Document Document Title
US09495890B2 Autonomously standing display apparatus and substrate for autonomously standing display apparatus
Provided are an easily assembled and autonomously standing display apparatus and a substrate for the autonomously standing display apparatus. The autonomously standing display apparatus is provided with: a first side plate connected to a side of a first display board; a second display board connected to the bottom side of the first display board; a second side plate connected to the first side plate and the second display board; a bottom plate connected to the bottom side of the second display board; and a support plate, one side being connected to the bottom plate and the other side being rotatably connected to the back face of the first display board. In a vertical cross-sectional shape, the first display board and the second display board, which are deployed flat, and the bottom plate and the support plate, form sides of a triangle and maintain an open state.
US09495888B2 Adhesive label with water-based release coating
An adhesive label with a water-based release coating and methods for applying the water-based release coating to the adhesive label are provided. The water-based release coating is a non-silicon based formulation having a fluorochemical. The water-based release coating can be applied in a single-pass process or a double-pass process when manufacturing the adhesive label.
US09495879B2 Systems and methods for providing optimized taxiing path operation for an aircraft
A taxiing path optimization system is provided for computing a taxi path of an aircraft using available taxi routes of a corresponding airport. An interaction means management unit manages interactions between a user and the taxiing path optimization system using an interactive device for inputting a taxi clearance. An aircraft positioning management unit manages positional information of the corresponding airport and aircraft received from a plurality of sources for augmenting an aircraft position by consolidating the aircraft position with the positional information in a complementary fashion. A taxi path display unit displays the taxi path based on the inputted taxi clearance and the augmented aircraft position, wherein the taxi path is automatically computed based on aircraft characteristics or airport capabilities.
US09495877B2 Airspace deconfliction system and method
An aircraft deconfliction system including a registration system having an airspace database, a registered airspace, wherein registration details of the registered airspace are logged in the airspace database, and an aircraft assigned to the registered airspace, the aircraft including a flight control system, a guidance computer controlling the flight control system based on a pilot input, and an override unit in communication with the guidance computer, wherein the override unit overrides the pilot input when the aircraft breaches the registered airspace.
US09495875B2 Obstacle evaluation technique
A vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous mode may engage in an obstacle evaluation technique that includes employing a sensor system to collect data relating to a plurality of obstacles, identifying from the plurality of obstacles an obstacle pair including a first obstacle and a second obstacle, engaging in an evaluation process by comparing the data collected for the first obstacle to the data collected for the second obstacle, and in response to engaging in the evaluation process, making a determination of whether the first obstacle and the second obstacle are two separate obstacles.
US09495871B2 Display control device, display control method, non-transitory recording medium, and projection device
A display control device causes a display unit to generate a first predetermined image representing a first presentation image that indicates a first speed limit. Change in a speed limit of a road where a vehicle travels from a first speed limit to a second speed limit different from the first speed limit is recognized. When the recognized change in the speed limit indicates decrease, the first predetermined image is switched by a first switching method so that a second predetermined image representing a second presentation image that indicates the second speed limit is generated. When the recognized change in the speed limit indicates increase, the first predetermined image is switched by a second switching method different from the first switching method so that the second predetermined image is generated.
US09495870B2 Vehicular communications using a scalable ad hoc geographic routing protocol
Vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications are accomplished via a scalable ad hoc geographic routing protocol. As vehicles move along roadways, they can query other vehicles and entities for information. Responses to queries can be used to determine information such as traffic conditions, a retail store sale, that a restaurant has tables available, and/or that parking spaces are available, for example. Businesses, vehicles, and other entities along roadways can geocast pertinent information to vehicles passing by. Vehicles can cache information as it is received.
US09495862B2 Emergency response system and method
An improved emergency response system and method includes at least one zone display structured to present a plurality of zones that convey certain information to bystanders, dispatchers, and/or emergency responders. Each zone corresponds to a different portion of the local premises, such that the zones are collectively configured to convey at least directional information pertaining to the local premises. The zone display is further configured to present at least one universal directional indicator associated with each zone. Accordingly, the information associated with the zones and directional indicators is utilized to facilitate an emergency response. The presenting of the zones can include depicting at least a portion of the premises via mapping overlay display. Further, the zone displays can depict threat level indicators corresponding to perceived circumstances of one or more zones.
US09495860B2 False alarm identification
Methods and systems, such as home automation gateways and television receivers, are disclosed for distinguishing between false alarms and actual events. Aspects include transmitting sensor data, such as a video feed from a closed-circuit video system, to a display to allow a user to confirm whether an alarm event is a false alarm or an actual alarm event. Sensor data is optionally recorded to allow later review of the sensor data.
US09495857B2 Control display of applications from a mobile device communicably connected to an in-vehicle apparatus depending on speed-threshold
An in-vehicle apparatus communicably connected to a mobile device and located in a vehicle includes a display screen displaying data related to applications of the mobile device in communication with the mobile device; a memory storing an application record including identification informations of the applications, each application being associated with one or more mobile device models; a communication unit operable to receive model information data from the mobile device; and a control unit. The control unit i) receives a signal indicating a vehicle speed; ii) retrieves, from the memory, the identification informations of the applications included in the application record based on the model information data; and iii) controls the display of the data related to predetermined applications for which identification informations were retrieved from the memory on the display screen when the speed of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed threshold.
US09495853B2 Tags for automated location and monitoring of moveable objects and related systems
An example embodiment provides a system, including: a plurality of receivers placed throughout a hospital; each of the receivers configured for communicating with a tag affixed to a moveable object; a database storing location information associated with placements of the plurality of receivers and a use state for a movable object associated with the placements; a computing device operatively coupled to the database and the plurality of receivers, the computing device operating to: receive, via one or more of the plurality of receivers, location data of a tag affixed to the movable object; identify, using data received from the tag, a movable object; determine, based on the one or more of the plurality of receivers transmitting the location data, a location within the hospital of the movable object; associate, using the location information of the database, a use state for the movable object based on the location of the movable object within the hospital; and update a use state for the movable object. Related methods and products are also described and/or claimed herein.
US09495852B1 Electronically switchable RFID tags
Various switchable RFID devices are disclosed. These switchable RFID devices may include one or more RFID tags and one or more switches. Some of these one or more switches are optionally wireless. In various embodiments, the switchable RFID devices include identity devices, financial devices, remote controls, and the like. In some embodiments, switches are configured to enter data into a switchable RFID device, for example to select a financial account.
US09495851B1 Tag-based product monitoring and evaluation
Aspects of tag-based product monitoring and evaluation are described. In one embodiment, a system instructs a tag reader to transmit an electromagnetic field and receives a plurality of unique identifiers for a plurality of products from a plurality of tags in response to the electromagnetic field. The plurality of tags may be provided on a plurality of product packages for the plurality of products. The system also identifies the plurality of products using the plurality of unique identifiers and identifies whether a product package of at least one of the plurality of products has been opened based on the plurality of unique identifiers or the product detail data. The system may alert a user as to whether one or more product packages have been opened before purchasing.
US09495850B2 Panic device with 2-way communication
A panic device operable in conjunction with a local device is configured to unlock a locking mechanism. The panic device can take the form of an electronic key fob, a key shaft, or a key holder. A first trigger on the panic device triggers a local alarm that is on-board or off-board the panic device. A second trigger on the panic device can activate an alarm circuitry that utilizes a local device to provide position information to a distant dispatch station. The local device uses a GPS-aware circuitry or other non-GPS means such as triangulation to determine the position information. The position information can then be sent to the distant dispatch station with or without the aid of the local device.
US09495848B2 Interface between an alarm or monitoring system and an object such as a firearm
An alarm/monitoring system includes an interface body, a first electrical contactor electrically connected to a first lead, and a second electrical contactor electrically connected to a second lead. The first electrical contactor has a magnetic field associated therewith to provide a magnetic attractive force to a ferromagnetic component of the object to be monitored. The first electrical contactor and the second electrical contactor are located on the interface body so that when the interface body is placed in an operating position with respect to the ferromagnetic component, the first electrical contactor and the second electrical contactor each contact a respective surface of the ferromagnetic component to provide a closed electrical circuit between the first lead and the second lead, the closed electrical circuit providing a monitoring input to an alarm system.
US09495845B1 Control panel for security monitoring system providing cell-system upgrades
Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards alarm systems, apparatus, and methods of using the systems and apparatus. In one embodiment, an alarm system includes intrusion sensor(s) and a central control panel that allows limited access to changes to a system configuration based upon the use of an installer code and the system configuration includes adding or changing interface modules. Additionally, the system includes an authorization circuit that requests the installer code from the remote location over a communications link and in response thereto, provides the installer code to the control circuit.
US09495843B2 Gaming machine and method for a bonus game with increasing payout rate
When a trigger condition is established in a normal game, a gaming machine 300 executes a process of shifting to a bonus game in which a re-trigger condition which is less stringent than the trigger condition may be established, a process of executing a free game at least once in the bonus game, and a process of increasing the payout rate of the free game in the bonus game when the re-trigger condition is established in the bonus game.
US09495841B2 System and method of awarding a community award
A system providing a community award to player is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of gaming machines and a system controller. Each gaming machine is configured receive a wager from a respective player and responsively initiate a game. The system controller is coupled to each of the gaming machines and includes a database with a community awards list including a plurality of total award probabilities, each total award probability associated with a corresponding number of players. The system controller is then configured to detect a triggering condition; responsively determine a number of players playing the plurality of gaming machines; determine a total award probability as a function of the determined number of players and the community award list; and provide a community award to at least one of the plurality of players as a function of the determined total award probability.
US09495836B2 Seamless initiation of primary and secondary games at modified gaming machines
Secondary gaming functionality is provided for a casino gaming machine (26) by a secondary controller (200) of the casino gaming machine. The secondary gaming functionality may function to provide a multi-game experience at the gaming machine or remotely at another gaming machine or other device, e.g., a smart phone (28), tablet, personal computer (32), and the like, via the casino gaming machine. The multi-game experience may comprise one or more secondary wager-based games in addition to the one or more primary wager-based game(s) provided by the primary gaming functionality of the gaming machine. The secondary controller functionality may cause the secondary wager-based game to be presented upon a single input player to the gaming machine which also initiates the primary game, whereby primary and secondary games are initiated seamlessly to the player via a single input.
US09495833B2 Electronic gaming system with single action, multiple-play using residual value amounts
A gaming method is played on a gaming system having a processor. The processor executes code to: a) receive a ticket-in-ticket-out wager from the player input system, the ticket having a wagering value; b) dedicate the entire wagering value to a single gaming event on the electronic gaming system; c) the gaming system providing a random gaming event outcome identified by the processor; d) compare the random gaming event outcome and resolving the wager according to a high volatility paytable; and e) awarding any winning outcome from the resolution of the wager as a ticket without providing a credit on the gaming machine that is available for future wagering on the gaming machine.
US09495826B2 Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a game in which players position selectors within a field of selections based on values masked by the selections
A gaming system displays a plurality of spaced-apart selections each associated with a masked award. One or more selectors are each associated with one or more players, and are visible to each player. The selectors are moveable amongst the spaced-apart selections based on a plurality of player inputs. For a play of the game, the players provide inputs to move the selectors amongst the spaced-apart selections. During such movement, the gaming system temporarily reveals the award associated with any spaced-apart selection in the vicinity of any selector to at least one player, such as the player whose selector is near the selection. After the play of the game has ended (e.g., based on an amount of elapsed time), the gaming system provides awards to the players based on the ending positions of the one or more selectors with respect to the plurality of spaced-apart selections.
US09495822B2 Retail fueling environment utilizing powered communication over legacy cabling
Various systems and methods are provided for facilitating powered communications over legacy cabling. This can be implemented in a fuel dispensing environment where the fuel dispenser can include a diode coupler communicatively coupled to the legacy cabling for receiving powered communications from one or more backroom components over the legacy cabling during a power outage, and a broadband communications modem for communicating with the one or more backroom components, wherein the diode coupler provides power from the powered communications to the broadband communications modem. Relays can be used at the fuel dispenser and/or backroom components to determine whether to use the powered communications or legacy communications based on whether power is available at the components communicating over the legacy cabling. In addition, failsafe protection of legacy communication circuits is provided when powered communications are active.
US09495821B2 Device for handling notes of value
A device (10) for handling notes of value has a box receiving area (14) for receiving cash boxes (18) and a first transport unit (22) for transporting of notes of value between the cash boxes (18) and a head module (12). A first switch (50) is provided at a head module side-end of the first transport unit (22). Further, the device (10) has a stacking unit (26), an input and/or output compartment (28) and a reject and retract container (30). In addition, a second transport unit (24) for transporting notes of value between the stacking unit (26), the input and/or output compartment (28) and the reject and retract container (30) is provided. In a first switch position, the first switch (50) guides a note of value removed from the box receiving area (14) to the stacking unit (26) and in a second switch position to the second transport unit (24).
US09495812B2 Calibrating electronic modules of a vehicle using a configuration application
A system is provided for calibration of vehicle electronic modules. The system includes: a vehicle and a computing device separate from the vehicle. The vehicle includes: a vehicle communications interface, configured to facilitate communications with a computing device without utilizing an Assembly Line Diagnostic Link (ALDL) or on-board diagnostic (OBD) port; and a plurality of electronic modules, the plurality of electronic modules being configurable via calibration data received via the vehicle communications interface. The computing device includes: a computing device communications interface, configured to facilitate communications with the plurality of electronic modules of the vehicle via the vehicle communications interface; a human machine interface (HMI), configured to receive input from a user and to display information; and a processor, configured to execute a calibration application, the calibration application being configured to utilize the HMI of the computing device to receive input from the user, and further being configured to generate calibration data corresponding to the user input for transmission to respective vehicle electronic modules.
US09495804B2 Haptic information presentation system and method
A system and method are disclosed in which in a conventional non-grounding man-machine interface having no reaction base on the human body and for giving the existence of a virtual object and the impact force of a collision to a person, a haptic sensation of a torque, a force and the like can be continuously presented in the same direction, which cannot be presented by only the physical characteristic of a haptic sensation presentation device. In a haptic presentation device, the rotation velocity of at least one rotator in the haptic presentation device is controlled by a control device, and a vibration, a force or a torque as the physical characteristic is controlled, so that the user is made to conceive various haptic information of the vibration, force, torque or the like.
US09495799B2 Image distortion correction system
An image generation system includes a vertex split count setting section that performs a vertex split count setting process that sets a vertex split count m, a vertex split processing section that performs a vertex split process on a three-dimensional object OB in an object space using the vertex split count m, a vertex position calculation section that calculates an intersection position of a projection screen SC and a straight line that connects a vertex position of the three-dimensional object OB after the vertex split process and a position of a virtual camera VC, and calculates a vertex position of a drawing object corresponding to the three-dimensional object OB on a drawing buffer based on the calculated intersection position, and a drawing section that draws the drawing object on the drawing buffer based on the vertex position of the drawing object to generate a projection image.
US09495798B2 Method and device for producing a finite element model
A finite-element model modeling a geometrical entity, is created by means of a computer in the following way At least one property data and at least a positioning identifier are acquired by means of an interface of the computer in order to store these in a memory of the computer. The positioning identifier allows identifying a position of the property data on the geometrical entity. A correspondence is established between the positioning identifier and at least an element of the finite-element model. Preferably, the property data is linked with the element of the finite-element model for which a correspondence with the positioning identifier of the property data was established.
US09495797B2 Hardware accelerated simulation of atmospheric scattering
A method and system may include a hardware texture unit having logic to receive parameters of a view ray for a pixel of a graphical scene, and determine an illumination of the view ray. The illumination, which could indicate an in-scatter illumination percentage for the view ray, may be passed to a software module such as a pixel shader for rendering of the pixel.
US09495795B2 Image recording device, three-dimensional image reproducing device, image recording method, and three-dimensional image reproducing method
The image recording device includes: an image information obtaining unit obtaining a first image of the object viewed from a first viewpoint, a second image of the object viewed from a second viewpoint, and viewpoint positions each for one of the viewpoints; a depth information generating unit generating depth information items each indicating a depth of the object included in the first and second images; an image generating unit generating a third image and a viewpoint position of the third image, using the depth information items, the first image, and the second image, the third image being of the object viewed from a third viewpoint different from the first and second viewpoints; and a recording unit recording on the image file the first, second and third images in association with the viewpoint positions each for one of the first, second, and third images.
US09495793B2 Method and device for generating an image view for 3D display
There is described a method for generating an image view from at least one input image for a 3D display using a backward processing enabling post processing for handling holes in the image view.
US09495789B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method and computer program
There is provided an information processing apparatus including a display controlling unit configured to, at a time of displaying content on a screen, set one axis in a three-dimensional space as a time axis, arrange pieces of content along one or more of the time axes, cause the time axis to be rotatable in a foreground direction and a background direction of the screen with one axis substantially orthogonal to the time axis regarded as a center, and, in a case where the time axis is inclined by a predetermined angle or more toward a foreground, change a display state of content after a predetermined reference time among the pieces of content arranged along the time axis.
US09495784B2 Method for generating digital content by combining photographs and text messages
Methods and apparatus are provided for generating a content of a display apparatus. A user touch is received. An area corresponding to the received user touch is detected. A object is inserted and displayed into the detected area.
US09495781B2 Early sample evaluation during coarse rasterization
A technique for early sample evaluation during coarse rasterization of primitives reduces the number of pixel tiles that are processed during fine rasterization of the primitive. A primitive bounding box determines when a primitive is small and may not actually cover any samples within at least one fine raster tile. Early sample evaluation is performed for the small primitive during coarse rasterization and the small primitive is discarded when no samples are actually covered by the small primitive. When the small primitive lies on a boundary between at least two fine raster tiles, early sample evaluation is performed during coarse rasterization to correctly identify which, if any, of the at least two fine raster tiles includes samples that are actually covered by the small primitive.
US09495778B2 Information presenting apparatus and method for confirmed and tentative tracks
According to one embodiment, an information presenting apparatus receives each observed value from sensors, and maintains a track of each target by updating the track based on an observed value having a correlation with the track. A likelihood ratio for a tentative track, which has not yet been determined to be a track of a target, is computed and compared with an upper limit threshold. When the likelihood ratio is greater than or equal to the upper limit threshold, the tentative track is determined to be a track of a target. When the likelihood ratio is greater than or equal to a monitor threshold which is lower than the upper limit threshold, the tentative track is determined to be a monitor track. The information of the track and the monitor track are presented.
US09495776B2 Computing method and computing apparatus
In a computing apparatus, a computing unit performs statistical analysis on data including the values of a plurality of input variables and the values of a plurality of output variables optimized by adjusting the values of the plurality of input variables, thereby generating the values of intermediate variables that indicate relative positional relationship among the values of each of the plurality of input variables and the plurality of output variables. The creation unit creates scatter diagrams representing the tendency of magnitude relationship among values of a variable, by using the generated values of the intermediate variables, for the respective input variables and output variables. The display unit displays the created scatter diagrams.
US09495772B2 CT imaging systems and methods thereof
CT imaging systems and methods thereof are disclosed. A common CT scanning is performed on an object to obtain a common CT imaging. An area of interest is determined from the image. A CT scanning is performed on the area of interest under a plurality of energy windows by a photon counter detector. A high resolution image of the area of interest is reconstructed. The discrimination of energy spectrum is higher and the result so obtained is more stable by using a photon counter detector to collect photon count projection data of a plurality of energy windows and thus it may be decomposed into a plurality of basis functions.
US09495771B2 Systems and methods for motion correction in positron emission tomography imaging
Systems and methods for compensating motion artifacts in positron emission tomography (“PET”) imaging based on medical images acquired with a medical imaging system are provided. In some embodiments, the method includes acquiring PET data from a subject with a PET system during which at least a portion of the subject is undergoing motion, and providing medical images acquired from the subject using a medical imaging system, the medical images including regions depicting motion. The method also includes estimating, from the medical images, motion information associated with the motion of the at least a portion of the subject, and reconstructing a motion-corrected PET image using the PET data using a reconstruction algorithm that incorporates the motion information into a system matrix.
US09495755B2 Apparatus, a method and a computer program for image processing
There is provided methods, apparatuses and computer program products for image segmentation in which pixel data of an image and information of a first set of pixels of the image indicative of pixels belonging to a foreground of the image are obtained. A color model of the image is estimated. To obtain a geodesic distance map at least one geodesic distance from a pixel of the first set of pixel to another pixel of the image which is not in the first set of pixels is determined. An energy function is optimized on the basis of the geodesic distance map to obtain a segmentation of the image.
US09495753B2 Spectral image data processing apparatus and two-dimensional spectral apparatus
A spectral image data processing apparatus which conducts multivariate analysis on spectral image data of a sample, including: a region setting unit configured to set a region of interest for performing multivariate analysis in a sample in which a difference needs to be distinguished, the region of interest being set in accordance with spectral image data of the sample; and an analysis unit configured to perform the multivariate analysis with spectral image data inside the region of interest and spectral image data of region of non-interest which is a region other than the region of interest being distinguished from each other.
US09495750B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium for position and orientation measurement of a measurement target object
To perform robust position and orientation measurement even in a situation where noise exist, an image including a target object is obtained, an approximate position and orientation of the target object included in the obtained image are obtained, information related to a shadow region of the target object in the obtained image is estimated, the approximate position and orientation are corrected on the basis of the estimated information related to the shadow region, and a position and orientation of the target object in the image are derived on the basis of the corrected approximate position and orientation and held model information.
US09495747B2 Registration of SAR images by mutual information
A method for registering an image using a similarity criterion based on mutual information. The image to be registered is compared with a plurality of reference representations of an object, each reference representation being of a plurality of homogeneous zones. The mutual information between the image to be registered and each reference representation is calculated, on the set of homogeneous zones. The registration is given by the reference representation corresponding to the highest mutual information. The method can be advantageously applied to an aircraft aided navigation by registering images obtained by a synthetic aperture radar.
US09495739B2 Method and system for validating image data
A system and method for validating GPU rendered display data by comparing, across substantially all of the pixel locations in a frame, the GPU rendered display data to display data rendered by another processor. In this way, by checking substantially all of the pixel locations in a frame, errors in the display image data can be detected without prior knowledge of the format, layout, etc. of the display data. The system and method are capable of operating without receiving input from a user or producing output to a user, and without receiving input from other applications or producing output to other applications.
US09495732B2 Image enhancing device and image enhancement method
An image is sharpened by using a frequency component higher than Nyquist frequency.An image enhancing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention for generating an output image by sharpening an input image, includes: a filter unit 10 configured to generate a first signal by eliminating at least a direct current component of a frequency component included in an input image signal representing the input image; a nonlinear processing unit 20 configured to generate a second signal by carrying out, to the first signal, nonlinear processing asymmetric between a positive area and a negative area of the first signal; a limiter 30 configured to generate a third signal by adjusting the second signal; and an adder 50 configured to generate an output image signal representing the output image by adding the third signal to the input image signal.
US09495731B2 Debanding image data based on spatial activity
A method for attenuating banding in image data may involve receiving a stream of input pixels. The method may then include applying a bi-lateral filter to a first portion of the stream of input pixels to generate a first filtered output and applying a high pass filter to a second portion of the stream of input pixels to generate a second filtered output. The method may then determine a local activity and a local intensity associated with the first portion of the stream. The method may then include blending the first filtered output with the first portion of the stream of input pixels based at least in part on the local activity and the local intensity to generate a third filtered output. Afterward, the method may combine the third filtered output with the second filtered output to generate a fourth filtered output that may be output as the image data.
US09495727B2 Video channel display method and apparatus
Methods for video display using a computing system. The computing system includes a main computing module and an ancillary computing module. The main computing module may transmit a synchronization control information block to the ancillary computing module. The synchronization control information block includes a frame number of a current frame and the reference time associated with the main computing module. The ancillary computing module receives the synchronization control information block and selects a frame pack having the same frame number contained in the synchronization control information block as the current frame. The ancillary computing module may obtain the reference time of the current frame based on a local time of the ancillary computing module. The main computing module and the ancillary computing module may decode one or more parts of the frame, respectively. Further, the decoded parts of the frame may be combined and displayed.
US09495726B1 System and method for morphing a CAD design element
A system and method for morphing a design element which precisely and efficiently morphs a design element within a data file to new target parameters by changing its general proportions, dimensions or shape. The present invention is generally a computer software program which loads an existing data file which includes one or more design elements, such as parts or an assembly of parts, and then automatically morphs the design element's dimensions, proportions and/or shapes to meet target parameters input by a user. The present invention will create several groups of points corresponding to each surface and associated bounding curves of the existing design. It will then morph each group into a new shape as per the input requirements by the user, fit the morphed group into an infinite surface, create boundary curves for each morphed group and then trim the infinite surface to create the new, morphed design element.
US09495708B2 Systems and methods for managing electronic interactive gaming-based investments
The field of the invention relates to systems and methods for facilitating investments through interactive online gaming. In one embodiment, an interactive electronic gaming system includes a game server for hosting a Web application game, accessible over a data network. One or more client communication devices are configured to access the game server. An index fund server is accessible over said data network for maintaining electronic investment portfolios. The game server is configured to intercept any electronic payment transactions over a payment gateway server through the Web application game from one or more client devices and redirect the intercepted transaction to the index fund server.
US09495707B2 Systems and methods to facilitate generation of pricing information via a pricing graph
Systems and methods are provided to generate and exchange pricing information by a pricing engine. According to one embodiment, a pricing graph having a plurality of inter-dependent nodes is constructed. The pricing graph includes at least one input pricing information node and output pricing information node. In addition, at least one node provides information that effects information received by that node. A frame is established with at least one input pricing information slot and output pricing information slot. The pricing graph is then executed via a pricing engine in substantially real time. As a result, a value in the input pricing information slot is provided to the input pricing information node and a value for the output pricing information slot is received from the output pricing information node.
US09495702B2 Dynamic auction monitor with graphic interpretive data change indicators
A method, system, and computer program product for updating an auction monitor display with highlighting or emphasis in the form of graphic data change indicators. The method commences by capturing a first set of auction variables, the auction variables pertaining to an ecommerce auction involving a plurality of auction participants in the ecommerce auction. Then, for ongoing real-time display, the method introduces a delay of a variable duration of time, the variable duration of time based on the length of time before the end of the auction. At various points within each delay period, the method captures a second set of auction variables which are compared to the first set of auction variables to identify a candidate set of changed auction variables for emphasis. The determination of the manner of emphasis is based on the changed auction variable and characteristics of the type of change of the changed auction variable.
US09495698B2 Continuum-based selection of product choice
Systems, methods and computer program products for facilitating searching, obtaining and displaying product choice recommendations using inputs, including continuum-based inputs, and variable-sized visual representations are disclosed. In an embodiment, a user is presented with at least one continuum-based selector and at least one product choice visual representation. At least one input indicating user interest value in a product attribute is received and compared with stored result values of product choices. A unique weighing value indicating the relevancy of the product choice is generated for each product based on the comparison performed. The user is then presented with at least one product choice visual representation which may be modified based on the unique weighing value of the product choice.
US09495696B2 Systems and methods for facilitating interactions between consumers and individuals having marketable public recognition
Systems and methods are disclosed for processing transactions and associated dated. In one exemplary implementation, there is provided a method for processing information associated with transactions involving a product, wherein the product may comprise an experience, a physical product, and/or a digital product. Moreover, illustrative methods may include performing processing associated with a plurality of subroutines, such as a first subroutine for handling an experience, a second subroutine for handling a physical and/or a digital product, and/or one more additional subroutines associated with fulfillment.
US09495695B2 Reconciling detailed transaction feedback
Reconciling detailed transaction feedback by detecting a rating of a transaction, where the rating indicates a negative experience, mining the sentiment of words in feedback text that is included with or as part of the rating to detect whether the words indicate positive sentiment or negative sentiment, responsive to determining that the words in the feedback text indicate that the feedback text connotes a positive sentiment, adjusting the rating of the transaction. The mining may include testing words in the feedback text to detect whether the words indicate positive sentiment or negative sentiment by calculating a sentiment score.
US09495683B2 Process and workflow for enterprise data matching
A method and system for managing a media advertising enterprise including process and workflow capabilities for enterprise data matching. An EDM (Enterprise Data Management) module can be configured to include a set of rules at an enterprise level to manage disparate and disconnected records associated with an entity. A number of unmatched and enterprise entities that matches with respect to an active entity can be returned based on a fuzzy logic. A matching process can then be performed to accurately match the active entity and the unmatched entities with respect to a parent enterprise entity. The unmatched entity can be put on hold if additional information is required for performing a right match after assigning the parent enterprise entity. A note can also be added in order to place the unmatched entity on hold. Such an optimization mechanism can interactively manage and report records at the enterprise level in a simple and efficient manner.
US09495674B2 Enabling secure transactions with an underpowered device
In a system and method for enabling secure monetary transactions with an unpowered and/or underpowered user device, embodiments include a payment device including a battery, a display, and a processor. The processor is configured to generate an optical machine-readable representation of data, the data including an identifier for a payment account, and display the optical machine-readable representation of data on the display in response to a charge level of the battery.
US09495663B2 Automatic meeting invitation based on proximity
In one implementation, proximity of a possible meeting participant is used to initiate joining the meeting. A host device or other device detects the presence of a possible meeting participant in a room, conference center, or other region. In response, an invite is sent for joining the meeting. The proximity based invitation may remove the requirement of the possible participant from having to find a previous message with the meeting invitation for joining and/or the requirement of the host to manually invite the possible participant. From the perspective of the possible participant, merely being in the proximity of the meeting may be enough to initiate joining, to receive an invite, and/or to join a meeting.
US09495652B1 Autonomic discrete business activity management method
Discrete Business Activity Management is a method whereby continuous streams of data formatted in one or more taxonomies, originating from two or more networked entity domain nodes within a Grid Framework or equivalent, are extracted at two or more independent times and synchronized to an assigned time index, then translated into each other's taxonomy or harmonized, securely filtered and, routed thereby creating a universal or federated view of business activity over time, which may be viewed in the context of any single domain. An apparatus which performs DBAM consists of processing, storage and network hardware and software, along with software which integrates the function of the DBAM within a Grid Framework or equivalent. The apparatus is further configured as a service for sale to subscribers through the addition of administrative software architecture to manage subscriber access, proprietary information, data element integrity and quality of service in connection with distributed applications.
US09495649B2 Workload-to-cloud migration analysis based on cloud aspects
Methods and systems for evaluating compatibility of a cloud of computers to perform one or more workload tasks. One or more computing solution aspects are determined that corresponding to one or more sets of workload factors, where the workload factors characterize one or more workloads, to characterize one or more computing solutions. The workload factors are compared to the computing solution aspects in a rule-based system to exclude computing solutions that cannot satisfy the workload factors. A computing solution is selected that has aspects that accommodate all of the workload factors to find a solution that accommodates the one or more individual workloads.
US09495648B1 Training a similar passage cognitive system using ground truth from a question answering cognitive system
A mechanism is provided in a data processing system comprising at least one processor and a memory comprising instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to train a similar passage cognitive system. The mechanism receives a question and answer key for a question answering cognitive system, the question and answer key comprising a list of question and answer specification pairs. Each question is a text string and each answer specification references one or more text passages from a corpus of information. The mechanism uses the question and answer key to generate a similar passage map for the similar passage cognitive system, the similar passage map comprising a list of text relation pairs. Each text relation pair comprises a sample input text component and a list comprising one or more sample output text components. The mechanism trains a similar passage machine learning model of the similar passage cognitive system using the similar passage map.
US09495644B2 Systems and methods for improving the performance of a quantum processor by reducing errors
Techniques for improving the performance of a quantum processor are described. Some techniques employ improving the processor topology through design and fabrication, reducing intrinsic/control errors, reducing thermally-assisted errors and methods of encoding problems in the quantum processor for error correction.
US09495639B2 Determining document classification probabilistically through classification rule analysis
A classification application identifies patterns and evidences within representative documents. The application constructs a classification rule according to an entity and an affinity determined from the patterns and evidences. The application processes the representative documents with the classification rule to evaluate whether the rules meet acceptance requirements. Subsequent to a successful evaluation, the application identifies confidence levels for patterns and evidences within other documents.
US09495634B2 Scalable neuromorphic synaptronic system with overlaid cores for shared neuronal activation and opposite direction firing event propagation
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method comprising propagating a first set and a second set of axonal firing events through a symmetric core circuit in a first direction and a second direction, respectively. The symmetric core circuit comprises a first core module and a second core module, and each core module comprises an interconnection network for interconnecting multiple electronic neurons with multiple electronic axons. The method further comprises, for at least one neuron, receiving an axonal firing event via an interconnected axon, and, for at least one neuron, generating a neuronal firing event according to a neuronal activation function. Each core module of the symmetric core circuit has a corresponding adaptive lookup table, the corresponding adaptive lookup table used to determine target axons for neuronal firing events generated by neurons in the core module.
US09495629B2 Memory card and communication method between a memory card and a host unit
A memory card and a communication method between a memory card and a host unit are disclosed. High throughput of data between the memory card and the host unit is guaranteed by providing a communication interface between the memory card and the host unit including a first communication interface between a memory unit of the memory card and a control unit of the memory card and a second communication interface between the control unit of the memory card and the host unit.
US09495621B1 Color calibration mechanism
A method for calibrating a printer is disclosed. The method includes receiving data corresponding to a Reference curve for the printer, receiving data corresponding to a Measurement curve representing a current response for the printer and generating a Target curve that follows the Reference curve and transitions to the Measured curve.
