Document Document Title
US09230321B2 Computer aided diagnostic system incorporating 3D shape analysis of the brain for identifying developmental brain disorders
A computer aided diagnostic system and automated method classify a brain through modeling and analyzing the shape of a brain cortex, e.g., to detect a brain cortex that is indicative of a developmental disorder such as ADHD, autism or dyslexia. A model used in such analysis describes the shape of brain cortices in terms of spherical harmonics required to delineate a unit sphere corresponding to the brain cortex to a model of the brain cortex.
US09230314B2 Information processing device having a function to control QoS of media analysis system
An information processing device includes a characteristics information storing unit for storing analysis characteristics information representing performance of each analysis method, and media characteristics information representing performance of each method of input of media data. The device includes a QoS calculating unit for calculating response performance and analysis accuracy when executing an analysis process in the media analysis system by preset media data input method and analysis method, based on the stored analysis characteristics information and media characteristics information. The device includes a QoS controlling unit for, in a case that at least one of the calculated response performance and analysis accuracy does not satisfy a preset target value, changing at least one of the preset media data input method and analysis method, based on the stored analysis characteristics information and media characteristics information.
US09230304B2 Apparatus and method for enhancing image using color channel
Provided are an apparatus and method for enhancing an image using a color channel. A pre-processing unit generates an inverted image by inverting a luminance component estimated from a red (R) channel among color channels of a red, green, and blue (RGB) color space of an input image. A channel merging unit generates a merged luminance (L) channel by merging an L channel of an International Commission on Illumination (CIE) L*a*b* (CIELab) color space of the input image and the inverted image. A contrast enhancement unit enhances contrast by expanding a histogram of the merged L channel. A color restoration unit combines the merged L channel whose contrast has been enhanced and chromaticity components of the input image, and converts a resultant color image to the RGB color space, thereby generating a restored image.
US09230302B1 Foveated compressive sensing system
Described is a system for foveated compressive sensing. The system is configured to receive an input image f of a scene and initialize a measurement matrix. Global measurements are then performed, with a lower resolution image of the scene thereafter reconstructed. Task salient regions are extracted from the low resolution image. Thereafter, the system estimates a task-specific operator and detects regions-of-interest (ROI) based on the task salient regions. An ROI-adapted and foveated measurement matrix is then generated. Local measurements are then performed on task-relevant ROIs. A higher resolution image can then be reconstructed of the scene to allow for identification of objects in the ROI.
US09230301B2 Method and apparatus for reconstructing an image
A method and apparatus for reconstructing a low-resolution image is provided. The method includes magnifying a low-resolution image; extracting a high frequency component and a texture component from the pre-magnification low-resolution image; and reconstructing an image by synthesizing the extracted high frequency component and texture component with the magnified low-resolution image. The method and apparatus synthesizes only image components without a separate external DB, making it possible to enhance sharpness of the outline of images and thus effectively reconstruct fine texture components.
US09230299B2 Video camera
Embodiments provide a video camera configured to capture, compress, and store video image data in a memory of the video camera at a rate of at least about twenty three frames per second. The video image data can be mosaiced image data, and the compressed, mosaiced image data may remain substantially visually lossless upon decompression and demosaicing.
US09230294B2 Preserving and reusing intermediate data
Preservation and reuse of intermediate data generated in a render setup graph for computer animation is disclosed. A processing node in the graph can generate intermediate data and, rather than send it directly to a downstream node in the graph, preserve it for reuse during subsequent processing. As a result, a downstream processing node can reuse the preserved intermediate data, rather than wait while the intermediate data is generated by the processing node in realtime. An intermediate data file management module can manage this process by storing the generated intermediate data in a file for preservation, retrieving the stored intermediate data from the file for reuse, optimizing the file storage location for speed and efficiency, and facilitating sharing of the intermediate data during collaboration between users.
US09230288B2 User-specific event popularity map
Information can be provided in a convenient manner to help a user decide what events to attend. The information can include information regarding a popularity of the events. The popularity of the events can be based upon the number of people expected to attend, the number of the user's friends expected to attend, and/or the number of people fitting user-defined criteria who are expected to attend. The events for a user-specified time period can be shown on a map along with information representing the popularity of the events. Thus, the user can choose to attend those events in the user's area which are more popular. The map can be displayed on a user device, such as a cellular telephone. In this manner, the user can more readily attend those particular events which the user is more likely to enjoy.
US09230283B1 Card registry systems and methods
A card registry system is configured to automatically identify financial card information in one or more credit files associated with a consumer and populate a card registry account of the consumer with the identified financial card information. Once the financial card information has been obtained from the credit file(s), the card registry system may transmit cancellation and/or reissuance requests to the respective card issuers in the instance that one or more cards are compromised, so that the financial cards may be easily and efficiently cancelled and/or reissued at the request of the consumer.
US09230281B2 Transaction services reporting system
One or more devices within a transaction services hub collect session data of transaction services for multiple customers and provide a user interface with reporting options for transaction services associated with a particular customer. The user interface is accessible to a user device via a public network connection. The one or more devices receive a report request from a user account associated with the particular customer and retrieve, from the collected session data, data responsive to the report request. The one or more devices generate a report for the particular customer based on the report request and the data responsive to the report request.
US09230279B2 Systems and methods for recommending a retail location
A method and a system are disclosed for generating a recommendation of a retail location on a network-based system. For example, a system may obtain a retail location definition associated with a geographic location. The geographic location may represent the retail location. The system then builds a scan event model from product scan messages received from a plurality of scanning devices located within the geographic location. The scan event model may include one or more scan events each being associated with a product definition and the retail location definition. Next, a recommendation query from the search device is received by the system. The recommendation query may include a product identifier and a query location. The system may generate a recommendation of the retail location based on determining that the product identifier and the query location match the one or more scan events of the scan event model.
US09230275B1 Systems and methods for merchandising
A studio arrangement comprising a plurality of article transports, each article transport having a respective machine-readable code for tracking an article, an image capture device located at a first position on an axis wherein the image capture device is configured to capture images of articles placed on a surface wherein the axis intersects the surface at a second position, one or more light sources each positioned along a respective second axis that intersects the surface at a respective position wherein each light source is configured to illuminate articles placed on the surface, and a system comprising one or more data processing apparatus, the system configured to, for each of a plurality of articles, perform operations comprising: reading the code of a respective one of the transports, the transport being separate from the surface, in response to reading the code, causing the image capture device to acquire an image of the article, associating the article with the code, the image, and one or more parameters that describe the respective article, and listing the article on an online store wherein the listing comprises the image of the article and one or more of the parameters.
US09230274B2 System and method for RFID dynamic content presentation
A system and method for providing RFID dynamic content presentation using wireless devices and RFID technologies. The method comprises providing a wireless capable device which is configured to receive RFID information and store the RFID information in storage for later retrieval. The system is an infrastructure which comprises at least one RFID tag which stores RFID information; and a wireless capable device which is configured to receive the RFID information and store the RFID information in storage for later retrieval.
US09230271B2 Queue management
Disclosed are methods and devices for queue management that allow a person waiting in the queue to choose to receive at least one warning communication, for example on a wireless communication device such as a cellular telephone. In some embodiments, the person agrees to “buy” the warnings and concomitant free time by agreeing to pay for at least one warning communication and/or by agreeing to accept advertisements.
US09230264B1 Conversion of loyalty program points to different loyaltry program points per mutual agreement
A computer converts a first quantity of loyalty program points of a loyalty program possessed by a member held in a first account to a second quantity of different loyalty program points possessed by the member held in a second account in accordance with a fixed ratio. The loyalty program points and the different loyalty program points are non-fungible, non-negotiable units of exchange. A mutual agreement exists between program operators to permit the conversion. Responsive to the converting: the first quantity of loyalty program points is subtracted from the first account; the second quantity of different loyalty program points is added to the second account; and the entity compensates the commerce partner in accordance with mutual agreement.
US09230258B2 Space and time for entity resolution
Provided are techniques for receiving a record, wherein the received record has a space-time feature, selecting candidate entities using the space time feature, performing space time analysis to determine whether the received record should be conjoined with a candidate entity from the candidate entities, and, in response to determining that the received record should be conjoined with the candidate entity, making an entity resolution assertion by conjoining the received record and the candidate entity to form a newly conjoined entity.
US09230255B1 Payment card having light-emitting diode indicators coordinated with stored payment applications
In an IC (integrated circuit) card, a selection signal is received from a user-actuatable switch to select between two different payment card accounts, each represented by a respective account indicator number stored in the IC component of the card. In response to the selection signal, a light-emitting diode indicator on the IC card is illuminated to indicate selection of a corresponding one of the payment card accounts.
US09230251B1 Cash deposit at point of sale using deposit product inventory item systems and methods
A system for receiving cash deposits at a point of sale includes a processor; a product inventory database; a communication interface; a product inventory item reader; and a purchase instrument reader. The processor is configured to receive a product code from the product inventory item reader; access the product inventory database to recognize the product code as a deposit product code; receive signals indicating an amount of a deposit associated with the deposit product code; receive signals from the purchase instrument reader identifying an account for the deposit; and send signals to a transaction processing network via the communication interface to thereby effect the deposit of the amount into the account.
US09230237B2 Contract amendment mechanism in a virtual world
A method for amending a contract in a virtual world may include presenting an online chat option in response to another user's avatar coming within a predetermined proximity range of an avatar of the user and in response to the other user's avatar and the user's avatar having previously entered into a contract in the virtual world. The method may also include recording the online chat between the users to define an amendment to the contract in response to the online chat option being selected. The method may further include appending the amendment to contracting terms in a contract object in response to acceptance of the amendment by the users.
US09230232B2 Vehicle fleet work order management system
Vehicle management systems and associated processes can monitor the progress of assets, such as vehicle, along predetermined routes and report the progress to user. The system can compare the actual status of the vehicle to the expected status of the vehicle and to report any difference between the actual status and expected status to a user. Further, the system can receive a predetermined threshold value of the difference from a user and report to the user if the predetermined threshold has been exceeded.
US09230231B1 Systems and methods for managing barcode information
The invention provides systems and methods for managing identifier labels for use in tracking one or more associated products in a supply chain.
US09230222B2 System and method enabling bi-translation for improved prescription accuracy
A system for bi-translation of speech and writing is provided. The system can comprise one or more electronic data processors contained within one or more computing devices. The system can also include a module configured to execute on the one or more electronic data processors in order to record a spoken and written segment into the one or more computing devices, where the segments can be corroborated by selecting potential medications and processes. The module can also be configured to convert the spoken segment into a stream of text or tokens and the written segment into a stream of text or tokens. Furthermore, the module can be configured to compare the converted spoken and written streams of text or tokens to determine whether the spoken segment and the written segment match and output the results.
US09230211B1 Analytics scripting systems and methods
A method of determining a set of prescribed actions includes receiving a configuration script identifying a set of influencers, a set of performance indicators, a model type, a target time, and a prescription method. The method further includes deriving a model of the model type based on data associated with the set of influencers or with the set of performance indicators. The method also includes projecting a set of future influencer values associated with the set of influencers and projecting a set of future indicator values of the set of performance indicators at the target time using the model. The method can further include prescribing using the prescription method and based on projecting using the model a set of prescribed actions associated with the subset of actionable influencers. The method also includes displaying the set of prescribed actions.
US09230194B2 Training image sampling
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for selecting training images. One of the methods includes determining, for each of a plurality of labels that each designate a respective food class of a plurality of food classes, a respective measure of importance. A respective sample size is determined for the label based on the respective measure of importance of the label. A number of training images are selected for each respective label according to the determined sample size for the label. A predictive model is trained using the selected training images as training data.
US09230186B2 Image processing device generating binary image data by selecting specific component
An image processing device includes a processor configured to perform: acquiring target image data representing a target image; and generating binary image data representing the letter in the target image by using the target image data. The generating of the binary image data comprises: identifying a background color value representing color of background of the target image; identifying a letter color value representing color of the letter in the target image; acquiring a difference between the background color value and the letter color value, the difference including a plurality of component differences; selecting one specific component image data corresponding to a specific component from among the plurality of components, the specific component corresponding to a maximum component difference among the plurality of component differences; and performing a binarizing process on the selected one specific component image data to generate one binary image data.
US09230181B2 Handwritten document retrieval apparatus and method
According to one embodiment, a handwritten character retrieval apparatus is provided with an acquisition unit, a separation unit, a feature extraction unit and a retrieval unit. The acquisition unit acquires a document including handwriting data. The separation unit separates the document into a plurality of parts. The feature extraction unit extracts feature values, each indicating a feature value of each part. The retrieval unit executes retrieval based on the feature values.
US09230180B2 Eyes-off-the-road classification with glasses classifier
A method for determining an Eyes-Off-The-Road (EOTR) condition exists includes capturing image data corresponding to a driver from a monocular camera device. A detection of whether the driver is wearing eye glasses based on the image data using an eye glasses classifier. When it is detected that the driver is wearing eye glasses, a driver face location is detected from the captured image data and it is determined whether the EOTR condition exists based on the driver face location using an EOTR classifier.
US09230178B2 Vision support apparatus for vehicle
A vision support apparatus of the invention includes a first obstacle detecting part configured to detect an obstacle near a vehicle with a visible light image; a second obstacle detecting part configured to detect the obstacle using an infrared light image, a detection status determining part configured to determine whether it is difficult or impossible for the first obstacle detecting part to detect the obstacle; and an obstacle information providing part configured to provide a driver of the vehicle with information about the obstacle detected by the second obstacle detecting part, if it is determined by the detection status determining part that it is difficult or impossible for the first obstacle detecting part to detect the obstacle, thereby informing the driver of the existence of the obstacle when it is difficult for the driver to visually perceive the obstacle because of insufficient reflection of the visible light from the obstacle.
US09230176B2 Method of detecting camera tampering and system thereof
A method of detecting camera tempering and a system therefor are provided. The method includes: performing at least one of following operations: (i) detecting a size of a foreground in an image, and determining whether a first condition, that the size exceeds a first reference value, is satisfied, (ii) detecting change of a sum of the largest pixel value differences among pixel value differences between adjacent pixels in selected horizontal lines of the image, according to time, and determining whether a second condition, that the change lasts for a predetermined time period, is satisfied, and (iii) adding up a plurality of global motion vectors with respect to a plurality of images, and determining whether a third condition, that a sum of the global motion vectors exceeds a second reference value, is satisfied; and determining occurrence of camera tempering if at least one of the corresponding conditions is satisfied.
US09230171B2 Object outlining to initiate a visual search
Methods and devices for initiating a search of an object are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes receiving video data from a camera on a wearable computing device and, based on the video data, detecting a movement that defines an outline of an area in the video data. The method further includes identifying an object that is located in the area and initiating a search on the object. In another embodiment, a server is disclosed that includes an interface configured to receive video data from a camera on a wearable computing device, at least one processor, and data storage comprising instructions executable by the at least one processor to detect, based on the video data, a movement that defines an outline of an area in the video data, identify an object that is located in the area, and initiate a search on the object.
US09230170B2 Plant species identification apparatus and method
A plant species identification apparatus for identifying plant species is disclosed. A reference data storage part stores reference spectral data which indicate a reflectance spectral feature classified by area segments including a sunlit portion and a shaded portion in addition to the plant species. A data input part acquires hyperspectral data to be a target. A determination part specifies the reflectance spectral feature of a pixel for each of pixels of the hyperspectral data from the reference data storage part and to determine the plant species of the pixels based on a classification of the reference spectral data.
US09230169B2 Generation of high resolution population density data sets through exploitation of high resolution overhead imagery data and low resolution population density data sets
Utilities (e.g., systems, methods, etc.) for automatically generating high resolution population density estimation data sets through manipulation of low resolution population density estimation data sets with high resolution overhead imagery data (e.g., such as overhead imagery data acquired by satellites, aircrafts, etc. of celestial bodies). Stated differently, the present utilities make use of high resolution overhead imagery data to determine how to distribute the population density of a large, low resolution cell (e.g., 1000 m) among a plurality of smaller, high resolution cells (e.g., 100 m) within the larger cell.
US09230167B2 Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to measure geographical features using an image of a geographical location
Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to measure geographical features using an image of a geographical location are disclosed. An example method includes dividing an image of a geographic area of interest into geographical zones, the geographical zones being representative of different physical geographical areas; modifying boundaries of a first one of the geographical zones to more closely conform to an observable landmark or a geographical location observable by a person located in the first one of the geographical zones; storing descriptions for the geographical zones in a computer memory based on the modified boundaries of the first one of the geographical zones; and storing a value representative of a geographical feature represented in the image for the first one of the geographical zones.
US09230161B2 Multiple layer block matching method and system for image denoising
This disclosure provides a method, system and computer program product for denoising an image by extending a Block Matching and 3D Filtering algorithm to include decomposition of high contrast image blocks into multiple layers that are collaboratively filtered. According to an exemplary method, the high contrast image blocks are decomposed into a top layer, a bottom layer and a mask layer.
US09230153B2 Networkbased pathology system with desktop slide scanner
A method for processing, saving and viewing a digital image of a microscope slide includes inserting a microscope slide into a digital slide scanner connected to an acquisition computer. A pre-scan formed from a plurality of image tiles uploaded to a network server while the pre-scan is being generated. The network server analyzes the image tiles in realtime to identify an area of interest. The acquisition computer generates a high magnification local scan of the area of interest. The local scan is formed from a plurality of local image tiles that are uploaded to the network server while the local scan is being generated. Each local image tile is viewable by a client computer in communication with the computer network while the plurality of local image tiles is being uploaded. A raw final image is then saved on the network server independent of the acquisition computer.
US09230151B2 Method, apparatus, and system for searching for image and image-related information using a fingerprint of a captured image
An apparatus, method, and system for searching for images and image-related information are described in which the image information search system includes: an image reproducing apparatus reproducing or capturing an image; and an image/information search server searching for image/information associated with the captured image. In the image and image-information search apparatus and method, a user can easily acquire his or her desired image file or image-related information while he or she is watching images, even when he or she does not know any detailed identification information associated with his or her desired image.
US09230150B1 Finger print sensor and auxiliary processor integration in an electronic device
A system includes a fingerprint sensor and an auxiliary processor. The auxiliary processor is operable to arm the fingerprint sensor prior to the auxiliary processor entering a low power or sleep mode. The fingerprint sensor can detect a finger proximately located with the fingerprint sensor, capture and store fingerprint data from the finger, perform at least one pre-processing step after capturing the fingerprint data from the finger while the auxiliary processor is in the low power or sleep mode, and after the at least one pre-processing step and upon receiving a request from the auxiliary processor for the finger print data deliver the fingerprint data to the auxiliary processor. The auxiliary processor can compare the fingerprint data to reference data and determine whether the fingerprint data substantially matches the reference data.
US09230147B2 Method and apparatus for optically reading out information stored in a barcode
In a method, whether there is a first bar having a width and located at at least one of both ends of a first black and white pattern is determined. The width of the bar is greater than a maximum width of a second bar. The maximum width of the second bar appears in a second black and white pattern assuming that the black and white pattern is part of the first barcode. The first black and white pattern is determined as readout data of the second barcode when it is determined that there is the first bar having the width greater than the maximum width of the second bar and located at at least one of both ends of the first black and white pattern.
US09230144B2 Communication device and working vehicle provided with the same
A reader writer (a communication device) executes at least one of reading identification information of an IC tag (an identification component) and writing the identification information to the IC tag. The reader writer includes a CPU board (a control board) that includes CPU (a controller) and a wireless control circuit to output radio waves by a command from the CPU, an antenna that is spaced from the CPU board, and a connection cable that electrically connects the CPU board to the antenna. The CPU board includes a disconnection detector that detects a disconnection of the connection cable, and a transmission controller that interrupts an output from the wireless control circuit to the antenna when the disconnection detector judges that the connection cable is disconnected.
US09230141B2 RSSI estimate on variable length correlator output
A method for estimating a strength of a radio frequency signal according to one embodiment includes receiving a correlator magnitude signal from a correlator module; performing a gain scaling on the correlator magnitude signal; and averaging the scaled correlator magnitude signal or value associated therewith to generate an output indicative of a strength of the signal. Such methodology may also be implemented as a system using logic for performing the various operations. Additional systems and methods are also presented.
US09230124B2 Method of transferring data between different types of computer systems
A method includes creating in a first computer arrangement a printer file for a digital document containing information data to be transferred, the digital document having been generated in a first application program, wherein said printer file is internally generated in an operating system in response to a print command; creating in said first computer arrangement a transfer file which comprises said printer file and a definition file defining a one-to-one relation between a set of information data items contained in said printer file and a set of labels in said definition file so that each information data item is associated to a label; and sending said transfer file from the first computer arrangement to a second computer arrangement. Additional methods and systems are also presented.
US09230123B2 Apparatus for tamper protection of application code based on self modification and method thereof
Disclosed is an apparatus for tamper protection of an application which includes: an input unit that receives codes to be used for an application; a code separator that separates the inputted codes into sensitive codes requiring application tamper protection and general codes including sensitive method calling routine for calling the sensitive codes by analyzing the input codes; an encoder that encrypts the sensitive codes and inserts the address of an sensitive code connector storing the address information of the sensitive codes; a controller that converts the sensitive method calling routine to be able to call dummy codes by inserting the dummy codes to the general codes, inserts vector table generator, to the sensitive codes, and insert a sensitive method calling routine converter, to the sensitive codes; and a code combiner that creates the application by combining the general codes and the sensitive codes.
US09230113B2 Encrypting and decrypting a virtual disc
A computer-readable storage medium containing machine executable instructions that when executed by a processor cause the processor to encrypt a virtual disc; wherein the virtual disc comprises a virtual disc image; and wherein execution of the machine executable instructions cause the processor to: receive the virtual disc; increase the size of the virtual disc; write a decryption-master-boot-record and a decryption program to the virtual disc; encrypt at least a portion of the virtual disc image, wherein the decryption program comprises decryption-machine-executable-instructions for decrypting the at least partially encrypted virtual disc image in accordance with a cryptographic key.
US09230111B1 Systems and methods for protecting document files from macro threats
A computer-implemented method for protecting document files from macro threats may include (1) identifying a document file that contains an embedded macro, (2) locating an event-driven programming language module that stores the embedded macro for the document file, and (3) cleaning the event-driven programming language module by removing procedures for the embedded macro within the event-driven programming language module and retaining variable definitions within the event-driven programming language module. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US09230109B2 Trusted platform module security
The described implementations relate to trusted platform module (TPM) security. One configuration that is implemented on a computing device includes a TPM configured to generate a key pair utilizing a factor stored on the TPM and an external cofactor that is not stored on the TPM. The computing device also includes a communication device configured to receive the external cofactor and convey the external cofactor to the TPM.
US09230104B2 Distributed voting mechanism for attack detection
In one embodiment, a network node receives a voting request from a neighboring node that indicates a potential network attack. The network node determines a set of feature values to be used as input to a classifier based on the voting request. The network node also determines whether the potential network attack is present by using the set of feature values as input to the classifier. The network node further sends a vote to the neighboring node that indicates whether the potential network attack was determined to be present.
US09230100B2 Securing anti-virus software with virtualization
The subject disclosure relates to systems and methods that secure anti-virus software through virtualization. Anti-virus systems can be maintained separate from user applications and operating system through virtualization. The user applications and operating system run in a guest virtual machine while anti-virus systems are isolated in a secure virtual machine. The virtual machines are partially interdependent such that the anti-virus systems can monitor user applications and operating systems while the anti-virus systems remain free from possible malicious attack originating from a user environment. Further, the anti-virus system is secured against zero-day attacks so that detection and recovery may occur post zero-day.
US09230091B2 Managing use of a field programmable gate array with isolated components
Field programmable gate arrays can be used as a shared programmable co-processor resource in a general purpose computing system. Components of an FPGA are isolated to protect the FPGA and data transferred between the FPGA and other components of the computer system. For example, data written by the FPGA to memory is encrypted, and is decrypted within the FPGA when read back from memory. Data transferred between the FPGA and other components such as the CPU or GPU, whether directly or through memory, can similarly be encrypted using cryptographic keys known to the communicating components. Transferred data also can be digitally signed by the FPGA or other component to provide authentication. Code for programming the FPGA can be encrypted and signed by the author, loaded into the FPGA in an encrypted state, and then decrypted and authenticated by the FPGA itself, before programming the FPGA with the code.
US09230090B2 Storage device, and authentication method and authentication device of storage device
An authentication method of a storage device includes an authentication device requesting an EID (Encoded IDentifer) from the storage device for authenticating the storage device, the authentication device receiving the EID and restoring original ID information by decoding the received EID, and finally the authentication device verifying, by using ID authentication information received from the storage device, individual ID information corresponding to use of the storage device included in ID information, wherein the ID information includes multiple pieces of individual ID information corresponding to the use of the storage device.
US09230084B2 Method and system for enabling secure one-time password authentication
An approach for facilitating a one-time password (OTP) authentication procedure is described. A dedicated validation appliance receives a one-time password authentication request via an application programming interface, which is a single point of access to the dedicated validation appliance. The dedicated validation appliance then determines a validity of the request based on the correlating of a submitted OTP against OTP values independently generated by the dedicated validation appliance based on a large secret key exclusive to a client device that initiated the request. The single point of access to the dedicated validation appliance as well as exclusive sharing of the secret key with only another dedicated validation appliance or one-time with the client device reduces the likelihood of attackers discovering the secret keys.
US09230083B2 Securing application information in system-wide search engines
Securing application information in a shared, system-wide search service, in which each application can register a security filtering module that is to be used at search time to filter data associated with that application. Initial, unfiltered search results are obtained based on the contents of the shared search index, and are organized by application. Previously registered filter modules are called to perform user specific, per-application filtering on the initial results, such that data to which the user issuing the search request does not have access is removed from the search results, resulting in a set of filtered search results that are presented to the user and that contain indications only of data that is accessible to the user.
US09230081B2 User authorization and presence detection in isolation from interference from and control by host central processing unit and operating system
An embodiment may include circuitry to be included, at least in part, in a host. The host may include at least one host central processing unit (CPU) to execute, at least in part, at least one host operating system (OS). The circuitry may perform, at least in part, at least one operation in isolation both from interference from and control by the at least one host CPU and the at least one host OS. The at least one operation may include user authorization determination and user presence determination. The authorization determination may be in response, at least in part, to indication of physical presence of at least one user in proximity to the host. The user presence determination may determine, at least in part, whether, after the indication has been provided, the physical presence of the at least one user in the proximity to the host has ceased.
US09230080B2 Method of starting a computer using a biometric authentication device
A computer is made usable in a short time using a fingerprint authentication device. When a fingerprint authentication device performs authentication successfully, the fingerprint authentication device sends a startup signal to a power controller via a line. The power controller controls a DC/DC converter to supply power to devices. The fingerprint authentication device sets whether normal boot or fast boot that is completed in a shorter time than the normal boot is successful, in a register via a line. In the fast boot, initialization of a USB interface of a line and password input by a user are skipped, and a BIOS accesses a system by single sign-on using a password stored in a secure area.
US09230079B2 Apparatus and method for configuring password and for releasing lock
Methods of configuring a different authority for a plurality of users to use at least one application in an electronic device. User inputs are received to set passwords for respective user levels, where each user level is associated with a different authority to access applications. The passwords are registered for the respective user levels. At least one application is associated with one of the user levels.
US09230072B1 Dynamic identity program templates
An identity management system is described. The identity management system includes a data store to store a generic template for a user interface (UI) of the identity management system and a dynamic UI toolkit installed at a computing system, the dynamic UI toolkit to create a dynamic identity program template (IPT) from the generic template and customization input. In one example, the identity management system receives a first identifier indicating a first type of identity program; determines a first security level in view of the first identifier, determines a first set of identification elements from a plurality of identification elements in view of the first security level and in view of the first identifier, and generates a first template in view of the first set of identification elements.
US09230061B2 System and method for text extraction and contextual decision support
A contextual analysis system that extracts data elements from an unstructured text input; determines whether the extracted data elements are relevant to a predetermined context; and determines, for the extracted elements deemed as relevant, whether the information contained in the relevant data elements complies with a guideline.
US09230056B1 System testing techniques
A pool of test entities, such as test users and test products, is maintained. Parameters for test entities may be received and test entities may be selected from sets of test entities satisfying the parameters. Selection of a test entity from a set of test entities satisfying received parameters may utilize stochastic techniques. When multiple tests are administered simultaneously, test entities may be provided in a manner that ensures that one test does not affect the validity of another test due to the test's activity in connection with the test entities.
US09230051B2 Method of generating voltage island for 3D many-core chip multiprocessor
Provided is a method of forming a voltage island for a 3D many-core chip multiprocessor, the method including setting the priority of a voltage zone based on the heat emission characteristic of the voltage zone; and forming a voltage island by using the priority.
US09230042B2 Displaying a contextual organization chart with awareness
A contextual organization chart based on two selected individuals is constructed from a database of individual names, manager names, and profiles. Awareness data is provided for people in the organization, a people awareness indicator and a nesting control indicator are appended to names in the constructed view. A user may access profile data by selecting a name in the view, expand the view to show additional individuals by selecting a nesting control indicator, or initiate a communication with an individual by selecting an awareness indicator.
US09230035B2 Pushing specific content to a predetermined webpage
A method and an apparatus for pushing specific content for a predetermined webpage, and a website server. The method for pushing specific content for text content on a predetermined webpage comprises: subjecting text content on a predetermined webpage to emotional analysis; determining a matching degree between a result of the emotional analysis and an emotion expressed by specific content to be pushed; and responding to that the matching degree determined above satisfies a predetermined condition, combining a part of the text content with the specific content to be pushed, thereby forming content to be pushed specific for users. By using the technology of the present invention, user can be avoided from feeling disgust for content to be pushed and accuracy of push can be enhanced.
US09230031B2 Identifying and recommending experts using shared posts and interactions
A topic feed is generated for publication or distribution to a set of followers or recipients who have elected to receive the topic feed from the user or based on the subject matter content of a topic input in the topic feed. The topic feed is distributed and includes the topic input. Experts in subject matter can be identified based on the user's topic input and/or text in the topic feed that the followers interact with.
US09230030B2 Method and system for mining websites
One website mining embodiment is for characterizing first time users of a website, collecting user session data of the users visiting the website and identifying first time visitors, determining features of the first time visitors utilizing the user session data, determining rules utilizing the features of the first time visitors, monitoring actions of the first time visitors on the website, updating the rules utilizing the monitored actions of the first time visitors and recommending web content utilizing the rules to the first time visitor.
US09230027B2 System for multiple tasks on a display
A system has a processor and tangible, non-transistory media that stores a program that when executed by the processor is configured to perform operations. The system receives a request from a requesting user to reconfigure a search screen on a display, adds at least one search window to the search screen; receives a plurality of search requests from the search screen, and performs a plurality of searches to perform a separate search resulting in separate search results for each of the search requests provided by the requesting user. Each of the search results is displayed on a separate frame on a display. Other embodiments include operations other than searches.
US09230025B2 Searching for information based on generic attributes of the query
Searching information includes: receiving current query data from a client; extracting generic attribute features of the current query data, wherein the generic attribute features are used for calculating a plurality of confidence degrees of the current query data that correspond to a plurality of categories, each of the confidence degrees indicating a degree of confidence that the current query data belongs to a respective one of the plurality of categories; determining the plurality of confidence degrees of the current query data based at least in part on the generic attribute features; selecting a category based at least in part on the plurality of confidence degrees, the selected category being one of the plurality of categories and having a confidence degree higher than a confidence degree of another category; searching in the selected category for a search result that corresponds to the current query data; and returning the search result.
US09230020B2 Search method, apparatus, and system for providing preview information
A search method, an apparatus, and a system for providing preview information are provided. The search method includes receiving a list of search result items and preview information from a server in real time and outputting the list and the preview information. Therefore, a search time can be efficiently reduced, which enables a user to obtain a desired search result more rapidly.
US09230015B2 Deriving an interestingness measure for a cluster
Groups of connected concepts are identified for a cluster. At least one interestingness measure is computed for each of the groups of connected concepts in the cluster. An interestingness measure for the cluster is derived based on the interestingness measures for the corresponding groups of connected concepts.
US09230013B1 Suffix searching on documents
Embodiments of a system for searching text indices for suffixes are disclosed. Embodiments may include a suffix searching module at a computer configured to receive a query and identify the query as a suffix query, extract a suffix from an identified suffix query and reverse an order of characters in the suffix, and search a secondary index for terms corresponding to the reverse-ordered suffix, the secondary index comprising one or more lists of reverse-ordered terms from a primary index; a search reconfiguration module operably coupled to the suffix searching module and configured to receive from the suffix searching module found terms corresponding to the reverse-ordered suffix and reverse an order of the characters of the found terms; and a search module configured to implement a search of a primary index using reverse-ordered found terms received from the search reconfiguration module.
US09230009B2 Routing of questions to appropriately trained question and answer system pipelines using clustering
Mechanisms for selecting a pipeline of a question and answer (QA) system to process an input question are provided. An input question is received and analyzed to identify at least one feature of the input question. Clustering of the input question, with one or more previously generated clusters of questions, is performed based on the at least one feature of the input question. Based on results of the clustering, a matching cluster, of the one or more previously generated clusters, is identified with which the input question is associated. A QA system pipeline associated with the matching cluster is identified and the input question is processed using the identified QA system pipeline to generate one or more candidate answers for the input question. Each cluster in the one or more previously generated clusters has an associated QA system pipeline.
