Document	Document Title
US09171323B2	Organizing data in a virtual computing infrastructure Organizing data in a cloud computing environment having a plurality of computing nodes is described. An authorization to service a request is received. The request may be from a user for launching an instance. In response to receiving the authorization and based on the request, an image list is determined. The image list includes information corresponding to a plurality of machine images. At least one machine image is identified from the image list associated with a functional requirement of the request. The instance is launched at the at least one computing node. The at least one machine image is updated after the instance has been launched.
US09171312B2	Context information collection management system A context information collection and distribution system registers read identification information in a computer device that manages and controls an RFID tag reading device and is located in a lowest hierarchy in wide area network topology. The computer device located in the lowest hierarchy in the wide area network topology notifies a computer device located in a higher management domain hierarchy that the computer device located in the lowest hierarchy manages read identification information of a target. Further, the computer device located in the management domain hierarchy notifies a computer device located in much higher ID system hierarchy that the computer device located in the hierarchy just under the management domain hierarchy manages the read identification information of the target.
US09171306B1	Risk-based transaction authentication Apparatus and methods for authorizing an exchange between a customer and a services provider. The apparatus may include an electronic processor that is configured to: (1) calculate a reference event profile; and (2) determine a difference between a prospective transaction profile and the reference event profile. The prospective transaction profile may be based on the initiation of a prospective transaction by an individual whose identity has not been verified. The reference event profile may be based on a plurality of customer events that correspond to one or many different customers. The apparatus may include an output device that is configured to output authentication test information that corresponds to the difference. The authentication test information may support a revised prospective transaction profile that is more similar to the reference event profile than is the initial prospective event profile.
US09171304B2	Systems and methods for removing point of sale processing from PCI scope The methods and systems described herein provide for processing payments at a retail location whose infrastructure has been significantly removed from PCI scope. A request for processing payments may be sent from a point of sale lane to a back office server in communication with a credit card terminal. A user may use the credit card terminal to enter in secure payment information which is securely transmitted to a remote authorization service for authorization. Through this method, the credit card terminal and sensitive payment information may be securely isolated from the remaining infrastructure at the retail location.
US09171302B2	Processing payment transactions without a secure element A user conducts a wireless payment transaction with a merchant system by transmitting payment information from a user device to a terminal reader without accessing a secure element resident on the user device. A user taps a user device in a merchant system's terminal reader's radio frequency field. The terminal reader and the user device establish a communication channel and the terminal reader transmits a signal comprising a request for a payment processing response. The signal is received by the user device and converted by a controller to a request understandable by an application host processor. The controller transmits the request to the application host processor, where the request is processed, and a response is transmitted to the controller and then to the terminal reader. The response generated by the application host processor is identifiable by the merchant system as a payment response.
US09171301B1	Location aware transaction authorization A mobile payment network may include a server receiving a request for payment from a device, where the request may include information related to a location for the device. The information related to location information for the device that is included within the request may then be used for deriving location information for the device. Given the location information for the device, a distance between the location information and a geographic area may be determined. The distance between the location information for the device and the geographic area may then serve, at least in part, as the basis for approving the request for payment.
US09171294B2	Methods and systems for providing mobile customer support Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for mobile customer support. A customer service request is received at a mobile device from a user associated with the mobile device to access a customer service feature of an application associated with the mobile device. In response to the request, a user context is determined by at least one of saving a state of the application, storing data associated with the application or accessing user activity associated with the application. A communication request comprising the user context is sent to a customer service center (“CSC”) associated with the customer service feature. Communication between the CSC and the user is enabled, wherein the CSC accesses the user context and uses the user context during the communication.
US09171293B2	Location based system with location-enabled messaging and method of operation thereof A method of operation of a location based system includes: submitting a tagged message having a message content, a trigger, and a recipient identifier; determining a location reading for locating a recipient associated with the recipient identifier; determining a temporal reading associated with the recipient identifier; and displaying the message content on a device having the recipient identifier, the message content displayed based on the trigger with the location reading, the temporal reading, or a combination thereof.
US09171290B1	Email handling for a contact center This disclosure relates to handling email for a contact center. In one example, a contact center system can include an email interface to access an enterprise email system, inbound emails to and from each inbound mailbox in the contact center system being stored and maintained in the enterprise email system. An email tracking data structure can be stored in memory, the email tracking data structure programmed to store interaction data corresponding to each email interaction being processed by the contact center system. An email handling control can be programmed to control sending a reply email to a given incoming contact email from a contact based on the interaction data associated with the given incoming contact email, the reply email being sent to the contact through the enterprise email system via the email interface.
US09171284B2	Techniques to restore communications sessions for applications having conversation and meeting environments Techniques for restoring communications sessions for applications having conversation environment and a meeting embodiment are described. A system may include a meeting component of a communications application for selecting a meeting from multiple meetings, a conversation component of the communications application for managing multiple conversation threads, and a recovery component of the communications application for recovering an active meeting from the multiple meetings or an active conversation thread from the multiple conversation threads. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09171273B2	Integrated electronic checklist display system A method and apparatus for electronic checklist display system. A checklist display device is connected to a number of display screens. A display screen within the number of display screens displays an integrated electronic checklist within a checklist display window on the display screen. The integrated electronic checklist comprises a number of checklist items associated with a vehicle system, systems information for the vehicle system, and graphics representing a current status of a number of components of the vehicle system.
US09171271B2	Computer system, client device and method A computer system includes a network. The system includes a first client device in communication with the network having a transaction description for a transaction t. The first client device sends the transaction description to a second client device. The second client device receives the transaction description from the first client device. One of the first or second client devices executes the transaction description and creates a second transaction description for transaction t and then sends the second transaction description to a client device. A client device of a computer system having a network and a second client device. A method of a computer system. A method of a client device of a computer system having a network and a second client device.
US09171268B1	Methods and systems for setting and transferring user profiles to vehicles and temporary sharing of user profiles to shared-use vehicles Methods are provide access to cloud services over the Internet for locating and providing access to a shared vehicle of a shared vehicle network. One method includes receiving a request from a user device of a user to locate a vehicle to use for a shared period of time. The method enables providing an option of vehicles within a range of a location identified by the request. Then, detecting proximity of the user device to a selected vehicle proximate to the location identified by the request. The method enables transfer of a user profile of the user to the vehicle. The profile is configured to automatically set one or more user preferences of the vehicle. The method further includes receiving use data of the vehicle while the user profile is set for the vehicle. The user profile is deactivated on the selected vehicle when use of the vehicle is discontinued.
US09171256B2	Systems and methods for predicting customer compliance with demand response requests Systems and methods for predicting customer compliance with requests to participate in demand response events are disclosed. The systems and methods may include receiving demand response information for a demand response event, receiving information for a customer, and determining or adjusting for the customer a compliance probability for the demand response event based at least partially on the demand response information and the received customer information.
US09171250B2	Restoration switching analysis with modified genetic algorithm The method of determining back-feed paths is capable of efficiently solving multi-layer restoration problems by minimizing a fitness function using an iterative genetic algorithm. The method optimizes back-feeding of out-of-service areas by minimizing power loss, switching, unserved loads and voltage/current violations. The efficiency of the algorithm is further increased through the use of a reactive Tabu search to prevent duplicate candidate systems.
US09171248B2	Electronic circuit with neuromorphic architecture Neuromorphic circuits are multi-cell networks configured to imitate the behavior of biological neural networks. A neuromorphic circuit is provided which comprises a network of neurons each identified by a neuron address in the network, each neuron being able to receive and process at least one input signal and then later emit on an output of the neuron a signal representing an event which occurs inside the neuron, and a programmable memory composed of elementary memories each associated with a respective neuron. The elementary memory, which is a memory of post-synaptic addresses and weights, comprises an activation input linked by a conductor to the output of the associated neuron to directly receive an event signal emitted by this neuron without passing through an address encoder or decoder. The post-synaptic addresses extracted from an elementary memory activated by a neuron are applied, with associated synaptic weights, as inputs to the neural network.
US09171247B1	System and method for fast template matching in 3D Described is a pattern matching system for matching a test image with a 3D template. The system is initiated by generating a library of templates (each individual template is a three-dimensional array, with each pixel in the array representing a value at a particular x, y, and z coordinate). Each column of pixels along one axis (e.g., z) is converted into a neural input. Each neural input is fed through a neural network to establish a delayed connection between each neural input and output neuron and to generate a template neural network. Separately, a test image is converted into neural inputs. The neural inputs of the test image are input the template neural network to generate output neurons. The output neurons are evaluated to identify a location of the template in the test image.
US09171245B2	Chip arrangement, analysis apparatus, receiving container, and receiving container system In various embodiments, a chip arrangement includes a first chip having a first antenna which is monolithically integrated in the first chip and is intended to communicate with at least one of an external reader or an external writer; a second chip having a second antenna which is monolithically integrated in the second chip and is intended to communicate with the at least one of the external reader or the external writer; and a booster antenna which is coupled to the first antenna in a first coupling area in order to increase a range of the first antenna and is coupled to the second antenna in a second coupling area in order to increase a range of the second antenna.
US09171241B2	Image forming apparatus and power supply unit thereof, for controlling conditions of power supply units according to input voltage The power supply apparatus includes a first power supply unit for outputting a first voltage; a second power supply unit for outputting a second voltage different from the first voltage; a switch unit operating with the first voltage, which is disposed in a power supply path connecting to the second power supply unit, for supplying and shutting down power to the second power supply unit; a detection unit for detecting that a predetermined voltage or higher is supplied to the first power supply unit; and a control unit for controlling the switch unit to stop the output of the first voltage from the first power supply unit, when the detection unit detects that the predetermined voltage or higher is supplied to the first power supply unit.
US09171240B2	Generating a display list for processing by a rendering unit A display list generation apparatus includes an interpretation unit configured to interpret page description language (PDL) data and store an interpretation result of the PDL data in a first storage unit, a copying unit configured to copy the interpretation result stored in the first storage unit, in a second storage unit, and a generation unit configured to generate a display list from the interpretation result stored in the first storage unit in a case where a data size of the interpretation result exceeds a predetermined threshold and generate a display list from the copy of the interpretation result stored in the second storage unit in a case where the data size of the interpretation result does not exceed the predetermined threshold.
US09171230B2	Object detection method, object detection apparatus and image pickup apparatus An object detection method performed by an apparatus which stores a general model for a specific object type in advance, the general model describing a plurality of components which are expected to co-exist in objects of the specific object type, the method including: a sample image receiving step of receiving one or more sample images, the one or more sample images each include a same query object of the specific object type; an object detector creating step of creating, using the general model and the one or more sample images, a detector specific to said query object; and an object detecting step of detecting, using the created detector specific to the query object, the query object from a destination image. According to the object detection method mentioned above, various objects of a specific object type can be precisely detected with high flexibility.
US09171228B2	Method and system for estimating a similarity between two binary images The invention relates to a method and a system for estimating the resemblance between two images of optionally different modalities. More particularly, the invention makes it possible to characterize a similarity between two binary images according to a formula that allows registration of images acquired in the fields of teledetection, medical imaging, and industrial vision.
US09171220B2	Apparatus and method for tracking contour of moving object, and apparatus and method for analyzing myocardial motion A moving object contour tracking apparatus includes a contour tracking section for performing, by taking an initial contour of the moving object in a predetermined image slice as a starting contour, contour tracking in a first time direction to acquire a first contour of the moving object and contour tracking in a second time direction to acquire a second contour of the moving object in each image slice; a contour comparison section for calculating, in the predetermined image slice, a similarity between the first contour and the initial contour and a similarity between the second contour and the initial contour; and a contour correction section for taking the contours in the image slices that are acquired in a contour tracking direction corresponding to the greater one of the two similarities as the contours of the moving object in the respective image slices.
US09171205B2	Device and method of binarization for payment or accounting documents A binarization device for payment or accounting documents including sensitive data located in respective data window provides a primary binarized document file of the document; a memory stores identification files including identifying images and location information associated to given types of documents; the data window can be identified and localized as comparison with the identification files of the memory; the contribution of the background is subtracted from the window file, the window file is binarized and filtered for spurious pixels obtaining a binarized window file; the binarized document file and the binarized window file are merged to provide the binarized window file in the data window; the evidence of the significant pixel is obtained by sequential analysis on groups of pixels, applying morphological expansion operators on each group of pixels and following erosion of said group of pixels.
US09171204B2	Method of perspective correction for devanagari text An electronic device and method identify regions that are likely to be text in a natural image or video frame, followed by processing as follows: lines that are nearly vertical are automatically identified in a selected text region, oriented relative to the vertical axis within a predetermined range −max_theta to +max_theta, followed by determination of an angle θ of the identified lines, followed by use of the angle θ to perform perspective correction by warping the selected text region. After perspective correction in this manner, each text region is processed further, to recognize text therein, by performing OCR on each block among a sequence of blocks obtained by slicing the potential text region. Thereafter, the result of text recognition is used to display to the user, either the recognized text or any other information obtained by use of the recognized text.
US09171195B1	Recognizing three-dimensional objects An object recognition system may recognize an object in a query image by matching the image to one or more images in a database. The database may include images corresponding to multiple viewpoints of a particular device. Key points of the query image are compared to key points in the database images. Database images with many overlapping key points to the query image are selected as potential matches. The geometry of objects in the potential matches is verified to the geometry of the object in the query image to determine if the overlapping key points have a similar geographic relationship to each other across images. Objects in geometrically verified database images may be selected as potentially matching objects to the object in the query image. When a potential matching image is found, the system may confirm the match by performing matching with a second image of the object.
US09171194B2	Diffuse bright field illumination system for a barcode reader One aspect of the present disclosure is related to a barcode reader that includes a bright field illumination system, a dark field illumination system, and an additional illumination system that is better able to illuminate an area of the reader's field of view between the far zone (where bright field illumination is optimal) and the close zone (where dark field illumination is optimal). In this “center zone,” the dark field illumination may not be bright enough and the bright field illumination may not be diffuse enough for reading a barcode.
US09171193B1	System and method for setting a real-time clock of a barcode reading device The present disclosure provides a system and method for setting the time for an internal clock function of a barcode reader and enabling the barcode reader to associate time, as determined by the internal clock function, with production barcodes read during operator use of the barcode reader and delivery of the combination of production barcodes and the associated time to a host system.
US09171191B2	Method for dynamic authentication between reader and tag, and device therefor The present disclosure discloses a method for dynamic authentication between a reader and a tag, and an implementing device therefor, to solve the technical problem of necessity of dependence of a traditional authentication method on a real-time, online, reliable and secure connection with a background database, as well as lack of ways for highly autonomous authentication of a tag by a reader. In the present disclosure, only a legitimate reader can obtain corresponding tag authentication information from an authentication database and authenticate or update a corresponding tag status; only a legitimate tag can be processed by the legitimate reader; during the authentication, a dynamic updating mechanism is used for a tag ID which ensures forward security; the reader stores tag information using a hash table and thus increases an authentication speed; data synchronization is achieved cleverly by ways of a counting value. The use of a random number guarantees that a different data packet is used for every authentication, thus hiding tag position information effectively and offering excellent security.
US09171185B1	Programmable logic device with improved security Techniques of the present invention impede power consumption measurements of an encryption engine on a logic device by running the encryption engine with an independent clock. This clock produces a signal that is decoupled from and asynchronous to clock signals feeding other circuits on the device. The clock feeding the encryption engine is not accessible externally to the device. Circuits may be employed to intentionally slow down or add jitter to one or more of the clock signals.
US09171184B2	Transmission terminal, transmission system and recording medium A transmission terminal includes an authentication unit that determines, when the transmission terminal is not connected to a network, whether authentication of a storage medium is confirmed based on authentication information stored in a storage unit and authentication information read from the storage medium, and transmits, when the transmission terminal is connected to the network, an authentication request containing the authentication information read from the storage medium to an authentication device connected to the network, and a maintenance unit that alters maintenance functions executable on the transmission terminal based on whether authentication of the storage medium is confirmed based on the authentication information stored in the storage unit or a notice indicating that authentication of the storage medium is confirmed is received from the authentication device.
US09171182B2	Dynamic data masking Described is a method for dynamic data masking (DDM) of sensitive data. The method for DDM comprises receiving a response output comprising sensitive data, based on a client request, from an application, and identifying a main masking specification, based on the response output, for masking of the sensitive data in the response output. Further, the response output is parsed for creating a Document Object Model (DOM) tree for the response output. Status of a masking approach indication field of the main masking specification is checked, and masking is performed on nodes in the DOM tree comprising the sensitive data, based on the status of the masking approach indication field of the main masking specification.
US09171180B2	Social files Disclosed are systems, apparatus, methods, and computer readable media for creating and sharing social files in a feed system. In one embodiment, a request is received to perform an action related to a social file. The social file may provide access to a first document file within a social networking system. The first document file may be capable of being displayed on a display device. A determination may be made as to whether the requested action complies with a permission configuration record associated with the social file. The permission configuration record may identify one or more user accounts permitted to access the social file.
US09171174B2	Methods, systems, and computer program products for verifying user data access policies when server and/or user are not trusted To verify compliance with a data access policy, a query result including data specified by a requesting entity and a representation of a data access policy is received from a database. Based on the representation of the data access policy included in the query result, it is verified whether the requesting entity is permitted to access the data included in the query result. Transmission of the data included in the query result to the requesting entity is controlled responsive to the verification. Related methods, systems, and computer program products are also discussed.
US09171171B1	Generating a heat map to identify vulnerable data users within an organization Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture for generating a heat map to identify vulnerable data users within an organization are provided herein. A method includes comparing each of one or more items of data against a set of one or more pre-configured data sensitivity parameters to detect one or more sensitive data operations within the one or more items of data, generating an alert corresponding to each of the one or more sensitive data operations, wherein the alert provides one or more items of information pertaining to the corresponding sensitive data operation, and processing the one or more alerts to generate a heat map representing an association between each of multiple users and the one or more sensitive data operations usage.
US09171168B2	Determine anomalies in web application code based on authorization checks Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to determining an anomaly of a missing authorization or inconsistent authorization in web application code. The web application code is analyzed to identify methods that have authorization checks associated and labeling the identified methods as related to authorization checks. Unidentified methods are associated as non-authorization check methods. The methods are compared to determine the anomaly.
US09171165B2	Methods, systems, and apparatuses to facilitate configuration of a hardware device in a platform Embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatuses for configuring a hardware device in a platform are described. In an exemplary method, a configuration message is received that indicates that the hardware device is to be upgraded from a first configuration to a second configuration, wherein the first and second configurations were pre-determined based on previous testing of the hardware device and are stored in the hardware device. The hardware device is then configured to the second configuration.
US09171164B1	Establishing trust using side channels Disclosed are various embodiments for a trust establishment application. Machine instances executed in the same computing environment generate side channel patterns embodying data identifying themselves as trusted machine instances. The side channel patterns are detected to determine which machine instances are trusted. An operational mode of a machine instance is configured as a function of whether a quorum of trusted machine instances are executed in the computing environment.
US09171149B2	Methods and systems for implementing a secure application execution environment using derived user accounts for internet content Methods and systems are disclosed for implementing a secure application execution environment using Derived User Accounts (SAE DUA) for Internet content. Content is received and a determination is made if the received content is trusted or untrusted content. The content is accessed in a protected derived user account (DUA) such as a SAE DUA if the content is untrusted otherwise the content is accessed in a regular DUA if the content is trusted.
US09171147B2	Process and system for strengthening password security A process and a system that create and encrypt rich formatted passwords that increase password strength and security in some embodiments are disclosed. The process increases password security by converting a set of password tokens and a set of password appearance alterations into a rich formatted password and then encrypting the rich formatted password. The system of some embodiments includes (i) a data converter for assembling a rich formatted password from a data object comprising a set of password tokens and a set of password appearance alterations received at a password creation user interface (UI) of a computing device and (ii) a data encrypter for encrypting rich formatted passwords and decrypting encrypted rich formatted passwords, and (iii) a database for storing and retrieving encrypted rich formatted passwords.
US09171143B2	System for and method of generating visual passwords Systems and methods for creating a visual password are presented. A user having an account or profile is given the option to create a visual password via a graphical user interface. The interface displays a plurality of themes to the user, wherein each theme represents a category of images. The user selects a theme and is presented with a plurality of images within the category. The user selects one or more images in a certain order to create a visual password. The selected images and order of selection are saved as the user's visual password. When the user later attempts to electronically access his account, the user will be required to select the correct pictures in the correct sequence in order to access his account.
US09171140B2	System and method for unified passcode processing A system and method for unified password processing is provided. According to an aspect, a device can receive a unified passcode. The unified passcode can be a passcode for unlocking access to the device, or can be the basis for generating additional passwords or both. The unified passcode can also be used for generating additional passcodes for unlocking additional features of the device. The generated passcodes can also be used for unlocking modules that are connected to a device such as a universal integrated circuit card (UICC). In cases where a generated passcode can be used to unlock a UICC, the generated passcode is converted to a personal identification number (PIN). The mobile interface to the UICC can be extended to include alphanumeric passwords, in addition to PINs.
US09171139B2	Lock screens to access work environments on a personal mobile device One or more embodiments of the invention provide access to a work environment in a mobile device from a lock screen presented by a personal environment of the mobile device, wherein the work environment is running in a virtual machine supported by a hypervisor running within the personal environment and wherein the personal environment is a host operating system (OS) of the mobile device. The host OS receives an authentication credential from a user in response to a presentation of the lock screen on a user interface (UI) of the mobile device and then determines whether the authentication credential is valid for the personal environment or the work environment. If the authentication credential is valid for the personal environment, access is enabled only to the personal environment. If the authentication credential is valid for the work environment, access is enabled to both the personal environment and the work environment.
US09171136B2	Data protection method and device An apparatus and method for encoding and decoding additional information into a digital information in an integral manner. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and device for data protection.
US09171113B2	Systems and methods for semiconductor voltage drop analysis Methods and systems are provided for computing IR drop, i.e., voltage drop, in a semiconductor device. The method includes generating a modeling element corresponding to the plurality of transistors. At least one of the transistors in the modeling element is replaced with a current source. The method also includes performing an IR drop analysis of the modeling element utilizing a software program to calculate the IR drop in the semiconductor device.
US09171111B1	Hardware emulation method and system using a port time shift register A processor-based hardware functional verification system with time shift registers is described. The system includes a processor cluster with a plurality of processors that each have a data inputs and select inputs. Furthermore, a plurality of electronic memories each having a plurality of read ports is associated with the processors, respectively. The time shift registers each have an input in communication with the read ports of the electronic memories and an output in communication with the select inputs of the processors. The system further includes an instruction memory that provides a control signal to each of the time shift registers to store data output from read ports of the electronic memories that can be provided to the processor for evaluation during a subsequent emulation step.
US09171110B2	Accelerating functional verification of an integrated circuit Illustrative embodiments include a method, system, and computer program product for accelerating functional verification in simulation testing of an integrated circuit (IC). Using a processor and a memory, a serial operation is replaced with a direct register access operation, wherein the serial operation is configured to perform bit shifting operation using a register in a simulation of the IC. The serial operation is blocked from manipulating the register in the simulation of the IC. Using the register in the simulation of the IC, the direct register access operation is performed in place of the serial operation.
US09171105B2	Electronic device and method of operating the same An electronic device and a method of operating the same are provided. More particularly, in an electronic device and a method of operating the same, by recognizing a keyword of contents, reflecting the contents, and executing an application corresponding to the recognized keyword, an application execution environment corresponding to a user intention is provided.
US09171095B1	Track sharing A computer-implemented method, computer program product, and computing system for receiving, from a user, an intent to share a music track defined within a music consumption system. A query that identifies the music track is generated on a computing device. The query is provided to a video distribution system, wherein the video distribution system is configured to receive and process the query. A result set is received from the video distribution system. If the result set defines one of more videos, available via the video distribution system, that are related to the music track that the user intends to share, a post from the user is generated, on a social networking site, that includes at least one link locating at least one video selected from the one or more videos defined within the result set.
US09171094B2	Electronic information filtering system An electronic information filtering system. The system has a link datastore, on the memory, configured to hold one or more links, associated with a network location corresponding to information available over a computer network. The system has a hierarchal tree organizing structure, on a memory, having a plurality of layers and a plurality of units, each layer below a top layer of the plurality of layers comprising two or more of the plurality of units, each unit is associated with a plurality of member records, each member record corresponding to a human member. The system can receive links to be reviewed. The system can prompt a vote of the members of a unit whether to promote a link for review by a superior unit in the next layer above the current layer.
US09171093B2	User interface providing summary information or a status pane in a web analytics tool A system and method provide a summary comparison of data. The summary may compare filtered and unfiltered data or one set of filtered data to another. The system presents a status pane or window to a user in conjunction with filtered data that is dynamically updated to correspond to the data. A summary of the filtered data is available for display side by side with other filtered data or unfiltered data. The reports and summary are dynamically updated.
US09171083B2	Expert network in a method and apparatus for keeping and finding information An expert network in connection with keeping and finding information provides a textual search engine which, in response to a user query comprising a search term, uses a semantic vector to promote documents that contain other, closely related terms that strongly correlate with the search term. A social graph is generated for the user in which connections for the user comprise hyper-dimensional relationships based on semantic vectors that link the search term with a collection of the other, closely related terms. A personalized semantic vector for the user is applied to the social graph. The expert network applies the user's personalized semantic vector to locate experts in the user's social graph based on a user query topic. When a connection is considered an expert for the user, content that the connection kept is recommended to the user.
US09171081B2	Entity augmentation service from latent relational data The subject disclosure is directed towards providing data for augmenting an entity-attribute-related task. Pre-processing is preformed on entity-attribute tables extracted from the web, e.g., to provide indexes that are accessible to find data that completes augmentation tasks. The indexes are based on both direct mappings and indirect mappings between tables. Example augmentation tasks include queries for augmented data based on an attribute name or examples, or finding synonyms for augmentation. An online query is efficiently processed by accessing the indexes to return augmented data related to the task.
US09171079B2	Searching sensor data In particular embodiments, a method includes receiving a query for particular sensor data among multiple sensor data from multiple sensors. The plurality of sensor data has been indexed according to a multi-dimensional array. One or more first ones of the dimensions include time, and one or more second ones of the dimensions include one or more pre-determined sensor-data attributes. The method includes translating the query to correspond to the indexing of the plurality of sensor data. The translated query includes one or more values for one or more of the dimensions of the multi-dimensional array. The method includes communicating the translated query to search among the plurality of sensor data according to its indexing to identify the particular sensor data.
US09171075B2	Searching recorded video Embodiments of the disclosure provide for systems and methods for creating metadata associated with a video data. The metadata can include data about objects viewed within a video scene and/or events that occur within the video scene. Some embodiments allow users to search for specific objects and/or events by searching the recorded metadata. In some embodiments, metadata is created by receiving a video frame and developing a background model for the video frame. Foreground object(s) can then be identified in the video frame using the background model. Once these objects are identified they can be classified and/or an event associated with the foreground object may be detected. The event and the classification of the foreground object can then be recorded as metadata.
US09171074B2	Document sorting system, document sorting method, and document sorting program It is possible to analyze digitized document information gathered to be provided as evidence in a legal action and to classify the document information to be easily accessible in the legal action. A document classification system includes a keyword database, a related term database, a first classification unit which extracts a document including a keyword recorded in the keyword database from document information and attaches a specific classification mark to the extracted document based on keyword-corresponding information, and a second classification unit which extracts a document including a related term recorded in the related term database from document information, to which the specific classification mark is not attached in the first classification unit, calculates a score based on an evaluated value of the related term included in the extracted document and the number of related terms, and attaches a predetermined classification mark to a document, for which the score exceeds a given value, among the documents including the related term based on the score and the related term-corresponding information.
US09171068B2	Recommending personally interested contents by text mining, filtering, and interfaces A personalized content recommendation system includes a client interface device configured to monitor a user's information data stream. A collaborative filter remote from the client interface device generates automated predictions about the interests of the user. A database server stores personal behavioral profiles and user's preferences based on a plurality of monitored past behaviors and an output of the collaborative user personal interest inference engine. A programmed personal content recommendation server filters items in an incoming information stream with the personal behavioral profile and identifies only those items of the incoming information stream that substantially matches the personal behavioral profile. The identified personally relevant content is then recommended to the user following some priority that may consider the similarity between the personal interest matches, the context of the user information consumption behaviors that may be shown by the user's content consumption mode.
US09171066B2	Distributed natural language understanding and processing using local data sources An arrangement and corresponding method are described for distributed natural language processing. A set of local data sources is stored on a mobile device. A local natural language understanding (NLU) match module on the mobile device performs natural language processing of a natural language input with respect to the local data sources to determine one or more local interpretation candidates. A local NLU ranking module on the mobile device processes the local interpretation candidates and one or more remote interpretation candidates from a remote NLU server to determine a final output interpretation corresponding to the natural language input.
US09171062B2	Real-time search of vertically partitioned, inverted indexes Provided are techniques for processing a query. A query including constraints for at least two vertically partitioned, inverted indexes is received. The constraints in the query are separated based on the vertically partitioned, inverted indexes. A document identifier iterator is obtained for each of the constraints, wherein each document identifier iterator is associated with a posting list, and wherein each posting list is ordered by document identifier order. A run-time join of the posting lists is performed to obtain a final result set.
US09171060B2	Adjustable transformations from semantic web languages Methods and systems of transforming ontologies of semantic web languages are disclosed. A user may adjust configuration settings for a transformation of primitives of a Semantic Web ontology language into primitives of a software modeling language. The adjusted configuration settings may be stored on a storage device. The transformation of primitives of the Semantic Web ontology language into primitives of the software modeling language may be performed using the adjusted configuration settings stored on the storage device. The adjusted configuration settings stored on the storage device may be selected for use in a subsequent transformation of primitives of the Semantic Web ontology language into primitives of the software modeling language. In some embodiments, the semantic web language is Resource Description Framework Schema (RDFS). In some embodiments, the software modeling language is Ecore.
US09171042B1	Parallel processing database tree structure Database system comprising nodes configured in a tree structure is disclosed. The system includes a shared metadata store on the root node. Child nodes may request metadata from their ancestors. Parents will forward the request upward until the metadata is found or the root node is reached.
US09171040B2	Methods, systems, and computer program products for optimizing query evaluation and processing in a subscription notification service A method, system, and computer program product for optimizing query evaluation and processing services in a subscription notification system are provided. The method includes determining hierarchical relationships among a set of subscription queries received from subscription client systems. The hierarchical relationships are determined by identifying subscription queries that are subsets of corresponding other subscription queries in the set. The method also includes creating at least one subscription query at a notification source, the at least one subscription query corresponding to one or more selected subscription queries in the set and including any corresponding subsets.
US09171039B2	Query language based on business object model Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for providing a query language based on a model. In one aspect, there is provided a computer-implemented method. The method may include receiving a first query; generating, based on a model including metadata representing a data structure, a second query specific to the data structure stored in a database; and sending the second query to the database. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described.
US09171035B2	Control elements of graphical user interfaces Various aspects of this disclosure are directed to displaying, by a computing device, a plurality of components of a graphical user interface. Each of the plurality of components may display one or more members of at least one dimensional level of a database having a plurality of dimensions. Each dimension of the plurality of dimensions may include one or more dimensional levels. The computing device may determine a first dimensional level of a first dimension of the plurality of dimensions having one or more members displayed in two or more of the plurality of components, and may display a control element including an indication of the dimensional level having the one or more members displayed in each of the two or more components.
US09171033B2	Method and system for allowing access to developed applications via a multi-tenant on-demand database service In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for allowing access to developed applications via a multi-tenant on-demand database service, in a controlled environment. These mechanisms and methods for providing such access can enable embodiments to provide additional control over the development process as well as the access of such developed applications. The ability of embodiments to provide such additional control may lead to an improved application development framework, etc.
US09171031B2	Merging index nodes of a hierarchical dispersed storage index A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module determining to merge two data object level index nodes and merging the two nodes into a temporarily merged data object level index node. The method continues with the DS processing module initiating updating of a hierarchical ordered index structure by identifying an address for storing the temporarily merged data object level index node, setting up deletion of the two data object level index nodes, setting up linking the temporarily merged data object level index node to a next level node of the hierarchical ordered index structure, and determining whether a change has occurred to at least one of one or more of the two data object level index nodes and the next level node. When the change has not occurred, the method continues with the DS processing module commencing the updating of the hierarchical ordered index structure.
US09171023B2	Mechanism for updates in a database engine A method for database processing includes allocating primary, secondary and tertiary data structures for each column. Columnar content is written into the primary data structure. Updated values are written into the tertiary data structure. Storage keys indicate correspondence to the primary data structure. Query responses involve first reading updated values from the tertiary data structure, sorting by storage keys, storing into the secondary data structure, and clearing the tertiary data structure. Then the primary and secondary data structures are consulted to respond to the query, reading the value for each row from the secondary data structure where present, otherwise from the primary data structure. A commit phase produces a new version of the primary data structure by merging the secondary data structure and an old version of the primary data structure, consulting them in a similar manner.
US09171021B2	Method and system for configuring storage device in hybrid storage environment The present invention provides a method and a system for configuring a storage device in a hybrid storage environment. The method includes: acquiring a plurality of attribute parameters of each storage device; performing calculation according to the attribute parameters to obtain a priority of each storage device; acquiring a storage priority of each data object; and performing matching according to the storage priority of each data object and the priority of each storage device, so as to store each data object into a storage device with a priority corresponding to the storage priority of the data object. Accordingly, configuration of a plurality of storage devices and a plurality of data objects in a hybrid storage environment can be implemented, which avoids manual involvement, thereby reducing security risks, improving performance of the system, and reducing energy consumption of the system.
