US09209396B2
Provision of fabrication, construction, and/or assembly of a two-terminal memory device is described herein. The two-terminal memory device can include an active region with a silicon bearing layer, an interface layer, and an active metal layer. The interface layer can be grown on the silicon bearing layer, and the growth of the interface layer can be regulated with N2O plasma.
US09209395B2
A variable resistance memory array, programming a variable resistance memory element and methods of forming the array. A variable resistance memory array is formed with a plurality of word line transistors surrounding each phase change memory element. To program a selected variable resistance memory element, all of the bitlines are grounded or biased at the same voltage. A top electrode select line that is in contact with the selected variable resistance memory element is selected. The word line having the word line transistors surrounding the selected variable resistance memory element are turned on to supply programming current to the element. Current flows from the selected top electrode select line through the variable resistance memory element into the common source/drain region of the surrounding word line transistors, across the transistors to the nearest bitline contacts. The word lines are patterned in various lattice configurations.
US09209394B2
According to one embodiment, a resistance change element includes: a first electrode; a second electrode; and a resistance change film provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the resistance change film including: a first transition metal oxide-containing layer; a second transition metal oxide-containing layer; and an intermediate layer provided between the first transition metal oxide-containing layer and the second transition metal oxide-containing layer, the intermediate layer having a higher crystallization temperature than the first transition metal oxide-containing layer and the second transition metal oxide-containing layer, and the intermediate layer including an amorphous material.
US09209393B2
Memory arrays and associated methods of manufacturing are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a memory array includes an access line extending along a first direction and a first contact line and a second contact line extending along a second direction different from the first direction. The first and second contact lines are generally parallel to each other. The memory array also includes a memory node that includes a first memory cell electrically connected between the access line and the first contact line to form a first circuit, and a second memory cell electrically connected between the access line and the second contact line to form a second circuit different from the first circuit.
US09209385B2
An integrated magnetic sensor formed by a semiconductor chip having a surface and accommodating a magnetic via and a sensing coil. The magnetic via is formed by a cylindrical layer of ferromagnetic material that extends perpendicular to the surface of the first chip and has in cross-section an annular shape of a circular or elliptical or curvilinear type. The sensing coil surrounds the magnetic via at a distance and is connected to an electronic circuit.
US09209376B2
The invention relates to a thermoelectric device, comprising a first circuit (1), called hot circuit, through which a first fluid can flow, and, a second circuit (2), called cold circuit, through which a second fluid can flow at a temperature lower than that of the first fluid, and elements (3p, 3n), called thermoelectric elements, that can be used to generate an electric current in the presence of a temperature gradient. According to the invention, it comprises fins (5f) in a heat exchange relationship with said hot circuit (1) and/or said cold circuit (2), the thermoelectric elements (3p, 3n) being in contact at least with said fins (5f), said fins having tracks (32) for conducting the current generated by said thermoelectric elements.
US09209368B2
An optoelectronic semi-conductor component includes an optoelectronic semi-conductor chip embedded into an electrically-insulating shaped body that has an upper face and a lower face. In the shaped body, an electrical via is also embedded which forms an electrically-conductive connection between the upper face and the lower face of the shaped body. On the upper face of the shaped body, a reflective layer is arranged which forms an electrically-conductive connection between an electrical semi-conductor chip contact and the via. The reflective layer covers at least 50% of the upper face of the shaped body.
US09209366B2
The invention relates to an organic optoelectronic device which is protected from ambient air by a sealed encapsulation structure of the type including at least one thin layer. The device includes a substrate; at least one light-emitting unit deposited on the substrate, incorporating internal electrodes and external electrodes defining an active zone and, between the electrodes, a stack of organic films; and a sealed encapsulation structure having one or more thin layers including at least one inorganic layer placed on top of the light-emitting unit and encasing same laterally. The device also includes a pre-encapsulation structure located between the external electrode and the encapsulation structure and which includes a buffer layer covering the external electrode and contains a heterocyclic organometallic complex having a glass transition temperature above 80° C., and a barrier layer covering the buffer layer and contains a silicon oxide SiOx, wherein x is 0
US09209360B2
A vertical topology light emitting device comprises a metal support structure; an adhesion structure on the metal support structure, wherein the adhesion structure comprises a first adhesion layer and a second adhesion layer on the first adhesion layer; a metal layer on the adhesion structure, wherein the adhesion structure is thicker than the metal layer; a GaN-based semiconductor structure on the metal layer, wherein the GaN-based semiconductor structure has a thickness less than 5 micrometers; a multi-layered electrode structure on the GaN-based semiconductor structure; and a protective layer on a side surface and a top surface of the GaN-based semiconductor structure, wherein the protective layer is further disposed on the multi-layered electrode structure.
US09209344B2
The present invention provides a method of forming a doping region. A substrate is provided, and a poly-silicon layer is formed on the substrate. A silicon oxide layer is formed on the poly-silicon layer. An implant process is performed to form a doping region in the poly-silicon layer. The present invention further provides a method for forming a MOS.
US09209338B2
A light-emitting device having a through-hole cavity is disclosed. The optical device may contain a plurality of conductors, a light source die, a body and a transparent encapsulant material. The body may have a top surface and a bottom surface. A cavity is formed within the body extending from the bottom surface to the top surface and defining therein a bottom opening and a top opening, respectively. Optionally, the light-emitting device may comprise a lens. During manufacturing process, liquid or semi-liquid form transparent material is injected from the bottom surface into the cavity, encapsulating the light source die and forming a lens. The shape of the lens is defined by a mold aligned to the top opening of the body. In yet another embodiment, optical devices having a cavity or multiple cavities are disclosed. The optical devices may include a proximity sensor, an opto-coupler, an encoder and other similar sensors.
US09209334B2
A solar cell module includes an encapsulant and a solar cell in the encapsulant. The encapsulant includes a light-receiving side encapsulant at a light-receiving surface side of the solar cell, and a colored rear side encapsulant at a rear surface side of the solar cell. The rear side encapsulant contains an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. An interface between the rear side encapsulant and the light-receiving side encapsulant is in contact with a side surface of the solar cell. In a part of an area where no solar cell is provided, the rear side encapsulant bulges to the light-receiving surface side.
US09209333B2
Disclosed is a polyimide film prepared from an aromatic tetracarboxylic acid component and an aromatic diamine component, which has a dimensional change from 25° C. to 500° C. within a range of from −0.3% to +0.6% based on the initial dimension at 25° C. The polyimide film may be used as a substrate for a CIS solar cell.
US09209332B2
A solar cell element comprising a semiconductor substrate including a first surface to receive light, and a second surface provided on a back side of the first surface, a plurality of base collector electrodes provided on the second surface of the semiconductor substrate, a plurality of collector electrodes provided on the plurality of base collector electrodes, a connector electrode to electrically connect the collector electrodes adjacent to each other across a region between the plurality of base collector electrodes among the plurality of collector electrodes. A first extracting electrode provided between the plurality of base collector electrodes, and a second extracting electrode electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of collector electrodes.
US09209321B2
A solar cell includes: a passivating layer sequence having a plurality of island-like recesses from which the passivating layers have been completely removed; a thin first metal layer situated on the passivating layer sequence and situated in the recesses on the substrate surface; a thin dielectric cover layer covering the first metal layer which has a first regular arrangement of narrow line-type openings and a second regular arrangement of essentially wider line-type or extended island-type openings, the first and second opening arrangement being aligned at an angle; and a highly conductive second metal layer able to be soldered at the exposed surface in the openings of the first and second opening arrangement and contacts the first metal layer there.
US09209312B2
There are provided an oxide semiconductor material, capable of attaining stability of a threshold voltage (Vth) (threshold voltage shift amount ΔVth within a range of ±3 V in PDS and NBIS) and field-effect mobility of 5 cm2/Vs or more necessary for the operation of an OLED display device. An oxide semiconductor target in which an oxide semiconductor material with one or more of oxides of W, Ta, and Hf of 5d transition metal added each by 0.07 to 3.8 at %, 0.5 to 4.7 at %, and 0.32 to 6.4 at % to a semiconductor material with Zn—Sn—O as a main ingredient is sintered; a semiconductor channel layer formed by using the target, and an oxide semiconductor material for TFT protective film, as well as a semiconductor device having the same.
US09209311B2
According to one embodiment, a thin film transistor includes a gate electrode, a semiconductor layer, a gate insulating film, and a source electrode and a drain electrode. The semiconductor layer includes an oxide including at least one of gallium and zinc, and indium. The gate insulating film is provided between the gate electrode and the semiconductor layer. The source electrode and a drain electrode are electrically connected to the semiconductor layer and spaced from each other. The semiconductor layer includes a plurality of fine crystallites dispersed three-dimensionally in the semiconductor layer and has periodicity in arrangement of atoms.
US09209299B2
A transistor and a fabrication method are provided. In an exemplary transistor, a gate structure is formed on a surface of the substrate. A first doped region is formed in the substrate on both sides of the gate structure. An opening is formed in the first doped region. A stress layer is formed in the opening of the first doped region on the both sides of the gate structure. The stress layer has a thickness in the substrate less than a depth of the first doped region. The first doped region has a bottom in the substrate surrounding a bottom of the stress layer. The stress layer further contains a second doped region. The second doped region and the first doped region form a source region or a drain region.
US09209297B2
A high voltage trench MOS and its integration with low voltage integrated circuits. Embodiments include forming a first trench in a substrate, the first trench having a first width; forming a first oxide layer on side surfaces of the first trench; forming a second trench in the substrate, below the first trench, the second trench having a second width less than the first width; forming a second oxide layer on side and bottom surfaces of the second trench; forming spacers on sides of the first and second trenches; removing a portion of the second oxide layer from the bottom surface of the second trench between the spacers; filling the first and second trenches with a first poly-silicon to form a drain region; removing the spacers, exposing side surfaces of the first poly-silicon; forming a third oxide layer on the side surfaces and a top surface of the first poly-silicon; and filling a remainder of the first and second trenches with a second poly-silicon to form a gate region on each side of the drain region.
US09209293B2
Provided is an integrated device having a MOSFET cell array embedded with a junction barrier Schottky (JBS) diode. The integrated device comprises a plurality of areas, each of which includes a plurality of MOS transistor cells and at least one JBS diode. Any two adjacent MOS transistor cells are separated by a separating line. A first MOS transistor cell and a second MOS transistor cell are adjacent in a first direction and separated by a first separating line, and the first transistor cell and a third MOS transistor cell are adjacent in a second direction and separated by a second separating line. The JBS diode is disposed at an intersection region between the first separating line and the second separating line. The JBS diode is connected in anti-parallel to the first, second and third MOS transistor cells.
US09209290B2
III-N transistors with recessed gates. An epitaxial stack includes a doped III-N source/drain layer and a III-N etch stop layer disposed between a the source/drain layer and a III-N channel layer. An etch process, e.g., utilizing photochemical oxidation, selectively etches the source/drain layer over the etch stop layer. A gate electrode is disposed over the etch stop layer to form a recessed-gate III-N HEMT. At least a portion of the etch stop layer may be oxidized with a gate electrode over the oxidized etch stop layer for a recessed gate III-N MOS-HEMT including a III-N oxide. A high-k dielectric may be formed over the oxidized etch stop layer with a gate electrode over the high-k dielectric to form a recessed gate III-N MOS-HEMT having a composite gate dielectric stack.
US09209288B2
An embodiment includes a heterojunction tunneling field effect transistor including a source, a channel, and a drain; wherein (a) the channel includes a major axis, corresponding to channel length, and a minor axis that corresponds to channel width and is orthogonal to the major axis; (b) the channel length is less than 10 nm long; (c) the source is doped with a first polarity and has a first conduction band; (d) the drain is doped with a second polarity, which is opposite the first polarity, and the drain has a second conduction band with higher energy than the first conduction band. Other embodiments are described herein.
US09209281B2
A method of manufacturing a device comprises depositing one or more metallization layers to a substrate, locally heating an area of the one or more metallization layers to obtain a substrate/metallization-layer compound or a metallization-layer compound, the compound comprising an etch-selectivity toward an etching medium which is different to that of the one or more metallization layers outside the area, and removing the one or more metallization layers in the area or outside the area, depending on the etching selectivity in the area or outside the area, by etching with the etching medium to form the device.
US09209279B1
Methods and apparatus for forming FinFET structures are provided. Selective etching and deposition processes described herein may provide for FinFET manufacturing without the utilization of multiple patterning processes. Embodiments described herein also provide for fin material manufacturing methods for transitioning from silicon to III-V materials while maintaining acceptable crystal lattice orientations of the various materials utilized. Further embodiments provide etching apparatus which may be utilized to perform the methods described herein.
US09209277B2
Fabrication processes for semiconductor devices are presented here. The device includes a support substrate, a buried oxide layer overlying the support substrate, a first semiconductor region located above the buried oxide layer and having a first conductivity type. The device also includes second, third, fourth, and fifth semiconductor regions. The second semiconductor region is located above the first semiconductor region, and it has a second conductivity type. The third semiconductor region is located above the second semiconductor region, and it has the first conductivity type. The fourth semiconductor region is located above the third semiconductor region, and it has the second conductivity type. The fifth semiconductor region extends through the fourth semiconductor region and the third semiconductor region to the second semiconductor region, and it has the second conductivity type.
US09209275B1
Integrated circuits and methods for producing the same are provided. A method for producing an integrated circuit includes removing a central plug from between a first memory cell and a second memory cell to define a center gap. Each of the first and second memory cells include a control gate with a control gate height, a cap overlying the control gate, a select gate adjacent to the control gate, and a select gate dielectric between the control gate and the select gate. The select gate is recessed to a select gate height while the cap overlies the control gate, where the select gate height is less than the control gate height. A memory spacer is formed overlying the select gate dielectric and adjacent to the control gate.
US09209268B2
The present disclosure is related to semiconductor technologies and discloses a semiconductor device and its method of making. In the present disclosure, a transistor's source and drain are led out by concurrently formed metal-semiconductor compound contact regions at the source and drain and metal-semiconductor compounds in vias formed at positions corresponding to the source and drain. Because the metal-semiconductor compound has relatively low resistivity, the resistance of the metal-semiconductor compounds in the vias can be minimized. Also, because the material used to fill the vias and the material forming the source/drain contact regions are both metal-semiconductor compound, contact resistance between the material filling the vias and the metal-semiconductor compound source/drain contact regions can be minimized. Furthermore, because the material filling the vias is metal-semiconductor compound, the conducting material in the vias and dielectric material in the insulator layer can form good interface and have good adhesion properties, and the conducting material would not cause structural damage in the dielectric material. Thus, there is no need to form a barrier layer between the insulator layer and the material filling the vias.
US09209266B2
Disclosed is a manufacturing method of a high electron mobility transistor. The method includes: forming a source electrode and a drain electrode on a substrate; forming a first insulating film having a first opening on an entire surface of the substrate, the first opening exposing a part of the substrate; forming a second insulating film having a second opening within the first opening, the second opening exposing a part of the substrate; forming a third insulating film having a third opening within the second opening, the third opening exposing a part of the substrate; etching a part of the first insulating film, the second insulating film and the third insulating film so as to expose the source electrode and the drain electrode; and forming a T-gate electrode on a support structure including the first insulating film, the second insulating film and the third insulating film.
US09209264B2
Disclosed is a heterojunction bipolar transistor (“HBT”) including an intrinsic base in a SiGe layer. The HBT has a raised germanium extrinsic base over the SiGe layer. A base contact is situated over and contacting the raised germanium extrinsic base. An emitter is situated over the intrinsic base, and a collector is situated under the intrinsic base. The raised germanium extrinsic base has a reduced parasitic base-collector capacitance. The raised germanium extrinsic base is situated between a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer. Spacers are situated adjacent the second dielectric layer. The first dielectric layer can be a nitride based dielectric, the second dielectric layer can be an oxide based dielectric, and the spacers can be a nitride based dielectric.
US09209258B2
An improved method for fabricating a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes: depositing a dielectric layer on a substrate; depositing a first cap layer on the dielectric layer; depositing an etch stop layer on the dielectric layer; and depositing a dummy cap layer on the etch stop layer to form a partial gate structure. Also provided is a partially formed semiconductor device. The partially formed semiconductor device includes: a substrate; a dielectric layer on the substrate; a first cap layer on the dielectric layer; an etch stop layer on the dielectric layer; and a dummy cap layer on the etch stop layer forming a partial gate structure.
US09209257B2
An oxide sintered body includes indium oxide and gallium solid-solved therein, the oxide sintered body having an atomic ratio “Ga/(Ga+In)” of 0.001 to 0.12, containing indium and gallium in an amount of 80 atom % or more based on total metal atoms, and having an In2O3 bixbyite structure.
US09209256B2
To provide a semiconductor device which has transistor characteristics with little variation and includes an oxide semiconductor. The semiconductor device includes an insulating film over a conductive film and an oxide semiconductor film over the insulating film. The oxide semiconductor film includes a first oxide semiconductor layer, a second oxide semiconductor layer over the first oxide semiconductor layer, and a third oxide semiconductor layer over the second oxide semiconductor layer. The energy level of a bottom of a conduction band of the second oxide semiconductor layer is lower than those of the first and third oxide semiconductor layers. An end portion of the second oxide semiconductor layer is positioned on an inner side than an end portion of the first oxide semiconductor layer.
US09209252B2
Systems and methods are provided for generating a semiconductor device on a single semiconductor substrate. A single semiconductor substrate is generated that includes a Silicon material portion and a Germanium material portion. A first set of source/drain contacts is formed from a first metal on the Silicon material portion. The first set of source/drain contacts is annealed with the Silicon material portion at a first temperature. A second set of source/drain contacts is formed from a second metal on the Germanium material portion after heating the semiconductor substrate to the first temperature, and the second set of source/drain contacts is annealed with the Germanium material portion at a second temperature, where the second temperature is less than the first temperature.
US09209250B2
Provided are high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs), methods of manufacturing the HEMTs, and electronic devices including the HEMTs. An HEMT may include an impurity containing layer, a partial region of which is selectively activated. The activated region of the impurity containing layer may be used as a depletion forming element. Non-activated regions may be disposed at opposite side of the activated region in the impurity containing layer. A hydrogen content of the activated region may be lower than the hydrogen content of the non-activated region. In another example embodiment, an HEMT may include a depletion forming element that includes a plurality of regions, and properties (e.g., doping concentrations) of the plurality of regions may be changed in a horizontal direction.
US09209247B2
An embodiment vertical wrapped-around structure and method of making. An embodiment method of making a self-aligned vertical structure-all-around device including forming a spacer around an exposed portion of a semiconductor column projecting from a structure layer, forming a photoresist over a protected portion of the structure layer and a first portion of the spacer, etching away an unprotected portion of the structure layer disposed outside a periphery collectively defined by the spacer and the photoresist to form a structure having a footer portion and a non-footer portion, the non-footer portion and the footer portion collectively encircling the semiconductor column, and removing the photoresist and the spacer.