US09495619B2 Systems and methods for image object recognition based on location information and object categories
Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media can identify a set of regions corresponding to a geographical area. A collection of training images can be acquired. Each training image in the collection can be associated with one or more respective recognized objects and with a respective region in the set of regions. Histogram metrics for a plurality of object categories within each region in the set of regions can be determined based at least in part on the collection of training images. A neural network can be developed based at least in part on the histogram metrics for the plurality of object categories within each region in the set of regions and on the collection of training images.
US09495611B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and image processing program
An image processing apparatus for searching for corresponding points between a first image and a second image is provided. The image processing apparatus includes a window setting portion, a phase information extraction portion that extracts phase information by subjecting a representation included in each set window to frequency decomposition, a corresponding points determination portion that determines the corresponding points based on comparison of the phase information extracted from each window, and a window size control portion that causes the window setting portion to set a window different in size in accordance with a frequency used for calculation of the frequency decomposition. The window size control portion causes the window setting portion to set a window having a first size in response to a first frequency and to set a window having a second size smaller than the first size in response to a second frequency higher than the first frequency.
US09495607B2 Describing objects using edge-pixel-feature descriptors
During a description technique (100), a local descriptor for an object (300) is generated (122) by computing a 2-dimensional histogram (600) of pairs of angles (514, 516) between pairs of line segments (510, 512) that are aligned with edge pixels associated with the object (300). The pairs of line segments (510, 512) belong to a subset of k neighboring or proximate line segments (310). Moreover, this 2D histogram (600) may represent the relative displacement and the relative orientations of the pairs of line segments (510, 512) in the subset as weights in bins or cells defined by angular quantization values, and the 2D histogram (600 may exclude lengths of the line segments. Subsequently, the generated 2D histogram (600) may be compared (210) to predefined sets of descriptors in a model library that are associated with a set of objects, and the object may be identified (212) as one of the set of objects based on a group of match scores determined in the comparisons.
US09495606B2 Method for product recognition from multiple images
A method for product recognition from multiple images includes producing a plurality of recognition results for a plurality of input images, stitching the plurality of input images into a single stitched image; merging the plurality of recognition results using information from stitching the plurality of input images to generate a merged recognition result; and outputting the merged recognition result. The disclosure also includes systems for implementing the method.
US09495603B2 Method for determining whether a vehicle can pass through an object by means of a 3-D camera
A method and a device determine whether a vehicle can pass through a passage of an object, based on image data from a 3-D camera, which records an image of surroundings of the vehicle. A trajectory of the vehicle is ascertained. From the image data, it is determined whether an object located above the trajectory is recognized and whether the object has at least one connection to the ground. The dimensions and the shape of an entry area or a passage space between the object and the roadway, through which the vehicle is to pass, are determined from the image data. By comparing the dimensions and shape of the entry area or the passage space with the dimensions and shape of the vehicle, it is determined whether and how the vehicle can pass through the entry area or passage space.
US09495601B2 Detecting and reporting improper activity involving a vehicle
Disclosed are various embodiments for detecting and reporting improper activity, such a traffic violation. In one embodiment, a computing device receives multiple image frames from a client device. The computing device detects that a vehicle shown in at least one of the image frames is in violation of a rule. The computing device generates an evidence package based on at least one of the image frames. The computing device transmits the evidence to an evidence review device for review by an enforcement individual.
US09495599B2 Determination of train presence and motion state in railway environments
Foreground feature data and motion feature data is determined for frames of video data acquired from a train track area region of interest. The frames are labeled as “train present” if the determined foreground feature data value meets a threshold value, else as “train absent; and as “motion present” if the motion feature data meets a motion threshold, else as “static.” The labels are used to classify segments of the video data comprising groups of consecutive video frames, namely as within a “no train present” segment for groups with “train absent” and “static” labels; within a “train present and in transition” segment for groups “train present” and “motion present” labels; and within a “train present and stopped” segment for groups with “train present” and “static” labels. The presence or motion state of a train at a time of inquiry is thereby determined from the respective segment classification.
US09495596B2 Systems and method for identifying locations of infrastructure assets using aerial imagery
Embodiments include a computer-implemented method for identifying locations of infrastructure assets. The method including identifying a location of a first infrastructure asset and a location of a second infrastructure asset, identifying a region of interest extending at least partially between the locations of the first and second infrastructure assets, obtaining an aerial image of the region of interest, determining that the aerial image of the region of interest comprises a third infrastructure asset, determining a location of the third infrastructure asset based at least in part on the aerial image, and storing the location of the secondary infrastructure asset in an infrastructure asset datastore.
US09495595B2 Method and system for detecting a stream of electromagnetic pulses, and device including such a detection system and intended for electromagnetically guiding ammunition toward a target
A method for detecting a stream of electromagnetic pulses emitted, according to a predefined occurrence law, in a scene observed using a detection system comprising a matrix detector and a processing unit for processing signals comprising the electromagnetic pulses. The method includes the following steps: acquiring and transmitting the signals from the matrix detector to the processing unit, and for each pixel of the detector calculating a subtraction signal between two signals acquired during two consecutive time windows of the same length, calculating a signal for accumulating the subtraction signals spaced apart in time by an interval defined by the predefined occurrence law, and thresholding the accumulation signal, the pulse being detected if the accumulation signal is greater than a predetermined threshold for at least one pixel, and locating the pulse detected in the observed scene from the coordinates of the pixel including the detected pulse.
US09495579B2 Face detection apparatus, face detection method, and program
A face detection apparatus detecting a face from an image including the face of a target person in a region imaged by an imaging unit, includes: a model fitting unit generating a first model of the face based on a first image from the imaging unit; a tracking unit fitting the first model to a second image from the imaging unit; a position detection unit detecting positions of face parts based on the second image; and a comparison unit determining whether or not a deviation occurs between the positions of the face parts in the first model fitted by the tracking unit and the positions of the face parts detected by the position detection unit. When the comparison unit determines that the deviation occurs, the model fitting unit generates a second model of the face based on the second image.
US09495578B2 Face detection device, imaging apparatus and face detection method
A face detection device for detecting the face of a person in an input image may include the following elements: a face detection circuit including a hardware circuit configured to detect a face in an input image; a signal processing circuit configured to perform signal processing based on an input image signal in accordance with a rewritable program including a face detection program for detecting a face in an input image; and a controller configured to allow the face detection circuit and the signal processing circuit to perform face detection on an image of a frame or on respective images of adjacent frames among consecutive frames, and to control face detection by the signal processing circuit on the basis of a face detection result obtained by the face detection circuit.
US09495569B2 System and method to detect an event associated with a person relative to a bed
A system and method to detect an event associated with a first object relative to a second object and a support is provided. The system can include an antenna at a support to receive the first object, a tag reader in communication with the antenna and a tag located on the second object. In response to detecting a change in impedance of the antenna associated with the presence of the first object, the tag reader communicates a presence signal. In response to detecting the tag within a threshold proximity of the tag reader, the tag reader generates a tag signal. A remoter server is operable to detect an association of the first and second objects based on a comparison a time associated with each of the tag signal and the presence signal, and in response then creates an output indicative of a detected event based on the association for illustration.
US09495566B2 Method for interaction of a data carrier with an end device
A method is provided for interaction of a portable data carrier with an end device. The data carrier comprises a transducer arrangement having at least one or a set of capacitive transducer elements which are arranged on or in the data carrier at defined positions in relation to the geometry of the data carrier, at least one contactless interface, and a dedicated energy supply. The end device comprises a capacitive display screen having a touch-sensitive display, wherein the data carrier generates via the capacitive transducer elements signals which, when the data carrier is placed onto the display screen, are picked up by the display screen of the end device and evaluated as input signals through the end device.
US09495561B2 Target of opportunity recognition during an encryption related process
A method, system, and computer program product are provided for utilizing target of opportunity to perform at least one special operation while a key session is opened with a key manager for another purpose. The method of recognizing a target of opportunity includes receiving a command to be performed on a removable storage medium and determining if the command requires interaction with the encryption key manager. If it is determined that the command requires interaction with the key manager the command is held off. A request is sent to the encryption key manager. A target of opportunity is recognized by determining if at least one special operation may be performed. If it is determined that at least one special operation may be performed then the at least one special operation and the request are performed.
US09495560B2 Polymorphic virtual appliance rule set
A domain manager system as disclosed herein can control the selective activation of multiple independently-operable execution environments or domains on a computing device in accordance with one or more policies. In some embodiments, activation of a domain may at least temporarily transform a general purpose computing device into a specific purpose computing device or “appliance” by disabling use of one or more shared system resources by other domains.
US09495553B2 Providing path-level access control for structured documents stored in a database
An improved method and system for providing path-level access control to a structured document in a collection stored in a database, where the structured document includes a plurality of nodes is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing an access control policy for the collection, where the access control policy comprises a plurality of access control rules, generating a path for each node of the plurality of nodes in the document, and generating for each path associated with a node a corresponding value expression based on at least one access control rule of the plurality of access control rules. According to the method and system of the present invention, the corresponding value expression is utilized during access control evaluation to determine whether a user is allowed to access a node in the structured document.
US09495550B2 System and method for sharing of data securely between electronic devices
A system for securely sharing data and conducting transactions in an electronic environment. The system may include a personal information device having a processor, memory and biometric sensor. Personal data is stored in the memory of the personal information device. The personal information device may be registered with a centralized system. Data stored on the personal information device may be uploaded to an access device upon verification of a user's identity using a biometric recognition technique.
US09495549B2 Authenticating a replaceable printer component
A replaceable printer component includes a first memory device and a communication link. The first memory device is configured to store a first secret. The communication link is configured to communicatively link the first memory device to a printer controller when the replaceable printer component is installed in a printing system. The printing system comprises a second memory device storing a second secret. The second memory device is communicatively linked to the printer controller. The printer controller is configured to determine an authenticity of the replaceable printer component based on the first secret and the second secret.
US09495542B2 Software inspection system
A method for software inspection analyzes a body of computer code to assess whether the body of computer code contains malware. Various embodiments extract the executable elements of the body of computer code and modify those elements using rules defining the format of instructions for the programming language in which the computer code was written, and using rules defined from the security specification of that programming language, to produce a model of the body of computer code. The method then analyzes the model using a model checking system, which determines whether any of the language rules have been violated, in which case the method flags the computer code as potentially including malware.
US09495540B2 Method and system for monitoring calls to an application program interface (API) function
A method and device for monitoring calls to an application program interface (API) function includes monitoring for a memory permission violation of a computing device caused by the API function call. If a memory permission violation occurs, control of the computing device is transferred to a virtual machine monitor to intervene prior to execution of the API function. The virtual machine monitor may perform one or more actions in response to the API function call.
US09495538B2 Graduated enforcement of restrictions according to an application's reputation
Security software on a client observes a request for a resource from an application on the client and then determines the application's reputation. The application's reputation may be measured by a reputation score obtained from a remote reputation server. The security software determines an access policy from a graduated set of possible access policies for the application based on the application's reputation. The security software applies the access policy to the application's request for the resource. In this way, the reputation-based system uses a graduated trust scale and a policy enforcement mechanism that restricts or grants application functionality for resource interactivity along a graduated scale.
US09495534B2 OCR-based single sign-on
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method and technique for OCR-based single sign-on in a computing environment is disclosed. The method includes: responsive to launching of an application login interface, capturing an image of the login interface; determining a location of a cursor on the login interface from the image; determining whether the location of the cursor corresponds to a credential input field of the login interface; and responsive to determining that the location of the cursor corresponds to the credential input field of the login interface, automatically sending a keystroke to the login interface to insert at least one character to the login interface.
US09495526B2 Efficient prevention of fraud
This disclosure is directed to methods and systems for managing difficulty of use and security for a transaction. A transaction manager operating on a computing device may determining a range of possible steps for a transaction comprising security measures available for the transaction. The transaction manager may identify a threshold for a security metric to be exceeded for authorizing the transaction, the security metric to be determined based on performance of steps selected for the transaction. The transaction manager may select for the transaction at least one step from the range of possible steps, based on optimizing between (i) a difficulty of use quotient of the transaction from subjecting a user to the at least one step, and (ii) the security metric relative to the determined threshold.
US09495524B2 Secure user authentication using a master secure element
The master secure element comprises a processor, a memory and a logic unit and at least controls the user input of the handset in order to secure the user authentication based on PIN entry. The PIN code is entered directly into the secure element with no possibility for the host processor to intercept the code or for a malware program to inject the code into the master secure element.
US09495523B2 Projector and control method for projector
A projector can be connected in cascade to another projector. Either a first mode for the projector to operate as a leading projector in the cascade connection or a second mode for the projector to operate as a second or subsequent projector in the cascade connection is set. The projector is made available for use based on success of authentication by an authentication unit or on reception of use permission information of the projector by a receiving unit.
US09495508B2 System and apparatus for feeding, solubilizing, growing and discharging a biological material
Apparatus useful for feeding a particulate starter material comprising nutrient and bacteria to a mixing tank, for solubilizing the starter material inside the mixing tank, for promoting growth of the bacteria and for discharging an aqueous slurry comprising the bacteria from the mixing tank. The apparatus preferably has a gravity-flow feeder and discharge port, does not require a pump, and comprises disposable parts.
US09495507B2 Method for integrated circuit mask patterning
Provided is a method of transforming an integrated circuit (IC) pattern into one or more patterns suitable for subsequent processing, such as mask fabrication. The method includes receiving an IC pattern that has an arbitrary shape, and using a computer, deriving an approximation IC pattern that is a user-defined fabrication-friendly shape, such as a rectangle or an ellipse. The method further includes calculating a pattern approximation error between the IC pattern and the approximation IC pattern. The method further includes checking whether the pattern approximation error is less than a user-defined threshold. If it is, the method further includes replacing the IC pattern with the approximation IC pattern for subsequent fabrication. Otherwise, the method further includes splitting the IC pattern into subparts, and recursively transforming each of the subparts.
US09495501B1 Large cluster persistence during placement optimization of integrated circuit designs
The disclosed herein relates to method for persistence during placement optimization of an integrated circuit design. The method comprises performing cluster operation by grouping of a plurality of cells into a plurality of mobs. The method further comprises performing a spreading operation by moving the plurality of mobs and the plurality of cells simultaneously to optimize empty space of the integrated circuit design.
US09495500B2 Method of making stacked chip layout
A method of making a stacked chip layout includes placing a first active circuit block over a central processing chip having a first area, the first active circuit block having a second area less than the first area. The method further includes placing a second active circuit block over the first active circuit block, the second active circuit block having a third area less than the first area, wherein the second active circuit block partially overlaps the first active circuit block and exposes a portion of the first active circuit block. The method further includes placing a third active circuit block over the second active circuit block wherein the third active circuit block partially overlaps at least one of the first active circuit block or the second active circuit block, and the third active circuit block exposes at least a portion of the first and second active circuit blocks.
US09495497B1 Dynamic voltage frequency scaling
A method, system, and computer program product to perform dynamic voltage frequency scaling of an integrated circuit include performing statistical timing analysis using a canonical form of a clock, the canonical form of the clock being a function of variability in voltage. Obtaining a canonical model expressing timing slack at each test location of the integrated circuit is as a function of one or more sources of variability, one of the one or more sources of variability being voltage, and performing the dynamic voltage-frequency scaling based on selecting at least one of a clock period and the voltage using the canonical model.
US09495496B2 Non-invasive insertion of logic functions into a register-transfer level (‘RTL’) design
A method of non-invasive insertion of logic functions into a register-transfer level (RTL) design, including: selecting a logic function to insert into a RTL design; identifying each hierarchical level executing at least a portion of the logic function; identifying a highest hierarchical level amongst hierarchical levels having each hierarchical level executing at least a portion of the logic function; and inserting all connections necessary to execute the logic function into a hardware description representation of the highest hierarchical level, without modifying a hardware description representation of any other hierarchical levels.
US09495490B2 Active power dissipation detection based on erroneus clock gating equations
A method detects active power dissipation in an integrated circuit. The method includes receiving a hardware design for the integrated circuit having one or more clock domains, wherein the hardware design comprises a local clock buffer for a clock domain, wherein the local clock buffer is configured to receive a clock signal and an actuation signal. The method includes adding instrumentation logic to the design for the clock domain, wherein the instrumentation logic is configured to compare a first value of the actuation signal determined at a beginning point of a test period to a second value of the actuation signal determined at a time when the clock domain is in an idle condition. The method includes detecting the clock domain includes unintended active power dissipation, in response to the first value of the actuation signal not being equal to the second value of the actuation signal.
US09495489B2 Correlation of test results and test coverage for an electronic device design
A device simulation system performs a set of tests by applying, for each test in the set, a corresponding test stimulus to a simulation of the electronic device. In response to each test stimulus, the simulation generates corresponding output information which the device simulation system compares to a specified expected outcome to identify a test result for that test stimulus. In addition, for each test stimulus, the device simulation system generates test coverage information indicating the particular configuration of the simulated electronic device that resulted from the stimulus. The device simulation system correlates the coverage information with the test results to identify correlation rules that indicate potential relationships between test results and configurations of the simulated device.
US09495480B2 Compact focused search interface
A graphical user interface for searching information related to business objects includes a search interface having one or more user input fields for receiving data from a user related to one or more attributes associated with business objects. The search interface presents the one or more user input fields in response to a user context. A first tab displays information related to a set of business objects in response to a search based on the data provided to the one or more user input fields. A second tab displays information related to a business object in the set of business objects.
US09495478B2 Namespace management in distributed storage systems
A directed acyclic graph (DAG) is generated to represent a namespace of a directory. In response to a request to create a new object with a specified name, a hash value bit sequence is computed for the name. A plurality of levels of the DAG are navigated using successive subsequences of the bit sequence to identify a candidate node for storing a new entry corresponding to the specified name. If the candidate node meets a split criterion, the new entry and at least a selected subset of entries of the candidate node's list of entries are distributed among a plurality of DAG nodes, including at least one new DAG node, using respective bit sequences obtained by applying the hash function for each distributed entry.
US09495475B2 Method of representing an XML schema definition and data within a relational database management system using a reusable custom-defined nestable compound data type
Representing an XML Schema Definition and Data within a Relational Database Management System using a Reusable Custom-Defined Nestable Compound Data Type. These Data Types provide a natural representation and storage of an XML schema definition and the corresponding XML data. Data Types are created in a RDBMS to store the hierarchical data of a XML data file. Hierarchical data may be imported into a RDBMS by populating the Data Type Fields with the values of data held in the XML data file. The data contained in the RDBMS may also be published to an XML data file.
US09495472B1 Systems and methods for newsroom management with electronic-publish-point integration
Presently described are systems and methods for newsroom management with electronic-publish-point integration. One example embodiment takes the form of a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a set of steps to be carried out for submitting content to an electronic publish point. The set of steps includes providing a newsroom script to a user via a user interface; receiving a selected portion of an on-air text portion of the newsroom script from the user via the user interface; and retrieving, from a media database, media associated with the newsroom script. The set of steps further includes submitting content to the publish point, wherein the content includes text associated with the selected portion of the on-air text portion, and wherein the content further includes the retrieved media.
US09495470B2 Bookmarking for electronic books
This document describes techniques and apparatuses enabling bookmarking for electronic books. The techniques and apparatuses enable a user of an electronic book to bookmark pages of the electronic book and navigate based on these bookmarks as well as bookmarks made by other users.
US09495469B2 System and method to identify machine-readable codes
A method and a system to identify machine-readable codes using a web crawler are provided. Machine-readable codes include, but are not limited to, Universal Product Codes (UPC), quick response (QR) codes, stock-keeping units (SKUs) and international standard book number (ISBN) codes. A web crawler downloads pages from the World Wide Web. A determination module accesses the downloaded pages and identifies a machine-readable code corresponding to a product description included in the downloaded pages. The machine-readable code is included in a downloaded page of the downloaded pages. The determination module further extracts the product description from the downloaded page. A code database stores a record of the machine-readable code and the product description.
US09495468B2 Methods and systems for aggregating and presenting large data sets
The current document is directed to methods and systems that aggregate data from multiple sources and that organize and efficiently present data obtained from the data sources to a user on a user, or client, device. In certain implementations, a client-side application communicates with one or more servers of a cloud-based data-aggregation system. A multi-rotor-data-carousel-based graphical user interface accommodates data items continuously received from the data-aggregation system and efficiently displays portions of the data items to the user.
US09495467B2 System and method for managing news headlines
Systems and methods are provided related to a news-editing environment that may facilitate expedited editing, creation, and dispatching of news headlines. Articles are acquired from a plurality of information sources, preprocessed, and then queued for creation of a headline by one or more editors. Metadata may also be associated with an article, a headline, or both. Once a headline has been composed, the editor dispatches it, and the headline may subsequently be send to one or more consumers.
US09495447B1 Music playlists for geographical regions
Technology is described for generating music playlists tailored to a geographical region. Collective music listening habits may be identified for a geographical region. The collective music listening habits for the geographical region may be categorized into one or more categories of music. Geographical station programming may be generated according to at least one of the categories of music. The geographical station programming may include a music playlist that corresponds to the collective music listening habits for the geographical region.
US09495446B2 Method and device for publishing cross-network user behavioral data
The present invention relates to summarizing cross-network user behavioral data. The summarizing cross-network user behavioral data may particularly include publishing the data to one or more data structures that become accessible to a server hosting an authorized domain when a user accesses the authorized domain.
US09495444B2 Rules-based generation of search results
A method including receiving a search query containing one or more query terms from a remote device and determining one or more query parses based on the search query and a knowledge base. Each query parse indicates one or more entity types, wherein each entity type corresponds to a query term or a combination of query terms contained in the search query. The method further includes obtaining a set of app-specific rules, each app-specific rule respectively corresponding to a respective software application. The method further includes generating a set of unparameterized function identifiers based on the plurality of app-specific rules and the one or more query parses. For each of the set of unparameterized function identifiers, the method includes parameterizing the function identifier based on the query terms. The method further includes generating search results based on the parameterized function identifiers and transmitting the search results to the remote device.
US09495439B2 Organizing multimedia content
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving digital media content files. The digital media content has at least one property associated with it. Topically related segments are determined from received content in accordance with one or more property. Topic clusters are generated based on similarities between segments. Topic clusters are compared and clustered from multiple files of the plurality into cluster groups in accordance with a comparison. Cluster groups are associatively stored in a data storage. A search for topic clusters relevant to a particular need is made, and a series of related segments associated with the search are generated for serial display.
US09495438B2 Information processing apparatus and method, program, and recording medium
Disclosed herein are an information processing apparatus and method, a program, and a recording medium, in which a content is recommended to each user on the basis of even the metadata that is assigned with no classification. A metadata analysis block resolves metadata acquired by a metadata acquisition block into components. A dictionary data generation block generates dictionary data in which genre is correlated with keyword and each component. An associated-information database generation block references the dictionary data to assign genre to the metadata which are assigned with no genre, thereby generating an associated-information database of content. An associated-information search block references the dictionary data to identify a genre from a keyword of interest data to search for associated information, thereby recommending content to the user. The present invention is applicable to personal computers or HDD recorders.
US09495437B1 System and method for accessing dimensional databases
In one embodiment, a method includes defining a slice of a dimensional database. The slice includes at least one dimension and at least one measurement and is expressable as a table. The method further includes building, in a structured query language (SQL) dialect, a single query that queries the slice and one or more non-dimensional databases. The SQL dialect represents the at least one dimension, the at least one measurement, and data attributes of the one or more non-dimensional databases. In addition, the method includes parsing the single query. The parsing includes generating a dimensional query for the dimensional database and a non-dimensional query for each of the one or more non-dimensional databases. Furthermore, the method includes executing the dimensional query on the dimensional database. Moreover, the method includes, for each non-dimensional database of the one or more non-dimensional databases, executing the non-dimensional query on the non-dimensional database.
US09495435B2 System and method for intelligent database backup
Systems and methods are provided for backing up database storage. A protection policy for database storage is activated at a remote host, wherein the database storage is not physically accessible by the computing device, such that the out-of-band storage is not in communication with the remote host through the computing device. A backup request is transmitted to the remote host comprising data indicative of a volume on the database storage to back up according to the protection policy. A response to the backup request is received comprising staging disk requirements including a required size for a staging disk. A staging disk is determined based on the response. The staging disk is presented to the remote host so that the remote host can perform a backup of the volume to the staging disk using a database backup tool provided by a vendor of the database storage.
US09495424B1 Recognition of characters and their significance within written works
Character identity recognition is applied to identify text strings corresponding to character identities in a written work. The textual strings are grouped according to character identity and, from each group, a primary name is selected. A significance value may be calculated for each of the character identities. The character identities including the primary names are presented in a catalog based on the calculated significance values.
US09495421B1 Bidirectional data portability
A data processing method capable of providing improved bidirectional data portability includes receiving, at a first device, a request from a client computer to export data records related to the client computer, wherein the data records have been created under control of a first instance of an application program, where at least a portion of the data records have a first creation timestamp, identifying the data records, generating a package for export of the data records by formatting the data records into an intermediate format, by a second device, opening the package and providing the data to a second instance of an application program on the second device, where a portion of the data records have a second creation timestamp that is later than the first creation timestamp, creating the data records, and setting, for each data record of the portion, the second creation timestamp to the first creation timestamp.
US09495420B2 Distributed feature collection and correlation engine
A distributed feature collection and correlation engine is provided, Feature extraction comprises obtaining one or more data records; extracting information from the one or more data records based on domain knowledge; transforming the extracted information into a key/value pair comprised of a key K and a value V, wherein the key comprises a feature identifier; and storing the key/value pair in a feature store database if the key/value pair does not already exist in the feature store database using a de-duplication mechanism. Features extracted from data records can be queried by obtaining a feature store database comprised of the extracted features stored as a key/value pair comprised of a key K and a value V, wherein the key comprises a feature identifier; receiving a query comprised of at least one query key; retrieving values from the feature store database that match the query key; and returning one or more retrieved key/value pairs.
US09495419B1 Runtime optimization for multi-index access
Optimization of a multi-index database access at runtime. A processor receives a query. A processor determines a plan and an RID results threshold for the plan, wherein the plan includes an access to the index. A processor determines a static risk threshold, a static risk for the access, and whether the static risk exceeds the static risk threshold. Responsive to the static risk exceeding the static risk threshold, a processor determines a risk bound for the access, and links the access to the risk bound. A processor accesses the index with the key. Responsive to the access being linked to a risk bound, a processor determines a dynamic risk for the access. A processor receives one or more RID results during the execution of the plan. A processor aborts the execution of the plan if a quantity of the RID results is less than the RID results threshold.
US09495415B2 Method and system for searching for content in a user device
A system and method for searching for content in a user device includes a receiver receiving a plurality of data objects. The user device includes a search module comprising a parsing module parsing search data from the plurality of data objects and a memory interface module storing search data within a memory of the user device. The search module comprises a search performance module searching the search data in response to a search query. The search module comprises a search results module generating search results from the search data. The user device is associated with a display that displays the search results.
US09495411B2 Increased parallelism performance of batch requests
A system selectively dequeues journal requests instead of dequeuing on a first come, first served basis. A database system detects that a request for access from a client is a journal batch, which includes multiple journal requests. The system queues the journal batch in a queue with other journal batches for processing. The system selectively dequeues journal requests from the journal batch queue, including selecting at least one journal request from multiple different journal batches. Thus, the journal requests do not conflict for shared resources, and the system can improve parallelism in processing the journal batches.
US09495410B1 File creation through virtual containers
In an approach for creating a file, a computer receives a selection on a selection of content within application software on a first computing device to transfer to a clipboard. The computer appends metadata of the received selection with metadata indicating application software and file association information that corresponds to the selected content. The computer receives an indication to paste the selected content from the clipboard to a second computing device. The computer determines whether compatible application software on the second computing device is capable of accepting the selected content included in the received indication to paste. The computer responsive to determining that compatible application software on the second computing device is not capable of accepting the selected content included in the received indication to paste, creates a file that includes the selected content included in the received indication to paste and appended metadata.
US09495408B2 Maintaining a data structure with data set names and pointers to a plurality of catalogs
A plurality of catalogs are maintained, and wherein each catalog of the plurality of catalogs includes data sets and attributes of the data sets. An indication that a new data set is to be defined is received. A selected catalog is determined from the plurality of catalogs, wherein the selected catalog is suitable for including the new data set and attributes of the new data set. An entry that indicates a data set name corresponding to the new data set and an index to the selected catalog is inserted in a group table.
US09495394B2 Pluggable session context
A method and apparatus are described for sharing a session to access a database. A database server receives, in a session, a session context identifier and a command. The session context identifier identifies a session context to use for the session. The session context is a set of information or commands that plug into a session state and specify how commands in the session are to be performed for a particular user or privilege level. In response to receiving the identifier, the database server associates the session context with the database session for the connection. The database server uses the session context to process the command. The session context may then be detached from the session, allowing another user to attach to the session via another session context.
US09495392B2 System and method for parallel multiplexing between servers in a cluster
Systems and methods are provided for providing parallel muxing between servers in a cluster. One such system can include a cluster of one or more high performance computing systems, each including one or more processors and a high performance memory. The cluster communicates over an InfiniBand network. The system can also include a middleware environment, executing on the cluster, that includes one or more application server instances. The system can further include a plurality of muxers, wherein each application server instance includes at least one muxer. Each muxer can receive information from a plurality of threads to transmit to a different muxer on a different application server instance over the Infiniband network using a plurality of parallel channels.
US09495390B2 Format identification for fragmented image data
Format identification for fragmented data is disclosed. In some embodiments, an input stream of information that is divided into fragments is received. Fragments are determined and a data format for each fragment is found based on continuity properties including by: determining a physical to canonical layout transformation, determining a tuple size, and partitioning bit positions in tuples into disjoint groups wherein each group corresponds to a channel. The stream of information is compressed using a compression technique selected based on the data format, and the compressed stream is stored.
US09495387B2 Images for a question answering system
A method for providing content relevant images for an input question to a deep question answering system is disclosed. The method can include formulating, in response to receiving the input question, an answer to the input question. The method can also include identifying, based on the answer to the input question, a set of candidate images from a corpus of information. The set of candidate images may relate to the answer. The method can also include determining, based on a confidence value of the set of candidate images and a designated display specification, a first subset of the set of candidate images to provide in a display area. The method can also include selecting the first subset to be provided in the display area.
US09495380B2 Access reviews at IAM system implementing IAM data model
Systems and methods of conducting access reviews of access rights to logical computing resources are provided. An access reviewer may receive a selection indicating a user having access to one or more logical computing resources of a computer system. The access reviewer may identify a set of current logical computing resources that the user has access to and a set of current logical entitlements associated with the user. The access reviewer may generate an access review summary based on a comparison of the current logical computing resources to one or more of the current logical entitlements.
US09495379B2 Locality aware, two-level fingerprint caching
The present disclosure provides for implementing a two-level fingerprint caching scheme for a client cache and a server cache. The client cache hit ratio can be improved by pre-populating the client cache with fingerprints that are relevant to the client. Relevant fingerprints include fingerprints used during a recent time period (e.g., fingerprints of segments that are included in the last full backup image and any following incremental backup images created for the client after the last full backup image), and thus are referred to as fingerprints with good temporal locality. Relevant fingerprints also include fingerprints associated with a storage container that has good spatial locality, and thus are referred to as fingerprints with good spatial locality. A pre-set threshold established for the client cache (e.g., threshold Tc) is used to determine whether a storage container (and thus fingerprints associated with the storage container) has good spatial locality.
US09495378B2 Tracing message transmissions between communications network devices
A packet of data and a packet-identification value are transmitted to a network device having an identifier. The stored packet-identification value and the identifier are recorded. The stored packet-identification value is then increased and the process repeats. To receive data, an expected identification value is stored in association with the identifier. A packet and a packet-identification value are received from the network device. The identifier and an indication of receipt are stored. If the received value does not match the expected value for the identifier, the received value is stored. If the values match, the stored packet-identification value and identifier are recorded. If the received value exceeds the expected value, the stored packet-identification value, the identifier and the received identifier are recorded. Subsequently, the stored expected value is increased. The process repeats. Network devices and systems are described.
US09495368B2 Method for consistent storage of data in an industrial controller
A system and method for employing a file system and file system services on the industrial controller. The file system allows industrial control programs to implement many functions previously performed within the industrial control program and stored in the same memory as the industrial control program. An execution engine is provided that interprets instructions included in an industrial control program. The instructions utilize services in the file system for including user defined routine files loaded from local or remote locations, to load and unload recipe files from local and remote locations, to log and retrieve measured data and trend data to files at local or remote locations, to select different operating systems and to select a running program from a plurality of running programs utilizing the file system.
US09495366B2 System for distributing digital media to exhibitors
A system for packaging digital media and distributing digital media to exhibitors is described, which system enables distribution by utilizing media content booking, media content packaging, encryption, and delivery components.
US09495364B2 Enhanced quick search features, low-barrier commenting/interactive features in a collaboration platform
Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and methods for enhanced quick search features, low-barrier comenting/interactive features in a collaboration platform, which may be a cloud-based platform. The disclosed technology enhances the user experience (both web and mobile user experience) by providing the ease with which the manner in which content and users can be discovered and browsed. Additionally, enhanced social features surrounding content is also disclosed. The disclosed technology further enhances the user experience by providing the ability to ‘like’ a file as a quick, easy way users/collaborators can note approval, attention, or preference of a file/work item.
US09495363B1 System and method for search with the aid of images associated with product categories
The present application describes performing a user initiated search query comprising receiving user input comprising description details of at least one desired object, retrieving a plurality of objects from a database sharing one or more of the description details of the user input, retrieving an image of the at least one desired object based on one or more of the plurality of objects, generating a contour of the image and comparing the generated contour with other related contours of other images stored in the database, displaying all of the available contours of all of the images that match the generated contour, receiving a selection of one of the available contours from the user and performing the search query based on the user selected contour.