US09171016B2	Content selection apparatus and content selection method A content selection apparatus selects a target content item which is a content item to be presented to a user, from a plurality of content items. The plurality of content items are sorted into a plurality of management units according to a creation date and time of each content item. The content selection apparatus includes a selection unit that selects a predetermined number of management units in ascending order of the number of sorted content items, and selects a content item that belongs to the selected management units as the target content item.
US09171015B2	Sharing asserted media Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for sharing asserted media. An assertion application can be executed by a device to generate asserted media. The assertion application can receive a request or other input for specifying information to be included in the asserted media. The assertion application also can be executed to obtain media captured with a media capture device and to obtain the information to be included in the asserted media. The assertion application also can associate the information with the media content to generate the asserted media and share the asserted media with one or more recipients. An assertion service remote from the user device can be configured to generate the asserted media and/or to share the asserted media with the recipients.
US09171011B1	Building search by contents Aspects of the invention relate generally to identifying and providing 3D models in response to a search request. More specifically, a server may access a database of 3D models, at least some of which include geolocation information such as an address, intersection, or geolocation coordinates. The server may select a particular model and identify points of interest. For example, the server may use detailed map information to identify points of interest located at or near the geolocation information associated with the particular model. Once a point of interest has been identified, a corresponding system tag may be generated and associated with the 3D model. Tags may be used to index, search, and retrieve 3D models in response to a search request. For example, when a request for a 3D model is received, the server identifies the search terms and searches the tags to identify relevant 3D models.
US09171010B2	Method and system for building a streaming model A method of constructing a plurality of downloadable files from an application file and a plurality of transcripts. The application file stores data blocks and implements an application. Each of the transcripts stores at least one order in which at least a portion of the data blocks of the application file were accessed by the application when executed previously. The transcripts are combined into a combined transcript storing at least one combined order comprising a combined portion of the data blocks. The data blocks of the combined portion are arranged in a data structure having an origin. A first set of data blocks within a predetermined distance from the origin is stored in at least one initial execution file. A second set of data blocks outside the predetermined distance from the origin is stored in downloadable sequence files.
US09171009B1	Cluster file system comprising storage server units each having a scale-out network attached storage cluster A cluster file system comprises storage server units each configured for communication with a plurality of clients over a network. At least one of the storage server units comprises an object storage server, an object storage target associated with the object storage server, a metadata server, a metadata target associated with the metadata server, and a scale-out network attached storage cluster. The scale-out network attached storage cluster comprises storage directories corresponding to respective ones of the object storage and metadata targets. The object storage server and its associated object storage target may form part of a first storage tier of the storage server unit, and a plurality of nodes of the scale-out network attached storage cluster may form part of a second storage tier of the storage server unit. Parallel log-structured file system (PLFS) middleware may be used to control movement of data between the first and second storage tiers.
US09171001B2	Personalized playlist arrangement and stream selection Method for determining a sequence of audio pieces, comprising receiving a set of audio pieces, and determining the sequence of audio pieces by arranging audio pieces from the set in an order; wherein a position of a respective audio piece within the order is determined based on a user's personal profile, the user's personal profile includes rules descriptive of the user's preferences, the rules relating to attributes including meta data attributes and/or acoustic parameters of audio pieces, and wherein the position of the respective audio piece is determined depending on one of the attributes of the respective audio piece according to one of the rules.
US09171000B2	Method and system for mapping short term ranking optimization objective to long term engagement Method, system, and programs for identifying a target metric. In one example, at least one first type of metric computed based on a first period associated with a first length of time is measured for each of a plurality of users. At least one second type of metric computed based on a second period associated with a second length of time is measured for each of the plurality of users. The second length of time is larger than the first length of time. Correlations between each of the at least one first type of metric and each of the at least one second type of metrics are computed with respect to the plurality of users. A target metric is identified from the at least one first type of metric based on the correlations. The target metric is correlated with the at least one second type of metric.
US09170994B2	Machine translation apparatus, method and computer readable medium According to one embodiment, a machine translation apparatus includes a speech recognition unit, a translation unit, a detection unit and an addition unit. The speech recognition unit performs speech recognition of speech. The translation unit translates the plurality of source language strings into target language strings in a chronological order. The detection unit detects ambiguity in interpretation of the speech corresponding to a first target language string of the target language strings. The addition unit adds, an additional phrase being one of words and phrases to interpret uniquely a modification relationship, to the first target language string if ambiguity is detected.
US09170993B2	Identifying tasks and commitments using natural language processing and machine learning An example of identifying tasks and commitments can include receiving a communication message. A task and a parameter can be identified in the communication message. Information related to the task can be extracted from the communication message using natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML). A commitment related to the task can be identified using NLP extracted information. A state of the commitment can be identified using NLP and ML based on the extracted information.
US09170989B2	System and method for facilitating posting of public and private user comments at a web site A software system and method that allows web site operators to adapt web pages for posting of public and private user comments. An administrator accesses a web site to enter data for creating reader comment areas. HTML code for the reader comment areas is generated for insertion into web pages. When the web page containing the code is posted to a web site, the code results in a reader comment display page where web site visitors can comment on the content of the particular web page where the reader comment area appears. Comments are saved at a remote web site accessible to the administrator. The administrator may review and manage the reader comments. A reader who makes a comment on a web page has the option of creating a personal journal comprising all comments entered by the reader at any web page enabled according to the invention.
US09170985B1	Bidirectional fast fourier transform in an integrated circuit device Methods and systems for performing Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) operations are disclosed. A plurality of cascaded stages compute a selectable one of a forward decimation-in-frequency (DFT) FFT operation in a forward direction from an ith stage to a jth stage, and a reverse DFT FFT operation in a reverse direction from the jth stage to the ith stage. The reduction in time and resource usage from employing the disclosed bidirectional DIF FFT architectures may significantly increase performance of DIF applications, for example, ones that involve streaming FFTs.
US09170980B2	Ground-referenced single-ended signaling connected graphics processing unit multi-chip module A system of interconnected chips comprising a multi-chip module (MCM) includes a processor chip, a system functions chip, and an MCM package configured to include the processor chip, the system functions chip, and an interconnect circuit. The processor chip is configured to include a first ground-referenced single-ended signaling interface circuit. A first set of electrical traces manufactured within the MCM package and configured to couple the first single-ended signaling interface circuit to the interconnect circuit. The system functions chip is configured to include a second single-ended signaling interface circuit and a host interface. A second set of electrical traces manufactured within the MCM package and configured to couple the host interface to at least one external pin of the MCM package. In one embodiment, each single-ended signaling interface advantageously implements ground-referenced single-ended signaling.
US09170979B2	Converging interconnect node controlling operation related to associated future item in dependence upon data predicted based on current transaction data item passing through An integrated circuit includes one or more transaction data sources and one or more transaction data destinations connected via interconnect circuitry comprising a plurality of interconnect nodes. Within the interconnect nodes there are one or more converging interconnect nodes. A converging interconnect node includes prediction data generation circuitry for reading characteristics of a current item of transaction data from the converging interconnect node and generating associated prediction data for a future item of transaction data which will be returned to the converging interconnect node at a predetermined time in the future. This prediction data is stored within prediction data storage circuitry and is read by prediction data evaluation circuitry to control processing of a future item of transaction data corresponding to that prediction data when it is returned to the converging interconnect node. The interconnect circuitry may have a branching network topology or recirculating ring based topology.
US09170969B2	Cached PHY register data access Ethernet physical sublayer (PHY) devices each provide PHY register data. One or more of the Ethernet PHY devices are connected to each of one or more management data input/output (MDIO)/management data clock (MDC) interfaces to which a number of MDIO/MDC controllers are connected. Each MDIO/MDC controller polls a corresponding MDIO/MDC interface to receive the PHY register data from the one or more Ethernet PHY devices connected thereto. The MDIO/MDC controllers store portions of the PHY register data received from the Ethernet PHY devices to a memory to which an interface is connected. A processor connected to the interface accesses the portions of the PHY register data stored to the memory. The processor can retrieve the portions of the PHY register data over the interface more quickly than the MDIO/MDC controllers can retrieve the PHY register data over the MDIO/MDC interfaces.
US09170966B2	System method for deterministic message processing a direct memory access (DMA) adapter with head pointers and tail pointers for determining the in and out sequence of packets Deterministic message processing in a direct memory access (DMA) adapter includes the DMA adapter incrementing from a sub-head pointer, a sub-tail pointer until encountering an out-of-sequence packet. The DMA adapter also consumes packets between the sub-head pointer and the sub-tail pointer including incrementing with the consumption of each packet, the sub-head pointer until determining that the sub-head pointer is equal to the sub-tail pointer. In response to determining that the sub-head pointer is equal to the sub-tail pointer, the DMA adapter determines whether the head pointer is pointing to the next in-sequence packet. If the head pointer is pointing to the next in-sequence packet, the DMA adapter resets the sub-head pointer and the sub-tail pointer to the head pointer. If the head pointer is not pointing to the next in-sequence packet, the DMA adapter resets the sub-head pointer and the sub-tail pointer to the next in-sequence packet.
US09170960B2	Location of computing assets within an organization Mechanisms are provided for determining the location of computing assets within an organization. These mechanisms determine first location information identifying a location of at least one first physical asset housing in a predetermined physical area of the organization relative to a predetermined coordinate system, and second location information identifying a location of at least one second physical asset housing within the at least one first asset housing. The mechanisms automatically determine third location information identifying a location of at least one computing asset within the at least one second physical asset housing. In addition, the mechanisms generate an asset location map data structure for the organization based on the first, second and third location information. The mechanisms also perform at least one management operation for managing resources of the organization, based on the asset location map data structure for the organization.
US09170949B2	Simplified controller with partial coherency A simplified coherency controller supports multiple exclusively active fully coherent agent interfaces and any number of active I/O (partially) coherent agent interfaces. A state controller determines which fully coherent agent is active. Multiple fully coherent agents can be simultaneously active during a short period of a transition of processing from one to another processor. Multiple fully coherent agents can be simultaneously active, though without a mutually consistent view of memory, which is practical in cases such as when running multiple operating systems on different processors.
US09170944B2	Two handed insertion and deletion algorithm for circular buffer Exemplary embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and system for selecting an eviction location of an item to evict and an insertion location for a new item in a circular buffer. In a step, an exemplary embodiment specifies an insertion location with an insertion pointer. In another step, an exemplary embodiment increments an access count of a first item. In another step, an exemplary embodiment moves an eviction pointer clockwise when specifying an insertion location for the new item and the circular buffer is in eviction mode. In another step, an exemplary embodiment decrements an access count of a second item. In another step, an exemplary embodiment moves the insertion pointer to maintain a constant clockwise distance to the eviction location. In another step, an exemplary embodiment evicts the second item with an access count of zero and inserts the new item counterclockwise to the insertion location.
US09170943B2	Selectively enabling write caching in a storage system based on performance metrics According to a method of cache management in a data storage system including a write cache and bulk storage media, a storage controller of the data storage system caches, in the write cache, write data of write input/output operations (IOPs) received at the storage controller. In response to a first performance-related metric for the data storage system satisfying a first threshold, the storage controller decreases a percentage of write IOPs for which write data is cached in the write cache of the data storage system and increases a percentage of write IOPs for which write data is stored directly in the bulk storage media in lieu of the write cache. In response to a second performance-related metric for the data storage system satisfying a second threshold, the storage controller increases the percentage of write IOPs for which write data is cached in the write cache of the data storage system.
US09170939B1	Early de-allocation of write buffer in an SSD A data storage system includes: non-volatile solid state memory including non-volatile storage units and a temporary register; a data storage controller configured to receive a write command including a plurality of logical segments of data from a host; a write buffer allocated to receive a portion of the plurality of logical segments of data and accumulate a physical segment of data corresponding to a write unit of the solid state memory; a solid state memory controller configured to transmit the accumulated data from the write buffer to the temporary storage register each time the write buffer accumulates a physical segment of data. The data storage controller acknowledges completion of the write command to the host after the last logical segment of data is written to the write buffer; and deallocates the write buffer after the solid state memory completes reception of the accumulated data into the temporary storage register.
US09170934B2	Server and drive control device According to one embodiment, a drive control device includes a monitor, data memory and a controller. The monitor monitors an operating state of a solid-state drive and detects whether the solid-state drive is busy. The data memory is capable of holding temporarily a write target data which should be written to the solid-state drive or a read target data which was read from the solid-state drive and should be transmitted to a requestor. The controller which writes the write target data to the data memory when the controller receives a write request and the monitor detects that the solid-state drive is busy, and which writes the write target data held in the data memory to the solid-state drive after the solid-state drive becomes not busy.
US09170932B1	System data storage mechanism providing coherency and segmented data loading A data storage subsystem is disclosed that implements a process for storing and/or reconstructing system data, such as a system mapping table. In certain embodiments, table pages are systematically copied, or flushed, to non-volatile memory in a progressive manner, according to a fixed ratio of flushed table pages per table update trigger, thereby facilitating write and/or load efficiency. Full or partial reconstruction of a table may be performed within a bounded number of operations based on the size of the table, the ratio implemented, and/or other characteristics.
US09170917B2	Flow tracing though diverse logical and physical application and infrastructure layers/dependencies In various exemplary embodiments, a system and a related method and a related computer-readable medium to perform the method, for tracking numerous software calls in an enterprise environment is provided. The method includes tracking, during a runtime operation of the enterprise environment, layers through which each of the software calls passes. The tracking includes logging each of a multitude of physical components involved in each of the software calls, annotating each of the physical components with associated metadata, logging each of a multitude of logical components involved in the software calls, annotating each of the logical components with associated metadata, and logging a reliance of each of the physical components and the logical components on other physical and logical components. A dependency map is generated indicating the layers tracked in each of the software calls.
US09170915B1	Replay to reconstruct program state The state of a workflow application in a distributed computing environment can be reconstructed by replaying previously executed portions of the workflow application. Embodiments maintain non-serialized event data relating to workflow history and use the data to determine subsequent actions to take in order to advance the workflow. In some embodiments, workflow instances can be serialized in order to create a checkpoint.
US09170913B2	Method and apparatus for 3-D acceleromter based slope determination, real-time vehicle mass determination, and vehicle efficiency analysis Three dimensional accelerometer data is used to determine a slope the vehicle is traveling over at a specific point in time. The slope data can then be combined with other metrics to provide an accurate, slope corrected vehicle mass. The vehicle mass can then be used along with other vehicle data to determine an amount of work performed by a vehicle, enabling a detailed efficiency analysis of the vehicle to be performed. To calculate slope, horizontal ground speed (VHGS) can be calculated using the Pythagorean Theorem. One can take the Z/Up magnitude and divide it by the horizontal ground speed. Replacing z, x and y with directional vectors enables one to calculate slope. The slope data is then used to determine the mass of the vehicle at that time. Previous techniques to calculate mass did not factor in slope, and thus are not accurate.
US09170907B2	Method of providing high integrity processing A method of providing synchronization and integrity checking in a high integrity processing system having at least two redundant processing lanes, with each lane having an application processor, with the application processors running the same application software in a non-lockstep configuration, and outputting transactions requiring access to an addressable space.
US09170902B2	Adaptive device-initiated polling A method includes periodically sending a polling call to an enterprise system outside the firewall at a first polling rate during normal operating conditions, monitoring for a fault condition, periodically sending polling calls to the device outside the firewall at a second polling rate when a fault condition is detected, the second polling rate being higher than the first polling rate. The second polling rate is used as result of a fault condition. The method also includes sending a problem report with the polling calls when the fault condition is detected.
US09170900B2	Error injection into the leaf functions of call graphs A computer identifies a target for an injection of an error. The computer monitors the call graph, of a program being tested, for instances of the target. The computer identifies an instance of the target in the call graph. The computer determines if the instance of the target satisfies two or more parameters required for error injection. If the computer determines that the instance of the target does satisfy two or more parameters required for error injection, then the computer injects a first instance of an error into a leaf function of the call graph. The execution of the first instance of the injected error results in a first code path, of the program being tested, to be followed.
US09170894B2	Memory error detection Systems and methods are provided for detecting and correcting address errors in a memory system. In the memory system, a memory device generates an error-detection code based on an address transmitted via an address bus and transmits the error-detection code to a memory controller. The memory controller transmits an error indication to the memory device in response to the error-detection code. The error indication causes the memory device to remove the received address and prevent a memory operation.
US09170888B2	Methods and apparatus for virtual machine recovery Methods and apparatus for recovery of virtual machine failure. A succession of data images is captured, with each of the data images comprising an operating system of the virtual machine. The data images are images of data elements chosen based at least in part on their suitability for virtual machine restoration. Upon detection of a virtual machine failure, an attempt is made to restore the virtual machine using the highest ranked. If the attempt fails, further attempts are made using lower ranked data images, until an attempt is successful or all available data images have been used.
US09170882B2	Retrieving data segments from a dispersed storage network A method begins by a processing module receiving a file retrieval request for a file, wherein the file includes one or more data regions, and wherein a data region of the one or more data regions is divided into a plurality of data segments and stored as a plurality of sets of encoded data slices in a dispersed storage network (DSN) memory. The method continues with the processing module retrieving a segment allocation table (SAT), wherein a SAT entry of a plurality of SAT entries includes information regarding storing the data region in the DSN memory and a segmentation scheme regarding the dividing of the data region into the plurality of data segments. The method continues with the processing module identifying the plurality of sets of encoded data slices and retrieving at least a sufficient number of the plurality of sets of encoded data slices to regenerate the data region.
US09170880B1	Method and system for data integrity in TCAMS Method and system for a network device are provided. The method includes generating error correction code (ECC) for writing data to a ternary content addressable memory used by the network device; storing the ECC code and the data at the TCAM; generating an ECC for a search key, used for searching the TCAM; and detecting any error in the stored data by using the search key with appended ECC.
US09170876B1	Method and system for decoding encoded data stored in a non-volatile memory A method of decoding a primary codeword and a set of secondary codewords stored in a non-volatile memory (NVM), which includes reading, from the NVM, the primary codeword and all the secondary codewords and storing them in a second memory. The primary codeword is then read from the second memory and decoded, utilizing a soft-decision decoder, based on a log-likelihood ratio (LLR) vector. When the decoding of the primary codeword is unsuccessful: each secondary codeword of the set of secondary codewords is read from the second memory and decoded, utilizing a hard-decision decoder, to identify and correct errored data bits in the each secondary codeword and to determine a location of each errored data bit in the primary codeword. An adjusted LLR vector is generated by adjusting the LLR for each primary codeword data bit based on the determined locations of the errored data bits in the primary codeword.
US09170875B2	Method for monitoring a data memory A method is described for monitoring a data memory in which an error detection method is used to detect and/or correct incorrect data words stored in memory lines of the data memory, an address of the data memory at which a data word evaluated as incorrect by the error detection method is stored being written to an auxiliary memory and being made available to a checking program.
US09170871B2	Data polling method and digital instrumentation and control system for atomic power plant using the method The CPU includes: a data transmission instruction output processor; a failure detection signal input processor to which a failure detection signal is input from a failure detection processor for detecting a failure of an input unit; a data storage memory for, each time an input data update processor of the input unit updates data, storing the updated data; and a CPU operation processor for obtaining input data from the data storage memory and obtaining a detection signal from the failure detection signal input processor to perform operation processing. The CPU operation processor obtains periodic data as of an amount of time given by the following expression ago: {ROUNDUP(T22/T1)}×T1 where T22 is the failure detection processing time of the failure detection processor, T1 is the data transmission instruction output period of the data transmission instruction output processor, and ROUNDUP is a function of rounding up to the nearest integer.
US09170865B2	Executing a gather operation on a parallel computer that includes a plurality of compute nodes Executing a gather operation on a parallel computer that includes a plurality of compute nodes, including: dividing, by each task in an operational group of tasks, a send buffer containing contribution data into a plurality of chunks of data, each chunk of data located at an offset within the send buffer; sending, by each task in the operational group of tasks, one chunk of data to a root task through a data communications thread for each chunk of data; receiving the chunks of data by the root task; and storing, by the root task, each chunk of data in a receive buffer of the root task in dependence upon the offset of each chunk of data within the send buffer.
US09170839B2	Method for job scheduling with prediction of upcoming job combinations A method for scheduling different combinations of jobs simultaneously running on a shared hardware platform is disclosed. Schedules may be created while executing the current set of jobs, for one or more possible sets of jobs that may occur after a change in the current set of jobs. In at least one embodiment, the present invention may be implemented in a SDR system where the jobs may correspond to radios in the SDR system. The possible combinations of radios that may occur after a change in the set of currently running radios may be determined at run time by adding or removing one radio at a time from the set of currently running radios.
US09170838B2	Method for singleton process control A method for singleton process control in a computer environment is provided. A process identification (PID) for a background process is stored in a first temporary file. The PID is stored by a parent process and subsequently accessed by the background process. The background process is exited if an active PID is determined to exist in a second, global temporary file. The PID from the first temporary file is stored into the second, global temporary file. A singleton code block is then executed.
US09170833B2	Compliance-based adaptations in managed virtual systems Techniques are disclosed for controlling and managing virtual machines and other such virtual systems. VM execution approval is based on compliance with policies controlling various aspects of VM. The techniques can be employed to benefit all virtual environments, such as virtual machines, virtual appliances, and virtual applications. For ease of discussion herein, assume that a virtual machine (VM) represents each of these environments. In one particular embodiment, a systems management partition (SMP) is created inside the VM to provide a persistent and resilient storage for management information (e.g., logical and physical VM metadata). The SMP can also be used as a staging area for installing additional content or agentry on the VM when the VM is executed. Remote storage of management information can also be used. The VM management information can then be made available for pre-execution processing, including policy-based compliance testing.
US09170827B2	Configuration file compatibility Disclosed herein is a technique that compares a first series of bits associated with a configuration file with a second series of bits associated with computer readable instructions so as to determine whether the configuration file is compatible with the instructions.
US09170824B2	Virtualized boot block with discovery volume A file system independent virtualized boot block with discovery volume and cover files renders a volume visible when accessed by an accessing system which differs from a source system. For example, a downlevel operating system recognizes that data is present on a volume created in an uplevel operating system, even where the uplevel data itself may not be accessible.
US09170817B2	Reducing branch checking for non control flow instructions Some microprocessors check branch prediction information in a branch history table and/or a branch target buffer. To check for branch prediction information, a microprocessor can identify which instructions are control flow instructions and which instructions are non control flow instructions. To reduce power consumption in the branch history table and/or branch target buffer, the branch history table and/or branch target buffer can check for branch prediction information corresponding to the control flow instructions and not the non control flow instructions.
US09170816B2	Enhancing processing efficiency in large instruction width processors A processor includes one or more processing units, an execution pipeline and control circuitry. The execution pipeline includes at least first and second pipeline stages that are cascaded so that program instructions, specifying operations to be performed by the processing units in successive cycles of the pipeline, are fetched from a memory by the first pipeline stage and conveyed to the second pipeline stage, which causes the processing units to perform the specified operations. The control circuitry is coupled, upon determining that a program instruction that is present in the second pipeline stage in a first cycle of the pipeline is to be executed again in a subsequent cycle of the pipeline, to cause the execution pipeline to reuse the program instruction in one of the pipeline stages without re-fetching the program instruction from the memory.
US09170809B1	Identifying transactions likely to be impacted by a configuration change System, method, and non-transitory medium for identifying a certain transaction likely to be impacted by a certain configuration change. An activity analyzer receives activity data of users belonging to different organizations and identifies, based on the activity data, a first set of code elements associated with transactions. A program analyzer receives the certain configuration change, and program data that describes at least one of the following: procedure invocations, user interface statements, and database access statements. The program analyzer identifies a second set of code elements that are influenced by the certain configuration change. An intersection module calculates an intersection between the first set of code elements and the second set of code elements. A transaction identifier identifies the certain transaction likely to be impacted by the certain configuration change based on a common code element belonging to the intersection.
US09170805B2	Software maintenance supporting device for analyzing relationships between variables The invention relates to a software maintenance supporting device that analyzes and displays the structure of software, and its object is to divide software into clusters including plural variables and illustrate the result of the division. The software maintenance supporting device extracts variable dependence relation data from a source code, and divides software into clusters including plural variables, using a variable dependence relation. Also, an inter-variable dependence relation is illustrated as a directed graph in which a variable is expressed as a node and a dependence relation is expressed as a link, and variables belonging to the same cluster are highlighted.
US09170798B2	System and method for customizing a deployment plan for a multi-tier application in a cloud infrastructure A deployment system enables a developer to customize a deployment plan generated according to a logical, multi-tier application blueprint for deploying multiple applications in a cloud infrastructure. Using the deployment system, the developer inserts a custom script or task in a sequence of tasks to be performed to deploy an application component in different phases (e.g., installation, configuration, start-up) on a virtual machine. The deployment system anchors the custom script to the different phases of the application component's deployment such that the customizations to the deployment plan are maintained through changes to the underlying application blueprint.
US09170795B2	Digital item ingestion process Disclosed are various embodiments for an ingestion process modifying digital items. A computing system receives an uploaded digital item configured to communicate with a testing server application when executed. The ingestion process reconfigures the digital item to communicate with a production server application when executed.
US09170791B1	Storing data items with content encoded in storage addresses An input dataset comprising a plurality of input items is transformed into a smaller output dataset comprising a plurality of corresponding output items. For each input item, a corresponding output item is created, wherein each input item contains some content that is not present in the corresponding output item. Creating an output item can comprise right shifting the bits of the input item by a shifting value, and performing an exclusive or operation on the input item and the results of the right shifting. The content contained in each input item that is not present in the corresponding output item is encoded in the storage address of the corresponding output item, such that the content of each input item is contained in a combination of the corresponding output item and its storage address. The output dataset comprises multiple levels.
US09170784B1	Interaction with partially constructed mobile device applications Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for creating mobile device applications. In one aspect, a method includes determining that a user has entered one or more user inputs into an integrated development environment, to select or arrange a component that defines a portion of an application, and transmitting interpreter code that corresponds to the component to a mobile device, where the interpreter code, when interpreted by a command interpreter on the mobile device, causes the mobile device to generate a mock-up of the portion of the application defined by the component.
US09170782B2	Extensible mechanism for providing suggestions in a source code editor An extensible editor for editing program source code can customize a default display provided by a language service in an IDE. The default display can be modified using source code-specific extension code. The extension code can be provided by a third party. The extension code can reside in the source code file to which it applies. The extension code can reside in a separate file from the file in which the source code resides. A naming convention can be used to enable the extensible editor to locate the extension code. Display entries can be filtered, added, removed, or modified using an API provided by the extensible editor. The API can allow the extension code to register for one or more events including but not limited to a completion hint event, a completion list event, and a function help event. User-provided extensions can be used to customize default display results.
US09170770B2	Vehicle controller A vehicle controller has multiple vehicle control modes that have different output characteristics of a travel power source relative to an accelerator operation amount. The vehicle control modes include a poor road travel mode used during travel on a poor road, and a first normal travel mode and a second normal travel mode that are used during travel other than on a poor road. A rate of increase in an output of the travel power source relative to a predetermined accelerator operation amount during an initial stage of an accelerator operation is set to increase steadily in order of the poor road travel mode, the first normal travel mode, and the second normal travel mode. When the poor road travel mode is selected, a mode transition to the first normal travel mode is permitted but a mode transition to the second normal travel mode is prohibited.
US09170765B2	Printing system, information processing apparatus, and method to be used therein A printing system including a printer for storing a setup program for installing a printer driver and an information processing apparatus, wherein the information processing apparatus starts up the setup program acquired from the printer, when the printer driver is installed, identifies an attribute of an OS running on the information processing apparatus, creates a port having a port name according to a predetermined format according to the identified attribute of the OS, and installs the printer driver.
US09170762B2	Multifunction peripheral and storage medium The storage section of the multifunction peripheral stores location information containing a storage location of software which transmits a control command whose execution is permissible. The execution permission judging section of the multifunction peripheral includes (I) a storage location detecting section which detects a storage location of software which has participated in a transmission of a received control command and (II) a command permitting/prohibiting section which (i) prohibits execution of the received control command when a storage location indicated by the location information is not detected by the storage location detecting section but (ii) permits execution of the received control command when the storage location is detected by the storage location detecting section.
US09170759B2	Information processing apparatus, information processing method and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium An information processing apparatus acquires a structured document containing a plurality of elements, specifies, in accordance with an instruction from a user, a partial element group from the plurality of elements contained in the acquired structured document, and selects, in accordance with the content of each of the plurality of elements included in the specified element group, an output-target element from the plurality of elements included in the element group.
US09170757B1	Optimization of raid group storage A method of operating a memory system to compress data efficiently is described. The user data and the associated metadata are separated so that user data having repeating data patterns of greater length than a single user data structure may be assembled for storage. The user metadata and the repeating pattern metadata are stored in non-volatile memory such that the repeating pattern metadata can be used to reconstruct the repeating pattern of individual user data blocks. The reconstructed user data blocks are combined with user metadata, if any, and returned to the user in response to a read request.
US09170754B2	Apparatus, system, and method for coordinating storage requests in a multi-processor/multi-thread environment An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for coordinating storage requests in a multi-processor/multi-thread environment. An append/invalidate module generates a first append data storage command from a first storage request and a second append data storage command from a second storage request. The storage requests overwrite existing data with first and second data including where the first and second data have at least a portion of overlapping data. The second storage request is received after the first storage request. The append/invalidate module updates an index by marking data being overwritten as invalid. A restructure module updates the index based on the first data and updates the index based on the second data. The updated index is organized to indicate that the second data is more current than the first data regardless of processing order. The modules prevent access to the index until the modules have completed updating the index.
US09170752B2	Dynamic feedback-based throughput control for black-box storage systems Embodiments of the present invention relate to dynamic feedback-based throughput control for storage systems. In one embodiment, a method of and computer program product for storage throughput control are provided. A plurality of I/O requests is received at a rate controller. The plurality of I/O requests is sent from the rate controller to a storage system at a first rate. Throughput of the storage system is observed. The first rate is dynamically adjusted based on the variance between the observed throughput of the storage system and the first rate.
US09170750B2	Storage apparatus and data copy control method A storage apparatus comprises a storage controller and multiple storage devices. The storage controller sends, to either a storage device which is a copy source of copy-target data, or a storage device which is a copy destination of the copy-target data, a copy indication showing areas of the copy source and the copy destination, and the storage device, which receives the copy indication, copies data of the copy-source area to the copy-destination area based on the copy indication without going through the storage controller.
US09170747B2	Storage device, control device, and control method A storage device includes a data division unit that divides data into data blocks, a duplicate storage determining unit that determines whether the same data block as that to be stored has been stored in a storage unit for discharge in an export process, and a data storage processing unit that stores the data block to be stored in the storage unit for discharge when the same data block has not been stored in the storage unit for discharge and prevents the data block to be stored from being stored in the storage unit for discharge when the same data block has been stored in the storage unit for discharge. According to the storage device, it is possible to reduce the amount of data stored in the storage unit for discharge.
US09170736B2	Hover controlled user interface element Example apparatus and methods concern controlling a hover-sensitive input/output interface. One example apparatus includes a proximity detector that detects an object in a hover-space associated with the input/output interface. The apparatus produces characterization data concerning the object. The characterization data may be independent of where in the hover-space the object is located. The apparatus selectively controls the activation, display, and deactivation of user interface elements displayed by the apparatus on the input/output interface as a function of the characterization data and interface state. Selectively controlling the activation, display, and deactivation of the user interface elements includes allocating display space on the input/output interface to the user interface elements when they are needed for an operation on the apparatus and selectively reclaiming space on the input/output interface allocated to the user interface elements when they are not needed for an operation on the apparatus.
US09170731B2	Insertion point bungee space tool A computer system and method for providing user feedback when creating, modifying, or editing electronic documents. An insertion point icon is placed in a document at a position for insertion and/or deletion of text, graphics, data, etc. Upon receiving a user input indicating movement, the insertion point icon is divided into two icons, one stationary at the position, and one moving with user input. When movement is complete, space contained between the icons may be deleted or inserted. The system may be used to shift handwritten text to subsequent lines on an electronic document containing handwritten text, and may be used to bring two groups of text together, deleting space in between. A connection line may be displayed between the icons to provide feedback regarding the action to be taken.
US09170710B1	Method and apparatus for notification on an electronic handheld device using an attention manager A method and system for notification in a palm-sized computer system. Specifically, the present invention discloses an Attention Manager that manages application demand for a user's attention. The Attention Manager receives multiple attention requests from varying applications. With each new attention request received that indicates a record needs a user's attention, the Attention Manager stores the request in memory and determines if are other outstanding attention requests that have not been cleared. Depending on number of outstanding requests, the Attention Manager sends a request for record information in list or detail format. If there are multiple outstanding attention requests, the Attention Manager displays a notification dialog in a list format. If there is only one outstanding attention request, the Attention Manager displays the notification dialog in detail format. Additionally, a simple user interface to navigate to the application and record entry requiring attention is provided.
US09170689B2	Touch panel and display device including the same A touch screen of a touch panel includes plural detection column wirings and plural detection row wirings that cross the detection column wirings. Dummy column wirings having a similar configuration to that of the detection column wirings are arrayed at further outer sides of outermost detection column wirings out of the plural detection column wirings. Dummy row wirings having a similar configuration to that of the detection row wirings are arrayed at further outer sides of outermost detection row wirings out of the plural detection row wirings.
