabilities
Methods, systems, articles of manufacture and apparatus are disclosed to improve autonomous machine capabilities. An example disclosed apparatus includes an agent task manager to retrieve native sensor input data from a sensor of the agent, an agent characteristics engine to identify environmental characteristics based on the retrieved native sensor input data, and a resource allocation modifier to allocate a first quantity of resources of the agent based on a likelihood score associated with the environmental characteristics. |
| US11157001B2 |
Device and method for assisting with driving of vehicle
Provided are a method and a device for assisting with driving of a vehicle, the method including sensing an ambient environment of location of a vehicle by using one or more sensors mounted on or in the vehicle; obtaining sensing information about the ambient environment based on the sensing of the ambient environment; comparing map information stored in the vehicle with the obtained sensing information; determining a map reliability of the map information based on a result of the comparing; and controlling the driving of the vehicle based on the determined map reliability. |
| US11156994B2 |
Automated guided vehicle control system and method thereof
An automated guided vehicle control system includes an automated guided vehicle (AGV) transporting parts by moving along a guide line designed on a floor of a factory; and a server displaying a guide line map of the factory on a screen through an AGV path setting UI, setting a transport path of the AGV depending on selection of a node which is present in the guide line and AGV motion information considering a link direction between neighboring nodes included in the transport path and transmitting the set transport path and motion information to the AGV through a wireless relay. |
| US11156988B2 |
Drive apparatus and machine learning apparatus
A drive apparatus which controls a speed or a torque of a servo motor of a processing machine according to a command obtained by converting an external command input from outside includes a machine learning apparatus which learns appropriate conversion from the external command to the command. The machine learning apparatus includes: a state observing unit which observes the external command, the command, and a state of the processing machine or the servo motor as state variables that represent a present state of an environment; a determination data acquiring unit which acquires determination data indicating an evaluation result of processing by the processing machine; and a learning unit which learns the external command and the state of the processing machine or the servo motor, and the command, in association with each other using the state variables and the determination data. |
| US11156987B2 |
Intelligent controller and sensor network bus, system and method including a message retransmission mechanism
A machine automation system for controlling and operating an automated machine. The system includes a controller and sensor bus including a central processing core and a multi-medium transmission intranet for implementing a dynamic burst to broadcast transmission scheme where messages are burst from nodes to the central processing core and broadcast from the central processing core to all of the nodes. |
| US11156985B2 |
System for optimization of industrial machine operation through modification of standard process parameter input
The present invention relates to method for modifying process parameters based on optimum operation performance criteria for a metal working process, said method comprising the steps of inputting standard process parameters for at least one product to be machined and generating operational data based on the standard process parameters. Operational data is compared with optimized operation performance criteria and is presented to a decision-making entity. This entity may be allowed to modify the process parameters so as to improve operation of the metal working process. |
| US11156979B2 |
System and method of packet acknowledgment in a wireless communication system
A novel and useful acknowledgement and adaptive frequency hopping mechanism for use in wireless communication systems such as IO-Link Wireless. One or two additional acknowledgement bits are added to packet transmissions. One is a current acknowledgment bit which indicates whether a packet was successfully received anytime during the current cycle. The second bit is a previous acknowledgment bit which indicates whether packets were received successfully anytime during the previous cycle. An adaptive hopping table is constructed using a greedy algorithm which chooses frequencies with the best PER for transmission of higher priority packets, while equalizing the PER products across cycles. A last resort frequency mechanism further improves transmission success by switching to a better performing channel for the last subcycle when previous attempts to transmit a high priority packet have failed. |
| US11156978B2 |
Intelligent ventilation control for optimizing HVAC operations
A method for operating a temperature control system is disclosed. The method includes monitoring an interior and exterior temperature of a structure, defining a first time range and a second time range, associating one or more operating parameters of the temperature control system with the first time range, associating one or more operating parameters of the temperature control system with the second time range, monitoring operational time and operational load of the cooling system for the first time range, predicting a space temperature and an outdoor air temperature for a subsequent time period, and controlling a ventilation subsystem during the second time range based upon the monitored operational time and operational load of the cooling subsystem for the first time range, the predicted space temperature, the predicted outdoor air temperature, and the one or more operating parameters of the cooling subsystem associated with the second time range. |
| US11156973B2 |
Super-linear approximation of dynamic property values in a process control environment
Simulation of process control environments, including dynamic properties, with a modified first-order Taylor series expansion. By using more linear calculations, a physical dynamic property is approximated in less time and with fewer computing resources. By adjusting the approximation to introduce curvature, a physical dynamic property is represented over a wider range than with basic linear series expansions. A comparison to a basic linear first-order series expansion identifies conditions when a rigorous update of a dynamic property is needed. |
| US11156966B2 |
Quantum interference device
A quantum interference device includes a light emitting element; and an atomic cell on which light from the light emitting element is incident. The atomic cell accommodates alkali metal atoms therein, and a coating film containing a polydiyne compound or a polydiene compound is disposed on an inner wall of the atomic cell. |
| US11156963B2 |
Movement and timepiece
A train wheel unit is provided with a first wheel which is configured by a material including a conductive polymer and a carbon powder, and a second wheel which is configured by a metal material. The train wheel unit transmits a drive force of an electric motor module which is driven using a battery as an electrical power source. |
| US11156956B2 |
Rotational force transmitting part
A device for transmitting a rotational force to an electrophotographic photosensitive drum includes a flange connectable to the photosensitive drum and having a rotational axis, a hollow portion, and a force receiving surface, a pin configured to transmit the rotational force to the flange, and a coupling member the coupling member including a shaft shaped portion extended along a rotational axis of the coupling member and including a through-hole portion. When the pin and at least a part of the shaft shaped portion of the coupling member are accommodated in the hollow portion of the flange and the pin contacts the force receiving surface, the pin is capable of transmitting the rotational force received from the coupling member to the flange. |
| US11156953B2 |
Photosensitive member cartridge and process cartridge
A photosensitive member cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus for forming an image, includes a frame; a photosensitive drum on which and which is provided in the frame; a transfer member for transferring an image formed on the drum onto the sheet; a mounting portion for detachably mounting a developing cartridge including a developer carrying member onto the drum and a memory for storing information; a first electrical contact provided on the frame and electrically connectable with a main assembly electrical contact provided in the main assembly when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly; and a second electrical contact provided on the frame for electrically connecting the memory and the first electrical contact portion with each other when the developing cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion. |
| US11156952B2 |
Developer supply container and developer supplying system
A developer supply container is detachably mountable to a developer receiving apparatus, the developer receiving apparatus including a developer receiving portion provided with a receiving port for receiving a developer and including a portion-to-be-engaged capable of displacing integrally with the developer receiving portion. The developer supply container includes a discharging portion provided with a shutter opening for discharging the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion, and an engaging portion. The engaging portion engages with the portion-to-be-engaged with a mounting operation of the developer supply container to displace the developer receiving portion so as to bring the receiving opening into fluid communication with the shutter opening. The engaging portion includes a curved portion having an angle relative to a mounting direction of the developer supply container, the angle decreasing with approach toward an upstream side in the mounting direction. |
| US11156950B2 |
Sheet feed device and image forming apparatus
A sheet feed device comprises a first conveyance path and a second conveyance path which are different sheet conveyance paths, and a conveyance path merging section for merging the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path together. At least one of the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path includes an upstream side roller that feeds sheet to downstream side in a conveyance direction. The conveyance path merging section comprises a conveyance roller pair that conveys the sheet fed from the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path through a nip; a variable mechanism that makes an arrangement angle of one roller of the conveyance roller pair to the other roller thereof variable; and a transmission mechanism that transmits a driving force from the upstream side roller provided in one of the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path to the variable mechanism. |
| US11156947B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes: an endless fixing belt; a pad unit and a driven roller disposed opposite to an inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt so as to entrain the fixing belt; a pair of first supports located so as to sandwich the fixing belt in a width direction of the fixing belt, the pair of first supports supporting the pad unit by fixing the pad unit; and a pair of second supports located so as to sandwich the pair of first supports in the width direction of the fixing belt, the pair of second supports rotatably journaling the driven roller. |
| US11156946B2 |
Image forming apparatus
In a heater including a plurality of first temperature detection elements that are arranged at predetermined intervals in a longitudinal direction of a substrate and respectively output temperature signals individually, and a plurality of second temperature detection elements that are arranged at predetermined intervals in positions that differ from the positions of the first temperature detection elements in a lateral direction that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction but correspond to the positions of at least some of the plurality of first temperature detection elements in the longitudinal direction, and that output a single temperature signal obtained by adding individual temperature signals together, the individual temperature signals included in the single temperature signal are acquired on the basis of the plurality of temperature signals output by the plurality of first temperature detection elements and the single temperature signal. |
| US11156938B2 |
Image forming apparatus including a rotary bottle for containing waste developer
An image forming apparatus including: a printing unit; a bottle which is rotationally driven in a predetermined rotation direction, whereby a waste developer conveyed from the printing unit to an opening is accommodated inside and the waste developer inside is conveyed to a second end side in a longitudinal direction; and a capacitive sensor having a first detection electrode and a first ground electrode arranged in parallel, where a first detection surface of an electrostatic capacitance formed by the first detection electrode and the first ground electrode is arranged to directly face a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the bottle which is positioned obliquely upward with respect to a center line of rotation of the bottle in a region which moves from a bottom to a top when the bottle rotates in the predetermined rotation direction. |
| US11156937B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a developing cartridge, a control portion configured to cause the image forming unit to form the toner image in one mode selected from a plurality of modes including a first image forming mode for forming a first toner image whose maximum loading amount is a first loading amount and a second image forming mode for forming a second toner image whose maximum loading amount is a second loading amount different from the first loading amount, a detection unit, and a display portion configured to display information related to the number of sheets of a recording material on which the first toner images can be formed in the first image forming mode and information related to the number of sheets of a recording material on which the second toner images can be formed in the second image forming mode. |
| US11156935B2 |
Developing member, electrophotographic process cartridge, and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
The developing member includes a substrate having an electroconductive outer surface; an insulating resin layer on the outer surface of the substrate; and electrically insulating domains on an outer surface of insulating resin layer, and has an outer surface including a surface of the insulating resin layer and surfaces of the domains, wherein a potential decay time constant of each of the surfaces of the domains is ≥60.0 seconds, and a potential decay time constant of the surface of the electrically insulating resin layer is <6.0 seconds, and assuming that the electrically insulating domains are orthographically projected onto the outer surface of the substrate, to obtain projection images of the respective domains, each of areas of the projection images is defined as S, and each of areas of convex envelopes of the projection images is defined as H, at least one of the domains satisfies 0.05≤S/H≤0.80. |
| US11156929B2 |
Detection apparatus detection method and lithography apparatus
A detection apparatus includes an image pickup unit and a processor which detects a position of a mark using a two-dimensional image of the mark. The processor generates a one-dimensional signal having a plurality of peaks by accumulating images included in a detection region, detects peaks in which differences between values of the peaks and a reference value are equal to or larger than a threshold value and peaks in which differences between values of the peaks and the reference value are smaller than the threshold value from among the plurality of generated peaks and obtains a failure region in the mark, resets the detection region such that the differences between the values of the detected peaks and the reference value become smaller than the threshold value, generates a one-dimensional signal by accumulating images included in the reset detection region, and detects a position of the mark. |
| US11156925B2 |
Positioning system for a lithographic apparatus
A positioning system to position a structure comprises an actuator and a control unit to control the actuator in response to a position setpoint received by the control unit. The actuator comprises a magnet assembly comprises a magnet configured to provide a magnetic flux, and a coil assembly, wherein the coil assembly and the magnet assembly are movable relative to each other, the coil assembly comprising a coil, an actuation of the coil by a drive current providing for a force between the magnet assembly and the coil assembly. The magnet assembly comprises a further electric conductor, the further electric conductor comprising a non-ferromagnetic electrically conductive material, wherein the further electric conductor is magnetically coupled to the coil of the coil assembly and forms a short circuit path for an inductive electrical current induced in the further electric conductor as a result of an actuator current in the coil. |
| US11156916B2 |
Resist composition and patterning process
A resist composition comprising a base polymer and a compound containing an iodized benzene ring and an aromatic ring-containing group having a phenolic hydroxyl group is improved in sensitivity, LWR and CDU. |
| US11156915B2 |
Actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive composition, method for purifying actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive composition, pattern forming method, and method for manufacturing electronic device
An actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive composition contains a cation including a metal atom and a ligand, in which the number of particles in liquid having particle diameters of 0.15 μm or less included in 1 mL of the actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive composition is 10 or less. |
| US11156914B2 |
Damascene template for nanoelement printing fabricated without chemomechanical planarization
Methods of fabricating a damascene template for electrophoretic assembly and transfer of patterned nanoelements are provided which do not require chemical mechanical polishing to achieve a uniform surface area. The methods include conductive layer fabrication using a combination of precision lithography techniques using etching or building up the conductive layer to form raised conductive features separated by an insulating layer of equal height. |
| US11156909B2 |
Wavelength converter, light source apparatus, and projector
A wavelength converter according to the present disclosure includes a wavelength conversion layer that has a first surface and a second surface different from the first surface and converts excitation light that belongs to a first wavelength band into fluorescence that belongs to a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band, a first light transmissive member that has a third surface on which the excitation light is incident and a fourth surface different from the third surface and transmits at least the excitation light, and a first layer provided between the first surface of the wavelength conversion layer and the fourth surface of the first light transmissive member, which are surfaces facing each other. The refractive index of the first light transmissive member is greater than the refractive index of the wavelength conversion layer, and the first layer transmits the excitation light and reflects the fluorescence. |
| US11156908B2 |
Light source device and projection display system thereof for adjustment of white balance
A light source device and a projection display system. The light source device comprises: a first light source (301) used for emitting a first light; a wavelength conversion unit (303) provided with at least two areas, that being a first area and a second area, the first area and the second area emitting the first light and the excited light in a time-division manner; a second light source (302) used for emitting a second light; a light splitting and merging component (304) used for guiding the first light, the excited light, and the second light, allowing the first light emitted by the wavelength conversion unit (303), the excited light, and the second light to converge and then be emitted in a same direction. The light source device increases brightness while keeping balance of the white light. |
| US11156904B2 |
Imaging device and control method thereof
A camera main body includes a mount, a solid-state imaging element, a main body controller, a card I/F, an accessory information storage section, a rear surface display section, and a finder section. An interchangeable lens is attached to the mount. A setting menu is displayed on the rear surface display section. The main body controller extracts accessory information including an imaging time point in a specific time slot from a plurality of pieces of accessory information read out from a memory card by the card I/F. Further, the main body controller changes a setting menu in accordance with imaging conditions included in accessory information that is extracted as the accessory information including the imaging time point in the specific time slot and is stored in the accessory information storage section. |
| US11156903B2 |
Imaging lens assembly module, camera module and electronic device
An imaging lens assembly module has an optical axis, and includes a lens barrel and an optical element set. The lens barrel includes an object-side portion, a tubular portion and a tip-end minimal aperture. The object-side portion includes a first assembling surface. The tubular portion includes a plurality of second assembling surfaces. The optical element set includes at least one light blocking sheet and at least one optical lens element. The light blocking sheet includes an object-side surface, an image-side surface and an inner opening surface. The optical lens element includes an optical effective portion and a peripheral portion. The object-side portion of the lens barrel includes a first reversing inclined surface gradually enlarged from the tip-end minimal aperture to the image side of the lens barrel, and the first reversing inclined surface is not contacted with the optical element set. |
| US11156901B2 |
Light shield shutters for cameras
A technique includes mounting a light source on an electronic device and disabling a camera of the electronic device. Disabling the camera includes activating the light source to shutter the camera. |
| US11156898B2 |
Aperture module, camera module, and portable electronic device
An aperture module includes a rotary plate disposed on an upper portion of a base, an aperture driving unit rotating the rotary plate, and four blades interlocked with rotation of the rotary plate, and forming entrance holes having various sizes through combinations. The four blades are disposed on respective fixing shafts disposed on the base and rotated and driven around the respective fixing shafts, and the fixing shafts are interconnected to form a rectangle having a long side and a short side. |
| US11156897B2 |
Enhanced stability oscillators using a phononic comb
A method and apparatus for enhancing the stability of an oscillator circuit by generating a comb of frequencies in a non-linear resonator member in response to a drive frequency, the oscillator circuit including a voltage controlled oscillator which is locked to a particular tooth of the comb of frequencies produced by the non-linear resonator member at a drive frequency for which the absolute value of the first derivative of the drive frequency versus said comb frequency is greater than 1, and wherein the second voltage controlled oscillator is coupled with a phase locked loop circuit which controls the locking of the second voltage controlled oscillator to said particular tooth of the comb of frequencies. |
| US11156894B2 |
Apparatus, circuits and methods for reducing mismatch in an electro-optic modulator
Apparatus, circuits and methods for reducing mismatch in an electro-optic modulator are described herein. In some embodiments, a described optical includes: a splitter configured for splitting an input optical signal into a first optical signal and a second optical signal; a phase shifter coupled to the splitter; and a combiner coupled to the phase shifter. The phase shifter includes: a first waveguide arm configured for controlling a first phase of the first optical signal to generate a first phase-controlled optical signal, and a second waveguide arm configured for controlling a second phase of the second optical signal to generate a second phase-controlled optical signal. Each of the first and second waveguide arms includes: a plurality of straight segments and a plurality of curved segments. The combiner is configured for combining the first and second phase-controlled optical signals to generate an output optical signal. |
| US11156892B2 |
Electrochromic device comprising hybrid electrolyte layer and method for fabricating the same
An electrochromic device is provided which may efficiently supply electrons to an anode layer that donates electrons externally during initial driving of the device, thereby preventing the structural weakening of the device and improve the electrical stability and durability of the device, and to a method for fabricating the same. The electrochromic device includes a first electrode, a cathode layer, an electrolyte layer, an anode layer and a second electrode, which are sequentially deposited between opposite first and second transparent substrates. The electrolyte layer includes: a first electrolyte layer configured to provide electrolyte ions to the cathode and anode layers; and a second electrolyte layer formed between the first electrolyte layer and the anode layer to have a thinner thickness than the first electrolyte layer and having a mixture of the same electrolyte as that of the first electrolyte layer and a reducing agent. |
| US11156890B2 |
Display device and method for controlling display device
A display device and a method for controlling the display device are disclosed. The display device includes a backlight module and a liquid crystal cell on a light emitting side of the backlight module. The liquid crystal cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode disposed in a first direction opposite to the first electrode, a liquid crystal layer between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a diffractive optical element in the liquid crystal layer. A refractive index of the diffractive optical element is equal to a short-axis refractive index of a liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal cell is divided into a first portion where the liquid crystal molecules are capable of rotating in a first plane and a second portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction where liquid crystal molecules are capable of rotating in a first plane. |
| US11156886B2 |
Display device, method of manufacturing the same, and electronic device
A display device includes a display section in which a plurality of pixels are arrayed in a matrix, a plurality of scan lines which select pixels, a plurality of signal lines which supply image signals to the selected pixels, and color filters that are arranged so as to correspond to color displays of the pixels. In the device, the display section includes an effective pixel portion and a frame portion that surrounds the effective pixel portion, and the frame portion and a wiring circuit of the effective pixel portion are covered with light-shielding layers, the light-shielding layers being separated from each other at a certain separation location in the display section, and a plurality of color filters having different colors are arranged by being stacked at the separation location. |
| US11156878B2 |
Electro-optical device and electronic device
An electro-optical device may include a first substrate, a second substrate, a seal member extending in a first direction and disposed between the first and second substrates in a seal region defined around a pixel area, a first conductive layer disposed between the first substrate and the seal member and extending in a second direction intersecting with the first direction, a second conductive layer disposed between the first substrate and the first conductive layer and extending in the second direction, a third layer disposed in the pixel area and formed of the first conductive layer, and a fourth layer disposed in the pixel area and formed of the second conductive layer. In plan view, the first conductive layer overlaps the second conductive layer in the seal region. In a cross-sectional view the first direction, the second conductive layer is larger in an outer shape than the first conductive layer. |
| US11156876B2 |
Curved display device having domains of liquid crystal molecules aligned toward different sides of the display area
A curved display device including a display substrate, an opposite substrate, a liquid crystal layer, a pixel electrode, a common electrode, and a light blocking layer. The display substrate includes pixel areas included in a display area, and is curved along a first direction. The opposite substrate faces the display substrate and is coupled to the display substrate to be curved together with the display substrate. Domains are defined in each pixel area and arranged in a second direction crossing the first direction. Liquid crystal molecules in a first set of two domains, which are sequentially arranged and disposed adjacent to the light blocking layer, are aligned toward a first side of the display area, and liquid crystal molecules in a second set of two domains facing the first set of two domains are aligned toward the second side of the display area. |
| US11156873B2 |
Alignment film, liquid crystal panel, and method for producing liquid crystal panel
The present invention provides an alignment film capable of reducing generation of bubbles in a liquid crystal layer, a liquid crystal panel including the alignment film, and a method for producing the liquid crystal panel. The alignment film contains at least one selected from the group consisting of a polyamic acid containing a bisaniline fluorene skeleton and a polyimide containing a bisaniline fluorene skeleton. Preferably, the bisaniline fluorene skeleton of the polyamic acid is contained in a diamine unit of the polyamic acid and the bisaniline fluorene skeleton of the polyimide is contained in a diamine unit of the polyimide. |
| US11156872B2 |
Display device including heatsink
A display device includes a display panel, a light source, and a heatsink. The display panel is disposed in a vertical position. The display panel includes a display surface on which an image is displayed. The light source illuminates the display panel and an object disposed behind the display panel. The heatsink dissipates heat produced by the light source. The a heatsink includes a light source disposed portion on which the light source is disposed and a heat dissipating portion disposed farther from a front of the display device relative to the light source disposed portions in a thickness direction of the display panel. The heat dissipating portion includes fins having plate shapes and being arranged in the thickness direction of the display panel. |
| US11156871B2 |
Backlight module
A backlight module for an LCD display includes backlight units. Each backlight unit includes a backplane unit, a first reflecting unit on the backplane unit, an LED on the backplane unit extending through the first reflecting unit, and a light guiding unit on a side of the LED and the first reflecting unit away from the backplane unit. The light guiding unit is transparent. Each backlight unit further includes a second reflecting unit on a side of the light guiding unit away from the backplane unit. The second reflecting unit includes at least one reflecting region and at least one transmitting region. The reflecting region reflects light; the transmitting region allows light to pass through. At least one backlight unit comprises a quantum dot layer. |
| US11156869B1 |
Backlight structure and display panel
A backlight structure and a display panel. The backlight structure includes a backlight source, a first optical film and a second optical film. The backlight source includes a plurality of sub-millimeter light emitting diodes disposed on the lamp panel. The first optical film includes a first surface having a plurality of first light diffusing structures and a second surface having a plurality of first supporting reflective structures. Projections of the plurality of first light diffusing structures on the light panel separates from projections of the plurality of first supporting reflective structures on the light panel. |
| US11156866B2 |
Display device
A display device including a substrate, a plurality of gate bus lines and a plurality of data bus lines intersecting the plurality of gate bus lines on the substrate, a plurality of pixel regions arranged between the plurality of data bus lines and the plurality of gate bus lines on the substrate, a plurality of pixel electrodes on the substrate at each of the plurality of pixel regions; and a plurality of microlenses over the substrate, wherein at least three microlenses among the plurality of microlenses correspond to each of the pixel electrodes in a width direction of the each of the pixel electrodes, wherein at least three microlenses correspond to edge portions of each of the pixel electrodes, and wherein at least one microlens among the plurality of microlenses that is overlapped with one data bus line does not overlap with the other data bus lines. |
| US11156862B2 |
Display device
A display device including a display panel; an optical layer behind the display panel; and a frame behind the optical layer. Further, the frame includes a flange supporting a portion of a back surface of the optical layer; a first rib extended from the flange and configured to contact and support a side surface of the optical layer; and a second rib extended from the flange and positioned to be spaced apart from the side surface of the optical layer. |
| US11156860B2 |
Display panel
A display panel includes: a first substrate having a display area and a non-display area outside the display area, the display area having an imaginary corner, the first substrate having a first corner corresponding to the imaginary corner; and a second substrate including a first portion opposite a main face of the first substrate and a second portion extending out of the first substrate, the second substrate having a second corner corresponding to the imaginary corner, wherein the first corner is either chamfered or rounded. |
| US11156859B2 |
Manufacturing method of liquid crystal antenna
The disclosure discloses a liquid crystal antenna, including a first substrate and a second substrate which are oppositely arranged and a liquid crystal layer positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein a first metal film layer is arranged on one side, facing the second substrate, of the first substrate, a second metal film layer is arranged on one side, facing the first substrate, of the second substrate, the first substrate and the second substrate are rigid substrates, a seed layer is arranged between the first substrate and the first metal film layer, and a seed layer is arranged between the second substrate and the second metal film layer. The disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal antenna. |
| US11156856B2 |
Eyewear with wearing status detector
An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an eyewear including: a front frame; and a wearing status detector detecting that the eyewear is worn. |
| US11156855B2 |
Modular wearable electronic devices, systems, and methods