US09209246B2
A gated microelectronic device is provided that has a source with a source ohmic contact with the source characterized by a source dopant type and concentration. A drain with a drain ohmic contact with the drain characterized by a drain dopant type and concentration. An intermediate channel portion characterized by a channel portion dopant type and concentration. An insulative dielectric is in contact with the channel portion and overlaid in turn by a gate. A gate contact applies a gate voltage bias to control charge carrier accumulation and depletion in the underlying channel portion. This channel portion has a dimension normal to the gate which is fully depleted in the off-state. The dopant type is the same across the source, drain and the channel portion of the device. The device on-state current is determined by the doping and, unlike a MOSFET, is not directly proportional to device capacitance.
US09209244B2
Provided is a semiconductor device that includes first and second isolation patterns disposed on a substrate. Alternately stacked interlayer insulating patterns and a conductive patterns are disposed on a surface of the substrate between the first and second isolation patterns. A support pattern penetrates the conductive patterns and the interlayer insulating patterns and has a smaller width than the first and second isolation patterns. First and second vertical structures are disposed between the first isolation and the support pattern and penetrate the conductive patterns and the interlayer insulating patterns. A second vertical structure is disposed between the second isolation pattern and the support pattern and penetrates the conductive patterns and the interlayer insulating patterns. A distance between top and bottom surfaces of the support pattern is greater than a distance between a bottom surface of the support pattern and the surface of the substrate.
US09209243B2
Embodiments of the disclosure include a shallow trench isolation (STI) structure and a method of forming the same. A trench is formed in a substrate. A silicon oxide and a silicon liner layer are formed on sidewalls and a bottom surface of the trench. A flowable silicon oxide material fills in the trench, is cured, and then is partially removed. Another silicon oxide is deposited in the trench to fill the trench. The STI structure in a fabricated device includes a bottom portion having silicon oxide and a top portion having additionally a silicon oxide liner and a silicon liner on the sidewalls.
US09209242B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor die having an outer edge and an active area defining a main horizontal surface and being spaced apart from the outer edge. The semiconductor device further includes an edge termination structure having a closed vertical trench surrounding the active area. The edge termination structure further includes at least one vertical trench arranged, in a horizontal cross-section, between the closed vertical trench and the active area. The at least one vertical trench includes an insulated side wall forming an acute angle with the outer edge.
US09209238B2
Methods and systems for improved matching of on-chip capacitors may comprise a semiconductor die with an on-chip capacitor comprising one or more metal layers. The on-chip capacitor may comprise interdigitated electrically coupled metal fingers. The electrically coupled metal fingers may be arranged symmetrically in the semiconductor die to compensate for non-uniformities in the one or more metal layers. The metal fingers may be arranged with radial symmetry. Metal fingers in a first metal layer may be electrically coupled to metal fingers in a second metal layer. An orientation of metal fingers may be alternated when coupling metal fingers in a plurality of metal layers. The metal fingers may be coupled at the center or the outer edge of the on-chip capacitor. The on-chip capacitor may be configured in a plurality of symmetric sections wherein a boundary between each of the plurality of sections is configured in a zig-zag pattern.
US09209234B2
An organic light-emitting display apparatus whose defect rate is significantly decreased in a manufacturing procedure includes a substrate having a first sub-pixel region, a second sub-pixel region, and a third sub-pixel region; and a planarization layer covering the first sub-pixel region, the second sub-pixel region, and the third sub-pixel region, such that a distance between the substrate and a top surface of the planarization layer at the center of the first sub-pixel region is greater than a distance between the substrate and the top surface of the planarization layer at the center of the second sub-pixel region or a distance between the substrate and the top surface of the planarization layer at the center of the third sub-pixel region. A method of manufacturing the organic light-emitting display apparatus is also disclosed.
US09209233B2
A method for manufacturing a display, the method including the steps of: disposing a substrate over which a plurality of lower electrodes and a plurality of auxiliary electrodes are formed and a donor film over which a light-emitting functional layer is formed so that the light-emitting functional layer contacts with the lower electrodes and does not contact with the auxiliary electrodes; irradiating the donor film with an energy beam to selectively transfer the light-emitting functional layer onto the lower electrodes; and forming an upper electrode that covers the light-emitting functional layer and the auxiliary electrodes.
US09209220B2
The first face of the pad is situated between the front-side face of the second semiconductor substrate and a hypothetical plane including and being parallel to the front-side face, and a second face of the pad that is a face on the opposite side of the first face is situated between the first face and the front-side face of the second semiconductor substrate, and wherein the second face is connected to the wiring structure so that the pad is electrically connected to the circuit arranged in the front-side face of the second semiconductor substrate via the wiring structure.
US09209215B2
In a photoelectric conversion apparatus including a charge holding portion, a part of an element isolation region contacting with a semiconductor region constituting the charge holding portion extends from a reference surface including the light receiving surface of a photoelectric conversion element into a semiconductor substrate at a level equal to or deeper than the depth of the semiconductor region in comparison with the semiconductor region.
US09209192B2
A semiconductor device includes the following elements. An element isolation portion separates first and second diffusion regions in a semiconductor substrate each other. A first insulating film is formed over the element isolation portion and the first and second diffusion regions. First and second contact plugs are formed over the first and second diffusion regions, respectively. The first and second contact plugs penetrate the first insulating film. A first conductive layer is formed over the first insulating film over the element isolation portion. A second insulating film is formed over the first conductive layer. A third contact plug penetrates the second insulating film, the third contact plug connecting the first contact plug. A second conductive layer is formed over the second insulating film contacting the third contact plug. The first and second conductive layers partly overlap the element isolation portion.
US09209183B2
The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a first doped region and a second doped region both formed in a substrate. The first and second doped regions are oppositely doped. The semiconductor device includes a first gate formed over the substrate. The first gate overlies a portion of the first doped region and a portion of the second doped region. The semiconductor device includes a second gate formed over the substrate. The second gate overlies a different portion of the second doped region. The semiconductor device includes a first voltage source that provides a first voltage to the second gate. The semiconductor device includes a second voltage source that provides a second voltage to the second doped region. The first and second voltages are different from each other.
US09209170B2
A device comprising an electrostatic discharge protection structure (8), an ion sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET) having a floating gate (5,6,7,9,10), and a sensing layer (12) located above the floating gate. The device is configured such that the electrical impedance from the sensing layer to the electrostatic discharge protection structure is less than the electrical impedance from the sensing layer to the floating gate. The device can be fabricated in a standard CMOS process.
US09209169B1
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor layer having an active region defined thereover, wherein the active region comprises a first sub-region and a second sub-region; a first doped region disposed in a portion of the semiconductor layer, extending across the first sub-region and the second sub-region; a high-voltage (HV) semiconductor element disposed over the semiconductor layer in the first sub-region, wherein the HV semiconductor element comprises a portion of the first doped region formed in the semiconductor layer in the first-sub region of the active region; and an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection element disposed over the semiconductor layer in the second sub-region, wherein the ESD protection element comprises the other portion of the doped region formed in the semiconductor layer in the second sub-region of the active region.
US09209164B2
A package structure including: a first semiconductor device including a first semiconductor substrate and a first electronic device, the first semiconductor device having a first side and a second side, wherein at least part of the first electronic device being adjacent to the first side, and the first semiconductor device has a via-hole formed through the first semiconductor device, wherein the via-hole has a first opening adjacent to the first side; an interconnection structure disposed in the first semiconductor device, wherein the interconnection structure includes: a via structure disposed in the via-hole without exceeding the first opening; a first pad disposed on the first side of the first semiconductor device and covering the via-hole; and a second semiconductor device vertically integrated with the first semiconductor device.
US09209161B2
The stacked package includes: a substrate having an upper surface formed with connection pads, a lower surface, and four side surfaces; a first semiconductor chip mounted over the upper surface of the substrate; a first adhesive member that covers a portion of the substrate including the first semiconductor chip; and a second semiconductor chip formed with bumps on edges of a first surface and mounted over the substrate with interposition of the first semiconductor chip and the first adhesive member such that a center of the first surface is attached over the first adhesive member and the bumps are bonded onto the connection pads, with a second surface opposing to the first surface being polished evenly.
US09209147B1
A method of forming a pillar bump includes feeding a bond wire in a capillary. The capillary has a hole portion and a chamfer section arranged downstream of the hole portion. The hole portion has a length along a feed direction of the bond wire that is greater than a maximum diameter of the hole portion. The method further includes performing an electric flame off (EFO) on a free end of the bond wire extending from the chamfer section to form a free air ball (FAB), tensioning the bond wire and applying a vacuum to the capillary to withdraw a portion of the FAB back into the capillary to substantially fill the hole portion for forming a tower, attaching the FAB to a bonding site, and at least partially removing the capillary from the bonding site and breaking the bond wire above the tower.
US09209143B2
An apparatus comprises a first integrated circuit (IC) die that includes a top layer, a bottom surface, a sidewall surface extending from a top surface of the top layer to the bottom surface, and at least one multi-surface contact pad, a second IC die including a top layer, a bottom surface, a sidewall surface extending from a top surface of the top layer to the bottom surface, and at least one multi-surface contact pad, wherein the second IC die is arranged adjacent to the first IC die, and includes an electrically conductive bond in contact with at least one of the top surface or the side surface of the multi-surface contact pad of the first IC die and the top surface of the multi-surface contact pad of the second IC die.
US09209141B2
Package assemblies including a die stack and related methods of use. The package assembly includes a substrate with a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface bordering a through-hole extending from the first surface to the second surface. The assembly further includes a die stack, a conductive layer, and a lid. The die stack includes a chip positioned inside the through-hole in the substrate. A section of the conductive layer is disposed on the third surface of the substrate. A portion of the lid is disposed between the first chip and the section of the conductive layer. The conductive layer is configured to be coupled with power, and the lid is configured to be coupled with ground. The portion of the lid may act as a first plate of a capacitor, and the section of the conductive layer may act as a second plate of the capacitor.
US09209139B2
A security wrap (20) for protecting an electronic component (16) having a bonding surface includes a substrate (22) having a first side and a second side opposite to each other. A first security screen (26) is disposed over the first side of the substrate (22) and includes a first pair of screen terminals (48) and a first conductive track (46) between the first pair of screen terminals (48). A second security screen (26) includes a second pair of screen terminals (48) and a second conductive track (46) between the second pair of screen terminals (48) and overlaying the first conductive track (46) on the first security screen (26). A layer of adhesive (30) is over a side of the second security screen (26) remote from the substrate (22) and bonds the second security screen (22) to the bonding surface of the electronic component (16).
US09209137B2
A semiconductor circuit design includes an outer seal-ring and an inner seal-ring for each sub-section of the design that may potentially be cut into separate die. The use of multiple seal-rings permits a single circuit design and fabrication run to be used to support flexibly packaging different product releases having different numbers of integrated circuit blocks per packaged unit.
US09209135B2
A semiconductor device includes a recess defined in a dielectric layer, the recess having an upper sidewall portion extending to an upper corner of the recess and a lower sidewall portion below the upper sidewall portion. An interconnect structure is positioned in the recess. The interconnect structure includes a continuous liner layer having upper and lower layer portions positioned laterally adjacent to the upper and lower sidewall portions, respectively. The upper layer portion includes an alloy of a first transition metal and a second transition metal and the lower layer portion includes the second transition metal but not the first transition metal. The interconnect structure also includes a fill material substantially filling the recess, wherein the second transition metal has a higher wettability for the fill material than the alloy.
US09209123B2
Both enhancement of embeddability of a wiring groove and suppression of the generation of a coupling failure between a wiring and a coupling member are simultaneously achieved. In a cross-section perpendicular to a direction passing through the contact and a direction in which the second wiring extends, the center of the contact is more close to a first side surface of the second wiring than the center of the second wiring. In addition, when a region where the first side surface of the second wiring overlaps the contact in the direction in which the second wiring extends, is set to be an overlapping region, at least the lower part of the overlapping region has an inclination steeper than that of other portions of the side surface of the second wiring.
US09209116B1
A semiconductor device package includes a solid metal base with a top surface and an electrically conductive chip mounting area on the top surface. First and second pairs of conductive leads are attached to the base and extend away from one another in opposite directions. First and second amplifiers are attached to the top surface and are electrically connected to the first and second pairs of leads. The first pair is separated from the second pair by a horizontal gap between inner edge sides of the leads. A reference line in the horizontal gap that extends perpendicular to edges of the base divides the chip mounting area into first and second chip mounting sections. An area of the first chip mounting section is smaller than an area of the second chip mounting section. The first and second leads have a smaller width than the third and fourth leads.
US09209111B2
A semiconductor device includes first and second conductor patterns embedded in a first interlayer insulation film and a third conductor pattern embedded in a second interlayer insulation film, the third conductor pattern including a main part and an extension part, the extension part being electrically connected to the first conductor pattern by a first via-plug, the extension part having a branched pattern closer to the main part compared with the first conductor pattern, the branched pattern making a contact with the second conductor pattern via a second via-plug, each of the main part, extension part including the branched pattern, first via-plug and second via-plug forming a damascene structure.
US09209107B2
Provided is an electronic device whereby it is possible to suppress a decline in heat-dissipating properties. This liquid crystal display device (electronic device) (1) is provided with a semiconductor element (6a, 6b), a substrate (7) to which the semiconductor element is attached, and a chassis (5) disposed in opposition to the substrate and furnished with a rib (11, 12) that protrudes towards the semiconductor element side. The rib includes a contact part (11a, 12a) for contacting the semiconductor element. A pressing member (9) for inducing the semiconductor element into contact with the contact part is furnished at least at a position corresponding to the center part (7c) of the substrate.
US09209100B2
A housing for a device operated under at least one of a vacuum and a protective gas includes at least one housing interior space, at least one receiving region configured to receive at least one getter material, and a connection between the at least one housing interior space and the at least one receiving region. The connection includes a particle-impervious bond.
US09209095B2
In one aspect, a method of fabricating a bipolar transistor device on a wafer includes the following steps. Fin hardmasks are formed on the wafer. A dummy gate is formed on the wafer, over the fin hardmasks. The wafer is doped to form emitter and collector regions on both sides of the dummy gate. A dielectric filler layer is deposited onto the wafer and the dummy gate is removed selective to the dielectric filler layer so as to form a trench in the filler layer. Fins are patterned in the wafer using the fin hardmasks exposed within the trench, wherein the fins will serve as a base region of the bipolar transistor device. The fins are recessed in the base region. The base region is re-grown from an epitaxial SiGe, Ge or III-V semiconductor material. A contact is formed to the base region.
US09209087B2
A semiconductor device may include a substrate including an NMOS region and a PMOS region. A gate structure can include a gate pattern and a spacer pattern, where the gate structure is on the substrate. A first etching stop film can be on the substrate in the NMOS region and a second etching stop film can be on the substrate in the PMOS region. A contact hole can penetrate the first and second etching stop films and a contact plug can be in the contact hole. A thickness of the first etching stop film can be greater than a thickness of the second etching stop film. Related methods are also disclosed.
US09209083B2
A process for manufacturing low-profile and flexible integrated circuits includes manufacturing an integrated circuit on a wafer having a thickness larger than the desired thickness. After the integrated circuit is manufactured the integrated circuit may be released with a portion of the wafer leaving a remainder of the bulk portion of the wafer. A second integrated circuit may be manufactured on the remainder of the wafer and the process repeated to manufacture additional integrated circuits from a single wafer. The integrated circuits may be released from the wafer by etching vias through the integrated circuit and into the wafer. The via may be used to start an etch process inside the wafer that undercuts the integrated circuit separating the integrated circuit from the wafer.
US09209070B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device of one embodiment of the present invention includes: forming an insulation layer to be processed over a substrate; forming a first sacrificial layer in a first area over the substrate, the first sacrificial layer being patterned to form in the first area a functioning wiring connected to an element; forming a second sacrificial layer in a second area over the substrate, the second sacrificial layer being patterned to form in the second area a dummy wiring; forming a third sacrificial layer at a side wall of the first sacrificial layer and forming a fourth sacrificial layer at a side wall of the second sacrificial layer, the third sacrificial layer and the fourth sacrificial layer being separated; forming a concavity by etching the insulation layer to be processed using the third sacrificial layer and the fourth sacrificial layer as a mask; and filling a conductive material in the concavity.
US09209067B2
Provided are gap-fill methods. The methods comprise: (a) providing a semiconductor substrate having a relief image on a surface of the substrate, the relief image comprising a plurality of gaps to be filled; (b) applying a gap-fill composition over the relief image, wherein the gap-fill composition comprises a self-crosslinkable polymer and a solvent, wherein the self-crosslinkable polymer comprises a first unit comprising a polymerized backbone and a crosslinkable group pendant to the backbone; and (c) heating the gap-fill composition at a temperature to cause the polymer to self-crosslink. The methods find particular applicability in the manufacture of semiconductor devices for the filling of high aspect ratio gaps.
US09209064B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus for transferring a substrate. The apparatus includes a supporting member; an elevating and rotating member; a transferring unit; a first arm whose one end is supported by the elevating and rotating member to be rotatable; a second arm whose one end is supported by the transferring unit to be rotatable and whose the other end is supported by the other end of the first arm to be rotatable; and an arm driving part, installed on the first arm, which drives the other end of the second arm to pivot on the other end of the first arm to allow the first arm and the second arm to be folded or unfolded and thus removes the state of singularity by rotating the other end of the second arm based on the other end of the first arm.
US09209060B2
A mounting table structure includes a sheet, having thermal conductivity, provided between a focus ring and a base member; a pressing member having a pressing surface that presses the focus ring toward the base member and contact surfaces, facing downward, arranged at a predetermined interval in a circumferential direction thereof; and a supporting member that is connected to the base member and has first and second contact surfaces. Further, the first contact surfaces and the second contact surfaces are arranged at the predetermined interval in the circumferential direction such that the second and first contact surfaces are alternately arranged. Moreover, the first contact surfaces are located at a position different from that of the second contact surfaces in a height direction, and the contact surfaces of the pressing member are protruded at a distance larger than distances of the first and second contact surfaces in the height direction.
US09209054B2
A device manufacturing method and a device manufacturing apparatus in a single wafer processing system with wafers in 0.5 inch size. A large number of sealed-type unit process apparatuses are arranged to form a manufacturing line. The unit process apparatus is portable and processes a single process in the manufacturing process. When the number of a unit of manufacturing is more than the number of the unit process apparatuses, the unit process apparatuses are arranged as a flow shop system, corresponding to the order of processes for the device. When the number of the units is nearly equal to the number of processes, the apparatuses are arranged as a class shop system for classified arrangement at every major division of orders of processes. When the number of the units is far less than the number of processes, the apparatuses are arranged as a multicell shop system.
US09209048B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure include semiconductor packages and methods of forming the same. An embodiment is a method including mounting a die to a top surface of a substrate to form a device, encapsulating the die and top surface of the substrate in a mold compound, the mold compound having a first thickness over the die, and removing a portion, but not all, of the thickness of the mold compound over the die. The method further includes performing further processing on the device, and removing the remaining thickness of the mold compound over the die.