US09170676B2	Enhancing touch inputs with gestures Methods and systems according to one or more embodiments are provided for enhancing interactive inputs. In an embodiment, a method includes concurrently capturing touch input data on a screen of a user device and non-touch gesture input data off the screen of the user device. The method also includes determining an input command based at least in part on a combination of the concurrently captured touch input data and the non-touch gesture input data. And the method further includes affecting an operation of the user device based on the determined input command.
US09170675B2	Noise reduction method, device and system on the basis of touch detection of a capacitive screen It is provided a noise reduction method, device and system on the basis of touch detection of a capacitive screen. The noise reduction method includes: sending a first scanning waveform to all receiving terminals by a first sending terminal and then sending a second scanning waveform to all the receiving terminals by a second sending terminal during a detection time period, wherein the phase of the first scanning waveform is continuous with that of the second scanning waveform and the first scanning waveform has a same frequency as that of the second scanning waveform; and filtering a signal received by the receiving terminals after demodulating it. Non-gap scanning can be achieved by performing continuation process to the scanning waveform, i.e. by achieving that the phases are continuous and the frequencies are the same.
US09170671B2	Touch enhanced interface Some embodiments provide a Touch Enhanced Interface (TEI) that translates data from touch devices into a wide variety of output actions, free from the construct of mapping such touch data to an on-screen pointer or direct screen-mapped coordinates. Based on the touch and hold of one or more fingers, the TEI enables access to different sets of operations. Then based on different taps, holds, directional slides, and directional flicks of one or more fingers, the TEI performs specific operations in an accessed set of operations. Some embodiments provide a TEI viewer that displays symbols that identify the operations that can be performed using the various touches.
US09170667B2	Contextual user interface Embodiments of the present invention analyze a context in which a user interacts with a computer interface and automatically optimizes the interface for the context. The controller or control mode the user selects for interaction may define the context, in part. Examples of control modes include gesturing, audio control, use of companion devices, and use of dedicated control devices, such as game controllers and remote controls. The different input devices are designed for different tasks. Nevertheless, a user will frequently attempt to perform a task using a control input that is not adapted for the task. Embodiments of the present invention change the characteristics of the user interface to make it easier for the user to complete an intended task using the input device of the user's choice.
US09170652B2	Electronic device and portable terminal provided with same According to one aspect of the present invention, an electronic device includes a detecting unit, a first housing, an operation unit, a vibrating body, and a flexible portion. The detecting unit detects an input position. The first housing includes a base disposed opposite the detecting unit and a frame body positioned on the base so as to surround the detecting unit in plan view. The operation unit is positioned at a front surface side of the detecting unit so as to cover the detecting unit in plan view. The vibrating body is provided to the operation unit. The flexible portion is provided over a whole circumference of the frame body and supporting the operation unit.
US09170651B2	Tactile sensation providing apparatus and control method for tactile sensation providing apparatus By dual chips exchanging a signal indicating a pressing load detected for providing the tactile sensation, application process based thereon is performed. A tactile sensation providing apparatus includes a touch sensor, a load detection unit for detecting the pressing load on the sensor for providing the sensation, a tactile sensation providing unit for vibrating a surface the sensor, a provision control unit for controlling drive of the providing unit, and a main control unit for controlling an application. The main control unit determines whether a predetermined area of the surface is touched based on an output of the sensor and, when touched, transmits an instruction to the provision control unit. The provision control unit, upon receiving the instruction from the main control unit, detects the pressing load and transmits the detected load to the main control unit. The main control unit, based on the load, performs the application process.
US09170647B2	Mobile terminal and method of controlling the mobile terminal Disclosed is the mobile terminal including a display to display a first screen information, a user tracking device to detect that a user's stare with respect to a connected external electronic apparatus is within a predetermined range with the display serving as a reference, and a controller to receive a second screen information from the connected external electronic apparatus based on the detected user's stare, and the controller to control the display to simultaneously display the received second screen information and the first screen information.
US09170645B2	Method and apparatus for processing input in mobile terminal A method for processing an input in a mobile terminal that recognizes inputs such as a visual input and/or voice input is provided. In the method, a position on a screen corresponding to a viewing direction of a user's eyes is determined. An indicator corresponding to the determined position is displayed on the screen. When a relevant (i.e. actuating) signal is detected, an indicator is arranged on the desired object for selection.
US09170641B2	Electronic device and method for supplying power to at least two different loads by single power supply An electronic device and a method for supplying power are provided. The electronic device includes a power supply, a central processing module, at least two load power supply circuits including a capacitor, at least one switch and at least one feedback resistor unit. The switch is connected with the power supply and the central processing module, configured to be turned on or off according to a control signal output by the central processing module; the feedback resistor unit is connected with the switch and a load, configured to sample the load when the switch is turned on and feed back a sampled voltage, to the power supply through the switch, the power supply supplies power to the load; the capacitor is connected with the switch and the load, configured to be charged when the switch is turned on, or supply power to the load when the switch is turned off.
US09170637B2	Data processing device and data processing system with wide voltage range operation mode A data processing device, includes a central processing unit configured to operate in accordance with a program; a register capable of setting a first mode and a second mode; a non-volatile memory; a sequencer configured to control the non-volatile memory; and a first clock circuit for supplying a first clock to the central processing unit and the non-volatile memory, wherein the first mode is a mode in which the central processing unit is operated within a first range of an external supply voltage, wherein the second mode is a mode in which the central processing unit is operated within a second range of the external supply voltage, the second range includes the first range and a relatively low voltage lower than the lower limit voltage of the first range.
US09170634B2	Power management module for USB devices A system and method of managing power of a multi-function USB device suspends the device in response to receipt of a request to suspend from a USB host; assigns respective device functions to indefinite, locked or unlocked states; allows the device to resume if there are data or requests for host attention pending at a given function that is in the unlocked state and assigning the given function to the locked state; and otherwise maintains the suspend even if there are data are pending at one or more functions that are in the locked state.
US09170631B2	Adaptive temperature and power calculation for integrated circuits Methods, apparatus, and fabrication processes relating to thermal calculations of an integrated circuit device are reported. The methods may comprise determining a power consumption by a power entity of an integrated circuit, the power entity comprising at least one functional element of the integrated circuit; determining a temperature of a thermal entity, the thermal entity comprising a subset of the power entity; and adjusting at least one of a voltage or an operating frequency of at least one functional element of the power entity, based upon the temperature of the thermal entity being greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold temperature for the thermal entity.
US09170616B2	Quiet system cooling using coupled optimization between integrated micro porous absorbers and rotors Micro porous absorber structures that be tuned to attenuate noise at the blade pass frequency (BPF) of a cooling fan. The absorber may comprises a panel covered with micro-porous openings with an air gap under the panel. The size of the air gap may be adjusted dynamically to optimize noise attenuation for a fan operating at different speeds.
US09170611B2	Portable electronic device case accessories and related systems and methods Case accessories for portable electronic devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a case accessory may include a base configured to sit on a working surface, a support coupled to the base and configured to support a portable electronic device in an elevated position, a rotational mechanism coupled to the support configured to allow the holder to rotate in one or more directions relative to the support, and a holder coupled to the rotational mechanism and configured to secure the portable electronic device.
US09170610B2	High density docking station Disclosed is a docking station for holding an electronic device having a main body, a first channel in the main body, a back side of the first channel, a front side of the first channel, a first plug in the first channel, a first port electronically connected to the first plug, and an extraction force associated with the first plug. A normal force of the main body is greater than an extraction force associated with the first plug. The main body is formed primarily from a first material and a net density of the main body is greater than half of the density of the first material.
US09170608B2	Apparatus for electrically connecting to a portable electronic device An apparatus including a support configured to receive a portable electronic device including a door and a first electrical connector; and a member, moveable relative to the support and configured to provide force to the door to open the door and expose the first electrical connector, the apparatus defining a cavity configured to receive the opened door.
US09170605B2	Display device of electronic appliance A display device for an electronic appliance includes: a touch screen panel; an LCD panel; and an intermediate member provided between the touch screen panel and the LCD panel. The intermediate member has an air passage for allowing air to flow into and out of an interior space defined by the intermediate member between the touch screen panel and the LCD panel. The air passage has a plurality of paths oriented in different directions.
US09170596B2	Integrated circuits having cascode transistor An integrated circuit includes a first circuit. The first circuit includes a first transistor having a first dopant type. The first circuit further includes a first cascode transistor having the first dopant type, wherein the first cascode transistor connected in series with the first transistor. The first circuit further includes a second transistor having a second dopant type opposite to the first dopant type, wherein the second transistor is connected in series with the first transistor. The first circuit includes a second cascode transistor having the second dopant type, wherein the second cascode transistor is connected in series with the second transistor. The integrated circuit further includes a first bias circuit configured to adjust a threshold voltage of at least one of the first cascode transistor or the second cascode transistor.
US09170575B2	Facilities control system and operating method of the same A system and method for controlling one or more facilities based on one or more operation logic parameters is provided. An operation scenario is generated, taking into consideration actual operation of one or more facilities of a particular system, actual control orders, a time interval between data inputs, and other such factors. Operation logic parameters, or algorithms, are then tested based on the generated operation scenario. This system and method may reduce testing time and costs, and may prevent abnormal operation of the facilities of the system.
US09170562B2	Holographic memory device and reproduction/recording method An optical beam with the same amplitude distribution and phase distribution as those of the signal beam used for recording is radiated to the hologram recording medium via an optical system of the signal beam prior to reproduction so that the optical beam with the amplitude and phase of the reference beam upon recording is generated through diffraction. A wavefront sensor detects the wavefront configuration of the diffraction beam and obtains preliminarily the suitable wavefront of the reference beam for reproduction. The wavefront control element preliminarily corrects the wavefront of the reference beam to an optimum wavefront.
US09170557B2	Cleaning blade, image forming apparatus, and process cartridge A cleaning blade includes a blade member formed of a strip-shaped rubber material and having a leading-edge ridge line portion to contact a moving surface of a cleaning target member and remove adhering matter from the surface of the cleaning target member. The blade member has a Martens hardness of 1.0 N/mm2 or more in a vicinity of the leading-edge ridge line portion measured from an opposing surface of the blade member, the opposing surface including the leading-edge ridge line portion and opposing the cleaning target member, or measured from a leading-edge surface of the blade member, the leading-edge surface including the leading-edge ridge line portion and disposed adjacent to the opposing surface of the blade member.
US09170556B2	Cleaning blade, method for manufacturing cleaning blade, process cartridge, and electrophotographic apparatus A urethane rubber cleaning blade, wherein a surface of a contact portion of the cleaning blade that comes into contact with a member to be cleaned has a Young's modulus (Y0) of 10 mgf/μm2 or more and 400 mgf/μm2 or less, the ratio (Y50/Y0) of the Young's modulus (Y50) of an internal portion of the cleaning blade 50 μm spaced apart from the surface of the contact portion to the Young's modulus (Y0) is 0.5 or less, and the average rate of change in Young's modulus from the surface to an internal portion of the cleaning blade 20 μm spaced apart from the surface is greater than or equal to the average rate of change in Young's modulus from the internal portion of the cleaning blade 20 μm spaced apart from the surface to an internal portion of the cleaning blade 50 μm spaced apart from the surface.
US09170551B2	Electronic apparatus having pivotable support member for supporting electric circuit board An electronic apparatus includes a functional unit, an electric circuit board, a pivotable support member, an outer cover, and wiring. The functional unit is disposed inside the electronic apparatus. The electric circuit board is configured to control the functional unit. The pivotable support member is shaped rectangular having a vertical length that is shorter than a horizontal length thereof and is pivotally movable about a pivoting axis defined to extend along one horizontally extending side of the pivotable support member between a closed position in which the pivotable support member covers the functional unit and an open position in which the functional unit is exposed. The outer cover is disposed more outwardly than the pivotable support member. The wiring passes through a pivoting axis side of the pivotable support member to connect the functional unit to the electric circuit board.
US09170547B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus, comprising: a main body, at least one photosensitive drum, a transfer belt provided in the main body to form a conveying surface; a fixing unit; and an antistatic member configured to suppress detachment discharge caused when a sheet-like medium is detached from the transfer belt, wherein the antistatic member is situated in the main body at a position on a downstream side of the at least one photosensitive drum and on an upstream side of the fixing unit along the conveying path, wherein the at least one photosensitive drum is held on a photosensitive drum holding body configured to be detachably attachable to the main body; and the antistatic member is provided for the at least one photosensitive drum holding body on a downstream side with respect to a contact position between the at least one photosensitive drum and the sheet-like medium.
US09170541B2	Image forming apparatus and density unevenness correcting method Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including: an image forming unit configured to form an image on a conveyed recording medium; a density detecting unit configured to detect a density of the image formed on the recording medium; a phase detecting unit configured to detect a phase of a predetermined periodic member; a control unit configured to instruct the image forming unit to form a pattern on the recording medium, and to prepare correction data for one period of the periodic member from density data obtained by detecting the density of the pattern; and a density unevenness correcting unit configured to correct image data by repeatedly applying the correction data for one period so as to match with the phase of the periodic member, and to correct the density unevenness in the conveying direction, which is caused due to the periodic member.
US09170537B2	Fuser and image forming apparatus A fuser for fixing an unfixed toner image on a recording material includes: an endless belt body heated by a heat source; a pressing body moved to be connected to and disconnected from an inner peripheral surface of the belt body; a pressure roller member making pressure-contact with the pressing body through the belt body; a tension body moved to be connected to and disconnected from the inner peripheral surface of the belt body, contrary to the connection and disconnection movement of the pressing body; and a rotation transmitting unit configured to transmit a rotational force of the pressure roller member to the belt body using the tension body, while the pressing body is separated from and the tension body makes contact with the inner peripheral surface of the belt body.
US09170531B2	Image forming apparatus with a restriction device that controls separate drive sources An image forming apparatus includes a rotary shaft, a first image bearing member, a nip forming member, a moving device, and a restriction device. The first image bearing member bears a visible image on a surface thereof and is rotatable about the rotary shaft which is driven directly or indirectly. The nip forming member contacts the first image bearing member to form a transfer nip therebetween. The moving device is disposed on the rotary shaft and rotates to move the nip forming member to contact and separate from the first image bearing member. The restriction device inhibits rotation of the moving member in a state in which the nip forming member is separated from the first image bearing member by the rotation of the moving device.
US09170526B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus including a transmission mechanism transmitting a driving force in a transmission direction from a driving source to an output unit, the transmission mechanism including a movable gear configured to move between a transmission position where, when the driving source generates the driving force in a first rotational direction, and a clutch is in a rotating state, the movable gear is allowed to rotate without contacting a lock member, and a restriction position where, when the driving source generates the driving force in a second rotational direction, the clutch is in an idling state, the movable gear is restricted from rotating by contact with the lock member.
US09170525B2	Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus A developing device usable with an image forming apparatus includes a developer carrying member for carrying a developer, a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer, and a guiding member having an inclined surface contacting the developer carrying member. The inclined surface guides a developer to a contact portion where the inclined surface contacts the developer carrying member to cause the developer to be carried on the developer carrying member. A regulating member regulates an amount of the developer carried on the developer carrying member. An inclination angle of the inclined surface is in a range not less than an angle of rest of the developer and less than 90 degrees.
US09170520B2	Image forming apparatus having reduced power consumption An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a charging member, a transfer member, a cleaning member and a control device configured to switch a first mode and a second mode. When executing the second mode, the control device applies a second charging bias having the same polarity as a first charging bias and having an absolute value smaller than the first charging bias to the charging member, applies a second transfer bias having the same polarity as a first transfer bias and having an absolute value smaller than the first transfer bias to the transfer member, and applies a second cleaning bias having the same polarity as the charged polarity of the toner to the cleaning member and sets a potential difference between a surface potential of the image carrier and the second cleaning bias within a predetermined range.
US09170519B2	Color image forming apparatus and control method thereof to determine whether to transfer toner image to a transfer belt A color image forming apparatus and a control method thereof, in which a transfer start position of a transfer belt is determined based on electric signals that correspond to a width of a position indicator provided on a transfer belt and are detectable during one rotation of the transfer belt even when noise occurs in output, thereby reducing the overall printing time.
US09170517B2	Electrophotographic method An electrophotographic apparatus and method that can effect favorable transfer of a toner image onto a medium under a nip pressure between a transfer roller and a backup roller and a potential difference between the transfer and backup rollers even if the medium has a high insulating property, such as due to its being thick.
US09170516B2	Image forming apparatus and image forming method An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit that forms a pattern image for image quality adjustment on an image carrier; a detection unit that detects the pattern image for the image quality adjustment; an image quality adjustment control unit that controls an image quality adjustment process in accordance with a result of detection of the detection unit; a reception unit that receives a color mode selected from among a plurality of kinds of color modes; and a calculation unit that calculates a total pattern length so that a total length of the pattern image for the image quality adjustment in a sub-scanning direction is equal in any of the color modes, wherein the image forming unit forms the pattern image for the image quality adjustment so that the total length of the pattern image for the image quality adjustment is equal to the calculated total pattern length.
US09170508B2	Particulate material production method and apparatus, toner production method and apparatus, and toner The particulate material production method includes vibrating a particulate material composition liquid in a liquid column resonance chamber having at least one nozzle to form a standing wave in the particulate material composition liquid caused by liquid column resonance, so that droplets of the particulate material composition liquid are ejected in a droplet ejection direction from the nozzle so as to fly in a space in a flight direction; feeding a gas in a direction substantially perpendicular to the droplet ejection direction to change the flight direction of the ejected droplets; and solidifying the droplets in the space to produce a particulate material. The particulate material composition liquid includes at least a solvent and a component of the particulate material dissolved or dispersed in the solvent, and the nozzle is located at a location corresponding to an anitnode of the standing wave.
US09170506B2	Electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus In an electrophotographic photosensitive member including a support, and a photosensitive layer formed on the support, a surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member includes specific resin (α), resin (β) and compound (γ).
US09170498B2	Lithographic apparatus and a method for determining a polarization property of a projection system using an adjustable polarizer and interferometric sensor A lithographic apparatus includes an illumination system, support constructed to support patterning device, a projection system, an interferometric sensor and a detector. The interferometric sensor is designed to measure one or more wavefronts of a radiation beam projected by the projection system from an adjustable polarizer. The interferometric sensor includes a diffractive element disposed at a level of a substrate in the lithographic apparatus and a detector spaced apart from the diffractive element, the diffractive element being arranged to provide shearing interferometry between at least two wavefronts mutually displaced in a direction of shear. The detector is designed to determine, from the wavefront measurements, information on polarization affecting properties of the projection system.
US09170496B2	Method of pre-treating a wafer surface before applying a solvent-containing material thereon A method for pre-treating a wafer surface before applying a material thereon. The method includes positioning the wafer on a rotating apparatus. The wafer is rotated at a first rotational speed between about 50 revolutions per minute (rpm) and about 300 rpm and for a period of about 1 second to about 10 seconds while dispensing a cleaning solvent on the wafer surface. The wafer is rotated at a second rotational speed between about 500 rpm and about 1,500 rpm for a period of about 1 second to about 10 seconds. The wafer is then rotated at a third rotational speed between about 50 rpm and about 300 rpm for a period of about 1 second to about 5 seconds. With the wafer rotating at the third rotational speed, a solvent-containing material is thereafter deposited on the surface of the wafer.
US09170490B2	Photosensitive composition and photoresist A photosensitive composition and a photoresist are provided. The photoresist is formed by compounding a photosensitive composition. The photosensitive composition includes a binder agent, a first photomonomer, and a photo initiator. The first photomonomer has at least a lactic oligomer and at least two unsaturated acrylic functional groups, wherein the first photomonomer has an amount of about 25-95 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of a solid content of the binder agent. The photoinitiator has an amount of about 0.5-15 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the solid content of the binder agent.
US09170489B2	Pattern-forming method, electron beam-sensitive or extreme ultraviolet radiation-sensitive resin composition, resist film, manufacturing method of electronic device using them and electronic device A pattern-forming method includes in this order: step (1) of forming a film with an electron beam-sensitive or extreme ultraviolet radiation-sensitive resin composition that contains (A) a resin having an acid-decomposable repeating unit and capable of decreasing a solubility of the resin (A) in a developer containing an organic solvent by an action of an acid, (B) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with an electron beam or extreme ultraviolet radiation and (C) a solvent; step (2) of exposing the film with an electron beam or extreme ultraviolet radiation; and step (4) of forming a negative pattern by development of the film with a developer containing an organic solvent after the exposing of the film, wherein a content of the compound (B) is 21% by mass to 70% by mass on the basis of all solids content of the composition.
US09170488B2	Resist pattern-forming method, and radiation-sensitive resin composition A resist pattern-forming method includes coating a radiation-sensitive resin composition on a substrate to provide a resist film. The resist film is exposed. The exposed resist film is developed using a developer solution including no less than 80% by mass of an organic solvent. The radiation-sensitive resin composition includes a polymer, a radiation-sensitive acid generator, and an acid diffusion controller which includes a compound having an amide group. The polymer has a weight average molecular weight in terms of the polystyrene equivalent of greater than 6,000 and includes a first structural unit that includes an acid-labile group. The polymer includes less than 5 mol % or 0 mol % of a second structural unit that includes a hydroxyl group.
US09170478B2	Display screen of image display system and method for manufacturing the same Disclosed are a display screen of an image display system capable of displaying a 3D (three-dimensional) image and providing an image with a high contrast ratio in a bright room and a method for manufacturing the same. The display screen includes: a Fresnel lens layer; a reflective layer formed the light-exit surface of the Fresnel lens layer to reflect image light; and a protection layer formed on the light-incident surface of the Fresnel lens layer, wherein one surface of the protection layer may have an embossed pattern.
US09170475B2	Light valve projector with laser-phosphor light converter A method and system are presented directed to a light valve projector with a laser-phosphor light converter. The phosphor converter converts excitation light in order to provide light to a light valve projector. The phosphor converter reduces the étendue of laser-phosphor light sources using a light pipe integrator system. The light pipe integrator system includes a light pipe integrator configured to mix the excitation light and reduce the spot size of excitation light entering the system from, e.g., a laser array. The excitation light is imaged onto a phosphor as it exits the light pipe integrator. The phosphor emits fluorescent light, in response to being illuminated by the excitation light, that enters the light pipe integrator. The light pipe integrator reduces the emission angles of the fluorescent light while maintaining the étendue of the fluorescent light. The system and method may include a reflective polarizer to polarize the fluorescent light.
US09170470B1	Non-planer, image rotating optical parametric oscillator An Optical Parametric Oscillator (OPO) that includes optical elements located and oriented to form a non-planer, image-rotating ring cavity. To provide a high quality well shaped output beam, the OPO comprises a plurality of reflecting surfaces, designed to rotate the resonating beam by 90 degrees for each round trip in the cavity. Preferred embodiments include a first non-linear crystals and a similar second non-linear crystal mounted side-by-side on a single rotating stage. To minimize the adverse effects of walk-off, reflecting unit is positioned to cause the output of the first crystal to be reflected into the second crystal. The two crystals are aligned so as to cause walk-off in the first of the two crystals to be cancelled by opposite walk-off in the second crystal.
US09170469B1	System for controlling the chirp of an optical signal An apparatus for altering a chirp of an input light comprising one or more grating structures and one or more electro-optical blocks. In which a voltage is applied to the one or more electro-optical blocks to alter a chirp of light exiting the apparatus.
US09170464B2	Electric-field exposure method and display panel manufactured by the electric-field exposure method An electric-field exposure method includes forming a display cell. The display cell comprises a pixel electrode electrically connected to a data line and a gate line. A guard-ring line surrounds a display area on which the pixel electrode is disposed. A common electrode overlaps the guard-ring line. A resistance division part is connected to a node which is connected to a data pad and a gate pad. A first electrode and a second electrode are provided with first and second electronic signals, respectively. The first electrode is connected to the guard-ring line. The second electrode is electrically connected to the common electrode. The node is provided with a divided signal obtained by dividing the first and second signals through the resistance division part.
US09170462B2	Array substrate and liquid crystal display panel An array substrate comprises a first metal layer in which first signal lines are disposed; a second metal layer in which second signal lines are disposed; an insulation layer provided between the first and second metal layers. A repairing line is provided in edge regions of the second metal layer and insulated from the second signal lines, and the repairing line comprises a first longitudinal portion, a second longitudinal portion and a transverse portion, the first longitudinal portion is electrically connected to the second longitudinal portion by the transverse portion. A projection of the first longitudinal portion in a plane of the first metal layer intersects with one end of each of the first signal lines, and a projection of the second longitudinal portion in the plane of the first metal layer intersects with the other end of each of the first signal lines.
US09170454B2	Displays In one embodiment of the invention, a display is provided. The display includes a light-emitting system including a plurality of light-emitting units, wherein each light-emitting unit emits light independently, a lens array including a plurality of lenses disposed on the light-emitting system, and a first liquid crystal display cell including a plurality of pixels disposed on the lens array, wherein the number of the light-emitting units of the light-emitting system is larger than that of the pixels of the first liquid crystal display cell.
US09170453B2	Liquid crystal display panel including photo conversion layer and liquid crystal display device A liquid crystal display panel and a liquid crystal display (LCD) device are discussed. One monochromatic light is transmitted through a liquid crystal layer and converted into white light having a plurality of wavelengths through upper photo conversion layer, thus improving light transmittance of liquid crystal and reducing a change in a screen color. The liquid crystal display panel includes: first substrate over the backlight unit; a liquid crystal layer over the first substrate to transmit the one monochromatic light; a photo conversion layer over the liquid crystal layer for converting the one monochromatic light into white light; a color filter layer over the photo conversion layer for filtering the converted white light to display color; and a second substrate on the color filter layer.
US09170446B2	Joined back panel structure of display device The present invention provides a joined back panel structure of a display device, which includes a first mounting member and a second mounting member that are L-shaped and a third mounting member and a fourth mounting member that are linear, the first mounting member having two end respectively connected to two ends of the second mounting member to form an enclosed outer frame, the third mounting member being disposed inside the outer frame and having two ends respectively connected to the first mounting member and the second mounting member, the fourth mounting member being disposed inside the outer frame and having two ends respectively connected to the first mounting member and the second mounting member so as to form a hollow back panel. The outer frame of the present invention has an improved structural strength and low cast and is easy to manufacture. It is possible to join mounting members that are manufactured by the same mold, after being properly cut, in order to form back panels of various sizes so that the production mold of back panel can be shared to thereby reduce material cost and mold cost.
US09170444B2	Liquid crystal display assembly A liquid crystal display assembly includes a housing, a reinforcing frame, at least one magnetic member, and a display. The reinforcing frame is mounted on the housing. the reinforcing frame includes a latching hole and an elastic sheet adjacent to the latching hole. A magnet block is mounted on the elastic sheet. At least one magnetic member is positioned on the reinforcing frame. The display includes a magnetic attracting frame, and the magnetic attracting frame includes a latching post extending through the latching hole, and latched with the elastic sheet. The magnetic attracting frame is magnetically attracted with the at least one magnetic member for attaching the display on the reinforcing frame.
US09170442B2	Liquid crystal display, mobile terminal having the liquid crystal display, and method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display A liquid crystal display is provided that includes a first base substrate including a first surface, a second base substrate including a second surface, a liquid crystal layer including liquid crystal molecules positioned between the first and second base substrates and configured to change alignment when electrical power is applied thereto, a first electrode positioned on the second surface and including a plurality of substantially parallel grooves extending in a first direction on a surface facing the first base substrate, the plurality of grooves configured to align the liquid crystal molecules in a preset direction when electrical power is applied, and a second electrode positioned on the first surface or on the second surface, wherein a voltage difference between the first and second electrodes applies the electrical power to the liquid crystal molecules.
US09170440B2	Polymer optical isolator Various optical isolators are disclosed. One embodiment provides an optical isolator comprising a waveguide that includes polymer magneto-optical media. In a particular embodiment, the waveguide is dimensioned for single mode operation in the selected isolation range. A cross-section of the waveguide is inhomogeneous in terms of magneto-optical materials. Polymer magneto-optical material is a part of the optical waveguide structure. The inhomogeneity induces the propagation constant shift, which is propagation-direction-dependent. An embodiment is characterized by a cutoff frequency for forward propagating waves that is different than the cutoff frequency for reverse waves; the dimensions and direction of magnetization of the waveguide can be tailored so that, in a particular embodiment, the cutoff frequency for forward propagating waves is lower than the cutoff frequency for reverse waves.
US09170437B2	Method and device for controlling a physical parameter of an optical signal The invention relates to a method and device for controlling a physical parameter of an optical signal. According to the invention, a portion of the initial optical signal (SE) having passed through an optical waveguide from the input (24.1) to the output (24.2) thereof, is returned into said optical waveguide (24) using a sequential circulator (25) and an optical amplifier (28), in order to at least partially form the optical control signal (SE2), which counter-propagates relative to said initial optical signal (SE), so as to stabilize, or at the very least control, the physical parameter of said initial optical signal when the latter exits said optical waveguide (24) via the output (24.2) thereof.
US09170435B2	Method of forming a grid defining a first relative reference frame A method of projecting into space, from a first object, a plurality of modulated lines to form a grid defining a first relative reference frame, the method includes projecting polarized light having a first orientation to form a horizontal grid line projecting from the first object and projecting polarized light having a second orientation different than the first orientation to from a vertical grid line projecting from the first object and modulating the horizontal grid line and the vertical grid line to carry first and second grid words, respectively.
US09170425B1	Multi-focal augmented reality lenses A lens includes a reflective inside surface including a first inside surface portion having an optical surface which focuses an incident beam of a first image so that objects in the first image appears at a first virtual distance, and at least a second inside surface portion having an optical surface which focuses an incident beam of a second image so that objects in the second image to appear at a second virtual distance that is further than the first virtual distance. The lens is a passive lens. The lens can be used in an optical see-through head mounted display (HMD) apparatus to allow a user of the HMD to focus on nearby virtual objects coming from the first inside surface portion while viewing nearby external-world objects and to focus on more distant virtual objects coming from the second inside surface portion while viewing more distant external-world objects.
US09170423B2	Light module for a projection apparatus and method for generating the blue component in a light module for a projection apparatus A light module for a projection apparatus, comprising a laser apparatus adapted to emit linearly polarized radiation in the blue wavelength range, a luminous wheel arranged in the beam path of the radiation emitted by the laser apparatus, a first beam splitter arranged in the beam path of the radiation emitted by the laser apparatus between the laser apparatus and the luminous wheel, a focusing apparatus arranged in the beam path of the radiation emitted by the laser apparatus between the first beam splitter and the luminous wheel, and at least one polarization manipulation apparatus, adapted to rotate the polarization of radiation that has passed through it twice in different directions through 90°, wherein the first beam splitter is arranged such that it is also located in the beam path of radiation in the blue wavelength range which has passed twice through the polarization manipulation apparatus in different directions.
US09170401B2	Wide angle lens and imaging apparatus A wide angle lens includes: a positive first lens group, a second lens group, constituted by two or fewer lenses, that moves during focusing operations, and a third lens group that includes at least one positive lens, provided in this order from the object side. The first lens group includes at least a positive meniscus lens with a convex surface toward the object side, a negative meniscus lens with a convex surface toward the object side, a lens having a concave surface with a radius of curvature having a smaller absolute value toward the image side, a negative lens, a cemented lens formed by a positive lens and a negative lens, and an aperture stop provided adjacent to the cemented lens toward the image side thereof, provided in this order from the object side. The wide angle lens satisfies a predetermined conditional formula.
US09170379B2	Optical fiber connector and assembly method therefor Disclosed are an optical fiber connector an assembly method therefor. The connector is used for matching with an optical fiber adapter, and comprises a connector casing, a ceramic ferrule (2), a spring (4) and a boot (8), wherein the connector casing has a lateral width of 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm, is formed by inserting and locking a front casing (1) and a rear casing (5) and forms a cavity; the tail of the connector casing is connected to the boot (8), the external front end of the connector casing contains a guiding block (101) and a combined elastic arm successively in the rearward direction, and a retaining convex block (104) is arranged on the combined elastic arm; the tail end of the ceramic ferrule (2) is fixed to a tailstock (3) of the ceramic ferrule and penetrates through a through hole at the front end of the connector casing; and the spring is compressed between the tailstock (3) of the ceramic ferrule and a stop block (501) formed by the inner walls of the connector casing. The connector greatly reduces the overall dimensions of the connector, and increase the installation density of the connector.
US09170377B2	Optical interconnect An optical interconnect (200) includes: a reflective body (230) having a first reflective surface (235) and a second reflective surface (240) opposite the first reflective surface (235); a first optical waveguide (205) that directs a first optical signal received from a first communicating device (105) to the first reflective surface (235); a second optical waveguide (210) that directs the first optical signal from the first reflective surface (235) of the reflective body (230) to a second communicating device (110); a third optical waveguide (215) that directs a second optical signal received from the second communicating device (110) to the second reflective surface (240) of the reflective body (230); and a fourth optical waveguide (220) that directs the second optical signal from the second reflective surface (240) of the reflective body (230) to the first communicating device (105).
US09170376B2	Optical port having a cover with a molded-in lens Disclosed are optical ports and devices having a cover with at least one molded-in lens and a mounting body having a recess for mounting the cover to the mounting body along with a mounting surface for securing an optical port. The molded-in optical lenses of the cover may be aligned with one or more active components for receiving or transmitting the optical signal. The active components may be mounted on a circuit board that may include an electrical tether. In one embodiment, the optical port includes a pocket having an alignment feature such as a piston that is translatable during mating.