US09230003B2 Preventing database replication conflicts in a distributed environment
A distributed system of data centers is configured to ensure that all data operations involving specific accounts are performed within a given time frame at only one data center. Once a data center has begun accessing data that is associated with an account, all requests to access or manipulate data for that account are redirected to that data center for a period of time. Thus, the data center becomes not only the “owner” of all data associated with the account for that period of time, but also the servicer of all requests associated with the account. The data center then asynchronously replicates changes to the data associated with the account to the other data centers. Since none of the other data centers are permitted to change the data associated with the account, conflicts in the replicated data are minimized.
US09230000B1 Pipelining Paxos state machines
Paxos transactions are pipelined in a distributed database formed by a plurality of replica servers. A leader server is selected by consensus of the replicas, and receives a lock on leadership for an epoch. The leader gets Paxos log numbers for the current epoch, which are greater than the numbers allocated in previous epochs. The leader receives database write requests, and assigns a Paxos number to each request. The leader constructs a proposed transaction for each request, which includes the assigned Paxos number and incorporates the request. The leader transmits the proposed transactions to the replicas. Two or more write requests that access distinct objects in the database can proceed simultaneously. The leader commits a proposed transaction to the database after receiving a plurality of confirmations for the proposed transaction from the replicas. After all the Paxos numbers have been assigned, inter-epoch tasks are performed before beginning a subsequent epoch.
US09229981B2 Smart query plan with visual optimizations to improve responsiveness
Methods and systems may provide for identifying one or more visualization characteristics of a user interface (UI) associated with an application on a client device and generating a query plan based on the one or more visualization characteristics, a historical performance of a network infrastructure and a current status of the network infrastructure. In addition, a response to a query from the application may be generated in accordance with the query plan. In one example, generating the query plan includes selecting a number of elements in a responsive data set and/or selecting one or more of a plurality of service endpoints in the network infrastructure to handle the query based at least in part on the one or more visualization characteristics.
US09229978B2 Rule-based extendable query optimizer
A query is received which causes an initial data flow graph that includes a plurality of nodes that are used to execute the query is generated. Thereafter, the initial data flow graph is optimized using a model optimizer that includes an optimizer framework and an application programming interface (API). The optimizer framework provides logic to restructure the initial data flow graph and a rules engine for executing one or more optimization rules. The API allows for registration of new optimization rules to be executed by the rules engine. Execution of the query is then initiated using the optimized data flow graph. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
US09229962B2 Information exchange engine providing a critical infrastructure layer and methods of use thereof
A virtual record manager and a data exchange engine are provided for dynamically defining data records in a database and for dynamically allocating instances of defined data records. These components are capable of mediating between the database and application and client interface layers to facilitate exchange of information over a network. Embodiments are configured to allow complex data records having a plurality of related fields, and to allow management and exchange of information at both the data field level and data record level.
US09229961B2 Database management delete efficiency
A method, system, and computer program product to efficiently delete data from a database is disclosed. The method, system, and computer program product may include structuring the database to have a plurality of tables having indexes to related rows and having keys with key values associated with particular rows. The method, system, and computer program product may include deleting rows in the database tables by deleting keys in indexes related to the rows in an order such that corresponding rows are deleted based on relation to the keys. The method, system, and computer program product may include ordering the rows to be deleted based on concepts such as hierarchy, spatial locality, temporal locality, frequency of access, number of rows, and value uniqueness. Comparatively closely related relationships may be prioritized to be deleted.
US09229960B2 Database management delete efficiency
A method, system, and computer program product to efficiently delete data from a database is disclosed. The method, system, and computer program product may include structuring the database to have a plurality of tables having indexes to related rows and having keys with key values associated with particular rows. The method, system, and computer program product may include deleting rows in the database tables by deleting keys in indexes related to the rows in an order such that corresponding rows are deleted based on relation to the keys. The method, system, and computer program product may include ordering the rows to be deleted based on concepts such as hierarchy, spatial locality, temporal locality, frequency of access, number of rows, and value uniqueness. Comparatively closely related relationships may be prioritized to be deleted.
US09229958B2 Retrieving visual media
Examples of the present disclosure may include methods, systems, and computer readable media with executable instructions. An example method for retrieving visual media can include receiving a text query associated with a target content. A first group of visual media is identified based on correspondence of metadata of the visual media with the text query, and keyframes from the first group of identified visual media are selected. The method further includes detecting instances of a content type in the selected keyframes, and grouping similar instances of the content type into clusters. The target content is associated with a cluster having a greatest quantity of similar instances.
US09229957B2 Reference objects and/or facial/body recognition
Five embodiments are disclosed. The first may generate and/or manage reference objects in images. The second may use the reference objects to create 3-D simulations of landscapes, urban settings, architectural models, land management presentations, disaster analysis and/or interactive games. The third may use the reference objects and/or previously presented object schematics to construct provably impartial mug shot folders for law enforcement, alter security processes to support communication of object schematics with a database used to identify people, and/or modify that database to use object schematics. The fourth may access an image with a focal length spread to generate one or more derived images to find the reference images and the items of interest for human facial/body recognition based upon realistic parameters of the reference objects to create/alter the object schematics. The fifth may implement combinations of two or more of the previous four embodiments.
US09229952B1 History preserving data pipeline system and method
A history preserving data pipeline computer system and method. In one aspect, the history preserving data pipeline system provides immutable and versioned datasets. Because datasets are immutable and versioned, the system makes it possible to determine the data in a dataset at a point in time in the past, even if that data is no longer in the current version of the dataset.
US09229947B2 Methods and apparatus to manage process data
Example methods and apparatus to manage process control data are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving a request for process data associated with a field device, searching a database for a descriptor file that includes the requested process data, and accessing the descriptor file to retrieve the process data to display within an application, wherein the process data is retrieved using a schema that specifies that the process data is located at an object referenced by a file entry that is part of a section of a file body included within the file. In the example method, the object may include at least one of an expression to calculate a value using the process data in a mathematical formula or a display transformation to instruct how the process data is to be displayed.
US09229945B2 Computer system for automatic organization, indexing and viewing of information from multiple sources
A computer data processing system including a central processing unit configured with an integrated computer control software system for the management of data objects including dynamic and automatic organization, linking, finding, cross-referencing, viewing and retrieval of multiple objects regardless of nature or source. The system provides an underlying component architecture having an object-oriented database structure and a metadata database structure which stores only one instance of each object while linking the object to multiple collections and domains for grouping into and retrieval from any of the collections. The system employs configurable, extensible attribute/properties of data objects in metadata format, and a user-configurable interface that facilitates information management.
US09229930B2 Normalized ranking of semantic query search results
A method, system, and computer program product for normalized ranking of semantic query search results. The method commences by forming a SPARQL query, the SPARQL query specifying a collection of named RDF graphs, then executing the SPARQL query to retrieve matched documents selected from the collection of named RDF graphs. Having retrieved the matches, the method calculates an absolute normalized score for the matched document. The calculation of an absolute normalized score for a second matched document allows for relevance ranking. To enhance the relationship of the computer-calculated score to the relevance (and not solely to occurrence counts) embodiments consider the number of distinct variables selected in the SPARQL query, and also consider the total number of bindings to the aforementioned variables. For comparing from among possibly different sized documents, a further normalization component is implemented by considering the total number of triples found in the document's underlying subgraph.
US09229928B2 Language learning platform using relevant and contextual content
A method and system for displaying translated text for language learning having content in a first language and a translation thereof in a second language. A user can hover over the content with a mouse to display a popup box containing a content component in the second language corresponding to a content component in the first language. The content components are highlighted as the user hovers over them with the mouse to identify corresponding content components between the first language and the second language. Also provided is an electronic flashcard generated by the user from the content.
US09229915B2 Extended cascading style sheets
A CSSX (Extended Cascading Style Sheets) file including non-CSS (Cascading Style Sheet) extensions is used to define and reference variables and inheritance sets. A CSSX file compiler determines a value of the defined variable, modifies the CSSX file by replacing all references to the defined variable with the value, and generates the CSS file from the modified CSSX file. The inheritance set is defined in the CSSX file and includes a reference to a previously defined CSS rule set. The CSSX file compiler defines a new CSS rule set as a function of the determined attributes included in the previously defined CSS rule set of the defined inheritance set and generates the CSS file including the newly defined CSS rule set.
US09229904B2 Diagnostic method and diagnostic device for a vehicle component of a vehicle
A diagnostic method for a vehicle component of a vehicle, an operating parameter of the vehicle component being detected during an operation of the vehicle and a status message corresponding to a status of the vehicle component being transmitted to a vehicle-external server as a function of the detected operating parameter for an analysis of the status message, a message based on the analysis of the status message being transmitted to a receiving device. The invention furthermore relates to a corresponding diagnostic device, a corresponding diagnostic system, as well as a computer program is also described.
US09229898B2 Causation isolation using a configuration item metric identified based on event classification
Based on an event classification for an event of a cross-domain computing environment, a metric of a configuration item is obtained and used to isolate a causation of the event, wherein the event is a symptom or occurrence of an operational problem of at least one computing device in the cross-domain computing environment.
US09229879B2 Power reduction using unmodified information in evicted cache lines
Embodiments of the present disclosure describe techniques and configurations to reduce power consumption using unmodified information in evicted cache lines. A method includes identifying unmodified information of a cache line stored in a cache of a processor, tracking the unmodified information using a bit vector comprising one or more bits to indicate the unmodified information of the cache line, and selectively suppressing a write operation or send operation for the unmodified information of the cache line that is evicted from the cache to an input/output (I/O) component coupled to the cache, the selective suppressing being based on the one or more bits, and the I/O component being an outer component external to the cache. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
US09229877B2 Method and apparatus for optimal cache sizing and configuration for large memory systems
A method for configuring a large hybrid memory subsystem having a large cache size in a computing system where one or more performance metrics of the computing system are expressed as an explicit function of configuration parameters of the memory subsystem and workload parameters of the memory subsystem. The computing system hosts applications that utilize the memory subsystem, and the performance metrics cover the use of the memory subsystem by the applications. A performance goal containing values for the performance metric is identified for the computing system. These values for the performance metrics are used in the explicit function of performance metrics, configuration parameters and workload parameters to calculate values for the configuration parameters that achieve the identified performance goal. The calculated values of the configuration parameters are implemented in the memory subsystem.
US09229876B2 Method and system for dynamic compression of address tables in a memory
A method and system are disclosed for handling logical-to-physical mapping and increasing the amount of mapping table information that may be stored in a cache in volatile memory. The method includes the storage device storing in fast access memory, such as RAM, a copy of only a portion of the complete mapping information for non-volatile memory of the storage device using a compressed format by compressing the mapping data when a skip pattern of interleaved sequential writes to non-volatile memory are found in the mapping information. The system includes a storage device having volatile memory, non-volatile memory and a controller in communication with the volatile and non-volatile memory that is configured to carry out the method noted above.
US09229857B2 Method for wear leveling in a nonvolatile memory
A method for writing and reading data memory cells, comprising: defining in a first memory zone erasable data pages and programmable data blocks; and, in response to write commands of data, writing data in erased blocks of the first memory zone, and writing, in a second memory zone, metadata structures associated with data pages and comprising, for each data page, a wear counter containing a value representative of the number of times that the page has been erased.
US09229850B1 Mapping data storage and virtual machines
A method is used in mapping data storage and virtual machines. A logical volume from a data storage system is provided for use by a hypervisor. The hypervisor is queried through a web service to identify a virtual machine of the hypervisor. It is determined that the virtual machine is using the logical volume.
US09229846B1 Testing application code changes using a state assertion framework
Systems and methods are disclosed for analyzing application code changes. The method may include adding instrumentation code to a selected one or more of a plurality of software objects associated with an application, when a corresponding object class for the selected software objects matches at least one preferred object class. In response to at least one application-related event, detecting using the instrumentation code, one or more state changes of the selected software objects or one or more communications between at least two of the selected software objects. At least one baseline assertion may be generated using the instrumentation code based on the one or more state changes or communications. A notification may be generated upon detecting at least one subsequent assertion that does not match the at least one baseline assertion. A list with the at least one preferred object class may be accessed in a configuration file.
US09229844B2 System and method for monitoring web service
Provided are a system and a method for monitoring a web service. The web service monitoring system includes a management module configured to provide an interface for receiving an test scenario and a policy for a simulation test of a target system from an administrator and outputting the simulation test result of the target system to the administrator, a database configured to store the received policy and test scenario, and an agent configured to access the target system according to the test scenario and the policy stored in the database and carry out the simulation test of the target system.
US09229842B2 Active waterfall charts for continuous, real-time visualization of website performance data
A processor-implemented method includes providing an analytic dashboard with a graphical user interface (GUI) that outputs aggregated results streaming in real-time of a load test performed on a target website. The load test consists of a plurality of virtual users simulated by one or more load servers that execute a test composition on one or more webpages of the website. A waterfall chart is produced on the analytic dashboard that includes a plurality of timeline bars. Each of the timeline bars represents an aggregated result for a resource of the one or more webpages across all of the virtual users. The timeline bars change in real-time as the load test progresses.
US09229841B2 Systems and methods for detecting errors and recording actions on a bus
Systems and methods to detect errors and record actions on a bus are disclosed. In one embodiment, the bus is a serial low-power interchip media bus (SLIMbus) within a computing device. The SLIMbus is coupled to peripherals and a sniffer is positioned within the computing device and coupled to the SLIMbus. The sniffer mimics another SLIMbus peripheral. However, the sniffer uses a pair of multiplexers to know when to record data on the SLIMbus. The data, including the control header and payload of the data signal is captured and logged. The logged data is then exported to memory where it can be further processed so as to help debug communication on the SLIMbus.
US09229837B1 Sensor array evaluation tool and method
A method for evaluating a sensor array includes providing software having the sensor array topology, relating array elements to hardware components. Data from the array elements is collected and evaluated to determine operative components. Displays of the determinations are generated allowing a user to diagnose sensor array failures. Other aspects of the invention provide for automatic array failure diagnosis and improvement of sensor array directivity. An additional aspect provides a system for evaluating a sensor array incorporating a computer with a database and a display.
US09229835B2 Method and apparatus for monitoring state of online application
An online application system and a method for implementing an online application system are disclosed. A method for implementing the online application system includes a) receiving a user search request from a user browser; b) searching for a match according to the search request and obtaining an online application that matches with the search request to form a search result page; and c) presenting the online application before the user browser in a form as a canvas page which is embedded in the search result page and is directly accessible from the search result page. The present disclosure also provides an online application system. The technical solutions disclosed herein allow a user to directly search out an online application via a search engine without a need to click multi-level linkages, thereby providing a quick and convenient search process which enhances the users' experiences with networks.
US09229825B2 Quick failover of blade server
Failover process for switching from a “failing” blade server to a “replacing” blade server. This process includes the following steps: (i) booting a replacing blade server to a set of operating system(s) including a first operating system; and (ii) subsequent to the booting of the replacing blade server, sending command data to the replacing blade server. The command data includes a command for the replacing blade server to configure itself to replace the failing blade server.
US09229824B2 Caching rebuilt encoded data slices in a dispersed storage network
A method begins with a processing module of a computing device of a dispersed storage network (DSN) executing a rebuild function to produce a rebuilt encoded data slice for storage in a targeted storage unit of the DSN. When the targeted storage unit is currently unavailable, the method continues with the processing module storing the rebuilt encoded data slice in local memory of the computing device, recording storage of the rebuilt encoded data slice in the local memory, and recording that the targeted storage unit is currently unavailable. When the targeted storage unit is currently available, the method continues with the processing module sending the rebuilt encoded data slice to the targeted storage unit and recording storage of the rebuilt encoded data slice by the targeted storage unit.
US09229823B2 Storage and retrieval of dispersed storage network access information
A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module receiving a certificate signing request (CSR) from a user device. The method continues with the DS processing module generating a set of hidden passwords based on the CSR and accessing a set of authenticating units to obtain a set of passkeys. The method continues with the DS processing module retrieving a set of encrypted shares and decrypting the set of encrypted shares to produce a set of encoded shares. The method continues with the DS processing module decoding the set of encoded shares to recapture a private key and generating a user signed certificate based on the private key. The method continues with the DS processing module discarding the private key to substantially protect the private key from the user device and outputting the user signed certificate to the user device.
US09229822B2 Data disaster recovery
A system includes a production computer machine that includes an operating system and a driver stack. The driver stack includes a file system layer, a recovery driver, a storage layer, a driver layer, a bus driver layer, and a storage device. The system also includes a backup computer processor coupled to the production computer machine via the recovery driver. The recovery driver is configured to commence a recovery of data from the backup computer processor, receive a disk access request from the file system layer, determine if the disk access request accesses data that has not yet been recovered from the backup computer processor, and initiate an on-demand recovery request from the backup computer processor when the data has not been recovered from the backup computer processor.
US09229816B2 Hybrid system architecture for random access memory
Provided is a hybrid RAID controller coupled to a system control board. Coupled to the hybrid RAID controller are a DDR RAID controller, a RAM RAID controller, and a HDD/Flash RAID controller. A DDR RAID control block is coupled to the DDR RAID controller and includes (among other things) a set of DDR memory disks. Further, a RAM control block is coupled to the RAM RAID controller and includes a set of RAM SSDs. Still yet, a HDD RAID control block is coupled to the HDD/Flash RAID controller and includes a set of HDD/Flash SSD Units.
US09229809B2 Nonvolatile media journaling of verified data sets
The storage of data sets in a storage set (e.g., data sets written to hard disk drives comprising a RAID array) may diminish the performance of the storage set through non-sequential writes, particularly if the storage devices promptly write data sets that are followed by sequentially following data sets. Additionally, storage sets may exhibit inconsistencies due to non-atomic writes of data sets and verifiers (e.g., checksums) and an intervening failure, such as an occurrence of the RAID write hole. Instead, data sets and verifiers may first be written to a stored on the nonvolatile media of a storage device before being committed to the storage set. Such writes may be sequentially written to the journal, irrespective of the locations of the data sets in the storage set; and recovery of a failure may simply involve re-committing the consistent records in the journal to correct incomplete writes to the storage set.
US09229804B2 Mitigating inter-cell coupling effects in non volatile memory (NVM) cells
A system, computer readable medium and a method of operating a non volatile memory (NVM) array that comprises multiple NVM cells, the method comprises: receiving input data to be written to the non volatile memory; performing constraint coding on the input data to provide encoded data; wherein the constraint coding prevents the encoded data from comprising forbidden combinations of values; wherein the forbidden combinations of values are defined based on expected inter-cell coupling induced errors resulting from coupling between NVM cells; and writing the encoded data to the non volatile memory.
US09229794B1 Signaling service interface module
Generating a signaling service message for a message group of a sysplex coupled together using a signaling service includes executing, on a computer, a data transfer application that communicates with a respective partner data transfer application on each member of the message group, the data transfer application comprised of a plurality of interworking modules including an interface module. Generating the message also includes receiving by the interface module a request from one of the other interworking modules that is related to sending the signaling service message; and based on the request, determining by the interface module a type of message for the signaling service message. Based on the type of message, the interface module identifies a corresponding routine of an operating system executing on the computer which will generate the signaling service message; and invoking the corresponding routine which causes the operating system to generate the signaling service message.
US09229777B2 Dynamically relocating workloads in a networked computing environment
Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for dynamically relocating a set of workloads among geographic regions of a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment) based on infrastructure/computing resource needs. In a typical embodiment, it is determined whether a first geographic region of the networked computing environment has a first set of computing resources with an available capacity that meets a needed capacity for handling a set of workloads that is initially associated with the first geographic region. If not, a second geographic region of the networked computing environment having a second set of computing resources with the needed capacity is identified. In general, this determination can be made based upon multiple factors such as: a set of performance requirements, stored in at least one computer data structure, needed to handle the set of workloads; a set of environmental parameters, stored in the at least one computer data structure, having a potential to affect the handling of the set of workloads; and/or a set of cost parameters, stored in the at least one computer data structure, associated with handling the set of workloads. Once the second geographic region has been identified, the set of workloads can be associated with and handled thereby.
US09229770B2 Invoking timed iterator for executing tasks within timeout constraint without spawning new thread
A computer implemented method for processing tasks is disclosed. The method includes invoking a timed iterator, during an event loop pass, without spawning a new thread, wherein the invoking includes passing a task list and a timeout constraint to the timed iterator. The method further includes executing one or more tasks in the task list for a period of time as specified in the timeout constraint, and relinquishing program control to a caller after the period of time.
US09229763B2 Virtual media shelf
A method and system for providing a guest with virtual media that can be read by the guest. A hypervisor hosted by a computer system presents a guest-to-host channel to a guest in the computer system. The hypervisor receives content from the guest via the guest-to-host channel, the content to be stored and managed by the hypervisor in a memory area associated with the guest in the computer system, the memory area not being directly accessible to the guest. The hypervisor then receives a request from the guest indicating that the guest is to perform at least one operation on the content, and provides the content for the guest to perform the at least one operation.
US09229750B1 Virtual machine networking
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for receiving one or more respective socket commands from a virtual machine socket core, the one or more respective socket commands being associated with a respective socket destination address; determining, based on the one or more respective socket commands and the respective socket destination address, whether to communicate data associated with the one or more respective socket commands to a host virtual socket device; and in response to determining to communicate the data associated with the one or more respective socket commands to the host virtual socket device, converting the socket destination address to a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) address and communicating the data associated with the one or more respective socket commands and the URI address between the host virtual socket device.
US09229742B2 Registration of electronic device to server
When a user management server apparatus transmits session information to a user terminal apparatus operated by a user, and receives the session information from an electronic device via a network, the user management server apparatus registers a correspondence relationship between the user who operates the user terminal apparatus and the electronic device. A temporary registration server apparatus receives the session information from the user terminal apparatus and transmits the session information and address information on the network of the user management server apparatus which should be a transmission destination of the session information to the electronic device.
US09229736B2 Method and apparatus for controlling interrupt in portable terminal
A method and an apparatus for controlling an interrupt in a portable terminal are provided. The method includes executing an application based on user's control, determining whether an event occurs during the application execution, displaying information representing the event occurrence on a screen while continuing the application execution, and determining whether to interrupt the application by the event based on user's control.
US09229727B2 Interactive display device
A device is configured to receive information that identifies entity representations, receive first entity information associated with a first entity representation, and receive second entity information associated with a second entity representation. The device is configured to generate a first tag associated with the first entity representation, and generate a second tag associated with the second entity representation. The device is configured to receive user input information including information regarding user selections of entity representations, determine a relationship between the first tag and the second tag, and store an association between the first and second entity representations. The device is configured to detect an interaction associated with the first entity representation, and to provide the second entity representation based on the interaction and based on the association between the first and the second entity representations.
US09229726B2 Converged call flow and web service application integration using a processing engine
Given a SIP call flow definition and WSDL extended with SIP/call flow interactions, a converged application integration (CAI) engine provides service-oriented application practitioners with an ability to reuse existing Web services integration techniques in a new converged application integration green space. The converged application integration engine “wraps” a pre-existing converged Web service/SIP or a SIP-only application, listens to application-specific signaling, and based on a supplied WSDL with SIP/call flow extensions, makes and accepts interaction requests using Web services. Given a SIP call flow definition, a WSDL extended with SIP/call flow interactions, and the converged application integration engine, a converged application execution (CAE) engine that greatly eases developing new converged applications. At runtime, the CAE engine “stitches” the signaling onto the decomposed servlet model by following the WSDL extended with SIP/call flow interactions. At appropriate binding points, the CAE engine invokes the listener callback interfaces.
US09229725B2 Safe conditional-load and conditional-store operations
One embodiment is a computer-implemented method for safe conditional operation when storage access cannot be proven safe. The method includes receiving a portion of source code for a transaction by an enhanced compiler and. The portion of source code received is analyzed, by the enhanced compiler, to determine whether the portion of source code is a candidate for transformation. Responsive to a determination that the portion of source code analyzed by the enhanced compiler is a candidate for transformation, the portion of the source code analyzed is transformed, by a computer processor, to use a conditional operation in a first portion of the transformed code. The conditional operation uses hardware transaction memory to invoke retry operations within hardware. A branch is added, directed to an original code portion, in a second portion of transformed code, where the branch is a recovery portion containing the original code portion.
US09229713B2 Processor for executing wide operand operations using a control register and a results register
A programmable processor and method for improving the performance of processors by expanding at least two source operands, or a source and a result operand, to a width greater than the width of either the general purpose register or the data path width. The present invention provides operands which are substantially larger than the data path width of the processor by using the contents of a general purpose register to specify a memory address at which a plurality of data path widths of data can be read or written, as well as the size and shape of the operand. In addition, several instructions and apparatus for implementing these instructions are described which obtain performance advantages if the operands are not limited to the width and accessible number of general purpose registers.
US09229709B2 Polyphasic modules for software development
The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates the development and maintenance of a software program. This system includes a software development kit (SDK) and a runtime system for the software program. During operation, the system associates classes of the software program with module declarations for a set of modules and uses the module declarations to manage dependencies in the software program throughout the life cycle of the software program.
US09229707B2 Zero downtime mechanism for software upgrade of a distributed computer system
In a distributed computer system with cluster architecture, a number of service requests are redirected from a first instance of the cluster to a second instance of the cluster for execution. A software patch is applied to one or more software components running on an application server node of the first instance of the cluster. A number of service requests are redirected from the second instance of the cluster to the first instance of the cluster for execution. The software patch is applied on the one or more software components running on an application server node of the second instance of the cluster. A number of new service requests are directed to the upgraded second instance of the cluster for processing.
US09229704B2 Smart vehicle reflash with battery state of charge (SOC) estimator
Electronic modules in motor vehicles are reflashed without encountering errors due to insufficient electrical power becoming available during a reflashing. A server system stores a database of update files together with data corresponding to a respective current draw and a respective reflash time associated with the respective update files when applied in each respective vehicle. A vehicle sends pedigree information to the server system which then identifies relevant update files and corresponding current draw and reflash time data for the particular vehicle. The relevant update files and corresponding data are sent to the particular vehicle. A state of charge of a battery in the vehicle is determined. A depleted state of charge is estimated that would remain after applying a relevant update file. The update file is not applied if the estimated depleted state of charge is less than a predetermined state of charge.
US09229703B1 User controlled environment updates in server cluster
A system and method of deploying operating environments in an enterprise computing environment comprised of managed virtual or hardware servers is disclosed. A library of operating environments, each environment including at least one package including an operating system image and an application, is provided. A user controlling a cluster of servers may request creation of a test environment using an operating environment from the library, and test the environment with applications to ensure the user's needs are met. The user may request all servers within the user's cluster be provisioned with the operating environment through a deployment manager.
US09229692B2 Processing proposed program code libraries in a networked computing environment
An integrated development environment (IDE)-based approach for processing/analyzing proposed program code libraries as a replacement for existing program code libraries in a networked computing environment is provided. A set of annotations associated with a set of program code files and a proposed (e.g., new, modified, etc.) program code library are received in an integrated development environment (IDE). It may then be determined whether the proposed program code library is an excluded program code library based on the set of annotations. It may also be determined whether the proposed program code library meets one or more thresholds for replacing an existing program code library. If the proposed program code library is not excluded and meets the threshold(s), the proposed program code library may then be provided to a computer device hosting the IDE (e.g., for implementation).
US09229681B2 Method and apparatus for smart voice recognition
A display device with a voice recognition capability may be used to allow a user to speak voice commands for controlling certain features of the display device. As a means for increasing operational efficiency, the display device may utilize a plurality of voice recognition units where each voice recognition unit may be assigned a specific task.
US09229680B2 Enhanced voice command of computing devices
Embodiments provide user access to software functionality such as enterprise-related software applications and accompanying actions and data. An example method includes receiving natural language input; analyzing the natural language input and selecting one or more portions of the natural language input; employing the one or more keywords to select software functionality; and presenting one or more user interface controls in combination with a representation of the natural language input, wherein the one or more user interface controls are adapted to facilitate user access to the software functionality. In a more specific embodiment, the natural language input is functionally augmented via in-line tagging of keywords or phrases, wherein the tags act as user interface controls for accessing selected software functionality.
US09229673B2 Printing apparatus which prints on a sheet conveyed from one of sheet storage units
It is determined whether an attribute of the sheet of a printing target job is different from the attribute of a sheet in a sheet storage unit designated by the attribute of the sheet of the job. When it is determined that the attribute of the sheet of the printing target job is different from the attribute of the sheet in the sheet storage unit, it is determined whether the attribute of the sheet of another job also designates the sheet storage unit. When it is determined that the attribute of the sheet of the other job also designates the sheet storage unit, a warning about a change of the attribute of the sheet in the sheet storage unit is displayed.
US09229671B2 Method of embedding optical security feature using virtual printer and security feature service
A method for embedding an optical security feature in a digital document with a virtual printer and a security feature service and then sending the digital document to a hardware printer.
US09229658B2 Status information saving among multiple computers
Provided are techniques for status information saving among multiple computers. In one embodiment, a selected computer is operated using a plurality of input/output devices over switched input/output signal paths passing through a KVM (keyboard video mouse) switch positioned between the selected computer and the plurality of input/output devices. Status data is carried over signal paths passing through the KVM switch wherein the status data represents status information for a plurality of computers connected to the KVM switch. The status data passing through the KVM switch is stored in a memory coupled to the KVM switch. Other embodiments are described and claimed. Other embodiments are contemplated, depending upon the particular application.
US09229657B1 Redistributing data in a distributed storage system based on attributes of the data
Accesses to a number of data blocks stored in a distributed storage are observed. Following observation of the accesses, the stored data blocks are redistributed. In one aspect, redistribution of the data blocks includes determining the access patterns for one or more of the data blocks based on the observed accesses, and determining the storage sizes for the one or more data blocks. Thereafter, based on the determined access patterns and determined storage sizes, the one or more data blocks are sorted. Subsequently, the one or more data blocks are redistributed or rebalanced across a number of storage devices of the distributed storage based on the sorting. In one aspect, the one or more data blocks are redistributed according to either a uniform distribution scheme or a proportional distribution scheme.
US09229652B2 Computer system and storage control method of the same
A computer system dynamically assigns the storage capacity from pool volumes to the access target in the higher-level system, and can immediately respond to the change of the status of the pool having the pool volumes. The control device provides a plurality of first pools, provides a second pool, allocates a storage area from one of the first pools to a logical area of the logical volume to store data to the logical area, and stores the data in the allocated storage area, adds at least one of the one or more pool volumes in the second pool to the first pool, according to the status of the first pool, and adds at least one pool volume provided by storage areas of at least one storage device to the second pool, according to the status of the second pool.
US09229650B2 Graphics processing method for three-dimensional images applied to first buffer for storing right-view contents and second buffer for storing left-view contents and related graphics processing apparatus thereof
A graphics processing method for three-dimensional images, applied to a first buffer for storing right-view contents and a second buffer for storing left-view contents, includes the following steps: sending drawing commands respectively related to the right-view contents and the left-view contents to a drawing engine; when a current Vsync status indicates that a display engine is not operating within a right Vsync period of a right-view frame, the drawing engine drawing the right-view contents stored in first buffer; when current Vsync status indicates that the display engine is not operating within a left Vsync period of a left-view frame, the drawing engine drawing the left-view contents stored in second buffer; during the right Vsync period of the right-view frame, the display engine displaying right-view contents stored in first buffer; and during the left Vsync period of the left-view frame, the display engine displaying left-view contents stored in second buffer.
US09229630B2 User interface for a portable oxygen concentrator
A user interface for a portable oxygen concentration system. The user interface includes a touch screen and a controller coupled to the touch screen. The controller is configured to detect when a first portion of the touch screen is contacted by a user, and thereafter operate the touch screen for displaying an icon on a second portion of the touch screen.
US09229616B2 Methods and systems for arranging media objects on a display screen to compensate for user disabilities
Methods and systems are disclosed herein for arranging media objects on a display screen to compensate for disabilities of a user. For example, if a media guidance application determines that, based on a particular disability, a user cannot see (or has limited vision with respect to) a portion of a screen displaying a media asset, the media guidance application alters the arrangement of media objects in the media asset to compensate for the disability.
US09229613B2 Transitions among hierarchical user interface components
In one embodiment, one or more components of a user interface are arranged in a hierarchy of layers. The user interface is presented according to the structure of the hierarchy, with a first component of the user interface presented at a first layer. One or more second component are presented at a second layer, the second components being one or more children of the first component and the second layer being one layer above the first layer. Each child component of a parent component is locked to their respective parent component.
US09229609B2 Navigable visualization of a hierarchical data structure
An example system generates, for a target data set, a navigable space based upon quantitatively-visualized menus. The navigable space is provided within a viewing area on a display device and comprises a stacked bar chart at the left end of a viewing area and, on the right end of the viewing area, a bar graph comprising set of bars. The stacked bar chart is also usable as an actionable menu.