US09495355B2 Solving and answering arithmetic and algebraic problems using natural language processing
A method for solving and answering an arithmetic or algebraic problem using natural language processing (NLP) is provided. The method may include receiving an input statement associated with the arithmetic or algebraic problem. The method may also include determining whether each sentence within a plurality of sentences associated with the input statement is a well-formed sentence from a mathematical perspective. The method may further include converting each statement into a well-formed sentence based on the determining whether each sentence within a plurality of sentences associated with the input statement is a well-formed sentence from a mathematical perspective. Additionally, the method may include converting each well-formed sentence into a mathematical equation to form a set of equations. Also, the method may include solving the set of equations to compute a mathematical result. The method may include narrating the mathematical result in natural language.
US09495352B1 Natural language determiner to identify functions of a device equal to a user manual
Embodiments described herein of the natural language determiner (NLD) illustrate the ability to determine, at runtime, the conversion of natural language text into a computer-usable form. The natural language determiner's function is used to identify all functions of a device equal to a user manual for the device and displays at least one function of the device equal to the user manual for the device.
US09495347B2 Systems and methods for extracting table information from documents
Systems and methods for extracting table information from documents are provided herein. Exemplary methods may include annotating a document with annotations that identify table cell data included therein, generating a candidate table for each of a plurality of table models using the annotated table cell data, scoring each of the candidate tables, selecting a highest scoring candidate table, and annotating the highest scoring table to produce a final table.
US09495345B2 Methods and systems for modeling complex taxonomies with natural language understanding
Systems and methods are presented for the automatic placement of rules applied to topics in a logical hierarchy when conducting natural language processing. In some embodiments, a method includes: accessing, at a child node in a logical hierarchy, at least one rule associated with the child node; identifying a percolation criterion associated with a parent node to the child node, said percolation criterion indicating that the at least one rule associated with the child node is to be associated also with the parent node; associating the at least one rule with the parent node such that the at least one rule defines a second factor for determining whether the document is to also be classified into the parent node; accessing the document for natural language processing; and determining whether the document is to be classified into the parent node or the child node based on the at least one rule.
US09495341B1 Fact correction and completion during document drafting
A method for fact correction and completion during document drafting. The method includes receiving a first user input comprising text being added to an electronic document and initiating a fact correction mode. The fact correction mode includes parsing the text to identify a factual proposition and determining the accuracy of the factual proposition. If the factual proposition is inaccurate, the mode includes displaying a visual indication of the inaccuracy of the factual proposition; receiving a second user input comprising an indication selecting the inaccurate factual proposition; displaying a menu that includes a correction element wherein the correction element is based on an accurate factual proposition related to the inaccurate factual proposition; receiving a third user input comprising an indication selecting the correction element; and modifying the electronic document by replacing at least a portion of the inaccurate factual proposition with at least a portion of the accurate factual proposition.
US09495339B2 Method and apparatus for displaying information in a browser
When a terminal receives a request for starting a browser, the terminal obtains quick links and web applications that are cached in local database of the terminal and displays the obtained quick links by combinations of webpage icons and webpage titles in a middle screen display interface of a start page of the browser for the requester. When receiving a request for switching display interfaces of the start page of the browser, the terminal displays a search box in the start page of the browser or the obtained web applications by combinations of application icons and application titles in the start page of the browser.
US09495338B1 Content distribution network
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media provide content items to clients. In one implementation, a system stores data identifying a plurality of cache servers, the cache servers storing the content items for download by a plurality of clients. The system receives a request from a first one of the clients to download one of the content items. The system selects one or more of the cache servers for providing the requested content item to the first client. The system transmits identifiers of the selected one or more cache servers to the first client, and transmits instructions to the first client. The instructions are operable, when executed by the first client, to determine whether the selected one or more cache servers have a local copy of the requested content item. When the first client determines that a first one of the selected one or more cache servers has a local copy of the requested content item, the first client downloads the requested content item from the first selected cache server.
US09495336B2 Method and apparatus for comparing process designs
This invention relates to a data comparison tool, method and computer program product for analyzing a set of data, the set of data being derived from an original set of data, comprising: comparing the derived set of data with the original set of data; generating a hyperlink to represent each difference between the derived and original data set, each difference being a changed item, an additional item, or a missing data item; providing at least one agent that is activated on selection of the hyperlink to operate on the changed, additional or missing data item; whereby a list of hyperlinks is generated to represent all the differences of the derived and original data set and selecting one of the hyperlinks will execute an agent to operate on a single data item in one of the data sets. An editor agent is provided for allowing the user to confirm or make further changes to the data item. An undo agent is provided for undoing the difference wherein a changed item is changed back, an additional item is removed and a missing item is replaced.
US09495334B2 Visualizing content referenced in an electronic document
Method and system for visualizing content referenced in an electronic document are provided. Example system includes an access module, a reference detector, and a float window loader. The access module can open electronic documents. An electronic document may include descriptive textual content and one or more illustrative objects. The reference detector detects that a cursor is positioned over text in the descriptive content that refers to an illustrative object. In response, the float window loader presents the illustrative object in a float window.
US09495317B2 Bus driver circuit with improved transition speed
A bus driver circuit may include a first and a second circuit node, wherein the first circuit node is operably coupled to a bus line, which causes a bus capacitance between the first and the second circuit node. A switching circuit is coupled to the first circuit node and configured to apply an output voltage between the first and the second circuit node. Thereby the bus capacitance is charged when a control signal indicates a dominant state. A discharge circuit comprises at least one resistor. The discharge circuit is coupled between the first and the second circuit node and configured to allow the bus capacitance to discharge via the resistor when the control signal indicates a recessive state. The switching circuit is further configured to provide a temporary current path for discharging the bus capacitance during a transition period from a dominant to a recessive state.
US09495308B2 Offloading of computation for rack level servers and corresponding methods and systems
A method is disclosed that includes writing data to predetermined physical addresses of a system memory, the data including metadata that identifies a processing type; configuring a processor module to include the predetermined physical addresses, the processor module being physically connected to the memory bus by a memory module connection; and processing the write data according to the processing type with an offload processor mounted on the processor module.
US09495297B2 Cache line crossing load techniques for a caching system
A technique for handling an unaligned load operation includes detecting a cache line crossing load operation that is associated with a first cache line and a second cache line. In response to an cache including the first cache line but not including the second cache line, the second cache line is reloaded into the cache in a same set as the first cache line. In response to reloading the second cache line in the cache, a cache line crossing link indicator associated with the first cache line is asserted to indicate that both the first and second cache lines include portions of a desired data element.
US09495296B2 Handling memory pressure in an in-database sharded queue
Handling memory pressure in an in-database sharded queue is described. Messages from a plurality of enqueuers are stored in a plurality of shards of a sharded queue. Messages from a first enqueuer are stored in a first shard. A queue table corresponding to the sharded queue is maintained. In volatile memory, a plurality of message caches is maintained, each message cache corresponding to a shard of the plurality of shards. Memory pressure is detected based on memory usage of the volatile memory. To store a specific message from the enqueuer, the specific message is stored in rows of the queue table that are assigned to the first shard. When memory pressure is not detected, the specific message is stored in a first message cache corresponding to the first shard. Subscribers of the sharded queue are caused to dequeue messages from the plurality of shards.
US09495294B2 Enhancing data processing performance by cache management of fingerprint index
Various embodiments for improving hash index key lookup caching performance in a computing environment are provided. In one embodiment, for a cached fingerprint map having a plurality of entries corresponding to a plurality of data fingerprints, reference count information is used to determine a length of time to retain the plurality of entries in cache. Those of the plurality of entries having a higher reference counts are retained longer than those having lower reference counts.
US09495279B2 Method and apparatus for efficient statistical profiling of video game and simulation software
Efficient statistical profiling in embedded computing devices, such as video games, uses a hybrid random distribution of sampling points for more accurate reconstruction of executing code. Transmission of only function start addresses and corresponding representation of the call graph data reduces the memory overhead and increases communication speed.
US09495275B2 System and computer program product for deriving intelligence from activity logs
Techniques for segregating one or more logs of at least one multitasking user to derive at least one behavioral pattern of the at least one multitasking user are provided. The techniques include obtaining at least one of at least one action log, configuration information, domain knowledge, at least one task history and open task repository information, correlating the at least one of at least one action log, configuration information, domain knowledge, at least one task history and open task repository information to determine a task associated with each of one or more actions and segregate the one or more logs based on the one or more actions, and using the one or more logs that have been segregated to derive at least one behavioral pattern of the at least one multitasking user. Techniques are also provided for deriving intelligence from at least one activity log of at least one multitasking user to provide information to the at least one user.
US09495274B1 Adaptive runtime for a multiprocessing API
A computer-implemented method includes selecting a runtime for executing a program. The runtime includes a first combination of feature implementations, where each feature implementation implements a feature of an application programming interface (API). Execution of the program is monitored, and the execution uses the runtime. Monitor data is generated based on the monitoring. A second combination of feature implementations are selected, by a computer processor, where the selection is based at least in part on the monitor data. The runtime is modified by activating the second combination of feature implementations to replace the first combination of feature implementations.
US09495267B2 Method and device for quasi-proxy assisted manual device testing
A system and method for providing assisted manual testing of computer related devices. Test commands are routed from a user system through a proxy module to a device under test. The responses of the device are routed through the proxy module to a user system. A user interface is run on the user system that allows the user to view the responses of the device in a log with the issued test commands. The user interface includes annotation dialog boxes and fields, highlighting elements and flagging elements through which a user can annotate and create notes for the test log as the test is being run on the device. Through the proxy module, a third party can act as a user and view the test log and user created annotations and notes as the test is being run on the device. The test log, annotation and notes can also be stored by the proxy module so that a third party can view them at a later time. The third party can act as a user in issuing commands through the proxy module to be run on the device, thereby assisting in the testing. Additionally, the third party can provide additional notes and annotation to the test log.
US09495263B2 Redundant SAS storage virtualization subsystem and system using the same, and method therefor
A redundant external storage virtualization computer system. The redundant storage virtualization computer system includes a host entity for issuing an IO request, a redundant external SAS storage virtualization controller pair coupled to the host entity for performing an IO operation in response to the IO request issued by the host entity, and a plurality of physical storage devices for providing storage to the computer system. Each of the physical storage devices is coupled to the redundant storage virtualization controller pair through a SAS interconnect. The redundant storage virtualization controller pair includes a first and a second SAS storage virtualization controller both coupled to the host entity. In the redundant SAS storage virtualization controller pair, when the second storage virtualization controller is not on line, the first storage virtualization controller will take over the functionality originally performed by the second storage virtualization controller.
US09495256B2 Apparatus and method for switching a packet
An apparatus includes a first switch circuit in an active mode and a second switch circuit in a standby mode. The apparatus receives high-priority packets and low-priority packets. Each switch circuit stores the high-priority packets and the low-priority packets into first and second buffers, respectively. The each switch circuit performs packet-readout processing reading out a packet from the first and second buffers where the packet-readout processing is performed on the first buffer on a priority basis. The apparatus controls the first switch circuit so that a back-pressure time for the high-priority packets becomes longer with increasing amount of data transmitted by the high-priority packets, when a low-priority packet outputted from the first switch circuit is determined to be a packet that has been received at a first time that is later than a second time at which another low-priority packet outputted from the second switch circuit has been received.
US09495249B1 Precomputed redundancy code matrices for high-availability data storage
Techniques described and suggested herein include systems and methods for precomputing regeneration information for data archives (“archives”) that have been processed and stored using redundancy coding techniques. For example, regeneration information, such as redundancy code-related matrices (such as inverted matrices based on, e.g., a generator matrix for the selected redundancy code) corresponding to subsets of the shards, is computed for each subset and, in some embodiments, stored for use in the event that one or more shards becomes unavailable, e.g., so as to more efficiently and/or quickly regenerate a replacement shard.
US09495245B2 High speed flash controllers
A high speed USB memory controller includes a microprocessor, flash memory, memory buffers directly accessible to the microprocessor and flash memory, and a USB interface for writing data directly into the memory buffers. This allows devices with multiple flash die to operate at full bus speed.
US09495242B2 Adaptive error correction in a memory system
According to one aspect, a method for adaptive error correction in a memory system includes reading data from a memory array of a non-volatile memory device in the memory system. Error correcting logic checks the data for at least one error condition stored in the memory array. Based on determining that the at least one error condition exists, a write-back indicator is asserted by the error correcting logic to request correction of the at least one error condition. Based on determining that the at least one error condition does not exist, accesses of the memory array continue without asserting the write-back indicator.
US09495227B2 System and method for managing concurrent events
A system and method that includes receiving an API request to a type of API resource; retrieving an API concurrency value for the API request; determining a comparison status associated with a comparison of the API concurrency value to a concurrency threshold; if the comparison status is within the concurrency threshold, transmitting the API request to an API processing resource; if the comparison status indicates the concurrency threshold is not satisfied, impeding processing of the API request; accounting for an increase in the API concurrency value if the API request is transmitted to an API processing resource; and accounting for a decrease in the API concurrency value at a time associated with the API processing resource completing processing of the API request.
US09495226B2 Integration of client side applications into a fantasy open platform environment
Techniques to integrate client side applications into a fantasy open platform environment include a server processor component operating within the fantasy open platform environment and operative to provide application programming interface (API) data of the client side application code to the fantasy open platform environment. The client side application may be independent from the fantasy open platform environment. Hooks may be created to allow embedding of the client side application code on the fantasy open platform environment web pages wherein the client side application code identifies on which of the fantasy open platform environment web pages the client side application code runs. A client side application executing on a client browser may be allowed to access resources of the fantasy open platform environment over a network connection.
US09495222B1 Systems and methods for performance indexing
Systems and methods relate to indexing of performance and cost of workloads in a computing environment. The computing environment may include a virtualized computing environment. According to some embodiments, a performance index relating to a plurality of workloads executing in the computing environment may be generated, where the performance index is based at least in part on performance and cost of use of one or more resources in the computing environment by the plurality of workloads. The index may be normalized. If the performance or cost of a particular workload departs from an expected performance or cost determined from the average performance and/or cost in the computing environment, resources may be reallocated to the workloads such that the performance or cost of the workload is closer to its expected performance or cost based on the performance index.
US09495220B2 Self-management of request-centric systems
Methods, systems, and computer-readable storage media for configuring a request-centric system. Implementations include actions of monitoring operation of the request-centric system to determine a workload of the request-centric system, wherein the workload includes a plurality of requests, determining a mapping function based on a utility function, the workload and a configuration, the mapping function mapping the workload and the configuration into the utility function, determining an optimal configuration based on the mapping function, the optimal configuration allocating resources of the request-centric system to achieve one or more predefined goals, and applying the optimal configuration to the request-centric system.
US09495213B2 Arithmetic control apparatus, arithmetic control method, non-transitory computer readable medium storing program, and open CL device
When executing a first kernel and a second kernel related to each other by the arithmetic unit, if an allocation attribute of a continuous write block of the first kernel and an allocation attribute of a continuous read block corresponding to the continuous write block of the second kernel are the same, a scenario determination unit executes the first kernel and the second kernel in a pipeline by using the continuous write block for execution of the second kernel through the private memory or the local memory without transferring it to the global memory. At this time, the scenario determination unit logically adds a margin attribute and a dependence attribute of the continuous read block of the second kernel respectively to a margin attribute and a dependence attribute set for the read block for each of the read block of the first kernel.
US09495209B2 Method and system for dynamic pool reallocation
Dynamic pool reallocation performed by the following steps: (i) defining a plurality of resource pools including a first pool and a second pool, where each resource pool has a plurality of assigned resources; (ii) receiving a plurality of jobs to be executed; (iii) for each job of the plurality of jobs, assigning a respective resource pool, of the plurality of resource pools, to be used in completing the job; (iv) determining a preliminary schedule for executing the jobs on their respective resource pools; (v) determining whether the preliminary schedule will cause any jobs to miss service level agreement (SLA) deadlines corresponding to the job; (vi) executing the plurality of jobs on their respectively assigned resource pools; and (vii) re-assigning first resource from the second pool to the first pool during at least some of the time of the execution of the first job by the first resource pool.
US09495200B2 System for partitioning batch processes
A system for processing a batch job comprises a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to receive a job name for a job submitted to execute, to receive one or more job parameters, and to determine one or more nodes to run the job. The processor is configured to determine one or steps, where for each step: a step is executed on a node using a state of data associated with a start state of the step; and upon completion of executing the step, a result is stored to a durable storage. The durable storage stores the state of data associated with the start state of the step and the completion state of the step and are accessible by other execution processes as associated with either the start state of the step or the completion state of the step. The memory of the system is coupled to the processor and configured to provide processor with instructions.
US09495197B2 Reliable and scalable image transfer for data centers with low connectivity using redundancy detection
A system and method for efficiently transferring virtual machine images across nodes in a cloud computing environment, includes analyzing each image on each node to create hash code clusters and a similarity matrix. An instruction to transfer an image from a source node to a target node is received. The clusters and the similarity matrix are used to determine to what extent the data from the image is already on the source node, or on any other node, and further determines the cost and speed of transferring such data to the target node. An optimal transfer plan is generated, and data that is not already on the target node is transferred to the target node from the most efficient node on which it is available, according to the optimal transfer plan.
US09495187B2 Interactive, top-down presentation of the architecture and performance of a hypervisor environment
Techniques promote monitoring of hypervisor systems by presenting dynamic representations of hypervisor architectures that include performance indicators. A reviewer can interact with the representation to progressively view select lower-level performance indicators. Higher level performance indicators can be determined based on tower level state assessments. A reviewer can also view historical performance metrics and indicators, which can aid in understanding which configuration changes or system usages may have led to sub-optimal performance.
US09495186B1 Automatic discovery of a javascript API
An approach to creating a canonical representation of a JavaScript API. Objects associated with the JavaScript API are instantiated, creating entry points for analysis. A list of discovered objects is created based on parsing a document object model associated with the JavaScript API. The objects are instrumented and statically analyzed, creating an infrastructure associated with the JavaScript API. The infrastructure is updated based on analyzing the objects while the interface is being used and the objects are executing. A canonical representation, based on the updated infrastructure, is generated for further operations.
US09495185B2 Per tenant initialization check removal
In an approach for removing tenant initialization check per tenant for compiled code, a processor receives a request to create a tenant. A processor creates the tenant. A processor marks a current thread of the tenant as not eligible to run just-in-time (JIT) code, wherein the marking indicates that when a method is invoked, a non-JIT version of the method is executed. A processor executes initialization of a first class from an optimization list, wherein the optimization list is a configurable list of classes to be initialized prior to running JIT code. A processor determines that class initialization has been executed for all classes on the optimization list. A processor adjusts the marking to indicate that the current thread is eligible to run JIT code and that the tenant may run JIT code that assumes, without checking, that classes on the optimization list are initialized.
US09495180B2 Optimized resource allocation for virtual machines within a malware content detection system
According to one embodiment, a computerized method comprises operations of instantiating a first virtual machine instance and a second virtual machine instance to run concurrently with the first virtual machine instance. The first virtual machine instance provides a first virtual operating environment while the second virtual machine instance is adapted to share the resources allocated to the first virtual machine instance. The second virtual machine instance is further adapted to allocate additional resources upon conducting a Copy-On Write operation.
US09495174B2 Agnostic processing of resource requests to message queues and sequential files
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for agnostic processing of message queues and sequential files. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for agnostic processing of message queues and sequential files can be provided. The method can include receiving an access request for a resource that is uniform for both a message queue and a sequential file and identifying a resource type of the resource. In response to identifying the resource type as a message queue, a corresponding access request specific to a message queue can be invoked in the message queue. Otherwise a corresponding access request specific to a sequential file can be invoked responsive to identifying the resource type as a sequential file.
US09495172B2 Method of controlling computer system and computer system
A computer system with a plurality of processors having a hardware-assisted virtualization and a memory, the computer system including a first processor group of the processors having hardware-assisted virtualization set disabled, and a second processor group of the processors and having hardware-assisted virtualization set enabled, the method having: booting a first OS by assigning the first processor group to the first OS; booting a virtual machine monitor to boot a virtual machine by assigning the second processor group to the virtual machine monitor; performed by the virtual machine monitor, booting a second OS by assigning a certain area of the memory to the second OS; and performed by the virtual machine monitor, setting a data path through which the first OS and second OS communicate with each other, the data path being set in the memory.
US09495170B2 Determining each stall reason for each stalled instruction within a group of instructions during a pipeline stall
During a pipeline stall in a processor, until a next to complete instruction group completes, a monitoring unit receives, from a completion unit of a processor, a next to finish indicator indicating the finish of an oldest previously unfinished instruction from among a plurality of instructions of a next to complete instruction group. The monitoring unit receives, from functional units of the processor, finish reports including completion reasons for separate instructions. The monitoring unit determines at least one stall reason from among multiple stall reasons for the oldest instruction from a selection of completion reasons from a selection of finish reports aligned with the next to finish indicator from among the finish reports. Once the monitoring unit receives a complete indicator from the completion unit, indicating the completion of the next to complete instruction group, the monitoring unit stores each determined stall reason aligned with each next to finish indicator in memory.
US09495169B2 Predicate trace compression
A program trace data compression mechanism in which execution of a variable length execution set (VLES) including multiple non-branch conditional instructions are traced in real-time in a manner that allows the instruction execution to be reconstructed completely by correlating the trace data with the traced binary code.
US09495166B2 Method and apparatus for performing a shift and exclusive or operation in a single instruction
Method and apparatus for performing a shift and XOR operation. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes execution resources to execute a first instruction. In response to the first instruction, said execution resources perform a shift and XOR on at least one value.
US09495154B2 Vector processing engines having programmable data path configurations for providing multi-mode vector processing, and related vector processors, systems, and methods
Embodiments disclosed herein include vector processing engines (VPEs) having programmable data path configurations for providing multi-mode vector processing. Related vector processors, systems, and methods are also disclosed. The VPEs include a vector processing stage(s) configured to process vector data according to a vector instruction executed in the vector processing stage. Each vector processing stage includes vector processing blocks each configured to process vector data based on the vector instruction being executed. The vector processing blocks are capable of providing different vector operations for different types of vector instructions based on data path configurations. Data paths of the vector processing blocks are programmable to be reprogrammable to process vector data differently according to the particular vector instruction being executed. In this manner, a VPE can be provided with its data paths configuration programmable to execute different types of functions based on data path configuration according to the vector instruction being executed.
US09495151B1 Automatic comment creation for computer files
Embodiments of the present invention include a method, computer program product, and system for inserting text content into a computer file as a comment in a determined comment convention. In an embodiment, a comment convention is determined in a file. The file includes at least one file line. A text content is received. A comment is inserted into the file. The comment includes the comment convention and the text content.
US09495142B2 Dynamic reconstruction of application state upon application re-launch
A service provider system may include an application fulfillment platform that delivers desktop applications on demand to desktops on physical computing devices or virtual desktop instances of end users. An application delivery agent installed on an end user's computing resource instance may store application state data (e.g., configuration data, runtime settings, or application templates) or scratch data that is generated by an application executing on the computing resource instance to a secure location on service provider storage resources. After a machine failure or change, or a rebuilding of a virtualized computing resource instance or virtual desktop instance, an application delivery agent installed on the new machine or instance may reinstall the application, retrieve the stored application state or scratch data from service provider resources, and restore the application to the last known persisted state. Upon request, the application delivery agent may restore the application to any earlier persisted state.
US09495138B1 Scheme for verifying the effects of program optimizations
Techniques relate for verifying an effect of software program optimization. A determination is made whether a fingerprint is present in a software application that is currently executing on a processor of a computer system, where the fingerprint includes a representation of a sequence of behavior that occurs on the processor while the software application is executing. The fingerprint corresponds to an optimization made to the software application. In response to determining that the fingerprint is not present in the software application currently executing on the processor, it is determined that the optimization to the software application did not have an intended effect. In response to determining that the fingerprint is present in the software application executing on the processor, it is recognized that the optimization to the software application has the intended effect.
US09495134B2 Methods and apparatus for code segment handling
Methods and apparatus for providing a user of a code editing tool with code segment examples tied to support tools, where the support tools may provide documentation or a code segment previewer. The documentation may be static or interactive and may provide a user with the option for using a builder interface to refine the specification or parameters of the inserted code example. The code segment previewer allows a user to preview only a subset of a larger body of a code base. Further, the code segment previewer may receive input identifying a segment of software code to be previewed, where the segment of software code is one of several other segments of software code.
US09495132B2 Release management systems and methods
Progress of a development cycle, such as for the development of a release of a software product, is tracked and managed using a release management system. Such a system allows groups and managers to retain any project planning or status files, in any appropriate structure. A manager can simply upload the file to the system as information is updated, and the system will apply appropriate templates and store the information in such a way that reporting and tracking can be done for any aspect of the development process at any level. For example, a single system can provide a high-level executive overview down to a detail level view of a particular group, using substantially current data for all aspects the process.
US09495131B2 Multi-input and binary reproducible, high bandwidth floating point adder in a collective network
To add floating point numbers in a parallel computing system, a collective logic device receives the floating point numbers from computing nodes. The collective logic devices converts the floating point numbers to integer numbers. The collective logic device adds the integer numbers and generating a summation of the integer numbers. The collective logic device converts the summation to a floating point number. The collective logic device performs the receiving, the converting the floating point numbers, the adding, the generating and the converting the summation in one pass. One pass indicates that the computing nodes send inputs only once to the collective logic device and receive outputs only once from the collective logic device.
US09495126B2 Self sedation and suggestion system
A computerized system and method for automatic assembly of a customized hypnotic or therapeutic media file is disclosed. An application collects information from a user, such as a goal to be met or a challenge to be overcome. The application may collect an audio snippet from the user and/or allow the user to record an audio snippet for insertion into the media file. The application may select components of the media file based on user inputs to indirect or direct questions. The application will generate the media file from pre-recorded and user-supplied components into a media file based, at least in part, on a time length supplied by the user. The application may be able to further adjust playback of the media file in real time so as to shorten or lengthen the file from a previously recorded playback length, while still maintaining internal cohesion and certain key message components.
US09495123B2 Image forming apparatus including short-distance wireless communication unit, method of controlling the same, and storage medium
An image forming apparatus equipped with a plurality of service applications for providing respective services, in a state enabling a selected one of the service applications to be automatically started from a terminal apparatus. An image forming apparatus capable of performing printing includes a NFC unit. An NFC controller generates data to be read out by an external apparatus, according to selection of one of a plurality of applications. The NFC controller writes the generated data into the NFC unit.
US09495110B2 LUN management with distributed RAID controllers
A system and method is described for operating a computer memory system having a plurality of controllers capable of accessing a common set of memory modules. Access to the physical storage of the memory modules may be managed by configuration logical units (LUNs) addressable by the users. The amount of memory associated with each LUN may be managed in units of memory (LMA) from a same free LMA table maintained in each controller of the plurality of controllers. A request for maintenance of a LUN may be received from any user through any controller and results in the association of a free memory area with the LUN, and the remaining controllers perform the same operation. A test for misallocation of a free memory area is performed and when such misallocation occurs, the situation is corrected in accordance with a policy.
US09495109B2 Storage controller, virtual storage apparatus, and computer readable recording medium having storage control program stored therein
A storage controller that controls a virtual storage apparatus is provided, the storage controller includes: a performance measuring unit that obtains performance information on a plurality of volumes present in the virtual storage apparatus; a grouping unit that groups the plurality of volumes into a plurality of performance groups, each of the plurality of performance groups having a different performance requirement, based on the performance information on the plurality of volumes and a grouping rule; and a storage pool managing unit that adds, to a storage pool, one of volumes grouped into the plurality of performance groups until a requirement condition for the storage pool is met, the performance groups from which a virtual volume being to be reserved.
US09495107B2 Dynamic relocation of storage
A computing device is provided and includes a first physical memory device, a second physical memory device and a hypervisor configured to assign resources of the first and second physical memory devices to a logical partition. The hypervisor configures a dynamic memory relocation (DMR) mechanism to move entire storage increments currently processed by the logical partition between the first and second physical memory devices in a manner that is substantially transparent to the logical partition.
US09495106B2 Deduplication tracking for accurate lifespan prediction
Various embodiments for predicting hardware lifespan by a processor device are provided. For a solid state drive (SSD) device configured with data deduplication mechanisms, trend information is obtained by comparing a write tracking table to a de-duplicated cell tracking table to determine how many new cells were allocated on the SSD device over a particular time period. The trend information is applied to at least one drive constant data to predict the useful remaining lifespan of the SSD drive device.
US09495105B2 System managing a plurality of flash memory devices
A system includes a plurality of flash memory devices, a processor configured to control read/write requests, and a cache memory configured to store data temporarily. The processor is configured to, according to a read request for first data from a read/write data source, when the first data is not stored within the cache memory, transfer the first data requested by the read request from one of the plurality of flash memory devices to the read/write data source without storing the first data in the cache memory, and according to a write request from the read/write data source, store second data requested by the write request in the cache memory
US09495104B2 Automated space management for server flash cache
Techniques for automatically allocating space in a flash storage-based cache are provided. In one embodiment, a computer system collects I/O trace logs for a plurality of virtual machines or a plurality of virtual disks and determines cache utility models for the plurality of virtual machines or the plurality of virtual disks based on the I/O trace logs. The cache utility model for each virtual machine or each virtual disk defines an expected utility of allocating space in the flash storage-based cache to the virtual machine or the virtual disk over a range of different cache allocation sizes. The computer system then calculates target cache allocation sizes for the plurality of virtual machines or the plurality of virtual disks based on the cache utility models and allocates space in the flash storage-based cache based on the target cache allocation sizes.
US09495102B2 Input/output (I/O) interceptor that re-orders a plurality of write I/O into combined with I/O with intelligent flush control logic
Inventive aspects include an input/output (I/O) interceptor logic section having an I/O interface coupled with a storage stack. The I/O interface can intercept write I/Os, read I/Os, and flush requests from an application. A temporary write holding buffer can store the write I/Os. A re-order logic section can change an order of the write I/Os, and combine the re-ordered write I/Os into a combined write I/O. An intelligent flush control logic section can receive the flush requests from the I/O interface, communicate write I/O completion of the write I/Os to the application without the write I/Os having been written to a non-volatile storage device, and cause the combined write I/O to be written to the non-volatile storage device responsive to at least one of a predefined Nth flush request from among the plurality flush requests, a threshold amount of data being accumulated, or an expiration of a predefined time period.
US09495095B2 System and method for identifying inputs input to mobile device with touch panel
A system and a method of identifying a type of touch input to a mobile device with a touch panel are provided. The system includes a touch screen comprising a touch panel, a memory for storing information to execute a function of an application, corresponding to a touch area size and a touch interaction, and a controller. The controller identifies, when a touch is detected via the touch panel, the touch area size and the touch interaction. The controller determines information to execute a function corresponding to the identified touch area size and the identified touch interaction by referring to the memory. The controller controls a function of the application that is currently being executed.
US09495091B2 Method and apparatus for displaying text information in mobile terminal
A method and apparatus for displaying text information in the form of a list is provided. A method for displaying text information according to the present invention includes displaying a list of at least one item representing text information and a partial content of the text information; and modifying, in response to a predetermined key input, the list to show whole content of the text information corresponding to the selected one item.
US09495089B2 Mobile communication terminal and control method thereof
A mobile communication terminal including a display unit; a controller configured to display, on a screen of the display unit, a first list including a plurality of tasks; and an input unit configured to select at least one of the plurality of tasks. The controller is further configured to visually and discriminately divide the screen, display information corresponding to a task selected, display a second list including icons corresponding to tasks that are being currently executed, display progress state information indicating a progress state of the currently executing tasks on the bottom screen, and update the second list based on a detection result of the tasks being currently executed, and scroll through the icons listed in the second list so as to display other icons not being displayed in the bottom screen when a scroll signal indicating a scroll of the second list is received from the input unit.
US09495088B2 Text entry method with character input slider
A method of receiving text entries on a display of an infotainment system including a character input slider that has a slider controller, includes sensing gesture as the slider controller is moved, moving the slider controller along the character input slider in a direction of a sensing result when the gesture is in proximity with the slider controller along the character input slider, presenting one character when the slider controller is in a proximity with a location related to the one character on the character input slider, focusing the one character when the gesture regarding moving the slider controller is not detected for a predetermined period of time, selecting the one character when a predetermined gesture other than the gesture is detected after focusing the one character, and entering the selected one character into an active location of an active text input field.
US09495086B2 Electronic device and method of messaging meeting invitees
A method of composing an email message at an electronic device and an electronic device operable to carry out the method are provided. The method includes receiving an email command from a user input of the electronic device through a calendar user interface, the email command relating to at least one of a plurality of intended attendees of a calendared meeting, and providing an email composition interface in response to receiving the email command. The email composition interface includes a user-editable portion of an address field. The user-editable portion of the address field is automatically populated with email address information for the at least one of the plurality of intended attendees.
US09495078B2 Display apparatus and method for managing health
A display apparatus and a method for managing health are provided. The display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment includes a photographing unit which photographs a user image, a display unit which displays the photographed user image, a user interface unit which receives a user command regarding the displayed user image, and a controller which changes at least part of the displayed user image and displays the changed user image, and sets health management information corresponding to the displayed changed user image according to a user command. Accordingly, a user may set a goal for exercise and diet while watching a user image where a size has been changed, which is displayed on a display apparatus.