US09170373B2	Systems and methods for photonic polarization-separating apparatuses for optical network applications An integrated photonic polarization-separating apparatus includes a first waveguide polarization beam splitter (PBS) having a first port, a second port, a third port, and a fourth port and a first polarization rotator optically coupled to the first port of the first waveguide PBS. The apparatus also includes a first Faraday rotator optically coupled to the first polarization rotator and a second polarization rotator optically coupled to the second port of the first waveguide PBS. The apparatus further includes a second Faraday rotator optically coupled to the second polarization rotator and a second waveguide PBS having a first port, a second port, a third port, and a fourth port. The third port is optically coupled to the first Faraday rotator and the fourth port is optically coupled to the second Faraday rotator.
US09170356B2	Beam transforming optical system, illumination optical apparatus, exposure apparatus, and exposure method with optical member with optical rotatory power having different thicknesses to rotate linear polarization direction An illumination optical apparatus illuminates a pattern on a mask with illumination light. The illumination optical apparatus includes an optical integrator arranged in an optical path of the illumination light, and a polarization member made of optical material with optical rotatory power, which is arranged in the optical path on an incidence side of the optical integrator, and which changes a polarization state of the illumination light. The illumination light from the polarization member is irradiated onto the pattern through a pupil plane of the illumination optical apparatus.
US09170347B2	Safety sensor and method for detecting abnormality in safety sensor Disclosed is a safety sensor provided with a plurality of input signal lines for inputting signals for setting. Specifically disclosed is a safety sensor wherein at least one input signal line is provided with a high-level detection circuit and a low-level detection circuit. In an initialization process wherein setting of an operation mode is permitted, a CPU registers in a memory the on-off states of detection signals from the respective detection circuits on condition that the on-off states of detection signals are mutually opposite, and the CPU identifies the connection state of the input signal line on the basis of the on-off states and sets an operation mode corresponding to the connection state. After setting the operation mode is completed, the CPU monitors the detection signals from the respective detection circuits and determines, when at least either of the detection signals comes into a state different from the states registered in the memory, as occurrence of abnormality in the connection state of the input signal line.
US09170341B2	Flame-proof radiation detector with wireless communication means A radiation detector module includes a radiation detector, power source and wireless communication elements all housed within a flame-proof enclosure. The enclosure has a portion through which wireless transmissions can pass. The radiation detector module may be suitable for use in a hazardous area containing a potentially explosive gas mixture.
US09170338B2	Charge sensors using inverted lateral bipolar junction transistors A method for forming a sensor includes forming a base-region barrier in contact with a base substrate. The base-region barrier includes a monocrystalline semiconductor having a same dopant conductivity as the base substrate. An emitter and a collector are formed in contact with and on opposite sides of the base-region barrier to form a bipolar junction transistor. The collector, the emitter and the base-region barrier are planarized to form a level surface opposite the base substrate such that when the level surface is exposed to charge, the charge is measured during operation of the bipolar junction transistor.
US09170337B2	Colorimetric radiation dosimetry based on functional polymer and nanoparticle hybrid A method for colorimetric radiation dosimetry includes subjecting an aggregate including a polymeric matrix having uniformly dispersed nanoparticles therein to radiation. The aggregate is soaked in a solution selected to dissolve decomposed pieces of the polymeric matrix to release into the solution nanoparticles from the decomposed pieces. Color of the solution is compared to a reference to determine a dose of radiation based on number of liberated nanoparticles.
US09170325B2	Distance measurements between computing devices Some implementations provide techniques and arrangements for distance measurements between computing devices. Some examples determine a distance between devices based at least in part on a propagation time of audio tones between the devices. Further, some examples determine the arrival time of the audio tones by performing autocorrelation on streaming data corresponding to recorded sound to determine a timing of an autocorrelation peak indicative of a detection of an audio tone in the streaming data. In some cases, cross correlation may be performed on the streaming data in a search window to determine a timing of a cross correlation peak indicative of the detection of the audio tone in the streaming data. The location of the search window in time may be determined based at least in part on the timing of the detected autocorrelation peak.
US09170321B2	Method and radar system for repetition jammer and clutter supression A method for suppressing repetition jammer signals and/or clutter signals by using a radar system wherein said radar system comprises, at least one wideband arbitrary waveform generator, for creating arbitrary waveforms, and at least one antenna operating with wide instantaneous bandwidth, enabling direction dependent waveform radiation, wherein said method comprises the steps of transmitting different waveforms in different directions; adapting transmitted waveforms in different directions depending on received waveforms such that a normalised signal to noise-jammer ratio, NSNJR, is maximized; and thereby providing received signals from repetition jammers and/or clutter that are substantially orthogonal to a received signal from a target; thereby achieving suppression of the repetition jammers and/or clutter.
US09170304B2	Method for estimating a quantity of a state of a battery There is provided a battery state detecting method that detects states by evaluating depletion caused by reaction processes whose speeds are different. Voltage Vmes, current Imes and temperature Tmes of a battery are measured and inputted in Step S1 and it is judged whether or not an absolute value of the measured current Imes is smaller than a current threshold value Ithre in Step S2. OCV20 hr is estimated from SOCn-1 and SOHn-1 after the previous discharge/charge based on a stable OCV estimating equation in Step S4 and a difference between the voltage measured value Vmes and the OCV20 hr is calculated and stored in Step S5. A relaxation function Fn(t) is updated corresponding to time t in processes in Steps S6 through S19. SOHn is calculated by using the updated Fn (t) in Step S17 and SOCn is calculated in Step S19.
US09170303B2	System and method to determine electric motor efficiency using an equivalent circuit A system and method for determining electric motor efficiency includes a monitoring system having a processor programmed to determine efficiency of an electric motor under load while the electric motor is online. The determination of motor efficiency is independent of a rotor speed measurement. Further, the efficiency is based on a determination of stator winding resistance, an input voltage, and an input current. The determination of the stator winding resistance occurs while the electric motor under load is online.
US09170302B2	Semiconductor apparatus and test method thereof A semiconductor apparatus includes first and second chips sharing first and second data channels. The first chip compresses first test data of the first chip and outputs the compressed first test data through the first data channel in a first test mode, and the second chip compresses second test data of the second chip and outputs the compressed second test data through the second data channel in the first test mode.
US09170295B2	Method and apparatus for detecting arc in plasma chamber An apparatus for detecting an arc in a plasma chamber is designed to detect the respective voltage and current values of RF power supplied to the plasma chamber and calculate the ratio of the voltage and current values to accomplish a required control of the supplying of the power. When it is determined that the arc is generated, the apparatus rapidly controls the supplying of the power to prevent damages on the plasma chamber and contaminations on the materials to be processed due to the generation of the arc.
US09170292B2	Insulation detection circuit and method thereof An insulation detection circuit suitable for detecting an insulation status between a high voltage power and a low voltage power of a vehicle is disclosed. The circuit includes a first energy storage unit, a second energy storage unit, a constant current unit, and a detection unit. The first energy storage unit is coupled to the high voltage power. The second energy storage unit is coupled between the first energy storage unit and the low voltage power. The constant current unit is coupled between the first energy storage unit and the second energy storage unit. The detection unit is coupled to the second energy storage unit for detecting a current change of the second energy storage unit. When the detection unit detects that current flowing through the second energy storage unit is smaller than a predetermined value, a detection signal representing that the insulation status is abnormal is outputted.
US09170285B2	Home appliance having built-in power meter An appliance includes an operation unit that is mounted in a case of the appliance that is supplied power by an external power supply and that includes at least one of a motor and a heating member. The appliance further includes a control circuit mounted in the case of the appliance and configured to control the operation unit to perform appliance functionality that is different than measuring power. The appliance further includes a power meter coupled to the control circuit, built into the case, and configured to measure power consumed by the appliance in performing the appliance functionality.
US09170281B2	Current measurement apparatus having a series of magnetoresistive effect elements disposed in a ring shape A current measurement apparatus includes multiple GMR elements and a calculation unit. The multiple GMR elements each include a pinned magnetic layer having a pinned magnetization direction, and a free magnetic layer having a magnetization direction to be changed by an external magnetic field. The calculation unit obtains the magnitude of a current to be detected, from outputs of the multiple GMR elements. The multiple GMR elements are disposed in ring shape around a conductor through which the current to be detected flows, and are electrically connected so as to form a series variable resistor by using the multiple GMR elements. The magnetization directions of the pinned magnetic layers are pinned in the same direction when viewed from an extension direction of the conductor at each of the positions of the elements.
US09170280B2	Indirect non-contact high voltage measurement on electrical power line A non-contact electrical power line voltage measurement device comprises a probe including an insulated shield supporting an electrode to sense electrostatically induced voltage from the power line. The shield houses a high voltage resistor connected in series with the electrode. A meter comprises a housing operatively associated with the shield and enclosing a measurement circuit electrically connected to the high voltage resistor for measuring induced electrode voltage. A calibration circuit correlates measured electrode voltage to power line voltage. A display is driven by the measurement circuit for displaying actual power line voltage responsive to the electrode being a select distance from the power line.
US09170274B2	Wiring board for electronic parts inspecting device and its manufacturing method A wiring board for an electronic parts inspecting device that can be designed and produced relatively quickly, inexpensively, and with few jigs is provided. In certain embodiments the wiring board includes a base board made of an insulating material having a front surface and a back surface, the base board including a plurality of first via conductors as well as first terminals on the front surface and outer terminals on the back surface that are connected to the ends of the first via conductors, and a mounting board on the front surface of the base board having a front side that includes, a plurality of probe pads, a plurality of second terminals that are electrically connected to the first terminals of the base board, and front surface wirings that connect the probe pads to the second terminals. Lastly, a method of manufacturing the same is provided.
US09170271B2	Accelerometer and its fabrication technique An accelerometer has E-shaped resilient beams to isolate stress and reduce deformation. A top cap silicon wafer and a bottom cap silicon wafer are both coupled with a measurement mass to form a capacitor. The measurement mass has a mass, range-of-motion stops, and resilient beams located within a support frame. The range-of-motion stops are coupled to the support frame by connection beams, and the mass is coupled with the range-of-motion stops by groups of E-shaped resilient beams. The ends of each resilient beam are connected to the range-of-motion stops, and the middle of each resilient beam is connected to the mass.
US09170268B2	System and method for counting the changes in direction of a person A system for counting a basic displacement of a person includes a housing (BT) and a fixing device (EF) for securely mounting the housing (BT) on the person. Within the housing are a magnetometer for measuring the direction of the terrestrial magnetic field in the reference frame of the housing, a device for determining a quantity representative of the inclination of the measured magnetic field with respect to the vertical, and a device for detecting a change of orientation of an orthogonal projection of the direction of the terrestrial magnetic field in a horizontal planar reference frame having axes of constant directions and tied in translation to the person, on the basis of the measured direction of the magnetic field and of the quantity representative of the inclination of the magnetic field with respect to the vertical.
US09170259B2	Serological methods and diagnostic tests for syphilis antibodies A method of detecting antibodies to syphilis antigens includes providing a syphilis detection kit having a screening solid-phase platform with a screening portion coated with non-treponemal syphilis antigens. The screening portion is fabricated by initially dissolving cholesterol in an organic solvent and further diluting the dissolved cholesterol in an ethanol solution comprising cardiolipin and lecithin to form an antigen solution, permitting the antigen solution to evaporate at the screening portion and at least partially coating the screening portion with an antigen coating, and stabilizing the antigen coating into a syphilis antigen complex by overcoating the antigen coating with an overcoat solution comprising an inert protein.
US09170258B2	Portable apparatus for improved sample analysis The present invention is an improved apparatus for sample analysis. The apparatus employs an assay component containing a membrane having one or a plurality of analyte-specific binding agents attached thereto, a means for absorbing liquid, and a piston means for drawing analytes through said membrane into said means for absorbing liquid. The apparatus is configured to be portable and provide a detector for detecting binding of an analyte to an analyte-specific binding agent, a plurality of data acquisition components, and a computer for integrating, analyzing and storing the detected analyte specific binding and acquired data.
US09170257B2	Method and system for measuring the pharmacokinetics of liposomal curcumin and its metabolite tetrahydrocurcumin The present invention includes a stabilized curcumin composition. The composition includes a curcumin composition and a phosphate composition, wherein the phosphate composition is non-buffering and is provided in an amount sufficient to stabilize and/or prevent the degradation of curcumin and/or a curcuminoid in a biological sample.
US09170255B2	Cell analysis apparatus and method Devices and methods that measure one or more properties of a living cell culture that is contained in liquid media within a vessel, and typically analyzes plural cell cultures contained in plural vessels such as the wells of a multiwell microplate substantially in parallel. The devices incorporate a sensor that remains in equilibrium with, e.g., remains submerged within, the liquid cell media during the performance of a measurement and during addition of one or more cell affecting fluids such as solutions of potential drug compounds.
US09170254B2	Identification of bitter ligands that specifically activate human T2R receptors and related assays for identifying human bitter taste modulators The present invention relates to the discovery that specific human taste receptors in the T2R taste receptor family respond to particular bitter compounds. Also, the invention relates to the discovery of specific hT2R9 alleles and their disparate activity in functional assays with the same biter ligands. The invention further relates to the use of these T2R receptors in assays for identifying ligands that modulate the activation of these taste receptors by specific bitter ligands and related compounds. These compounds may be used as additives and/or removed from foods, beverages, cosmetics and medicinals in order to modify (block) T2R-associated bitter taste. Also T2R ligands may be used as therapeutics to treat and modulate T2R associated gastrointestinal and metabolic functions as well as treat gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases such as eating disorders, food sensing, food absorption, obesity, diabetes, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, et al.
US09170248B2	Operating method for a gas sensor and gas sensor The disclosure relates to an operating method for a gas sensor, in particular a gas sensor for detecting asthma. According to said method, nitrogen monoxide or nitrogen dioxide is detected in a measuring phase and the gas sensor is heated by a heating device in a desorption phase in order to accelerate desorption. The heating process is continued until the temporal alteration of the measuring signal of the gas sensor falls below a threshold value.
US09170242B2	Liquid chromatography detection unit, system, and method An embodiment of a liquid chromatography detection unit includes a fluid channel and a radiation detector. The radiation detector is operable to image a distribution of a radiolabeled compound as the distribution travels along the fluid channel. An embodiment of a liquid chromatography system includes an injector, a separation column, and a radiation detector. The injector is operable to inject a sample that includes a radiolabeled compound into a solvent stream. The position sensitive radiation detector is operable to image a distribution of the radiolabeled compound as the distribution travels along a fluid channel. An embodiment of a method of liquid chromatography includes injecting a sample that comprises radiolabeled compounds into a solvent. The radiolabeled compounds are then separated. A position sensitive radiation detector is employed to image distributions of the radiolabeled compounds as the radiolabeled compounds travel along a fluid channel.
US09170237B2	Positive drive floor test apparatus A floor test apparatus is provided, including a base having an upper surface and defining an output shaft opening, a frame disposed in the base, having a main vertically projecting channel in communication with a supplemental, generally horizontally projecting channel having an access opening in a sidewall of the base. A main drive shaft passes through the supplemental channel and being coupled to a gearbox disposed in the main channel. A secondary shaft projects generally from the gearbox and is connected for common rotation with the main drive shaft.
US09170229B2	Method for diagnosing an electrical contact connection of an exhaust gas sensor A method diagnoses an electrical contact connection of an exhaust gas sensor, in which two current sources are used to impress currents into a pump cell and a reference cell of the exhaust gas sensor. If a line is faulty, the relevant current cannot flow and a voltage on the relevant current source assumes a high value. If a second line is faulty, measurement of the voltage on the second connection, which is connected to the connecting point between the two cells, provides a low value when the relevant second connection is isolated from the reference-ground potential by a second switch, since the cell capacitances have not been able to charge to the reference-ground potential.
US09170227B2	Multi-analyte system and method based on impedimetric measurements The invention discloses a system for the simultaneous detection and/or quantification of various analytes in a sample or for the simultaneous detection and/or quantification of an analyte in various samples, comprising: a multi-electrode chip (10) comprising an array of microelectrodes (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d); a single-duct cell (20), comprising a groove (21) which accommodates the multi-electrode chip (10) and a duct (22) through which a fluid sample can sequentially flow through each of the microelectrodes (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) of a multi-electrode chip (10) when the latter is inserted into the groove (21); and a multi-duct cell (30), comprising a groove (31) housing the multi-electrode chip (10) and several independent ducts (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d) through which several samples can pass independently through each electrode (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) of the multi-electrode chip (10).
US09170223B2	Thermal conductivity measuring device and method of measuring the thermal conductivity The inventive concept relates to a thermal conductivity measuring device and a method of measuring the thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity measuring device may include a first structure which is connected to one side end of a sample and receives heat from a heat source; a second structure connected to the other side end of the sample; a first stage connected to the first structure while supporting the first structure; a second stage connected to the second structure while supporting the second structure; a connection unit connected between the first stage and the second stage; and a measuring unit measuring temperatures of the first and second structures and the first and second stages. Since the thermal conductivity measuring of the inventive concept correct a temperature change of a stage due to heat transmission emitted from the stage considering a measurement environment, reliability of measurement may be improved.
US09170222B2	Detecting thermal interface material (‘TIM’) between a heat sink and an integrated circuit Detecting TIM between a heat sink and an integrated circuit, the heat sink including TIM detection points, each TIM detection point adapted to receive TIM upon installation of the heat sink, each TIM detection point including a TIM detection device configured to be activated upon contact with TIM, including: receiving, upon installation of the heat sink on the integrated circuit and the TIM, TIM in one or more of the TIM detection points; activating, by the TIM in each of the one or more TIM detection points receiving the TIM, a TIM detection device; and determining, by a TIM detection module in dependence upon the activations of the TIM detection devices, sufficiency of the TIM between the heat sink and the integrated circuit.
US09170219B2	X-ray detector system for assessing the integrity and performance of radiation protective garments A method for quantitatively testing a radiation shielding garment to determine its radiation shielding integrity, utilizing a fluoroscopic system, the method comprising measuring the amount of radiation passing through the garment at a particular location believed to be possibly damaged; measuring the amount of radiation at one or more locations of the garment believed to be intact; determining the average undamaged transmission if more than one location is tested; and comparing the two values of transmitted radiation to determine whether the first location was damaged beyond an acceptable degree.
US09170197B2	High-sensitivity assays for pathogen detection using metal-enhanced fluorescence The present invention relates to an assay including a surface having silver colloids or islands attached thereto. Attached to the surface and/or silver colloids/islands are polynucleotides which are complimentary to a target polynucleotide sequence. The assay is performed by adding the target polynucleotide sequence to the assay surface and allowing it to hybridize with the capture polynucleotides. Fluorophore-labeled capture polynucleotides are added and hybridize to the target polynucleotide. Bound target polynucleotides are detected by metal enhanced fluorescence.
US09170196B2	Optical measuring device In an optical measuring device, the visual observation section includes: a white light source which emits white light; a first objective lens arranged between the white light source and measurement object, through which the white light emitted from the white light source and return light from the measurement object transmit; a plurality of tube lenses which change a magnification of the return light passing through the first objective lens to a predetermined magnification; and a lens switching mechanism which can selectively switch the tube lenses so as to select one of the tube lenses to be arranged on the return light, and the special observation section includes: a special light source which emits special light; and a second objective lens arranged between the special light source and measurement object, through which the special light emitted from the special light source and return light from the measurement object transmit.
US09170189B2	Bond strength tester with switchable backlash control A testing apparatus for testing the strength of a material connection to a substrate. A drive mechanism couples a test tool mount to a main body and allows for relative movement between the test tool mount and the main body in an axial direction. A biasing element is coupled between the main body and the test tool mount, that, in operation, biases the test tool mount relative to the main body in an axial direction. The biasing element is switchable between a first state in which the test tool mount is biased either toward or away from the substrate and another state in which the biasing element provides one of: no biasing force to the test tool mount toward or away from the substrate, or a biasing force in a direction opposite to the direction of bias applied in the first state.
US09170186B2	Method of manipulating objects Systems, methods, and devices are provided for manipulating objects in a liquid using a pulsed acoustic field that is modulated in amplitude. The amplitude modulated pulsed acoustic field may form the objects into a layer or layers. The objects may be colloidal objects having an average size of about 50 nm to about 5 μm, or a mixture of colloidal and non-colloidal objects.
US09170182B2	Method of fatigue testing a component A method of fatigue testing a component comprising the steps of machining a channel of predetermined depth and predetermined width in a surface of a component, applying a salt solution into the channel in the surface of the component and heating the component to a suitable temperature to evaporate the solvent from the salt solution to deposit the salt in the channel in the surface of the component, placing the component in an atmosphere containing air and sulphur dioxide at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time to precondition the grain boundaries, and fatigue testing the component. The method is useful for determining the fatigue life of gas turbine engine discs or gas turbine engine rotor blades particularly the firtree shaped disc posts or the firtree shaped rotor blade roots.
US09170180B2	Particle number counting apparatus To improve an offset accuracy in a particle number counting apparatus (100) condensing a working liquid with sample particles, the apparatus including: a porous member (22) in which a flow path (23) is passed through to form an inlet (23a) at a lower side and an outlet (23b) at an upper side thereof so that the working liquid is supplied to a predetermined section of the porous member so as to be impregnated into the entire part of the porous member; and a housing (21) having an accommodating space for accommodating the porous member (22), wherein a gap (S) is formed between an outer peripheral surface (22a) of the porous member (22) and an inner peripheral surface (21b) of the accommodating space of the housing (21) at least in an upper side than the predetermined section to be supplied with the working liquid.
US09170177B2	Device and a method for collecting and transferring samples of biological material A device (1) for collecting and transferring samples of biological material, where the device comprises at least: a support body (2) having at least a first end portion (2a) and at least a gripping portion (2b), and a plurality of fibers (6) attached to and arranged on the first portion (2a) of the support body (2) by flocking, such as to define a flocked collecting portion (3) suitable for collecting, on the collecting portion (3), a quantity of a sample of biological material, where the support body (2) is made of polyamide (PA or nylon), in particular polyamide 66 (PA66 or nylon 66). The support body can be provided with at least a weakened portion (4) suitable for enabling a selective breaking of the support body and a separation of the collecting portion (3) at least from a part of the gripping portion (2b).
US09170175B2	Method for determining a zone where a combustion chamber ignition plug is to be positioned, and associated combustion chamber A method for determining an optimum positioning zone of an ignition plug fitted with a semiconductor element in a combustion chamber is provided. The method includes: determining, using a test ignition plug, of an optimum fuel flow rate value intended to ensure optimum long-term operation of the ignition plug; successively measuring quantities of fuel collected at the surface of one end of a test tool positioned in the combustion chamber in successive test ignition tests; determining the fuel flow rate values corresponding to the measured quantities of fuel; comparing the fuel flow rate values and of the optimum fuel flow rate value, and determining the optimum positioning zone following the comparing.
US09170174B2	Methods for monitoring a seal assembly A method for monitoring functionality of a seal assembly within an injector feed assembly is described. The method includes providing a buffer fluid to the seal assembly, measuring at least one of a pressure and a flow rate of the buffer fluid, and determining a functionality of the seal assembly based at least partially on the at least one of a pressure and a flow rate of the buffer fluid.
US09170173B2	Multiple-acquisition otdr method and device An OTDR device and method for characterizing one or more events in an optical fiber link are provided. A plurality of light acquisitions is performed. For each light acquisition, test light pulses are propagated in the optical fiber link and the corresponding return light signals from the optical fiber link are detected. The light acquisitions are performed under different acquisition conditions, for example using different pulsewidths or wavelengths. Parameters characterizing the event are derived using the detected return signal from at least two of the plurality of light acquisitions.
US09170169B2	Open area platform for wind tunnel testing An open area platform for supplementing operation of a wind tunnel balance, comprises a platform body and platform adapters. The platform adapter members have first ends and second ends. The first ends are configured to contact the platform body and the second ends are designed to be operatively coupled with the wind tunnel's balance. As a result, any load on the platform body is configured to be transmitted through the platform adapter members and measured by the wind tunnel balance. Methods of using the open area platform, including for the testing of athletes and their equipment, are also disclosed.
US09170168B2	Systems and methods for determining mass properties of vehicle components A system for measuring a mass property of an object is provided. The system includes a first shaft having a first end and a second end and a table disposed in a first plane and coupled to the first shaft at a predetermined angle to support the object. The table is configured to pivot about an axis perpendicular to the first plane between at least a first pivot position and a second pivot position. The system further includes a torque sensor configured to collect a first torque measurement on the first shaft when the table is in the first pivot position and a second torque measurement on the first shaft when the table in the second pivot position.
US09170152B2	Systems and methods for receiving optical pulses Various embodiments for facilitating optical communications utilizing a apparatus are disclosed. One embodiment, among others, is an apparatus that comprises a dispersion element configured to transmit a beam through a plurality of optical paths in a spectral dispersion element to generate a spectrally dispersed beam. The apparatus further comprises a second-harmonic generation (SHG) element integrated into the dispersion element, the SHG element configured to generate second-harmonic light beam from the dispersed beam by splitting the dispersed beam into a plurality of beams, wherein the plurality of beams traverse a common axis. The apparatus further comprises a collimator configured to collimate the second-harmonic light beam over a predetermined path length and a phase decoder configured to receive the collimated beam and measure characteristics associated with the collimated beam.
US09170150B2	Optical fiber assembly with prism to detect light intensity of light beam entering optical fiber An optical fiber assembly includes a prism, four first collimating portions, four second collimating portions, two third collimating portion, two light emitting elements, two light receiving elements, four optical fibers, and two light intensity detectors. The prism includes an incident surface, a first reflecting surface, a first emergent surface, a second reflecting surface, and a second emergent surface. The first collimating portions are positioned on the incident surface. The second collimating portions are positioned on the first emergent surface. The third collimating portions are positioned on the second emergent surface. Each light emitting element faces one of the first collimating portions for emitting light beams. Each light receiving element faces one of the first collimating portions. Each optical fiber faces one of the second collimating portions. Each light intensity detector faces one of the third collimating portions for detecting light intensity of a corresponding light emitting element.
US09170144B2	Multifunctional fluid level and quality sensing device A multifunctional fluid level and quality sensing device including a fluid level sensor and a capacitive sensor for detecting fluid level, fluid quality, errors in the sensing device, and issues in a fluid delivery system. In detecting fluid level, impedance of the capacitive sensor is used in improving sensing performance of the fluid level sensor, while in detecting fluid quality and errors in the sensing device, an expected impedance range with an upper boundary value and a lower boundary value is calculated, and a fault is generated when the measured impedance value is out of the expected impedance range. The fluid level and quality sensing device can also be used in a fluid delivery system for detecting system issues, and the results can be used for further isolating errors in the system. Operating status of higher level system provides more information for this purpose.
US09170138B2	Enhanced microfluidic electromagnetic measurements Techniques for enhanced microfluidic impedance spectroscopy include causing a core fluid to flow into a channel between two sheath flows of one or more sheath fluids different from the core fluid. Flow in the channel is laminar. A dielectric constant of a fluid constituting either sheath flow is much less than a dielectric constant of the core fluid. Electrical impedance is measured in the channel between at least a first pair of electrodes. In some embodiments, enhanced optical measurements include causing a core fluid to flow into a channel between two sheath flows of one or more sheath fluids different from the core fluid. An optical index of refraction of a fluid constituting either sheath flow is much less than an optical index of refraction of the core fluid. An optical property is measured in the channel.
US09170134B2	Augmented mesh delivery system A method is disclosed including receiving with a controller at a destination node signal samples and associated sampling time indications. The signal samples and the associated sampling time indications are received from a source node via a mesh network. The signal samples are delivered with sampling time indications generated at the source node to form a series of signals corresponding to one or more characteristic(s) related to electricity supplied to one or more electrical devices from a power source. The method also includes applying a time domain convolution procedure to the received signal in the time domain that is uniformly sampled. The weighting of sample values in time domain convolution procedure is determined at least partially based on information indicative of the statistical behavior of a corresponding realized sample process.
US09170132B2	Replaceable probe head having an operational amplifier A detachable, replaceable, and/or disposable probe head connectable to a probe body containing electronics, a probe that includes the probe head and the probe body, and the combination of a sonde and the probe are described herein. The probe head includes a housing that has a coupling member for detachably connecting the housing to the probe body, in particular to the electronics in the probe body. The probe head also includes a sensor and an electrical connector at least partially housed within the housing, and an operational amplifier electrically coupling the sensor to the electrical connector.
US09170125B2	Presenting weather information on a display A method is present for presenting weather information. A number of weather conditions for a geographic region is identified from weather data for the geographic region. A geometry is selected for a weather condition based on a type of the weather condition to form a number of geometries. Each geometry within the number of geometries has a level of transparency within a corresponding border allowing another geometry to be identified when displayed in an overlapping manner. A spatial extension is selected for the each geometry within the number of geometries based on an extent of an associated weather condition to form the number of geometries. The number of geometries is displayed on a map of the geographic region in which the number of geometries is displayed in locations on the map corresponding to locations of the number of weather conditions in the geographic region.
US09170123B2	Method and apparatus for generating information An apparatus, comprising a processor, memory including computer program code, the memory and the computer program code configured to, working with the processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least determining at least one significant location, receiving a first information associated with the significant location from a first information repository, retrieving a second information associated with the significant location from a second information repository, and generating a third information based at least in part on the first information and the second information is disclosed.
US09170102B2	Method for estimating road surface condition A method capable of estimating a snowy road surface condition during vehicular travel in finer classification. In this method, tire vibrations in the circumferential direction, road surface temperature (T), and tire-generated sound are detected by an acceleration sensor, a road surface thermometer, and a microphone, respectively. Then band values P11, P12 and P13 for a pre-leading-edge region (R1), band values P21, P22 and P23 for a leading-edge region (R2), band values P31, P32 and P33 for a pre-trailing-edge region (R3), band values P41 and P42 for a trailing-edge region (R4), and band values P51, P52 and P53 for a post-trailing-edge region (R5) are calculated from the tire vibration data. A sound pressure level ratio (Q)=(PA/PB), which is the ratio of a band power value (PA) of a low frequency band to a band power value (PB) of a high frequency band, is calculated from data on the tire-generated sound. And a road surface condition is estimated, using the band values (Pij), road surface temperature data (T), sound pressure level ratio (Q), and wheel speed data.
US09170093B2	Device for measuring the relative position of two objects moving in relation to each other The invention relates to a device for measuring the relative position of two objects moving relative to each other along an axis or around a rotating axis (D), with a transmitter (12) which emits unpolarized light, and with a polarizer (20), and with at least one receiver (16) which measures the luminosity of the light passing through the polarizer (20) in order to create a position-dependent signal, such that a polarizing filter is positioned in front of the receiver (16), and the receiver (16) and the polarizer (20) move relative to each other as a function of the relative position of the two objects, and such that the polarizer (20) has at least two different polarizing directions.
US09170089B2	System and method for measuring pipe A system and method for measuring a pipe is provided. The system includes a frame rotatably receiving the pipe, a carriage movably positionable along the frame, a guide floatingly positionable about the carriage, at least one sensor for measuring a position of the pipe, and a measurement unit operatively linked to the sensor for collecting measurements therefrom. The guide has a mouth that receivingly engages the pipe and axially aligns therewith. The pipe is measured with the sensor(s) while moving at least one of the pipe, the carriage and the guide.
US09170087B2	Optical coherence tomography imaging apparatus, imaging system, and control apparatus and control method for controlling imaging range in depth direction of optical coherence tomography An optical coherence tomography imaging apparatus that acquires a tomographic image from interference light between a reference beam and a measuring beam obtained via an object includes a control unit configured to control a difference in optical path length between the reference beam and the measuring beam by a control method according to an imaging target region, and a signal processing unit configured to generate image data of the object based on an electrical signal obtained by detecting the interference light with the difference in optical path length controlled by the control method.
US09170076B2	Method for performing exo-atmospheric missile's interception trial An inflatable dummy target fittable into a carrier missile capable of being released from the carrier missile during exo-atmospheric flight; upon release, the dummy target or portion thereof is capable of being inflated and manifest characteristics that resemble GTG missile characteristics, wherein the GTG missile characteristics include IR signature, RF signature and GTG missile.
US09170069B1	Aimpoint offset countermeasures for area protection Techniques for missile countermeasures are disclosed. The techniques can be employed to rapidly detect a missile system location and aim a countermeasure set at the missile system goniometer, and capture the goniometer with a high radiant intensity countermeasure beam before the goniometer narrows its field of view (FOV). Capturing the goniometer before a narrowing of its FOV allows for wider area protection. The techniques can be embodied in an area-protection hit-avoidance system for a rapid Semi-Active Command to Line of Sight Anti-Tank Guided Missile (SACLOS ATGM) countermeasure wherein a SACLOS ATGM launch is rapidly detected and a countermeasure is aimed at the launch site so that the missile is diverted before the ATGM system FOV is narrowed. This early diversion or decoying of the missile guidance set allows the countermeasure to protect a greater area and to engage multiple threats in less time than traditional countermeasures.
US09170066B2	Adapter kit and method for a paintball marker with a .68 caliper barrel A paintball marker adapter kit that enables a paintball marker with a .68 caliber barrel to use .50 caliber paintballs. In one embodiment, the kit includes a hollow barrel tube, a replacement power tube, a replacement linkage arm, and optional feed ball adapters that into the marker's existing ammo feed hopper or a replacement ammo feed hopper. The barrel tube includes a rear bolt section that extends longitudinally from the proximal end of the barrel. The marker's existing front bolt, power tube and linkage arm are removed and replaced by the replacement power tube and replacement linkage arm. The barrel tube is hollow with a center bore configured to receive a .50 caliber paintball and receive the front air tube on the power tube. The barrel tube also includes a ball hole configured for a .50 caliber paintball that drops vertically from the ammo feed elbow and a blocking pin and latch hole. The kit may include a velocity limiting device that fits into the power tube.