US09229608B2 Character display apparatus, character display method, and computer readable medium
A character display apparatus, a character display method, and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a character display program are capable of automatically avoiding a handwriting character being illegible during input of the character by detecting an overlap between lines to be drawn during drawing based on trajectory data of a handwriting character to determine a presence/absence of an illegible part. If it is determined that an illegible part is present, the thickness of the handwriting character is automatically selected again to be thinner and the image of the handwriting character is drawn again, which avoids illegible part occurring in the handwriting character without inputting the character all over again.
US09229603B2 Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer-readable mediums for provisioning petrotechnical workflows in a cloud computing environment
A method, system, and computer readable storage medium according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, may provide a cloud computing environment (CCE) that includes a plurality of resources, and receives, at the CCE, a request from a user for performing a petrotechnical workflow. The user may be remotely located with respect to the CCE. Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure may provision one or more of the plurality of resources for performing the petrotechnical workflow; perform the petrotechnical workflow using the one or more provisioned resources; and associate a cost with usage of the one or more provisioned resources for performing the petrotechnical workflow.
US09229589B2 Display device with integrated touch screen and method for driving the same
A display device with an integrated touch screen including a display panel including electrodes divided into a plurality of block type groups and a plurality of data lines; a display driver IC configured to apply a common voltage to the electrodes when a driving mode of the panel is a display driving mode, sequentially apply a touch scan signal to each block type group when the driving mode of the panel is a touch driving mode, and apply a data signal to the data lines associated with a corresponding block type group when the touch scan signal is applied to the corresponding block type group; and a touch IC configured to generate the touch scan signal and apply the touch scan signal to the display driver IC.
US09229588B2 Touch-sensitive display
A touch-sensitive display includes a sense electrode comprising a first conductor having a first elongate edge and a second elongate edge that is longer than the first elongate edge, and a second conductor having a third elongate edge and a fourth elongate edge that is longer than the third elongate edge, wherein the first conductor is coupled to the second conductor and spaced from the second conductor such that a first distance from an end of the second elongate edge to an end of the fourth elongate edge is less than a second distance from an end of the first elongate edge to an end of the third elongate edge. The touch-sensitive display also includes a drive electrode spaced from the first conductor and the second conductor and extending between the first conductor and the second conductor.
US09229580B2 System and method for detecting object in three-dimensional space using infrared sensors
A system for detecting an object in three-dimensional space includes: four emitters defining a rectangular detection area, the emitters being disposed around the four vertices of the rectangular detection area respectively; two receivers being disposed at the midpoints of two edges of the rectangular detection area respectively; and an electronic controller being connected with the emitters and the receivers and configured to control the emitters to radiate light in predetermined wavelengths, to control the receivers to capture light in the predetermined wavelengths reflected by the object and thereby output a plurality of signals, and to convert the signals into coordinates of the object.
US09229572B2 Touch device and driving method thereof
A touch device includes a touch panel that includes driving lines, sensing lines, a virtual key, a self-sensing line, and a shielding line. The touch panel has a display region and a non-display region. The driving lines extend along a first direction in the display region and further extend into the non-display region. The sensing lines extend along a second direction in the display region and extend into the non-display region. The first direction is different from the second direction. The virtual key is located in the non-display region and between the driving lines and the sensing lines to shield the driving lines from the sensing lines. Each of the self-sensing line and the shielding line is located in the non-display region, connected to the virtual key, and located between the driving lines and the sensing lines to shield the driving lines from the sensing lines.
US09229571B2 Method for adjusting the user interface of a device
A method adjusting a user interface experience for a device that includes providing a user interface to retrieve a user input, providing a tactile interface layer that defines a surface and includes a volume of fluid and a displacement device 10 that manipulates the volume of fluid to deform a particular region of the surface into a tactilely distinguishable formation retrieving a user preference between a first type, location, and/or timing and a second embodiment, location, and/or timing through the user interface, and manipulating the volume of fluid to deform a particular region of the surface into a tactilely distinguishable formation of one of the first and second type, location, and/or timing is disclosed.
US09229569B2 Safety protection method and device of electronic device touch screen
The present invention discloses a safety protection device of an electronic device touch screen including a detection module, a control processing module and a self-destroying/alarming execution module, wherein the detection module is used for applying excitation signals on an electrical pin of the touch screen and detecting corresponding electrical characteristic value to serve as characteristic information, and the control processing module is used for receiving the characteristic information and judging whether the characteristic information is in consistency with prestored standard characteristic information, controlling normal working of the electronic device if the result of judgment is yes and controlling the electronic device to stop working and enabling the self-destroying/alarming execution module to carry out actions of self information destroying/alarming transmission if not. The device of the present invention can greatly improve safety performance of electronic device. Simultaneously, the present invention provides a corresponding safety protection method.
US09229566B2 Manufacturing method of flexible display device and manufacturing method of touch screen panel
Provided is a method of manufacturing a flexible display device, comprising: forming a concavo-convex area comprising a first concavo-convex pattern on one surface of a carrier substrate; forming a flexible substrate on the one surface of the carrier substrate; forming a display element configured to display an image on the flexible substrate; and separating the flexible substrate from the carrier substrate.
US09229563B2 Foldable touch screen panel
A foldable touch screen panel includes a thin film substrate including polymer resin, a sensing electrode part including a plurality of sensing electrodes patterned on a surface of the thin film substrate, and a metallic wiring part including a plurality of metallic wirings located outside the sensing electrode part and coupled to an end of the sensing electrodes, wherein the sensing electrode part includes a foldable area and a non-foldable area where at least a portion of the sensing electrode part is removed.
US09229562B2 Information processing apparatus and storage medium for storing information processing program
An input coordinate point on a display device is obtained from a pointing device. Based on the input coordinate point, an object is moved to a position in the virtual space, the position corresponding to the input coordinate point. Then, the display device is caused to display the virtual space on a display area. As the object moves in the virtual game world, the entire displayable area on the display area that represents the virtual world is set, only a subset of which is displayed on the display area based on the position of the object, which subset scrolls along with the movement of the object. Depending on the position on the displayed area in accordance with the movement of the object, either the displayed area moves or a position of the object relative to the displayed area moves.
US09229559B2 Display device and method for producing same
A display device (100) of the present invention is configured in such a manner that a liquid crystal module (30) is inserted in the inside (of the inner faces) of a positioning frame (20) that is attached to a top window (10). This eliminates the need to consider a positioning tolerance for the attachment. As a result, the display device can be reduced in size and a narrow frame can be achieved.
US09229555B2 Touch screen panel and method of manufacturing the same
In one aspect, a touch screen panel and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. In some embodiments, the touch screen panel includes a substrate including a sensing region and a peripheral region, a plurality of first sensing patterns, a plurality of second sensing patterns, and an insulating layer, where the insulating layer is patterned so that both sides of the second sensing patterns are exposed.
US09229548B2 Reconfigurable objects for touch panel interaction
Systems disclosed herein provide objects that are capable of altering a configuration of touch points in contact with a surface of a touch-sensitive system. In one embodiment, an object includes an outer member, an intermediate member, and an inner member. The outer member has an opening between a top surface and a bottom surface. The intermediate member has an opening between a top surface and a bottom surface, where the intermediate member fits within the opening of the outer member. The inner member fits within the opening of the intermediate member and has a bottom surface. The bottom surface of each of the members includes a touch point. A contact with the surface for each touch point is coplanar when the members are fit together. Further, the configuration of touch points in contact with the surface defines an identifier for the object to the touch-sensitive system.
US09229538B2 Information input unit and electronic device
An information input unit includes a carrying module disposed on a base and movable between a first position and a second position, and an input module disposed on and moveable along with the carrying module. The input module includes a touch-pad mechanism including a touch pad configured to be pressed to a pressed position and to generate a touch signal upon being touched, a resilient supporting mechanism resiliently supporting the touch pad to enable the touch pad to return to its original position from the pressed position, and a pressing mechanism disposed below the touch pad and configured to generate a pressing signal upon being pressed by the touch pad.
US09229537B2 Covering structure, input device, and manufacturing method of covering structure
A covering structure including a bottom covering layer, a top covering layer, and a thermoplastic material layer is disclosed. The thermoplastic material layer is laminated between the bottom covering layer and the top covering layer. The thermoplastic material layer includes a first thermoplastic material layer part and a second thermoplastic material layer part that are connected to each other. The first thermoplastic material layer part has a first thickness. The second thermoplastic material layer part has a second thickness. The first thickness is larger than the thickness of the top covering layer. The first thickness is 4˜7 times of the second thickness. The disclosure further discloses an input device using the covering structure and a manufacturing method of the covering structure.
US09229534B2 Asymmetric mapping for tactile and non-tactile user interfaces
A method, including receiving, by a computer, a sequence of signals indicating a motion of a hand of a user within a predefined area, and segmenting the area into multiple regions. Responsively to the signals, a region is identified in which the hand is located, and a mapping ration is assigned to the motion of the hand based on a direction of the motion and the region in which the hand is located. Using the assigned mapping ratio, a cursor on a display is presented responsively to the indicated motion of the hand.
US09229520B2 Managing gateway access
A storage system provides a content manager configured to initiate transfer of media content from a first device to a second device. Responsive to a transfer request from the second device and during the transfer, gateway logic coupled to the content manager disables a gateway executing on the first device, responsive to the transfer request from the second device. Power logic coupled to the content manager enters a low power mode in the first device, responsive to completion of the transfer of the media content from the first device to the second device.
US09229518B1 Wake-on-frame for frame processing devices
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with wake-on-frame mechanisms are described. According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a packet source configured to send packets to a frame processing device and a wake-on-frame mechanism that is selectable by the frame processing device between an enabled state and a disabled state. If the wake-on-frame mechanism is in the enabled state, a packet source that has a frame to send to the frame processing device sends a wake signal to the frame processing device prior to sending the packet. The packet source sends the packet to the frame processing device after receiving a ready signal from the frame processing device.
US09229516B2 Methods, devices, and computer program products for maintaining network presence while conserving power consumption
Network presence of a computing device in a cloud computing network is maintained while power consumption of the computing device is reduced. When the computing device is determined to enter an idle state, at least some of the operations of the computing device running in a virtual machine environment are migrated to a server within the cloud computing network while maintaining connectivity of the computing device to the cloud computing network. When the computing device is determined to be in the idle state, the computing device is put into a sleep mode to reduce power consumption of the computing device. When the computing device is determined to be in an active state, the computing device is woken, and the migrated operations are returned from the server to the computing device. This reduces power consumption of the computing device while maintaining the network presence of the computing device in the cloud computing network.
US09229510B2 Power management method for electro-chemical batteries in low capacity state
A power management method for electro-chemical batteries in low capacity state is provided, including: obtaining battery information based on device hardware, to know in advance the maximum allowable current and maximum allowable power when the battery power is low; by detecting the changes in the voltage versus current, updating BCC curve; using BCC curve as power budget to control the ON/OFF of device function thread; and determining whether the minimum battery capacity and the control restriction are reached, and when the minimum battery capacity and the control restriction are reached, turn off the battery through normal shutdown process; otherwise, return to the step of obtaining battery information.
US09229507B1 Managing data center power usage
Techniques for managing a power usage of a computing device include receiving a set of executable instructions to perform a task on a computer of a plurality of computers; determining whether an expected amount of power used by the computer to execute the set of executable instructions to perform the task will exceed a desired power budget; based on the determination that the expected amount of power to execute the set of executable instructions will exceed the desired power budget, modifying the set of executable instructions; and executing the modified set of executable instructions at the computer to perform the task. The computer uses an actual amount of power to execute the modified set of executable instructions, and the actual amount of power is different than the expected amount of power.
US09229505B2 Power control apparatus
There is provided a power control apparatus including a power supply control unit that executes power supply control with respect to a device connected to a power supply line, a connector that is connected to a cable to perform versatile communication between the power supply control unit and an external device, and a switch that is provided at a predetermined position of a circumferential portion of the connector and physically intercepts the versatile communication between the power supply control unit and the external device.
US09229504B1 Power bus aggregated from shelf-level bus elements
A system includes a rack with shelves and one or more groups of shelf-mountable electrical systems. Each of at least two of the shelf-mountable electrical systems includes one or more chassis, shelf computing devices, a shelf power supply mechanism, and one or more power-pooling bus elements. For at least one of the groups, a power-pooling bus element of at least one shelf-mountable electrical systems is electrically coupled to a power pooling bus element of at least one other of the shelf-mountable electrical systems in the group such that the power-pooling bus elements form an inter-shelf power-pooling bus for one or more of the computing devices in the group.
US09229501B2 Distributed grid-interactive photovoltaic-based power dispatching
In one embodiment, each of a plurality of sites may produce surplus power. All or a fraction of the surplus power may be supplied to the power grid according to an agreement between the user of a site and an electric utility. A computer of the utility is in communication with a computer at each of a plurality of sites having a local power source. Terms of power provision that include an amount of power to be provided during a specified time of day is communicated between a site and the utility.
US09229482B2 Laptop computer having a rear cover with luminous full-color pattern
Disclosure herein is related to laptop computer having a rear cover with luminous full-color pattern. The look of laptop computer essentially includes a host body and a screen cover. The host body and the screen cover are pivotally connected. Within the host body of the laptop computer, an input unit, an output unit, power supply unit, and a mainboard are generally included. It is characterized in that the screen cover is constituted of a liquid crystal display panel, an active light source, and a rear cover printed with a pattern. The liquid crystal display panel and the active light source are respectively connected with the mainboard electrically. The active light source of the laptop computer allows generating various lighting modes no matter in booting the computer, in use, or in standby state. Furthermore, to cooperate with the pattern on the light-transmissive rear cover, a variety of esthetic visions are presented.
US09229477B2 Multi-function information handling system with multi-orientation stand
A tablet information handling system processes information with processing components disposed in a planar housing for presentation as images at a display disposed at the upper surface of the planar housing. Support members extend at the lower surface of the planar housing to support the planar housing in an upright configuration having the housing in a first orientation or an inclined configuration having the housing in a second orientation. A cooling fan controller manages cooling airflow direction through the planar housing based upon the orientation of the planar housing to blow hot air exiting the housing in a direction away from the likely location of an end user relative to the planar housing.
US09229446B2 Production line quality processes
Methods, systems, and software for improving the product quality of a production line having multiple production steps, at least some of which employ multiple individual tools, including producing product lots using different combinations of tools, setting a quality benchmark for the resulting product lots, identifying product lots that meet the quality benchmark, identifying the tools used to produce the identified quality product lots, and producing additional product lots using at least substantially the identified quality tools.
US09229435B2 Electronic timepiece and satellite signal receiving method
A GPS wristwatch has a reception mode setting unit that sets a reception mode of a reception unit; and a locking level setting unit that sets a locking performance. The reception mode setting unit sets the reception mode to an automated timekeeping mode when an automated reception condition is met; sets the reception mode to a manual timekeeping mode when a first operation of an input unit is detected; and sets the reception mode to a positioning mode when a second operation of the input unit is detected. The locking level setting unit sets the locking performance to a high level when the reception mode is set to the manual timekeeping mode or the positioning mode, and sets the locking performance to a low level that is lower than the high level when the reception mode is set to the automated timekeeping mode.
US09229427B2 Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus
An optical scanning device includes a housing, a polygon mirror, and a motor. The polygon mirror is disposed in the housing and reflects light incident thereon while being rotated. The motor is disposed in the housing and rotates the polygon mirror. The housing has a cooling passage that cools the interior of the housing. The cooling passage is asymmetrically located relative to a rotation shaft of the motor in a cross section perpendicular to the main scanning direction.
US09229421B2 Image forming apparatus having a developing cartridge and including a connection terminal to contact the developing cartridge
An image forming apparatus includes a body, at least one developing cartridge, which is disposed inside the body to form an image and is provided at one side thereof with an interface terminal to receive a power, a tray movably coupled to the body while accommodating the at least one developing cartridge, a cover coupled to one side to open/close the body such that the tray moves to outside the body, a link member configured to guide the movement of the tray and to move according to the open/close movement of the cover while being connected to the cover, and a connection terminal configured to make contact with the interface terminal by being pressed by the link member when the cover closes the body and to be separated from being released for pressing force when the cover opens the body.
US09229415B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an incorrect attachment or detachment preventing mechanism configured to prevent attachment and detachment of the image forming unit in the transmission state. The incorrect attachment and detachment preventing mechanism includes a locking member capable of moving to a restrict position where the locking member restricts movement of the image forming unit from the predetermined position and a permission position where the locking member permits movement of the image forming unit from the predetermined position. In the transmission state, the locking member is configured to engage with the first engaging part of the manual lever at the restrict position to prevent movement of the image forming unit. In the transmission release state, the locking member is configured to be moved to the permission position and then engaged with the second engaging part of the manual lever to permit movement of the image forming unit.
US09229403B2 Recording material image capture device and image forming apparatus
A recording material image capture device includes light sources radiating light to a recording material, an image capture element receiving the light which is reflected on a surface of the recording material, a cover member provided between the image capture element and the recording material so that the reflected light passes through the cover member, a roller pressing the recording material toward the cover member, and an output portion outputting, based on an image captured by the image capture element, a value related to the recording material to which the light is radiated. The roller is a rotating member which rotates along with movement of the recording material, and the roller includes a recess portion which is prevented from contacting with an entire portion corresponding to the image used for determining the recording material, and projecting portions which are brought into contact with the recording material.
US09229402B2 Recording device and control method
A recording device is disclosed which has a push switch and no display. A menu item is sequentially changed out of a plurality of menu items, which are arranged in a specific order, by operating the push switch. Sub-pluralities of menu items are sequentially skipped based on the continuous operation of the push switch to quickly arrive at a desired menu item, without the need to select each and every menu item in sequential order.
US09229398B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a body, a cartridge, detachably mountable to the body, configured to form a toner image, an information recording portion provided in the cartridge and configured to record information, a control portion provided in the body and configured to electrically communicate with the information recording portion, and a connector provided in the body and configured to electrically connect the control portion with the information recording portion. The connector has a temperature detecting portion configured to detect temperature.
US09229396B1 Fuser member
The present teachings provide a fuser member. The fuser member includes a substrate layer that includes a polyimide having dispersed therein a plurality of nanofibrillated cellulose particles. An intermediate layer is disposed on the substrate layer. A release layer is disposed on the intermediate layer.
US09229380B2 Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a first rotating member, a second rotating member and a blowing unit. The first rotating member is heated by a heat source. The second rotating member is pressed against the first rotating member to form a fixing nip with the first rotating member along a conveying path of a recording medium. The blowing unit blows a cooling airflow toward the first rotating member. An airflow route from the blowing unit to the first rotating member is arranged so as to cross the conveying path.
US09229376B2 High voltage power supply and image forming apparatus
A high voltage power supply including a first high voltage output unit that outputs a high voltage having a predetermined polarity, and including second and third high voltage output units that output a high voltage having a polarity opposite to the predetermined polarity. Rectification units that are connected to the first high voltage output unit separate a current path to the second high voltage output unit from a current path to the third high voltage output unit.
US09229374B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a pushing member pushing an image carrying belt from an inner circumferential side and a guide member guiding a recording medium toward a transfer nip portion formed with an inner-side roller and an outer-side roller. The guide member includes first and second guides and the second guide is provided such that a tip end on the side of the transfer nip portion is positioned further away from the image carrying belt than a reference line that connects a point at which a line connecting the rotational center of the inner-side roller and the rotational center of the outer-side roller intersects with the image carrying belt, and a furthest downstream contact point of a contact area in which the pushing member contacts with the image carrying belt.
US09229367B2 Carriage assembly for toner cartridge loading having a pivotable cradle and a stationary hold-down feature
A carriage assembly according to one example embodiment includes a cradle pivotably mounted on a base. The cradle has a cartridge storage area sized to receive and hold a toner cartridge. The cradle is pivotable between a loading position for loading and unloading the toner cartridge and an operating position for operating the toner cartridge. A hold-down feature is mounted on the base adjacent to the cradle in a substantially stationary position relative to the cradle movement. When the cradle is in the loading position, the hold-down feature is positioned clear of an insertion and removal path of the toner cartridge into and out of the cradle and, as the cradle moves toward the operating position and when the cradle is in the operating position, the hold-down feature is positioned to engage a stop on the toner cartridge to prevent the toner cartridge from separating from the cradle.
US09229363B2 Network printer system
Electronic systems, such as printing systems, often use components that have integral memory. The integral memory can be used to store information about the component. In some printing systems this memory includes a portion that stores a value indicative of a print yield. Disclosed is a method and system for allowing the memory to have data indicative of an increased print yield.
US09229352B2 Image forming apparatus that controls correction of image forming positions and method of controlling the same
An image forming apparatus capable of correcting light amounts of light beams which expose a photosensitive member with simple construction. The image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum, and a beam scanning device including a plurality of semiconductor lasers which emit light beams for exposing the photosensitive drum, and a memory which stores first correction data for correcting the light amount of each light beam in a manner associated with each of the plurality of semiconductor lasers. A CPU outputs second correction data for being commonly used in correcting the light amounts of the light beams emitted from the plurality of semiconductor lasers to the beam scanning device. A laser driver IC provided in the beam scanning device controls the light amount of the light beam emitted from each semiconductor laser based on the first correction data and the second correction data.
US09229351B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an exposure device having an adjustment period for adjusting an output while exposing a photosensitive drum to light prior to image formation and a developing device. The developing device is configured to change between a contact state where the photosensitive drum and a developing roller are in contact with each other and a separation state where they are separated from each other. The developing device changes from the separation state to the contact state when a portion on the photosensitive drum exposed to light in the adjustment period of the exposure device is at a developing position.
US09229349B2 Image forming apparatus which corrects for color misregistration
An image forming apparatus which is capable of, even when the density of an image in a color with low reflectivity has decreased, detecting a misregistration of this color with high accuracy. A first image of a first color and a second image of a second value having lower reflectivity than that of the first color are transferred to an image carrier. A first signal corresponds to reflected light from a first measurement image, a second signal corresponds to reflected light from a second measurement image, and a third signal corresponds to reflected light from the image carrier. A threshold value is set based on the second signal and the third signal. A color misregistration between the first and second images is corrected based on information on a positional relationship between the first and second images determined by comparing the first signal and the threshold value.
US09229347B2 Carrier for two-component developer, two-component developer using the carrier, and process cartridge and image forming method and apparatus using the two component developer
A carrier for use in a two-component developer for developing an electrostatic latent image is provided. The carrier includes a particulate magnetic core; and a cover layer located on a surface of the particulate magnetic core and including a resin and a particulate electroconductive material. The carrier has a BET specific surface area of from 0.8 to 1.6 m2/g.
US09229337B2 Setting method of exposure apparatus, substrate imaging apparatus and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium
A method of setting an exposure apparatus to expose exposure sectors defined on a resist film formed on a surface of a substrate with proper values of an exposure amount and a focus value for forming a pattern having a predetermined dimension includes exposing and developing an exposure sector defined on a reference substrate by a first exposure apparatus having a first state, and imaging the same. The method exposes and develops exposure sectors defined on an inspection substrate by a second exposure apparatus having a second state where at least one of the exposure amount and the focus value is unknown, and forms and images a pattern on the inspection substrate. The method determines the proper values for the exposure amount and the focus value for the second state based on luminance of the exposure sector of reference data and luminances of the exposure sectors of inspection data.
US09229331B2 EUV mirror comprising an oxynitride capping layer having a stable composition, EUV lithography apparatus, and operating method
A mirror (13) for use e.g. in an EUV lithography apparatus or an EUV mask metrology system, with: a substrate (15) and a coating (16) reflective to EUV radiation (6), the reflective coating having a capping layer (18) composed of an oxynitride, in particular composed of SiNxOY, wherein a nitrogen proportion x in the oxynitride NxOY is between 0.4 and 1.4. Also provided are an EUV lithography apparatus having at least one such EUV mirror (13) and a method for operating such an EUV lithography apparatus.
US09229325B2 Method for making lithographic printing plates
Lithographic printing plate are formed by imagewise exposing a positive-working lithographic printing plate precursor with infrared radiation to form an imaged precursor comprising exposed regions and non-exposed regions, and processing the imaged precursor to remove the exposed regions using a processing solution having a pH of 12 or more, that contains a metal cation M2+ selected from barium, calcium, strontium, and zinc cations, and is substantially silicate-free. The positive-working lithographic printing plate precursor comprises a grained and anodized aluminum-containing substrate, a first ink receptive layer comprising at least one water-insoluble, alkali solution-soluble or -dispersible first resin, a second ink receptive layer disposed over the first receptive layer, and an infrared radiation absorber in an amount of at least 0.5 weight %, in either or both of the first ink receptive layer and the second ink receptive layer.
US09229320B2 Resist composition and method for producing resist pattern
A resist composition contains; a resin having a structural unit derived from a compound represented by the formula (a); and an acid generator represented by the formula (B1). wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; A10 represents a single bond, an optionally substituted C1 to C6 alkanediyl group or a group represented by formula (a-1) defined in the specification; W1 represents an optionally substituted C4 to C36 alicyclic hydrocarbon group; A20 in each occurrence independently represents an optionally substituted C1 to C6 aliphatic hydrocarbon group; R2 in each occurrence independently represents a C1 to C12 perfluoroalkyl group; n represents 1 or 2; Q1 and Q2 independently represent a fluorine atom or a C1 to C6 perfluoroalkyl group; Lb1 represents an optionally substituted C1 to C17 divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group; Y represents an optionally substituted C1 to C18 aliphatic hydrocarbon group; and Z+ represents an organic cation.
US09229317B2 Blankmask and method for fabricating photomask using the same
Provided is a blankmask with a light-shielding layer including a light block layer and an anti-reflective layer, and a hard mask film. The light block layer and the anti-reflective layer are formed by combining a layer formed of a MoSi compound and a layer formed of a MoTaSi compound. Thus, the blankmask enables formation of a pattern of 32 nm or less, since the light-shielding layer can be thinly formed to a thickness of 200 to 700 and a photomask having pattern fidelity corresponding to the resolution of the pattern can be formed. The light-shielding layer has an optical density of 2.0 to 4.0 at an exposure wavelength of 193 nm, chemical resistance, and a sufficient process margin for defect repair. Further, the hard mask film is formed to a thickness of 20 to 50 using a compound including tin (Sn) and chromium (Cr), thereby decreasing an etch rate of the hard mask film. Accordingly, a resist film can be formed as a thin film, thereby manufacturing a high-resolution blankmask.
US09229314B2 Method of inspecting mask, mask inspection device, and method of manufacturing mask
There is provided a method of high-sensitively detecting both of a phase defect existing in a mask blank and a phase defect remaining after manufacturing an EUVL mask. When the mask blank is inspected, EUV light having illumination NA to be within an inner NA but a larger value is irradiated. When the EUVL mask is inspected, by using a dark-field imaging optical system including a center shielding portion for shielding EUV light and a linear shielding portion for shielding the EUV light whose width is smaller than a diameter of the center shielding portion, the center shielding portion and the linear shielding portion being included in a pupil plane, the EUV light having illumination NA as large as or smaller than the width of the linear shielding portion is irradiated.
US09229305B2 Image projection apparatus, control method, and computer-readable storage medium
An image projection apparatus includes a light source configured to cause a light-emitting material to emit light by an electric discharge between a pair of electrodes; an image forming unit configured to form an image by modulating intensity of the light emitted from the light source; a receiving unit configured to receive a power-off input that triggers stopping power supply to the image projection apparatus; and an electric-power control unit configured to increase electric power supplied to the electrodes before stopping power supply to the image projection apparatus when the receiving unit receives the power-off input.
US09229304B2 Phosphor device and illumination system using same
A phosphor device of an illumination system emitting a first color light in a first waveband region includes a first region having n sub-regions and n single-powder phosphor agents, wherein n is ≧2. The n single-powder phosphor agents are coated on the n sub-regions, respectively, for transforming the first color light in the first waveband region into n color lights in n waveband regions. The n sub-regions are arranged in a specific area ratio. The first color light in the first waveband region is cyclically transformed into a second color light in a second waveband region, a third color light in a third waveband region, . . . , and a (n+1)th color light in a (n+1)th waveband region in a specific time ratio according to the specific area ratio, such that the n color lights sequentially outputted in the specific time ratio are integrated as a specific color light.
US09229300B2 Position adjustment system for a projection lens
A lens position adjustment system (10) permits adjustment of the position of a projection lens (5) relative to a projector (100) for making a Scheimpflug adjustment. The projection lens (5) has an optical axis (6). The system (10) comprises: a first support part (20) for fitting to, or forming part of, the projector (100); a second support part (40) for fitting to, or forming part of, the projection lens (5); and a connecting part (30). The connecting part (30) is pivotally connected to the first support part (20) and pivotally connected to the second support part (40) and configured to permit independent adjustment of the second support part (40) relative to the first support part (20) about two axes of rotation (7, 8) which intersect, and are perpendicular to, the optical axis (6) of the projection lens (5). A locking mechanism (28, 29, 51-58) is provided for securing a position of the second support part (40) relative to the first support part (20).
US09229298B2 Privacy ensuring covert camera
A device for monitoring a privacy sensitive area, includes an image receiving device, such as a camera, disposed inside a housing chassis. The image receiving device includes a camera lens. Additionally, a movable obstruction member configured to selectively obstruct a camera lens is disposed on the device and is configured to change a position to selectively obstruct or expose the camera lens. The position of the movable obstruction member is dependent upon a threat level received by the device.
US09229295B2 Image stabilizer and image-shake correcting method
An exemplary image stabilizer includes a shaking sensor, a control module, a driving module, an image module, and a data adjusting module. The shaking sensor detects a shake of a lens associated with the image stabilizer. The control module stores a shake correcting setting having one or more error ranges. The driving module is controlled by the control module to move the lens according to the shake correcting setting. The image module captures an image through the corrected lens. The data adjusting module adjusts the shake correcting setting within one or more of the error ranges when a resolution value of the captured image is lower than a preset reference value.
US09229288B2 Display panel in which two wiring lines of the same type have different thickness direction layouts
A display panel includes: a plurality of first wirings extending in a row direction; a plurality of second wirings extending in a column direction; and a plurality of pixels each arranged in proximity to an intersection of each of the first wirings and each of the second wirings. Two wirings of the plurality of first wirings or two wirings of the plurality of second wirings are disposed in a common region interposed between two pixels next to each other, and layouts of the respective two wirings in a thickness direction are different from each other at least in a part of each of the layouts.
US09229287B2 Array substrate, manufacturing method and display device thereof
The invention provides an array substrate, a manufacturing method and a display device thereof. The array substrate comprises a substrate, a gate line and a pixel electrode disposed on the substrate, a common electrode disposed above and overlaying the gate line, wherein a strip-shaped through hole is disposed on the common electrode and at least a portion of the strip-shaped through hole is positioned right above the gate line.
US09229284B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device of the present invention is provided with: an array substrate (10) in which a pixel electrode (41), a TFT (20), and a storage capacitor element (30) are provided for each pixel (P); an opposite substrate (50) in which a plurality of common electrodes (59A, 59B) are provided for each pixel (P); a liquid crystal layer (81); and a driver circuit (4) that dividedly drives the liquid crystal layer (81) of each pixel (P) through each of the common electrodes (59A, 59B) by supplying a predetermined potential to each pixel electrode (41) and supplying different potentials to the respective common electrodes (59A, 59B) in each pixel (P). The liquid crystal display device according to the present invention has improved viewing angle dependency of the gamma characteristics, while increasing the aperture ratio of each pixel.
US09229282B2 Liquid crystal display device
In one embodiment, a first wiring line is pulled out from an active area, and a short ring circuit is provided in a peripheral portion of the active area. A first electrode is formed in the same layer as the first wiring line. A semiconductor layer is formed on the first electrode. A portion of a second electrode faces the first electrode through an insulating layer and arranged on the semiconductor layer. A third electrode is arranged on the semiconductor layer in the same layer as the second electrode. The first electrode includes a cutout portion arranged under an edge of the second electrode.
US09229279B2 Liquid crystal display device comprising a plurality of seal column organic layers buried in a seal
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device having a first substrate and a second substrate, each having a surface opposite to each other and each including a seal region and a liquid crystal region. The first substrate structure having a black matrix on the surface of the first substrate opposite to the second substrate, a color filter next to the black matrix, a first electrode on the color filter, a first orientation film on the first electrode, and a number of seal column spacers on the black matrix. The second substrate structure having a circuit device disposed on the surface of the second substrate opposite to the black matrix, an organic layer disposed on the second substrate opposite to the color filter, a second electrode on the organic layer, and a second orientation film on the second electrode. The seal is in the seal regions between the first substrate structure and the second substrate structure. A liquid crystal layer fills a space between the first substrate structure and the second substrate structure in the liquid crystal region.
US09229278B2 Liquid crystal device and the manufacturing method thereof
A liquid crystal device is disclosed. The liquid crystal device includes a TFT array substrate, a CF substrate, and a liquid crystal layer. The TFT array substrate includes a first electrode layer and a first alignment layer covering the first electrode layer. A color CF layer is formed between a glass substrate and a passivation layer of the TFT array substrate. The TFT array substrate further includes a black matrix and a photo spacer arranged thereon. The CF substrate includes a second electrode layer and a second alignment layer covering the second electrode layer. The liquid crystal layer is arranged between the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer. In addition, a manufacturing method of the liquid crystal device is disclosed. In this way, the liquid crystal devices have good alignment effects, and the color shift issues at wide viewing angle and the aperture rate are enhanced.