A modular, wearable electronic system is disclosed. The modular, wearable electronic system can include an eyewear unit which can be worn on a user's head and one or more modular units which can removably couple with the eyewear unit via one or more ports and/or connectors. The eyewear unit and the modular unit can communicate with each other via the port or connector to which the eyewear unit and the modular unit are coupled. The modular units can supplement the functionality of the eyewear unit. |
| US11156850B2 |
Optical move apparatus and optical apparatus
An optical move apparatus includes a drive magnet held by a holding member and configured to drive the holding member together with a drive coil in first and second directions, a first guide member fixed to the holding member, a second guide member configured to guide the first guide member in the first direction, and a third guide member fixed to the base member and configured to guide the second guide member in the second direction on a side opposite to the first guide member in the optical axis direction. None of the first, second, and third guide members overlap the drive coil in the optical axis direction. The third guide member includes two bodies in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis direction. At least part of the third guide member is thinner than the drive coil in the optical axis direction. |
| US11156849B2 |
Illumination unit and projector
An illumination unit of the present disclosure includes an excitation light source, a phosphor section, an excitation-light intensity distribution generation section, and an illumination optical system. The excitation light source emits excitation light. The phosphor section includes a fluorescent light-emission surface that performs fluorescent light emission in response to receiving of the excitation light. The excitation-light intensity distribution generation section is provided between the excitation light source and the phosphor section, and varies an intensity distribution of the excitation light to bring the intensity distribution of the excitation light closer to a desired excitation-light intensity distribution on the fluorescent light-emission surface. The illumination optical system generates, on the basis of light derived from the fluorescent light emission from the phosphor section, illumination light with which an image display device is to be irradiated. |
| US11156847B2 |
Low-profile color-mixing lightpipe
In one aspect, a light-mixing system is disclosed, which includes a light pipe having an input surface configured for receiving light from a light source, a light-mixing segment optically coupled to the input surface, and an output surface optically coupled to said light-mixing segment through which light exits the light pipe. A putative vector normal to at least one of the input or the output surface forms a non-zero angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the light-mixing segment. In some embodiments, the non-zero angle can be, for example, about 90 degrees. |
| US11156846B2 |
High-brightness illumination source for optical metrology
An illumination source may include two or more input light sources, a collector, and any combination of a beam uniformizer, a speckle reducer, or any number of output fibers to provide a selected illumination etendue. The collector may include one or more lenses to combine illumination from the two or more input light sources into an illumination beam, where the illumination from the two or more input light sources occupy different portions of an input aperture of the collector. The beam uniformizer may include a first noncircular-core fiber to receive the illumination beam, a second noncircular-core fiber, and one or more coupling lenses to relay a far-field distribution of the illumination beam from the first noncircular-core fiber to an input face of the second noncircular-core fiber to provide output light with uniform near-field and far-field distributions. |
| US11156841B2 |
Display device, control program for display device, control method for display device, and display system
An HMD is an HMD mounted at a head of a user, and includes a display unit located at a left eye side and a right eye side of the user, and displaying a first image that is overlapped on an outside scene, a first detector detecting an inclination of the head, a first adjustment unit adjusting, based on a detection result of the first detector, a display region of the first image, and a second display control unit causing, based on an adjustment result of the first adjustment unit, the first image to be displayed in the display region. |
| US11156838B2 |
Mixed reality measurement with peripheral tool
The techniques introduced here enable a display system, such as an HMD device, to generate and display to a user a holographic structure matching a real-world structure. In some embodiments vertices, edges and planes of the holographic schematics are generated via the use of a peripheral tool that is positioned by a user. In other embodiments, other user input indicates the bounds of the holographic schematic. In response to user action, a holographic schematic is made to appear including corresponding real-world size measurements. The corresponding measurements are used to develop a holographic structure that integrates with the holographic schematic. |
| US11156836B2 |
Free space multiple laser diode module with fast axis collimator
Systems, devices, and methods for optical engines and laser projectors that are well-suited for use in wearable heads-up displays (WHUDs) are described. Generally, the optical engines of the present disclosure integrate a plurality of laser diodes (e.g., 3 laser diodes, 4 laser diodes) within a single, hermetically or partially hermetically sealed, encapsulated package. The optical engines include an optical director element that includes a curved reflective surface (e.g., parabolic cylinder) that redirects laser light beams and collimates the same along the fast axes thereof. Such optical engines may have various advantages over existing designs including, for example, smaller volumes, better manufacturability, faster modulation speed, etc. WHUDs that employ such optical engines and laser projectors are also described. |
| US11156833B2 |
Optical extender for vehicle heads up displays
Apparatus and method for designing an optical extender for a vehicle heads up display (HUD). An example vehicle includes a windshield and a HUD system. The HUD system includes an image source to provide a projection image and a main mirror to project the projection image onto the windshield. The image source and the main mirror define a light path. The HUD system also includes an optical extender between the main mirror and the windshield. The optical extender has a multi-polynomial top surface that modifies light in the light path to, when the light in the light path intersects the windshield, create an optical path wherein a virtual image of the projection image is visible from an eyebox defined within a cabin of the vehicle. |
| US11156829B2 |
Pupil expander cailibration
A near-eye display (NED) using a pupil expander to expand an eyebox of the NED may suffer from local variations of throughput and color reproduction introduced by the pupil expander of the display. To offset or compensate these variations, the pupil expander, e.g. a pupil-replicating waveguide, may be characterized at a plurality of non-uniformly spaced grid of test points, with the test points disposed more densely at areas of high spatial variation of the throughput or color shift introduced by the pupil expander. The throughput or color shift may be integrated over at least a portion of the field of view of the NED. To determine the areas of high spatial variation, an initial test may be performed at uniformly spaced test grid locations. |
| US11156827B2 |
Buckling mode actuation of fiber scanner to increase field of view
Described herein are embodiments of fiber scanning systems and methods of scanning optical fibers. The disclosed systems and methods advantageously provide an improvement to the scanning range, the oscillation amplitude, and/or the maximum pointing angle for an optical fiber in a fiber scanning system by inducing a buckling of a portion of the optical fiber. |
| US11156826B2 |
Optical devices
An optical device is provided. The optical device includes a substrate, a central color filter, a first color filter and a second color filter sequentially disposed on the substrate from the center to the edge of the substrate, and a central hollow member, a first hollow member and a second hollow member respectively disposed on the central color filter, the first color filter and the second color filter. There is no distance between a center of the central color filter and a center of the central hollow member. There is a first distance between a center of the first color filter and a center of the first hollow member. There is a second distance between a center of the second color filter and a center of the second hollow member. The first distance is greater than zero. The second distance is greater than the first distance. |
| US11156824B2 |
Method and adapter for adapting a microscope objective to a digital microscope
An adapter is suitable for adapting a microscope objective to an electronic interface of a digital microscope. A method includes measuring and storing optical properties of the microscope objective; measuring a storing mechanical properties of the microscope objective; and providing the stored optical and mechanical properties to the electronic interface as optical and mechanical data. The adapter includes a mechanical interface having an adjuster for adjusting the optical components of the standard objective, a digital memory, an electronic interface and at least one electronic component for providing the data of the digital memory to the electronic interface. |
| US11156820B2 |
Method for fluorescence intensity normalization
The invention relates to a method, in particular a fluorescence microscopy or endoscope imaging method for intensity normalization, a non-transient computer readable storage medium (101) and a controller (51) for an endoscope (3) or microscope device (5). In the prior art, common observation devices (1) as surgical microscopes, endoscopes (3) or microscopes (5) have the disadvantage that it is ambiguous whether a detected intensity (97) is due to fluorophore (29) concentration or due to optics setting parameters (73). The inventive method overcomes said disadvantages by automatically adjusting at least one exposure control parameter (83) if at least one optics setting parameter (73) is changed. The inventive non-transient computer readable storage medium (101) is adapted to run a program for executing the inventive method and the inventive controller (51) comprises an input section (67) for receiving optics setting data (71); an output section (69) for outputting exposure control data (81); and a determination module (53) for determining at least one exposure control data (81) dependent on at least one optics setting data (71). |
| US11156817B2 |
Scanning microscope with enhanced FOV and NA
A scanning microscope apparatus has a laser light to generate a beam at an excitation wavelength. A beam expander enlarges the beam width and forms a collimated beam, scanned in a raster pattern. A catadioptric objective has a curved partially transmissive mirror surface symmetric about an optical axis and disposed to focus a portion of the received scanned collimated beam toward a focal plane at the sample, wherein the mirror surface has a center of curvature either at an axis of rotation of the scanner or at an image of the axis of rotation. A reflective polarizer cooperates with the curved mirror to direct the focused light toward the sample. One or more polarization retarders condition excitation light conveyed toward and away from the curved mirror. A beam splitter separates the generated laser light from a signal and directs the signal toward a detector. |
| US11156811B2 |
Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus
A zoom lens includes an N-1-th lens unit disposed second closest to the image side and an N-th lens unit disposed closest to the image side. The N-1-th lens unit and the N-th lens unit each includes a cemented lens, and move at zooming. For at least one of the N-1-th lens unit and the N-th lens unit, the relationship between the radius of curvature of a cemented surface of the cemented lens and the distance from the cemented surface to an image plane, the value of the larger amount of the amount of movement of the N-1-th lens unit and the amount of movement of the N-th lens unit at zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the overall lens length at the wide-angle end, the focal length of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end, and a back focus at the wide-angle end are determined. |
| US11156810B2 |
Zoom lens, image pickup apparatus, and extender lens unit
A zoom lens includes, in order from an object side to an image side: a focus lens unit configured to be moved for focusing on an optical axis; a zoom lens unit configured to be moved for zooming on the optical axis; and a relay lens unit, in which an interval between each pair of adjacent lens units is changed for zooming, and the zoom lens includes an aperture stop arranged between the zoom lens unit and the relay lens unit or within the relay lens unit, the relay lens unit includes an extender lens unit insertable into and removable from an optical path of the relay lens unit, in which the extender lens unit includes a negative lens Lm which is an m-th lens from the object side in the extender lens unit and having a refractive index and an Abbe number that satisfy predetermined conditions. |
| US11156809B2 |
Optical system for stereoscopic vision and endoscope using the same
An optical system for stereoscopic vision includes a first optical system and a second optical system. Each of the first optical system and the second optical system includes a front unit, a stop, and a rear unit having a positive refractive power. Each of the two front units includes a first negative lens, and the first negative lens is a lens positioned nearest to an object. Each of the two stops moves in a direction parallel to a plane including an optical axis of the first optical system and an optical axis of the second optical system. Both the stops move to be drawn away from a central axis or move to come closer to the central axis, and the following conditional expressions (1) and (2) are satisfied: −20.0 |
| US11156806B2 |
Camera optical lens
The present disclosure relates to the technical field of optical lens and discloses a camera optical lens. The camera optical lens includes, from an object side to an image side: a first lens, a second lens having a positive refractive power, a third lens having a negative refractive power, a fourth lens, a fifth lens and a sixth lens. The camera optical lens satisfies following conditions: 4.02≤f1/f≤7.01; and 32.00≤R5/d5≤42.00; f denotes a focal length of the camera optical lens; f1 denotes a focal length of the first lens; R5 denotes a curvature radius of an object-side surface of the third lens; and d5 denotes an on-axis thickness of the third lens. The camera optical lens can achieve a high imaging performance while obtaining a low TTL. |
| US11156804B2 |
Camera optical lens comprising six lenses of −+++−− refractive powers
The present disclosure discloses a camera optical lens. The camera optical lens including, in an order from an object side to an image side, a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, a fifth lens and a sixth lens. The first lens is made of plastic material, the second lens is made of plastic material, the third lens is made of glass material, the fourth lens is made of plastic material, the fifth lens is made of plastic material and the sixth lens is made of glass material. The camera optical lens further satisfies specific conditions. |
| US11156803B2 |
Imaging optical system, image capturing unit and electronic device
An imaging optical system includes six lens elements which are, in order from an object side to an image side: a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, a fifth lens element and a sixth lens element. Each of the six lens elements has an object-side surface facing toward the object side and an image-side surface facing toward the image side. At least one lens element of the imaging optical system has at least one aspheric surface having at least one inflection point. |
| US11156802B2 |
Camera optical lens comprising seven lenses of +—+-+-+ refractive powers
The present disclosure relates to the technical field of optical lens and discloses a camera optical lens. The camera optical lens includes, from an object side to an image side: a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, a fifth lens, a sixth lens and a seventh lens. The camera optical lens satisfies following conditions: 1.00≤f1/f≤1.50, 1.70≤n3≤2.20, −2.00≤f3/f4≤2.00, 0.50≤(R13+R14)/(R13−R14)≤10.00 and 1.70≤n5≤2.20, where f denotes a focal length of the camera optical lens; f1 denotes a focal length of the first lens; f3 denotes a focal length of the third lens; f4 denotes a focal length of the fourth lens; n3 denotes a refractive index of the third lens L3; n5 denotes a refractive index of the fifth lens; R13 denotes a curvature radius of an object-side surface of the seventh lens; and R14 denotes a curvature radius of an image-side surface of the seventh lens. |
| US11156800B2 |
Camera module
A camera module includes a lens barrel, a driving coil disposed to face a target detection unit disposed on one side of the lens barrel, a driving device to provide a driving signal to the driving coil, and a position calculating unit including a capacitor, constituting an oscillation circuit together with the driving coil, to calculate a position of the lens barrel from an oscillation signal output by the oscillation circuit. The position calculating unit generates an alternating current (AC) signal according to a comparison result of a peak of the oscillation signal and a reference peak and calculates a position of the lens barrel according to a frequency of the AC signal. |
| US11156787B2 |
Optical connector
An optical connector includes a holder configured to hold at least three or more optical connector plugs. The optical connector plugs and the adapters are arranged in an intersecting direction intersecting with a connecting direction. The optical connector plugs include a first optical connector plug and a second optical connector plug. Any of the first optical connector plug and the adapter to which the first optical connector plug is connected has a latch mechanism configured to engage the first optical connector plug with the adapter. Any of the second optical connector plug and the adapter to which the second optical connector plug is connected does not have a latch mechanism configured to engage the second optical connector plug with the adapter. |
| US11156785B1 |
Optical fiber connector device
An optical fiber connector device includes an optical fiber connector that includes an LC connector head and an optical fiber cable connected together along an axis, and an insert unit that includes a housing entirely molded as one piece. The housing has an outer wall which defines a main opening, and a surrounding wall which defines an insert opening. The main opening and the insert opening are open respectively towards opposite directions along the axis. The connecting subunit includes a first connecting member inserted into the main opening, and connected to the LC connector head, and a second connecting member coupled to the first connecting member, and adapted to be connected to another optical fiber connector. |
| US11156784B1 |
Connector assembly installable from an exterior of a customer premises
A connector assembly may include an umbrella jack to be installed via a hole within a wall of a customer premises. The umbrella jack may include an adapter housing, a cap connected to the adapter housing, and an umbrella support connected to the adapter housing and configured to engage an interior surface of the wall. The connector assembly may include a conduit access port to receive the umbrella jack. The conduit access port may include a first opening to receive the umbrella jack and a second opening to attach to the cap of the umbrella jack. The connector assembly may include an outer tube having a third opening to receive the umbrella jack and the conduit access port and may be configured to be provided in the hole within the wall from an exterior of the wall. |
| US11156783B2 |
Photonic integration platform
A SOI device may include a waveguide adapter that couples light between an external light source—e.g., a fiber optic cable or laser—and a silicon waveguide on the silicon surface layer of the SOI device. In one embodiment, the waveguide adapter is embedded into the insulator layer. Doing so may enable the waveguide adapter to be formed before the surface layer components are added onto the SOI device. Accordingly, fabrication techniques that use high-temperatures may be used without harming other components in the SOI device—e.g., the waveguide adapter is formed before heat-sensitive components are added to the silicon surface layer. |
| US11156782B2 |
Method of making temperature-immune self-referencing Fabry-Pérot cavity sensors
A method of making passive microscopic Fabry-Pérot Interferometer (FPI) sensor includes forming a three-dimensional microscopic optical structure on a cleaved tip of an optical fiber that reflects a light signal back through the optical fiber. The reflected light is altered by refractive index changes in the three-dimensional structure that is subject to at least one of: (i) thermal radiation; and (ii) volatile organic compounds. |
| US11156777B2 |
Method for producing a polarization converter, polarization converter and polarization converter element
It is provided a method for producing a polarization converter The method comprising the following steps: producing a first converter element which has a base side, an upper side extending parallel to the base side, and a longitudinal side oriented obliquely at an angle ε1 to the base side or a curved longitudinal side; producing a second converter element which has a base side, an upper side extending parallel to the base side, and a longitudinal side oriented obliquely at an angle ε2 to the base side or a curved longitudinal side; arranging the first and the second converter element in series in such a way that the obliquely oriented or curved longitudinal sides point in opposite directions. |
| US11156770B2 |
Coupled multicore optical fiber
Multimode optical fibers are disclosed herein. In some embodiment disclosed herein, a multimode optical fiber having a bandwidth of greater than 2 GHz·km includes: a glass matrix having a front endface, a back endface, a length (L), a refractive index n20 and a central axis (AC); and a plurality of cores arranged within the glass matrix, wherein the plurality of cores run generally parallel to the central axis between the front and back endfaces and having respective refractive indices n50, wherein n50>n20, wherein the glass matrix serves as a common cladding for the plurality of cores so that each core and the common cladding define a waveguide, wherein each core is a single mode at an operating wavelength; and wherein any two cores have an center-to-center spacing s of 3 μm to 20 μm and a coupling coefficient of greater than 10 m−1 but less than 200 m−1. |
| US11156769B2 |
Polarization-maintaining fiber device supporting propagation in large mode field diameters
A higher-order mode (HOM) fiber is configured as a polarization-maintaining fiber by including a pair of stress rods at a location within the cladding layer that provides for a sufficient degree of birefringence without unduly comprising the spatial mode profile of the propagating higher-order modes. An optical imaging system utilizing polarization-maintaining HOM fiber allows for different wavelength probe signals to be directed into different modes, useful in applications such as STED microscopy, 2D sensing, and the like. |
| US11156768B2 |
Cabling configurations for hollow core optical fibers
A hollow core optical fiber and cable combination is configured to exhibit minimal SNR and loss degradation. This is achieved by either: (1) reducing the coupling between the fundamental and other (unwanted) modes propagating within the hollow core fiber; or (2) increasing the propagation loss along the alternative. The first approach may be achieved by designing the cable to minimize perturbations and/or designing the hollow core fiber to fully separate the fundamental mode from the unwanted modes so as to reduce coupling into the unwanted modes. Whether through fiber design or cable design, the amount of light coupled into unwanted modes is reduced to acceptable levels. The second approach may be realized through either fiber design and/or cable design to suppress the light in unwanted modes so that an acceptably low level of light is coupled back into the fundamental mode. |
| US11156767B2 |
Optical fiber and optical transmission system
The optical fiber of the present invention includes a core, and a cladding that is provided on an outer periphery of the core and has a refractive index lower than a refractive index of the core region. In the optical fiber of the present invention, a V value representing a normalized frequency of an LP02 mode is greater than or equal to 4.8 and less than or equal to 6.4. |
| US11156766B2 |
Aerosol delivery device
The present disclosure provides an aerosol delivery device comprising a control device that is connectable with a cartridge and that can include one or more additional elements for improving one or both of visible indications of use to a user and resistance to infiltration of liquid into the control device. More particularly, the control device may include a light guide configured for transmitting to a window from a light source that is off-set from the window and a controller configured to direct a varying level of light from the light source. The control device may include one or more elements that are configured to limit infiltration of liquids into the control device and thus may be consider to be water-resistant or water-proof. |
| US11156765B2 |
Back plate having connecting and supporting portions for a display
A back plate includes a base plate, a plurality of connecting plates and a plurality of support plates. The base plate has a first surface. The plurality of connecting plates are fixed to at least two edges of the base plate, and each connecting plate extends along a direction substantially perpendicular to the first surface. Each support plate is fixed to an end of a respective one of the plurality of connecting plates away from the base plate, and is substantially parallel to the first surface. |
| US11156762B2 |
Single edge lit lighting module producing tailored light distributions
A single edge lit lighting module is disclosed which produces tailored light distributions valuable in many illumination applications. The light distributions attainable using the invention include, but are not limited to, symmetric and asymmetric batwing distributions, asymmetric distributions for perimeter lighting and symmetric distributions. The invention's unique single edge lit construction provide the means for achieving this without need for conventional two lit edges and within a compact form factor with narrow width, particularly well-suited for linear lighting fixtures. Various embodiments also provide means for adjusting light distributions dynamically to control light output characteristics by controlling the input signals to the LED board included in the assembly. |
| US11156760B2 |
Lighting system utilizing waveguides with extraction feature patterns
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a luminaire comprises a plurality of waveguides, a light source arranged to direct light into the plurality of waveguides, and a plurality of extraction feature patterns. The luminaire contemplated by the present disclosure is arranged with the plurality of waveguides are aligned such that an extraction feature pattern extracts light out of a first waveguide of the plurality of waveguides and a second extraction feature pattern extracts light out of a second waveguide of the plurality of waveguides. Further, in accordance with this aspect, the light extracted out of the first waveguide is directed through the second waveguide to develop an appearance of depth. |
| US11156759B2 |
μ-LED, μ-LED device, display and method for the same
The invention relates to various aspects of a μ-LED or a μ-LED array for augmented reality or lighting applications, in particular in the automotive field. The μ-LED is characterized by particularly small dimensions in the range of a few μm. |
| US11156757B2 |
High contrast optical film and devices including the same
Optical films are disclosed that include a plurality of interference layers. Each interference layer reflects or transmits light primarily by optical interference. The total number of the interference layers is less than about 1000. For a substantially normally incident light in a predetermined wavelength range, the plurality of interference layers has an average optical transmittance greater than about 85% for a first polarization state, an average optical reflectance greater than about 80% for an orthogonal second polarization state, and an average optical transmittance less than about 0.2% for the second polarization state. |
| US11156756B2 |
Optical film including collimating reflective polarizer
Optical films are disclosed. More particularly, optical films including a collimating reflective polarizer are disclosed. The optical films are useful in backlights, and in particular backlight recycling cavities. Constructions suitable with both edge-lit and direct-lit backlights are disclosed. |
| US11156755B2 |
Aligning a polarization device using a spatially variant polarization element
An alignment apparatus for a polarization device includes a polarizer subassembly for polarizing a light beam, a rotary support for rotatably supporting the polarization device in a path of the light beam downstream of the polarizer subassembly, an analyzer subassembly downstream of the rotary support for receiving the light beam propagated through the polarization device, and a photodetector array disposed downstream of the analyzer subassembly and extending along the width dimension of the light beam for detecting the light beam propagated through the analyzer subassembly. At least one of the polarizer or analyzer subassemblies includes a spatially variant polarization element having a polarization property varying along the width dimension of the light beam. |
| US11156754B2 |
Curable composition, light-shielding film, color filter, pattern forming method, method for manufacturing color filter, solid-state imaging element, and infrared sensor
An object of the present invention is to provide a curable composition capable of forming a cured film having excellent linearity of a pattern, and a light-shielding film, a color filter, a solid-state imaging device, and an infrared sensor, each formed using the curable composition. Another object of the present invention is to provide a pattern forming method and a method for manufacturing a color filter, each using the curable composition.The curable composition of the present invention is a curable composition containing a visible light-absorbing coloring agent, an infrared ray-absorbing coloring agent, a polymerizable compound, and a photopolymerization initiator, in which a minimum value in optical densities per 1 μm of a film thickness in a wavelength range of 380 to 1,100 nm of a coating film of the curable composition is 1 or more, and the Δ optical density calculated by Formula (1) is 1 or less, Δ Optical density=|OD1−OD2| Formula (1) in Formula (1), OD1 represents a minimum value in optical densities per 1 μm of a film thickness in a wavelength range from 380 nm to 780 nm of the coating film, and OD2 represents a minimum value in optical densities per 1 μm of a film thickness in a wavelength range of more than 780 nm and 1,100 nm or less of the coating film. |
| US11156751B2 |
Imaging optical system, camera module, and electronic device
An imaging optical system according to the present disclosure includes: a lens; and an optical member, in which the optical member is configured such that a light transmittance value at least in a peripheral portion is larger than a light transmittance value in a central portion. Furthermore, a camera module according to the present disclosure includes the imaging optical system of the present disclosure. Furthermore, an electronic device according to the present disclosure includes a solid-state imaging element and the imaging optical system of the present disclosure. |
| US11156750B2 |
Laminated diffractive optical element and method for manufacturing laminated diffractive optical element
A laminated diffractive optical element includes a first resin layer having a first lattice shape and a second resin layer having a second lattice shape. The first resin layer and the second resin layer are laminated in this order on a first substrate so that the lattice shapes oppose each other. The first resin layer contains a resin and transparent conductive particles. The transparent conductive particles have an average particle size of 1 nm to 100 nm. A ratio of a polymer of an energy curable resin raw material having a long diameter of 1 μm to 10 μm in the first resin layer is 70 pieces/mm3 or less. |
| US11156748B2 |
Omnidirectional structured light projection
For omnidirectional structured light projection, a light source illuminates a conical mirror towards an apex along a central axis. A pattern mask corrects a deformation pattern of the conical mirror to form a plurality of points in a point cloud from the light source. |
| US11156747B2 |
Glass lens and lens module using the same
The present disclosure provides a glass lens and a lens module. The glass lens has an optical axis, and includes an optical portion and a connecting portion surrounding the optical portion. The connecting portion includes a first reference surface and a second reference surface opposite to the first reference surface. The optical portion includes a first optical surface located on one side of the first reference surface and a second optical surface located on one side of the second reference surface. The structure of the glass lens of the present disclosure can form a smaller optical portion without occupying space, and meanwhile, a matching structure can be disposed on the second reference surface of the connecting portion, which can effectively reduce the installation difficulty and positioning cost of the glass lens, and make the product have excellent optical performances meanwhile. |
| US11156746B2 |
Light diffusing polymer composition, method of producing the same, and articles made therefrom
A composition comprising: a blended product of: a matrix polymer; and from 0.05 to 2.5 wt % diffuser polymer particles, wherein the diffuser polymer particles are characterized by an average diameter from 2 to 20 micrometers, a particle size distribution such that at least 90 wt % of the polymer particles fall within ±30% of the volume average particle size, a crosslinking level greater than 4%; and wherein the diffuser polymer particles comprise units derived from at least one alkyl(meth)acrylate monomer, from 5 wt % to 25 wt % units derived from a crosslinking monomer selected from the group consisting of aliphatic crosslinking monomers, aromatic crosslinking monomers and combinations thereof, optionally, units derived from one or more comonomers selected from the group consisting of aryl(meth)acrylate monomers and monovinyl arenes; and wherein from 0.1 to 20 wt % one or more performance additives dispersed within the diffuser polymer particles is provided. |
| US11156741B2 |
Method and apparatus for formation tester data interpretation with diverse flow models