US09495077B2 Display device, display method, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium
A display device that displays electronic books includes a display unit configured to display information indicating that an unread electronic book is present, in a case that an application for displaying contents of an electronic book is not full-displayed on a screen.
US09495069B2 Expanded icon functionality
A method for providing expanded icon functionality includes displaying a primary icon using a display device. The primary icon is associated with a primary icon function in a storage device and the primary icon function is performed in response to a first user action directed to the primary icon. A second user action that is different from the first user action is received that is directed to the primary icon and, in response, at least one secondary icon that is associated with the primary icon and the second user action in the storage device is retrieved. The at least one secondary icon is displayed using the display device. Each at least one secondary icon is associated with a respective secondary icon function in the storage device, and in response to a selection of a secondary icon, the respective secondary icon function is performed.
US09495065B2 Cursor assist mode
Described herein are implementations of various technologies for a method and apparatus for providing marine electronic data. In one implementation, a screen may display marine electronic data. A cursor may be provided that is movable by placement of a finger over the cursor. A request to display the cursor at a position such that the cursor is not obstructed from view by the finger may be received. The requested cursor may be displayed at the position on the screen.
US09495042B2 Two-dimensional position sensor
A two dimensional position sensor having a touch-sensitive panel defined by a single-layer electrode pattern arranged on one side of a substrate. The electrode pattern is made up of ‘n’ electrode units extending row-wise over the panel. Each electrode unit is made up of a single drive electrode extending across the touch-sensitive area of the panel and a plurality of ‘m’ sense electrodes, which collectively laterally extend across the touch-sensitive area and individually each occupy only a portion of the lateral extent. The sense electrodes are longitudinally offset from their associated drive electrode so that one edge of each sense electrode lies adjacent to one edge of the drive electrode, these coupling edges being separated by a gap dimensioned so that in use each pair of drive and sense electrodes have efficient capacitively coupling across the gap. This electrode pattern allows the longitudinal extent of each electrode unit to be made relatively small, which in turn is better for sensing multiple simultaneous touches, since this benefits from having more electrode units in any given panel.
US09495041B2 Display device
Touch-related information which cannot be acquired by the naked eye (dubbed here as sub-optical pattern information) has its corresponding sub-optical patterns respectively positioned within the aperture areas of respective domains such that the displayed image, as viewed from different viewing angles is not adversely affected by the embedded sub-optical patterns. One type of touch-related information which can be conveyed is that of touch location of a sub-optical pattern sensing pen positioned over one or more of the sub-optical patterns.
US09495038B2 Detection of a conductive object during an initialization process of a touch-sensing device
A method and system for detecting a presence of a conductive object proximate to a capacitive sense element during an initialization process of a touch-sensing device. A capacitance sensing circuit measures a reference capacitance of a reference sense element. A sensing parameter of the capacitance sensing circuit is iteratively adjusted to obtain a target measurement output value for the reference sense element. With the sensing parameter set to the sensing parameter value, the capacitance measurement circuit measures a first capacitance of a first sense element. A first capacitance difference value is determined between the first capacitance and a first baseline capacitance value for the first sense element. A presence of a conductive object is detected proximate to the first sense element when the first capacitance difference value exceeds a threshold value.
US09495026B2 Touch panel and touch-controlled display device
A touch panel and touch-controlled display device are provided. The touch panel includes a transparent substrate, a touch-sensitive electrode pattern, a decoration pattern and an electric-control trace. The transparent substrate includes a touch area and a surrounding area surrounding the touch area. The touch-sensitive electrode pattern is disposed on the touch area of the transparent substrate. The decoration pattern is disposed on the surrounding area of the transparent substrate to form a frame side part not surrounding the touch-sensitive electrode pattern. The electric-control trace is located in the surrounding area, stacked on the transparent substrate and the decoration pattern, and electrically connected to the touch-sensitive electrode pattern. Since the electric-control traces are with low-visibility characteristic, the electric-control traces are invisible from the transparent substrate.
US09495023B2 Information processing method and electronic device
An information processing method and an electronic device are described. The information processing method is applied in a first electronic device which can perform data transmission with a second electronic device. The first electronic device includes a first detecting unit. The method includes acquiring a first rotation information through detecting the rotation of the first electronic device by the first detecting unit; determining the first control instruction corresponding to the first rotation information based on the relationship between the preset rotation information and the control instruction, wherein the first control instruction is provided to the second electronic device to be executed.
US09495022B2 Coordinate compensation method and apparatus in digitizer, and electronic pen used in the same
A method and apparatus for detecting by a digitizer an application of an electronic pen on or within a predetermined distance from a screen of an electronic device, and includes compensating coordinates of an electronic pen relative to screen. At least one magnetic field is detected that is produced by the electronic pen and that has a different central axis each other The digitizer determines whether the electronic pen is inclined based on a number of detected magnetic fields. A determination is made whether to apply a compensation value for compensating coordinates of the electronic pen based on determining inclination of the electronic pen. The present invention advantageously permits exact recognition of coordinates of the electronic pen whether then pen is inclined or not by performing the coordinate compensation taking into account the inclination of the electronic pen and the inclined direction.
US09495018B2 System and method for improving orientation data
Aspects of the disclosure relate to computing technologies. In particular, aspects of the disclosure relate to mobile computing device technologies, such as systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for improving orientation data. In one embodiment, techniques are described for filtering data associated with a first sensor coupled to a computing device, by receiving a signal from the first sensor, detecting a change in a variability of a first signal parameter from a plurality of signal parameters from the signal, and adjusting, based at least in part on the detected change in the variability of the first signal parameter, at least one filter parameter of a filter used to filter a second signal parameter from the signal.
US09495010B2 Apparatus and associated methods
An apparatus including a processor and a memory including computer program code. The memory and the computer program code are configured to cause the apparatus to, for an array of capacitive touch sensors with a proximally positioned electrotactile layer, compare the capacitance associated with a capacitive touch sensor of the array against a respective detection threshold to determine whether or not a touch input has occurred at the capacitive touch sensor by a stylus in capacitive coupling proximity to the capacitive touch sensor. The detection threshold of one or more capacitive touch sensors of the array is set to be sufficient to inhibit the erroneous generation of a touch input signal at the one or more respective capacitive touch sensors caused by capacitive cross-coupling, via the electrotactile layer, to the capacitive touch sensor which is in capacitive coupling proximity to the stylus.
US09495009B2 Systems and methods for providing haptic effects
Systems and methods for providing haptic effects are disclosed. One disclosed system comprises an actuator, a non-volatile memory configured to store a haptic effect profile, and a processor in communication with the actuator and the non-volatile memory. The processor may be configured to receive a sensor signal indicating a movement of a manipulandum, to identify an effect parameter associated with the sensor signal in the haptic effect profile, and to generate an output signal based, at least in part, on the effect parameter. The generated output signal may be configured to cause the actuator to output a haptic effect associated with the effect parameter.
US09495007B2 Wearable device and method of controlling therefor
A method of controlling a wearable device according to one embodiment of the present specification can include the steps of displaying content on a display unit of the wearable device, sensing a tilt angle of the wearable device and providing a control interface providing control of the content. And, the step of providing the control interface can include the steps of mapping the control interface to the ground based on the sensed tilt angle and a state of the wearable device and displaying the mapped control interface on the display unit.
US09495001B2 Forcing core low power states in a processor
In an embodiment, a processor includes a plurality of cores each to independently execute instructions, a power delivery logic coupled to the plurality of cores, and a power controller including a first logic to cause a first core to enter into a first low power state of an operating system power management scheme independently of the OS, during execution of at least one thread on the first core. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09494996B2 Processor having frequency of operation information for guaranteed operation under high temperature events
A processor is described having a semiconductor chip having non volatile storage circuitry. The non volatile storage circuitry has information identifying a maximum operational frequency of the processor at which the processor's operation is guaranteed for an ambient temperature that corresponds to an extreme thermal event.
US09494993B2 Washing machine capable of communicating with a network system
A network system is provided. The network system includes: at least one component selected from an energy receiving unit receiving energy and an energy management unit managing the energy receiving unit. The energy receiving unit or the energy management unit receives energy rate related information; an energy usage amount or a usage rate of when the component is controlled on the basis of at least the energy rate related information is less than that of when the component is controlled without the basis of at least energy rate related information; if the energy rate related information is high cost information, a function of one component constituting the energy receiving unit is limited; and an operating time or an output of the energy receiving unit is adjusted in correspondence to the limited function of one component.
US09494992B2 Multi-core processor system avoiding stopping of cores too close in time
A power consumption management system for a central processing unit may include a power consumption estimation block and an activity control block. The power consumption estimation block may be configured to estimate power consumption of the central processing unit based on information related to a status of the central processing unit. The activity control block may be configured to use the estimated power consumption to determine a control to be applied to the central processing unit for regulating a rate of change in power consumption of the central processing unit.
US09494985B2 System and method for assessing and managing data center airflow and energy usage
A system and method for providing energy assessment and optimization in a data center that includes at least one cooling provider, and at least one cooling consumer, the at least one cooling consumer having cooling requirements. The method according to one aspect includes receiving data regarding cooling availability and power consumption for the at least one cooling consumer, cooling capacity of the at least one cooling provider, and a physical relationship between the at least one cooling consumer and the at least one cooling provider in the data center, storing the received data, determining airflow distribution effectiveness between the at least one cooling consumer and the at least one cooling provider, and displaying at least one value representative of the effectiveness of the distribution of airflow in the data center between the at least one cooling consumer and the at least one cooling provider.
US09494979B2 Operation detection apparatus
There is provided an operation detection apparatus including an operation detection layer, and a photocatalystic layer laminated on the operation detection layer. The photocatalystic layer has an ununiform amount of photocatalysts formed therein.
US09494977B2 Configuration detection for an input device
In certain embodiments, a protective cover includes a housing having a surface, and a latch mechanism hingeably coupled to the housing. The latch can include a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side configured to couple to and secure an input device to the surface of the housing. The latch can be configured to rotate, via the hinge coupling, between a first configuration and second configuration. In the first configuration, the top side of the latch can be flush with the surface of the housing and the bottom side embedded within the housing such that the latch does not protrude from the housing. In the second configuration, the latch can be rotated relative to the first configuration and protrude from the housing. The latch can be operable to be rotated open from the first configuration to the second configuration via the hinge coupling.
US09494976B2 Protective cover for a tablet computer
Aspects of the invention relate to an apparatus including a housing and a slot disposed in the housing, the slot configured to hold an input device in a plurality of upright configurations including at least a forward-facing upright configuration such that the input device faces the front portion of the housing, and at least a backward-facing upright configuration such that the input device faces the back portion of the housing. The slot can be overmolded with a rubber compound (e.g. silicon-based) and configured to provide an improved coefficient of friction to reduce slippage of the input device when held in the slot. In some aspects, the housing includes a surface, and the overmolded portion of the slot can protrude above the surface of the housing.
US09494966B2 Multidirectional input device
A multidirectional input device includes a mount, an operation lever, first and second interlocking members, and first and second detectors. The mount includes a support face of generally spherical convex shape. The operation lever is slidably supported on the support face. The first interlocking member receives the operation lever therethrough and is movable in a first direction in an arc-like manner in accordance with movement in the first direction of the operation lever. The second interlocking member crosses the first interlocking member, receives the operation lever therethrough, and is movable in a second direction in an arc-like manner in accordance with movement in the second direction of the operation lever, the second direction crossing the first direction. The first detector can detect a direction and an amount of movement of the first interlocking member. The second detector can detect a direction and an amount of movement of the second interlocking member.
US09494958B2 Semiconductor apparatus
A voltage generation circuit of a semiconductor apparatus includes a first detection block configured to detect an output voltage and output a first detection signal; a second detection block configured to detect the output voltage and output a second detection signal; a signal generation block configured to generate a control signal in response to the first detection signal and the second detection signal; and a voltage generation block configured to generate the output voltage in response to the control signal, wherein responding speeds of the first detection block and the second detection block with respect to a variation in the output voltage are different.
US09494956B2 Power supply device and method of controlling the power supply device
A voltage control unit is configured to: control, in accordance with an output voltage signal and an output current signal, output power of a rectifying unit to a voltage lower than a voltage by which an amount of generated power of a magneto AC generator becomes maximum; control a transformation ratio in accordance with the output voltage signal and the output current signal so as to improve power generation efficiency of the magneto AC generator one of when an rpm variation signal indicates an decelerating state and when the rpm variation signal indicates that a variation in rpm indicates a value smaller than a predetermined constant; and control the transformation ratio so as to decrease the output power of the rectifying unit when the rpm variation signal indicates an accelerating state.
US09494951B2 Temperature control of chemical detection system
An apparatus for detecting chemical reactions may be provided. The apparatus may comprise a chemical detection device. The chemical detection device may include a chemical sensor, which may be mounted on the chemical detection device. The apparatus may further comprise a valve block. The valve block may fluidly couple a plurality of reagent containers to the chemical detection device. The apparatus may further comprise a heat exchanger and a controller. The controller may control a fluid connection between the valve block and the chemical detection device. The controller may be also configured to adjust a temperature of a selected reagent from the plurality of reagent containers via the heat exchanger. The temperature of the selected reagent may be adjusted prior to the reagent entering the chemical detection device.
US09494949B2 Gravity control device
The gravity control apparatus (1) comprises: a first rotating body (10) that rotates along a first shaft (11a) as a result of being driven by a first driving device; a second rotating body (20) that rotates along a second shaft that is orthogonal to the first shaft (11a) within the region of rotation of the first rotating body (10) as a result of being driven by a second driving device; an accelerometer (40) that is set at any position on the second rotating body (20) and detects acceleration; and a control device (50) that controls driving by the first driving device and the second driving device. The control device (50) controls driving by the first driving device and the second driving device on the basis of acceleration data detected by the accelerometer (40).
US09494944B2 Device and method for choosing leader vehicle of a vehicle platoon
A method in a vehicle platoon including at least one leader vehicle and at least one additional vehicle, where the leader vehicle is intended to detect ambient conditions. The method includes the steps of: appointing (s410) the leader vehicle which is responsible for communicating information to the at least one additional vehicle; and under certain conditions, appointing (s450) a new leader vehicle which assumes the responsibility. A computer program product has program code (P) for a computer (200; 210) to implement a method according to the invention. The invention also pertains to a device in vehicle platoons and a motor vehicle equipped with such a device.
US09494939B2 Velocity control for an unmanned aerial vehicle
Systems and methods for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle within an environment are provided. In one aspect, a system comprises one or more sensors carried on the unmanned aerial vehicle and configured to receive sensor data of the environment and one or more processors. The one or more processors may be individually or collectively configured to: determine, based on the sensor data, an environmental complexity factor representative of an obstacle density for the environment; determine, based on the environmental complexity factor, one or more operating rules for the unmanned aerial vehicle; receive a signal indicating a desired movement of the unmanned aerial vehicle; and cause the unmanned aerial vehicle to move in accordance with the signal while complying with the one or more operating rules.
US09494936B2 Robotic assistance in security monitoring
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on storage devices, for monitoring, security, and surveillance of a property. In one aspect, a system includes multiple robotic devices, multiple sensors, wherein the multiple sensors includes a first sensor, multiple charging stations, and a monitor control unit. The monitor control unit may include a network interface, one or more processors, and one or more storage devices that include instructions to cause the one or more processors to perform operations. The operations may include receiving data from the first sensor that is indicative of an alarm event, accessing information describing the capabilities of the each of the robotic devices, selecting a subset of robotic devices from the multiple robotic devices, and transmitting a command to each robotic device in the subset of robotic devices that instructs each respective robotic device to deploy to the location of the first sensor.
US09494931B2 Dynamic hyperlinks for process control systems
Methods and systems for providing knowledge access in a process control system and methods and systems for providing dynamic hyperlinks in a process control system are disclosed. A dynamic hyperlink may define an association between a process control object corresponding to a process control element and a knowledge object corresponding to a knowledge reference stored internally or externally to the process control system. At a run-time of a display view that includes the process control object, the defined dynamic hyperlink may be established without a configuration or a download. Upon selection of the defined dynamic hyperlink, the corresponding knowledge reference may be displayed. Defined dynamic hyperlinks may be stored in a process control system database independent of process control objects or knowledge objects. Embodiments of user interfaces for administrating dynamic hyperlinks are also disclosed.
US09494930B2 Automatic programming apparatus and automatic programming method
To obtain an automatic programming apparatus, capable of generating a tool path for the chamfering process with a simple operation and capable of shortening the operation period and improving machining efficiency, the automatic programming apparatus includes a chamfering tool path generating unit and machining condition data. The chamfering tool path generating unit includes: a chamfered plane defining unit that generates shape data defining a chamfered plane obtained after the chamfering process is performed with respect to a shape of the chamfering target part; a reference point sequence generating unit that generates a reference point sequence used as a reference for generating the tool path data used for performing the chamfering process; and a tool reference position generating unit that, generates a reference position of a machining tool used when the machining tool passes while performing the chamfering process.
US09494916B2 Process cartridge and image forming apparatus
A process cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The cartridge includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a developing roller, a drum unit containing the drum, a developing unit containing the roller and being movable so the roller contacts and is spaced from the drum, and a first force receiver receiving a force from a main-assembly first force applier by movement of a door from open to closed positions when mounting the cartridge and a second force receiver movable from a stand-by position by movement of the first force receiver by a force received from the first force applier. The second force receiver takes a projected position receiving a force from the second force applier to move the developing unit so the roller moves out of contact with the drum, the projected position being higher than the stand-by position.
US09494911B2 Cabinet structure, electronic equipment, and image forming apparatus
A cabinet structure includes multiple cover members configured to spatially partition an inside from an outside of a cabinet, and a clearance communicating between the inside and the outside of the cabinet is left between two cover members, the two cover members being adjacent to each other, of the cover members, and a passage defined by the clearance and leading from the inside to the outside of the cabinet through the clearance has a shape with multiple bends.
US09494908B2 Image forming apparatus provided with cartridge for accommodating waste toner therein
An image forming apparatus includes a cartridge-supporting body, a belt, a belt cleaning unit, a waste toner cartridge, and a collective conveying unit. The cartridge-supporting unit supports a plurality of process cartridges. Each process cartridge includes a photosensitive drum and a drum-cleaning unit for collecting waste toner on the photosensitive drum. The belt confronts the plurality of process cartridges when the cartridge-supporting body is in an internal position. The belt cleaning unit collects waste toner on the belt. The waste toner cartridge accommodates both waste toner collected from the plurality of photosensitive drums by the plurality of drum-cleaning units and waste toner collected from the belt by the belt cleaning unit. The collective conveying unit aggregates waste toner collected from the plurality of photosensitive drums by the plurality of drum-cleaning units and conveys collectively the aggregated waste toner to the waste toner cartridge.
US09494900B2 Fixing device and image forming apparatus including a nip-forming-member supported by at least two plates joined together
A device includes a fixing belt, a holder that holds the fixing belt, a pressing member that comes in contact with the fixing belt, a nip-forming-member arranged inside the fixing belt, that forms a nip by coming in contact with the pressing member, a supporting member that supports the nip-forming-member, a side plate to which the nip-forming-member and the supporting member are fixed, and a pressing mechanism that presses a pressing roller to the nip-forming-member via the fixing belt. The supporting member includes at least two plates. The two plates are separated from each other near a contact portion where the plates come in contact with the nip-forming-member. At least a part of each of the plates is a flat surface parallel to a direction of a load applied by the pressing mechanism. Portions of the two plates on a side distant from the contact portion are joined together.
US09494897B2 Fixing device having a cooling device for a pressure member
A fixing device includes a heating roller, a fixing roller, an endless fixing belt, a pressure roller, a temperature gauge, and a cooling device. The fixing belt is stretched between the heating roller and the fixing roller. The pressure roller includes a core rod and an elastic layer formed on an outer circumferential surface of the core rod, and is pressed against the fixing roller via the fixing belt to form a nip portion to thermally fix an image on a recording medium passed through the nip portion. The temperature gauge measures the surface temperature of the pressure roller. The cooling device includes plural cooling units arranged parallel to a rotation axis of the pressure roller, and cools the pressure roller while adjusting the amount of cooling for each of the cooling units in accordance with the surface temperature of the pressure roller measured by the temperature gauge.
US09494893B2 Developing cartridge and method for manufacturing the same
A developing cartridge is provided. The developing cartridge includes a first frame and a second frame and a layer thickness regulating member. The first frame and the second frame include a first welding surface formed at a periphery of the developer accommodating part correspondingly to a developer accommodating part; and a second welding surface extending continuously from the first welding surface correspondingly to a roller support part. The first welding surface extends in a direction orthogonal to an overlapping direction of the first frame and the second frame. The second welding surface extends to be inclined toward a side of the first frame in the overlapping direction as extending toward the developing roller. The layer thickness regulating member is provided to cover the second welding surface from a side of the second frame in the overlapping direction.
US09494886B2 Toner, image forming apparatus, image forming method, process cartridge, and two-component developer
To provide a toner, which contains: a colorant; a resin; and a releasing agent, wherein a spin-spin relaxation time (T2s) originated from a soft component is 0.10 msec to 0.50 msec, where the soft component is obtained with a hard component from an echo signal of the toner by a solid-echo technique of pulsed NMR, and a proportion of a proton intensity of the soft component is 50.0% or lower.
US09494883B2 Electrophotographic photoreceptor and resin composition
An electrophotographic photoreceptor that satisfies excellent transparency, abrasion resistance, and electrophotographic properties (including sensitivity and residual potential after light irradiation) all together is provided. Specifically, an electrophotographic photoreceptor and a resin composition that include therein (1) a polycarbonate resin (A) having a structural unit represented by the following formula (I) and (2) at least one selected from a polycarbonate resin (B) synthesized from a source material that includes therein a bisphenol represented by the following formula (II) and a polyester resin (B′) synthesized from a source material that includes therein a bisphenol represented by the following formula (II). In formulas (I) and (II), each of Ra, Rb, Rc, Rd, Re, and Rf represents, independently from one another, a substituted or non-substituted alkyl group, a substituted or non-substituted cycloalkyl group, or a substituted or non-substituted phenyl group. Each of p, q, r, s, t, and u represents, independently from one another, an integer of 0 to 4. Rg represents an alkyl group. X represents an alkylene group, an isopropylidene group, a sec-butylidene group, a cycloalkylene group, a cycloalkylidene group, or the like. Y represents a single bond or —O—. Each of mA and nA represents a composition ratio (mole ratio) of the structural unit in the round brackets.
US09494880B2 Electrophotographic photosensitive member, method of producing electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge, and electrophotographic apparatus
The present invention relates to an electrophotographic photosensitive member including an undercoat layer containing metal oxide particles, a binder resin, and an organic acid metal salt having at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of bismuth, zinc, cobalt, iron, nickel, and copper.
US09494876B2 Exposure apparatus, exposure method, method of manufacturing device, program, and storage medium
An exposure apparatus exposes an upper surface of a substrate with exposure light through liquid, and includes an optical member that has an emitting surface from which the exposure light is emitted; and a substrate holding apparatus having a holding portion that releasably holds a lower surface of the substrate, and an upper surface provided around the holding portion. The upper surface of the substrate holding apparatus is configured such that the upper surface of the substrate holding apparatus and the upper surface of the substrate held by the holding portion are substantially in a plane. The upper surface of the substrate holding apparatus has a jagged edge portion. The substrate is held by the holding portion such that an edge portion of the substrate held by the holding portion is located along the jagged edge portion of the upper surface of the substrate holding apparatus.
US09494874B2 Method and apparatus for design of a metrology target
A system to, and a method to, select a metrology target for use on a substrate including performing a lithographic simulation for a plurality of points on a process window region for each proposed target, identifying a catastrophic error for any of the plurality of points for each proposed target, eliminating each target having a catastrophic error at any of the plurality of points, performing a metrology simulation to determine a parameter over the process window for each target not having a catastrophic error at any of the plurality of points, and using the one or more resulting determined simulated parameters to evaluate target quality.
US09494873B2 Asymmetry compensation method used in lithography overlay process
An asymmetry compensation method used in a lithography overlay process and including steps of: providing a first substrate, wherein a circuit layout is disposed on the first substrate, a first mask layer and a second mask layer together having an x-axis allowable deviation range and an y-axis allowable deviation range relative to the circuit layout are stacked sequentially on the circuit layout, wherein the x-axis allowable deviation range is unequal to the y-axis allowable deviation range; and calculating an x-axis final compensation parameter and an y-axis final compensation parameter base on the unequal x-axis allowable deviation range and the y-axis allowable deviation range.
US09494869B2 Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
An exposure apparatus including a projection system configured to project a plurality of radiation beams onto a target; a movable frame that is at least rotatable around an axis; and an actuator system configured to displace the movable frame to an axis away from an axis corresponding to the geometric center of the movable frame and to cause the frame to rotate around an axis through the center of mass of the frame.
US09494868B2 Lithographic projection objective
Projection objectives, such as projection objectives of lithography projection exposure apparatuses, as well as related systems, components and methods, such as methods of revising and/or repairing such objectives, are disclosed.
US09494866B2 Resist composition and method of forming resist pattern
A method of forming a resist pattern, including forming a resist film by coating a resist composition including a base component (A) that exhibits increased solubility in an alkali developing solution, a photo-base generator component (C) that generates a base upon exposure, an acid supply component (Z) and a compound (F) containing at least one selected from the group consisting of a fluorine atom and a silicon atom and containing no acid decomposable group which exhibits increased polarity by the action of acid on a substrate; subjecting the resist film to exposure baking the exposed resist film; and subjecting the resist film to alkali development, thereby forming a negative-tone resist pattern.
US09494860B2 Resist composition, method of forming resist pattern
A resist composition including a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution under the action of acid, an acid generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, and a nitrogen-containing organic compound component (D), wherein the acid generator component (B) includes an acid generator (B1) containing a compound represented by general formula (b1-1) shown below, and the nitrogen-containing organic compound component (D) includes a compound (D1) represented by general formula (d1) shown below. In the formula, Y0 represents an alkylene group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, R0 represents an alkyl group, alkoxy group, halogen atom, halogenated alkyl group, hydroxyl group or oxygen atom (═O), p represents 0 or 1, and Z+ represents an organic cation.
US09494859B1 Photosensitive resin composition and color filter using the same
A photosensitive resin composition includes (A) a binder resin; (B) a photopolymerizable monomer; (C) a photopolymerization initiator; (D) a colorant; and (E) a solvent. The binder resin includes a first binder resin including structural units represented by Chemical Formulae 1 to 4, wherein the substituents are as defined in the specification, and the first binder resin is present in an amount of about 20 wt % to about 90 wt % based on the total amount of the binder resin. A color filter using the photosensitive resin composition is provided.
US09494856B1 Method and system for fast inspecting defects
A method and system for inspecting defects saves scanned raw data as an original image so as to save time for repeated scanning and achieve faster defect inspection and lower false rate by reviewing suspicious defects and other regions of interest in the original image by using the same or different image-processing algorithm with the same or different parameters.
US09494853B2 Increasing lithographic depth of focus window using wafer topography
Various embodiments provide for topography aware optical proximity correction that can improve depth of focus during wafer lithography. The system can determine the topography of the wafer using real process information. The topographical variations can be based on random defects or structural details. The system can divide the wafer into regions based on the topography of the regions and determine depth of focus values for each of the regions. Optical proximity correction can then be performed on each region separately, using the separate defocus values to yield an accurate, topographically aware optical proximity correction model for the wafer. For regions with varying topography, optical proximity correction can be performed for two defocus values corresponding to the high and low extremes, such that the resulting simulated contour is satisfies a predetermined criterion associated with accuracy.
US09494844B2 Light source for video communication device
A light source and lighting system for video communication are provided. A base capable of being removably attached to a video communication device is provided. A fill light attached to the base and a key light connected to the base are also provided.
US09494841B2 Reflective color display
An electrophoretic reflective color display has a color filter on an electrophoretic display layer displaying black and white. A colored portion and a non-colored portion are provided in a pixel of the color filter layer, and the colored portion has a hue defined by specified values of chromaticity coordinates (a*, b*), measured with transmitted light using a D65 light source, in a chromaticity diagram of the L*a*b* color system.
US09494838B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes: a first substrate including a first light blocking region where a plurality of transistors are formed and a second light blocking region where a data line is extended in a vertical direction; a first color filter and a second color filter formed on the first substrate; a second substrate facing the first substrate and having a common electrode formed thereon; and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first and second substrates, wherein the first and second color filters are spaced apart from each other in an intersection region of the first and second light blocking regions and are overlapped with each other in the second light blocking region other than the intersection region to form a color filter overlapped part in the vertical direction.
US09494835B2 Liquid crystal display
To prevent or inhibit, a spacer section from coming close to the array substrate inside each of pixels, a liquid crystal display includes an auxiliary wiring provided to project toward the side of the opposite substrate from a surface of the array substrate, and the spacer section provided to project toward the side of the array substrate from a surface of the opposite substrate. The auxiliary wiring is arranged within a region provided with an extension portion in a liquid shielding section, and extends in an X-axis direction in a plan view, and a length in a Y-axis direction of the spacer section is larger than a width in the X-axis direction of the spacer section. The spacer section crosses the auxiliary wiring in a crossing region where the extension portion and an extension portion cross each other in a plan view.
US09494833B2 Display device
To provide a display device with little signal delay and a display device that can operate with low power consumption, parasitic capacitance between a common wiring that applies a common potential to a plurality of pixels and signal lines that input signals for driving the pixels is avoided. Specifically, the common wiring is routed outwardly with respect to an external input terminal to which a signal is input from the, outside, to avoid intersections of the signal lines and the common wiring. Thus, parasitic capacitance between the common wiring and the signal lines is avoided, so that the display device can operate at high speed with low power consumption.
US09494830B2 Sequential circuit and semiconductor device
The following semiconductor device provides high reliability and a narrower frame width. The semiconductor device includes a driver circuit and a pixel portion. The driver circuit has a first transistor including a first gate and a second gate electrically connected to each other with a semiconductor film sandwiched therebetween, and a second transistor electrically connected to the first transistor. The pixel portion includes a third transistor, a liquid crystal element, and a capacitor. The liquid crystal element includes a first transparent conductive film electrically connected to the third transistor, a second conductive film, and a liquid crystal layer. The capacitor includes the first conductive film, a third transparent conductive film, and a nitride insulating film. The nitride insulating film is positioned between the first transparent conductive film and the third transparent conductive film, and positioned between the semiconductor film and the second gate of the first transistor.
US09494820B2 Glossy display substrate and glossy display apparatus
The present invention discloses a glossy display substrate and a glossy display apparatus. Reflective area and transmissive area are formed on the glossy display substrate. The glossy display substrate comprises an underlayer as well as a first control unit, a reflection layer and a second control unit arranged above the underlayer. The first control unit and the reflection layer are arranged in the reflective area, and the second control unit is arranged in the transmissive area.
US09494813B2 Multi-purpose display system
An electronic packaging box includes a receiving structure, a transmissive/reflective component, and a support structure. The receiving structure is configured to receive an electronic display device having a display screen for displaying an image by the electronic display device. The transmissive/reflective component is spatially coupled to the receiving structure such that, when the electronic display device is placed into the receiving structure, the display screen of the electronic display device faces the transmissive/reflective component. The support structure is configured to support the receiving structure and the transmissive/reflective component. Further, the transmissive/reflective component is configured to form a virtual image of the image displayed by the electronic display device placed in the receiving structure when viewed by a viewer at a viewing angle.
US09494810B2 Automatic bias stabilization of dual-polarization in-phase and quadrature optical modulator
Embodiments include a method and apparatus used for automatic bias stabilization of a DP IQM based on MZM for transmitting DP-QPSK optical data and/or DP-16QAM optical data. The apparatus simultaneously dithers DC-bias voltages of in-phase child, quadrature-phase child, and parent MZMs with three different dither patterns in time-domain which are mutually orthogonal to each other in the frequency-domain for X and Y polarization IQ modulators. Tap monitor photodiodes detect an interference term between these three dither patterns for each polarization. The interference term is sampled using an ADC in the time domain. The time-synchronous detection method may solve a set of three simultaneous linear partial differential equations with three unknowns to compute controlled DC-bias voltages to set on the respective MZM with a solution set which may iteratively converge to a unique solution, thereby biasing the child MZM in dual-polarization IQM to transmission minimum and parent MZM in quadrature transmission.
US09494808B2 Particles for electrophoretic displays
This invention relates to particles comprising a pigment core particle encapsulated by a polymer, a process for their preparation, electrophoretic fluids comprising such particles, and electrophoretic display devices comprising such fluids.
US09494807B2 Wearable high resolution audio visual interface
An adjustable visual optical element is provided, which may be supported, for example, by an eyeglass. The optical element is preferably adjustable in each of the X, Y, and Z axes to allow the wearer to optimize projection of the optical element. A view axis of the display is preferably also angularly adjustable with respect to a wearer's straight ahead normal line of sight. Source electronics may be carried onboard the eyeglasses, or may be connectable to the eyeglasses via either a hardwire, optical guide, or radiofrequency link.
US09494801B2 Beam shaping optics of flow cytometer systems and methods related thereto
In some aspects, a flow cytometer system is provided that includes beam shaping optics positioned to manipulate a light beam and produce a resulting light beam that irradiates the core stream at the interrogation zone of the flow cell. The beam shaping optics include an acylindrical lens positioned to receive and focus light in a direction of a first axis orthogonal to a direction of light travel, and a cylindrical lens positioned to receive the light output from the acylindrical lens and to focus the light output from the acylindrical lens in a direction of a second axis orthogonal to the first axis and to the direction of light travel. The resulting light beam output has a flat-top shaped intensity profile along the first axis, and a Gaussian-shaped intensity profile along the second axis. Related methods of shaping a light beam at an interrogation zone of a flow cell are also provided.