US09209047B1
This method of waferscale packaging produces finished integrated circuits (ICs) individually completely encapsulated with environmentally protective packaging material while still in the wafer format. Following conventional semiconductor fabrication of chips at the wafer level and prior to their separation, a first polymer is applied to the front surface of the wafer with allowance for contact holes. A carrier wafer is attached to the exposed polymer. The original substrate is removed and the devices are separated by cutting through the semiconductor layer and the first polymer. A second polymer is applied to cover the exposed backside of the devices and to fill the cut spaces between them, thereby sealing the remaining five surfaces of the chips. The second polymer layer may also include contact holes for access to the back side of the device chips. A second singulation cutting leaves the chips on the wafer prepared for a pick-and-place operation.
US09209045B2
An embodiment is a structure comprising a die having a pad on a surface and an encapsulant at least laterally encapsulating the die. The pad is exposed through the encapsulant. The structure further includes a first dielectric layer over the encapsulant and the die, a first conductive pattern over the first dielectric layer, and a second dielectric layer over the first conductive pattern and the first dielectric layer. The first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer have a first opening to the pad of the die. The structure further includes a second conductive pattern over the second dielectric layer and in the first opening. The second conductive pattern adjoins a sidewall of the first dielectric layer in the first opening and a sidewall of the second dielectric layer in the first opening.
US09209044B2
Provided are a metal-resin composite having excellent adhesive strength, a method for producing the same, a busbar, a module case, and a resinous connector part. The metal-resin composite comprises a metallic member 1 including a metal with a high melting point of 500° C. or more, a resin member 2 being integrated with the metallic member 1; and an alloy layer 3 including a metal with a low melting point lower than 500° C. The alloy layer 3 is arranged between the metallic member 1 and the resin member 2, and has average surface roughness thereof in the range from 5 nm or more to less than 1 μm at the interface between the alloy layer 3 and the resin member 2. Herein, a period of the unevenness formed on the interface of the alloy layer 3 is in the range from 5 nm or more to less than 1 μm.
US09209042B2
A compound semiconductor device includes a compound semiconductor laminated structure, a passivation film formed on the compound semiconductor laminated structure and having a through-hole, and a gate electrode formed on the passivation film so as to plug the through-hole. A grain boundary between different crystalline orientations is formed in the gate electrode, and a starting point of the grain boundary is located apart from the through-hole on a flat surface of the passivation film.
US09209040B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate and a trench isolation. The trench isolation is located in the semiconductor substrate, and includes a first cushion layer, a second cushion layer and an insulating filler. The first cushion layer is peripherally enclosed by the semiconductor substrate, the second cushion layer is peripherally enclosed by the first cushion layer, and insulating filler is peripherally enclosed by the second cushion layer. A method for fabricating the semiconductor device is also provided herein.
US09209038B2
Methods for fabricating integrated circuits and for forming masks for fabricating integrated circuits are provided. An exemplary method for fabricating an integrated circuit includes providing a patternable structure having first and second regions and including upper and lower mandrel layers. The method etches upper mandrels from the upper mandrel layer in the first and second regions. The method includes forming first upper spacer structures having a first width adjacent upper mandrels in the first region and forming second upper spacer structures having a second width not equal to the first width adjacent upper mandrels in the second region. The method etches the lower mandrel layer using the first and second upper spacer structures as an etch mask to form lower mandrels. Further, the method includes forming spacers adjacent the lower mandrels and etching a material using the spacers as an etch mask to form variably spaced features.
US09209031B2
A fabrication process is provided for a 3D stacked non-volatile memory device which provides a source contact to memory holes at a bottom of a stack. The stack includes alternating control gate layers and dielectric layers on a substrate, and memory holes are etched through the stack. The process avoids the need to etch through films at the bottom of the memory hole. Instead, a path is formed from the bottom of the memory hole to the top of the stack. The path includes a horizontal portion using a voided trench in a substrate dielectric, and a passageway etched in the stack. The memory films, a channel material and a dielectric material are deposited throughout the interior surfaces of the void and the memory holes concurrently. The path is filled with metal to form a continuous, low resistance conductive path.
US09209030B2
According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile memory includes the following structure. A first gate insulating film, a first floating gate, a second gate insulating film and a gate electrode are stacked on a semiconductor region between source and drain electrodes. A second floating gate is formed on a first side surface of the first floating gate. A first insulating film is formed between the first and second floating gates and has an air gap. A third floating gate is formed on a second side surface of the first floating gate on the opposite side of the first side surface. A second insulating film is formed between the first and third floating gates.
US09209027B1
A method includes implanting recombination center atoms via a first surface into a semiconductor body and causing the implanted recombination center atoms to diffuse in the semiconductor body in a first diffusion process.
US09209021B2
A first side surface of post of the first stripe is formed so that a plane which is most parallel to the first side surface among low-index planes of the growing Group III nitride semiconductor is a m-plane (10-10), and a first angle between the first lateral vector obtained by orthogonally projecting a normal vector of the first side surfaces to the main surface and a m-axis projected vector obtained by orthogonally projecting a normal vector of the m-plane of the growing semiconductor to the main surface is from 0.5° to 6°. A second side surface of post of the second stripe is formed so that a plane which is most parallel to the second side surface among low-index planes of the growing semiconductor is an a-plane (11-20), and a second angle between the second lateral vector and an a-axis projected vector of the a-plane is from 0° to 10°.
US09208996B2
An ion implantation apparatus includes a beamline device for transporting ions from an ion source to an implantation processing chamber. The implantation processing chamber includes a workpiece holder for mechanically scanning a workpiece with respect to a beam irradiation region. The beamline device may be operated under a first implantation setting configuration suitable for transport of a low energy/high current beam for high-dose implantation into the workpiece, or a second implantation setting configuration suitable for transport of a high energy/low current beam for low-dose implantation into the workpiece. A beam center trajectory being a reference in a beamline is equal from the ion source to the implantation processing chamber in the first implantation setting configuration and the second implantation setting configuration.
US09208991B1
An ion implantation apparatus includes a scanning unit scanning the ion beams in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the reference trajectory and a downstream electrode device disposed downstream of the scanning electrode device. The scanning electrode device includes a pair of scanning electrodes disposed to face each other in the horizontal direction with the reference trajectory interposed therebetween. The downstream electrode device includes an electrode body configured such that, with respect to an opening width in a vertical direction perpendicular to both the reference trajectory and the horizontal direction and/or an opening thickness in a direction along the reference trajectory, the opening width and/or the opening thickness in a central portion in which the reference trajectory is disposed is different from the opening width and/or the opening thickness in the vicinity of a position facing the downstream end of the scanning electrode.
US09208990B2
Provided is a phase plate for use in an electron microscope which lessens the problem of image information loss caused by interruption of an electron beam and ameliorates the problem of anisotropic potential distributions. This phase plate comprises openings (23) connected into a single opening, and multiple electrodes (11) arranged in the opening from the outer portion of the opening towards the center of the opening. The cross sections of the electrodes (11) are configured such that a voltage application layer (24) comprising a conductor or a semiconductor is covered by a shield layer comprising a conductor or a semiconductor with an intermediate insulating layer. By this means, this phase plate is capable of lessening electron beam interruption due to the electrodes (11), and of ameliorating the problem of anisotropic potential distributions.
US09208989B2
A charged particle lithography system for transferring a pattern onto the surface of a target, such as a wafer, comprising a charged particle source adapted for generating a diverging charged particle beam, a converging means for refracting said diverging charged particle beam, the converging means comprising a first electrode, and an aperture array element comprising a plurality of apertures, the aperture array element forming a second electrode, wherein the system is adapted for creating an electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode.
US09208984B2
A magnetron includes a cooling block having an annular continuous portion with opposite end portions opposed to each other, the cooling block being secured to an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical anode body, the cooling block having a coolant circulation pathway defined therein, a tightening member engageable with the opposite end portions of the cooling block to tighten the cooling block by reducing a distance between the opposite end portions of the cooling block, and a pair of pipe joints each connected to a portion of the cooling block adjacent to one of the opposite end portions so as to communicate with the coolant circulation pathway. The tightening member is disposed between connecting portions of the pair of pipe joints with the cooling block so as to extend in a direction inclined with respect to a plane including an annular direction of the cooling block.
US09208983B2
An ion generation method uses a direct current discharge ion source provided with an arc chamber formed of a high melting point material, and includes: generating ions by causing molecules of a source gas to collide with thermoelectrons in the arc chamber and producing plasma discharge; and causing radicals generated in generating ions to react with a liner provided to cover an inner wall of the arc chamber at least partially. The liner is formed of a material more reactive to radicals generated as the source gas is dissociated than the material of the arc chamber.
US09208977B2
A switch for polarity-independent multi-pole direct current operation includes at least two switching chambers. Each switching chamber includes a single circuit breaker with a stationary contact having a first contact region and a movable electrically conductive contact part having a second contact region. The stationary contact and movable contact part are configured to create a connection between the first and the second contact regions in the ON state and to disconnect the first and the second contact regions in the OFF state. Each chamber also includes two arc chutes for quenching an arc forming between the first and the second contact regions when switching to the OFF state. At least two magnets are configured to generate a magnetic field so as to exert a magnetic force on the arcs to divert each arc in a direction of an arc chute independent of the direction of current.
US09208975B2
There is provided a turn signal indicator device that drives a turn signal indicators provided on a vehicle based on on/off states of a switch, and includes an operation state discrimination part that discriminates between first turn signal indication for lane change of the vehicle and second turn signal indication for course change of the vehicle based on on/off signals supplied from the switch.
US09208971B2
An insert for a keyboard comprises a molded body that comprises a pair of opposing sides. Each of the opposing sides has a groove that extends along at least a portion of the respective side. Each groove is adapted to receive a leveling wire from a keycap.
US09208962B2
A circuit breaker includes a housing, a stationary pole member fixedly mounted in the housing, a moveable pole member shiftably mounted within the housing, and a drive shaft mounted to the housing and operatively connected to the moveable pole member. An inertia latch stop member is mounted to the housing adjacent the drive shaft and an inertia latch is operatively connected to the drive shaft. The inertia latch is configured and disposed to extend from the drive shaft and engage the inertia latch stop member in response to a change in direction of rotation of the drive shaft from an opening direction to a closing direction following a trip event.
US09208953B2
To provide a solid electrolytic capacitor capable of high performance, the capacitor including: an anode element having a dielectric film disposed on a surface thereof; a cathode element; and a solid electrolyte interposed between the anode element and the cathode element, the solid electrolyte being a conductive polymer having a first repeat unit (A) expressed by the following formula (1) and a second repeat unit (B) expressed by the following formula (2): where L is an arbitrarily replaceable alkylene or silyl group having 2 or 3 carbon atoms; and Rx and Ry are each arbitrarily replaceable alkyl groups having a linear or branched structure and having 1 to 14 carbon atoms, each being different from the other.
US09208952B2
A material for constituting an electric double layer capacity that is stable at high temperatures and can expect a high electric capacity is provided. Such a material is an electric double layer capacitor material which is used as a material for constituting solid electrolytes 13 and 17 for an electric double layer capacitor 1 and is composed of a metal-salen complex compound.
US09208951B2
A capacitor includes: dielectric layers including a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, and at least one intermediate dielectric layer laminated between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer; first interlayer electrode and second interlayer electrode arranged alternately with each other between at least two layers among the dielectric layers; a first external electrode disposed on lateral surfaces of the dielectric layers and coupled to the first interlayer electrode; and a second external electrode disposed on lateral surfaces of the dielectric layers and coupled to the second interlayer electrode, wherein the intermediate dielectric layer includes first internal electrodes coupled to the first interlayer electrode, arranged in a plane direction of the intermediate dielectric layer and spaced apart from each other, and second internal electrodes coupled to the second interlayer electrode, arranged alternately with the first internal electrodes and spaced apart from the first internal electrodes.
US09208947B2
There is provided a multilayer ceramic capacitor, including a ceramic body including a plurality of dielectric layers stacked in a width direction and having upper and lower surface, first and second side surfaces, and first and second end surfaces, a first internal electrode formed on the dielectric layer and including a first lead part exposed to the upper and lower surfaces, a second internal electrode facing the first internal electrode, having at least one dielectric layer therebetween and having a second lead part exposed to the upper and lower surfaces, a first external electrode, a second external electrode, a first dummy pattern, and a second dummy pattern, wherein when a length of the ceramic body is B, a distance of the first lead part is C1, and a distance of the first dummy pattern is C3, 0.1≦(C1+C3)/B≦0.6 is satisfied.
US09208946B2
There is provided a multilayer ceramic electronic component including a ceramic body including a plurality dielectric layers stacked thereon, a plurality of internal electrodes formed to be exposed to both end surface of the ceramic body, having the dielectric layer interposed therebetween, and external electrodes formed on the end surfaces of the ceramic body and electrically connected to the internal electrodes, respectively, wherein connectivity of the internal electrode is equal to or greater than 87%.
US09208942B2
A structure for wireless communication having a plurality of conductor layers, an insulator layer separating each of the conductor layers, and at least one connector connecting two of the conductor layers wherein an electrical resistance is reduced when an electrical signal is induced in the resonator at a predetermined frequency.
US09208932B2
A magnetic powder comprises a first magnetic particle, one or more inorganic insulating particles and one or more second magnetic particles. The first magnetic particle is made of a soft magnetic metal. The first magnetic particle has a flat shape. The inorganic insulating particles are attached to the first magnetic particle. The inorganic insulating particles partially cover the first magnetic particle. Each of the second magnetic particles is made of a soft magnetic metal. Each of the second magnetic particles has a flat shape. The second magnetic particles are attached to the first magnetic particle via the inorganic insulating particles.
US09208920B2
A unitary graphene matrix composite comprising: (a) a unitary graphene matrix containing an oxygen content of 0.001% to 10% by weight, obtained from heat-treating a graphene oxide gel at a temperature higher than 100° C. and contains no discrete graphene platelets derived from the graphene oxide gel; (b) a carbon or graphite filler phase selected from carbon or graphite fiber, carbon or graphite nano-fiber, carbon nano-tube, carbon nano-rod, meso-phase carbon particle, meso-carbon micro-bead, exfoliated graphite flake with a thickness greater than 100 nm, exfoliated graphite or graphite worm, coke particle, needle coke, carbon black or acetylene black particle, activated carbon particle, or a combination thereof. The carbon or graphite filler phase is preferably in a particulate, filamentary, or rod-like form dispersed in and bonded by the unitary graphene matrix. This composite exhibits a combination of exceptional thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, surface hardness, and scratch resistance.
US09208919B2
Provided in one embodiment is a method of making an aerogel, comprising: (A) increasing a concentration of a suspension comprising a gel precursor under a condition that promotes formation of a gel, wherein the gel precursor comprises particulates having an asymmetric geometry; and (B) removing a liquid from the gel to form the aerogel, wherein the aerogel and the gel have substantially the same geometry. An aerogel comprising desirable properties are also provided.
US09208909B2
A retainer is placed on a conduit to control movement of objects within the conduit in access-restricted areas. Retainers can prevent or allow movement in the conduit in a discriminatory fashion. A fork with variable-spacing between prongs can be a retainer and be extended or collapsed with respect to the conduit to change the size of the conduit. Different objects of different sizes may thus react to the fork differently, some passing and some being blocked. Retainers can be installed in inaccessible areas and allow selective movement in remote portions of conduit where users cannot directly interface, including below nuclear reactors. Position detectors can monitor the movement of objects through the conduit remotely as well, permitting engagement of a desired level of restriction and object movement. Retainers are useable in a variety of nuclear power plants and with irradiation target delivery, harvesting, driving, and other remote handling or robotic systems.
US09208889B2
Non-volatile memory and methods of operating non-volatile memory reduce breakdown and leakage associated with bit line (BL) switch transistors. The BL switch transistors for a memory array are formed in a well that is electrically isolated from a well associated with the memory array. The well of the BL switch transistors may be biased independently of the memory array well. A negative voltage is applied to the BL switch transistor well during programming and reading that creates a negative body bias that may reduce field punch-through leakage of the BL switch transistors. A positive voltage is applied to the BL switch transistor well during erasing that may reduce junction breakdown of the BL switch transistors.
US09208886B2
A driving method of a nonvolatile memory device includes receiving a program command and an address. The method includes changing a number of adjacent zones of a plurality of zones formed of unselected word lines according to a location of a selected word line corresponding to the received address. The method further includes applying different zone voltages to the number of adjacent zones and remaining zones. The nonvolatile memory device includes a plurality of strings formed to penetrate word lines stacked on a substrate in a plate shape.
US09208883B2
Three-dimensional NAND stacked memory devices include a stack including alternating word line and dielectric layers and a plurality of NAND strings of memory cells formed in memory holes which extend through the layers. Each memory cell includes a control gate formed by one of the word line layers, and multiple selector devices, each selector device coupled to an end of a corresponding NAND string. The NAND strings are disposed above a substrate, and the selector devices are disposed in the substrate.
US09208882B2
A system including a read module and a detector module. The read module is configured to generate a plurality of read signals by reading a plurality of memory cells located along a bit line or a word line. The detector module is configured to detect a sequence of data stored in the plurality of memory cells based on (i) the plurality of read signals, and (ii) a plurality of reference signals associated with the plurality of memory cells. One of the plurality of reference signals associated with a first memory cell of the plurality of memory cells includes one of a first signal and a second signal. The first signal is free of interference from a second memory cell adjacent to the first memory cell along the bit line or the word line. The second signal accounts for interference from the second memory cell.
US09208878B2
A mechanism that provides a source of reliability concern is leveraged to establish a non-volatile memory element. A memory cell may be programmed to have a longer retention time or a shorter retention time. Such mechanisms include, but are not limited to, threshold voltage modulation by charge trapping in the gate dielectric of an access transistor of a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) cell. A memory cell is programmed with a voltage pulse into a long retention time mode or into a short retention time mode. The programmed mode of each memory cell may be read by storing electrical charges in the DRAM cells, and by measuring whether the electrical charges remain after a threshold retention time. Further, a dual mode memory cell may be operated as a conventional DRAM cell, or as a non-volatile memory storing retention time as data.
US09208876B1
Structures and methods for controlling operation of a programmable impedance element are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of programming/erasing the programmable impedance element can include: (i) receiving a program/erase command to be executed on the programmable impedance element; (ii) generating, in response to the program/erase command, a program/erase pulse for performing a program/erase operation on the programmable impedance element; (iii) generating a time delay from the program/erase pulse, where the time delay includes additional delay to allow for at least partial dissipation of one or more effects caused by the program/erase operation; and (iv) performing, after the time delay has elapsed, a verify operation to determine if the program/erase operation has successfully programmed/erased the programmable impedance element.
US09208874B2
A method is provided for driving a nonvolatile memory device. The method includes selecting first write drivers based on a predetermined current, performing a first program operation on resistive memory cells corresponding to the first write drivers, verifying whether the resistive memory cells have passed or failed in the first program operation and sorting information regarding failed bit memory cells that failed in the first program operation, selecting second write drivers based on the sorted failed bit memory cell information, and performing a second program operation on resistive memory cells corresponding to the second write drivers.