Improved systematic inversion methodology applied to formation testing data interpretation with spherical, radial and/or cylindrical flow models is disclosed. A method of determining a parameter of a formation of interest at a desired location comprises directing a formation tester to the desired location in the formation of interest and obtaining data from the desired location in the formation of interest. The obtained data relates to a first parameter at the desired location of the formation of interest. The obtained data is regressed to determine a second parameter at the desired location of the formation of interest. Regressing the obtained data comprises using a method selected from a group consisting of a deterministic approach, a probabilistic approach, and an evolutionary approach. |
| US11156739B2 |
Millimeter wave security inspection apparatus and method for inspecting human or article
The disclosure discloses a millimeter wave security inspection apparatus and a method for inspecting human or article. The apparatus includes: a door device including a first door and a second door arranged in a stacked mode and each made of a material allowing a millimeter wave to penetrate therethrough; a millimeter wave transceiver arranged between the first door and the second door and including an millimeter wave transceiving antenna array configured to transmit and receive a millimeter wave signal to and from an entrance side and an exit side of the door device; and a linear driver to which the millimeter wave transceiver is connected to be movable relative to the door device, so as to scan a first side of an object positioned at the entrance side and a second side of the object opposite to the first side positioned at the exit side. |
| US11156733B2 |
Calibrating wellbore spectrometers
A spectrometer for downhole applications can be calibrated without using radioactive sources. A spectrum of measured gamma ray counts can be received from a spectrometer in a calibration mode. A spectrum-to-window ratio can be used to determine a relationship between voltage level applied to a photoreceptor of the spectrometer and gain factors. A voltage level associated with a gain factor of one can be identified for use by the spectrometer in a non-calibration mode. The measured gamma ray counts and reference shapes for a plurality of radioactive elements can be used in a least squares fit process to determine an offset to apply to the spectrometer in the non-calibration mode. |
| US11156731B2 |
Systems and methods for improved detector assembly sizing
A detector assembly is provided that includes a semiconductor detector, a collimator, and a processing unit. The semiconductor detector has a first surface and a second surface opposed to each other. The first surface includes pixelated anodes, and the second surface includes a cathode electrode. The collimator includes openings defined by septa. The collimator defines a pitch D between adjacent septa, with the septa defining a septa length L. A ratio of L/D is less than 14. The processing unit is configured to identify detected events within virtual sub-pixels distributed along a length and width of the semiconductor detector. Each pixel comprises a plurality of corresponding virtual sub-pixels, and absorbed photons are counted as events in a corresponding virtual sub-pixel. |
| US11156727B2 |
High DQE imaging device
An imaging device includes: a scintillator layer; and an array of photodiode elements; wherein the scintillator layer is configured to receive radiation that has passed through the array of photodiode elements. An imaging device includes: a scintillator layer having a plurality of scintillator elements configured to convert radiation into photons; and an array of photodiode elements configured to receive photons from the scintillator layer, and generate electrical signals in response to the received photons; wherein at least two of the scintillator elements are separated by an air gap. An imaging device includes: a first scintillator layer having a plurality of scintillator elements arranged in a first plane; and a second scintillator layer having a plurality of scintillator elements arranged in a second plane; wherein the first scintillator layer and the second scintillator layer are arranged next to each other and form a non-zero angle relative to each other. |
| US11156726B2 |
Methods of making and using an x-ray detector
Disclosed herein are methods of making and using an absorption-unit array suitable for X-ray detection and a detector comprising such an absorption-unit array. The methods of making the absorption-unit array may include forming the absorption-unit array on a substrate and forming a guard ring encompassing more than one absorption units of the absorption-unit array after separating the absorption-unit array from the substrate; or may include forming a plurality of absorption units and a guard ring encompassing more than one of the absorption units on a portion of a substrate after separating the portion from the substrate. The method of using an absorption-unit array may include using some of the absorption units of the absorption-unit array as a guard ring by applying an electrical voltage. A detector suitable for X-ray detection comprises an absorption layer and an electronics layer, wherein the absorption layer comprises an absorption-unit array. |
| US11156725B2 |
Detector arrangement for an X-ray phase contrast system and method for X-ray contrast imaging
The present invention relates to a detector arrangement for an X-ray phase contrast system (5), the detector arrangement (1) comprising: a scintillator (11); an optical grating (12); and a detector (13); wherein the optical grating (12) is arranged between the scintillator (11) and the detector (13); wherein the scintillator (11) converts X-ray radiation (2) into optical radiation (3); wherein the optical grating (12) is configured to be an analyzer grating being adapted to a phase-grating (21) of an X-ray phase contrast system (5); wherein the optical path between the optical grating (12) and the scintillator (11) is free of focusing elements for optical radiation. The present invention further relates to a method (100) for performing X-ray phase contrast imaging with a detector arrangement (1) mentioned above. The invention avoids the use of an X-ray absorption grating as G2 grating in an X-ray phase contrast interferometer system. |
| US11156721B2 |
Oscillation observation device, oscillation observation method and oscillation observation program
An oscillation observation device includes a first receiver and processing circuitry. The first receiver is configured to measure carrier phases of positioning signal. The processing circuitry is configured to calculate a velocity of an object by using an amount of change in the carrier phases measured by the first receiver, and calculate an amount of oscillation of the object in a translational direction using the velocity. |
| US11156719B2 |
Feedback based indoor localization using digital off-air access units
A system for indoor localization using satellite navigation signals in a Distributed Antenna System includes a plurality of Off-Air Access Units (OAAUs). Each of the plurality of OAAUs is operable to receive an individual satellite navigation signal from at least one of a plurality of satellites and operable to route signals optically to one or more DAUs. The system also includes a plurality of remote DRUs located at a remote location. The plurality of remote DRUs are operable to receive signals from a plurality of local DAUs. The system further includes an algorithm to delay each individual satellite navigation signal for providing indoor localization at each of the plurality of DRUs and a GPS receiver at the remote location used in a feedback loop with the DRU to control the delays. |
| US11156718B2 |
Information processing apparatus, calculation method, and positioning system for calculating integer bias
An information processing apparatus including a GPS reception unit that receives a radio wave from a satellite and a processing unit that calculates an integer bias between a first reference station and the information processing apparatus on a basis of the radio wave from the satellite. The processing unit acquires an inter-reference-station integer bias between a second reference station different from the first reference station and the first reference station. The processing unit calculates an integer bias between the information processing apparatus and the second reference station on a basis of the integer bias between the first reference station and the information processing apparatus, and the inter-reference-station integer bias between the first reference station and the second reference station. |
| US11156716B1 |
Hybrid LADAR with co-planar scanning and imaging field-of-view
A laser radar includes: a laser, an optical transmission system, a 1-dimensional array of photo-detectors, an optical reception system, and an electronic control system. The laser emits a wavelength of light, and the optical transmission system shapes the light into a beam, and scans the beam along a fan of transmission light paths toward a target. The photo-detectors are capable of time-of-arrival measurements and are sensitive to the wavelength of light. The optical reception system collects the laser light reflected from the target along a fan of reception light paths. The electronic control system synchronizes the scan of the beam with a respective time-of-arrival measurement from each of the photo-detectors, and analyzes the time-of-arrival measurements. The system is configured for all of the transmission light paths and all of the reception light paths to lie in one plane, with all of the reception light paths intersecting with at least one of the transmission light paths. |
| US11156715B1 |
System and method for coherent LIDAR with high collection efficiency
A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) apparatus includes an optical source to emit an optical beam, and free-space optics coupled with the optical source. The free space optics include a photodetector and other optical components to direct a leaked portion of the optical beam or a reflected portion of the optical beam toward the photodetector as a local oscillator signal, and to transmit the optical beam toward a target environment. The local oscillator signal co-propagates with a like-polarized target return signal and mixes with the target return signal to generate target information. |
| US11156714B2 |
Object movement detection based on ultrasonic sensor data analysis
Methods and devices for detecting movement of an object includes: receiving a first set of output signal values and a second set of output signal values from a sound wave receiver, each output signal value in the first set and the second set being representative of amplitude of an acoustic signal reflected from the object; determining, based on the received first set and second set, a difference set including one or more difference values, each of the one or more difference values being representative of a difference between a first output signal value in the first set and a second output signal value in the second set; determining whether the difference set satisfies a predetermined condition based on whether each difference value of the difference set has a magnitude exceeding a predetermined threshold; and outputting a motion detection signal if the difference set satisfies the predetermined condition. |
| US11156708B2 |
Systems and methods for enhanced reception
Various communication systems may benefit from enhanced reception methods. For example, various transponders and surveillance systems may benefit from reception methods that can distinguish between overlapping pulses from multiple sources. A method can include receiving, at an antenna, a first series of pulses from a first source. The method can also include receiving, at the antenna, a second series of pulses from a second source. The first series and the second series can at least partially overlap each other. The method can further include de-interleaving the first series from the second series using at least one non-time-domain technique. |
| US11156705B2 |
System and method for mitigating platform motion in a communications system
A system and method for stabilizing a reference clock of a client transceiver to a reference terminal in the presence of relative motion between the client transceiver and the reference terminal. In some embodiments, the method includes: transmitting, by the client transceiver, a probe packet to the reference terminal, receiving, by the client transceiver, the probe packet from the reference terminal, receiving, by the client transceiver, a first synchronization packet from the reference terminal, and adjusting the rate of the reference clock based on the time elapsed between: the transmitting, by the client transceiver of the probe packet to the reference terminal, and the receiving, by the client transceiver, the probe packet from the reference terminal; and based on the time of reception, by the client transceiver, of the probe packet. |
| US11156703B2 |
Ultrasonic sensor
An ultrasonic sensor is secured to an attachment object and passes through the attachment object. The ultrasonic sensor includes an oscillator which has a transceiving surface which transmits or receives an ultrasonic wave, a cylindrical elastic member which surrounds an outer surface of the oscillator extending from the transceiving surface in a thickness-wise direction of the transceiving surface and has an inner surface contacting the outer surface of the oscillator, a body which has a housing with a bottom and in which the to oscillator and the elastic member are disposed except a protruding portion on a side of said transceiving surface, and an annular body which surrounds the protruding portion of the elastic member and is disposed in the body in contact with a front of the attachment object. A gap is provided between an outer surface of the protruding portion of the elastic member and an inner surface of the annular body which faces the outer surface of the protruding portion, thereby minimizing the ingress of water into the body. |
| US11156700B2 |
Distance sensor
The present embodiment relates to a distance sensor that reduces a difference in amounts of current injected into each of plural charge collection regions prepared for one photosensitive region in order to avoid saturation caused by disturbance light. A current injection circuit injecting current into each charge collection region includes a voltage generation circuit generating a control voltage for adjustment of the injected current amount, and the voltage generation circuit generates the control voltage corresponding to a large amount of charge between the charge amounts of storage nodes coupled, respectively, to the charge collection regions. Meanwhile, a cascode device is disposed between a transistor configured to adjust the amount of current according to the control voltage and the storage node, and a potential of a current output end of the transistor and a potential of the storage node are separated. |
| US11156697B2 |
Radar signal processing device and radar system
First voltage data (V11 to V1n) and second voltage data (V21 to V2n) each correspond to ranges of the same transmitted signals (T1 to Tn) that have different modulation center frequencies. A speed calculating unit (50) calculates a moving speed of a radio-wave-reflecting object by calculating a reference speed (Sref) which is based on a difference value between the modulation center frequency (Fc_1) of the range of the transmitted signals (T1 to Tn) corresponding to the first voltage data (V11 to V1n) and the modulation center frequency (Fc_2) of the range of the transmitted signals (T1 to Tn) corresponding to the second voltage data (V21 to V2n), and comparing a plurality of speed candidates (Scand[m]) with the reference speed (Sref). |
| US11156696B2 |
Radar apparatus
A transmission antenna unit includes a plurality of transmission antennas, a reception antenna unit, and a processor. The plurality of transmission antennas that are arranged in a row along a predetermined array direction. The reception antenna unit includes a plurality of reception antennas that are arranged in a row along the array direction. The plurality of transmission antennas and the plurality of reception antennas form a virtual array in which a plurality of virtual reception antennas are arranged in a row along the array direction. The processor corrects a plurality of virtual reception signals by multiplying a virtual reception signal matrix by an inverse matrix of a reception mutual coupling matrix and an inverse matrix of a transmission mutual coupling matrix. |
| US11156694B2 |
Supporting a selection of a floor
A mobile device collects data, which enables a generation of a radio map for a site. The collection comprises detecting at least one indication of a floor, at which a user is located, in a user input; and performing measurements on radio signals to obtain for each of a plurality of locations of the site a set of characteristics of radio signals. The mobile device receives, during the collection of data, data from a barometer, verifies a most recent indication of a floor in a user input based on changes in the data from the barometer, and outputs a warning to the user in the case of a discrepancy. The mobile device associates each set of characteristics with a floor indicated by a user. The mobile device provides the sets of characteristics and their association with a floor for a generation a radio map supporting a positioning at the site. |
| US11156693B2 |
Method, apparatus, and computer program product for employing a spatial association model in a real time location system
An example method includes determining that first locations of a first location tag and second locations of a second location tag indicate that the first location tag is moving at a different rate than the second location tag; and, in response to determining that the first and second locations indicate that the first location tag is moving at a different rate than the second location tag at a first time, determining a distance magnitude between the first location tag and the second location tag at the first time; comparing the distance magnitude to a reference distance; and determining, based on the comparing of the distance magnitude to the reference distance, whether the first and second locations indicate that a type of movement of an asset is rotational. |
| US11156689B2 |
Respiratory navigation signal extraction method and apparatus, magnetic resonance imaging system and storage medium
The present disclosure related to techniques for extracting a respiratory navigation signal for use in a magnetic resonance imaging system. The extracted respiratory navigation signals accurately represent respiratory motions of a patient. |
| US11156686B2 |
Acoustic radiation force imaging
An apparatus includes a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) system and a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system. A memory stores: instructions, pulse sequence commands for an acoustic radiation force imaging protocol, and first and second sonication commands. The pulse sequence commands specify acquisition of the MR data for first and second pulse sequence repetitions. The pulse sequence commands specify for each of the sequence repetitions a first and a second group of motion encoding gradients. Execution of the instructions causes a processor to: acquire first and second MR data by controlling the MR imaging system with the pulse sequence commands and by controlling the HIFU system with the first and second sonication commands, respectively; reconstruct first and second motion encoded images from the first and second MR data, respectively; and construct a displacement map from the difference of the first and second motion encoded images. |
| US11156685B2 |
NMR analyzers for clinical evaluation of biosamples
The clinical analyzers automatically electronically monitor selected parameters and automatically electronically adjust parameters to maintain the analyzer within desired operational ranges. The clinical NMR analyzers can be configured as a networked system with a plurality of clinical NMR analyzers located at different use sites. |
| US11156684B2 |
Method for creating hyperpolarization at microTesla magnetic fields
Provided are methods for nuclear spin polarization enhancement via signal amplification by reversible exchange at very low magnetic fields. |
| US11156683B2 |
Static magnetic field adjustment device for magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and superconducting magnet
A static magnetic field adjustment device for an MRI includes a shim tray, a bottom spacer and a magnetic material shim. The shim tray is mounted on the MRI and provided with a shim pocket. The bottom spacer is made of a non-magnetic material and accommodated in the shim pocket to make contact with a bottom surface of the shim pocket. The magnetic material shim is made of a magnetic material and accommodated in the shim pocket with the bottom spacer interposed between the magnetic material shim and the bottom surface of the shim pocket. |
| US11156675B2 |
Magnetometer device based on electrical pumping in nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond
A magnetometer comprises a diode structure including a diamond material having free electrons and free charge carriers. An electrical circuit is coupled to the diode structure and is operative to apply a forward bias voltage to the diode structure. An optical detector is operative to collect and measure an electroluminescence produced by the diode structure after the forward bias voltage is applied to the diode structure. A processor is coupled to the optical detector and is operative to determine a magnetic field based on the measured electroluminescence produced by the diode structure. |
| US11156674B2 |
Control and cancellation of spin bath induced dephasing in solid-state ensembles
A method and system of measuring a direct current magnetic field using a plurality of spin centers are disclosed. A spin bath associated with the spin centers may be driven with a first source of electromagnetic radiation to reduce dephasing of the spin centers. The spin centers may be measured using double quantum (DQ) magnetometry in order to reduce the effects of crystal strain on spin dephasing times. An electromagnetic response of at least one of the plurality of spin centers may be observed using an electromagnetic radiation collection device. Accordingly, up to an eight times improvement in DC field sensitivity may be accomplished for a spin center ensemble. |
| US11156665B2 |
Verifying operation of battery contactors during vehicle operation without loss of power
A battery control system includes T contactor paths connected in parallel between a battery and a load, where T is an integer greater than one. Each of the T contactor paths includes a first contactor and a second contactor connected in series with the first contactor. Each of the T contactor paths includes at least one of a first voltage sensor configured to sense a first voltage between the first contactor and the second contactor; and a current sensor configured to sense current flowing through the first contactor and the second contactor. A second voltage sensor is configured to sense a second voltage at one end of the T contactor paths. A third voltage sensor is configured to sense a third voltage at an opposite end of the T contactor paths. |
| US11156660B1 |
In-system scan test of electronic devices
A system for testing of one or more electronic devices is disclosed. In an embodiment, a processor transmits one or more test vectors to the one or more electronic devices. The one or more test vectors are based upon configuration parameters of the processor and input-output parameters of the one or more electronic devices. The processor receives scan vectors from the one or more electronic devices in response to the plurality of test vectors. The processor verifies in-system behavior of the one or more electronic devices based upon comparing received scan vectors with expected scan vectors. |
| US11156649B2 |
Transport unit having at least one installation
A transport unit, in which a rapid and precise fault localization can be achieved, includes an installation, a simulation device with an interface, through which current status data of the installation can be received, and a computing unit configured determine or acquire simulated status data on the basis of simulation data and the current status data, which are representative for a status of at least a part of the installation. A method for controlling an installation in a transportation unit, in particular a rail vehicle, is also provided. |
| US11156648B2 |
Radio signal absorption testing enclosure
A radio signal absorption enclosure can be used while testing wireless communication devices. In some examples, the radio signal absorption enclosure includes at least two conductive radio frequency (RF) shield layers separated by an insulator material. An inner surface of the RF shield can be further lined with a RF absorbing material to attenuate the electro-magnetic radiation generated within the radio signal absorption enclosure. In some examples, components internal to the radio signal absorption enclosure, such as a rotatable platform and a controller, can receive power and/or instructions via a filter, thereby substantially reducing electro-magnetic interference and/or RF interference. |
| US11156647B1 |
Method to estimate the rise-time of a pulse for single and multi-channel data
Techniques, systems, architectures, and methods for estimating the rise time of a pulse for multi-channel and signal channel cases involving an optimization system and method that can be solved iteratively based on sparse priors for a wide span of signal-to-noise ratios. |
| US11156641B2 |
Power distribution network monitoring system for detecting abnormalities
A power distribution network monitoring system includes a CT sensor and a power management device. The CT sensor includes a measurement component and a transmitter. The measurement component is installed at a plurality of predetermined positions along a power line constituting the power distribution network, and measures current of the power line at each predetermined position. The transmitter wirelessly transmits, as transmission data, the power spectrums of the fundamental wave, third harmonic, and fifth harmonic, as well as the effective current values used to detect abnormalities in the power distribution network, the data being at least part of the data measured by the measurement components. The power management device includes a receiver and a management database. The receiver receives the transmission data. The management database stores the received data. |
| US11156639B2 |
Probe card module
A probe card module including a probe card assembly and a strengthening structure is provided. The probe card assembly includes a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a plurality of probes protruding from the first surface. The second surface includes a central zone and a peripheral zone surrounding the central zone. Projections of the probes on the second surface are located at the central zone. The strengthening structure is disposed on the second surface and includes two support bases which protrude from the peripheral zone and are away from each other, and the strengthening structure also includes an arc-shaped reinforcement assembly connected to the two support bases, where the arc-shaped reinforcement assembly protrudes toward and leans against the central zone. |
| US11156635B2 |
Method for obtaining functionalised sensor tips for atomic force microscopy by means of activated vapour silanisation and tips obtained using said method
The invention relates to a method for obtaining a functionalised sensor tip for atomic force microscopy, which is characterised in that functionalisation takes place by means of an activated vapour silanisation process, comprising: a) evaporating an organometallic compound containing at least one silicon atom and at least one functional group selected from an amine group, a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group and a thiol group; b) activating the vapour of the organometallic compound of step a) by heating; and c) causing the activated vapour of step b) to impinge on a sensor tip for atomic force microscopy in order to deposit a film of the organometallic compound on the sensor tip, steps b) and c) taking place consecutively. The invention also relates to the functionalised sensor tip obtained using the method. |
| US11156629B1 |
Auto-sampling system with inline preparation of concentrated sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid for analytic elemental determination
The present disclosure is directed to an auto-sampling system with syringe, valve configurations, and control logic that allow automatic, inline preparation of concentrated sulfuric acid and concentrated phosphoric acid for analytic analyses. In implementations, the auto-sampling system includes independent syringe pumps connected to a valve system to dynamically introduce carrier, diluent, buffer, and eluent flows according to one or more modes of operation. |
| US11156627B2 |
Automated cell processing systems and methods
Systems and methods for automated cell processing of biological samples, such as cells for use in cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Systems for automated processing of batches derived from biological samples comprise: a closed and sterile enclosure; a plurality of reagent containers; at least one reagent dispenser; a quality control module for analyzing at least one characteristic of a batch; a harvesting module; a robotic module; and a control unit (CU) communicatively coupled to the at least one reagent dispenser, the quality control module, the harvesting module and the robotic module for controlling the automatic processing of batches. The automatic processing may be executable without handling by a human operator. The system may be configured to automatically process the plurality of batches without cross-contamination between batches, e.g., under GMP conditions. |
| US11156622B2 |
Molecularly-imprinted-polymer coated conductive nanoparticles for cotinine detection, and associated devices and methods
A device for detecting cotinine includes (a) a film that includes a plurality of molecularly-imprinted-polymer (MIP) coated conductive nanoparticles having specific affinity for binding with cotinine, and (b) two electrodes in contact with the film for passing electrical current through the film to detect binding with cotinine as a change in electrical conductivity of the film. A MIP coated conductive nanoparticle for detecting cotinine includes (a) a conductive nanoparticle, (b) a silicon dioxide coating formed on the conductive nanoparticle and forming a first shell around the conductive nanoparticle, and (c) an MIP coating formed on the silicon dioxide coating and forming the second shell, wherein the MIP coating includes a polymer molecularly imprinted with cotinine to provide specific affinity for binding of cotinine to the MIP coated conductive nanoparticle such that the cotinine is detectable as a change in electrical conductivity of the MIP coated conductive nanoparticle. |
| US11156620B2 |
Microfabricated device with micro-environment sensors for assaying coagulation in fluid samples
The present invention relates to sample analysis cartridges comprising micro-environment sensors and methods for assaying coagulation in a fluid sample applied to the micro-environment sensors, and in particular, to performing coagulation assays using micro-environment sensors in a point of care sample analysis cartridge. For example, the present invention may be directed to a sample analysis cartridge including an inlet chamber configured to receive a biological sample, and a conduit fluidically connected to the inlet chamber and configured to receive the biological sample from the inlet chamber. The conduit may include a micro-environment prothrombin time (PT) sensor, and a micro-environment activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) sensor. |
| US11156618B1 |
Rapid measurement of total vitamin D in blood
Assays for rapid measurement of total vitamin D in blood are provided. Vitamin D is measured following the rapid and irreversible release of vitamin D due to denaturation and digestion of vitamin D binding proteins by aspartyl peptidases (e.g., pepsin) under acidic conditions. Such measurements may be made using a vitamin D binder (e.g., an antibody) to measure competition between free vitamin D and added, labeled vitamin D. Synergy between denaturation and degradation is believed to provide more rapid and more complete release of vitamin D than would occur with acid or enzyme alone. |
| US11156617B2 |
Predicting T cell epitopes useful for vaccination
The present invention relates to methods for predicting T cell epitopes useful for vaccination. In particular, the present invention relates to methods for predicting whether modifications in peptides or polypeptides such as tumor-associated neoantigens are immunogenic and, in particular, useful for vaccination, or for predicting which of such modifications are most immunogenic and, in particular, most useful for vaccination. The methods of the invention may be used, in particular, for the provision of vaccines which are specific for a patient's tumor and thus, in the context of personalized cancer vaccines. |
| US11156615B2 |
Glucose biosensors and uses thereof
The present subject matter provides glucose biosensors as well as compositions, devices, and methods comprising such biosensors. |
| US11156610B2 |
Methods for reducing interferences
Described is a method for determining an analyte in a sample suspected to contain the analyte, by a) contacting the sample with a first and a second capture compound for the analyte, wherein the first and second capture compounds are non-identical capture compounds, and the capture compounds compete in binding to the analyte; b) contacting the capture compounds contacted with the sample with a specifier, wherein the specifier competes in binding to the capture compounds with the analyte; c) determining the amount of complexes having the specifier and a capture compound; and d) determining the analyte in a sample based on the result of step c). Also disclosed is a method for improving the specificity of an indirect immunoassay for determining an analyte, as well as kits, devices, and uses related to the methods. |
| US11156609B2 |
Development and parameter assessment for vertically aligned platinum wire aptasensor arrays for impedimetric detection of cardiac biomarkers
The invention relates to ex-situ biosensors that impedimetrically detect cardiac biomarkers of interest in a bodily fluid sample derived from a patient. The biosensors include a multi-array of vertically aligned platinum wires having immobilized thereon an aptamer that is selected to specifically and selectively bind to the cardiac markers of interest. The biosensors are contacted with a portion of the bodily fluid sample, and the aptamer binds to the cardiac markers of interest in the bodily fluid sample. As a result, an electrochemical impedance signal is generated and therefore, a change in electrochemical impedance is indicative of the presence of the cardiac markers of interest in the bodily fluid sample. The biosensors are point-of-care, on-demand devices that can be used in a medical environment, as well as in domestic settings. |
| US11156607B2 |
Extended range immunoassay devices with immunosensor and magnetic immunosensor
The present invention relates to systems and methods that utilize a combination of immunoassay and magnetic immunoassay techniques to detect an analyte within an extended range of specified concentrations. In particular, a device includes a housing, a heterogeneous surface capture immunosensor within the housing and configured to generate a first signal indicative of the concentration of the analyte in an upper concentration range, and a homogeneous magnetic bead capture immunosensor within the housing and configured to generate a second signal indicative of the concentration of the analyte in a lower concentration range. |
| US11156605B2 |
