Document Document Title
US09368646B2 Memory devices and methods of manufacturing the same
A vertical memory device includes a channel array, a charge storage layer structure, multiple gate electrodes and a dummy pattern array. The channel array includes multiple channels, each of which is formed on a first region of a substrate and is formed to extend in a first direction substantially perpendicular to a top surface of the substrate. The charge storage layer structure includes a tunnel insulation layer pattern, a charge storage layer pattern and a blocking layer pattern, which are sequentially formed on a sidewall of each channel in the second direction substantially parallel to the top surface of the substrate. The gate electrodes arranged on a sidewall of the charge storage layer structure and spaced apart from each other in the first direction. The dummy pattern array includes multiple dummy patterns, each of which is formed on a second region adjacent the first region of the substrate and is formed to extend in the first direction.
US09368639B2 Oxide semiconductor thin film, production method thereof, and thin film transistor
An oxide crystalline thin film is used to provide an oxide semiconductor thin film that has comparatively high carrier mobility and is suitable as TFT channel layer material. Oxide semiconductor thin film is obtained by performing an annealing process on an amorphous oxide semiconductor thin film comprising an oxide including indium and titanium where the titanium content is 0.005 to 0.12 by a Ti/In atomic ratio at a heating temperature of 250° C. or greater and processing time of 1 minute to 120 minutes. The oxide semiconductor thin film is crystalline and comprises only the In2O3 phase of bixbyite type structure, and has carrier density that is 1×1019 cm−3, and carrier mobility that is 1 cm2/Vsec or greater.
US09368637B2 Thin film transistor and manufacturing method thereof, array substrate and display device
A thin film transistor (TFT) and manufacturing method thereof, an array substrate and a display device are provided. The thin film transistor comprises a substrate; an active layer formed on the substrate; a first conductive contact layer and a second conductive contact layer formed on the active layer; an etch-stop layer formed over the first contact layer and the second contact layer; and a source connected with the first contact layer, a drain connected with the second contact layer and a gate arranged between the source and the drain formed over the etch-stop layer. The TFT has a simple structure and better performance.
US09368627B2 Semiconductor structure and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor substrate; a gate stack on the semiconductor substrate; and a stress memorization technology (SMT) sidewall spacer over a sidewall of the gate stack. The gate stack includes a gate dielectric layer over the semiconductor substrate and a gate electrode over the gate dielectric layer. The SMT sidewall spacer provides a stress for a channel region beneath the gate stack.
US09368626B2 Semiconductor device with strained layer
A semiconductor device and method of fabricating thereof is described that includes a substrate including at least one fin, at least one gate stack formed on a top surface of the at least one fin, a first inter-layer dielectric (ILD) layer formed on the top surface of the at least one fin, and a strained layer formed at least on a top surface of the at least one gate stack, wherein the strained layer is configured to provide a strain force to the at least one gate stack.
US09368623B2 High voltage device fabricated using low-voltage processes
A high-voltage transistor includes an active region including a diffused region of a first conductivity type defined by inner edges of a border of shallow trench isolation. A gate having side edges and end edges is disposed over the active region. Spaced apart source and drain regions of a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type are disposed in the active region outwardly with respect to the side edges of the gate. Lightly-doped regions of the second conductivity type more lightly-doped than the source and drain regions surround the source and drain regions and extend inwardly between the source and drain regions towards the gate to define a channel, and outwardly towards all of the inner edges of the shallow trench isolation. Outer edges of the lightly-doped region from at least the drain region are spaced apart from the inner edges of the shallow trench isolation.
US09368620B2 Trench gate FET with self-aligned source contact
A semiconductor device includes a substrate and a semiconductor layer having a first conductivity type. The semiconductor device further includes first and second trenches extending into the semiconductor layer from a surface of the semiconductor layer, each of the first and second trenches including a corresponding gate electrode. The semiconductor device further includes a body region having a second conductivity type different than the first conductivity type and a source contact region having the first conductivity type. The body region is disposed in the semiconductor layer below the surface of the semiconductor layer and between a sidewall of the first trench and an adjacent sidewall of a second trench. The source contact region is disposed in the semiconductor layer between the body region and the surface of the semiconductor layer and extending between the sidewall of the first trench and the corresponding sidewall of the second trench.
US09368618B2 Semiconductor structure
A semiconductor structure comprising an improved ESD protection device is provided. The semiconductor structure comprises a substrate, a well formed in the substrate, a first heavily doped region formed in the well, a second heavily doped region formed in the well and separated apart from the first heavily doped region, a gate structure formed on the substrate between the first heavily doped region and the second heavily doped region, a field region formed in the well under the first heavily doped region and the gate structure, and a field oxide/shallow trench isolation structure formed adjacent to the first heavily doped region. The field region is not formed under the second heavily doped region. The well and the field region have a first type of doping. The first heavily doped region and the second heavily doped region have a second type of doping.
US09368616B2 Semiconductor device
The semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor layer in which a trench is formed having a side surface and a bottom surface; a second conductivity-type layer formed on the semiconductor layer on the side surface and the bottom surface of the trench; a first conductivity-type layer formed on the semiconductor layer so as to contact the second conductivity-type layer; a first electrode electrically connected to the first conductivity-type layer; a second electrode embedded in the trench and electrically connected to the second conductivity-type layer; and a barrier-forming layer which is arranged between the second electrode and the side surface of the trench and which, between said barrier-forming layer and the second conductivity-type layer, forms a potential barrier higher than the potential barrier between the second conductivity-type layer and the second electrode.
US09368614B2 Flexibly scalable charge balanced vertical semiconductor power devices with a super-junction structure
This invention discloses a semiconductor power device disposed in a semiconductor substrate and the semiconductor substrate has a plurality of deep trenches. The deep trenches are filled with an epitaxial layer thus forming a top epitaxial layer covering areas above a top surface of the deep trenches covering over the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor power device further includes a plurality of transistor cells disposed in the top epitaxial layer whereby a device performance of the semiconductor power device is dependent on a depth of the deep trenches and not dependent on a thickness of the top epitaxial layer. Each of the plurality of transistor cells includes a trench DMOS transistor cell having a trench gate opened through the top epitaxial layer and filled with a gate dielectric material.
US09368604B1 Method of removing threading dislocation defect from a fin feature of III-V group semiconductor material
The present disclosure provides a method of forming a fin-like field-effect transistor (FinFET) device. The method includes forming a first strain-relaxed buffer (SRB) stack over a substrate. The first SRB stack has a lattice mismatch with respect to the substrate that generates a threading dislocation defect feature in the first SRB stack. The method also includes forming a patterned dielectric layer over the first SRB stack. The patterned dielectric layer includes a trench extending therethrough. The method also includes forming a second SRB stack over the first SRB stack and within the trench. The second SRB stack has a lattice mismatch with respect to the substrate such that an upper portion of the second SRB stack is without threading dislocation defects.
US09368597B2 Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacturing the same
Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacturing the semiconductor devices are provided. The methods may include forming a sacrificial gate pattern on a substrate, forming a first spacer on a sidewall of the sacrificial gate pattern and forming a first interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer covering a sidewall of the first spacer and exposing a top surface of the first spacer. The first spacer may expose an upper portion of the sidewall of the sacrificial gate pattern. The methods may also include forming a capping insulating pattern covering top surfaces of the first spacer and the first ILD layer, replacing the sacrificial gate pattern with a gate electrode structure and patterning the capping insulating pattern to form a second spacer on the first spacer and between the gate electrode structure and the first ILD layer. The second spacer may be formed of a material having a dielectric constant higher than a dielectric constant of the first spacer.
US09368595B2 Semiconductor device provided with an IE type trench IGBT
A switching loss is prevented from being deteriorated by suppressing increase in a gate capacitance due to a cell shrink of an IE type trench gate IGBT. A cell formation region is configured of a linear active cell region, a linear hole collector cell region, and a linear inactive cell region between them. Then, upper surfaces of the third and fourth linear trench gate electrodes which are formed so as to sandwich both sides of the linear hole collector cell region and electrically connected to an emitter electrode are positioned to be lower than upper surfaces of the first and second linear trench gate electrodes which are formed so as to sandwich both sides of the linear active cell region and electrically connected to a gate electrode.
US09368575B2 Semiconductor device having super junction structure and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device having a super junction structure includes: multiple first columns extending in a current flowing direction; and multiple second columns extending in the current flowing direction. The first and second columns are alternately arranged in an alternating direction. Each first column provides a drift layer. The first and second columns have a boundary therebetween, from which a depletion layer expands in case of an off-state. At least one of the first columns and the second columns have an impurity dose, which is inhomogeneous by location with respect to the alternating direction.
US09368574B1 Nanowire field effect transistor with inner and outer gates
A semiconductor device comprising a suspended semiconductor nanowire inner gate and outer gate. A first epitaxial dielectric layer surrounds a nanowire inner gate. The first epitaxial dielectric layer is surrounded by an epitaxial semiconductor channel. The epitaxial semiconductor channel surrounds a second dielectric layer. A gate conductor surrounds the second dielectric layer. The gate conductor is patterned into a gate line and defines a channel region overlapping the gate line. The semiconductor device contains source and drain regions adjacent to the gate line.
US09368564B2 3D pillar inductor
Base pads are spaced by a pitch on a support surface. Conducting members, optionally Cu or other metal pillars, extend up from the base pads to top pads. A top pad interconnector connects the top pads in a configuration establishing an inductor current path between the base pads.
US09368557B2 Display device and electronic device
There is provided a display device including a light-emitting element corresponding to a pixel for a color, and a white color filter corresponding to a white pixel. Transmittance of the white color filter is based on neutral density (ND) transmittance that is uniform throughout an entire wavelength band of visible light, and transmittance in a particular wavelength band in the entire wavelength band of the visible light is decreased to be lower than the ND transmittance.
US09368556B2 Organic light emitting display device
An organic light emitting display device includes a plurality of pixels defined on a substrate. Each of the plurality of pixels has a plurality of sub-pixels, and each of the plurality of sub-pixels has a light emitting area and a driving area. Widths in a first direction of the driving areas of the plurality of sub-pixels are identical to each other. A size of a light emitting area of a first sub-pixel of the plurality of sub-pixels is greater than a size of a light emitting area of a second sub-pixel of the plurality of sub-pixels.
US09368551B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a first fin-shaped semiconductor layer on a semiconductor substrate, a first insulating film around the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer, a first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer on the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer, a first gate insulating film around the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, a first gate line formed around the first gate insulating film and extending in a direction perpendicular to the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer, a second diffusion layer disposed in a lower portion of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, a third gate insulating film surrounding an upper portion of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, a first contact electrode surrounding the third gate insulating film, a second contact electrode that connects an upper portion of the first contact electrode to an upper portion of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and a first magnetic tunnel junction memory element on the second contact electrode.
US09368549B1 Printed mesh defining pixel areas for printed inorganic LED dies
Over a flexible substrate are formed column lines for a display. Over the substrate and column lines are formed a reflective hydrophobic mesh defining pixels. Over the mesh and column lines is printed an LED ink containing microscopic LED dies. The LED ink de-wets from the mesh. The ink is then cured to electrically connect the bottom electrodes of the LEDs to the column lines within the openings (cells) of the mesh. A dielectric then encapsulates the LEDs while exposing the top electrodes of the LEDs. Transparent row lines are then formed along the rows of the mesh to electrically contact the top electrodes in each row. The LEDs within any cell can be turned on by address in a pair of row and column lines. Phosphor dots may be printed to over blue-emitting LEDs to create red, green, and blue sub-pixels for a full color display.
US09368546B2 Imaging structure with embedded light sources
In embodiments of an imaging structure with embedded light sources, an imaging structure includes a silicon backplane with a driver pad array. The embedded light sources are formed on the driver pad array in an emitter material layer, and the embedded light sources can be individually controlled at the driver pad array to generate and emit light. A conductive material layer over the embedded light sources forms a p-n junction between the emitter material layer and the conductive material layer. Micro lens optics can be positioned over the conductive material layer to direct the light that is emitted from the embedded light sources. Further, the micro lens optics may be implemented as parabolic optics to concentrate the light that is emitted from the embedded light sources.
US09368544B2 Photoelectric conversion device, image pickup system and method of manufacturing photoelectric conversion device
A photoelectric conversion device includes a first semiconductor substrate including a photoelectric conversion unit for generating a signal charge in accordance with an incident light, and a second semiconductor substrate including a signal processing unit for processing an electrical signal on the basis of the signal charge generated in the photoelectric conversion unit. The signal processing unit is situated in an orthogonal projection area from the photoelectric conversion unit to the second semiconductor substrate. A multilayer film including a plurality of insulator layers is provided between the first semiconductor substrate and the second semiconductor substrate. The thickness of the second semiconductor substrate is smaller than 500 micrometers. The thickness of the second semiconductor substrate is greater than the distance from the second semiconductor substrate and a light-receiving surface of the first semiconductor substrate.
US09368539B2 Semiconductor device with atom diffusion barrier layer and method of manufacturing semiconductor device with atom diffusion barrier layer
Disclosed is a semiconductor device including a first semiconductor substrate and a first atom diffusion prevention portion, the first atom diffusion prevention portion being arranged at a part on the first semiconductor substrate and configured to prevent diffusion of an atom having a dangling bond terminating effect.
US09368537B1 Integrated silicon carbide ultraviolet sensors and methods
A silicon carbide transistor used as an ultraviolet light sensor. The light sensor is mounted inside a probe for detecting ultraviolet light generated by combustion inside an engine. The silicon carbide transistor generates a light voltage that is converted to a digital signal. The digital signal is used in a feedback loop for an engine control module for real time engine control in operating environments. The silicon carbide transistor is mounted inside a glow plug sized engine probe mounted in the cylinder head and the probe includes a quartz window allowing ultraviolet light access between the combustion chamber and the silicon carbide transistor so that the silicon carbide transistor can be mounted proximate the combustion chamber but behind the cooling jackets inside the engine head.
US09368534B2 Image sensor with hybrid heterostructure
An image sensor architecture provides an SNR in excess of 100 dB, without requiring the use of a mechanical shutter. The circuit components for an active pixel sensor array are separated and arranged vertically in at least two different layers in a hybrid chip structure. The top layer is preferably manufactured using a low-noise PMOS manufacturing process, and includes the photodiode and amplifier circuitry for each pixel. A bottom layer is preferably manufactured using a standard CMOS process, and includes the NMOS pixel circuit components and any digital circuitry required for signal processing. By forming the top layer in a PMOS process optimized for forming low-noise pixels, the pixel performance can be greatly improved, compared to using CMOS. In addition, since the digital circuitry is now separated from the imaging circuitry, it can be formed using a standard CMOS process, which has been optimized for circuit speed and manufacturing cost. By combining the two layers into a stacked structure, the top layer (and any intermediate layer(s)) acts to optically shield the lower layer, thereby allowing charge to be stored and shielded without the need for a mechanical shutter.
US09368532B2 Solid-state imaging device and manufacturing method of the same, and electronic apparatus
The present disclosure relates to a solid-state imaging device and a manufacturing method of the same, and an electronic apparatus, capable of more reliably suppressing occurrence of color mixing. A trench is formed between PDs so as to be opened to a light receiving surface side of a semiconductor substrate on which a plurality of the PDs, each of which receives light to generate charges, are formed, an insulating film is embedded in the trench and the insulating film is laminated on a back surface side of the semiconductor substrate. Then, a light shielding portion is formed so as to be laminated on the insulating film and to have a convex shape protruding to the semiconductor substrate at a location corresponding to the trench. The present technology can be applied to a back surface irradiation type CMOS solid-state imaging device.
US09368527B2 Light emitting device, driving method of light emitting device and electronic device
By controlling the luminance of light emitting element not by means of a voltage to be impressed to the TFT but by means of controlling a current that flows to the TFT in a signal line drive circuit, the current that flows to the light emitting element is held to a desired value without depending on the characteristics of the TFT. Further, a voltage of inverted bias is impressed to the light emitting element every predetermined period. Since a multiplier effect is given by the two configurations described above, it is possible to prevent the luminance from deteriorating due to a deterioration of the organic luminescent layer, and further, it is possible to maintain the current that flows to the light emitting element to a desired value without depending on the characteristics of the TFT.
US09368526B2 Digital circuit having correcting circuit and electronic apparatus thereof
Provided is a digital circuit (30) that comprises: a switching circuit (31) having first transistors (32, 33) supplied with power supply potentials (VDD, VSS); correcting circuits (34, 36) connected between an input terminal (IN) inputted with an input signal and control terminals (gates) of the first transistors; capacitors (C2, C3) connected between the control terminals and the input terminal; diode-connected second transistors (35, 37) that are provided between nodes (N5, N6) between the capacitors and the control terminals and the power supply potentials and have the substantially same threshold voltage as the first transistors; and switches (SW2, SW3) connected in series with the second transistors.
US09368523B2 Semiconductor device, method for manufacturing semiconductor device, and display device
This semiconductor device (1000A) includes a TFT (100A) with an oxide semiconductor layer 9, a storage capacitor line (12), and a first transparent electrode (15) electrically connected to the storage capacitor line (12). The first transparent electrode (15) includes a portion which overlaps with a first connecting layer (8x) when viewed along a normal to a substrate (1). The portion that overlaps with the first connecting layer (8x) has a point symmetric shape of which a point of symmetry is located inside a contact hole (CH2) when viewed along a normal to the substrate (1). The first transparent electrode (15) is not in direct contact with the first connecting layer (8x). A portion of the first transparent electrode (15) is in direct contact with a second connecting layer (8x). The first connecting layer (8x) is in direct contact with the second connecting layer (19a). And the first transparent electrode (15) is electrically connected to the storage capacitor line (12) via the first and second connecting layers (8x, 19a).
US09368514B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
[Problem]A TFT is manufactured using at least five photomasks in a conventional liquid crystal display device, and therefore the manufacturing cost is high.[Solving Means]By performing the formation of the pixel electrode 127, the source region 123 and the drain region 124 by using three photomasks in three photolithography steps, a liquid crystal display device prepared with a pixel TFT portion, having a reverse stagger type n-channel TFT, and a storage capacitor can be realized.
US09368512B1 Double diamond shaped unmerged epitaxy for tall fins in tight pitch
A semiconductor structure is provided that includes a semiconductor fin extending upwards from a surface of a substrate. A source/drain structure is located on each side of the semiconductor fin. The source/drain structure comprises an upper source/drain portion having a faceted topmost surface and located on an upper portion of the semiconductor fin, and a lower source/drain portion having a faceted topmost surface and located on a lower portion of the semiconductor fin. In accordance with the present application, upper source/drain portion of the source/drain structure is spaced apart from the lower source/drain portion of the source/drain structure by a dielectric spacer portion.
US09368511B2 Three-dimensional (3D) semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes interlayer dielectrics stacked and spaced apart from each other, a channel layer passing through the interlayer dielectrics, line pattern regions each surrounding a sidewall of the channel layer to be disposed between the interlayer dielectrics, a barrier pattern formed along a surface of each of the line pattern regions and the sidewall of the channel layer, a reaction preventing pattern formed on the barrier pattern along a surface of a first region of each of the line pattern regions, the first region being adjacent to the channel layer, a protection pattern filled in the first region on the reaction preventing pattern, and a first metal layer filled in a second region of each of the line pattern regions.
US09368510B1 Method of forming memory cell with high-k charge trapping layer
A non-volatile storage device with memory cells having a high-k charge storage region, as well as methods of fabrication, is disclosed. The charge storage region has three or more layers of dielectric materials. At least one layer is a high-k material. The high-k layer(s) has a higher trap density as compared to Si3N4. High-k dielectrics in the charge storage region enhance capacitive coupling with the memory cell channel, which can improve memory cell current, program speed, and erase speed. The charge storage region has a high-low-high conduction band offset, which may improve data retention. The charge storage region has a low-high-low valence band offset, which may improve erase.
US09368505B2 Read-only memory and its manufacturing method
A read-only memory includes a plurality of storage units arranged in an array. The read-only memory includes two kinds of storage units with different structures, the two kinds of storage units with different structures are a first MOS transistor and a second MOS transistor. A source and a drain of the first MOS transistor have the same type, a source and a drain of the second MOS transistor have inverse type. These two kinds of MOS transistors can be used to store binary 0 and 1 respectively. In the manufacturing method of the read-only memory, the same type of drain and source can be manufactured simultaneously, no extra mask plate is needed, so the extra mask plate of a conventional read-only memory can be saved.
US09368502B2 Replacement gate multigate transistor for embedded DRAM
A memory cell, an array of memory cells, and a method for fabricating a memory cell with multigate transistors such as fully depleted finFET or nano-wire transistors in embedded DRAM. The memory cell includes a trench capacitor, a non-planar transistor, and a self-aligned silicide interconnect electrically coupling the trench capacitor to the non-planar transistor.
US09368500B2 Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor device
A CMOS device includes a substrate, a pMOS transistor and an nMOS transistor formed on the substrate, and a gated diode. The gated diode includes a floating gate formed on the substrate in between the pMOS transistor and the nMOS transistor and a pair of a p-doped region and an n-doped region formed in the substrate and between the pMOS transistor and the nMOS transistor. The n-doped region is formed between the floating gate and the nMOS transistor, and the p-doped region is formed between the floating gate and the pMOS transistor.
US09368485B1 Electrostatic discharge circuitry with separate power rails
In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes an input-output circuit, first and second electrostatic discharge diode circuits, first and second power clamp circuits and first, second and third voltage rails. The input-output circuit includes an input node that is coupled to an input-output pad. The first electrostatic discharge diode circuit may be coupled between the first and third voltage rails whereas the second electrostatic discharge diode circuit may be coupled between the second and third voltage rails. In addition to that, the first voltage rail may also be coupled to the first power clamp circuit and the second voltage rail may also be coupled to the second power clamp circuit.
US09368476B2 Stacked microelectronic assembly with TSVs formed in stages with plural active chips
A microelectronic assembly is provided in which first and second electrically conductive pads exposed at front surfaces of first and second microelectronic elements, respectively, are juxtaposed, each of the microelectronic elements embodying active semiconductor devices. An electrically conductive element may extend within a first opening extending from a rear surface of the first microelectronic element towards the front surface thereof, within a second opening extending from the first opening towards the front surface of the first microelectronic element, and within a third opening extending through at least one of the first and second pads to contact the first and second pads. Interior surfaces of the first and second openings may extend in first and second directions relative to the front surface of the first microelectronic element, respectively, to define a substantial angle.
US09368471B2 Wire-bonding apparatus and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
Provided is a wire-bonding apparatus (10) including: a capillary (28) through which a wire (30) is inserted; a nonsticking determination circuit (36) configured to apply a predetermined electrical signal between a bonding target and the wire (30) in a clamped state and to determine whether or not the wire (30) and the bonding target is sticking as well as whether or not the wire (30) is disconnected based on a response of the application of the predetermined electrical signal; an annular projecting length detection ring (40) disposed coaxially with the capillary (28); and a projecting length determination circuit (38) configured to determine whether or not a projecting length of a wire tail projecting from the tip of the capillary (28) is appropriate based on detection on whether or not power is conductive when a predetermined inspection voltage is applied between the wire (30) and the projecting length detection ring (40) as well as a presence of a discharge spark when a predetermined inspection high voltage is applied between the wire (30) and the projecting length detection ring (40).
US09368470B2 Coated bonding wire and methods for bonding using same
A semiconductor device includes a bond formed on a bond pad. The bond is formed of a wire that includes a central core of conductive metal, a first coating over the central core of conductive metal that is more chemically active than the conductive metal, and a second coating over the central core of conductive metal that is less chemically active than the central core of conductive metal.
US09368451B1 Multichip module with reroutable inter-die communication
A multichip module (MCM) has redundant I/O connections between its dice. That is, the number of inter-die I/O connections used is larger than the number of connections ordinarily used to provide connectivity between the dice. Defective connections are discovered through testing after MCM assembly and avoided, with signals being rerouted through good (e.g., not defective) redundant connections. The testing can be done at assembly time and the results stored in nonvolatile memory. Alternatively, the MCM can perform the testing itself dynamically, e.g., at power up, and use the test results to configure the inter-die I/O connections.
US09368442B1 Method for manufacturing an interposer, interposer and chip package structure
A method for manufacturing an interposer includes the following steps. Conductive beads is filled in a blind via of a substrate and a solder layer of each conductive bead is melted so as to form a solder post in the blind via. A metal ball of each conductive bead is inlaid in the corresponding solder post such that the solder post and the metal balls inlaid therein construct a conductive though via. Two surfaces of the substrate are planarized such that two ends of the conductive through via are exposed to the two surfaces of the substrate respectively and are flush with the two surfaces of the substrate respectively. A redistribution layer is manufactured at each surface of the substrate such that the two ends of each conductive through via connect the redistribution layers respectively. Besides, an interposer and a chip package structure applied the interposer are also provided.
US09368439B2 Substrate build up layer to achieve both finer design rule and better package coplanarity
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to package substrates for integrated circuits. The package substrates each include a core having electrically conductive vias therethrough. Build-up layers formed from dielectric materials having different compositions are disposed around the core and include interconnects formed therein for facilitating electrical connections between integrated circuits coupled to the package substrate. The dielectric materials are selected to allow finer interconnect geometries where desired, and to increase the rigidity, and thus planarity, of the package substrate. Exemplary dielectric materials include pre-impregnated composite fibers for increasing the rigidity of a package substrate, and Ajinomoto Build-up Film for allowing the formation finer interconnect geometries.
US09368432B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A technique capable of enhancing a reliability of a semiconductor device is provided. A semiconductor device has a die pad on which a semiconductor chip is mounted. The die pad is sealed with resin so that a lower surface located on an opposite side of an upper surface on which the semiconductor chip is mounted is exposed. Also, the die pad has a central part including a region in which the semiconductor chip is mounted and a peripheral edge part provided next to the central part in a planar view. In addition, a step surface formed so that a height of the peripheral edge part becomes higher than a height of the central part is provided at a boundary between the central part and the peripheral edge part.
US09368426B2 Piezoelectric fan and air cooling apparatus using the piezoelectric fan
A piezoelectric fan includes a vibration plate one end of which in a length direction is supported in a fixed manner and the other end of which in the length direction is a free end; and piezoelectric elements, attached on at least one of front and back surfaces of the vibration plate. In an intermediate portion of the vibration plate in the length direction, a right-angle bent portion is provided, and a plurality of divided blades are defined by slits in an area of the vibration plate extending from the free end to a position located a predetermined distance from the bent portion toward the free end. The piezoelectric element is attached on the portion of the vibration plate between the fixed end and the bent portion. Hence, variations in resonant frequency among the blades are reduced and the blades are efficiently excited using a common piezoelectric element.
US09368418B2 Copper wiring structure forming method
In a Cu wiring structure forming method, a barrier film serving as a Cu diffusion barrier is formed at least on a surface of a recess in a first insulating film formed on a substrate, and the recess is filled with an Al-containing Cu film. A Cu wiring is formed from the Al-containing Cu film, and a cap layer including a Ru film is formed on the Cu wiring. Further, an interface layer containing a Ru—Al alloy is formed at an interface between the Cu wiring and the cap layer by heat generated in forming the cap layer or by a heat treatment performed after forming the cap layer. A second insulating film is formed on the cap layer.
US09368401B2 Embedded structures for package-on-package architecture
Electronic assemblies including substrates and their manufacture are described. One assembly includes a die embedded in a dielectric layer in a multilayer substrate, and a dielectric region embedded in the dielectric layer in the multilayer substrate. The multilayer substrate includes a die side and a land side, with the first dielectric region and the dielectric layer extending to the die side. A plurality of vias are positioned within the first dielectric region, the vias extending to pads on the die side. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09368400B2 Formation of a masking layer on a dielectric region to facilitate formation of a capping layer on electrically conductive regions separated by the dielectric region
A masking layer is formed on a dielectric region of an electronic device so that, during subsequent formation of a capping layer on electrically conductive regions of the electronic device that are separated by the dielectric region, the masking layer inhibits formation of capping layer material on or in the dielectric region. The capping layer can be formed selectively on the electrically conductive regions or non-selectively; in either case, capping layer material formed over the dielectric region can subsequently be removed, thus ensuring that capping layer material is formed only on the electrically conductive regions. Silane-based materials, can be used to form the masking layer. The capping layer can be formed of an conductive material, a semiconductor material, or an insulative material, and can be formed using any appropriate process, including conventional deposition processes such as electroless deposition, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition or atomic layer deposition.
US09368399B2 Semiconductor device and method for forming the same
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate including an active region defined by a device isolation film; a gate electrode filled in the active region; a bit line contact structure coupled to an active region between the gate electrodes; and a line-type bit line electrode formed over the bitline contact structure. The bit line contact structure includes a bit line contact formed over the active region; and an ohmic contact layer formed over the bit line contact.
US09368398B2 Interconnect structure and method of fabricating same
An interconnect structure and a method of fabrication of the same are introduced. In an embodiment, a post passivation interconnect (PPI) structure is formed over a passivation layer of a substrate. A bump is formed over the PPI structure. A molding layer is formed over the PPI structure. A film is applied over the molding layer and the bump using a roller. The film is removed from over the molding layer and the bump, and the remaining material of the film on the molding layer forms the protective layer. A plasma cleaning is preformed to remove the remaining material of the film on the bump.
US09368391B2 CMOS inverters and fabrication methods thereof
A CMOS inverter is provided. The CMOS inverter includes a substrate. The CMOS inverter also includes an NMOS transistor having a first active region, a first isolation structure surrounding the first active region, a first connect structure, a plurality of the first metal interconnect structure and a first shunted gate structure to reduce a delay time and increase a saturation current. Further, the CMOS inverter includes a PMOS transistor having a second active region with a reduced area to reduce the delay time and increase the saturation current, a second isolation structure surrounding the second active region, a second connect structure, a plurality of metal interconnect structure and a second gate structure connecting with the first gate structure through the first connect structure and/or the second connect structure.
US09368389B2 Semiconductor device with voids within silicon-on-insulator (SOI) structure and method of forming the semiconductor device
A semiconductor device with voids within a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) structure and a method of forming the semiconductor device are provided. Voids are formed within a Buried Oxide layer (BOX layer) of the silicon-on-insulator (SOI) semiconductor to enhance a performance index of an RF-SOI switch. The semiconductor device with voids within a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) structure includes a semiconductor substrate; an insulating layer disposed on the substrate; a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) layer disposed on the insulating layer; a device isolation layer and an active area disposed within the SOI layer; one or more voids disposed within the insulating layer; and a sealing insulating sealing an opening of the void.
US09368374B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes placing a semiconductor chip by flip-chip mounting on a substrate by using an insulating resin adhesive film (NCF) and preventing overflow of the NCF and the intervention of an insulating resin or an inorganic filler between a bump and an electrode during hot pressing. The method also includes temporarily affixing an NCF of a size that is substantially 60 to 100% the area of a region enclosed with a plurality of bumps of the semiconductor chip arranged in a peripheral alignment, and having a minimum melt viscosity of 2×102 to 1×105 Pa·s, to the region enclosed with a plurality of electrodes of the substrate corresponding to the bumps, and aligning the semiconductor chip and the substrate with each other such that the bumps and the electrodes corresponding thereto are opposed to each other.
US09368368B2 Method for increasing oxide etch selectivity
Techniques herein include methods for etching an oxide layer with greater selectivity to underlying channel materials. Such an increase in etch selectivity reduces damage to channel materials thereby providing more reliable and better performing semiconductor devices. Techniques herein include using fluorocarbon gas to feed a plasma to create etchants, and also creating a flux of ballistic electrons to treat a given substrate during an etch process.
US09368364B2 Silicon etch process with tunable selectivity to SiO2 and other materials
A tunable plasma etch process includes generating a plasma in a controlled flow of a source gas including NH3 and NF3 to form a stream of plasma products, controlling a flow of un-activated NH3 that is added to the stream of plasma products to form an etch gas stream; and controlling pressure of the etch gas stream by adjusting at least one of the controlled flow of the source gas and the flow of un-activated NH3 until the pressure is within a tolerance of a desired pressure. An etch rate of at least one of polysilicon and silicon dioxide by the etch gas stream is adjustable by varying a ratio of the controlled flow of the source gas to the flow of un-activated NH3.
US09368363B2 Etching gas and etching method
The present invention is a plasma etching gas comprising a fluorocarbon having 3 or 4 carbon atoms, the fluorocarbon including at least one unsaturated bond and/or ether linkage, and including a bromine atom, and a plasma etching method comprising subjecting a silicon oxide film on a substrate to plasma etching through a mask using a process gas, the process gas being the plasma etching gas. This plasma etching gas exhibits excellent etching selectivity, and has a short atmospheric lifetime and a low environmental impact. This plasma etching method makes it possible to selectively subject a silicon oxide film to plasma etching at a high etching rate without causing an increase in surface roughness.
US09368359B2 Method of manufacturing compound semiconductor device
A compound semiconductor device includes: a compound semiconductor layer; a protective insulating film that covers a top of the compound semiconductor layer; and a gate electrode formed on the protective insulating film, wherein the protective insulating film has a first trench and a second trench which is formed side by side with the first trench and in which the protective insulating film remains with only a predetermined thickness on the compound semiconductor layer, and wherein the gate electrode fills the first trench, and one end of the gate electrode is away from the first trench and located at least in the second trench.
US09368351B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing same
[Problem] To provide an SiC semiconductor device, with which stabilization of high-temperature operation can be achieved by decreasing mobile ions in a gate insulating film, and a method for manufacturing the SiC semiconductor device.[Solution Means] A semiconductor device 1 has an MIS structure including an SiC epitaxial layer 3, a gate insulating film 9 and a gate electrode 10 formed on the gate insulating film 9. A gate insulating film 9 includes a silicon oxide film in contact with the SiC epitaxial layer 3. In the MIS structure, an area density QM of positive mobile ions in the gate insulating film 9 is made no more than 1×1012 cm−2.
US09368350B1 Tone inverted directed self-assembly (DSA) fin patterning
A method for DSA fin patterning includes forming a BCP layer over a lithographic stack, the BCP layer having first and second blocks, the lithographic stack disposed over a hard mask and substrate, and the hard mask including first and second dielectric layers; removing the first block to define a fin pattern in the BCP layer with the second block; etching the fin pattern into the first dielectric layer; filling the fin pattern with a tone inversion material; etching back the tone inversion material that overfills the fin pattern; removing the first dielectric layer selectively to define an inverted fin pattern from the tone inversion material; etching the inverted fin pattern into the second dielectric layer of the hard mask; removing the tone inversion material; and transferring the inverted fin pattern of the second dielectric layer into the substrate to define fins.