US09494797B2 Near-eye parallax barrier displays
In embodiments of the invention, an apparatus may include a display comprising a plurality of pixels and a computer system coupled with the display and operable to instruct the display to display images. The apparatus may further include an SLM array located adjacent to the display and comprising a plurality of SLMs, wherein the SLM array is operable to produce a light field by altering light emitted by the display to simulate an object that is in focus to an observer while the display and the SLM array are located within a near-eye range of the observer.
US09494795B2 Method of manufacturing an optical element, optical element and display device
An optical element, notably an optical element for creating a retractable sheet for use in a motor vehicle, has in the final state a three-dimensional shape resulting from forming of the optical element, the optical element being designed to have an extended shape comprising: a first main surface, a second main surface, and an edge surface. A method of manufacturing involves during a first step of the method, forming the optical element to give its final three-dimensional shape in terms of the first main surface, the second main surface and the edge surface. During a second step at least one of the surfaces of the optical element is cleaned. During a third step, a functional coating is applied to the first main surface and/or the second main surface.
US09494788B2 Electrowetting display device and driving method thereof
A display device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, a lyophobic layer, a first liquid, and a second liquid, where the lyophobic layer is lyophobic to the second liquid. A method of driving the display device includes: providing a first potential difference between the first electrode and the third electrode to thereby cause the first liquid to begin moving toward the second electrode; providing a second potential difference between the second electrode and the third electrode while reducing the first potential difference to thereby cause the first liquid to move toward the first electrode; and removing the second potential difference to thereby cause the first liquid to slow down in its movement toward the first electrode or to stop in its movement toward the first electrode.
US09494785B2 Single image super-resolution microscopy and telescope systems
Image resolution enhancement techniques are implemented using a single image an unstructured broadband illumination. By placing an axicon and a convex lens pair in an optical path of a microscope, telescope, or the object system, between the system and an image capture pickup device (e.g., a camera) the maximum resolution of the system may be increased through the formation of an interference pattern at the image capture device.
US09494782B2 Device and method for microscopy using light with differing physical properties
The invention relates to a device for microscopy, with at least one light source for providing illumination light, with a detection unit for detecting light radiated back from a sample, with a microscopy optical unit for guiding illumination light onto the sample and for guiding light radiated back from the sample in the direction of the detection unit and with, arranged in an illumination beam path, an excitation mask (40) for providing structured illumination. The device is characterized in that the excitation mask is a spatially structured filter, which is transparent to light with a first physical property and which impresses spatial structure onto light with a second physical property that is different from the first physical property. The invention moreover relates to a method for microscopy.
US09494780B2 Inverted microscope
An inverted microscope includes an imaging lens configured to form an image of light which passes through an objective lens from a specimen, and a microscope main body in which a plurality of optical devices are configured to be arranged between the objective lens and the imaging lens in a direction of an optical axis of the objective lens and which includes therein a plurality of installation units that allow the plurality of optical devices to be fixed independently of one another. Each of the plurality of installation units includes an abutting reference surface on which any one of the plurality of optical devices is configured to be abutted. A plurality of abutting reference surfaces of the plurality of the installation units are shifted from one another in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the objective lens.
US09494776B2 Zoom lens and imaging apparatus
A zoom lens consists essentially of, in order from the object side: a positive first lens group that is fixed during magnification change; a moving lens group consisting of at least two lens groups that are moved along the optical axis direction to change an air space therebetween during magnification change; a stop; and a positive end lens group that is fixed during magnification change. The first lens group consists of, in order from the object side, a negative first lens-group front group, a positive first lens-group middle group, and a positive first lens-group rear group. During focusing, only the first lens-group middle group is moved along the optical axis direction. The first lens-group middle group includes at least one aspheric lens that satisfies predetermined condition expressions.
US09494773B2 Image pickup lens
An image pickup lens includes an aperture stop, a first lens with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface, a second meniscus lens having a concave image-side surface, a third meniscus lens having a convex image-side surface, a fourth meniscus lens having a concave object-side surface near an optical axis, and a fifth meniscus lens having a concave image-side surface near the optical axis, wherein the image-side surface of the fourth lens has an aspherical shape in which a positive refractive power weakens toward the periphery, and wherein the following conditional expressions (1) and (7) are satisfied: 0.55
US09494771B2 Quasi-monocentric-lens-based multi-scale optical system
Optical systems based on an objective lens comprising one or more plastic lens elements are disclosed. The inclusion of plastic lens element reduces one or more of system cost, size, weight, and/or complexity. The chromatic performance of some imaging systems in accordance with the present invention is improved by incorporation of a diffractive surface into the entry surface of the objective lens.
US09494764B2 Fiber optic distribution cables and structures therefor
A fiber optic distribution cable includes a jacket defining an exterior of the fiber optic distribution cable and a plurality of optical fibers extending through a cavity of the jacket. The jacket has an access location with a single opening formed in the jacket that extends to the cavity. A distribution optical fiber of the plurality of optical fibers extends through and protrudes from the single opening in the jacket at the access location and is secured by a demarcation point.
US09494755B2 Fiber optic cable assembly
A fiber optic cable assembly includes a distribution cable and a tether cable. The distribution cable includes a jacket having a generally flat profile such that the periphery of the distribution cable, when viewed in cross-section, includes two major surfaces of the jacket that are generally flat and are connected by arcuate end surfaces of the jacket. The jacket defines a cavity therein. Further, the distribution cable includes strength members embedded in the jacket and positioned on opposing sides of the cavity. The distribution cable includes a plurality of optical fibers extending through the cavity. The tether cable includes an optical fiber that is fusion spliced to one of the optical fibers of the distribution cable by way of an opening in a side of the jacket of the distribution cable.
US09494753B2 Cylindrical housing with locking ring
A pressure apparatus including a first end cap, a second end cap, a hollow housing connected to the first and second end caps, a locking ring connected to the second end cap, a first termination connected to the first end cap, and a second termination connected to the second end cap.
US09494745B2 Sealable communication cable connection assemblies
Communication device connection assemblies are described. The sealable connection assemblies are configured to provide water-tight connections for various data transmission elements, including cables, network devices, and computing devices. The connection assemblies may be used for various data transmission protocols, such as fiber optic connections. A compression element of the connection assembly may be configured to engage and compress a sealing element against a communication cable extending through the sealable connection assembly when a tension element is coupled to the inner body, thereby forming a seal between the sealable element and the communication cable. The connection assemblies may include a retainer body configured to form a grip or retention force with a communication cable sufficient to reduce and/or eliminate any forces on the communication cable (i.e., bending and/or straight pull forces) from being transferred to and/or otherwise effecting other components of the connection assembly, such as sealing elements thereof.
US09494742B2 Light capturing sheet, light capturing rod, light receiving device using light capturing sheet or light capturing rod, light emitting device using light capturing sheet or light capturing rod, and optical-fiber amplifier using light capturing sheet or light capturing rod
A light capturing sheet includes a light transmitting sheet and a plurality of optical coupling structures disposed therein. The optical coupling structures each include a first light-transmitting layer, a second light-transmitting layer, a third light-transmitting layer interposed therebetween, and a diffraction grating. Refractive indices of the first and second light-transmitting layers are lower than a refractive index of the light transmitting sheet, and a refractive index of the third light-transmitting layer is higher than the refractive indices of the first and second light-transmitting layers. The optical coupling structures are arranged in first and second directions in a plane parallel to principal surfaces of the light transmitting sheet, and in a third direction not parallel thereto.
US09494736B2 Technologies for generating a broadband optical output
Technologies for generating a broadband optical output include a plurality of narrowband optical sources formed in a silicon substrate to generate a narrowband optical output, a plurality of input optical waveguides to route the narrowband optical output, an optical multiplexer formed in the silicon substrate to reflect the routed narrowband optical output, and an output optical waveguide to collect the reflected narrowband optical output to generate the broadband optical output. The output optical waveguide may route the broadband optical output to an output of the photonic integrated circuit.
US09494732B2 Transversal load insensitive optical waveguide, and optical sensor comprising a wave guide
A transversal load insensitive optical waveguide includes a primary section having a core. The waveguide may further include an outer cladding. The primary section includes a primary section surface and the outer cladding includes an exterior surface mechanically attached to the primary section surface by an interior cladding structure forming a mechanical connection. The cladding structure is such that for at least part of a distance between each two radial corresponding points on the exterior surface and the primary section surface respectively, the mechanical connection deviates from being radial, so that a radially-directed load on an exterior surface of the outer cladding is deflected by the cladding structure.
US09494730B1 Multiple waveguide edge lit structure
A multiple waveguide edge lit structure includes a frame structure. The multiple waveguide edge lit structure also includes a circuit board including a first plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a second plurality of LEDs. The multiple waveguide edge lit structure further includes a first waveguide and a second waveguide. A light receiving edge of the first waveguide is positioned proximal to the first plurality of LEDs, and a light receiving edge of the second waveguide is positioned proximal to the second plurality of LEDs. The multiple waveguide edge lit structure also includes a pair of attachment structures configured to keep the first waveguide and the second waveguide attached to the frame structure.
US09494722B2 Backlight module
The present invention provides a backlight module, which includes a backplane, a backlight source arranged inside the backplane, a light guide plate arranged inside the backplane to correspond to the backlight source, a reflector plate arranged between the light guide plate and the backplane, an optic film disposed on the light guide plate, a mold frame arranged on the backplane, and a block wall arranged between the light guide plate and the mold frame and opposing the backlight module. The block wall forms a slope face close to the backlight source. A reflective layer is formed on the slope face. Being provided between the mold frame and the light guide plate, the block wall reflects light that gets incident thereon back into the light guide plate in order to eliminate leak through a gap between an optic film assembly and the light guide plate.
US09494712B2 Resin composition for optical film and optical film using the same
Provided are a resin composition for an optical film including an alkyl(meth)acrylate unit, a benzyl(meth)acrylate unit, a (meth)acrylic acid unit, and a unit expressed by Chemical Formula I, an optical film, a polarizing plate, and an image display device using the resin composition.
US09494701B2 Method to improve spatial sampling of vertical motion of seismic wavefields on the free surface of the earth by utilizing horizontal rotational motion and vertical motion sensors
The present method provides spatial sampling of a seismic wavefield on the free surface of the earth at an effective spatial sampling denser than the physical layout of the sensors. The sensors are comprised of a sensing element for vertical particle motion at the earth's surface, and a sensing element for rotational motion around a horizontal axis at the surface of the earth. Stress and wavefield conditions known at the free surface of the earth allow the rotational sensing element to yield the transverse horizontal gradient of the vertical particle motion wavefield. This horizontal gradient and the vertical particle motion data are utilized in the technique of ordinate and slope sampling to yield an improved transverse spatial sampling of the vertical particle motion wavefield. The method has a wide range of application in seismic surveys in oil and gas exploration and production.
US09494686B2 Hand-held target locator
Techniques are disclosed for laser-based target locating for measuring and displaying absolute coordinates (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates) for a target. Techniques include determining absolute coordinates of a laser-based target locator, and using range and other measurements (e.g., compass heading, tilt, and/or the like) to determine the absolute coordinates of a target. The laser-based target locator can then display the absolute coordinates to a user. Sensors providing the other measurements may be calibrated by first determining the absolute coordinates of an optical tag, which may be optically communicated to the laser-based target locator.
US09494685B2 Light guide member, object detection apparatus, and vehicle
A light guide member for an object detection apparatus for detecting an object adhered on a light translucent member based on change of quantity of reflection light received from the light translucent member includes a detection face where light exits to the light translucent member and reflection light reflected from the light translucent member enters, the detection face including a detection area where a part of the reflection light to enter the detection unit passes through, and a non-detection area where remaining part of the reflection light not to enter the detection unit passes through; a first intervening member disposed on the detection face attachable to the light translucent member via the first intervening member; and a second intervening member disposed on the detection face attachable to the light translucent member via the second intervening member. The first intervening member has flexibility greater than flexibility of the second intervening member.
US09494684B2 Position measurement device
A position measurement device that measures three-dimensional coordinates of an object using ultrasound. The position measurement device includes a transmitter that emits an ultrasonic wave; three receivers that receive an ultrasonic wave; a time determination unit that determines an arrival time candidate for each of the receivers wherein the arrival time candidate is a time period from emission to arrival of the ultrasonic wave after being reflected from an object, and determines a plurality of the arrival time candidates for at least one of the receivers; a coordinate calculation unit that calculates a plurality of candidates of three-dimensional coordinates indicative of positions of the object based on the arrival time candidates determined by the time determination unit and relative positions of the transmitter and the receivers; and a coordinate determination unit that determines the three-dimensional coordinates of the object based on the plurality of candidates of three-dimensional coordinates.
US09494680B2 Radar based interpretation of 3D codes
Systems and methods may provide for transmitting an outbound radar signal via an antenna structure and receiving a reflected radar signal via the antenna structure. Additionally, a three dimensional (3D) code may be interpreted based on the outbound radar signal and the reflected radar signal. In one example, interpreting the 3D code includes determining depth data for each of a plurality of cells in the 3D code.
US09494671B2 Method and apparatus for improving differential direct (DC) measurement accuracy
A method of error correction in automated test equipment (ATE) is presented. The method comprises calibrating the ATE using a calibration board, wherein the calibration board comprises a reference voltage. The calibrating comprises: (a) measuring the reference voltage using a reference channel and each of a plurality of channels in the ATE; (b) recording a series of differential voltage measurement values obtained from the measuring in a calibration module; and (c) calculating a respective correction factor for each of the plurality of channels utilizing the series of differential voltage measurement values. The method further comprises obtaining a measured voltage value for a DUT connected to a first channel in the ATE, wherein the first channel is one of the plurality of channels. Finally, the method comprises correcting the measured voltage value using a respective correction factor for said first channel.
US09494668B2 Systems and methods for measuring nuclear magnetic resonance spin-lattice relaxation time T1 and spin-spin relaxation time T2
A system for measuring nuclear magnetic resonance spin-lattice relaxation time T1 and spin-spin relaxation time T2 of a sample includes a source of a substantially uniform magnetic field B0 for immersing at least a portion of the sample; a nuclear magnetic resonance excitation and detection system constructed and arranged to excite at least a portion of the sample with a plurality of nuclear magnetic resonance pulse sequences, each applied with a repetition time that is preselected to be sensitive to a T1 value of at least a portion of the sample, and to detect nuclear magnetic resonance emissions from the sample in response to excitations to provide a plurality of detection signals; and a signal processing system configured to communicate with the nuclear magnetic resonance excitation and detection system to receive the plurality of detection signals.
US09494661B2 Three-dimensional hall sensor for detecting a spatial magnetic field
A three-dimensional Hall sensor can be used for detecting a spatial magnetic field. A method for measuring a spatial magnetic field can be performed using this Hall sensor. The Hall sensor comprises an electrically conducting base body and at least three electrode pairs, wherein each electrode pair has a first terminal and a second terminal, which are arranged such on the base body, that a current can flow from the first terminal to the second terminal through the base body. At least three first terminals are arranged on a first surface of the base body and at least three second terminals are arranged on the second surface, different from the first surface of the base body, wherein the first and the second surfaces oppose each other.
US09494653B2 Battery pack monitoring apparatus
A battery pack monitoring apparatus detects line breakage of detection lines on a highest potential side and a lowest potential side of a battery pack. In the apparatus, a battery cell voltage detection section detects a voltage of each of battery cells through detection lines connected to both electrodes of the battery cells. A battery pack voltage detection section detects a voltage of the battery pack through the highest potential side detection line and the lowest potential side detection line of the battery pack. Diodes are connected in parallel to respective battery cells on the highest and lowest potential sides in a forward direction from a negative electrode toward a positive electrode. A control section determines that one of the lines is broken when a sum of the voltage of each of the battery cells detected and the voltage of the battery pack detected are not equal to each other.
US09494648B2 Comparator with load signal output connected to timestamp value register
This invention is time stamping subsystem of an electronic apparatus. A time stamp generator generates a multibit time stamp value including a predetermined number of least significant bits overlapping a predetermined number of most significant bits. Each client receives the least significant bits. Each client associates captured data with a corresponding set of the least significant bits in a message. A central scheduling unit associates most significant bits of the time stamp value with the least significant bits of the message. This associating compares overlap bits of the most significant bits and least significant bits. The most significant bits are decremented until the overlap bits are equal.
US09494636B2 Floating connector safety protection
In one example, a method includes outputting, during a first phase, a first current level at a connector, and outputting, during a second phase, a second current level at the connector, wherein the second current level is complementary to the first current level. In this example, the method also includes determining whether or not a voltage level of the connector satisfies a threshold, and responsive to determining that the voltage level of the connector satisfies the threshold, determining that the connector is floating.
US09494628B1 Methods and circuits for measuring mutual and self capacitance
An embodiment of a capacitance measurement circuit may include multiple switches, a first node coupled with a first electrode and coupled with at least a first switch of the multiple switches, and a second node coupled with a second electrode and coupled with at least a second switch of the multiple switches, where the multiple switches are configured to reduce an influence of a self-capacitance of the first electrode and a self-capacitance of the second electrode on an output signal during measurement of a mutual capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode, and where the multiple switches are configured to reduce an influence of the mutual capacitance on the output signal during measurement of at least one of the self-capacitance of the first electrode and the self-capacitance of the second electrode.
US09494623B2 High-voltage detector monitoring system
A mechanism for providing monitoring of electric field detectors. In accordance with instructions on a machine-readable medium, a computing system receives from a device data corresponding to a user identifier. Further, the computing device identifies from a plurality of electric field detectors one or more electric field detectors associated with the user identifier and identifies status data for each of the identified one or more electric field detectors. The status data for each electric field detector in the plurality of electric field detectors comprises data indicative of at least (i) a location of the electric field detector and (ii) an alarm state of the electric field detector. Additionally, the computing system causes a display component of the device to display a graphical user interface that presents indicia of the status data for each of the identified one or more electric field detectors.
US09494622B2 Current measurement device and current measurement method
A current measurement device measures current flowing in a composite material M containing conductive fibers. The current measurement device includes a temperature measuring unit that measures the temperature of a surface of the composite material, upon flow of current in the composite material; a storage unit that stores conversion data that is acquired as a result of a conversion data acquisition test performed beforehand and that results from converting the temperature of the surface of the composite material to the value of the current flowing in the composite material; and a current calculator that, on the basis of the conversion data stored in the storage unit, converts the temperature of the surface of the composite material M as measured by the temperature measuring unit to a value of the current flowing in the composite material.
US09494620B2 Flexible current sensor arrangement
A flexible current sensor arrangement comprises a plurality of discrete current sensing elements distributed along an elongate flexible carrier. An elongate flexible member for a current sensor arrangement comprises a plurality of carrying portions linked to one another by hinge portions, each carrying portion being configured for receiving a discrete current sensing element. A method of manufacturing a flexible current sensor arrangement comprises providing an elongate flexible carrier, and distributing a plurality of discrete sensing elements along the elongate flexible carrier.
US09494618B2 Designed asperity contactors, including nanospikes, for semiconductor test using a package, and associated systems and methods
Nanospike contactors suitable for semiconductor device test, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative apparatus includes a package having a wafer side positioned to face toward a device under test and an inquiry side facing away from the wafer side. A plurality of wafer side sites are carried at the wafer side of the package. The nanospikes can be attached to nanospike sites on a wafer side of the package. Because of their small size, multiple nanospikes make contact with a single pad/solderball on the semiconductor device. In some embodiments, after detecting that the device under test passes the test, the device under the test can be packaged to create a known good die in a package.
US09494608B2 Antibodies to olanzapine and use thereof
Disclosed is an antibody which binds to olanzapine, which can be used to detect olanzapine in a sample such as in a competitive immunoassay method. The antibody can be used in a lateral flow assay device for point-of-care detection of olanzapine, including multiplex detection of aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone in a single lateral flow assay device.
US09494607B2 Antibodies to aripiprazole and use thereof
Disclosed is an antibody which binds to aripiprazole, which can be used to detect aripiprazole in a sample such as in a competitive immunoassay method. The antibody can be used in a lateral flow assay device for point-of-care detection of aripiprazole, including multiplex detection of aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone in a single lateral flow assay device.
US09494605B2 Diagnostic tools for charcot-marie-tooth disease
The present invention relates in particular to methods of detecting predisposition to or diagnosis and/or prognosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) and related disorders. More specifically, the invention relates to development, validation and application of new biomarkers, which can be used for detecting the presence or risk of CMT disease and related disorders. In particular, the present invention relates to metabolite, lipid, carbohydrate and proteinaceous biomarkers that can be measured in biological body fluids and easily available extracts of biopsies, which can be used to aid in the detection, prediction of drug treatment and follow up of this treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, including CMT disease. The present invention also relates to methods for identification of CMT disease subtypes, assessing the responsiveness to the treatments and the efficacy of treatments in subjects having CMT or a related disorder.
US09494594B2 Method of determining administration effect in cancer chemotherapy with S-1
Provided is a method of determining a therapeutic effect of cancer chemotherapy with an anticancer drug obtained by blending three ingredients, i.e., tegafur, gimeracil, and oteracil potassium as active ingredients (hereinafter abbreviated as S-1) quickly, simply, and accurately before carrying out the cancer chemotherapy. Specifically, provided is a method of determining an administration effect in chemotherapy with S-1, the method comprising: a step (a) of measuring expression level of a decorin gene in a biological sample collected from a subject to be diagnosed; and a step (b) of determining an administration effect of S-1 based on the expression level of the gene obtained from the measurement.
US09494591B2 Mutations of histone proteins associated with proliferative disorders
The present application shows the relationship between variations in the amino acid sequence of histone proteins, more specifically the H3.3 protein, and proliferation-associated disorders. Herewith provided are predictive methods, commercial packages, therapeutic methods and screening methods based on this relationship.
US09494584B2 Signal enhancement system with multiple labeled-moieties
Dipstick tests for detecting analyte are described. In a preferred embodiment, a multiple biotinylated antibody capable of binding analyte is bound to an anti-biotin antibody labelled with colloidal gold and wicked up the dipstick with test solution thought to contain analyte. Complex formed between analyte, biotinylated anti-analyte antibody, and colloidal gold labelled anti-biotin antibody is captured at a capture zone of the dipstick. Presence of colloidal gold label at the capture zone indicates the presence of analyte in the test solution. The sensitivity of analyte detection using such methods is an order of magnitude higher than for comparable methods in which biotinylated anti-analyte antibody bound to analyte is wicked up the dipstick in a first step, and a colloidal gold labelled anti-biotin antibody is wicked up the dipstick in a separate step. Kits for performing the tests of the invention are also described.
US09494580B2 Polymer particle containing fluorescent molecule and method for producing the same
Polymer particles are provided which contain fluorescent molecules with high presence ratio in a polymer layer thereof and a method for preparing thereof. Polymer particles are swelled in a non-aqueous solution excluding exclusively water preferably promotes selling of the polymer layer and transfer of the fluorescent molecules to the polymer layer could not protected by water molecules such that much more fluorescent molecule may be introduced into inside of the polymer layer. Furthermore, since the water is added to the reaction system prior to evaporation removal of the non-aqueous solvent, dry-up of the polymer particles is prevented by the water remained in the reaction system and the polymer particles including fluorescent molecules with high presence ratio of the fluorescent molecules preferably keep high dispersibility using the above described procedures.
US09494579B2 Optoelectronic detection system
The invention described herein provides methods for the detection of soluble antigens. In particular, the methods provide for the detection of soluble proteins and chemicals. In addition, the invention provides methods of detecting a nucleic acid sequence in a sample. Also described is an emittor cell comprising an Fc receptor and an emittor molecule for the detection of a target particle in a sample wherein the target particle to be detected is bound by one or more antibodies. Also provided is an optoelectronic sensor device for detecting a target particle in a plurality of samples.
US09494578B2 Spatial orientation determination in portable clinical analysis systems
The present invention covers the integration and utility of accelerometer features into a clinical analysis system. For example, measurement of dynamic acceleration and orientation of a blood-testing instrument with respect to Earth's gravitational field may be used to determine reliability of a test procedure and optionally to provide corrective elements thereof.
US09494577B2 Apparatus and methods for three-dimensional tissue measurements based on controlled media flow
An apparatus including a plurality of wells for conducting analysis of three-dimensional cell samples (e.g., tissue samples) and methods for experimenting with a three-dimensional sample. A removable insert for use with the apparatus enables plunger-driven perfusion of the three-dimensional sample.
US09494570B2 Optical imaging based on viscoelastic focusing
An apparatus arranged for examining particles, comprising: a cartridge having at least one microchannel, a viscoelastic fluid flowing in the microchannel, the fluid comprising a suspension of particles, thereby effecting alignment of the particles in at least one-dimensional array parallel to the fluid flow, and an optical magnifying means generating an image of the particles in the microchannel.
US09494569B2 Test strip ejector for medical device
A system for receiving and ejecting a fluid testing device test strip includes a strip connector having first and second guide rails, and divider walls each having a channel. A sled has first and second legs connected to a cross member. Each leg has a contact leg extending inwardly from a chamfered end. The first and second legs when positioned parallel to the guide rails have the contact leg captured in the divider wall channels retaining the sled in sliding contact with the guide rails for motions in loading and ejection directions. A mechanism assembly is movably connected to the fluid testing device. The cross member is coupled so operation in a first direction displaces the sled in the loading direction positioning the sled in a test strip test position, and opposite operation positions the contact legs in direct contact with and ejects the test strip.
US09494568B2 Passive microfluidic device and a method of forming the same
According to embodiments of the present invention, a passive counter flow free microfluidic device for sorting a sample of flagellated cells is provided. The passive counter flow free microfluidic device includes an input reservoir configured to receive the sample of flagellated cells, an output reservoir positioned downstream of the input reservoir, the output reservoir configured to collect the flagellated cells that are sorted, and a plurality of microchannel sections arranged sequentially and in fluid communication with each other between the input reservoir and the output reservoir, and designed to define a closed microchannel system between the input reservoir and the output reservoir, wherein each microchannel section comprises at least one microchannel, wherein an inlet of the microchannel of a first microchannel section of the plurality of microchannel sections is connected to the input reservoir, wherein an outlet of the microchannel of a last microchannel section of the plurality of microchannel sections is connected to the output reservoir, and wherein, for each microchannel section, the total volume of the microchannels of one microchannel section of the plurality of microchannel sections is larger than that of the respective in said downstream direction subsequent microchannel section of the plurality of microchannel sections for sorting the flagellated cells when the flagellated cells move from the input reservoir to the output reservoir.
US09494564B2 Tunnel monitoring sensor
A tunnel monitoring sensor for monitoring environmental conditions in a tunnel comprises a first sensor module which outputs an obscuration signal, a second sensor module which outputs a first gas concentration signal, a common housing for the first and second sensor modules and an electronic logic unit which is preferably accommodated in the housing, which receives the obscuration signal and the gas concentration signal and which outputs a combined environmental condition signal on the basis of a link of the obscuration signal and of the gas concentration signal.
US09494563B2 Fitting element with bio-compatible sealing
A fitting element is configured for coupling tubing to a fluidic device having a receiving cavity configured for receiving the fitting element, where the tubing has an inner contact surface of a biocompatible material, the inner contact surface being configured to contact a fluid to be conducted by the tubing, and the receiving cavity having a receiving contact surface of a bio-compatible material. The fitting element includes a first sealing element of a bio-compatible material configured for sealing to the bio-compatible material of the inner contact surface of the tubing, and a second sealing element configured for sealing against a pressure ambient to a pressure of the fluid in the tubing. Upon coupling of the tubing to the fluidic device, at least a portion of the receiving contact surface, the first sealing element, and the second sealing element enclose an interspace, each surface of the interspace being a bio-compatible material.
US09494560B2 Control valve monitoring system
A control valve monitoring system is disclosed. The control valve monitoring system includes at least one sensor connected to one of a valve stem or valve shaft, and the at least one sensor detects a change in mechanical integrity of one of the valve stem or valve shaft. A device for providing data regarding the change in mechanical integrity of one of the valve stem or valve shaft is provided, allowing maintenance of the valve shaft or valve stem to be conducted in an efficient manner.
US09494558B2 Flaw-detection apparatus and flaw-detection method
Noise included in detection signals is distinguished with a simple configuration. Provided is a flaw-detection apparatus (1) including a flaw-detection sensor group (11) in which two flaw-detection sensors (11a and 11b) are arranged substantially in one row in a scanning direction with a distance therebetween and a processing device (15) that detects a defect in an inspection object on the basis of detection signals detected by the individual flaw-detection sensors (11a and 11b), wherein, with regard to the detection signals detected by the flaw-detection sensors (11a and 11b), when signal values detected at substantially a same positional coordinate in the scanning direction are not similar to each other, and, additionally, when signal values measured at a same time are similar to each other, the processing device (15) determines that the detection signals are not defect signals.
US09494548B2 Gas sensor
A gas sensor (1) which can be an air-fuel ratio sensor includes a detection element (71) including a pair of electrodes, one of the paired electrodes being a sensing electrode (87) which is exposed to a gas-to-be-measured, and the other electrode being a reference electrode (95) which functions as an oxygen reference electrode. In the gas sensor (1), the reference electrode (95) is connected to a porous reference electrode lead (97) extending along the surface of a solid electrolyte body (77); the reference electrode lead (97) contains a noble metal as a main component and also contains a ceramic material; and the reference electrode lead (97) has a specific resistance lower than that of the reference electrode (95). The ceramic material has, in a sintered state, a mean primary grain size greater than that of the noble metal.
US09494539B2 Metal detector for production and packaging lines
A metal detector (420) has a metallic enclosure (421) with entrance and exit apertures (430, 431) whose cross-sectional areas differ from each other. Inside the enclosure is a coil system with a transmitter coil (423) and first and second receiver coils (424, 425). The apertures and the coil system enclose a detection zone (428) around a travel path on which objects under inspection move. The asymmetric detection zone has a variable cross-section along the travel path and the coils differ in size from each other. The receiver coils are connected in series, but their windings are wired with the opposite sense of rotation relative to each other. Energizing the transmitter coil generates a primary electromagnetic field that induces a first voltage and a second voltage in the corresponding receiver coils. Despite the asymmetry, the respective voltages cancel each other when no metal is present in the object investigated.
US09494537B2 Method for determining the thermal conductivity of an impregnated porous medium
This invention relates to methods for determination of thermophysical properties of porous media filled with fluid, gas, or other mineral medium, and can be used, in particular, in the oil and gas industry. When implementing the method, it is necessary to initially determine a composition of a saturated porous medium and thermal conductivity coefficients of its components. A three-dimensional image of a sample of the porous medium is obtained by X-ray scanning. A thermal conductivity coefficient of the medium is determined by solving thermal conductivity problems, based on decomposition of a computational domain followed by composition.
US09494533B2 Optical quality control device
Optical quality control system for controlling the quality of a high refractive index solid (2), comprising a container (4) configured to receive the solid therein, a structured light source (30), an optical inspection zone configured for receiving an optical device (10) or an eye of a human observer, and a high refractive index liquid (12) for insertion in the container in a volume sufficient to fully immerse the translucent solid. The structured light source is configured to project a planar light fan (20) through the high refractive index solid immersed in the high refractive index liquid generating a illuminated cross-section (18) in the solid. The optical inspection zone is arranged at a top end of the container adapted for inspection of the illuminated cross-section in a direction transverse to a plane (P) defined by the planar illuminated cross-section.
US09494529B1 Chromatic confocal device and method for 2D/3D inspection of an object such as a wafer with variable spatial resolution
A confocal chromatic device is provided for inspecting the surface of an object such as a wafer, including a plurality of optical measurement channels with collection apertures arranged for collecting the light reflected by the object through a chromatic lens at a plurality of measurement points, and a magnifying lens arranged for introducing a variable or changeable scaling factor between the spatial repartition of the collection apertures and the measurement points. A method is also provided for inspecting the surface of an object such as a wafer including tridimensional structures.
US09494516B2 System and method for simultaneous detection of secondary electrons and light in a charged particle beam system
A method and system for the imaging and localization of fluorescent markers such as fluorescent proteins or quantum dots within biological samples is disclosed. The use of recombinant genetics technology to insert “reporter” genes into many species is well established. In particular, green fluorescent proteins (GFPs) and their genetically-modified variants ranging from blue to yellow, are easily spliced into many genomes at the sites of genes of interest (GoIs), where the GFPs are expressed with no apparent effect on the functioning of the proteins of interest (PoIs) coded for by the GoIs. One goal of biologists is more precise localization of PoIs within cells. The invention is a method and system for enabling more rapid and precise PoI localization using charged particle beam-induced damage to GFPs. Multiple embodiments of systems for implementing the method are presented, along with an image processing method relatively immune to high statistical noise levels.
US09494509B2 System and method for measuring particles in a sample stream of a flow cytometer using low-power laser source
A system and method for analyzing a particle in a sample stream of a flow cytometer or the like. The system has a light source, such as a laser pointer module, for generating a low powered light beam and a fluidics apparatus which is configured to transport particles in the sample stream at substantially low velocity through the light beam for interrogation. Detectors, such as photomultiplier tubes, are configured to detect optical signals generated in response to the light beam impinging the particles. Signal conditioning circuitry is connected to each of the detectors to condition each detector output into electronic signals for processing and is designed to have a limited frequency response to filter high frequency noise from the detector output signals.