Capture ligand controls, blocking probes, masking probes and methods of using the same
The invention, depending on aspect and embodiment, relates to capture probe controls, and capture and signal probe configurations and combinations of configurations that can facilitate accurate and efficient multiplex analyte detection, especially in electrochemical detection schemes. |
| US11156602B2 |
Combination product for detecting target marker
The present invention relates to a combination product for detecting a target marker simply and with high sensitivity. More specifically, the present invention relates to a combination product for detecting a target marker in a biological sample in combination with a target marker binding molecule which is capable of binding specifically to the target marker in the biological sample, the combination comprising, at least: (a) a first binding agent comprising a first binding molecule which is capable of directly or indirectly binding specifically to the target marker binding molecule, and a labeling substance; (b) a linker molecule which is capable of binding specifically to the first binding agent; and (c) a second binding agent which is capable of binding specifically to the linker molecule, and comprises a second binding molecule and a labeling substance. |
| US11156595B2 |
Organotypic DRG-peripheral nerve culture system
Techniques and systems are disclosed for a bioassay that is an in vitro mimic of peripheral nerve generation using the sensory neurons that innervate the peripheral nervous system. In some embodiments, the techniques may assist in detecting the bioactivity or potency of nerve grafts (e.g., processed, acellular human allografts) for fostering or supporting peripheral nerve regeneration. In various embodiments, techniques comprise affixing a harvested sensory neuron (e.g., a DRG) to a nerve graft segment to form a test construct; culturing the test construct in a medium; analyzing the test construct to indicate the amount of outgrowing peripheral nerve structure; and determining the potency of the nerve graft from a metric derived from the analysis. In some embodiments, techniques and materials may be used to test the effect of a varied test condition on peripheral nerve growth. |
| US11156593B2 |
Embedded wireless monitoring sensors
Concrete can be one of the most durable building materials where consumption is projected to reach approximately 40 billion tons in 2017 alone. Despite this the testing of concrete at all stages of its life cycle is still in its infancy although testing for corrosion is well established. Further many of the tests today are time consuming, expensive, and provide results only after it has been poured and set. Accordingly, by exploiting self-contained wireless sensor devices, which are deployed with the wet concrete, the in-situ curing and maturity measurement data can be established and employed together with batch specific concrete data to provide rapid initial tests and evolving performance data regarding the concrete cure, performance, corrosion of concrete at different points in its life cycle. Such sensors remove subjectivity, allow for rapid assessment, are integrable to the construction process, and provided full life cycle assessment. |
| US11156582B2 |
Systems for detecting and quantifying nucleic acids
This invention is based, in part, on our discovery of an essentially one-step, label-free system comprising a sensing unit having a redox current reporter and a nucleic acid sequence complementary to that of a target nucleic acid of interest or sufficiently complementary to that of the target nucleic acid or a sequence therein to specifically bind the target nucleic acid. The sensing unit is bound to an electroconductive substrate (e.g., a carbon- or metal-containing microelectrode (e.g., a gold microelectrode)), and the system includes a signal amplification mechanism that does not rely upon a redox enzyme and thereby overcomes a fundamental limitation of microelectrode DNA sensors that fail to generate detectable current in the presence of only small amounts of a target nucleic acid. |
| US11156580B2 |
Electrode of an electrochemical measuring system
The present disclosure relates to an electrode of an electrochemical measuring system and includes a housing having a chamber in which an electrolyte is arranged, and a potential-forming element which is at least partially arranged in the chamber such that the electrolyte at least partially wets the potential-forming element. A discharge line is made of coinage metal or of an alloy comprising a coinage metal and contacts the potential-forming element. A closure element closes the housing and guides discharge line therethrough. An adhesion promoter which comprises a glass and/or a glass-ceramic material and is arranged between the closure element and the discharge line. |
| US11156579B2 |
Electrode structure and method of manufacturing an electrode structure
A method of manufacturing an electrode structure includes providing an initial structure, the initial structure including at least two elevated regions extending from a substrate, wherein top portions of the two elevated regions are separated by a first lateral distance, depositing material onto the elevated regions by means of physical vapor deposition such that adjacent top portions of the deposited material are separated by a second lateral distance that is smaller than the first lateral distance, and applying electrodes onto the top portions of the material. |
| US11156577B2 |
Method and sensor system for measuring gas concentrations
In an embodiment a sensor system includes a carrier implemented as one of a ceramic carrier, a printed circuit board or a transistor outline header, a measuring area semiconductor body implemented as a first micromechanical component, a gas sensor implemented as a second micromechanical component and including an electrode assembly, a sensitive layer and a sensor membrane that spans a recess, wherein the measuring area semiconductor body and the gas sensor are connected to each other, a further sensor with a further electrode assembly and a further sensitive layer, wherein the further sensor is a further gas sensor or a humidity sensor, and a measuring area filled by the gas sample and arranged between the measuring area semiconductor body and the gas sensor, wherein the gas in the measuring area is in contact with the gas sensor and the further sensor. |
| US11156574B2 |
Apparatus for characterizing the electrical resistance of a measurement object
The invention relates to a measuring apparatus for characterizing the electrical resistance of a measurement object, comprising an electric energy source having two poles, a voltage measuring device having two measuring inputs, four connecting contacts for the connection of four contact electrodes, and a switching device for the variable electrical pairwise connection of each one of the poles and measuring inputs to each one of the connecting contacts, forming different wiring configurations, wherein the measuring device is configured to carry out at least two measuring sequences with different wiring configurations and to determine the series resistance of the measurement object by incorporating the current and voltage signals acquired in these wiring configurations. |
| US11156572B2 |
Apparatuses, methods and systems for comfort and energy efficiency conformance in an HVAC system
A processor-implemented method of controlling an HVAC system transforms a comfort map into a plurality of sequential constant-temperature segments that are used in generating a control temperature sequence that preserves occupant comfort while improving energy efficiency. The method balances user comfort, temperature trajectory execution complexity, operational HVAC trajectory realization, and energy efficiency. The system achieves this balance through utilization of comfort map metric data, analysis and control system execution. The system, comfort map metric data processing and analysis facilitates this balance by executing a control temperature sequence/temperature trajectories developed based on direct user comfort feedback data within the context of a comfort map and thermal equilibrium boundaries derived from the comfort map. |
| US11156570B2 |
Methods using advanced NMR analysis for core samples
A method for determining the fluid mobility of a core sample can include: determining a porosity of a core sample having a permeability of 10 mD or less; saturating the core sample with a NMR saturation fluid; taking a first NMR measurement of fluids in the core sample; diffusionally exchanging a hydrophobic fluid or a hydrophilic fluid in the core sample in a hydrophobic NMR exchange fluid or a hydrophilic NMR exchange fluid, respectively; taking a second NMR measurement of the fluid in the core sample after diffusional exchange; and deriving a property of the core sample based on the porosity, a NMR signal to fluid volume calibration, and a comparison between the first and the second NMR measurements, the property being selected from the group consisting of a mobile oil volume, an immobile hydrocarbon volume, a mobile water volume, an immobile water volume, and a combination thereof. |
| US11156567B2 |
Defect inspection apparatus, method, and program
There are provided a defect inspection apparatus, method, and program for, in a case of using an image of an inspection-target industrial product (test object) to conduct an inspection to check whether defects are present, allowing an image interpreter to precisely and efficiently detect defects. A possible-defect image D3 indicating a crack-like defect and a simulation result image P3 indicating the predicted growth of the crack-like defect are displayed. Sliders L1 and L2 and checkboxes CB1 are used to enable selection of possible defects and simulation results to be displayed. An image interpreter can use the checkboxes CB1 to select a type of possible defect to be displayed, and can use the sliders L1 and L2 to select possible defects to be displayed on the basis of the wall thickness of portions in which possible defects are detected and the size of possible defects. |
| US11156563B2 |
Electronic device for optically checking appearance of product for defects
An electronic device for optically checking an appearance of products for defects includes a camera device, at least one white light source, and at least one red light source. The camera device is perpendicular to a side surface of a product to be checked, when the white light source is activated, the camera device captures images of the side surface and corners of the side surface of the product. When the red light source is activated, the camera device captures images of the side surface of the product. The electronic device checks for defects in appearance of the side surface of the product according to the images captured by the camera device, such defects including abnormal colors, stair slope errors, scratches, and sanding marks. |
| US11156556B1 |
Method and apparatus for detecting pathogens and chemicals in complex matrices using light emissions from a laser spark
An apparatus (and concomitant method) for rapid detection of a plurality of pathogens and/or chemicals, comprising a laser generating laser-induced breakdown spectra from a sample inserted into the apparatus, a receiver recording the spectra, and a data analysis component acquiring the spectra from the receiver and a display and/or data storage component displaying and/or receiving from the data analysis component which pathogens and/or chemicals are present in the sample and/or the likelihood of such presence, wherein the data analysis component comprises: predictive models for the plurality of pathogens and/or chemicals, a queue to order automated analysis by the predictive models in a predetermined order, and statistical analysis models for each of the predictive models to automatically provide likelihoods of presence of the respective pathogens and/or chemicals. |
| US11156555B2 |
Optical fibre based microprobe
The present application discloses a spectroscopy probe for a Raman spectroscopy system, and methods for preparing filters for the probe. A method for forming an SERS substrate which can optionally be used with the probe is also described. The spectroscopy probe is formed using a double-clad optical fibre probe tip, the double-clad optical fibre (DCF) having a single mode core, multimode inner cladding, and outer cladding, and a micro-filter fixed to the distal end of the optical fibre probe tip. The micro-filter has a short pass or band pass filter configured to align with the DCF core to filter silica Raman background generated by laser excitation in the single mode core, and a long pass filter configured to suppress Rayleigh scattering from the sample while allowing Raman scattered wavelengths to be transmitted through the inner cladding. |
| US11156554B2 |
Systems and methods for detection of contaminants on surfaces
A contaminant detection system for a portable computer with the computer having a camera, an integral screen and central processing unit (CPU; a. an enclosure having at least one grasper disposed for coupling the system to the portable computer; b. a light emitter capable of generating light of with least one excitation wavelength for a contaminant present in its output spectrum with output of the emitter oriented into the field of view of the camera; c. electronic communication between the computer and the emitter; c. software loaded onto the computer capable of (1) activating the emitter, (2) comparing a scene recorded by the camera to at least one emission wavelength for the specific contaminant corresponding to the excitation wavelength, and (3) displaying an output on the computer's screen corresponding to the areas within the camera's field of view where the contaminant is present in amounts greater than a detection threshold. |
| US11156551B2 |
Device and method for observing the radiation backscattered by an object
A device and method for observing an object, in particular a biological object includes a light source able to illuminate a sample. Under the effect of the illumination, the object emits back-scattered radiation that propagates to a screen, the area of which is larger than 100 cm2. The projection of the back-scattered radiation onto the screen forms an image representative of the back-scattered radiation, called a scattergram. An image sensor allows an image representative of the scattergram formed on the screen to be acquired. |
| US11156550B2 |
Terahertz-wave detector and terahertz unit
One aspect of the present disclosure provides a terahertz-wave detector including a semiconductor substrate, an active element formed on the semiconductor substrate and a first resistive portion electrically connected in parallel with the active element. |
| US11156547B2 |
Photoacoustic gas sensors and method of operating a photoacoustic gas sensor
A photoacoustic gas sensor is provided. The photoacoustic gas sensor includes a hermetically sealed housing filled with a reference gas. Further, the photoacoustic gas sensor includes a microphone system arranged inside the housing. The microphone system is configured to generate a first microphone signal comprising a first signal component related to a photoacoustic excitation of the reference gas and a second microphone signal comprising a second signal component related to the photoacoustic excitation. The photoacoustic gas sensor additionally includes a circuit configured to generate an output signal based on the first microphone signal and the second microphone signal by destructively superimposing a third signal component of the first microphone signal related to mechanical vibrations of the photoacoustic gas sensor and a fourth signal component of the second microphone signal related to the mechanical vibrations. |
| US11156546B1 |
Methods for evaluating superabrasive elements
Embodiments of methods are disclosed for characterizing a tested superabrasive element, such as a polycrystalline diamond element. In an embodiment, a method of characterizing the relative strength of a superabrasive element is disclosed. A first superabrasive element and a second superabrasive element are positioned upper surface to upper surface, including an area of overlap between the upper surfaces. A load is applied while the first and second superabrasive elements are overlapped until failure of one or both of the first or second superabrasive elements fail. A relative strength is determined using at least the load during failure as a parameter. |
| US11156541B2 |
Optical detecting system
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, provided is an optical detection system for detecting a laser speckle generated by multiple scattering of a wave irradiated toward a sample from a wave source, and based on a change in the laser speckle over time, detecting the presence of microbes in the sample in real time. |
| US11156539B2 |
Method for evaluating bioavailability of organic solid waste by anaerobic conversion based on fractal dimension
Provided is a method for evaluating a bioavailability of organic solid waste by an anaerobic conversion based on fractal dimension, relating to anaerobic digestion of organic solid waste. Organic solid waste is broken up and dried, and the organic solid waste is analyzed using a laser particle size analyzer, so as to measure a wave vector Q and a scattering intensity I. The wave vector Q and the scattering intensity I are analyzed using a data processing software, and a two-dimensional fractal dimension Df is obtained based on a fractal theory. A volatile fatty acid maximum VFAmax and a biochemical methane potential BMP of the organic solid waste are predicted according to the two-dimensional fractal dimension Df, so as to evaluate a bioavailability of organic solid waste by an anaerobic conversion. |
| US11156537B2 |
Hardness tester
A controller of a hardness tester can determine, in a condition where a driver is not in operation and when a spring displacement detector and an arm displacement detector detect an amount of displacement of respective objects (plate spring and loading arm), that a loading arm and a plate spring are deformed according to changes in environmental temperature. A favorable hardness test can be performed by the hardness tester corresponding to the environmental temperature according to the determination by carrying out an initialization process that resets the displacement amount of respective object to zero, the displacement amount detected by the spring displacement detector and the arm displacement detector respectively. |
| US11156535B2 |
Small-punch test apparatus for quantitatively evaluating material embrittlement behavior under various gaseous hydrogen environments
The described technology can quantitatively evaluate a material embrittlement behavior under various gaseous hydrogen environments (temperature and pressure). The described technology may include a small-punch test device allowing a specimen to be fixed inside a jig comprising upper and lower dies, gas to be filled at the lower part of the specimen, and a punch for applying force to be included at the upper part thereof so as to bend the specimen in a vertical downward direction under an environment of the influent gas and measure the same. The small-punch test device also includes an insulating container provided so as to encompass the jig therein and a temperature measuring device connected to the inside of the insulating container so as to measure the internal temperature of the insulating container and the temperature of the specimen. The small-punch test device further includes a heat transfer device transferring heat to the specimen. |
| US11156525B2 |
Egress point localization
A system for determining a location of an egress point in a plumbing system that includes a branched system of pipes within a building is provided. The system includes a first sensor that is configured to measure a first pressure signal as a function of time at a first location within the plumbing system, and a second sensor that is configured to measure a second pressure signal as a function of time at a second location within the plumbing system. The plumbing system includes multiple branch points between the first location and the second location. The system also includes a processor that is configured to determine a temporal difference between a first pressure drop in the first pressure signal and a second pressure drop in the second pressure signal, and use the temporal difference to determine an estimated location of the egress point in the plumbing system. |
| US11156524B2 |
Breaking device including an electronic control unit for pressure measurements
An electronic control unit for a vehicle, including: a pressure-sensor-element (PSE); a housing having a pressure-guide by which the PSE has a pressure-medium applied to it under pressure; an evaluation-unit to generate a pressure-signal, dependent on the pressure detected by the pressure-sensor-element in the pressure-guide; and a circuit-carrier on which at least part of control-electronics of the control-unit is arranged; the pressure-signal of the evaluation-unit being put in the control-electronics, the pressure-guide making direct contact with the circuit-carrier and a sealing-element arranged in the contact-region between the pressure-guide and the circuit-carrier, the sealing-element sealing a region of the pressure-guide to which the pressure-medium is applied under pressure from the surroundings, the PSE being arranged directly on the circuit-carrier, such that the PSE is arranged in the region of the pressure-guide to which the pressure-medium is applied under pressure, and the evaluation-unit being electrically directly connected to the circuit-carrier. |
| US11156520B2 |
Physical quantity sensor having a wall including first and second protrusion arrangements
A physical quantity sensor includes a first substrate, an electrode provided on the first substrate, a diaphragm made of semiconductor material, a second substrate fixed to the first substrate, a dielectric film provided on the diaphragm, and a wall provided between the dielectric film and the electrode. The second substrate supports the diaphragm such that the diaphragm has an opposing surface facing the electrode across a space. The dielectric film is provided on the opposing surface of the diaphragm. The dielectric film has a surface facing the electrode across the space. The wall includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first protrusion protrudes toward the electrode from the surface of the dielectric film. The second protrusion protrudes toward the electrode from the first protrusion, and contacts the electrode. The second protrusion is made of material which is different from material of the dielectric film. |
| US11156519B2 |
Capacitive pressure sensor
Aspects of the disclosure provide a capacitive pressure sensor. The sensor can include a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface, a movable plate at a bottom of a first cavity recessed into the substrate from the first surface, and a second substrate bonded to the first substrate over the first surface. The second substrate includes a fixed plate disposed over the movable plate to form a capacitor. A second cavity is formed between the movable plate and the second surface. |
| US11156514B1 |
Dynamometer
Disclosed herein are various dynamometer embodiments in which the devices have a cooling tank comprising cooling fluid, a rotatable drum body disposed over a stator body, and first and second friction disks axially extendable from the stator body such that the friction disks are frictionally engageable with the bases of the drum body. The bases of the drum body can be rotatable friction plates that are coupled via a connection tube to form the drum body. |
| US11156509B2 |
Sensors with deformable conductors and selective deformation
A sensor may include a bladder, and a deformable conductor disposed on the bladder such that deformation of the bladder causes deformation of the deformable conductor, wherein the bladder is constrained so as to enhance the deformation of the conductor in response to the deformation of the bladder. A method may include applying a stimulus to a bladder having a deformable conductor attached thereto, detecting a change in an electrical characteristic associated with the deformable conductor in response to the stimulus, and selectively constraining the bladder to amplify the change in electrical characteristic in response to the stimulus. |
| US11156507B2 |
Method and device for detecting the temperature of the vibrating element of an ultrasonic converter
Disclosed is a method for detecting a value which represents the temperature of a vibrating element of an ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic transducer has a resonant frequency (fr). The method comprises the steps of operating the ultrasonic transducer with an electric measuring signal at a measuring frequency (fm) which is above the resonant frequency, and of detecting the absolute value of the complex impedance of the ultrasonic transducer at this measuring frequency (fm) and, building thereon, ascertaining the desired value, which is to represent the temperature of a vibrating element of an ultrasonic transducer, as a function of the detected absolute value of the complex impedance of the ultrasonic transducer at this measuring frequency (fm). |
| US11156505B2 |
Temperature sensor
A reconfigurable all-digital temperature sensor includes a NAND gate and several delay units, the NAND gate comprises two input terminals and an output terminal, one input terminal is used for external starting control signal; a plurality delay units are connected in series, the input end of the first delay unit is connected to the output terminal of the NAND gate, and the output end of the last delay unit is connected to another input terminal of the NAND gate, thereby forming a ring oscillator structure; each delay unit includes a leakage-based inverter and a Schmitt trigger, and the output end of the leakage-based inverter is connected to the input end of the Schmitt trigger. The reconfigurable all-digital temperature sensor can realize the conversion of temperature-leakage-frequency based on the ring oscillator structure in the temperature range of −40˜125° C., thereby reducing the design complexity and achieving high accuracy. |
| US11156500B2 |
Optical measurement control program, optical measurement system, and optical measurement method
Provided is a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium recording an optical measurement control program in a light detection device, the program causing a computer to execute a process of measuring light to be measured by acquiring an electric signal output from the light detector, the optical measurement control program causing the computer to function as: a voltage control unit controlling the potential difference generated between the pair of mirrors to gradually increase until the potential difference reaches a set potential difference corresponding to a wavelength of the light to be measured before the acquisition of the electric signal is started; and a signal acquisition unit acquiring the electric signal in a state where the voltage control unit allows the set potential difference to be generated between the pair of mirrors. |
| US11156498B2 |
Object detector, sensing device, and mobile apparatus
An object detector including a light-emitting system to emit light to an object, a light detector, a signal detector, and a threshold adjuster. The light detector receives the light emitted from the light-emitting system and reflected by the object, and output a signal. The signal detector detects the signal output from the light detector based on a threshold value of voltage. The threshold adjuster changes the threshold value between when the light-emitting system emits light to a part of a light-emission range of the light-emitting system and when the light-emitting system emits light to other part of the light-emission range other than the part of the light-emission range. |
| US11156496B2 |
Method for detecting bandwidth of linear vibration motor
The present disclosure provides a method for detecting a bandwidth of a linear vibration motor, including a linear vibration motor which comprises a housing and a motor vibrator. The method includes the following steps: step S1: setting a target displacement level of the linear vibration motor; step S2: measuring a displacement frequency response curve of the motor vibrator with reference to the target displacement level; step S3: comparing the displacement frequency response curve obtained in step S2 with a preset standard target displacement frequency response curve, determining whether the displacement frequency response curve is qualified, and if it is qualified, entering step S4; step S4: measuring a bandwidth of the linear vibration motor. |
| US11156495B2 |
Method for controlling a weighing device
Method for controlling a weighing device (DP) via a terminal (TER), comprising the following steps: using the terminal (TER) to generate and/or acquire a piece of control information (Cde) comprising at least one refresh (Ins_ra) or update instruction (Ins_ac) relating to a refresh or update cyclic period and/or duty cycle of a function of at least one functional element (F) of the weighing device (DP), and sending said piece of control information (Cde) to the control entity (C), and controlling method internal to a weighing device (DP) comprising the following steps: receiving a piece of control information (Cde) originating from a terminal (TER), and adapting the refresh or update cyclic period and/or duty cycle of said function of the at least one functional element (F) depending on the at least one received refresh (Ins_ra) or update (Ins_ac) instruction. |
| US11156494B2 |
Continuous liquid level measurement detector for closed metal containers
Apparatus and methods for determining the liquid level of a canister are described. A magnetic field generated by a floating magnet within the canister is measured by a plurality of magnetic sensors outside of the canister. Methods of calibrating the magnetic sensors and measuring the location of the floating magnet are also described. |
| US11156483B2 |
Floating sensor
Systems and methods herein provide for floating sensors. In one embodiment, a system includes a waterproof housing, an electronics assembly mounted within the waterproof housing, and a wing structure hingeably attached to the waterproof housing and operable to float the system on a water surface. The system also includes a solar panel configured on the wing structure to provide power to the electronics assembly. |
| US11156481B2 |
Optical encoder system and method
An optical encoder is provided. The encoder includes an optical disc mounted on a shaft, the optical disc containing pit and land markings; an optical pickup unit for an optical disc that receives light from the optical disc and supplies as an output an electrical signal representative of the received light, comprising: a reading head objective lens, and dynamic steering actuators that control the focus and tracking of the reading head objective lens; a processor that receives as an input the electrical signal from the optical pickup unit and reports motion of the substrate based on the received at least one electrical signal. |
| US11156480B2 |
Induction arrangement
The invention relates to a novel type of electric inductance arrangement for a series of applications in the field of distance measurement, sensor-based detection of objects, and construction of induction machines. The novelty consists in the type of inductance arrangement of the receiver or transmitter coil, said arrangement being designed in the form of a ladder rung arrangement, wherein the ladder spars short-circuit the rungs. The sum of all the short-circuit currents is an indicator of what is occurring in the surroundings of the arrangement. This could be changing magnetic fields caused by transmitter objects or additional ladder-rung systems acting as transmitters. Multiple such sensors and transmitters can be designed in the ladder-rung form, said sensors and transmitters being connected in parallel or in series according to the application under certain circumstances and if necessary assuming the excitation function by moving a conductor through which a direct current is flowing or by applying alternating currents. The aforementioned inductance arrangement results positively in that the coils can all have a completely crossover-free design and are therefore substantially simpler to technically implement for very different applications in electrical engineering. The applicability ranges from short-range distance measuring devices and long-range object location to light detection and efficient induction machines with large or also very small constructions. |
| US11156474B2 |
ADAS horizon and vision supplemental V2X
An apparatus comprising an antenna, a processor and a memory. The antenna may be configured to receive signals from GNSS satellites. The processor may be configured to execute instructions. The memory may be configured to store instructions that, when executed, perform the steps of (i) calculating first location and velocity data based on the signals received from the GNSS satellites, (ii) calculating a first most probable path based on map information, (iii) receiving second location and velocity data, (iv) determining a second most probable path, (v) performing a comparison of (a) the first location and velocity data and the first most probable path to (b) the second location and velocity data and the second most probable path and (vi) determining a probability of collision based on the comparison. |
| US11156469B2 |
Predicting terrain traversability for a vehicle
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to generating and utilizing three-dimensional terrain maps for vehicular control. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. |
| US11156464B2 |
Crowd sourced mapping with robust structural features
A location and mapping service is described that creates a global database of indoor navigation maps through crowd-sourcing and data fusion technologies. The navigation maps consist of a database of geo-referenced, uniquely described features in the multi-dimensional sensor space (e.g., including structural, RF, magnetic, image, acoustic, or other data) that are collected automatically as a tracked mobile device is moved through a building (e.g. a person with a mobile phone or a robot). The feature information can be used to create building models as one or more tracked devices traverse a building, to indicate signal strength throughout different parts of the building mode, and to illustrate a path of each tracked device associated with signal strength and other annotations. |
| US11156459B2 |
Microelectromechanical or/and nanoelectromechanical device with out-of-plane displacement having capacitive elements having a variable surface
Microelectromechanical sensor comprising a fixed part and a mobile part suspended from the fixed part such that the mobile part can move at least in an out-of-plane displacement direction, the fixed part comprising at least first electrodes extending parallel to the displacement direction of the mobile part, the mobile part comprising a seismic mass and at least second electrodes extending parallel to the out-of-plane displacement direction, the first electrodes and the second electrodes being located relative to each other so as to be interdigitated, in which the second electrodes are directly connected to the inertial mass and only part of the face of each mobile electrode is facing an electrode fixed at rest. |
| US11156458B2 |
MEMS gyroscope and electronic device including the same
A MEMS gyroscope is provided. The MEMS gyroscope includes a weight provided with elastic assemblies at four corners thereof. The elastic assemblies are arranged in one of diagonal directions of the weight. An electronic device is also provided applying the gyroscope of the present invention. |
| US11156448B2 |
Interference observation device and interference observation method