US09368343B1 Reduced external resistance finFET device
The present invention relates generally to semiconductor devices, and more particularly, to a structure and method of reducing external resistance within fin field effect transistor (finFET) devices. A first spacer and a second spacer may be formed adjacent to a gate which may reduce capacitance in a substantial portion of a epitaxial source-drain region while also permitting a portion of the epitaxial source-drain region to be located close to a channel. By reducing capacitance from the gate on the substantial portion of the epitaxial source-drain region, resistance in the epitaxial source-drain region may be reduced which may result in increased device performance.
US09368340B2 Metallization of the wafer edge for optimized electroplating performance on resistive substrates
A method for electroplating a substrate is provided, including: providing a substrate having a conductive layer disposed on a top surface of the substrate, the top surface of the substrate having an edge exclusion region and a process region; directing a flow of an electroless deposition solution toward the edge exclusion region while the substrate is rotated, to plate metallic material over the conductive layer at the edge exclusion region; continuing the flow of the electroless deposition solution for a period of time to produce an increased thickness of the metallic material at the edge exclusion region, wherein the increased thickness of the metallic material reduces electrical resistance of the metallic material at the edge exclusion region; applying electrical contacts over the metallic material, and applying electrical current to the metallic material via the electrical contacts while an electroplating solution is applied over the process region of the substrate.
US09368333B2 Ion mobility spectrometer and method of operating same
In a drift tube partitioned into a plurality of cascaded drift tube segments each followed by an ion elimination region, a method of separating ions as a function of ion mobility includes repeatedly, and alternating between at least two different time durations, establishing electric drift fields in the drift tube segments and in some of the ion elimination regions while establishing electric repulsive fields in others of the ion elimination regions such that ions having a predefined mobility or range of mobilities are transmitted through the drift tube at one or more frequencies which include one or more overtones of a fundamental frequency at which ions having the predefined mobility or range of mobilities are transmitted through the drift tube with the electric drift fields and electric repulsive fields repeatedly established with uniform time durations.
US09368330B2 Sputtering targets and methods
Multi-component sputtering target structures suitable for deposition of metallic alloy films are provided. The multi-component target may be formed by winding wires of different materials around a target support structure to form a dense winding. The sputtering target structures and methods of the invention can be used to produce a variety of refractory metal alloy films.
US09368318B2 Rotary X-ray anode
A rotary X-ray anode has a support body and a focal track formed on the support body. The support body and the focal track are produced as a composite by powder metallurgy. The support body is formed from molybdenum or a molybdenum-based alloy and the focal track is formed from tungsten or a tungsten-based alloy. Here, in the conclusively heat-treated rotary X-ray anode, at least one portion of the focal track is located in a non-recrystallized and/or in a partially recrystallized structure.
US09368314B2 Inspection system by charged particle beam and method of manufacturing devices using the system
An inspection apparatus by an electron beam comprises: an electron-optical device 70 having an electron-optical system for irradiating the object with a primary electron beam from an electron beam source, and a detector for detecting the secondary electron image projected by the electron-optical systems; a stage system 50 for holding and moving the object relative to the electron-optical system; a mini-environment chamber 20 for supplying a clean gas to the object to prevent dust from contacting the object; a working chamber 31 for accommodating the stage device, the working chamber being controllable so as to have a vacuum atmosphere; at least two loading chambers 41, 42 disposed between the mini-environment chamber and the working chamber, adapted to be independently controllable so as to have a vacuum atmosphere; and a loader 60 for transferring the object to the stage system through the loading chambers.
US09368303B2 Electrical cord reel with control system to limit overheating
In an electrical cord reel, a rotatable member can rotate about a winding axis to spool and unspool a linear material. An input power connector can couple to an electrical power source. An output power connector on the rotatable member can couple to an electrical cord at least partially wound about the rotatable member. A switch is adjustable to allow or prevent electrical current flow from the input power connector to the output power connector. One or more temperature sensors detect temperature inside a housing enclosing the rotatable member, output power connector, and a fan. A control system activates the fan if the detected temperature rises from a level below a fan-activation threshold to a level above the fan-activation threshold but below a power shut-off threshold. The control system moves the switch to an open position if the detected temperature is greater than or equal to the power shut-off threshold.
US09368300B2 Systems and methods for lighting spring loaded mechanical key switches
Systems and methods are disclosed that may be implemented to provide keycap lighting to a spring loaded mechanical key switch assembly using a light conductive structure, such as a light pipe, and without requiring a chassis housing of the mechanical key switch assembly to include a dedicated power-consuming light source mounted to or otherwise positioned at the location of the individual key switch assembly chassis housing. Additionally, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented to use one or more common power-consuming light source/s to simultaneously provide key cap lighting to multiple such spring loaded mechanical key switch assemblies, for example, by feeding light to each key cap though a common light spreader and through an individual non-power consuming light pipe provided for each key switch assembly.
US09368293B2 Separator for power storage device and power storage device
Provide is a separator for a power storage device, which reliably prevents short circuits between positive and negative electrode layers while maintaining the permeating ions function, and effectively suppresses shrinkage, and a power storage device using the separator. The separator is composed of a composite material including inorganic microparticles and an organic binder, the composite material has a pigment volume concentration of 55% or more, and the inorganic microparticles have an average particle size in the range of 0.2 to 3.0 μm, and a general particle shape index in the range of 0.50 to 0.85. The composite material can have a pigment volume concentration in the range of 55 to 80%, or 55 to 65%.
US09368291B2 Highly accessible, nanotube electrodes for large surface area contact applications
An highly porous electrically conducting film that includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes, nanowires or a combination of both. The highly porous electrically conducting film exhibits an electrical resistivity of less than 0.1 Ω·cm at 25 C and a density of between 0.05 and 0.70 g/cm3. The film can exhibit a density between 0.50 and 0.85 g/cm3 and an electrical resistivity of less than 6×10−3 Ω·cm at 25 C. Also included is a method of forming these highly porous electrically conducting films by forming a composite film using carbon nanotubes or nanowires and sacrificial nanoparticles or microparticles. At least a portion of the nanoparticles or microparticles are then removed from the composite film to form the highly porous electrically conducting film.
US09368290B2 Charge storage device, method of making same, method of making an electrically conductive structure for same, mobile electronic device using same, and microelectronic device containing same
In one embodiment a charge storage device includes first (110) and second (120) electrically conductive structures separated from each other by a separator (130). At least one of the first and second electrically conductive structures includes a porous structure containing multiple channels (111, 121). Each one of the channels has an opening (112, 122) to a surface (115, 125) of the porous structure. In another embodiment the charge storage device includes multiple nanostructures (610) and an electrolyte (650) in physical contact with at least some of the nanostructures. A material (615) having a dielectric constant of at least 3.9 may be located between the electrolyte and the nanostructures.
US09368286B2 Dye-sensitized solar cell, dye-sensitized solar cell module, and coating liquid for forming electrolyte layer
An object of the present invention is to provide a dye-sensitized solar cell having a solid electrolyte layer and improved durability or photoelectric conversion efficiency. A dye-sensitized solar cell 1, which comprises: a conductive base material 10; a porous semiconductor layer 20 formed on the conductive base material 10 having a porous surface carrying a sensitized dye; a counter electrode 40, which is disposed so as to face the porous semiconductor layer 20; and an electrolyte layer 30 comprising potassium iodide and a thermoplastic cellulose resin, which is formed between the conductive base material 10 and the counter electrode 40.
US09368268B2 Underfloor transformer
An underfloor transformer includes a layered transformer core and at least one electrical winding through which the transformer core extends along a limb axis. In each of two axial end regions of the transformer core, a securing device, which interacts with the transformer core mechanically, is provided. The securing devices are configured for such tensile force stressing. The underfloor transformer can be carried suspended therefrom.
US09368265B2 Apparatuses and methods for cancellation of inhomogeneous magnetic fields induced by non-biological materials within a patient's mouth during magnetic resonance imaging
This disclosure includes magnetic field correction devices and methods for using the same. Some magnetic field correction devices include an arch-shaped body configured to be worn inside or outside of a user's mouth such that the arch-shaped body follows the contour of the user's teeth or face, where the arch-shaped body has one or more sidewalls and where the sidewalls are configured to receive a plurality of ferromagnetic or magnetic members. Some of the present methods include performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on a user having one or more magnets coupled to an apparatus disposed inside or outside and adjacent to the user's mouth. Others of the present methods include coupling a plurality of magnets to an arch-shaped body configured to be worn by a user, where the magnets are configured to reduce artifacts caused by non-biological materials within the user's mouth during MRI.
US09368259B2 Terminal treatment method for a coaxial cable
A terminal treatment method for a coaxial cable including a core member having an inner conductor covered with an insulator, an outer conductor provided around the core member and formed of a plurality of wires, and a sheath covering an outer circumference of the outer conductor, includes exposing the outer conductor by removing the sheath on an end portion of the outer conductor, and widening a terminal of the outer conductor away from the core member by compressing a terminal-near portion of the exposed outer conductor from an outer circumferential side of the coaxial cable to deform the terminal-near portion of the exposed outer conductor.
US09368249B2 Method of manufacturing an electrode for an energy storage device
Zn layer 21 or Zn alloy layer, Ni layer 22, and Sn layer 23 or Sn alloy layer are formed on a connecting terminal part 10a of a positive electrode composed of Al by plating. Accordingly, this can solder Cu negative electrode, which is composed of metal that is different species from Al, through Sn layer 23 or Sn alloy layer so that jointing strength of the Al positive electrode and the Cu negative electrode can be enhanced. Further, since the contacting area is increased in comparison with the conventional jointing by the spot-welding or the conventional fastening by a bolt so that the resistance value at the contacting point is reduced, the voltage drop of the energy storage device by contact resistance can be reduced.
US09368245B2 Remote marking
Remote marker systems are disclosed for marking a target using optical markers. Such systems may allow a target to be marked using a remote optical marking device. Also disclosed are photochromic solutions and methods of their preparation.
US09368241B2 System and method for processing and storing post-accident coolant
A method for processing a coolant includes filtering a coolant using a first filtration system to generate a first filtered material, and filtering the filtered coolant using a second filtration system to generate a second filtered material. The second filtration system is different from the first filtration system. The first filtered material is transferred to a first waste treatment container and converted to a first waste product for permanent disposal, and the second waste product is transferred to a second waste treatment container and converted to a second waste product for permanent disposal.
US09368235B1 Defect detection using pattern matching on detected data
Systems and methods for detection of defects on a magnetic storage medium. The method comprises: (1) receiving incoming detected data generated by reading information recorded on a storage medium, (2) identifying the defects in the storage medium based on comparison between the incoming detected data and a data pattern wherein the data pattern is predetermined; and (3) storing location information indicative of locations of the defects on the storage medium.
US09368226B2 Data storage device and method for restricting access thereof
A data storage device including a flash memory, a temperature sensor and a controller. The flash memory has a plurality of blocks, and each of the blocks has a plurality of pages. The temperature sensor detects surrounding ambient temperature and to produce a temperature parameter accordingly. The controller is arranged to perform a first maintenance procedure after a predetermined period since the data storage device is powered on. The controller reads the temperature sensor to obtain a first temperature parameter in the first maintenance procedure and determines a first time span according to a first predetermined condition for performing a second maintenance procedure, wherein the first predetermined condition includes the first temperature parameter, and the controller is further arranged to perform the second maintenance procedure after the first time span since the first maintenance procedure has finished.
US09368210B2 Semiconductor memory device
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a memory cells, a selection transistor, a memory string, a block, and a transfer circuit. The memory cells are stacked on a semiconductor substrate. In the memory string, the memory cells and the selection transistor are connected in series. The block includes a plurality of memory strings. In data write and read, the transfer circuit transfers a positive voltage to a select gate line associated with a selected memory string in a selected block, and a negative voltage to a select gate line associated with an unselected memory string in the selected block, and to a select gate line associated with an unselected block.
US09368208B1 Non-volatile latch using magneto-electric and ferro-electric tunnel junctions
A non-volatile memory circuit includes an SRAM cell with magnetoelectric or ferroelectric structures for maintaining data within the SRAM cell even with power off. In some implementations, the magnetoelectric and ferroelectric structures can be programmed using a NOR or tristate gate coupled to an internal state of the SRAM cell. In other implementations, the magnetoelectric and ferroelectric structures can be configured as programmable resistors in the cross-coupled signal path of the SRAM inverters.
US09368204B2 Volatile/non-volatile memory cell
The invention concerns a memory device comprising at least one memory cell comprising: a first transistor (102) coupled between a first storage node (106) and a first resistance switching element (202) programmed to have a first resistance; and a second transistor (104) coupled between a second storage node (108) and a second resistance switching element (204) programmed to have a second resistance, a control terminal of said first transistor being coupled to said second storage node, and a control terminal of said second transistor being coupled to said first storage node; and control circuitry (602) adapted to store a data value (DNV) at said first and second storage nodes by coupling said first and second storage nodes to a first supply voltage (VDD, GND), the data value being determined by the relative resistances of the first and second resistance switching elements.
US09368199B2 Memory device
A memory device according to an embodiment includes a first memory cell array; a second memory cell array; and a multiplexer arranged between the first memory cell array and the second memory cell array, the multiplexer controlling the first memory cell array and the second memory cell array.
US09368188B2 Semiconductor device performing refresh operation
Disclosed herein is a device that includes a first semiconductor chip. The first semiconductor chip includes a first data storage area storing data, a first refresh circuit repeating a first refresh operation on the first data storage area to make the first data storage area retain the data, a first terminal supplied with a first control signal from outside of the first semiconductor chip, and a first control circuit coupled between the first terminal and the first refresh circuit to control a repetition cycle of the first refresh operation in response to the first control signal.
US09368173B1 Semiconductor memory device
A circuit of a semiconductor memory device may include a delay unit suitable for delaying a column pulse signal, and sequentially generating a first strobe source signal, a column source signal, and a second strobe source signal at a predetermined time interval, and an input/output strobe signal generation unit suitable for generating an input/output strobe signal which is activated during a period in which both of the first and second strobe source signals are activated.
US09368164B2 Data independent periodic calibration using per-pin VREF correction technique for single-ended signaling
A single-ended receiver includes an internal voltage generation circuit to set a first internal reference voltage (Vref). A model voltage generation circuit is configurable to receive an external reference voltage to be calibrated during an initial calibration. The model voltage generation circuit is configurable to track an offset value for voltage-temperature (VT) drift and the offset value is applied to the internal voltage generation circuit to calibrate the internal Vref during a periodic calibration of the single-ended receiver.
US09368151B2 Systems and methods for chronologically ordering digital media and approximating a timeline of an event
Systems and methods synchronize digital audio and/or video tracks recorded at a same event. The systems and methods access input digital audio tracks that are storable in a database, wherein the input digital audio tracks comprise a list of original recorded digital audio tracks from original recorded digital videos that were recorded from multiple digital sources at the same event. The systems and methods extract at least one feature from each digital audio track of the input digital audio tracks, and construct, based on the at least one feature, a peak map for each digital audio track of the input digital audio tracks. The systems and methods detect a match between at least two digital audio tracks by performing a cross-correlation of the peak maps of the digital audio tracks of the input digital audio tracks and/or estimate a delay between at least one pair of digital audio tracks of the input digital audio tracks, wherein the delay comprises a time difference between the at least one pair of digital audio tracks that received a maximum value in the cross-correlation of the peak maps. The systems and method create an output group comprising the at least two digital audio tracks and/or the at least one pair of digital audio tracks.
US09368137B2 Self-cleaning recording heads based on actuator seek profile
Cleaning a recording head slider in-drive during operation is accomplished by periodically performing a series of full stroke seek operations, whereby liquid contaminants that may have migrated to the head slider are flung from the slider and liquid from the disk surface may be adsorbed onto the slider for removal by way of flinging. Consequently, head-disk spacing may be stabilized and data write operations improved. Furthermore, the series of full stroke seek operations may be performed at predetermined intervals, and for a predetermined period of time. However, the series may be interrupted by a client request, and continued thereafter, so as not to affect the operational status of the recording system.
US09368136B2 Magnetoresistive sensor having synthetic antiferromagnetic layer in top and bottom shields
In accordance with one implementation of the described technology, an apparatus comprises a sensor structure including a top shield which includes a top shield synthetic antiferromagnetic layer and a bottom shield including a bottom shield synthetic antiferromagnetic layer, wherein the bottom synthetic antiferromagnetic shield layer acts as a seed layer structure.
US09368131B1 Data storage device employing mirrored cross-track profiles for top and bottom disk surfaces
A data storage device is disclosed wherein when a first head is over a top disk surface, a first undershoot of a first cross-track profile is closer to an inner diameter of a disk and a second undershoot of the first cross-track profile is closer to an outer diameter of the disk. When a second head is over a bottom disk surface, a second undershoot of a second cross-track profile is closer to the inner diameter of the disk and a first undershoot of the second cross-track profile is closer to the outer diameter of the disk.
US09368128B2 Enhancement of multichannel audio
The invention relates to audio signal processing. More specifically, the invention relates to enhancing multichannel audio, such as television audio, by applying a gain to the audio that has been smoothed between portions of the audio. The invention relates to methods, apparatus for performing such methods, and to software stored on a computer-readable medium for causing a computer to perform such methods.
US09368115B2 Identifying corresponding positions in different representations of a textual work
Described herein are techniques for determining corresponding positions between different representations of a textual work. In some of the techniques, portions of one or more representations may be processed. A determination of a corresponding position may be made in response to a request received from a user, such as a reader that desires to switch between representations. The request may indicate a position in one representation and the representation to which the user would like to switch. In response to receiving the request, one or more portions of one or more representations of a textual work may be processed. In some techniques, a corresponding position between different representations may be determined without processing the entirety of one or more representations of the textual work. For example, a corresponding position may be determined without processing an entire audio representation.
US09368114B2 Context-sensitive handling of interruptions
A speech output to be provided to a user of a device is received. Thereafter, it is determined if the device is currently receiving speech input from a user. Upon determining that the device is not currently receiving speech input from the user, the speech output to the user is provided. On the other hand, upon determining that the device is receiving speech input from the user it is determined if provision of the speech output is urgent. When the speech output is urgent, the speech output is provided to the user. When the speech output is not urgent, provision of the speech output to the user is stayed.
US09368113B2 Voice activated features on multi-level voice menu
Methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media are described herein related to a user interface (UI) that can be implemented on a head-mountable device (HMD). The UI can include a voice-navigable UI. The voice-navigable UI can include a voice navigable menu that includes one or more menu items comprising an original menu item and an added command menu item. The original menu item can be associated with one or more original commands, and the added menu item can be associated with one or more added commands, including a first added command. The interface can also present a first visible menu that includes at least a portion of the voice navigable menu. Responsive to a first utterance comprising the first added command, the interface can invoke the first added command. In some embodiments, the interface can display a second visible menu, wherein the first added command can be displayed above other menu items.
US09368111B2 System and method for targeted tuning of a speech recognition system
A system and method of targeted tuning of a speech recognition system are disclosed. A particular method includes detecting that a frequency of occurrence of a particular type of utterance satisfies a threshold. The method further includes tuning a speech recognition system with respect to the particular type of utterance.
US09368107B2 Permitting automated speech command discovery via manual event to command mapping
An input from a manually initiated action within a computing system can be received. The system can be associated with a speech component. The input can be associated with a system function. The function can be an operation within the computing system and can be linked to a function identifier. The identifier can be translated to a command data. The command data can be associated with a command identifier, a command, and an alternative command. The command data can be a speech command registered within the speech component. The command data can be presented within a speech interface responsive to the translating. The speech interface can be associated with the speech component.
US09368104B2 System and method for synthesizing human speech using multiple speakers and context
A system and method for realistic speech synthesis which converts text into synthetic human speech with qualities appropriate to the context such as the language and dialect of the speaker, as well as expanding a speaker's phonetic inventory to produce more natural sounding speech.
US09368098B2 Parametric emitter system with noise cancelation
An ultrasonic noise cancelation system can include a communication module configured to receive a noise signal detected by a noise detection module, the noise signal representing a noise sound in a listener environment; a noise cancelation module configured to invert the received noise signal thereby creating an inverse noise signal representing an inverse of the noise sound; and a modulator configured to modulate the inverse noise signal onto an ultrasonic carrier to generate an ultrasonic signal.
US09368095B2 Method for outputting sound and apparatus for the same
A method and an apparatus for outputting a sound corresponding to a musical instrument which is input by using a voice are provided. The method includes identifying a sound including an original sound, identifying an output sound object corresponding to an acoustic characteristic of the original sound, and outputting the output sound object, corresponding to musical characteristics of the original sound. Further, various aspects are provided which are related to the method and the apparatus which enable inputting sounds of a musical instrument using a voice.
US09368080B2 Three-dimensional display and driving method thereof
A three-dimensional (3D) display is disclosed. One aspect includes: a display unit including a plurality of pixels and a slit barrier selectively shielding light irradiated from the display unit. The display unit additionally includes a controller controlling the turn-on and turn-off of the slit barrier and generating a first back light compensation signal compensating the reduction of the luminance of the display unit when the slit barrier is turned off and a second back light compensation signal compensating the reduction of the luminance of the display when the slit barrier is turned on to compensate the luminance reduction by the slit barrier. According to at least one aspect of the 3D display using a slit barrier scheme, it is possible to minimize the deterioration of luminance by a slit barrier.
US09368073B2 LED backlight driving circuit and LCD
The present invention proposes an LED backlight driving circuit comprises voltage booster circuits parallelly connected and a constant current driving IC module. The voltage booster circuits are used for conversing an input voltage into a needed output voltage to supply to an LED unit. The constant current driving IC module is used for controlling the voltage booster circuits, so that the voltage booster circuits converse the input voltage into the needed output voltage to supply to the LED unit, driving the LED unit in a constant current. The constant current driving IC module generates driving signals at different frequencies to control the voltage booster circuits respectively. The invention can set up multiple driving signals operating simultaneously at different frequencies respectively and disperse resulting harmonic wave, hence reduce EMI signals of the backlight driving circuit effectively. The present invention also proposes an LCD using the LED backlight driving circuit.
US09368071B2 Method and apparatus for driving light emitting elements for projection of images
A light source sequentially emits lights generated by at least three light emitting elements each emitting a different primary color to generate an image. Each light emitting element has a duty cycle in a lighting period, which may be an image frame period. A sequence scheme is provided for alternatingly driving different ones of the light emitting elements. The light emitting elements are driven in accordance with the sequence scheme at least two times in the lighting period, while maintaining the duty cycle for each light emitting element. In the sequence scheme, at least one light emitting element having the highest temperature sensitivity of all light emitting elements is driven more times than another one.
US09368054B2 Pixel array and flat-panel display having the pixel array
The present application discloses a pixel array and a flat panel display having the pixel array. The pixel array includes a plurality of rows and columns of sub-pixel basic unit, and every sub-pixel basic unit having a blue sub-pixel, a red sub-pixel and a green sub-pixel, wherein: every sub-pixel basic unit presents a plurality of pixels; an arrangement proportion of the blue sub-pixel in a row direction and a column direction is that one blue sub-pixel is assigned for every two pixels; and any two red sub-pixels are not adjacent to each other and any two green sub-pixels are not adjacent to each other in the row direction and in the column direction. The present application may enable the flat panel display to have a better visual effect and may save sub-pixels.
US09368052B2 Holographic display
Disclosed is a holographic display including a spatial light modulator with pixels, the SLM pixels being on a substrate, the SLM including circuitry which is on the same substrate as the SLM pixels, the circuitry operable to perform calculations which provide an encoding of the SLM.
US09368048B2 Display device and method of manufacture
The invention relates to a display device, to a backlighting element, and to a method of manufacturing a backlighting element and a display device, the display device comprising a display element, the display element being backlit using a light source, a backlighting element being provided to backlight the display element, the backlighting element comprising a light guide part providing the light guide functionality, the backlighting element comprising a reflective element part, the light guide part of the backlighting element and the reflective element part being functionally combined with one another, the reflective element part and the light guide part of the backlighting element being joined, during the manufacture of the backlighting element, to form a single component.
US09368028B2 Determining threats based on information from road-based devices in a transportation-related context
Techniques for ability enhancement are described. Some embodiments provide an ability enhancement facilitator system (“AEFS”) configured to enhance a user's ability to operate or function in a transportation-related context as a pedestrian or a vehicle operator. In one embodiment, the AEFS is configured to perform vehicular threat detection based on information received at a road-based device, such as a sensor or processor that is deployed at the side of a road. An example AEFS receives, at a road-based device, information about a first vehicle that is proximate to the road-based device. The AEFS analyzes the received information to determine threat information, such as that the vehicle may collide with the user. The AEFS then informs the user of the determined threat information, such as by transmitting a warning to a wearable device configured to present the warning to the user.
US09368027B2 Traffic data simulator
In one embodiment, traffic data that originates from sensors, cameras, or observations is analyzed. The traffic data is associated with multiple repeating time epochs or intervals. The traffic data is divided into clusters using a clustering technique. The traffic data may be collected on specific days such as holidays. The holiday traffic data may be divided data into clusters and a dominant traffic pattern cluster that represents a holiday classification is identified. The dominant traffic pattern cluster is stored in a traffic prediction model.
US09368019B1 Method for notifying one or more individuals about the presence of one or more occupants in a vehicle
In one embodiment, the present invention is a mobile application that, after being installed and activated on a mobile device, detects whether there are network signals. After the invention detects network signals, the mobile application asks the user whether or not there is an occupant in the vehicle. If the user responds that there are one or more occupants in the vehicle, the invention starts checking for interruption of the network signals. When the network signals are no longer available, the invention sends a notification to the user requesting him/her to respond to the notification. If the user does not respond to the notification, the invention sends alerts to a preprogrammed list of several people and/or emergency services. The alerts may include the location information of the vehicle.
US09368016B2 System and method of detecting sleep disorders
An apparatus for detecting sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, includes a housing insertable into an ear canal of a subject. A sensor disposed within the housing measures a position of the subject's head relative to an axis of gravity. A transducer is responsive to the sensor and is capable of creating a stimulus detectable by the subject under certain conditions. In various embodiments, a controller receives signals corresponding to a pitch angle and a roll angle of the subject's head measured by the sensor, determines if the pitch and roll angles correspond to a sleep apnea inducing position, and causes the transducer to generate a stimulus upon determining that the subject's head is in the sleep apnea inducing position more than a predetermined threshold number of times. Various parameters of the stimulus may be modified with successive stimulus generation until a non-sleep apnea inducing position is detected.
US09368014B1 Patient activity signature analysis
Tools, strategies, and techniques are provided for remote, early detection of patient health condition based on deviations from established patterns of patient movement or other activity. Once established, a patient activity signature can be compared to observed patient behavior to detect unacceptable or unexpected deviations from the activity signature. Deviation from a patient movement signature can be detected and can cause an alert or other notification to be generated or communicated to a physician, for example, or other appropriate health care providers.
US09368013B2 Method and system for remotely monitoring a user
A system and corresponding method of operation for monitoring indicators of a user's physical characteristics is disclosed. The method includes the steps of receiving a first indicator, which corresponds to a physical characteristic of the user as monitored by the user monitor device; identifying a threshold value for the first indicator; comparing the first indication and the first threshold; generating a second indication when the comparison indicates that the first indication equals or exceeds the first threshold; and displaying or transmitting the second indication.
US09368011B2 Electronic article surveillance
The present invention discloses a point of sale (POS) structure that is includes an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) system.
US09368000B2 Automated banking machine with non-contact reading of card data
An automated banking machine is part of a banking system that can operate to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine can also receive user card data from a cell phone, including an electronic account number. The phone's banking application encrypts the account number along with an inputted random number which was generated by the machine. The phone then displays a bar code image containing the encrypted data. The machine includes a bar code reader. The random number is used to verify the current transaction session. Thereafter, normal transaction flow can follow, including PIN input. The process allows for secure input of card data without physical insertion of a card. Thus, fraudulent activities based on card insertion can be reduced.
US09367999B2 Gaming system and method of gaming having player-selectable win lines
A gaming system comprising a display area and a player symbol selector for selecting the player symbols from a plurality of player symbols. The player symbol selector comprises a plurality of reels and each reel has a plurality of player symbols. The player symbol selector is arranged so that selected player symbols are displayed at an array of display positions when the reels are stationary. A display position selector enables a player to select, prior to stopping of the reels, groups of display positions. An award allocator allocates an award associated with a winning combination of the player symbols when a winning combination of the player symbols is displayed along a win line. The player symbol selector is arranged so that each one of different player symbols of each reel has the same probability to be displayed at any one of the display positions associated with that reel.
US09367998B2 Gaming system having displays with integrated image capture capabilities
A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving at least one wager and a display for displaying a wagering game. The display includes an integrated image capture device for visually capturing objects proximate the display. The system further comprises at least one controller operative to (i) detect the presence of at least a first object proximate the display, (ii) cause the image capture device to visually capture the first object and create a stored image thereof, (iii) graphically integrate the stored image of the first object into the wagering game, and (iv) display one or more outcomes of the wagering game which include one or more symbols comprising at least a portion of the stored image.
US09367984B2 Enhanced modular drawer structures, systems, and methods
A modular drawer structure comprises a housing having an interior volume defined therein, and a drawer comprising one or more compartments, wherein the drawer is slidably movable with respect to the interior volume of the housing between a first closed position, wherein the compartments are enclosed within the interior volume, and a second open position, wherein the compartments are at least partially accessible. The drawer structure further comprises a mechanism for controllably locking the drawer in the first closed position, an access pad, e.g. such as but not limited to a keypad and/or a card swipe pad, for entry of a passcode, and a processor for unlocking the drawer when an entered passcode matches a stored passcode value. Some embodiments of the drawer structure include a stored time threshold, wherein if the drawer is unlocked for a time that meets or exceeds the stored time threshold, the drawer is relocked.
US09367981B2 Automated label verify systems and methods for dispensing pharmaceuticals
Apparatus and methods for filling a prescription order with plurality of products each containing a pharmaceutical. The apparatus and method verifying a barcode on each of the products and printing and applying a patient label with a verified barcode to each of the products. After the patient label is applied, the barcodes are independently verified before the products are released.
US09367974B1 Systems and methods for implementing network connectivity awareness, monitoring and notification in distributed access control
A system and method are provided for monitoring and aggregating performance of a plurality of independently-controlled access points and connections to a plurality of independently-owned access databases for confirming access to one or more of an access-controlled space, one or more access-controlled pieces of equipment and/or one or more access-controlled devices. A scheme is provided by which disconnections between a central coordination facility, and one or more of the remote databases may be isolated. The central coordination facility is provided a capacity to identify an outage in its communication to a particular database and (1) to determine a cause for the outage through coordination with the entity overseeing the database, (2) to evaluate any need for technical interaction of the central coordination facility, and/or (3) to initiate a notification protocol for end-users attempting to gain/grant access to a particular space, piece of equipment or device.
US09367970B2 Wireless engine monitoring system
A wireless engine monitoring system (WEMS) includes an engine monitoring module that is mounted directly on an aircraft engine and records, stores, encrypts and transmits full flight engine data. The system preferably interfaces to the Full Authority Digital Engine Controller/Engine Control Unit (FADEC/ECU) and can record hundreds of engine parameters with a preferred sampling frequency of about one second. The engine monitoring module is preferably formed as a miniaturized module directly mounted on the aircraft engine within its cowling and has a conformal antenna. The engine monitoring module can also upload data for onboard processing.
US09367968B2 System and methods for mobile applications using vehicle telematics data
Operating state information is received at an on-board telematics control unit (TCU) from an on-board diagnostic (OBD) system of a vehicle. The TCU transmits an indication of vehicle state over at least a wireless data link component of a communications network for delivery to a mobile computing device. The mobile computing device receives the indication of vehicle state and utilizes the indication of vehicle state at a mobile application program. In one example, the mobile application program presents vehicle state information via a graphical display of the mobile computing device. In another example, the mobile application program augments a functionality of the mobile computing device responsive to the indication of vehicle state.
US09367967B2 Systems and methods for odometer monitoring
Systems and methods for odometer monitoring are disclosed herein. One example method includes storing an odometer value and a vehicle position in response to an initial triggering event, and determining a second odometer value and a second vehicle position in response to a subsequent triggering event. The odometer value is compared with the second odometer value to detect any odometer value change from the initial triggering event to the subsequent triggering event. The vehicle position is compared with the second vehicle position to detect any vehicle position change from the initial triggering event to the subsequent triggering event. From the comparisons, it is determined whether odometer tampering has occurred.
US09367963B2 Coordinate geometry augmented reality process for internal elements concealed behind an external element
Embodiments of the invention include a method, a system, and a mobile device that incorporate augmented reality technology into land surveying, 3D laser scanning, and digital modeling processes. By incorporating the augmented reality technology, a 3D digital model of internal elements concealed behind an external element can be visualized on a live view, aligned to the orientation and scale of the scene displayed on the mobile device. In an embodiment, a marker can be placed at a predetermined set of coordinates on the external element, determined by surveying equipment. The 3D digital model of the internal elements can be retrieved by the mobile device and overlaid in relation to the marker position, orientation, and size so that it is seen at a calculated distance in depth behind the external element as they would exist hidden behind the external element in the real environment.
US09367961B2 Method, device and storage medium for implementing augmented reality
The present disclosure relates to a method, a device and a storage medium for implementing augmented reality. The method includes: obtaining a real scene, and according to shooting position and shooting direction of the real scene, obtaining POIs within a preset area and POI information corresponding to the POIs, the POI information comprising position information of the corresponding POI; creating a virtual plane, and mapping position relationship between the POIs on the virtual plane, and inserting tags of POI information to the location of the corresponding POI on the virtual plane; superimposing the virtual plane having the tags of POI information onto the real scene to form an augmented reality view; and displaying the augmented reality view, and adjusting the virtual plane according to real-time information of the real scene, to make the virtual plane be visually parallel to the horizontal plane of the real scene.
US09367955B2 System, method, and computer program product for tiled screen space sample scrambling for parallel deterministic consistent light transport simulation
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for computing values for pixels in an image plane. In use, a low discrepancy sequence associated with an image plane is identified. Additionally, a function with the set of pixels of the image plane as a domain is determined. Further, a value is computed for each pixel in the image plane, utilizing the low discrepancy sequence and the function with the set of pixels of the image plane as a domain.