US09229271B2 Display device
A liquid crystal display panel for displaying images in an active area includes a first substrate having a pair of first short ends and first long ends. A second substrate faces the first substrate so as to hold a liquid crystal layer therebetween. A first polarization plate is arranged on an outside surface of the first substrate. The first polarization plate has a pair of second short ends longer than the first short ends, a pair of second long ends, and a first absorption axis. The angle a1 made by the first absorption axis with respect to the second short ends is smaller than an angle b1 made by the first absorption axis with respect to the second long ends. A second polarization plate is arranged on an outside surface of the second substrate and has a second absorption axis.
US09229269B2 Display apparatus and display method
A display apparatus switchable between a first mode and a second mode is provided. The display apparatus includes a transparent light emitting layer, a light modification layer and a first polarization layer. The transparent light emitting layer is configured to display image in the first mode and be disabled in the second mode. The light modification layer is disposed under the transparent light emitting layer. The first polarization layer between the transparent light emitting layer and the light modification layer is configured to polarize an incident light which transmits through the transparent light emitting layer. When the display apparatus is operated in the first mode, the light modification layer is configured to absorb the incident light, and when the display apparatus is operated in the second mode, the light modification layer is configured to reflect the incident light. Another display apparatus and a display method are also provided.
US09229268B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device including polarizing films that polarize infrared-range light as well as visible-range light and being operated in a visible light mode and an infrared light mode is disclosed. The liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel, polarizing films attached to the top and bottom surfaces of the liquid crystal panel, and a backlight unit disposed under the liquid crystal panel. At least one of the polarizing films includes an infrared polarizing film or a polarizing film for both visible and infrared light.
US09229264B2 Stereoscopic image display device and method for manufacturing the same
A stereoscopic image display device, includes an array substrate having a thin film transistor; a color filter substrate opposing the array substrate and having black matrixes disposed in first and second directions; a plurality of black stripes formed on the color filter substrate and corresponding to the black matrix in the first direction; a patterned retarder film formed on the plurality of black stripes; and wherein line widths of the plurality of black stripes increase towards first and second ends in the second direction. Due to the invention, the cross-talk problem can be improved.
US09229248B2 Electro-active spectacles and associated electronics
Aspects of the present invention provide electronics for controlling and synchronizing operation of electro-active lenses regardless of frame type, size or style. The controlling electronics can be contained within one or more electronic modules positioned within the frame temples and can be removable and reprogrammable and can include inductive charge regions. Conductive links between electronic modules and/or between left and right Sides of the electro-active spectacles can include left and right upper and lower rim portions of the frame, the bridge, conductive layers of the electro-active lenses, the upper and lower grooves of the electro-active lenses, and/or wires embedded within any portion of the frame. Aspects of the present invention also provide chargers for recharging electro-active spectacles of any size, shape or style using adjustable inductive charging cradles to inductively charge electro-active spectacles of the present invention.
US09229244B2 Image-blur correction device, image-blur correction method, and image capture apparatus
An image-blur correction device includes a drive-current output unit that outputs a first drive current for driving a first correction mechanism for correcting image blur in a first direction orthogonal to an optical axis and a second drive current for driving a second correction mechanism for correcting image blur in a second direction orthogonal to the optical axis and the first direction; and a drive-current limiting unit that limits the first drive current to a first limit value, limits the second drive current to a second limit value, limits a total value of the first and second drive currents to a third limit value smaller than a total value of the first and second limit values, varies the first limit value by changing a power-supply time of the first drive current, and varies the second limit value by changing a power-supply time of the second drive current.
US09229241B2 Stereoscopic image display device and driving method thereof
A stereoscopic image display device and a driving method thereof, which correct the viewing position of a viewer in initial driving of a 3D display mode, are discussed. The stereoscopic image display device includes a display module, a barrier module, a position detector, and a position detector. The display module separates a left-eye image and a right-eye image to display a stereoscopic image. The barrier module is disposed in correspondence with the display module, and forms a light transmitting area for transmitting the left-eye image and right-eye image and a light blocking area for blocking the left-eye image and right-eye image. The position detector detects position information on a viewer which views the stereoscopic image displayed on the display module. The position detector corrects positions of the light transmitting area and light blocking area on the basis of viewing position information on the viewer.
US09229238B2 Three-chip camera apparatus
A three-chip camera apparatus includes: a color separation prism which includes an incident surface perpendicular to an optical axis, a first emission surface parallel to the incident surface, a second emission surface inclined at a first inclination angle with respect to the optical axis, and a third emission surface inclined at a second inclination angle greater than the first inclination angle; a first imaging device which is disposed in parallel to the first emission surface; a second imaging device which is disposed in parallel to the second emission surface; and a third imaging device which is disposed in parallel to the third emission surface.
US09229233B2 Micro Doppler presentations in head worn computing
Aspects of the present invention relate to visual presentation techniques for mD signatures.
US09229229B2 Display device, in particular for a motor vehicle
A display device, in particular for a motor vehicle, includes a projection module and a reflection element, the reflection element being designed to at least partially reflect an image from the projection module in a normal direction of vision of a user of the display device. The display module is a monochrome display module. The display device has a display area of a display module. The display area comprises a first part of the display area, the display area comprises a second part of the display area, and the display device has at least one light source. The display device is designed to display a first symbol in the first part of the display area and a second symbol in the second part of the display area.
US09229226B2 Hybrid apparatus and methods for analyzing electromagnetic waves
Analysis of an electromagnetic wave traveling in an optical device, can be performed quickly and correctly. A structure forming process simulator forms an analysis structure of a physical object to be analyzed. A hybrid optical simulator calculates time-independent data and time-dependent data of an electromagnetic field by dividing the analysis structure into parts, determining whether a metallic or magnetic material is included in each of the divided parts, and selectively applying a Beam Propagation Method (BPM) or a Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method to the divided parts. A storage device stores the time-independent data and the time-dependent data output from the hybrid optical simulator as hybrid electric field data. Related methods are also described.
US09229223B2 Multi-laser projection device and corresponding production method
A multi-laser projection device includes: a plurality of first assemblies, each including a fixed assemblage of a respective laser diode and an associated first collimator lens; a second assembly that forms a fixed assemblage of a beam combiner and a respective second collimator lens that is fastened on an entry surface of the beam combiner and that appertains to a respective laser diode; and a deflection unit. The plurality of first assemblies, the second assembly, and the deflection unit are mounted in a common housing so as to be adjusted to one another.
US09229215B2 Ocular lens and optical apparatus
There are provided an ocular lens in which aberrations are favorably corrected across a sufficiently wide angle of view and a lens diameter is suppressed from increasing with a sufficient eye relief attained and without a total length being long, and an optical apparatus including the ocular lens. An ocular lens 3 used for an optical apparatus such as a telescope optical system TS includes: in order from an object side, a first lens group G1 including a first lens component G1A having negative refractive power and having a concave surface facing a viewer's eye side, a second lens component G1B in a meniscus shape having a convex surface facing the object side, and a third lens component G1C having positive refractive power; a second lens group G2 having a lens component having a convex surface facing the viewer's eye side; a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power. An object side focal plane of the third lens group G3 is positioned between the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3.
US09229213B2 Coincident focus microscope having superior resolution and contrast in three dimensions
A microscope having an objective lens and illumination means configured in combination such that said illumination means illuminates a specimen through a different region of the objective lens than that used for observation, and having an opaque region separating the illumination and observation regions. The basic optical design is capable of resolving optically isolated micron-sized voxels deep within tissue, without the use of a computer and when illuminated only with visible light.
US09229212B2 Image-acquisition device
An image acquisition apparatus 1A includes a sample stage 10 for placing a sample S thereon, an image pickup device 20 capable of acquiring a two-dimensional image and TDI driving, an image pickup optical system 30 including an objective lens 32, a scanning unit for acquiring an observation image while scanning the sample S by the image pickup device 20 and the image pickup optical system 30, and a focus oscillation control device 40 for controlling oscillation of a focus in the sample S so that an image pickup focus in the sample S oscillates at an oscillation frequency fs in an optical axis direction. The focus oscillation control device 40 sets the oscillation frequency fs so that the oscillation frequency fs substantially coincides with Ns times (Ns is an integer not less than 1) the basic frequency, which is a reciprocal 1/Ti of an image pickup period Ti of TDI driving in the image pickup device 20. Thus, an image acquisition apparatus capable of efficiently acquiring an observation image with focus extended can be realized.
US09229210B2 Tissue specimen stage for an optical sectioning microscope
A tissue specimen stage is provided having a window with surface curvature upon which an excised tissue specimen is locatable, a carriage having a tissue specimen receptacle to which the window is mounted, and a platform supporting the carriage and presenting the window to the objective lens of an optical sectioning microscope. The carriage is mounted to the platform for movement along two rotational axes so that the carriage's movement follows the curvature of all or part of the window while maintaining the same optical geometry of the window with respect to the objective lens. The window has surface curvature adapted to at least approximate the shape or curvature of the non-histologically prepared tissue specimen to be placed thereupon.
US09229202B2 Variable magnification optical system and imaging apparatus
A variable magnification optical system includes a relay lens group (a fifth lens group) substantially consisting of a relay front group and a relay rear group with a predetermined air space therebetween, and which is fixed during magnification change and has image formation action, and an extender lens group insertably and detachably arranged between the relay front group and the relay rear group, and which extends a focal length toward a telephoto side without changing an image formation position. The extender lens group substantially consists of a first lens group having positive refractive power and a second lens group having negative refractive power in this order from an object side. The second lens group is a cemented lens substantially consisting of a convex meniscus lens, a biconcave lens and a convex meniscus lens in this order from the object side.
US09229201B2 Near infrared lens
The present invention discloses a near infrared lens, comprising four groups of lenses along the optical axis from the object space to the image space, wherein, the first lens is a meniscus-shaped lens with negative focal power, with the convex side facing the object space, and has aspherical surfaces; the second lens is a meniscus-shaped lens with positive or negative focal power, with the convex side facing the image space; the third lens is a convexo-convex, convexo-plane, or meniscus-shaped lens with positive focal power, and the convex side of the lens faces the object space if the lens is a convexo-plane or meniscus-shaped lens; the fourth lens is a lens with positive focal power, and has aspherical surfaces. With the above design, the near infrared lens can achieve high imaging quality and low distortion effects with large aperture and wide viewing angle.
US09229192B2 Mirror device
A mirror device may include: a mirror including a base plate, a reflective film on a first surface of the base plate, and a plurality of first protrusions on a second surface of the base plate; a plurality of support parts for respectively supporting the plurality of the first protrusions, each support part having a groove formed therein for guiding the first protrusion; and a plurality of clamps for respectively pressing the plurality of the first protrusions against the respective grooves in the plurality of the support parts.
US09229187B2 Fan-out assemblies and fiber optic assemblies including fiber management structure for furcations
Fiber management structures for fan-out assemblies that are used to furcate a fiber optic cable are disclosed, as are fiber optic assemblies with fiber management structures and related methods. The fiber management structures each include channels extending between opposed first and second ends. A plurality of fan-out tubes are received in the plurality of channels such that the fiber management structure organizes the fan-out tubes, thereby allowing a compact furcation body to be formed even when furcating high fiber count cables.
US09229185B2 Fiber optic enclosure with tear-away spool
A fiber optic enclosure includes a housing and a cable spool assembly disposed on an exterior surface of the housing. The cable spool assembly has a first tear-away end and a second tear-away end. The first and second tear-away ends include at least one area of weakness extending from an inner diameter of the cable spool assembly to an outer diameter of the cable spool assembly. A mounting plate is rotationally engaged with the cable spool assembly such that the cable spool assembly and the housing selectively and unitarily rotate about an axis of the mounting plate.
US09229176B2 Optical fiber connector
An optical fiber connector includes a main body and a fixing element. The main body includes a front surface and a rear surface opposite to the front surface. An extending portion extends from the rear surface. The main body defines at least one receiving hole and at least one receiving recess aligned with the at least one receiving hole. The extending portion defines a first receiving space communicating with the at least one receiving recess. The fixing element is located on the extending portion and defines a second receiving space corresponding to the first receiving space.
US09229165B2 Micro-optic adapters and tips for surgical illumination fibers
A microstructure optical adapter or tip according to the present disclosure may incorporate precision micro structure optical components engaging the input or output end of light energy delivery devices for customized light delivery of the light energy. The incorporation of precision micro structure optical components in injection molded plastic or glass parts will allow for inexpensive modification of the output light while also serving to protect the end of the illumination device. The micro structure optical components may also be incorporated in an adapter to tailor the light energy to the subsequent device.
US09229164B2 Butt-coupled buried waveguide photodetector
A method of forming an integrated photonic semiconductor structure having a photodetector and a CMOS device may include forming the CMOS device on a first silicon-on-insulator region, forming a silicon optical waveguide on a second silicon-on-insulator region, and forming a shallow trench isolation (STI) region surrounding the silicon optical waveguide such that the shallow trench isolation electrically isolates the first and second silicon-on-insulator region. Within the STI region, a germanium material is deposited adjacent an end facet of the semiconductor optical waveguide. The germanium material forms an active region that receives propagating optical signals from the end facet of the semiconductor optical waveguide.
US09229162B1 Three-dimensional ordered diamond cellular structures and method of making the same
Various implementations and embodiments relate to three-dimensional open cellular diamond micro-truss structures and methods.
US09229137B2 Wire grid polarizer comprising transparent particles, display device including the same, and method of fabricating the wire grid polarizer
A wire grid polarizer including a substrate, parallel conductive wire patterns which protrude from a top surface of the substrate, non-conductive wire patterns which are formed on the conductive wire patterns, respectively, and a protective layer which is formed on the conductive wire patterns and the non-conductive wire patterns. The protective layer includes first transparent particles having a diameter greater than a period of the conductive wire patterns, and spaces between the conductive wire patterns are filled with air or are evacuated to form a vacuum.
US09229134B2 Opto-electronic apparatus with metallic structure
An opto-electronic apparatus with a metallic structure is provided, and includes a light-permissible medium and a metallic structure. The metallic structure is disposed inside or over the light-permissible medium, and is formed from arrangement of at least one metallic unit. Each metallic unit includes at least three metallic blocks of which centers of mass define a polygon. After passing through the metallic structure, an electromagnetic wave has a distribution curve of transmittance versus wavelength, wherein the distribution curve has at least one transmittance peak value corresponding to at least one wavelength in a one-to-one manner. The area of the polygon is smaller than or equal to λ2, the minimum side length (dmin) is smaller than or equal to λ, and an averaged width (W) satisfies the following relationship: 0.01λ
US09229132B2 Meteorological parameter forecasting
A method, an apparatus and an article of manufacture for forecasting a meteorological parameter. The method includes analyzing geographically distributed sensor network data to assess spatial and temporal variation of a meteorological parameter in real-time, correlating at least two portions of data from the sensor network to identify a temporal and spatial evolution of the meteorological parameter, and forecasting the meteorological parameter based on the temporal and spatial evolution of the meteorological parameter.
US09229128B2 Estimating and correcting perturbations on seismic particle motion sensors employing seismic source signals
A computer-implemented method includes accessing a set of multicomponent marine noise data exhibiting a plurality of polarization vectors at each of a plurality of co-located pressure and particle motion data points on a marine seismic survey apparatus; and determining a set of perturbation noise data for the marine seismic survey apparatus from the polarization vectors. Computer readable program storage media are encoded with instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform the computer-implemented method. A computing apparatus is programmed to perform the computer-implemented method.
US09229126B2 Spatial heterodyne integrated computational element (SH-ICE) spectrometer
A spatial heterodyne spectrometer may employ an integrated computational element (ICE) to obtain a measure of one or more fluid properties without requiring any moving parts, making it particularly suitable for use in a downhole environment. One illustrative method embodiment includes: directing light from a light source to illuminate a sample; transforming light from the sample into spatial fringe patterns using a dispersive two-beam interferometer; adjusting a spectral weighting of the spatial fringe patterns using an integrated computation element (ICE); focusing spectral-weight-adjusted spatial fringe patterns into combined fringe intensities; detecting the combined fringe intensities; and deriving at least one property of the sample.
US09229125B2 TDEM forward focusing system for downhole use
A method and apparatus for estimating a parameter of interest of an earth formation ahead of a carrier within borehole. The method including estimating one or more functions based on received signals that may reduce the sum of the signals received by a first receiver, and estimating the parameter of interest based on signals received by one or more additional receivers by applying the one or more functions and, if necessary, a defocusing factor, such that reception of information from downhole of a selected downhole location is enhanced relative to reception of information uphole from the selected location. The apparatus including two or more transmitters, two or more receivers, and a processor to estimate one or more functions, and, based on these functions, the parameter of interest.
US09229122B2 Image-domain 4D-binning method and system
A method for increasing similarity between a base seismic survey and a monitor seismic survey of a same surveyed subsurface during a 4-dimensional (4D) project. The method includes receiving first seismic data associated with the base seismic survey; receiving second seismic data associated with the monitor seismic survey, wherein the monitor seismic survey is performed later in time than the base seismic survey; migrating the first and second seismic data to an image-domain; and calculating, with a processor, a set of decimating weights based on the migrated first and second seismic data in the image-domain, to maximize a similarity between the first seismic data and the second seismic data.
US09229120B2 Discrete electric seismic source unit
The invention is an electric sweep type seismic vibrator source of the type used in seismic prospecting for hydrocarbons. The source uses an engine and generator combination to create electric power for all systems on the source such as driving a frame of linear electric motors that direct a rod or piston to contact the ground in a recurring fashion along with driving the source from location to location through a survey area. The seismic source includes systems for driving the acoustic energy systems using electric energy concurrently from both the generator and an electric energy accumulator such as a capacitor or battery, systems for adjusting the weight on the acoustic energy delivery system by raising and lowering wheels individually and an active energy isolation to isolate the chocks and impulses of the acoustic energy delivery system from the remainder of the seismic source.
US09229115B2 Temperature stability for a digital positron emission tomography (PET) detector
A detector maintains thermal stability between two different operating modes. The detector includes at least one controller which sets the detection sensitivity of the detector to a level disabling the detection of gamma photons. The controller further controls a heat generator to maintain the temperature of the detector at a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature is the steady state temperature of the detector when the detection sensitivity of the detector is set to a level enabling the detection of gamma photons. A method for maintaining thermal stability of a detector between two different operating modes is also provided. Approaches are also disclosed for normalize acquired imaging data during image reconstruction using dark current-dependent normalization factors.
US09229105B2 Relative position detection device for vehicle
A relative position detection device is used for a traveling system that allows a first and second vehicles to travel such that the first vehicle precedes and the second vehicle follows the first vehicle. The detecting device includes a sensor pair of a first and second sensors and an arithmetic unit. The first and second sensors are located at the same height on the right and left end portions of the front surface of the second vehicle. The first and second sensors emits transmission waves from their located positions in their front directions and receives their reflected waves. The arithmetic unit detects a direction of deviation between the first and second vehicles in the right and left direction on the basis of a difference between a first intensity of the reflected wave received by the first sensor and a second intensity of the reflected waves received by the second sensor.
US09229096B2 Time-of-flight imaging systems
Electronic devices may include time-of-flight image pixels. A time-of-flight image pixel may include first and second charge storage regions coupled to a photosensor and a transfer transistor with a gate terminal coupled to the first storage region. An electronic device may further include a light pulse emitter configured to emit pulses of light to be reflected by objects in a scene. Reflected portions of the emitted pulses of light may be captured along with background light by the time-of-flight image pixels. Time-of-flight image pixels may be configured sense the time-of-flight of the reflected portions of the emitted pulses. The electronic device may include processing circuitry configured to use the sensed time-of-flight of the reflected portions to generate depth images of a scene. Depth images may include depth-image pixel values that contain information corresponding to the distance of the objects in the scene from the electronic device.
US09229093B2 Method for estimating a location of an electronic device with aid of information carried by responses corresponding to one broadcast request sent to multiple devices, and associated apparatus
A method for estimating a location of an electronic device and an associated apparatus are provided, where the method includes the steps of: sending a pre-association broadcast request frame by the electronic device to multiple responders in a wireless network system; receiving a plurality of response frames corresponding to the pre-association broadcast request frame from the multiple responders; and performing a timing measurement according to information carried by the plurality of response frames for determining the location of the electronic device. For example, each of the response frames is sent from one of the responders, and each of the responders sends only one response frame corresponding to the pre-association broadcast request frame. As a result, the power consumption can be greatly decreased, and the related art problem of insufficiency of the total channel capacity of the wireless network system can be prevented.
US09229092B2 Adaptive passive scanning and/or active probing techniques for mobile device positioning
Various methods, apparatuses and/or articles of manufacture are provided which may be implemented to support mobile device positioning through the use of adaptive passive scanning and/or adaptive active probing techniques. For example, a mobile device may acquire signals from wireless transceivers, identify wireless transceivers based, at least in part, on the acquired signal(s), determine a received signal strength measurement for each of the wireless transceivers based, at least in part, on the acquired signal(s), and determine a transmission power of a probe signal to be transmitted to at least one of the wireless transceivers based, at least in part, on at least one of the received signal strength measurements.
US09229087B1 Targeting system
A targeting system comprising a plurality of directional sensors (11) to monitor a spatial area. Each sensor (11) transmits time series information about possible targets to a remote receiver (13), the time series information is processed by processor (14) to select at least one frequency line track (23). Various target parameters associated with each frequency line track are processed by processor (15) to derive tonal association information about possible targets which is displayed on display (16).
US09229080B2 Method for reconstructing images of a multi-channel MRI system
This disclosure provides an method for reconstructing a multi-channel magnetic resonance image (MRI), comprising: measuring k-space data at each channel of a multi-channel MRI system coil array; reinforcing the consistency of the k-space data to suppress the noise in the k-space data by a linear relationship among the k-space data at different channels; and reconstructing a magnetic resonance image by the multi-channel k-space data wherein the consistency of the k-space data is reinforced.
US09229077B2 System and method for spatially encoding nuclear magnetic resonance signals using magnetic susceptibility effects
A device for spatially encoding nuclear magnetic resonance signals is provided. The device includes a plurality of spatial-encoding elements configured to produce a spatial-encoding magnetic field in the presence of an external magnetic field, such as the main magnetic field of a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system. The spatial-encoding elements include paramagnetic and diamagnetic spatial-encoding elements. The device further includes a support configured to hold the plurality of spatial-encoding elements in a fixed arrangement. By adjusting the orientation of the device, the spatial-encoding elements are moved relative to each other and thereby produce a plurality of different spatial-encoding magnetic fields. These spatial-encoding magnetic fields are used to spatially encode nuclear magnetic resonance signals emanating from spins in a volume-of-interest adjacent the device. An image reconstruction method for reconstructing images from signals spatially-encoded with the device is also provided.
US09229074B2 Method for calculating local specific energy absorption rate (SAR) in nuclear magnetic resonance
A method and system for calculating a local specific energy absorption rate (SAR) is based on an electric parameter and the mass density of a segmented geometry of an object and a magnetic field vector distribution of a radio frequency (RF) antenna. The values of the electric parameter and the mass density are pre-determined values, while the magnetic field vector distribution is estimated by a magnetic field mapping method based on a magnetic resonance (MR) scan, such as a B1 mapping method.
US09229063B2 Method, arrangement and computer program product for determining an end-of-life state of a battery
Techniques for determining an end-of-life state of a battery. During a discharge a first discharge voltage value U1(T1) provided by the battery at a first point of time T1and a second discharge voltage value U2 (T2) provided by the battery at a second point of time T2 are measured. A predicted backup time Tpredicted is computed based on the measured values and the first and second points in time. Furthermore, during the discharge, a plurality of discharge current values at a plurality of points of time on or between the first point of time T1 and the second point of time T2 are measured, and an average discharge current, Iaverage, is computed. An expected backup time Texpected is then computed based on the initial capacity of the battery and Iaverage. If Texpected is less than or equal to Tpredicted then the EOL state of the battery is determined.
US09229057B2 Pattern synthesis apparatus and semiconductor test system having the same
A semiconductor test system includes a user device configured to operate a reference device in accordance with an interface signal based on a timing signal having a variable operating frequency, a pattern synthesis apparatus configured to measure an interval between adjacent edges of the timing signal transmitted from the user device, and extract a logic value of the interface signal in accordance with the timing signal so as to generate test pattern data, and a test device configured to receive the test pattern data, reconstruct the timing signal based on the measured interval, generate a test driving signal such that the logic value is extracted from a device under test (DUT) based on the reconstructed timing signal, and apply the test driving signal to the DUT so as to determine an operating state of the DUT.
US09229056B2 IC die top, bottom signals, tap lock, test, scan circuitry
This disclosure describes die test architectures that can be implemented in a first, middle and last die of a die stack. The die test architectures are mainly the same, but for the exceptions mentioned in this disclosure.
US09229045B2 In-situ characterization of a solid-state light source
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system for in-situ characterization of a solid-state light. First, a voltage and a current of the solid-state light source are monitored. Then, the health of the solid-state light source is characterized based on an analysis of the monitored voltage and current.
US09229040B2 Disconnection detection circuit for bridge circuit and system including disconnection detecting means
In an existing disconnection detection circuit for a bridge circuit, consideration is not taken into the fact that an offset voltage or temperature characteristic of a bridge output is degraded. Provided is a disconnection detection circuit for a bridge circuit capable of suppressing a change in a characteristic of a sensor to a minimal extent. A disconnection detection circuit 8a for a bridge circuit in accordance with the present invention comprises conducting means 9 and 10 each of which causes a current to flow from an output terminal of the bridge circuit to a predetermined potential, potential difference detecting means 12 and 13 each of which detects a potential difference between the potential at the output terminal of the bridge circuit and the predetermined potential, and a disconnection detecting means 14 that detects a disconnection on the basis of the outputs of the potential difference detecting means.
US09229033B2 Voltage detecting system
A voltage detecting system is configured for detecting a voltage supplied to an electronic device. The voltage detecting system includes a voltage measuring circuit configured to measure the voltage, a voltage converting circuit electrically coupled to the voltage, and a voltage comparing circuit. The voltage measuring circuit has a first measuring range and a second measuring range that is wider than the first measuring range. The voltage converting circuit is capable of the converting the voltage to an output voltage according to a predetermined ratio. The voltage comparing circuit compares the output voltage with a reference voltage. If the output voltage is greater than the reference voltage, the voltage comparing circuit informs the voltage measuring circuit to select the second measuring range. If the output voltage is not greater than the reference voltage, the voltage comparing circuit informs the voltage measuring circuit to select the first measuring range.
US09229032B2 Current sensor
A current sensor includes a magnetoresistive element that has a stripe shape and that has a sensing axis in a certain direction. The magnetoresistive element includes element portions that are disposed so as to be spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the stripe shape, and permanent magnet portions, each of which is disposed between adjacent ones of the element portions. Each element portion has a layered structure including a free magnetic layer whose magnetization direction is changed with respect to an external magnetic field, a non-magnetic intermediate layer, and a ferromagnetic pinned layer whose magnetization direction is pinned. The permanent magnet portion includes a hard bias layer, and an electrode layer that is disposed so as to cover the hard bias layer.
US09229031B2 Probes for testing integrated electronic circuits and corresponding production method
An embodiment of a method is proposed for producing cantilever probes for use in a test apparatus of integrated electronic circuits; the probes are configured to contact during the test corresponding terminals of the electronic circuits to be tested. An embodiment comprises forming probe bodies of electrically conductive materials. In an embodiment, the method further includes forming on a lower portion of each probe body that, in use, is directed to the respective terminal to be contacted, an electrically conductive contact region having a first hardness value equal to or greater than 300 HV; each contact region and the respective probe body form the corresponding probe.
US09229025B2 Inertial sensor
In order to provide an inertial sensor capable of suppressing a wrong diagnosis even in an adverse environment such that sudden noise occurs, an inertial sensor is provided with a movable part (105), a first detection unit (C1, C2) for detecting the amount of displacement of the movable part (105), a forced vibration means (503, C3, C4) for forcedly vibrating the movable part (105) by applying a diagnosis signal, a physical quantity calculation unit (502) for calculating the physical quantity from a detection signal from the first detection unit (C1, C2), and an abnormality determination unit (504) for determining the presence or absence of the abnormality for the physical quantity using the diagnosis signal obtained via the first detection unit (C1, C2), and is used within a vehicle, the inertial sensor further comprising a second sensor (510) mounted in the same vehicle and connected to the abnormality determination unit (504).
US09229022B2 Deceleration information notification device and deceleration information notification method
The present invention is intended to notify vehicle deceleration information more accurately. When an engine torque Te has a negative value, a sound volume adjustment coefficient kt is calculated depending on the engine torque Te, and a sound volume is adjusted depending on the sound volume adjustment coefficient kt. The sound volume adjustment coefficient kt is set to have a larger value as the absolute value of the engine torque Te becomes larger.
US09229018B2 Sample analyzer and sample analyzing method
The present invention is to present a sample analyzer for analyzing a target substance in a sample by carrying out a target substance separating process for separating a complex containing the target substance and a magnetic particle from other substances other than the complex. The sample analyzer executes the target substance separating process with respect to a second container held by a second holder with a second nozzle while executing the target substance separating process with respect to a first container held by a first holder with a first nozzle, and completes the target substance separating process with respect to the first container with the first nozzle and completes the target substance separating process with respect to the second container with the second nozzle.
US09229015B2 Accuracy management method
There is provided a comprehensive accuracy management method attained by including the steps of: displaying operation event information in time series in an accuracy management result chart or a calibration result chart on the same screen; accumulating a characteristic daily measurement value fluctuation pattern on the basis of a kind of an operation event; displaying the latest fluctuation pattern of measurement results and the daily measurement value fluctuation pattern in superposition with each other to warn of fluctuations which differ from the daily measurement value fluctuation pattern; and estimating and reporting the cause of the fluctuations.
US09229014B2 Methods of assessing the need for and the effectiveness of therapy with antioxidants
The invention relates to diagnostic methods for assessing the need of a subject for treatment with an anti-oxidant, or alternatively, for determining the utilization efficiency and ultimate effectiveness of anti-oxidant therapy in subjects having been treated with antioxidants. More specifically, the methods of the present invention are particularly useful in prophylactic assessment of individuals at risk for developing diseases or conditions in which oxidative stress plays a role, such that an appropriate therapeutic regimen can be prescribed for that individual, thus leading to alternative therapies and/or life style changes. The invention further relates to methods for assessing the need for, the utilization efficiency and the effectiveness of therapy in subjects having received therapy with specific antioxidant and immune enhancing formulations. Kits are also provided for measuring the levels of markers of oxidative stress and immune cell numbers.
US09229010B2 Methods and compositions for diagnosis and prognosis of renal injury and renal failure
Disclosed are methods and compositions for monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis, and determination of treatment regimens in subjects suffering from or suspected of having a renal injury. In particular, disclosed are assays that detect one or more markers selected from the group consisting of Prostatic acid phosphatase, Lactotransfenin, Soluble erythropoietin receptor, Von Willebrand factor, Soluble endothelial protein C receptor, and Beta-2-glycoprotein 1 as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in renal injuries.
US09229007B2 Fluorescence detection of cysteine and homocysteine
Embodiments of probes for selectively detecting compounds having a thiol group and an amino group, e.g., cysteine and/or homocysteine, are disclosed, along with methods and kits for detecting the compounds in neutral media with the probes. The probes have a structure according to the general formula where R1-R4 independently are hydrogen hydroxyl, halogen, thiol, thioether, lower aliphatic, or lower alkoxy, x is an integer from 0 to 4, and each R5 independently is halogen, hydroxyl, thiol, thioether, lower aliphatic, or lower alkoxy. Embodiments of the disclosed probes are capable of undergoing condensation/cyclization reactions with cysteine and/or homocysteine. Cysteine and/or homocysteine can be selectively detected and identified by determining fluorescence emission of the probes at characteristic wavelengths.
US09229004B2 Methods for detecting and treating cancer
The invention generally features compositions and methods for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of neoplasia in a subject, as well as methods of treatment selection.
US09228990B2 System for predicting production of fruit tree and driving method thereof
Provided is a system for predicting production of a fruit tree, including a plant image obtaining unit collecting images of a fruit tree and confirming identification information about the fruit tree from the collected images, a branch pattern recognizing unit receiving an image of the fruit tree whose identification information is confirmed and extracting fruit bearing branches from among various kinds of branches belonging to the fruit tree, a fruit tree bud recognizing unit receiving an image of each of the extracted fruit bearing branches and extracting information about buds that fruits are actually to be born from among buds belonging to the fruit bearing branch, a meta database storing previous production predicting information about the fruit tree corresponding to the collected images, and a production estimating unit comparing the received bud information and the previous production predicting information to predict production of the fruit tree.