US09170065B2	Pocket hunting system A slingshot adapter hunting tool including a slingshot adapter and a method of shooting an arrow are disclosed. The slingshot adapter includes a plastic body which defines an open orifice and protrusions defining sight markers, where the tips of the protrusions define the open portion of the orifice.
US09170050B2	Equipment for measurement and control of load material or scrap feeding into a furnace and relative method An equipment for the measurement and control of load material and scrap metal feeding into an electrical arc furnace, including an automatic control device for feeding control of load material or scrap according to the energy supplied to the bath, and a measuring device for the added load material, in correlation with the automatic control device, comprising a weighing device for the furnace shell, its contents and any other components it may support.
US09170048B2	Device for the cryogenic separation of air The device serves for the cryogenic separation of air. It comprises a main heat exchanger (6) and a distillation column system for nitrogen-oxygen separation (5) with a double column (5), which contains a high-pressure column and a low-pressure column. The device also includes a mixing column (1) and means for introducing charge air via the main heat exchanger (6) into the high-pressure column and into the mixing column. A liquid oxygen line serves for introducing liquid oxygen from the low-pressure column into the upper region of the mixing column (1), an oxygen product line serves for extracting oxygen gas from the upper region of the mixing column (1) through the main heat exchanger (6). The mixing column (1) and the double column (5) are arranged in a common cold box (3). The mixing column (1) is attached to the double column (5) by way of connecting elements (10, 11).
US09170046B2	Refrigerator comprising vacuum space The refrigerator includes a body having a storage space for storing a predetermined storage object, wherein the body includes an inner case having the storage space, an outer case having an inside surface spaced a predetermined gap from an inside surface of the inner case to house the inner case, a vacuum space provided between the inner case and the outer case enclosed to maintain a vacuum state for heat insulating between the inner case and the outer case, and a sealing unit for sealing a front of the vacuum space formed between a front of the inner case and a front of the outer case and reducing a heat transfer rate between the inner case and the outer case.
US09170045B2	Refrigerator including multiple storage compartments A refrigerator includes a cabinet that defines a first storage compartment; a first door that is opened or closed to allow or prevent access to an interior of the first storage compartment; and a storing device coupled to the first door to define a second storage compartment. When the first door is closed, the second storage compartment is disposed in the first storage compartment. The refrigerator also includes a second door connected to the first door and configured to be opened or closed to allow or prevent access to an interior of the second storage compartment. The interior of the second storage compartment is accessible when the first door is closed and the second door is opened.
US09170035B2	Apparatus and method for thermo-transformation of wood An apparatus for thermo-transformation of wood planks comprises a chamber delimited by upright perforated walls, a top wall and end walls and having a closable entry for receiving wood planks into the chamber. A shell surrounds the chamber and is spaced therefrom to define a first vertical plenum with the first perforated wall, a second vertical plenum with the second perforated wall, and a horizontal plenum with the top wall. A ventilation system is in fluid communication with the plenums to produce a flow of heated air in the plenums. Vanes are actuatable to close/open access to the vertical plenums, to allow heated air into at least one of the vertical plenums, through the chamber via the perforated walls, and out from at least the other of the vertical plenums, to return to the ventilation system. A method for the thermo-transformation of wood is also provided.
US09170032B2	Heliostat tracking and operation for a solar power generation plant A method and system is provided whereby heliostats in a solar power plant may be calibrated without being aimed away from the receiver. The heliostats may be moved through a calibration path different from their operational path. The calibration path may start from any point along the operational path of the heliostat and may move the reflected sunlight from the heliostat across a portion of the solar receiver. Individual power generation receiver modules may be monitored to detect changes in output as the calibration path takes the heliostat reflection across various receiver modules.
US09170029B2	Condensate trap for heating-cooling systems A condensation trap comprising an inlet chamber, a vent chamber and an outlet chamber. The inlet chamber is configured to receive condensate fluid through an external opening therein. The vent chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet chamber via a first passageway that includes an internal opening of the inlet chamber. The internal opening is located substantially at an opposite end of the vent chamber as the external opening. The outlet chamber is in fluid communication with the vent chamber via a second passageway that includes an internal opening in a sidewall of the vent chamber and an interior opening in an end of the outlet chamber. The outlet chamber is configured to transmit the condensate fluid through an exterior opening located at an opposite end of the outlet chamber. A vent volume portion is greater than a total volume of an internal space of the inlet chamber.
US09170028B1	Methods and compositions for rapid thermal cycling The rapid thermal cycling of a material is targeted. A microfluidic heat exchanger with an internal porous medium is coupled to tanks containing cold fluid and hot fluid. Fluid flows alternately from the cold tank and the hot tank into the porous medium, cooling and heating samples contained in the microfluidic heat exchanger's sample wells. A valve may be coupled to the tanks and a pump, and switching the position of the valve may switch the source and direction of fluid flowing through the porous medium. A controller may control the switching of valve positions based on the temperature of the samples and determined temperature thresholds. A sample tray for containing samples to be thermally cycled may be used in conjunction with the thermal cycling system. A surface or internal electrical heater may aid in heating the samples, or may replace the necessity for the hot tank.
US09170019B2	Method and system for production of a clean hot gas based on solid fuels Solid fuel can be converted into a clean hot flue gas with a low content of volatile organic compounds (VOC's), NOx and dust, and clean ash with a low carbon content by means of a stage-divided thermal reactor, where the conversion process of the solid fuel is in separate vertical stages (from below and up): ash burn-out, char oxidation and gasification, pyrolysis, drying, and a gas combustion stage where gas from the gasifier is combusted.
US09170016B2	Dual fuel heater with selector valve A heater assembly can be used with a gas appliance. The gas appliance can be a dual fuel appliance for use with one of a first fuel type or a second fuel type different than the first. The heater assembly can include at least one pressure regulator, a housing, and an actuation member. The housing has a first fuel hook-up for connecting the first fuel type to the heater assembly, and a second fuel hook-up for connecting the second fuel type to the heater assembly. The actuation member can control a flow through the heater assembly based on whether the first or the second fuel hook-up is used.
US09170003B2	Light-emitting element mounting substrate and light-emitting device There are provided a light-emitting element mounting substrate having high bonding strength between a substrate main body and a metal portion, and a light-emitting device having high bonding strength between the substrate main body and the metal portion and high reliability. A light-emitting element mounting substrate includes a substrate main body (20) formed of a ceramic sintered body; and a silver-containing metal portion (2), a silver-containing region (4) existing in a portion of the substrate main body which faces the metal portion across a bonding portion bonding the substrate main body and the silver-containing metal portion. Accordingly, it is possible to increase bonding strength between the substrate main body (20) and the metal portion (2).
US09169999B2	Lamp device and securing unit thereof A securing unit is for securing a lamp shade to a bulb socket. The lamp shade includes a shade frame, and a coupler connected to the shade frame. The bulb socket is to be disposed in the lamp shade. The securing unit includes a connecting member and a securing member. The connecting member has an upper mounting segment, and a lower connecting segment disposed below the upper mounting segment and configured for connection to the bulb socket. The securing member includes a base part having opposite first and second surfaces, an engaging part extending from the first surface and engaging the upper mounting segment of the connecting member, and a resilient holding part extending from the second surface and configured to hold the coupler.
US09169998B2	Removable window frame for lighting module A lighting module has an array of light-emitting elements, a housing defining at least one opening, and a window frame that is selectively removable from the opening of the housing. The window frame has a frame and a window that is operably secured to the frame. The array of light-emitting elements is positioned within the housing. The window frame is replaceable or selectively removable from the housing of the lighting module. The window frame may include a gasket that is positioned between the frame and a portion of the window that is operably secured to the frame. In some examples, the gasket is a die-cut expanded PTFE gasket.
US09169987B2	Lighting appliance for vehicles A lighting appliance for vehicles includes a flat light guide having a light coupling section for the coupling of light into a first or a second end of the light guide, a narrow-side front serving as a light coupling section for the coupling-out of light into the main radiation direction extending between the first end and the second end of the flat light guide, a first flat side and a second flat side arranged on the opposite side, on which the coupled-in light can be fully reflected, a rear extending between the first end and the second end of the flat light guide having a number of optic elements for the redirection of the light into the direction of the narrow-side front, wherein the flat light guide is held with fastening means in a holding section of a holding lens running at right angles to the main radiation direction.
US09169986B2	Head light module A head light module includes: a lamp disposed to irradiate light; a shield disposed to be rotatable about a rotating pin so as to selectively block a light path of a portion of the light irradiated from the lamp; a plunger disposed to be moved in a longitudinal direction thereof in order to push or pull one side of the shield; a compressive roll pad disposed so that an outer circumferential surface thereof is in contact with the plunger, rotated in accordance with a forward and rearward movement of the plunger, and compressed by the plunger or returns back to an original shape thereof when the plunger is moved forward or rearward; and an actuator which moves the plunger forward or rearward so that the shield selectively blocks the light path of a portion of the light irradiated from the lamp.
US09169985B2	Lighting apparatus, headlamp, and mobile body A lighting apparatus is provided that, while suppressing an increase in size, can change the illuminating direction. The lighting apparatus has: a laser generator which emits laser light; a light emitting member which is irradiated with the laser light emitted from the laser generator to emit light; an irradiated position changer which moves and thereafter stops an irradiated position at which the light emitting member is irradiated with the laser light; and a light projecting member which projects the light emitted from the light emitting member.
US09169979B2	Light projector and sensor A light projector has a light emitting device having a light emitting surface, an optical fiber having an incident end-face to which light emitted from the light emitting surface enters, and a lens arranged between the light emitting surface of the light emitting device and the incident end-face of the optical fiber. The light emitting device, the optical fiber and the lens are arranged on one optical axis. The optical fiber includes a core region as a region including a single core of uniform refractive index or a region collectively encompassing a plurality of cores having uniform refractive index. The lens converts diffused light emitted from the light emitting surface to diffused light that widens more moderately.
US09169976B2	Method of manufacture of a metal hydride fuel supply A high energy density fuel source that reduces hydride expansion during hydrogen release, including a rigid, thermally insulated container defining an internal volume, a heater mechanism disposed within the internal volume, and a metal hydride rod thermally connected to the heater mechanism, wherein the heater mechanism and metal hydride rod substantially occupying the entirety of the internal volume. The metal hydride rod preferably includes a malleable encapsulation compressed about, thermally coupled to, and substantially encapsulating a volume of compressed metal hydride powder, the malleable encapsulation defined by a first, thermally conductive, malleable cup inverted over a second, thermally conductive, malleable cup, the compressed malleable encapsulation defining a tortuous fluid flow path from the metal hydride to the internal volume of the container.
US09169967B2	Hanger for mounting objects of various shapes and sizes The invention relates to a hanger for mounting objects of various shapes and sizes on vertical, sloping or horizontal surfaces. The hanger comprises a frame formed by two opposing parts adapted to grip the object, and linked together by an adjustable length of cord so that the frame can be made to fit precisely the object to be hung. The disadvantages of the prior art hangers that rely on springs to provide for the adjustment needed for them to fit a range of sizes will be overcome.
US09169966B2	Compression limiting clip for a bracket assembly A bracket assembly includes a polymer bracket that has a first side, a second side, and an opening that extends between the first and second sides. A compression limiting clip includes a plate portion coupled with the second side. A member borders at least a portion of the opening and extends orthogonally from the plate portion through the opening for receiving compression from a fastener engaging the polymer bracket.
US09169964B2	Retention mechanism and method for removeably supporting a portable flight controller An aircraft electronic device retention mechanism and method of removeably supporting an aircraft electronic device having first electrical contacts within a cockpit having compatible second electrical contacts includes a base that is generally configured to the size and shape of a surface of the electronic device and at least one lever that is mounted by a pivot to the base. The lever(s) has an engaging portion that is adapted to engage an engaged portion of the electronic device and an actuation portion. The actuation portion is adapted to rotate the lever(s) about said pivot between a first orientation in which the engaging portion retains the engaged portion and a second orientation in which the engaging portion does not retain said engaged portion. A manual actuator is connected with the actuation portion of the pivot. The manual actuator is configured to move between a first position, which rotates the lever(s) to the second orientation and a first position which rotates the lever(s) to the first orientation to retain the electronic device.
US09169949B2	Lock down units for loading arms and loading arms comprising the same Lock down units and loading arms with lock down units are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a loading arm includes a product delivery pipe pivotally coupled to a product standpipe such that the product delivery pipe is rotatable in a vertical plane. A rocker assembly is coupled to the product delivery pipe. A support arm may be pivotally connected to the product standpipe and slidably coupled to the rocker assembly such that the support arm and the rocker assembly are slidable with respect to one another. The support arm comprises a plurality of slots. A locking pawl is affixed to the rocker assembly and selectively engagable with the slots such that, when the locking pawl is engaged with a slot of the support arm, the locking pawl couples the support arm to the rocker assembly, thereby preventing the product delivery pipe from being raised in the vertical plane.
US09169941B2	Solenoid valve A solenoid valve includes a valve configured to control a flow of a fluid; and a solenoid configured to operate the valve. The valve includes: a holder having a double tube structure including an inner tube formed with a supply passage and an outer tube, a control passage being formed between the inner tube and the outer tube; a first connection port formed at a first end of the inner tube to connect the supply passage and the control passage; a ball installed within the supply passage to open and close the first connection port; a core coupled to a first end of the outer tube; a second connection port formed in the core and connected to the control passage; and a load installed to extend through the second connection port and moved by the solenoid.
US09169938B2	Forward check valve and fuel cell system A forward check valve and a fuel cell system in which fluid control is performed with increased reliability when a highly active fluid is used are structured such that when an edge portion of a cap is joined to an edge portion of a valve housing, a peripheral edge portion of a diaphragm is pushed and sandwiched by a peripheral edge portion of the cap and a placement portion. Further, the diaphragm is formed of rubber. As a result, the peripheral edge portion of the diaphragm is compressed by the peripheral edge portion of the cap and the placement portion, so that the degree of contact at a contact portion between the placement portion and the peripheral edge portion of the diaphragm becomes very high. Consequently, in the forward check valve, joints of the members including a joint of the edge portion of the cap and the edge portion of the valve housing do not contact methanol.
US09169927B2	Shift control apparatus of automatic transmission There is provided a shift control apparatus of an automatic transmission in a vehicle including a constant speed traveling apparatus, which has a detecting device detecting a surrounding situation of the vehicle and operates according to the detected situation, and an automatic transmission capable of steplessly changing a transmission ratio, the shift control apparatus controlling the automatic transmission according to a shift map for changing the transmission ratio according to a traveling state. The shift control apparatus includes a plurality of shift maps, and a switching and selecting unit selecting and switching to one of the shift maps based on a shift-down request signal or a requested acceleration, which is outputted by a constant speed traveling control device of the constant speed traveling apparatus, according to the situation detected by the detecting device.
US09169926B2	System and method of operating a machine having a continuously variable transmission A system and method involves a machine that powertrain including a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a machine speed sensor to determine a measured machine speed. The machine also includes a controller in communication with the CVT and the speed sensor. The controller may include a table relating the measured machine speed to a plurality of virtual gear ratios associated with the CVT. The controller is configured to determine a calculated virtual gear ratio using the table and, if desired, may display the calculated virtual gear ratio on a visual display.
US09169925B2	Method for terminating a gearshift for an automatic transmission for a motor vehicle wherein at least one positive-locking shifting element is involved A method for terminating a gearshift for an automatic transmission for a motor vehicle is provided, wherein a positive-locking shifting element is involved. After the initiation of the gearshift, there is an evaluation of the continuous signals of at least one control unit of the vehicle, which affect the engine torque and thus the turbine speed gradient. Based on the evaluation of the signals, an upcoming change to the turbine speed gradient that exceeds a first predetermined threshold value or falls short of a second predetermined threshold value is detected, and, upon such detection, the gearshift is terminated.
US09169921B2	Double transition shift control in an automatic powershifting transmission A system and method for controlling double transition shifts in an automatic transmission having multiple gear sections. During a double transition shift, the system performs simultaneous closed loop control of the primary oncoming clutch in the primary gear section and the secondary off-going clutch of the secondary gear section. Before the input shaft of the secondary gear section is fully pulled down or the secondary off-going clutch becomes overheated, the system switches closed loop control of the input shaft to the secondary on-coming clutch of the secondary gear section. The system utilizes model-based calculations to determine the initial clutch pressure settings when a clutch enters closed loop control.
US09169916B2	Power takeoff unit for automobile A power takeoff unit for an automobile combined with a transmission is comprised of a first rotatable shaft including a first gear; a second rotatable shaft including a second gear, the second shaft being so disposed as to have the second gear engaged with the first gear and intersecting with, or being not parallel and not intersecting with, the first shaft to establish driving link between the first shaft and the second shaft; a casing including an attachment portion having a first internal face having a first internal diameter and an end portion and a second internal face being disposed inward than the first internal face relative to the casing and having a second internal diameter; and a seal member interposed between the first shaft and the second internal face.
US09169915B2	Pressure portion and pressure portion system having pressure portion A pressure portion (1) includes a receiver (2) for adjustable lateral support of a rack (Z) for a steering arrangement of vehicles. The pressure portion (1) arranged in positionally variable relationship guided linearly in a guide passage (F) for adjustment of the support of the rack (Z) in an adjustment direction (e), and enlarged or expanded for at least partial contact at an inside wall side in the guide passage (F) with respect to a directional component (r2) which is radial relative to the adjustment direction (e). The pressure portion (1) has radially at an outside thereof an elastomeric force application aid (11) for transmission of forces from the pressure portion (1) to an inside wall (10) of the guide passage (F).
US09169911B2	Drive device for the road wheels of a vehicle A drive device for the road wheels of a vehicle includes a stationary housing in which a rotatably drivable differential housing having an axle differential gear unit is rotatably mounted by differential bearings, at least one driveshaft being rotatably drivable by the differential housing. At least one driving gear wheel is arranged on the at least one driveshaft so as to be fixed with respect to rotation relative to the latter. The at least one driving gear wheel meshingly engage by oppositely directed helical teeth with at least one driven gear wheel for driving road wheels of the vehicle and generating axial forces directed toward the center of the axle differential gear unit. At least one thrust bearing arrangement for supporting these axial forces is in turn supported at a structural component part of the drive device.
US09169909B2	Stepless variable transmission device with parallel low gear wheel group The present invention relates to a stepless variable transmission device with parallel low gear wheel group, which is the first case that a low gear transmission wheel group equipped with a one-way transmission unit, which transmits with fixed speed ratio in same rotary direction, is installed between the input shaft and the output shaft of a stepless variable transmission device; and which is installed with the clutch device 212 with angular displacement difference and/or the clutch device 222 for eliminating the vibration produced by the hetero-shaft type stepless variable transmission device 100 and the low gear transmission wheel group 102, the both do not operate with fully same speed ratio, for overloaded transmission.
US09169903B2	Transmission wheel system series with periodically varied speed ratio and having reciprocally displacing auxiliary pulley for storing/releasing kinetic energy The present invention is to installed a unidirectional transmission at the active side, so when a transmission belt is tightened while the active pulley driving a passive pulley in periodically varied speed ratios, meanwhile an auxiliary pulley (312) is linked for storing energy to form a prestressed force, when the force applied by the active pulley to the passive pulley through the transmission belt is zero or relatively smaller, the auxiliary pulley (312) is enabled to release energy for recovering so as to apply force to the transmission belt, because the transmission belt is coupled to the active pulley and/or one end of the active wheel shaft combined with the active pulley is restrained by the unidirectional transmission device, the transmission belt is enabled to link the passive pulley to operate in the original revolving direction for feeding back the kinetic energy.
US09169902B2	Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include: an input; an output; a first planetary gear set on the input including a first rotation element selectively connected to the input and selectively operated as a fixed element, a second rotation element selectively connected to the input and a third rotation element; a second planetary gear set on the output including a fourth rotation element connected to the second rotation element and selectively operated as a fixed element, a fifth rotation element connected to the third rotation element and directly connected to the output, and a sixth rotation element selectively connected to the input; four transfer gears; and frictional elements including clutches connecting the input and the rotation elements of the first and second planetary gear sets, and brakes connecting the rotation elements of the first and second planetary gear sets and a transmission housing.
US09169890B2	Low noise valve assembly A shock absorber includes a valve assembly which includes a valve disc engaging an inner and outer valve land defined by a valve body. The inner valve land is a non-circular valve land such that a radial dimension between the inner and outer valve land varies based upon a circumferential position of the radial dimension. The varying radial dimension provides a progressive valve opening for the valve assembly.
US09169869B2	Side seal and linear guide apparatus comprising the same To provide a side seal capable of preventing the entrance of the foreign matter to the inside of the slider and the outflow of the lubricant without damaging or reducing the original function of the lip, and to provide a linear guide apparatus including the above described side seal. A linear guide apparatus (1) includes a side seal (30) attached to an end of the slider (20) in the axial direction and including a lip portion (33) coming into sliding contact with the guide rail (10). The side seal (30) includes a thin film (40) coming into sliding contact with the guide rail (10) and filling a part of a gap (34) of the lip portion (33).
US09169856B2	Fastening structure for thermal module A resilient fastening structure is provided for fastening a thermal module to a mainboard, and includes a main body having at least one elastic press portion, a fastening portion, and an insertion unit. The fastening portion is provided on an end of the main body and the insertion unit is extended outward from an opposite end of the main body and has spaced sections. The elastic press portion is provided on the main body and located between the insertion unit and the fastening portion, and a flexible space is defined between spaced sections of the insertion unit. The elastic press unit is operable to compress and release the spaced sections of the insertion unite to assembly the structure to the thermal module.
US09169854B2	Pressure intensifier for discharging fluid at constant flow rate A pressure intensifier for ejecting fluid at a constant flow rate includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor, a supply channel, a first control unit, and a second control unit. The hydraulic pump pumps an introduced fluid to eject the fluid through an ejection channel. The hydraulic motor is driven by the introduced fluid and drives the hydraulic pump to cause the fluid ejected by the hydraulic pump to be intensified. The supply channel allows the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor to be supplied with the fluid. The first control unit opens or closes the supply channel, and the second control unit operates the first control unit to cause the first control unit to close the supply channel if the fluid ejected through the ejection channel is larger than a predetermined pressure.
US09169846B2	Mid-span gas bearing A centrifugal compressor includes a rotor assembly with a shaft and a plurality of impellers, bearings located at ends of the shaft and configured to support the rotor assembly, a sealing mechanism disposed between the rotor assembly and the bearings, and a gas bearing disposed between the plurality of impellers for supporting the shaft and receiving a working gas from an impeller downstream from a location of the gas bearing.
US09169842B2	Permanent magnet canned motor pump with corrosion-protection housing A permanent magnet canned motor pump features in its corrosion-protection housing which comprises a reinforced bracket, motor casing and a motor rear casing. The reinforced bracket is made of corrosion-resistance plastic and the motor casing and the motor rear casing are made of aluminum alloy. Accordingly, the corrosion-protection housing is capable of preventing the corrosion of the chemical liquid to the aluminum alloy components. Beside, the permanent magnet canned motor pump provides a heat dissipation mechanism while meeting the structural need of the corrosion-protection housing, so that the motor can dissipate heat in a sufficient rate.
US09169834B2	Disengageable coolant pump for engine A coolant pump includes a drive wheel, a driven wheel, and a coupling-control pump. The driven wheel is connected to a coolant impeller and coupled by a variable degree to the drive wheel, the degree of coupling responsive to an amount of fluid confined between the drive wheel and the driven wheel. The coupling-control pump is configured to change the amount of fluid confined between the drive wheel and the driven wheel based on a variable control signal.
US09169824B2	Wind turbine having internal transportation devices specification identification The invention relates to a wind turbine with internal transport devices which comprises: a power train including a generator (41) located in front of the rotor (15) and actuated directly by said rotor (15), a tower (11) and a supporting structure (13) mounted on the tower (11); the rotor (15), which is supported by a main non-rotating shaft (29) connected to the supporting structure (13) by means of at least one bearing, comprising a hub (17) and at least one blade; the generator rotor (45) being rigidly connected to the rotor hub (17) and the generator stator (43) being rigidly connected to the main shaft (29), the main shaft (29) being a hollow shaft which includes one or more transport devices, such as a device (61) for transporting hanging loads or a carriage (71) for making it easier to replace parts of the generator and/or to transport persons.
US09169822B2	Deep ocean current power plant and constructing procedure thereof The invention provides a deep ocean current power plant. In one embodiment, the deep ocean current power plant comprises at least one relay platform, a plurality of platform anchorage cables, a plurality of turbine generators, and power conversion equipment. The at least one relay platform floats and is submerged in a deep ocean current. The platform anchorage cables anchor the relay platform to a seabed. The turbine generators are anchored to the relay platform, and convert kinetic energy of the deep ocean current into electrical energy. The power conversion equipment is installed on the relay platform, gathers the electrical energy generated by the turbine generators to generate an electrical power, and modulates the electrical power to be transmitted to a land power station.
US09169819B2	Method for engaging a starting pinion of a starting device with a ring gear of an internal combustion engine A method is described for engaging a starting pinion of a starting device with a ring gear of an internal combustion engine, the starting pinion having a peripheral speed and the ring gear having a peripheral speed, the starting pinion being pushed forward axially along its axis of rotation, the starting pinion making contact with the ring gear at a peripheral speed which is lower than the peripheral speed of the ring gear.
US09169809B2	Method for controlling a variable charge air cooler Embodiments for a charge air cooler are provided. In one example, an engine method comprises during a first mode, decreasing a volume of a charge air cooler in response to a compressor operation upstream of the charge air cooler. In this way, compressor surge may be prevented.
US09169798B2	Valve cover with integrated sparkplug tube A valve cover for an engine and a method is provided. The valve cover may include a cover body, and a sparkplug tube formed integrally with the cover body. In this way, any distortion of the bottom end of the sparkplug tubes due to, for example removal and reinstallation may not provide a leakage path.
US09169797B2	Methods and systems for managing a clearance gap in a piston engine A piston engine may include a piston and cylinder assembly. A piston assembly may be configured to translate in a cylinder liner, which may form a bore in the cylinder. The cylinder liner may be deformable, and deformations of the cylinder liner may affect the clearance gap between the piston assembly and the cylinder. A liner fluid may be supplied to the cylinder liner to create a pressure differential across the liner, and a resulting deformation. The liner fluid may be used to provide cooling as well as liner deformation to control the clearance gap. A cylinder may include one or more fluid passages configured to provide heating, cooling, or both. A cylinder may include one or more localized heat sources such as, for example, electric resistance heaters or heating fluid passages.
US09169795B2	Exhaust gas sensor diagnosis and controls adaptation Methods and systems are provided for adjusting an anticipatory controller of an exhaust gas sensor coupled in an engine exhaust. In one embodiment, the method comprises adjusting fuel injection responsive to exhaust oxygen feedback from the anticipatory controller of the exhaust gas sensor and adjusting one or more parameters of the anticipatory controller responsive to a type of oxygen sensor degradation. In this way, the anticipatory controller may be adapted based on the type and magnitude of the degradation behavior to increase performance of the air-fuel control system.
US09169788B2	Methods and systems for variable displacement engine control Methods and systems are provided for selecting a group of cylinders for selective deactivation, in a variable displacement engine system, based at least on a regeneration state of an exhaust catalyst. The position of one or more valves and throttles may be adjusted based on the selective deactivation to reduce back-flow through the disabled cylinders while also maintaining conditions of a downstream exhaust catalyst. Pre-ignition and knock detection windows and thresholds may also be adjusted based on the deactivation to improve the efficiency of knock and pre-ignition detection.
US09169787B2	Valve control systems and methods for cylinder deactivation and activation transitions An engine control system for a vehicle includes an air control module and a valve control module. The air control module determines a desired mass of air per cylinder (APC) based on a torque request and selectively increases the desired APC in response to a command to deactivate N cylinders of an engine. The valve control module disables intake and exhaust valves of the N cylinders of the engine in response to the command, determines intake and exhaust valve timing based on the desired APC, and controls camless intake and exhaust valve actuators of M other cylinders based on the intake and exhaust valve timing, respectively. The engine includes Q cylinders, M and N are integers greater than zero, and M plus N equals Q.
US09169780B2	Connection for generator in a gas turbine engine A gas turbine engine having an electric generator includes a transmission shaft extending along a longitudinal axis of the engine and drivingly interconnecting a turbine shaft of the engine and a rotor shaft of the electric generator. The transmission shaft is engaged by splined mating connections with the turbine shaft and the rotor shaft. The transmission shaft has a shear neck defining a reduced radial wall thickness with respect to a remainder of the transmission shaft such as to provide a weakened region of the transmission shaft. An annular support structure, concentric with and surrounding the transmission shaft, is axially located between the shear neck and a forward end of the transmission shaft engaged to the turbine shaft, and includes a bearing operable to rotationally support the transmission shaft.
US09169778B2	Generating power from natural gas with carbon dioxide capture A hydrogen rich fuel gas for a gas turbine ballasted with nitrogen and steam can be produced and superheated to a temperature above its dew point. The fuel gas may have a minimal or reduced content of CO2 or fuel components CO and CH4 which contain carbon so that when combusted in a suitable gas turbine there may be minimal or reduced emissions of CO2 to the atmosphere. These example methods may result in a capture of the bulk of the carbon present in the total natural gas feed as CO2 compressed to pipeline delivery pressure for sequestration.
US09169770B2	Engine system An engine system for ensuring a sufficient boost pressure during engine braking and improving a braking force of a compression release brake. The system includes: a compression release brake device that operates a compression release brake to obtain a braking force during engine braking by forcibly opening an exhaust valve and releasing a compressive pressure near a compression top dead center of an engine; a power-assisted turbocharger including a turbine disposed on an exhaust passage of the engine and driven by exhaust, a compressor disposed on an intake passage and driven by a rotational torque of the turbine, and an electric motor that assists a drive force of the compressor; and an electric motor control unit that drives the electric motor when the compressor release brake is operated.
US09169768B2	Method and system for diagnosing insufficiency of vehicle coolant A method and a system for diagnosing insufficiency of vehicle coolant includes a preparing step of checking whether the vehicle is in a stop state and is on flat ground. An operating step applies a predefined output to a coolant water pump when the vehicle is in the stop state and is on flat ground. A measuring step measures a rotation speed of an impeller of the coolant water pump for a period in which the predefined output is applied to the coolant water pump. A M determining step compares the measured rotation speed of the impeller of the coolant water pump with a reference speed to determine whether or not the coolant is insufficient.
US09169766B2	System to monitor regeneration frequency of particulate filter An exhaust treatment system to treat exhaust gas includes a particulate filter configured to trap soot contained in the exhaust gas, and a pressure sensor that outputs a pressure signal indicative of a pressure differential of the particulate filter. A soot mass module is configured to determine a soot mass indicative of an amount of soot stored in the particulate filter based on the pressure differential. The soot mass is selectively determined according to a first soot model or a second soot model. An adaptation soot load module corrects the first soot model based on the second soot model such that the first soot model is adapted to the second soot model. A frequency regeneration module determines an actual rate at which the first soot model is corrected. The frequency regeneration module further determines the particulate filter is excessively regenerated based on the actual rate and a threshold.
US09169764B2	Hybrid vehicle A hybrid vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine and a motor-generator for running the vehicle, includes: a power storage device to be supplied to the motor-generator; a current leakage detection circuit detecting a decrease in insulation resistance, the current leakage detection circuit being electrically connected to a negative electrode of the power storage device; an electrical heated catalyst device; and a power supply device that converts electric power from the power storage device into energization power of the electrical heated catalyst device by a power conversion path passing through an insulating mechanism. The power supply device includes a switching device. The switching device is opened when the electrical heated catalyst device is energized, and is closed when the decrease in insulation resistance of the electrical heated catalyst device is detected.
US09169760B2	Conveying unit for conveying reducing agent A conveying unit for conveying reducing agent from a tank to an exhaust gas treatment device for cleaning the exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine, includes a flange defined at least by a first side and a second side. The first side and the second side are disposed so as to be mutually opposed, at least in part. At least a filter, a biased ice pressure compensator and/or a flexible ice pressure compensator are disposed on the first side. At least a pump, a pressure sensor and/or a temperature sensor are disposed on the second side.
US09169758B2	Fuel injection control system of an internal combustion engine The present invention has its object to provide a technique which can eliminate HC poisoning of an exhaust gas purification catalyst in a suitable manner in a fuel injection control system of an internal combustion engine which can use a liquid fuel and a gas fuel. In order to achieve this object, the present invention is constructed such that in the fuel injection control system of an internal combustion engine capable of using a liquid fuel and a gas fuel, when HC poisoning of the exhaust gas purification catalyst has occurred, HC poisoning is intended to be eliminated by causing the internal combustion engine to operate by the use of the gas fuel if the temperature of the exhaust gas purification catalyst is less than a specified value, whereas the elimination of HC poisoning is intended by causing the internal combustion engine to operate by the use of the liquid fuel if the temperature of an exhaust gas purification device is not less than the specified value.
US09169757B2	Exhaust system with mixing and/or evaporating device A mixer/evaporator or an exhaust system (5) of an internal combustion engine (1), includes a carrier (20) surrounding, in a circumferential direction, a flat cross section of a mixing/evaporating device (12), through which exhaust gases flow and which extends at a right angle to the axial direction (17). The carrier has opposite side walls, wherein short side walls (23, 24) connect each long side walls (21, 22) to one another. Guide blades (25) project in a direction of the respective opposite long side wall, are set at an angle in relation to the axial direction and are arranged at one of the long side walls at least one axial end (26, 27). An axial end of the first long side walls is offset in the axial direction in relation to the axial end of the second long side wall on the same side of the mixing/evaporating device.