US09367943B2 Seamless fracture in a production pipeline
Systems and processes for rendering fractures in an object are provided. In one example, a surface representation of an object may be converted into a volumetric representation of the object. The volumetric representation of the object may be divided into volumetric representations of two or more fragments. The volumetric representations of the two or more fragments may be converted into surface representations of the two or more fragments. Additional information associated with attributes of adjacent fragments may be used to convert the volumetric representations of the two or more fragments into surface representations of the two or more fragments. The surface representations of the two or more fragments may be displayed.
US09367926B2 Determining a four-dimensional CT image based on three-dimensional CT data and four-dimensional model data
The invention relates to a data processing method of determining a change of an image of an anatomical body part of a patient's body, the method being executed by a computer and comprising the following steps: a) acquiring static medical image data comprising static medical image information describing anatomical body part in a first anatomical spatial state of an anatomical vital spatial change of the anatomical body part; b) acquiring patient model data comprising patient model information describing a model body part corresponding to the anatomical body part, wherein the patient model information describes the model body part in a plurality of model spatial states of a model vital spatial change corresponding to the anatomical vital spatial change; c) determining spatial state mapping data comprising spatial state mapping information describing at least one of a first mapping from the model body part in a first one of the plurality of model spatial states to the model body part in a second, different one of the plurality of model spatial states, the first model spatial state corresponding to the first anatomical spatial state, and a second mapping from the model body part in the first model spatial state to the anatomical body part in the first anatomical spatial state; d) determining, based on the static medical image data and the spatial state mapping data, transformed medical image data comprising transformed medical image information describing the anatomical body part in a second anatomical spatial state of the anatomical vital spatial change, the second anatomical spatial state corresponding to the second model spatial state.
US09367925B2 Image detection and processing for building control
Occupancy detection for building environmental control is disclosed. One apparatus includes at least one image sensor and a controller, wherein the controller is operative to obtain a plurality of images from the image sensor, determine a color difference image of a color difference between consecutive images, determine areas of the color difference image wherein the color difference is greater than a threshold, calculate a total change area as an aggregate area of the determined areas, create a list of occupancy candidates based on filtering of the determined areas if the total change area is less than a light change threshold, wherein each occupancy candidate is represented by a connected component, track the one or more occupancy candidates over a period of time, and detect occupancy if one or more of the occupancy candidates is detected to have moved more than a movement threshold over the period of time.
US09367923B2 Image processing apparatus with improved compression of image data of character images and background images using respective different compressing methods
An edge image generating unit detects edges in an original image and generates an edge image from the edges. A connection pixel extracting unit extracts connection pixel sets in the edge image. A binary image generating unit classifies colors of the connection pixel sets into a predetermined number of achromatic target colors and a predetermined number of chromatic target colors if a color mode is set as color, and classifies the colors of the connection pixel sets into a predetermined number of achromatic target colors if the color mode is set as monochrome, where the number of the achromatic target colors set in the color mode of monochrome is larger than the number of the achromatic target colors in the color mode of color.
US09367921B2 Determining object volume from mobile device images
Techniques are described for analyzing images acquired via mobile devices in various ways, including to estimate measurements for one or more attributes of one or more objects in the images. For example, the described techniques may be used to measure the volume of a stockpile of material or other large object, based on images acquired via a mobile device that is carried by a human user as he or she passes around some or all of the object. During the acquisition of a series of digital images of an object of interest, various types of user feedback may be provided to a human user operator of the mobile device, and particular images may be selected for further analysis in various manners. Furthermore, the calculation of object volume and/or other determined object information may include generating and manipulating a computer model or other representation of the object from selected images.
US09367919B2 Method for estimating position of target by using images acquired from camera and device and computer-readable recording medium using the same
A method for estimating a position of a target by using an image acquired from a camera is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) setting multiple virtual estimated reference points by dividing a view-path; (b) comparing altitude values of the respective estimated reference points with those of respective points on terrain; (c) searching neighboring virtual estimated reference points among the multiple virtual estimated reference points to satisfy a requirement under which a difference between an altitude zk of one point among the neighboring estimated reference points and that of the terrain corresponding thereto and a difference between an altitude zk+1 of the other point among the neighboring estimated reference points and that of the terrain corresponding thereto have different signs; and (d) determining that the actual position of the target exists between the searched estimated reference points Pk.
US09367912B2 Coin grading system and method
A method for identifying counterfeit coins, comprising receiving surface image data and edge image data of the coin at a processor. Identifying a plurality of defects using the processor. Comparing each of the plurality of defects to a database of known authentic coin image data defects to determine whether the coin is authentic.
US09367911B2 Apparatus and method for defect detection including patch-to-patch comparisons
A system receives, based on processing of an inspected frame of an inspected image generated by collecting signals indicative of a pattern on an article, at least one candidate defect location in the inspected frame. The system defines a candidate patch within the inspected frame. The candidate patch is associated with the candidate defect location. The system identifies at least one similar patch in the inspected frame using a predefined similarity criterion and determines whether a defect exists at the candidate defect location based on a comparison of at least a portion of the candidate patch with at least a corresponding portion of the at least one similar patch.
US09367909B2 Devices, systems, and methods for classifying materials based on a bidirectional reflectance distribution function
Systems, devices, and methods for classifying a sample by material type measure a reflection of a sample at an illumination angle and an observation angle in at least two spectral bands, calculate a feature value for the sample based on an estimated ratio value of the at least two spectral bands of the measured reflection, and classify the sample based on the feature value.
US09367905B2 Method and system of enhancing a backlight-scaled image
A method and system of enhancing a backlight-scaled image include a minimum perceptible luminance threshold of cone response with dim backlight being determined, and a luminance layer associated with an image being extracted. The luminance layer is decomposed into an HVS response layer and a background luminance layer for each pixel of the luminance layer. Luminance of dark pixels of the background luminance layer is boosted and compressed to a perceptible range above the minimum perceptible luminance threshold, thereby resulting in an enhanced background luminance layer. An enhanced luminance layer is generated through composition using the HVS response layer and the enhanced background luminance layer as inputs.
US09367895B2 Automated sliver removal in orthomosaic generation
Techniques for automatically removing slivers from orthomosaics. First, slivers may be identified, which may be based upon user-configurable characteristics such as width and length. Second, slivers may be replaced with portions of another image, such as an older image. Third, boundary slivers may optionally be removed. Fourth, remaining boundary or interior slivers can be inflated by expanding the sliver until it is no longer a sliver, which may include replacing a portion of an adjacent image portion with older imagery.
US09367893B2 Diagnosis assistance apparatus, method and program
A first-image and a second-image representing the same organ of the same subject imaged at the same time are obtained, and an organ-region is extracted from the first-image. The extracted organ-region is displayed on a display screen. An input of an air-region included in the first-image and an input of exceeding or lacking portion information representing that the air-region is a lacking portion or an exceeding portion of the organ are received, and the received air-region and the received exceeding or lacking portion information corresponding to the air-region are obtained, as correction information. Corresponding positions are matched with other between the first-image and the second-image. The organ-region extracted from the first-image is corrected based on the correction information. At least an air-region in the second-image located at a position corresponding to the air-region corresponding to the correction information is extracted, as a part of the organ-region in the second-image.
US09367892B2 Processing method and apparatus for single-channel convolution layer, and processing method and apparatus for multi-channel convolution layer
A processing method and a processing apparatus for a single-channel convolution layer, and a processing method and apparatus for a multi-channel convolution layer are provided. The processing method for a single-channel convolution layer includes following steps. Data to be processed is divided into a plurality of data blocks, the plurality of data blocks are read by a plurality of graphic processor thread groups into local memories of the plurality of graphic processor thread groups, a plurality of filters are read by the plurality of graphic processor thread groups into the local memories of the plurality of graphic processor thread groups and convolutions of corresponding data points in the plurality of data blocks and the plurality of filters simultaneously are calculated by a plurality of threads in the plurality of graphic processor thread groups.
US09367888B2 Feature resolutions sensitivity for counterfeit determinations
A counterfeit identification performance attribute (CIPA) sensitivity to changes in resolution of the image for features of an image is determined (102). The CIPA sensitivity for the features is used to choose at least one feature to determine whether the image on a sample is a counterfeit (106).
US09367887B1 Multi-channel audio video fingerprinting
Implementations are provided herein relating to audiovisual matching. Audio and video channel data is merged to create a single multi-channel fingerprint used to match media content. Audio channel data is used to generate audio fingerprints. Video channel data is used to generate a video fingerprints. Multi-channel fingerprints can then be generated based on the audio channel fingerprints and video channel fingerprints. In this sense, entropy can be increased while the multi-channel fingerprint can be less resistant to noise.
US09367885B2 Method and system for adding and detecting watermark
A watermarking method and system are provided. The watermarking system includes a server and a client in communication with each other. At first, the client sends a login request to the server. The server authenticates an access right of the client to access specific multimedia data and generates an identification code uniquely associated with the client according to the login request if the client is authenticated to have the access right to access the multimedia data. An on-screen watermark is generated according to the identification code and added onto the multimedia data to be played. The watermark-generating and adding step may be performed by either the server or the client. The on-screen watermark can be detected by a watermark-detecting method and system to trace privacy source.
US09367881B2 Rotary platform user interface
A control and monitoring system for a rotating animal platform which includes multiple animal stalls arranged about its periphery, where the system includes an interactive display screen which displays output information relating to the current status of operations on the platform and which displays input channels for use by an operator, the platform itself is represented at said interactive display screen by an annular shape, each stall on the platform is graphically represented by a cell, the cells are displayed in a spatial arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of stalls on the platform, real-time status information relating to operations on the platform is represented at each cell, and the rotating movement of the platform is represented by the progression of each cell about the displayed representation of the platform.
US09367880B2 Search intent for queries on online social networks
In one embodiment, a method includes accessing a social graph that includes a plurality of nodes and edges, receiving from a user a structured query comprising references to selected nodes and selected edges, generating search results corresponding to the structured query, determine a search intent based on the selected nodes or selected edges referenced in the structured query, and scoring the search results based on the search intent.
US09367874B2 Mobile kiosk for enhanced financial product offerings
A mobile kiosk comprising a vehicle and a kiosk portion coupled to the vehicle. The mobile kiosk receives information for a first configuration of financial products and applies the first configuration to the mobile kiosk at a first time. It provisions a first set of the financial products while the mobile kiosk is configured according to the first configuration. The mobile kiosk receives information for a second configuration of the financial products, wherein the second configuration differs from the first configuration. It applies the second configuration to the mobile kiosk at a second time, and provisions a second set of the financial products while the mobile kiosk is configured according to the second configuration.
US09367865B2 System and method for providing consumers with access to an article while preventing theft thereof
The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing consumers with access to an article while preventing theft thereof. In one aspect, the invention is a method for providing consumers with access to an article, the method comprising: a) securing the article in a secured state using an anti-theft system, the anti-theft system alterable between the secured state and an unsecured state; b) the anti-theft system receiving, from a consumer's portable electronic device, consumer data relating to the consumer; c) analyzing the consumer data received by the anti-theft system to determine the consumer's risk level; and d) directing the anti-theft system to transition from the secured state to the unsecured state upon the consumer's risk level being approved.
US09367859B2 Systems and methods for near field communication enabled shopping cart corrals
Certain embodiments disclose a corral and enclosure defined by three members having an opening configured to hold one or more shopping carts and display one or more advertisements, with two substantially parallel walls of equal or different lengths and advertisement panels affixed on the walls, such that they can be staggered. The staggered arrangement of the at least two panels facilitates better visibility and allows the simultaneous viewing of at least two panels. The panel(s) may also include a near field communication component that is configured to execute a promotional function associated with an advertisement that is displayed by the corral. The promotional function may cause promotional content to be transferred to the mobile device.
US09367856B1 Asynchronous account modification
Technology is described for asynchronously modifying a plurality of subaccounts. A method may include receiving an update request for an account having a running order value. An update sub-request may be sent for a subaccount of the account. Another operation may be receiving an expiration request for the subaccount with a consumed running order value. The expiration request may be applied to the subaccount when a determination has been made that the update sub-request is completed by checking the running order value against the consumed running order value.
US09367848B2 Dynamic interactive seat map
Systems and methods for providing an interactive seat map showing locations of available tickets in an event venue are described. A client computer receives, from a network-based system, a base map illustrating locations of sections within the event venue, a coded image map for building a map overlay having a polygon for each section depicted in the base map, and an inventory for an event at the event venue. The inventory provides, for each section, section data that includes available tickets for each section within the event venue. The client computer displays an interactive seat map by loading the base map and building the map overlay on top of the base map so that each polygon of the map overlay aligns with the respective section of the base map. The client computer determines one or more characteristics for each polygon of the map overlay based on the received section data corresponding to each polygon. The client computer applies the one or more characteristics to each polygon of the map overlay, and links each polygon of the map overlay that includes available tickets to the section in the inventory.
US09367844B1 Method and system for online and physical merchant specific fraud detection system
A method for processing payment transactions with merchant-specific fraud detection includes: storing a merchant profile, the profile including data related to a merchant including a merchant identifier and a plurality of transaction data entries, each entry including data related to a payment transaction involving the merchant including transaction data; receiving an authorization request for a payment transaction, the request including the merchant identifier and transaction data; calculating a fraud score for the payment transaction based on application of one or more scoring algorithms to the transaction data included in the authorization request and based on the transaction data included in transaction data entries in the merchant profile; transmitting the transaction data included in the received authorization request and the calculated fraud score to the merchant; and receiving a notification from the merchant indicating acceptance of risk for the payment transaction.
US09367843B2 Transaction alerting in a multi-network environment
Techniques are provided for generating a transaction alert for a transaction whether the transaction was processed by a first payment processing network associated with an alerting platform or the transaction was processed by a second payment processing network not associated with an alert platform. An authorization request message associated with a transaction is received by a transaction processing server configured to receive authorization request messages from a first payment network and a second payment network. If the authorization request message was routed through the second payment network, alert initiation data is transmitted to an alert platform associated with the first payment network. The alert platform is configured to apply at least one alert criterion to the alert initiation data to determine if an alert is to be generated, generate the alert, and transmit the alert to a mobile application.
US09367834B2 Systems, methods, and computer products for processing payments using a proxy card
Systems, methods and computer program products for processing payments for a proxy card are provided. Embodiments of the system include a processor, and a memory in communication with the processor. The memory may be configured to store processing instructions for directing the processor to receive a request for authorization of a payment. In various embodiments, the request is triggered at a merchant server, by the use of a proxy card of the customer. The processor attempts to identify at least one desired payment mode for making the payment, from among payment mode(s) associated with the proxy card. The processor first selects the payment modes based at least in part on one or more selection criteria, such as predefined customer goals, and then the processor performs an authorization check to identify the desired payment modes. Subsequently, the processor authorizes the payment if at least one desired payment mode is identified.
US09367826B2 Consistent interface for entitlement product
A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to an entitlement product business object.
US09367819B2 Sensor data processing
A method and apparatus for processing data, the data including: a set of one or more system inputs; and a set of one or more system outputs; wherein each system output corresponds to a respective system input; each system input includes a plurality of data points, a first data point in the plurality and a second data point in the plurality being from a same raw data source, and the first data point being pre-processed using a different pre-processing method relative to a pre-processing method used to pre-process the second data point, the method including: for each of the first and second data points, inferring a value indicative of a significance of the pre-processing method used to pre-process that data point; wherein the inferring includes performing a machine learning algorithm on a given system input from the data and a further system input.
US09367815B2 Monte-Carlo approach to computing value of information
The subject disclosure is directed towards the use of Monte Carlo (MC) procedures for computing the value of information (VOI), including with long evidential sequences. An MC-VOI algorithm is used to output a decision as to balancing the value and costs of collecting information in advance of taking action by running prediction model-based simulations to determine execution paths through possible states, and processing the results of the simulations/paths taken into a final decision.
US09367801B2 Optimal non-recursive method for finding a minimal subset satisfying an upward-closed property
According to an aspect, a method for providing a minimal explanation to a set of unsatisfiable constraints involves retrieving a minimal subset of constraints that remain together unsatisfiable. The method includes iterating over a list of n constraints, and building a minimal explanation to a set of unsatisfiable constraints by determining which constraint to add to the set of unsatisfiable constraints. Building includes accelerating by removing an increasing number of constraints until removed further constraints makes the set of constraints satisfiable. A dichotomic search is performed on the removed further constraints. The average observed distance is identified between successive constraints in the set of unsatisfiable constraints. A plurality of 2k further constraints located in the list of constraints is removed at the average observed distance from the most recently added constraint. Testing whether a current selected subset is unsatisfiable is performed for the first log2(n) added constraints.
US09367794B2 Accurate persistent nodes
A calibrated gate biasing circuit according to one embodiment includes a switched capacitor precision resistor; and a voltage reference. An electronic circuit for initiating a change in state of a host device, according to another embodiment, includes a counter coupled to a host device, the counter counting at a fixed interval, wherein the counter is reset to zero upon receiving a command from a remote device, wherein the count is compared to a reference value, wherein the host device changes states if the count matches the reference value, wherein operation of the counter continues in spite of an interruption in power supply from a power source. Asymmetrical differential amplifiers are also disclosed, according to various embodiments.
US09367793B2 Wearable device with magnets distanced from exterior surfaces of the wearable device
A wearable device is provided with a wearable device structure. The wearable device has a first end and a second end. A plurality of magnets is positioned at the first and second ends that provide for coupling of the first end to the second end of the wearable device. At least a portion of the magnets are distanced from a first or second exterior surface of the wearable device structure in a range of 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm. ID circuitry is provided at a surface or an interior of the wearable device.
US09367792B2 Secured document including a radiofrequency identification device
This invention relates to a secure document (1) comprising a substrate (7) integrating a radiofrequency identification device (11;13), the said substrate (7) comprising at least one slot (15).
US09367791B2 Transponder inlay and device including such an inlay
The inlay (10) for the manufacture of a device (12) comprising a base made up of a multilayer structure within which the inlay (10) is designed to be incorporated, the insert (10) comprising a microcircuit and an antenna connected to the microcircuit. The transponder assembly is combined into a microcircuit module (26) and the substrate includes a cavity (28) dimensioned to completely receive the module (26).
US09367789B2 Process for the production of an electronic card having an external connector and such an external connector
The invention relates to an external connector for the production of an electronic card comprising an insulating support that defines an outside face and an inside face opposite one another and a plurality of external metal contact pads. This external connector additionally comprises a plurality of metal projections located on the side of the inside face of the insulating support and respectively connected electrically to at least one subassembly of the plurality of external metal contact pads and/or to contact pads linked to an electronic unit, which is arranged on the inside face of the insulating support, wherein these metal projections are intended to be inserted into individual cavities of the body of the electronic card, and metal contact pads linked to an electronic unit inside the card body and/or an antenna incorporated in this card body are located at the base of these cavities. The invention also relates to a process for the production of an electronic card using the aforementioned external connector.
US09367787B2 Smart card
The invention proposes a smart card which comprises a digital signal processing receiver that can automatically identify the type of a smart card reader based on the error vector magnitude of signals received from the reader. The digital signal processing receiver is able to reconfigure itself at runtime in order to optimally minimize its power consumption in dependence on the type of reader it is communicating with. Furthermore, the invention proposes a new preamble structure that comprises a basic part and an optional additional part.
US09367786B2 Radio with embedded RFID
A radio (100) comprises a radio housing (102) having external radio features (104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116) located on a surface of the radio housing. At least one of the external radio features is removable and replaceable by another external radio feature having a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (120) embedded therein for retrofitting the radio (100) with RFID capability.
US09367784B2 Power management in an electromagnetic transponder
An electromagnetic transponder includes an oscillatory circuit, a battery and a first rectifier bridge. Alternating current input terminals of the rectifier bridge are connected to the terminals of the oscillatory circuit, and at least two rectifier elements of the rectifier bridge are controllable on the basis of the voltage supplied by the battery.
US09367780B2 Image forming system and information processor that perform printing based on delegation to users who did not execute printing
An image forming system with an information processor and an image forming device includes a memory that pre-stores user identification information, an input that accepts an entry of delegation identification information, a data creation part that creates transmission data using the delegation destination identification information as first authentication information when the entry of the delegation destination identification information is accepted, and that creates transmission data using user identification information as first authentication information when the entry of the delegation destination identification information is not accepted, a transmission part that sends the transmission data to the image forming device including a reception part that receives the transmission data, an authentication part that performs authentication using the first authentication information, that permits image formation based upon the transmission data when the authentication is successful, and an image forming part that forms an image on a recording medium based upon the transmission data.
US09367775B2 Toner limit processing mechanism
A method is disclosed. The method includes analyzing a meta-data structure corresponding to each tile of a sheetside image to detect a blank state of the sheetside image, detecting a sensing display item in a data stream and scanning the sheetside image in response to detecting the sensing display item.
US09367772B2 Controlling method for color calibration target to be used during digital printing process involves processing measurement of colored zones for obtaining describer of calibration target if no print anomalies are present
A calibration target is printed by means of a printing device comprising a plurality of groups of printheads. The printheads of each group are fed with ink of the same color. The calibration target includes a plurality of colored zones that are intended to be subsequently processed. The printheads of each group further generate a series of control zones with the same nominal quantity of the corresponding ink. The control zones are free of overlapping between inks applied by different printheads. A parameter of each control zone is measured and the measured values of this parameter are compared to each other in order to assess whether the control zones exhibit print anomalies.
US09367760B2 Coarse document classification in an imaging device
Systems and methods coarsely classify unknown documents in a group or not with reference document(s). Documents get scanned into digital images. Counts of contours are taken. The closer the counts of the contours of the unknown document reside to the reference document(s), the more likely the documents are all of a same type. Embodiments typify contour analysis, classification acceptance or not, application of algorithms, and imaging devices with scanners, to name a few.
US09367752B2 Camera position posture evaluating device, camera position posture evaluating method, and camera position posture evaluating program
There is provided a camera position posture evaluating device which can calculate a value which indicates an evaluation of a state of a camera from a viewpoint of to what degree an object appears in an image suitably for image processing. A resolution evaluating means 71 calculates a first suitability rate matching each position in a target area from a viewpoint of resolution. A gazing point angle evaluating means 72 calculates a second suitability rate matching each position in the target area. A target area evaluating means 73 calculates a third suitability rate from a viewpoint of how a target object field-of-view area and the target area overlap. A comprehensive evaluating means 74 calculates an evaluation index which indicates to what degree the state of the camera is suitable to the image processing based on the first suitability rate matching each position in the target area, the second suitability rate matching each position in the target area and the third suitability rate.
US09367721B2 Imaging optical code scanner with camera regions
An imaging optical code scanner is presented that includes improved vertical optics for capturing images of items being presented for scanning. The improvements include multiple image capture devices, multiple illumination modules and viewing of items being scanning from four different directions. This allows for high pass-by scanning of items.
US09367720B2 Barcode reader which obtains a RAM image from a remote server
A host device is configured to (i) establish a point-to-point connection with a barcode reader via a point-to-point communication interface, (ii) determine that the barcode reader is in a state wherein executable instructions necessary for providing decoded data to the host device are not present within memory of the barcode reader, (iii) use the network interface to connect to a configuration server and to receive, from the configuration server, executable instructions required for the barcode reader to be capable of providing the decoded data to the host device, (iv) provide the executable instructions to the barcode reader via the point-to-point connection, and (v) receive from the barcode reader, via the point-to-point communication interface, the decoded data only after the executable instructions have been loaded to volatile memory of the barcode reader.
US09367712B1 High density memory card using folded flex
A memory card comprising a flexible substrate (a “flex”) which is integrated in the memory card and folded in a prescribed manner subsequent to having various active and passive devices (e.g., controller and memory devices) surface mounted thereto. The active and passive devices are attached to a common side of the flex, and electrically connected to a conductive pattern disposed thereon. The conductive pattern itself electrically communicates with external signal contacts also formed on the flex. The use of folded flex technology in the memory card of the present invention allows the same to support four or more standard, pre-packaged memory devices, thus providing the memory card with substantially increased capacity.
US09367710B2 Watch identification and authentication system and method
A method and system for creating and storing an identifier for a timepiece having at least one gemstone. The method includes determining one or more characteristics of the at least one gemstone and detecting a relative position of the at least one gemstone in the timepiece. The method further includes creating the identifier for the timepiece in dependence upon at least one of the one or more characteristics of the at least one gemstone and the respective relative position of the at least one gemstone and storing the identifier in a database or device.
US09367703B2 Methods and systems for forcing an application to store data in a secure storage location
The present application is directed to methods and systems for redirecting write requests issued by trusted applications to a secure storage. Upon redirecting the write requests, the data included in those requests can be stored in the secure storage area of a client computer. In some embodiments, the methods and systems can include determining whether an application issuing the request is a trusted application that requires data to be stored in a secure storage repository. Upon making this determination, a filter driver can identify a secure storage area on a client computer and can redirect the write request to this secure storage. In other embodiments, the filter driver may deny requests of trusted applications to write to unsecure storage areas.
US09367690B2 Encryption and decryption methods applied on operating system
An encryption and decryption methods applied on an operating system kernel are disclosed, where a hash result is obtained from a computation between a booting program and the operating system kernel by using a definition table, the computation result is combined with the operating system kernel for encryption of the operating system kernel, and the operating system kernel may not be decrypted and thus booted whenever the booting program, the operating system kernel or the two combined are falsified or replaced, whereby the technical efficacy which the booting program and the operating system kernel are authenticated bilaterally for safety booting may be achieved.
US09367673B2 Privileged shared account password sanitation
Sanitizing passwords used in a shared, privileged account includes providing a password of a shared account to a user; identifying a first machine logged into using the password; determining when the first machine enters an inconsistent state; and modifying a memory area associated with the first machine to eliminate occurrences of the password in the memory area.
US09367665B2 Management of pharmacy kits
A system for managing pharmacy kits comprises a reading station configured to read tag information from a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags associated with a pharmacy kit, and an information processing system operatively connected to the reading station and configured to receive the tag information from the reading station and determine a status of the pharmacy kit based on the tag information, a plurality of stored templates defining contents to be included in each of a plurality of pharmacy kits, and a plurality of kit records indicating the current contents of a plurality of pharmacy kits.
US09367662B2 Fault injection of finFET devices
A device layout tool includes a gate electrode layer, wherein the gate electrode layer is configured to define a three dimensional gate structure over a fin structure, wherein the fin structure has three exposed surfaces. The device layout tool further includes a defect-describing layer, wherein the defect-describing layer is configured to define locations of gate defects relative to the three exposed surfaces of the fin structure.
US09367656B1 Method and apparatus for synchronizing circuits in an emulation system utilizing its serial interconnect network
Clock distribution schemes in emulation systems are typically complex and use significant resources. The present disclosure is generally directed to clock distribution to emulation chips using a serial interconnect mesh. A clock distribution tree is overlayed on the emulation chips allocated to a user's circuit design, the tree branching from a root emulation chip using selected serial interconnections and covering each allocated emulation chip. The emulation chips can recover a clock from received serial signals. The delay associated with each interconnection is determined and used by configuration software when creating the distribution tree. To start emulation stepping synchronously, each emulation chip is configured to know its delay from the root emulation chip. A message is sent from the root emulation chip to each branch emulation chip triggering a timer to countdown a time until emulation is to begin, allowing the emulation chips to start stepping in lockstep.
US09367646B2 Document and user metadata storage
Techniques are disclosed for providing services to a client device via a shared cloud service. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes storing information on a first device relating to a subject, saving the stored information in a serialized format data file to the shared cloud service, the data file having a filename generated as a function of the subject, providing authenticated access to the data file for a second device via the shared cloud service, synchronizing a copy of the data file via the shared cloud service to the second device, the copied data file reflecting a single up-to-date state of the data file in the shared cloud service, and de-serializing the serialized format data file at the second device.
US09367641B2 Predictive web page rendering using a scroll vector
Systems, methods, and apparatus for improving a user experience during viewport scrolling is herein disclosed. Rendering and drawing of a viewport is performed for a destination viewport based on a viewport scroll vector calculated from a user scroll input at a display device. The destination viewport is rendered before viewports between a starting viewport and the destination viewport so that there is no lag in rendering when the scrolling action reaches the destination viewport. The compromise is that intermediate viewports may be rendered based on a thumbnail image in low resolution, but since these low-resolution portions of the webpage are viewed briefly as the webpage scrolls to the destination viewport, a user is unlikely to notice the reduced resolution.
US09367640B2 Method and system for creating linked list, method and system for searching data
A method and system for creating a linked list and a method and system for searching data are disclosed. The method for creating the linked list includes obtaining a first linked list from a first storage area, in which the first linked list has at least one node, and each node at least includes first data; obtaining the first data of each node from the linked list; storing the first data into a preset second storage area and forming a second linked list. The method stores the node identifiers and the node pointers of the linked list preferentially using the continuous storage area, such that the times of cache updating which is triggered by the traverse operation are reduced, and the access speed of the accessed data is increased.
US09367637B2 System and method for searching a bookmark and tag database for relevant bookmarks
A method comprises receiving a search request to search a bookmark package database storing bookmarks and tag information, e.g., user-generated keywords; using the search request to search the tag information in the bookmark package database to locate relevant bookmarks and to generate search results; and presenting the search results to a user. The search results may identify user-specific relevant bookmarks, and/or relevant bookmarks regardless of the creator. The method may include determining related terms and enabling selection of the related terms to initiate additional searching. The method may include generating a relevance value based on keyword order, meta-information type, number of bookmarks to a given content item, number of hits on a given bookmark, time of last bookmarking to a given content item, and/or content analysis. Search result organization may be based on the relevance values. The bookmark package database may further store automatically generated and user-generated meta-information.
US09367633B2 Method or system for ranking related news predictions
Methods and systems are provided that may be utilized to rank related news predictions and to provide one or more predictions to a user. In a particular implementation, one or more digital signals representing a query may be generated at least partially in response to an article being accessed by a user. One or more digital signals representing one or more predictions comprising one or more sentence portions having one or more references to one or more future dates may be obtained based at least in part on a comparison of the one or more digital signals representing the query with one or more digital signals representing a prediction index.
US09367628B2 Object recommendation based upon similarity distances
Exemplary methods, apparatuses, and systems receive a candidate object with which a user can interact within a network service. For each of a first plurality of objects with which the user has had a positive interaction, a first value representing a commonality between the candidate object and each of the first plurality of objects is determined. For each of a second plurality of objects with which a user has had a negative interaction, a second value representing a commonality between the candidate object and each of the second plurality of objects is determined. An aggregate positive distance is determined using a plurality of the first values. An aggregate negative distance is determined using a plurality of the second values. The candidate object is displayed or not displayed to the user as a recommendation based upon a difference between the aggregate positive distance and the aggregate negative distance.
US09367626B2 Computer implemented methods and apparatus for implementing a topical-based highlights filter
Disclosed are methods, apparatus, systems, and computer readable storage media for filtering content to be displayed in an online social network. Highlights from a plurality of highlight sources relevant to a first user can be received. Topics or other subject matter associated with the received highlights can be identified and social network data to be presented to the first user can be determined based on the identified subject matter. In some implementations, data indicating the determined social network data can be generated and provided to a display device associated with the first user. A presentation including a reference to the determined social network data can be displayed on the display device.
US09367617B2 Surveillance system with direct database server storage
A video surveillance system includes at least one of a camera or a streamer. A data base server is coupled to the camera and can store metadata for a video clip from the camera or streamer. A media storage server is coupled to both the camera or, the streamer, and to the data base server to store the clip in the absence of any network video recorders.
US09367613B1 Song identification trigger
The present disclosure provides a wearable computing device. The wearable computing device may include a control system configured to perform functions. The functions may include receiving sensor data from one or more sensors of the wearable computing device. The functions may also include determining whether the sensor data is indicative of humming, singing, or whistling by a wearer. The functions may also include causing the wearable computing device to perform a content recognition of audio content in an ambient environment of the wearable computing device in response to the sensor data being indicative of humming, singing, or whistling by the wearer.
US09367611B1 Detecting improper position of a playback device
A position of a playback device with respect to a base is detected and an orientation of the playback device is detected. The detected position is determined not to match a reference position for the detected orientation. Responsively, an indication is provided that the playback device is improperly positioned.
US09367610B2 Knowledge registry systems and methods
Systems and methods are disclosed that provide high-level, ontology-based analysis of low-level data stored within an unstructured key/value store. The systems and methods allow an analyst to make sense of massive amounts of data from diverse sources without having any knowledge of the underlying physical data storage. Additional features include feasibility queries to determine if requested data exists in the key/value store before performing an expensive query; automatic query optimization using secondary indexes; and a usage history service to identify performance bottlenecks and fine tune the storage schema.
US09367604B2 Systems, methods, and interfaces for extending legal search results
The present invention makes legal research more efficient by selecting clusters in response to the behavior of a user (e.g., a legal professional such as a paralegal, lawyer, or judge). The clusters, which are formed prior to the user accessing a legal document (and thus, providing user behavior to a system), are identified to the based upon a set of metadata associated with the legal document. At least two clusters are identified and a signal associated therewith is transmitted to the user. Each cluster is associated with a unique legal topic. Further, each cluster may comprise primary and/or secondary authority.
US09367603B2 Systems and methods for behavioral segmentation of users in a social data network
There is provided methods and systems for analyzing data from a plurality of users within a social networking platform, comprising: receiving a query for a topic associated with the social networking platform; determining a set of users having at least one social networking behavior on the social networking platform related to the topic; selecting, for each user from the set of users, a pre-defined number of posts and associating each of the pre-defined number of posts with the respective user; segmenting the selected posts for each user to determine a likelihood of each of the selected posts among the set of users; and, clustering the selected posts for each user to define a plurality of clusters and determining a mapping from each user to at least one of the plurality of clusters, each cluster comprising representative topics indicating frequently used topics within the cluster for the pre-defined number of posts between the set of users.
US09367602B2 Probabilistic cluster assignment
A computing device to assign observations to clusters based on a statistical probability is provided. A first cluster assignment is defined by assigning the plurality of observations to a first set of clusters. A second cluster assignment is defined by assigning the plurality of observations to a second set of clusters. A set of composite clusters is defined based on the defined first set of clusters and the defined second set of clusters. For each observation, a statistical probability value for assigning an observation to each composite cluster of the defined set of composite clusters is computed based on the first and second cluster assignments and a composite cluster assignment is defined by assigning the observation to a cluster of the set of composite clusters based on the computed statistical probability value. The defined composite cluster assignment is stored.