An interference observation apparatus includes a light source, a splitting beam splitter, a combining beam splitter, a mirror, a beam splitter, a mirror, a piezo element, a stage, a photodetector, an image acquisition unit, and a current control unit. An interference optical system from the splitting beam splitter to the combining beam splitter forms a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The current control unit controls a wavelength of laser light output from the light source to adjust a phase difference between two split light components at the combining by the combining beam splitter. |
| US11156447B2 |
Continuous gap measurement
A gap measurement device. The device has a circuit having a variable inductor and a capacitor. The variable inductor has an indicator. The device has a gap that includes a gap measurement and a gap length. The gap measurement is related to the inductance. The gap is configured to receive at least a portion of the variable inductor while the variable inductor moves along the gap length. The movement of the variable inductor along the gap length causes the inductance to change in response to the gap measurement. |
| US11156445B2 |
Tape measure
A device for measuring length of an object, comprising a coilable tape having a plurality of machine-readable measurement codes on at least one surface, each of the plurality of machine-readable measurement codes encoding for a length value corresponding to a length, a scan engine having a reading zone through which the coilable tape can be extended, the scan engine being configured to detect a machine-readable measurement code positioned within a reading zone, a processor in communication with the scan engine, and an output means selected from one or more of a visual display, a wireless transmitter, a memory, and a remote device, wherein upon extending the coilable tape to a particular length, such that the machine-readable measurement code encoding for the corresponding length value is positioned within the reading zone, the scan engine detects the machine-readable measurement code, receives the corresponding length value and provides the corresponding length value to the processor, the processor processes the corresponding length value, and provides the processed length value to the output means. |
| US11156443B2 |
Non-lethal projectile construction and launcher
A nonlethal projectile includes a payload for immobilizing and/or identifying a target. The projectile is capable of separating or otherwise opening after launch by a launcher to release the payload prior to impact with a target. The launcher is capable of initiating separation of the projectile. Opening may also be accomplished by a control circuit with a radio-frequency identification (RFID), where an RFID tag in the projectile causes the projectile to open at a specified distance from the launcher. The launcher may include a trigger and/or a safety switch to prevent the projectile from becoming armed until a certain parameter is met. A magazine or breech assembly of the launcher may energize the projectile prior to launch of the projectile. |
| US11156439B2 |
Actuator assemblies and methods of assembling the same
Various implementations include a self-coupling initiator including one or more integrated features that allow the initiator to be installed within a housing tube without a forming or fastening operation. The integrated features are able to be coupled to a drop protection cap. The drop protection cap extends around at least a portion of a head portion of the initiator and abuts the structure of the outer housing so that force imparted on the drop protection cap from a drop test is transferred to a direct compression load on the cap and housing, instead of the force being transferred to the initiator. In addition, the initiator may include one or more clip features that allow the initiator to clip into the housing. In such embodiments, the drop protection cap may also prevent the clips from being disengaged with the housing. |
| US11156438B2 |
Stun gun with illumination and siren
The invention relates to a stun gun with illumination and siren. The stun gun generates a high-voltage pulse instantaneously through the transformer, stuns the contacted creature into dazed or shock for self-defense. The function of existing stun gun is relatively single, and the structure is not compact enough, it is inconvenient for use. If integrating more function in the existing stun gun, the structure of the stun gun will be complicated and it will be even more inconvenient for use. |
| US11156432B1 |
Protective coverings and related methods for entangling projectiles
A grappling assembly is provided for use with an entangling projectile. The grappling assembly includes at least one hook including an apex portion and a sharpened prong extending distally from the apex portion. A protective cover is carried adjacent the apex portion of the at least one hook. The protective cover includes at least one substantially planar surface. The protective cover is positioned relative to the at least one hook such that the sharpened prong of the at least one hook extends distally from the protective cover and thereby remains exposed while the protective cover is carried adjacent the apex portion of the at least one hook. |
| US11156425B2 |
Composite striker for firearm simulator
A composite striker for a firearm simulator which employs a firing pin and provides pneumatic recoil. The composite striker including at least a first segment constructed of a material which is softer than the firing pin and at least a second segment being suitable for displacing a valve in order to initiate the pneumatic recoil. |
| US11156421B2 |
Firearm and methods for operation and manufacture thereof
Methods and systems are provided for a firearm. The firearm may also include features facilitating efficient assembly/disassembly of the action such as a disassembly latch facilitating rapid and efficient removal of the firearm's action assembly and well as efficient action manufacturing methods. |
| US11156419B1 |
Geolocation-reporting weapon-tracking device
Provided is a method that includes determining a device geolocation based on a satellite signal received by a weapon-tracking device and receiving a sensor reading using a sensor attached to the weapon-tracking device, wherein the sensor is sensitive to a use of the weapon. The instructions include determining that a change in the sensor reading satisfies a change threshold and, in response to a determination that the change threshold is satisfied, transmitting device state data to a wireless signal receiver via a wireless signal, wherein the device state data comprises a device identifier and the device geolocation. The instructions further include storing the device identifier and the device geolocation in a data server in communication with the wireless signal receiver and transmitting a message based on the device identifier and device geolocation to a client from the data server. |
| US11156416B2 |
System for loading pellets
A system for loading pellets that includes a stock (1) on which a chamber (2) is fixed, said chamber (2) ends externally with a fork (102) wherein the barrel is articulated a barrel, the barrel (3) comprising a pellet chamber (5), a magazine (12) of pellets (13) and articulating means (4), characterized in that it comprises: a first structure (6) with central section (9) and two ends (7, 8) which is housed in fork (102) of chamber (2), a support (101) wherein the central section (9) of structure (6) with forward and reverse movement thereof is positioned, at least partially, a housing (100) for said magazine (12), and a pushing means (11), linked to the structure (6), arranged on the support (101). |
| US11156414B2 |
Recoil system for use in some types of rifles
The present device is a shortened recoil system designed to replace the AR-15 type recoil system, comprising the standard recoil systems of many commonly used rifles including the AR-10, AR-15, M-16 and M-4. This shortened recoil system removes or replaces the parts of the traditional recoil system located in the stocks of these rifles and place the entire recoil system within the receiver, while maintaining the alignment of the recoil system with the barrel of the rifle. A major advantage of the present system is that it allows the rifle to be fired with a folded stock or even with no stock at all, as no part of the present recoil system is located within the stock. |
| US11156410B2 |
Energy storage device
Provided is an energy storage device, including: a first heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between gas and solid particles; a gas supplier configured to supply gas to the first heat exchanger; a heater configured to consume power to heat any one of or both of gas fed from the gas supplier to be supplied to the first heat exchanger and gas present in the first heat exchanger; a solid-gas separator configured to separate gas and solid in a solid-gas mixture discharged from the first heat exchanger; a high-temperature tank and a low-temperature tank each configured to store the solid particles separated by the solid-gas separator; a first heat utilization device configured to use thermal energy of the gas separated by the solid-gas separator; a high-temperature particle supplier configured to supply the solid particles stored in the high-temperature tank to the first heat exchanger; and a low-temperature particle supplier configured to supply the solid particles stored in the low-temperature tank to the first heat exchanger. |
| US11156409B2 |
Coolant-cooled heat sinks with internal thermally-conductive fins joined to the cover
Coolant-cooled heat sinks and methods of fabrication are provided with a coolant-carrying compartment between a cover and a heat transfer base. The heat transfer base includes a heat transfer surface to couple to a component to be cooled, and a plurality of thermally-conductive fins extending into the coolant-carrying compartment from a surface of the heat transfer base opposite to the heat transfer surface. One or more grooves are provided in an interface surface of the cover and fins, and wicking element(s) are positioned within, at least in part, the groove(s). A joining material is provided between the cover and fins to join the plurality of thermally-conductive fins to the cover. The wicking element(s) within, at least in part, the groove(s) facilitate retaining the joining material over the plurality of thermally-conductive fins during joining of the cover and fins. |
| US11156408B2 |
Heat sink with condensing fins and phase change material
The heat sink with condensing fins and phase change material is formed from a thermally conductive housing, an internal chamber, and a body of liquid phase change material. The thermally conductive housing has a first wall and an opposed second wall and forms an internal chamber. The first wall of the thermally conductive housing is adapted to be in direct contact with one or more heat sources. The body of liquid phase change material is disposed within the internal chamber. The second wall of the thermally conductive housing is adapted to form a plurality of condensing fins. The plurality of condensing fins may contain at least one high thermal conductivity rod. In some embodiments, a high thermal conductivity medium, such as gallium, is disposed within the internal chamber in direct contact with the first wall of the thermally conductive housing. |
| US11156402B2 |
Apparatus and method for melting metal material
Apparatus for melting metal material comprising a container for metal material, by way of example, but not limited to, metal scrap, DRI, cast iron, supplied in an electric arc-type melting furnace, and a plurality of electrodes to melt the metal material, which can be inserted in said container. |
| US11156400B2 |
Method for manufacturing honeycomb structure
A method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure, includes: a step of manufacturing a honeycomb formed body to manufacture a non-fired honeycomb formed body, the non-fired honeycomb formed body including a raw material composition containing a ceramic raw material, 0.5 to 5.0 mass % of pore former and water; an induction drying step of drying the manufactured non-fired honeycomb formed body by induction drying to obtain a honeycomb dried body; and a firing step of firing the obtained honeycomb dried body to obtain a honeycomb structure. The induction drying step is to remove 20 to 80% of the entire water that the non-fired honeycomb formed body contained before drying by induction drying to obtain a first dried honeycomb formed body, then turn the first dried honeycomb formed body upside down and remove the residual water by further induction drying to obtain the honeycomb dried body. |
| US11156396B2 |
Side access panel for an appliance
An appliance cabinet includes first and second sidewalls. A rear wall is disposed between the first and second sidewalls. A machine compartment is defined by a lower portion of the rear wall. An attachment feature defines openings and is coupled to at least one of the first and second sidewalls. A side access panel is selectively coupled to at least one of the first and second sidewalls via fasteners extending through the openings defined by the attachment feature. |
| US11156392B2 |
Method and apparatus for staged startup of air-cooled low charged packaged ammonia refrigeration system
An apparatus for staged startup of air-cooled low charged packaged ammonia refrigeration system includes motorized valves on condenser coil inlets, a main compressor discharge motorized valve, a bypass pressure regulator valve in the main compressor piping, and check valves on the condenser outlets. The condenser inlet motorized valves provide precise control of gas feed to the condensers, so pressure can build without collapsing oil pressure. The condenser outlet contains check valves to prevent liquid backflow during coil isolation. The compressor discharge line contains a motorized valve for regulating discharge pressure at start-up. The motorized valve in the compressor discharge piping includes a bypass with a pressure regulator for precise regulation at minimum discharge pressure. Once discharge pressure rises above the setpoint, the condenser inlet solenoid coils open one at a time. The discharge pressure regulating motorized valve simultaneously regulates the discharge pressure until the condenser maintains discharge pressure. |
| US11156391B2 |
Refrigeration cycle apparatus
A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a heat source unit configured to supply refrigerant, a first distribution unit and a second distribution unit respectively connected to the heat source unit, and a distribution pipe located between the heat source unit and the first distribution unit and the second distribution unit for distributing the refrigerant flowing from the heat source unit into the first distribution unit and the second distribution unit. Further, the first distribution unit and the second distribution unit individually include a heat exchanger configured to serve as a condenser. Further, if the refrigerant flowing through the distribution pipe is unevenly distributed into the first distribution unit and the second distribution unit, a degree of subcooling at an outlet of the heat exchanger of one of the first distribution unit and the second distribution unit of which the distributed refrigerant is of high quality is increased. |
| US11156389B2 |
Method for solar heating a duplex engine
A solar energy powered Stirling duplex cooler is presented which includes a Stirling engine and a Stirling cooler. The Stirling engine drives the Stirling cooler to produce cold temperatures for refrigeration or air conditioning. The Stirling duplex cooler includes a solar concentrator to focus high temperature solar radiation upon the Stirling engine expansion space. The Stirling duplex cooler further includes a thermal storage tank to receive and store heat rejected from the cooler expansion space. This stored heat is used to operate the cooler at night. A flywheel connected operatively to engine and cooler expansion space pistons and a crankshaft connected operatively to engine and cooler compression space pistons actuate the pistons to move a working fluid between the expansion and compression spaces. |
| US11156388B2 |
Cryogenic refrigeration device
Cryogenic refrigeration device comprising a working circuit intended to cool a working fluid circulating in the said circuit, the working circuit comprising, arranged in series in a loop: a compression portion, a cooling portion, a portion with valve(s), an expansion portion and a reheating portion, in order to subject the working fluid to a recuperative working cycle comprising compression, then cooling, then expansion and then reheating to prepare for a new cycle, wherein the compression portion comprises at least one compressor having a linear piston driven by a linear motor, the expansion proportion comprises at least one expander with a linear piston, the portion with valve(s) comprises at least one regulating valve linearly actuated by a linear motor and controlled in order to supply or extract the working fluid from the at least one expansion piston. |
| US11156385B2 |
Pumped thermal storage cycles with working fluid management
The present disclosure provides pumped thermal energy storage systems that can be used to store electrical energy. A pumped thermal energy storage system of the present disclosure can store energy by operating as a heat pump or refrigerator, whereby net work input can be used to transfer heat from the cold side to the hot side. A working fluid of the system is capable of efficient heat exchange with heat storage fluids on a hot side of the system and on a cold side of the system. The system can extract energy by operating as a heat engine transferring heat from the hot side to the cold side, which can result in net work output. Systems of the present disclosure can employ solar heating for improved storage efficiency. |
| US11156384B2 |
Solar water taking and power generating device and method for water taking and power generating
In a solar water taking and power generating device, a concentrating-cooling plate encloses the opening, and at least one freshwater collecting channel is formed between the seawater tank and the concentrating-cooling plate; a cation exchange membrane includes a semiconductor film body, nanoparticles, and a capillary water-transporting conduit, wherein the semiconductor film body is provided with cation-selective channels; sunlight illuminates the cation exchange membrane and the nanoparticles through the concentrating-cooling plate, so that the first temperature, the first seawater concentration and the first electric potential in the first side are higher than those in the second side, respectively. The evaporated seawater enters the freshwater tank after condensed, and the cations transfer from the first side to the second side to form an ionic current. |
| US11156383B2 |
High efficiency heater with condensate collection and humidification
A heater having a burner, a first heat exchanger associated with the burner, a second heat exchanger above the first heat exchanger in fluid cooperation with the first heat exchanger and an ambient air intake blower above the second heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger comprises angularly disposed finned section so condensate within the second heat exchanger flows to a collection point and is collected in a trap. The trap includes a sensor to sense buildup of fluid in the trap with feedback to the heater controls. The heater may include a collection pan below the heat exchangers in fluid communication with the trap. In one aspect the collection pan may include a heating element to vaporize the fluid so that heated, humidified air is expelled through vents adjacent the base of the heater. In another aspect, the pan includes an ultrasonic vaporization element to vaporize fluid in the pan. |
| US11156379B2 |
Air conditioner system
Disclosed is an air conditioner system comprising at least one outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units. The plurality of units may be grouped into one or more groups. A wireless communication module may be provided at each of the plurality of units and configured to perform wireless communication using a Sub-GHz frequency band. The wireless communication module may include an encoder configured to encode a predetermined signal, a modulator configured to modulate the encoded signal according to Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) using multiple subcarriers, at least one antenna having an antenna pattern formed on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), and configured to output a signal based on the modulated signal, a demodulator configured to demodulate a signal received at the at least one antenna, according to the OFDM, and a decoder configured to decode the demodulated signal. Accordingly, a high-quality wireless communication environment may be implemented. |
| US11156372B2 |
Indoor unit for ceiling-concealed air-conditioning apparatus, and ceiling-concealed air-conditioning apparatus including the same
An indoor unit for a ceiling-concealed air-conditioning apparatus includes an indoor-unit body having an air inlet at a bottom, a decorative panel provided at the bottom of the indoor-unit body and serving as a design surface, and an inlet grille flap rotatably supported by the decorative panel and covering the air inlet. The inlet grille flap is provided with rotational-axis hinges positioned on both sides at one edge of the inlet grille flap and serving as a rotational axis of the inlet grille flap, and a latch part positioned between the two rotational-axis hinges and projecting from the one edge. The decorative panel has a flange positioned below the latch part and supporting the latch part from below when the inlet grille flap is closed. |
| US11156370B2 |
Hydraulic distributer for a hydraulic heating and/or cooling system
A hydraulic manifold for hydraulic heating and/or cooling systems includes a feed conduit and a return conduit. The feed conduit includes at least one feed connection and the return conduit includes at least one return connection, for the connection of a load circuit. The manifold has a modular construction with a main module and connected load module(s). The main module includes a section of the feed conduit and/or of the return conduit as well as an electric connection. The load module includes a section of the feed conduit with a feed connection, and/or a section of the return conduit with a return connection, as well as at least one regulating device for regulating the flow through a load circuit connected to the feed connection and to the return connection. The main module includes a manifold control device for the control of the regulating device in the load module(s). |
| US11156368B2 |
Range exhaust hood cleaning system
An exhaust hood cleaning system for commercial kitchen installations, having a wash control cabinet connected to one or more exhaust hoods over cooking appliance ranges, where each exhaust hood includes a spraying array subsystem within the exhaust hood and a fogging subsystem within the connected flue for the exhaust hood. The exhaust hood cleaning system is electronically controlled, receiving input instructions from any one or combination of an operator interface, fire suppression systems of the building in which the system is installed, and environmental control systems of the building in which the system is installed. |
| US11156365B2 |
Heating device for a hob, and hob
A heating device for a hob has a flat rectangular carrier with an outer edge, two heating elements which each have a heating conductor and which together form a heating area and which are fastened on the carrier, wherein each heating element defines a partial heating area, and the partial heating areas are situated inside the rectangular shape of the carrier. The heating elements and their partial heating areas can be operated independently of one another. The partial heating areas of the heating elements do not intersect. A first partial heating area is rectangular and extends, by way of at least one of its outer sides, to the outer edge of the carrier and runs parallel in relation to the outer edge. A second partial heating area covers the portion of the rest of the carrier which is left free by the first partial heating area. Various configurations of heated areas can be achieved owing to the independent operation. |
| US11156363B2 |
Dirt tolerant pins for combustor panels
A gas turbine engine component assembly including: a first component having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; and a second component having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface of the second component, and a plurality of pin fins extending away from the second surface of the second component, the first surface of the first component and the second surface of the second component defining a cooling channel therebetween, wherein the plurality of pin fins extend into the cooling channel, wherein each of the plurality of pin fins have a pointed ellipse shape. |
| US11156362B2 |
Combustor with axially staged fuel injection
A combustor with axially staged fuel injection includes an endcover and a fuel injector that extends axially downstream from the endcover. The fuel injector includes a cylindrical shell formed by an outer wall and an inner wall. A first plurality of outlets is circumferentially spaced across the inner wall. A first plurality of premix channels is defined between the outer wall and the inner wall. Each premix channel of the first plurality of premix channels is in fluid communication with a fuel supply, a compressed air supply and a respective outlet of the first plurality of outlets. |
| US11156355B2 |
Water-tube boiler with concentric heat-exchange coils with ash-removal system
The disclosure relates to a water-tube boiler with concentric heat-exchange coils with an ash-removal system, which includes a coil-shaped heat-exchange tube forming a coil with layers having a section concentric with the turns of the coils joined laterally, wherein when the boiler is operational, the heat-exchange tube turns with a rotary movement on the axis of the coil and is heated via a forced-ventilation hot-air intake that flows through the layers having a concentric section in order to generate a movement of the ash and the slag, moving them through the layers having a concentric section following a path, allowing them to be extracted via output collectors. |
| US11156354B2 |
Method for evaluating fouling of a heat exchanger
The invention relates to a method for evaluation of fouling of passages of a spacer plate (10) of a tubular heat exchanger (11), wherein first, second and third pressure sensors (31, 32, 33) are arranged, the method comprising steps of: (a) during a transient operation phase of the heat exchanger determination of a value over time of Wide Range Level NGL, from the measurements of the first and third pressure sensors (31, 33), and of a value over time of Narrow Range Level NGE, from the measurements of the second and third pressure sensors (31, 33); (b) determination of a value over time of Steam Range Level deviation ΔNGV, corresponding to the NGL from which a component representative of a variation of free water surface in the heat exchanger has been filtered, from the values of NGL and NGE; (c) comparison of the determined value of ΔNGV with a set of reference profiles ΔNGVi for said transient operation phase of the heat exchanger, each reference profile ΔNGVi being associated with a level of fouling so as to identify a target reference profile ΔNGVopt among the reference profiles ΔNGVi for said transient operation phase of the heat exchanger, which is that closest to the determined value ΔNGV. (d) restored on an interface (3) of the level of fouling associated with the identified target reference profile ΔNGVopt. |
| US11156349B2 |
Flash lamp
The present invention provides a lamp capable of preventing an increase in weight and dissipating heat of the LED module. The lamp of the present invention includes an LED module serving as a light source, a heat transfer unit, a light distribution unit, a casing including an opening, and a light transmissive cover. The LED module includes plural LEDs and an LED substrate having an LED-mounting surface on which the plural LEDs are mounted. The light distribution unit is disposed on a light emitting side of the LED module. The LED module and the light distribution unit are disposed in the casing. The light transmissive cover is disposed over the opening of the casing. The LED module is disposed in the casing to be distanced from the casing. The heat transfer unit is disposed such that heat of the LED module can be dissipated into the casing. |
| US11156347B2 |
Panel light apparatus with folding hooks
The back plate has four lateral walls and a bottom plate. A back side of the bottom plate includes multiple sets of folding hooks. Each set corresponds a different installation platform. One of the multiple sets of folding hooks is folded to be used for hooking to a corresponding installation platform. The light source module has multiple LED modules disposed on the bottom plate. Each LED module has a LED device and a lens. The lens diffuses a light of the LED device to be evenly emitted from the lens and broadening an output angle of the light via the lens. The diffusion plate with a peripheral edge is fixed to the four lateral walls of the back plate. The driver cover is attached to an external side of one of the four walls of the back plate. The driver cover defines a container cavity for concealing the driver module. |
| US11156346B2 |
Fan out structure for light-emitting diode (LED) device and lighting system
LED lighting systems and vehicle headlamp systems are described. An LED lighting system includes a silicon backplane having a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces and a substrate surrounding the side surfaces of the silicon backplane, the substrate having a top surface, a bottom surface and side surfaces. First redistribution layers are provided on the top surface of the silicon backplane and the top surface of the substrate. Second redistribution layers are provided on the bottom surface of the silicon backplane and the bottom surface of the substrate. At least one via extends through the substrate between the first redistribution layers and the second redistribution layers and is filled with a metal material. |
| US11156342B2 |
Illumination device for a simulation arrangement for motor vehicle accidents
The illumination device comprises a plurality of illumination units (21), each illumination unit (21) comprising a light source (21.1) for emitting a radiation beam (21.1A) and at least one laser beam source (21.2) for emitting at least one laser beam (21.2A), and a plurality of actuator means (22), wherein each actuator means (22) is connected to an illumination unit (21) and is adapted to change an orientation of the illumination unit (21) based on a detected beam direction of the laser beam (21.2A). |
| US11156339B2 |
Luminaire with uplighting and downlighting capabilities
A luminaire with uplighting and downlighting capabilities is provided. According to one aspect, the luminaire may include a housing, a light source disposed in the housing, and a lens. The light source may be configured to emit light in a downward direction, and the lens may at least partially cover the light source. An opening may be formed in a top part of the housing and may permit light reflected by an interior surface of the lens to be transmitted in an upward direction from the housing. Optionally, a transparent or translucent cover member may at least partially cover the opening in the top part of the housing. |
| US11156338B2 |
Lamp unit, vehicle lamp, and method for manufacturing lamp unit
A lamp unit includes a light source, and a socket on which the light source unit is mounted. The socket includes a light source holder that holds the light source, and a connector that supplies power to the light source, and the light source holder includes a recess extending along a light source unit mounting surface from an outside to a portion immediately below the light source. |
| US11156336B1 |
Lighting apparatus for vehicle
A lighting apparatus of a vehicle is provided to allow irradiation of light to be diffused into a surrounding area together with a lighting area in which the light is irradiated. The is irradiated even from a bumper or a grille of the vehicle. In addition, in an area in which the irradiation of the light is diffused in the vehicle in addition to the lighting area, the diffusion of the light is selectively determined. |
| US11156324B2 |
Clamping mechanism and handheld gimbal
The present disclosure relates to a field of shooting support device, and to a clamping mechanism and a handheld gimbal. The clamping mechanism includes an upper clamping portion, a lower clamping portion opposite to the upper clamping portion, a clamping arm connected to the upper clamping portion and the lower clamping portion, a connecting aim rotably connected with the clamping arm, and a locking component. The locking component limits relative rotation of the clamping arm and the connecting arm. The locking component is disposed on a rotational connection position of the clamping armor and the connecting arm. |
| US11156321B2 |
Apparatus and method for loading a pig into a pipeline
An apparatus and related method are provided for loading a pig into a pipeline. The apparatus includes a tubular reducer, a rigid member for attachment to a cable and including a pig-engaging surface, and a guide member slidingly engaged by the rigid member to permit axial movement, while limiting radial movement, of the rigid member in relation to the reducer. In use, when the reducer is aligned concentrically with the pipeline end with the front end of the reducer bearing axially, either directly or indirectly, against the pipeline end, and the pig-engaging surface is disposed axially rearward of the reducer, increased tension in the cable pulls the rigid member axially forward relative to the pipeline, whereupon the attached pig-engaging surface pushes the pig through the reducer and into the pipeline interior. |
| US11156312B1 |
Tensile capacity electrofusion pipeline systems and methods
Techniques for implementing a pipeline system that includes a pipe segment and a pipe fitting. The pipe segment includes tubing, which includes an inner barrier layer that defines a pipe bore, a reinforcement layer implemented around the inner barrier layer to define a fluid conduit, and an outer barrier layer implemented around the reinforcement layer, and a tensile clip secured to the tubing such that clip legs of the tensile clip are secured around the reinforcement layer. The pipe fitting includes electrofusion material implemented to define a fitting bore and a tubing cavity in which the tubing is to be secured and a tensile hook partially embedded within the electrofusion material such that a hook bend extends into the tubing cavity, in which the hook bend matingly interlock with a loop end of the tensile clip to facilitate transferring tensile force between the reinforcement layer and the pipe fitting. |
| US11156311B2 |
Armour for flexible pipe comprising a one-way composite profile section and a reinforcing strip
A composite armour for a flexible pipe includes a composite profile and a reinforcement tape. The composite profile includes longitudinally oriented reinforcement fibres embedded in a polymer matrix. The reinforcement tape includes a woven tape comprising fibres impregnated with a polymer material, in such a way that the weft thread of the reinforcement tape is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the profile, and the warp thread is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the profile. |
| US11156306B2 |
Motor and valve drive device
To suppress variation, among rotors, in a relative position between the position of magnetic poles of a magnet and the rotation position (for example, the position of teeth of a pinion) of an integral rotation unit configured to rotate integrally with the rotor main body. A motor includes: a rotor including a magnet fixed to an outer periphery of a rotor main body, and an integral rotation unit assembled to the rotor main body; and a spindle configured to rotatably support the rotor. The magnet includes a positioning marker used when the rotor main body is fixed to the magnet, and the integral rotation unit and the rotor main body are configured to be capable of being assembled in a set relative arrangement. |