US09169755B2	Water injection for catalyst oxygen reduction and temperature control during transient events Methods and systems are provided for injecting water based on duration of cylinder deactivation, and exhaust catalyst temperature during an engine cylinder deactivation event so as to reduce an exhaust catalyst regeneration requirement following the cylinder deactivation, and to prevent catalyst degradation.
US09169730B2	Fan hub design A fan rotor has a fan web and a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart fan blades extending radially outwardly from an outer rim of the fan web. The outer rim is integrally connected to an inner rim through an axially facing web section. The web section has an inward concavature and extends aft of the center of gravity of the fan blades to shift the center of gravity of the hub rearwards while maintaining airfoil stress below critical levels. The rim section may have an inwardly projecting annular channel formed in a leading edge thereof and tuned to the 2M3ND mode of the fan hub.
US09169720B2	Corrosion management systems for vertically oriented structures Corrosion management systems protecting against or managing corrosion of various components in generally vertically oriented structures, that can be located one or more of aboveground and underground. The corrosion management system includes a dispenser system that dispenses at least one corrosion inhibitor to the structure desired to be protected at a plurality of different vertical heights.
US09169708B2	Method of in situ repair of a wellhead base flange An in situ method for repairing a base flange of a wellhead. At least one layer of a polymerizable composite material is applied to a damaged surface, an elastic seal is placed on the layer of composite material, and a reinforcing collar is pressed against the seal on the surface of the flange covered with the composite material. An arrangement of an in situ repair of a base flange of a wellhead includes at least one layer of a polymerized composite material on a damaged surface, an elastic seal on the composite material, and a reinforcing collar pressing the seal against the damaged surface.
US09169705B2	Pressure relief-assisted packer A wellbore completion method comprising disposing a pressure relief-assisted packer comprising two packer elements within an axial flow bore of a first tubular string disposed within a wellbore so as to define an annular space between the pressure relief-assisted packer and the first tubular string, and setting the pressure relief-assisted packer such that a portion of the annular space between the two packer elements comes into fluid communication with a pressure relief volume during the setting of the pressure relief-assisted packer.
US09169702B2	Top drive powered differential speed rotation system and method Certain embodiments include a system having a first grip configured to couple to a first tubular, a second grip configured to couple to a second tubular, where the first and second tubulars are connected by a threaded connection, and a gear assembly coupling the first and second grips, wherein the gear assembly has a speed ratio greater than 1.
US09169698B2	Modular drilling rig system Modular transfigurable drilling rig system composed of multiple components, which system is transfigurable between a transport mode in which the components of the system are transportable and an operational mode in which the components are assembled to a drilling rig which is adapted to drill into a well center in the ground.
US09169670B2	Disposable cable lock and detachable alarm module The present invention relates to security devices used to protect merchandise or other objects, including security devices having one or more adjustable cables used to wrap around objects of various shapes and sizes, such that the security devices are secured to the objects. The present invention also relates to a removable module that can enable a disposable, one-alarm passive security device to provide three-alarm functionality.
US09169663B1	Method for remediating smoke-damaged brick veneer wall The present invention relates to a novel brick veneer wall structure, to methods for restoring same after sustaining smoke damage, and to a smoke-damaged brick veneer wall structure restored by a method of the invention.
US09169655B2	Floor, floor element, method of connecting a floor element to a surface beneath the floor element, method of manufacturing a floor element and kit-of parts The present invention relates to a floor (10) comprising at least one floor element (12) and an adhesive composition (16), wherein the at least one floor element is adhesively connected to a surface (15) below the floor element via the adhesive composition, wherein the adhesive composition comprises a mixture of: an adhesive (18), and multiple resilient particles (20) which support the floor elements, wherein the multiple resilient particles (20) are configured to support the floor elements at a distance (22) from the surface (15), wherein the particles have different shapes and varying sizes, wherein a part of the space (24) between the surface below the floor elements and the floor elements is filled with the adhesive composition (16) and a part of the space is filled with air (26).
US09169651B1	Stairway system having an improved baluster assembly A stairway system. The stairway system includes a plurality of spaced apart treads, a handrail and a baluster assembly. The baluster assembly includes at least one baluster per tread. The baluster includes at least one rake anchor adapted to abut the angled support surface of the handrail adjacent to one end of the baluster, a rake shoe adapted for concealing the interface between the rake anchor and the angled support surface of the handrail and an anchor assembly including an anchor adapted for receiving the other end of the baluster. The stairway system further includes a handrail support for supporting the handrail.
US09169650B1	Stair tread The present disclosure concerns embodiments of a stair tread which can be installed on a staircase. The stair tread has a metal core at least partially covered with high-strength concrete. In an exemplary embodiment, the core portion has first and second horizontally extending metal plates that are spaced apart vertically from each other, and a grid of vertically extending metal support walls positioned between the first and second metal plates. The core portion can also include retention elements extending upwardly from and distributed across the top of the upper plate for securing the concrete covering to the core.
US09169648B1	Monolithic spiral design roof pipe flashing A monolithic spiral design roof pipe flashing having a spiraled base. A spiraled boot is continuously disposed upon the base. The boot defines an inner recess and has annular upper lip defining a spiral conduit. The upper lip further has an angular rim. The base, the boot, and the upper lip are monolithically formed of a molded elastomeric hydrophobic polymer substance and are configured to flex from a closed spiral configuration to an open spiral configuration to create a gap between an exterior surface and an interior surface proximal a shared continuous outer edge of the base, the boot, and the upper lip through which the roof pipe is inserted and fitted within the conduit. Upon release of the flex, the gap closes with the pipe being disposed within the conduit and with an overlap of the exterior and interior surfaces for water tight and flush contact therebetween.
US09169647B2	Skylight having multiple stationary tilted reflectors aimed in different compass directions including inverted pyramidal or wedge geometry A skylight system uses multiple stationary tilted reflectors aimed in different compass directions, including inverted pyramidal or wedge geometry to enhance the light output of a skylight using a conventional horizontal penetration into the building. The reflectors are made of very low cost metallized polymer film, and configured to maximize the useful lumen output of the skylight over the whole day and over the whole year. The skylight system furthermore improves the light distribution under the horizontal penetration by directing more light vertically into the working space beneath the roof penetration rather than horizontally onto walls and into the building occupants' eyes, creating glare and discomfort.
US09169642B2	Free-standing wall arrangement and methods A free-standing wall includes concrete base blocks adjacent to each other forming a base course; a first set of concrete wall blocks stacked on the base course and on each other to form a first wall face; and a second set of concrete wall blocks stacked on the base course and on each other to form a second wall face that faces the opposite direction from the first wall face and that has the same number of courses as the first plurality of wall blocks. Methods of constructing the wall arrangement include laying the base blocks next to each other end to end; stacking individual blocks of a first set of blocks on the base course and then on each other to form a first wall face; stacking individual blocks of the second set of blocks on the base course and then on each other to form a second wall face that faces a direction opposite of the first wall face.
US09169639B1	Safety enclosure devices for use with dropped ceiling grids An electrically insulative frame configured for attachment to a dropped ceiling grid, having a plurality of cells formed by cell members, including an open cell having a cell opening. The frame insulates the cell opening when attached therein. A worker, having a head and torso, may extend his/her head and torso through the frame while being electrically insulated from the cell.
US09169631B2	Portable building A portable building kit, construction members, and method for building a portable building are presented. The portable building includes a plurality of upright members, a plurality of footing members adapted to be connected to one or more of the plurality of upright members, a plurality of angle truss members adapted to be connected to one of the plurality of upright members, a plurality of horizontal eave brace members adapted to be connected to one or more of the plurality of upright members and one or more of the plurality of angle truss members, and a plurality of horizontal ridge brace members adapted to be connected to one or more of the plurality of angle truss members. The portable building is made by selecting a predetermined number of upright members, footing members, angle truss members, horizontal eave brace members, and horizontal ridge brace members.
US09169618B1	Backfill device and method with rotating drum A backfilling device for backfilling an open trench and padding a pipe within the trench has a lateral earth moving device and a sifting device. The backfilling device is attached to a tractor that moves the lateral earth moving device into a backfill spoil pile adjacent to the trench with the sifting device located above the trench. The lateral earth moving devices moves the backfill spoil material laterally into a rotating drum of the sifting device. Smaller particles of the backfill material fall through the rotating drum, which is also vibrating to backfill the trench and pad the pipe with backfill fines. The oversize debris in the backfill material continues to move laterally and falls out the end of the rotating drum to form a pile of large piece backfill material on the side of the trench opposite from the backfill spoil pile.
US09169617B2	Plow for use with automobile A personal use plow for pushing, but not limited to, snow and slush from ones driveway by most passenger automobiles and/or ATV's that is attached using a unique strapping and cog bracing system. The plow is made of injected molded structural foam plastic and comes in 5 separate panels that can be easily assembled into a solid plow blade. This material is lightweight and allows for easy transportation, storage, and use. When assembled, the plow can be used either in the front or back of the vehicle. The plow attaches to the vehicle by a special hook, designed as part of this patent, which attaches to the hood, trunk, or luggage rack of the vehicle. All parts for the functionality of the plow are contained on the plow itself, so there are no brackets or hitches required to be attached to the bumpers or vehicle.
US09169615B2	Control systems for a mining vehicle A mining shovel includes a dipper assembly comprising a dipper arm coupled to a dipper, a boom assembly configured to support the dipper assembly, and an overcrowd prevention system including one or more sensors configured to monitor an axial force. The mining shovel also includes a swing abuse prevention system, including one or more sensors configured to monitor one or more compound loading forces, and one or more sensors configured to monitor a torsion loading force. The mining shovel also includes a control module configured to receive signals from the sensors, and to control at least the crowding force applied to the dipper.
US09169610B2	Collector apparatus The present invention provides an apparatus, method and system for separating a first substance from a mixture of the first substance and a liquid. The apparatus comprises inlet means adapted to receive a portion of the mixture into a separator tank; a separator tank for holding a collected portion of the mixture and allowing the first substance to separate from the liquid due to the first substance having a different specific gravity to the liquid; and outlet means adapted to discharge the separated liquid and/or the first substance from the separator tank.
US09169608B1	Vehicle tire deflation system A vehicle tire deflation system includes a number of spike carrying members operably interconnected to an equal number of base members to form an accordion style vehicle tire deflation system. The vehicle tire deflation system includes an arrangement for ensuring the that the vehicle tire deflation system may be effectively utilized whether deployed right side up or upside down and a mechanism for ensuring that the vehicle tire deflation system remains in its extended configuration upon deployment in use.
US09169603B2	Machine for maintenance of a track A machine for cleaning a ballast bed has, in front of a take-up device relative to a working direction, a first signal receiver—suitable for position determination in a global navigational satellite system—for scanning an actual track position. A second signal receiver connected to the machine for scanning a new track position created by laying down the raised track onto the re-applied ballast bed is arranged downstream. Both signal receivers are associated with a control device designed to act on the drives that displace a track-lifting device relative to the machine frame.
US09169602B1	Paper product having unique physical properties A web product having a machine direction and a cross-machine direction orthogonal thereto and having at least one ply is disclosed. The at least one ply has a first plurality of pillow regions having a first total area in the machine and cross-machine directions and a second plurality of pillow regions having a second total area in the machine and cross-machine directions, where the first and second total areas have a different value. The said web product has a residual water value, RW, of less than about 0.12 g and a Wet Burst, WB, value greater than about 400 g. Alternatively, the web product has a residual water value, RW, of less than about 0.12 g and a Vertical Full Sheet, VFS, value greater than about 8.74 g/g.
US09169599B2	Paper machine fabric A paper machine fabric that includes at least two separate layers that are formed of at least two separate yarn systems, one forming the paper side and composed of longitudinal and crosswise yarns and one forming the wear side and composed of longitudinal and crosswise yarns, the yarn systems being arranged to form structures independent of each other in the longitudinal and cross directions of the fabric. The structures are bound to each other by means of a binding yarn system, whereby the binding yarns in the binding yarn system are arranged to form part of the layer on the paper-side surface. Each binding yarn of the binding yarn system is arranged on the wear side to bind in the weave pattern repeat to more yarns than on the paper side.
US09169593B2	Device for fixing a wall-mounted drum type washing machine A device for fixing or attaching a wall-mounted drum type washing machine having a tub includes: a plurality of anchor bolts configured to be fixed or attached to a wall; a back panel that extends from the tub; a plurality of coupling members at, in and/or on a rear surface of the back panel; and a plurality of shock absorbing members in and/or fastened to the plurality of coupling members, wherein the plurality of anchor bolts passes through the coupling members and the shock absorbing members, fixing or attaching the wall-mounted drum type washing machine to the wall.
US09169592B2	Washing machine and method of controlling the same Disclosed herein are a washing machine and a method of controlling the same that are capable of removing bubbles from a door after washing. The washing machine includes a drum and a door to open and close the drum. The method of controlling the washing machine includes determining whether the present operation is a spin-drying operation, and, when the present operation is the spin-drying operation, supplying water to the door to remove residual bubbles from the door.
US09169589B1	Space saving washing and drying system A space saving clothes washing and drying system features an appliance housing having a cavity located therein. The appliance housing features a clothes aperture having a door pivotally located thereon. The system features a perforated cylindrical drum located within an outer drum located in the cavity. An open semi-cylindrical scoop is located on a drum exterior surface on each perforation for aiding airflow. The system features a drying power system. The outer drum is fluidly connected to an intake vent close to an appliance housing bottom end via ducting. The outer drum is fluidly connected to an exhaust vent close to an appliance housing top end via ducting. The system features a washing power system. The outer drum is fluidly connected to hot and cold water supply piping. The outer drum is fluidly connected to a water drain.
US09169588B2	Sewing machine A sewing machine includes a bed, an irradiating portion configured to irradiate laser light onto a specific position on the bed, an image capturing portion configured to capture an image of an area including the specific position and to generate captured image data, a processor, and a memory configured to store computer-readable instructions. The computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the sewing machine to perform processes that include causing the irradiating portion to intermittently irradiate the laser light onto the specific position, acquiring the captured image data by causing the image capturing portion to capture an image of the area in synchronization with irradiation on the specific position, and identifying irradiated coordinates based on the captured image data. The irradiated coordinates are coordinates, in the captured image, of an irradiated position. The irradiated position is a position, in the area, onto which the laser light is irradiated.
US09169587B2	Process for manufacturing mesh bags from a roll of continuous mesh tube The present invention teaches a new process for manufacturing mesh bags using a tube cloth. The process involve supplying a continuous tube cloth and at least one band with preprinted labels, propping up the tube cloth with a dynamic guiding assembly, attaching the preprinted labels to the tube cloth using hot melted adhesive or heat sealing methods and manufacturing a product from the tube cloth with the horizontal preprinted labels, and attaching plastic film to the tube mesh cloth.
US09169583B2	Woven tape for slide fastener A woven tape for a slide fastener comprising an element mounting portion and a tape main portion, wherein the tape portion includes warp having a fineness of 30-100 dTex and a weaving density of 100-220 yarns/inch (2.54 cm), weft having a fineness of 60-180 dTex and a weaving density of 30-80 yarns/inch (2.54 cm), and a ratio of the number of yarns in the warp constituting a plain weave structure to the total number of yarns in the warp in the tape main portion is at least 40%. The woven tape for a slide fastener has a low weight and yet a high strength.
US09169582B2	High moisture regain yarn, fabrics, and garments having superior arc protection This invention relates to a yarn having high moisture regain for use in arc and flame protection and fabrics and garments containing the yarn. The yarn has a blend of fibers which includes 10 to 40 weight percent meta-aramid fiber having a degree of crystallinity of at least 20%, 20 to 60 weight percent modacrylic fiber, 15 to 45 weight percent FR rayon fiber, and (d) 5 to 20 weight percent para-aramid fiber; based on the total weight of these components. If desired, 1 to 3 weight percent of the para-aramid fiber in the yarn can be replaced with an antistatic fiber as long as at least 5 weight percent para-aramid fiber is present.
US09169581B2	High tenacity high modulus UHMW PE fiber and the process of making Processes for preparing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (“UHMW PE”) filaments and multi-filament yarns, and the yarns and articles produced therefrom. Each process produces UHMW PE yarns having tenacities of 45 g/denier to 60 g/denier or more at commercially viable throughput rates.
US09169563B2	Method for forming an aluminosilicate-zeolite layer on a metal substrate, the coated substrate and the use thereof A method is described for forming an aluminosilicate-zeolite layer on an aluminum-containing substrate by in situ direct crystallization. Aluminum-rich aluminosilicate-zeolite coatings on aluminum-containing metal substrates obtained by this method are advantageous, for example, in sorption-based fields of application, such as heterogeneous catalysis, in separation and cleaning processes, in sorption heat pumps, in conjunction with immobilized catalysts and in microreaction technology.
US09169544B2	High strength weldable Al—Mg alloy An aluminum alloy product having high strength, excellent corrosion resistance and weldability, having the following composition in wt. %: Mg 3.5 to 6.0, Mn 0.4 to 1.2, Fe<0.5, Si<0.5, Cu<0.15, Zr<0.5, Cr<0.3, Ti 0.03 to 0.2, Sc<0.5, Zn<1.7, Li<0.5, Ag<0.4, optionally one or more of the following dispersoid forming elements selected from the group consisting of erbium, yttrium, hafnium, vanadium, each <0.5 wt. %, and impurities or incidental elements each <0.05, total <0.15, and the balance being aluminum.
US09169543B2	Precipitation-hardened, martensitic, cast stainless steel having excellent machinability and its production method Precipitation-hardened, martensitic, cast stainless steel having a composition comprising, by mass, 0.08-0.18% of C, 1.5% or less of Si, 2.0% or less of Mn, 0.005-0.4% of S, 13.5-16.5% of Cr, 3.0-5.5% of Ni, 0.5-2.8% of Cu, 1.0-2.0% of Nb, and 0.12% or less of N, the amounts of C, N and Nb meeting the condition of −0.2≦9 (C %+0.86N %)−Nb %≦1.0, the rest being Fe and inevitable impurities, and having a structure in which Cu precipitates having an average particle size of 0.1-0.4 μm are dispersed in a tempered-martensite-based matrix.
US09169541B2	Sandwich material with high strength at high temperature for thin strips in heat exchangers The invention relates to a method for making a sandwich′material for brazing, comprising the steps of: providing a core layer of a first alloy that contains (by wt. %): 0.5-2.0% Mn, ≦1.0% Mg, ≦0.2% Si, ≦0.3% Ti, ≦0.3% Cr, ≦0.3% Zr, ≦0.2% Cu, ≦3% Zn, ≦0.2% In, ≦0.1% Sn and ≦0.7% (Fe+Ni), the rest Al and ≦0.05% of each of unavoidable impurities; providing a barrier layer of a second alloy that contains (by wt. %): ≦0.2% Mn+Cr, ≦1.0% Mg, 1.6-5% Si, ≦0.3% Ti, ≦0.2% Zr, ≦0.2% Cu, ≦3% Zn, ≦0.2% In, ≦0.1% Sn and ≦1.5% (Fe+Ni), the rest Al and ≦0.05% of each of unavoidable impurities; rolling the layers together so that they adhere and form a sandwich material; heat treating the sandwich material at a predetermined temperature and for a predetermined time so that the Si-content is equalized to 0.4-1% in both core layer and barrier layer; rolling the sandwich material to a final thickness.
US09169538B2	Alloy material with constant electrical resistivity, applications and method for producing the same An alloy material with a constant electrical resistivity in a wide temperature range comprises the following chemical formula: AlvCowCrxFeyNiz, wherein v is in the range of 1.9 to 2.1, w is in the range of 0.9 to 1.1, x is in the range of 0.9 to 1.1, y is in the range of 0.9 to 1.1, and z is in the range of 0.9 to 1.1. A method for producing the alloy material comprises the steps of: providing raw metal materials and mixing them according to the molar ratio of the prescription of the alloy materials; disposing the mixed raw metal materials into a furnace and homogeneously smelting each of the raw metal materials under a protective Ar atmospheric environment; cooling and solidifying the smelted raw metal materials in order to obtain the alloy; and deforming and/or shaping the solidified alloy to predefined figures and dimensions.
US09169534B2	Recovery of base metals from sulphide ores and concentrates A method of recovering base metals from sulphide ores and concentrates includes mixing the base metals ore with ferric salts, heating the mixture, adding water to form a pulp, and stirring and filtering the pulp.
US09169528B2	Steel filament patented in bismuth A cold drawn carbon steel filament has a surface with traces of bismuth. The steel filament can be used as a sawing wire or as part of a steel cord. During its manufacturing the steel filament has been subjected to a controlled cooling by bringing the steel filament in contact with bismuth. Bismuth may replace lead without harming the environment.
US09169521B1	Point-of-collection sample preparation device and method A device and method for analyte detection is provided. In an embodiment, the device includes a multi-layer filter configured to receive a fluid-borne sample including at least one analyte in combination with one or more non-analyte components. The multi-layer filter includes a sample preparation layer configured to dissolve upon receiving a portion of the fluid-borne sample to produce a solution including at least a portion of the fluid-borne sample. The device also includes an analysis cartridge for determining a presence and/or a concentration of the analyte in the solution. The device may be configured as a wearable mask or as a part of a ventilation system. In some embodiments, the analyte is detected using a polymerase chain reaction and a detectable marker. The device and method may be used to quickly detect the presence of an analyte in real-time and on-location.
US09169517B2	Mutation within the connexin 26 gene responsible for prelingual non-syndromic deafness and method of detection A purified polynucleotide having a chain of nucleotides corresponding to a mutated sequence, which in a wild form encodes a polypeptide implicated in hereditary sensory defect, wherein said mutated purified polynucleotide presents a mutation responsible for prelingual non-syndromic deafness selected from the group consisting of a specific deletion of at least one nucleotide.
US09169515B2	Methods and systems for nucleic acid sequencing validation, calibration and normalization A system for performing quality control for nucleic acid sample sequencing is disclosed. The system comprises a set of solid supports, each solid support having attached thereto a plurality of nucleic acid sequences, wherein the set comprises plural groups of solid supports and each group contains solid supports having the same nucleic acid sequences attached thereto. The nucleic acid sequences of each group differ from each other. The nucleic acid sequences are synthetically derived, and the nucleic acids sequences are designed such that the nucleic acid sequences produce a predefined pattern of detectable signals during a sequencing run. A method of preparing a quality control for performing nucleic acid sample sequencing, a method of validating a nucleic acid sequencing instrument during a nucleic acid sequencing experiment, and a method of processing nucleic acid sequencing data during a nucleic acid sequencing experiment are also disclosed.
US09169514B2	Detecting nucleic acid variations within populations of genomes This disclosure relates to amplification and detection of a rare variant or variants of a DNA sequence in an abundant variant of the sequence, such as detection of a low-level somatic mutations and minority alleles in an excess of normal nucleic acid target sequences.
US09169512B2	Methods and compositions for nucleic acid amplification Compositions, reaction mixtures, and methods for performing an amplification reaction, including multiplex amplification reaction, wherein the method comprises using one or more amplification oligomer complexes comprising linked first and second amplification oligomer members. In one aspect, the amplification oligomer complex is hybridized to a target nucleic acid, the target nucleic acid with hybridized amplification oligomer complex is then captured, and other components are washed away. Target sequences of the target nucleic acids are pre-amplified to generate a first amplification product. The first amplification product is amplified in one or more secondary amplification reactions to generate second amplification products.
US09169500B2	Process for the enzymatic production of C4 compounds from C6 substrates The present invention relates to a novel process for converting a substrate of formula (III) and/or (IV) into a product of formula (I) or (II) comprising the following reactions: a) oxidation of at least one terminal C-atom, b) dehydratation, c) decarboxylation and d) reduction and/or amination. At least step b is enzyme-catalyzed. In a preferred embodiment, all reactions are enzymatically catalyzed. The enzymes catalyzing the reactions are selected from oxidoreductases, decarboxylases, dehydratases and/or aminotransferases. The process may be performed in a cell-free in vitro production system or in an improved fermentative production system.
US09169491B2	Virus purification A process for producing a retroviral or lentiviral vector formulation comprising a filter-sterilization step wherein the filter-sterilization step is not the final step in the purification process.
US09169484B2	ApoIII and the treatment and diagnosis of diabetes The present invention provides methods of identifying candidate compounds for the treatment of type I diabetes comprising contacting pancreatic β cells with an amount of apolipoprotein CIII (“apoCIII”) effective to increase intracellular calcium concentration, in the presence of one or more test compounds, and identifying those test compounds that inhibit an apoCIII-induced increase in intracellular calcium concentration in the pancreatic β cells. The present invention also provides methods for treating patients with type I diabetes comprising administering to the patient an amount effective of an inhibitor of apoCIII to reduce apoCIII-induced increase in intracellular calcium concentration in pancreatic β cells.
US09169483B2	RNA interference suppression of neurodegenerative diseases and methods of use thereof The present invention is directed to RNA interference (RNAi) molecules targeted against a nucleic acid sequence that encodes poly-glutamine repeat diseases, and methods of using these RNAi molecules.
US09169467B2	Ketol-acid reductoisomerase enzymes and methods of use Provided herein are polypeptides having ketol-aid reductoisomerase activity as well as microbial host cells comprising such polypeptides. Polypeptides provided herein may be used in biosynthetic pathways, including, but not limited to, isobutanol biosynthetic pathways.
US09169465B2	Non-simian cells for growth of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus Disclosed are compositions and methods relating to growth of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) using non-simian cells. In a particular example, porcine alveolar macrophage cells are described as having a capability of supporting infectivity and reproduction by PRRSV. Cells and cell lines of the invention are disclosed in connection with applications relating to PRRS disease, including vaccine technologies.
US09169462B2	Methods for preparing mature erythrocytes from conditionally immortalized hematopoietic stem cells Provided herein are methods for preparing differentiated cells, and the cells prepared by such methods.
US09169457B2	Washing or cleaning agent with cellulose or a cellulose derivative The application describes a stable liquid washing or liquid cleaning agent with an acid-treated cellulose or an acid-treated cellulose derivative. The application further relates to methods of use and preparation of such stable liquid washing or liquid cleaning agents and their anti-greying powers.
US09169452B2	Modified alkyl-phenol-aldehyde resins, use thereof as additives for improving the properties of liquid hydrocarbon fuels in cold conditions Modified alkylphenol-aldehyde resins include one or more alkylamines, having preferably at least one primary amine type group as well as their use for improving the flow properties of motor fuels and hydrocarbon fuels, such as in particular jet fuel, gas oil, fuel oil domestic, heavy fuel oil.
US09169448B2	In-situ hydrogenation of aromatic compounds for heavy oil upgrading A method for upgrading a heavy oil includes: disposing a catalyst comprising rhodium and a support in a heavy oil environment, the heavy oil environment including a heavy oil comprising an aromatic compound; introducing hydrogen; and hydrogenating the aromatic compound with the catalyst and hydrogen to upgrade the heavy oil to upgraded oil. A method for converting an asphaltene includes: disposing a supported catalyst in a composition comprising an asphaltene, the supported catalyst being a low temperature catalyst; introducing hydrogen; and hydrogenating the asphaltene to convert the asphaltene into a hydrogenated asphaltene.
US09169443B2	Process for heavy oil and bitumen upgrading A bitumen and heavy oil upgrading process and system is disclosed for the synthesis of hydrocarbons, an example of which is synthetic crude oil (SCO). The process advantageously avoids the waste attributed to residuum and/or petcoke formation which has a dramatic effect on the yield of hydrocarbon material generated. The process integrates Fischer-Tropsch technology with gasification and hydrogen rich gas stream generation. The hydrogen rich gas generation is conveniently effected using singly or in combination a hydrogen source, a hydrogen rich vapor from hydroprocessing and the Fischer-Tropsch process, a steam methane reformer (SMR) and autothermal reformer (ATR) or a combination of SMR/ATR. The feedstock for upgrading is distilled and the bottoms fraction is gasified and converted in a Fischer-Tropsch reactor. A resultant hydrogen lean syngas is then exposed to the hydrogen rich gas stream to optimize the formation of, for example, the synthetic crude oil. The hydrogen lean gas stream may also be effected by a water gas shift reaction, singly or in combination or in addition with the hydrogen rich gas stream generation. A system for effecting the process is also characterized in the specification.
US09169441B2	Extraction of bitumen from oil sands Carbon disulfide is used as a solvent to extract bitumen from oil sands in an anhydrous countercurrent flow process that is compatible with existing procedures for upgrading bitumen. The solution is then treated in a thermal reaction to reduce viscosity and then fractionated to recover the bitumen.
US09169430B2	Chemical treatment method and additive used to treat fines migration and flow through porous media Methods for reducing fines migration in a porous subterranean reservoir. In certain aspects, the methods include introducing a composition including a water-soluble or dispersible branched polyhydroxyetheramine into the porous subterranean reservoir, maintaining a sufficient temperature in the porous subterranean reservoir for a period of time, adsorbing the composition onto a surface of the porous subterranean reservoir, and stabilizing at least a portion of the fines present in the porous subterranean reservoir. A treatment composition can be used and in certain aspects, the treatment composition can be a reaction product of bisphenol A, an ethanol amine, diethanol amine, and a monofunctionalized polyoxyalkyleneamine.
US09169426B2	Joint compound, wall assembly, and methods and products related thereto Disclosed are aspects of board finishing systems. For example, in various aspects, disclosed are joint compound compositions, wall assemblies, methods of treating walls, and products related to any of the foregoing, including reinforcement trim, e.g., for protecting corners where boards meet, fasteners, and tape. The joint compound preferably is a drying type composition with reduced shrinkage property, and includes binder and hollow spheres, resulting in an ultra lightweight formulation in some embodiments. The joint compound composition can be applied in a one-coat treatment in preferred embodiments. Other aspects of board finishing system accommodate such a one-coat treatment to thusly allow a user to manipulate the compound closer to the plane of board as compared with conventional formulations. Joint tape and reinforcement trim can include non-swelling synthetic paper facing material in some embodiments.
US09169422B2	Method of coating liquid optically clear adhesives onto rigid substrates A method for making an optical assembly is disclosed. The method involves disposing a liquid optically clear composition with a coating head. The liquid optically clear composition is disposed onto a target substrate to form an optically clear adhesive layer for adhering elements in an optical assembly. The optical assembly includes a display panel bonded to another optical component and may be used in a display device.
US09169419B2	Powder coating composition comprising a polyester and a β-hydroxyalkylamide as crosslinker The invention relates to a thermosetting powder coating composition comprising a crosslinker and a polyester, wherein the polyester has functional groups which functional groups are capable of reacting with β-hydroxyalkylamide groups, wherein the polyester is prepared from at least the following monomers: neopentylglycol, a difunctional alcohol other than neopentylglycol; isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, optionally adipic acid and a branching monomer chosen from the group of an at least trifunctional carboxylic acid, an at least trifunctional alcohol, an at least trifunctional hydroxy carboxylic acid and mixtures thereof, wherein the amount of difunctional alcohol other than neopentylglycol in the polyester ranges from 1 to 50% w/w based on the polyester, wherein the amount of isophthalic acid in the polyester ranges from 6 to 35% w/w based on the polyester, wherein the polyester has a functionality of at least 2.1, wherein the crosslinker is a compound having β-hydroxyalkylamide groups. This thermosetting powder coating composition has the ability to be cured at low temperature, while at the same time being able provide powder coatings having at least two of the following three properties: limited blooming to no blooming, an acceptable smoothness, sufficient impact resistance.
US09169416B2	Image forming method and image formed matter An image forming method including: applying a pre-treatment liquid to a recording medium; and applying a stimulus to an inkjet ink to jet the inkjet ink onto the recording medium, onto which the pre-treatment liquid has been applied, so as to form an image on the recording medium, wherein the pre-treatment liquid contains a water-soluble aliphatic organic acid, a water-soluble organic monoamine compound, a water-soluble organic solvent, and water, and the inkjet ink contains an aqueous pigment dispersion in which a pigment is dispersed with an anionic dispersant or nonionic dispersant, a water-soluble organic solvent, an anionic ionomer-based aqueous urethane resin, a surfactant, a penetrating agent, and water, and wherein the pre-treatment liquid contains 1 molar equivalent or higher of the water-soluble organic monoamine compound relative to an acid group contained in the water-soluble aliphatic organic acid.
US09169405B2	Highly scratch-resistant coatings having good weathering and crack resistance Disclosed is an at least partly crosslinked coating (K) composed of a near-surface coating zone (K1) and a volume coating zone (K2), the coating obtained from a composition comprising at least two different crosslinkable components (D1) and (D2), at least part of component (D1) having one or more surface-active structural units, wherein (i) the coating both in zone (K1) and in zone (K2) is at least partly crosslinked, and (ii) the crosslinking density of the coating in zone (K1) is higher than the crosslinking density of the coating in zone (K2). Also disclosed are coatings (K) wherein the concentration of component (D1) in the near-surface coating zone (K1) is higher than in the volume coating zone (K2), and the micropenetration hardness and/or the dry scratch resistance of the coating (K) is higher than that of an at least partly crosslinked coating (K′) obtained from a composition with no crosslinkable component (D1).