US09494498B2 Manipulation of beads in droplets and methods for manipulating droplets
The invention provides a method of circulating magnetically responsive beads within a droplet in a droplet actuator. The invention also provides methods for splitting droplets. The invention, in one embodiment, makes use of a droplet actuator with top and bottom substrates, a plurality of magnetic fields respectively present proximate the top and bottom substrates, wherein at least one of the magnet fields is selectively alterable, and a plurality of droplet operations electrodes positioned along at least one of the top and bottom surfaces. A droplet is positioned between the top and bottom surfaces and at least one of the magnetic fields is selectively altered.
US09494497B2 Mass-spectrometer systems and methods
Embodiments of the present disclosure present novel systems, devices and methods for an automated biological sample analysis using mass-spectrometry. The time from sample introduction to the reporting of data, in some embodiments, takes a relatively short amount of time (e.g., several minutes). In some embodiments, a biological sample to be analyzed is a blood sample. For many applications, only a single drop of blood may be sufficient. Through the use of a mixture of standards with unique molecular mass, a quantitative analysis of the target analyte can be performed in a single MS run (for example), eliminating the need to create and analyze standard curves. One advantage of such embodiments may be that the system, devices, and methods can eliminate the need for batch creation since the requirement to amortize the time and effort of creating and analyzing standard curves can be eliminated.
US09494492B2 Use of SS data trends in fault resolution process
An automated method for resolving fault in an engine is disclosed. The method may include providing a reasoner module for recommending a set of maintenance actions to resolve fault in the engine, inputting steady state performance data from the engine into the reasoner module, and using the reasoner module to recommend a set of maintenance actions based at least in part on the steady state performance data. A fault resolution system for a gas turbine engine is also disclosed. The fault resolution system may include at least one computer processor operatively configured to receive steady state performance data from the gas turbine engine, and recommend a set of maintenance actions to resolve fault in the gas turbine engine based at least in part on the steady state performance data.
US09494482B2 Predicting transition from laminar to turbulent flow over a surface using mode-shape parameters
In accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, there are provided methods, systems, and apparatuses for predicting whether a point on a computer-generated aircraft or vehicle surface is adjacent to laminar or turbulent flow is made using a transition prediction technique. A plurality of boundary-layer properties at the point are obtained from a steady-state solution of a fluid flow in a region adjacent to the point. Included in the list of boundary-layer properties are computed coefficients or weights of mode shapes that describe the boundary-layer profiles. A plurality of instability modes are obtained, each defined by one or more mode parameters. A vector of regressor weights is obtained for the known instability growth rates in a training dataset. For each instability mode in the plurality of instability modes, a covariance vector is determined, which is the covariance of a predicted local growth rate with the known instability growth rates. Each covariance vector is used with the vector of regressor weights to determine a predicted local growth rate at the point. Based on the predicted local growth rates, an n-factor envelope at the point is determined.
US09494481B2 Device and method for diagnosing evaporated fuel processing device
An evaporated fuel processing apparatus includes a valve between a canister and a fuel tank, and maintains the fuel tank in hermetic state by closing the valve while a vehicle is stationary, and adsorbs evaporated fuel by the canister by opening the valve during fuel filling, wherein the evaporated fuel occurs in the fuel tank. A diagnostic apparatus includes: a pump connected to a canister-side region with respect to the valve, and configured to pressurize a system of the canister and the fuel tank; and a pressure sensor for sensing an internal pressure of the system. The diagnostic apparatus starts pressurization by the pump with the valve closed; brings the system into a pressurized state by opening the valve with a delay after the start of pressurization; and performs a leakage diagnosis based on a change in the internal pressure of the system from the pressurized state.
US09494476B2 Indicator device for an enclosure with sealing compound
Indicator devices, systems, and methods are provided. Indicator devices include a housing having a bore and an indicating component placed therein. The indicator devices are activated in response to an increase in temperature or pressure. Indicator systems include an indicator device coupled to a housing, such as a conduit or enclosure. Methods include utilizing an indicator device to determine if an area within a conduit or enclosure has been sealed.
US09494475B2 Apparatus, system and method for dynamically measuring material viscoelasticity using shear wave induced resonance
A system for dynamically measuring viscoelasticity of material samples using shear wave induced resonance, the system comprising: i) an apparatus comprising a vibration source; a vibration detector; a processor, and a user interface, for example to select a sample holder configuration, and ii) a rigid sample holder connectable to the vibration source, wherein the vibration source generates shear waves that induce vibrations and the resonance of a sample through the holder, the vibration sensor measuring the sample vibrations and resonance, and the processor determining the viscoelasticity of the sample from the vibrations or resonances and from the selected sample holder configuration. Multiple measurement modalities using the system to study materials viscoelasticity as function of time parameters; temperature parameters; strain parameters; repetition parameters and mapping parameters.
US09494467B2 Infrared detection element, infrared detector, and infrared type gas sensor
An infrared detection element includes first and second pyroelectric elements which are arranged in a single pyroelectric substrate. First pyroelectric element includes a first surface electrode, a first back face electrode, and a first portion interposed between first surface and back face electrodes. First portion is provided as part of pyroelectric substrate. Second pyroelectric element includes a second surface electrode, a second back face electrode, and a second portion interposed between second surface and back face electrodes. Second portion is provided as part of pyroelectric substrate. Pyroelectric substrate is provided in part thereof surrounding first pyroelectric element with a slit shaped along an outer periphery of first pyroelectric element. Slit is formed out of regions in which a first surface wiring and a first back face wiring are disposed. Part of pyroelectric substrate surrounding second pyroelectric element is continuously formed over an entire circumference of second portion.
US09494462B2 Balanced intensity differential photo detector
A circuit includes a first photo detector and a second photo detector to receive a first and second light input signal, respectfully, to generate a first current output signal and second current output signal respectively in response to the respective light input signals. A current multiplier stage receives the second current output signal from the second photo detector to generate a multiplied current output signal that is greater than the magnitude of the second current output signal. A differential multiplier having a first current path receives a portion of the multiplied current output signal and a second current path that receives another portion of the multiplied current output signal. The first current path is in series with the first current output signal to facilitate balancing of currents between the first current output signal of the first photo detector and the second current output signal of the second photo detector.
US09494453B2 Ultrasonic sensor for high temperature and manufacturing method thereof
Provided is an ultrasonic sensor which includes a piezoelectric vibrator made of a lithium niobate (LN) single crystal and may be used in a high temperature region by generating a high ultrasonic wave output, and prevents cracks from being generated in the crystal. A piezoelectric vibrator 1 of the present invention has a surface (Y-axis 36° cut surface) obtained by rotating a surface orthogonal to a Y-axis of the LN crystal about an X-axis by 36°±2° as an output surface. The ultrasonic sensor further includes a retarder 3 made of titanium and a bonding layer 2 for bonding one surface of the retarder 3 to the output surface. The bonding layer 2 is made of silver and frit glass, and the frit glass has a coefficient of linear expansion ranging from 5×10−6 K−1 to 15×10−6 K−1.
US09494452B2 Ultrasonic consumption meter with locking mechanism
An ultrasonic consumption meter includes two ultrasonic transducers for emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, a flow channel, an electronic circuit for operating the meter, and a housing for the ultrasonic transducers and the electronic circuit. The housing is locked in position relative to the flow channel by a locking mechanism, and the flow channel has two holes for allowing the housing to get into contact with a media flowing in the flow channel.
US09494448B2 Electronic apparatus and device management system
A smart meter ID acquiring unit in an electronic apparatus acquires a smart meter ID from a smart meter when the electronic apparatus starts. A registered location information acquiring unit acquires registered location information from an external server if the smart meter ID acquired at this time is different from the smart meter ID acquired at a previous time. A relocation determining unit (a1) determines that the electronic apparatus has been relocated if the registered location information acquired at this time is different from the registered location information acquired at a previous time and (a2) determines that the electronic apparatus has not been relocated if the registered location information acquired at this time is equal to the registered location information acquired at the previous time.
US09494438B1 System and method for verifying map data for a vehicle
A method and system for verifying map data for a vehicle that include receiving locational coordinate data related to a roadway from a navigation system and image data pertaining to the roadway from a vehicle camera system. The method and system also include determining map data and determining a lane coordinate measurement between a center point of a traveling lane and a lane on the roadway adjacent to the traveling lane based on the map data. The method and system further include determining a lane image measurement that includes a measurement between a center portion of the vehicle and a right lane boundary of the traveling lane and the center portion of the vehicle and a left lane boundary of the traveling lane based on the image data. The method and system also include verifying the map data based on the lane coordinate measurement and the lane image measurement.
US09494435B2 Driving evaluation system and method
A system and method for evaluating driver performance is provided. The system includes a GPS navigation module for locating a running vehicle; a running vehicle data collection module for collecting data of the vehicle; a vehicle specifications memory for storing specifications of the vehicle; a road maps memory for storing maps of an area so as to identify the location of the vehicle by cooperating with the GPS navigation module; a road evaluation parameters memory for storing road evaluation parameters of the vehicle, and outputting evaluation parameters of the vehicle by cooperating with the road maps memory; and an evaluation module for combining the data of the vehicle from the running vehicle data collection module, the road evaluation parameters of the vehicle from the road evaluation parameters memory, and the specifications of the vehicle from the vehicle specifications memory, evaluating the combination, and outputting an evaluation report.
US09494429B2 Marine streamer inertial navigating drag body
A sensor streamer drag body system. At least some of the example embodiments include a system having a sensor streamer towable behind a vessel in a body of water, the sensor streamer defining a defining a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end nearest the vessel. The system further includes a drag body coupled to the distal end of the sensor streamer, wherein the drag body remains submerged while the sensor streamer is deployed. The drag body includes an inertial navigation system. The inertial navigation system is configured to determine a position of the drag body, the drag body lacking an internal GPS.
US09494426B2 Fault detection using skewed transducers
A vibratory gyroscope is provided comprising a plurality of secondary pickoff transducers which are each sensitive to the secondary response mode, wherein: at least two of the secondary pickoff transducers comprise skew transducers designed to be sensitive to the primary mode which produce an induced quadrature signal in response thereto. A method of using the gyroscope is provided comprising the steps of arranging electrical connections between the secondary pickoff transducers and a pickoff amplifier so that in use the induced quadrature signal is substantially rejected by the amplifier in the absence of a fault condition, and the amplifier outputs an induced quadrature signal when a fault condition disconnects one of the skew transducers from the amplifier, and a comparator compares the quadrature output from the pickoff amplifier with a predetermined threshold value and provides a fault indication when the predetermined threshold is exceeded.
US09494412B2 Diagnosing multipath interference and eliminating multipath interference in 3D scanners using automated repositioning
A method for determining 3D coordinates of points on a surface of the object by providing a 3D coordinate measurement device attached to a moveable apparatus that is coupled to a position sensing mechanism, all coupled to a processor, projecting a pattern of light onto the surface to determine a first set of 3D coordinates of points on the surface, determining susceptibility of the object to multipath interference by projecting and reflecting rays from the measured 3D coordinates of the points, moving the moveable apparatus under processor control to change the relative position of the device and the object, and projecting the a pattern of light onto the surface to determine a second set of 3D coordinates.
US09494410B2 Method for measuring characteristics of sample
A method for measuring characteristics of a sample is provided. The method includes the following steps: obtaining an interference spectrum of the sample; transforming the interference spectrum into a temporal interference signal via a Fourier transform, in which the temporal interference signal includes a plurality of coherence wave packets; separating the wave packets; transforming the wave packets into a plurality of interface interference signals via an inverse Fourier transform; and fitting a plurality of factors of the interface interference signals into a model for obtaining the refractive indexes, the extinction coefficients, and a thickness of the sample.
US09494407B2 Trip hazard measurement gauge
A trip hazard measurement gauge has an outer tube with a stationary foot secured to a lower end thereof, and an inner tube slidable within the outer tube and extending through an upper end of the latter. The inner tube has a slidable foot secured to a lower end thereof and a ruler secured to an upper end thereof. The inner tube is spring biased in a downwardly direction. With the inner tube positioned at its downward limit, the stationary foot and the movable foot are equiplanar and the ruler is hidden inside the outer tube. An estimator measures a difference in elevation between two adjacent concrete slabs by placing the slidable foot on an adjoining edge of the uppermost slab and pushing down on the outer tube until the stationary foot contacts the lowermost slab. The ruler, extending upwardly from the outer tube, indicates the difference in elevation.
US09494404B1 Pipe measurement device
The pipe measurement device has a pipe measurement tool body that partially encompasses a diameter of a pipe, a tubing, and such. An opening in the pipe measurement tool body is equipped with a pair of counter wheels and an opposingly positioned adjustment wheel for fitting the device to the pipe. A user tracks the device along a given length of the pipe. A counter with display screen is in operational communication with the counter wheels and records a distance traveled along the pipe and therein denotes an accurate measurement.
US09494398B2 Primer pocket swager
A primer pocket swager is provided. The primer pocket swager includes a base removably coupled to a press. It further includes a swage pin removably coupled to the base, wherein the base includes a first support surface and a second support surface, wherein the first support surface contacts a first corresponding surface of the press and the second support surface contracts a second corresponding surface of the press. The first support surface is located on a different and substantially parallel plane than the second support surface.
US09494397B2 Polymer projectile having an integrated driving band
A lightweight projectile having an integrated driving band positioned around the exterior of the polymer base of the projectile for engaging the rifling of a barrel to impart spin stabilization to the projectile. The driving band protrudes from the polymer base to minimize the contact between the polymer base and the rifling to reduce friction between the barrel and the projectile as the projectile is fired. The reduced friction allows the lightweight projectile to be propelled with minimal propellant force while still retaining the ballistic advantages of a spin stabilized projectile.
US09494393B1 Low foreign object damage (FOD) weighted nose decoy flare
The present invention discloses a low foreign object damage nose weight for affixing to a either a standard or kinematic decoy flare comprising a thin walled nose cup having a closed end, an open end, an internal cavity, and at least one sidewall attached to said closed end and surrounding said internal cavity; and a metal powder disposed within the internal cavity for weighing down the forward end of the decoy flare, said nose cup capable of being affixed to a forward end of a decoy flare such that said powder is jettisoned from said nose cup upon burn out of a flare pellet subassembly of said decoy flare thereby reducing the weight of the nose cup and the possibility of foreign object damage to aircraft, ground troops, ground equipment and buildings resulting from the falling nose weight.
US09494390B2 System and method for a blast attenuating seat with lower-limb protection
A blast attenuating seat system for protecting a vehicle occupant from impulses generated by blasts from underneath the vehicle, and methods for manufacturing and using same. The blast attenuating seat system includes a post, a mounting body coupled to a portion of the post and a seat assembly movably coupled to the mounting body configured to move relative to the post and mounting body. The seat assembly includes a seat body having a seat support structure configured to support a plurality of seat cushions and a shock assembly coupling the seat body and mounting body and configured to compress and expand such that the seat assembly moves relative to the post and mounting body. The blast attenuating seat system thereby provides/enables improved protection for vehicle occupants that may be exposed to explosive blasts.
US09494361B2 Air-conditioning apparatus with improved defrost operation mode
An air-conditioning apparatus includes: an outdoor unit including a compressor, a first refrigerant flow path switching device, and a heat-source-side heat exchanger; a heat medium relay unit including an intermediate heat exchanger, an expansion device, a second refrigerant flow path switching device, and a pump; and at least one indoor unit including a use-side heat exchanger. A refrigerant pipe connects the compressor, the first refrigerant flow path switching device, the expansion device, the second refrigerant flow path switching device, and the intermediate heat exchanger, thereby making up a refrigeration cycle. A heat medium pipe connects the intermediate heat exchanger and the use-side heat exchanger, thereby making up a heat medium circulation circuit in which a heat medium different from the refrigerant circulates. The first refrigerant flow path switching device is switched to execute a defrost operation mode.
US09494350B2 Plate-type heat pump air conditioner heat exchanger for a unitary heat pump air conditioner
A plate-type heat exchanger having a first heat exchanger portion configured to receive a refrigerant flow and a hot side coolant flow having a lower temperature than the refrigerant flow, a second heat exchanger portion configured to receive the refrigerant flow exiting from the first heat exchanger portion and a cold side coolant flow having a higher temperature than the refrigerant flow exiting from the first heat exchanger portion, and an internal heat exchanger portion sandwiched between the first heat exchanger portion and the second heat exchanger portion. The refrigerant flow through the plate type heat exchanger is in non-contact thermal communication with the hot side coolant flow and the cold side coolant flow. The cold side coolant flow transfers heat energy to the refrigerant, which in turn transfer that heat energy to the hot side coolant flow.
US09494340B1 Solar module positioning system
A solar positioning system configured to position a body, such as, but not limited to, a solar module, perpendicular to incoming solar energy to maintain an optimal angle of incidence with efficacy is disclosed. The solar positioning system may include a support subsystem having a first mechanism for controlling rotational adjustments about a first axis and a second mechanism for controlling rotational adjustments about a second axis, thereby controlling pan and tilt adjustment. Positioning of the support subsystem may be controlled by a plurality of pyroelectric infrared sensors similarly oriented. A differential amplifier and a comparator may be coupled between the sensor subsystem and an integrated circuit to ignore brief flashes of light. The solar positioning system may also be used with a solar positioning control system to control the position of two or more solar modules, such as hundreds of solar modules in a solar farm.
US09494336B2 Configurable pliable air ducts
In some example pliable air duct systems, inflatable ducts of various diameters and lengths are created by selectively assembling pre-existing stock pieces in different combinations. In some examples, the stock pieces include disconnectable longitudinal joints and disconnectable circumferential joints, wherein the longitudinal joints enable interconnecting multiple stock pieces to achieve a desired tube diameter, and the circumferential joints allow connecting multiple tube segments end-to-end to produce an air duct assembly of a desired length. To control the volume and/or the direction of air discharged from the duct, the duct assembly, in some examples, includes an adjustable register comprising a movable pliable sheet that overlies a discharge opening in a pliable sidewall of the duct. In some examples, the inflatable duct includes one or more cutout patterns on the duct's sidewall to provide guidance in creating a sidewall discharge opening of a proper size and location.
US09494333B2 Driving controls and diagnostic methods for communicating motors
In exemplary embodiments, driving controls and diagnostic methods are disclosed for communicating motors. In an exemplary embodiment, a method generally includes generating a signal for sending to a communicating motor using transmitting hardware in a driving control, detecting the generated signal before it is transmitted to the communicating motor using a transmit sense circuit in the driving control, and analyzing the detected signal to verify whether the transmitting hardware in the driving control is operational.
US09494330B2 Solar powered vent fan system and kit of parts
In one aspect, the invention is directed to a kit of parts for a solar powered vent fan system for use in transporting air through a vent aperture (eg. a roof vent aperture) of a building. The kit of parts includes a motor/fan assembly, a motor/fan assembly mounting plate, a solar panel and a solar panel mounting structure. The motor/fan assembly mounting plate is configured to receive the motor/fan assembly and to substantially cover the vent aperture. The motor/fan assembly mounting plate includes a motor/fan assembly aperture to permit air to be transferred through the motor/fan assembly as a result of operation of the motor/fan assembly. The solar panel is connectable electrically to the motor/fan assembly to power the motor/fan assembly. The solar panel mounting structure is for mounting the solar panel in a suitable position to receive solar energy.
US09494327B2 UV lamp service life indicator device and method of using the same
A UV lamp service life indicator device includes an indicator member including a material that degrades at a rate sufficient to track a useful life of a UV lamp, where the indicator member indicates whether the UV lamp has come to an end of its service life. The indictor device can also include a reference component that indicates whether the UV lamp has come to an end of its service life.
US09494323B2 Oven appliance with dual opening and closing doors
An oven appliance includes a cabinet that defines a chamber. A pair of doors is rotatably mounted to provide selective access to the chamber of the cabinet. The pair of doors is connected with a linkage assembly such that the doors rotate open and closed simultaneously. The linkage assembly includes a spur gear that engages another gear of the linkage assembly. The spur gear can hinder unwanted rotation of the pair of doors or compress the pair of doors against a seal.
US09494316B2 Heating device including catalytic burning of liquid fuel
A heating device (100) for combustion of liquid fuels comprises at least one catalytic element (140) for catalytically burning a mixture of fuel and air, a fuel supply means (133) being disposed on an upstream side of said first catalytic element (140) and an air supply means (132) being disposed on an upstream side of said at least one catalytic element (140). A fuel-evaporating device (130) has a substantially axisymmetric shape and an upstream end and a downstream end. The fuel-evaporating device is heated, during operation, by the at least one catalytic element (140), and is supplied with fuel and air from the fuel supply means (133) and the air supply means (132). The heating device also comprises an outer housing (110), for containing said catalytic element (140) and said fuel-evaporating device (130). The fuel-evaporating device (130) is provided with at least one inner inlet pipe (132; 132b) in the generally upstream end thereof. The pipe (132; 132b) is arranged to inject fuel and/or air in a tangential direction into the generally upstream part of the fuel-evaporating device (130) such that a rotational flow is obtained therein. Moreover, the generally upstream end of the fuel-evaporating device (130) is arranged in the vicinity of the at least one catalytic element (140).
US09494310B2 Device with a waterproof function
A device with a waterproof function includes a case, an electrical module, at least one sealant and some liquid. The case includes 2 holes and 1 button, the electrical module is connected to the case, and at least one sealant is used to seal the holes of the case to form a closed space to contain the liquid. The liquid filled in the device is not only able to balance the inner and outer pressure of the device but is also used to allow a user smoothly to press the button of the waterproof device by being pressed to transmit pressure to one hole in the case and make the at least one sealant connected to the hole outwardly form the shape of a bulge.
US09494308B1 LED flashlight with improved heatsink
One electrical lead from an LED package is soldered to an inner electrically conductive member positioned and electrically isolated from an outer electrically conductive member by electrically insulating material while a second electrical lead and a neutral lead from the LED are soldered to the outer electrically conductive member so that heat is transferred from an LED die within the LED package to the outer electrically conductive member and then to a thermally conductive outer casing with a thermal path that minimizes thermal resistance.
US09494305B2 Lighting systems incorporating flexible light sheets deformable to produce desired light distributions
In accordance with certain embodiments, lighting systems include flexible light sheets having light-emitting elements with first luminous intensity distributions disposed thereover, and the light sheets are curved or folded to produce a second luminous intensity distribution different from the first luminous intensity distribution.
US09494296B2 Method of manufacturing light emitting element of fluorescent light source forming highly precise photonic structure in fluorescence emitting surface of light emitting element
A method manufactures a light emitting element of a fluorescent light source. The method includes forming a photosensitive material layer on a fluorescent substrate, and dividing a coherent beam into branch beams. The method includes causing the branch beams to cross each other thereby generating a first interference beam, and applying an exposure process to the photosensitive material layer with the first interference beam. The method includes producing a second interference beam, and applying the exposure process to the photosensitive material with the second interference beam. The method includes removing those areas of the photosensitive material layer which are irradiated with the first and second interference beams, thereby forming a fine pattern in the photosensitive material layer. The method includes applying an etching process to the fluorescent substrate with the fine pattern of the photosensitive material layer, thereby creating a photonic structure on the fluorescent substrate.
US09494291B2 Motor vehicle lighting and/or signaling device
A device for or passenger compartment lighting of a motor vehicle, which comprises a light source and a light guide, the light source extending in front of a main face of the guide, the light guide comprising at least one coupling face capable of reflecting into the light guide at least a part of the light emitted by the light source, and at least two decoupling faces at a distance from one another and arranged so as to reflect toward an output face of the light guide the light coming from the coupling face. This device furthermore comprises a reading light.
US09494286B2 Light emitting diode troffer door assembly
A troffer door assembly has a frame assembly, a lens member and a light emitting diode (LED) assembly. The rigid brace member is affixed to the frame assembly such that the rigidity of the frame assembly is increased. Hinge members and latch members are positioned in exterior slots on the frame assembly such that the location of the hinge members and latch members can be adjusted. In this manner installed troffer light fixtures can be retrofitted by replacing the installed troffer door with the troffer door assembly as described.
US09494285B2 Lighting devices
A flashlight having a LED directly mounted to a top surface of a heat sink without the use of a printed circuit board and two mechanical spiral engagement systems, one in the housing, the other in a head assembly, such that the LED is turned on when power from an electrical circuit is applied to the heatsink which is thermally connected to a first electrically conductive member of the LED and a second electrically conductive member of the LED which is insulated within the heatsink from the heatsink, and the light provided by the LED may be varied by rotating the head assembly relative to the housing while the heat sink, the switch assembly and the power source remain stationary.
US09494272B2 Insulation jacket and insulation jacket system
A thermal insulation jacket system comprising: a first thermal insulation jacket configured to fit on an object; a microcontroller located in the first thermal insulation jacket; a first temperature measuring means in signal communication with the microcontroller, configured to measure the temperature of the object; a second temperature measuring means in signal communication with the microcontroller, configured to measure the ambient temperature; where the microcontroller is configured to determine the energy savings achieved by the insulative properties of the first thermal insulation jacket.
US09494271B2 Pipe liner and method of using the same
A pipe liner and a method of using the same are provided. The method includes inserting a pipe liner impregnated with a resinous material into a length of pipe, where the pipe liner has an outer diameter substantially equal to or greater than an inner diameter of the pipe. A bladder having an unstretched outer diameter less than the inner diameter of at least a portion of the length of pipe and capable of stretching circumferentially is inserted into the pipe liner. The bladder is expanded under fluid pressure against the pipe liner, pressing the pipe liner against an inner wall of the length of pipe. The resinous material is allowed to cure and harden, leaving a renewed pipe wall. The length of pipe may have a plurality of inner diameters, and the bladder stretches to produce a smooth interior surface of the pipe liner across the plurality of pipe diameters.
US09494270B2 Systems and methods for locating and restoring service lines in pipeline rehabilitation
Embodiments of the present invention include a system for locating and restoring service lines during pipeline restoration. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the system includes a movable chart, a plug with a marking magnet, and an attachment part. In some embodiments of the present invention, the movable cart is deployed along the inside of a pipeline. In some embodiments, the attachment part is movably coupled to the movable cart. The attachment part is configured to install a plug into the service line at a location where the service line intersects the pipeline, according to some embodiments. In other embodiments, the attachment part is configured to mark the location of the plug in the service line and remove the plug from the service line to restore a fluid connection between the service line and the pipeline.
US09494269B2 Connection element with sealing member
A connection assembly for sealing to an end of a tube includes a polymeric body having an opening including an open end and an internal sealing surface spaced from the open end. The opening is configured to slidably receive the end of the tube. A reinforcement member is spaced from and generally surrounds at least a portion of the opening and a sealing member is adjacent the internal sealing surface of the opening. The sealing member is configured to interact with the internal sealing surface of the opening and the end of the tube to form a seal between the connection assembly and the tube.
US09494267B2 Nut, socket and adapter for a fluid nozzle
The invention relates to a nut (1) for arrangement on a hose connector, including a connecting device (2) which is connectable in a fluid-tight manner to a hose connection part (13), and a receiving means (3) for the hose connector (7), having a first end (3a) and a second end (3b), wherein the receiving means (3) is realized for the purpose of encompassing the hose connector (7) in a form-fitting manner in the circumferential direction in such a manner that the nut (1) and the hose connector (7) are rotatable in relation to one another in the circumferential direction; wherein the nut (1) comprises anti-rotation protection (4) which is realized such that, as a result of a structural element (16) of the hose connection part (13), it is transferable from an open position, in which the nut (1) and the hose connector (7) are rotatable in relation to one another in the circumferential direction when the nut is arranged on the hose connector, into a closed position in which rotating of the nut (1) in the circumferential direction in relation to the hose connector (7) is prevented when the nut (1) is arranged on the hose connector (7). The invention additionally relates to a hose connector for a fluid hose as well as to a hose connection part for a fluid hose.
US09494260B2 Dynamically vulcanized polyarylene sulfide composition
Polyarylene sulfide compositions are described that exhibit high strength and flexibility. Methods for forming the polyarylene sulfide compositions are also described. Formation methods include dynamic vulcanization of a polyarylene sulfide composition that includes an impact modifier dispersed throughout the polyarylene sulfide. A crosslinking agent is combined with the other components of the composition following dispersal of the impact modifier throughout the composition. The crosslinking agent reacts with the impact modifier to form crosslinks within and among the polymer chains of the impact modifier. The compositions can exhibit excellent physical characteristics at extreme temperatures and can be used to form, e.g., tubular member such as pipes and hoses and fibers.
US09494254B2 Electro-magnetic valve
A two-stage electro-magnetic valve maintains a pressing force applied onto a switch valve body from a press member after a lifting of an open-close valve body from a valve seat by an introduction of a pressure of a valve chamber. In such manner, the switch valve body need not be put in a pressure receiving state when the switch valve body is completely closed. In other words, it is not necessary for a pressure receiving diameter of the switch valve body to be smaller than a pressure receiving diameter of the open-close valve body. Such configuration increases design freedom of the pressure receiving diameter for the open-close valve body because it separates the diameter of the valve body from a diameter restriction of the switching valve body, which allows both valve bodies to have the same diameter, which maximizes the effect of a pressure cancel mechanism.
US09494252B2 Locking device
A locking device is used for locking at least a piston associated with an operating element of a valve, a choke, a blowout preventer or some other unit used in the field of oil/natural gas drilling and/or oil/natural gas production. The locking device comprises a sleeve, which is axially displaceable relative to the piston and which is threadedly engaged with a rotatably supported rod for displacement in an axial direction. The rod is drivingly connected to a motor. In order to be able to determine, by means of simple structural measures, the position of the piston for each of its positions in a sufficiently precise and reproducible manner, the locking device is provided with a position sensor, which extends from a fixed point through a longitudinal bore of the lock rod up to the hydraulic piston and by means of which a distance between the piston and the fixed point can be detected.
US09494251B2 Two-way valve with secure structure for dispensing large bottle of carbonated beverage into vial
A two-way valve with secure structure for dispensing a large bottle of carbonated beverage into a vial comprises a valve body, valve spool, handle and bottle seal ring. The valve body has an inlet with an inner thread which matches an external thread of the large bottle and has an outlet with an inner thread which matches an external thread of the vials. The secure structure is an axial annular groove recessed axially into bottoms of the inner threads of the inlet and outlet of the valve body, one side of the axial recessed annular groove is the inner thread which extends to a bottom of the groove and other side is a groove wall, The bottle secure seal ring is deposited in the annular groove. Since the depth of the axial annular groove is greater than a thickness of the bottle seal ring, the outgoing pressure gas cannot reach the bottle seal ring.
US09494249B2 Mechanical stop for actuator and orifice
A valve includes a valve cover, the valve cover having a solenoid attachment portion, an orifice bore defined in the solenoid attachment portion, and a valve cover mechanical stop, the solenoid attachment portion having a solenoid attachment sink; and a solenoid, the solenoid having a solenoid body, a valve cover attachment portion, and a plunger, the plunger having an open position and a closed position, the plunger including an interface portion, the solenoid body including a solenoid mechanical stop, the solenoid mechanical stop engagable with the valve cover mechanical stop to space the interface portion of the plunger away from the orifice bore when the plunger is in the open position.
US09494247B2 Fluid pressure control device
A solenoid section of a solenoid three-way valve includes a yoke attached to a valve housing and formed from a bottomed cylindrical main yoke and an auxiliary yoke closing an open end of the main yoke, a coil assembly inside the yoke, a fixed core slidably fitted into a hollow portion of a bobbin and abutted against a ceiling wall of the main yoke, a movable core facing the fixed core and passing through the auxiliary yoke, and a coil spring compressed between the cores. The fixed core is abutted against the wall by a predetermined spring load and by electromagnetic attraction force between the core and wall based on coil energization. A valve rod is slidably supported in a housing hole, having one end separably abutted against an outer end of the movable core and an opposite end abutted against a valve body.
US09494240B2 Valve assembly for a dispenser for fluids
A valve assembly for a dispenser for fluids including: a housing having at least an inlet opening and an outlet opening and a further opening connected or connectable to a fluid displacement mechanism, and a valve member including two parts translatably disposed within the housing, a first part for closing and opening the inlet and a second part for opening and closing the outlet.
US09494236B2 Gasket with dissimilar materials
A gasket is provided with two dissimilar materials. The two different materials are used to provide different sealing characteristics. In one embodiment, the different sealing materials join to create the same or a similar profile to the profile of the individual materials. In another embodiment, the different sealing materials have the same profile but have joining portions that are complementary to one another where the two materials are joined to one another.
US09494225B2 Electric generator oil pump driven gear
A driven gear includes a radially outwardly extending flange. The radially outwardly extending flange extends along an axial distance defined along a center axis of the flange. The flange merges into a generally conical portion which, in turn, extends radially inwardly to a hub. The hub extends to a remote end. A first distance defined between the remote end of the hub and an end of the flange faces the remote end. A second distance is defined between ends of the flange, with gear teeth formed at an outer periphery. A ratio of the first distance to the second distance is between 2.54 and 2.82. An oil pump, a rotating portion for an electrical generator, and a generator are also disclosed.
US09494221B2 Torque converter clutch with low back pressure
A torque converter includes an impeller shell and a backing plate defining at least a portion of a first hydraulic chamber, a cover and a piston plate defining at least a portion of a second hydraulic chamber, and a third hydraulic chamber. The third chamber is sealed from the first and second hydraulic chambers such that a hydraulic flow between the third chamber and the other chambers is at least restricted. In some example embodiments, the torque converter includes a turbine, a stator, and an impeller disposed within the first hydraulic chamber, and a lockup clutch including a piston plate. The first chamber is for being pressurized to prevent cavitation in the turbine, stator, or impeller, the second or third chamber is for being pressurized to engage the lockup clutch, and the other of the second or third chamber is for being de-pressurized to reduce a back pressure on the lockup clutch piston plate.