| US11156305B2 |
Fluid control system
A screw hole of an upstream side joining block is formed only on an upstream side of a flow path port thereof in a longitudinal direction, a screw hole of a downstream side joining block is formed only on a downstream side of a flow path port thereof in the longitudinal direction and, between a guide part and an engaging part, an alignment mechanism aligns the positions of the upstream side and the downstream side joining blocks in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the guide part to a center position of the guide part by using a portion of a reaction force that resists a bending force produced by the tightening force of a tightening bolt on a body and the upstream side and the downstream side joining blocks connected to each other. |
| US11156303B2 |
Break check valve for hydrant
A hydrant includes: a hydrant body defining a hydrant inner cavity, the hydrant configured to couple to and be in fluid communication with a fluid distribution system including a fluid therein under pressure; and a break check valve coupled to the hydrant body, the valve including: a valve body defining a valve inner cavity, the hydrant inner cavity defining a valve bore in fluid communication with the fluid during normal operation of the hydrant; a valve member configured to rotate from an open position to a closed position of the valve; and an arm in contact with the hydrant and configured to prevent movement of the valve member when the hydrant is coupled to the valve, the valve defining a hole separate from the valve bore and in fluid communication with each of the hydrant inner cavity and the valve inner cavity. |
| US11156293B2 |
Metal gasket
A metal gasket containing a metal plate having an opening portion and having a seal bead having a bent cross-sectional shape formed along the opening portion in order to suppress a variation in the height of the seal bead due to a tensile stress generated in the outer periphery of the seal bead in the molding of the seal bead is provided with a lightening hole extending along the outer periphery of the seal bead, in which the distance between the lightening hole and the seal bead is constant. |
| US11156292B2 |
Pressure sensor unit with circular gasket
An apparatus includes a gasket and a housing assembly. The gasket may have (i) a compression region around an outer perimeter, (ii) a sloped region adjoining the compression region, (iii) a central region and (iv) a passage in communication with an exterior of the apparatus. The housing assembly may have a sealing edge and may be configured to hold a sensor. The sealing edge may compress the gasket in the compression region and in the sloped region. The sensor (a) may seal to the central region of the gasket and (b) may be in communication with the exterior of the apparatus through the passage. |
| US11156290B2 |
Rotary actuator including a housing
In at least some implementations, a rotary actuator includes a drive assembly including a motor and one or more gears coupled to and rotated by the motor, an output rotated by the drive assembly and a housing. The housing includes a first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion to define an interior in which at least part of the drive assembly is received. The housing also includes a first motor locating feature that engages the motor and positions the motor within the housing and prevents rotation of the motor, and a first gear locating feature that locates and retains the position of at least one of said one or more gears. The first motor locating feature and first gear locating feature are both integrally formed in the housing. |
| US11156289B2 |
Transmission shell, a transmission case and an actuator
A transmission shell is applied to an actuator, and an accommodating space for receiving a transmission assembly is formed in the transmission case, the transmission shell is provided with a first ventilation structure, and the first ventilation structure includes a venting hole and a blocking wall disposed around the venting hole; the venting hole is in gas communication with the accommodating space; the blocking wall is disposed on an outer periphery of the venting hole to form a buffering chamber communicating with the venting hole, and an opening is provided at an end away from the venting hole. The present disclosure also provides a transmission case and an actuator using the above transmission shell. The venting hole is effectively waterproof and moisture-proof without requiring a sealing element, and are simple in structure, easy to manufacture, and low in cost. |
| US11156283B2 |
Vehicle drivetrain differential assembly
A differential assembly includes a first case rotatable about an axis and defining a first mounting flange having a through hole and a second case abutting the first case to define a gear nest cavity therebetween. The second case further defines a second mounting flange having a through hole and formed to mate to the first mounting flange. The differential assembly also includes a ring gear mounted to the first mounting flange and fastener extending through the through hole of both the first mounting flange and second mounting flange into a fastener hole of the ring gear. Additionally, the first mounting flange is sandwiched between the second mounting flange and the ring gear. |
| US11156279B2 |
Torque converter with flow-control sleeve
A torque converter includes an impeller and a turbine configured to fluidly couple with the impeller. A bypass clutch has a hydraulically actuated piston, an apply chamber, and a compensation chamber. A turbine hub is attached to the turbine and has an inner circumferential surface defining axially extending teeth configured to connect with a shaft. A flow-control sleeve is axially spaced from the turbine hub and has a radial tab portion attached to the turbine. The sleeve defines an orifice in fluid communication with the apply chamber or the compensation chamber. |
| US11156275B2 |
Drive device and exhaust heat recovery device
The drive device drives a drive member and is provided with a power-side gear and a drive-side gear. The power-side gear is driven by a force output from a power source so as to drive the drive member in a range between a first stop position and a second stop position. In addition, the drive-side gear meshes with the power-side gear and transmits the force obtained from the power-side gear to the drive member. Also, the drive-side gear and the power-side gear are configured so as to disengage from each other when the drive member has reached the first stop position and/or the second stop position. |
| US11156265B2 |
Cable railing system and method of installation
A cable railing system is provided that includes cables connected to two or more supporting structures secured to a surface, for example vertical railing posts on a deck. The ends of the cables may be fitted with lag screws allowing the cable to be securely attached to the supporting structures. The lag screws have external threads that are larger than the diameter of the body where rotating the head component of the lag screws drive the lag screws into the supporting structures. The lag screws have a head component with a central bore and body component with a hollow cavity and an ending point whereby the cable is inserted into the hollow cavity through the central bore and positioned at the ending point where it then can be crimped in place and then tightened by twisting the head component. |
| US11156264B2 |
Diagonal zipper assembly for a draper belt
The subject disclosure provides a draper belt assembly for an agricultural harvester header that includes a draper belt and a zipper assembly along a length of the draper belt. The zipper assembly includes a first zipper track extending at a non-perpendicular angle from a fore end of a leading edge of the draper belt, a second zipper track complementary to the first zipper track extending at a second non-perpendicular angle from the fore end of a trailing edge of the draper belt, and a slider releasably connectable to the first zipper track and the second zipper track. |
| US11156263B2 |
MR mount with a dual hardness rubber decoupler
A hydraulic mount apparatus includes a housing having an upper and a lower portion disposed on a center axis and defining a housing chamber. A partition member is disposed in the housing chamber dividing the housing chamber into a pumping chamber and a receiving chamber. The pumping chamber extends between the upper portion and the partition member. The receiving chamber extends between the lower portion and the partition member. A decoupler attaches to the partition member separating the pumping and the receiving chambers. A moving member of elastomeric material, disposed in the pumping chamber, attaches to the decoupler. The moving member is molded from a first elastomeric material having a first hardness level and a second elastomeric material having a second hardness level with the first hardness level and the second hardness level being different from one another. The second hardness level is less than the first hardness level. |
| US11156262B2 |
System to predict failures in shock absorbers
A shock absorber system may include at least one sensor that is configured to measure an operating parameter of the shock absorber during operation of the shock. The operating parameter may comprise one or more of pressure, temperature, a position of a piston rod of the shock absorber, a velocity of the piston rod, and/or an acceleration of the piston rod. The system may be configured to evaluate measured operating parameter data and to predict a lifespan of the shock absorber and/or detect failure. |
| US11156258B2 |
Reactive super-elastic composite oilfield components
An oilfield tool can include a composite structure that includes a reactive shape-memory alloy element disposed at least in part in a filler material. |
| US11156250B2 |
Bearing assembly
A bearing assembly includes a first locating bearing and a second locating bearing configured to be mounted on a shaft. The first locating bearing includes a two-part outer ring formed from a radially inward outer ring and a radially outward outer ring, and a diameter of the inward outer ring is smaller than a diameter of the outward outer ring. |
| US11156248B2 |
Thread-forming screw
A thread-forming screw which is provided in particular for thin, perforated sheet metal contains a threaded shank which below the screw head is initially configured so as to be cylindrical and then continues to a conical forming portion. The screw shank within the forming portion has a rib forming an incomplete counter thread. |
| US11156246B2 |
Blind rivet having a shoulder shank and associated installation method
A rivet may include a pin comprising: a threaded portion (36), a shank (38) and a head (40); and a bushing (32) comprising an essentially cylindrical body, said body comprising a deformation zone designed to form an external bulge (80); a collar (70) designed to receive the head of the pin; and a tapped portion (66) designed to engage with the threaded portion of the pin. The shank (38) of the pin comprises a first cylindrical portion (44) and a second cylindrical portion (46) connected by a shoulder (48), the first portion being adjacent to the head and having a first diameter, the second portion being adjacent to the threaded portion and having a second, smaller diameter. |
| US11156243B2 |
Bolted joint of an offshore structure
A bolted joint of an offshore structure comprises first and second connecting elements, wherein the first connecting element forms part of an offshore tower or an offshore platform and the second connecting element forms part of a foundation structure. The first connecting element comprises a first flange and the second connecting element comprises a second flange, wherein the first and second flanges abut each other with through holes in alignment. One of the first and second connecting elements comprises an outer peripheral skirt covering a butt joint between the first and second flanges and defining an outer annular space surrounding the butt joint, One of the first and second connecting elements comprises a peripheral collar, the skirt and the collar confining the annular space, the sealing element being a compressible sealing element sandwiched between the skirt and the collar. |
| US11156242B2 |
Magnetic attachment device
A clamping device is provided that includes a first magnetic disc and a second magnetic disc, each of the discs located on a first sheet of flexible material a distance apart vertically and covered by at least a second sheet of flexible material, the first sheet of flexible material forming a hinge between the first and the second magnetic discs, and an outer surface of the clamping device. The second sheet of flexible material forms an inner surface of the clamping device and the inner surface of the clamping device has a textured surface thereon. |
| US11156238B2 |
Hydraulic rotary actuator
A shaft extending along a longitudinal axis has fluid channels that increase and decrease pressure in chambers formed between the interior ends of curved pistons and adjacent closed ends of curved chambers within which the pistons reciprocate as the chamber pressure increases and decreases. The chambers and pistons are in separate cylinder block segments extending outward from opposing sides of the shaft. Each segment may have two sides extending along radial planes and joined by a curved outer surface. Pistons may be provided in pairs and have an interior piston end of each piston in a different cavity in different segments. Exterior ends of each piston in a pair of pistons are connected to a piston connector that extends inwardly from a housing so the housing rotates with the pistons. |
| US11156237B2 |
Hydraulic braking emergency utilization for steering, braking, charging accumulator(s), and/or work functions to reduce or prevent engine from overspeed, assist acceleration and/or unlimited towing
A system and method configured to direct the braking energy from a high-pressure port at the motor side of a hydraulic circuit to emergency steering, braking, accumulator(s) charging, and/or various work functions. The system and method are also configured to return hydraulic fluid back to the same high-pressure port when the motor is running as a pump. |
| US11156228B2 |
Centrifugal compressor
A centrifugal compressor includes a compressor and a scroll which is disposed around the impeller and in which a flow passage including a scroll flow passage is formed in a rotation direction of the impeller, in which the scroll includes a discharge portion connected to a winding end portion of the scroll flow passage—and a winding start portion connected to the discharge portion and the winding start portion on a fluid suction side in a direction along a rotation axis of the impeller is connected to the discharge portion at an obtuse angle. |
| US11156225B2 |
Flow generating device
An embodiment of the present invention relates to a flow generating device comprising: a main body comprising a first suction part and a second suction part disposed at sides opposite to each other, a first inner discharge part through which air suctioned into the first suction part passes, a second inner discharge part through which air suctioned into the second suction part passes, and at least one outer discharge part through which air passing through the first inner discharge part and air passing through the second inner discharge part are discharged to the outside; a first fan disposed between the first suction part and the first inner discharge part; and a second fan disposed between the second suction part and the second inner discharge part. |
| US11156224B2 |
Backpack blower
A blower including a housing at least partially defining a chamber, a motor including a drive shaft defining a rotational axis, an impeller driven by the motor to generate an air flow in the chamber, and a coupler operably connected between the drive shaft and the impeller. The chamber may have an axial height which increases from a position proximate a back plate to a position spaced from the back plate. The chamber may have a non-circular cross-section proximate a chamber outlet, and a tube assembly in fluid communication with the chamber may have a tube inlet with a non-circular cross-section. The impeller may define two separate airflow paths each having an inlet and an outlet. |
| US11156220B2 |
Compressor for compressed air supply and pneumatic systems
A compressor for producing compressed air, in particular for a compressed air supply system of a vehicle, includes an electric motor in the form of a brushed direct current electric motor. The compressor has at least one first and one second compressor step, which can be driven by the electric motor. The motor can be controlled by means of an electronic control module of a control device by limiting an operational flow of the motor. |
| US11156218B2 |
Humidifier and airway pressure support system including same
A humidifier is for an airway pressure support system for delivering a humidified flow of breathing gas to a patient. The humidifier includes a water chamber, a conduit, a nozzle, a heater plate, and a separator feature. The conduit includes first and second ends, and a wall portion defining an interior pathway between the first and second ends and structured to convey the flow of breathing gas between the first and second ends. The nozzle is fluidly connected to the water chamber and configured to produce a water droplet from water received from the water chamber. The heater plate is coupled to the wall portion, exposed to the interior pathway, and positioned to receive the water droplet from the nozzle. The separator feature is coupled to the wall portion and configured to shield the water droplet from the flow of breathing gas. |
| US11156216B2 |
Zipper tab assembly with exhausting/inflating functions
The present invention discloses a zipper tab assembly with exhausting and/or inflating functions. The zipper tab assembly includes a housing, an electric air pump disposed inside the housing and configured to exhaust or inflate, and a power terminal having an input port and an output port. The input port protrudes out of the housing, and the output port is disposed inside the housing and electrically connected to the electric air pump. The zipper tab assembly further includes a hook disposed outside the housing and connected to the housing. The zipper tab assembly of the present invention has exhausting and/or inflating functions and has the advantages of practicability, convenient utilization, small size, light weight, convenient wearing and convenient carrying. |
| US11156215B2 |
Hydraulic-powered air compressor
A portable hydraulic-powered air compressor system detachably connected to a hydraulic power system of a vehicle may include a reciprocating compressor. The reciprocating compressor may include a compression cylinder, and a compressor piston assembly that may be movably disposed within the compression cylinder. Opposite sides of the compressor piston assembly may respectively define a rod chamber and a front chamber in an interior of the compression cylinder. The front chamber may include an air intake port. The compressor piston assembly may include a one-way valve that may be configured to fluidically connect the rod chamber and the front chamber in response to an air pressure in the front chamber being higher than an air pressure in the rod chamber. The hydraulic-powered air compressor system may further include a hydraulic actuating mechanism detachably connected to the hydraulic power system. The hydraulic actuating mechanism may be coupled to a piston rod of the compressor piston and may be configured to drive a reciprocating motion of the compressor piston within the compression cylinder. |
| US11156207B2 |
Operation of a wind turbine during grid loss using a power storage unit
The present invention relates to operation of a wind turbine using a power storage unit, such as a rechargeable battery, to power a group of power consuming units during grid loss. The wind turbine comprises a number of power consuming units being grouped into at least a first group and a second group, a first electrical converter for connecting the generator to the electrical grid, and a second electrical converter for connecting the electrical generator to the power storage unit. Upon detecting an occurrence of the grid loss, the generator is operated to ensure sufficient power of the power storage unit to operate the first group of power consuming units. |
| US11156206B2 |
System and method for applying a pitch motor braking torque to a wind turbine rotor blade
A system and method are provided for applying a pitch motor braking torque to a rotor blade. Accordingly, of the pitch control system from a 1st operational mode to an emergency operational mode is initiated. The pitch motor of the pitch control system having an absence of supply current during the transition. A short-circuit is established across the Armature of the pitch motor so as to establish a current flow. The current is generated by the pitch motor in response to rotation of the rotor blade about the pitch axis when the pitch motor has the absence of supply current. In response to the current flow being generated, generating a braking torque in a single direction with the pitch motor so as to allow the rotor blade to move freely to a lesser loaded orientation relative to an original orientation to protect the wind turbine from damage. |
| US11156205B2 |
Method for controlling a wind turbine with increased safety
A wind turbine with at least one rotor blade and at least one pith drive for turning the at least one rotor blade, the wind turbine comprising a controller which analyses the wind turbine if a first error situation or a second error situation occurs and wherein the controller is adapted to react to the first error situation in absence of a second error situation with a first error procedure, to a second error situation in absence of the first error situation with a second error procedure, and to an error situation where the first error and the second error occur at the same time with a third error procedure that is different to the first error procedure and to the second error procedure. |
| US11156200B2 |
Tethered ballast systems for point absorbing wave energy converters and method of use thereof
Point absorbing wave energy converters that do not require a rigid structure, are easy to deploy and are economically viable for a variety of deployments are disclosed herein below. The system includes a point absorber wave energy converter and a flexible component and ballast combination, where the flexible component and ballast combination includes a ballast subsystem and a flexible linear component extending from the point absorber wave energy converter to the ballast subsystem and operatively connected at one end to the ballast subsystem and at another end to the point absorber wave energy converter. The flexible component and ballast combination configured to provide a strong drag force when moving upward in a water column and a weak drag force when sinking in the water column. |
| US11156195B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjustable fuel pressure module
Method and apparatus for adjustable fuel pressure module. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for regulating fuel pressure comprises a body configured to mate to a fuel filter housing, a spring seat assembly configured to seal an opening in the fuel filter housing according to a force applied by a pressure regulating spring acting on the spring seat assembly, and a pressure regulating spring adjusting assembly mounted to the body, configured to constrain an adjustable length of the pressure regulating spring, wherein the spring is constrained between the spring seat assembly and the pressure regulating spring adjusting assembly. A force exerted upon the spring seat assembly by the pressure regulating spring corresponds to a desirable fuel pressure. The spring seat assembly is configured to unseal the opening in the fuel filter housing responsive to a fuel pressure greater than the desirable fuel pressure. |
| US11156191B2 |
Internal combustion engine with cross-boosting turbochargers
An internal combustion engine having two “banks” of cylinders, the “banks” being defined by cross-connection to different turbochargers. The exhaust from one bank of cylinders goes to a first turbocharger, and the exhaust from the other bank of cylinders goes to a second turbocharger. However, the compressed air delivered from the turbochargers is cross-connected to the cylinder banks. This allows a cylinder bank to be boosted with a turbocharger whose compressed air output does not necessarily match the exhaust energy of that cylinder bank. |
| US11156189B2 |
Metering valve for a gaseous medium
The invention relates to a metering valve (1) for a gaseous medium, in particular for a gaseous fuel, comprising a preferably planar valve seat element (2) having at least one flow-through opening (3) for the gaseous medium, a closing element (4) movable in a stroke-like manner and interacting in a sealing manner with the valve seat element (2) in order to release and close the at least one flow-through opening (3), and a corrugated or folding bellows (5) connected to the closing element (4) for delimiting a compensation space (6), which is connected to a pressure space (8) via a recess (7) formed in the closing element (4) so that the same gas pressure prevails in both spaces (6, 8) irrespective of the switched position of the metering valve (1). According to the invention, the compensation space (6) is arranged on the side of the closing element (4) facing the valve seat element (2) and is delimited in the axial direction by a pressure surface (10) which is formed on the closing element (4) or on a component (11) connected to the closing element (4), in particular a flange component. |
| US11156185B2 |
Low cost joined cascade
A cascade array includes a first strongback having a first thermoset or thermoplastic composite material. The cascade array further includes a second strongback having a second thermoset or thermoplastic composite material. The cascade array further includes a first vane that is coupled to the first strongback and the second strongback and includes a third thermoset or thermoplastic composite material. |
| US11156182B2 |
Method for controlling an internal combustion engine
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine, in which, based on a rail pressure signal, a first characteristic variable is specified that indicates a misfire, a misfire being recognized when the rail pressure signal does not have the expected curve. |
| US11156179B1 |
System and method for controlling airflow through cylinders of an engine during a deceleration fuel cutoff event
A system includes a fuel control module and a valve control module. The fuel control module controls a fuel injector to stop fuel delivery to each cylinder of an engine in a vehicle when the vehicle is decelerating. The valve control module controls a valve actuator to actuate intake and exhaust valves of each cylinder of the engine between open and closed positions when fuel delivery to each cylinder of the engine is stopped. The valve control module controls the valve actuator to adjust an amount of airflow through each cylinder of the engine to a minimum amount when fuel delivery to each cylinder of the engine is initially stopped. The valve control module controls the valve actuator to adjust the amount of airflow through each cylinder of the engine to an amount greater than the minimum amount before fuel delivery to each cylinder of the engine is restarted. |
| US11156178B2 |
Diesel engine particulate filter regeneration system and methods
Methods and systems for supplying post injection fuel to a two stroke diesel engine are described. In one example, post injection fuel timing is adjusted responsive to an amount of internal residual combustion products in a cylinder so that less post injected fuel may be trapped in the cylinder for a subsequent cycle of the cylinder. The start of post injection fuel timing and the amount of post injection fuel may be adjusted responsive to internal residual in the cylinder. |
| US11156176B2 |
Systems and methods for a split exhaust engine system
Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, a method may include supplying air to an exhaust system at a location downstream of an emissions control device via the first exhaust manifold, the air not having participated in combustion in the engine, the first exhaust manifold in fluidic communication with a first exhaust valve of a cylinder and an intake manifold, the cylinder including a second exhaust valve in fluidic communication with the second exhaust manifold. The method may further include adjusting an amount of fuel injected to the engine in response to output of a first oxygen sensor, the first oxygen sensor positioned in the exhaust system upstream of the emissions control device. |
| US11156173B2 |
Leak detection in a hydrogen fuelled vehicle
The invention concerns a method of detecting hydrogen leakage from a power plant installation using hydrogen as fuel. A rate of supply of hydrogen to the power plant (“the supply rate”) is determined. A rate of change of mass of hydrogen in the tank arrangement (“the rate of mass change”) is determined. The supply rate is compared with the rate of mass change to determine whether leakage is taking place. |
| US11156166B2 |
Fan drive gear system
A gas turbine engine includes a fan section and a speed change mechanism for driving the fan section. The speed change mechanism is an epicyclic gear train. A torque frame surrounds the speed change mechanism and includes a plurality of fingers. A bearing support is attached to the plurality of fingers. A first fan section support bearing is mounted forward of the speed change mechanism and a second fan section bearing is mounted on the bearing support aft of the speed change mechanism. The second fan section bearing is a fan thrust bearing. |
| US11156161B2 |
Aircraft thermal management system
An aircraft thermal management system includes a first fluid system containing a first fluid, a fluid loop containing a thermally neutral heat transfer fluid, a second fluid system containing a second fluid, a first heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the first fluid to the thermally neutral heat transfer fluid, and a second heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the thermally neutral heat transfer fluid to the second fluid. The fluid loop is configured to provide the thermally neutral heat transfer fluid to the first heat exchanger at a pressure that matches the pressure of the first fluid. |
| US11156159B1 |
Mobile gas turbine inlet air conditioning system and associated methods
A system, as well as associated methods, for increasing the efficiency of a gas turbine including an inlet assembly and a compressor may include a housing configured to channel airstream towards the inlet assembly, an air treatment module positioned at a proximal end the housing, and at least one air conditioning module mounted downstream of the air treatment module for adjusting the temperature of the airstream entering the compressor. The air treatment module may include a plurality of inlet air filters and at least one blower configured to pressurize the air entering the air treatment module. |
| US11156158B2 |
Combustion device and gas turbine engine system
A combustion device burns fuel ammonia in a combustion chamber using compressed combustion air, and includes a combustion air cooling unit which is configured to cool the combustion air by heat exchange with the fuel ammonia during or before a compression process. |
| US11156156B2 |
Gas turbine engine with a unitary structure and method for manufacturing the same
A gas turbine engine is provided that includes a compressor section, a turbine section, and a unitary structure. The compressor section has at least one compressor rotor stage. The turbine section has at least one turbine rotor stage. The compressor rotor stage and the turbine rotor stage are in rotational communication with each other. The unitary structure includes an outer case portion, a combustor section, a turbine nozzle, and an exhaust duct. The unitary structure configured for attachment with the turbine section and compressor section. |
| US11156152B2 |
Waste heat recovery system with nozzle block including geometrically different nozzles and turbine expander for the same
A waste heat recovery system for recovering waste heat of in internal combustion engine includes a turbine expander. The turbine expander includes a turbine blade, a shaft coupled to and rotatable by the turbine blade, and a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle block disposed about the shaft and adjacent the turbine blade, a first nozzle component coupled to the nozzle block, and a second nozzle component coupled to the nozzle block. The first nozzle component defines a first nozzle having a first geometrical configuration. The second nozzle component defines a second nozzle having a second geometrical configuration that is different from the first geometrical configuration. The waste heat recovery system also includes a flow control device in fluid communication with the turbine expander. The waste heat recovery system further includes a controller in communication with the flow control device. |
| US11156151B2 |
Regulating device for an exhaust turbocharger
A regulating device for an exhaust turbocharger, is received in an exhaust gas conducting section of the exhaust turbocharger, with the aid of the regulating device a fluid flow onto a turbine wheel rotatably received in the exhaust gas conducting section can be conditioned, a through-flow opening formed in the exhaust gas conducting section is to be opened and closed with the aid of a valve element of the regulating device, the valve element is arranged on a pivot arm of the regulating device, and wherein the valve element has a sealing surface for avoiding a leak in a closed position of the regulating device. To reduce secondary torques acting upon the valve element during operation, a connection is formed between the pivot arm and the valve element in or at least close to a center of gravity of an effective valve element body of the valve element. |
| US11156150B2 |
Inlet duct for internal combustion engine
An inlet duct includes a tubular main body formed by a compression-molded fibrous molded body. The main body includes an alternate layout region in which an air-impermeable high-compression portion and an air-permeable low-compression portion hat is compression-molded at a lower compressibility than a compressibility of the high-compression portion are alternately laid out in an axial direction of the main body. The alternate layout region is configured such that an arbitrary pair of points at an equal distance in the axial direction to a central position in an upstream region and a downstream region of the alternate layout region include only points that are both located in the low-compression portions and points one of which is located in the low-compression portion and the other one of which is located in the high-compression portion. |
| US11156146B2 |
Electric coolant pump
An electric coolant pump may include a valve device controlled at a discharge side by pressure. The valve device may include a coolant inlet, a first coolant outlet, and a second coolant outlet. The valve device may be configured to at least one of open and close at least one of the first coolant outlet and the second coolant outlet based on a selected operating point and a pressure in a coolant. |
| US11156145B2 |
Emissions module with adjustable sizing