US09208873B2
Methods for reducing power consumption of a non-volatile storage system and reducing first read latency are described. The non-volatile storage system may include a cross-point memory array. In some embodiments, during a standby mode, the memory array may be biased such that both word lines and bit lines are set to ground. During transition of the memory array from the standby mode to a read mode, a selected word line comb may be set to a read voltage while the unselected word lines and the bit lines remain at ground. During the read mode, memory cells connected to the selected bit lines and the selected word line comb may be sensed while the selected bit lines are biased to a selected bit line voltage equal to or close to ground and the unselected bit lines are left floating after initially being set to ground.
US09208871B2
A method and apparatus are provided for implementing enhanced data read for multi-level cell (MLC) memory using threshold-voltage-drift or resistance-drift tolerant moving baseline memory data encoding. A data read back for data written to the MLC memory using threshold-voltage-drift or resistance-drift tolerant moving baseline memory data encoding is performed, higher voltage and lower voltage levels are compared, and respective data values are identified responsive to the compared higher voltage and lower voltage levels.
US09208865B2
According to one embodiment, a resistance-change memory includes a memory cell and a control circuit. The memory cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a variable resistance layer which is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The control circuit sets a current flowing through the memory cell to a first upper limit and applies a first voltage to the memory cell in a first write, and after the first write, the control circuit sets the current flowing through the memory cell to a second upper limit and applies a second voltage to the memory cell in a second write.
US09208856B2
A multiport SRAM has an array of cells, a first port, and a second port. During a period of different row addresses for the ports, the first port uses first word lines and first bit lines. The second port uses second word lines and second bit lines. In response to the second port switching to the same address as the first port to make a row match, the second port and the first port use the first plurality of word lines, but the first port uses the first plurality of bit lines and the second port uses the second plurality of bit lines. If the row match is removed by the first port changing row addresses, a correlation swap is performed so that the first port performs accesses using the second word lines and bit lines and the second port performs accesses using the first word lines and bit lines.
US09208852B2
A system, includes a controller comprising a plurality of first external terminals configured to supply a command and an address, and communicate a data, and communicate a strobe signal related to the data; and a semiconductor memory device including a plurality of second external terminals corresponding to the plurality of first external terminals, at least one of the plurality of first external terminals and at least one of the plurality of second external terminals each being capable of supplying an information specifying a length of a preamble of the strobe signal before the semiconductor memory device communicates the data between the controller and the semiconductor memory device, the semiconductor memory device further including a preamble register configured to be capable of storing the information.
US09208847B2
A method and a system for memory cell programming and erasing with refreshing operation are disclosed. The system includes a selecting module, a processing module and a refresh module. In the method, at first, a target memory cell from a plurality of memory cells in a memory device is selected. Thereafter, the target memory cell belonging to a line of the matrix is programmed or erased by applying a selecting voltage on the target memory cell and a location-related memory cell belonging to the line of the matrix. Then, a refreshing operation to refresh the location-related cell is performed.
US09208845B2
A logic gate device is disclosed. The logic gate device structure can include a magnetic tunnel junction on a soft ferromagnetic wire to provide a readout. One input contact can be at one end of the soft ferromagnetic wire and a second input contact can be at the other end of the soft ferromagnetic wire to control domain wall position in the soft ferromagnetic wire.
US09208837B2
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method capable of carrying out data movement in a memory of a terminal. The apparatus includes a processor configured to transmit a command for data movement and address information for data movement in a memory to the memory, and the memory configured to perform the data movement in units of word line in the memory by using the address information, in response to reception of the command for moving the data.
US09208830B2
A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell, a pair of local bit lines connected to the memory cell, first and second transistors, one end of the current channel of each connected to a power supply and the other end of the current channel of each connected to one of the local bit lines, third and fourth transistors, one end of the current channel of each connected to one of the local bit lines, the other end of the current channel of each connected to one of the global bit lines, fifth and sixth transistors, one end of the current channel of each connected to one of the global bit lines and the other end of the current channel of which connected to the power supply. The device further includes a control unit configured to control the transistors.
US09208822B2
Various embodiments for creating media clips are disclosed. Media clips are created by a server in response to receiving primary media recordings from one or more content capture devices or content capture and tagging devices, and one or more instances of activity identification information from content tagging devices. The server creates media clips from by copying portions of the primary media recordings in accordance with the activity identification information, such as a time that a user selected an activity indicator displayed on a respective content tagging device. The media clips are then stored in association with at least users who provided the activity identification information to the server.
US09208811B1
Methods and apparatuses are implemented to cause a first contact event between a slider and a magnetic recording medium at a first operating temperature, the slider comprising at least a writer, a writer heater, a reader, and a reader heater. Methods and apparatuses are implemented to cause a second contact event between the slider and the medium at a second operating temperature different from the first operating temperature, determine a flying height displacement of the slider for the contact events, and optionally store the flying height displacement.
US09208801B2
A spin transfer oscillator with a seed/SIL/spacer/FGL/capping configuration is disclosed with a composite seed layer made of Ta and a metal layer having a fcc(111) or hcp(001) texture to enhance perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) in an overlying (A1/A2)X laminated spin injection layer (SIL). Field generation layer (FGL) is made of a high Bs material such FeCo. Alternatively, the STO has a seed/FGL/spacer/SIL/capping configuration. The SIL may include a FeCo layer that is exchanged coupled with the (A1/A2)X laminate (x is 5 to 50) to improve robustness. The FGL may include an (A1/A2)Y laminate (y=5 to 30) exchange coupled with the high Bs layer to enable easier oscillations. A1 may be one of Co, CoFe, or CoFeR where R is a metal, and A2 is one of Ni, NiCo, or NiFe. The STO may be formed between a main pole and trailing shield in a write head.
US09208790B2
An audio fingerprint is extracted from an audio sample, where the fingerprint contains information that is characteristic of the content in the sample. The fingerprint may be generated by computing an energy spectrum for the audio sample, resampling the energy spectrum logarithmically in the time dimension, transforming the resampled energy spectrum to produce a series of feature vectors, and computing the fingerprint using differential coding of the feature vectors. The generated fingerprint can be compared to a set of reference fingerprints in a database to identify the original audio content.
US09208788B2
A dialog system is accessed by a remote user and is typically configured to receive a natural language query from the user and return a natural language answer to the user. Dialog systems can be copied without authorization or can become an out-of-date version. A dialog system with a signature, referred to herein as a “signed” dialog system, can indicate the signature without affecting usage by users who are unaware that the dialog system contains the signature. The signed dialog system can respond to input such that only the designer of the dialog system knows the signature is embedded in the dialog system. The response is a way to check the source or other characteristics of the dialog system. A designer of signed dialog systems can prove whether an unauthorized copy of the signed dialog system is used by a third party by using publically-available user interfaces.
US09208787B2
The invention relates to a method and a device for the natural-language recognition of a vocal expression. A vocal expression of a person is detected and converted into a voice signal to be processed by a voice recognition device. Afterwards, the voice signal is analyzed at the same time or sequentially in a plurality of voice recognition branches of the voice recognition device using a plurality of grammars, wherein the recognition process is successfully completed if the analysis of the voice signal in at least one voice recognition branch supplies a positive recognition result.
US09208784B2
A Transcription Engine is able to broadcast over the Internet streaming text associated with a broadcast to registered and authenticated end users who may be hearing impaired or may have difficulty understanding the language used in the broadcast. The end users' understanding of the information being broadcast is improved because of the availability of the associated text. The Transcription Engine comprises an authentication server, a database server and a Transcription server. End users are first registered automatically at a website associated with the Transcription Engine. Registered end users can then login and are authenticated automatically by the Transcription Engine prior to being given access to a live or recorded broadcast of associated text. The end users thus obtain access to the associated text broadcast via the Internet after having been authenticated by the Transcription Engine.
US09208783B2
Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for altering behavior of a multimodal application based on location. The multimodal application operates on a multimodal device supporting multiple modes of user interaction with the multimodal application, including a voice mode and one or more non-voice modes. The voice mode of user interaction with the multimodal application is supported by a voice interpreter. Altering behavior of a multimodal application based on location includes: receiving a location change notification in the voice interpreter from a device location manager, the device location manager operatively coupled to a position detection component of the multimodal device, the location change notification specifying a current location of the multimodal device; updating, by the voice interpreter, location-based environment parameters for the voice interpreter in dependence upon the current location of the multimodal device; and interpreting, by the voice interpreter, the multimodal application in dependence upon the location-based environment parameters.
US09208782B2
A speech processing device includes a reverberation characteristic selection unit configured to correlate correction data indicating a contribution of a reverberation component based on a corresponding reverberation characteristic with an adaptive acoustic model which is trained using reverbed speech to which a reverberation based on the corresponding reverberation characteristic is added for each of reverberation characteristics, to calculate likelihoods based on the adaptive acoustic models for a recorded speech, and to select correction data corresponding to the adaptive acoustic model having the calculated highest likelihood, and a dereverberation unit configured to remove the reverberation component from the speech based on the correction data.
US09208781B2
An acoustic model adaptation system includes a memory device and a model selector engine coupled to the memory device. The model selector engine is configured to compile information of environmental conditions to identify a current speech environment for audio input into a speech recognizer on a device. The model selector engine is further configured to compare the information of the environmental conditions with profiles of acoustic models. Each profile associates with an acoustic model. Each acoustic model compensates for background noise or acoustical distortions of the audio input. The model selector engine is further configured to select a first acoustic model for the speech recognizer based on the information of the environmental conditions exclusive of audio input from the user.
US09208774B2
A system to eliminate acoustic noise caused by a first Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitor (MLCC) array positioned on a printed circuit board (PCB) is disclosed. The first MLCC array generates a first vibration responsible for the acoustic noise in response to receiving a varying input voltage. A third MLCC array senses the first vibration and generates a feedback signal. An adaptive filter then uses the feedback signal to generate an output signal that is used by a second MLCC to generate a second vibration that acts as a counter to dampen the first vibration. Because the input voltage signal is varying in time, the adaptive filter continually samples the varying input voltage and the feedback signal to generate the output signal that minimizes the acoustic noise. The second and third MLCC arrays are selectively positioned and oriented on the PCB for optimum performance.
US09208773B2
A headset having a talk-through microphones incorporates an audio circuit that compresses a signal representing sounds detected by the talk-through microphones in response to the audio circuit detecting the onset of a peak (positive and/or negative) in the signal that exceeds a predetermined voltage level (positive and/or negative voltage level, perhaps a predetermined magnitude of voltage from a zero voltage level), and that does so with a rate of change in voltage level that exceeds a predetermined rate of change in voltage level, the degree of compression possibly being a compression to or near a zero amplitude (perhaps to or near a zero voltage level) and the duration of the compression possibly being controlled by a timing circuit set to a predetermined period of time that may be retriggerable while amidst the predetermined period of time.
US09208771B2
An adaptive noise canceller adapts a secondary path modeling response using ambient noise, rather than using another noise source or source audio as a training source. Anti-noise generated from a reference microphone signal using a first adaptive filter is used as the training signal for training the secondary path response. Ambient noise at the error microphone is removed from an error microphone signal, so that only anti-noise remains. A primary path modeling adaptive filter is used to modify the reference microphone signal to generate a source of ambient noise that is correlated with the ambient noise present at the error microphone, which is then subtracted from the error microphone signal to generate the error signal. The primary path modeling adaptive filter is previously adapted by minimizing components of the error microphone signal appearing in an output of the primary path adaptive filter while the anti-noise signal is muted.
US09208767B2
Provided is a method for adaptively enhancing an end-user's perceived quality, or quality of experience (QoE), of speech and other audio under ambient noise conditions. The method comprises the steps of determining the ambient noise characteristics on a continuous basis to capture the time varying nature of ambient noises, and adaptively determining the most optimal signal shaping to be applied to the audio/speech signal to produce the most appropriate enhancement to compensate for the ambient noise impairment. The method also comprises a signal shaping technique by using an infinite impulse response (IIR) filter that performs the signal modification with a low delay; a multi-level automatic gain control (AGC); and a controlled amplitude clipping module that assures samples are below a certain limit; and outputs the modified signal for playback through a loudspeaker or the like.
US09208764B2
Example methods and systems for determining media files based on activity levels are described. An example method includes receiving information indicative of a first speed of the computing device, and receiving information indicative of a geography of a location of the computing device. The method further includes determining, from a plurality of media files tagged with respective tempo identifiers, a first media file based on the geography of the location of the computing device and also having a tempo that substantially matches to the first speed of the computing device. The method includes providing an indication of the first media file to a media player, and based on a change in the first speed of the computing device to a second speed, determining from the plurality of media files tagged with respective tempo identifiers, a second media file having a tempo that substantially matches to the second speed.
US09208761B2
A boom tilter includes a tilter body, a boom, a holder, a bolt and nut. The tilter body is attached to a support post to be rotatable around a first axis, which is the axis of the support post. The holder is fitted to the tilter body to be rotatable around a second axis, which is orthogonal to the first axis. The boom is held by the holder to be rotatable around a third axis, which is the axis of the boom, and so that the boom can slide along the third axis.
US09208757B2
A tune stabilizing device for a stringed instrument, comprising a string clamping means comprising a floating base plate and at least one clamping block adapted to cooperatively engage and releasably secure a plurality of instrument strings, and a fine-tuning means, which extends from, and is integral with, said clamping means, and has a plurality of fine tuning screws in one-to-one correspondence with said instrument strings, whereby turning one of said screws presses on one of said strings, altering the tune of the string.
US09208753B2
A system for detecting and responding to an intruding camera. The system includes an electronic media display device having a screen configured to display content, a sensor, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to obtain information from the sensor, analyze the information to determine a presence of a camera, and edit any displayed content in response to the presence of the camera.
US09208746B2
A signal transmission system of electronic display devices includes a plurality of electronic display devices and a wireless signal transmission device. The wireless signal transmission device broadcasts a first packet data to the electronic display device. The first packet data comprises an access control address list, and the access control address list comprises the MAC address of a first group of electronic display device. When the wireless signal transmission device receives an acknowledgement (ACK) message from at least a first electronic display device of the first group of electronic display devices, the wireless signal transmission device changes the method of transmission from broadcast to unicast in order to transmit second packet data to the first electronic display device, wherein the second packet data comprises video packet data.
US09208745B2
Disclosed are a shift register, and a gate driving circuit including a plurality of shift registers connected in sequence to respectively supply scan signals to a plurality of gate lines of a display device. Each shift register includes: an input unit which outputs a directional input signal having a gate high or low voltage based on an output signal from a previous or subsequent shift register to a first node; an inverter unit which is connected to the first node, generates an inverting signal to a signal at the first node, and outputs the inverting signal to a second node; and an output unit which includes a pull-up unit connected to the first node and activating an output clock signal based on the signal at the first node, and a pull-down unit activating and outputting a pull-down output signal based on a signal at the second node.
US09208744B2
According to an aspect, a display device includes a liquid crystal layer, a transparent electrode, a reflective electrode, a drive circuit, and a controller. The controller is configured to switch a mode between a first mode for driving the drive circuit at a liquid-crystal inversion frequency of a first frequency so that screen display using light reflected by the reflective electrode is performed and a second mode for driving the drive circuit at a liquid-crystal inversion frequency of a second frequency higher than the first frequency so that screen display using light passing through the opening of the reflective electrode is performed.
US09208739B2
A gate driver for controlling a display apparatus is disclosed. The gate driver includes a logic circuit for generating a plurality of switch signals, a breaking signal and a plurality of sharing signals, a plurality of buffers, each for determining to provide a first voltage or a second voltage according to one of the plurality of switch signals to generate a gate driving signal, and a charge recycle module for sharing charges with a plurality of loads according to the plurality of sharing signals.
US09208731B2
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for displaying images using a frame-specific contributing color (FSCC). In one aspect, an input is configured to receive image data corresponding to a current image frame. Contributing color selection logic is configured, based on received image data, to obtain a FSCC for use in conjunction with a set of frame-independent contributing colors (FICCs) to generate the current image frame on a display. In addition, subframe generation logic is configured to process the received image data for the current image frame to generate at least two subframes for each of the FICCs and the obtained FSCC such that an output by the display of the generated subframes results in the display of the current image frame.
US09208726B2
Pixel circuit, display device, driving method of pixel circuit, and driving method of display device
A pixel circuit includes a drive transistor that has a gate connected to an input node and a source connected to an output node. The drive transistor supplies a driving current to an electrooptic element via the output node. A sampling transistor is connected between the input node and a signal line and samples an input signal from the signal line, which is retained in a retaining capacitance connected to the input node. The magnitude of the driving current is based on a value of the retained signal. The pixel circuit further includes a compensating circuit which detects a decrease in the driving current attendant on a secular change of the drive transistor from a side of the output node and feeds back a result of the detection to a side of the input node to compensate for the decrease.
US09208724B2
A display device includes a display panel; and a control signal circuit that supplies a control signal to the display panel. The controls signal circuit includes a plurality of driving units and a plurality of reverse circuit, wherein the driving units are supplied with a clock signal and generate a first output pulse that has the same waveform as the clock signal, and wherein the reverse circuit reverses the first output pulse to generate a second output pulse that is an output of the control signal circuit.
US09208715B2
A display device is provided that can provide sufficient time for threshold voltage compensation of a driving transistor of each pixel during high-speed driving of the display device, and a method for driving the same. A data writing and threshold voltage compensation step of pixels at odd and even-numbered lines are concurrently performed during an extended time period so that the time available for threshold voltage compensation of the driving transistors can be increased.
US09208713B2
A pixels group includes first to fourth pixels disposed in a 2*2 matrix. Each of the first to fourth pixels includes first to third sub-pixels. Each of the first sub-pixels of first to fourth pixels has a first color. The second sub-pixel of first pixel and the second sub-pixel of fourth pixel have a second color. The third sub-pixel of first pixel and the third sub-pixel of fourth pixel have a third color. The second sub-pixel of second pixel and the second sub-pixel of third pixel have a fourth color. The third sub-pixel of second pixel and the third sub-pixel of third pixel has a fifth color.
US09208708B2
An electro-optical device includes a first pixel circuit provided so as to correspond to a first data line, a second pixel circuit provided so as to correspond to a second data line, a first storage capacitor of which one end is connected to the first data line and the other end is potential-shifted according to a current to be supplied to a light emitting element of the first pixel circuit, a second storage capacitor of which one end is connected to the second data line and the other end is potential-shifted according to a current to be supplied to a light emitting element of the second pixel circuit, and a constant potential line provided between the first storage capacitor and the second storage capacitor in plan view.
US09208705B2
The present invention provides a heat sink and a backlight module using the heat sink. The heat sink includes a first bottom plate, a first side plate formed on the first bottom plate, and a second bottom plate mounted on the first bottom plate. The first bottom plate and the first side plate are integrally formed together. The second bottom plate is fixed by screws to an end of the first bottom plate that is distant from the first side plate. The first bottom plate is made of aluminum extrusion material. The second bottom plate is made of aluminum sheet material. The bottom plate of the heat sink is formed through jointing so that a portion of the bottom plate is made of aluminum sheet material that has a small thickness to thereby reduce the amount of aluminum material used and thus facilitating cost control.