US09228986B2 Simultaneous determination of multiple analytes in industrial water system
A method using a multi-purpose reagent composition to simultaneously determine concentrations of at least two analytes in a water sample. In one embodiment, the multi-purpose reagent composition used is for simultaneously determining free chlorine concentration and pH and comprises a free chlorine sensitive dye and a pH indicator. In another embodiment, the reagent composition used is for simultaneously determining of free chlorine and anionic polymer and includes a free chlorine sensitive dye, a pH buffer, a cationic dye, and an organic co-solvent. Thus, the pairs of free chlorine and pH or free chlorine and anionic polymer are determined using a single reagent composition. The reagent composition can also be the main reagent for one analyte analysis when it is used alone and also function as an ancillary reagent when it is combined with a second reagent composition for the determination of another analyte.
US09228984B2 Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry apparatus therefor having a capture and release device
A GC-MS method is provided with installing a sample injector; installing a heart-cutting unit; installing a first capillary column; connecting a switching valve to the heart-cutting unit; installing a capture and release device to the heart-cutting unit; connecting the capture and release device to the switching valve; connecting the switching valve to an MS; rotating the switching valve to either connect the first and second interconnecting columns, or connect the second capillary column and the second interconnecting column; injecting the sample gas into the first capillary column; by setting a time slot and carrier gas pressure of the heart-cutting unit, while causing fractions of simple compounds to be cut out and travel to the MS, causing fractions of complex compounds to be cut out; after the simple compounds finished in MS, causing complex compounds to be released from the capture and release device; and sending the compounds.
US09228983B2 Process analytic device with improved thermal stability
A process analytic device has an input to receive a sample of interest. An analytic detector is operably coupled to receive the sample of interest and to provide an analytic output relative to the sample of interest. A heat pipe is thermally coupled to the analytic detector. In one embodiment, the process analytic device is a process gas chromatograph.
US09228981B2 Resonance inspection-based surface defect system/method
A system and method for evaluating a part-under-test (120) is disclosed. The part-under-test (120) is excited using at least one drive frequency. A first surface acoustical wave (SAW) mode (206) is identified in the frequency response (200). A separate reference peak (204) for the identified SAW mode (206) is also identified in the frequency response (200). At least one degeneracy assessment zone (208) is evaluated for existence of a surface defect trigger condition. If a surface defect trigger condition exists, the part-under-test (120) may be rejected. Otherwise, the part-under-test (120) may be accepted.
US09228978B2 Identifying ionizable species with voltammetric duty cycles
A sensor system including devices and methods for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample is described. Input signals including amperometric and voltammetric duty cycles of excitations and relaxations may provide a shorter analysis time and/or improve the accuracy and/or precision of the analysis. The disclosed system may reduce analysis errors, thus improving measurement performance, by adjusting the potential and/or scan rate in response to output currents obtained from voltammetric scans. The disclosed system also may determine the concentration of more than one ionizable species in the sample by adjusting the potential and/or scan rate in response to output currents obtained from voltammetric scans. The multiple, determined concentrations may be used to determine the concentration of multiple analytes or to correct the concentration determined for an analyte, thus improving the measurement performance of the system.
US09228977B2 Contactless conductivity detector
A portable electrophoretic contactless conductivity detection (C4D) system for analysis on a microfluidic chip houses in one embodiment a fluidic compartment for receiving the microfluidic chip, and four detection electrodes: first and second emitting electrodes, and first and second receiving electrodes. The first emitting electrode and the first receiving electrode are adjacent to a first channel wall of the microfluidic chip, and the second emitting electrode and the second receiving electrode are adjacent to a second channel wall, where the second channel wall is opposite to the first channel wall. In an embodiment, the electrodes are provided as portions of a removable cartridge cell.
US09228975B2 Patient serum/plasma sample resistivity for electrolyte result verification
Verification of patient sample electrolyte results using a separate quantitative measurement of sample resistivity. Sample resistivity may be used to measure small differences in resistivity of one sample to the next, and in comparison to a standard solution, in order to verify the results of sample electrolyte measurements being measured at the same time by, for example, individual ion selective electrodes (ISE) in a clinical analyzer. Providing a separate or secondary quantitative means for verification of the measured results of sample electrolytes using sample resistivity solves the problem of electrolyte result variability in sample electrolyte measurements. The process may compare a measured sample resistivity to an expected resistivity value as a verification of the accuracy of individual electrolyte results. Suspect samples—e.g., where the electrolyte resistivity results do not fit the expected resistivity—may be flagged. This separate verification step provides added confidence in the measured electrolyte results and can identify when problems occur or interferences are present in real time.
US09228967B2 Micro-hotplate device and sensor comprising such micro-hotplate device
The present invention relates to a micro-hotplate device comprising a frame, a membrane, an active area comprising at least one active layer, and a heating structure designed to heat said active layer, said heating structure having concentric tracks and comprising inner tracks (20) and inner spaces (22) and outer tracks (24) and outer spaces (26) as being the one or two tracks and spaces located the furthest away from the center of the heating structure, characterized in that said outer tracks (24) are designed to be located closer to their neighboring tracks and/or are designed to have a width which is lower than those of the inner tracks (20), the width and the spacing of said inner tracks (20) being substantially constant.
US09228964B2 System for aligning patterns on a substrate
A system for aligning a first and second pattern based on alignment structures is disclosed. The system comprises a first substrate including the first alignment structure. The alignment structure has a different magnitude of the electrical characteristic than the substrate. The system also includes an electrical probe and a controller for controlling the relative position of the probe with respect to the substrate to measure the electrical characteristic at a plurality of positions proximate the substrate. The measured electrical characteristics are used to identify the location of the alignment structure by identifying a difference between the measured electrical characteristic at pairs of the plurality of positions. A controller identifies the location of a second alignment structure formed on a second substrate. A registration mechanism aligns the two substrates using the identified locations of the first and second alignment structures.
US09228962B2 Adjustable cathodoluminescence detection system and microscope employing such a system
A cathodoluminescence detection system is provided, including a source of charged particles arranged to illuminate a sample with a charged particle beam, and an optical path having at least two optical components capable of collecting and conveying light radiation coming from the illuminated sample to an analysis device; each optical component of the optical path is selected so that: the maximum output angle of the optical component is less than or equal to 120% of the maximum acceptance angle of the next optical component; and the diameter of the radiation coming from the optical component in the input plane of the next optical component is less than or equal to 120% of the useful input diameter of the next optical component.
US09228957B2 High speed method and system for inspecting a stream of parts
A high-speed method and system for inspecting a stream of parts using at least one transparent traveling carrier of a conveyor subsystem are provided. The subsystem has a forward reach and a return reach. The method includes controllably receiving a stream of parts in rapid succession on the at least one traveling carrier and utilizing the subsystem to transfer the stream of parts in rapid succession to a part inspection station. The bottom surface of each part is illuminated through its traveling carrier with radiant energy when the part is located at the inspection station to generate reflected radiation signals which travel through its traveling carrier. A bottom image of each illuminated bottom surface is formed from the reflected radiation signals at an imaging location between the forward and return reaches at the inspection station. The bottom images are detected at the imaging location.
US09228947B2 Device for monitoring a plurality of discrete fluorescence signals
The present invention relates to a device and detector for monitoring a plurality of discrete fluorescence signals, in particular for DNA sequencing by use of fluorescently labeled nucleotides. The particular detector (118) is proposed comprising a plurality of pixels (130) for individually detecting said fluorescence signals from the plurality of fluorescent signal sources (104), wherein each pixel (130) comprises a predetermined number of at least two detection elements (D1, Dn) for detecting a received fluorescent signal and for generating detection signals. Further, a signal conversion circuit (140) is provide for receiving said detection signals from said at least two detection elements (D1, Dn) and for generating a pixel output signal indicating which of said at least two detection elements (D1, Dn) generated the strongest detection signal.
US09228945B2 Sensor chip, detection device, and method of manufacturing sensor chip
A sensor chip includes a substrate, a relief structure composed of protruding sections formed so as to be arranged on a surface of the substrate to have a lattice shape and a recessed section between the protruding sections, and fine metal particles arranged along upper ridge lines of the respective protruding sections of the relief structure, the protruding sections being adjacent to each other, having a minute gap with which the surface plasmon resonance occurs. By irradiating the gap between the fine metal particles with a laser beam, the localized surface plasmon resonance occurs more efficiently. As a result, the sensor chip capable of taking out the surface enhanced Raman scattering to thereby detect the substance with high sensitivity can be realized.
US09228941B2 Combustor imaging inspection system
An imaging inspection system and inspection method for a combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine having an imaging inspection device and a controller. The imaging inspection device includes a combustor interface, an inspection head having a first camera, an inspection head extender, a roll actuator, and a pitch actuator. The controller is configured to manipulate the inspection head in a predefined sequence.
US09228929B2 Method of on-line rapid fluid density measurement using a piezoresistive micro-cantilever
The present invention provides a method of on-line rapid fluid density measurement using a piezoresistive micro-cantilever, the present invention can achieve on-line measurement without changing the existing device; more importantly, without acquiring the resonant frequency of the cantilever in fluid to be detected, thus remarkably reducing measurement time, and guaranteeing the real on-line rapid measurement. By using the method of the present invention, measurement of the density of fluid to be detected by a calibrated piezoresistive micro-cantilever may be achieved within seconds or even shorter.
US09228923B2 Methods for an exhaust fluid sensor
Various methods are provided for diagnosing an exhaust fluid sensor disposed in an exhaust fluid passage. By monitoring the sensor during conditions when it is in contact with the exhaust fluid and when it is not in contact with the exhaust fluid, an expected change in the sensor output can be monitored to identify whether the sensor is generating sufficiently accurate readings.
US09228920B2 Method and device for estimating the optical power of corrective lenses in a pair of eyeglasses worn by a spectator
This invention relates to a method for estimating the optical power of corrective lenses in a pair a eyeglasses worn by a spectator, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: acquire two consecutive images of this spectator's face located in front of a means for acquiring these two images, one of these images being acquired with eyeglasses and the other without, calibrate one of the two acquired images with respect to the other, identify the position of the iris of each eye in each image, evaluate the size magnification or size reduction of each imaged iris, and estimate the optical power of the corrective lenses based on the evaluated magnification or reduction.
US09228917B1 Six degrees of freedom free-motion test apparatus
The present invention is a test object apparatus for testing space objects. The test apparatus provides the space object with six degrees of freedom for testing. The test apparatus is statically balanced in order to achieve a microgravity condition for testing.
US09228916B2 Self calibrating micro-fabricated load cells
Self calibrating micro-fabricated load cells are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a self calibrating load cell comprises a resonant double ended tuning fork force sensor and a phase locked loop circuit for detection of frequency changes upon external load application to the resonant double ended tuning fork force sensor.
US09228910B2 Abnormality diagnosis apparatus and abnormality diagnosis method for torque sensor
An apparatus for diagnosing an abnormality in a torque sensor that is connected to a controller of an electric power steering apparatus by two systems includes a steering speed determination unit that determines whether a variation speed of a steering angle equals or exceeds a predetermined speed on the basis of a detection result from a steering angle sensor, an integrated value calculation unit that calculates an integrated value of an input torque detected by the torque sensor within a sampling period extending from a point at which a steering wheel is steered at or above the predetermined speed to a point at which the steering wheel returns to a neutral position, and an abnormality determination unit that determines that an abnormality has occurred in the torque sensor when the integrated value of the input torque is equal to or smaller than a predetermined reference integrated torque.
US09228903B2 Infrared imager
Devices, methods, and systems relating to infrared imager devices, methods for providing infrared imagers, methods of operating infrared imagers, and infrared imager systems are disclosed. An infrared imager system includes a number of lenses, a beam splitter, an imager array, and a thermo-optical array, wherein the beam splitter directs light to the imaging array and to the thermo-optical array.
US09228893B2 Apparatus for measuring pollutants and method of operating the same
A system for the detection of components in a region of the atmosphere is disclosed, the system comprising a spectrometer assembly having a detector optically coupled to a optical assembly, the optical assembly receiving incident sunlight from the region of the atmosphere, the optical assembly having a field of view extending from the zenith to below the horizon; means for rotating the spectrometer assembly about a vertical axis; and a processor for receiving data from the spectrometer assembly and compiling data relating to the identity and concentration of components in the region of the atmosphere. A method of monitoring pollutants in a region of the atmosphere comprises providing a spectrometer assembly having a detector optically coupled to an optical assembly having a field of view extending from the zenith to below the horizon; exposing the spectrometer assembly to incident sunlight while rotating the spectrometer assembly about a substantially vertical axis; and processing signals received from the spectrometer assembly to analyse components in the atmosphere. The system and method are particularly useful in monitoring atmospheric pollutants arising from the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels, in particular oxides of nitrogen and/or sulphur. A preferred arrangement comprises a plurality of systems disposed at spaced apart locations and having their scanned regions overlapping.
US09228888B2 Sensor positioning with non-dispersive guided waves for pipeline corrosion monitoring
An ultrasonic sensor assembly for testing a pipe includes a first and second transducer rings attached to the pipe and spaced apart along a length of the pipe. The first transducer ring includes a plurality of transmitters for transmitting a wave, such as a non-dispersive guided wave. The first transducer ring transmits the wave along the pipe. The second transducer ring includes a plurality of receivers for receiving the wave. A relative position of the first transducer ring with respect to a circumferential position of the second transducer ring is determined based on characteristics of the wave received by the second transducer ring. A method of positioning the ultrasonic sensor assembly on the pipe is also provided.
US09228884B2 Hand-operated weighing system and weighing work method
A weighing system (100) comprises a platform scale (50) on which a container containing objects is placed; and a hand-operated combination weigher 10 including a plurality of weighing trays 12 on which the objects are put; wherein a controller of the weighing system (100) derives a target weight of the objects in the combination weigher (10) using a weight of the container which is weighed by the platform scale (50); and the controller selects a combination of the weighing trays (12) so that a combination weight of the objects on the weighing trays (12) falls within an allowable range of the target weight.
US09228881B2 Method and apparatus for in-situ calibration and function verification of fluid level sensor
An in-situ method and apparatus for calibrating and verifying the operational accuracy of a fluid level sensor.
US09228861B2 Rotation sensing apparatus and manufacturing method thereof
A signal transmitting member is electrically connected to a rotation sensing device and transmits a rotation sensing signal from the rotation sensing device to an external device. An internal structure holds the rotation sensing device and a portion of the signal transmitting member. At least one rib is molded on an outer peripheral surface of the internal structure. The internal structure is integrally molded with a resin material and includes an installing portion, which is configured to install the rotation sensing apparatus to an external subject body through the installing portion, and a holding portion, which is configured to enable holding of the rotation sensing apparatus through the holding portion. A plurality of recesses is formed between the installing portion and the holding portion.
US09228855B2 Magnetic logic units configured to measure magnetic field direction
An apparatus includes circuits, a field line configured to generate a magnetic field based on an input, a sensing module configured to determine a parameter of each circuit, and a magnetic field direction determination module configured to determine an angular orientation of the apparatus relative to an external magnetic field based on the parameter. Each circuit includes multiple magnetic tunnel junctions. Each magnetic tunnel junction includes a storage layer having a storage magnetization direction and a sense layer having a sense magnetization direction configured based on the magnetic field. Each magnetic tunnel junction is configured such that the sense magnetization direction and a resistance of the magnetic tunnel junction vary based on the external magnetic field. The parameter varies based on the resistances of the multiple magnetic tunnel junctions. The magnetic field direction determination module is implemented in at least one of a memory or a processing device.
US09228845B2 Navigation device, navigation method, and program
Navigation systems, methods, and programs acquire deviated point information regarding a deviated point where a vehicle traveling a set route has deviated the route, and acquire post-deviation travel history information regarding a travel history after a deviated vehicle has deviated the route at the deviated point. The systems, methods, and programs determine based on the post-deviation travel history information for each of the deviated vehicles whether the deviated vehicle has traveled along a reroute set after deviating the route at the deviated point, and judges whether a rate of the deviated vehicles which were determined as having traveled along the reroute is a first predetermined value or more. If the rate of the deviated vehicles which were determined as having traveled along the reroute is the first predetermined value or more, the systems, methods, and programs determine that guidance of the route is not appropriate.
US09228844B2 Data mining in a digital map database to identify insufficient merge lanes along roads and enabling precautionary actions in a vehicle
Disclosed is a feature for a vehicle that enables taking precautionary actions in response to conditions on the road network around or ahead of the vehicle, in particular, an intersection without traffic signals and without a sufficient merge lane. A database that represents the road network is used to determine locations where roads meet without a traffic signal and without a sufficient merge lane. Then, precautionary action data is added to the database to indicate a location at which a precautionary action is to be taken about the location of the insufficient merge lane. A precautionary action system installed in a vehicle uses this database, or a database derived therefrom, in combination with a positioning system to determine when the vehicle is at a location that corresponds to the location of a precautionary action. When the vehicle is at such a location, a precautionary action is taken by a vehicle system as the vehicle is approaching a location of an insufficient merge lane.
US09228842B2 System and method for determining a uniform external magnetic field
A processing apparatus, optionally integrated into a device having a plurality of sensors including a magnetometer, generates navigational state estimates for the device. The processing apparatus has a magnetometer-assisted mode of operation in which measurements from the magnetometer are used to estimate the navigational state and an alternate mode of operation in which the navigational state of the device is estimated without measurements from the magnetometer. For a respective time period, the processing apparatus operates in the alternate mode of operation. During the respective time period, the processing apparatus collects a plurality of magnetometer measurements and determines whether they meet measurement-consistency requirements. If the measurements meet the measurement-consistency requirements, the processing apparatus transitions to the magnetometer-assisted mode of operation. If the measurements do not meet the measurement-consistency requirements, the processing apparatus continues to operate in the alternate mode of operation.
US09228829B2 Method and system for measuring distance
A method and a system for measuring a distance from a reference point to an object are provided. The method comprises the following steps. At least one image of an object is captured through a lens comprising a phase mask composed of a parallel plate and a wedge prism. At least two corresponding regions of interest (ROI) are obtained from the images. The regions of interest correspond to identical portions of the object. The relative coordinates between corresponding locations within the corresponding regions of interest is measured. The distance is calculated according to the relative coordinates.
US09228826B2 Apparatus and method for contactless thickness measurement
A contactless thickness measuring apparatus is provided which includes an terahertz transmitter configured to receive the first optical path signal from the coupler and to generate a terahertz continuous wave using the first optical signal and an applied bias; an optical delay line configured to delay the second optical path signal output from the coupler; and an terahertz receiver configured to receive the terahertz continuous wave penetrating a sample and to detect an optical current using the terahertz continuous wave and the second optical path signal delayed. A thickness of the sample is a value corresponding to the optical current which phase value becomes a constant regardless of a plurality of measurement frequencies.
US09228822B2 Non-differential elastomer curvature sensor
A hyperelastic, soft microfluidic film measures bending curvature using a novel non-differential mechanism. Disclosed embodiments of the elastomer-based solution allows for curvature sensing directly on a bending plane and thus eliminates limitations imposed by strain gauge factor (GF) and sensor thickness (Z). Due to soft lithography microfabrication and design methods the disclosed curvature sensors are elastically soft (modulus 0.1-1 MPa) and stretchable (100-1000% strain). In contrast to existing curvature sensors that measure differential strain, embodiments of the present invention measures curvature directly and allows for arbitrary gauge factor and film thickness. Moreover, the sensor is composed entirely of soft elastomer (PDMS or Ecoflex® and conductive liquid (eutectic gallium indium, (eGaIn)) and thus remains functional even when stretched to several times its natural length. Electrical resistance in the embedded eGaIn microchannel is measured as a function of bending curvature for a variety of sensor designs.
US09228818B2 Tool for detecting verticality between axle hole and milling plane
The tool for detecting the verticality between an axle hole and a milling plane comprises a base provided with a horizontal plane and a vertical plane which are vertically intersected, a vertical through hole is provided, a locating plate is vertically arranged and located in the middle of the vertical through hole, the locating plate is fixed with the vertical plane, a horizontal through hole is provided on the locating plate, two vertical pin rods are arranged at a position of the base away from the vertical through hole, the vertical pin rods are symmetric with respect to the axis of the horizontal through hole, a detection rod can be inserted into the horizontal through hole.
US09228816B2 Method of determining a common coordinate system for an articulated arm coordinate measurement machine and a scanner
A method of determining a mathematical transformation to place three-dimensional (3D) coordinates of points measured by an articulated arm coordinate measurement machine (AACMM) and 3D points measured by a scanner in a common coordinate system is provided. The method including providing the 3D scanner and the AACMM having a probe. The scanner and AACMM each have a local frame of reference. Three non-collinear targets are measured with the probe and then with the scanner. 3D probe reference coordinates and 3D scanner reference coordinates are determined based on the measurement of the targets by the AACMM and scanner. The mathematical transformation is determined based at least in part on the 3D probe reference coordinates and the 3D scanner reference coordinates, the mathematical transformation characterized at least in part by a collection of parameters.
US09228815B2 Very low-power actuation devices
An actuator including: a housing; a piston movably disposed in the housing, the piston being movable between an extended and retracted position; a plurality of gas generation charges generating a gas in fluid communication with the housing; and an exhaust port for exhausting gas from the cylinder generated by the plurality of gas generation charges; wherein activation of each of the plurality of gas generation charges results in an increase in pressure in the housing causing the piston to move in the housing from the refracted to the extended position. The actuator can further include a return spring for biasing the piston in the retracted position and the plurality of gas generation charges can be disposed in the housing.
US09228813B1 Broadhead collars
Collars are provided for broadheads. In some embodiments, the collars are shock collars with frangible tabs which restrain the blades of an expandable broadhead during flight, stabilizing the flight path of the expandable broadhead. The frangible tabs break off of the shock collar upon impact, allowing the blades of the expandable broadhead to deploy and increase the size of the entrance hole made in the target. In some embodiments, the collars center a ferrule of a broadhead within an insert of an arrow.
US09228812B1 Bowfishing arrow slide arrangement
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a bowfishing slide arrangement for use with an archery bow. In certain embodiments, the arrangement includes a slide member having a sliding portion configured to slide along an arrow shaft and a flexible strand to which fishing line is configured to be attached. The flexible strand is engaged with and extends from the sliding portion. The arrangement further includes a stop used in cooperation with the slide member. The stop is arrangeable on the arrow shaft in a manner to prevent the slide member from sliding off of the arrow shaft. Additionally, the flexible strand creates a loop configured to extend beyond the end of the arrow shaft when the sliding portion contacts the stop.
US09228811B2 Gas generator provided with a safety device for slow warm-ups
The present invention relates to a gas generator (10) comprising a body (12) delimiting at least one part of a combustion chamber (20), said part housing a primary pyrotechnic charge (16) adapted to generate gases in the combustion chamber (20) when said charge is initiated in combustion, and a slide valve (60) located outside said body (12) and defining with the latter a second chamber (66) housing a secondary pyrotechnic charge (74) whereof the self-ignition temperature is less than that of the primary pyrotechnic charge (16). A gas flow channel (50) for flowing gas out of the combustion chamber (20) is formed in the body (12). According to the invention, the slide valve (60) blocks this channel when it is in a first position, and under the effect of gases released by said secondary pyrotechnic charge (74), the slide valve is adapted to move to a second position wherein the channel (50) is no longer sealed off, allowing the gases contained in the combustion chamber (20) to flow outwards to the exterior.
US09228809B1 Target practice apparatus
A target practice apparatus adapted to receive projectiles fired at it by a remotely positioned shooter includes a motor having an output shaft, a motor housing, and a post secured to the motor and motor housing. A target disc is secured to the output shaft and rotates with it. A frame supports the motor housing and the target disc. An L-shaped elbow member is attachable to the frame in a plurality of differing configurations. The post is also attachable to the frame in a plurality of differing configurations and is further attachable to the L-shaped elbow member in a plurality of differing configurations. This enables the target disc to be positioned in a vertical plane facing the shooter or on edge to the shooter and a horizontal plane on edge to the shooter. A non-rotating blocker disc having window openings partially obscures the target disc in the shooter-facing configuration.
US09228807B1 Anti-ship cruise missile barrier
A barrier for providing defense against attack from airborne cruise missiles includes a buoyant lighter than air structure. A curtain is suspended from structure and depends from the structure to a level approximately even with the surface. The barrier is deployed across a path identified as a potential attack path for an incoming threat. An incoming missile strikes the curtain which is adapted such that at least a portion of the curtain separates from the barrier and envelopes or entangles the incoming missile. The portion of the curtain covers the flight control planes of the missile and deprives the missile of lift. The missile falls to the surface short of its intended target. The intended target may be a ship which may deploy the barrier at a selected distance from the ship along a determined path of attack.
US09228805B1 Corrugated blast frequency control panel and method
A composite panel includes a ballistic fabric strike surface layer and an underlying structural armor plate layer. The structural armor plate layer is corrugated and includes a multiplicity of traversing ports. The traversing ports have sufficient lateral area to allow explosive blast deformation of the ballistic fabric through the structural armor plate layer. By selecting both relative port traversing void area and corrugation angle an effective projectile blockage is achieved. The composite shield is particularly effective in protecting personnel. Blast frequencies in the 1000 to 3000 Hz Cooper Injury Range component of the blast wave spectrum are attenuated. The panel has projectile shredding properties and has improved structural stability.
US09228802B2 Universal holster assembly
A holster assembly for a handgun includes a double-locking system that comprises two distinct and independent locking devices. A first passive locking device is actuated by the weight of the gun, upon its insertion into the holster, and a second passive locking device is actuated by a spring. An active locking device is also provided that further secures the handgun to the holster to avoid inadvertent removal or discharge of the handgun. The active locking device is movable between a plurality of positions to provide varying degrees of securement for the handgun to the holster. The holster assembly further includes a height-regulating system to adjust the height of the assembly with respect to the user's body.
US09228787B2 Polymeric sleeve vibration damper for the action spring of AR-10 derivative rifles
A vibration-dampening polymeric sleeve is provided for installation within the tubular receiver extension of an AR-10 derivative assault rifle before the action spring and buffer are installed therein. The presence of the sleeve dampens noise and vibration caused by the action spring of an AR-10 derivative assault rifle slapping against the cylindrical wall of the receiver extension. For one embodiment of the sleeve, a generally rectangular sheet of laminar polymeric plastic material equipped with tabs at the rear thereof, that is rolled into a tube. The tabs, which are inwardly bent, are held against the closed, rear end of the receiver extension by the action spring, whether the spring is fully compressed or only partially compressed. For an alternative embodiment, the sleeve, a solvated liquid polymer compound is sprayed into the cylindrical chamber of an axially-rotating receiver extension and allowed to dry.
US09228786B2 Quick barrel change firearm
A firearm can have a backbone, a barrel, a swinging wedge, and a barrel latch, in accordance with one or more embodiments. The barrel latch can be in mechanical communication with the swinging wedge. The barrel latch can have a first position and a second position and the swinging wedge can be configured to maintain attachment of the barrel to the backbone when the barrel latch is in the first position and is configured to release the barrel from the backbone when the barrel latch is in the second position. Thus, the firearm can provide quick barrel changes. Other features enhance the reliability and utility of the firearm.
US09228784B2 Plate heat exchanger
The invention relates to a plate heat exchanger comprising a plurality of plates having flow channels, wherein a first plate has a front side having at least one flow channel for a first fluid and a second plate has a front side having at least one flow channel for a second fluid, and wherein the plates have through openings via which the flow channels for the same fluid are respectively connected to one another, wherein a front plate, which is placed in front of the front side of the first plate, has ports for the first fluid and for the second fluid, wherein an end plate forms the end of the aligned plates, wherein the plates and ports are formed from plastic, and wherein the plates are bonded or welded tightly together.
US09228783B2 Method for controlling the fuel supply to burners of a burner group and burner controller
A method for controlling a fuel supply to a plurality of burners of a burner group includes determining a temperature in the burner group as a control variable. The fuel supply to the burners of the burner group is specified in dependence on a control deviation of the temperature determined in the burner group to a specified setpoint temperature. The fuel supply is a common mean fuel supply that is specified for all of the burners of the burner group by a temperature master controller. The fuel supply is corrected for each of the burners or burner subgroups of the burner group. Each of the burners or the burner subgroups have a fuel supply slave controller. The fuel supply slave controllers use at least, one disturbance variable associated to the respective burner or the respective burner subgroup so as to perform the correcting.
US09228782B2 Microwave oven
The invention concerns a microwave oven (10) for the heat treatment of ceramic components, in particular of dental ceramic components (12). It is equipped with a susceptor (14) which is positioned in the swell or in the area between a source of microwaves and the component. The susceptor (14) is made of highly pure silicon carbide of hexagonal, rhombohedral or cubic crystal structure, which has in particular a 2H, 4H, 6H or 3C crystal structure.
US09228777B2 Cooling device comprising a dispenser
The invention is a cooling device, possibly a refrigerator, comprising a dispenser for distribution of ice and/or water having a housing, which is disposed on an outer wall of the cooling device and has an opening on a front face thereof for a fixing element to fix position of the housing on the outer wall; a front cover disposed on the housing as covering the front face of the housing; and that the front cover comprises an opening corresponding with the opening of the housing and providing access to the fixing element; and a cover for covering the opening of the front cover.
US09228761B2 Electromagnetic wave concentrator and absorber
An electromagnetic black hole may be fabricated as concentric shells having a permittivity whose variation is at least as great as an inverse square dependence on the radius of the structure. Such a structure concentrates electromagnetic energy incident thereon over a broad range of angles to an operational region near the center of curvature of the structure. Devices or materials may be placed in the operational region so as to convert the electromagnetic energy to electrical signals or to heat. Applications included solar energy harvesting and heat signature detectors.
US09228760B2 Flameless heating system
A mobile heating system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes an enclosure defining a plenum that houses a fan and an internal combustion engine. The heating system also includes a hydraulic circuit including a hydraulic pump operably coupled to the internal combustion engine and a first heat exchanger located in the plenum and in fluid communication with the hydraulic pump. The hydraulic circuit also includes a hydraulic motor operably coupled to the fan wherein the hydraulic motor is in fluid communication with and driven by the hydraulic pump. A first valve is disposed between the hydraulic pump and the heat exchanger and is configured to restrict fluid flow and to increase a fluid pumping pressure of the hydraulic pump. A second valve is located upstream of the first valve and is configured to selectively direct hydraulic fluid between the first valve and the hydraulic motor.
US09228756B2 Support apparatus
The present disclosure relates to shelving systems and methods that are adaptable to a number of applications, including building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) systems, shelving units for holding children's games and toys, closet organizers with hangers and shelves, storage systems in a garage or workshop, storage shelves over a garage door, and as a shelving unit for audio and visual equipment. The shelving unit includes a means for attachment to an overhead member, such as a steel beam, wood rafter, wood joist, wood beam, or ceiling, a generally J or L shaped bar, the ability to raise or lower the J or L shaped bar to provide for storage at different heights, an extension member removably coupled to the J or L bar, and wherein the extension member has a length that provides for storage space of different widths. In another aspect, an inverted shelving stand is provided. In still a further aspect, a U shaped swiveling hanging unit is provided.
US09228753B2 Ventilation system
A ventilation system includes a connection determinator configured to determine that N-th, second, and sixth humidity controlling ventilation devices are connected to an identical second duct bank in a situation where when fans of the second and sixth humidity controlling ventilation devices are driven, and the rotational speed of a fan of the N-th humidity controlling ventilation device is changed, a power detector detects fluctuations in the power consumed by the fan of each of the second and sixth humidity controlling ventilation devices.
US09228744B2 System for gasification fuel injection
A system includes a gasification fuel injector. The gasification fuel injector includes a mixing device configured to mix together at least two of a solid stream, a liquid stream, or a gaseous stream, or a combination thereof, to generate a mixture. The mixing device is disposed upstream of a tip portion of the gasification fuel injector, and the mixture is discharged from the tip portion.
US09228736B1 Article of protective clothing with light source
An article of protective clothing, such as a boot, for providing visibility to a wearer has at least one light source encased within a housing. The housing is integrated within the article of protective clothing. The article of protective clothing includes a light-permeable shield positioned over the encased light source in the housing. Also, the article of protective clothing has a power source functionally coupled to the light source. The shield has one or more protective properties equal to or greater than one or more protective properties of the protective clothing.
US09228730B1 Variable radius multi-lamp illumination system
Electric lamps are mounted by lamp arms to lamp pulleys that are, in turn, mounted to a rigid frame. A motor-driven belt synchronously rotates the lamps via frictional contact with the lamp pulleys to position the lamps to optimally illuminate a target surface. The lamps can be synchronously moved from a first location outside the periphery of the frame to a second location within the frame periphery by operation of the motor driving the belt. In either location, as well as in any other location, the apparatus provides an un-impeded, pass-through opening within the frame for an un-impeded line of sight to the target surface. Furthermore, the radial distance from each lamp to the geometric center of the frame remains the same, and the lamps remain spaced equally apart from each other.
US09228725B2 Light source unit, optical conversion unit, light source apparatus and light source system for an endoscope
A light source unit includes a primary light source configured to emit primary light, and a connection portion provided on an optical path of the primary light and to and from which an optical conversion unit is attachable and removable, the optical conversion unit including an optical conversion element configured to convert optical properties of the primary light to generate secondary light.
US09228723B2 Downlight fixtures
Retrofit light fixtures suitable for installation without tools. One or more spring bands deform as the fixture is forced through a ceiling opening and resume their preloaded shape to hold the fixture in place. Some embodiments may be installed in round ceiling openings and may utilize LED light sources.