US09169399B2	Method of characterising a scattering coloured pigment The invention provides a method of characterizing a scattering colored pigment for use in the determination of the absorption and scattering coefficients of the scattering colored pigment, the method comprising the step of obtaining a reflectance spectrum of a mixture of the scattering colored pigment with a substantially non-absorbing scattering pigment at a plurality of different volume fractions wherein the substantially non-absorbing scattering pigment has a particle size greater than 0.6 micron. Also provided is a pigment characterization system adapted to perform the method of the invention to characterize a scattering colored pigment.
US09169381B2	Radiation curable aqueous compositions The present invention relates to a radiation curable aqueous composition comprising at least one ethylenically unsaturated polymer (1) which is the reaction product of—a water-dispersible (meth)acrylic polymer A containing pendant hydroxyl or isocyanate groups, and containing pendant groups capable to render the polymer dispersible in aqueous medium either directly or after reaction with a neutralizing agent; —at least one ethylenically unsaturated compound B which can be radically polymerized under irradiation and which attaches to the (meth)acrylic polymer A by an urethane linkage; —and, optionally, at least one neutralizing agent C. The present invention further relates to the making and use of such radiation curable aqueous compositions.
US09169376B2	Chitin nanowhisker composites and methods A composite includes particles of thermoplastic polymer coated with a chitin nanowhisker gel and melt-blended. The thermoplastic polymer may be polystyrene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate, or another thermoplastic polymer. A method of processing chitin includes forming a non-colloidal mixture substantially of chitin and hydrochloric acid to subject the chitin to hydrolysis; upon the mixture becoming substantially colloidal, controlling conditions of the mixture to slow the hydrolysis; dialyzing the substantially colloidal mixture to produce a processed colloidal mixture consisting substantially of water and crystalline chitin; and reducing amount of agglomerated crystalline chitin and water in the processed colloidal mixture thereby to yield chitin nanowhisker gel. A method of forming a composite of chitin nanowhiskers dispersed in a thermoplastic polymer matrix includes coating thermoplastic polymer particles with a chitin nanowhisker gel; and subjecting the coated particles to melt-blending thereby to form the composite.
US09169375B2	Rubber composition for tread, and pneumatic tire The present invention provides a rubber composition for a tread, having improved abrasion resistance, heat aging resistance, processability, and fuel economy in a balanced manner, and a pneumatic tire formed therefrom. The present invention relates to a rubber composition for a tread, comprising a rubber component, silica, a silane coupling agent, a sulfur vulcanizing agent, a sulfenamide or thiazole vulcanization accelerator 1, and a thiuram vulcanization accelerator 2.
US09169370B2	Polyvinyl-amine acid gas adsorption-desorption polymers, processes for preparing same, and uses thereof This disclosure involves an adsorption-desorption material, e.g., crosslinked polyvinyl-amine material having an Mw from about 500 to about 1×106, total pore volume from about 0.2 cc/g to about 2.0 cc/g, and a CO2 adsorption capacity of at least about 0.2 millimoles per gram of crosslinked material, and/or linear polyvinyl-amine material having an Mw from about 160 to about 1×106, total pore volume from about 0.2 cc/g to about 2.0 cc/g, and a CO2 adsorption capacity of at least about 0.2 millimoles per gram of linear material. This disclosure also involves processes for preparing the crosslinked polyvinyl-amine materials and linear polyvinyl-amine materials, as well as selective removal of CO2 and/or other acid gases from a gaseous stream using the polyvinyl-amine materials.
US09169369B2	Vinylepoxide-amine acid gas adsorption-desorption polymers and oligomers, processes for preparing same, and uses thereof An adsorption-desorption material, in particular, crosslinked vinylepoxide-amine polymeric materials having an Mw from about 500 to about 1×106, a total pore volume from about 0.2 cc/g to about 2.0 cc/g, and an adsorption capacity of at least about 0.2 millimoles adsorbed CO2 per gram of adsorption-desorption material, and linear vinylepoxide-amine polymeric materials having an Mw from about 140 to about 1×106, a total pore volume from about 0.2 cc/g to about 2.0 cc/g, and an adsorption capacity of at least about 0.2 millimoles adsorbed CO2 per gram of adsorption-desorption material. This disclosure also relates to processes for preparing the crosslinked and linear vinylepoxide-amine materials, as well as to selective removal of CO2 and/or other acid gases from a gaseous stream using the vinylepoxide materials.
US09169352B2	Aromatic dicyanate compounds with high aliphatic carbon content Aromatic dicyanate compounds which comprise aliphatic moieties having at least about six carbon atoms and resins and thermoset products based on these compounds.
US09169341B2	Molecularly imprinted polymers selective for tobacco specific nitrosamines and methods of using same A class of molecularly imprinted polymers that specifically recognizes and binds to TSNAs are useful, for example, in analysis and separation of TSNAs from biological fluids. Such polymers are also useful in methods of treating and manufacturing tobacco products and materials.
US09169339B2	Curable composition, molded product and method for producing molded product The present invention aims to provide a curable composition excellent in storage stability and scorch resistance. The present invention provides a curable composition including a fluoroelastomer (A) that contains a cyano group in a main chain and/or a side chain thereof, and a compound (B) that is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an amide compound and a hydrazide compound, the compound (B) having at least one structure selected from the group consisting of azo structure, hydrazine structure, and imine structure, and producing NH3 when decomposed.
US09169333B2	Dual metallocene catalyst systems for decreasing melt index and increasing polymer production rates The present invention provides dual catalyst systems and polymerization processes employing these dual catalyst systems. The disclosed polymerization processes can produce olefin polymers at higher production rates, and these olefin polymers may have a higher molecular weight and/or a lower melt index.
US09169330B2	Hybridoma producing anti-methylated DNA antibody and utilization of same The present invention relates to a hybridoma producing an anti-methylated DNA antibody, obtained by cell fusion of an antibody-producing cell obtained from an animal immunized with an antigen containing 5′-(5-methyl-2′-deoxycytidine-3′-phospho)-2′-deoxyguanosine 3′-phosphate with a myeloma cell. The present invention also relates to a monoclonal antibody produced by the hybridoma and a method for immunoprecipitation of a methylated DNA using the antibody.
US09169328B2	Antibodies to MUC16 and methods of use thereof The invention provides antibodies, and antigen-binding fragments thereof, that specifically bind to a polypeptide, or antigenic portion thereof, wherein the polypeptide is selected from a) MUC16 ectodomain polypeptide, b) MUC16 cytoplasmic domain polypeptide, and c) MUC16 extracellular domain polypeptide that contains a cysteine loop polypeptide. The invention's antibodies and compositions containing them are useful in diagnostic and therapeutic applications for diseases in which MUC16 is overexpressed, such as cancer.
US09169323B2	Antibodies against human CSF-1R The present invention relates to antibodies against human CSF-1R (CSF-1R antibody), methods for their production, pharmaceutical compositions containing said antibodies, and uses thereof.
US09169318B2	Neutralizing molecules to viral antigens The present invention concerns methods and means for identifying, producing, and engineering neutralizing molecules against influenza A viruses, and to the neutralizing molecules produced. In particular, the invention concerns neutralizing molecules against various influenza A virus subtypes, including neutralizing antibodies against H5 and/or H3 and/or H1, such as, for example all of H1, H3, and H5 subtypes, and methods and means for making such molecules.
US09169314B2	Identification and molecular characterisation of proteins, expressed in the Ixodes ricinus salivary glands The invention relates to a new polynucleotide which encodes a polypeptide expressed in the salivary glands of ticks, more particularly the Ixodes ricinus arthropod tick, during the slow-feeding phase of the blood meal have, said polynucleotide and related polypeptide may be used in different constructions and for different applications which are also included in the present invention.
US09169312B2	Compositions and methods for identifying enzyme and transport protein inhibitors The invention is directed to compositions, e.g., cell-based and multiplexed platforms, to screen for small molecule drugs that inhibit enzymes such as proteases, e.g., viral proteases, e.g., HIV proteases; and methods for making and using these compositions. The invention provides compositions and methods for identifying compositions, e.g., drug molecules, that can inhibit proteases, e.g., viral proteases such as HIV proteases. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides cell-based platforms or assays to screen for compositions, e.g., small molecules or drugs, that inhibit or modify the activity of enzymes such as calcium-dependent protein convertases involved in HIV envelope protein processing, including cleavage of the HIV gp160 envelope precursor, resulting in gp120 and gp41 envelope products. In one embodiment, the invention provides a cell-based or multiplexed platform for monitoring the activity of enzymes, e.g., proteases such as viral proteases.
US09169311B2	Feline bitter taste receptors and methods A family of novel feline bitter taste receptors, referred to as feline TAS2R (fTAS2R), are disclosed herein. Isolated polynucleotides encoding the novel feline bitter taste receptors and chimeric polypeptides are also disclosed, as are expression vectors and host cells for expression of the novel feline bitter taste receptors. Methods of identifying compounds that bind to the novel feline bitter taste receptors and modulate their activity are disclosed.
US09169310B2	Glucagon analogues The invention provides materials and methods for promoting weight loss or preventing weight gain and for treating diabetes and associated metabolic disorders. In particular, the invention provides novel glucagon analogue peptide compounds effective in such methods. The compounds may mediate their effect by having, for example, increased selectivity for the GLP-1 receptor compared to human glucagon.
US09169301B2	Conserved Neisserial antigens To ensure maximum cross-strain recognition and reactivity, regions of proteins that are conserved between different Neisserial species, serogroups and strains can be used. The invention provides proteins which comprise stretches of amino acid sequence that are shared across the majority of Neisseria, particularly N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae.
US09169295B2	Macrocycles and macrocycle stabilized peptides The invention provides methods of preparing macrocycles including macrocycle stabilized peptides (MSPs). Macrocycles and MSPs are prepared according to nucleophilic capture of an iminoquinomethide type intermediate generated from a suitably substituted 2-amino-thiazol-5-yl carbinol. The preferred nucleophile may be selected from an electron rich aromatic moiety in the case of macrocycles and, in the case of MSPs, at least one amino acid comprises an electron rich aromatic moiety. In addition, the concept can be extended to other related 5-membered heterocyclic systems in place of the thiazole, such as imidazole or oxazole. The conditions for the generation of the corresponding iminoquinomethide type intermediates may be similar or different than the conditions used for the 2-amino-thiazol-5-yl carbinol.
US09169289B2	Peptide derivatives for treatment, prevention or alleviation of a condition associated with bone loss or low bone density or to inhibit osteoclast differentiation and stimulation Compounds of formula R1-A-NH—CH(R2)—CO—R3 are presented. The compounds can be used to treat or alleviate conditions associated with bone loss or low bone density, or to inhibit osteoclast differentiation and stimulation, bone resorption and/or loosening of a prosthetic device. The compounds can be administered as a pharmaceutical composition or in a prosthetic device.
US09169288B2	Peptidomimetics and their application Novel peptidomimetics exhibiting affinity for opioid receptors, possessing a general formula shown in FIG. 1, for gastrointestinal or peripheral administration in the form of a pill, infusion, injection or implant in the treatment of peripheral opioids side effects, particularly constipation or/and respiratory depression.
US09169279B2	Crystallization method and bioavailability Preparation and in vitro and in vivo characterization of novel forms of active pharmaceutical ingredients, suitable for pharmaceutical compositions in drug delivery systems for humans.
US09169276B2	Ethynylphenylamidine compound or salt thereof, method for producing same, and fungicide for agricultural and horticultural use An object of the present invention is to provide a novel fungicide having an excellent fungicidal activity. The compound used as the fungicide of the present invention is an ethynylphenylamidine compound or a salt thereof, the compound being represented by Formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 are each hydrogen or C1-12 alkyl, or R1 and R2 may be bonded together to form C1-7 alkylene; R3 is hydrogen or C1-4 alkylthio; R4, R5, R6, and R7 are each hydrogen, halogen, etc.; and R8 is hydrogen, C1-20 alkyl, C3-8 cycloalkyl, C1-4 haloalkyl, phenyl, a heterocyclic group, or —(CH2)n-Si(R9)(R10)(R11) wherein R9, R10, and R11 are each C1-6 alkyl, and n is an integer of 0 or 1.
US09169274B2	Pyrene derivative and organic electroluminescent element using the same A pyrene derivative represented by the following formula (1); wherein R1 to R10 are independently a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl group or a group represented by the following formula (2), at least one of R1 to R10 is a group represented by the following formula (2) and at least two of R1 to R10 are substituted or unsubstituted aryl group. Provided that in the case where only one of R1 to R10 is a group represented by the following formula (2), at least one of the substituted or unsubstituted aryl groups is an aryl group having 10 to 50 carbon atoms. X, Y and Z are independently a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group;
US09169271B2	BACE inhibitors The present invention provides a compound of Formula III: wherein A is: and Z, R1, R2, R3, and R4 are as defined herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US09169257B2	Crystal forms of adefovir dipivoxil and processes for preparing the same The present invention relates to novel Forms A, B, C, D, E, F and G of crystalline 9-[2-[phosphonomethoxy]ethyl]adenine bis-pivaloyloxymethyl ester, i.e., adefovir dipivoxil, and processes for preparing them. According to the present invention, said novel crystal forms having a high purity can be obtained by a simple method and in a high yield.
US09169256B2	Artificial nucleic acids Artificial nucleosides including 2-methyl-nucleobase-substituted butane-1,3-diol nucleosides are disclosed. Four different stereoisomers of such nucleosides are possible. Oligonucleotides made up of the artificial nucleosides form homoduplexes of greater stability than DNA duplexes and have a reduced ability to hybridize to DNA or RNA.
US09169251B2	Pyrrolopyridine derivatives and their use as CRTH2 antagonists There are provided according to the invention compounds of formula (I) in free or salt form, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, Q, W, X, m, n and p are as described in the specification, process for preparing them, and their use as pharmaceuticals.
US09169247B2	Tetrahydro-beta-carboline derivatives, synthesis and use thereof Certain 2-halophenyl, 2,4-dihalophenyl (e.g. 2,4-dichlorophenyl), 3,4-dichlorophenyl (e.g. 3,4-dichlorophenyl), 2,6-dichlorophenyl (2,6-dichlorophenyl) and 2,5-diakoxyphenyl (e.g. 2,5-dimethoxyphenyl) derivatives of tetrahydro-β-carbolines are provided, along with their pharmaceutically acceptable salts; prodrugs and solvates, and compositions containing the compounds. The compounds are useful for the prevention and treatment of cancer, and other indications where PDE5 inhibitors have shown benefits including erectile dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, enhancing cognitive function, cystic fibrosis, or enhancing the activity of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs. Methods for fabricating the compounds are also provided.
US09169241B2	Quinolinyloxyphenylsulfonamides The present invention relates to quinolinyloxyphenylsulfonamides and stereoisomeric forms, solvates, hydrates and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts of these quinolinyloxyphenylsulfonamide compounds as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one of these compounds together with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient and/or diluent. Said quinolinyloxyphenylsulfonamides are useful for prophylaxsis, treatment and/or after-treatment of hyperproliferative disorders, such as cancer, tumors and particularly cancer metastases.
US09169234B2	Sepiapterin reductase inhibitors for the treatment of pain Disclosed herein are small molecule heterocyclic inhibitors of sepiapterin reductase (SPR), and prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The Also featured are pharmaceutical compositions of the compounds and uses of these compounds for the treatment or prevention of pain (e.g., inflammatory pain, nociceptive pain, functional pain, and neuropathic pain).
US09169232B2	3-(5-methyl-2-oxo-l, 3-dioxol-4-yl) methyloxy-2-trans-[(4-chloro phenyl) cyclohexyl][1,4]naphthaquinone-atovaquone prodrug The present invention relates to atovaquone prodrug compound of formula (I). Accordingly, present invention provides a process involving condensation of Atovaquone (II) with 5-methyl-4-chloromethyl dioxalone (III) in suitable solvent system and optionally followed by distillation and crystallization to provide Atovaquone prodrug compound of formula (I) in high yields, purity, and suitable for large-scale manufacture.
US09169223B2	Functionalised antifouling compounds and use thereof The present invention relates to derivatives of α,α-disubstituted amide compounds which comprise a substituted aryl at the α carbon such that the substituent provides a means for attachment or incorporation of the compound to or in a polymer. The provision of such a substituent on the aryl has surprisingly been found not only to permit attachment to or incorporation in a polymer but also retention of useful antifouling activity. In embodiments, the substituent is selected from hydroxyl, ethers, esters, carboxyls, alkylsilyls and alkenyls. Experiments demonstrate that antifouling activity can be as good or better as the corresponding unsubstituted compound and that polymers functionalized so as to include or be formed from the substituted compound can be used to reduce settlement.
US09169222B2	Process for making alkoxylated piperazine compounds The present invention relates to an improved process for making mono- and di-alkoxylated piperazine compounds especially dihydroxyethylpiperazine. The improvement comprises the addition of an acid to the piperazine compound prior to the addition of an alkylene oxide to a reactor wherein the alkoxylated piperazine compound is prepared. Said improvement reduces the concentration of undesirable glycol ether byproducts which contribute undesirable color and foaming of the alkoxylated piperazine compounds.
US09169221B2	Dihydro 1,4-benzoxazines and method of synthesizing the same using sulfonium salts Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to benzoxazines having various N-protecting groups. An R1 functional group is at least one selected from the group consisting of H and a halogen, an R2 functional group is at least one selected from the group consisting of H, an amide, or a carbamate, and a Z functional group is at least one selected from the group consisting of a phenyl, substituted phenyl group, methyl, and t-butyl group. The exemplary embodiments provide compounds with benzoxazines having various cleavable protecting groups such as amides and carbamates.
US09169216B2	Method for preparation of 5-substituted pyrimidines The present invention provides a method to prepare 5-substituted pyrimidines by reacting a 5-acylpyrimidine with a suitable nucleophile to afford a 5-methanolpyrimidine, such as flurprimidol.
US09169214B2	Compounds and compositions that bind and stabilize transthyretin and their use for inhibiting transthyretin amyloidosis and protein-protein interactions Disclosed herein are compounds and compositions thereof which find use in increasing stability of proteins particularly proteins that tend to misfold and form aggregates. Also provided herein are methods for using these compounds and compositions for increasing stability of proteins and thereby decreasing aggregate formation by these proteins. Also disclosed herein are heterobifunctional compounds that include a TTR binding compound connected to a targeting moiety via a linker, for use in disrupting PPIs of a target protein.
US09169191B2	Method for selective preparation of fatty acid mono- and di-esters of erythritol The invention provides a method of preparing β-erythritol fatty acid monoester, including: subjecting a fatty acid and erythritol to esterification reaction in the presence of an acid catalyst, a water carrier and an optional phase transfer catalyst, wherein the molar ratio of the fatty acid to erythritol is 1:2 to 1:3, and the temperature of the esterification reaction is 80-100° C. In addition, the invention further provides a method of preparing 2,3-erythritol fatty acid diester, including: subjecting a fatty acid and erythritol to esterification reaction in the presence of an acid catalyst and a water carrier, wherein the molar ratio of the fatty acid to erythritol is 2:1 to 3:1, and the temperature of the esterification reaction is 120-160° C.
US09169190B2	Methods for making retinoids and uses thereof Described herein are methods for making retinoids. Also described herein are retinoids and methods of use thereof.
US09169186B2	System and method for continuously producing polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers A system and method for producing polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers (DMMn) using an aqueous formaldehyde solution as the initial reaction material. The process system has a polymerization reaction unit, an acetalation unit, a product separation unit, and a catalyst regeneration unit. Both polymerization and acetalation reaction are conducted in the presence of an ionic liquid as a catalyst, which can achieve the effect that two different reactions may be catalyzed by the same ionic liquid. The present invention employs a simple catalyst system, and achieves the efficient separation of the catalyst, the byproduct water, the product and the reaction materials in a separation manner combining the extraction and the rectification.
US09169184B2	Method for producing ditrimethylolpropane The present invention provides a method for producing ditrimethylolpropane which is characterized by the following (1) and (2): (1) a distillation still residue separated from purified trimethylolpropane is subjected to re-distillation under specific conditions to obtain a ditrimethylolpropane-containing solution having given contents of bis-TMP and tri-TMP; and (2) when subjecting the ditrimethylolpropane-containing solution to crystallization with an organic solvent, the crystallization is initiated under pressure at a temperature exceeding a boiling point of the organic solvent as measured under normal pressures, and the resulting crystallization product solution is cooled at a temperature drop rate of 2° C./min or less. According to the above method, it is possible to produce a high-purity ditrimethylolpropane from a distillation still residue obtained upon production of trimethylolpropane in a simple, industrially useful manner.
US09169181B2	Production of cyclohexylbenzene hydroperoxide In a process for producing cyclohexylbenzene hydroperoxide, cyclohexylbenzene is contacted with oxygen to produce a reaction product comprising cyclohexylbenzene hydroperoxide and unreacted cyclohexylbenzene. The reaction product is then maintained under conditions such that crystals of cyclohexylbenzene hydroperoxide form and separate from the reaction product. The cyclohexylbenzene hydroperoxide crystals are then recovered from the reaction product.
US09169176B2	Pyrene compound and organic electroluminescent device including the same A pyrene compound represented by general formula (1): wherein X represents one of a naphthalene ring and phenanthrene ring: when X represents the naphthalene ring, a 1-pyrenyl group indicated in general formula (1) is bonded to a 2-position of the naphthalene ring; when X represents the phenanthrene ring, the 1-pyrenyl group is bonded to one of a 2-position and a 3-position of the phenanthrene ring; and R1 and R2 are each independently selected from a hydrogen atom and an alkyl group.
US09169173B2	Liquid phase alkylation process The present invention provides a process for producing a monoalkylated benzene comprising the step of contacting benzene with an alkylating agent in the presence of a catalyst composition under effective alkylation conditions to form said monoalkylated benzene and polyalkylated benzene, said catalyst composition comprising MCM-56 and a binder, such that the crystal/binder weight ratio in said catalyst composition is from about 20/80 to about 80/20, wherein said polyalkylated benzene comprises dialkylated benzene and trialkylated benzene, and the weight ratio of trialkylated benzene to dialkylated benzene is in the range from about 0.08 to about 0.12.
US09169169B2	Lowering nitrogen-containing Lewis bases in molecular sieve oligomerisation A process for the oligomerization of olefins includes treating, e.g., water washing, an olefin-containing hydrocarbon stream to lower the concentration of an organic nitrogen-containing Lewis base contained therein until the treated hydrocarbon stream is substantially free of the Lewis base; and subsequently contacting the treated hydrocarbon stream with a molecular sieve catalyst to produce a product including at least one oligomer.
US09169168B2	Process for producing ethylene by chlorination of ethane and dehydrochlorination of ethyl chloride Ethylene is produced from ethane in three steps: first, ethane is oxychlorinated to produce ethyl chloride and water; second, ethyl chloride from the first step is cracked to produce ethylene and hydrogen chloride; and third, the hydrogen chloride from the second step is recycled to the front step.
US09169159B2	Cementitious composition A hydrated cementitious blend, and method of using same, the blend comprising: a dry cementitious blend comprising the following, based on the total weight of the dry cementitious blend: aggregate comprising less than 3 wt. % calcium, based on the total weight of the aggregate; from about 75 wt. % to 82 wt. % pozzolonic material comprising improved ash comprising particles meeting the ASTM C 989-2010 testing protocol for grade 100 slag quality or higher, the improved ash being selected from the group consisting of fly ash, calcined or uncalcined volcanic ash, rice hull ash, and combinations thereof; a catalytically effective quantity of catalyst selected from the group consisting of alkali-containing zeolite, alkali-containing feldspathoid, and combinations thereof; and, an amount of water reducing component; the hydrated cementitious blend further comprising an amount of water producing a ratio of water to cementitious blend of from about 0.20 to about 0.30 and a slump of 6 or more; the hydrated cementitious blend producing a product cement exhibiting a compressive strength of 4000 psi or more after curing for 28 days at 75° F. or more.
US09169146B2	Waste treatment process for coal gasification fly ash Disclosed is an improved water treatment process that operates on a continuous flow of fluids that are subjected to hydrodynamic waves, acoustic ultrasonic waves in combination with injected ozone and electro chemical treatment. The treatment system provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as coal slurry, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids. The volatile organic compounds are reduced to an acceptable level without the use of acids, ion exchange materials, or anti scaling chemicals which is of economical and environmental significance and benefit.
US09169145B2	Apparatus and method for purifying and sterilizing water using nano catalytic microelectrolysis A method for purifying and sterilizing water using nano catalytic microelectrolysis and an apparatus therefore including three units of a nano catalytic microelectrolysis device, a sand filtration and a precise filtration are provided. 1/20 to ⅕ of raw water is delivered into the nano catalytic microelectrolysis. 19/20 to ⅘ of raw water is directly delivered into a neutralization tank to be mixed with nano catalytic microelectrolysis water to kill microorganism, algae and plankton and force suspended solids, colloid, charged particles and etc. to form into relatively large particles which are removed by the precise filtration unit; heavy metal ions gather at a cathode of the microelectrolysis to form cathode sediment to be removed; organic compounds are oxidatively decomposed by strongly oxidative substances produced by the microelectrolysis; phosphate ions move towards a cathode polarization layer and act with divalent cations on a cathode surface to produce phosphate precipitate to be removed.
US09169126B2	Generally spherical barium carbonate particles, and method for producing generally spherical barium carbonate particles The present invention has an object to provide a method for producing particulate barium carbonate having desired properties such as high purity, fineness, and has a spherical shape. The present invention relates to a method of producing substantially spherical barium carbonate, including (A) mixing, in an aqueous medium, a barium compound with at least one first ingredient selected from the group consisting of gluconic acid or salts thereof, gluconolactone, glucoheptonic acid or salts thereof, and glucoheptonolactone, to prepare a mixture; and (B) reacting the barium compound with carbon dioxide or a water-soluble carbonate in the mixture, to produce substantially spherical barium carbonate.
US09169124B2	Crystallization system and method for producing sodium aluminum fluoride cryolite from hydrofluoric acid waste A crystallization system for producing sodium aluminum fluoride cryolite from hydrofluoric acid waste includes a crystallization reaction tank, a sodium aluminate tank, a high concentration hydrofluoric acid waste tank, a pH value/fluoride detecting section, a dehydrator, a low concentration hydrofluoric acid waste tank, and a control device. The crystallization reaction tank includes a dispersing plate and the control plate to control the flow rate and liquid form of the sodium aluminate and the hydrofluoric acid waste. The loop-like pH value/fluoride detecting section is in communication with the reaction tank to detect the pH value/fluoride concentration of the water sample which is the aqueous mixture of sodium aluminate and hydrofluoric acid waste. Therefore, the crystallization system is capable of controlling factors affecting the cryolite purity during the operation process, and consequently, the crystallization system can produce cryolite whose purity is good enough for recycling.
US09169122B2	Manufacture of crystallite particles A method for the manufacture of crystallite particles, said method comprising the steps of: a) reacting a reaction solution comprising a silicate, a micelle forming agent, an alkane, a salt under stirring at pH 2 or lower, wherein the reaction solution comprises HCI in a concentration of at least 1.5 M, wherein the stirring is performed not more than 10 minutes, and b) treating the obtained material to remove the micelle forming agent with one method selected from i) heat treating the material above 300° C., ii) treating the material with at least one selected from H2O2, and H2SO4, iii) treating the material with microwaves to digest the micelle forming agent. An advantage is that the time for the synthesis is shortened considerably compared to the prior art.
US09169117B1	MEMS device and method of forming the same According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of forming a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) device is provided. The method includes the following operations: providing a substrate; forming a catalyst layer over the substrate; patterning the catalyst layer; forming a carbon nanotube based on the catalyst layer; forming a getter layer over the carbon nanotube and the substrate; and etching back the getter layer to expose the carbon nanotube. According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of forming a MEMS device is provided. The method includes the following operations: providing a substrate; forming a catalyst island over the substrate; heating the substrate and the catalyst island; contacting the catalyst island with a carbon-containing gas to form a carbon nanotube; forming a getter layer over the carbon nanotube and the substrate; and etching back the getter layer to expose the carbon nanotube.
US09169112B2	Beverage dispenser with multi-chambered carousel and automatic coordination of flavorant flow rate An appliance includes a dispenser for dispensing a mixture of a diluent and a consumable. The mixture may be a beverage wherein the diluent is water and the consumable is a flavorant. The dispenser includes a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the diluent at the inlet. The rate at which the consumable is added to the diluent is dependent upon the pressure of the diluent at the inlet. The consumable may be provided in a single container, or a user may specify a particular type of consumable from a plurality of containers provided on a rotation carousel.
US09169102B2	Drum unit for a well intervention string A drum unit for an intervention string for a well includes a drum with a radius for the intervention string, arranged in a structural frame and rotatable by a motor, the drum being arranged translating along a drum axis and driven by a translation motor, for controlled winding of the intervention string onto the drum relative to a first, fixed guide in the structural frame. A compensator includes a guide arch, the guide arch being displaceable in a direction orthogonal to the drum axis using a force device at the structural frame. The intervention string runs between the guide arch and the first fixed guide to or from a first end of the guide arch to the drum. The intervention string runs via a second, opposite end of the guide arch via a second, fixed guide at the structural frame, to or from the well.
US09169101B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes a housing, a first discharge opening and a second discharge opening, a sheet discharge portion, a restricting member and a sheet discharge tray. The sheet discharge portion is connected at a position below the first discharge opening, and the sheet discharged through the first discharge opening is to be placed thereon. The restricting member stands up on a downstream side of the sheet discharge portion in a discharging direction of the sheet and can come into contact with a downstream end edge of the sheet discharged to the sheet discharge portion in the discharging direction. The sheet discharge tray includes a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion to be fixed to an upper end part of the restricting member and is attachable above the sheet discharge portion, and a sheet discharged through the second discharge opening is to be placed thereon.
US09169100B2	Systems and methods for implementing a unique variable stacking surface for set compiling in image forming devices A system and method are provided for improving stack integrity for image receiving media substrates in a compiler tray in an image forming device by supplementing the structure of the compiler tray with a pair of auger components configured with a bottom surface that, in conjunction with a stepped support structure in the compiler tray, applies a mechanical leveling force to reduce or otherwise eliminate detrimental effects associated with substrate curl or uneven set build-up in the compiler tray. The vertical compiler components provide an accommodation for localized thickness build-up in compiled image receiving media substrates by one or more processing or post-processing steps. The auger components provide a mechanical pressing force that is intended to level a top surface of the compiled substrates with the configuration of the compiler tray providing the relief area necessary for the accommodation.
US09169098B2	Deviation device for a web of film A deviation device for a film web has at least one deviation element, which operatively interacts with the film web at the point of deviation of the film web and guides the film web on an air cushion. The deviation element can be rotated and has a drive device, which sets the deviation element into rotation so that the peripheral speed of the deviation element differs from the transport speed of the film web.
US09169094B2	Scanner device and multifunction apparatus with supply path, discharge path, and re-supply path integrally formed together A scanner device including: a scanning path on which a scanning member for scanning an image from a document is disposed; a supply path on which a document is supplied to the scanning path; a discharge path on which a document is discharged after scanning of the document on the scanning path has been completed; and a re-supply path that extended to the supply path from a intersection where the scanning path and the discharge path cross so that a document fed along the discharge path in a direction opposite to a document-feeding direction is re-supplied to the supply path after scanning of one side of the document has been completed, wherein one-side guide portions of the supply path, the discharge path, and the re-supply path are integrally formed.
US09169089B2	System for conveying drill cuttings The present disclosure concerns a system for transporting drill cuttings from an offshore drilling platform. In a representative embodiment, a bulk material storage and conveying system for a waterborne vessel comprises a first conveyor system including one or more upper conveyors extending lengthwise of the vessel. The system also comprises a plurality of containers located below the first conveyor system arranged in one or more rows, and a second conveyor system including one or more lower conveyors located below the one or more containers. The first conveyor system is configured to selectively dispense bulk material into the one or more containers, and the plurality of containers are configured to selectively dispense bulk material onto different locations along the length of the one or more lower conveyors. The system can further include an offloading conveyor assembly configured to convey drill cuttings from the lower conveyors to trucks on land.
US09169080B2	Roller structure with anti-friction bearings A roller structure including a cylindrical casing having an outer wear surface and an inner surface provided by a bore extending through the cylindrical casing. At least one anti-friction bearing is positioned within the bore in contact with the inside surface of the cylindrical casing. The anti-friction bearing includes a solid lubricant. In one embodiment, the roller structure is a roller turn roller and is a component of a guide for a turn of a conveyor system, wherein the outer wear surface is for contacting the chain of the conveyer system. A method of lubricating a roller structure is also provided.
US09169072B2	Conveying device with a planar conveying element A conveying device with a revolving, extensively extended conveying member having an upper run section and a lower run section, wherein the conveying member is deflected in two head-end regions that lie opposite one another. The conveying device includes a drive device arranged in a head-end region and having an electric drive motor and a drive shaft coupled thereto. The drive motor includes a motor shaft that leads away from the motor at both sides and that is connected to drive shafts arranged on both sides. The motor shaft and the drive shafts are arranged coaxially, and the drive device is arranged within the conveying device between side limitation devices, the upper run section, and the lower run section and, in the conveying direction is arranged between the two head-ends of the conveying member.
US09169068B2	Rack storage and retrieval device for a rack storage facility, rack storage facility with a rack storage and retrieval device of this type and method for the separate removal of goods from a rack storage facility of this type Rack storage and retrieval device for a rack storage facility, the rack storage and retrieval device comprising a carriage with a carriage drive to move the carriage on a base, a loading/removing rod that can be displaced by means of a lifting drive transverse to the base, at least one loading drive arranged on the loading/removing rod to load the rack storage facility with goods, and a separating unit for a separate removal of the goods from the rack storage facility.