An emission module for treating exhaust gas including a housing, a first catalyst substrate positioned within the housing and having an inlet end, the first catalyst substrate defining a plurality of flow passages extending longitudinally from the inlet end, and a first restrictor plate positioned at the inlet end of the first catalyst substrate to block exhaust flow through a first portion of the plurality of flow passages while allowing exhaust flow through the remainder of the plurality of flow passages. |
| US11156144B2 |
Reductant delivery systems and methods
A controller for a dosing module including a pump, an inlet manifold coupled to the pump, a nozzle, an outlet manifold coupled to the nozzle, a first branch coupled to the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold and having a first flow restrictor and a first valve, a second branch coupled to the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold and having a second flow restrictor and a second valve, and a sensor coupled to the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold, includes an input/output interface and a processing circuit. The input/output interface is configured to electronically communicate with the first valve and the second valve. The processing circuit configured to selectively cause the first valve to be in a first valve first position, in which the first valve facilitates fluid communication from the inlet manifold to the outlet manifold through the first branch, and a first valve second position. |
| US11156143B2 |
Aftertreatment system and method
An aftertreatment system for treating exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine includes, in series, a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), a diesel particular filter (DPF) downstream the DOC, and a primary selective catalyst reduction (SCR) catalyst downstream the DPF. A supplemental SCR catalyst is disposed upstream the DOC, DPF, and primary SCR catalyst to receive raw exhaust gases from the internal combustion engine. The supplemental SCR catalyst may conduct an SCR reaction on the raw exhaust gases until the supplemental SCR catalyst reaches a reaction temperature, at which time the supplemental SCR catalyst may conduct the SCR reaction. |
| US11156141B2 |
Fluid injectors for hot flow
A fluid injector for injecting an injection fluid into a hot flow can include a flow structure defining an injection flow channel and configured to extend at least partially into a flow path to introduce the injection fluid into the hot flow in the flow path. The flow structure can include one or more heat resistance features to protect the flow structure and the fluid from heat of the hot flow. |
| US11156138B2 |
Outboard motor
An outboard motor (10) includes a V-engine (20) having a left bank (BL) and a right bank (BR) extending obliquely toward a rear left side and a rear right side, respectively, relative to a crankshaft (21) extending in a vertical direction. An intake device (18) is provided between the left bank and the right bank, and catalyst devices (62L, 62R) that treat exhaust gas are disposed rearward of cylinder heads (24L, 24R) of the left bank and the right bank. |
| US11156137B2 |
Inside-out rotating coalescer with gas exit through hollow shaft
Various example embodiments relate to rotating coalescers. One embodiment includes a housing comprising a first housing section having a blowby gas inlet structured to receive crankcase blowby gases from a crankcase. The housing further comprises an oil outlet. The rotating coalescer includes an endcap and filter media. The filter media is arranged in a cylindrical shape and is coupled to and positioned between the first housing section and endcap. The filter media is structured to filter the crankcase blowby gases passing through the filter media by coalescing and separating oils and aerosols contained in the crankcase blowby gases. The rotating coalescer includes a hollow shaft extending through the housing and positioned radially inside of the filter media. The hollow shaft forms a blowby gas outlet structured to route filtered crankcase blowby gases out of the housing. The rotating coalescer further includes a drive mechanism operatively coupled to the hollow shaft. |
| US11156131B2 |
Exhaust gas cooling device and method
The present disclosure relates to an exhaust gas cooling device and method, and more particularly, to a device and method for installing an exhaust gas cooling device on the upper end of a duct of a heat recovery steam generator to cheaply cool the exhaust gas without occupying an additional dedicated area.An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the costs using a cheap cooling device in the cooling path for cooling the exhaust gas.In one aspect, the exhaust gas cooling device includes an exhaust gas cooling unit located on the upper end of a duct of a heat recovery steam generator connected with a gas turbine and for cooling the exhaust gas discharged from the gas turbine; and a control unit for controlling the exhaust gas cooling unit to lower the increase rate of the energy of the exhaust gas flowed into the heat recovery steam generator through the duct. |
| US11156129B2 |
Turbine engine casing
A casing of a turbine of a turbine engine includes an internal shroud, an external shroud extending around the internal shroud, and hollow arms connecting the external shroud to the internal shroud and each intended to receive a tubular auxiliary element, each hollow arm defining an inner housing connecting a first passage orifice passing through the internal shroud in the radial direction to a second passage orifice passing through the external shroud in the radial direction, and including an inner wall facing the inner housing. Each arm includes at least one protrusion on the inner wall of the arm protruding from the inner wall towards the inner housing and defining a constriction of the inner housing in a section plane orthogonal to the direction in which the arm extends. |
| US11156126B2 |
Fan case with interleaved layers
A fan case for a gas turbine engine includes an annular liner and an annular case body. The liner has a plurality of liner fiber layers. The case body surrounds the liner. The case body includes a plurality of first and second fiber layers. The first fiber layers extend axially beyond the second fiber layers in axially forward and aft directions and the second fiber layers are interleaved with the first fiber layers. The first fiber layers each have a first fiber architecture and the second fiber layers each have a second, different fiber architecture. |
| US11156125B2 |
Containment assembly
There is disclosed a containment assembly (500 for a gas turbine engine, comprising: an outer impact structure (56); an inner impact structure (54) disposed radially within the outer impact structure; wherein the outer impact structure and the inner impact structure axially extend between a fan portion (4) of the containment assembly corresponding to an axial location of a fan and a forward portion (2) of the containment assembly axially forward of the fan portion; and wherein at least one of the outer impact structure and the inner impact structure has a discontinuous profile between the forward portion and the fan portion so that there is a local reduction in compressive strength in the fan portion. |
| US11156122B2 |
Airfoil cooling system
An airfoil cooling system may include an airfoil that defines a first cooling chamber and a second cooling chamber. The first cooling chamber may be configured to receive a first cooling airflow from a first fluid source and the second cooling chamber may be configured to receive a second cooling airflow from a second fluid source that is different from the first fluid source. The airfoil may be a vane of a gas turbine engine. For example, the vane may be a first vane of a plurality of vanes of a turbine section of the gas turbine engine. The first cooling chamber may be a leading edge chamber of the first vane and the second cooling chamber may be an aft chamber of the first vane that is positioned aft of the leading edge chamber. |
| US11156119B2 |
Relative position measurement
A feedback sensor system is provided. The feedback sensor system includes a first ring rotatable about an axial direction and a second ring also rotatable about the axial direction. The first ring includes one or more first ring features and the second ring includes one or more second ring features. The feedback sensor system also includes a sensor directed at the surface of the first ring for sensing a parameter influenced by the one or more first ring features and the one or more second ring features. The sensor may determine a position of the first ring relative to the second ring by sensing the parameter. |
| US11156112B2 |
Method and apparatus for mounting a transition duct in a gas turbine engine
An apparatus and method for reducing the vibrations to a transition duct and improving the assembly and fit-up of a transition duct relative to a combustion system are disclosed. A damping member is provided between the transition duct and its mounting points to the gas turbine engine. The damping member comprises one or more layers of a composite material positioned between layers of sheet metal. An adjustable mounting system is also provided for the transition duct to allow for movement of a transition duct relative to the combustion liner. |
| US11156109B2 |
Blade retention features for turbomachines
A turbomachine includes a rotatable annular outer drum rotor connected to a first plurality of blades. Each of the first plurality of blades includes a blade root portion secured to the rotatable annular outer drum rotor. Each of the blade root portions includes one or more structural radial retention features for radially retaining each of the blade root portions within the rotatable annular outer drum and one or more axial retention features for axially retaining each of the blade root portions within the rotatable annular outer drum. |
| US11156107B2 |
Turbomachine blade
A turbomachine blade includes a root intended to be mounted in a recessed pocket of a turbomachine rotor disc, the root having two side faces extending radially and longitudinally, each of the side faces including at least one seating intended to be inserted against a side wall of the recessed pocket, along an axis of longitudinal direction and to be in contact with the side walls of the recessed pocket, a radially inner face intended to face the bottom of the recessed pocket when the root is mounted in the recessed pocket, the radially inner face connecting the two side faces, the radially inner face including at least one curved concave surface and two curved convex surfaces, the curved concave surface extending from one end of each of the two curved convex surfaces. |
| US11156104B2 |
Systems and methods for bonding of dissimilar substrates
The present disclosure provides methods and systems for the bonding of dissimilar substrates. For example, a first substrate may be coupled to a second substrate by a composite joint between the first substrate and the second substrate. The composite joint may be comprised of a first adhesive material and a second adhesive material. The first adhesive material may be disposed on the first substrate, and the second adhesive material may be disposed to the first adhesive material. The composite joint between the first substrate and the second substrate may provide an isolation layer therebetween, preventing galvanic corrosion. |
| US11156103B2 |
Turbine blades having damper pin slot features
A turbine blade includes an airfoil that extends radially between a root end and a tip end, a platform coupled to the root end, and a shank that extends radially inwardly from the platform. The shank includes a cover plate. The cover plate includes an outer surface, an opposite inner surface, and a contoured face that at least partially defines a damper pin slot. The contoured face extends from the outer surface to a first blend edge. The cover plate also includes a blended surface that extends from the first blend edge to a second blend edge. The second blend edge intersects with the inner surface. |
| US11156100B2 |
Composite fan blade
A blade fabrication method is provided and includes additively manufacturing a core, securing the core to a mandrel, electroforming a leading edge sheath directly onto the core and the mandrel and removing the mandrel from the core and the leading edge sheath. |
| US11156099B2 |
Turbine engine airfoil with a modified leading edge
A turbine engine can comprise a fan section, compressor section, a combustion section, and a turbine section in axial flow arrangement. At least one of the fan section and compressor section can include an airfoil with a leading edge, and a plurality of riblets can be arranged on the leading edge. |
| US11156098B2 |
Mate face arrangement for gas turbine engine components
A component for a gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an airfoil section extending in a radial direction from a platform, the airfoil section extending in an axial direction between an airfoil leading edge and an airfoil trailing edge, and the airfoil section extending in the circumferential direction between pressure and suction sides. The platform extends in the axial direction between a platform leading edge and a platform trailing edge, and extends in the circumferential direction between a first mate face and a second mate face. The platform has a radially facing surface joined with the airfoil section and has a cold side surface opposed to the radially facing surface. A first thickness is defined between the radially facing surface and the cold side surface adjacent the first mate face, and a second thickness is defined between the radially facing surface and the cold side surface adjacent the second mate face. The first thickness is greater than the second thickness from at least the airfoil leading edge to the airfoil trailing edge with respect to the axial direction. A method of assembly is also disclosed. |
| US11156097B2 |
Turbomachine having an airflow management assembly
A gas turbine engine includes a compressor and a turbine; a plurality of rotor blades positioned in the compressor or the turbine and arranged in a plurality of stages along an axial direction; an outer drum positioned at least partially radially outward of the plurality of rotor blades and rotatable with the plurality of rotor blades; and a casing extending over the outer drum and defining a plurality of air cavities with the outer drum, the plurality of air cavities arranged in series airflow communication along the axial direction. |
| US11156089B2 |
Steam turbine
Provided is a steam turbine in which, among a plurality of stages thereof, a stage that is disposed furthest upstream is a speed-adjusting stage, at least one stage that is disposed downstream of the speed-adjusting stage is a medium-pressure stage, and at least one stage that is disposed downstream of the medium-pressure stage is a low-pressure stage. The speed-adjusting stage is an impulse stage. The medium-pressure stage is a medium reaction degree impulse stage in which the degree of reaction is a medium degree of reaction of 10-40%. The low-pressure stage is a reaction stage having a higher degree of reaction than the medium-pressure stage. |
| US11156084B2 |
Oil-Based Mud contamination estimate from physical properties
Methods and apparatus for estimating a presence of oil-based mud (OBM) in a downhole fluid. Methods include generating measurement values by measuring one or more gross physical properties of the downhole fluid with at least one sensor, the measurement values comprising at least one measurement value representative of each gross physical property; and estimating with at least one processor a relative concentration of OBM with respect to the downhole fluid by using a model correlating the measurement values with the relative concentration. Methods may include taking measurements from the downhole fluid in situ and/or estimating the relative concentration in real-time with respect to generating the measurement values. The model may comprise a correlation prediction function mapping the measurement values to the relative concentration, which may use the measurement values as input to predict the relative concentration. |
| US11156082B2 |
Downhole characterization of formation pressure
A method includes operating a downhole acquisition tool in a wellbore in a geological formation and performing formation testing to determine at least one measurement associated within the formation, the wellbore, or both. The tool may include sensors to detect measurements including, for example, formation pressure and/or wellbore pressure. The tool may also include a processor to obtain at least one spectral characteristic associated with the measurement, which may include frequencies of oscillation. The processor may also determine one or more parameters, associated with an oscillation suppression process, based on the spectral characteristic and remove oscillations, including noise associated with fluctuations of a fluid level in the wellbore, in the measurement based on the parameters. Petrophysical parameters may be estimated based on the modified measurement. |
| US11156081B2 |
Methods and systems for operating and maintaining a downhole wireless network
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for operating and maintaining downhole wireless networks. The methods and systems utilize a downhole tool, such as a downhole tool comprising a communications device, to perform maintenance on the downhole wireless network, and for overcoming and/or correcting communications errors along the network. The downhole tool may also be used for updating and reprograming communication nodes in the downhole wireless network. |
| US11156076B2 |
Detachable sensor with fiber optics for cement plug
A sensor module can be used to make measurements during a single trip into and out of a wellbore in connection with a cement operation. The sensor module can include a detachment mechanism to detachably couple to a cement dart. The sensor module can also include a sensor to make measurements in a run-in-hole configuration prior to detaching from the cement dart and in a come-out-of-hole configuration subsequent to detaching from the cement dart in a wellbore. The sensor module can also include a transceiver to transmit the measurements to a processing device via a communication medium and to receive commands from the processing device via the communication medium. |
| US11156069B2 |
Supported catalyst-assisted microwave method for exploiting heavy oil reservoir
The invention relates to the recovery of heavy oil reservoirs, and more particularly to a supported catalyst-assisted microwave method for exploiting a heavy oil reservoir. The method includes: (1) injecting a slug of a supported catalyst fluid into the heavy oil reservoir; (2) placing a microwave generator in the heavy oil reservoir to perform volumetric heating on an oil layer containing the supported catalyst fluid; and (3) turning off the microwave generator and injecting water into the heavy oil reservoir for subsequent displacement, where a water injection rate is 3 m/d or less. |
| US11156061B2 |
Apparatus for downhole fracking and a method thereof
A downhole valve has a valve body having at least one port and slidably receiving in a longitudinal bore thereof at least a first sliding sleeve for opening and closing the at least one port. The first sliding sleeve has a circumferential actuation groove. An actuation assembly is extendable into the first sliding sleeve and has an actuation housing axially movably receiving thereon a compressible sealing element and a slip assembly. The slip assembly has one or more slips radially outwardly extendable under a hydraulic pressure for engaging the circumferential actuation groove of the first sliding sleeve for opening the at least one port, and the actuation assembly is longitudinally extendable to position a portion thereof on an inner side of the one or more slips for supporting the one or more slips at a radially outwardly extended configuration. |
| US11156059B2 |
Thru-tubing subsurface completion unit employing detachable anchoring seals
Thru-tubing completion systems and methods that employ a detachable sub-surface completion unit (SCU) anchoring seal that provides a seal between a SCU body and a wall of a wellbore of a well. The detachable SCU anchoring seal can be positioned in an un-deployed position that enables the detachable SCU anchoring seal to pass through production tubing disposed in the wellbore and in a deployed position that provides the seal. The detachable SCU anchoring seal is releasably coupled to the SCU body and has an internal passage having an internal diameter that is equal to or greater than an external diameter of the SCU body such that the detachable SCU anchoring seal can be deployed in the wellbore and decoupled from the SCU body to enable the SCU body to be moved through the internal passage of the SCU anchoring seal while deployed in the wellbore. |
| US11156055B2 |
Locking mechanism for subsea compact cutting device (CCD)
A locking mechanism for a subsea cutting/sealing device to seal a wellbore and cut any drill pipe in the wellbore. The subsea cutting/sealing device locks two pipe cutters in a closed position utilizing locking mechanisms on two position rods. The position rods are part of a visual indicator that an ROV camera or diver may use to determine whether the pipe cutter is closed or open position. The locking mechanism operates according to a sequence of operation for opening/closing the pipe cutters. An ROV tool can be used that is capable of operating the locking mechanism as well as opening and closing the subsea cutting sealing device. |
| US11156053B2 |
Riser disconnect package for lower marine riser package, and annular-release flex-joint assemblies
A riser disconnect/reconnect system having a disconnection package (RDP) and a modified lower marine riser package (LMRP) are provided for quick disconnection of the marine drilling riser (MDR) from the LMRP to facilitate access to the LMRP or BOP stack. The RDP includes a flex joint and a hydraulically-actuated release connector (RC) with a connecting mandrel that engages a modified LMRP. In an emergency, the RDP is disconnected from the LMRP allowing access to the BOP stack for intervention. The RDP may be disconnected from the LMRP for recovery of the LMRP or BOP stack to the surface for repair or maintenance without recovering the MDR. The RC joins the flex joint to the uppermost annular blowout preventer in the LMRP. The release connector can be used in a standard or inverted position. Also provided are structural cages with complementary stab plates allowing access to various bypass ports and controls. |
| US11156046B2 |
Method for reducing stick-slip logging tools
The disclosure provides a method of obtaining logging data of subterranean formations and a logging system for doing the same. One example method includes: (1) conveying a logging tool and downhole tractor through a gravity-conveyed section of a borehole, and (2) obtaining logging data from the logging tool during the conveying, wherein the downhole tractor is employed for at least a portion of the obtaining of the logging data. Another example method includes: (1) lowering a logging tool and an open-hole tractor through a gravity conveyed section of an open borehole, (2) raising the logging tool and the open-hole tractor through the gravity conveyed section, (3) obtaining, from the logging tool during the raising, logging data associated with the gravity conveyed section of the open borehole, and (4) employing the open-hole tractor for at least a portion of the raising of the logging tool during the obtaining. |
| US11156044B2 |
Parameter monitoring and control for an electric driven hydraulic fracking system
An electric driven hydraulic fracking system is disclosed. A pump configuration includes the single VFD, the single shaft electric motor, and the single hydraulic pump mounted on the single pump trailer. A controller associated with the single VFD and is mounted on the single pump trailer. The controller monitors operation parameters associated with an operation of the electric driven hydraulic fracking system as each component of the electric driven hydraulic fracking system operates to determine whether the operation parameters deviate beyond a corresponding operation parameter threshold. Each of the operation parameters provides an indicator as to an operation status of a corresponding component of the electric driven hydraulic fracking system. The controller initiates corrected actions when each operation parameter deviates beyond the corresponding operation threshold. Initiating the corrected actions when each operation parameter deviates beyond the corresponding operation threshold maintains the operation of the electric driven hydraulic fracking system. |
| US11156043B2 |
Method of controlling a well
A method of controlling a well in a geological structure, the well comprising: a first casing string (12a), and a second casing string (12b) at least partially inside the first casing string thus defining a first inter-casing annulus therebetween. A primary fluid flow control device (16a), such as a wirelessly controllable valve, is provided in the second casing string (12b) to provide fluid communication between the first inter-casing annulus (14a) and a bore (14b) of the second casing string (12b). In the event of well “blow-out”, a relief well (40) may be drilled and a fluid communication path formed between the relief well and the first casing string of the well rather than extend to lower and/or narrower sections of casing. A kill fluid can then be introduced via the relief well (40) and the primary fluid flow control device (16a) used to direct fluid to the second casing bore (14b). Further casing strings (12c) may be part of the well, and include corresponding flow control devices (16b), allowing the kill fluid to cascade down the well to control it. Accordingly, the time taken to drill a relief well to a shallower depth than is conventional can reduce the time and cost to control the well and can mitigate environmental impact of hydrocarbon loss caused by the blow-out. |
| US11156042B2 |
Piston-style drilling mud screen system and methods thereof
A piston-style drilling mud screen system, comprising: a first assembly having a first drilling mud inlet and outlet, a first body having a second drilling mud inlet and outlet, wherein the first drilling mud outlet of the first assembly is fluidly connected to the second drilling mud inlet of the first body, a second body having a third drilling mud inlet and outlet, wherein the second drilling mud outlet of the first body is fluidly connected to the third drilling mud inlet of the second body, a drilling mud screen, disposed within the first body and the second body between the first drilling mud inlet and the second drilling mud outlet, a union system, comprising: a third body having a first inlet and outlet, a fourth body having a second inlet and outlet; and a fifth body, wherein a second end of the first body is disposed through a first end of the fifth body, wherein the first end of the second body is disposed through a second end of the fifth body, a second assembly having a fourth drilling mud inlet and outlet, wherein the third drilling mud outlet of the second body is fluidly connected to the fourth drilling mud inlet of the second assembly is disclosed. Methods of installing and using the drilling mud screen system are also disclosed. |
| US11156038B1 |
Split bowl wear bushing
A device for extending the useable life of a split bowl by reducing wear of the thru bore of the split bowl during drilling operations. A replaceable wear bushing with a wear indicator is inserted in the thru bore of the two halves of the split bowl. The wear indicator may be a groove formed in an inner diameter of the wear bushing. The wear bushing may be inserted in a bushing groove formed in an inner diameter of the thru bore of the two halves of the split bowl. A retainer plate may be used to retain the wear bushing in the bushing groove. |
| US11156035B2 |
Method and apparatus for reaming well bore surfaces nearer the center of drift
An apparatus to increase a diameter of a well bore includes a drill pipe and a first reamer and at least a second reamer. The second reamer is positioned diametrically opposed to the first reamer. A first plurality of cutting teeth are positioned about each of the first reamer and the at least a second reamer. A top of each successive tooth in a direction counter to a rotation of the apparatus in the well bore extends a radial distance from the longitudinal axis. Each tooth of the first plurality of cutting teeth is positioned at a different circumferential location about each reamer from any adjacent teeth of the first plurality of teeth. At least a second plurality of cutting teeth are positioned about each of the first reamer and the at least a second reamer, the at least a second plurality of cutting teeth being spaced longitudinally apart from the first plurality of cutting teeth. |
| US11156033B1 |
Multilayer solid lubricant architecture for use in drilling tool applications
A coating architecture is disclosed that includes a substrate having a surface finish Ra of 0.3μ or finer, an intermediate layer overlying and in contact with the substrate; and a solid lubricant layer overlying and in contact with the intermediate layer. The test results of applying the coating architecture to a reciprocating hammer drill utilizing the coating is also disclosed. |
| US11156031B2 |
Roll-up coverings for architectural openings and related methods, systems and devices
The present disclosure describes roll-up coverings of custom length and/or width for architectural openings, and a method of assembling the same. The custom covering includes at least one outer elongate tape, at least one inner elongate tape, and a plurality of slats. The tapes preferably have lengths along central longitudinal axis extending between first ends and second ends of the tapes that are selected to correspond to the custom length of the covering. The slats are preferably transverse to, spaced apart along, and coupled to the tapes at any desired location along the tape lengths to achieve desired spacings of the slats, thereby providing a subassembly of custom length. The slats may have lengths extending between first ends and second ends of the slats, orthogonal to the central axis of the tapes, and selected to provide a custom width of the subassembly. |
| US11156026B1 |
Electronic hinge
The electronic hinge has a female electrical receptacle assembly mounted in a holding bracket and a male receptacle assembly mounted in and extending from a wire connecting cam of a hollow cam sub-assembly mounted in a hub of a flange assembly. |
| US11156023B2 |
Vehicle door lock device and method for attaching the same
A vehicle door lock device includes a door handle base provided at a vehicle door and provided with a cylinder lock, and a door latch mechanism provided at the vehicle door. The cylinder lock includes a key cylinder, a paddle portion operably and detachably coupled to the door latch mechanism and configured to transmit rotation of the key cylinder to the door latch mechanism, and a support portion configured to rotatably support the paddle portion. The door latch mechanism includes a key rotor into which the paddle portion is detachably inserted. The paddle portion is supported on the support portion to rotate between a direction of a center axis of the support portion and a direction inclined with respect to the center axis. |
| US11156019B2 |
Lock cylinder with electronic key recognition
A lock cylinder including a plug, a plurality of key followers, a sensor assembly structured to sense positions of the key followers, and a controller in communication with the sensor assembly. The plug includes a keyway and a plurality of plug tumbler shafts. Each of the key followers is movably seated in a corresponding one of the plug tumbler shafts and includes a sensor interface. The sensor assembly includes a plurality of sensors, each of which includes at least one sensing region. Each of the key followers is associated with one of the sensors via an associative link formed between the sensor interface and the corresponding sensing region. The sensors are structured to generate an output signal indicative of the transverse position of the associated key follower, and the controller is structured to select and perform actions based upon the output signals. |
| US11156018B2 |
Motor vehicle lock
A motor vehicle lock comprising a lock housing, an electric power supply and at least one illuminant which can be connected to the electric power supply, emits light into a light-guiding element and can be placed directly on a circuit board located inside the lock housing. |
| US11156017B1 |
Rotatable battery mount for electronic locking devices
A rotatable battery mount includes a lock plate configured to be operatively coupled to a housing for an electronic locking device. The housing may be configured to mount to a panel or door of a cabinet or other article of furniture. A battery plate is pivotably coupled to the lock plate, and a battery case operatively coupled to the battery plate and configured to contain at least one battery for powering the electronic locking device. A hinge couples the lock plate and the battery plate, the hinge being configured to permit the battery plate to shift relative to the lock plate between a first position and a second position, the hinge configured to releasably secure the battery plate in at least the first position. |
| US11156016B2 |
Anti-ligature turn piece
An anti-ligature handle and escutcheon mechanism mountable on a door for operating a lock for securing the door. The mechanism comprises a handle movable between open and closed positions, the handle having a smoothly curved outer surface to prevent the attachment of a ligature thereto and comprising a pivot at a first end for rotating the handle between the open and closed positions to operate the lock. An escutcheon fixed relative to a backing plate is oriented for mounting parallel to the door when the mechanism is mounted on an outer surface of the door, wherein the escutcheon surrounds the handle and defines a recessed area within which the handle pivots. The handle further has a second end including a guide which is trapped beneath and slides along an arcuate edge of the recessed area of the escutcheon to maintain flush contact between a mating surface of the handle and the backing plate to prevent ligatures from being inserted therebetween as the handle rotates to operate the lock. The mechanism further comprises a mounting plate disposed between the backing plate and an inner surface of the door when the mechanism is mounted on the outer surface of the door, the mounting plate fixed relative to the escutcheon and backing plate. |
| US11156015B1 |
Chain link fence with retained slats
A chain link fence with retained slats having slats inserted into the chain link fence and running between the top of the fence and the bottom of the fence. Between the top selvages and the top ends of the slats, between the bottom selvages and the bottom ends, of the slats, or between both the top selvages and the top ends of the slats and the bottom selvages and the bottom ends of the slats is inserted an elongate member having sufficient strength to retain the slats while also being sufficiently flexible to permit the chain link fence with the retained slats and the elongate member or members to be rolled in the traditional manner for a chain link fence, but not so flexible as to prevent the elongate member from being pushed into the desired position within the fence. |
| US11156013B2 |
Five-device-in-one screen awning
A five-device-in-one awning includes: a spline hub, arched splines screwed to the spline hub, arched spline-extension prongs inserted into arched splines, elevator booms, an automatic-sliding elevator lock slidably attached to the arched splines, an elevator-lock lever attached to the elevator lock, elevator-boom hand paddles attached to the elevator booms, an adjustable dome attached to the arched spline-extension prongs for functioning as a weather shield or as a privacy shield or as a domed truck-bed cover or as a domed truck-side tent or as a curved projection screen or as a truck-side awning or as a tailgate awning or as an awning, a foot-stabilizing-and-reversing plate, and an attachable insertable reversible arch foot and attachable insertable reversible dual-arch feet screwed to the foot-stabilizing-and-reversing plate and the spline hub for attaching to a utility port or to a trailer hitch or to a tailgate slot of a pickup truck bed. |