US09208703B2
A backlight assembly is provided for deployment within a flat panel display assembly, as are methods for manufacturing such a backlight assembly. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of fabricating a printed wiring board (PWB) having a display-facing surface, disposing a casing sidewall around the PWB to create light cavity within the backlight assembly, and electrically coupling a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) to the PWB. A reflective solder mask is deposited over the display-facing surface of the PWB, and a first reflective silkscreen layer is applied over the reflective solder mask utilizing a silkscreen process. The first reflective silkscreen layer cooperates with the reflective solder mask to increase the reflectivity of the light cavity over the visible color spectrum.
US09208699B2
A linerless label roll of repositionable labels adapted to be printed in varying lengths comprising a web of thermally printable paper wound along a running axis and having a continuous length of adhesive on one side of the web so that when a length of the web is caused to be thermally printed it will have an adhesive on the reverse side thereof that extends in a uninterrupted manner along the entire length of the thermally printed web.
US09208696B2
A patient simulator system for teaching patient care is provided. The system includes a patient simulator. The patient simulator includes a patient body comprising one or more simulated body portions. The one or more simulated body portions include a lung compliance simulation system in some instances. In that regard, the lung compliance system is configured to be used with an external ventilator, including positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and assisted-control ventilation. In some instances, the lung compliance system includes a lung compartment, a simulated lung positioned within the lung compartment, where the lung compartment defines an available volume for the simulated lung to expand into and where the available volume for the simulated lung to expand into is adjustable to control a compliance of the simulated lung.
US09208694B2
A security door breach training system comprising a frame, a door attached to the frame, a latch attached to the door having a latching end, a plurality of elongate members fixed to the frame, at least one retaining pin adjacent to the frame and having a stub, a latch-receiving member positioned between the frame member and the stub of the at least one retaining pin, a elongate body having a first end attached to the third surface of the frame member and a free second end; and at least one bar attached between two of the elongate members.
US09208686B2
There is provided a vehicle rear monitor displaying an image suitable for backing a vehicle, without requiring a switching operation. A rear camera mounted on a vehicle captures an image of a rear side of the vehicle, such image being processed to generate a top-down or perspective view displayed on an image output unit. The vehicle rear monitor comprises an image display control unit for setting a displayed image. When a gear detection unit has detected that a back gear is selected through a transmission, an image switching unit allows a predetermined top-down or perspective view to be displayed on the image output unit. When the gear detection unit has detected that the back gear is again selected after being thrown out, the image switching unit allows the image output unit to display the top-down or perspective view displayed before the back gear is thrown out, or a desired view.
US09208685B2
A navigation device and a method of operating the same are provided. Further, a method of operating a navigation system including a navigation device, a data server and an electronic device is provided. The navigation device includes a communication unit; a display; an input unit for receiving an input of data; a communication unit; and a controller for controlling operation of the display and the input unit. The controller connects to a data server through the communication unit, requests path setting information to the data server, receives the path setting information from the data server, acquires present position information of the navigation device, acquires a user moving path by reflecting the acquired position information and the received path setting information, and sets the user moving path as a guidance path. In this case, the path setting information is generated in another electronic device or the data server based on user input information input from the another electronic device.
US09208683B2
Provided is an apparatus for sensing careless driving using a camera attached to a vehicle and warning a driver of a careless driving state, the apparatus including: a driving state determination unit for sensing a driving state of a vehicle based on a video of lanes; a lane-deviation sensing unit for sensing whether the vehicle deviated from the lane based on the video of lanes received from an image-processing unit; and a careless driving warning unit for generating a warning signal based on driving state information and lane deviation information received from the driving state determination unit and the lane-deviation sensing unit, respectively.
US09208676B2
This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security objectives.
US09208674B2
The invention relates to a security system with power saving feature and device comprises an electric magnet and a corresponding iron plate. The electric magnet is connected to a G-sensor module and the iron plate has a pressing face to contact with the G-sensor module. When the door is opened, the electric magnet does not supply power; when the door is closed, the electric magnet with electromagnetic attraction attracts the iron plate and the pressing face presses the G-sensor module. That is, the electromagnetic lock usually stays in a low-energy attraction state; however, when the G-sensor module is triggered, the electromagnetic lock returns to a normal lock state for achieving power saving effect and control of the external force detection improvement.
US09208673B2
A monitoring system for a periphery of a structure (100) comprises a monitoring module (102) having a detection and ranging system (304, 308) arranged to support monitoring of a portion of the periphery in order to detect passage of a body beyond the periphery. The detector (304, 308) has an imaging resolution that prevents conclusive visual identification by a human operator of the nature of the body. The monitoring module also comprises a video capture apparatus (312, 314) arranged to provide video data. The system also comprises a monitoring station apparatus (200) arranged to receive data from the monitoring module (102). In response to detection of the passage of the body by the detection system (304, 308), the monitoring station (200) enables the operator to review the video data. The video data enables the operator to identify readily the nature of the body detected and thereby to provide confirmatory visual evidence when the body is human.
US09208672B2
In at least one embodiment, a method and system for accumulating geospatial location data and biomedical data for an individual during his/her travels is provided. In at least one embodiment, a device uses at least one location signal to determine geospatial data and receives a plurality of biomedical signals with both data types being stored for possible later retrieval for providing a diagnosis for the individual if a medical condition arises. An embodiment of the invention provides a method of operation of a device having at least a memory and a communications module where the method includes receiving at least one location signal with the communications module; storing geospatial data obtained at least from the at least one location signal with a time stamp in memory; receiving a plurality of biomedical signals over time from at least one sensor with the communications module; storing biomedical data from the received biomedical signal with a time stamp in memory; and repeating the receiving at least one location signal and storing geospatial data from the at least one location signal in different geographic locations.
US09208668B1
A camera system with a full view monitoring function includes a base, a first camera apparatus, at least one second camera apparatus and a controller. The first camera apparatus is fixed on the base and invariably faces toward a first direction. The first camera apparatus is adapted to capture a panorama image. The second camera apparatus is movably disposed on the base and adjustably faces toward a detecting direction different from the first direction. The second camera apparatus is adapted to encircle around the first camera apparatus. The controller is electrically connected to the first camera apparatus and the second camera apparatus. The controller is adapted to analyze the panorama image to filter out a triggering zone, to encircle the second camera apparatus toward a detecting direction corresponding to the triggering zone, and to drive the second camera apparatus to capture a detecting image overlapping the triggering zone.
US09208661B2
The system includes a computer-readable memory having a data structure configured with electronic data indicative of the patient's cognitive ability and/or context information relevant to the patient. The computer system is programmed to dynamically present information based on the patient's cognitive ability and/or context, obtained by accessing the computer-readable memory. The system is thus able to dynamically customize the way the system interacts with the patient, dynamically rendering information and automatically launching specific applications and events based on set parameters to meet the assistive needs of the patient. The system also captures information about the patient's health and wellbeing which is dynamically communicated to the caregiver, which information is also in part based on cognitive ability of the patient and/or context.
US09208658B2
Provided is a slot machine capable of reducing unfairness which may result between a player who has made an investment and a player who has not made an investment and allowing a player to proceed with a game by making an investment in expectation of a jackpot at ease. Each money amount which is constant is accumulated independently of a number of bets each time betting is conducted, and upon winning a jackpot, a money amount calculated by multiplying a money amount accumulated until then by a multiplying factor based on the number of bets is provided.
US09208657B2
Provided is a slot machine which prevents two continuous symbols from coming to be continuous even by conducting a rewriting process. In a case where the one part of the symbol columns is stopped and displayed in the display frame of a symbol display area 4, when a continuous symbol (CHANCE symbol 403) stopped displayed in the display frame of the symbol display area 4 is present in an upstream direction of the scrolling display outside of the display frame of the symbol display area 4, conducted is a delay process in which the rewriting process is conducted for a portion of the symbol column which is present upstream of a position P1 of the continuous symbol (CHANCE symbol 403) in the scrolling display being present in the upstream direction of the scrolling display outside of the display frame of the symbol display area 4.
US09208649B2
Various embodiments are directed to gaming systems and methods including a bonus game that can be decoupled from base games and/or are player selectable. Bonus features can be added to existing games and player selection of progressive play can be provided. The method and system can further provide switching among possible links without dynamic reconfiguration.
US09208648B2
A gaming system and method for enabling a player to select a plurality of games to simultaneously, concurrently or overlappingly play, wherein regardless or independent of which primary games the player selected to play, the secondary games available to be triggered remain the same.
US09208646B2
Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may utilize one or more objects in a wheel-based game. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the one or more wheel positions. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the one or more wheel positions.
US09208645B2
Described herein are processes and devices that integrate social contact identifiers into wagering games. Some embodiments include providing game play elements configured for use in presentation of possible outcomes for a wagering game, wherein the wagering game is associated with a first player account stored on an account server. Some embodiments further include selecting, via one or more processors, a second player account indicated in the first player account as a social contact of a player associated with the first player account. Some embodiments further include, via at least one of the one or more processors, providing a social contact identifier of the second player account for use in the wagering game to represent at least a portion of at least one of the game play elements.
US09208641B2
A mobile gaming device may be a player's own personal tablet, smartphone, PDA, etc., with an application program installed via the internet for carrying out a remote gaming session. All gaming functions are carried out by a stationary gaming terminal communicating with the mobile device, such as by using WiFi. The mobile device operates as a user interface. If the communications link is temporarily broken during a game, the mobile device will create the appearance that the game is continuous, such as by continuing to spin reels, until communications are reestablished. The reels will stop once the mobile device receives the final outcome from the gaming terminal. The player may pause the game to temporarily suspend the minimum game frequency rules. The mobile device may switch between gaming terminals. For 3D video, the original format is adjusted for the mobile device. The gaming terminal may be a gaming machine.
US09208639B2
A system includes a community screen configured to display images of a community event thereon. The system includes a number of wagering game machines coupled to the community screen. The system also includes a number of handheld devices, wherein each handheld device has a respective display and is associated with a respective one of the wagering game machines. The system includes an image module configured, for at least one handheld device of the number of handheld devices, to identify a location on the community screen based on a position of the at least one handheld device and to present an image on the display of the at least one handheld device based on the location.
US09208637B2
Each play of a base game increases the likelihood of winning a bonus award. A display provides a graphical indication of the change in likelihood of winning the bonus award. In one aspect, the bonus award comprises the opportunity to play a secondary game. In another aspect, winning the bonus award may be based on payback percentage or outcomes of the base game. In yet another aspect, the timing of the next bonus award can be configured, or otherwise based on one or more conditions.
US09208630B2
A paper-slip handling device with: a reduced stoppage rate and banknote rejection rate for a deposit/withdrawal device; improved ability to remove foreign material from banknote bundles; improved user-friendliness; and improved reliability, comprising: a deposit/withdrawal unit used for depositing and withdrawal of paper slips, a paper-slip identification unit that identifies paper slips, a temporary holding compartment that temporarily stores deposited paper slips, a plurality of paper-slip storage compartments, and a first paper-slip transport path via which paper slips are transported to the various aforementioned units. The deposit/withdrawal unit has an opening via which paper slips are transferred in a substantially horizontal state, a storage section that stores paper slips in a substantially upright state, and a second paper-slip transport path that connects said opening and storage section. The paper slips are transported via said second paper-slip transport path while being switched between the substantially upright state and substantially horizontal state.
US09208628B2
An electronic cam lock accessible either by PIN code or wirelessly transmitted code from a user's credential has a compact electronics housing that fits neatly and unobtrusively in office furniture, including metal or wood file cabinets. The housing has a rear-extending driver, which may be within a cylinder, preferably positioned where the driver of a cam lock of conventional keyed configuration would be located. One form of the lock is front-recess mounted. In another form the housing is inside-mounted, fitted within the usually one-inch top rail or vertical side rail of a file cabinet, with the electronic access terminal and a rotatable knob exposed for the user. The locks can be connected in a wired or wireless network for controlling access by time or by personnel, or for auditing entries.
US09208627B2
A diagnostic tool and method are provided wherein the diagnostic tool includes a global positioning system. The diagnostic tool can provide diagnostic data, global position and altitude to the user. The diagnostic tool can alert the user or the owner if the tool determines that it has been removed from a predefined area. The tool retrieves data from the determined altitude so that the vehicle can be serviced for optimal operations at that altitude.
US09208625B2
If identification information is updated periodically, there is such a problem that when another vehicle is receiving driving support based on transmitted identification information of an own vehicle, if the identification information of the own vehicle is updated, the operation of driving support using the identification information becomes unstable because another vehicle can no longer identify the own vehicle.A mobile terminal mounted on a vehicle determines whether or not transmission control of identification information is necessary after determining the possibility of identification information misuse, determining the effect by controlling transmission of identification information, and determining the magnitude of adverse influence on the safe driving support service.
US09208623B2
A system and method of transmitting vehicle information from a vehicle to a server across an external network. A vehicle bus connector module is plugged into a vehicle bus through the vehicle's vehicle bus connector. The vehicle bus connector module is also communicatively connected to a personal communications device. Vehicle information is collected from the vehicle bus and combined with information captured by the personal communications device to form a driver log. The driver log is transmitted to the server via the external network.
US09208618B2
Techniques are disclosed for rendering an anamorphic projection of 3D scene geometry on a handled device using a correct asymmetric perspective geometry projection. Once pose of the handheld device is determined, a relative eye position may be inferred when the device is tilted away from an initial or default pose, based on data supplied by accelerometers. Thus, embodiments of the invention result in a holographic style display without the need for glasses or external sensing attachments.
US09208612B2
Methods of generating a three dimensional representation of an object in a reference plane from a depth map including distances from a reference point to pixels in an image of the object taken from a reference point. Weights are assigned to respective voxels in a three dimensional grid along rays extending from the reference point through the pixels in the image based on the distances in the depth map from the reference point to the respective pixels, and a height map including an array of height values in the reference plane is formed based on the assigned weights. An n-layer height map may be constructed by generating a probabilistic occupancy grid for the voxels and forming an n-dimensional height map comprising an array of layer height values in the reference plane based on the probabilistic occupancy grid.
US09208607B2
Disclosed are an apparatus and a method of producing a 3D model in which a 3D model having a static background is produced using a point cloud and an image obtained through 3D scanning. The apparatus includes an image matching unit for producing a matched image by matching a point cloud obtained by scanning a predetermined region to a camera image obtained by photographing the predetermined region; a mesh model processing unit for producing an object positioned in the region as a mesh model; and a 3D model processing unit for producing a 3D model for the object by reflecting texture information obtained from the matched image to the mesh model. The disclosed may be used for a 3D map service.
US09208605B1
Multisampling techniques provide temporal as well as spatial antialiasing. Coverage for a primitive is determined at multiple sample locations for a pixel. In one embodiment, coverage is determined using boundary equations representing a boundary surface of the primitive in a three-dimensional space-time. A shading value for the primitive is computed for the pixel and stored for each coverage sample location of the pixel that is covered by the primitive. The sample locations are distributed in both space and time, and multiple sample locations share a single shading computation. The multisampling techniques are extendable to other dimensions that correspond to other image attributes.
US09208593B1
A system and method for storing a plurality data points, each data point representing a geographic location, a first set of data points representing a first geometric object and a second set of data points representing a second geometric object. The system and method then remove a first data point from the first set of data points representing the first geometric object based on at least a distance between a first location represented by the first data point and a second location represented by a second data point of the second set of data points representing a second geometric object.
US09208586B2
A method is disclosed for reconstructing image data of an examination object from measurement data, wherein the measurement data were captured previously during a relative rotational movement between a radiation source of a computed tomography system and the examination object. Filtered measurement data are calculated from the measurement data. First image data are calculated from the measurement data. Edge information is obtained from the first image data, wherein the edge information, depending on position, specifies strength and direction of edges within the first image data. New measurement data are calculated using the edge information by mixing the measurement data and the filtered measurement data and second image data are calculated from the new measurement data.
US09208578B2
In one embodiment, a method determines a first local binary pattern for a first image in a video and a second local binary pattern for a second image in the video. Then, the method determines an optical flow between the first image and the second image based on a distance between the first local binary pattern and the second local binary pattern. The optical flow is output for use in aligning the first image to the second image.
US09208577B2
One exemplary embodiment involves receiving a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) track points for a plurality of frames of a video, wherein the 3D track points are extracted from a plurality of two-dimensional source points. The embodiment further involves rendering the 3D track points across a plurality of frames of the video on a two-dimensional (2D) display. Additionally, the embodiment involves coloring each of the 3D track points wherein the color of each 3D track point visually distinguishes the 3D track point from a plurality of surrounding 3D track points, and wherein the color of each 3D track point is consistent across the frames of the video. The embodiment also involves sizing each of the 3D track points based on a distance between a camera that captured the video and a location of the 2D source points referenced by the respective one of the 3D track points.
US09208574B2
Disclosed are a method and apparatus for measuring rotation characteristics such as rotation rate, rotation axis, and rotation angle of a rotating body. A method of measuring rotation characteristics includes extracting a rotating-body region from an image of the rotating body; extracting a surface pattern of the rotating body on the basis of brightness values of the extracted rotating-body region and acquiring rotation characteristics of the rotating body on the basis of change in the extracted surface pattern. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately measure rotation characteristics regardless of variation in brightness values of a surface region of the rotating body depending on illumination of a lamp, sensitivity of a camera, and exposure time of a camera.
US09208572B2
Systems and methods for image segmentation using a deformable atlas are provided. One method includes obtaining one or more target images, obtaining one or more propagated label probabilities for the one or more target images, and segmenting the one or more target images using a cost function of a deformable atlas model. The method further includes identifying segmented structures within the one or more target images based on the segmented one or more target images.
US09208570B2
A system and method for supporting a depth estimation procedure by utilizing an adaptive kernel includes a capture subsystem for capturing images of a photographic target. The capture subsystem includes an aperture that is adjustable for admitting reflected light from the photographic target to a sensor device. An adaptive kernel is designed in a kernel design procedure based upon symmetry characteristics of the aperture. The adaptive kernel may be designed in either a frequency-domain kernel design procedure or in a spatial-domain kernel design procedure. A depth estimator utilizes the adaptive kernel for performing the depth estimation procedure.
US09208567B2
Techniques are provided to improve the performance and accuracy of landmark point detection using a Constrained Local Model. The accuracy of feature filters used by the model may be improved by supplying positive and negative sets of image data from training image regions of varying shapes and sizes to a linear support vector machine training algorithm. The size and shape of regions within which a feature filter is to be applied may be determined based on a variance in training image data for a landmark point with which the feature filter is associated. A sample image may be normalized and a confidence map generated for each landmark point by applying the feature filters as a convolution on the normalized image. A vector flow map may be pre-computed to improve the efficiency with which a mean landmark point is adjusted toward a corresponding landmark point in a sample image.