US09367596B2 Synchronization of data objects between two or more devices with automatic conflict resolution
A method and apparatus is for implementing a conflict resolution policy. The method includes providing a rule set that includes a plurality of rules that define the conflict resolution policy. An algorithm is generated by decomposing each rule in the rule set into at least one pre-action that is to be performed on data in identified fields in first and second conflicting objects, at least one condition that is to be applied to the first and second conflicting objects, and at least one action that is to be performed on the identified fields in the first and second conflicting objects if the at least one condition is satisfied. The algorithm is loaded from a configuration file for execution during a synchronization component runtime using first and second conflicting objects provided by the synchronization component.
US09367590B1 Method and system to cloud-enabled large-scaled internet data mining and data analytics
A method and procedure for large-scaled Internet data mining and data analytics for consumers over the cloud. The method describes an online market place which include an authoring tool generating computer scripts, executing the script to acquire data from URL, wherein the sequence of script instructions performs extraction and transformation of data, aggregating it into a dataset, publishing it for data consumer to pair with data analytics software programs in analyzing the dataset.
US09367582B2 Systems and methods involving information objects
A method includes receiving a request from a source service, determining whether the target service associated with the request supports a by-reference evaluation strategy, determining whether an information object associated with the request is a data reference, retrieving data associated with the reference from a database, adding the data to the information object, and invoking the target service and passing the information object to the target service responsive to determining that the target service does not support the by-reference strategy and the information object is a data reference.
US09367565B2 Polygon creation for an aquatic geographic information system
A method of processing geo-statistical data includes piloting a watercraft with a monitoring system on a water body, taking measurements of a depth of the water body and the position of the watercraft using the monitoring system, and aligning the depth measurements with the position measurements. The method also includes creating a contour map from the depth and position measurements, creating a polygon on the contour map, and analyzing at least one of the depth and position measurements within the polygon.
US09367558B2 Methods and apparatus for efficient compression and deduplication
Mechanisms are provided for performing efficient compression and deduplication of data segments. Compression algorithms are learning algorithms that perform better when data segments are large. Deduplication algorithms, however, perform better when data segments are small, as more duplicate small segments are likely to exist. As an optimizer is processing and storing data segments, the optimizer applies the same compression context to compress multiple individual deduplicated data segments as though they are one segment. By compressing deduplicated data segments together within the same context, data reduction can be improved for both deduplication and compression. Mechanisms are applied to compensate for possible performance degradation.
US09367552B1 System and method for event registration
A self-contained multi-station registration system for registering users at a point of registration is disclosed. The registration system provides a registration web page to registration stations at the point of registration. The registration system further receives registration information from the registration stations, wherein the registration information is associated with the users. The registration system then prints the registration information at the point of registration and saves the registration information for later use. Also, the registration system requires no access to public or corporate networks.
US09367546B2 Method and apparatus for customizing syndicated data feeds
A method and apparatus enables customized receipt of syndicated data feeds according to designated time periods. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method includes the steps of enabling a user to select a first syndicated data feed to be received by a first device during a first time period, and enabling the user to select a second syndicated data feed to be received by a second device during a second time period different from the first time period.
US09367543B2 Game achievements system
Systems and method for providing a game achievements system where players are rewarded with game achievements based on mastering certain in-game facets of the games they play. Each game achievement may be conveyed in a profile as a badge or trophy, title, description, date, etc. Players may also accumulate points based on game achievements. A display interface may be made available such that a player may see his achievements and total points, as well as those of others.
US09367539B2 Techniques for automated document translation
Techniques for automated document translation are described. An apparatus may comprise a translatable content component, an intermediate component, and a translation management component. The translatable content component may be generally operative to extract translatable content from an original document, and to construct a translated document based on extracted translated content, the translated document comprising a translation of the original document from a first language to a second language. The intermediate component may be operative to create one or more intermediate documents from extracted translatable content, and to extract translated content from one or more translated intermediate documents. The translation management component operative to transmit the one or more intermediate documents to a translation service for translation from a first language to a second language and to receive one or more translated intermediate documents from the translation service. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09367530B2 Distributed document co-authoring and processing
A method and a device are disclosed including plug-in software components that are integrated with document processing software suites. The plug-in software components provide a set of integrated interfaces for collaborative document processing in conjunction with multiple remote file, data, and application service providers. The set of interfaces enable coauthoring a document, document merging, discovering and displaying context-sensitive metadata on a software dashboard based on permissions associated with the metadata and/or a client computing device, caching, symmetric distributed document merge with the multiple service providers, and integrated search and insertion of multimedia data in documents, among others. The documents typically include, but are not limited to formatted text documents, spreadsheet documents, and slide presentation documents.
US09367529B1 Selecting content based on entities
Methods, systems, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium for providing content to a user. A method includes: identifying a first resource, the first resource including one or more links to second, other resources and at least one slot for filling with third party content, wherein first selection criteria are associated with a first slot of the at least one slots; determining for at least one of the second other resources entities associated therewith, including evaluating a page associated with the second other resource to identify entities that are associated with content presented on the page; using the determined entities to either augment or filter the first selection criteria producing enhanced selection criteria; and determining one or more content items for presentation to a user in the first slot, wherein determining includes using the enhanced selection criteria to identify the one or more content items.
US09367528B2 Method and device for document coding and method and device for document decoding
The method of coding a structured document comprises: —a step of obtaining at least one pattern designated as “primary” representing at least one of the pieces of structural information of data of said document, —a step (200 to 230) of obtaining a part of the document different from the entirety of the document, —a step of creating at least one derived pattern formed by modifying a primary pattern, representing data of said part of the document and—a step of coding data of the document to provide a code, said code associating a pattern with at least one piece of coded data. In embodiments, during the coding step, a step is carried out of determining a pattern that best describes data to code, the pattern associated with said data being that closest pattern.
US09367523B2 System and method for using design features to search for page layout designs
Various embodiments of a system and methods for using design features to search for page layout designs are described. The document and image structures of a page layout design may be analyzed to determine design features which define the style of the page layout design. Dependent on the design features, style scores may be calculated for the page layout design. Page layout designs may be stored in a database in association with corresponding style scores. A user may indicate a desired page layout style by indicating example page layout designs which exhibit the desired style. Style scores for the example page layout designs may be compared to the style scores for page layout designs stored in the database. Dependent on the comparison, page layout designs stored in the database may be selected and displayed to the user.
US09367515B1 Managing adaptive reboots on multiple storage processors
A technique for managing a boot process on a data storage system having multiple storage processors is disclosed. A first storage processor communicatively coupled to and directs a second storage processor to perform one or more boot sequences. Elapsed time and timeout variables and an empty set of boot states are provided. After sleeping for a predetermined time the elapsed time variable is incremented. If the boot state of the second processor is not successful, the technique determines if the current boot state is a new boot state, and if so, the new boot state is added to the set of boot states and the elapsed time value is reset. The timeout value is set equal to the user defined value. If the elapsed time is less than the timeout value, the technique loops back to the sleep state and continues thereon, else if greater that the timeout value, a failure is indicated.
US09367511B2 System method for managing USB data transfers by sorting a plurality of endpoints in scheduling queue in descending order based partially on endpoint frequency
System and methods are provided for managing universal-serial-bus (USB) data transfers. An example system includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including a first scheduling queue for sorting endpoints and a host controller. The host controller is configured to: store a plurality of endpoints for data transfers to the storage medium, an endpoint corresponding to a portion of a USB device; sort the plurality of endpoints in a first order; generate a first transmission data unit including multiple original data packets, the original data packets being allocated to the plurality of endpoints based at least in part on the first order; and transfer the first transmission data unit.
US09367503B2 Electronic device with card interface
When initializing a card-shaped device inserted in a card interface, operation mode acquiring means incorporated in an electronic device acquires operation mode information, stored in a register file incorporated in the card-shaped device, by a predetermined procedure using a predetermined pin. Operation mode setting means incorporated in the electronic device executes signal assignment on a plurality of data pins peculiar to an operation mode indicated by the acquired operation mode information, thereby switching a data transfer width, and allowing the card-shaped device to operate in the operation mode.
US09367498B2 Resource request arbitration device, resource request arbitration system, resource request arbitration method, integrated circuit, and program
A resource request arbitration device is connected with each of a plurality of masters, and arbitrates transfer requests issued by the masters. The resource request arbitration device includes a plurality of counters each indicating a slack time of a transfer request issued by a master corresponding to the counter, and compares counter values stored in the counters by a tournament method, and specifies a master that has issued a transfer request having the highest priority. The resource request arbitration device grants access permission to the specified master to permit the specified master to use a slave.
US09367488B1 System on a chip (SoC) RHBD structured ASIC
This invention relates to both a method and device for booting up a device and online scrubbing utilizing a system on chip appliqué sensor interface module in a Space Plug-and-Play Avionics environment that incorporates Radiation Hardened by Design components.
US09367479B2 Management of destage tasks with large number of ranks
A processor, operable in a computing storage environment, for each rank in a storage management device in the computing storage environment, allocates a lower maximum count, and a higher maximum count, of Task Control Blocks (TCBs) to be implemented for performing a storage operation, and performs the storage operation using up to the lower maximum count of TCBs, yet only allows those TCBs above the lower maximum count to be allocated for performing the storage operation satisfying at least one criterion.
US09367476B2 Memory management apparatus, method, and system
The present invention discloses a memory management apparatus, method, and system. An OS-based memory management apparatus associated with main memory includes a memory allocation controller configured to control a first memory region within the main memory such that the first memory region is used as a buffer cache depending on whether an input/output device is active or not in order to use the first memory region, allowing memory reservation for the input/output device, in the OS. The memory allocation controller controls the first memory region such that the first memory region is used as an eviction-based cache.
US09367470B2 Bounded cache searches
Cache lines of a data cache may be assigned to a specific page type or color. In addition, the computing system may monitor when a cache line assigned to the specific page color is allocated in the cache. As each cache line assigned to a particular page color is allocated, the computing system may compare a respective index associated with each of the cache lines to determine maximum and minimum indices for that page color. These indices define a block of the cache that stores the data assigned to the page color. Thus, when the data of a page color is evicted from the cache, instead of searching the entire cache to locate the cache lines, the computing system uses the maximum and minimum indices as upper and lower bounds to reduce the portion of the cache that is searched.
US09367467B2 System and method for managing cache replacements
A system and method for managing cache replacements and a memory subsystem incorporating the system or the method. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a cache controller operable to control a cache and, in order: (1a) issue a pre-fetch command when the cache has a cache miss, (1b) perform at least one housekeeping task to ensure that the cache can store a replacement line and (1c) issue a fetch command and (2) a memory controller associated with a memory of a lower level than the cache and operable to respond to the pre-fetch command by performing at least one housekeeping task to ensure that the memory can provide the replacement line and respond to the fetch command by providing the replacement line.
US09367466B2 Conditional prefetching
A type of conditional probability fetcher prefetches data, such as for a cache, from another memory by maintaining information relating to memory elements in a group of memory elements fetched from the second memory. The information may be an aggregate number of memory elements that have been fetched for different memory segments in the group. The information is maintained responsive to fetching one or more memory elements from a segment of memory elements in the group of memory elements. Prefetching one or more remaining memory elements in a particular segment of memory elements from the second memory into the first memory occurs when the information relating to the memory elements in the group of memory elements indicates that a prefetching condition has been satisfied.
US09367465B2 Method and system for improving memory access performance
The present invention relates to a computing system which includes a processor and a memory. It also includes a memory access optimizer which is arranged to affect memory access of a program during runtime execution of the software. The program includes a plurality of application elements, each comprising a text field containing a text section, and a memory access field. The memory access optimizer is arranged to implement memory access data in the memory access field in order to affect memory access of the application element. The text section is unchanged by the memory access data implementation.
US09367463B2 System and method utilizing a shared cache to provide zero copy memory mapped database
Methods and systems for providing a plurality of applications with concurrent access to data are disclosed. One such method includes identifying attributes of an expected data set to be accessed concurrently by the applications, initializing a shared cache with a column data store configured to store the expected data set in columns and creating a memory map for accessing a physical memory location in the shared cache. The method may also include mapping the applications' data access requests to the shared cache with the memory map. Only one instance of the expected data set is stored in memory, so each application is not required to create additional instances of the expected data set in the application's memory address space. Therefore, larger expected data sets may be entirely stored in memory without limiting the number of applications running concurrently.
US09367428B2 Transparent performance inference of whole software layers and context-sensitive performance debugging
Methods and systems for performance inference include inferring an internal application status based on a unified call stack trace that includes both user and kernel information by inferring user function instances. A calling context encoding is generated that includes information regarding function calling paths. Application performance is analyzed based on the encoded calling contexts. The analysis includes performing a top-down latency breakdown and ranking calling contexts according to how costly each function calling path is.
US09367425B1 Disjoint-or trees for caching aggregated dependencies
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for using disjoint-or trees to cache aggregated dependencies. One of the methods includes receiving a request to compute a set of software dependencies inbound to or outbound from a node or any descendant of the node in a hierarchy of software elements in a software project. If the node of the hierarchy is important enough to cache in the disjoint-or tree, a new element is generated in the disjoint-or tree corresponding to the node. A set of dependencies for the new element is computed as a union of one or more sets of dependencies associated with the node and any descendants of the node in the hierarchy, and the computed set of dependencies are associated with the new element in the disjoint-or tree corresponding to the node.
US09367423B1 Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for using multiple modes during execution of a program
Disclosed are various embodiments relating to methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for using multiple modes during execution of a program. Various embodiments enable a use to switch among multiple modes of execution of a program during an execution of the program without recompiling a higher level code of the program or without restarting the execution of the program from the beginning. Some embodiments enable the user to switch among different modes regardless of whether or not the preparation for the execution of the program in modes other than the first mode is available. Some embodiments enable the user to switch among different modes of execution of a program while sharing the same environment or context of the execution of the program among these different modes of execution.
US09367415B1 System for testing markup language applications on a device
A system is described for testing markup language-based applications, such as a web page, executing on an external computing device. A development device executes development tool modules which may include a proxy module and a driver module. The proxy module enables communication between one or more modules which execute on the development device and one or more embedded test tools on the computing device. The driver module provides a command line interface to facilitate automated testing, and generates commands appropriate to the use of the embedded test tools and may use the proxy module to communicate with the computing device. Using the proxy module, the driver module, or both, a developer is able to test and interact with a markup language application executing on the computing device with a variety of development modules.
US09367414B2 Persisting high availability protection state for virtual machines stored on distributed object-based storage
Techniques are disclosed for persisting high availability (HA) protection state for virtual machines (VMs) running on host systems of a host cluster, where the host cluster aggregates locally-attached storage resources of the host systems to provide an object store, and where persistent data for the VMs is stored as per-VM storage objects across the locally-attached storage resources comprising the object store. In one embodiment, a host system in the host cluster executing a HA module determines an identity of a VM that has been powered-on in the host cluster. The host system then persists HA protection state for the VM in a storage object of the VM, where the HA protection state indicates that the VM should be restarted on an active host system in the case of a failure in the host cluster.
US09367409B2 Method and system for handling failures by tracking status of switchover or switchback
Techniques for recovering from a failure at a disaster recovery site are disclosed. An example method includes receiving an indication to shift control of a set of volumes of a plurality of volumes. The set of volumes is originally owned by a second storage node. The first storage node is a disaster recovery partner of the second storage node. The method includes shifting control of the set of volumes. The method further includes during the shifting, changing a status of a flag corresponding to a progress of the shifting. The method also includes during a reboot of the first storage node, determining the status of the flag and determining, based on the status of the flag, whether to mount the set of volumes during reboot at the first storage node.
US09367399B2 Graphics processing subsystem and method for recovering a video basic input/output system
A graphics processing subsystem and a method for recovering a video basic input/output system (VBIOS). One embodiment of the graphics processing subsystem includes: (1) a memory configured to store a VBIOS, and (2) a processor coupled to the memory and configured to employ a bridge to gain access to the VBIOS and cause the VBIOS to be written to the memory.
US09367396B2 Method and system for service-aware parity placement in a storage system
A method and system for service-aware parity placement in a storage system, including after receiving the service notification specifying a target SD: writing a RAID stripe to the persistent storage, where the parity block of the RAID stripe is stored on the target SD and none of the data blocks in the RAID stripe are stored on the target SD. The method further includes performing a modified garbage collection operation that includes identifying a live RAID stripe in the persistent storage, writing a new RAID stripe to a new location in the persistent storage, where the new RAID stripe includes a copy of at least a portion of data from the live RAID stripe and a parity block in the new RAID stripe is stored on the target SD, and issuing a removal notification when the modified garbage collection operation is completed.
US09367395B1 Managing data inconsistencies in storage systems
A method is used in managing data inconsistencies in storage systems. A data inconsistency is detected in a portion of a file system. The portion of the file system includes a set of file system data blocks. The portion of the file system is recovered. The portion of the file system is validated by using information stored in a set of mapping pointers associated with the set of file system data blocks.
US09367393B2 Storage control apparatus and storage control method
A storage control apparatus converts data in a variable-length data format including a field into data in a fixed-length data format and stores the converted data in the fixed-length data format in a storage apparatus. The storage control apparatus includes a data storage memory, a writing unit, and a verification information adding unit. The writing unit writes the data in the variable-length data format to divided regions of the data storage memory. The verification information adding unit adds verification information to the field of the variable-length data format which is written to one or more of the divided regions. Thus, the storage control apparatus is able to check each divided region for a data error.
US09367390B2 Memory controlling method, memory storage device and memory controlling circuit unit
A memory controlling method, a memory storage device and a memory controlling circuit unit are provided. The method includes: providing a first clock signal to a rewritable non-volatile memory module and reading a first data in the rewritable non-volatile memory module according to the first clock signal; providing a second clock signal to the rewritable non-volatile memory module and writing a second data into the rewritable non-volatile memory module according to the second clock signal. A frequency of the second clock signal is different from a frequency of the first clock signal. Accordingly, an operation speed of the rewritable non-volatile memory module may be increased and probabilities of having errors for some operations are decreased.
US09367387B2 Rate adaptive irregular QC-LDPC codes from pairwise balanced designs for ultra-high-speed optical transports
Systems and methods for data transport include encoding one or more streams of input data using one or more Quasi-Cyclic Low Density Parity Check (QC-LDPC) encoders; controlling irregularity of the QC-LDPC encoded data while preserving the quasi-cyclic nature of the LDPC encoded data and eliminating the error floor phenomenon. A parity-check matrix may be partially reconfigured to adapt one or more code rates; and one or more signals are generated using a mapper, wherein the output of the mapper is modulated onto a transmission medium. One or more streams of input data are received, and the streams are decoded using one or more QC-LDPC decoders.
US09367372B2 Software only intra-compute unit redundant multithreading for GPUs
A system, method and computer program product to execute a first and a second work-item, and compare the signature variable of the first work-item to the signature variable of the second work-item. The first and the second work-items are mapped to an identifier via software. This mapping ensures that the first and second work-items execute exactly the same data for exactly the same code without changes to the underlying hardware. By executing the first and second work-items independently, the underlying computation of the first and second work-item can be verified. Moreover, system performance is not substantially affected because the execution results of the first and second work-items are compared only at specified comparison points.
US09367363B2 System and method for integrating best effort hardware mechanisms for supporting transactional memory
Systems and methods for integrating multiple best effort hardware transactional support mechanisms, such as Read Set Monitoring (RSM) and Best Effort Hardware Transactional Memory (BEHTM), in a single transactional memory implementation are described. The best effort mechanisms may be integrated such that the overhead associated with support of multiple mechanisms may be reduced and/or the performance of the resulting transactional memory implementations may be improved over those that include any one of the mechanisms, or an un-integrated collection of multiple such mechanisms. Two or more of the mechanisms may be employed concurrently or serially in a single attempt to execute a transaction, without aborting or retrying the transaction. State maintained or used by a first mechanism may be shared with or transferred to another mechanism for use in execution of the transaction. This transfer may be performed automatically by the integrated mechanisms (e.g., without user, programmer, or software intervention).
US09367352B2 System and method for intelligent timer services
A method is provided for efficiently scheduling timer events within an operating system by allocating a plurality of timers, each of which has an expiry time, to a set of available timer slots. The method defines a timer spread value that denotes the allowed variance of the expiry times of each of the timers, calculates a set of available timer slots for each of the timers based on the timer spread value, and adjusts the expiry times of the timers so as to insert and evenly spread the timers across the set of available timer slots. In one implementation, the set of available timer slots is located in a timer wheel existing within the operating system, and the timer wheel uses a plurality of timer vectors arranged into successively increasing levels, beginning with level zero.
US09367349B2 Multi-core system and scheduling method
A multi-core system includes multiple processor cores; a bus connected to the processor cores; multiple peripheral devices accessed by the processor cores via the bus; profile information including information concerning access of the peripheral devices by each task assigned to the processor cores; a monitor that based on the profile information, monitors access requests to the peripheral devices from tasks under execution at the processor cores and prohibits an access request that causes contention at the bus; and a scheduler that when the monitor prohibits an access request that causes contention at the bus, switches to a different task.
US09367346B2 Accelerating distributed transactions on key-value stores through dynamic lock localization
Systems and methods for accelerating distributed transactions on key-value stores includes applying one or more policies of dynamic lock-localization, the policies including a lock migration stage that decreases nodes on which locks are present so that a transaction needs fewer number of network round trips to acquire locks, the policies including a lock ordering stage for pipelining during lock acquisition and wherein the order on locks to avoid deadlock is controlled by average contentions for the locks rather than static lexicographical ordering; and dynamically migrating and placing locks for distributed objects in distinct entity-groups in a datastore through the policies of dynamic lock-localization.
US09367318B1 Doubling thread resources in a processor
Methods and systems are provided for managing thread execution in a processor. Multiple instructions are fetched from fetch queues. The instructions satisfy the condition that they involve fewer bits than the integer processing pathway that is used to execute them. The instructions are decoded, and divided into groups. The instructions are processed simultaneously through the pathway, such that part of the pathway is used to execute one group of instructions and another part of the pathway is used to execute another group of instructions. These parts are isolated from one another so the execution of the instructions can share the pathway and execute simultaneously and independently.
US09367312B2 Processor efficiency by combining working and architectural register files
A processor includes an execution pipeline configured to execute instructions for threads, wherein the architectural state of a thread includes a set of register windows for the thread. The processor also includes a physical register file (PRF) containing both speculative and architectural versions of registers for each thread. When an instruction that writes to a destination register enters a rename stage, the rename stage allocates an entry for the destination register in the PRF. When an instruction that has written to a speculative version of a destination register enters a commit stage, the commit stage converts the speculative version into an architectural version. It also deallocates an entry for a previous version of the destination register from the PRF. When a register-window-restore instruction that deallocates a register window enters the commit stage, the commit stage deallocates local and output registers for the deallocated register window from the PRF.
US09367307B2 Staged points-to analysis for large code bases
A method, system, and computer-readable medium (CRM) for performing a staged points-to analysis of an object-oriented codebase, including obtaining the codebase and a points-to query, slicing the codebase to obtain a program slice, and performing a type analysis of the program slice to compute a type set. The method, system, and CRM include refining the program slice, after performing the type analysis, by resolving virtual dispatch sites based on the type set, and performing, after refining the program slice, a context-insensitive points-to analysis of the program slice to compute a first points-to set. The method, system, and CRM include re-refining the program slice, after performing the context-insensitive points-to analysis, by resolving the virtual dispatch sites based on the first points-to set, and performing, after re-refining the program slice, a context-sensitive points-to analysis of the program slice to compute a second points-to set, which is provided to a developer.
US09367305B1 Automatic container definition
A container configuration system is provided. The container configuration system includes at least one processor and a memory. The at least one processor is configured to receive a source application, the source application including a source element, determine a dependency component from the source element, generate a container configuration including at least the dependency component, and provide the container configuration for execution in an execution environment enabled to execute containers.
US09367299B2 Preventing application downgrade in an application store
An application and system are provided that prevent an application repository from accepting a new installation package if the new application installation package would not be successfully installed on devices to which it is directed. The version number and constraints provided with the new application installation package may be compared to that of installation packages already existing or published within the repository to determine whether or not the new installation package will be unreachable by a device group to which it is directed. An indication may be provided if that new installation package is unreachable by at least one device group to which it is directed.
US09367297B2 Method for operating an IT system, and IT system having at least one first processing unit and one second processing unit connected to one another
An IT system includes at least one first processing unit and one second processing unit. The first and second processing units jointly execute an application program and are each associated with an installation routine designed to control updating of a first or second program part of the application program. A first actual state is associated with the first processing unit and a second actual state is associated with the second processing unit. After system reboot, or as soon as the first and second program part have been successfully stored, or an error is detected when storing the first and/or second program part, predefined processing steps are respectively carried out in a predefined order by the first processing unit aid the second processing unit depending on the actual state of the first processing unit and the actual state of the second processing unit.
US09367296B2 Method and system for synchronizing application programs across devices
The present disclosure discloses a method for synchronizing application programs across devices. The method comprises the following steps: collecting and sending information of application programs installed in a first device to a server by a first client end; collecting and sending device information of a second device to the server by a second client end; sending download addresses of the application programs compatible with the second device to the second client end according to the device information received from the second client end and the information of the application programs received from the first client end by the server; downloading and installing the application programs in the second device according to the download addresses by the second client end. The present disclosure also provides a system for synchronizing the application programs across the devices.
US09367294B2 Systems and methods for disambiguating dialects in limited syntax languages to reduce system fragility
An embodiment generally relates to systems and methods for improving system performance by reducing fragility of computing systems. A processing module can identify separate ensemble files each comprising interpretations, by separate entities of a workflow, of a phrase in a file. The processing module can compare the interpretations to determine if the interpretations are the same or essentially the same. If the interpretations are neither the same nor essentially the same, a subsequent entity in the workflow can create a new file that replaces an associated interpretation of the phrase with a common interpretation. The subsequent entity can proceed with an intended operation.
US09367288B2 Device and method responsive to influences of mind
An anomalous effect detector responsive to an influence of mind comprises a source of non-deterministic random numbers, SNDRN, a phase-sensitive filter and a results interface. In some embodiments, the phase-sensitive filter comprises a complex filter. An artificial sensory neuron comprises a SNDRN. Preferably, several artificial sensory neurons are grouped in a small volume. An analog artificial sensory detector comprises a plurality of analog artificial sensory neurons, an abstracting processor and a control or feedback unit. Some embodiments include an artificial neural network. An artificial consciousness network contains a plurality of artificial neural networks. One of the artificial neural networks comprises an activation pattern meta-analyzer. An artificial consciousness device comprises a cluster of artificial consciousness networks, a sensory input device to provide sensory input signals to the input of one or more ANNs in ACD, and an output device.
US09367287B2 Mixed precision fused multiply-add operator
A circuit for calculating the fused sum of an addend and product of two multiplication operands, the addend and multiplication operands being binary floating-point numbers represented in a standardized format as a mantissa and an exponent is provided. The multiplication operands are in a lower precision format than the addend, with q>2p, where p and q are the mantissa size of the multiplication operand and addend precision formats. The circuit includes a p-bit multiplier receiving the mantissas of the multiplication operands; a shift circuit aligning the mantissa of the addend with the product output by the multiplier based on the exponent values of the addend and multiplication operands; and an adder processing q-bit mantissas, receiving the aligned mantissa of the addend and the product, the input lines of the adder corresponding to the product being completed to the right by lines at 0 to form a q-bit mantissa.
US09367286B2 Crossing pipelined data between circuitry in different clock domains
An integrated circuit implements a multistage processing pipeline, where control is passed in the pipeline with data to be processed according to the control. At least some of the different pipeline stages can be implemented by different circuits, being clocked at different frequencies. These frequencies may change dynamically during operation of the integrated circuit. Control and data to be processed according to such control can be offset from each other in the pipeline; e.g., control can precede data by a pre-set number of clock events. To cross a clock domain, control and data can be temporarily stored in respective FIFOs. Reading of control by the destination domain is delayed by a delay amount determined so that reading of control and data can be offset from each other by a minimum number of clock events of the destination domain clock, and control is read before data is available for reading.
US09367285B2 Themed ornaments with internet radio receiver
Apparatuses for playing signals received from the internet or other information highway on one or more speakers are described. The apparatus has a receiver for receiving information from preselected addresses; a processor for interpreting the signals; and several speakers for playing the processed signals. The speakers each have an ornamental design on the outside which is related to the topic of the signals received from the address. The apparatus could include a smartphone as the receiver.
US09367280B2 Dual screen visibility with virtual transparency
Generally, this disclosure provides devices, systems and methods to provide dual screen visibility with virtual transparency. A device may include a dual-sided display element to display a first image on a first side of the display element and to display a second image on a second side of the display element; an activation detection module to detect a user request to initiate the dual screen visibility mode; an image processing module to generate a horizontally transposed version of the second image; and an image rendering module. The image rendering module may be capable of, in response to the initiation request, displaying the horizontally transposed version on the first side of the display element and adjusting a relative transparency between the first image and the displayed horizontally transposed version.
US09367275B2 Retrieving data from a posting server for printing
A printing control server includes an administration section, an acquisition section, and a printing control section. The administration section is configured to associate a printing device with a user of the printing device and administer the printing device as being associated with the user. The acquisition section is configured to acquire posting data from a service offering server that provides a posting service. The printing control section is configured to control the printing device associated with the user of the acquired posting data to perform printing based on the posting data.
US09367240B2 Graphical user interface for improved text character entry
A graphical user interface for improved text character entry is disclosed. In some embodiments, the graphical user interface may be displayed on a mobile communications device. The graphical user interface may display a message field, a soft keyboard, and at least one visual foveal echo field. The message field may display text characters of a message being authored by a user interacting with the soft keyboard. The visual foveal echo field may be placed adjacent to a soft keyboard row and contain a portion of the message being authored by the user.
US09367238B2 Terminal apparatus and input correction method
A terminal apparatus includes a touch panel, a controller to detect a contact position of a first contact on the touch panel, a pressure applied by the first contact, a contact position of a second contact on the touch panel and a pressure applied by the second contact, and a processor executing a process that causes the terminal apparatus to determine whether or not the contact position of the first contact meets a predetermined condition, determine a magnitude relationship between the pressure applied by the first contact and the pressure applied by the second contact, and invalidate the contact position of the first contact when the contact position of the first contact meets the predetermined condition and it is determined that the pressure applied by the first contact is equal to or higher than the pressure applied by the second contact.
US09367233B2 Display apparatus and method thereof
A display method of a display apparatus is provided. The display method includes displaying an image on a screen, detecting a touch manipulation with respect to the image, and if the touch manipulation is detected, changing a display status of the image according to a physical attribute of the touch manipulation.
US09367231B2 Mobile terminal and controlling method thereof
A mobile terminal including a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate with at least one other terminal; a touch screen display configured to display contents; and a controller configured to receive a touch and drag action across the touch screen display, display a moveable partitioning graphic at a position corresponding to the touch and drag action and partition the displayed contents into first and second display regions, and independently control a function of the contents in the first display region and independently control a function of the contents in the second display region.
US09367230B2 Interaction models for indirect interaction devices
One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for utilizing input data received from an indirect interaction device (e.g., mouse, touchpad, etc.) as if the data was received from a direct interaction device (e.g., touchscreen). Interaction models are described for handling input data received from an indirect interaction device. For example, the interaction models may provide for the presentation of two or more targets (e.g., cursors) on a display when two or more contacts (e.g., fingers) are detected by indirect interaction device. Moreover, based upon a number of contacts detected and/or a pressured applied by respective contacts, the presented target(s) may be respectively transitioned between a hover visualization and an engage visualization. Targets in an engage visualization may manipulate a size of an object presented in a user interface, pan the object, drag the object, rotate the object, and/or otherwise engage the object, for example.
US09367226B2 Techniques for self adjusting kiosk display information
Techniques for self adjusting kiosk display information are provided. Presentation information is centered within a display of the kiosk. A center location for the presentation information is custom recalibrated within the display based on direction of a user. The layout, content, and presentation within the display of the kiosk is user-driven and customizable.
US09367215B2 Mobile devices and related methods for configuring a remote device
A method for configuring a remote device in a mobile device is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a dialogical user interface, obtaining a first position of the remote device, displaying a question message including information of the first position via the dialogical user interface, receiving an answer message corresponding to the question message via the dialogical user interface, and determining whether to set the first position as a safe zone for the remote device in response to whether the answer message is a confirmation message or a rejection message, wherein when the answer message is the conformation message, setting the first position as the safe zone of the remote device and displaying the setting result via the dialogical user interface.
US09367214B2 Wireless communication device having deterministic control of foreground access of the user interface
A wireless communication device that has one or more applications resident on a computer platform, a wireless communication interface, a display, and a user interface that, at least, appears on the display. The one or more applications and/or an arbiter that is resident on the computer platform may determine which user interface of the one or more applications resident on the computer platform controls the display based upon a predetermined criteria when the user interfaces compete for control of the display. In another embodiment, an application that does not comply with the determination of which application controls the display may be terminated. A method may be performed to determine which application may control a display of a plurality of displays of the wireless communication device. A method may be performed to associate user input data with applications when there is a change of control of a display.
US09367212B2 User interface for navigating paginated digital content
Techniques are disclosed for navigating pages of paginated digital content (e.g., an eBook), referred to herein as a go-to mode. The go-to mode may include a page number input field and a keypad. The keypad, which may be presented in response to a reveal command (e.g., tapping on the input field), can be used to provide numerical input to the input field and allow a user to navigate to the input page number. The go-to mode may be configured to disable keys on the keypad when selection of one of the keys would result in an invalid input in the input field. The go-to mode may also be configured to update which keys are disabled and/or enabled when a cursor position in the input field is changed, contents in the input field are selected, or a number is input into or deleted from the input field.
US09367210B2 Method for representing animated menu buttons
Optical storage media often contain data structures for a menu suitable for selection of a title, a chapter, a parameter or others. Such menus usually comprise a number of buttons to be displayed, with each button having a state. Possible states of buttons are “unselected”, “selected” or “activated”. According to the invention, the representation of a menu button may vary, depending on its state. An image or an image sequence, e.g. cartoon, may be associated to a buttons state, providing user animation. Further, a sound or sound sequence, e.g. melody or click, may be associated to a buttons state, and may be played back when the button enters this state. A data structure is disclosed which allows storage of such menu data e.g. on a Blu-ray disc.
US09367209B2 Scrollable computing device display
The display of a scrollable list of items is described. In one disclosed embodiment, a list of items may be displayed on a scrollable computing device display in such a manner that, upon receiving an input requesting movement of a select indicator to a different list item, the select indicator is moved on the display toward the different list item and the list is scrolled on the display in an opposing direction.