| US11156012B2 |
Convertible hammock-shade tent
A convertible hammock-shade tent configurable as a shade tent and a hammock comprising (I) A plurality of tiers comprising a first tier and a second tier wherein (a) the second tier has a plurality of perimeter sleeves and (b) each tier has positioned thereon a plurality of apertures; (II) A plurality of vertically adjustable telescoping posts comprising a first, second, third, and fourth post wherein each (a) is attachable to the first and second tiers by an attachment device and (b) comprises a plurality of post segments, each with an upper and a lower end, comprised of at least a first post segment with a lower end configured for securing the post to the ground and attaching the post to the first tier and a second post segment positioned above the first post segment and configured for attaching the post to the second tier; (III) Wherein the tiers and posts can be configured for use as a shade tent wherein the first tier comprises the shade tent floor and the second tier comprises the shade tent canopy positioned above the first tier and wherein (a) a bendable member is inserted into at least one second tier perimeter sleeve, and (b) a second tier support system is positioned below and proximal the second tier and comprises a first and a second cross brace, with each cross brace having a first and a second end, and a plurality of cross brace attachment members, wherein each cross brace end is attached to a cross brace attachment member attached to a second post segment of a post; and (IV) Wherein one tier can be configured for use as a hammock, wherein (a) the tier comprises a hammock panel having a panel first end and a panel second end wherein the panel first end is attached to a first erecting structure and the panel second end is attached to a second erecting structure, and (b) one or more panel perimeter apertures and one or more panel perimeter sleeves is proximal each panel end. |
| US11156009B2 |
Compression post with visual indication system
Example aspects of an indicator for a compression post, a compression post for a building, and a method for using a compression post are disclosed. The indicator for a compression post can comprise a leg configured to engage a support plate of the compression post; and an indication portion supported by the leg and comprising; a first visual indicator configured to indicate that the compression post is in an uncompressed configuration; and a second visual indicator configured to indicate that the compression post is in a compressed configuration. |
| US11156006B2 |
Baseboard elements and related method
A baseboard element including a nose portion, a riser portion, and a wall groove portion coupled to the riser portion. The nose portion includes a nose bottom section and a nose face section. The riser portion includes a riser section extending approximately perpendicular to the nose bottom section and a riser bend coupled to the nose portion. The riser section is substantially planar and defines a plane. The nose portion is positioned only on a first side of the plane defined by the riser section, and the wall groove portion is positioned only on a second side of the plane, the second side opposite the first side. The nose bottom section comprises a nose bottom edge at a terminal end of the nose bottom section. No structure of the baseboard element extends beyond the terminal end of the nose bottom section from the terminal end. The nose bottom edge of the nose bottom section is either approximately at the plane or closer to the plane than the nose face section is to the plane. Other embodiments are also provided. |
| US11156004B2 |
Method for finishing a supplied building panel
The disclosure relates to a method for finishing a supplied building panel made of a wood material, in particular MDF or HDF, with an upper side and a lower side, wherein, in a first embossing step, a relief is embossed at least into the upper side as first strip-shaped depressions with two opposing side walls, a bottom wall connecting said side walls and a depth (T), and subsequently a decorative pattern (3) is printed on the embossed upper side of the building panel, and the decorative pattern is then sealed by applying an abrasion-resistant layer (4). According to the invention, additional depressions extending at an angle (α) transversely to the first depressions are embossed, and the large-format supplied building panel is divided into individual panels by carrying out a saw cut in and along each of the depressions. |
| US11155999B2 |
Awning canopy cover and connection system
An awning assembly having an awning connection system for coupling an awning canopy to a support structure and providing a cover to the awning canopy when the awning assembly is in a closed position. The awning connection system comprises a unitary film segment having a distal end connected to the awning canopy and a proximal end for securing to the support structure. The unitary film segment further comprises an attached region for coupling the unitary film segment to the awning canopy. |
| US11155998B2 |
Polymer modified asphalt roofing material
A shingle coating asphalt composition is provided that is produced from a paving grade asphalt. The asphalt composition comprises a paving-grade asphalt that has been modified with one or more polymer additives; and a secondary additive comprising one or more of a viscosity reducing agent, a wax, a salt of a fatty acid ester, and an amide of a fatty acid. The shingle coating asphalt coating composition is used to make a shingle. The shingle includes a substrate, the asphalt, and roofing granules. |
| US11155996B2 |
Fastener-protecting roofing shingle
A fastener-protecting roofing shingle provides a solution for roofing nails or fasteners that become damaged due to weather exposure resulting from damaged roofing shingles. A nailing line is placed above a seamline rather than on or below the seamline, as is conventionally found. By placing the nailing line further from the seamline, which typically borders the exposed and the overlapped sections of a shingle, nails are better-protected from being exposed to the elements, which decreases the chances of failure due to the nail rusting. Due to the shift in the nailing line, a spotted adhesive may be positioned approximately two inches below the nailing line for improved rooftop adherence, and the length of a solid section may be increased. Furthermore, the apparatus directs rainwater straight down the roof. Solid adhesive strips prevent water from pooling or leaking laterally out to the sides and into other layers of shingling. |
| US11155986B2 |
Toilet odor elimination device
A toilet odor elimination device that resides below a water tank lid of a water tank includes a housing with an intake chamber, a filter chamber in operational relationship to a micro fan chamber, a tubular exhaust tube and an at least one battery storage chamber. The toilet odor elimination device is activated by an on/off switch that resides in an electrical relationship to a power source located in the at least one battery storage chamber. |
| US11155979B2 |
Loader attachments coupler
A coupler for a work machine that has a first coupler hook pin defined along a hook pin axis, a first coupler engaging pin defined along a first axis, a second coupler engaging pin defined along a second axis, the second axis being different from the first axis. Wherein, the first coupler engaging pin is coupleable to a first device and the second coupler engaging pin is coupleable to a second device. |
| US11155976B1 |
Precast deep foundation system
A deep foundation system having an array of concrete blocks that preferably includes multiple rows of blocks and multiple columns of blocks. Each block preferably has an upper surface, a lower surface and a plurality of side portions. Each side portion can extend from the upper surface to the lower surface. The array of blocks can have an outermost edge or a peripheral portion. A plurality of open ended channels can be provided through the blocks, each channel preferably extending from one side portion to a different side portion. At least two of the channels can be spaced apart and in between a first and a second of the side portions. At least two of the channels can be spaced apart and in between a third and a fourth of the side portions. The tensile cable members preferably extend through multiple channels of multiple of the blocks and to the peripheral or outer edge portion. One or more openings can be provided in each block. The one or more openings each preferably extend from the upper surface to the lower surface. Each said opening can be positioned in between two of said tensile cable members. An inclined piling preferably extends through the block opening. A load transfer interface can transfer load from each block to inclined piling. |
| US11155971B2 |
System and method for constructing a culvert using vehicle tires
The method teaches constructing a culvert using discarded tires. The culvert's stress points are reinforced by truck tires. Additionally, the integrity of the culvert is kept intact using a predetermined formula for every 10 feet of culvert constructed. |
| US11155969B2 |
Polystyrene-based structural materials
The disclosure features structural tiles and methods for forming such tiles, the tiles including a tile body featuring one or more polystyrene materials, and a coating featuring an epoxy resin and an aggregate material, disposed on at least one surface of the tile body, where the structural tile has a dry coefficient of kinetic friction of at least 0.75 and a wet coefficient of kinetic friction of at least 0.70, and where the dry coefficient of kinetic friction is larger than the wet coefficient of kinetic friction by 0.05 or less. |
| US11155964B2 |
Paper roll production apparatus
Provided is a paper roll production apparatus that saves installation space and enables production of paper rolls of different qualities and a shortening of production time. The paper roll production apparatus includes: a sheet-forming and dewatering part 5 forming paper stock into a sheet and for dewatering the paper stock; a drying machine 6 drying the paper stock dewatered by the sheet-forming and dewatering part 5 to form a dry paper material; a switching mechanism part switching to feed, into the drying machine 6, the paper stock dewatered by a first sheet-forming machine included in the sheet-forming and dewatering part 5 or the paper stock dewatered by a second sheet-forming machine included in the sheet-forming and dewatering part 5; and a winder 8 winding up the dry paper material provided by the drying machine 6 to form a paper roll. The first sheet-forming machine operates at a sheet-forming speed at which a fiber orientation of the paper stock is maintained. The second sheet-forming machine operates at a sheet-forming speed faster than the sheet-forming speed of the first sheet-forming machine. The winder 8 winds up the dry paper material at a speed corresponding to the sheet-forming speed of the first sheet-forming machine or to the sheet-forming speed of the second sheet-forming machine to form the paper roll material. |
| US11155959B2 |
Densifying a nanofiber sheet using heat and force
Methods and systems are described for continuously densifying at least one nanofiber sheet using heat and an applied force that can include both compressive and tensile components. Nanofiber sheets densified using these techniques have a more uniform and more highly aligned microstructure than nanofiber sheets densified using a solvent alone. As a result, the nanofiber sheets of the present disclosure have, for example, higher tensile strength and better electrical conductivity than nanofiber sheets densified using other techniques. |
| US11155956B2 |
Laundry treatment apparatus
A laundry treatment apparatus is disclosed. The laundry treatment apparatus includes a cabinet, a tub arranged in the cabinet, a drum arranged in the tub and formed of a metal material, and an induction module configured to inductively heat the drum, wherein the induction module includes a coil formed by winding a wire, and a base housing including a base body arranged on the tub, and a fixing rib arranged on the base body to fix coil, wherein the wire is drawn into the base body in one direction, wound around the fixing rib, and drawn out of the base body in the same direction. |
| US11155955B2 |
Dryer
A dryer includes a cabinet including a front panel, a door coupled to the front panel, a base disposed on a lower portion of the cabinet, a condensate water tray disposed on the base and configured to receive water, a water tank configured to be withdrawn forward of the front panel and configured to store water received in the condensate water tray, and a cap configured to couple to the water tank. The water tank includes a front surface part disposed vertically below the front panel of the cabinet, a top surface part that extends rearward from an upper portion of the front surface part and that defines a water tank inlet configured to be coupled to the cap, and a side surface part that extends rearward from each of both sides of the front surface part. |
| US11155953B2 |
Water recovery system for a washing machine
A water recovery system includes a storage tank that connects to a washing machine, and selectively recovers rinse water from normal operation of the washing machine and then recirculates recovered rinse water back to the washing machine for use in a next wash cycle. This reduces total water usage by the washing machine during each full cycle of the washing machine. Preferably, no wash water or rinse water is discharged to waste until it has first passed through the storage tank. The wash water is first captured or recovered in the storage tank, and then the wash water is discharged as waste during a subsequent rinse cycle. Secondly, rinse water that is recovered in the storage tank is reused in a subsequent wash cycle to reduce the total amount of fresh water needed to complete a full cycle of the washing machine through its wash and rinse cycles. |
| US11155952B2 |
Laundry treating appliance having a stain treating station
A laundry treating appliance includes a chassis defining an interior. A rotatable treating chamber is located within the interior. The laundry treating appliance further includes a dispenser having a bulk treating reservoir fluidly coupled to the treating chamber. A stain treating station is carried by the chassis at a location spaced from the dispenser. |
| US11155949B1 |
System and method for proactive dyeing for cellulosic and cellulosic blended textiles
A system and method for cationization of textiles preferably starting with the dry raw greige tubular or open width goods that are made from either a cellulosic or cellulosic blended fabric are described. The system can include an inducer apparatus with chemical dosification system. In a preferred embodiment, the dry tubular goods are sent in a flat configuration to a first impregnation tank where it receives a multi-functional reaction fluid. After leaving the first impregnation tank, the now wet fabric is turned (when in a tubular width fabric form) by a turning unit and then sent to a second impregnation tank where it again is exposed to the multi-functional reaction fluid. The turning of the fabric causes the side edge positions of the flat tubular fabric to change its physics dynamics which allows for the multi-functional reaction fluid to be evenly applied to the entire fabric. Turning is not needed for open with fabric as it is flat, thus having only one dynamic when analyzed with physics. |
| US11155947B2 |
Braided construct and method of making the same
Methods and systems for braiding sutures and the resulting constructs are disclosed. The sutures can have alternating bifurcated and non-bifurcated lengths. The sutures can have looped-ends, with both ends of the loop having contiguous braiding with the adjacent body or remainder of the suture. Braiding machines can have one or more bifurcating bars that can controllably obstruct or allow passage of the shuttle and carriers of the braiding machine. The controllable bifurcating bars can result in u-turns in the shuttle and carrier paths, such as a path encircling a horngear adjacent to the bifurcating bar, or passage of the shuttle and carrier across the bifurcating bar. |
| US11155945B2 |
Article of footwear incorporating a knitted component with a tongue
The present disclosure provides an upper for an article of footwear. The upper may include a knit element defining a portion of at least one of an exterior surface of the upper and an opposite interior surface of the upper. The interior surface may define a void. A tongue and the knit element may have a common yarn, and the tongue may extend through a throat area of the upper. The tongue may comprise a lateral edge, a medial edge, and a forward portion. At least one of the lateral edge, the medial edge, and the forward portion may be unsecured to the knit element. The tongue may be secured to the knit element at least at one of the lateral edge, the medial edge, and the forward portion of the throat area. |
| US11155943B2 |
Knit component bonding
A composite structure may include a knit component and a bonded component. The knit component has a first surface and an opposite second surface, and the knit component includes a fusible yarn and a non-fusible yarn that form a knitted structure. The fusible yarn is at least partially formed from a thermoplastic polymer material, and the fusible yarn is located on at least the first surface. The bonded component is positioned adjacent to the first surface, and the bonded component is thermal bonded to the first surface with the thermoplastic polymer material of the fusible yarn. |
| US11155939B2 |
Air-jet type spinning device
An air-jet type spinning device comprising at least one injection hole configured to introduce a flow of compressed air in a spinning chamber. A fibre feeding device facing the spinning chamber feeds the fibres in the spinning chamber. A spinning spindle is at least partially inserted in the spinning chamber and fitted with a spinning channel for the transit of yarn obtained from the fibres. |
| US11155935B2 |
Method for forming porous fibers
A method for forming porous fibers is provided. The fibers are formed from a thermoplastic composition containing a continuous phase, which includes a matrix polymer, and a nanoinclusion additive that is at least partially incompatible with the matrix polymer so that it becomes dispersed within the continuous phase as discrete nano-scale phase domains. The method generally includes traversing a bundle of the fibers over one or more draw bars that are in contact with a fluidic medium (e.g., water). In certain embodiments, for example, the draw bar(s) are submerged in the fluidic medium. The fluidic medium is lower than the melting temperature of the matrix polymer. |
| US11155933B2 |
Lubricious, biocompatible hydrophilic thermoset coating using interpenetrating hydrogel networks
A medical electrical lead includes an insulative lead body extending from a distal region to a proximal region and a conductor disposed within the insulative lead body and extending from the proximal region to the distal region. An electrode is disposed on the insulative lead body and is in electrical contact with the conductor. The medical electrical lead also includes a cross-linked hydrophilic polymer coating disposed over at least a portion of the electrode. The cross-linked hydrophilic polymer coating includes a fibrous matrix comprising a plurality of discrete fibers and pores formed between at least a portion of the fibers and a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol-containing hydrogel network disposed within the pores of the fibrous matrix. |
| US11155928B2 |
Electrolytic process for deposition of chemical conversion coatings
This invention is directed to a process of coating metal in a trivalent chromium conversion-electrolyte coating wherein the metal anode or cathode is subjected to a current density ranging up to about 3.0 amperes per square foot for a period ranging up to 60 minutes. |
| US11155926B2 |
Method for the production of metal sheet having a ZnMg or ZnAlMg coating, comprising the application of a basic solution of a magnesium ion complexing agent, and resulting metal sheet
A method for the production of metal sheet including a substrate having two faces, at least one of which is coated with a metal coating including between 0.1 and 10% by weight of Mg and optionally between 0.1 and 20% by weight of Al, the remainder of the metal coating being Zn. The method includes at least the steps of providing a steel substrate having two faces, depositing a metal coating on at least one face hot dipping of the substrate, solidifying the metal coating, applying onto the outer surfaces of the metal coating an aqueous solution having a pH of 7 to 13 and including a magnesium ion complexing agent, for which the dissociation constant pKd of the complexing reaction of the agent with the magnesium is greater than or equal to 2, and to the metal sheet obtainable with this method. |
| US11155925B2 |
Method for manufacturing a decorative article
A method for manufacturing a decorative article (2) including the following steps of: making a blank by injection moulding a material comprising a metallic material, machining and/or polishing the blank to form a product, and forming the product to print a raised or recessed relief pattern (3) on part of the surface of the product, the product with the pattern (3) forming the decorative article. Also, a decorative article, notably an external timepiece part made of a sintered material having on part of its surface a raised or recessed relief pattern (3) made by a forming process. Preferably, the sintered material is a grade 5 titanium alloy (Ti6V4Al) or a stainless steel. |
| US11155923B2 |
Gas supply device, gas supply method and film forming method
There is provided a gas supply device for vaporizing a raw material inside a raw material container and supplying a raw material gas into a processing vessel together with a carrier gas, including: a mass flow controller connected to an upstream side of the raw material container and configured to control a flow rate of the carrier gas; a flow meter connected to a downstream side of the raw material container; and a control part configured to perform a control so as not to supply the raw material gas into the processing vessel until a detection value of the flow meter with respect to the carrier gas controlled to have a constant flow rate by the mass flow controller is stabilized after replacing the raw material container. |
| US11155921B2 |
Device and method for vacuum coating
An apparatus for the vacuum treatment of substrates in a vacuum chamber includes a substrate support device with a pylon which can be rotated about a longitudinal axis and has holding means for substrates and a plasma discharge device assigned to the pylon. The plasma discharge device includes more than two plate-shaped electrodes having excitation areas, the excitation areas of which are all oriented in the direction of the pylon and a power supply device for the excitation of a plasma discharge, by at least one electrical voltage applied to at least two of the electrodes, is provided, the excited plasma acting at least on parts of the pylon and on substrates that can be arranged on them. A process performs the vacuum coating by the apparatus. |
| US11155916B2 |
Apparatus and methods for pumping gases from a chamber
Apparatus and methods for pumping gases from a chamber are disclosed. In one example, an apparatus for evacuating gases from a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chamber is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a housing including an internal surface and at least one inlet in fluid communication with the CVD chamber; and a coating on the internal surface. The coating is configured to make the internal surface hydrophobic. |
| US11155914B2 |
Wear and/or friction reduction by using molybdenum nitride based coatings
The present invention relates to a component comprising a surface coated with a coating comprising a MoxCryN layer, where x and y correspond to the coefficients of Mo content and Cr content in atomic percentage, respectively, when only Mp and Cr are considered, and so x+y is considered to be 100 at %. |
| US11155913B2 |
Evaporation mask plate, manufacturing method thereof and evaporation method
An evaporation mask plate, a manufacturing method thereof and an evaporation method are provided. The evaporation mask plate includes a body, a plurality of evaporation cutout regions formed in the body, and a plurality of shielding members arranged on the body. Each shielding member is arranged between two adjacent evaporation cutout regions. |
| US11155909B2 |
High-strength free-cutting copper alloy and method for producing high-strength free-cutting copper alloy
This high-strength free-cutting copper alloy comprises 75.4-78.0% Cu, 3.05-3.55% Si, 0.05-0.13% P and 0.005-0.070% Pb, with the remainder comprising Zn and inevitable impurities, wherein the amount of Sn existing as inevitable impurities is at most 0.05%, the amount of Al is at most 0.05%, and the total amount of Sn and Al is at most 0.06%. The composition satisfies the following relations: 78.0≤f1=Cu+0.8×Si+P+Pb≤80.8; and 60.2≤f2=Cu−4.7×Si−P+0.5×Pb≤61.5. The area percentage (%) of respective constituent phases satisfies the following relations: 29≤κ≤60; 0≤γ≤0.3; β=0; 0≤μ≤1.0; 98.6≤f3=α+κ; 99.7≤f4=α+κ+γ+μ; 0≤f5=γ+μ≤1.2; and 30≤f6=κ+6×γ1/2+0.5×μ≤62. The long side of the γ phase is at most 25 μm, the long side of the μ phase is at most 20 μm, and the κ phase is present within the α phase. |
| US11155907B2 |
Systems and methods for shaping sheet materials that include metallic glass-based materials
Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention advantageously shape sheet materials that include metallic glass-based materials. In one embodiment, a method of shaping a sheet of material including a metallic glass-based material includes: heating a metallic glass-based material within a first region within a sheet of material to a temperature greater than the glass transition temperature of the metallic glass-based material; where the sheet of material has a thickness of between 0.1 mm and 10 mm; where at least some portion of the sheet of material does not include metallic glass-based material that is heated above its respective glass transition temperature when the metallic glass-based material within the first region is heated above its respective glass transition temperature; and deforming the metallic glass-based material within the first region while the temperature of the metallic glass-based material within the first region is greater than its respective glass transition temperature. |
| US11155905B2 |
Enhanced wear resistant steel and methods of making the same
Improved steel compositions and methods of making the same are provided. The present disclosure provides advantageous wear resistant steel. More particularly, the present disclosure provides high manganese (Mn) steel having enhanced wear resistance, and methods for fabricating high manganese steel compositions having enhanced wear resistance. The advantageous steel compositions/components of the present disclosure improve one or more of the following properties: wear resistance, ductility, crack resistance, erosion resistance, fatigue life, surface hardness, stress corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance, and/or environmental cracking resistance. In general, the present disclosure provides high manganese steels tailored to resist wear and/or erosion. |
| US11155894B2 |
Method for reducing arsenic content in arsenic-bearing gold material
A process for reducing arsenic content from arsenic-bearing gold concentrate or other arsenic-bearing gold materials to produce a low arsenic-bearing gold concentrate. The process may comprise adding oxygen, water, and/or acid to an acidulated arsenic-bearing gold concentrate slurry and reacting them together in an autoclave at an elevated pressure and temperature in a pressure oxidation step. In one or more examples, the process may further comprise processing the oxidized concentrate slurry in an arsenic re-dissolution step to dissolve unstable solid arsenic compounds, and applying a first solid/liquid separation and wash step to form a first washed slurry/solid and first acid-containing solutions. The process may further comprise reacting the first washed slurry/solid with sulfur dioxide in a reductive leach step, and applying a second solid/liquid separation and wash step to form a second washed slurry/solid and second acid-containing solutions. The second washed slurry/solid may be a low arsenic-bearing gold concentrate. |
| US11155889B2 |
Pelt board bag and an assembly of a pelt board bag and a pelt board
A pelt board bag for use in combination with a pelt board for the tanning and drying of a pelt applied externally to the pelt board bag comprises a pair of oppositely positioned and substantially coextensively extending, elongated sheets. The pair of sheets are joined together along opposite longitudinal edges and define in a first state a flat two-layer structure and in a second state a basically tubular state. The pair of sheets define opposite first and second ends. The first end constitutes a narrow open end constituting a top end when used in combination with the pelt board, and the second end constitutes a broader bottom end when used in combination with the pelt board. The pair of sheets define in the second state an inner perimeter varying from the first narrow end to the broader second end. The pair of sheets have a region at a specific inner perimeter, which is provided with slits, oblong apertures, embossings, score lines or folds allowing the region to be expanded at least in one direction longitudinally or transversely when in the second state. Each of the longitudinal edges defines a respective fold line at which the material is folded and the fold lines are provided with slits, oblong apertures, embossings, score lines or folds and extend substantially between the first end and the second end. |
| US11155888B2 |
Stevia composition, production method and uses
Stevia compositions are prepared from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni extracts. The compositions are able to provide a superior taste profile and can be used as sweeteners, sweetness enhancers, flavors, flavor enhancers in foods, beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. |
| US11155885B2 |
Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay with modified probe for the diagnosis of rabies viruses and other lyssaviruses
A real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay that utilizes multiplex primers and probes with degenerate nucleotides to detect divergent species of lyssavirus is described. The probes used in the RT-PCR assay target a highly conserved region at the 5′ end of the lyssavirus genome and are modified with either a minor groove binder (MGB) or locked nucleic acid (LNA) nucleotides to increase their melting temperature. The described assay detects all known lyssavirus species with a sensitivity and specificity superior to traditional hemi-nested PCR and the direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test. |
| US11155882B2 |
Oligonucleotide-based probes and methods for detection of microbes
The present invention relates to a rapid detection of microbial-associated nuclease activity with chemically modified nuclease (e.g., endonuclease) substrates, and probes and compositions useful in detection assays. |
| US11155880B1 |
Methods of measuring C19MC miRNA in a post-natal tissue and uses thereof
Provided herein are methods of measuring C19MC miRNA amount and/or expression in a post-natal cell and/or tissue. Provided herein are methods of measuring CpG methylation of the upstream C19MC miRNA promoter region in a post-natal cell and/or tissue. Also provided herein are methods of treating a cell, population thereof, and/or a subject in need thereof by administering a C19MC miRNA inhibitor or CRISPR to suppress the expression of specific miRNA within the C19MC or the entire C19MC cluster, population thereof, and/or the subject in need thereof. |
| US11155879B2 |
Method of predicting effects of CDC7 inhibitor
The present invention relates to a method of predicting the likelihood that a patient will respond therapeutically to a pancreatic cancer treatment comprising the administration of 2-[(2S)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl]-6-(3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-one (Compound 1) and/or tautomers thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, comprising the steps of: STEP (1): determining a KRAS gene mutation status of a sample from a patient, and STEP (2): predicting an increased likelihood that the patient will respond therapeutically to the pancreatic cancer treatment if the patient has the presence of KRAS gene mutation(s), and to methods of treating pancreatic cancer. |
| US11155878B2 |
Method for discrimination of metaplasias from neoplastic or preneoplastic lesions
The present invention relates to a method for discrimination of p16INK4a overexpressing metaplasias from neoplastic or preneoplastic p16INK4a overexpressing lesions by determination of the level of high risk HPV encoded gene-products such as e.g. HPV E2 and/or HPV E7 molecules in biological samples in the course of cytological testing procedures. The method thus enables for reduction of false positive results in the p16INK4a based detection of anogenital lesions in cytological testing procedures. |
| US11155875B2 |
Method for discovery of microRNA biomarker for cancer diagnosis, and use thereof
The present invention relates to a method for discovery of a novel miRNA biomarker for cancer diagnosis, a biomarker for diagnosis of bile duct cancer or pancreatic cancer which has been discovered through the method for discovery of a biomarker, a method for diagnosing cancer, comprising a step in which cancer is diagnosed when f(x)>0 by substitution of the expression level of the miRNA biomarker, which is detected by the method for discovery of a miRNA biomarker for cancer diagnosis, in a sample into a novel SVM classifier function, a kit for diagnosing bile duct cancer or pancreatic cancer comprising the biomarker for diagnosing bile duct cancer or pancreatic cancer, and a computing device for performing a process of diagnosing cancer when f(x)>0 as a result of a calculation by substitution of the expression level of a miRNA biomarker, which is detected by the method for discovery of a miRNA biomarker for cancer diagnosis, into the novel SVM classifier function. |
| US11155871B2 |
Assessing risk of reading and language impairment
Described herein are the association BV677278 (READ1) with reading disability and language impairment, as well as the synergistic interaction of DCDC2 risk haplotypes or alleles with KIAA0319 risk allele. |
| US11155868B2 |
Methods, devices, and systems for analyte detection and analysis
Provided are systems and methods for analyte detection and analysis. A system can comprise an open substrate. The open substrate may be configured to rotate or otherwise move. The open substrate can comprise an array of individually addressable locations, with analytes immobilized thereto. The substrate may be spatially indexed to identify nucleic acid molecules from one or more sources, and/or sequences thereof, with the respective one or more sources. A solution comprising a plurality of probes may be directed across the array to couple at least one of the plurality of probes with at least one of the analytes to form a bound probe. A detector can be configured to detect a signal from the bound probe via scanning of the substrate while minimizing temperature fluctuations of the substrate or optical aberrations caused by bubbles. |