US09169067B2	System and method to assist in lifting a vessel A system includes a vessel configured to contain a substance therein having a top end and a bottom end with a center-of-gravity for the vessel disposed between the top end and the bottom end, a frame connected to the vessel, a cable link connected to the frame configured to connect a cable thereto, and a cable support connected to the vessel or the frame. The cable support disposed above the center-of-gravity of the vessel with respect to the top end and the bottom end of the vessel. As the vessel moves from a first position to a second position, the cable engages the cable support such that a lifting force is translated from the cable and through the cable support to have the cable move the vessel through the cable support, the cable support attached to the frame or the vessel with the cable support disposed above the center-of-gravity.
US09169065B2	Container lid latch The present invention is a latching mechanism and a container employing that latching mechanism, where the container has a lid that is attached to the rear of the container and can be rotated upward from the front. The latch includes an arm that attaches to the walls of the container with a protrusion extending above and abutting a portion of the top of the lid to latch it in place. The latch includes an arm abutment attached to the container above the arm attachment point so that when inward force is applied to the container below the arm, the arm rotates about the arm abutment causing the protrusion to no longer abut the lid, so that the lid can be opened. Such pressure may be applied by lifting arms attached to a garbage truck.
US09169059B2	Container for housing optical instruments A container for housing optical instruments is described. The container includes a case having an interior surface shaped to define a container cavity for holding an optical instrument. The interior surface is further shaped to define a plurality of ball-receiving concavities which open into the container cavity. Each ball-receiving concavity is shaped to have an opening at its edge and an interior region. The container also includes a plurality of elastically deformable balls, each ball located in a corresponding ball-receiving concavity and projecting from the interior region of the corresponding ball-receiving concavity through the opening and into the container cavity such that the balls are deformed to accommodate the optical instrument in the container cavity.
US09169053B2	Package display card with die cut silhouette pattern of product profile A product package includes a generally flat hang card with an enclosed product chamber and at least one lateral edge with a two dimensional profile cut pattern of a product in the package which enables a prospective customer the opportunity to compare the profile of a sample product to determine the compatibility of the sample with the packaged product or to confirm the content of the package without opening the package.
US09169049B2	Devices suitable for removing, preparing, and storing materials Devices suitable for removing materials from a container, preparing the materials for further use, and storing unused materials in the container for future use are provided. Generally, the devices comprise an elongated portion defining (1) a handle and a blade and (2) an over-cap attached to the elongated portion. The over-cap can define an aperture that surrounds a portion of the handle.
US09169042B2	Energy absorbing container An embodiment of an energy absorbing container may include a shell formed of a plastic material, one or more energy absorbing components for absorbing energy resulting from impact loads, and an opening mechanism for opening the container and allowing the placement or removal of a bottle therefrom. The energy absorbing components securing a bottle stored within the container to may inhibit or prevent movement of the bottle within the container.
US09169034B2	Label application devices Label application devices and methods of printing and applying labels are described herein. One label application device can comprise a feed component configured to deliver a sheet of label material to a position, a product identification component configured to identify a type of a product that is approaching the position, a printing component configured to print data onto the sheet of label material, the data based on the identified type of product, a stripping component configured to remove a liner portion of the sheet of label material from a label portion of the sheet, and an applicator component configured to apply the label portion to the product.
US09169024B2	Environmental control system with closed loop pressure cycle An environmental control system (ECS) for providing conditioned air to a cabin of an aircraft at a desired rate may include a bleed-air driven primary air treatment unit configured to produce pack supply air and to recirculate a portion of the pack supply air into a compressor of the primary air treatment unit. The ECS may also include a bleed-air driven secondary air treatment unit configured to compress ram air at a rate that corresponds to the rate of recirculation. The ECS may be configured to selectively deliver conditioned air from both the primary and the secondary air treatment units to the cabin.
US09169022B2	Monobeam seat with housing receptacle A seat-floor assembly for a vehicle comprises a floor element and at least one monobeam seat fixed to the floor element by a beam. A seat cushion and a seat backrest fixed to the beam. The floor element comprises a stiffened panel structure, one face of which forms a top sole of at least one floor crossmember. The floor element further comprises a housing receptacle open on the top sole and fixed to the top sole and/or to the at least one floor crossmember. At least one monobeam seat is fixed to the beam. An aircraft fuselage comprises a floor with such seat-floor assemblies and reinforced by the structure of the floor elements.
US09169020B2	Aircraft passenger suite seating arrangement An aircraft passenger suite including one or more privacy walls arranged to define a seating area and a living area positioned to the side of the seating area, the seating area including a seat configured to achieve a horizontal bed position and the living area including at least one amenity for use by a passenger in the suite, the living area having a length substantially less than a length of the seating area such that the suite overlaps another suite in a longitudinal direction, and wherein an entrance to the suite is defined by a break in the one or more privacy walls.
US09169000B2	Leading edge rib assembly An aircraft wing has a main wing element with a spar and a leading edge rib supported by the spar, a high lift device movably mounted to the main wing element, and an actuation mechanism with a drive shaft and a gear train. The gear train has a drive cog carried by the drive shaft, an actuator cog coupled to the high lift device, and one or more intermediate cogs mounted to the rib and coupled in series with the drive cog and the actuator cog so as to transmit torque from the drive cog to the actuator cog which moves the high lift device between a retracted position and an extended position in which the high lift device increases the camber of the wing. Sizes of the cogs in the gear train are selected so that the drive shaft rotates at a higher rate than the high lift device.
US09168996B2	Aircraft pressurized cabin door made of fiber composite An aircraft pressurized cabin door includes an integral door structure unit made of fiber composite, the unit including an outer skin and a door framework arranged on an inner side of the outer skin. The framework includes a plurality of edge supports and a plurality of longitudinal supports extending in a width direction between the edge supports so as to form door framework interstices delimited by the inner side of the outer skin, by the edge supports and by the longitudinal supports. The door framework interstices are configured in a manner open toward the inner side of the door.
US09168995B2	Flight control system using simplex computers and aircraft comprising same A system for computing flight commands, which comprises simplex computers coupled to form virtual command/monitor pairs. These virtual pairs send the commands computed to actuators whose controller implements an election of the pair whose command will be taken into account by the actuator.
US09168991B2	Motorized water vehicle adapted for supplying a pressurized fluid and associated system The invention relates to a Motorized Water Vehicle (MWV) adapted so as to operate as a fluid-compression station in addition to the primary transport function thereof. Such an MWV can thus supply compressed fluid to a third device. In a preferred and non-exhaustive manner, such an MWV can supply a passenger propulsion device allowing the latter to move through the air or through a fluid. The invention thus preferably relates to a propulsion system in which a remote station is a motorized water vehicle adapted such as to engage with a propulsion device.
US09168984B2	Wind power plant The wind power plant includes blades mounted on an annular pontoon. The pontoon is rotatable about a vertical axis. An energy converter is situated on a platform that is encircled by the annular pontoon. A kinematic mechanism is designed so as to be capable of transmitting the rotational energy of the annular pontoon to the receiving unit of the energy converter. The floating platform is equipped with positioning means that include at least six anchors located on the bottom of a body of water. The anchors are connected to the platform by flexible members and are offset in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the annular pontoon relative to the point at which the flexible member is attached to the platform. The technical result is an increase in the number of places where the wind power plants can be installed and an increase in electric power generation.
US09168983B2	RV barge A vessel for carrying an RV (recreational vehicle) through the water, thereby effectively converting the RV to a houseboat. The barge-like vessel includes ramps for loading and unloading an RV at a boat ramp. The barge is powered by the drive wheels of the RV, wherein the drive wheels are each resting on two rotatable cylinders similar to a dynamometer cradle. The wheels spin the cylinders which in turn rotate the propellers so that the speed is controlled by the speed at which the drive wheels turn. Direction is controlled by a knob on a fly-by-wire type device which in turn controls the rudder. An alternative directional control includes two turntables onto which the front wheels rest. One of the turntables is mechanically connected to the rudder so that the steering wheel controls the rudder. Ballast tanks are provided at each side of the front and back of the barge to keep the barge level.
US09168982B1	Adjustable GPS/sonar mount The present invention includes a folding and telescoping mounting stand apparatus for mounting a Global Positioning System (GPS)/sonar device on a boat, comprising a first outer tubing attached to a base plate which is secured to a deck of a boat, a first inner tubing having a bottom end and a top end, wherein the bottom end is placed in and attached to the first outer tubing by a pin and a first knob and the top end is placed in and attached to a second outer tubing by an intermediate tubing, a second inner tubing attached to a top tube by a second knob, wherein the combination of the second inner tubing and the top tube are placed in the second outer tubing and held in place with a spring plunger, a board connected to a rod and wherein the rod is secured to the top tube and the second inner tubing with the second knob, wherein the inner tubing is raised to a desired height when the spring plunger is pulled and the board is lifted upward; and the apparatus having an upper body above the first outer tubing that is folded down by releasing the first knob and pulling upward on the board until the upper body is 1″ above the first outer tubing and then folding the upper body forward to the deck.
US09168969B2	Eccentric bottom bracket assembly A bottom bracket assembly of a bicycle that cooperates in an eccentric or off-center manner with a bottom bracket shell of a bicycle frame. The eccentric bottom bracket assembly has a cylindrical insert with an off-centered opening for receiving a spindle that connects to cranks of the crankset. Rotating the cylindrical insert repositions the off-centered opening relative to at least the longitudinal direction of the bicycle and thus can be used to adjust the tension in the flexible drive member of the bicycle. A worm gear arrangement provides controlled manipulation of the position of the insert relative to the bicycle frame.
US09168966B2	Apparatus and method for control of a vehicle An apparatus and method for transporting a payload over a surface is provided. A vehicle supports a payload with a support partially enclosed by an enclosure. Two laterally disposed ground-contacting elements are coupled to at least one of the enclosure or support. A motorized drive is coupled to the ground-contacting elements. A controller coupled to the drive governs the operation of the drive at least in response to the position of the center of gravity of the vehicle to dynamically control balancing of the vehicle.
US09168951B2	Jackknife condition for backing up of a vehicle attached to a long wheelbase dual axle trailers A jackknife warning condition controller and control method notifies a driver of a potential jackknife situation while backing up a vehicle with an attached trailer. The vehicle has a front axle with steerable front wheels controlled by the driver and a rear axle with non-steerable rear wheels. The trailer has a front axle with non-steerable front wheels and a rear axle with steerable rear wheels controlled by a trailer steering controller. The jackknife controller receives an operator-controlled vehicle steering angle and a measured hitch angle. The jackknife warning condition controller determines a directional jackknife warning condition and compares the measured hitch angle with the determined directional jackknife warning condition. If the measured hitch angle satisfies the directional jackknife warning condition then a notification is sent to the driver.
US09168950B1	Banked curve detection using vertical and lateral acceleration A banked curve detection system determines the presence of a vehicle on a banked curve by sensing a vertical acceleration and a lateral acceleration of a vehicle. A banked curve is determined when the vertical acceleration and lateral acceleration are each greater than previously sensed vertical and lateral accelerations, the lateral acceleration is less than an expected reference lateral acceleration value, and the vertical acceleration is greater than gravity. The reference lateral acceleration value is based on yaw rate, steering angle, and wheel speed. When the acceleration conditions are met, the electronic stability control adjusts the parameters due to the vehicle being driven on a banked curve. Once the acceleration condition is no longer valid, the electronic stability control returns to normal operation.
US09168948B2	Steering system In an electric power steering system, rotation of a motor is transmitted to a rack shaft via a drive pulley, a belt, a driven pulley and a ball nut. A ball bearing and the driven pulley are fitted to the outer periphery of the ball nut. A flange is formed at a first end portion of the ball nut, and an internal thread portion is formed at a second end portion of the ball nut. An external thread member is connected to the internal thread portion. The external thread member has an external thread portion and a flange. By fastening the external thread portion to the internal thread portion, the ball bearing and the driven pulley are held between the two flanges.
US09168946B2	Method for generating offset paths for ground vehicles A computer-implemented method for generating at least one segment of an offset path for a vehicle based on at least one segment of a base path is provided. The at least one segment of the base path is represented by a stored set of data points. The computer-implemented method includes comparing the at least one segment of the base path to a curvature constraint to determine if the at least one segment of the base path violates the curvature constraint. The curvature constraint is based on a characteristic of the vehicle and a desired offset distance from the at least one segment of the base path. The characteristic reflects the vehicle's ability to traverse at least one segment of a path. The method further includes modifying the at least one segment of the base path to satisfy the curvature constraint, if the at least one segment of the base path violates the curvature constraint. At least one segment of an offset path for the vehicle to follow is generated based upon the desired offset distance from the modified at least one segment of the base path.
US09168945B2	Steering column comprising an improved depth-blocking mechanism A steering column including an upper body, two connection flanges for connecting the upper body to a support element, and a tightening and blocking device the upper body in position on an internal tube, where the tightening and blocking device includes a clamp screw extending through the flanges, a set of cams comprising a fixed cam and a movable cam mounted such that it can move freely in translation along the clamp screw and arranged so that it can bear on one of the flanges, a rack capable of cooperating with a notched arrangement provided on the other flange, and a resilient means arranged between the movable cam and the rack in order to exert a return force on the rack in the direction of the notched flange.
US09168936B2	System and method of transforming movement authority limits A computer-implemented method of transforming movement authority limits for a train traveling in a track network, which includes determining authority of tracks associated with a switch, based at least partially on authority data and/or train authority data for the train, and providing authority on a switch leg of the switch based at least partially on the authority of the associated tracks. The computer-implemented method also includes determining authority of tracks associated with switches on at least two tracks, based at least partially on authority data and/or train authority data for the train, and providing authority on a crossover track between the at least two tracks based at least partially on the authority of the associated tracks.
US09168934B2	Railcar coupler knuckle cores and knuckles produced by said cores A knuckle may include a throat portion having a throat side wall with at least three sections, a first section closest to the knuckle tail, a third section closest to the knuckle pulling face, and a second section between said first and third sections. The wall thickness of said first section may be less than 10% different than the wall thickness of said second section. The throat portion may also include a tail stop side wall with at least three sections, a first section closest to the knuckle tail, a third section closest to the knuckle pulling face, and a second section between said first and third sections. The wall thickness of said first section may be less than 10% different than the wall thickness of said second section.
US09168930B2	Ceiling transport vehicle A ceiling transport vehicle in which articles may be transferred precisely while allowing its travel portion to travel smoothly along a set travel path is provided. The ceiling transport vehicle has a pair of guiding bodies which guide the travel portion along a set travel path by contacting each of right and left lateral sides of a guide rail with a pair of contacting members that are supported by the travel portion such that the contacting members can be moved away from each other and moved toward each other in a lateral width direction. The ceiling transport vehicle also has a switching portion for moving each of the pair of contacting members away from each other and toward each other to switch between a holding state and a holding release state.
US09168920B2	Vehicle power transmission device and control system for power transmission A power transmission apparatus for a vehicle which includes a first, a second, and a third rotor which split power among a motor-generator, an internal combustion engine, and a driven wheel of the vehicle. The apparatus also includes a torque transmission control mechanism which selectively transmits torque between the first rotor and the engine. When the torque transmission control mechanism establishes the transmission of torque between the first rotor and the engine, powers, as produced by the second and third rotors, are opposite in sign to each other. This enables the speed of the first rotor to be set to zero (0) or a very low speed. Therefore, when an initial torque is applied to the engine through the first rotor to start the engine, the mechanical vibration which usually arises from the application of initial torque and is to be exerted on the power transmission apparatus is minimized.
US09168913B2	Oil pump system of hybrid vehicle and method for controlling the same An oil pump system of a hybrid vehicle may include an electric oil pump which supplies operating hydraulic pressure to the transmission based on a speed command; a data detector which detects data for controlling the electric oil pump; and a controller which sets a driving mode of the electric oil pump based on the data detected by the data detector, determines a basic flow rate of the set driving mode, determines a final flow rate by compensating for the basic flow rate, and applies the speed command to the electric oil pump, in which the operating hydraulic pressure is supplied to the transmission only by the electric oil pump, and the speed command is determined based on target hydraulic pressure, an oil temperature, and the final flow rate.
US09168901B2	Electric stability control system and device for controlling sway stability of a caravan or trailer and the like A system for substantially minimising sway of a towed vehicle, fitted with electric brakes, hitched to a towing vehicle, the system including an electric stability control (ESC) device adapted for mounting to a portion of the towed vehicle, the ESC device being operably connected to the electric brakes by cable means, the ESC including a sway detecting means for measuring lateral acceleration of the towed vehicle; an actuator means for activating the electric brakes of the towed vehicle, the actuator means being operatively connected to the sway detecting means whereby the sway detecting means activates the actuator means to apply a voltage to the brakes for a period of time when the sway detecting means detects a predetermined lateral acceleration of the towed vehicle relative to the towing vehicle. The system can also be used for controlling dangerous sway and instability of a towed vehicle.
US09168898B2	Movable vehicle roof sweeper The invention is a vehicle roof sweeper for the roofs of trucks and trailers that is rollable along the ground. The vehicle roof top sweeper that has retractable wheels and can be rolled using a pickup truck, car, tractor, forklift, or two or three people on foot. An embodiment of the invention is a vehicle roof sweeper having a pair of vertical supports, an upper crossbar connecting the pair of vertical supports, a plow assembly movable along the pair of vertical supports and positionable below the upper crossbar by a first lifting device, a base structure disposed on each of the pair of vertical supports, and retractable wheels positioned on opposite ends of the base structure.
US09168873B2	Self-deploying service step A cab-over-engine vehicle is described wherein the cab is supported in a level orientation on the vehicle's chassis. A cab repositioning system raises the cab while maintaining the cab in the level orientation, thus exposing the engine to be worked on. A service step structure that is hidden within the exterior body when the cab is over the engine is deployed when the cab is raised. The service step structure is connected to the underside of the cab such that the service step structure swings down and away from the exterior body to provide access to the raised level cab at the same time allowing access to the engine.
US09168868B2	Collision Warning System A method of estimating a time to collision (TTC) of a vehicle with an object comprising: acquiring a plurality of images of the object; and determining a TTC from the images that is responsive to a relative velocity and relative acceleration between the vehicle and the object.
US09168867B2	Pedestrian notification apparatus A pedestrian notification apparatus, which is configured to be used in a vehicle, includes an ambient object detector, a notification target detector and a notifier. The ambient object detector is configured to detect ambient objects present around the vehicle. The notification target detector is configured to detect a notification target pedestrian based on the detection results of the ambient object detector. The notifier is configured to notify the notification target pedestrian that the notification target pedestrian has been detected by the notification target detector.
US09168860B2	Vehicle display device A vehicular indicator device for a hybrid vehicle which is provided with vehicle drive power sources in the form of an engine and an electric motor and which is driven in one of a plurality of vehicle drive modes including an EV drive mode, a series HV drive mode and a parallel HV drive mode that is automatically selected according to a vehicle drive power, said indicator device being configured to indicate the selected vehicle drive mode and said vehicle drive power, the vehicular indicator device being configured to indicate a running state of the hybrid vehicle as represented by said vehicle drive power and said selected vehicle drive mode, in a two-dimensional coordinate system on a display screen, which coordinate system is defined by said vehicle drive power and said selected vehicle drive mode.
US09168859B2	System and method for displaying visual flight reference points A system and method are provided for displaying visual flight reference points and their associated flight data. This is achieved by coupling a processor to a display system and configured the processor to generate symbology graphically representative of the VRPs and their associated flight data. The display system then renders the VRP symbology and the flight data symbology proximate to the VRP symbology. In addition, the processor is configured to alter the symbology of the VRPs depending on the estimates elapsed time for each of the VRPs to become visible to the aircraft.
US09168856B2	Hybrid seat frame for vehicle The present invention relates to a hybrid seat frame for a vehicle and provides a hybrid seat frame for a vehicle including a main frame formed of glass fiber and a reinforced frame formed of carbon fiber to secure stiffness in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and torsional stiffness and to reduce its weight, thereby improving fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
US09168839B2	Electric power distribution method and device A method for distributing electricity is used in a system including a three-phase current distribution network, recharge terminals for electric vehicles connected to the distribution network via three phase conductors and one neutral conductor, electric vehicles equipped with a storage battery, means for measuring electric currents and voltages in the system, and a monitoring device for communicating with the electric vehicles and the measuring means. The distribution network supplies or receives electricity at the recharge terminals, and electric vehicles are recharged or discharged on these terminals via a single-phase or three-phase electric link. The method includes identifying an arrival of an electric vehicle at a recharge terminal, identifying energy requirements of the electric vehicle, assigning at least one electric current phase carried by one of the three phase conductors to the recharge terminal, and transferring energy to or from the storage battery (or batteries) of the electric vehicle.
US09168837B2	Vehicle and method of controlling vehicle A vehicle externally chargeable with electric power transmitted through a charging cable from an external power supply includes a chargeable power storage device, a charging device and a control device. The charging device supplies charge power to the power storage device using the electric power transmitted from the external power supply. The control device controls the charging device to limit the charge power based on the state of the power transmission path from the external power supply to the charging device. By this configuration, even when an extension cable is added by a user or when a failure occurs in the charging cable and the like, damage to the cable and influences upon surrounding devices due to excessive heat generation at the cable can be suppressed.
US09168835B2	Systems and methods for auxiliary power outlet control Methods, systems are provided for controlling an auxiliary power outlet in a vehicle. The method includes connecting the battery powered device to the accessory power outlet, synchronizing communications between the battery powered device to a computing device of the vehicle, and determining when the battery powered device is connected to an electric bus and is charging. When the battery powered device is either not connected to the electric bus or the battery powered device is not charging, then disconnecting power from the accessory power outlet. The system includes a battery, an electrical bus electrically connected to the battery, at least one auxiliary power outlet in electrical communication with the battery and configured to mate with a battery charging port of a battery operated device; and an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU is configured to disconnect power from the accessory power outlet when the battery is charged.
US09168819B2	Electricity-storage device arrangement structure of vehicle An arrangement structure of an electricity-storage device of a vehicle, which comprises a pair of right-and-left front side frames, a dash panel partitioning a vehicle-compartment front portion at rear end portions of the front side frames, and a pair of front tires arranged on an outside, in a vehicle width direction, of the front side frames. The electricity-storage device is arranged on the outside, in the vehicle width direction, of the front side frame at a position between the dash panel and the front tire in a vehicle longitudinal direction such that the electricity-storage device overlaps a rear end portion of the front side frame (the kick-up portion, the protrusion portion) in a vehicle side view.
US09168806B2	Vehicle height adjustment apparatus A vehicle height adjustment apparatus includes: vehicle height adjustment units respectively provided to correspond to wheels of a vehicle body, and adjusting a vehicle height in response to the supply and discharge of a working fluid; a pressure tank storing the working fluid; a compressor pressure-feeding the working fluid; opening and closing valves interposed between the vehicle height adjustment units and the pressure tank; a vehicle height acquisition unit acquiring a vehicle height value of the wheel; and a control unit controlling the vehicle height adjustment unit to adjust a vehicle height, and controlling the compressor, wherein when a vehicle height adjustment speed, calculated from the vehicle height value, is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, the control unit drives the compressor to pressure-feed the working fluid to the vehicle height adjustment units.
US09168803B2	Air spring Air spring, in particular for a commercial vehicle, comprising a plunger piston, an air bellows, and a cover, said air bellows being movable between a first compressed position and a second extended position by a compressing or extending movement, wherein the air bellows has an axle-side region with a fixing portion for fixing on the plunger piston, and a body-side region, wherein the fixing portion is fixed between the cover and the plunger piston, and wherein the cover has at least one guiding portion on the cover circumferential edge, said guiding portion extending away from the body-side region and outwards over or beyond the fixing portion and being used as a support for the axle-side region.
US09168798B2	Apparatus for introducing air and/or sealant into a tire An apparatus for introducing air and/or sealant into a tire includes a container for the sealant which has an inlet and an outlet and a pressure generating means, wherein the inlet of the container is connectable to the pressure generating means and the outlet of the container (14) is connected or connectable to the inlet end (24) of a hose (20) whose outlet end is connectable to the tire to be filled. A latchable coupling is provided for connecting the pressure generation means to the inlet of the container, with two latching levers (50) provided at the container (14) being designed to release the locking convection of the coupling on a movement of the respective free lever ends toward one another.
US09168797B2	Tyre demounting machine A tire demounting machine includes a base; a support unit for supporting wheels on a rest plane, and rotatable about a first axis of rotation, which is supported on the base and is equipped with lock and release devices for the wheels supported thereon; a work-tool supporting column which extends from the base (2) and has a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation, a first support element for supporting at least three work-tools on the rest plane being mounted slidably along the longitudinal axis and towards or from the support unit.
US09168796B2	Method for exchanging signals between a tire pressure sensor and a central processing unit in a motor vehicle The invention provides a method of transmitting information in wireless manner by radio signals between a pressure sensor equipping a wheel of a motor vehicle and a central processor unit equipping said vehicle. The sensor transmits, for the attention of the central processor unit, firstly signals representative of digital data to be transferred to the central processor unit, and secondly a location signal used by the central processor unit to identify the vehicle wheel from which the digital data is coming. In accordance with the invention, the emission power of the location signal is lower than the emission power of the data transmission signals, and/or the duration of the location signal is adjusted in such a manner that the higher the speed of the vehicle the shorter the duration of the location signal. The invention is applicable to systems for monitoring the pressures of the tires of a vehicle.
US09168794B2	Testing device for a tire inflation device Disclosed is a testing device for a tire inflation device, comprising a housing (10) which includes a bottom (11) and an annular outer wall (12) with a cylindrical inner surface (16), a piston (15) which is movably guided on the cylindrical inner surface (16), is sealed and has an annular engagement surface (20) for sealingly engaging an inflation ring (3) and a central piston opening (19), a spring (26) arranged between the bottom (11) and the piston (15), its spring force seeking to move the piston (15) away from the bottom, and sensors detecting the pressure in an inner chamber (18) adapted to be filled with compressed gas and the temperature of the housing (10).
US09168793B2	Tire with improved resistance to sidewall damage A tire with improved resistance to sidewall damage such as splitting or puncture is provided. More particularly, the present invention provides a tire with tread features positioned along the sidewall in a manner that improves the protection of the sidewall against damage when contacting obstacles during operation of the tire.
US09168789B2	Truck tire A pneumatic tire for use on trucks, the tire comprising: a tread which includes a belt reinforcement structure, the belt structure including a pair of working belts, wherein the angle of the working belts range from about 16 degrees to about 30 degrees, wherein a low angle belt is positioned preferably between of the working belts, wherein the angle of the low angle belt is less than 5 degrees. The working belts are extensible, and preferably made of high elongation wire.
US09168774B2	Tri-state detector for detecting types of light Provided herein are devices, systems, methods and various means, including those related to printer systems and, more particularly, relate to methods, apparatuses, systems and other means for monitoring a printer ribbon. Some embodiments use a multi-element detector, which is configured to detect a particular type of light emitted from a light emitter. The multi-state detector can include two sensors, one of which includes a polarizer filter that blocks polarized light. Embodiments can be used to determine, among other things, whether or not a printer ribbon is installed in a printer without the use of a snap plate.
US09168758B2	Printing apparatus and printing method An apparatus for printing an image on a transparent medium based on a selected mode, the apparatus includes: a head that ejects ink droplets from nozzles, wherein when a first mode is selected, the head prints a first image on the transparent medium, prints a background image on the first image, and prints a second image which is different from the first image on the background image, and wherein when a second mode is selected, the head prints a second image on the transparent medium, prints a background image on the second image, and prints a first image on the background image.
US09168756B2	Waste liquid container and waste liquid discharging device A waste liquid container that can be installed to a waste liquid discharging device main body. The waste liquid container includes an insertion hole into which a waste liquid discharging nozzle, which is included in the waste liquid discharging device main body, having a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion located on a front end side relative to the large diameter portion is inserted. When the waste liquid container is installed to the waste liquid discharging device main body, the insertion hole guides the small diameter portion by being brought into contact with an outer circumferential face of the small diameter portion in an inner face of the insertion hole and determines a position of the waste liquid container in a diameter direction of the large diameter portion with respect to the waste liquid discharging device main body by being fitted with the large diameter portion.
US09168750B2	Manufacturing method of liquid discharging head A manufacturing method of a liquid discharging head includes: preparing a substrate having an energy-generating element and a resin layer on a first face side; irradiating a laser beam on the substrate so as to pass through the resin layer to form a hole serving as a liquid supply port in the substrate; removing a portion of the resin layer including a region which the laser beam has passed through, thereby forming a portion from which the resin layer has been removed as a channel, and forming a portion in which the resin layer remains as a side wall; and forming a discharge port forming member on a far side from the substrate of the side wall, and to form the channel forming member using the side wall and the discharge port forming member.
US09168747B2	Multi-layer electroformed nozzle plate with attenuation pockets An ink jet printhead includes a nozzle plate including a nozzle, a recess in the nozzle plate, and a compliant layer that covers the recess and forms a sealed pocket that may be filled with air or another gas during use of the printhead. During actuation of a piezoelectric element during the ejection of ink from the nozzle, the sealed pocket attenuates an acoustic energy generated by the piezoelectric element, thereby reducing crosstalk to adjacent nozzles by the acoustic energy.
US09168738B2	Liquid discharge apparatus and method of discharging liquid A liquid discharge apparatus includes an actuator element configured and arranged to receive a drive signal to discharge a liquid, the liquid being an ink including 0.1 wt % to 10 wt % of a polar solvent. The waveform of the drive signal supplied to the actuator element includes a non-rectangular shaped pulse with a ripple being formed in a falling portion of the non-rectangular shaped pulse.
US09168735B2	Inkjet recording material An inkjet recording material that contains a supporting substrate and an image-receiving layer formed on at least one side of the supporting substrate, said layer including at least one inorganic pigment, and a latex binder having the formula (I). Also disclosed herein are the method of making said inkjet recording material and a method for producing printed images that encompasses using said recording material.
US09168734B2	System and method for preventing high tension from damaging a printing press A method of preventing damage in a printing press is provided. The method includes determining a minimum value at which tension in a web in the printing press is capable of damaging at least one web contacting component of the printing press; sensing a tension in the web in the printing press; and severing the web when the sensed tension reaches the minimum determined tension value. A printing press is also provided.
US09168728B2	Printing unit having a distributor roller with a separate drive motor and printing press having the printing unit A printing unit for a printing press includes a plurality of distributor rollers for carrying out an axial movement. At least one of the distributor rollers is associated with a separate drive motor exclusively for driving the axial movement and is adjustable independently of the movements of the other distributor rollers by using a control device.
US09168726B2	Cast fluoropolymer film for bushings A method includes casting a friction reducing layer on a carrier, and casting an adhesive layer overlying the friction reducing layer to form a multilayer cast film. The method further includes laminating the multilayer cast film to the load bearing substrate with the load bearing substrate to form a composite and shaping the composite. The load bearing substrate is closer to the adhesive layer than to the friction reducing layer.
US09168724B2	Method of label formation This invention provides a label forming apparatus including a release sheet having a release surface from which an adhered adhesive material is releasable, an adhesive material layer stacked on the release surface of the release sheet, a coat layer stacked on a surface of the adhesive material layer opposite to the release sheet, a label portion having a thermoplastic resin secured to a surface of the coat layer opposite to the adhesive material layer, and an edging portion provided on a surface of the coat layer opposite to the adhesive material layer and having a thermoplastic resin secured to a position spaced apart from the label portion so as to surround the label portion.
US09168721B2	Tile and method for manufacturing the same A tile includes a protecting layer, a printing layer, and a filler layer. The protecting layer, the printing layer, and the filler layer are laminated to each other in a top-to-bottom sequence. The protecting layer, the printing layer, and the filler layer are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PETG). Hence, the tile made of PETG meets environmental friendly requirements, is suitable for use in different locations, and easy adhesion in installation. A method for manufacturing a tile includes the steps of: providing a protecting layer, a printing layer, and a filler layer, wherein the protecting layer, the printing layer, and the filler layer are made of PETG; laminating the protecting layer, the printing layer, and the filler layer in a top-to-bottom sequence so as to form a semi-finished product; and stress-releasing the semi-finished tile product to form a tile.
US09168720B2	Biaxially elastic nonwoven laminates having inelastic zones Disclosed is a method of imparting constraint in a biaxially elastic nonwoven laminate, and the constrained laminate itself, the method comprising providing a biaxially elastic nonwoven laminate comprising at least one meltspun elastic fabric and at least one extensible fabric or film; and fusing at least, or preferably, only a portion(s) of the at least one meltspun elastic fabric to at least one of the extensible fabrics to create at least one inelastic zone. Desirably, the at least one meltspun elastic fabric and at least one extensible fabric or film is biaxially elastic, and referred to as being “nonwoven” due to the at least one layer of meltspun elastomer. The meltspun elastic fabric may comprise a polyolefin-based elastomer or blend of an elastomer with a thermoplastic.
US09168710B2	Motor-vehicle top The invention relates, among other aspects, to a motor-vehicle top (10) comprising a flexible cover layer (11) that provides an outer face of the top with a cutout provided therein, and at least one window is provided in the cutout, particularly a rear window (12), a circumferential edge region of the cover layer being connected to an outer window edge by a polyurethane bead (13), and wherein the polyurethane bead is synthesized by reacting an isocyanate component with a polyol component, the polyol component comprising at least the following constituents: a) polyols, herein polyetherols and/or polyesterols; b) a propellant; c) a lead-free catalyst.

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