US09367206B2 Displaying indicators that indicate ability to change a size of a widget on a display of a mobile terminal
A mobile terminal capable of performing a touch input and a control method therefor are provided. A mobile terminal includes a display unit, a sensing unit and a controller. The display unit outputs an objective related to an application. The sensing unit senses a touch input to the objective. The controller executes the application related to the objective, in response to that a first touch input to the objective is sensed, and executes an edition mode for changing the size of the objective displayed on the display unit, in response to that a second touch input different from the first touch input to the objective is sensed.
US09367205B2 Radial menus with bezel gestures
Bezel gestures for touch displays are described. In at least some embodiments, the bezel of a device is used to extend functionality that is accessible through the use of so-called bezel gestures. In at least some embodiments, off-screen motion can be used, by virtue of the bezel, to create screen input through a bezel gesture. Bezel gestures can include single-finger bezel gestures, multiple-finger/same-hand bezel gestures, and/or multiple-finger, different-hand bezel gestures.
US09367200B2 Information processing device, method for controlling information processing device, program and information recording medium
A focus part of an object is displayed in an actual display area, which is a part of a display target area set within a window that is visible on a screen, without changing the size of the focus part and the layout of the display object. A control unit sets a reference point P based on the positions of a display element and the actual display area in a drawing target area (22), in which a Web page is drawn, so that the display element is displayed in the actual display area, which is an area not covered with another window (16a) within a Web page display target area (20). For example, the control unit (a) displays the display element without changing the size and (b) minimizes a blank area that is created when the reference point P is moved, or (c) preferentially displays, from among a plurality of display elements, display elements that are relatively high in priority order in the actual display area.
US09367197B1 Displaying computer resource hierarchy
A hierarchy of computer resources is represented on a display using frames. Each frame is constituted by a top banner, a left sidebar, a right edge, and a bottom edge. The banner includes text identifying the resource it represents. The banner and the left sidebar have sufficient width to bear the text; the edges have insufficient width to bear the text.
US09367194B2 Systems for displaying images
A system for displaying images is provided. The system includes a capacitive touch sensor device includes a dielectric layer having a sensing area and covered by a transparent substrate. A plurality of series of first sense electrodes and a plurality of series of second sense electrodes are embedded in a first level of the dielectric layer and within the sensing area. Each series of first sense electrodes extends along a first direction and each series of second sense electrodes extends along a second direction substantially different from the first direction. A plurality of signal lines are embedded in a second level lower than the first level of the dielectric layer and extends along the second direction. Each signal line is correspondingly and electrically connected to one of the plurality of series of first sense electrodes.
US09367191B2 System and method for determining user input using polygons
Devices and method are provided that facilitate improved input device performance. Specifically, the systems and methods are configured to identify a portion of an image of sensor values as corresponding to at least one sensed object in the sensing region, determine a polygon corresponding to the identified portion of the image, and determine a contact characterization of the at least one sensed object based on the polygon. The determination of a polygon corresponding to a sensed object facilitates improved contact characterization of the sensed object. For example, the determined polygon may be used to determine if the sensed object is actually more than one object. As a second example, the determined polygon may be used to determine the orientation of the sensed object. In addition, determined polygons may be used to more accurately track changes in the position of the sensed object.
US09367190B2 Touch recognition method and system for a capacitive touch apparatus
The present invention discloses a method and system for touch signal recognition adapted to be used in a capacitive touch panel or apparatus. In order to achieve an objection of enhancement of a touch signal for recognition and getting rid of noise impact simultaneously, the present invention discloses a touch recognition method that actually includes two different measurement cycles to acquire two different sample voltage values. Consequently, noise impact can be removed by calculation of a sample voltage value difference between two different sample voltage values, at the same time, and the sample voltage value difference can provide a double magnitude as disclosed in the prior art to enhance accuracy for recognizing a user touch input while preventing from influence of noise.
US09367184B2 Method of reducing offset in a capacitive touch panel capable of switching between a differential-input sensor circuit and single-ended sensor circuit
This invention offers a signal processing circuit of an electrostatic capacity type touch panel which is capable of switching between a differential input mode and a single input mode and has an extended adjustable range of an offset in the single input mode. The signal processing circuit of this invention includes a first sensor circuit of a differential input type, a second sensor circuit of a single input type, a third and fourth electrostatic capacitors that are variable capacitors for calibration to adjust the offset in an output voltage of the first sensor circuit, and a switching control circuit to control so as to put in operation one of the first and second sensor circuits. The switching control circuit also controls so that the third and fourth electrostatic capacitors for calibration are connected in parallel to each other when the second sensor circuit is put in operation.
US09367176B2 Operation detection device, operation detection method and projector
An operation detection device includes: first and second illuminations that irradiate illumination light from different positions onto an operation surface on which a user performs an operation; a camera that captures the operation surface together with an operation part (finger) of the user; a shadow region extraction unit that extracts first and second shadows of the operation part of the user from a captured image obtained by the camera; a contour detection unit that detects contours of each of the first and second shadows extracted; and a touch point detection unit that detects a touch point of the operation part of the user on the operation surface from the distance between the contours.
US09367172B2 Touch trace detecting device, system and method thereof
The present invention provides a method for detecting touch trace while preventing interruption of the touch traces in the presence of interfering noise, comprising: changing frequency of driving signals in response to a detection of noise; setting a plurality of lines of first sensing signal values obtained from a first sensing as a plurality of baselines; obtaining a plurality of difference values by comparing a plurality of lines of second sensing signal values obtained from a second sensing against said plurality of baselines; determining whether all said plurality of difference values are smaller than a threshold value; determining whether the flatness of said plurality of baselines is greater than a flatness threshold value if all said plurality of difference values are determined to be smaller than said threshold value; and reporting, in response to the flatness of said plurality of baselines is determined to be greater than said flatness threshold value, a first proximity or touch event, said first proximity or touch event being the last proximity or touch event taking place before frequency of said driving signals is changed.
US09367170B1 Touch panel and display device
A touch panel includes a plurality of sensing lines disposed in a sensing area, a plurality of touch-controlling lines disposed in a touch-detecting area, and an extended sensing line. The plurality of sensing lines are used for generating sensing signals, and the plurality of touch-controlling lines are used for receiving touch-controlling signals. The plurality of touch-controlling lines are extended to the sensing area to form mutual capacitances. The sensing line stretches into the touch-detecting area as the extended sensing line, forming a mutual capacitance in the touch-detecting area. It decreases the dead areas effectively and makes the positioning of touches more accurate.
US09367161B2 Touch sensitive device with stylus-based grab and paste functionality
Techniques are disclosed for grabbing and pasting content using a stylus in communication with an electronic device. The grab function can be used to copy/cut content from the device to stylus memory. The paste function can be used to delete content from the stylus memory, or paste that content to the same or different device. The user can grab content to the stylus with a stylus action, which may include manipulating a stylus control feature or performing a particular stylus gesture. The content may then be deleted from the stylus memory or pasted to a device by performing another stylus action, which may be the same or distinct from the grab stylus action. Pasting the content from the stylus memory to an electronic device may also include removing the content from the stylus memory. An animation can be displayed as content is sucked into stylus, or pasted to new locations.
US09367160B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and non-transitory computer readable medium
An information processing apparatus includes a display having a display screen that displays an image; an acquiring section that acquires information indicating a contact point which is a position where an operator is brought into contact with the display screen by a user; a display controller that makes the display screen display an image showing a designation point designated by the user; and a setting section that sets an operation mode by switching between a first operation mode in which a disposition of the designation point relative to the contact point is changeable and a second operation mode in which the designation point is moved in accordance with movement of the contact point so that the disposition changed in the first operation mode is maintained. The display controller controls display of the designation point in accordance with the operation mode set by the setting section.
US09367156B2 Touch-control method, device, and electronic device
The purpose of the invention is to provide a touch-control method, apparatus and an electronic device. The touch-control method is applied to an electronic device which has a touch surface and a sensor. The touch-control method includes determining a first contact-area and a second contact-area based on the data acquired by the sensor, the first contact-area and the second contact-area being the area of the contact regions of the touch surface in contact with a pointing object at different time moments; based on the first contact-area and the second contact-area, determining a first instruction-determination-parameter associated with an area-variation amount; based on a pre-stored first correspondence-relationship between an instruction-determination-parameter interval and an instruction-sequence, determining and executing a first instruction-sequence which corresponds to the instruction-determination-parameter interval where the first instruction-determination-parameter locates.
US09367155B2 Touch panel assembly and electronic device
A touch panel assembly including a touch panel and a flexible printed circuit board is provided. The touch panel includes a sensing area, at least one input element, a bonding area, a plurality of first connecting traces and a plurality of second connecting traces. The sensing area has a sensing array. The input element is located at a side of the sensing area. The bonding area is located between the sensing area and the input element. The first connecting traces and the second connecting traces are connected with the sensing array and the input element respectively and extend into bonding area. The flexible printed circuit board has a bonding portion. The flexible printed circuit board is attached to the bonding area through the bonding portion, and is electrically connected to the first connecting traces and the second connecting traces. An electronic device is also provided.
US09367146B2 Input device with multiple touch-sensitive zones
An input device includes a housing for supporting a user's hand and a displacement sensor, mounted in the housing, for providing a displacement signal. The input device also includes a first portion of the housing operable to receive a first digit of the user and a first solid-state touch sensor disposed in the first portion and operable to detect movement of the first digit along the first portion. The input device further includes a second portion on the housing operable to receive a second digit of the user and a second solid-state touch sensor disposed in the second portion and operable to detect movement of the second digit along the second portion.
US09367126B2 Interaction with an expanded information space on a cellular phone
A method for providing a dynamic perspective-based presentation of content on a cellular phone is provided, comprising: presenting a first portion of a content space on a display screen of the cellular phone; tracking a location of a user's head in front of the display screen; detecting a lateral movement of the user's head relative to the display screen; progressively exposing an adjacent second portion of the content space, from an edge of the display screen opposite a direction of the lateral movement, in proportional response to the lateral movement of the user's head relative to the display screen.
US09367125B2 Terminal apparatus for shooting and distributing video data and video-data distribution method
A terminal apparatus and a video-data distribution method thereof are described. The terminal apparatus includes a camera module, configured to shoot a video and generate raw data associated with the shot video in real time; an encoding-and-packaging unit configured to encode the raw data to produce encoded video data, and package the video data at a predefined time interval to produce a plurality of first-video clip data with a predetermined format, wherein the plurality of first-video clip data can all be played independently. The apparatus can include a first communication unit, configured to communicate with a remote server, wherein the server is a hypertext-transfer-protocol server and supports other terminal apparatuses to download the first-video clip data; and a first processing unit, configured to upload the produced plurality of first-video clip data to the server in real time via the first communication unit.
US09367124B2 Multi-application content interactions
Information from a position and/or gesture detection system can be embedded in a Web page, or other such presentation of content, and used to select or otherwise interact with content on the page. In some embodiments, video is captured and displayed showing a current view of the user. Position data corresponding to the video is provided and used to determine directions and extents of motion without having to do significant amounts of image processing. The position data is used to determine locations on the page where the user is attempting to provide input, such as to select an item of content. The content can be modified and/or rendered to appear to be associated with the user in the rendered view. Information from multiple gesture systems can be combined on a single page, and information from one or more gesture systems can be shared among multiple pages and devices.
US09367121B2 Universal serial bus USB 3.0 compatible host with lower operation power consumption and method for reducing operation power consumption of a USB compatible 3.0 host
A USB 3.0 compatible host with low power consumption includes a super speed circuit, a non-super speed circuit, and a control module. The super speed circuit transmits data at a first transmission speed and the non-super speed circuit transmits data at a second transmission speed, a third transmission speed, or a fourth transmission speed wherein the first transmission speed is faster than the second transmission speed, the third transmission speed, and the fourth transmission speed. Further, the control module is coupled to the super speed circuit and the non-super speed circuit for determining to turn on or off the super speed circuit of the USB 3.0 compatible host, during the USB 3.0 compatible host being connected to a USB 3.0 compatible peripheral device, based on whether transmission data quantity between the USB 3.0 compatible host and the USB 3.0 compatible peripheral device is greater than a predetermined value.
US09367116B2 Apparatus to reduce idle link power in a platform
A system on a chip (SoC) is provided including processing cores and a root complex. The transaction requests are communicated between a root port of the root complex and a device, the root port including electrical idle (EI) exit detect circuitry and a reference clock source. The root port supports a first link state, in which the reference clock source and EI exit detect circuitry of the root port are disabled but a common mode voltage is maintained, and a second link state, in which the reference clock source and EI exit detect circuitry are disabled and the common mode voltage is not maintained. The root port transitions to the first link state based on a service latency requirement of the device being less than a threshold and to the second link state based on the service latency requirement being greater than or equal to the threshold.
US09367114B2 Controlling operating voltage of a processor
In an embodiment, a processor includes a core domain with a plurality of cores and a power controller having a first logic to receive a first request to increase an operating voltage of a first core of the core domain to a second voltage, to instruct a voltage regulator to increase the operating voltage to an interim voltage, and to thereafter instruct the voltage regulator to increase the operating voltage to the second voltage. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09367113B2 Managing modem power consumption
Methods, systems, and devices are described for managing power consumption in a modem of a mobile device. A receive power associated with a receiver of the modem may be measured during a scheduled power-up of the modem associated with checking for paging messages. A power consumption metric associated with transmitting a pending wireless data transaction at a transmitter of the modem may then be estimated based on the measured receive power associated with the receiver. A determination of whether to transmit the pending wireless data transaction at a first time may then be made based at least in part on the estimated power consumption metric.
US09367111B2 Fault tolerant power supply incorporating intelligent load switch to provide uninterrupted power
A fault tolerant power supply system includes at least one load switch circuit configured to connect, using a main switch, an input voltage to an output node of the load switch circuit when the load switch circuit is turned on and at least one power channel coupled to the load switch circuit to receive the input voltage. The power channel is configured as a buck converter and includes at least a high-side power switch and a low-side power switch. The fault tolerant power supply system is configured to measure a current flowing through the main switch of the load switch circuit, to determine that the current flowing through the main switch of the load switch circuit has exceeded a current limit threshold, and to disable the main switch of the load switch circuit and the low-side power switch of the power channel in response to the determination that the current flowing in the main switch has exceeded the current limit threshold.
US09367110B2 Energy lockout in response to a planar catastrophic fault
A computer planar includes an enable signal line for providing an enable signal to an external power supply, wherein the external power supply will not turn on unless the enable signal is active high. During normal operation, an auxiliary power source maintains an active high enable signal on the enable signal line, which includes a fuse. However, a fault protection circuit coupled to the enable signal line can pull down the enable signal line in response to a fault, such that the fuse is permanently opened. Once the fuse is open, the external power supply cannot be enabled and further damage to the computer planar is prevented.
US09367107B2 Method and system for controlling reset state change in a system-on-a-chip device
A method and system are set forth for enabling software control of a power management unit (PMU) in a System-On-a-Chip (SoC) device to effect changes in power state without having to adjust external board level states. In one embodiment, once the SoC system controller has been booted, it communicates with the PMU over a communication bus and is able to request changes in power states without requiring external trigger events. Complete remote control of power states according to the method and system set forth herein provides flexibility when debugging and testing SoC devices because there is no need to alter external board states. Also, providing programmable changes in reset states as an alternative to full system reset preserves state data so that the system can be restarted efficiently and quickly from known conditions.
US09367104B2 Electronic device and heat dissipation method
An electronic device including a main body, a supporting layer and at least one press element is provided. The main body has an inner space. The supporting layer is disposed on the main body and covers the inner space, wherein the supporting layer has at least one first opening. The press element is disposed on the supporting layer and has a chamber and at least one second opening, wherein the first opening and the second opening are connected to the chamber. When the press element is pressed and elastically deformed, air inside the chamber flows to the inner space through the first opening. When the press element is stopped being pressed and restored, air outside the chamber flows to inside the chamber through the second opening. In addition, a heat dissipation method adapted to the electronic device is also provided.
US09367101B2 Passive noise cancellation for computer cooling systems
Methods and systems may provide for a computing system including an electrical component, a heat exchanger coupled to the electrical component, and a fan having a rotor with a plurality of blades, one or more inlet sides and one or more outlet sides disposed adjacent to the heat exchanger. The computing system may also include an obstruction disposed adjacent to at least one of the one or more inlet sides of the fan, wherein a tone to be generated by the obstruction reduces a tonal noise associated with the fan during operation.
US09367092B2 Electronic device and touch-sensitive input device
A touch-sensitive input device includes a cover, a set of first conductors disposed between the cover and a substrate, the first conductors including at least two fingers connected at an end of the fingers, dummy conductors disposed between the first conductors and between the fingers of the first conductors, and a second set of conductors disposed on an opposite side of the substrate.
US09367091B2 Adjustable docking device and display device therewith
An adjustable docking device includes a hinge mechanism, a holding base, a guiding member, and a fixing mechanism. The hinge mechanism is installed on a frame. The holding base is pivoted to the frame by the hinge mechanism. The holding base includes a main casing, a first holding casing and a second holding casing. The first holding casing and the second holding casing respectively extends from the main casing. The main casing, the first holding casing, and a second holding casing cooperatively define a clamping slot for holding an electronic device. The guiding member is disposed inside the clamping slot and for guiding the electronic device into the clamping slot. The fixing mechanism is disposed inside the holding base and capable of switching between a locking status and a releasing status, so as to lock or release the electronic device.
US09367085B2 Portable electronic device and method for controlling operation thereof taking into account which limb possesses the electronic device
A portable electronic device includes a processor and a detection mechanism operable to detect one or more characteristics relating to how a user handles the electronic device. The processor is operably coupled to the detection mechanism and operable in accordance with stored operating instructions to: determine, based on the detected characteristics, which limb of the user possesses the portable electronic device; and control at least one function of the portable electronic device taking into account which limb of the user possesses the electronic device (e.g., which limb of the user is holding or secured to the electronic device). According to one embodiment, the processor may further determine a reference position for the portable electronic device (e.g., a position of the device at rest) and compare one or more of the detected characteristics to the reference position to determine which limb of the user possesses the electronic device.
US09367082B2 Storage array module and hard disk accommodating unit thereof
A storage array module and a hard disk accommodating unit thereof are provided. The hard disk accommodating unit includes a fixing recess, a first tray and a second tray. The first tray is reciprocally and slidably disposed in the fixing recess. The second tray is reciprocally and slidably disposed on the first tray. When the second tray slides a distance in a sliding direction, the second tray pushes the first tray into the fixing recess, after the second tray reversely slides the distance in the sliding direction, the second tray pushes the first tray for protruding out of the fixing recess.
US09367080B2 Apparatus, system, and method for providing clock signal on demand
Described herein are apparatus, system, and method for providing clock signal on demand. The method comprises determining an indication of clock signal usage in multiple hardware logic units; generating an enable signal according to the indication; and gating or un-gating the clock signal for clock islands of at least a hardware logic unit, of the multiple hardware logic units, in response to a logic level of the enable signal, wherein the clock islands are part of a global clock distribution network and are operable to be enabled or disabled independently.
US09367071B2 Automobile electronic regulator
An automobile electronic regulator includes a timing circuit, a signal circuit, a phase shift driving circuit, a pulse oscillation outputting circuit, an electronic switching circuit, and an electronic filtering circuit. An input terminal of the electronic filtering circuit is connected to an output terminal of the electronic switching circuit, for supplying the timing circuit, the signal circuit and the phase shift driving circuit with an accurate and stable voltage. The output terminal of the signal circuit is connected to an input terminal of the phase shift driving circuit via a circuit for accelerating and limiting, for driving and amplifying a phase shift of a signal of a generated rectangular square wave. The phase shift driving circuit supplies the pulse oscillation outputting circuit with a phase shift amplification signal. The pulse oscillation outputting circuit uploads a pulse signal to an automobile-mounted inductive load system.
US09367069B2 Pneumatic level switch
A pneumatic switch is provided for the pneumatic control of process control components, such as valves and compressors. The pneumatic switch utilizes a slide bar operationally connected to a waggle arm to control valves, which control the introduction of compressed gas to the process control components.
US09367067B2 Digital tethering for tracking with autonomous aerial robot
An aerial device automatically maintains a relative position with respect to a target. The aerial device can set a relative multi-dimensional position with respect to the target. The target can have an indicator (e.g., a visual marker for image capture tracking, or a radio indicator for tracking via signaling) that the aerial device reads. The aerial device can automatically adjust its flight path in response to movement of the target as indicated by the indicator. Thus, the aerial device can maintain a digital tether, moving with the target to maintain substantially the same relative position with respect to the target, tracking the target in multiple dimensions.
US09367040B2 Timepiece intended to indicate the power reserve
A horological instrument intended to indicate the power reserve, includes a barrel (1) provided with a drum (2) arranged to turn in one direction during operation of the horological instrument, the drum (2) including around the periphery thereof at least one power reserve scale (4). At least one hand (13) is arranged to turn with the drum (2) and cooperates with a corresponding power reserve scale (4). Furthermore, a mechanism for displacing the hand or hands (13) is arranged to displace the hand or hands by one step with respect to the corresponding scale of the drum (2) with each revolution or with each fraction of revolution of the drum (2) and the hand (13) in order to progressively indicate the power reserve.
US09367032B2 Image forming apparatus including endless belt disposed above photosensitive drum
An image forming apparatus includes a frame, a photosensitive drum, an endless belt disposed above the photosensitive drum, and a pressing member. The photosensitive drum includes a drum body and a flange portion that is provided on one end portion of the drum body. The flange portion has a contacted portion and a pressed portion. The pressing member presses the pressed portion upward to permit the photosensitive drum to be in contact with the endless belt. The frame has a positioning portion disposed above the pressing member and above the photosensitive drum. The positioning portion is configured to be in contact with the contacted portion and to position the photosensitive drum when the pressing member presses the pressed portion. The pressed portion is disposed farther from the drum body in an axial direction of the photosensitive drum than the contacted portion.
US09367029B1 Resettable separator for electrophotographic components
A reusable and resettable separator for use with electrophotographic components of an imaging device. The separator is installed with the imaging device and includes a spring-biased lift rail and release linkage and is used to move either a developer unit or a photoconductive drum unit between an operative position where a developer roll and a photoconductive drum form a contact nip and a separated position where the two rolls are separated. The separator is initially set using the lift rail to place two rolls in the separated position with the release linkage engaging the lift rail to hold this position. Opening of an access door engages a one-way release arm actuating the release linkage allowing the lift rail to translate moving the two rolls to the operative position. When reshipment of the imaging device is needed, the separator can manually reset placing the two rolls back in the separated position.
US09367018B1 Image forming device having tripod type constant-velocity joint for coupling rotary member with driving source
An image forming device includes a tripod type constant-velocity joint through which a rotary member shaft of a rotary member is connected to the drive shaft of a motor. The constant-velocity joint includes a pair of outer rings each having three axially extending track grooves in its inner periphery, and a tripod member having three protrusions formed on each of the axial ends thereof and axially slidably received in the corresponding track grooves. The outer rings and the tripod member are formed of synthetic resin. One of the outer rings and the tripod member are inseparably coupled to the drive shaft so that the other of the outer rings is always disconnected from the tripod member when the rotary member is pulled away from the motor.
US09367004B2 Abnormality detection method and abnormality detection device for image forming apparatus, and image forming apparatus
An abnormality detection device for an image forming apparatus detects an abnormality in the image forming apparatus which includes a heating belt looped around a heating roller and a fixing roller. The abnormality detection device for an image forming apparatus includes: thermistors for detecting temperatures of one widthwise end portion and the other widthwise end portion of the heating belt; a temperature difference detection section for determining whether or not a temperature difference between the temperature of the one end portion and the temperature of the other end portion which are detected by the thermistors is greater than a predetermined value; and a judgment section for judging that an abnormality has occurred in the image forming apparatus when it is determined in the temperature difference detection section that the temperature difference is greater than the predetermined value.
US09366998B2 Belt unit and image formation device
A belt unit is provided with an endless belt, a pair of rollers around which the endless belt is wound, and a regulating member having a flange surface provided at one axial end of at least one of the pair of rollers. The flange surface extends on an outer side with respect to an outer surface of the endless belt wound around the pair of rollers, the flange surface is configured to contact an end, in a width direction, of the endless belt to prevent the endless belt from moving obliquely, and the flange surface is formed with a conical surface which is configured such that a portion closer to a peripheral side of the conical surface is closer to an axial center of the at least one of the pair of rollers.
US09366988B2 Developing device and image forming apparatus
A developing device configured to develop an electrostatic image includes a developing member and a carrier recovering member. An outer surface of the developing member includes a plurality of protrusion portions which extend in a direction intersecting a toner particle carrying direction and are aligned with a regular interval between adjacent protrusion portions. The regular interval is equal to or larger than a particle diameter of a toner particle having an average particle diameter from among the toner particles and smaller than a carrier particle diameter of a magnetic carrier particle having an average particle diameter from among the magnetic carrier particles. The protrusion portions protrude from the outer surface of the developing member with a height that is smaller than the average particle diameter of the toner particles, and the developing member contacts with the image bearing member at a developing portion.
US09366985B1 Electric charging-diselectrifying device, process cartridge with electric charging-diselectrifying device, and image forming apparatus with process cartridge
An electric charging-diselectrifying device includes an electric charging member that contacts an image bearer to form an electric charging nip between the electric charging member and the image bear. The electric charging member electrically charges multiple electric charge regions in the image bearer located both upstream and downstream of the electric charging nip in a direction of rotation of the image bearer. An electric charge removing device is provided to remove electric charge borne on the image bearer by irradiating the multiple electric charging regions of the image bearer with light. The electric charging member is made of a material that allows the light emitted from the electric charge removing device to penetrate the electric charging member.
US09366979B2 Robust phase inversion emulsification process for polyester latex production
The disclosure provides robust phase inversion emulsification (PIE) processes, which produces polyester latex particles having particle size distributions with high centering capability indexes (Cpk), for the preparation of toners of good quality.
US09366975B2 Stage transferring device and position measuring method thereof
A stage transferring device invention includes: a transferring stage upon which an object is mounted and which transfers the object in an x-y plane; and a stage position measuring device. The stage position measuring device includes a one-dimensional scale on the transferring stage; a one-dimensional scale reading head which is configured to overlap the one-dimensional scale, irradiate a measuring beam to the overlapped one-dimensional scale and measure a 1D y-axis coordinate of the transferring stage; a two-dimensional encoder on the transferring stage; and a two-dimensional encoder reading head which is configured to overlap the two-dimensional encoder, irradiate a measuring beam to the overlapped two-dimensional encoder and measure a 2D x-axis coordinate and a 2D y-axis coordinate of the transferring stage.
US09366967B2 Radiation source
A radiation source (60) suitable for providing a beam of radiation to an illuminator of a lithographic apparatus. The radiation source comprises a nozzle configured to direct a stream of fuel droplets (62) along a trajectory (64) towards a plasma formation location (66). The radiation source is configured to receive a first amount of radiation (68) such that the first amount of radiation is incident on a fuel droplet (62a) at the plasma formation location, and such that the first amount of radiation transfers energy into the fuel droplet to generate a modified fuel distribution (70), the modified fuel distribution having a surface. The radiation source is also configured to receive a second amount of radiation (72) such that the second amount of radiation is incident on a portion of the surface (70a) of the modified fuel distribution, the second amount of radiation having a p-polarized component with respect to the portion of the surface; and such that the second amount of radiation transfers energy to the modified fuel distribution to generate a radiation generating plasma, the radiation generating plasma emitting a third amount of radiation (74). The radiation source further comprises a collector (CO) configured to collect and direct at least a portion of the third amount of radiation. The radiation source is configured such that the second amount of radiation propagates in a first direction, the first direction being non-parallel to a normal to the portion of the surface of the modified fuel distribution.
US09366965B2 Forming electrically-conductive patterns using crosslinkable reactive polymers
An electrically-conductive pattern is prepared using a reactive composition having: (1) a reactive polymer; (2) a compound that provides a cleaving acid upon exposure to radiation; and (3) a crosslinking agent that reacts in the presence of the cleaving acid, to provide crosslinking in the reactive polymer. A polymeric layer of the reactive composition is patternwise exposed to provide a polymeric layer comprising non-exposed regions and exposed regions comprising a polymer comprising sulfonic acid or sulfonate groups. The exposed regions are contacted with electroless seed metal ions to form a pattern of electroless seed metal ions, which pattern is reduced to provide a pattern of corresponding electroless seed metal particles. Electrolessly plating is then carried out in the exposed regions. The unique reactive comprises (a) recurring units represented Structure (A) as described in the disclosure, and can also include other recurring units that are crosslinkable or provide other properties.
US09366962B1 Negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor and use
A negative-working, infrared radiation-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursor is exposed and processed on-press to provide a lithographic printing plate. This precursor has an infrared radiation-sensitive imageable layer comprises free radical imaging chemistry; an infrared radiation absorber; a particulate primary polymeric binder comprising polyalkylene oxide segments having an average particle size (D1) of at least 50 nm and up to and including 1000 nm; and a particulate secondary resin having an average particle size (D2) of at least 3 μm and up to and including 10 μm. The imageable layer has an average dry thickness (t) of at least 1 μm and up to and including 4 μm and satisfies Equation (1): D2/1.4>t>D1   (1) and the average dry thickness (t) is defined by Equation (2): t=w/r   (2) wherein w is the dry coverage of the imageable layer in g/m2 and r is 1 g/cm3.
US09366958B2 Photoacid generator, chemically amplified resist composition, and patterning process
An onium salt having an anion moiety of a specific bis-sulfonate structure is an effective photoacid generator. A resist composition comprising the PAG forms a pattern with a good balance of sensitivity and MEF, and minimal defects and offers a precise micropatterning resist material.
US09366956B2 Self-imageable layer forming polymer and compositions thereof
Copolymers and compositions thereof useful for forming self-imageable films encompassing such copolymers are disclosed. Such copolymers encompass norbornene-type repeating units and maleic anhydride-type repeating units where at least some of such and maleic anhydride-type repeating units have been ring-opened. The films formed from such copolymer compositions provide self imageable, low-k, thermally stable layers for use in microelectronic and optoelectronic devices.
US09366955B2 Exposure mask and fabrication method for color filter
The present invention disclose a exposure mask for fabricating a color filter, the exposure mask includes a plurality of exposure regions; and a light-shielding region for isolating the plurality of exposure regions, wherein, an edge of each exposure region is provided with multiple first light-shielding patterns spaced apart with each other. The present invention also discloses a fabrication method for a color filter, comprising steps of: (a) providing a lower glass substrate fabricating having an array of thin film transistor (TFT); (b) fabricating a first insulation protection layer on the array of thin film transistor (TFT); and (c) applying a photolithography process to respectively fabricate color filter units to obtain the color filter; wherein, using the above described exposure mask for exposing.
US09366954B2 Inspection of a lithographic mask that is protected by a pellicle
A system and a method for evaluating a lithography mask, the system may include: (a) electron optics for directing primary electrons towards a pellicle that is positioned between the electron optics and the lithography mask; wherein the primary electrons exhibit an energy level that allows the primary electrons to pass through the pellicle and to impinge on the lithographic mask; (b) at least one detector for detecting detected emitted electrons and for generating detection signals; wherein detected emitted electrons are generated as a result of an impingement of the primary electrons on the lithographic mask; and (c) a processor for processing the detection signals to provide information about the lithography mask.
US09366932B2 TFT-LCD array substrate manufacturing method and LCD panel/device produced by the same
The present invention teaches a TFT-LCD array substrate manufacturing method: a) forming a gate electrode, a gate electrode insulator layer, an active layer, a source electrode and a drain electrode, a passivation layer, and a passivation layer via on top of the drain electrode on a glass substrate; b) depositing an ITO film on the glass substrate processed by the step a), removing through exposure and development the photo resist in a TFT area outside the passivation layer via and a part of the photo resist in a pixel area where gaps are to be formed, and revealing the ITO film outside the passivation layer via in the TFT area; c) removing a remaining photo resist in the pixel area where gaps are to be formed using a fourth dry etch, so that the ITO film on the gaps to be formed is revealed; d) removing the revealed ITO film using a third wet etch; and e) peeling the photo resist not yet removed, and forming an ITO electrode that is connected to the passivation layer via. The present invention also teaches a LCD panel and a LCD device having a TFT-LCD array substrate manufactured by foregoing method.
US09366924B2 Electro-optical device and electronic apparatus
In an electro-optical device, a first transistor includes a first gate electrode electrically connected to a scanning line via a first contact hole in an insulating film. A second transistor includes a second gate electrode electrically connected to the scanning line via a second contact hold in the insulating film. A planar size of the first contact hole is different from a planar size of the second contact hole.
US09366912B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a substrate, a cover layer which defines a tunnel-shaped cavity on the substrate, a support part which extends from the cover layer and corresponds to an edge of the tunnel-shaped cavity, a liquid crystal layer in the tunnel-shaped cavity, first and second electrode which apply an electric field to the liquid crystal layer, and a sealant layer which seals the tunnel-shaped cavity.
US09366908B2 Optical alignment device and the method thereof
An optical alignment device and method are disclosed. The optical alignment device includes an aligned light source, a carrying mechanism, a masking mechanism, and a transporting mechanism. The carrying mechanism is spaced apart from the aligned light source. The transporting mechanism is for driving the masking mechanism such that when the aligned light source is applied to the substrate carried by the carrying mechanism, the masking mechanism is controlled by the transporting mechanism to block a first area such that the optical alignment process is switched from the first area to a second area.
US09366904B2 Liquid crystal display panel with multi-domain horizontally aligned liquid crystal layer and manufacture method thereof and liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display panel and manufacture method thereof and a liquid crystal display device are provided. The liquid crystal display panel comprises an array substrate (1); a color filter substrate (2); and a liquid crystal cell (3) formed by assembling the array substrate (1) and the color filter substrate (2). The liquid crystal cell (3) is filled with liquid crystal. A multi-domain horizontally aligned liquid crystal layer (4) including a the polymerable liquid crystal mixture is provided on the array substrate (1), and liquid crystal molecules of the multi-domain horizontally aligned liquid crystal layer are horizontally aligned in multi domains on a plane of the array substrate (1) according to domain directions of electrodes on the array substrate (1). Since the multi-domain alignment is achieved by a single alignment process, the process is simple and the display quality can be improved by using this mix alignment technique.
US09366902B2 Display device
A display device capable of emitting sufficient fluorescence is provided without an increase in the thickness of the liquid crystal layer. The device includes: a fluorescent emission layer (23) having fluorescent pigment molecules that absorb light to emit fluorescence; and a liquid crystal layer (4) capable of switching between a transparent state and a scattering state. The fluorescent pigment molecules are dichroic fluorescent pigment molecules (23a) with different emission intensities depending on the direction of emission. The dichroic fluorescent pigment molecules (23a) in the fluorescent emission layer (23) are oriented so as to have transition dipole moments with the same direction.