US09494214B2 Metal chain
To provide a metal chain having reduced weight and size but uncompromized strength, and manufacturable/assemblable with reduced work burden and cost. A metal chain is formed by coupling together a plurality of inner links and outer links alternately and pivotably in a longitudinal direction of the chain. Each of the outer link includes a pair of front and back pins and a pair of left and right outer plates. Each of the inner links includes a pair of front and back bushings and a pair of left and right inner plates. The pair of front and back bushings and the pair of left and right inner plates of the inner link are integrally formed as one component.
US09494212B2 Transverse segment for a drive belt with a carrier ring and multiple transverse segments
Transverse segment (32) for a drive belt (3) for a continuous variable transmission provided with two cut-outs (33) that are each bounded in one direction by a radially outwardly facing saddle surface (42) of the transverse segment (32), which saddle surface (42) is convexly curved according to a local radius of curvature that, at least on average, is smaller on a first axial side of the saddle surface (42) relative to a geometric midpoint (MP) thereof, as compared to an average local radius of curvature of the respectively opposite axial side of the saddle surface (42).
US09494208B2 Damping device
The damping device includes: a fixed cylinder that is configured to be fixed to a first structural body and formed into a cylindrical shape so as to comprise a hollow portion; a shaft member that is configured to be fixed to a second structural body, the shaft member being housed in the hollow portion of the fixed cylinder and having an outer peripheral surface provided with a helical thread groove; a nut member that is threadedly engaged with the shaft member, and converts an axial motion of the shaft member into a rotational motion; a rotor member that is formed into a cylindrical shape so as to cover the fixed cylinder and to form a cylindrical accommodation chamber between the rotor member and an outer peripheral surface of the fixed cylinder, and is rotated by the nut member; and viscous fluid that is sealed in the cylindrical accommodation chamber.
US09494206B2 Vibration damping
A vibration damping insert configured to seat within a cell of a cellular structure and to span the cell cavity. The insert comprises a first portion formed of a first material and a second portion formed of a second material having lower stiffness than the first material. The first portion is arranged to constrain deformation of the second portion to be in a predetermined direction. The invention also comprises a vibration damping body comprising a cellular structure formed of a plurality of tessellating cells and a vibration damping insert as described. The vibration damping insert is mounted in at least one of the cells in the cellular structure. The invention also comprises a method of manufacturing a vibration damping body.
US09494203B2 Method and apparatus for detecting touch point of clutch
Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for detecting a touch point of a clutch and the method includes: maintaining a touch point of the clutch; correcting a setting value for determining a lowest value by calculating drag torque using a speed and an acceleration of a input shaft to change a detection range of the touch point; setting the lowest value of the speed of the input shaft within the changed detection range of the touch point to a reference value of the input shaft after actuating the clutch; releasing the clutch when the speed of the input shaft is more than a value acquired by adding the reference value of the input shaft and the corrected setting value for determining the lowest value; and updating the touch point as a clutch position matched to the reference value.
US09494198B2 Universal joint with protective shield
A constant velocity (CV) joint includes a conical shield to protect a J-boot from damage due to projectiles such as stones. In order to facilitate vehicle assembly, the conical shield is divided into a number of leaves which each flex radially to permit installation of bolts. When the CV joint is shipped to the vehicle assembly plant, a band is installed to hold the leaves in a stowed position. Once the bolts have been installed to attach the CV joint to a driveline component, the band is removed and the leaves flex to a deployed position in which they protect the J-boot.
US09494196B2 Bearing device, a sensor-bearing unit and an apparatus comprising at least one such bearing device
A bearing device, comprising a bearing including an inner ring and an outer ring centered on a central axis, an impulse ring including a target holder which is fixed to the inner ring and extends beyond the outer ring radially to the central axis, and a target which is fixed to the target holder beyond the outer ring and is adapted to cooperate with detection means for tracking the rotation of the impulse ring around the central axis, and shifting means for axially shifting the impulse ring relative to the outer ring; the shifting means are distinct from the target holder. A sensor-bearing unit and an apparatus comprising at least one such bearing device are also disclosed and claimed.
US09494192B2 Hoop for a hydrostatic or hydrodynamic bearing, method for mounting such a hoop on a shaft, and assembly formed by such a hoop and a shaft
A hoop including a cylinder which, so that the hoop can be mounted around a shaft, is formed by multiple parts that are assembled together using steps that can produce an assembly without deformation of an external surface of the cylinder. A ring, of which an external surface forms the internal surface of a bearing and which, so that it can be secured to the external wall of the cylinder, is formed by multiple elements that are secured to the cylinder by securing devices that can maintain a machining tolerance of the external surface of the ring.
US09494186B2 Rotational degree of freedom joint constraint
A rotational degree of freedom joint constraint system is disclosed. The system can include joint constraint hardware, such as a first component and a second component. The first component can have a rotational interface, and a constraint feature associated with the rotational interface. The second component can have a socket operable with the rotational interface to facilitate relative movement of the first component and the second component in at least one rotational degree of freedom. The second component can form an opening configured to facilitate movement of the constraint feature therein upon the relative movement of the first component and the second component. The rotational degree of freedom joint constraint system can also include a locking mechanism operable with the constraint feature. Movement of the constraint feature within the opening can be preventable by the locking mechanism to constrain the relative movement of the first component and the second component.
US09494183B2 Fire fighter's personal escape system
A wearable lightweight fire fighter's personal escape system and method includes a rope, having a distal and proximal end, organized in parallel segments disposed in an inner pouch. The inner pouch is entirely contained in an outer pouch that is appointed to be removably attached to a belt or harness, worn by a fire fighter. The proximal end of the rope exits through an opening in the inner pouch and outer pouch and is attached directly to a lightweight hook, or optionally enters a belay device. The hook has a sharp point for creating a purchase point on soft surfaces, a hook opening having sufficient diameter to surround radiators, steam pipe and the like, and capture rope that surrounds substantial objects. The hook has a central opening appointed for holding a firefighting tool to aid in creating a substantial object. The fire fighter escapes by creating a purchase point and repelling at a high speed or at a controlled speed by adjusting belay friction.
US09494182B2 Fastener and fastening structure
To provide a fastener having a high anti-loosening effect. A fastener has a thread structure including an upper portion of the crest and a bottom portion at the groove. The upper portion has a load flank surface inclined from the standard load flank surface toward the fastener seat while the bottom has an undercut on at least one of the groove side lower than the extension of the corresponding flank surface.
US09494180B2 Bolt-locking apparatus, mounting method thereof and mounting jig
A bolt-locking apparatus includes a plurality of fitting members 2 and 3 which are relatively non-rotatably fitted to heads of a plurality of bolts 5, and an engaging member 4 fitted to the plurality of fitting members 2 and 3 such that the engaging member 4 straddles the fitting members 2 and 3. Outer peripheral surfaces 2b and 3b of the fitting members 2 and 3 are non-circular in shape. The engaging member 4 includes a plurality of engaging holes (non-circular engaging portions) 8a and 8b which correspond to the non-circular outer peripheral surfaces 2b and 3b of the plurality of fitting members 2 and 3.
US09494172B2 Vehicle brake device
A vehicle brake device is provided with a master cylinder, a master piston slidably arranged in the master cylinder, an input piston slidably arranged in the master cylinder to be separated from the master piston and defining a separation chamber, an input piston moving amount detecting section for detecting the moving amount of the input piston, a master piston moving amount calculating section for calculating the moving amount of the master piston based on the moving amount of the input piston, and a contact inferring section for inferring the contact of the input piston with the master piston based on the moving amount of the input piston and the moving amount of the master piston.
US09494171B2 Multiple valve device
A valve housing of a multiple valve device is formed by being split into two parts, that is, a first housing block and a second housing block abutting against and separated away from each other at positions of facing joining surfaces. Three or more spool sliding bores are provided on the first housing block forming a three-dimensional structure. The other spool sliding bores are provided on the second housing block forming a three-dimensional structure. A relief valve for suppressing maximum pressures in a plurality of oil passages to a predetermined set pressure or less is provided on one of the first and second housing blocks. This relief valve is arranged at a position closer to the joining surfaces than each of the spool sliding bores provided in the one of housing blocks.
US09494167B2 Hydraulic apparatus
The hydraulic apparatus includes: at least a pumping device for pumping a fluid at a first pressure; at least a user device of the fluid at the first pressure; at least an emergency supply device connectable to the user device activating a connection; at least an activation device of the connection that can be operated at a second pressure of the fluid different from the first pressure and interposed between the user device and the emergency supply device, the activation device having an emergency configuration wherein both the pumping device and the emergency supply device are connected to the user device.
US09494164B2 Turbine-pump system
A turbine-pump system adapted for use with well liquid that is displaceable within a well conduit. The turbine-pump system may include a bowl assembly; and a bowl support device fixedly attachable to the bowl assembly and selectively engageable with the well conduit for holding a portion of the bowl assembly in substantially axially, radially and rotationally fixed relationship with the well conduit.
US09494163B2 Turbocharger
A turbocharger includes: a suction passage into which a fluid is sucked from outside of a compressor housing; an outlet passage that guides the fluid, which is sucked through the suction passage and compressed, to the outside of the compressor housing; an opening portion formed in a wall surface of the compressor housing and serving as an opening of the suction passage; a return passage which makes the outlet passage and the suction passage communicate with each other through the opening portion, thereby returning the compressed fluid from the outlet passage to the suction passage; and an air bypass valve which opens and closes the opening portion. A level of a bottom surface of the return passage located on a vertically lower side therein declines from the outlet passage toward the suction passage without ever rising.
US09494156B2 Pump
A pump that includes a pump body 10 which sucks in air from an inlet 7 and discharges the air; a hydraulic pump which pressure-feeds a lubricating oil to the pump body 10 in accordance with the driving of the pump body 10; a non-return valve 70 which is disposed in a valve accommodation portion 6 between the inlet 7 and the pump body 10 to open and close the valve accommodation portion 6; an air introduction path 19 which introduces air into a cylinder 74 of the non-return valve 70; and an air introduction valve 60 which opens the air introduction path 19 when the hydraulic pump is not operating. When the pump body 10 is stopped, the non-return valve 70 closes the inlet 7 in response to a difference in pressure between the pressure of the valve accommodation portion 6 reduced to a value equal to or less than atmospheric pressure by the operation of the pump body 10, and the pressure of the air introduced into the cylinder 74 by the opening of the air introduction valve 60 owing to the stoppage of the hydraulic pump associated with the stoppage of the pump body 10.
US09494144B2 Piston pump for a high-pressure cleaning appliance
A piston pump for a high-pressure cleaning appliance is provided, including a pump block having a plurality of pump chambers, into each of which one piston plunges, and including a pump head having a suction inlet and a pressure outlet, each pump chamber in flow connection via a suction valve with the suction inlet and via a pressure valve with the pressure outlet, and including a clamping bracket engaging around the pump head. The piston pump can have a single U-shaped clamping bracket oriented symmetrically in relation to the longitudinal pump axis, and the pump head and the pump block form between them downstream of the pressure valves a pressure chamber in which a central, piston-like insert part is arranged, the insert part being surrounded by a sealing element and having a passage, and a pressure line oriented coaxially with the longitudinal pump axis being arranged downstream of the passage.
US09494143B1 Ion propulsion thruster including a plurality of ion optic electrode pairs
Ion optics for use in a conventional or annular or other shaped ion thruster are disclosed including a plurality of planar, spaced apart ion optic electrode pairs sized to include a diameter smaller than the diameter of thruster exhaust and retained in, on or otherwise associated with a frame across the thruster exhaust. An electrical connection may be provided for establishing electrical connectivity among a set of first upstream electrodes and an electrical connection may be provided for establishing electrical connectivity among the second downstream electrodes.
US09494138B2 Variable speed wind turbine, and a method for operating the variable speed wind turbine during a power imbalance event
A variable speed wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine comprises a generator, a power converter for converting at least a portion of electrical power generated by the generator, an energy management arrangement coupled to the power converter, the energy management arrangement comprises an energy storage unit, and a controller. The controller is adapted to detect a power imbalance event and to transfer at least a portion of excess electrical energy generated by the generator to the energy storage unit to be stored therein when the power imbalance event is detected.
US09494135B2 Wind turbine blade with a blade attachment
A wind turbine blade with a blade attachment is provided. A tip end of the wind turbine blade is connected with the blade attachment by a glue-interface. The glue-interface is arranged between the tip end of the blade and the blade attachment. The glue-interface is arranged in a circumferential manner in view to the tip end of the blade and in view to the blade attachment. The blade attachment includes a core with a surface, while the core is surrounded by this surface.The blade attachment, which comprises the core and the surface, is completely made of one foam, showing at least two different densities. That part of the surface of the core, which is arranged adjacent to the glue-interface, is made of foam with a first density, while the chosen first density prevents the infusion of water from the glue-interface into the core.
US09494120B2 Chainsaw having ventholes for ventilation
A chainsaw includes: an engine unit; a fuel supplying device configured to supply fuel to the engine unit; and an engine chamber defining portion defining an engine chamber therein. The engine unit includes: a cylinder unit housing a piston therein; a crankshaft configured to be driven by the piston; and a crank case configured to support the cylinder unit and house the crankshaft therein. The cylinder unit is accommodated in the engine chamber. The engine chamber defining portion has a partitioning portion interposed between the cylinder unit and the fuel supplying device and is formed with a first engine chamber venthole and a second engine chamber venthole adjacent to the cylinder unit for achieving ventilation between the engine chamber and atmosphere.
US09494119B2 Fuel injector
A fuel injector injecting a fuel toward a combustion chamber mounted to a gasoline engine is provided with plural injection ports through which the fuel is injected. Each injection port includes an injection-port axial line limiting a pointing direction of the injection port, and the injection-port axial lines point to different directions. The injection ports include at least one intake injection port the injection-port axial line of which points to an intake space in the combustion chamber between a top surface of a piston of the internal combustion engine and an intake valve of the internal combustion engine. The intake injection port is defined by an inner peripheral wall surface extending in the injection-port axial line of the intake injection port and having a straight shape. The injection ports further include at least one exhaust injection port the injection-port axial line of which points to an exhaust space in the combustion chamber between the top surface of the piston of the internal combustion engine and an exhaust valve of the internal combustion engine. The exhaust injection port is defined by an inner peripheral wall surface separated from the injection-port axial line of the exhaust injection port toward an outlet opening and having an enlarged shape toward the outlet opening.
US09494117B2 Valve assembly for an injection valve and injection valve
A valve assembly for an injection valve includes a valve body having a cavity with a fluid inlet portion and a fluid outlet portion; a hollow valve needle axially movable in the cavity between open and closed positions to control fluid flow through the fluid outlet portion, wherein fluid can flow from the fluid inlet portion into the hollow valve needle; and an actuator assembly that actuates the valve needle and includes an axially movable armature. The valve needle includes first orifice(s) between the armature and the fluid outlet portion and second orifice(s) located adjacent or upstream of the armature. The first and second orifices allow fluid flow between the hollow valve needle and the cavity. A first gap defined between the valve needle and the armature allows fluid flow from the hollow valve needle via the second orifice into the first gap and further into the cavity.
US09494116B2 Fuel injector and method for the manufacture and/or assembly of a nozzle needle assembly
The invention relates to a fuel injector having a nozzle body (I) and having an injector body (2). In the nozzle body (I) there is formed a high-pressure bore (3) for accommodating a nozzle needle (4) which can perform a stroke movement and via the stroke movement of which at least one injection opening (5) can be opened up or closed off, the fuel injector further including a low pressure chamber (6) coupled to the needle (4) via a coupling device (8) having a first and a second disk-shaped coupler body (9, 10), the low pressure chamber (6) accommodating a piezoelectric actuator (7).
US09494109B2 Pivoting ball stop for exhaust duct liner hanger
A hanger for suspending a liner within an exhaust duct of a gas turbine engine comprises a bracket, a disk and a rod. The bracket is for connecting to an exhaust duct liner of the gas turbine exhaust system. The disk is slidably engaged with the bracket. The rod is for connecting to an exhaust duct of the gas turbine engine. The rod is pivotably connected to the disk.
US09494091B2 Driving force control system for vehicle
A driving force control system for vehicle for controlling a target speed of an engine serving as a prime mover by selecting a control mode based on an index representing a driving preference of a driver. The control mode is selected from a first mode for operating the engine to achieve the target speed while optimizing a fuel economy, and a second mode for operating the engine to achieve the target speed at a speed lower than that achieved while optimizing the fuel economy. The driving force control system is configured to determine a lower limit speed of the engine based on the index provided that the second mode is selected, and to restrict a lower limit value of the target speed of the engine to the lower limit speed in case the target speed of the engine exceeds the lower limit speed under the second mode.
US09494084B2 Gas turbine engine with fan variable area nozzle for low fan pressure ratio
A gas turbine engine includes a fan section with twenty (20) or less fan blades and a fan pressure ratio less than about 1.45.
US09494080B2 Fuel pumping unit
A fuel pumping unit has a low pressure pump, a high pressure pump, and a drive input which drives the low and high pressure pumps. The low pressure pump supplies, in use, fuel at a boosted pressure to the high pressure pump. The fuel pumping unit further has a low pressure housing containing the low pressure pump, and a high pressure housing containing the high pressure pump. The housings are joined together at a housing interface. The drive input is contained in one of the housings, whereby drive from the drive input is transferred across the interface to the pump in the other housing. The housing interface includes a gap which interposes between the high pressure pump and the low pressure pump. A layer of substantially stagnant fuel is trapped, in use, in the gap to reduce heat transfer from the high pressure pump to the low pressure pump.
US09494077B2 Gas turbine engine comprising three rotary bodies
A gas turbine engine for propelling an aircraft, including a low pressure rotary body including low pressure turbine rotor blades, an intermediate rotary body including intermediate turbine rotor blades, a high pressure rotary body including high pressure turbine rotor blades, an air flow flowing through the engine from upstream to downstream. The at least one intermediate turbine rotor blade is followed directly downstream by a low pressure turbine rotor blade so as to straighten air flow deflected by the intermediate turbine rotor blade.
US09494075B2 Four-cycle internal combustion engine with pre-stage cooled compression
A four-cycle internal combustion engine has a single or multi-stage pre-cooled compression, which allows the temperature and pressure of intake air to the combustion cylinders to be tightly controlled, so that a much higher compression ratio and pre-ignition compression pressure can be achieved without approaching the air/fuel mixture auto-ignition threshold. The minimal threshold pressure of air intake is determined to be >1.8 Bars at sea level and a minimal temperature drop of at least 50° C. at the heat exchanger air cooling radiator. Because this design can effectively regulate and set the maximum pre-ignition temperature of the fuel-air mixture, it can combust virtually any type of liquid hydrocarbon fuel without knocking. This four-cycle engine, due to its higher compression ratio, generates power equivalent to or greater than a standard four-cycle engine in a smaller and lighter engine and at a higher efficiency.
US09494068B2 Electrical plating and catalytic uses of metal nanomaterial compositions
This invention relates generally to uses of novel nanomaterial composition and the systems in which they are used, and more particularly to nanomaterial compositions generally comprising carbon and a metal, which composition can be exposed to pulsed emissions to react, activate, combine, or sinter the nanomaterial composition. The nanomaterial compositions can alternatively be utilized at ambient temperature or under other means to cause such reaction, activation, combination, or sintering to occur.
US09494065B2 Apparatus for processing exhaust fluid
Provided is an apparatus for processing exhaust fluid in which a fluid generated in a process chamber of an apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor, a display panel, or a solar cell is ejected to the outside. The apparatus for processing exhaust fluid includes: a vacuum pump that is connected to the process chamber, vacuumizes the inside of the process chamber, and ejects the fluid generated in the process chamber to the outside; and a plasma reactor in which plasma is formed and the fluid generated in the process chamber decomposes, wherein the plasma reactor includes: an insulating conduit that is provided between the process chamber and the vacuum pump and provides a space in which the fluid decomposes; at least one electrode unit that is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the conduit and receives a voltage to form the plasma; a buffer unit that is formed of an electrically conductive elastic substance and is disposed between the conduit and the electrode unit to attach the conduit and the electrode unit closely together; and an external pipe into which the conduit, electrode unit and buffer unit are inserted with sealing flanges provided on both end portions of the conduit and external pipe to seal a space between the conduit and the external pipe to prevent fluid process by-products from leaking out should the conduit crack or is damaged.
US09494054B2 Auxiliary steam generator system for a power plant
An auxiliary steam generator system for a power plant, comprising a water-steam circuit, which has a condensate line and a feed-water line, wherein a condensate pump is connected in the condensate line and a feed-water pump is connected in the feed-water line, and wherein a pressure accumulating vessel is connected between the condensate pump and the feed-water pump, and wherein a feed-water take-off line is connected to the water-steam circuit at a branch-off point after the pressure accumulating vessel is provided. The feed-water take-off line is connected to the pressure accumulating vessel and a heating device is connected in the feed-water take-off line.
US09494045B2 Exhaust-gas turbocharger
An exhaust-gas turbocharger (1) having a turbine (2) which is provided with a variable turbine geometry (18) and/or a wastegate; and having an actuator (11) which is connected to the variable turbine geometry (18) and/or the wastegate via a coupling rod (14; 14′; 14″). The coupling rod (14; 14′) is connected at its end regions (21, 22) at one side to the actuator (11) and at the other side to a pin (19) of an adjusting shaft arrangement (23; 26) of the variable turbine geometry (18) and/or of the wastegate. The pin (19) of the adjusting shaft arrangement (23; 26) is in the form of a bayonet pin, and that end region (22) of the coupling rod (14) which interacts with the pin (19) is in the form of a bayonet receptacle (24; 27) which is matched to the bayonet pin (19).
US09494043B1 Turbine blade having contoured tip shroud
A turbine blade includes an airfoil and a shroud coupled to a tip of the airfoil. The shroud includes a mid portion positioned directly above the tip of the airfoil. The mid portion includes a ramped radially outer surface extending from a first edge to a second edge in the direction from a pressure side toward a suction side of the airfoil, the second edge being positioned further radially inward than the first edge. In a first aspect, the shroud may include a curved pressure side portion positioned upstream of the pressure side of the airfoil, the pressure side portion being curved radially inward. In a second aspect, the shroud may include a curved suction side portion positioned downstream of the suction side of the airfoil, the suction side portion being curved radially outward.
US09494040B2 Turbine engine blade removal apparatus and method
A turbine engine blade removal apparatus with a pair of opposed outwardly biased blocks are positioned proximal a blade root and corresponding rotor disc slot between opposed axial faces of the subject first rotor disc and an adjoining second rotor disc. The blocks are outwardly biased in abutting contact with first and second rotor disc axial faces, aligning an aperture of a guide bushing with an exposed axial face of the blade root, the guide bushing coupled to at least the first block. A punch is inserted in the guide bushing aperture so that a punch tip is in abutting relationship with the blade root axial face. An impact tool drives an opposite impact end of the punch, causing the punch to direct a relative driving force on the blade root, separating the blade root from the corresponding rotor disc slot.
US09494038B2 Bladed reactor for the pyrolysis of hydrocarbons
A bladed reactor for pyrolysis of hydrocarbons comprises a rotor with blades that form an axial-flow blade cascade, a fixed torus-shaped hoop that adjoins the tips of the blades, and a housing that encloses the hoop and a rotor periphery so that a passage having a ring shape of its meridian section is formed. One or more partitions are installed in the passage, an inlet port is located directly after each partition while an outlet port is located directly in front of each partition. Nozzle vanes forming a nozzle cascade are installed upstream of the blade cascade, and diffusing vanes forming a diffusing cascade are installed downstream of the blade cascade. There is a vaneless space between the exit from the diffusing cascade and the entry into the nozzle cascade. A group of nozzle vanes arranged directly after each partition may be separated off from the remaining nozzle vanes by a bulkhead so that a channel is formed which connects the corresponding inlet port with separated group of nozzle vanes to simplify the reactor starting.
US09494035B2 Fluid pressure pulse generator and method of using same
A fluid pressure pulse generator comprising a stator and rotor that can be used in measurement while drilling using mud pulse or pressure pulse telemetry is disclosed. The stator comprises a stator body with a circular opening therethrough and the rotor comprises a circular rotor body rotatably received in the circular opening of the stator body. One of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one fluid opening for flow of fluid therethrough and the other of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one full flow chamber. The rotor is rotatable between a full flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening align so that fluid flows from the full flow chamber through the fluid opening, and a reduced flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening are not aligned. The flow of fluid through the fluid opening in the reduced flow configuration is less than the flow of fluid through the fluid opening in the full flow configuration thereby generating a fluid pressure pulse.
US09494033B2 Apparatus and method for kick detection using acoustic sensors
A method and apparatus for detecting a kick in a wellbore using acoustic transducers. In one embodiment, a system for detecting a kick in a wellbore includes a drill string having a plurality of sections of drill pipes and a plurality of kick detection subs disposed between the sections of drill pipes. Each of the kick detection subs includes an acoustic transducer and kick detection circuitry coupled to the acoustic transducer. The kick detection circuitry is configured to detect gas bubbles in the wellbore based on acoustic signals received by the acoustic transducer. The kick detection circuitry is also configured to determine whether a kick is present in the wellbore based on the detected gas bubbles. The kick detection circuitry is further configured to transmit information indicating whether a kick is present to the surface.
US09494024B2 Heater and method of operating
A heater includes a heater housing with a fuel cell stack assembly disposed therein. The fuel cell stack assembly includes a plurality of fuel cells which convert chemical energy from a fuel into heat and electricity through a chemical reaction with an oxidizing agent. The fuel cell stack assembly includes a fuel cell manifold for receiving the fuel within a fuel inlet and the oxidizing agent within an oxidizing agent inlet and distributing the fuel and oxidizing agent to the fuel cells. A fuel supply conduit supplies the fuel to the fuel inlet and an oxidizing agent supply conduit supplies the oxidizing agent to the oxidizing agent inlet. A sonic orifice is disposed between the fuel supply conduit and the fuel inlet or between the oxidizing agent supply conduit and the oxidizing agent inlet, thereby limiting the velocity of the fuel or the oxidizing agent through the sonic orifice.
US09494008B2 Segmented seat for wellbore servicing system
A segmented seat adapted to be placed in subterranean wellbore equipment and engaged by an obturator. The segmented seat includes an annular body that is radially divided into a plurality of separate segments, the annular body defining a central bore extending axially therethrough, a generally cylindrical outer wall, and an end wall; an annular seat formed on the end wall and extending about the central bore of the annular body, the annular seat being of a size and shape to engage the obturator; at least one recess formed into each of the segments and offset from the outer wall of the annular body so that at least a portion of the annular body is located radially between the outer wall and the recess; and a non-metallic material disposed within the recess and joining adjacent segments together.
US09494003B1 Systems and methods for production zone control
An improved downhole well control tool (“WCT”) allows for the control of in-situ fluid flow from a production well having one or more production zones. The WCT is installed in a tubing string in a zone to be controlled. An extensible flow is provided having a threaded connection on its lower end for coupling a pressure gauge or other instrumentation. The extensible flow nipple at its upper end is coupled to a lock body, thereby forming a fully-assembled extensible seal. The seal stem and the gauge may then be lowered using wireline tool into engagement with a tubular sub-assembly having a port. Advantageously, the exterior lateral channels of the extensible flow nipple seal the ports in the tubular sub-assembly. Then, for example, a pressure test may be performed.
US09494002B2 Latching assembly
A latching assembly has a tubular housing having an inner surface that defines an inner bore and an outer surface. A latch moves between a latch position that extends out from the outer surface and an unlatched position that is retracted from the latch position. A latching actuator moves between a first axial position that moves the latch to the latch position and a second axial position that moves the latch to the unlatched position. A manual release moves axially in response to a mechanical force to selectively move the latching actuator to the second axial position.
US09493986B2 Gas injection while drilling
Injection of gas into a managed pressure drilling system to provide for operation of the drilling system in a downhole pressure window defined by the pore pressure of a formation being drilled and a fracture pressure of the formation. Gas injection being controlled so as to produce the desired downhole pressure without causing large oscillations in borehole pressure.
US09493982B2 Louver control mechanism
The present invention provides a mechanism for controlling the spacing between louvers, e.g. in a blind. The louvers are secured to a top rail and a bottom rail. The connections are at an angle to each other so that the louvers are naturally twisted. The louvers extend through slots in a comb 16 that can be moved up and down the louvers. The function of the comb is to alter the position of the twist as it is moved up and down the louvers, thereby opening and closing the blind.
US09493978B2 Auxiliary window pane system
An auxiliary pane is attached to a window having an existing primary window pane using a plurality of mounting members, each formed of a first flange and a second flange joined perpendicularly to one another at an apex so as to be substantially L-shaped. The first flange of each mounting member is secured to an inner frame surface of the perimeter frame of the window using a curable adhesive material. A gauge having first and second gauge surfaces at a prescribed distance is used to align the second flanges of the mounting members into a common plane by abutting the first gauge surface against the primary window pane and adjusting each mounting member to abut the second flange thereof to the second gauge surface of the gauge before the curable adhesive material has cured. Once cured, the auxiliary pane is magnetically coupled to the second flanges of the mounting members.
US09493974B2 Blind hinge structure used for furniture
A damper device for a furniture hinge. Damper device may comprise a movable cup seat provided on the furniture door body and a base provided on the main body of furniture. The base may be connected with one end of the hinge arm. Another end of the hinge arm may be hinged with the movable cup seat. A damping mechanism may be mounted in the cup body of the movable cup seat through a fixing seat. The shape of the fixing seat may match with the cup body. A slide slot may be provided on the fixing seat, permitting the damping mechanism to linearly slide on the slide slot. A working slope for closing hinge may be provided on the damping mechanism and/or hinge arm, so that both the damping mechanism and the hinge arm are connected at least when the hinge is closed.
US09493969B2 Outside door handle device for vehicle
An outside door handle device for a vehicle may include a handle base having a hinge hole and a lever hole on opposite sides thereof, respectively, and having a shaft coupling part and a slider groove on the side of the lever hole, a door handle having, on opposite sides thereof, respectively, a handle hinge to be inserted into the hinge hole and a handle lever to be inserted into the lever hole, a slider slidably mounted along the slider groove and coupled with the handle lever when the handle lever may be inserted into the lever hole, and a balance weight having a balance shaft to be rotatably inserted into the shaft coupling part and a balance lever to which an operation force of the door handle may be selectively transmitted.
US09493962B2 Umbrella stand
An umbrella stand is used to mount umbrellas or flags to tables, vehicles, structures, and various structures. The umbrella stand includes a mounting assembly and a rod holder. The rod holder is used to attach an umbrella or flag to the umbrella stand. The mounting assembly is used to secure the umbrella or flag to a surface. The mounting assembly includes a support plate, a first mounting plate and a first mounting fastener. The support plate is used as a base. The first mounting plate and the first mounting fastener connect to the support plate and help secure the support plate to a surface. The rod holder includes a holder tube and a plurality of holder fasteners. The holder tube is connected to the support plate and houses the shaft of an umbrella or a flagpole. The plurality of holder fasteners secure the umbrella shaft or the flagpole in place.
US09493952B2 Roofing tile with weather durable coloring matter
A synthetic roofing material for a roofing tile and a method of extruding a resinous polymeric precursor of an exterior polymeric sheet for one or more roofing tiles; and applying a weather durable coloring matter on a surface of the precursor, wherein the cooling matter comprises one or more pigment colors in a variegated surface coloration pattern, which simulates a distinctive coloration of a natural material. The precursor is impressed with surface topography features and a surface roughness that simulate the surface features of the natural material.
US09493950B2 Composite I-beam member
A composite steel I-beam member. The member includes confined top and bottom flanges, and a composite laminated web. The confined flange comprises a wooden core and a metal jacket wrapped around an outer perimeter of the wooden core. The overall load carrying capacity of the composite I-beam is significantly increased through a list of composite actions occurring in the individual components and their connections. Most importantly, a two-way lateral interaction can be normal to the interface between the metal jacket and the wooden core and provide an amount of compressive support to the top flange surpassing the sum of amount of support provided by the metal jacket and the wooden core when being used separately.
US09493949B2 Panel and panel structure for ventilation and both reactive and dissipative sound dampening
A passive ventilation panel and system, in particular for use in doors, ceilings, walls and partitions enables an exchange of supply and return air for at least one room or a room, without the need for additional ventilation equipment, such as ducts, and without the needs to install wall openings or grills for the supply and exhaust air in the space.
US09493945B2 Wall panel connecting system for modular building units
Disclosed is a connecting system for connecting wall panels to the support frame, and more particularly to the rigid corner support posts of a support frame, of a modular building unit. The connecting system includes a modular bracket assembly and is configured so that two modular connecting brackets attach to each corner vertical support column, which modular brackets are configured to receive the vertical edge of a wall panel. The brackets themselves are configured for easy replacement and/or adjustment through minimal effort, are fully symmetrical to allow use of bracket elements at varied locations, and may be replaced or adjusted particularly without removing, altering, or otherwise disturbing the corner vertical support column of the frame of the modular building unit.
US09493936B2 System, method, and apparatus for monitoring wear in a flush valve using pressure detection
An apparatus for detecting wear in a flush valve includes at least one programmed controller. The flush valve comprises at least one pressure sensor and a valve element, and operates when an internal pressure causes the valve element to open. The controller is programmed to record at least one water pressure detected within the flush valve with the at least one pressure sensor after at least one operation of the flush valve, record a water pressure detected within the flush valve after a subsequent operation of the flush valve, and determine if the flush valve is faulty based at least partially on a comparison between the at least one water pressure detected after the at least one operation of the flush valve and the water pressure detected after the subsequent operation of the flush valve.