US09208563B2
A method for determining a parameter set which is designed to be used for determining the pose of a camera with regard to at least one real object and/or for determining a three-dimensional structure of the at least one real object, comprises the steps of providing a reference image including at least a part of the at least one real object, capturing at least one current image including at least a part of the at least one real object, providing an initial estimate of a parameter set which is including at least the three-dimensional translation in the common coordinate system between the pose of the camera when capturing the reference image and the pose of the camera when capturing the current image, and the depth of at least a first point of the at least one real object in the common coordinate system, and determining an update of the estimate of the parameter set by means of an iterative minimization process, wherein in the iterative minimization process a first set of pixels in the reference image is compared with a computed set of pixels in the current image and the computed set of pixels in the current image used for the comparison varies at each iteration.
US09208561B2
A registration method and device for detecting the position and alignment of an object or body part in relation to a position detection system, the method arranging a reference sensor on the object or body part and/or on an image sensor unit, detecting the position of the reference sensor by means of the position detection system, photogrammetrically detecting a surface of the object or body part by means of the image sensor unit, producing a surface model of the object or body part on the basis of the photogrammetrically detected information, determining the position of the reference sensor in the surface model, and correlating the surface model with a coordinate system of the position detection system on the basis of the determined position of the reference sensor in the surface model and on the basis of the position of the reference sensor detected by means of the position detection system.
US09208550B2
A method for providing real-time feedback of an estimated quality of a captured final image, the method including obtaining a preliminary image, calculating a quality score of the preliminary image, and in response to the quality score of the preliminary image exceeding a threshold quality value, taking a first action.
US09208543B2
A computer-implemented method and system are described for deblurring an image. The method may include accessing an image having a first blurred region and a second blurred region, and generating a first blur kernel for the first blurred region and a second blur kernel for the second blurred region. Thereafter, the first blur kernel is positioned with respect to the first blurred region, and the second blur kernel is positioned with respect to the second blurred region based on the position of the first blur kernel. The image is then deblurred by deconvolving the first blurred region with the first blur kernel, and deconvolving the second blurred region with the second blur kernel.
US09208542B2
Methods and systems are provided to reduce noise in thermal images. In one example, a method includes receiving an image frame comprising a plurality of pixels arranged in a plurality of rows and columns. The pixels comprise thermal image data associated with a scene and noise introduced by an infrared imaging device. The image frame may be processed to determine a plurality of column correction terms, each associated with a corresponding one of the columns and determined based on relative relationships between the pixels of the corresponding column and the pixels of a neighborhood of columns. In another example, the image frame may be processed to determine a plurality of non-uniformity correction terms, each associated with a corresponding one of the pixels and determined based on relative relationships between the corresponding one of the pixels and associated neighborhood pixels within a selected distance.
US09208539B2
A system for determining a high resolution output image that includes receiving a low resolution image and determining an intermediate high resolution image. The system detects semantic features based upon the input image and selects corresponding semantic components from a database based upon the detected semantic features. The first intermediate high resolution image is modified based upon information from the corresponding semantic components to determine the high resolution output image.
US09208536B2
In various embodiments, methods, systems, and computer program products for processing digital images captured by a mobile device are disclosed. Myriad features enable and/or facilitate processing of such digital images using a mobile device that would otherwise be technically impossible or impractical, and furthermore address unique challenges presented by images captured using a camera rather than a traditional flat-bed scanner, paper-feed scanner, or multifunction peripheral. Notably, the presently disclosed systems and techniques enable three-dimensional reconstruction of objects depicted in image captured using a camera of a mobile device. The reconstruction corrects or compensates for perspective distortion caused by camera-based capture.
US09208530B2
At the time of using a haptic device to present to a user haptics which a first virtual object superimposed on the haptic device receives from a second virtual object superimposed on a real object, the user is enabled to touch within the second virtual object, regardless of the real object. Accordingly, the haptics received from the second virtual object is obtained using a first haptic event model of the first virtual object and a second haptic event model of the second virtual object, and while the first haptic event model corresponds to computer graphics information of the first virtual object, the shape of the first virtual object differs from that of the haptic device, such that instructions can be made regarding the inside of the real object, using the first virtual object.
US09208522B2
Systems and methods for cash positioning and cash reporting are preferably provided. A system for cash reporting and cash positioning according to the invention may include a controller module and a web service module. The controller module may be adapted to receive a selection to update a data store. The web service module may be adapted to receive a call from the controller module. The call from the controller module may be sent in response to the selection to update the data store. The web service module may be configured to retrieve bank account information data in response to the call from the controller module.
US09208517B1
A system and method of generating advertising inventory by marketers sharing content with others via a social network or other electronic communication across a network. This embodiment may include allowing one or more content providers, such as a publisher, to provide links to content items, such as articles, news stories, videos, etc. The content items may be provided directly by the content provider or by a clearinghouse entity or other intermediary. A subscriber, such as an advertiser or marketer, may then search for relevant content items from one or more content providers. The subscriber may provide ancillary content, such as an advertisement or other electronic content, for association with the selected content item. Thus, when the subscriber shares a URL identifying the selected content item, such as an article, via a social network, the URL may be encoded with a unique identifier identifying the subscriber. When the URL is clicked by a user, an ad server on the publisher's side may recognize the unique identifier and display the content item with the ancillary content provided by the subscriber.
US09208510B1
The present disclosure includes a system, method, and article of manufacture for spend based targeting. In various embodiments, the system may transmit, to a third party system, a spend data file associating a first party cookie ID with spend data, as well as a first party cookie ID and/or a third party cookie ID to a web client. The web client may transmit the first party cookie ID and/or the third party cookie ID to the third party system, and the third party system may generate a look alike model for targeting advertisements to the web client based on the spend data file and clickstream data associated with the web client. In various embodiments, the third party system may match the third party cookie ID with the first party cookie ID in the spend data file, which may associate a customer with a segment.
US09208509B1
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for personalizing content for a user based on a size of a working vocabulary of the user. In use, text is identified from content that is one of consumed and output by a user. Additionally, a size of a working vocabulary of the user is identified using the text. Further, the content is personalized based on the size of the working vocabulary of the user.
US09208508B1
Content items are distributed in content item distribution slots that define a period of time. A purchaser of a content item distribution slot can select one or more content items to distribute in the slot based on information regarding an individual to whom a content item is distributed in the content item distribution slot.
US09208505B1
Provided are methods and systems for providing compensation for using a mobile payment service. The method may commence with receiving payment information associated with a user. The method may include generating a unique code encoding the payment information and providing the generated unique code to the user. The method may continue with receiving a deposit amount associated with a purchase related to the user. The purchase may be made via the mobile payment service. The method may further include receiving a notification about a further purchase of the user via the mobile payment service. The notification may include at least the unique code and a product barcode. The product barcode may be associated with the further purchase. The method may further include providing a compensation from the deposit amount to the user. The compensation may be associated with a payment amount associated with the further purchase.
US09208499B2
A method of and system for displaying information on a display are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the method has the following actions: a) accessing a 3D model with 3D objects 5 b) showing on the display a graphical display of one or more scenes comprising a moving view on one or more of the 3D objects as seen from a certain moving point of view, the one or more 3D objects comprising at least one advertisement space, the at least one advertisement space having an advertisement space location and an advertisement space size, c) receiving a message inclusive of message data and message location data, and d) in dependence on a distance between the moving point of view and the one or more 3D objects, mapping the message data on the at least one advertisement space if the advertisement space location is associated with the message location data such that the message data overlays the advertisement space in the display.
US09208484B2
Systems and methods for facilitating risk assessment for point of sale transactions utilizing at least one risk triggering value (RTV) is disclosed. An RTV is a condensed version of a set of complex risk data and strategies usually found in central processing sites. After receiving a request for payment authorization, a risk value is calculated for the request. The distributed processing site compares the risk value to the RTV to determine whether to authorize payment. If the risk value is less than or equal to the RTV, the payment is authorized while a risk value greater than the RTV will not be authorized. The central site calculates a new RTV for the account and distributes the new RTV to the distributed processing site.
US09208483B2
A method for sharing applications (APPI, APP2, APPx; APP4) being stored in a source mobile communication device (MOx; MOI) with a destination mobile communication device (MO1; MOx) comprises: transmitting a sharing request (SR) from the source mobile communication device (MOx; MO1) to a Trusted Service Manager (TSM) with information about the application and the destination mobile communication device (MO1; MOx); at the Trusted Service Manager (TSM), retrieving the Service Provider (SP1, SP2, SPx) that has provided said application and sending a query (QU) to it; at the Service Provider (SP1, SP2, SPx), sending an installation request (INST) to the Trusted Service Manager (TSM) with an adapted version (APPx′) of the application and update instructions (UPD) for the source mobile communication device (MOx; MO1); at the Trusted Service Manager (TSM), getting the adapted application (APPx′) installed in the destination mobile communication device (MO1; MOx) and updating the source mobile communication device (MOx; MO1).
US09208479B2
A computer system monitors a financial transaction system that contains a plurality of remote transaction machines, e.g., automated teller machines (ATMs). The computer system detects and analyzes whether any of the automated teller machines has an outage, whereby customers may be experiencing failed financial transactions. When an outage occurs, a severity level is selected by processing outage data. For example, the computer system determines a measure of the number of failed transactions and then selects a severity level of the outage from which the appropriate recovery procedure can then be initiated. When the transaction system comprises a plurality of networks, the severity level of an outage may be determined by aggregating or separately processing outage data for the networks. Outage ATMs may be prioritized from the number of corresponding failed transactions, so that the prioritization can be included in an indicator that initiates resolution of the outage.
US09208469B2
Techniques are provided that allow users to collaborate in relationship to data views, application displays, applications or events. A user can type in a text view related to a specific view in an application display, and the information is shared with other users that take part in sharing that view. A user that expresses an interest in an event is notified about the event and has the capability to interact, in relation to the event, with other users (e.g. by text). The particular form of interaction (and sharing) can be selectively specified. This interaction is comparable to a dynamic bulletin board where the subject is event driven, and where a user can specify who are allowed to participate. In the case of an event interest(s), users specify their interest (e.g. in other user application events or system events) and the system automatically alerts them to the occurrence of the event.
US09208462B2
A method for generating a marketing-mix solution is provided. The method includes pre-modeling marketing data having a plurality of marketing-mix variables. Each of the plurality of marketing-mix variables is associated with marketing strategies for one or more products. The method also includes generating a sales and/or revenue based response model to identify contributory marketing-mix variables that affect the sales and/or revenue of the one or more products and analyzing the response model to determine individual contribution of each of the contributory marketing-mix variables towards the sales an/or revenue of the one or more products.
US09208461B2
A computer-implemented method for allocating services among a plurality of service operators where each capable of providing at least one service and each service operator operating a respective computer to receiving at a support server a request for service from at least one computer being operated by a user, generating a questionnaire to be answered by the user operating the at least one computer, selecting at least one service operator based upon the answered questionnaire, and establishing a service session between the at least one computer being operated by the user and the computer being operated by the at least one selected service operator for providing the requested service.
US09208452B2
While documents which may be subject to existing copyrights are scanned to form electronically transmissible files, information is extracted from the copyright notice, supplemented by manual or automated research and processed by performing calculations of critical dates for geographical areas of interest preferably provided from memory as a table of algorithms to determine if the document is in the public domain or if a license for electronic distribution can be obtained. Automated generation and/or transmission of license requests is also provided. Deletion of electronic files from local storage for particular areas and identifiers thereof form indices for particular areas are also provided if a license for electronic distribution of particular documents is not obtained.
US09208447B1
A method for classifying unclassified vehicle tracks using real-time sensor data comprises acquiring a computer database of vehicle track characteristics data for known vehicle tracks; defining vehicle track signatures based on the vehicle track characteristics data; and generating a graph based on the vehicle track signatures, the graph having state nodes representative of distinguishing vehicle track characteristics defined in the vehicle track signatures and links between the state nodes representative of relationships between distinguishing vehicle track characteristics defined in the vehicle track signatures, said graph also having reporting nodes for classifying unknown vehicle tracks when sufficient distinguishing vehicle track characteristics have been observed. The method also comprises processing with the graph, using a processor, real-time sensor data corresponding to a first unclassified vehicle track until the first unclassified vehicle track is classified.
US09208439B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for providing user information to a recommender. During operation, the system receives, from the recommender, a registration for notification of changes to a context graph. The context graph includes information about user behavior and/or user interests. Next, the system receives, from a mobile device, event data derived from contextual data collected using detectors that detect the mobile device's physical surroundings. The system modifies the context graph based on the event data. The system then determines that the modification to the context graph matches the registration, and sends a notification of context graph change to the recommender.
US09208435B2
System and methods for dynamically generating taxonomies of keywords and/or descriptors are provided. In one example, a navigation system for accessing a corpus of information provides for dynamic taxonomy generation expanding upon a topic entered by a user in a user interface. The navigation system generates, dynamically, at least one term associated with the received topic from at least one sense or meaning retrieved from a semantic network. The navigation system is further configured to present to the user the at least one term as a selectable refinement in response to receiving the topic entered by the user in the user interface. The system can also be configured to retrieve terms and/or senses from the semantic network and evaluate any retrieved terms for their informativeness. The system can further cache any information generated during taxonomy creation and update the corpus to reflect useful refinements.
US09208434B2
A neuromorphic system comprises a set of at least one input neuron, a set of at least one output neuron and a synaptic network formed from a set of at least one variable-resistance memristive component, said synaptic network connecting at least one input neuron to at least one output neuron, the resistance of the at least one memristive component being adjusted by delivering to the synaptic network write pulses generated by the at least one input neuron, and return pulses generated by the at least one output neuron, the characteristics of the write and return pulses being deduced from the intrinsic characteristics of the at least one memristive component so that the combination of a write pulse and a return pulse in the at least one memristive component results in a modification of its resistance according to a learning rule chosen beforehand.
US09208427B2
A contactless communication medium includes: a base material made of an insulating material; an antenna coil portion formed by winding a conductor in a plane on the base material; a capacitor connected to the antenna coil portion; a communication processing section connected to the antenna coil portion and the capacitor to perform a contactless communication process; and a metal pattern having a predetermined area and disposed in a region surrounded by the antenna coil portion, the metal pattern being not electrically connected to the antenna coil portion or the capacitor.
US09208423B1
An electronic transaction card communicates with an add-on slot of an intelligent electronic device. The add-on slot may be a memory card slot. The intelligent electronic device may be a mobile phone or other device with or without network connectivity. The electronic transaction card may have magnetic field producing circuitry compatible with magnetic card readers, smartcard circuitry, other point-of-sale interfaces, or any combination thereof.
US09208414B2
The application discloses a method for double-sided printing with two colors. The method comprises a step of receiving two pages of original four-color page lattice according to a printing order each time, a step of extracting effective data of first and second colors in the two pages of original four-color page lattice, respectively and a step of writing the data of the first and second colors extracted respectively into data of first color, second color, third color and fourth color of a new page of four-color page lattice, respectively. The application discloses an apparatus for double-sided printing with two colors including a printing controller, and the printing controller includes an original page receiving module configured to receive two pages of original four-color page lattice according to a printing order each time, an extracting module configured to extract effective data of first and second colors in the two pages of original four-color page lattice, respectively, and a new page generating module configured to write the data of the first and second colors extracted respectively into data of first color, second color, third color and fourth color of a new page of four-color page lattice, respectively. The invention improves the printing efficiency.
US09208409B2
On a job schedule screen that displays a type of sheet, information for identifying a sheet storage unit in which the number of sheets has become smaller than or equal to a certain value is displayed. An identifier, which is the information for identifying a sheet storage unit, is set by a user.
US09208403B1
In a particular embodiment, a method includes receiving line segment data at a processing core. The line segment data is associated with multiple candidate line segments associated with a first group of pixels of an image. The line segment data includes an angle value and/or a distance value for each of the multiple candidate line segments. The method further includes identifying, at the processing core, a set of line segments of the multiple candidate line segments by comparing angle values and/or distance values associated with the multiple candidate line segments. The method also includes determining, at the processing core, a representative line segment based on the set of line segments of the multiple candidate line segments. The method further includes storing, by the processing core, line segment information based on the representative line segment.
US09208401B2
A system and method uses one or more images provided to an image recognition capable search engine to obtain search results. The image recognition system may use one or more image match algorithms to create one or more possible product match sets. In the event multiple product match sets are created, the search results may be limited to product that appears in one or more of the plural possible product match sets.
US09208390B2
The illustrative embodiments described herein provide a computer-implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for managing mobile device usage in a moving vehicle. In response to detecting that a user is traveling at a speed consistent with vehicular travel, optical data from an interior of the moving vehicle is detected. The optical data is analyzed to identify a set of vehicular markers. The user's intra-vehicular location is determined in relation to the set of vehicular markers. If the user's intra-vehicular location is the driver's seat, then restricted use protocols are initiated.
US09208387B2
An image processing device, including a memory and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor configured to extract an edge where positions overlap with each other by comparing a first edge image extracted from an image captured for a first time and a second edge image extracted from an image captured for a second time after the first time, the image for the first time and the image for the second first time being captured from a movable body, remove the extracted edge from at least one of the first edge image and the second edge image, perform matching processing on the first and second edge images in both or one of which the extracted edge has been removed, estimate a movement amount of the movable body, by using a displacement amount between the first edge image and the second edge image which are subjected to the matching processing, and generate a projected image.
US09208384B2
Cell phones and other portable devices are equipped with a variety of technologies by which existing functionality can be improved, and new functionality can be provided. Some relate to visual search capabilities, and determining appropriate actions responsive to different image inputs. Others relate to processing of image data. Still others concern metadata generation, processing, and representation. Yet others relate to coping with fixed focus limitations of cell phone cameras, e.g., in reading digital watermark data. Still others concern user interface improvements. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed.
US09208380B2
The disclosed embodiments illustrate a method for comparing handwriting in a first electronic document and a second electronic document. The method includes extracting, by one or more processors, one or more segments from a first electronic document and a second electronic document. Each of the one or more segments includes a handwritten text. Thereafter, one or more sets of segments are created from the one or more segments. An information indicating categorization of each segment in a set of segments in one or more categories is received. The information is provided by one or more workers based on the handwriting in each segment. A similarity score based on a count of segments in each of the one or more categories is determined. The similarity score is deterministic of a degree of similarity between the first electronic document and the second electronic document.
US09208379B2
An image processing apparatus connectable to a terminal which captures an image includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire augmented information and attribute information from feature information extracted from a captured image, a processing unit configured to generate, if a plurality of pieces of the feature information is extracted, at least one piece of new augmented information by using a plurality of pieces of the augmented information acquired by the acquisition unit, based on the attribute information, and a transmission unit configured to transmit the new augmented information generated by the processing unit to the terminal.
US09208375B2
The present disclosure relates to a face recognition method, an apparatus, and a computer-readable recording medium for executing the method. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the face recognition method includes: (a) a key point setting step of setting key points at designated positions on an input face image; (b) a key point descriptor extracting step of extracting each descriptor for each key point; and (c) a matching step of determining whether the input face image matches pre-stored face images using descriptors for key points within a designated region including each descriptor for each first key point obtained from the input face image, and second key points of pre-stored face images which correspond to first key points obtained from the input face image.