US09366897B2 Display device and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a display device including a substrate including a plurality of pixel areas, a thin film transistor formed on the substrate, a common electrode and a pixel electrode formed on the thin film transistor, a liquid crystal layer filling a microcavity formed on the common electrode and the pixel electrode, a lower insulating layer formed to be spaced apart from the common electrode and the pixel electrode, a roof layer formed on the lower insulating layer, an intermediate insulating layer formed on the roof layer, a first touch sensing electrode formed on the intermediate insulating layer, an injection hole partially exposing the microcavity formed in the roof layer, the intermediate insulating layer, and the first touch sensing electrode, an overcoat formed on the first touch sensing electrode to cover the injection hole and sealing the microcavity, and a second touch sensing electrode formed on the overcoat.
US09366889B2 Method for withdrawing liquid crystal from a liquid crystal panel and method for recycling a liquid crystal panel
A method for withdrawing a liquid crystal from a liquid crystal panel includes the steps of: (a) providing a liquid crystal panel that includes a liquid crystal and two spaced-apart substrates cooperatively defining an accommodating space therebetween to accommodate the liquid crystal, and that is divided into a discard region and a reserve region; (b) forming a through hole that is located in the discard region in one of the substrates; and (c) liquefying the liquid crystal that is accommodated in the accommodating space, followed by withdrawing the liquid crystal from the accommodating space through the through hole. A method for recycling a liquid crystal panel is also disclosed.
US09366887B2 Systems and methods for laser systems with variable beam parameter product utilizing thermo-optic effects
In various embodiments, a beam-parameter adjustment system and focusing system alters a spatial power distribution of a radiation beam, via thermo-optic effects, before the beam is coupled into an optical fiber or delivered to a workpiece.
US09366885B2 Integrated delay line for optical coherence tomography
A system includes a waveguide that guides a beam of radiation, a variable delay unit, and a polarization-dependent modulating unit. The variable delay unit modulates the refractive index in a region, and the waveguide makes a plurality of passes through the region. The polarization-dependent element compensates for birefringence associated with the beam of radiation and includes a polarization splitter and a plurality of modulating elements. The polarization splitter has a first arm and a second arm that each include modulation segments. The beam of radiation is split between the first arm and the second arm and recombined after traversing the modulation segments. The recombination of the beam generates a first polarized beam of radiation and a second polarized beam of radiation. The plurality of modulating elements apply a first and second modulation to the first polarized beam of radiation and the second polarized beam of radiation respectively.
US09366883B2 Using google glass to project a red overlay that enhances night vision
There is provided an apparatus, a method and computer program product for improving a night vision. A pair of eyeglasses comprises: a sensor that detects an intensity of a light near a user; a comparator device that compares the detected light intensity near the user against a dimness threshold; and an onboard projector in the pair of eyeglasses projecting a red light simultaneously into each eye of the user if the detected light intensity near the user becomes lower than the threshold.
US09366875B2 Light directing film
The present invention discloses a light directing film comprising a first structured major surface, a second major surface opposite to the first structured major surface and a reference plane between the first structured major surface and the second major surface, wherein the reference plane is substantially perpendicular to the thickness direction of the light directing film, wherein the first structured major surface comprises a first prism element and a second prism element extending substantially in a first direction, wherein a first ridge of the first prism element has a first height relative to the reference plane and a second ridge of the second prism element has a second height relative to the reference plane, wherein the first height of the first ridge of the first prism element varies along the first direction. Preferably, the maximum of the first height is larger than the maximum of the second height.
US09366874B2 Beam combining and deflecting device with one or more risley prism pairs deflecting an input beam in an adjustable direction
A beam combining device includes a plurality of separate input beam paths and an output beam path for combining a plurality of input beams to an output beam. One or a plurality of Risley prism pairs are assigned to each input beam path of the beam combining device. The prism pairs deflect the input beam in an adjustable direction. A device for deflecting a light beam includes a Risley prism pair that includes two prisms arranged one behind the other in the light beam path. At least one of the two prisms is mounted in a rotatable manner. An electromotive drive brings about a rotary movement of the rotatable prism. The electromotive drive is a piezoelectric vibration drive having a mechanical resonator and a piezoelectric element coupled thereto. The resonator bears against a friction wheel connected to the rotatable prism.
US09366870B2 Wearable display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a planar waveguide optical element, a projection optical system, and a microdisplay device. By including free-form optics and waveguide technology, the volume and weight of the display apparatus can be reduced, and an optical system can be realized with improved image quality, structure, and performance parameters.
US09366868B2 See-through computer display systems
Aspects of the present invention relate to providing see-through computer display optics.
US09366863B2 Two section head mounted display
A system is presented in which a head mounted display is realized in two sections such that a section that comes in contact with the human face may be cleaned and sanitized independently of a section with sensitive electronic and optical components.
US09366859B2 Touch projection system
A touch projection system includes a screen, an image-capturing device, a micromirror device, and a TIR prism disposed in front of the micromirror device. The TIR prism includes an optical path compensation structure or a hollowed channel, so that an image light from the screen, traveling through the TIR prism to be reflected by the micromirror device, can travel through the optical path compensation structure or the hollowed channel to avoid a probable optical path difference on the image light due to traveling through the TIR prism. Thereby, the invention can solve that a distortion may be induced in a touch image formed by the image-capturing device receiving the image light reflected by the micromirror device.
US09366858B2 Optically-controlled micromirror device
Technologies are generally described for using different wavelengths and/or using different frequencies of light to encode each of information data and control data in a beam of light and to use the encoded control data to route the encoded information data through a network. Routing may be effected using optical switches configured with transmissive and reflective properties, which may allow transmission of certain encoded control data and may allow reflection of certain information data, depending upon the routing for the travel of the light through the network.
US09366854B2 Re-imaging optical system
A re-imaging optical system is an object side telecentric optical system and includes a front group having a positive refractive power, an aperture stop, and a rear group having a positive refractive power, in this order from the object side, wherein the rear group is composed of a positive lens disposed on the object side and a negative lens disposed on an image side, each of the positive lens and the negative lens is formed of a single lens or a cemented lens, and conditional expressions (1) and (2) are satisfied. Here, fR1 is the focal distance of the negative lens, f is the focal distance of an entire system, and L is a total length from an object surface to an image surface: −2.2
US09366848B2 Wafer-level lens systems and methods for manufacturing the same
A wafer-level lens system includes one or more wafer-level lenses, each of the one or more wafer-level lenses having a substrate with opposing first and second surfaces, a first lens element of a first material and disposed on the first surface, and a second lens element of a second material and disposed on the second surface, wherein, for at least one of the one or more wafer-level lenses, the first material is different from the second material. Another wafer-level lens system includes three wafer-level lenses optically coupled in series with each other, each of the three wafer-level lenses having a substrate with opposing first and second surfaces, a first lens element disposed on the first surface and having an aspheric surface facing away from the first surface, and a second lens element disposed on the second surface and having an aspheric surface facing away from the second surface.
US09366826B2 Terminus assembly for terminating an optical cable
A terminus assembly is provided for terminating an optical cable that includes a plastic optical fiber (POF) having a tip segment that includes a tip surface. The terminus assembly includes a shell that includes a cable passage. The cable passage is configured to receive at least a portion of a length of the optical cable therein such that the tip segment of the POF extends within the cable passage. A POF stub is held by the shell. The POF stub extends a length from a mating end to a fiber end. The mating end of the POF stub is configured to optically couple with a mating POF of a mating connector. The fiber end of the POF stub includes a coupling surface. The POF stub is held by the shell such that the fiber end extends within the cable passage of the shell. The coupling surface of the fiber end is configured to be aligned with the tip surface of the POF within the cable passage of the shell such that the POF stub is optically coupled to the POF. The POF stub serves as a forward stop for the POF of the optical cable.
US09366825B2 Optical waveguide device module
An optical waveguide device module has an optical waveguide device including an optical waveguide formed in a substrate, and a control electrode for controlling light; and a connection substrate including an interconnection, provided to the outside of the waveguide device, electrically connected to the control electrode. The control electrode includes ground electrodes that sandwich a signal electrode. The connection substrate has ground lines that sandwich a signal line. A width of the signal electrode in an input or output end is smaller than a width of the signal line on the waveguide device side. A distance between inner edges of the ground electrodes closest to the signal electrode, measured at an input or output end of the control electrode, is larger than a distance between inner edges of the ground lines closest to the signal line on the waveguide device side of the connection substrate.
US09366818B1 Broadband silicon nitride polarization beam splitter
A compact polarization beam splitter is formed by cascading two stages of directional couplers each containing two waveguides laid in parallel with a coupling gap. Each waveguide is made by silicon nitride material having a minimum length configured to be comparable with a coupling length for a TE polarization mode being set as twice of a coupling length for a TM polarization mode. A first-stage direction coupler is optimized by making the coupling gap smaller/greater than a nominal value to maximize TE/TM extinction ratio at least for a shorter/longer wavelength window of a designated wavelength band and each of two second-stage directional couplers is optimized by making the coupling gap greater/smaller than the nominal value to maximize TE/TM extinction ratio at least for a complementary longer/shorter wavelength window of the same designated wavelength band.
US09366814B2 Method for preparing zero-mode waveguide arrays with coated walls
The application relates to methods of manufacture of improved optical containment structures. The invention relates to arrays of zero-mode waveguide structures comprising nanoscale apertures having non-reflective coatings on their walls. The methods provide for selectively coating the walls of the zero mode waveguides, allowing for selective functionalization of the bases.
US09366802B2 Curved display device
A curved display device includes a display panel having a display area on which an image is displayed; a receiving member receiving the display panel; and a cover member covering a border of the display panel to combine with the receiving member. The display panel has a bent shape along a first direction and a second direction crossing the first direction and each of the receiving member and the cover member is bent to maintain the bent shape of the display panel.
US09366796B2 Side lighting optical fiber
A side lighting optical fiber 1 having a core 2 containing a first light scattering agent 4, and a clad disposed generally concentric to the core and containing a second light scattering agent 5, such that light transmittance of the clad 3 at wavelength of 550 nm is in the range of 70-90%.
US09366794B2 Light guide and illumination device
A rod-shaped light guide operable to guide light entering a lateral end surface thereof to exit through a surface thereof is provided with: a recess in one lateral end thereof, having a predetermined depth in a longitudinal direction thereof, a bottom of the recess forming the lateral end surface; a positioning boss extending in the longitudinal direction from the one lateral end and inserted into a positioning hole in a substrate with a light source; and an engagement portion formed at the one lateral end to engage the substrate positioned by the positioning boss to the one lateral end so that a front surface of the substrate can abut on the one lateral end and the light source can be accommodated in the recess while being kept at a certain distance from the lateral end surface, the positioning boss and the engagement portion being formed integrally with the light guide.
US09366784B2 Low-color scratch-resistant articles with a multilayer optical film
Embodiments of this disclosure pertain to articles that exhibit scratch-resistance and improved optical properties. In some examples, the article exhibits a color shift of about 2 or less, when viewed at an incident illumination angle in the range from about 0 degrees to about 60 degrees from normal under an illuminant. In one or more embodiments, the articles include a substrate, and an optical film disposed on the substrate. The optical film includes a scratch-resistant layer and an optical interference layer. The optical interference layer may include one or more sub-layers that exhibit different refractive indices. In one example, the optical interference layer includes a first low refractive index sub-layer and a second a second high refractive index sub-layer. In some instances, the optical interference layer may include a third sub-layer.
US09366783B2 Silicon thin film solar cell having improved underlayer coating
A silicon thin film solar cell includes a substrate and an undercoating formed over the substrate. The undercoating includes first layer of tin oxide or titania and a second layer having a mixture of oxides of at least two of Sn, P, Si, Ti, Al, and Zr. A conductive coating is over the first coating. The conductive coating includes oxides of one or more of Zn, Fe, Mn, Al, Ce, Sn, Sb, Hf, Zr, Ni, Zn, Bi, Ti, Co, Cr, Si, or In or an alloy of two or more of these materials. A coated article has a substrate and an anti-iridescent layer formed over the substrate. The anti-iridescent layer has a metal oxide film and a homogeneous mixed oxide film. A functional film is over the anti-iridescent layer.
US09366781B2 Medical treatment system and methods using a plurality of fluid lines
A medical treatment system, such as peritoneal dialysis system, may include control and other features to enhance patient comfort and ease of use. For example, a peritoneal dialysis system may include patient line state detector for detecting whether a patient line is primed before it is to be connected to the patient. The patient line state detector can also the ability to detect whether a patient line has been properly mounted for priming. Both patient line presence/absence and fill state can be determined using an optical system, e.g., one that employs a single optical sensor.
US09366778B1 Pulse induction metal detector with quasi-resonant transmitter and associated method
A pulse induction metal detector with a quasi-resonant transmitter and associated method is provided. The metal detector may be of the type such as is typically moved over the ground surface for the purpose of detecting buried metal objects. The quasi-resonant transmitter may include circuit apparatus to capture and recycle flyback energy and to transmit a pulsed magnetic field for energizing metal object to be detected.
US09366775B2 Seismic data processing including internal multiple modeling without subsurface information
A system and method are disclosed for substantially eliminating the influence of internal multiples when seismic mapping under-water geographical areas of interest without a priori knowledge of subsurface information. The system and method iteratively locate multiple-generating horizons for predicting internal multiples and uses a lower-higher-lower relationship between the multiple generating horizons. The system and method provide an appropriate and cost-effective means for internal multiple attenuation without subsurface information.
US09366772B2 Method for creating a hierarchically layered earth model
Method for segmenting a geophysical data volume such as a seismic data volume (10) for ranking, prioritization, visualization or other analysis of subsurface structure. The method takes any initial segmentation (11) of the data volume, and progressively reduces the number of segments by pair combination (13) so that an optimal stage of combination may be determined and used for analysis (15).
US09366768B2 Radiation detector system and method
A radiation detector system/method that simultaneously detects alpha/beta, beta/gamma, or alpha/beta/gamma radiation within an integrated detector is disclosed. The system incorporates a photomultiplier tube with radiation scintillation materials to detect alpha/beta/gamma radiation. The photomultiplier tube output is then shape amplified and fed through discriminators to detect the individual radiation types. The discriminator outputs are fed to an anti-coincidence and pulse width and timing analysis module that determines whether individual alpha/beta/gamma pulses are valid and should be counted by corresponding alpha/beta/gamma pulse radiation counters. The system may include a radiation detection method to affect alpha/beta/gamma radiation detection in a variety of contexts. The system/method may be implemented in a variety of applications, including but not limited to whole body radiation contamination detectors, laundry radiation scanners, tool/article radiation detectors, and the like.
US09366767B2 Radiation detecting apparatus and radiation detecting system
A radiation detecting apparatus includes a scintillator and a photoelectric conversion panel. The photoelectric conversion panel includes a frame member disposed on an outer side of a photoelectric conversion section along at least a portion of one side of the photoelectric conversion panel. The frame member includes an inclined surface having a downward slope toward the photoelectric conversion section. The scintillator includes a first scintillator formed continuously on the inclined surface of the frame member and a surface of the photoelectric conversion section, and a second scintillator formed on the first scintillator. The first scintillator has a non-columnar crystal structure, and the second scintillator has a columnar crystal structure.
US09366764B2 Vehicular GPS/DR navigation with environmental-adaptive kalman filter gain
A method is provided for estimating position using an integrated Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)/dead reckoning (DR) (GNSS/DR) navigation system in a vehicle. The method includes: determining a current environment of the vehicle from a plurality of environments based on at least one parameter; calculating a Kalman filter-related parameter based on the determined current environment, wherein the Kalman filter-related parameter corresponds to a representation of weight given to GNSS navigation and DR navigation relative to one another; and estimating a position of the vehicle based on the calculated Kalman filter-related parameter utilizing a Kalman filter.
US09366752B2 Proximity sensor with asymmetric optical element
A proximity sensor may be mounted below a display cover layer in an electronic device. The proximity sensor may have a light source that emits light and a detector configured to detect reflections of the emitted light from nearby external objects. Optical structures may be interposed between the proximity sensor and the window in the display cover layer. The optical structures may include a first portion such as a convex lens that is configured to collimate light from the light source so that the light propagates along a surface normal to the display cover layer. The optical structures may also include a second portion such as a prism structure for deflecting uncollimated light away from the propagation axis of the collimated light.
US09366736B2 Sealed magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance probe and process for spectroscopy of hazardous samples
A magic-angle-spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) probe is described that includes double containment enclosures configured to seal and contain hazardous samples for analysis. The probe is of a modular design that ensures containment of hazardous samples during sample analysis while preserving spin speeds for superior NMR performance and convenience of operation.
US09366735B2 Optical pumping magnetometer
Stable magnetic field measurement is enabled without collapse of polarization or fluctuation of intensity of a laser beam incident on a glass cell of an optical pumping magnetic sensor. Excitation light generated with a light source, having optimized light intensity and polarized wave, through frequency stabilization, intensity control and polarized-wave control, is introduced via a polarized wave holding optical fiber to a magnetic sensor provided in a magnetic shield, and magnetic field measurement is performed by optical pumping using magneto-optical properties of spin-polarized alkali metal. The magnetic sensor has a structure where a lens, a polarization optical device, the glass cell and a photodetector, are integrally accommodated in a non-magnetic case.
US09366733B2 Sensor package and method for producing a sensor package having alignment marks or structures
Some embodiments herein relate to a sensor package. The sensor package includes a printed circuit board with a laminar current conductor arranged on a first main surface of the printed circuit board. The sensor package also includes a sensor chip adapted to measure a current flowing through the laminar current conductor, wherein the sensor chip comprises a magnetic field sensor. The sensor chip is electrically insulated from the current conductor by the printed circuit board, and is arranged on a second main surface of the printed circuit board opposite to the first main surface. The sensor chip is hermetically sealed between the mold material and the printed circuit board, or is arranged in the printed circuit board and hermetically sealed by the printed circuit board.
US09366723B2 Test coverage of integrated circuits with masking pattern selection
A method of locating faulty logic on a semiconductor chip is disclosed. The method may include determining failure rates for the semiconductor chip, which contain one or more logic elements. The method also may include determining a masking pattern using failure rates. The masking pattern may mask less than all of the logic elements using a determination method. The method may also include applying a test vector to a selected logic element, wherein the result from a test vector is compared to a reference.
US09366715B2 Fault direction parameter indicator device and related methods
A method of determining a fault direction parameter of a fault on an AC transmission line of a power distribution system relative to a measurement location of the transmission line. The method includes measuring a time-dependent AC current of the transmission line at the measurement location to obtain time-domain current data indicative of the measured current, obtaining a time of the fault on the transmission line, identifying first and second times by identifying a periodically re-occurring feature of the current data, such that the fault time is between the first and second times, extracting, from the current data, an offset indicative parameter indicative of a time offset of the current at the fault time and between the first and second times, calculating an offset direction parameter by comparing the offset indicative parameter to a non-offset indicative parameter, and establishing the fault direction parameter based on the offset direction parameter.
US09366711B2 Test device, test system and method for testing a power engineering test object
In order to test a power engineering test object (14), a test signal is generated by a first test device (2), which is supplied by the first test device (2) to a second test device (3) to be amplified by the same and to be output to the power engineering test object (14). Further, the test signal may be applied by the first test device (2) to the power engineering test object (14), the test signal preferably being time-synchronously output by the first test device (2) and the second test device (3) to the power engineering test object (14).
US09366705B2 Condition monitoring by cross-correlation of switching-mode power supplies
A method of monitoring an output signal of a switching-mode power supply for the presence and magnitude of the switching frequency comprises sampling the output signal at a sampling frequency above the minimum Nyquist limit to provide a succession of samples; cross-correlating a reference signal and the samples to provide cross-correlation values; and monitoring the cross-correlation values to ascertain the magnitude of a component of the output signal at or near the frequency of the reference signal.
US09366697B2 Micromachined on-wafer probes and related method
A micromachining process to fabricate a single chip that simple drops into a supporting structure. The micromachining process provides the ability to create a probe that will interface with integrated circuits, for example, operating at frequencies in the range of about 100 GHz to about 3,000 GHz (3 THz). This approach creates a silicon structure (or other applicable choice of material) that provides mechanical force for probing while supporting the transfer of the high frequency energy between a measurement system and the integrated circuit, individual device or material.
US09366696B2 Roll to roll tester and method of testing flexible substrates roll to roll
An apparatus for testing of a plurality of electronic devices on a flexible substrate is described. The apparatus includes at least two rollers configured for guiding the flexible substrate into a testing area along transport direction, at least one prober configured for electrically contacting one or more of the electronic devices, at least one probing support configured for supporting a portion of the flexible substrate during electrical contact with the at least one prober, and a test device for functional testing of one or more of the electronic devices.
US09366692B2 Acceleration compensation of load sensors
In a mechanical test system, a method of compensating for acceleration induced load error in a load sensor in a mechanical communication with a component comprises measuring an acceleration of the component to obtain an acceleration measurement. A load sensor measures a force applied by the mechanical test system to a test sample in substantially a same direction of the acceleration to obtain a force measurement. The force measurement is modified with a transfer function that includes at least one of a gain correction and a phase correction to compensate for an error value in the force measurement attributed to movement of at least the load sensor when the force is applied to the test sample.
US09366691B2 Multiplexed fiber optic sensing system and method
A sensing system includes plurality of sensors along the lengths of input and output optical fibers. Each sensor receives broadband pulses from the input fiber, dynamically senses a plurality of physical parameters in a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of predefined wavelength bands, and forms signal pulses from the broadband pulses by transmitting only a single wavelength within each wavelength band. Each single wavelength has a dynamically-varying peak wavelength value indicative of the corresponding sensed physical parameter. The signal pulses from the output optical fiber are directed into one or more interferometers, which produce a phase deviation corresponding to each dynamically-varying peak wavelength value.
US09366687B2 Angular velocity detecting device
A high-performance angular rate detecting device is provided. A driving part including a drive frame and a Coriolis frame is leviated by at least two fixing beams which share a fixed end and are extending in a direction orthogonal to a driving direction, thereby vibrating the driving part. Even when a substrate is deformed by mounting or heat fluctuation, internal stress generated to the fixed beam and a supporting beam is small, thereby maintaining a vibrating state such as resonance frequency and vibration amplitude constant. Therefore, a high-performance angular rate detecting device which is robust to changes in mounting environment can be obtained.
US09366664B2 Device for measurement of exhaled nitric oxide concentration
Described is a personal device and methods for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a sample of gas. The device and method may utilize a chemically selective sensor element with low power consumption integrated with circuitry that enables wireless communication between the sensor and any suitable electronic readout such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer. In preferred form, the sensor circuitry relies upon the quantum capacitance effect of graphene as a transduction mechanism. Also in preferred form, the device and method employ the functionalization of the graphene-based sensor to determine the concentration of nitric oxide in exhaled breath.
US09366660B2 Device for analyzing the internal atmosphere of the casing of an electronic rotating machine
The present invention relates to a device for analyzing the internal atmosphere of the casing of an electric rotating machine comprising a housing with an atmosphere inlet opening, a suction pump for drawing the atmosphere within the casing of the electric machine, a pump inlet conduit for placing the atmosphere inlet opening in fluid communication with the suction pump, an atmosphere inlet conduit adapted to place the interior of the casing in fluid communication with the atmosphere inlet opening, transducer means adapted to measure the percentage volume of at least one explosive compound present in the atmosphere drawn by the pump and adapted to generate an electric signal proportional to the percentage volume of the explosive compound. The device also comprises comparison means adapted to compare the percentage volume of at least one explosive compound with a predetermined threshold value of percentage volume. The comparison means are also adapted to generate an electric alarm signal when the predetermined threshold value is exceeded.
US09366659B2 Apparatuses and methods for detecting the production of methamphetamine
A system for detecting a gas released during production of methamphetamine in a residential building includes a sensor. The sensor is attached to a part of the residential building. The sensor outputs a signal in response to detection of a concentration of the gas up to a lower explosive limit of the gas. The system includes a communication link. The communication link receives a signal from the sensor and is configured to produce an output in response to the signal.
US09366657B2 Method for examining reaction layer for fuel cell
The purpose of the present invention is to grasp the state in which hydrophilic groups of an electrolyte are distributed in a reaction layer for fuel cells. Nitric acid groups are bonded to hydrophilic groups (sulfonic acid groups) contained in a reaction layer for fuel cells, and metal ions capable of forming a nitrosyl complex with the nitric acid groups, e.g., ruthenium ions, are introduced into the reaction layer to dye the nitric acid groups bonded to the hydrophilic groups contained in the reaction layer. When the hydrophilic groups have agglomerated, the nitric acid groups bonded thereto also agglomerate. When said nitric acid groups are dyed with ruthenium, the ruthenium also agglomerates to make it possible to examine said nitric acid groups with an electron microscope.
US09366656B2 Analysis device provided with discharge ionization current detector
An analysis device comprising a discharge ionization current detector, a plasma gas supply section, a sample gas supply section, a flow rate setting condition holding section and a gas flow rate setting means controller. The flow rate setting condition holding section holds, as a flow rate setting condition, a relationship between a sample gas supply flow rate from the sample gas supply section and a supply flow rate of plasma gas to be set with respect to the sample gas supply flow rate and the gas flow rate controller is configured to set a plasma gas supply flow rate from the plasma gas supply section to a flow rate according to the sample gas supply flow rate, based on the flow rate setting condition held in the flow rate setting condition holding section.
US09366651B2 Array of sensors with surface modifications
Surface modifications to sensors in an array give the sensors different functionalities for adsorbing or binding molecules. A first sensor in the array includes a first resonating member having a first surface comprising a receptor material coated over a first underlying material. A second sensor includes a second resonating member having a second surface comprising the receptor material coated over a second underlying material that is different than the first underlying material. The first underlying material, the second underlying material, and the receptor material are selected such that the first resonating member, having a combination of the receptor material and the first underlying material, has a different ability to adsorb or bind a mass of one or more analytes than does the second resonating member having a combination of the receptor material with the second underlying material. Methods for fabricating sensors with surface modifications are also provided.
US09366640B2 Sparse and energy discriminating collimated detector elements to assist scatter evaluation in CT imaging
A computed-tomography apparatus that includes a CT scanner including an X-ray source and a detector covering respective angle ranges in the axial and transaxial planes of the CT scanner. The CT detector includes first detector elements disposed on a first surface to capture incident X-ray photons emitted from the X-ray source, and second detector elements sparsely disposed on a second surface different from the first surface, the second surface being farther away from the scanner than the first surface, the second detector elements being smaller in number than the first detector elements. Each of the second detector elements is reachable only by X-ray photons originating in a small angle range around a line connecting the X-ray source and a center of the surface of the detector element, the small angle range being determined by the predetermined distance separating the first and second surfaces and a size of the detector element.
US09366639B2 Method and device for visually inspecting objects to be tested during the production and/or packaging of cigarettes
A method and a device for the optical testing of objects during the production and/or packaging of cigarettes, in particular of cigarette packs and/or blanks for cigarette packs and/or overprints and/or print substrates on or for cigarette packs, with the aid of a suitable testing device. For at least one feature characterizing the test object, in particular in a visual respect, a set of feature-value alternatives for the corresponding feature that are stored in a memory is displayed on a display means. By means of an input device, one of the displayed feature values of the set of feature-value alternatives is selected. The testing device is automatically set up or preset for the subsequent testing operations, in particular an evaluating device and/or an illuminating device and/or a suitable light detector of the testing device, the selection of the feature value influencing the setting up of the testing device.
US09366635B2 Optical biosensor and method of operating the same
An optical biosensor may include a biosensing unit, detection unit, and signal processing unit. The biosensing unit may be configured for receiving first and second optical signals (which are generated from a phase-modulated optical signal), outputting a sensing signal by transmitting the first optical signal via a first optical path that includes a sensing resonator, and outputting a reference signal by transmitting the second optical signal via a second optical path that includes a reference resonator. The detection unit may be configured for receiving the sensing signal and the reference signal, detecting a phase element of each of the sensing signal and the reference signal through a signal demodulation operation, and detecting a phase difference between the sensing signal and the reference signal according to the detected phase elements. The signal processing unit may be configured for calculating the concentration of a bio-material based on the detected phase difference.
US09366633B2 Apparatus based on a hand-held Raman laser device integrating multiple functional systems for distant life-death determination
Multiple functional systems are integrated to configure a portable handheld decision-aid device for first responder medics. Fuzzy membership functions of “life” and “death” are used to determine the status of fallen people using remote measurements. EO/IR cameras can be used to detect and identify casualties in a mass injury situation, while also estimating body temperature. Using the temperature, along with the remote estimation of a second vital sign, the life membership proportion can be estimated from the ground truth by using a 2D projection of stable vital signs. The other fuzzy membership function, death, can be estimated by the presence or absence of peri-mortem and post-mortem molecules. These molecules are only released after death and provide a certain indication of death. Solid state UV laser resonance Raman backscattering from these molecules allows the device to analyze the molecules present in a plume around the casualty.
US09366631B2 Integrated systems for the multiplexed amplification and detection of six and greater dye labeled fragments
The present disclosure provides fully integrated microfluidic systems to perform nucleic acid analysis. These processes include sample collection, nucleic acid extraction and purification, amplification, sequencing, and separation and detection. The present disclosure also provides optical detection systems and methods for separation and detection of biological molecules. In particular, the various aspects of the invention enable the simultaneous separation and detection of a plurality of biological molecules, typically fluorescent dye-labeled nucleic acids, within one or a plurality of microfluidic chambers or channels. The nucleic acids can be labeled with at least 6 dyes, each having a unique peak emission wavelength. The present systems and methods are particularly useful for DNA fragment sizing applications such as human identification by genetic fingerprinting and DNA sequencing applications such as clinical diagnostics.
US09366625B2 Surface measurement device
In conventional technologies in surface measurement and defect inspection, considerations are not made for the following points: (1) coarseness of resolution of spatial frequency; (2) variation of detection signal resulting from anisotropy of microroughness; and (3) variation of background signal resulting from anisotropy of microroughness. The present invention is characterized by acquiring a feature quantity about the anisotropy of the microroughness of the substrate surface. Further, the present invention is characterized by acquiring a surface state in consideration of the anisotropy of the microroughness of the substrate surface. Further the present invention is characterized by detecting a defect over the substrate in consideration of the anisotropy of the microroughness of the substrate surface.
US09366622B2 Heterodyne detection system and method
An active heterodyne detection system comprises a continuously tuneable laser source (1) emitting infra-red radiation, means (8) to split the infra-red radiation into a first part and a second part, means (4) to provide a frequency shift between the first part and the second part, means (8, 9) to direct the first part of the infra-red radiation to a target (2), means (4) to provide the second part of the infra-red radiation as a local oscillator, means (8, 9) to collect a scattered component of the first part of the infra-red light from the target (2), and means (5) to mix the scattered component and the local oscillator and route them to a detector (3) for heterodyne detection over a continuous spectral range. A method of active heterodyne detection over a continuous spectral range is also disclosed.
US09366612B2 Methods and apparatus to obtain suspended particle information
An apparatus for obtaining suspended particle information includes an optical array to divide light to a first path and a second path, a platform to orient a first and second container with either the first or second path, and a first and second photodetector to receive at least a direct illuminating component of the light of the first and second path after said light penetrates through the first and second container. A detector interface receives transmission signals from the first and second photodetectors of the direct illuminating component of the light after penetrating through the first and second container and a calculation engine computes the particle information based on a ratio of the received transmission signals.
US09366610B2 Portable digital display hardness tester
The invention relates to a material hardness testing instrument, specifically to a portable digital display hardness tester, comprising a magnetic chuck, a support, a force measuring device, an indenter, an electronic circuit board, a digital display, and a force applying and indentation depth measuring device consisting of a hand wheel, a rotary encoder and a micrometric screw pair. The support is equipped with the rotary encoder. The micrometric nut is installed in a hole. The digital display is located in the front. The support is fixed on the magnetic chuck. The micrometric nut is internally provided with the micrometric screw. The rotating shaft of the rotary encoder is connected with the micrometric screw and rotates along with the micrometric screw. The upper end of the micrometric screw is connected with the hand wheel, while the lower end is connected with the force measuring device. The lower end of the force measuring device is connected with the indenter. The hand wheel, the micrometric screw, the force measuring device and the indenter are connected and coaxial, capable of moving axially along with the rotation of the hand wheel. The invention is simply structured, convenient in reading, easy to operate, high in accuracy, capable of being applied to the onsite, quick hardness testing of large parts, and capable of testing the Brinell hardness and Vickers hardness through depth measurement.
US09366605B2 Histological specimen treatment apparatus and method
Method and apparatus for processing tissue specimens against decomposition, putrefaction and autolysis which use a simple three step procedure in a single vessel or container. First, the specimens are saturated with a solvent mixture of a ketone and a hydrocarbon, e.g., an Acetone/Hexane or an Acetone/Xylene mixture, to dissolve lipids and other cellular solutes. The container is then flooded with melted Paraffin. In a last step, the solvent mixture is vaporized and evacuated from the container, allowing the melted Paraffin to replace the vaporized solvent and impregnate the specimens. Raw, i.e., non-processed and non-burred specimens up to 5 mm thick can be processed in about 60 minutes. A solvent regenerator distills the evacuated solvent; and converts vent waste gases into carbon dioxide and water through a thermocatalytic oxidizer.
US09366602B2 Particulate material sample divider
A particulate material sample divider includes a separation cone extending downwardly and radially outwardly from a central apex to an annular bottom edge with separator baffles supported on an outer surface of the separation cone at circumferentially spaced apart positions so as to define alternate first and second channels extends downwardly and radially outwardly between respective adjacent pairs of the baffles. A hopper supported above the separation cone discharges the sample over the cone for separation into the first and second channels. Each second channel only communicates with a second collection area to an outer side of a divider wall between the bottom edge of the cone. Each first channel includes an aperture in the separation cone such that each first channel only communicates through the aperture to a first collection area at an inner side of the divider wall.
US09366599B2 Method for measuring the deformation of a turbo-machine blade during operation of the turbo-machine
A method for measuring the deformation of a turbo-machine blade including: a step of positioning at least one accelerometer onto a local point of the turbo-machine blade; a first step of measuring the centrifugal force, by the accelerometer, at the local point of the turbo-machine blade along the given measurement direction at a first predetermined speed; a second step of measuring the centrifugal, at a second predetermined speed; a step of determining the angular displacement of the measurement direction of the accelerometer relative to the centrifugal direction as a function of the first acceleration measurement and the second acceleration measurement, said angular displacement corresponding to an angular deformation of the local point of the turbo-machine blade.