US09493933B2 Pedestal strainer for a sink drain
A sink drain pedestal strainer with a central longitudinal axis includes a pedestal extending upwardly away from a base. The pedestal includes a perforate sidewall to facilitate flow of water toward the inner periphery of the base, and a perforate upper wall extending radially inwardly from the sidewall.
US09493920B2 Automatically adjustable snowthrower chute
A snowthrower includes a body, a chute rotatable relative to the body among a plurality of chute positions, wherein the chute is configured to discharge snow from the snowthrower, a motor for rotating the chute, a user input device configured to set a preferred chute bearing, and an electronic control unit configured to control the motor to automatically rotate the chute to an appropriate chute position to maintain the chute at the preferred chute bearing without additional input from the user input device.
US09493918B1 Apparatus for a crosswalk pedestal
An apparatus includes a frangible base having a base top, a base bottom, and sides. The bottom including a plurality of openings for joining the frangible base to a surface and for passing wiring into the frangible base. The sides having at least one opening for accessing an interior of the frangible base. A stand pipe includes a pipe top, a pipe bottom, and mounting points disposed on a side of the stand pipe. The pipe bottom is configured for joining to the base top. The mounting points are configured for joining to a signaling equipment. A tether is joinable to the frangible base and the surface, wherein the tether is operable for maintaining the apparatus within a locality of a place on the surface, where the frangible base is joined to, upon a breakage of the frangible base.
US09493908B2 Method and treatment composition for imparting durable antimicrobial properties to carpet
Methods and treatment compositions for imparting durable antimicrobial properties to carpet are provided. The method includes applying a composition comprising a first antimicrobial compound and a fluoropolymer to the carpet substrate. The carpet substrate may be steamed thereafter. The treatment composition may comprise a fluoropolymer, an antimicrobial compound selected from a group consisting of zinc pyrithione, a silver-containing antimicrobial compound and combinations thereof, and a foamer. Carpet products treated with the treatment composition or treated in accordance with the methods are also provided.
US09493903B2 Impeller assembly for an appliance
An impeller assembly including a housing and an impeller is provided. The impeller is positioned within a volute of the housing and includes a hub and a plurality of blades. The plurality of blades are spaced about the hub along a circumferential direction of the impeller. The plurality of blades include a first pair of blades and a second pair blades. The first pair blades defines a first gap along the circumferential direction at a radially outer portion, and the second pair blades defines a second gap along the circumferential direction at a radially outer portion. The first gap is unequal to the second gap in order to reduce an amount of noise generated by the impeller assembly.
US09493889B2 Method for the crystallogenesis of a material electrically conducting in the molten state
The disclosure relates to a method for the crystallogenesis of a material that is electrically conducting at the molten state, by drawing from a molten mass of the material in a crucible, that comprises: progressively subjecting the molten material to a decreasing temperature so that a liquid-solid interface is formed; controlling the flatness of the liquid-solid interface of the material; subjecting the molten material, before and during solidification, to an electromagnetic kneading; the method including that the electromagnetic kneading is obtained by applying an alternating magnetic field. The disclosure also relates to a device for implementing the method.
US09493887B1 Heterogeneous single vanadate based crystals for Q-switched lasers and microlasers and method for forming same
Disclosed are heterogeneous crystals for use in a laser cavity and methods of forming the crystals. A crystal can be a monolithic crystal containing a vanadate-based activator region and a vanadate-based Q-switch. Disclosed methods include hydrothermal growth techniques for the growth of differing layers on a host. A YVO4 host material can be doped in one region with a suitable active lasing ion and can be formed with another region that is doped with a saturable absorber. Regions can be formed with controlled thickness. Following formation, a heterogeneous crystal can be cut, polished and coated with mirror films at each end for use in a laser cavity to provide short pulses of high power emissions using high frequency pulse modes.
US09493886B2 Low internal stress copper electroplating method
Copper electroplating methods provide low internal stress copper deposits. Concentrations of accelerators in the copper electroplating bath vary as a function of the plating current density and the low internal stress copper deposit is observed as a matt copper deposit.
US09493874B2 Distribution of gas over a semiconductor wafer in batch processing
A method and apparatus to evenly distribute gas over a wafer in batch processing. Several techniques are disclosed, such as, but not limited to, angling an injector to distribute gas towards a proximate edge of the wafer, and/or reducing the amount of overlap in the center of the wafer of gas from subsequent gas injections.
US09493867B2 Method of manufacturing a structural automotive part made from a rolled Al—Zn alloy
A method of manufacturing a formed aluminum alloy structural part or a body-in-white (BIW) part of a motor vehicle. The method includes: providing a rolled aluminum sheet product wherein the aluminum alloy is an AA7000-series aluminum alloy and has a gauge in a range of 0.5-4 mm and is subjected to a solution heat treatment and has been cooled, forming the aluminum alloy sheet to obtain a three-dimensional formed part, heating the three-dimensional formed part to at least one pre-ageing temperature between 50-250° C., and subjecting the formed and pre-aged motor vehicle component to a paint bake cycle.
US09493865B2 Thick-walled high-strength hot rolled steel sheet with excellent low-temperature toughness and method of producing same
A thick-walled high-strength hot rolled steel sheet has a high tensile strength TS of 521 MPa or more and excellent low-temperature toughness. The steel material forming the sheet contains 0.02%-0.08% C, 0.01%-0.10% Nb, and 0.001%-0.05% Ti and is heated; C, Ti, and Nb satisfies (Ti+(Nb/2))/C<4.
US09493863B2 Wear-resistant alloy having complex microstructure
A wear-resistant alloy having a complex microstructure, which may include a range of about 28 to 38 wt % of zinc (Zn), a range of about 1 to 3 wt % of tin (Sn), a range of about 0.4 to 1.4 wt of iron (Fe) and a balance of aluminum (Al), is provided.
US09493846B2 Virus discovery by sequencing and assembly of virus-derived siRNAS, miRNAs, piRNAs
In one embodiment, the disclosure provides methods and systems for identifying viral nucleic acids in a sample. In another embodiment the invention provides methods for viral genome assembly and viral discovery using small inhibitory RNAs, or “small silencing,” RNAs (siRNAS), micro-RNAs (miRNAs) and/or PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), including siRNAS, miRNAs and/or piRNAs isolated or sequenced from invertebrate organisms such as insects (Anthropoda), nematodes (Nemapoda), Mollusca, Porifera, and other invertebrates, and/or plants, fungi or algae, Cyanobacteria and the like.
US09493823B2 Non-fouling polymeric surface modification and signal amplification method for biomolecular detection
An article such as a biosensor having a nonfouling surface thereon is described. The article comprises: (a) a substrate having a surface portion; (b) a linking layer on the surface portion; (c) a polymer layer comprising brush molecules formed on the linking layer; and (d) optionally but preferably, a first member of a specific binding pair (e.g., a protein, peptide, antibody, nucleic acid, etc.) coupled to the brush molecules. The polymer layer is preferably formed by the process of surface-initiated polymerization (SIP) of monomeric units thereon. Preferably, each of the monomeric units comprises a monomer (for example, a vinyl monomer) core group having at least one protein-resistant head group coupled thereto, to thereby form the brush molecule on the surface portion. Methods of using the articles are also described.
US09493810B2 5-ALA for detection of brain tumors
The present disclosure relates to methods for detecting brain tumors and assessing the recurrence of such tumors by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and detecting the conversion of 5-ALA to protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) associated with brain-derived microparticles.
US09493803B2 Artificial introns
The invention concerns the field of recombinant gene engineering. It concerns novel artificial introns and compositions comprising such introns as well as a method to improve expression of polypeptides from nucleic acids such as cloned genes, especially genes encoding antibodies and antibody derived fragments, and the production of various polypeptides in eukaryotic host cells using said novel artificial intron sequences.
US09493802B2 Use of glycohydrolase 61 protein variants with improved thermostability for processing cellulose
The invention provides recombinant GH61 proteins obtained from Myceliophtora thermophila, and nucleic acids that encode such proteins. The invention also provides protein fractions isolated from M. thermophila supernatant that have GH61 protein activity. These preparations can be used to increase yield of products from reactions in which a cellulose-containing substrate undergoes saccharification by one or more cellulase enzymes, such as endoglucanase, β-glucosidase, or cellobiohydrolase. Combinations of GH61 protein and cellulases can be used to break down cellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars in the production of ethanol.
US09493796B2 Processing biomass
Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to proceed ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.
US09493787B2 Powdery mildew resistance providing genes in Cucumis sativus
The present invention relates to powdery mildew resistance providing genes of the Cucumis family, and especially Cucumis sativus, wherein said resistance is provided by impairment of the present genes. Further, the present invention relates plants comprising the present impaired resistance conferring genes and seeds, embryos or other propagation material thereof. Especially, the present invention relates to powdery mildew resistance conferring genes, wherein the amino acid sequence encoded by said resistance conferring gene is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID No. 2, SEQ ID No. 4, SEQ ID No. 6, SEQ ID No. 8, SEQ ID No. 10, SEQ ID No. 12, SEQ ID No. 14, SEQ ID No. 16, SEQ ID No. 18, SEQ ID No. 20 and SEQ ID No. 22, and amino acid sequences with more than 70% identity, preferably more than 80% identity, more preferably more than 90% identity, and most preferably more than 95% identity.
US09493778B2 Methods and compositions for genetically manipulating clostridia and related bacteria with homologous recombination associated proteins
Methods for enhancing single cross-over homologous recombination in gram positive bacteria are presented. These methods provide enhanced capability to genetically modify gram positive bacteria.
US09493777B1 Method for producing an L-amino acid using a bacterium of the family enterobacteriaceae having overexpressed the yajL gene
The present invention provides a method for producing L-amino acids or salts thereof by fermentation using a bacterium of the family Enterobacteriaceae, particularly a bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia, which has been modified to overexpress the yajL gene.
US09493765B2 Compact subnanosecond high voltage pulse generation system for cell electro-manipulation
Disclosed are methods and systems for subnanosecond rise time high voltage (HV) electric pulse delivery to biological loads. The system includes an imaging device and monitoring apparatus used for bio-photonic studies of pulse induced intracellular effects. The system further features a custom fabricated microscope slide having micro-machined electrodes. A printed circuit board to interface the pulse generator to the micro-machined glass slide having the cell solution is disclosed. An low-parasitic electronic setup to interface with avalanche transistor-switched pulse generation system is also disclosed. The pc-board and the slide are configured to match the output impedance of the pulse generator which minimizes reflection back into the pulse generator, and minimizes distortion of the pulse shape and pulse parameters. The pc-board further includes a high bandwidth voltage divider for real-time monitoring of pulses delivered to the cell solutions.
US09493754B2 Aspergillus containing beta-glucosidase, beta-glucosidases and nucleic acids encoding the same
A novel microorganism is provided named Aspergillus saccharolyticus. Further, beta-glucosidase enzymes encoded by said microorganism are provided, and the use thereof in the degradation of lignocellulosic material. Also, host organisms comprising the polypeptides of the invention and/or polynucleotides encoding these are provided. In addition, methods, compositions, and kit-of-parts are provided which comprise any component of the invention, and optionally any additional components.
US09493753B2 Modified α-glucosidase and applications of same
The object is to provide an α-glucosidase in which a transglycosylation activity predominates, and use thereof, and the like. A modified α-glucosidase consisting of an amino acid sequence in which one or two or more of the amino acid(s) is selected from a group of specific amino acids.
US09493752B2 Endoglycosidase from Streptococcus pyogenes and methods using it
The invention provides an endoglycosidase, referred to as EndoS49 and having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. EndoS49 was isolated from Streptococcus pyogenes strain NZ131 and is a homolog of EndoS. EndoS49 has specific endoglycosidase activity on native IgG and cleaves a larger variety of Fc glycans than EndoS. A mutant thereof where the glutamic acid at position 186 of SEQ ID NO: 1 was substituted was produced: said mutant lacks endoglycosidase activity but is capable of binding to IgG. Methods using EndoS49, deletions thereof and said mutant, especially for assessing glycosylation of IgG or for isolating IgG are disclosed.
US09493747B2 Engineered transglutaminase barrel proteins
Disclosed herein are methods and compositions related to engineered fragments of the human transglutaminase-related protein family, described herein as engineered transglutaminase barrel proteins (ETBPs), that have utility as high affinity, high selectivity target-binding proteins offering advantages as antibody equivalents for therapeutic, analytical, manufacturing and research purposes. ETBPs differ from naturally occurring human transglutaminase fragments by the addition, deletion, replacement and/or substitution of the naturally occurring amino acid sequence. ETBPs can be easily expressed in prokaryotic cells and in many cases can be purified by a simple solubilization and precipitation method.
US09493737B2 Method for purifying bacterial cells
The present invention relates to a process for providing purified bacteria-containing concentrates, comprising at least the steps of adding an aqueous solution to a first bacteria-containing concentrate to provide a bacteria-containing suspension, wherein the volume of the added aqueous solution is in the range of 0.3 liters to 10 liters per liter of said first bacteria-containing concentrate; and concentrating said bacteria-containing suspension to provide a second bacteria-containing concentrate. Further, the present invention relates to the purified concentrates per se.
US09493736B2 Method for lysing cells
The present invention relates to a method for the lysis of cells, especially bacterial cells and the isolation of nucleic acids. The sample is treated with lysis solution that comprises at least one liquid that is not miscible with water and heated. Afterwards the mixture is cooled down and water is added so that after cooling a two phase system is generated. The nucleic acids can be found in the aqueous phase.
US09493731B2 Soluble tablet, containing abrasive media
In order to obtain steady erosion from soluble tablets and particularly constant dispersion of contained abrasive media, the employment of magnesium oxide and transverse interlaced polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in defined layers and the admixing of randomly scattered silicic acids is suggested.
US09493723B2 High-temperature lubricants comprising elongated carbon nanoparticles for use in subterranean formation operations
An embodiment disclosed herein provides a high-temperature lubricant comprising an oil-soluble lubricating base fluid or a water-soluble lubricating base fluid; and elongated carbon nanoparticles that align in flow. In some embodiments, the lubricating composition may be selected from the group consisting of graphene nanoribbons; carbon nanotubes; carbon nanohorns; and any combination thereof.
US09493722B2 Marine lubricant
The present invention relates to a cylinder lubricant having a BN, determined according to the ASTM D-2896 standard, of greater than or equal to 40 milligrams of potassium hydroxide per gram of lubricant, comprising a lubricant base oil for a marine engine and at least one overbased detergent that is based on alkali or alkaline-earth metals, and which also contains an amount of 0.01% to 10% by weight relative to the total weight of the lubricant, of one or more compounds (A) chosen from esters of saturated fatty monoacids comprising at least 14 carbon atoms and of alcohols comprising at most 6 carbon atoms.
US09493713B2 Systems and methods for conditioning synthetic crude oil
Systems and methods for conditioning synthetic crude oils are provided herein. The systems and methods described herein subject the synthetic crude to one or more process solutions to provide conditioned synthetic crude exhibiting, for example, a reduced TAN.
US09493709B2 Hybrid fuel and method of making the same
A hybrid fuel and methods of making the same are disclosed. A process for making a hybrid fuel includes the steps of combining a biofuel emulsion blend and a liquid fuel product to form a hybrid fuel. Optionally, the hybrid fuel can be combined with water in a water-in-oil process and include oxygenate additives and additive packages. A hybrid fuel includes blends of biofuel emulsions and liquid fuel products, including light gas diesel. Optionally, the hybrid fuel can include water, oxygenate additives, and other additive packages.
US09493708B2 Process for producing caking additive for coke production and process for producing coke
A process for producing a caking additive for coke production, the process including a step of extracting a solvent deasphalted pitch that can be used as a caking additive for coke production from a residue containing at least one of an atmospheric residue obtained by atmospheric distillation of a crude oil and a vacuum residue obtained by atmospheric distillation and vacuum distillation of a crude oil, wherein the extraction is performed using, as a solvent, a light reformate obtained by catalytic reforming a naphtha fraction that is fractionated from a crude oil by atmospheric distillation of the crude oil.
US09493703B2 Liquid crystal medium and high-frequency components comprising same
The present invention relates to liquid crystal media and to high-frequency components comprising same, especially microwave components for high-frequency devices, such as devices for shifting the phase of microwaves, in particular for microwave phased-array antennas.
US09493698B2 Organic electroluminescent materials and devices
Novel phosphorescent tetradentate platinum (II) compounds are provided. The compounds contain an isoimidazole moiety, optionally further substituted with a twisted aryl. These compounds may be advantageously used in OLEDs.
US09493696B1 Multiphase resins with reduced percolation threshold
In some embodiments, a resin has a first domain having a first polymer. The resin has a second domain within the first domain having a second polymer and coupled to the first domain at a plurality of interfaces. The resin also has a thermally conductive filler material distributed along the plurality of interfaces. The thermally conductive filler material is present at a concentration between about 0.1 vol % and about 15 vol % of the resin.
US09493691B2 Moisture curable organopolysiloxane compositions
The present invention provides curable compositions that are substantially free of metal catalysts including both tin and non-tin metal catalysts. The curable compositions employ a catalyst composition comprising the combination of a (i) carbodiimide functional compound, and (ii) an amino-containing compound such as an amino silane functional compound and/or an organic amine compound. The combination of these materials, particularly when aged, accelerates the condensation curing of moisture curable silicones/non-silicones even in the absence of a metal-based catalyst.
US09493688B2 Resin composition and molded article comprising same
A resin composition including an alkoxysilyl group-containing hydrogenated block copolymer [3], and a hydrocarbon-based polymer [4] having a number average molecular weight of 300 to 5000, the resin composition including the hydrocarbon-based polymer [4] in an amount of 1 to 50 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the alkoxysilyl group-containing hydrogenated block copolymer [3], the alkoxysilyl group-containing hydrogenated block copolymer [3] being obtained by introducing an alkoxysilyl group into a hydrogenated block copolymer [2] that is obtained by hydrogenating 90% or more of unsaturated bonds of a block copolymer [1] that includes at least two polymer blocks [A] and at least one polymer block [B], and a ratio (wA:wB) of a weight fraction wA of the polymer block [A] in the block copolymer [1] to a weight fraction wB of the polymer block [B] in the block copolymer [1] being 30:70 to 65:35.
US09493684B2 Polarizer protective film, polarizing plate, and image display apparatus
The present invention provides a polarizer protective film excellent in optical properties (retardation and haze) and excellent in the adhesion property between a polarizer and a polarizer protective film (in particular, under high temperature and high humidity conditions). The polarizer protective film of the present invention includes a (meth)acrylic resin film and an easy-adhesion layer disposed on at least one side of the film. The easy-adhesion layer is formed from an aqueous (meth)acrylic resin dispersion.
US09493681B2 Attachment device for securing items
An attachment device for securing an item inside a container for shipping or storage. The attachment device can be used for a wide variety of items of varying size and shape, and allows them to be shipped in any existing box which is larger than the item. The attachment device consists of a sheet of material with bonding. The item being shipped is secured to the sheet of material, which is then bonded inside a box or container.
US09493675B2 Clear siloxane-based write-erase coating with low volatile organic character
The present invention provides, among other things, compositions with at least one dry-erase characteristic and methods thereof. In some embodiments, provided paint composition comprising a resin part comprising an epoxy, a polysiloxane and an organooxysilane; and a cure part comprising one or more amino-silanes; the resin part and the cure part being designed and selected such that, when combined together, they cure to form a clear surface coating that demonstrates at least one dry-erase characteristic, wherein the composition is substantially free of any opacifying agent or pigment.
US09493668B2 Reversible thermochromic and photochromic ink pens and markers
Reversible thermochromic and photochromic ink compositions and markers, pens or writing instruments that use them are herein disclosed.
US09493667B2 UV curable ink jet recording ink composition, ink container and ink jet recording apparatus
The UV curable ink jet recording ink composition contains a thioxanthone-based photopolymerization initiator and a hindered amine compound. The dissolved oxygen content in the ink composition is 20 ppm or less.
US09493666B2 Encapsulated visible light absorbing dye polyurethane dispersion
The present disclosure provides an encapsulated visible light absorbing dye dispersion, and the process for producing the same. The present disclosure further provides an inkjet ink comprising an ink vehicle and an encapsulated visible light absorbing dye dispersion thereof, and the process for producing the same.
US09493664B2 Ink jet recording method
An ink jet recording method including recording a secondary color image on a recording medium using a first ink and a second ink, wherein the first ink contains a first self-dispersible pigment having a functional group that contains a phosphonic acid group and is bonded to a particle surface of the pigment, the second ink contains a second self-dispersible pigment having a functional group that contains at least one acidic group of a sulfonic acid group and a carboxylic acid group and is bonded to a particle surface of the pigment. The method includes a step of overlappingly applying the first ink and the second ink in this order to the recording medium. The time difference between applications of the first ink and the second ink to the recording medium is 30 milliseconds or less.
US09493652B2 Polymeric film composition for non-enzymatic glucose sensor and non-enzymatic glucose sensor including the same
A polymeric film composition and a non-enzymatic glucose sensor including the functional polymeric film are provided. The polymeric film composition includes polyurethane and perfluorosulfonic acid polymer.
US09493645B2 Tube for fluid transportation
The present invention provides a tube for transporting a fluid comprising a composition containing 100 parts by mass of (A) a thermoplastic elastomer and 1 to 500 parts by mass of (B) a carbon base filler, and it has a low vapor permeability and is excellent in an air permeation resistance and a flexibility.
US09493639B2 Siliceous rubber mixtures containing omega-mercaptocarboxylic acid ester of polyvalent alcohols
The present invention relates to rubber mixtures comprising respectively at least one rubber, one sulfur-containing alkoxysilane, one silicon-based filler, and one ω-mercaptocarboxylic ester of polyhydric alcohols.
US09493633B2 Performance modifiers for bitumen comprising straight and branched chain fatty amide waxes
The present invention generally relates to the discovery that a blend of linear and branched amide wax additives can be used to enhance the performance of asphalt binders and asphalt emulsion residues. In particular, high temperature properties of asphalt pavement can be improved while maintaining or improving low temperature properties. The additives also improve workability and lower processing temperatures for asphalt paving (e.g. warm mix) or for roofing. These amide wax additives can reduce the tracking of tack coats, by decreasing binder penetration and forming a non-tacky surface layer.
US09493627B2 Moldable sand compositions and methods for making the same
The present invention relates to moldable sand compositions, methods for making the moldable sand compositions, and methods for using the moldable sand compositions. In a particular embodiment, the moldable sand composition comprises between about 70% to about 95% sand, between about 5% to about 30% water, a polar polymeric resin, a crosslinking agent, and a humectant. In an exemplary embodiment, the composition contains no oils, waxes, glycols, or rubbers. The composition is capable of becoming hardened over time in order to maintain the achieved shape, and can be re-wetted and molded again after becoming hardened.
US09493618B2 Heat sealable coating compositions
A dispersion of polymer microparticles in organic liquid obtainable by a process comprising the steps of i) providing a mixture comprising a first polymer having functional groups capable of reacting with the carboxylic acid and/or carboxylic acid anhydride groups of a second, polypropylene polymer ii) causing the polymers to melt at a chosen temperature under conditions of high shear, preferably in an extruder, to form an intimate mixture iii) causing the carboxylic acid and/or carboxylic acid anhydride groups of the polypropylene polymer to react with at least some of the functional groups of the first polymer, under conditions of high shear, preferably in an extruder iv) diluting the resulting mixture of step iii) with an organic liquid at a temperature such that a substantially homogeneous solution is formed v) cooling the solution to a temperature whereby the polymer microparticles of the dispersion are formed.
US09493617B2 Formaldehyde-free protein-containing binder compositions
One-part thermosetting binder compositions are described that may include soy protein, a first crosslinking compound, and a second crosslinking compound different from the first crosslinking compound. Upon curing, the first and second crosslinking compounds covalently bond to each other and to the soy protein to form a thermoset binder. Also describe are fiber-containing products that include a plurality of fibers and a formaldehyde-free binder. The formaldehyde-free binder is formed from a one-part, thermosetting binder composition that includes soy protein, a first crosslinking compound, and a second crosslinking compound different from the first crosslinking compound. Upon curing, the first and second crosslinking compounds covalently bond to each other and to the soy protein to form a thermoset binder.
US09493614B2 Polyimide precursor, polyimide, flexible substrate prepared therewith, color filter and production method thereof, and flexible display device
The present invention is based on a polyimide precursor having unit structures represented by general formula (1) and unit structures represented by general formula (2), provides a polyimide precursor for which film whitening, cracking and bubbling do not occur regardless of film baking conditions, and provides a flexible TFT array, a flexible color filter, and a flexible substrate with a gas barrier layer using the polyimide precursor, and a flexible display device, etc. using same. (In general formulas (1) and (2), X1-X4 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, C1 to C10 monovalent organic group or C1 to C10 monovalent alkylsilyl group. R1 is represented by general formula (3) and R2 is represented by general formula (4).) (In general formula (4), R3 and R4 each independently represents a C1 to C10 monovalent organic group.)
US09493598B2 Polymers having acid and amide moieties, and uses thereof
Polymers are described that are polymerized from at least one reactive vinyl monomer having acid functionality or a salt thereof, and at least one reactive vinyl monomer having amide functionality. These polymers have a molecular weight from about 500 Da to about 15,000 Da; and may additionally comprise one or more solvent adducts. These polymers may be included in compositions that find use in oilfield applications, such as for inhibition and/or prevention of gas hydrates and/or corrosion.
US09493593B2 Elastic diene terpolymer and preparation method thereof
The present invention relates to a long-chain branched elastic terpolymer capable of satisfying excellent processability and elasticity (flexibility) at the same time, which is obtained in the presence of a Group IV transition metal catalyst, and a preparation method thereof. The elastic terpolymer is a copolymer of ethylene, an alpha-olefin having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, and a diene, wherein i) its weight average molecular weight measured by GPC is 100,000 to 500,000, and ii) its LCB Index which is a ratio of 1st harmonics of storage modulus to 5th harmonics of storage modulus measured at 125° C. using a rubber process analyzer according to a LAOS (Large Angles of Oscillation and high Strains) method has a positive value.
US09493587B2 Metal complexes of salan-type ligands and uses thereof as catalysts for polymerization of alpha-olefins
Use of homogeneous catalytic systems which include as a pre-catalyst a complex of a group 4 metal and a Salan ligand in the polymerization of alpha-olefins, is disclosed. The Salan ligand is characterized by a sequential diamino-containing skeleton unit which is non-symmetric, and the pre-catalysts can also be such that are devoid of a symmetry element. The disclosed polymerization results in alpha-olefin polymers such as polypropylene which are characterized by high levels of tacticity. Also disclosed are novel Salan ligands and novel complexes thereof with group 4 metals.
US09493585B2 Polymeric bead composition comprising polymerized phosphorous-containing acid monomer
The present invention is a polymeric bead composition. More particularly the present invention is directed to a new polymeric bead composition formed by suspension polymerization processes from a phosphorous acid containing monomers.
US09493578B2 Compositions and methods for simultaneous bivalent and monovalent co-engagement of antigens
Immunoglobulin compositions that simultaneously co-engage antigens, where one of the antigens is bound bivalently and the other antigen is bound monovalently. The novel immunoglobulins described preferably utilize heterodimeric Fc regions.
US09493575B2 Methods for manipulating phagocytosis mediated by CD47
Methods are provided to manipulate phagocytosis of cancer cells, including e.g. leukemias, solid tumors including carcinomas, etc.
US09493572B2 GITR antibodies and methods of inducing or enhancing an immune response
The present invention provides binding molecules that specifically bind to GITR, e.g., human GITR (hGITR), on T cells and dendritic cells. Binding molecules of the invention are characterized by binding to hGITR with high affinity, in the presence of a stimulating agent, e.g., CD3, are agonistic, and abrogate the suppression of Teff cells by Treg cells. Various aspects of the invention relate to binding molecules, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, as well as nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors and host cells for making such binding molecules. Methods of using a binding molecule of the invention to detect human GITR or to modulate human GITR activity, either in vitro or in vivo, are also encompassed by the invention.
US09493566B2 Antibodies to integrin AVB6 and use of same to treat cancer
The invention provides antibodies that specifically bind to integrin αvβ6. The antibodies are useful for treatment and diagnoses of various cancers as well as detecting αvβ6.
US09493559B2 Bacterial host strain expressing recombinant DsbC and having reduced Tsp activity
The present invention provides a recombinant gram-negative bacterial cell, characterized in that the cell comprises a recombinant polynucleotide encoding DsbC and has reduced Tsp protein activity compared to a wild-type cell.
US09493558B2 Bacterial host strain comprising a mutant SPR gene and a wild-type TSP gene
The present invention provides a recombinant gram-negative bacterial cell comprising a mutant spr gene encoding a mutant spr protein and wherein the cell comprises a non-recombinant wild-type chromosomal Tsp gene.
US09493553B2 Anti-alpha-synuclein antibodies and methods of use
Provided herein are anti-human alpha-synuclein antibodies, including, for example, antibodies that bind to human alpha-synuclein which has a free N-terminal methionine residue, and methods of using the same.
US09493536B2 Growth hormone receptor antagonists
We disclose growth hormone fusion proteins that have increased in vivo stability and activity; nucleic acid molecules encoding said proteins and methods of treatment of growth hormone related diseases that would benefit from growth hormone agonists or antagonists.
US09493533B2 IL-15 mutants having antagonist activity
The present invention relates to the identification of an epitope in human Interleukin-15 (IL-15) that is responsible for binding to the interleukin-15 receptor α-chain. Two IL-15 regions are involved in the formation of this epitope: the first region (44LLELQVISL52, peptide 1) corresponds to a sequence located in the B helix and the second (64ENLII68, peptide 2 or 64ENLIIL69, peptide 2a) to a sequence located in helix C. Muteins displaying agonist or antagonist properties are described, and may be useful as therapeutic agents.
US09493532B2 Compositions for cancer therapy using mutant light molecules with increased affinity to receptors
Methods and compositions are disclosed to target tumor cells with embodiments of the LIGHT proteins linked fused or conjugated to a targeting agent. These compositions bind to both human and mouse receptors with affinity sufficient to conduct preclinical and clinical trials, and with increased affinity as compared to the wild type human LIGHT protein. The targeting of embodiments of LIGHT to tumor cells reduces tumor growth and reduces metastases.
US09493530B2 FGF21 mutants comprising a mutation at position 98, 171 and/or 180
The invention provides nucleic acid molecules encoding FGF21 mutant polypeptides, FGF21 mutant polypeptides, pharmaceutical compositions comprising FGF21 mutant polypeptides, and methods for treating metabolic disorders using such nucleic acids, polypeptides, or pharmaceutical compositions. In some embodiments, the FGF21 mutant polypeptide comprises a substitution at position 98, 171 and/or 180.
US09493518B2 Compositions and methods for treating clostridium difficile-associated diseases
Described herein are isolated polypeptides each containing one or more receptor-binding sites of toxin A (tcdA) of Clostridium difficile (Cd), nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides, and methods of using the polypeptides and nucleic acids.
US09493515B2 Bacteriophage gene 3 protein compositions and use as amyloid binding agents
The invention relates to agents and to pharmaceutical compositions for reducing the formation of amyloid and/or for promoting the disaggregation of amyloid proteins. The compositions may also be used to detect amyloid.
US09493513B2 Polypeptides and their use
The present invention provides polypeptides that bind to inorganic solid surfaces, structures comprising such polypeptides, and methods of making such structures.
US09493508B2 Polypeptide inhibitors of HSP27 kinase and uses therefor
The present invention provides polypeptide inhibitors of HSP27 kinase, compositions thereof, and methods for using such polypeptides and compositions for various therapeutic uses.
US09493504B2 Radioconjugation method
The present invention relates to the field of radiopharmaceuticals for in vivo imaging, in particular to a method of labelling a biological targeting molecule with a radioisotope. The method of the invention is particularly suitable for use with an automated synthesizer apparatus. Also provided are precursors in sterile form, as well as cassettes comprising such precursors useful in the method.
US09493499B2 Process for the production of purified cytidinemonophosphate-sialic acid-polyalkylene oxide (CMP-SA-PEG) as modified nucleotide sugars via anion exchange chromatography
The current invention provides methods (e.g., large-scale processes) for the production of nucleotide sugars, which are modified with a polymeric modifying group, such as poly(alkylene oxide) moieties (e.g., poly(ethylene glycol) or poly(propylene glycol)) moieties. A typical process of the invention includes anion exchange chromatography followed by an ultrafiltration procedure, such as tangential flow filtration. The process of the invention provides modified nucleotide sugars in unexpectedly high purity and high overall yields.
US09493494B2 Phosphinine oxide derivative and preparation method thereof
Provided are a novel phosphinine oxide derivative and a preparation method thereof, and more specifically, the phosphinine oxide derivative includes an oxaphosphinine oxide derivative and an azaphosphinine oxide derivative.The phosphinine oxide derivative according to the present invention may have a pharmacological activity and a physiological activity, and may be used as a basic framework of a natural product and may be used for development of new drug and synthesis of various medical supplies.In addition, according to the preparation method of the phosphinine oxide derivative according to the present invention, various phosphinine oxide derivatives with a high yield may be prepared by a simple synthesis process using an intramolecular annulation between a phosphinic derivative and an alkyne derivative in the presence of a rhodium (Rh) catalyst or a ruthenium (Ru) catalyst and an oxidant.