US09228722B2 Outdoor LED lighting device structure with easy installation features
An outdoor LED lighting device includes a casing, a light emitting module, a driver module and a supporter. This LED lighting device may be installed easily by the supporter in a housing of the conventional outdoor lamp without having to discard the whole set of the conventional outdoor lamp, thus eliminating the unnecessary waste, in achieving cost-effectiveness and environment protection. Also, the LED lighting device has good characteristics of thermal dissipation and waterproof. Moreover, the solar battery module may be included to lower environmental impact without carbon dioxide emissions during power generation.
US09228721B2 LED PAPI with condensation protection
In accordance with an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein a LED PAPI (10) with condensation protection. The condensation protection may suitably comprise passive components, such as gaskets and seals (26, 36) and a desiccant (48), and/or active components, such as a defroster (39) and/or a heater (50).
US09228703B2 Soft flashlight
A flashlight includes a core having first and second surfaces, a side edge portion, and proximal and distal ends; along with first, second and third cavities. Light generating components include a light emitter in the first cavity, a switch in the second cavity and a battery disposed in the third cavity. A ribbon cable electrically couples the switch and battery. A first sheet-like stiffener overlays the first surface of the core. A first cover sheet overlays the first sheet-like stiffener to sandwich the sheet like stiffener between the first surface of the core and the first cover sheet. A second cover sheet overlays the second surface of the core. The first and second cover sheet members are joined together to form a flexible casing having an interior cavity. The core stiffener and light generating components are disposed within the interior cavity.
US09228702B2 LED lamp comprising light guide including first and second diffusing surfaces
An LED lamp is described, the LED lamp comprising an LED unit, e.g. provided on a base, in an embodiment, a fitting for contacting a power supply, and a light guide arranged to receive a light beam from the LED unit and guide the light beam towards a first light diffusing surface thereby providing a diffused light beam and whereby the light guide further comprises a second light diffusing surface facing the first light diffusing surface for diffusing at least part of the diffused light beam. The LED lamp as described enables to provide an omnidirectional light distribution, comparable to the light distribution of a conventional filament based light bulb.
US09228701B2 Illuminated stripe and illuminated stripe system
An illuminated stripe includes light-emitting light sources and a member for conducting current to the light sources and a casing part. The light sources and/or the member for conducting current to the light sources are at least in part surrounded with the casing part. At least a part of the casing part includes a first substance, and at least a part of the casing part includes a second substance.
US09228700B2 LED light tube and replacement method
LED light tube replaces a fluorescent light mounted in a fluorescent light fixture. Main power is feed only to the first socket end mount of the fluorescent fixture. The LED light tube includes an elongated tubular structure substantially the size and length of the fluorescent light tube and extends between the first and second end mounts of the fixture. Within an end region of the tubular structure and adjacent the first tube end mount, an internal power supply converts the main line power to LED bank power. The tubular structure of the LED light includes an elongated semi-spherical substantially transparent top cover mounted atop a printed circuit board substrate. The substrate supports a plurality of LEDs thereon.
US09228692B2 Three-dimensional telescoping adjustable equipment mounting fixture
An adjustable equipment curb has a lower frame having opposed first and second length-adjustable sides and opposed length-adjustable first and second ends interconnectable to form a rigid frame and height-adjustable mounting legs. The lower frame may be used alone, or may support an upper frame through a shock mount system having mounts affixed to both the upper and lower frames and shock absorbing springs between the mounts. The frames may be formed of interconnecting channel members, and the lower frame channel members may be of a perforated construction that, in conjunction with applied sheathing, provides acoustic damping. Seismic brackets may be affixed to the frame to provide increased resistance to seismic shock.
US09228689B1 System and method for in-place vent pipe restoration
A system and method are provided for simple yet reliable replacement and sealing of existing vent pipe penetrations through an external surface of a structure such as a building's roof. The system and method replace a portion of an existing vent pipe with a sealed replacement pipe extension. The replacement pipe extension and remaining portion of the existing vent pipe are preferably combined with a pipe flashing structure to provide a sealed replacement pipe solution capable of withstanding torsional and side loads encountered in rooftop applications. The system and method enable replacement and sealing tasks quickly and at low cost.
US09228685B2 Load lock device
A load lock device includes a vessel of which an internal pressure is variable between a pressure corresponding to a vacuum chamber and an atmospheric pressure; a purge gas supply source configured to supply a purge gas into the vessel; an exhaust device configured to evacuate an inside of the vessel; a pressure controller configured to adjust the internal pressure of the vessel to be the pressure corresponding to the vacuum chamber and the atmospheric pressure; a cooling member within the vessel configured to cool a substrate while the substrate is placed adjacent thereto; a first purge gas discharging member configured to discharge the purge gas to flow in parallel with the substrate while controlling a turbulent flow thereof; and a second purge gas discharging member formed of a porous material and configured to discharge the purge gas toward a bottom surface of the substrate from below the substrate.
US09228684B2 Sealing gasket
An annular sealing gasket for forming a sealing connection between a first tubular member and a second tubular member. The annular sealing gasket comprises a flexible sealing portion adapted to form a sealing connection between a first tubular member and a second tubular member and a body region adapted for supporting the flexible sealing portion and anchoring the annular sealing gasket to a secured connection. The body region further comprises spaced first and second conical legs extending convergingly away from the body region transversely from the flexible sealing portion.
US09228680B2 Conduit identification system
An identifier for a conduit includes a substrate having a pair of apertures. The substrate further contains a frangible portion encompassing one of the apertures and having a shape that corresponds to an opening left in the substrate after removal of the frangible portion. The identifier enables the shape of the frangible portion to be correlated with the shape of the opening left in the substrate after the frangible portion is separated from the substrate.
US09228679B2 Holding a flexible elongate object
A holder which has a loop portion securable around a flexible elongate in a folded configuration. A spine portion is coupled to the loop portion. At least one movable portion is adjustable between a first position, in which the at least one movable portion forms at least a portion of a handle in a substantially coplanar orientation relative to the spine portion, and a second position, in which the at least one movable portion forms at least one hook in a substantially transverse orientation relative to the spine portion. The at least one hook is positionable on a structure to support the loop portion in a hanging position on the structure.
US09228675B2 Two-segment joystick identification structure for water control valve
A two-segment joystick identification structure for a water control valve has a radial through-type holding hole, a step-shaped actuating rod, an internal holding groove, an elastic expandable assembly and a resisting and drive surface. The identification structure achieves a two-segment hand feel identification effect of the joystick of the water control valve and thus saves water, has compact components, simple fabrication, convenient assembly and practical advancement.
US09228672B2 Electromagnetic valve and fixing structure
An electromagnetic valve has: a coil; a casing encircling the coil and having a cylinder portion and nail portions; a movable core moving axially in the wound coil; a fixed core set at an opening end of the casing; a valve body fixed to the opening end of the casing together with the fixed core by bending inwards the nail portions; and a spool valve body moving axially in the valve body. The nail portion is provided with a wide width portion at a root side, a narrow width portion at a top side and a stepped portion between the wide width portion and the narrow width portion. The stepped portion is positioned at a substantially same position as an outer edge of one end portion of the valve body, or positioned at a cylinder portion side with respect to the one end portion outer edge of the valve body.
US09228664B2 Rotary multi-port valve
A rotary multi-port valve has a valve body having a primary flow port and a plurality of secondary flow ports. A rotary diverter is rotatable within the valve body and has an internal piston receptacle. A port selector piston is linearly moveable by hydraulic pressure from a de-energized position within the piston receptacle to an energized position for sealing with a selected flow port and accomplishes development of a spring force during hydraulically energized piston movement. Upon reduction of the hydraulic pressure the stored spring force returns the port selector piston to its de-energized position freeing the rotary diverter member for selective rotation to another selected flow port.
US09228660B2 Sliding member
An annular sliding member which is used in a mechanical seal, is attached to a rotating shaft, and slidably comes into contact, by being applied with energizing force in the axial direction, with another annular sliding member attached to a housing, wherein the sliding surface which comes into contact with the other sliding member is formed from: a dynamic pressure generating groove which guides a fluid to be sealed from a region to be sealed to the side of a region to not be sealed of the sliding surface, and a concave-convex section configured from a plurality of minute grooves which have a shallower depth than the dynamic pressure generating groove.
US09228657B2 Sealing element
A sealing element (1) comprising, in cross-section, a body (7a) and a first sealing part (8a).The first sealing part (8a) providing a sealing face (12a), the first sealing part being connected to and angularly and resiliently displaceable relative to a first surface of the body (7a).
US09228656B1 Method for operating an automatic transmission
A method for operating an automatic transmission is provided. The method includes synchronizing a first positive shifting element of the at least one positive shifting element with a first process, a second process or a third process depending upon an input speed and/or an output speed of the automatic transmission. The first process, the second process and the third process can provide smooth and/or satisfactory shifting of the first positive shifting element at various input speeds and output speeds of the automatic transmission.
US09228650B2 Gear scheme for infinitely variable transmission
A gear scheme for an infinitely variable transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, a variator, and a pair of planetary gearsets located beside the variator rather than in front of or behind the variator. The variator and the planetary gearsets are coupled between the input and output shafts.
US09228647B2 Actuator with quick-release mechanism
An actuator with a quick-release mechanism includes a base (10); an electric motor (20) including a worm shaft (212); a transmission mechanism (30) including a worm gear assembly (31), a lead screw shaft (32) and a bearing (33); a quick-release mechanism (40) including first and second cylinders (41, 42) attached to the lead screw shaft (32); an elastic member (50) clamped between the worm gear assembly (31) and the second cylinder (42) and a dialing mechanism (60) including a rotating piece (62) pivotally attached to the base (10); and wherein the worm gear assembly (31) including protruding teeth (316); the second cylinder (42) includes teeth slots (424) engaged with the protruding teeth (316) for engaged or disengaged transmission; and the rotating piece (62) includes a dial arm (621) to push the second cylinder (42) to disengage from the worm gear assembly (31) for torque transmission.
US09228626B2 Tubular torsion bar
A tubular torsion bar including an elongated inner tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end, an elongated outer tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end, a cylindrically shaped joiner bushing fixedly attached to and positioned partially between the distal end of the inner tube and the distal end of the outer tube with the inner tube and outer tube positioned in coaxial and substantially coextensive concentric nesting positions, external apparatus mounting the joiner bushing to maintain axial alignment of the distal and proximal ends of the inner tube and the outer tube and for limited rotational movement, and a mounting and output system fixedly attached to the proximal ends of the inner tube and the outer tube.
US09228625B2 Amorphous metal alloy
The invention relates to an amorphous metal alloy which may be used in the field of mechanical applications, in particular as a spring. This amorphous metal alloy corresponds to the formula FeaCObNicNbdVeBfTag in which: 0≦a≦70; 0≦b≦70; 8
US09228622B2 Mounting system for disk brake pad
A mounting system for a brake pad in the housings of a disk brake yoke in which the brake pad comprises at its ends two mounting ears (10), each ear being mounted in a housing of a disk brake yoke. The mounting system comprises for each pad ear, a spring (5) of linear or lamella shape, intended to bear, on the one hand, below a lower face (12) of the ear and, on the other hand, on the lower face of the housing of the yoke so as to separate the lower face (12) of the ear from the lower face of the housing.
US09228611B2 Rolling Bearing Device
A lubricant supply unit that supplies lubricating oil to a raceway groove of an inner ring is fixed to an outer ring. The lubricant supply unit is provided with a first and second radially separated electrodes used to supply electric power from an external power source to the micropump. Each of the first and second radially separated electrodes is fixed to an outer face of a tank that is stationary relative to the micropump so as to be exposed on the outside of the lubricant supply unit. The first radially separated electrode is arranged so as to be apart from the second radially separated electrode.
US09228607B2 Linear motion guide
A linear motion guide includes a guide rail disposed on a floor, a block movably mounted on the guide rail, a height adjustment module disposed between the guide rail and the floor, where the height adjustment module includes a support disposed on the floor to support the guide rail and a heating unit heating the support, where a gap between the floor and the guide rail is adjusted as the support is thermally heated by the heating unit.
US09228606B2 Hook with holding means and method for holding down underground tank with a strap
A hook, a hold down strap and a method for holding down an underground tank. The hook includes a base portion connectable to the hold down strap; a curved portion extending from the base portion and defining a concave receiving area having an entrance sized and configured for receiving an anchor element. The hook includes at least one hooking aid member being a flexible member or an extension member. The flexible member extends across the entrance of the concave receiving area and is sized and configured to bend from a closed position to an open position such that, when the anchor element traverses the entrance, the flexible member bends from the closed position toward the concave receiving area to the open position, thus allowing the anchor element to enter the concave receiving area. The extension member extends from the curved portion beyond the entrance of the concave receiving area.
US09228597B2 Methods and apparatus for adjusting actuator output torques
Methods and apparatus for changing actuator output torques are disclosed. An example method includes decoupling a first end cap from a body of an actuator. A first spring assembly is positioned within a first outer chamber defined by the first end cap and the body. A first end of the first spring assembly is positioned adjacent a surface of a first piston. A second end of the first spring assembly is positioned adjacent the first end cap when the first end cap is coupled to the body. The method includes positioning a first spacer within the first outer chamber and coupling the first end cap to the body. The first spacer changes a distance between the first and second ends of the first spring assembly when the first end cap is coupled to the body to change an output torque of the actuator.
US09228590B2 Method for controlling a compressor element of a screw compressor
Method for controlling a compressor element of a screw compressor, where the compressor element has a housing with two meshing helical rotors supported in the housing in the axial direction using at least one axial bearing. The method has a process A and/or a process B, where process A has a first step of switching on a first magnet during start-up of the compressor element, such that the magnet exerts a force on the rotor that is directed from an outlet side to an inlet side, and of switching off this first magnet during nominal operation of the compressor element; and where process B has a first step of keeping a second magnet switched off during start-up of the compressor element, and switching on this second magnet during nominal operation of the compressor element, such that this second magnet exerts a force that is directed from the inlet side to the outlet side.
US09228589B2 Material-conveying duct with adjustable geometry
An adjustable material-conveying duct and a flow area adjustment device are described. The duct may include two wall sections, the second wall section having two mounting connections, oriented at an angle with respect to one another. When the second wall section is mounted to the first wall section via a first mounting connection, the wall sections form a first angle in a flow channel of the duct. When the second wall section is mounted to the first wall section via a second mounting connection, the wall sections form a second, different angle in the flow channel. A flow sensor, controller and automatic adjustment device may also be utilized to control the orientation of the wall sections.
US09228586B2 Pump integrated with two independently driven prime movers
A pump having at least two fluid drivers and a method of delivering fluid from an inlet of the pump to an outlet of the pump using the at least two fluid drivers. Each of the fluid drives includes a prime mover and a fluid displacement member. The prime mover drives the fluid displacement member to transfer fluid. The fluid drivers are independently operated. However, the fluid drivers are operated such that contact between the fluid drivers is synchronized. That is, operation of the fluid drivers is synchronized such that the fluid displacement member in each fluid driver makes contact with another fluid displacement member. The contact can include at least one contact point, contact line, or contact area.
US09228579B2 Method and device for industrial biolayer cultivation
A compact, high-yield, bio-reactor for use as small, medium and large-scale production unit for therapeutic proteins, proteins in general and enzymes based on controlled activity of the cells or micro organisms and the production of such as high value antibodies for pharmaceutical and/or bio-diagnostic applications.
US09228577B2 Swash plate type variable displacement compressor
In a compressor, a link mechanism, which allows change of the inclination angle of the swash plate, is arranged between the drive shaft and the swash plate. An actuator is arranged in a swash plate chamber, while being rotational integrally with a drive shaft. The actuator includes a rotation body, a movable body, and a control pressure chamber. The swash plate has a fulcrum, which is coupled to the link mechanism, and a point of application, which is coupled to the movable body. The drive shaft is located between the fulcrum and the point of application.
US09228574B2 Hydraulic relief and switching logic for cryogenic pump system
A cryogenic hydraulic reciprocating piston pump includes a casing which defines a piston chamber. The sidewall of the piston chamber includes a retraction spill port as well as a pumping spill port. At the end of a retraction stroke, a retraction spill passageway that extends through the piston becomes aligned with the retraction spill port and fluid is communicated from the pressurized side of the piston to the unpressurized side of the piston to stop the retraction stroke before the piston “bottoms out”. Similarly, at the end of a pumping stroke, a pumping spill passageway that extends through the piston becomes aligned with the pumping spill port which provides communication between the pressurized side of the piston and the unpressurized side of the piston thereby stopping movement of the piston before it “bottoms out”.
US09228571B2 Variable radial fluid device with differential piston control
According to one embodiment, a radial fluid device comprises a cylinder block, a first plurality of pistons including a first piston, and a second plurality of pistons including a second piston. Each of the first plurality of pistons are slidably received within a different one of a first plurality of radially extending cylinders. Each of the second plurality of pistons are slidably received within a different one of a second plurality of radially extending cylinders. The second piston is configurable to begin its stroke at a different time relative to the first piston within the first cylinder pair.
US09228570B2 Method and apparatus for small satellite propulsion
In a propulsion system, an electrohydrodynamic (EHD) body force is used to control the flow of a propellant through a micro channel, expansion slot, plenum chamber, or other flow region and thereby increase the specific impulse created by a propulsion system. In an embodiment, a plurality of electrodes are arranged and powered to create a plasma discharge, which can impart an EHD body force to a fluid. Various configurations of electrodes can be used to control the flow of the fluid into, out of, or through the flow region. In an embodiment, the use of EHD body forces can reduce, or substantially eliminate, shear forces on the surface of a plenum chamber, micro channel, or expansion slot of the propulsion system, resulting in a smooth flow of the propellant and increased thrust.
US09228567B2 Transportation of drive train components in a wind turbine nacelle
The invention relates to a transportation system for transporting at least one drive train component (7a, 7b, 7c) of a wind turbine (1) comprising a tower (2) and a nacelle (3) arranged on the top of said tower, said transportation system comprising a displacement system comprising one or more transportation rails (8, 8a, 8b) being arranged to support said at least one drive train component during displacement thereof, the displacement system facilitating displacement of the drive train component substantially parallel to the rotor axis between an installation location for the drive train component and a second location (10) by means of a first drive arrangement of said displacement system, and a second drive arrangement (11) mounted on said nacelle and comprising at least one winch (12), said second drive arrangement being separate to said displacement system and facilitating transportation of said drive train component between said second location and a lower level when connected to the drive train component independently of the operation of the displacement system. The invention furthermore relates to a wind turbine nacelle with a transportation system and a method of transporting a drive train component of a wind turbine.
US09228560B2 Power generating floating vessel
Hydroelectric generation devices, and more particularly fixed or floating paddlewheel electric generation devices that may be placed in any flowing liquid source in order to generate power, are presented. Such an overall power generating system includes a paddlewheel component that is situated within an artificial channel properly configured to increase the velocity of the flowing liquid therethrough, thereby providing a manner of generating paddlewheel rotation at a speed greater than that relative to the main body of the fluid itself. The inventive system thus permits power generation through the capture of the kinetic energy derived from the paddlewheel rotation at a level that is acceptable in relation to available hydrokinetic energy of the fluid source.
US09228556B2 Internal combustion engine including starting system powered by lithium-ion battery
An internal combustion engine includes an engine block including a cylinder, a piston positioned within the cylinder, a crankshaft configured to be driven by the piston, a fuel system for supplying an air-fuel mixture to the cylinder, a starter motor, and a lithium-ion battery mounted on the engine, the lithium-ion battery configured to power the starter motor to start the engine, wherein the piston is configured to reciprocate in the cylinder along a cylinder axis, wherein the lithium-ion battery includes at least one lithium-ion cell having a longitudinal cell axis, and wherein the cylinder axis and the longitudinal cell axis are not parallel to one another.
US09228554B2 Supporting a driver of a motor vehicle in utilizing an automatic start-stop system
A method and a device for supporting a driver of a motor vehicle in utilizing an automatic engine start-stop system of the vehicle is provided. A method includes predetermining or determining a first limit value tG1 that indicates a time, which, after an engine has been stopped through the start-stop system, has to elapse until an energy saving through the stopping of the engine compared with a continued operation of the engine is obtained. A time currently carried out through the start-stop system is registered, where t0 is a point of time at which the engine is stopped through the start-stop system and t is a time. A visually, haptically, and/or acoustically perceptible information dependent on the tG1 and Δt(t) from which the driver can gather the time with effect from which the engine stop leads to the energy saving is generated and output.
US09228544B2 Internal combustion engine and method for operating an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to an internal combustion engine (1) with a crankcase (3) and a cylinder head (4) having exhaust ports (9) feeding into an exhaust manifold (10) for exhaust gas from the combustion chambers (5) of the internal combustion engine (1). Provision is hereby made for the cylinder head (4) to include at least one region of a heating channel (12) which is different from the exhaust ports (9) and the exhaust manifold (10) and has an inlet side (14) branching from one of the exhaust ports (9) or the exhaust manifold (10), and which is flowed through by an exhaust mass flow that is adjustable by an actuator (13). The invention further relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine (1).
US09228541B2 Partially sealed fuel vapor purge system
Systems and methods for operating an engine with a fuel vapor recovery system are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises, during a diurnal condition, providing a first amount of venting to a fuel vapor canister, and during a purge condition, providing a second amount of venting to the fuel vapor canister, where the second amount is greater than the first amount.
US09228540B2 Fuel vapor processing apparatus
A fuel vapor processing apparatus may include a case defining therein a first adsorption chamber, a second adsorption chamber and a non-adsorption chamber communicating between the first adsorption chamber and the second adsorption chamber. The cross sectional flow area of the first adsorption chamber may be smaller than the cross sectional flow area of the second adsorption chamber.
US09228535B2 Geared fan with inner counter rotating compressor
A gas turbine engine comprises a fan section including a fan hub supporting a plurality of fan blades for rotation relative to a fan case, a shaft rotatable relative to the fan case about an engine center axis, and a geared architecture driven by the shaft to provide driving output to rotate the fan hub. A compressor is positioned forward of the geared architecture and radially inward of the fan blades, with the compressor being driven by the shaft.
US09228530B2 Piston for internal combustion engine
A piston for an internal combustion engine comprises a crown, a skirt section extending from the crown, and an oil ring groove. The piston further comprises a drain hole and a cooling channel. The drain hole extends from the oil ring groove to an inside space of the piston. The cooling channel is formed in the crown at a level above the oil ring groove, and arranged to covey a cooling oil. The cooling channel includes a channel segment which is located near the drain hole and which is formed to have a sectional shape avoiding the drain hole.
US09228523B2 Engine air to fuel ratio cylinder imbalance diagnostic
A diagnostic for identifying cylinder to cylinder air/fuel ratio faults of an engine having closed loop fuel control. Air mass flow is accumulated for a plurality of load bands on the engine load/speed map, and for each load band a rich/lean air fuel ratio is determined at a mass threshold. This threshold data is processed and compared with fixed data to determine whether any cylinder of an engine is experiencing an air/fuel ratio fault which is substantially different to the remainder.
US09228521B2 Fuel injection controller and fuel-injection-control system
A fuel injection controller includes a current-increase control portion applying a voltage to the coil so that the coil current is increased to a first target value, and a current-hold control portion applying the voltage to the coil so that the increased coil current is held at the first target value. A maximum electromagnetic attracting force to start a valve opening is referred to as a required valve-opening force. A saturated electromagnetic attracting force by the coil current of the first target value is referred to as a static attracting force. The first target value is established in such a manner that the static attracting force is greater than the required valve opening force.
US09228514B2 Control device for internal combustion engine and vehicle incorporating control device
An ECU for controlling an engine counts the continued period of stopping the engine in a low-temperature environment. The ECU sets the idle rotational speed at a first idle rotational speed when the stopped period is below a predetermined threshold value, and at a second idle rotational speed higher than the first idle rotational speed when the stopped period exceeds the reference value. Accordingly, resonance at the driving force transmission system during idle operation can be prevented even in the case where a mount employed for attaching the engine to the vehicle is hardened as a result of undergoing a low-temperature environment for a long period of time, and the resonant rotational speed of the driving force transmission system including the engine varies.
US09228511B2 Engine feedback control system and method
This disclosure provides a system and method for controlling internal combustion engine system to reduce operation variations among plural engines. The system and method utilizes single-input-single-output (SISO) control in which a single operating parameter lever is selected from among exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) fraction and charge air mass flow (MCF), and a stored reference value associated with the selected lever is adjusted for an operating point in accordance with a difference between a measured emissions characteristic and a pre-calibrated reference value of the emissions characteristic for that operating point. Adjusting the selected operating parameter lever towards the theoretical pre-calibrated reference value of the operating parameter lever for each of plural operating points can reduce engine-to-engine variations in engine out emissions.
US09228508B2 Method for determining the low pressure exhaust gas recirculation mass flow in the air system of an internal combustion engine
In a method for determining a low pressure exhaust gas recirculation mass flow {dot over (m)}Opt in the air system of an internal combustion engine (10) with low pressure exhaust gas recirculation, the determination of the low pressure exhaust gas recirculation mass flow {dot over (m)}Opt involves a preliminary low pressure exhaust gas recirculation mass flow {dot over (m)}EGRLPDs which is determined from a function involving, in particular, the pressure p42 upstream and the pressure p12 downstream of a low pressure side exhaust gas recirculation valve EGRVIvLP (29), the temperature TEGRVIvPUs downstream of the low pressure side exhaust gas recirculation valve (29), and the geometry arEGRVIvLP of the low pressure side exhaust gas recirculation valve (29). According to the invention, at least one mass balance based variable is also considered in the determination of the low pressure exhaust gas recirculation mass flow {dot over (m)}Opt.
US09228507B2 Dual fuel common rail system and diesel only method of operating same
A dual fuel common rail system may be operated in a regular mode in which a relatively large charge of gaseous fuel is ignited by compression igniting a relatively small injection quantity of liquid diesel fuel. The dual fuel system may be operated in a single fuel limp home mode in which liquid diesel fuel is injected at higher pressures. Over pressurization of the gaseous fuel side of the fuel system due to leaked liquid fuel is avoided by regularly injecting leaked liquid fuel, but not gaseous fuel, from the gaseous nozzle outlet set during the limp home mode of operation.
US09228494B2 Hybrid cycle SOFC-inverted gas turbine with CO2 separation
A new gas turbine-fuel cell Hybrid Cycle is proposed. The fuel cell advantageously operates close or under atmospheric pressure and is fully integrated with the gas turbine that is based on an Inverted Brayton-Joule Cycle. The idea of the invention is to capitalize on the intrinsic oxygen-nitrogen separation characteristic of the fuel cell electrolyte by sending to the Inverted Brayton-Joule Cycle only the anodic flow, which is the one free of nitrogen. In this way the flow that expands in the turbine consists only in steam and carbon dioxide. After the expansion the steam can be easily condensed, separated and pumped up. Therefore the compressor has mainly only to compress the separated carbon dioxide. This effect generates a substantial advantage in term of efficiency and enables separating the carbon dioxide. The new proposed Hybrid Cycle enables to: substantially increase the system efficiency compared to the known gas turbine-fuel cell Hybrid Cycle, maintain the fuel cell operating under or close to atmospheric pressure and separate the carbon dioxide.
US09228479B2 Marine diesel engines
In a marine conversion of a “Duramax” V8 diesel engine, each bank of cylinders has a jacketed exhaust manifold including a solid elongated casting including coolant galleries and a central exhaust duct. Recirculating coolant cools each cylinder then enters the exhaust manifold through separate apertures aligned with openings made by removal of a frost plug. Each manifold coolant aperture has a controlled diameter, ensuring most of the coolant passes along the length of the engine then along the manifold yet enough coolant cools each cylinder. The coolant then traverses and cools a manifold extension and a turbocharger.
US09228475B2 Exhaust silencing device
An exhaust silencing device connected to an exhaust system of an engine is provided in which two outlet pipes that have at an upstream end thereof an opening portion opening within the silencer main body and that discharge exhaust gas within the silencer main body to an outside thereof are disposed within the silencer main body along a bottom thereof so that the distances thereof from the lowest part of the bottom are substantially equal, and the opening portion of one outlet pipe is directed further toward the bottom of the silencer main body than is the opening portion of the other outlet pipe. Such exhaust silencing device efficiently discharges to the outside the condensed water building up within the silencer main body so as not to impair an effect in reducing exhaust resistance by providing two outlet pipes that guide the exhaust gas to the outside.
US09228465B2 Catalyst protection device and catalyst protection method for internal combustion engine
A catalyst protection device includes: a catalyst provided in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine; a bed temperature acquisition unit that acquires a bed temperature for each of a plurality of regions of the catalyst distributed in an exhaust gas flow direction; and a fuel injection unit that determines for each of the regions whether an increase in fuel injection amount is required on the basis of the corresponding bed temperature acquired by the bed temperature acquisition unit, that calculates an increase in fuel injection amount for each region and that injects fuel of an amount including the sum of the calculated increase values.
US09228456B2 Valve drive of an internal combustion engine
A valve drive of an internal combustion engine is disclosed , having at least one main camshaft, on which at least one cam carrier is provided such that it is fixed so as to rotate with said main camshaft and can be displaced axially between at least two axial positions, wherein at least one valve actuating cam for actuating a gas exchange valve of the internal combustion engine is assigned to the cam carrier. The valve actuating cam is mounted rotatably and a rotary angular position of the valve actuating cam with regard to the cam carrier can be set by means of an adjusting device.
US09228452B2 System and method for auxiliary fluid circuit heating or cooling of a superheater during startup and shutdown operations
System and method for pre-startup or post-shutdown preparation for such power plants are disclosed which are subject to frequent startups and shutdowns, such as a solar operated power plant. The system and method introduces an auxiliary fluid flow to be circulated in an opposite direction to a direction of normal working fluid flow responsible for producing electricity. That is, if the working fluid flow in a first direction for operating the power plant, than the auxiliary fluid flows in a second direction, opposite to the first direction. The auxiliary fluid flows in the second direction for a predetermined time and at a predetermined conditions through a plurality of superheater panel arrangements of solar receiver former to activation of the working fluid circuit, as pre-startup preparation of the power plant, and after cessation of the working fluid circuit, as post-shutdown preparation of the power plant, to attain predetermined conditions in the superheater.
US09228449B2 Angular sector of a stator for a turbine engine compressor, a turbine engine stator, and a turbine engine including such a sector
A stator angular sector for a turbine engine compressor including: an outer shroud and an inner shroud, and at least one vane extending radially between the shrouds. The outer shroud includes first and second mounting mechanisms for mounting the stator angular sector on a casing of the engine, which mechanisms are oriented parallel to the axis in opposite directions and connected together by an intermediate portion. The outer shroud includes at least one axial end portion extending from the intermediate portion with which at least one damper-forming insert is configured to come into contact, such that beyond a given value for amplitude of vibration of the end portion, the damper insert and the end portion are configured to move relative to each other to vary total moving mass moving with the end portion, thereby modifying vibratory behavior of the end portion.
US09228438B2 Variable vane having body formed of first material and trunnion formed of second material
A variable vane includes a variable vane body that has an airfoil portion. The variable vane body is formed of a first material. A trunnion is attached at one end of the variable vane body. The trunnion includes a pivot formed of a second, different material.
US09228436B2 Preswirler configured for improved sealing
A preswirler of a gas turbine engine includes an outer ring. The outer ring includes an outer flange with a plurality of first holes, and an outer cylindrical portion extending from the outer flange. The preswirler also includes an inner ring. The inner ring includes an inner flange spaced apart from the outer flange. The inner ring also includes an inner cylindrical portion located within the outer cylindrical portion and a back portion extending from the inner flange to the inner cylindrical portion. The inner ring further includes a plurality of second holes.
US09228432B2 Zero sum pressure drop mud telemetry modulator
A method and arrangement for mud telemetry having components of a wellbore casing, a combination rotor stator positioned inside the wellbore casing, an uphole detection arrangement configured to sense increases and decreases in pressure, a valve actuator, a valve configured to be actuated by the valve actuator, the valve configured to convey a fluid from an inside of the wellbore casing to an outside of the wellbore casing and cause a decrease in fluid pressure in the wellbore casing, and a downhole tool configured to measure at least one formation parameter.
US09228431B2 Frequency location apparatus, methods, and systems
In some embodiments, an ex-situ apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, operate to transmit wideband modulated pulses to generate an externally-projected oscillating magnetic field in a material body, to record one or more raw echo free induction decay (REFID) signals during echo acquisition periods following some of the second modulated pulses, and to transform the acquired REFID signals via frequency decomposition to determine a preferred nuclear magnetic resonance frequency associated with a maximum amplitude of decomposed frequency components. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are described.
US09228430B2 Methods for evaluating cuttings density while drilling
A method evaluating a cuttings density while drilling a subterranean wellbore includes acquiring first and second axially spaced pressure measurements in the wellbore. The pressure measurements may then be processed to obtain an interval density of drilling fluid between the measurement locations. A tool string including a large number of axially spaced pressure sensors (e.g., four or more or even six or more) electronically coupled with a surface processor via wired drill pipe may be used to obtain a plurality of interval densities corresponding to various wellbore intervals. The interval density may be measured while drilling and may be further processed to compute a cuttings density in the annulus. Moreover, changes in the computed interval density with time while drilling may be used as an indicator of a change in cuttings density.