US09366597B2 Leak detector
A leak-detecting sensor device (120) for a hose section (105) comprises a sensor (145a, b). The sensor (145a, b) comprises an optical fiber arranged to react to the presence of a fluid. The sensor (145a, b) is housed in a protective sleeve that is arranged for expansion and contraction when the hose section (105) expands and contracts, respectively. A tension mechanism connects a first end of the sensor to the protective sleeve and is arranged to tension the sensor within the sleeve.
US09366594B2 Combustion pressure sensor
A combustion pressure sensor (1) includes a housing (2) having an axial hole (23), a flexible member (8) fixed at one end to the housing (2) and being displaceable along the direction of axis (CL1), a pressure transmission body (3) whose outer circumferential surface is fixed to the other end of the flexible member (8), and a sensor element (42) fixed to the housing (2) and outputting a signal on the basis of a pressure applied thereto from the pressure transmission body (3). The housing (2) includes a main body portion (21) having a screw portion (24), and a cap member (22) having a press contact portion (26) which is pressed against the internal combustion engine when the screw portion (24) is screwed into the mounting hole of an internal combustion engine. The one end of the flexible member (8) is fixed to the main body portion (21).
US09366590B2 Torque sensor for measuring torsion of steering column and measurement method using the same
A torque sensor is provided and includes a rotor and stator. The rotor includes a plurality of magnet, while the stator includes a plurality of teeth respectively corresponding to the plurality of magnets. A magnetic flux is provided by the plurality of teeth and the plurality of magnets and flows in one direction.
US09366589B2 Sensor for measuring mechanical stress which can be adapted to cables with different gauges
The invention relates to a sensor for measuring mechanical stress which can be adapted to cables with different gauges, made up of a body with a machined area for a strain gauge and three pivots—an upper, a lower and a central pivot—which are distributed on the front surface, the upper pivot being stationary and the lower pivot being retractable, which has a central pivot attached to the body via a movable attachment which, in a mechanical manner, enables horizontal movement thereof towards either side of the body, adapting to the gauge of the cable. The movable attachment is an attachment plate to which the central pivot is connected by a thread inserted on a screw, provided at the center of the body, in a recess having front and rear openings. The screw passes through the body from side to side in the recess and is attached by a nut.
US09366586B2 High temperature uncooled optical probe
An optical probe includes a first end, a second end, an outer housing, an inner housing concentric with the outer housing, flow holes within the inner housing at the first end, and an optics holder within the inner housing between the flow holes and the second end. The optical probe further includes high temperature optical lenses inside the optics holder between the flow holes and the second end, fiber holders inside the optics holder between the high temperature optical lenses and the second end, optical fibers coated in a high temperature material extending from inside fiber holders towards the second end, and a high temperature adhesive for securing the optical fibers, the fiber holders, and the high temperature optical lenses.
US09366585B2 Device for measuring force components, and method for its production
A device for measuring force components formed from a single crystal material, wherein the device comprises at least one cantilever beam inclined to a wafer plane normal and formed in one piece with a mass body, which mass body provides a mass of inertia. The mass body has a first and a second major surface which are substantially parallel with a wafer plane. A mass body cross section presents a portion which is substantially symmetrical along a centrally (in the thickness direction) located plane parallel with the wafer plane. Disclosed is also a method for its production and an accelerometer comprising at least one such device. The device allow for a more compact 3-axis accelerometer.
US09366584B2 Portable electronic device
In a portable electronic device components (2) consuming electrical power during operation may generate heat. A temperature sensor (1) for sensing an ambient temperature (TS) of the portable electronic device may as a consequence not supply the correct temperature value. It is suggested to provide a compensator (4) for determining a compensated ambient temperature (TA) dependent on at least the sensed ambient temperature (TS) and information (Pi) related to the electrical power consumed by at least one of the components (2). After a power down and a reactivation of the portable electronic device, actual internal states (x(b)) of the compensation model are estimated dependent on last internal states (x(a)) stored at the power down, dependent on an estimated course of the sensed temperature (T*S) between the interruption and the reactivation, and dependent on an estimated course of the information (P*i) related to the electrical power consumed by the at least one heat source (2) between the interruption and the reactivation.
US09366577B2 Coupling device for connecting an optical waveguide to an associated optical waveguide connection
A coupling device for an optical waveguide includes an optical waveguide connection for a first optical waveguide. The coupling device includes an optical filter arranged in a beam path between a laser light source and the optical waveguide connection which reflects light of a first wavelength range or a first polarization direction and transmits light of a second wavelength range or a second polarization direction.
US09366570B1 Photodiode operable in photoconductive mode and photovoltaic mode
A body-mountable device equipped with a light sensor is disclosed. The light sensor includes a photodiode that operates in either a photoconductive mode or a photovoltaic mode depending on whether the photodiode is reverse biased. A group of switches are arranged to selectively couple the photodiode to first and second voltage sources to configure the photodiode to operate in either mode. A controller selects a mode of operation of the photodiode and controls the switches to cause the photodiode to respond to incident light while operating in the selected mode. The controller then obtains a measurement from the photodiode indicative of the intensity of light received during an exposure interval. The light sensor can thus include a single photodiode and yet be used to alternately obtain measurements based on the photoconductive response of the photodiode or based on the photovoltaic response of the photodiode.
US09366559B2 Coriolis flow meter
A Coriolis flow meter for measuring a liquid volume fraction of a multiphase flow. The Coriolis meter includes a vibrating measurement conduit through which the multiphase flow, a wet gas flow or the like, is flowed and measured and/or analyzed. Operation of the Coriolis flow meter includes obtaining a measure of the input energy required to vibrate the conduit and a measure of the vibrational energy of the conduit, and determining the liquid volume fraction of the wet gas flow from the input energy and the vibrational energy. The liquid volume fraction may be used to correct other measurements made by the Coriolis flow meter such as density or mass flow rate.
US09366554B2 Real time retention check tool
A number of variations may include a method that may include providing a first part that may include a snap ring, a second part, and a retention check tool that may include an accelerometer. The method may further include assembling the first part and the second part such that the snap ring abuts the second part thereby producing vibration. The method may further include detecting the vibration of the snap ring and generating a corresponding first signal representing the vibration of the snap ring. The method may further include measuring a difference between the first signal and a predetermined baseline signal via the controller to determine a pass or fail status of the first signal. The method may further include generating a second signal representing the pass or fail status of the first signal and indicating the pass or fail status of the first signal.
US09366553B2 Automated insertion of a contact rod into a metallurgical probe
A metallurgical probe has a probe longitudinal axis and an open end face. The probe is fitted within a bearing point in such a manner that the open end face faces a predetermined insertion direction. The bearing point has probe centering elements to hold the probe in a predetermined probe position as seen transversely with respect to the probe longitudinal axis. A device inserts an end of the contact rod into a contact rod centering device, in an insertion direction running transversely with respect to the probe longitudinal axis, until the end of the contact rod is positioned, on account of the insertion into the contact rod centering device, in a predetermined contact rod position, in which the end of the contact rod is opposite the open end face. The contact rod is then moved in a direction of the probe longitudinal axis and is inserted into the probe.
US09366551B2 Optical sensor having a characteristic changing part in a characteristic light guiding member
An optical sensor has a light source, a characteristic light-guiding member, a characteristic changing part, a detecting unit, and an optical connecting unit. The optical connecting unit has a light branching unit configured to branch the light emitted from the light source to the characteristic light-guiding member, and branches the light guided by the characteristic light-guiding member to the detecting unit.
US09366550B2 Optical encoder having a scale comprising a light guiding portion with reflection surfaces and a light guiding function
An optical encoder includes a light projecting portion, a light receiving portion, and a scale arranged between the light projecting portion and the light receiving portion. The scale includes a light guiding portion which allows light to transmit therethrough and has a light guiding function of guiding at least a part of the light projected by the light projecting portion in a direction perpendicular to a thickness direction thereof through the light guiding portion. The light receiving portion receives the light guided by the scale and relatively moves with respect to the scale.
US09366549B2 State sensor systems and methods
Sensor systems comprising a magnetic circuit comprising a coil, a magnet, at least one of a ferromagnetic armature plate and a conductive armature plate, wherein the at least one of the ferromagnetic armature plate and the conductive armature plate is configured to move axially in response to at least one of the magnet and the coil, and a controller configured to apply a known first voltage across the coil and monitor a current through the coil are provided. Methods are also provided.
US09366546B2 Projected synthetic vision
Projected synthetic vision methods, systems and computer readable media are disclosed. For example, a system can include one or more sensors, a terrain database, and a projected synthetic vision controller coupled to the one or more sensors and the terrain database, the projected synthetic vision controller configured to generate and project synthetic vision images based on aircraft position, terrain information and aviator boresight information. The system can also include one or more projectors coupled to the projected synthetic vision controller.
US09366543B1 Intelligent navigation instruction generator
A method includes obtaining a current location and a destination at a user navigation system, obtaining prior route information corresponding to routes taken by the user, generating directions for communication to the user to aid in navigation from the current location to the destination, wherein the directions are modified based on the prior route information to reduce a granularity of the directions, receiving additional information regarding a route between the current location and the destination, and further modifying the modified generated directions based on the received additional information.
US09366527B2 Method for determining the orientation of two shafts connected via two universal joints and a third shaft with a pivot joint
A method for measuring and optionally correcting the angular offset of two shafts which are connected to one another by way of two universal joints and a third shaft calls for the measurement heads of an optoelectronic alignment device to be adjustably arranged on the shafts by means of at least one pivot joint on one of the clamping devices, with an adjustment capacity involves matching of the orientation of the measurement heads of the optoelectronic alignment device on the shafts in at least two measurement positions by adjusting the pivot joint.
US09366526B2 Three-dimensional position measurement system
A plurality of optical fibers is helically embedded in tubular installation layers on the outer circumferential surface of a shaped body having a circular cross section. A three-dimensional position of the shaped body after deformed produced by bend, torsion, or stretch due to external force is measured by utilizing frequency change or phase change of pulse laser light emitted into the optical fibers caused by Brillouin scattering and/or Rayleigh scattering occurring in the optical fiber deformed in accordance with the shaped body deformation.
US09366520B2 Device for measuring surface dimensions of an object
The invention relates to a device for measuring surface dimensions of an object, comprising an elongate flexible material piece, which is supported on a roller in such a way that the material piece can be unwound and on the end of which a probe is provided, wherein the roller is connected to a base of the device in such a way that the roller can be rotated about a vertical axis, and wherein two sensors are provided, by means of which the unwound length of the material piece and the angle of the roller with respect to the base can be detected, wherein the base consists of a planar bottom plate and the roller is arranged on the side facing away from the contact surface of the bottom plate.
US09366506B2 Coated ballistic structures and methods of making same
A durable ceramic and metallic coating has been applied to ceramic tiles to protect the tiles while undergoing a molten metal casting operation. The plasma sprayed coating consists of a ceramic top coat layer of aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, or other oxides with or without a metallic bond coat layer and with or without a functionally gradient coating. This coating protects the underlying ceramic tile, which is composed of boron carbide, silicon carbide, alumina (Al2O3) or other type of hard ceramic, from reacting chemically with the molten metal. The molten metal is cast around the ceramic tiles to create a lattice of ceramic tiles that are used for protection from projectiles and shrapnel.
US09366503B2 Gunshot detection stabilized turret robot
A mobile, remotely controlled robot comprising a robot drive subsystem for maneuvering the robot, a turret on the robot, a turret drive for moving the turret, a noise detection subsystem for detecting the probable origin of a noise, a robot position and movement sensor subsystem, a turret position sensor subsystem, and one or more processors, responsive to the noise detection subsystem, the robot position and movement sensor subsystem. The turret position sensor subsystem is configured to control the turret drive to orient the turret to aim a device mounted thereto at the origin of the noise and to maintain said aim as the robot moves.
US09366502B2 Interlocking turret system
A turret system for use with a firearm scope is provided, wherein the turret system comprises a plurality of turrets connected in an interlocked and telescoping orientation. The system may include a first turret having a hollow body and a second turret that may be at least partially received within the hollow body of the first turret. The first turret can be selectively axially movable relative to the second turret such that the second turret may be at least partially exposed when the first turret is in a raised position and the second turret may be substantially covered when the first turret is in a lowered position. The first turret may include a first set of calibration data thereon tailored to a first set of shooting conditions and the second turret may include a second set of calibration data thereon tailored to a second set of shooting conditions.
US09366501B2 Weapon safety device
Disclosed is a safety device that maintains a weapon inside a holster in a locked state without requiring the gun to be removed from the holster beforehand. In the embodiments, a single safety device can be used on a variety of holsters to lock the gun inside the holster, without requiring removal of the gun from the holster, therefore preventing children or other unauthorized individuals from accessing the gun and the gun's trigger.
US09366492B2 Ammunition magazine base pad retaining plate
An ammunition magazine base pad retaining plate is provided with a protrusion including a shaft portion, a flange portion having a lager cross sectional diameter than the shaft portion, and a longitudinal slot to allow lateral compression. When attached to a magazine base pad in a magazine assembly, the configuration of the base pad retaining plate eliminates the possibility that the base pad retaining plate will disengage from the base pad resulting in catastrophic disassembly of the ammunition magazine.
US09366491B1 Brass catching device
This device will catch and capture expended brass casings as they are ejected out of a weapon during shooting practice at a target range. This will save money in terms of allowing the individual to repack their casings and also prevent a littering problem from a multitude of brass casings, which have been ejected from weapons that are found on shooting ranges.
US09366490B2 Flexible chute, in particular for ammunition
In the field of feeding ammunition to a firearm there is disclosed a flexible chute including successive sections (2) linked by portions of walls (111, 112, 131) at the transverse faces thereof and including at least one tubular section (2) of axis G with a first portion of wall (111, 112) integral with one of the two transverse faces thereof and a second portion (131) of wall integral with the other transverse face, characterized in that the projections of these portions of wall, perpendicular to a transverse plane of the section, are at least partially separate.
US09366487B2 Heat exchanger having enhanced performance
The invention relates to a heat exchanger including at least one elongate tube (3) adapted for the flow of a coolant, and at least one collection box (5) for such a coolant and into which one end of said tube leads, wherein the collection box includes a collector (9) having an element for receiving the end of said tube, the receiving element including a portion (19) projecting inwardly and shaped into an area for supporting said tube. According to the invention, the receiving element further includes a connection portion (21) for the inwardly projecting portion opposite the collector, and said connection portion protrudes on the side of the collector opposite the collection box such that said inwardly projecting portion (19) and said connection portion (21) have mutually opposite projecting directions.
US09366486B2 Heat exchanger
Heat exchanger having a housing, having a fluid inlet and having a fluid outlet, wherein the heat exchanger is in fluid communication via the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet with a fluid circuit, having a flow-guiding element in the interior of the housing, wherein the housing is formed from a substantially planar housing upper part and a substantially trough-like housing lower part, wherein the housing lower part has a base region and an encircling side wall, wherein the housing lower part is formed by a supporting structure and an encasement and the supporting structure is at least partially surrounded by the encasement, wherein the supporting structure is formed from a metallic material, and the encasement is formed substantially from a plastic, wherein the housing upper part is formed from a plastic and the housing lower part is connected to the housing upper part substantially by means of plastic-on-plastic contact.
US09366471B2 Appliance and a handle assembly for an appliance
A handle assembly for mounting to a door of an appliance includes a tubular main body and an insert received within the tubular main body. A pin is disposed within a passage of the insert. A distal end of the pin engages a projection. The insert, pin and bracket can assist with mounting the tubular main body to the appliance.
US09366459B2 Cryogenic refrigerator
A cryogenic refrigerator includes a compressor having a return end and a suction end that selectively connects to an expansion space, a housing having an assist space that communicates to the return end, a cylinder having one end connected to the housing and another end connected to the expansion space, a displacer that undergoes a reciprocating motion inside the cylinder, and tolerates flow of a working gas to and from the expansion space, and a drive shaft that is accommodated within the housing and drives the displacer. The drive shaft includes first and second parts having different cross sectional areas, sealed and supported by first and second seals, respectively. An end of the first part opposes the housing to form the assist space, and an end of the second part connects to the displacer.
US09366456B2 Concentrated solar tower assembly and method
A concentrated solar tower assembly includes a hollow tower structure defining lower and upper portions. The lower portion includes a closable opening region for configuring a closable opening, and the upper portion includes a top gird having inner and outer top grids. The assembly further includes a solar receiver steam generator entirely installed at the ground level G on the inner top grid simultaneous to erection of the tower. The generator on the inner top grid is slidingly directed within the tower from the closable opening to be entirely accommodated therewithin. Thereafter, the generator on the inner top grid is lifted for being placed along the upper portion of the tower.
US09366452B2 Air-conditioning apparatus with primary and secondary heat exchange cycles
An air-conditioning apparatus capable of achieving enhancement of the system COP while suppressing product cost. The air-conditioning apparatus controls the difference between the temperatures of brine at a position before and at a position after an indoor heat exchanger or at a position before and at a position after an intermediate heat exchanger to be a preset target value and to be larger at the time of a heating operation than at the time of a cooling operation.
US09366445B2 System and method for supporting fuel nozzles inside a combustor
A system for supporting fuel nozzles inside a combustor includes a ring that circumferentially surrounds the fuel nozzles inside the combustor, a support plate that extends radially inside at least a portion of the ring, and a first connection between the support plate and at least one of the fuel nozzles inside the combustor. A second connection is between the support plate and the ring. A method for supporting fuel nozzles in a combustor includes surrounding the fuel nozzles with a ring, connecting a support plate to the ring, and connecting the support plate to at least one fuel nozzle.
US09366444B2 Flexible component providing sealing connection
A sealing component (61) for a turbine (15) positionable at an interface between a transition section (21) for carrying exhaust gas and a turbine inlet section (32). A U-shaped section (45) includes first and second legs (67, 69). When the sealing component is positioned at the interface, the legs extend about the turbine axis. A seal flange (75) connects to the U-shaped section. The positioned sealing component extends about the axis and in a direction away from the first leg. The seal flange faces the inner surface (76) of the flange. A flexible strip (79), positioned radially outward with respect to the seal flange, extends about the axis and extends along the axis between the U-shaped section and the flange. The flexible strip acts as a spring member pressing against the outer surface (96) of the flange.
US09366442B2 Pilot fuel injector with swirler
A fuel injector includes: a pilot injector configured to spray fuel so as to form a first combustion region in a combustion chamber; and a main injector provided coaxially with the pilot injector so as to surround the pilot injector and configured to supply a fuel-air mixture that is a mixture of the fuel and air to form a second combustion region in the combustion chamber, wherein the pilot injector includes: a center nozzle configured to eject air jet flowing straight in an axial direction on a central axis of the pilot injector; an inside swirler provided on a radially outer side of the center nozzle and configured to cause inflow air to swirl around the central axis; and a pilot fuel injecting portion configured to inject the fuel from between the center nozzle and the inside swirler to air flow in the center nozzle.
US09366437B2 System for reducing flame holding within a combustor
A system for reducing flame holding within a combustor includes a high pressure plenum and a head end plenum defined within the combustor. A cap assembly defines an inner plenum within the combustor and a fuel nozzle passage that extends through the cap assembly. A primary fuel nozzle has an annular burner tube that at least partially defines a premix flow passage through the cap assembly. The primary fuel nozzle and the burner tube at least partially define an inlet to the premix flow passage. A high pressure flow passage and a cooling flow passage are defined within the combustor. The high pressure flow passage defines a flow path between the high pressure plenum and the inner plenum, and the cooling flow passage defines a flow path between the high pressure plenum and the head end plenum.
US09366431B2 Method and apparatus for the conveyance, cooling and energy recuperation of hot material
Techniques convey, cool and energy recuperate hot material from a combustion boiler of a combustion plant. Such techniques involve: a) issue of the hot material from a material issue orifice of a combustion boiler into a capture region of a housing, a conveyor belt being arranged in the housing, b) conveyance of the hot material through a cooling region in the housing, c) cooling of the hot material in the cooling region by means of a cooling-air stream moving in the opposite direction to the material, d) removal of at least part of the heated cooling-air stream out of at least one region adjacent to the capture region of the housing, and e) delivery of the removed cooling-air stream to at least one region, carrying combustion exhaust gases, of the combustion plant.
US09366426B2 Lance for removing deposits adhering to the tube sheet of a steam generator
The invention relates to a lance for removing deposits adhering to the tube sheet of a steam generator, comprising a flexible strip which is introducing into intermediate tube areas of the steam generator, which has a cleaning head at the free end of the strip, and which comprises at least one water hose that is used to supply a flow of water to the cleaning head. In a use situation, the cleaning head comprises a working face which faces the tube sheet or deposits present thereon, an outlet opening which is fluidically connected to the water hose and opens into the working face, and a mechanical tool which acts on the deposits and removes material.
US09366424B2 Light source device comprising a driver circuit mounted on a rear surface of a substrate and liquid crystal display device
A light source device includes: a substrate having a front surface on which a light-emitting diode is mounted; and a case having a bottom plate that holds the substrate, wherein a driver circuit for driving the light-emitting diode is mounted on a rear surface of the substrate that is opposite to the front surface thereof, wherein an opening corresponding to a size of the light-emitting diode is formed in the bottom plate of the case, wherein the front surface of the substrate is fixed to a rear surface of the bottom plate of the case from outside of the case with the light-emitting diode fitted in the opening, and wherein a coating material with an emissivity of equal to or higher than 0.9 and equal to or lower than 1.0 is applied to an outer surface of four side walls of the case.
US09366416B2 Lens and LED retrofit lamp
Various embodiments may relate to a lens for a lighting assembly. The lens includes a bottom surface, a top surface and a side surface joining the bottom surface and the top surface. The bottom surface includes an incident surface, and the top surface includes an emergent surface, wherein the side surface includes a first side surface part and a second side surface part arranged in sequence in a direction from the top surface to the bottom surface, and the first side surface part and the second side surface part are defined by different curved surfaces and both are configured as reflection surfaces.
US09366414B2 Illumination device for exciting a fluorescent substance
Provided is an illumination device capable of reducing coherence of laser light emitted from a laser irradiation device to ensure safety to the eye at low cost. In the illumination device for exciting a fluorescent substance by irradiating the fluorescent substance with the laser light from the laser irradiation device to emit visible light for use as illumination light, a light scattering material is placed on and around an optical axis of the laser light.
US09366406B2 Space saving lighting device for vehicles
A lighting device that is designed for vehicles and that comprises a first light emitting unit for generating a first light function and a second light emitting unit for generating a second light function. The second light emitting unit has a flat light guide having a narrow side at the light input face for coupling light into the flat light guide, as well as opposing flat sides. The flat light guide has a rear flat side, which is arranged rearwards seen in the main direction of emission, and a front flat side, which is arranged forwards seen in the main direction of emission. Output elements and/or a reflecting face are associated with the rear flat side of the flat light guide in a light output section of said flat light guide. The flat light guide comprises a light passage section, in which no output elements and no reflecting face are associated with the rear flat side. The reflecting face in the light output section of the flat light guide is integrally molded on the rear flat side of said flat light guide.
US09366405B2 Headlamp system for motor vehicles
A projector headlamp includes light sources, a cooling system and reflector comprising an upper part with a first focal point and second focal point and a lower part with a first focal point and second focal point. The headlamp also includes an aperture with a cutoff edge proximate an optical axis of the headlamp and a convergent lens. The convergent lens includes at least two segments with their own first focal points, the first segment in a lower part of the convergent lens has a greater optical power than a second segment in an upper part, the first focal points of the segments located near the optical axis of the headlamp between the light sources and the lens. The light sources comprise at least two light sources, a first adjoins the first focal point of the upper part and a second adjoins the first focal point of the bottom part.
US09366403B2 Daylighting sheet, daylighting panel, roll-up daylighting screen and method of manufacturing daylighting sheet
A daylighting sheet is provided which efficiently performs daylighting and in which, when the daylighting sheet is applied to an opening portion, such as a window of a building, it is possible to see an outdoor side from an indoor side.The daylighting sheet is formed by stacking a plurality of layers, the layers include: a translucent base material layer; and a light deflection layer that is formed on the base material layer, and the light deflection layer includes: light transmission portions that are aligned along one surface of the base material layer so as to be able to transmit light; and light deflection portions that are formed between the light transmission portions and deflect the light reaching the light deflection portions.
US09366399B2 Light emitting device, illumination device, and vehicle headlamp
An illumination device 1 which is a light emitting device capable of emitting white light, includes: a laser element 2 for emitting a blue laser beam; a light emitting section 4 for generating fluorescence by be being irradiated with the blue laser beam emitted from the laser element 2; and a parabolic mirror 5 for reflecting the fluorescence generated from the light emitting section 4, the parabolic mirror 5 being disposed on an irradiated surface side which irradiated surface is a surface of the light emitting section 4 which surface is irradiated with the blue laser beam. This allows the illumination device 1 to efficiently project the white illumination light.
US09366398B2 Backlight unit and liquid crystal display apparatus having the same
A backlight unit (BLU) and a liquid crystal display apparatus having the BLU are provided. The BLU includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to emit blue light, a fluorescent member configured to convert the blue light emitted from the plurality of LEDs into tricolor light and emit the tricolor light, and a filter disposed between the fluorescent member and the plurality of LEDs, and configured to selectively filter a first wavelength area of the tricolor light emitted from the fluorescent member toward the plurality of LEDs, and reflect a second wavelength area of the tricolor light emitted from the fluorescent member toward an output direction.
US09366396B2 Optical waveguide and lamp including same
An optical waveguide includes a body of optically transmissive material defined by outer edges and having a width substantially greater than an overall thickness thereof. The body of optically transmissive material includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. An interior coupling cavity is defined by a surface intersecting the second side and extends from the second side toward the first side. The interior coupling cavity is disposed remote from edges of the body and is configured to receive an LED element. The body of optically transmissive material further includes a first array of light mixing cavities surrounding the interior coupling cavity and an extraction feature disposed on one of the first and second sides. The light extraction feature at least partially surrounds the interior coupling cavity.
US09366386B2 Liquid level gauge for a cryogenic fluid cylinder
A vertically-oriented cryogenic fluid cylinder includes an inner vessel for holding cryogenic fluid, an outer vessel surrounding the inner vessel, and a liquid level gauge for indicating a liquid level within the inner vessel. The liquid level gage includes a level indicator located outside of the outer vessel, a support arm extending down into the inner vessel, a swing arm pivotably secured to the support arm and connected to the level indicator so that angular position of the swing arm provides an indication of liquid level within the inner vessel on the level indicator, and a float on the swing arm that pivots the swing arm as the liquid level rises and lowers. The support arm forms an acute angle with the central longitudinal axis of the inner vessel so that the swing arm can be longer to move over a larger portion of the length of the inner vessel.
US09366375B2 Device and method for repairing pipe
A liner tube is provided for repairing either a single pipe line or a main pipe line having a lateral pipe line connected thereto. The liner tube assembly includes a liner tube impregnated with a liquid material capable of curing and hardening. The liner tube includes a gasket or band positioned about the juncture of the pipe lines. The gasket or bands form a tight seal between the liner tube and the pipe line.
US09366374B2 Closure element for bores subjected to internal pressure
A closure element serves for closing off bores which are subjected to internal pressure, preferably bores in engine or valve blocks or tanks. Said closure element has a sleeve-shaped main body which can be inserted into the bore and the outer circumference of which, in the installed state, bears sealingly against the inner surface (2) of the bore (3). Provided are the main body and an expanding body (4) which is connected to said main body by a bent-over transition region (8). The closure element is firstly inserted into the bore (3) and subsequently pressed into the latter by the application of pressure to the expanding body (4). As the closure element is pressed into the bore (3), the expanding body (4) is pushed into the main body (1) by deformation, so as to push the main body (1) in the radial direction against the inner surface (2) of the bore (3). In this way, said closure element can withstand even relatively high internal pressures and can be produced in a simple manner.
US09366372B2 Connecting device
In an electrostatic coating apparatus, an electrically conductive coating material is supplied through a coating material supplying path to a coating gun to which a high voltage is applied. The electrostatic coating apparatus is provided with an insulating and separating valve capable of electrically insulating and separating the coating material supplying path into an application side in which the high voltage is applied and a non-application side. The insulating and separating valve is provided with a female coupling member having a first connecting portion and a male coupling member having a second connecting portion. A supplying hole for supplying a cleaning fluid to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion and a discharging hole for discharging the cleaning fluid supplied to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are provided on one of the female coupling member disposed on the non-application side and the male coupling member.
US09366358B2 Solenoid pilot valve for a hydraulic valve, in particular for household appliances
The pilot valve (14) comprises a body (7, 7a) in which there is defined a control chamber (11) which is intended to communicate with the inlet (3) of the hydraulic valve (1) and which, through a restricted outlet passage (12) associated with a valve seat (13), is able to be selectively brought into communication with the outlet (4) of the hydraulic valve (1); at least one core (23) mounted movably within a portion (7a) of said body (7, 7a) and inside the control chamber (11) and carrying a closing member (24) cooperating with the valve seat (13); and an actuator (16-21) including a solenoid or coil (15) of copper wire, mounted around said portion (7a) of the body (7, 7a), for selectively controlling the position of the core (23) and the closing member (24) with respect to the valve seat (13) and the communication between the control chamber (11) and the restricted outlet passage (12); and wherein the ratio of the diameter (d) of the restricted outlet passage (12) to the weight (m) of the solenoid (16) is between 0.06 and 0.10 mm/g.
US09366355B2 Sealed armature ball tube assembly
An injector having a tube attached to an armature. The injector includes a solenoid portion and a valve portion controlled by the solenoid portion. The armature includes a small diameter portion. Also included is a tube having a cavity, a first end of the tube is connected to the small diameter portion, and a ball is connected to a second end of the tube, such that the ball is selectively in contact with a valve seat. A hermetic weld connects the ball to the second end, and at least one heat affected zone is located in proximity to the hermetic weld. A coating substantially surrounds the heat affected zone and at least a portion of the ball, such that the coating prevents the heat affected zone from being exposed to diesel exhaust fluid and thus subsequent corrosion.
US09366354B2 Normally closed solenoid valve
A normally closed solenoid valve includes a valve element arranged to be seatable on and unseatable from a valve seat. A movable core is movable with the valve element. A first spring biases the valve element and the movable core toward the valve seat. A coil and a stator core generate an electromagnetic force resistive to a load of the first spring for the movable core. A second spring applies a load smaller than and resistive to the load of the first spring to the valve element and the movable core. The valve further includes a load adjusting mechanism for adjusting the load of the first spring, and a stroke adjusting mechanism for adjusting an unseating stroke of the valve element from the valve seat.
US09366353B2 Control valve driven by stepping motor
A control valve according to an embodiment includes: a body having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a valve hole that communicates the inlet port and the outlet port together; a valve element configured to open and close a valve section; a drive mechanism configured to drive the valve element; a stepping motor having both a rotor for operating the drive mechanism and a stator for rotationally driving the rotor; and a can that is a cylindrical member covering a space where the valve element and the drive mechanism are arranged and involving the rotor and that defines a pressure space and a non-pressure space. The can is fixed to the body with a ring screw, and the stator is arranged at an outer circumference of the can and fixed to the body with a screw member.
US09366351B2 Water tight valve having sealed flying leads
A water tight valve with sealed flying leads is presented. The sealing is provided by an adhesive heat shrink collar that is affixed to the insulation of the flying leads. An overmolding is used to provide further protection of the terminal/wire contact interface and to seal against the exterior surface of the collar. The profile of the collar also provides a tortuous path that further prevents the ingress of any conductive fluid to the wire/terminal contact area.
US09366348B2 Pressure relief valve
A pressure relief valve (10) includes a housing (12) that has a side wall (18) that defines an air flow passage (24). A valve element (14) has a closed condition that prevents air flow through the air flow passage (24) and an open condition that permits air flow through the air flow passage (24). A first insert (120) is connected to the valve element (14). A second insert (130) is connected to the side wall (18). The first insert (120) and the second insert (130) cooperate using magnetic forces to urge the valve element (14) to the closed condition. At least one of the first insert (120) and the second insert (130) is positioned within the air flow passage (24).
US09366341B2 Displacement level sensor and seal and pivot assembly for displacement level sensor
A seal and pivot assembly for a displacement level assembly includes a pivot base, an annular seal and a pivot body. The pivot base includes a cylindrical base member with an axial end surface defining first and second V-shaped grooves. The pivot body includes a cylindrical body member with first and second pivot body arms extending radially outward from opposite sides of the cylindrical body member. The first and second pivot body arms include first and second knife edges, respectively, that are in line contact with the first and second grooves, respectively, of the pivot base such that the pivot body can pivot relative to the pivot base, as well as uniformly distribute unbalanced forces applied to the pivot body across the entirety of the knife edges.
US09366337B2 Hydraulic pressure supply system of automatic transmission
A hydraulic pressure supply system supplies hydraulic pressure generated at a hydraulic pump provided with first and second pump chambers formed therein to a high pressure portion and a low pressure portion of the automatic transmission through a high-pressure regulator valve, first and second switch valves, and a low-pressure regulator valve.
US09366335B2 Shift by wire system
A shift by wire system for a motor vehicle, having a transmission control device and an actuation assembly, operationally connected thereto via an electrical connection. The actuation assembly is designed to generate a signal relating to an intention of the driver, corresponding to a position of the gearshift lever, by means of a gearshift lever and at least one sensor. The actuation assembly also has a controller unit, by means of which data based on the signal is communicated to the transmission control device via the electrical connection. The transmission control device monitors, in a remote manner, the controller unit in the actuation assembly via the electrical connection. The electrical connection is both a communication line for the data based on the signal and for the remote monitoring.
US09366328B2 Power transmission unit for vehicle
A power transmission unit for a vehicle is provided. In the power transmission unit, a continuously variable transmission to alter a speed ratio continuously is disposed between an input shaft to which a torque of a prime mover is inputted and an output shaft rotated by the torque transmitted from the input shaft. A first gear train that transmits the torque to propel the vehicle in the forward direction is arranged parallel to a second gear train that transmits the torque to propelling the vehicle backwardly. The power transmission unit is comprised of: a first clutch device that selectively allows a torque transmitting route from the input shaft to the output shaft via the first gear train to transmit the torque therethrough; a dog clutch that switches the torque transmitting route from the input shaft to the output shaft between a continuously variable speed change route in which the torque is transmitted through the continuously variable transmission and a reverse route in which the torque is transmitted through the second gear train; and a second clutch device that connects and disconnects both of the continuously variable speed change route and the reverse route to/from at least any one of the input shaft and the output shaft.