US09208370B2
Methods and apparatuses for authenticating a biometric scanner, such as swipe type finger print scanners, involves estimating unique intrinsic characteristics of the scanner (scanner pattern), that are permanent over time, and can identify a scanner even among scanners of the same manufacturer and model. Image processing and analysis are used to extract a scanner pattern from images acquired with the scanner. The scanner pattern is used to verify whether the scanner that acquired a particular image is the same as the scanner that acquired one or several images during enrollment of the biometric information. Authenticating the scanner can prevent subsequent security attacks using counterfeit biometric information on the scanner, or on the user authentication system.
US09208367B2
A device can comprise a processor, a memory, an imaging subsystem configured to acquire an image of decodable indicia, a display, and a communication interface. The device can be configured, responsive to acquiring an image of one or more objects within a field of view of the imaging subsystem, to locate within the image and decode one or more decodable indicia. The device can be further configured to display the image on the display and visually mark the one or more successfully decoded decodable indicia. The device can be further configured, responsive to accepting user input selecting at least one decodable indicia of the displayed one or more decodable indicia, to transmit to an external computer at least one decoded message corresponding to the at least one decodable indicia.
US09208357B1
Circuits, methods, and apparatus that prevent detection and erasure of encoding or encryption keys. These encoding keys may be used to encode a configuration bitstream or other data for an FPGA or other device. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention masks a first key to form an encoding key in order to prevent detection of the first key. In a specific embodiment, the first key is encoded using a second key. The encoded key is used to encode a configuration bitstream or other data. The encoded key is stored on an FPGA or other device. When the device is to be configured, the encoded key is retrieved and used to decode the bitstream or other data. A further embodiment stores an encryption key in a one-time programmable memory (OTP) array to prevent its erasure or modification. The encoding key may be further obfuscated before storage.
US09208356B2
A secure LSI device 1 includes an encryption section 2 for encrypting a program, and an external I/F 50 for inputting/outputting a program or data from/to an external memory 100. In the encryption section 2, the operation of a private key arithmetic processing section 20 is prohibited with respect to a sequence whose execution is determined by a key-generation/update sequencer 30 to be impermissible. In the external I/F 50, a program processing section 51 and a data processing section 55 are structured independently from each other.
US09208355B1
Techniques and mechanisms for providing a value from physically unclonable function (PUF) circuitry for a cryptographic operation of a security module. In an embodiment, a cryptographic engine receives a value from PUF circuitry and based on the value, outputs a result of a cryptographic operation to a bus of the security module. The bus couples the cryptographic engine to control logic or interface logic of the security module. In another embodiment, the value is provided to the cryptographic engine from the PUF circuitry via a signal line which is distinct from the bus, where any exchange of the value by either of the cryptographic engine and the PUF circuitry is for communication of the first value independent of the bus.
US09208344B2
Methods and systems for accessing databases using a common web interface are provided. A method for transmitting data retrieved from an endpoint device to a client device using a common web interface includes providing the common web interface to the client device. The common web interface allows access to a plurality of endpoint devices, each endpoint device comprising a unique endpoint address. The method further includes receiving, by a computer, identification data from the client device, retrieving an endpoint address for one of the plurality of endpoint devices based on the identification data, connecting to the endpoint device corresponding to the endpoint address, retrieving data from the endpoint device, and transmitting the retrieved data to the client device.
US09208332B2
Resource authorization policies and resource scopes may be defined separately, thereby decoupling a set of authorization rules from the scope of resources to which those rules apply. In one example, a resource includes anything that can be used in a computing environment (e.g., a file, a device, etc.). A scope describes a set of resources (e.g., all files in folder X, all files labeled “Y”, etc.). Policies describe what can be done with a resource (e.g., “read-only,” “read/write,” “delete, if requestor is a member of the admin group,” etc.). When scopes and policies have been defined, they may be linked, thereby indicating that the policy applies to any resource within the scope. When a request for the resource is made, the request is evaluated against all policies associated with scopes that contain the resource. If the conditions specified in the policies apply, then the request may be granted.
US09208329B2
Systems and methods for monitoring and managing documents printed by an imaging device, including receiving an electronic copy of a document printed by the imaging device and metadata associated with the document, automatically storing the electronic copy of the document and the associated metadata, associating a time period with the stored electronic copy and the associated metadata, the time period being a time during which the document is available for use. The methods further include automatically sending a notification, after the time period has elapsed, to a user, the notification requesting that the document needs to be destroyed.
US09208323B1
A security system receives attribute samples from one or more devices configured to simulate one or more states (such as attack states). The attribute samples are aggregated, normalized to a common format, and quantized to lower the resolution of the attribute samples. Outlier attribute samples and attribute samples determined to not be correlated to the simulated states are removed to form a pruned set of attribute samples. A set of classifiers is generated based on a first portion of the pruned set of attribute samples, and the set of classifiers is tested based on a second portion of the pruned set of attribute samples. A subset of the classifiers can be provided to a device configured to monitor attributes associated with the subset of classifiers and to identify an attack state based on the monitor attributes.
US09208309B2
Collecting log file data from at least one log file. From the collected log file data, at least one HTTP request can be generated to exercise a web application to perform a security analysis of the web application. The HTTP request can be communicated to the web application. At least one HTTP response to the HTTP request can be received. The HTTP response can be analyzed to perform validation of the web application. Results of the validation can be output.
US09208298B2
Pass through service login for an application can include receiving, within a client system, a credential from a Web-based service responsive to a successful authentication of a user of the client system to the Web-based service. The user can be logged into the application executing within the client system using the credential.
US09208295B2
Presented herein are techniques for adding a secure control layer to a distributed communication fabric that supports publish-subscribe (pub-sub) and direct query (synchronization) communication. The secure control layer is configured to perform policy-based authentication techniques to securely manage the exchange of data/information within the communication fabric and enable registration/discovery of new capabilities.
US09208294B2
For managing license keys, a license key service module creates a license key service object of a license key service class. The license key service object includes a plurality of management operations including a get all license keys operation that acquires a license key for licensing services. A hosted license key service module creates a hosted license key service object of a hosted license key service class that includes the license key service object. A license key module creates a license key object of a license key class. The license key object includes the license key and employs the plurality of management operations. A management module manages the license key using the license key object, license key service object, and hosted license key service object.
US09208288B2
A system and method for remote patient monitoring and assessment to facilitate patient treatment are provided. The system includes at least one portable computing device (such as a smart cellular telephone) operated by a caregiver, which generates a plurality of user interface screens for allowing the caregiver to enter information relating to a patient's medical condition and treatment of the patient. The system compares a parameter of the information entered by the caregiver to a pre-defined threshold to determine whether the parameter is acceptable, and displays an alert screen on the portable computing device if the means for comparing the parameter determines that the parameter is unacceptable. A central server in communication with the portable computing device via a network receives the information entered by the caregiver, and electronically generates a report summarizing the patient's medical condition and treatment given to the patient by the caregiver.
US09208284B1
Embodiments relate to integrating data collection and productivity applications with an EHR system. To integrate a patient's data collection application with the EHR system, an EHR server provides API calls to (i) retrieve patient information, (ii) post data to the patient's account, and (iii) post data to the medical professional's account. To integrate a medical professional's productivity application with the EHR system, an EHR server provides API calls to (i) retrieve practice information, (ii) retrieve patient information, and (iii) post data to the medical professional's account. Embodiments securely provide these APIs to third party providers.
US09208283B2
Disclosed is a grouping system using a genotype-based SNS in that, when the peoples having a genotype want to form their community, it provides a means of access to the genotype of an individual's particular position within the limit of a technical security maintenance, so that the social networks is constituted online according to the genetic identity, whereby satisfying personal tastes of the members.
US09208279B2
A first linear-shaped conductive structure (LCS) forms a gate electrode (GE) of a first transistor of a first transistor type. A second LCS forms a GE of a first transistor of a second transistor type. A third LCS forms a GE of a fourth transistor of the first transistor type. A fourth LCS forms a GE of a fourth transistor of the second transistor type. Transistors of the first transistor type are collectively separated from transistors of the second transistor type by an inner region. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth LCS's has a respective electrical connection area. At least two of the electrical connection areas of the first, second, third, and fourth LCS's are located within the inner region. The first and fourth transistors of the first transistor type and the first and fourth transistors of the second transistor type form part of a cross-coupled transistor configuration.
US09208278B2
A method and apparatus to cluster nodes of a hypergraph is described. The method improves the clustering by placing the hypergraph into an N-dimensional space. The method receives a design represented by a hypergraph with a plurality of nodes. The method places the plurality of nodes of the hypergraph into the N-dimensional space, where N is greater than or equal to 2. The method clusters nodes of the hypergraph based on locations of the plurality of nodes in the N-dimensional space.
US09208276B1
A method of generating a layout pattern including a FinFET structure layout includes the following processes. First, a layout pattern, which includes a sub-pattern having pitches in simple integer ratios, is provided to a computer system. The sub-pattern is then classified into a first sub-pattern and a second sub-pattern. Afterwards, first stripe patterns and at least one second stripe pattern are generated. The longitudinal edges of the first stripe patterns are aligned with the longitudinal edges of the first sub-pattern and the first stripe patterns have equal spacings and widths. The positions of the second stripe patterns correspond to the positions of the blank pattern, and spacings or widths of the second stripe patterns are different from the spacings or widths of the first stripe patterns. Finally, the first stripe patterns and the second stripe pattern are outputted to a photomask.
US09208274B2
A method of designing an acoustic microwave filter in accordance with frequency response requirements. The method comprises selecting an initial filter circuit structure including a plurality of circuit elements comprising at least one resonant element and at least one other reactive circuit element, selecting circuit response variables based on the frequency response requirements, selecting a value for each of the circuit elements based on the selected circuit response variables to create an initial filter circuit design, transforming the resonant element(s) and the other reactive circuit element(s) of the initial filter circuit design into at least one acoustic resonator model to create an acoustic filter circuit design, adding parasitic effects to the acoustic filter circuit design to create a pre-optimized filter circuit design, optimizing the pre-optimized filter circuit design to create a final filter circuit design, and constructing the acoustic microwave filter based on the final filter circuit design.
US09208266B2
Methods are provided for predicting the properties of an asphalt fraction that contains two or more asphalt components based on measurements of the viscosity for the asphalt fraction. Based on the measured viscosity, a virtual cut point is determined for a virtual asphalt blend that has the same viscosity (to within a tolerance value) as the measured viscosity for the asphalt fraction. The virtual cut point is then used to determine a variety of predicted property values for the asphalt fraction. Optionally, the predicted property values can be used to adjust the actual cut point for the distillation or separation process used for forming the asphalt fraction.
US09208262B2
A system is described for displaying a plurality of associated items in a collaborative environment. The system may include a memory, an interface, and a processor. The memory may store items, each item associated with another item. The processor may provide the graphical representation of the items to a user where each item is represented by a shape. The processor may receive a request to associate a first metric of the items with a size of each shape and a request to associate a second metric of the items with a color of each shape. The processor may transform the graphical representation such that the size of each shape is based on the value of the first metric of each item, and the color of each shape is based on the value of the second metric of each item. The processor may provide the transformed graphical representation to the user.
US09208258B2
In one embodiment, two-phase mutation of an ordered tree data structure is performed, wherein a lock can be acquired on a first node in an ordered tree data structure, and an identifier for the first node can be added to a lock path data structure. A second node can also be locked, and an identifier for the second node can be added to the lock path data structure. Subsequently, a set of operations to perform on the ordered tree responsive to a modification of the second node can be determined for each node affected by the modification, and the operation for each node can be stored in the lock path data structure. Once the operations for the nodes have been determined, the operations listed in the lock path can be performed.
US09208255B2
Disclosed herein is a method of converting data of a database and creating an XML document. In the method, a source XML document has user-defined tags is designed. The source XML document is separated into an XML document for normal data conversion which is used when converting normal data, and an XML document for repetitive data conversion which is used when converting repetitive data. An SQL query statement for data to be converted in a DB is generated. The SQL query statement is executed on the DB and thereafter resulting data obtained as a result of executing the SQL query statement is stored in a storage sheet. The structural data of the source XML document is mapped to the resulting data stored in the storage sheet. A new XML document is created by replacing the structural data of the source XML document with the resulting data.
US09208252B1
The number of redundant content items provided to a user by a multi-source feed reader is automatically reduced. Each content item obtained by the multi-source feed reader from each feed to which the users subscribes is analyzed prior to being made available to the user. More specifically, the content items are analyzed to determine whether they are based on source content from different feeds. Each content item is searched for attributes indicating a source on which it is based. Where it is determined that a content item from a first feed is based on source content from a second feed, it is further determined whether the user subscribes to the second feed which the source content is from. If so, the specific received content item from the first feed is not provided to the user.
US09208247B2
Server systems and methods to track digital content pertaining to real estate listings use markers embedded within digital media files. The digital media files are accessible for presentation to client computing platforms through real estate search servers. Responsive to a digital media file being presented, for example through a browser software application, on a client computing platform, information related to browsing activity on the client computing platform is transmitted to a server that associates individual ones of the digital media files with individual ones of the real estate search servers through which a digital media file is presented.
US09208242B2
A user acquires a data item 36 in a mobile device 2, the data item representing, for example, the right to a digital asset. A web page 34 including bar code symbol 40 is displayed on the display 26 of a further device such as a PC 14. The bar code symbol codes a location of a resource. The mobile device 2 reads the bar code symbol 40 and sends data from the data item to the resource at the location coded by the bar code symbol. The further device 14 subsequently carries out an action using the data-item data received at the resource, or associated data; for example, the further device uses the data to fetch a related digital asset. In one embodiment the location coded by the bar code symbol is that of a database record uniquely associated with the symbol. In another embodiment, the location coded by the bar code symbol is the address on a local network of the further device 14.
US09208241B2
A system generates a computer user interface by including a tag in an area of the user interface that corresponds to a task flow component. The task flow component includes a plurality of sub-pages and control flow for the sub-pages. The user interface receives the task flow component and displays a current task flow sub-page within the area of the user interface and enables the control flow.
US09208236B2
Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for identifying queries having a version-intent and presenting search results in accordance with the version-intent are provided. Subject-versions associated with retrievable documents are identified and associated therewith as subject-version tags. When a search query is received, it is determined whether the query has a version-intent indicative of a particular version associated with a subject of the query. Documents are retrieved that satisfy the input query and ranked for presentation based upon the particular subject-version indicated by the version-intent. The ranked documents are then presented. Also presented is a user-manipulatable tool, manipulation of which permits a user to indicate that information concerning a different subject-version is desired. Upon receiving such indication, the search results are changed such that documents having subject-version tags indicative of the newly-indicated version-intent are ranked higher and receive more prominent placement than documents lacking such subject-version tags.
US09208234B2
A method, system, and computer program product to create an access control bit mapping (ACBM) structure for a corresponding database table are disclosed. The ACBM structure may include a relative record number (RRN) bit map. The RRN bit map may describe the access rights for a parameter. The computer-implemented method may maintain one or more statistics describing the RRN bit map. The method may additionally provide for updating the ACBM structure. The method may also provide for using the ACBM structure to process a database query.
US09208227B2
Electronic apparatus, reproduction control system, reproduction control method, and program therefor
Provided is an electronic apparatus including: a storage to store first and second contents, each of which includes scenes, and meta-information items each indicating a feature of each scene of the first and second contents; a reproducer to reproduce the first and second contents; an operation receiver to receive an input of an operation by a user; and a controller to control the storage to store an operation-history information item indicating an operation history of the user for each scene during reproduction of the first content while it is associated with the meta-information item of each scene, to calculate a similarity between scenes of the first and second contents based on the meta-information items, and to control the reproducer to change a reproduction mode for each scene based on the operation-history information item and the similarity during reproduction of the second content.
US09208221B2
A computer-implemented system and method for populating clusters of documents is provided. A set of clusters is placed in a display in relation to a common origin. One of a plurality of unclustered documents in the display is selected and an angle θ of the document from the common origin is determined. An angle σ of the cluster relative to the common origin is computed for each cluster. A difference is determined between the document angle θ and one such cluster angle σ. A predetermined variance is applied to the difference. The document is placed into the cluster when the difference is less than the variance.
US09208215B2
Data regarding user actions on a user device is gathered from the user device (and/or from another computing device) by a server. The data is analyzed to make a decision. The decision is sent by the server to the user device (e.g., directly or via another computing device) and then used by the user device to implement a new action on the user device. This process may be automatically repeated in order to provide real-time customization of the user device.
US09208212B2
A multi-tenant environment can support field extensibility via extension tables. An in-memory, columnar database can store a core table being extended as well as the corresponding extension table. Transactional and analytical processing can be performed on the extension fields. A business-objects-based system can take advantage of the technologies to provide greater flexibility, security, and performance improvements.
US09208206B2
Embodiments are directed towards previewing results generated from indexing data raw data before the corresponding index data is added to an index store. Raw data may be received from a preview data source. After an initial set of configuration information may be established, the preview data may be submitted to an index processing pipeline. A previewing application may generate preview results based on the preview index data and the configuration information. The preview results may enable previewing how the data is being processed by the indexing application. If the preview results are not acceptable, the configuration information may be modified. The preview application enables modification of the configuration information until the generated preview results may be acceptable. If the configuration information is acceptable, the preview data may be processed and indexed in one or more index stores.
US09208205B2
There is provided an information processing device including a theme setting unit that sets a theme to generate an item list including one or more items, an item list editing unit that adds an item designated for the theme by at least a user irrelevant to a setting of the theme to the item list in which the theme is set, and an output control unit that controls an output of the item list.
US09208203B2
Numerically intensive statistical processing of data is implemented as an incremental gradient method within the engine of a database system. Small user-defined functions in the database system calculate an approximate gradient from one term of a linearly separable defined cost resolvable from a single tuple of the database. In this way the optimized data access of the database may be exploited for rapid statistical processing.
US09208193B1
Computer systems are managed by providing systems programmers with visual displays and user interfaces that identify certain issues and allow the system programmer to readily apply fixes, patches, and other updates without tediously sifting through a mountain of information and manually addressing those issues. The systems herein, provide a more streamlined approach for the system programmer by reducing the possibility of overlooking a particular issue that may adversely affect the system.
US09208189B2
Processing a request is disclosed. A request associated with a first identifier is received. A selected request handler is selected among a first plurality of request handlers to process the request. The selection of the selected request handler is based at least in part on the first identifier. The request is processed using a second identifier included in the request. Processing the request includes using a local version of a data associated with the second identifier and stored in a storage managed by the selected request handler. The local version of the data has been updated using a centralized version of the data. The centralized version of the data has been determined using processing performed by a second plurality of request handlers. The selected request handler is included in the second plurality of request handlers.
US09208187B2
This disclosure provides implementations of methods, apparatus, systems, and computer program products for creating and managing granular relationships on an online social network. In some implementations, a request to generate an information feed is associated with configuration information, which identifies a source of information updates. Each of the information updates can be of a certain type. The configuration information identifies one or more of these types. An information update can be selected from the identified information source. The selected information update has one or more of the types associated therewith. The requested information feed is generated to include the selected information update and displayed on a display device.