US09228429B2 Carbon dioxide content of natural gas from other physical properties
An apparatus and method are described to estimate a fraction of carbon dioxide present in a downhole fluid. The apparatus includes a carrier configured to be conveyed through a borehole penetrating the earth. The apparatus also includes a pressure sensor disposed at the carrier and configured to measure an ambient pressure of the downhole fluid and an ambient temperature sensor disposed at the carrier and configured to measure a temperature of the downhole fluid. A processor of the apparatus receives the ambient pressure and the ambient temperature measurements and solves for the fraction of carbon dioxide in the downhole fluid using a correlation function with the ambient pressure and the ambient temperature as inputs to the correlation function.
US09228408B2 Method for capturing flow discharged from a subsea blowout or oil seep
A method of capturing flow discharged from a subsea blowout or oil seep includes lowering a collector from a mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) onto a seafloor at a location distant from subsea equipment blowing production fluid. A workstring is connected to the collector and an inert gas is injected through the workstring. The collector is landed onto the subsea equipment while maintaining the injection of inert gas. The inert gas injection is halted and a top of the workstring is routed to surface collection equipment, thereby directing the blowing production fluid from the subsea equipment, into the collector, and through the workstring to the MODU.
US09228404B1 Slip assembly
Methods and apparatus associated with a slip assembly. The slip assembly comprises a plurality of slip segments, wherein each of the plurality of slip segments and a bonding substrate. The slip segments comprise: a first end having a plurality of teeth; a second end opposite the first end; and a transition section between the first end and the second end. The bonding substrate is disposed within the transition sections.
US09228403B1 Gripper assembly for downhole tools
A gripper assembly for anchoring a tool within a downhole passage and for possibly assisting movement of the tool within the passage. The gripper assembly includes an elongated mandrel and flexible toes that can be radially displaced to grip onto the surface of the passage. The toes are displaced by the interaction of a driver slidable on the mandrel and a driver interaction element on the toes. In one embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of rollers and ramps that are longitudinally movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of toggles that rotate with respect to the toes.
US09228401B2 Method of determining borehole conditions from distributed measurement data
Borehole conditions can be determined using distributed measurement data. Real time data measurements can be taken from sensors distributed along the length of a drill string to assess various conditions or properties of the borehole. In particular, the distributed data can be used for example, to track the progress of a chemical pill or also track the location of different types of borehole fluids, and also to determine the hole size or volume of the borehole.
US09228399B1 Tong assembly for manipulating a tubular
A tong assembly for use in make-up or break-out of a tubular. The tong assembly has a pair of chain assemblies connected to hydraulic chain cylinders, a first jaw connected to a first arm for supporting a first tubular, a second jaw connected to a break-out body between the break-out body and the second chain cylinder, and a make-out/break-out cylinder to push the chain cylinders in a make-up rotation or a break-out rotation allowing the assembly to provide changes of direction without changing tong assembly configuration or position.
US09228398B2 Telescoping riser skid
A riser transport system includes telescoping vertical riser racks to facilitate vertical riser transport.
US09228391B2 Bracket and a method to attach protective covers
This disclosure provides a device and a method to protect building openings with plywood panels during storm. The device and method is also provided to protect inside of buildings when windows or doors are broken. The bracket of this disclosure is simple and easy to make, and it allows attachment of plywood panels without shaping to cover windows and other building openings of any shape.
US09228390B2 Safety door
There is provided a safety door having a rotary body hinged to a door frame and a slider overlapping with an end of the rotary body. The safety door includes a fastening portion provided on at least one surface of an overlapping region of the rotary body and the slider, thus preventing separation and deformation of the overlapping region and guiding a movement of the slider, and a stopper preventing the slider from being removed from the rotary body and fixing or restricting a position of the slider. The rotary body and the slider decrease a width of a door by an overlapping movement of a female guide groove and a male protrusion. The safety door further includes a resilient pad provided between the protrusion and the guide groove and supporting an impact generated by a reduction in the width of the door.
US09228385B2 Apparatus and method for extending door brake lifespan
The present disclosure includes a retrofitted door brake. The retrofitted door brake may, in various embodiments, comprise a hub comprising a cylindrical central axle, a plurality of projections extending radially away from an outer circumference of the central axle, and/or a cam comprising a plurality of pins that hold the projections away from a channel wall of a brake housing. The pins may be configured to break away from the cam to release the projections into contact with the channel wall, and the pins may be fitted with a cover, such that the pins are capable of withstanding abrasion and wear. The cover may comprise a cylinder having an axially running aperture, and/or a beveled edge that shaves a layer of the outer surface from one of the plurality of pins as it is fitted over the pin.
US09228382B2 Device for locking the porthole door of washing and drying machines
An electromagnetic door locking device for a washing machine and similar, adapted to lock a sliding cursor (30) cooperating with the end of a hook mounted on the machine porthole door through a blocking pawl (12). The device comprises two preloaded parallel and mechanically separate metal strips (16, 17), accomplishing the closing and the opening of the power circuit and of the open/closed door circuit, respectively, and that are maintained in the open position by said pawl (12) and by an actuator (13) operated by said cursor (30), when said door is open. (FIG. 1).
US09228380B2 Exterior door handle system in a motor vehicle
An exterior door handle system (2) in a motor vehicle has a bearing bracket (11) on an interior side (10) of an exterior door panel (1) and a door handle (12) on an exterior side (9) of the exterior door panel (1). The door handle (12) is mounted from the exterior and penetrates the exterior door panel (1) for mounting in the bearing bracket (11). A unit (19) formed from a lock barrel (20) and a housing (21) for the lock barrel (20) is mounted in the bearing bracket (11) from the interior and is covered on the exterior side (9) of the exterior door panel (1) by a protective cap (24). A locking clip (30) is mounted in the bearing bracket (11) arranged on the interior side (10) and locks both the unit (19) and the protective cap (24) counter to their respective mounting direction.
US09228370B1 Tilt-down tower
A tilt-down tower is configured to rotate downward to avoid damage in extreme weather. The tilt-down tower includes a base plate attached to a plurality of base vertical supports. A lower mast is rotationally coupled to the a plurality of base vertical supports with a lower mast pivot rod such that the lower mast rotates about the lower mast pivot rod. The lower mast is mechanically coupled to a lower mast winch line bracket. An upper mast is attached to the lower mast and configured to accommodate a wind turbine. A ladder is immediately adjacent to the base plate and the a plurality of base vertical supports. A winch is attached to the ladder and configured to accommodate a winch line. The winch line is attached to the lower mast winch line bracket and released such that the lower mast and upper mast rotate toward the ground in order to hold the upper mast below the lower mast.
US09228368B2 Anti-limb entrapment insert
Missing covers on pipes of a pool circulation system can create a hair and limb entrapment hazard for swimmers. The present invention provides pipe insert with a cylindrical body having a plurality of fins that extend into the cylindrical body to prevent the entrapment of limbs in the pipes of the pool circulation system. The fins further comprise a geometry that easily sheds hair strands to prevent hair from getting trapped in the pipe.
US09228360B2 Panel of a floor covering having a locking surface sloped along a lateral edge
A panel of a floor covering is illustrated and described, wherein a first side edge and a second side edge are arranged opposite one another and are formed corresponding to one another wherein the first side edge has first locking surfaces and the second side edge has a second locking surface, and wherein the first locking surface and the second locking surface are locked in one another. In order to be able to separate the panels of a floor covering from one another more easily and more quickly, it is envisaged that the shape of the first locking surface along the first side edge and also the shape of the second locking surface along the second side edge is inclined respectively at least over one section and corresponding to one another relative to the plane of the panel.
US09228355B2 Above-deck roof venting article
A building construction assembly for installation on a roof deck including a base layer and a channel structure coupled to the base layer and defining a plurality of channels. In an embodiment, the plurality of channels include a first airflow channel and second airflow channel extending in parallel through the channel structure. The plurality of channels further includes a venting channel between the first and second airflow channels and the base layer. The channel structure defines one or more apertures between the venting channel and each of the first and second airflow channels configured to allow airflow from the first and second airflow channels into the venting channel. The base layer defines one or more exit orifices in airflow communication with the venting channel and configured such that air in the venting channel exits the building construction assembly through the one or more exit orifices.
US09228353B2 Roof top snow removing apparatus, method, and computer program product
A roof top snow removing apparatus includes a plowing unit configure to plow snow disposed upon a roof top, a motor unit coupled to and providing a motive force for the plowing unit, a track system to guide the motor unit about the roof top, and a controller to control the motor unit based on received input from a user.
US09228341B2 System and method for waterproofing below-grade wall structures
System and methods for waterproofing a below-grade wall of a structure. The system comprises a waterproof membrane mounted directly or indirectly to an excavation wall within which the wall of the structure is to be constructed. A plurality of elongate waterstops are affixed to the waterproof membrane and arranged to form a plurality of compartments. A plurality of distribution tubes having apertures are affixed to the waterproof membrane to allow an injectable sealing grout to be injected through the distribution tubes and out of the apertures into a corresponding compartment. A plurality of supply tubes are installed in fluid communication with the plurality of distribution tubes with each of the supply tubes extending to a location on the interior of the wall to be constructed.
US09228340B2 Vacuum thermal insulation material equipped with a getter material for water-fraction and gas adsorption, and production method therefor
The vacuum thermal insulation material of the present invention comprises: a core material part which is hermetically sealed under reduced pressure; a getter part which is provided on one side in the middle of the core part; and an outer skin material part which surrounds the core material part and is hermetically sealed. In the getter part, a getter material, comprising a mixture of a hygroscopic material and a gas-adsorbing material, is packed in the form of a nonwoven fabric. In the vacuum thermal insulation material of the present invention, the hygroscopic material is any one of calcium oxide, calcium chloride, zeolite, silica gel, alumina and activated carbon, while the gas-adsorbing material is an oxygen-adsorbing material comprising a Fe based compound; and the hygroscopic material and the gas-adsorbing material are mixed in a ratio of between 20:1 and 200:1.
US09228339B2 Wall sheathing, siding and roof decking hangers
A corrosion resistant, metal building construction connective hardware for installing wall sheathing, siding, and roof decking to a structure with a resting mount (24) of sufficient depth to fit the material being hung and a holding lip (26) that forms a front edge that can be imprinted for identification and verification purposes. The lip is easily painted or stained to match the exterior finish. The invention is versatile and multiple pieces can be connected to the foundation mudsill to install sheathing; to the bottom edge of sheathing to install siding; and to each roof rafter tail-end to install the roof decking.
US09228335B2 Odour extraction device for a toilet and an associated collar
A toilet including: a toilet pan having an interior and a flushing outlet; a toilet cistern having an interior; a cistern overflow pipe in communication with the toilet-pan interior; a collar for connecting the flushing outlet to a sewer discharge pipe, the collar having a passage through it with exterior and interior ends; a fan within the cistern interior and having a fan inlet and a fan outlet; and a duct for gas communication from the fan outlet to the passage exterior end, the fan adapted to draw gas from within the toilet-pan interior through the overflow pipe and then propel it into the duct, through the passage and into the sewer discharge pipe.
US09228334B2 Liquid-operated actuator assembly, particularly for a flush toilet, and flush toilet incorporating the assembly
A fluid-operated actuator assembly has a valve with an inlet for connection to a pressurized fluid source, a bi-stable electromagnetic device for operating the valve, which has a first state closing the valve and a second state opening the valve, a hydraulic actuator, and an electronic control circuit. The hydraulic actuator has an actuating member in a housing, the housing having a chamber on one side of the actuating member to which an outlet of the valve is connected for receiving fluid from the fluid source when the valve is opened, the actuating member for operation of the hydraulic actuator. The control circuit momentarily energizes the bi-stable electromagnetic device to the hydraulic actuator from the second state, back to the first state, to terminate operation of the hydraulic actuator.
US09228329B2 Pull-out wand
A pull-out wand is disclosed for use with a water delivery device. The pull-out wand may include one or more sensors, such as a touch sensor and/or a proximity sensor.
US09228326B1 Portable drinker system
A portable drinker system is configured with a convertible frame that enable a water collector to be assembled in a desired location. The portable drinker system may be configured to be carried by a single person and have suitable packed dimensions and weight for this purpose. The water collector has a canopy that is supported by the convertible frame and a drain opening to collect water. The water collector is configured to direct water collected therein to a drinker. A conduit may be coupled to a water collector and extend to drinker. A drinker comprises a water retainer that is configured for animals to drink therefrom. A convertible frame may have articulating scissor portions or integrally segmented poles or some combination thereof. The canopy may have sleeves for the insertion of poles that can be bowed to form a structure.
US09228317B2 Cooling device and construction machine or working machine equipped with the same
A cooling device includes: a cooling fan; a shroud provided at an outer circumferential side of the cooling fan; and a ring having an inner circumferential wall and an outer circumferential wall. The inner circumferential wall is provided on the shroud and adjacent to an outer circumference of the cooling fan. The outer circumferential wall surrounds the inner circumferential wall, and an air-flow-direction downstream side end of the outer circumferential wall is positioned at a further downstream position in an air flow direction than an air-flow-direction downstream side end of the inner circumferential wall. An air-flow-direction downstream side end of an outer circumferential edge of the cooling fan is positioned at a further downstream position in the air flow direction than the air-flow-direction downstream side end of the inner circumferential wall.
US09228315B2 System and method for modifying a path for a machine
A system for modifying a path of operation of a machine includes a position sensor and a controller. The controller stores the path of operation, receives a plurality of position signals as the work implement moves material along the path of operation, and determines the position of the work surface. The controller further determines an amount of material moved based at least in part upon the position of the work surface and modifies parameters used to determine a subsequent path of operation if the amount of material moved exceeds a predetermined amount.
US09228304B2 Surface mount wedge barrier
The present disclosure relates to a system including an anchor configured to be disposed within a foundation, wherein an upper side of the anchor is configured to be exposed at a surface of the foundation and a wedge-style anti-ram security barrier configured to mechanically couple to the anchor and mount to the surface of the foundation.
US09228300B2 Slipforming assembly
Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an assembly and method for slipforming a slot drain with concrete. The assembly includes a slipform paver, a movable sleeve adapted to fit over a void forming means, a first taut tether, sensing means and one or more actuators. The first taut tether is provided and maintained in an inclined or declined disposition to provide a parallel reference for guiding the sleeve which in use is driven forward by the slipform paver. The sensing means are adapted to receive guidance from the inclined or declined tether for dictating the elevations and dispositions of the sleeve. The one or more actuators are connected to the sleeve and adapted to be controlled by the sensing means to achieve the dictated elevations and dispositions of the sleeve.
US09228294B2 Activator for hydrogen peroxide and its application
The present invention provides a novel, non-toxic and eco-friendly hydrogen peroxide activator, a method for its production and its application. The activator can effectively activate H2O2 under mild conditions, such as low temperature and nearly neutral aqueous solution, making it a more advantageous alternative to traditional activators. The novel activator can further expand the application of H2O2 in the fields, such as textile, paper making and health care.
US09228279B2 Sewing machine
A sewing machine includes a sewing portion, a display, a processor, and a memory. The sewing portion is configured to perform sewing on a sewing workpiece. The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions. The computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the sewing machine to perform processes that include determining a plurality of first positions based on embroidery data, causing the display to display an image showing an embroidery pattern and a plurality of feature points superimposed on the image, identifying one of the plurality of first positions indicated by one of the plurality of feature points displayed on the display, identifying, as a second position, an arbitrary position on the sewing workpiece, changing positions of a plurality of stitches identified by the embroidery data, and causing the sewing portion to sew the plurality of stitches based on the changed positions of the plurality of stitches.
US09228260B1 Wafer processing chamber, heat treatment apparatus and method for processing wafers
A wafer processing chamber is provided, including a first processing gas supply unit and a second processing gas supply unit. The first processing gas supply unit is configured for supplying a first processing gas to form a first processing zone in the wafer processing chamber. The second processing gas supply unit is configured for supplying a second processing gas into the wafer processing chamber to form a second processing zone in the wafer processing chamber. In the wafer processing chamber, the first processing zone and the second processing zone are virtually separated from each other, such that a process wafer in the first processing zone may be performed a different process from another process wafer in the second processing zone at the same time. Further, a heat treatment apparatus and a method for processing wafers also provide herein.
US09228256B2 Substrate support
A substrate support for receiving substrates or wafers to be processed and for transporting said substrates or wafers in or through processing installations has universal application, is easily adaptable for specific tasks and is economical in use of material. Within a frame made of longitudinal and transverse supports, a plurality of longitudinal and transverse members are arranged intersecting in a grid-like manner, such that a base grid for directly or indirectly receiving substrates is formed. Both the longitudinal and transverse supports and the longitudinal and transverse members are positively connected to one another.
US09228253B2 Highly corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant member with thermal sprayed layer formed thereon and thermal-sprayed layer forming powder for forming the same
Provided is a corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant member where a thermal-sprayed layer having corrosion resistance and wear resistance is formed on a surface of a metallic member which is brought into contact with a resin which generates a highly corrosive gas. Also provided is a thermal-spraying powder. The highly corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant member having a thermal-sprayed layer is one obtained by thermally spraying metallic powder on a metallic base material to form a thermal-sprayed layer on a surface of the metallic base material. The member is characterized in that the thermal-sprayed layer is a composite boride cermet of a tetragonal Mo2 (Ni,Cr)B2-type or a tetragonal Mo2 (Ni,Cr,V)B2-type. The powder for forming a thermal-sprayed layer is made of a composite boride cermet of a Mo2 (Ni,Cr)B2-type and comprises 4.0 to 6.5 mass % of boron, 39.0 to 64.0 mass % of molybdenum, and 7.5 to 20.0 mass % of chromium, a balance being 5 mass % or more of nickel and unavoidable elements.
US09228248B2 Method of recovering rare-earth elements
Provided is a method of recovering rare-earth elements by which rare-earth elements can be recovered efficiently from a bauxite residue serving as a raw material and containing the rare-earth elements. Specifically provided is a method of recovering rare-earth elements from a raw material, the raw material being a bauxite residue produced as a by-product in a Bayer process, the method including: using a bauxite residue having a specific surface area of 35 m2/g or more; adding, to the raw material bauxite residue, a liquid leaching agent formed of an aqueous solution of at least one kind of mineral acid selected from sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, and sulfurous acid, thereby preparing a slurry having a liquid-solid ratio of 2 to 30 and a pH of 0.5 to 2.2; subjecting the slurry to leaching treatment of the rare-earth elements under a temperature condition of room temperature to 160° C.; subjecting the slurry after the leaching treatment to solid-liquid separation, yielding a leachate; and separating and recovering the rare-earth elements from the leachate.
US09228247B2 Solder recovery unit
An apparatus for recovering solder from solder coated scrap pieces includes a first centrifuge comprising a centrifuge receptacle having perforation holes, rotatably mounted about a first centrifuge axis for containing and rotating a quantity of solder coated scrap pieces. A solder collection container can surround the centrifuge receptacle. A heater can surround the solder collection container for heating the solder coated scrap pieces and melting the solder thereon. A drive system can be configured for rotating the centrifuge receptacle while the first centrifuge axis is in about a horizontal position at a low speed that tumbles the scrap pieces along a longitudinal length of the centrifuge receptacle, and later rotating the centrifuge receptacle at a high speed for centrifugally extracting molten solder from the centrifuge receptacle, radially outwardly through the perforation holes into the solder collection container.
US09228245B1 Pelletized composition for molten metal de-oxidation and method of making same
One aspect of the present relates to compositions of a pelletized form which are well suited for use as inoculants in the manufacture or casting of molten metals. A further aspect of the invention relates to a method of making such pelletized compositions from waste materials which bear silicon carbide or both silicon carbide and silicon.
US09228240B2 Methods for detecting and quantifying viable bacterial endo-spores
Methods and systems for detecting viable bacterial endospores in a sample and related methods to quantify viable bacterial endospores in a sample.
US09228237B2 Cystic fibrosis gene mutations
The present invention provides novel mutations of the CFTR gene related to cystic fibrosis or to conditions associated with cystic fibrosis. Also provided are probes for detecting the mutant sequences. Methods of identifying if an individual has a genotype containing one or more mutations in the CFTR gene are further provided.
US09228229B2 Digital analyte analysis
The invention generally relates to droplet based digital PCR and methods for analyzing a target nucleic acid using the same. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve forming sample droplets containing, on average, a single target nucleic acid, amplifying the target in the droplets, excluding droplets containing amplicon from the target and amplicon from a variant of the target, and analyzing target amplicons.
US09228221B2 Validation techniques for fluid delivery systems
A fluid delivery system may include a container that houses a medical fluid, a fluid pressurizing unit, and a fluid transfer set that transfers the medical fluid from the container to the fluid pressurizing unit. To validate the integrity and sterility of the fluid delivery system, the system may undergo testing protocols to evaluate the susceptibility of the system to pathogenic ingress, chemical degradation, and/or fluid cross-contamination between patient fluid delivery procedures. The testing protocols may help ensure that delivery system components used during multiple different fluid delivery procedures perform as well as if the components were replaced after each fluid delivery procedure.
US09228217B2 Labeled biomolecular compositions and methods for the production and uses thereof
Disclosed herein is a set of E. coli single-protein production (SPP) technologies with protein NMR (SPP-NMR) for (i) using isotope-enriched membrane proteins produced with the SPP system in screening detergent conditions suitable for purification and/or three-dimensional structure analysis without the requirement for protein purification, (ii) producing 2H, 13C, 15N enriched proteins suitable for high throughput and membrane protein NMR studies, and (iii) labeling with 13C—15N specific peptide bonds in proteins (referred to herein as SPP-PBL).
US09228214B2 Process for the enantioselective enzymatic reduction of hydroxy keto compounds
In a process for the enantioselective enzymatic reduction of a hydroxy ketone of general formula I wherein R1═C1-C6 alkyl and R2═—Cl, —CN, —OH, —H or C1-C6 alkyl, into a chiral diol of general formula II wherein R1 and R2 have the same meaning as in formula I, the hydroxy ketone is reduced with an oxidoreductase in the presence of NADH or NADPH as a cofactor, wherein a) the hydroxy ketone is provided in the reaction at a concentration of ≧50 g/l, b) the oxidized cofactor NAD or NADP having formed is regenerated continuously by oxidation of a secondary alcohol of general formula RXRYCHOH, wherein RX, RY independently represent hydrogen, branched or unbranched C1-C8-alkyl and Ctotal≧3, and c) the reduction of the hydroxy ketone and the oxidation of the secondary alcohol are catalyzed by the same oxidoreductase.
US09228212B2 Method for producing ricinoleic acid ester by selective enzymatic transesterification
The present invention relates to a method for preparing ricinoleic acid ester from a pure or mixed vegetable oil, in particular castor oil, wherein the method includes at least the step of enzymatic transesterification in the presence of a light alcohol and using a typo-selective lipase in order to obtain a fraction enriched with ricinoleic acid ester. The method according to the invention for producing ricinoleic acid ester includes the steps: i) a first transesterification reaction in the presence of a light alcohol and a lipase extracted from Geotrichum candidum, in order to obtain a mixture M containing AR mono-, di- and triglycerides, fatty acid esters other than AR, alcohol; ii) the step of separating said mixture M into at least two fractions, including a fraction A enriched with AR glycerides, and a fraction B enriched with fatty acid esters other than RA; iii) the step of converting said AR glycerides into AR esters consisting of a fraction C rich in AR esters and a fraction rich in alcohols.
US09228195B2 Alteration of tobacco alkaloid content through modification of specific cytochrome P450 genes
Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N′-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in Nicotiana plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for cytochrome P450s that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Expression cassettes, vectors, plants, and plant parts thereof comprising inhibitory sequences that target expression or function of the disclosed cytochrome P450 polypeptides are also provided. Methods for the use of these novel sequences to inhibit expression or function of cytochrome P450 polypeptides involved in this metabolic conversion are also provided. The methods find use in the production of tobacco products that have reduced levels of nornicotine and its carcinogenic metabolite, NNN, and thus reduced carcinogenic potential for individuals consuming these tobacco products or exposed to secondary smoke derived from these products.
US09228188B2 Compositions and method for inhibiting hepcidin antimicrobial peptide (HAMP) or HAMP-related gene expression
The invention relates to lipid formulated double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) targeting a hepcidin antimicrobial peptide (HAMP) and/or HAMP-related gene, and methods of using the dsRNA to inhibit expression of HAMP and/or HAMP-related genes.
US09228181B2 β-glucosidase
The present invention relates to a polypeptide which has β-glucosidase activity, and which includes an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, a polypeptide including an amino acid sequence in which one or several amino acids are deleted, substituted, or added in the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, or a polypeptide including an amino acid sequence having 90% or greater sequence identity with the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1. According to the present invention, a novel β-glucosidase enzyme derived from Acremonium cellulolyticus, a polynucleotide encoding the β-glucosidase, an expression vector for expressing the β-glucosidase, a transformant incorporated with that expression vector, and a method for producing a cellulose degradation product using the β-glucosidase can be provided.
US09228179B2 Polymerase
An engineered DNA polymerase characterised in that the polymerase exhibits an enhanced ability to process nucleic acid in the presence of environmental and biological inhibitors compared to wild type DNA polymerase.
US09228173B2 Organ-specific feline endothelial cells and uses thereof
The present invention relates to isolated organ-specific feline endothelial cells. Specifically, the present invention relates to established organ-specific feline endothelial cells. The present invention also relates to organ-specific feline endothelial cells derived from micro- and macro-vascularisation. The present invention also relates to methods for screening molecules, for studying pathologies and for producing pathogens using same.
US09228167B2 Method for controlling the growth of cell culture
In a method for controlling the growth of microbes grown in a medium to high cell-densities by the fed-batch technology, a two-phase system, having a liquid phase (cultivation medium) and a solid or gel phase, the solid or gel phase provides a source of substrate-delivering polymer which is turned by an enzyme in a controlled way into a growth-limiting substrate or pH adjusting agent. Also described is a method for restricting the synthesis of growth-limiting metabolites and preventing oxygen-depletion in microbial cell cultures.
US09228164B1 Alcohol louching receptacle
A beverage receptacle for louching alcohol. Particular implementations include a beverage receptacle with a first reservoir and a second reservoir coupled by a communication channel with a minimum diameter sufficient to cause dripping. Beverage receptacle dimensions and features may vary. Communication channel may comprise any of a plurality of shapes and sizes and may even comprise a controllable valve. Mixed beverage may be served directly from the beverage receptacle or in a separate glass.
US09228161B2 Undercoat layer and imaging members comprising same
Disclosed are undercoat layers comprising a metal oxide, a polymer, and a citrate of Formula (I): wherein R1 is H, alkyl, or COR′; wherein R′ is alkyl; and wherein R2, R3, and R4 are independently alkyl. The undercoat layers are useful in imaging members because they are easily separated from the substrate. This reduces the number of steps necessary to reclaim the substrate.
US09228158B2 Composition and method for removing stains derived from chlorhexidine gluconate
Provided herein is a composition and a method for removing CHG from textiles. The composition is an acid-surfactant-based composition that may be used to remove CHG from a textile that has not been exposed to chlorine subsequent to being exposed to CHG.
US09228153B2 Surface-treating agent for oil seal lip portion
Disclosed is a surface-treating agent for oil seal lip portion, comprising a lubricant filler and an adduct compound consisting of an adduct of toluene diisocyanate and trimethylolpropane, the surface-treating agent being applied to the surface of vulcanized rubber forming a lip portion of an oil seal comprising the lip portion and a metal ring. The application of the surface-treating agent of the present invention to the sliding surface of a seal lip portion of an oil seal effectively lengthens the service life of the oil seal, when used in a sliding part or a moving part, and leads to energy saving of equipment that uses the oil seal.
US09228149B2 Enhanced durability performance of lubricants using functionalized metal phosphate nanoplatelets
A method for improving wear protection in an engine lubricated with a lubricating oil by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil having a HTHS viscosity of less than 2.6 cP at 150° C. The formulated oil has a composition including a major amount of a lubricating oil base stock and a minor amount of metal phosphate nanoplatelets. The metal phosphate nanoplatelets are dispersed in the lubricating oil base stock sufficient for the formulated oil to pass wear protection requirements of one or more engine tests selected from TU3M, Sequence IIIG, Sequence IVA and OM646LA. Also provided are lubricating engine oil composition having improved wear protection.
US09228146B2 High- and low-viscosity estolide base oils and lubricants
Provided herein are compounds of the formula: in which n is an integer equal to or greater than 1; R2 is selected from hydrogen and optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched; and R1, R3, and R4, independently for each occurrence, are selected from optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched, wherein compositions comprising the compounds are characterized by particular combinations of values for estolide number, kinematic viscosity, and pour point. Also provided are compositions containing the compounds and methods of making both the compounds and compositions thereof.
US09228145B2 Anti-fretting wear coating for substrates
A method and chemical composition and material structure for improving fretting wear in substrates, particularly carbon-carbon composite (CCC). The invention relates to trilayer coatings, comprising a base of hard ZrO2, a middle layer of Al2O3, and a top layer of lubricious ZnO. The coatings of the present invention exhibit conformality and pore-filling down to approximately 100 microns into a carbon-carbon composite to which they are applied. The methods for preparing the coatings include a chemical vapor infiltration route, such as an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, to uniformly and conformally coat the porous and open structure of CCC with a solid lubricant trilayer of ZnO/Al2O3/ZrO2 that results in significant improvement (65%) in fretting wear.
US09228131B2 Halogenated flame retardant systems for use in presence of silane grafting process
Silane-grafted polyolefin composition comprising a brominated, flame retardant additive is prepared by a process comprising the step of contacting within a reaction—extrusion zone operated at grafting conditions: A. A polyolefin, B. A hydrolysable unsaturated silane, C. A free radical generator, and D. Halogenated polyaryl alkane, e.g., decabromodiphenyl ethane, such that at least a portion of the hydrolysable unsaturated silane is grafted to the polyolefin. The silane-grafted polyolefin is crosslinked after extrusion from the zone, typically as a wire and cable coating, upon exposure to moisture.
US09228129B2 Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
To provide a liquid crystal composition satisfying at least one characteristic such as high maximum temperature, low minimum temperature, small viscosity, suitable optical anisotropy, large dielectric anisotropy, large specific resistance, high stability to ultraviolet light, high stability to heat and large elastic constant, or has a suitable balance between at least two of these characteristics. To provide an AM device having short response time, large voltage holding ratio, low threshold voltage, large contrast ratio, long service life and so forth. A liquid crystal composition that has a nematic phase and that comprises a compound having large dielectric anisotropy as a first component and a compound having small viscosity as a second component, and may comprise a compound having high maximum temperature or small viscosity as a third component and a compound having a large dielectric anisotropy as a fourth component, and a liquid crystal display device comprising this composition.
US09228128B2 Stabilizer and inhibitor for chloropropenes, such as tetrachloropropene 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene (1230xa), used in the manufacture of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (1234yf)
The present invention relates in part to a container for stabilized chloropropenes, such as 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene, otherwise known to decompose and degrade, and to the resulting stabilized chloropropene, using a morpholine compound and/or a trialkyl phosphate compound as defined herein. Such stabilized chloropropenes are useful in the manufacture of hydrofluoroolefins such as 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (1234yf).
US09228124B2 Electrochromic materials and electrochromic devices using the same
Disclosed herein are novel electrochromic materials. The electrochromic materials produce various colors and have bistability to achieve red-green-blue full colors. Therefore, the electrochromic materials can be used in a variety of electrochromic devices. Also disclosed herein are electrochromic devices fabricated using the electrochromic materials.
US09228111B2 Resin composition for surface treatment of steel sheet and surface-treated steel sheet using the same
Provided is a resin composition for surface treatment of a steel sheet including a binder resin, graphene and a solvent. More particularly, as only a small amount of the graphene is included in the resin composition used for surface treatment of a steel sheet, a user-required electrical conductivity can be provided to the steel sheet.
US09228110B2 Manganese complex drier for coating compositions
Use of a transition metal complex a) as a drier for air drying auto-oxidative resin composition comprising a polymer b) comprising unsaturated fatty acid residues, wherein the transition metal complex a) has a cation of the following structure (I) wherein R═C1-C20 alkyl optionally substituted with heteroatoms, C6-C20 aryl optionally substituted with heteroatoms, or a polymeric residue; R1═H, C1-C20 alkyl optionally substituted with heteroatoms, C6-C20 aryl optionally substituted with heteroatoms; X═O, OC(R2)O in which a=4 when X═O, and a=3 when X═OC(R2)O, R2═C1-C20 alkyl optionally substituted with heteroatoms, C6-C20 aryl optionally substituted with heteroatoms, or a polymeric residue.