US09366320B2 Multi-speed gearbox
Multi-stage transmission comprising four gear sets, eight rotatable shafts and six shift elements. Eighth shaft is connected to suns of first and second sets and is connectable, via third clutch, to drive shaft. Drive shaft is connectable, via first clutch, to fourth shaft connected to ring gear of first set and couplable, via second brake, to housing. Drive shaft is connectable, via second clutch, to seventh shaft connected to carrier of second set and ring gear of third set. Sixth shaft is connected to ring gear of second set and carrier of fourth set and third shaft is connected to sun of third set and is couplable, via first brake, to housing. Fifth shaft is connected to carrier of first set and sun of fourth set and is couplable, via third brake, to housing. Output shaft is connected to carrier of third set and ring gear of fourth set.
US09366311B2 Device for damping vibrations and method for assembling the device
Device for damping vibrations of a vibration surface (21) of the frequency tuned resonance damping kind consisting of one or several elastic damping elements (1-4) and a vibration body (5) supported by the damping elements which together are tuned to damp the vibrations of said surface within a selected frequency range. First mutually co-operating form grip organs give a form grip between said damping elements (1-4) and the vibration surface (21), and second mutually co-operating form grip organs give a form grip between the damping elements and the vibration body. The form grip organs in addition have a recess with gripping surfaces (25-30, 33-35) for transferring vibrations.
US09366310B2 Planar component with vibration damping
A planar component (1), in particular a sheet metal element, which is provided with at least one piezoelectric actuator (7-9) for its active vibration damping, wherein the piezoelectric actuator (7-9) is applied to the inside or the outside (15) of a bead (3-5) formed in the component.
US09366306B2 Double-rod type shock absorber
A double-rod type shock absorber includes a rod, first and second pistons held by the rod, first and second piston chambers disposed on an outer side of the first and second pistons, a liquid storage chamber between the first piston and the second piston, a flow path gap formed between an outer peripheral surface of the first and second pistons and an inner peripheral surface of the liquid chamber, and first and second unidirectional flow paths which connect the first and second piston chambers with the liquid storage chamber, wherein, during reciprocating motion of the rod, the unidirectional flow path located on a front side in a movement direction of the rod is closed, and the unidirectional flow path located on a back side in the movement direction of the rod is opened.
US09366291B2 Method for combining bearing and sleeve
A method for combining a sleeve and bearings, comprising the steps of: providing a base having a sleeve; disposing at least one bearing in the sleeve; and providing a laser beam to illuminate and melt a contact place between the perimeter of the bearing and the sleeve such that the bearing and the sleeve is combined firmly. Therefore, the effects of securing the bearings, reinforcing the structure thereof, and increasing the lifetimes of the bearings and the sleeve can be achieved.
US09366284B2 Double-acting lockwasher
The invention relates to a locking washer which is to be inserted between a bearing element (38) and a screwable element (42) and which includes two washer crowns (12, 14), each of which has an engagement face (22, 24). Said washer crowns (12, 14) which engage with one another and are maintained compressed under axial pressure between said screwable element (42) and said bearing element (38) are capable, when said screwable element is unscrewed, of rotatably engaging with said screwable element (42), and said bearing element (38), respectively, so as to rotate said washer crowns (12, 14) relative to one another, in order to rotatably lock said screwable element (42). According to the invention, said locking washer presents a shape of a truncated cone, and said locking washer (10) is elastically deformable in order to be able to be flattened, forming a spring, such that said axial pressure is maintained substantially constant.
US09366281B2 Housing with self-mounting feature
A housing with a self-mounting feature is provided. The housing includes a base that is configured to define a hook that cooperates with a back side of a panel and a first edge of an opening of the panel to secure the housing to a front side of the panel. The housing further includes a retainer that is operable to an un-engaged position and an engaged position. The retainer is configured to define a blocker portion that cooperates with a second edge of the opening to keep the hook adjacent to the first edge when the retainer is in the engaged position.
US09366276B1 Uplift and lateral restraint system to secure a drilling rig to an offshore platform
A restraint system for securing a drilling rig to an off-shore platform. The system having uplift and lateral restraints. The uplift restraints including upper and lower jaws connected by a common pin component. The restraint system may include transverse jaws connected to the upper and lower jaws via the common pin. The number of various jaws can be varied depending upon loading in order to minimize pin size.
US09366273B2 Vapor recovery line flow meter
An improvement in a vapor recovery line in the form of a vortex shedding flow meter installable within such vapor recovery line to monitor the flow rate of vapor being returned through the vapor recovery line, such flow meter including a housing having an inlet flange with an associated inlet connectable to the upstream portion of the vapor recovery line, an outlet flange with an outlet connectable to the downstream portion of the vapor recovery line, a housing for a passageway extending between the inlet and outlet, with a vortex strut extending into the passageway nearer the outlet to generate shed flow vortices and a transmitter-receiver transducer pair positioned nearer the outlet to subject the shed vortices to a sonic beam to effect modulation thereof, and an electronics package within an electronic housing portion for determining from such modulation the flow rate of the vapor passing through the vapor recovery line.
US09366270B2 Damping valve arrangement for a semiactive vibration damper
A damping valve arrangement is provided for controlling a pilot pressure that exerts influence on a control chamber of a damping device of a vibration damper through a control fluid, with an armature that is displaceable by the activity of an electrically energizable coil and provided in a housing, which armature includes a guide pin on which a first spring washer is provided and braces the guide pin. The first spring washer is designed for changing the area of a flow-through opening of the damping valve arrangement through which a control fluid is able to flow.
US09366269B2 Hydraulic accumulator health diagnosis
A system to diagnose a health of a hydraulic accumulator is provided. The hydraulic accumulator includes a first fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber, and a separator. The hydraulic accumulator has an associated pre-charge pressure. The system further includes a pressure sensor, a fluid source, a data processor, and a comparator. The pressure sensor and the fluid source are connected to the first fluid chamber. The data processor is configured to determine a first and second rate of pressure changes, and a transition pressure between the first and second rates. The approximate pre-charge pressure is determined based on the transition pressure. The comparator is configured to compare at least one of the determined pre charge pressure and the frictional forces with a pre-determined threshold range of pre-charge pressure and the frictional forces associated with the hydraulic accumulator to diagnose the health of the hydraulic accumulator.
US09366261B2 Centrifugal pump device
This centrifugal blood pump device comprises an impeller which is provided within a blood chamber, a permanent magnet which is provided to one surface of the impeller, a permanent magnet which is provided to the inner wall of the blood chamber, permanent magnets which are provided to the other surface of the impeller, and multiple sets of magnetic bodies and coils, which are disposed within a motor chamber and which rotationally drive the impeller with a partition wall located between the impeller and the sets of magnetic bodies and coils. The magnetic bodies are formed in a solid cylindrical shape. The configuration enables the impeller to be smoothly activated for rotation by controlling a coil current.
US09366244B2 Drive system for a pressure wave generator
A drive system for driving a diaphragm pressure wave generator comprising opposed first and second diaphragms (11,13) that are each coupled at or toward opposite ends of a reciprocally moveable drive piston (19). The drive system comprises an operable actuator (27) that generates a reciprocating motion output having a low force and long stroke. The drive system also comprises a hydraulic amplifier that is operatively coupled between the actuator and the drive piston, the hydraulic amplifier being arranged to convert the reciprocating motion output from the actuator into an amplified output having a higher force and shorter stroke, and apply the amplified output to the drive piston (19) to cause the drive piston and opposed diaphragms (11,13) to reciprocate and generate waves.
US09366242B2 Bidirectional output mixed hydraulic power system
The present invention relates to a bidirectional output mixed hydraulic power system, which includes a hydraulic fluid that stores and contains therein a fluid tank; at least one electrical hydraulic pump connected to the fluid tank to draw in, pressurize, and output the hydraulic fluid; at least one mechanical hydraulic pump connected to the fluid tank to draw in, pressurize, and output the hydraulic fluid; at least two sequence check valves each connected to the electrical hydraulic pump and the mechanical hydraulic pump, each of the sequence check valves being set normally open in a first direction and preventing fluid returning in a second direction; and a dual pressure valve that is connected to the fluid tank and each of the sequence check valves for switching output direction of the hydraulic fluid.
US09366241B2 Plunger pump for volumes below one microliter, allowing manual intervention
An automated high-precision plunger pump for volumes of less than 1 microliter, which is used in the microscope-assisted micromanipulation of biological material, comprises a housing (1) and a pump head (8) that defines a working chamber (9) with a common or separate inlet and outlet opening (10), wherein the volume of the working chamber (9) can be altered by an axially movable plunger (7) that can be introduced into it. The plunger (7) is axially movable via a threaded spindle (5) or a spindle nut (6) arranged in threaded engagement on the threaded spindle (5), and the threaded spindle (5) and/or the spindle nut (6) can be rotationally driven and the respective other component is designed to be rotationally lockable.
US09366240B2 Surface pump assembly
A surface mounted pump assembly includes a centrifugal pump having a plurality of impellers and an electric motor adapted to drive the pump such that a thrust load from the pump is transmitted to the motor.
US09366237B2 Segmented jacket construction, in particular for a foundation for a wind turbine installation
A segmented jacket construction is proposed. The segmented jacket construction is for a foundation for a wind turbine installation. The segmented jacket construction has at least two grid segments, which are connected to each other by joints. The joint has two tubular jacket modules, which are bonded by a grouting material.
US09366235B2 Estimation of wind conditions at a wind turbine
The risk of an extreme gust of wind hitting a wind turbine is estimated by gathering data from one or more sensors for use as training data. This data is acquired over a period of time and is converted in to a feature vector for a given time period by a statistical measure. A number of feature zones are formed, each zone relating to a different estimate of risk with each feature vector being assigned to a risk category. The risk category is defined with reference to the value of one or more chosen turbine parameters at the time the data was acquired. The feature zones are formed from from a measure of distance such as the mean and co-variance of feature vectors from within a given category. Live data is processed by measuring the mahalonobis distance from the feature vector of the live data to the centre of each zone and the risk of an extreme gust is assessed as that of the feature zone to which the mahalonobis distance is lowest.
US09366230B2 System and method for reducing loads acting on a wind turbine in response to transient wind conditions
A method for reducing loads acting on a wind turbine in response to transient wind conditions may generally include determining an actual value for a blade parameter of a rotor blade of the wind turbine using a first sensor associated with the rotor blade, monitoring a secondary operating parameter of the wind turbine using a second sensor, determining a predicted value for the blade parameter based on the secondary operating parameter, comparing the actual value to the predicted value and performing a corrective action to reduce the loads acting on the wind turbine if the actual value differs from the predicted value by at least a differential threshold.
US09366229B2 Wind power plant having an adjustable power reserve
A wind power plant, including a generator driven by a rotor in order to generate electrical power and a controller that includes a pitch module for adjusting a pitch angle of blades of the rotor. The controller has an input for a required power reserve and determines a target pitch angle depending on an operating point of the wind power plant. A secondary pitch controller is also provided, which includes a detector for available power and a dynamic offset module. Input signals for the available reserve power determined by the detector, the required reserve power and the generated electrical power are applied to the dynamic offset module, which is designed to determine a value for a pitch angle offset. An activation element varies the target pitch angle by the pitch angle offset.
US09366223B2 Notch-reduced composite joint
A wind turbine blade comprising a profiled hollow contour, at least one reinforcing beam (15) placed between two shell body parts (13, 14), the beam comprising a first beam flange (16a) and an opposing second beam flange (16b), a beam body (17) connected to the first beam flange (16a) by a first transition area (32a) and connected to the second beam flange (16b) by a second transition area (32b). The beam body comprises a beam core (22). The beam core (22) comprises a first outer core surface (24a) and an opposite second outer core surface (24b). The beam body further comprises a web (50) arranged on the outer core surfaces. The flanges (16a, 16b) and the web (50) are made from a fiber-reinforced polymer. The transition areas (32a, 32b) comprise notch-reducing mean formed of rounded corners of the beam core (22).
US09366221B2 Corona ignition device
The invention relates to a corona ignition device for igniting fuel in a combustion chamber of an engine by means of a corona discharge, said corona ignition device comprising an insulator, a center electrode, which is held in the insulator, a housing, in which the insulator is held, and coil turns, which are disposed in a cylindrical main part of the housing and are connected to the center electrode. According to an aspect of this disclosure, the housing widens on the side of the main part remote from the insulator and further coil turns are disposed there, in a wider housing part.
US09366220B2 Method for operating an internal combustion engine of a hand-guided power tool
In a power tool, an internal combustion engine is coupled by a clutch to a tool member. An ignition control device is provided that for each engine speed of the internal combustion engine specifies at least one ignition timing. For each engine speed of a first engine speed range a correlated first ignition timing is specified, wherein each first ignition timing is an ignition timing of a first ignition timing range. For each engine speed of a second engine speed range, adjoining the first engine speed range, a correlated second ignition timing is specified, wherein each second ignition timing is an ignition timing of a second ignition timing range. The first ignition timing is retarded by at least 5° crank angle relative to the second ignition timing. The first engine speed range extends at least from the coupling engine speed range to the limit engine speed of approximately 7,000 RPM.
US09366215B2 Systems and methods for driving intention prediction in vehicles
Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer-readable mediums for predicting a driving intention of a driver of a vehicle. A sequence comprising a plurality of indicators is detected, where each indicator suggests intent to drive a vehicle. A separation time between each of the indicators of the sequence is determined. The sequence and determined separation times are compared to historical data, where the historical data comprises data related to previously stored separation times of the sequence. Based on the comparison, a confidence level that an engine of the vehicle will be started is determined. Based on the confidence level, a feature of the vehicle is activated.
US09366211B2 Orifice plate and manufacturing method of the orifice plate
An orifice plate for liquid injection made of plate-shaped stainless steel, wherein an orifice is formed by shearing, is characterized in that the average crystal grain size of the stainless steel is 3 μm or less. The thickness of the plate-shaped stainless steel is 1.2 mm or less, and preferably 0.1 mm or less. The aspect ratio of the orifices is 0.8 or lower. The orifices are formed orthogonal to the plate surface, or slanted by 50° or at smaller angles. The plate-shaped stainless steel has a composition containing C, Mn, and Si.
US09366210B2 Fuel injection system having a fuel-carrying component, a fuel injector and a connecting device
A connecting device for fuel injection systems is used for connecting a fuel injection valve to a fuel-carrying component. A wire-shaped connecting element is provided in this context, which is fastened, on the one hand, to the fuel-carrying component and, on the other hand, to the fuel injection valve. The wire-shaped connecting element is embodied closed in an annular manner, and, on the one hand, is guided about a shoulder of the fuel-carrying component and, on the other hand, about a shoulder of the fuel injection valve. A fuel injection system having such a connecting device is also provided.
US09366207B2 Fuel injector
A fuel injector for fuel-injection systems of internal combustion engines. The valve includes an electromagnetic actuating element having a solenoid coil, a fixed core, an outer magnetic-circuit component and a movable armature to actuate a valve-closure member which cooperates with a valve-seat surface provided on a valve-seat member. The valve is characterized by its extremely small outside dimensions. The entire axially movable valve needle, including armature and valve-closure member, has a mass of only m<=0.8 g. The valve is suitable as a fuel injector, especially for use in fuel-injection systems of mixture-compressing internal combustion engines with externally supplied ignition.
US09366205B2 Pipe system for a fluid, a method and an apparatus for connecting at least one duct part of a pipe system
A pipe system for a fluid, in particular a gas of an intake system (10) or a turbocharger of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method and an apparatus for connecting at least one duct part (12) of a pipe system (10). The pipe system (10) has at least one blow-molded duct part (12) made of plastic and at least one fitting (18) for connecting the at least one blow-molded duct part (12) with another part (20) of the pipe system (10). The fitting (18) is inserted tight in the at least one blow-molded duct part (12). The at least one blow-molded duct part (12) is shrinked onto the at least one fitting (18).
US09366201B2 Cascade-type thrust reverser with one-piece mobile cowl
A thrust reverser for a nacelle of a turbojet engine includes deflecting cascades and an external cowl which translates from a closure position to an opening position by a set of control cylinders being attached by their ends to the external cowl. The deflecting cascades are supported by a front frame and a rear frame respectively and are enclosed in an envelope formed by a fan carter and by a fan cowl. The thrust reverser further includes a lock which is able to connect or disconnect the deflecting cascades to the external cowl. When the lock is unlocked, the set of control cylinders translate the external cowl alone in downstream direction while in the lock position, the control cylinders translates the external cowl and the deflecting cascades together in downstream direction.
US09366198B2 Malfunction judging apparatus for fuel feeding apparatus and malfunction judging method for fuel feeding apparatus
In a malfunction judging method for a fuel feeding apparatus in an internal-combustion engine, a feedback correction value is calculated based on an air-fuel ratio parameter and a predetermined feedback control algorithm. In which region a load parameter exists among a first region in which only a first fuel feeding apparatus is used, a second region in which only a second fuel feeding apparatus is used, and a third region other than the first region and the second region is determined. The feedback correction value calculated in a case where the load parameter exists in the first region is determined as a first learned value using a predetermined first learning method. The feedback correction value calculated in a case where the load parameter exists in the second region is determined as a second learned value using a predetermined second learning method.
US09366195B2 Fuel injection valve and method of actuating
A fuel injection valve injects a fuel into the combustion chamber or into the injection port of an internal combustion engine, the valve being actuated by an actuator assembly that includes a small displacement actuator and a large displacement actuator. The method includes commanding the small displacement actuator to move the valve member to a first open position corresponding to a first flow area and commanding the large displacement actuator to move the valve member to a second open position corresponding to a second flow area that is larger than the first flow area such that the ratio between the second flow area and the first flow area is at least 15:1. The fuel injection valve can also be operated to alternatively inject two different fuels, one of the fuels being a gaseous fuel and the other one being a liquid fuel.
US09366193B2 Adjusting motor power
An example power management arrangement includes a motor controller configured to communicate power to a motor drive bridge to drive a motor. The motor controller is configurable to selectively receive power from each of a first power supply and a second power supply. The voltage of the power from the first power supply is different than a voltage of the power from the second power supply. An example power adjusting method includes receiving power at a motor controller, adjusting a voltage of the received power using the motor controller, communicating the power with the adjusted voltage from the motor controller to a motor drive bridge to drive a motor.
US09366191B2 Flexible shield for fluid connectors
A flexible shield for fluid connectors of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The flexible shield may comprise a flexible sleeve adapted to surround the fluid connector, and a coupling configured to secure the flexible sleeve onto a fluid tube proximate the fluid connector. A gas turbine engine employing such a flexible shield is also disclosed, as is a method of enclosing a fluid connector in a gas turbine engine using such a flexible shield.
US09366183B2 System for attaching a turbojet engine spinner
A rotor of a turbomachine including a spinner which is attached removably to the upstream end of the rotor by an attachment system is provided. The attachment includes a dog clutch and a rotation-proofing system preventing the spinner from rotating with respect to the rotor.
US09366171B2 Method for determining an estimated amount of soot accumulated in a particulate filter of an exhaust gas after-treatment system
A method for estimating the amount of soot accumulated in a particulate filter of a vehicle exhaust gas system is provided. The system may include an engine, an exhaust gas system, having a particulate filter, and a controller configured to execute the present method. The controller may be configured to evaluate an instantaneous volumetric flow rate of an exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust gas system; monitor an exhaust gas pressure drop across the particulate filter; determine a drive state of the vehicle based on the instantaneous volumetric flow rate of exhaust gas and the exhaust gas pressure drop; and execute one of a first control action when the drive state is a steady-state drive state and a second control action when the drive state is a transient-state drive state.
US09366169B2 Seal for an exhaust aftertreatment device in an internal combustion engine
A dosing module (1) for introducing a reducing agent into an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine for exhaust aftertreatment. The dosing module (1) comprises a flange (20). The flange (20) is secured to a connecting flange (11) on an exhaust pipe. A sealing element (22) located between the flange (20) and the connecting flange (11) is designed as a single layer and separates an interior (26) of the exhaust pipe from an exterior (27) of the exhaust pipe. The sealing element (22) is disposed in the area of the center of gravity (42) of the dosing module (1).
US09366166B2 Filter substrate comprising zone-coated catalyst washcoat
A catalyzed filter for filtering particulate matter from exhaust gas emitted from a positive ignition internal combustion engine comprises a ceramic porous wall-flow filter substrate having a total substrate length and having inlet channels defined in part by ceramic inlet wall surfaces and outlet channels defined in part by ceramic outlet wall surfaces, wherein the inlet surfaces are separated from the outlet surfaces by a first porous structure containing pores of a first mean pore size, wherein the porous substrate is coated in part with a catalyst washcoat composition, wherein a second porous structure of a washcoated part of the porous substrate contains pores of a second mean pore size, wherein the second mean pore size is less than the first mean pore size, which catalyst washcoat composition being disposed in a first zone comprising the inlet surfaces of a first substrate length less than the total substrate length, wherein a second zone comprising the outlet surfaces of a second substrate length contains no washcoat and wherein the sum of the substrate length in the first zone and the substrate length in the second zone is >100%.
US09366162B1 Camshaft phaser with position control valve
A camshaft phaser includes an input member; an output member defining an advance chamber and a retard chamber with the input member; a valve spool coaxially disposed within the output member such that the valve spool is rotatable relative to the output member and the input member, the valve spool defining a supply chamber and a vent chamber with the output member; an actuator which rotates the valve spool in order to change the position of the output member relative to the input member by supplying pressurized oil from the supply chamber to one of the advance chamber and the retard chamber and venting oil to the vent chamber from the other of the supply chamber and the advance chamber; and a check valve which allows oil to flow from the vent chamber to the supply chamber and prevents oil from flowing from the supply chamber to the vent chamber.
US09366158B1 Unitary cam follower and valve preload spring for a desmodromic valve mechanism
A unitary cam follower and valve preload spring for a desmodromic valve mechanism having opening and closing cams mounted in parallel on an overhead camshaft so as to facilitate positive bidirectional drive of a valve. The device comprises a generally tubular spring member of oblong transverse cross-section, a shaped extension spring, preferably a band or basket. The spring member is configured to be nonrotatably mounted on the camshaft with its longitudinal axis parallel to the camshaft axis and its major axis aligned with the valve stem axis, substantially surrounding the opening and closing cams circumferentially and engaging the valve stem and closing cam so as to pull the valve stem in response to an upward force applied to the upper portion of the spring member by the closing cam. The spring member is further configured to elongate along its major axis in response to tension applied thereto during assembly so as to preload the valve stem, and it has an effective spring rate which varies depending on conditions.
US09366156B2 Axial sealing gravity based siphon system
A lubrication system for a fan drive gear system includes a lubricant supply and a collection conduit for drawing lubricant from within the lubricant supply. The collection conduit includes a first opening and a second opening for withdrawing lubricant and supplying lubricant to a pump. During normal operation lubricant may be drawn through both first and second openings. During negative G operating conditions a fitting at the second opening blocks the second opening to prevent air from being drawn into the lubricant system and communicated to the pump.
US09366153B2 Method and system for steam purity monitoring through use of high electron mobility transistors
A method or system for steam purity monitoring in a steam powered turbine includes providing a chloride-sensing device in a steam flow path; generating a signal from the chloride-sensing device indicative of a concentration level of chloride ions in a steam flow; and indicating a concentration level of chloride ions in a steam flow. The steam turbine includes a rotor, a rotating shaft and a plurality of axially spaced rotor wheels. A plurality of rotating blades is mechanically coupled to each rotor wheel. A chloride-sensing device is disposed in a steam flow path. A controller is arranged to generate a signal from the chloride-sensing device indicative of a concentration level of chloride ions in a steam flow and indicate a concentration level of chloride ions in a steam flow.
US09366146B2 Closure bucket for turbo-machine
A closure bucket for a turbo-machine. In one embodiment, the turbine closure bucket includes a blade section, and a base section positioned adjacent the blade section. The base section of the turbine closure bucket can engage a dovetail slot of a rotor. The base section includes a body having a first end and a second end. The base section also includes an aperture extending through the body of the base section. Additionally, the base section includes an annularly open threaded opening extending along an outer surface of the body. The annularly open threaded opening of the base section is configured to engage a threaded fastener for securing the turbine closure bucket within the dovetail slot of the rotor.
US09366143B2 Cooling module design and method for cooling components of a gas turbine system
A cooling arrangement in a gas turbine system (120). The arrangement includes a plurality of flow network units (208) to transfer heat to cooling fluid, at least one unit including first (218), second (220), and third (222) flow sections between openings (64a) in a first wall (66) and an opening in a second wall (68) to pass cooling fluid through the walls. The first section includes first flow paths, between the openings in the first wall and the second section, extending to the second section. The third section includes third flow paths, between the second section and the opening in the second wall, to effect flow of cooling fluid. The second section includes one or more cooling fluid flow paths between the first section and the third section. The number of flow paths in the second section is fewer than the number of first flow paths and fewer than the number of third flow paths.
US09366138B2 Rotary internal combustion engine with phasing gear
In one aspect, described is a rotor of a rotary internal combustion engine, including a phasing gear with an annular meshing section including a plurality of radially inwardly oriented teeth and an annular attachment section connected to the meshing section and coaxial therewith, the attachment section being offset axially inwardly from the teeth and having at least a portion thereof located radially inwardly of the teeth, and a fastener apparatus connecting the phasing gear to the rotor body, the fastener apparatus engaging the rotor body radially inwardly of the teeth.
US09366132B2 Control line space out tool
A control line space out tool for use in identifying the length of control line required to extend between proximal and distal locations in a wellbore is described, the control line space out tool comprises a body having a locator for locating the tool at a proximal location within a wellbore and a passage though which a control line may pass to extend to a distal location, a grip for locking onto a control line, and an actuator for operating the grip to lock onto the control line to thereby indicate the length of control line required to extend between said locations. A method of determining a length of control line required to extend between proximal and distal locations within a wellbore is also described.
US09366107B2 Annular barrier with an expansion detection device
The present invention relates to an annular barrier (1) to be expanded in an annulus (2) between a well tubular structure and an inside wall (4) of a borehole (5) downhole, comprising a tubular part for mounting as part of the well tubular structure, said tubular part (6) having a longitudinal axis; an expandable sleeve (7) surrounding the tubular part and having an outer face (8), each end (9, 10) of the expandable sleeve being fastened to the tubular part by means of a connection part (12), where one of the connection parts is a sliding connection part sliding in relation to the tubular part when the expandable sleeve is expanded; an annular barrier space (13) between the tubular part and the expandable sleeve; an aperture (11) in the tubular part for letting fluid into the annular barrier space to expand the sleeve; and an activatable shut-off valve (14) having an open and a closed position and arranged in the aperture, wherein the annular barrier further comprises a detection device (20) for detecting when the expandable sleeve has been expanded into a contact position, and wherein the detection device is adapted to provide a signal to activate the shut-off valve to bring the shut-off valve from the open to the closed position when detecting that the expandable sleeve is in the contact position. Furthermore, the invention relates to a downhole system comprising a plurality of annular barriers according to the invention and to a method for expanding an annular barrier.
US09366106B2 Method of making and using a functionally gradient composite tool
A method of making a composite downhole article is disclosed. The method include forming at least one removable core member comprising a first metallic material that is removable in a wellbore fluid at a first removal rate; and disposing at least one outer member on the core member, the outer member comprising a second material that is removable in the wellbore fluid at a second removal rate, wherein the removable core member has a composition gradient or a density gradient, or a combination thereof, and wherein the first removal rate is substantially greater than the second removal rate. A method of using a composite downhole article is also disclosed. The method includes forming a composite downhole article as described above; using the article to perform a first wellbore operation; exposing the article to the wellbore fluid; and selectively removing the second removable member.
US09366105B2 Casing hanger lockdown sleeve
The lockdown mechanism (10) and running tool (50) are provided for securing the casing hanger (12, 13) within the wellhead (14) and sealing the annulus between the casing and the wellhead. The lockdown ring (20) fixes the lockdown sleeve (40) to a wellhead in response to a lockdown piston (22). A first seal (24) energized by the running tool seals between the lockdown sleeve and the wellhead. Ball seat (30) is axially movable within the running tool, and a second seal also energized by the running tool (32) seals between the lockdown sleeve and the casing hanger.
US09366103B1 Wellhead isolation tool and methods
An isolation tool and related methods for protecting a wellhead to which a casing string is operably coupled. In an exemplary embodiment, the isolation tool includes an anchor assembly adapted to be connected to the wellhead; a mandrel adapted to sealingly engage an interior portion of at least one of the wellhead and the casing string; and a lock assembly including a mandrel head connected to the mandrel and adapted to be displaced, relative to the anchor assembly and the wellhead, to sealingly engage the mandrel with the interior portion; a landing sleeve connected to the mandrel head and adapted to be displaced, relative to the mandrel head, the mandrel, the anchor assembly, and the wellhead, to engage the anchor assembly; and a connector adapted to secure the landing sleeve to the anchor assembly when the mandrel sealingly engages the interior portion and the landing sleeve engages the anchor assembly.
US09366095B2 Tubular string displacement assistance
A displacement assistance device can include at least two flow paths in fluid communication with a flow passage, and a blocking member that blocks flow through each flow path in response to the flow through that flow path. A method of assisting displacement of a tubular string can include installing the tubular string, then discharging a blocking member into the tubular string, and flowing a fluid through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a displacement assistance device connected in the tubular string, thereby causing the member to repeatedly block flow through at least two flow paths in succession. A system can include a displacement assistance device connected in a tubular string, the device including at least two flow paths in communication with a flow passage extending through the tubular string, and a blocking member that alternately blocks flow through the flow paths in response to flow through the flow passage.
US09366093B2 Pipe connector
A two part coupling connector for pipe having male and female components that sealably engage with an extendable multi-link spring member that is locked into a recessed slot in the female component by a rotational key. The male and female components are aligned with a mating extension and receiving groove. The parts are disengaged by insertion of a tool into circumferential apertures about the female component that apply pressure inward to move the extendable spring away from the recessed slot. The connector may also have ports for communication and control lines that are engaged to and about the coupling connector to facilitate transmission of electrical signals and flanges to support such lines.
US09366077B2 Blind body positioning mechanism for non pull cord window blind and window blind using same
A window body positioning mechanism of a non pull cord window blind includes two first transmission wheels, two transmission cords respectively connected with one ends thereof to the first transmission wheels, two second transmission wheels meshed together and respectively meshed with the first transmission wheels, a coil spring connecting the two second transmission wheels and selectively wound round one second transmission wheel, and two resistance units each including a one-way pawl and a resistance wheel wound by one respective transmission cord and meshed with the one-way pawl. Thus, when extending out or receiving the blind body, the friction resistance between the resistance wheels and the transmission cords and the engagement relationship between the resistance wheels and the respective one-way pawls help achieve excellent blind body positioning effects.
US09366074B2 Security gate with pressure-mount system
A security gate includes a first panel and a second panel arranged to move relative to the first panel to close a doorway. The gate also includes a lock for locking the second panel to the first panel to establish the width of the gate.
US09366073B1 Connecting adapter for attaching edges of rigid panels over window and door openings
Systems, devices, apparatus, kits and methods of attaching rigid panels over door and window openings of structures such as buildings and houses, with connecting adapters attached to the panels by fasteners, and a security rod slid into holes on the adapters with ends that abut against portions of the adjacent frames and casings about the openings. The fasteners can fasten the adapters to the outside of the rigid panels which cover the outer opening.
US09366062B2 Vehicle door lock actuation prevention apparatus
A vehicle door opening prevention apparatus includes a thin cross-section spacer or flange coupled to a plate attached to a door handle frame in a vehicle door's door handle assembly. One end of the flange is positioned relative to a door lock assembly mounted within the vehicle door to limit the maximum amount of lateral inward movement of the door handle assembly toward the door lock assembly during lateral forces exerted on the vehicle door to prevent movement of an actuator pin to a door lock assembly unlatch position via movement of a fork coupled to a handle and engaged with the actuator pin.
US09366060B2 Merchandise security device and associated methods
A security device may include a housing, a security element disposed within the housing and configured to wirelessly interface with an alarming gate, a flexible strap with an affixed pin, and a pin lock mechanism. The flexible strap may be rotatably attached to the housing via a strap holding assembly that permits the flexible strap to rotate relative to the housing. The pin lock mechanism may be disposed within the housing to enable the pin to be locked to the housing to attach the security device to an object. The flexible strap may be removable from the housing and may be replaceable without tools.
US09366055B1 Universal fence section, fence section kit and fence section parts
Various embodiments of an invention regarding universal fence sections are described including a specially shaped fence section connector that may act as an elbow and/or a T-member, a universal fence section kit with parts for assembling a universal fence section including a specially shaped fence section connector, and a universal fence section assembled using a specially shaped fence section connector.
US09366047B2 Pool skimmer basket
A pool skimmer basket is provided and includes a top member having an opening for receiving and capturing debris into the pool skimmer basket and a base member having a plurality of apertures. It also includes a collapsible basket portion couples between the top member and the base member and an emptying device operatively coupled between the base member and the top member. The pool skimmer basket is moveable between an extended and collapsed position in response to operation of the emptying device. It also includes a handle coupled to the emptying device and a locking device operatively coupled to the handle, wherein the locking device is moveable between and locked and an unlocked position. The pool skimmer basket is moveable into the collapsed position when the locking device is in the unlocked position and retained in the extended position when the locking device is moved into the locked position.
US09366041B2 Tile cutting tools and method
A tool and method for marking dimensions for cutting a tile include a platform with a front wall defining an x axis, a side wall defining a y axis perpendicular to the x axis, and a front guideline defining an x′ axis parallel to the x axis. A finger attached to the platform is manually extendable to a retained protracted position. A conformable member is disposed at the distal end of the finger and is configured to conformably match the contour of an obstruction. The platform is configured for superposed alignment with an installed tile adjacent to an area with the obstruction, and also for alignment with a loose tile to be cut. The conformable member provides a guide for marking the surface of the loose tile to accommodate the obstruction.
US09366037B2 Floor covering, floor element and method for manufacturing floor elements
A floor covering made of floor elements which have at least at two opposite sides a male coupling part and a female coupling part. The floor elements comprise a substrate substantially consisting of a filled synthetic material composite, a top layer having a thickness from 1 to 15 millimeters.