US09228108B2 Water-based coating compositions
Coating compositions are disclosed. In some embodiments, the coating compositions are used to coat substrates such as packaging materials and the like for the storage of food and beverages. The coating compositions can be prepared by reacting an epoxidized vegetable oil and a hydroxyl functional material in the presence of an acid catalyst to form a hydroxyl functional oil polyol, mixing the hydroxyl functional oil polyol (with or without epoxidized polybutadiene) and a functional polyolefin copolymer to form a mixture, reacting the mixture with an ethylenically unsaturated monomer component in the presence of an initiator to form a graft copolymer, and crosslinking the graft copolymer with a crosslinker to form the coating composition, wherein the graft copolymer or the crosslinked graft copolymer is inverted into water.
US09228103B2 Glass panel
A glass panel includes a first surface, and a second surface and wherein the first and second surfaces are spaced apart by thickness of the glass panel. A first image is printed on the first surface of the glass panel and a second image is printed on same first surface of the glass panel and at least partially overlapping the first image. The second image printed on the first surface and at least partially overlapping the first image forms at least partially opaque imbedded into the glass panel image that when covered by a fluid becomes transparent to reveal the first image printed on the second surface of the glass panel.
US09228099B2 Phase change ink composition and process for preparing same
A process for preparing a phase change ink including (a) subjecting a white colorant to acoustic mixing at an acceleration of from about 30 to about 110 g; (b) optionally, adding a dispersant and subjecting the white colorant and dispersant to further acoustic mixing at an acceleration of from about 30 to about 110 g; (c) separately melt mixing an optional antioxidant, an optional synergist, and a phase change ink carrier comprising (i) a branched triamide and (ii) a polyethylene wax, a Fischer Tropsch wax, or a mixture or combination thereof, to form a melt mixture; (d) adding the melt mixture of (c) to the acoustically mixed white colorant of (a) or (b) with stirring; (e) optionally, adding a fluorescent dye with stirring; and (d) optionally, filtering the phase change ink.
US09228096B2 Radiation curable composition
A radiation curable composition comprising 15 to 85 wt % of at least one solvent comprising ≦20 wt % of water; 5 to 50 wt % of at least one radiation curable material having a Mn in the range of from 50 to 10,000 g/mol; and 10 to 70 wt % of at least one polyurethane having a Mw in the range of from 4,000 to 70,000 g/mol, the polyurethane having 0 to 5 wt % of isocyanate-reactive component(s) bearing ionic or potentially ionic water-dispersing groups and a free isocyanate group content ≦0.5 wt %.
US09228089B2 Polyester polyamine and polyester polyquaternary ammonium corrosion inhibitors
The present invention relates to the use of a product obtainable by the reaction of a fatty acid, or mixture of acids, having the formula R1COOH (I); and a dicarboxylic acid or a derivative thereof having the formula (IIa) or (IIb) with an alkoxylated fatty amine having the formula (III) or a partial or wholly quaternized derivative thereof; optionally said reaction between the fatty acid, the dicarboxylic acid and the alkoxylated fatty amine is being followed by a further reaction step wherein part or all of the nitrogen atoms are quaternized by reaction with an alkylating agent R5X; as a corrosion inhibitor for metal surfaces. The present invention also relates to such products and to methods for their production.
US09228088B2 Composition for the alkaline passivation of zinc surfaces
The present invention relates to an aqueous alkaline composition (A) for alkaline passivation of metallic components comprising at least in part surfaces of zinc or zinc alloys, containing iron(III) ions, phosphate ions, and one or more complexing agents, where a free alkalinity ranges from 1 to 6 points, and the pH is at least 11. The aqueous compositions (A) can additionally contain nonionic surfactants, so that such compositions are suitable for use in a method in which both cleaning and alkaline passivation of the metallic component occur in one step. The present invention further relates to a method for alkaline passivation of metallic components by contacting them with composition (A), and further a method for surface treatment in automobile body production, in which the alkaline passivation step using composition (A) is followed by an acid passivation step using a composition (B).
US09228085B2 Resin composition for refrigerant-transporting hose and method of producing the resin composition, and refrigerant-transporting hose
A resin composition for a refrigerant-transporting hose, including: a semi-aromatic polyamide resin (A) as a main component; an aliphatic polyamide resin (B); and an elastomer (C), in which the aliphatic polyamide resin (B) is dispersed in a phase formed of the semi-aromatic polyamide resin (A) and the elastomer (C), which is not crosslinked, is incorporated in the form of particles into the dispersed aliphatic polyamide resin (B). Thus, excellent refrigerant permeation resistance and acid resistance, and at the same time, for example, extrusion processability and flexibility, are obtained.
US09228082B2 Polyetherimide polycarbonate blends
The disclosure relates to compositions exhibiting a UV resistance of ΔE ranging from more than 0 to less than or equal to 10 units after exposure to ultraviolet light for 300 hours, per ASTM D-4459 protocol. The compositions can include at least 15 wt % of a polyetherimide; at least 35 wt % of a polycarbonate; a polyetherimide siloxane; and optionally, at least one UV stabilizer. The disclosure also relates to methods of shaping such compositions and articles produced from such compositions.
US09228075B2 Composition and method for inhibiting gas hydrate formation
Disclosed herein is a composition for inhibiting a gas hydrate formation, the composition including an ionic liquid compound and polyvinylcaprolactam. The composition can reduce the formation rate of a gas hydrate under the same environment in small quantity, thus remarkably extending the induction time of a gas hydrate formation.
US09228074B2 Spray-dried, hydrous, kaolin clay and methods of making same
A method of producing a spray-dried, hydrous kaolin clay is disclosed that includes mixing a hydrous kaolin clay with water, an ammonium polyacrylate or polyacrylic acid, ammonium hydroxide, and a propanolamine selected from the group consisting of 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, 2-methylamino-2-methyl-1-propanol, 1-amino-2-propanol, or mixtures thereof, to produce a viscosity stable dispersed slurry, and spray drying the slurry to produce the spray-dried, hydrous, kaolin clay. A spray-dried, hydrous kaolin clay is also disclosed.
US09228071B2 Blowing agent composition of hydrochlorofluoroolefin and hydrofluoroolefin
A blowing agent for thermosetting foams is disclosed. The blowing agent is a hydrofluoroolefin (HCFO), preferably HFCO-1234ze in combination with a hydrochlorofluoroolefin (HCFO) preferably one selected from HCFO-1233zd, HCFO-1223, HCFO-1233xf and mixtures thereof. The blowing agent is effective as a blowing agent in the manufacture of thermosetting foams.
US09228065B2 Solution based polymer nanofiller-composites synthesis
A solution based polymer nanofiller composite processing method to improve mechanical, electrical, thermal and/or chemical properties. The solution based synthesis method may include the steps of surface functionalizing carbon nanomaterials and dissolving a polymer in a solvent. The functionalized carbon nanomaterials and dissolved polymer may be mixed until the mixture is homogenous. The mixture may be cured to form the polymer carbon nano-composite material, which provides significant improvements in modulus, hardness, strength, fracture toughness, wear, fatigue, creep, and damping performance.
US09228063B2 Colored charged silsesquioxanes
The present invention provides compounds of formula wherein is wherein is and electrophoretic devices comprising the compounds of formula (1A) or (1B).
US09228061B2 Zirconium containing complex and condensation reaction catalysts, methods for preparing the catalysts, and compositions containing the catalysts
A composition is capable of curing via condensation reaction. The composition uses a new condensation reaction catalyst. The new condensation reaction catalyst is used to replace conventional tin catalysts. The composition can react to form a gum, gel, rubber, or resin.
US09228060B2 Method for manufacturing sulfonated aromatic polymer
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for industrially advantageously manufacturing a sulfonated aromatic polymer while preventing a reduction in the molecular weight of the resulting sulfonated aromatic polymer. The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a sulfonated aromatic polymer, comprising sulfonating an aromatic polymer and a sulfonating agent in the presence of a solvent of a compound containing a sulfonyl group (—SO2—).
US09228058B2 Comfort apparatus and method of manufacture
An article of manufacture formed from the reaction product of at least one plant based polyol and at least one isocyanate free monomer, comprising a foam structure having wide commercial applicability.
US09228054B2 Method for producing polyether carbonate polyols
The present invention relates to a method for producing polyether carbonate polyols by way of the catalytic addition of carbon dioxide and alkylene oxides to H-functional starter compounds in the presence of double metal cyanide (DMC) catalyzer that was activated in the presence of cyclic anhydride.
US09228051B2 Polyester compositions containing furandicarboxylic acid or an ester thereof and cyclohexanedimethanol
Described are polyesters comprising (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid residues and optionally, aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues and/or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues, and (b) a glycol component comprising 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues and residues of a modifying glycol. The polyesters may be manufactured into articles such as fibers, films, bottles, coatings, or sheets.
US09228047B2 Low density polyurethane foams
Embodiments of the invention provide for low density flexible polyurethane foams are reaction products of reaction systems including at least one polyol and at least one isocyanate including at least 50% by weight of an MDI based isocyanate. The flexible polyurethane foam has a density of less than about 33 kg/m3 as determined according to ASTM D 3574-01, a tear strength of more than about 160 N/m as determined according to NBR 8515:2003 and a resiliency of at least 45% as measured according to ASTM D-3574-H.
US09228040B2 CNSL-based hydrocarbon resins, preparation and uses thereof
The present invention is directed to resins made from cashew nutshell liquid and vinyl hydrocarbons and processes for manufacturing the resins. These resins exhibit lower viscosity than the phenol-based homologs. They also exhibit good compatibility with a wide range of solvents, mineral and natural oils, epoxy curing agents, liquid epoxy resins, and polymers, which make them suitable additives as non-reactive diluents for solvent-free coating formulations; tackifiers for structural adhesive, pressure sensitive and hot-melt adhesives; stabilizers for lubricants, fuel and polymer formulations; plasticizers for thermoplastic polymers and processing aid for rubber compounding and stabilizers for respective rubber artifacts. These resins are also valuable precursors for the manufacture of epoxy resins and polyols for coating, adhesive and composite formulations exhibiting ameliorated performance in water repellency, anti-corrosion, and fast hardness development during cure.
US09228039B2 Crosslinkable reactive polymers
Crosslinkable reactive polymers comprise -A- and —B— recurring units, arranged randomly along a backbone. The -A- recurring units comprise pendant aromatic sulfonic acid oxime ester groups that are capable of providing pendant aromatic sulfonic acid groups upon irradiation with radiation having a λmax of at least 150 nm and up to and including 450 nm. The -A- recurring units are present in the reactive polymer in an amount of greater than 50 mol % and up to and including 98 mol % based on total reactive polymer recurring units. The —B— recurring units comprise pendant groups that provide crosslinking upon generation of the aromatic sulfonic acid groups in the -A- recurring units. The —B— recurring units are present in an amount of at least 2 mol %, based on total reactive polymer recurring units. These reactive polymers can be used in various pattern-forming methods.
US09228023B2 Anti-ROR1 antibodies and methods of use for treatment of cancer
The invention provides antibodies which bind to the extracellular domain of the Tyrosine-protein kinase transmembrane receptor ROR1. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies are also provided. The antibodies may be used for the treatment of cancer, including non-small cell lung carcinoma, B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia and colon cancer.
US09228014B2 Antibodies capable of blocking the interaction between CD48 and a CD48 receptor
The present invention provides antibodies that bind to CD48 and methods of using same. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the antibodies are fully human antibodies that bind to human CD48. In certain embodiments, the antibodies of the present invention block the binding of CD48 to one or more CD48 receptor. The antibodies of the invention are useful, inter alia, for the treatment of diseases and disorders associated with one or more CD48 biological activities, including the treatment of allergic conditions and other inflammatory conditions.
US09228013B2 Methods of using the FRI domain of human frizzled receptor for inhibiting Wnt signaling in a tumor or tumor cell
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for characterizing, diagnosing, and treating cancer. In particular the invention provides the means and methods for the diagnosis, characterization, prognosis and treatment of cancer and specifically targeting cancer stem cells. The present invention provides a soluble FZD receptor comprising an extracellular domain of a human FZD receptor that inhibits growth of tumor cells. The present invention still further provides a soluble receptor comprising a Fri domain of a human FZD receptor that binds a ligand of a human FZD receptor and said soluble receptor is capable of inhibiting tumor growth. The present invention still further provides a method of treating cancer comprising administering a soluble FZD receptor comprising for example, either an extracellular domain of a human FZD receptor or a Fri domain of a human FZD receptor, in an amount effective to inhibit tumor growth.
US09228012B2 Production cell line enhancers
The present invention relates to discovery of the ectopic expression of EDEM2 in a production cell to improve the yield of a useful multi-subunit protein. Thus, the present invention provides for production cell lines, such as the canonical mammalian biopharmaceutical production cell—the CHO cell, containing recombinant polynucleotides encoding EDEM2. Also disclosed is a production cell containing both an EDEM2-encoding polynucleotide as well an XBP1-encoding polynucleotide. Improved titers of antibodies produced by these cell lines are disclosed, as well as the improved cell densities attained by these cells in culture.
US09227995B2 Peptides
A peptide which can adopt a 310-helical conformation in which the side chains of two amino acid residues in the peptide backbone are linked by a group comprising an aromatic 5-membered ring.
US09227991B2 Anti-tumor bivalent platinum complex and preparation method for complex and ligand of complex
Platinum complexes containing 3-ketone cyclobutane 1,1-dicarboxylic acid as leaving group for treating cancers and a preparation method of the complexes, one of the platinum complexes is cis-[3-ketone cyclobutane-1,1-dicarboxylic acid radical.diamineplatinum (II)], GSH-5 for short, the chemical structure formula is expressed by formula (1). The other platinum complex is cis-[3-ketone-cyclobutane-1,1-dicarboxylic acid radical.trans-1,2-cyclohexanediamineplatinum (II)], GSH-6 for short, the chemical structure formula is expressed by formula (2). In the formula (2), two chiral carbon atoms marked with * in the trans-1,2-cyclohexanediamine group are both of R forms or S forms.
US09227989B2 Calcium treatment of alkyl-tin stabilizers
An alkyl-tin stabilizer composition is treated with a calcium compound to reduce the carboxylate content level of the stabilizer.
US09227986B2 Diarylethene compounds and uses thereof
A compound according to Formula IA and IB, reversibly convertible under photochromic and electrochromic conditions between a ring-open isomer A and a ring-closed isomer B is provided. For substitutent groups, Z is N, O or S; each R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, or halo; each R2 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, a polymer backbone, alkyl or aryl; or, when both R2 together form —CH═CH— and form part of a polymer backbone; each R3 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, thioalkyl or aryl; each R4 is aryl; and each R5 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, thioalkyl or aryl.
US09227977B2 Phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitors
The present invention relates inter alia to a compound of formula (I) and to compositions comprising the same and to the use of the compounds and to compositions of the compounds in treatment, for example in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, in particular respiratory inflammatory disease. The invention also extends to methods of making the said compounds.
US09227975B2 Method of treatment using substituted imidazo[1,2B]pyridazine compounds
Methods for treating a disease or disorder selected from pain, cancer, inflammation, neurodegenerative disease, Typanosoma cruzi infection and osteolytic disease in a mammal, which comprise administering to said mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I in which R1, R2, R3, R4, X, Y and n have the meanings given in the specification.
US09227971B2 Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine compounds as mTOR inhibitors
The present invention provides Pyrazolopyrimidine Compounds of Formula (I): wherein L, T, Z, U, V, W, R3, R6, R7, R8, and m are as defined herein, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of such Pyrazolopyrimidine Compounds. The Pyrazolopyrimidine Compounds are useful in the treatment of cancer and other diseases or disorders wherein mTOR is deregulated.
US09227970B2 Triazolopyridine compounds
The invention is concerned with triazolopyridine compounds of formula (I) wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as defined in the description and in the claims, as well as physiologically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds inhibit PDE10A and can be used as medicaments.
US09227961B2 Hepatitis C virus inhibitors
The present disclosure relates to compounds, compositions and methods for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and methods for using these compounds in the treatment of HCV infection.
US09227960B2 Bisaryl (thio)morpholine derivatives as S1P modulators
Described are compounds that are modulators of the S1P receptors, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds. Also described are methods of using the compounds and compositions for treating, alleviating, or preventing S1P receptor mediated diseases and conditions.
US09227956B2 Substituted amide compounds
The present invention is directed at substituted amide compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and the use of such compounds to reduce plasma lipid levels, such as LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides and accordingly to treat diseases which are exacerbated by high levels of LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, such as atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases, in mammals, including humans.
US09227954B2 Isoindoline compounds and methods of their use
Provided herein are isoindoline compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more of such compounds, and methods of their use for treating, preventing, or managing various diseases.
US09227953B2 Crystal form
A novel crystalline form of rilapladib, and use thereof in treatment of diseases mediated by Lp-PLA2, is disclosed.
US09227935B2 Piperidine/piperazine derivatives
The invention relates to a DGAT inhibitor of formula including any stereochemically isomeric form thereof, wherein A represents CH or N; the dotted line represents an optional bond in case A represents a carbon atom; X represents —O—C(═O)—; —C(═O)—C(═O)—; —NRx—C(═O)—; —Z—C(═O)—; —Z—NRx—C(═O)—; —C(═O)—Z—; —NRx—C(═O)—Z—; —C(═S)—; —NRx—C(═S)—; —Z—C(═S)—; —Z—NRx—C(═S)—; —C(═S)—Z—; —NRx—C(═S)—Z—; Z represents a bivalent radical selected from C1-6alkanediyl, C2-6alkenediyl or C2-6alkynediyl; wherein each of said C1-6alkanediyl, C2-6alkenediyl or C2-6alkynediyl may optionally be substituted; and wherein two hydrogen atoms attached to the same carbon atom in C1-6alkanediyl may optionally be replaced by C1-6alkanediyl; Y represents —C(═O)—NRx— or —NRx—C(═O)—; R1 represents adamantanyl, C3-6cycloalkyl; aryl1 or Het1; R2 represents C3-6cycloalkyl, phenyl, naphtalenyl, 2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxinyl, 1,3-benzodioxolyl, 2,3-dihydrobenzofuranyl or a 6-membered aromatic heterocycle containing 1 or 2 N atoms, wherein said C3-6cycloalkyl, phenyl, naphtalenyl, 2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxinyl, 1,3-benzodioxolyl or heterocycle may optionally be substituted; R7 represents hydrogen, halo, C1-4alkyl, C1-4alkyl substituted with hydroxyl; provided that the following compounds are excluded; a N-oxide thereof, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof. The invention further relates to methods for preparing such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds as well as the use as a medicine, as a DGAT inhibitor, of said compounds.
US09227934B2 Processes for producing NEP inhibitors or prodrugs thereof
The invention relates to a new process for producing NEP inhibitors or prodrugs thereof, in particular NEP inhibitors comprising a γ-amino-δ-biphenyl-α-methylalkanoic acid, or acid ester, backbone. In detail, the new processes, according to the present invention, are ultimately related to the synthesis of intermediates to prepare the above NEP inhibitors, namely compounds according to formula (1), or salt thereof, wherein R1 and R2 are, independently of each other, hydrogen or a nitrogen protecting group, and R3 is a carboxyl group or an ester group, preferably carboxyl group or alkyl ester.
US09227931B1 Bifunctional compound and method for manufacturing the same
A bifunctional compound and a method for manufacturing the same are revealed. The structural formula of the compound includes two main functional groups. One functional group is a diamide dithiolate (N2S2) ligand able to bind with radioisotopes. The other functional group is polybasic carboxylic acid that binds to biochemical substances. Based on properties of the above two functional groups, the compound of the present invention can be used for preparation of radiopharmaceuticals such as radiotracter for disease diagnosis or radioactive therapeutic agent for disease treatment.
US09227929B2 Sulfonation in continuous-flow microreactors
A continuous flow process for sulfonating 1,2.diaminobenzene comprises introducing a sulfonation mixture into a microreactor inlet of a continuous flow microreactor to produce a flow of the sulfonation mixture through the continuous flow microreactor. The sulfonation mixture comprises 1,2 aminobenzene dissolved in a molar excess of sulfuric acid. The continuous flow microreactor comprises one or more individual fluidic modules each having various features with respect to channel width and thermal management. The process further comprises maintaining a reaction temperature of from about 150.230 deg C. in at least a portion of the individual fluidic modules while the sulfonation mixture flows from the microreactor inlet to the microreactor outlet. Thereupon, the sulfonation mixture is received from the microreactor outlet. Finally, a sulfonated reaction product is precipitated out of the sulfonation mixture received from the microreactor outlet. The sulfonated reaction product is 3,4.diaminosulfonic acid, free of doubly sulfonated impurities.
US09227926B2 Method of synthesis of azo compounds
A process is provided for synthesizing an azo compound, such as AIBN, by oxidation of a hydrazo compound using hydrogen peroxide. This process comprises a step of adding to the reaction medium a particular reducing agent, such as hydrazine.
US09227924B2 Processes for making hydrazides
A method is disclosed for preparing hydrazides from hydrazine and an acyl chloride which comprises the steps of (a) preparing a stirred substantially uniform slurry comprising hydrazine and an inert solvent at low temperature; and (b) adding an acyl chloride continuously to said slurry. The method avoids or limits production of undesired bis-hydrazide by-products. The method is used to prepare 3-methyl-3-mercaptobutanoic acid hydrazide, a molecule used to link calicheamicin to a monoclonal antibody.
US09227912B2 Process for making ethanolamines
A process for the preparation of ethanolamines comprising reacting a water-ammonia solution with ethylene oxide to form an effluent reaction mixture comprising unreacted ammonia, water and ethanolamines. This effluent reaction mixture is then subjected to a succession of steps to, inter alia, separate the ethanolamines.
US09227907B2 Acid chloride
The present invention relates to new organic compounds, to their synthesis as well as to their use in organic synthesis, especially in processes forming intermediates (building blocks) for the synthesis of vitamin A or β-carotene or other carotenoids.
US09227902B2 Compositions for carboxylic acid production and methods for making and using same
An alcohol such as methanol is reacted with carbon monoxide in a liquid reaction medium including a catalyst, an alkyl iodide such as methyl iodide, alkyl acetate such as methyl acetate in specified proportions, an additive, and an effective amount of water, where the additive increases an ionic character of the hydrogen iodide bond and the effective amount of water is sufficient to facilitate carboxylic acid release after carbonylation at the catalyst and to reduce anhydride formation. The present reaction system not only provides an acid product at water levels considerable below levels currently used, but also provides unexpected reaction rates and unexpected high catalyst stability.
US09227896B2 Process for the separation and purification of a mixed diol stream
Disclosed is a process for the purification of a mixed diol stream. The mixed diol stream comprising two-, three-, and four-carbon diols is separated into component diols by extraction with a hydrophobic solvent mixture. The diols recovered in the extractant may be removed from the extractant stream by back extraction with water or by distillation with an azeotrope-forming agent present, preferably an azeotroping agent already present in the extractant mixture.
US09227892B2 Organic compound and organic light-emitting device including the same
Provided are a novel organic compound appropriate for emission of blue light and an organic light-emitting device including the organic compound. The organic compound is represented by general formula 1: wherein R1 to R6 are each independently selected from a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, and an aryl group. The alkyl group and the aryl group are optionally substituted.
US09227891B2 Process for separation of C8 aromatic compounds with limited recycling
Process for the production of paraxylene from a C8 aromatic feedstock that comprises the following stages: A stage for separation by adsorption in a simulated moving bed SMB that produces an extract that contains at least 95% paraxylene and at least one raffinate R that contains ethylbenzene, A recycling of raffinate to the SMB separation stage after isomerization, in which R is separated in membrane separation means to obtain a first fraction F1 that is relatively high in ethylbenzene, which is purged, and an additional fraction F2 that is relatively low in ethylbenzene, which is recycled to the SMB after a single isomerization, preferably in the liquid phase.
US09227887B2 Process for the oxidative coupling of hydrocarbons
A method for the oxidative coupling of hydrocarbons, such as the oxidative coupling of methane to toluene, includes providing an oxidative catalyst inside a reactor, and carrying out the oxidative coupling reaction under a set of reaction conditions. The oxidative catalyst includes (A) at least one element selected from the group consisting of the Lanthanoid group, Mg, Ca, and the elements of Group 4 of the periodic table (Ti, Zr, and Hf); (B) at least one element selected from the group consisting of the Group 1 elements of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, and the elements of Group 3 (including La and Ac) and Groups 5-15 of the periodic table; (C) at least one element selected from the group consisting of the Group 1 elements of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, and the elements Ca, Sr, and Ba; and (D) oxygen.
US09227883B2 Mechanically activated metal fuels for energetic material applications
The invention provides mechanically activated metal fuels for energetic material applications. An exemplary embodiment involves mechanically treating micrometer-sized particles of at least one metal with particles of at least one fluorocarbon to form composite particles containing the at least one metal and the at least one fluorocarbon.
US09227879B2 Method and apparatus for aligning a support with respect to a honeycomb body
Method is provided for applying a cement mixture to a honeycomb body including the step of aligning a first end of the honeycomb body with respect to a first longitudinal axis of a first support member. The method further includes the step of aligning a second support member with respect to the second end of the honeycomb body. The second support member is allowed to move relative to the first support member such that a second longitudinal axis of second support member is not coincident with the first longitudinal axis. The method further includes the step of fixing the position of the honeycomb body with respect to the first support member and the second support member. The method still further includes the step of applying a cement mixture to the honeycomb body. An apparatus is provided that is configured to apply a cement mixture to a honeycomb body.
US09227875B2 Compositions and methods for making low thermal expansion ceramic bodies
Comminuted pre-mixtures for technical ceramics production, and ceramic bodies made therefrom, the comminuted pre-mixtures being comprised of cellulosic components and alumina source components and the bodies being produced by compounding the comminuted pre-mixtures with powdered inorganic components into batch mixtures, adding liquids to the batch mixtures to form plastic batches, forming the plastic batches into shaped bodies, and heating the shaped bodies to form the ceramic bodies.
US09227871B2 Glass welding method and glass layer fixing method
A glass layer 3 is irradiated with laser light L1 for temporary firing, so that a main portion 32 of the glass layer 3 excluding a one portion 31 thereof and extending like a ring open at the one portion 31 is molten and fixed to a glass member 4. As a consequence, the one portion 31 of the glass layer 3 in which the glass frit 2 is not molten exists between one end 32a and the other end 32b of the glass layer 3 fixed to the glass member 4. Superposing a glass member 5 on the glass member 4 with the glass layer 3 interposed therebetween in this state and irradiating the one portion 31 and main portion 32 of the glass layer 3 with second laser light L2, so as to fuse the glass members 4, 5 to each other, can prevent leaks from occurring in the glass layer 3, thereby making it possible to manufacture a glass fusing structure 1 which requires hermetic fusing.
US09227852B2 Apparatus, systems, and methods for water treatment
An apparatus, system, and method relating to a modular water treatment apparatus that utilizes sidestream injection coupled to static mixing are described. The apparatus, system, and method utilizes ozone, with or without hydrogen peroxide, for effective disinfection and/or decontamination of contaminants present in waste water. The disinfected, decontaminated water is suitable for reuse.
US09227849B2 Systems and methods for processing sylvinite and carnallite ores
Disclosed are systems and methods for processing carnallite or sylvinite ores. The system includes a measuring hopper, a lye clarifier, two vertical ore dissolving apparatuses, two ore dehydrators and one wet product dehydrator, a crystallizer, and a dryer. Each dissolving apparatus has alternating supply and grounding electrodes arranged in axial alignment with the apparatus. The ore is run through both dissolving apparatuses in succession and dehydrated after each dissolving apparatus. A dissolving lye is fed to each dissolving apparatus in countercurrent flow to the solid phase ore. The saturated lye from the dissolving apparatuses is transported to a crystallizer to be cooled. Cooling the lye forms crystalline potassium chloride or artificial carnallite, which then goes for dehydration and drying.
US09227847B2 Method for preparing vanadium-nitrogen alloy
A method for preparing vanadium-nitrogen alloy, the method including: 1) mixing and pressing a vanadium-containing compound, an agglutinant, and a carbon-premixed reducing agent to yield a spherical raw material, and air drying the spherical raw material; and 2) mixing the spherical raw material with a granular carbonaceous reducing agent to yield a mixture, and continually feeding the mixture into a shaft kiln of a medium frequency induction furnace, purging the shaft kiln with pure nitrogen and maintaining a furnace pressure at between 0.01 and 0.03 mPa, drying the mixture at a temperature of between 100 and 600° C., carbonizing and nitriding at a temperature of between 900 and 1350° C., cooling the resulting product to less than 100° C., and discharging the product.
US09227838B2 Cavity-type semiconductor package and method of packaging same
A method (30) of forming a semiconductor package (20) entails applying (56) an adhesive (64) to a portion (66) of a bonding perimeter (50) of a base (22), with a section (68) of the perimeter (50) being without the adhesive (64). A lid (24) is placed on the base (22) so that a bonding perimeter (62) of the lid (24) abuts the bonding perimeter (50) of the base (22). The lid (24) includes a cavity (25) in which dies (38) mounted to the base (22) are located. A gap (70) is formed without the adhesive (64) at the section (68) between the base (22) and the lid (24). The structure vents from the gap (70) as air inside the cavity (25) expands during heat curing (72). Following heat curing (72), another adhesive (80) is dispensed in the section (68) to close the gap (70) and seal the cavity (25).
US09227837B2 Sensor and method for manufacturing a sensor
A sensor includes: a substrate, a microelectromechanical structure, and a decoupling structure. The decoupling structure is anchored on the substrate, and the microelectromechanical structure is anchored on the decoupling structure. The microelectromechanical structure and the decoupling structure are movable in relation to the substrate. The decoupling structure is situated between the microelectromechanical structure and the substrate.
US09227828B2 Bag-in-box adapter for water dispenser
According to the invention, an adapter is provided to receive and hold a bag-in-box container on top of a conventional water cooler and to control the flow of water from the bag-in-box container into a sealed water reservoir of the water cooler to maintain a desired level of water in the water reservoir. Level control of water in the reservoir is provided by controlling the venting of the sealed reservoir to the atmosphere and/or by controlling the flow of water into the reservoir from the water supply line. Venting control can be through use of a hydrophobic membrane or through use of float valves in the vent, and control of flow of liquid into the reservoir from the water supply line can be by a special float valve that allows high flow capacity at low pressures.
US09227827B1 Liquid container pressurization and dispensing device
An apparatus may be utilized for sealing a vessel and for providing various mechanisms for preserving and maintaining freshness of the vessel's contents. In one embodiment, the apparatus prevents a premature oxidation process by enabling a vessel to be filled with contents without compromising the seal of the vessel. Further, the apparatus eliminates the necessity of opening the vessel during the dispensing process, thereby maintaining the vessel's seal while emptying the vessel's contents. The apparatus may be initially purged of ambient air and oxygen prior to filling the vessel with contents further reducing premature oxidation by reducing a substance's oxygen contact as substances initially enter the vessel. The apparatus enables venting of excess gas, thereby preventing over-pressurization of the vessel's structure and over-pressurization of the contents within the vessel. The apparatus regulates the flow of incoming gas, whereby gas is introduced at a consistent rate preventing disruption of the contents.
US09227826B2 System and method for generating a drive signal
A method and computer program product for defining a PWM drive signal having a defined voltage potential. The PWM drive signal has a plurality of “on” portions and a plurality of “off” portions that define a first duty cycle for regulating, at least in part, a flow rate of a pump assembly. At least a portion of the “on” portions of the PWM drive signal are pulse width modulated to define a second duty cycle for the at least a portion of the “on” portions of the PWM drive signal. The second duty cycle regulates, at least in part, the percentage of the defined voltage potential applied to the pump assembly.
US09227812B2 Adhesive sheet joining method and adhesive sheet joining apparatus
While a transporting unit transports an adhesive sheet attached to a separator larger than the adhesive sheet, a chuck member on a tip of a swing arm of a separating unit holds a portion of the separator protruding from an end of the adhesive sheet. Under such a condition, the chuck member moves in a direction crossing a transportation direction of the adhesive sheet, and the transporting unit moves in the transportation direction in synchronization with the chuck member while folding back the separator at an end of a supporting plate contacting the separator as a starting point. Accordingly, the separator is separated from the adhesive sheet. The transporting unit transports while holding the adhesive sheet with the separator separated therefrom to join the adhesive sheet to a workpiece.
US09227805B2 Printing apparatus, control method thereof and storage medium storing program
This invention relates to a printing apparatus and control method thereof. The standard size of an envelope to be stored in each of a plurality of paper storage units configured to store an envelope to be used in printing is set. An offset amount to be used to print an image on an envelope of the set standard size is set. A paper storage unit which stores an envelope to be used in printing is selected from the plurality of paper storage units based on a standard size of an envelope that is designated by a user. The position of an image is shifted in accordance with the set offset amount, and the image is printed on an envelope fed from the selected paper storage unit.
US09227784B2 Conveyor assembly and associated method
A curved conveyor assembly includes a frame that defines a curved conveyance path. A conveyor belt is positioned on the frame system for travel along the curved conveyance path. At least one hold down guide is mounted to the frame and manually movable between an operating position and an access position. In the operating position a retaining lip of the hold down guide extends into the curved conveyance path proximate an edge of the conveyor belt for limiting upward movement of the edge of the conveyor belt. In the access position the retaining lip is moved away from the edge of the conveyor belt.