US09208178B2
Provided are techniques for gesture-based image shape filtering. At least one keyword in a search request for an image is received. A first set of images that are candidate matches to the requested image are identified based on the at least one keyword. A gesture-based image for a filter request is received. The first set of images are filtered using the gesture-based image to identify a second set of images that are candidate matches to the requested image.
US09208176B2
Provided are techniques for gesture-based image shape filtering. At least one keyword in a search request for an image is received. A first set of images that are candidate matches to the requested image are identified based on the at least one keyword. A gesture-based image for a filter request is received. The first set of images are filtered using the gesture-based image to identify a second set of images that are candidate matches to the requested image.
US09208174B1
Disclosed are various approaches for searching for electronic information. In one embodiment, a first plurality of objects is presenting for user selection. The first plurality of objects is a first subset of a second plurality of objects that is organized by a plurality of containment categories in a data structure. A plurality of associations is stored, and each association defines a relationship between one of, two different ones of the plurality of categories, or two objects in two different ones of the plurality of containment categories. In response to user selection of one of the first plurality of objects, a second subset of the second plurality of objects is selected. Selection of the objects in the second subset is in part a function of respective weighted relevance values for associations of the selected object to each of the second plurality of objects. The second subset of objects is output.
US09208170B1
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for computerized travel services. One of the methods includes receiving natural feature mapping data, the natural feature mapping data representing geographic footprints of multiple natural features; receiving political feature mapping data, the political feature mapping data representing geographic footprints of multiple political features; classifying the natural features as a destination or not a destination, including: classifying at least one of the natural features as a destination based at least in part on determining that the geographic footprint of the natural feature overlaps with more than one of the geographic footprints of the political features, and storing data representing the natural features classified as a destination in a geographic data store.
US09208166B2
A system, method and computer program product for determining one or more candidate segments for replication. One or more but not all files stored on a deduplicated storage system are selected to be replicated. One or more segments referred to by the selected one or more but not all files are determined. A data structure is created that is used to indicate that at least the one or more segments are to be replicated. In the event that an indication based at least in part on the data structure indicates that a candidate segment stored on the deduplicating storage system is to be replicated, the candidate segment is replicated.
US09208163B2
Methods for automating the processing of generation data groups as groups prior to data recovery are described. The generation data groups to be recovered may correspond with a data storage volume that has been taken offline or has suffered a hardware failure. Prior to data recovery, a table of data sets associated with the data to be recovered may be created and then sorted based on the base names, creation dates and generation numbers of the data sets. The sorted table may be used to identify a particular sequence of generation data sets associated with a particular generation data group to be recovered. The generation data sets corresponding with the particular generation data group to be restored may be selected based on a catalog status of the particular generation data group and whether the particular generation data group is in a rolled-off or wrapped state.
US09208162B1
In one aspect, a method includes receiving hash signature, determining if there is an existing hash signature that matches the hash signature received, determining if there is an existing short hash handle that matches the hash signature received, designating n-1 least significant bits of the hash signature to be n-1 least significant bits of a n-bit short hash handle if there is not an existing short hash handle that matches the hash signature received and adding a hash handle bit to the n-1 bits to form the n-bit short hash handle.
US09208161B2
Embodiments of the invention relate to performing a scan of a memory region associated with a virtual machine. The scan is performed by a hardware mechanism in response to a call. A data structure that includes information about substrings identified during the scan and a number of replications for each substring is constructed by the hardware mechanism. The data structure is stored by the hardware mechanism at a location determined by the call.
US09208154B1
Down scoring overcrowded bands via IDF weighting scores provides a soft way to reduce the effect of common bands from Locality Sensitive Hashing (LSH) processes. An index component indexes live video references of a live streaming infrastructure pathway process in a reference index. A scoring component scores a set of bands with a set of inverse document frequency (IDF) weighting scores in the reference index. A high score is generated for bands that are featured in a small number of references and a low score is generated for bands featured in a high number of references.
US09208153B1
Profile information is maintained concerning users and files in the context of a file sharing and collaboration environment. Profile information quantifies each user's interest level in specific files, and levels of similarity between users and between files. Machine learning techniques are applied to monitored actions taken by users directed towards files, and profile information is dynamically updated in response. Natural language processing such as n-gram analysis is applied to files, and file similarity levels are increased in response to requisite amounts of common content. The event notification stream is filtered. For each specific event notification, a relevance value is quantified for each specific user, based on profile information concerning the specific user, the file to which the event is directed, and the user who undertook the event. The corresponding notification is only transmitted to specific users for whom the relevance value exceeds a predetermined threshold.
US09208151B2
A method, program, and system for specification verification. The method includes the steps of: (a) retaining a plurality of documents as groups of abstract documents that display values capable of indicating each metadata; (b) separating the group of abstract documents based on an input condition of an operation; (c) adding a new abstract document by using, based on an output condition, at least one the operation within a group of the operations; (d) separating the abstract documents according to overlapping ranges designated by the metadata; (e) unifying the abstract documents according to overlapping ranges designated by the metadata; (f) repeating the steps (b) to (e) until a termination condition is satisfied; and (g) verifying whether an incomplete abstract document exists when the termination condition is satisfied.
US09208139B2
In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for identifying organizational elements in argumentative or persuasive discourse. A text that has been annotated is received. The annotated text includes argumentative or persuasive discourse that includes claims and evidence and organizational elements configured to organize the claims and evidence. Annotations of the annotated text distinguish the organizational elements from the claims and evidence. A rule set or a feature set is identified from the annotated text, where the rule set or the feature set includes textual patterns or word frequency features related to the organizational elements of the annotated text. A model is built based on the annotations and on the rule set or the feature set. The model is configured to identify organizational elements in a new text. The model is applied to the new text.
US09208136B2
Automated comparison of Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA) documents for revision mark-up includes reading document data from first and second DITA documents into respective document object model trees of nodes, and identifying and collapsing emphasis subtree nodes in the trees into their parent nodes, the collapsing caching emphasis data from the identified subtree nodes. A traversal transforms the model trees into respective node lists and captures adjacent sibling emphasis subtree nodes as single text nodes. The node lists are merged into a merged node list that recognizes matches node pairs having primary sort key information and document structure metadata meeting a match threshold, with differences between matching tokens of the node pairs saved. A merged document object model built from the refined merged node list is transformed into a hypertext mark-up language document.
US09208128B2
A course determining system of a vehicle determines, when two or more objects that are present around the vehicle are detected, whether a passable road which the vehicle can enter is present between the two or more objects, recognizes the two or more objects as a single object when it is determined that there is no passable road between the two or more objects, and determines a running course based on at least one road including the passable road when it is determined that the passable road is present between the objects.
US09208126B2
A method processes measurement data of an object using a computing device. The method obtains measurement data of preselected feature elements of a measured object, inserts the measurement data of the preselected feature elements into a data list, obtains measured results of the preselected feature elements from a measurement tool, and calculates tolerance values of the preselected feature elements according to the measured results. The method further searches pixel icons of the preselected feature elements according to tolerance values and the measured results, inserts the pixel icons and the measured results into the data list, receives selections of a user and displays the data list in different list modes.
US09208124B2
This disclosure is directed to performing a controlled reset of one or more cores while maintaining operation of at least one other core in a multi-core processor. An initialization core may include reset logic that may detect a problematic core or core that is unresponsive or otherwise not operating properly. The initialization core may generate a packet that enables communication with the problematic core. The initialization core may send a reset packet to the problematic core to instruct the problematic core to perform a reset.
US09208120B2
This invention combines a multicore shared memory controller and an asynchronous protocol converting bridge to create a very efficient heterogeneous multi-processor system. After traversing the protocol converting bridge the commands travel through the regular processor port. This allows the interconnect to remain unchanged while having any combination of different processors connected. This invention tightly integrates all of the processors into the same memory controller/interconnect.
US09208108B2
A system for selecting a subset of issued flash storage commands to improve processing time for command execution. A plurality of ports stores a first plurality of command identifiers and are associated with the plurality of ports. Each of the first plurality of arbiters selects an oldest command identifier among command identifiers within each corresponding port resulting in a second plurality of command identifiers. A second arbiter makes a plurality of selections from the second plurality of command identifiers based on command identifier age and the priority of the port. A session identifier queue stores commands associated with the plurality of selections among other commands forming a third plurality of commands. A microcontroller selects an executable command from the third plurality of commands for execution based on an execution optimization heuristic. After execution of the command, the command identifier in the port is cleared.
US09208096B2
Systems and methods for pre-fetching data are disclosed that use a cache memory for storing a copy of data stored in a system memory and mechanism to initiate a pre-fetch of data from the system memory into the cache memory. The system further comprises an event monitor for monitoring events that is connected to a path on which signals representing an event are transmitted between one or more event generating modules and a processor. In some embodiments, the event monitor initiates a pre-fetch of a portion of data in response to the event monitor detecting an event indicating the availability of the portion of data in the system memory.
US09208091B2
A coherent attached processor proxy (CAPP) includes transport logic having a first interface configured to support communication with a system fabric of a primary coherent system and a second interface configured to support communication with an attached processor (AP) that is external to the primary coherent system and that includes a cache memory that holds copies of memory blocks belonging to a coherent address space of the primary coherent system. The CAPP further includes one or more master machines that initiate memory access requests on the system fabric of the primary coherent system on behalf of the AP, one or more snoop machines that service requests snooped on the system fabric, and a CAPP directory having a precise directory having a plurality of entries each associated with a smaller data granule and a coarse directory having a plurality of entries each associated with a larger data granule.
US09208087B2
The present invention discloses a data caching method and apparatus, and relates to the field of network applications. The method includes: receiving a first data request; writing target data in the first data request into an on-chip Cache, and counting a storage time of the target data in the on-chip cache; enabling a delay expiry identifier of the target data when the storage time of the target data in the Cache reaches a preset delay time; and releasing the target data when the delay expiry identifier of the target data is in an enabled state and processing of the target data is complete.
US09208086B1
A system and method for efficiently caching metadata in a storage system. Addresses from a plurality of I/O accesses to the storage system are captured and then a frequency domain representation of the addresses is generated. The frequency domain representation is used to measure the randomness of the various applications which are accessing the storage system. Scores are generated based on the measure of randomness, and scores are assigned to the various regions of the logical address space. Scores are then assigned to the metadata pages which are stored in the cache based on the region of the logical address space to which the metadata pages correspond. The scores are used when determining which metadata pages to evict from the cache. The cache will attempt to evict those metadata pages which correspond to regions of the logical address space that are servicing random I/O accesses.
US09208078B2
A method includes, in one non-limiting embodiment, sending a request from a mass memory storage device to a host device, the request being one to allocate memory in the host device; writing data from the mass memory storage device to allocated memory of the host device; and subsequently reading the data from the allocated memory to the mass memory storage device. The memory may be embodied as flash memory, and the data may be related to a file system stored in the flash memory. The method enables the mass memory storage device to extend its internal volatile RAM to include RAM of the host device, enabling the internal RAM to be powered off while preserving data and context stored in the internal RAM.
US09208071B2
Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for providing access to auto-commit memory. An auto-commit memory module is configured to cause a volatile memory buffer to commit data from the volatile memory buffer to a non-volatile memory medium in response to a trigger. A mapping module is configured to determine whether to associate a range of data with the volatile memory buffer. A bypass module is configured to service a request for the range of data directly from the volatile memory buffer in response to the mapping module determining to associate the range of data with the volatile memory buffer.
US09208067B2
A pool is formed based on a plurality of storage devices. This pool is constituted by a plurality of real pages. Real pages of different lengths are included in this plurality of real pages. Among a plurality of virtual pages which make up a virtual volume, a controller compresses a write data element for a write destination virtual page, selects a real page of a real page length based on the data length of a data unit including the compressed write data element, and allocates the selected real page to the write destination virtual page.
US09208062B1
Techniques are described for aggregating code coverage data generated from various types of testing of software modules, and automatically determining whether to promote software upwards in a multi-level software deployment hierarchy based on the aggregated code coverage data. In embodiments, a code coverage metric is determined for a software module, and the metric is compared to a set of promotion criteria, including whether the metric meets a predetermined threshold for quality. In some cases, the threshold may be a general threshold, a threshold based on the level of possible promotion, and/or a threshold that is based on an identified category for the software module such as whether the module is a front-end module, a shared module, a legacy module, or a critical module.
US09208057B2
A method for detecting defects in a computer program. The method steps include obtaining source code and a potential defect definition; identifying, based on the potential defect definition, a set of program objects associated with a potential defect in the source code; extracting an executable program slice having the potential defect from the source code; generating, by a processor, an abstracted model of the program slice by: modeling, using data abstraction, the set of program objects as data-abstracted variables, identifying, within the program slice, a set of control statements including predicates necessary for evaluating the set of control statements, modeling, using predicate abstraction, the predicates as predicate-abstracted Boolean variables, and creating, based on the data-abstracted variables and the predicate-abstracted Boolean variables, a finite state machine (FSM) model of the program slice; and identifying an error state of the FSM indicating an occurrence of the potential defect within the program slice.
US09208055B2
Call graph construction systems that utilize computer hardware are presented including: a processor; a candidate pool configured for representing a number of calls originating from a root node of a computer software application; an importance value assigner configured for assigning an importance value for any of the number of calls represented in the candidate pool; a candidate selector configured for selecting from the number of calls represented in the candidate pool for inclusion in a call graph based on a sufficient importance value; and an importance value adjuster configured for adjusting the importance value of any call represented in the call graph.
US09208052B2
Algorithm selection for collective operations in a parallel computer that includes a plurality of compute nodes may include: profiling a plurality of algorithms for each of a set of collective operations, including for each collective operation: executing the operation a plurality times with each execution varying one or more of: geometry, message size, data type, and algorithm to effect the collective operation, thereby generating performance metrics for each execution; storing the performance metrics in a performance profile; at load time of a parallel application including a plurality of parallel processes configured in a particular geometry, filtering the performance profile in dependence upon the particular geometry; during run-time of the parallel application, selecting, for at least one collective operation, an algorithm to effect the operation in dependence upon characteristics of the parallel application and the performance profile; and executing the operation using the selected algorithm.
US09208039B2
Aspects of the disclosure pertain to a system and method for detecting server removal from a cluster to enable fast failover of storage (e.g., logical volumes). A method of operation of a storage controller of a cluster is disclosed. The method includes receiving a signal. The method further includes, based upon the received signal, determining that communicative connection between a second storage controller of the cluster and the first storage controller of cluster is unable to be established. The method further includes determining whether communicative connection between the first storage controller and expanders of first and second enclosure services manager modules of the cluster is able to be established. The method further includes, when it is determined that communicative connection between the first storage controller and the expanders of the first and second enclosure services manager modules of the cluster is able to be established, performing a failover process.
US09208035B2
An optical information recording and reproducing apparatus and an optical information recording and reproducing method which make it possible to conduct alternation processing efficiently even if a buffer capacity is limited, in retry processing at time when a verify error is detected are provided. In an optical information recording and reproducing apparatus for recording data onto optical information recording media and reproducing data from the optical information recording media, verify processing is conducted in a predetermined recording quantity unit. Upon detection of a verify error in recorded data, a host computer is requested to retransfer data which has caused the verify error, and received data is intruded in a next scheduled recording quantity unit and recorded onto the optical information recording media.
US09208031B2
A log structured content addressable deduplicated data storage system may be used to store deduplicated data. Data to be stored is partitioned into data segments. Each unique data segment is associated with a label. The storage system maintains a transaction log. Mutating storage operations are initiated by storing transaction records in the transaction log. Additional transaction records are stored in the log when storage operations are completed. Upon restarting an embodiment of the data storage system, the transaction records from the transaction logs are replayed to recreate the state of the data storage system. The data storage system updates file system metadata with transaction information while a storage operation associated with the file is being processed. This transaction information serves as atomically updated transaction commit points, allowing fully internally consistent snapshots of deduplicated volumes to be taken at any time.
US09208024B2
A method and apparatus are provided for error correction of a memory by using a first memory (18) and second memory (14) to perform error correction code (ECC) processing on data retrieved from the first memory and to use status control bits (35-37) in the second memory to detect and manage hard and soft errors identified by the ECC processing.
US09208022B2
Examples are given for generating or providing a moving read reference (MRR) table for recovering from a read error of non-volatile memory included in a storage device. In some examples, priorities may be adaptively assigned to entries included in the MRR table. The entries may be ordered for use based on the assigned priorities. In other examples, the MRR table may be ordered for use such that entries with a single MRR value for each read reference value may be used first over entries having multiple MRR values for each read reference value. For these other examples, the MRR table may be adaptively reordered based on which entries were successful or unsuccessful in recovering from a read error but may still be arranged to have single MRR value entries used first for use to recover from another read error.
US09208011B2
A clock output unit outputs a synchronous clock signal. A serial data receiving unit receives data representing an absolute position and an encoder sends data in synchronization with the synchronous clock signal. A position conversion unit converts the received absolute position into a current position. The position conversion unit calculates a difference between a last received absolute position and an absolute position received immediately before the last received absolute position. The position conversion unit obtains the latest current position by adding the difference and a current position that was calculated immediately before the latest current position. If the absolute value of the calculated difference is greater than a threshold value, the position conversion unit determines that the last received absolute position has an error.
US09208000B2
A quality score for a computer application release is determined using a first number of unique users who have launched the computer application release on user devices and a second number of unique users who have encountered at least once an abnormal termination with the computer application release on user devices. Additionally or optionally, an application quality score can be computed for a computer application based on quality scores of computer application releases that represent different versions of the computer application. Additionally or optionally, a weighted application quality score can be computed for a computer application by further taking into consideration the average application quality score and popularity of a plurality of computer applications.
US09207999B2
Programmable data recorders are provided in a network semiconductor chip to monitor and record all or portions of data from various interfaces, including the input and output interfaces of network links interfacing the chip. A data recorder is provided for each network link. The data recorders store captured data in storage arrays. Data may be compressed and associated with time stamps to conserve space in the storage arrays. A data recorder manager in the chip may start and stop the data recorders at approximately the same time. The programmable mode of the data recorders determines which interfaces are monitored, the portion of data captured, and the format of the data in the storage arrays.
US09207985B2
A plurality of memory allocators are initialized within a computing system. At least a first memory allocator and a second memory allocator in the plurality of memory allocators are each customizable to efficiently handle a set of different memory request size distributions. The first memory allocator is configured to handle a first memory request size distribution. The second memory allocator is configured to handle a second memory request size distribution. The second memory request size distribution is different than the first memory request size distribution. At least the first memory allocator and the second memory allocator that have been configured are deployed within the computing system in support of at least one application. Deploying at least the first memory allocator and the second memory allocator within the computing system improves at least one of performance and memory utilization of the at least one application.
US09207982B2
The present disclosure improves upon existing systems and methods by providing a tool for managing processing resources. For instance, the presently described tool may be used to time replacement, plan for uplifts, budget for uplifts/decommissioning of hardware, and/or maintain a plurality of servers. This tool may lead to increased satisfaction, uptime, and a reduction of unexpected costs. The system may include initiating collection of variables to compile a prioritized list of servers, executing, a calculation application for determining a prioritized list of servers' end of life targets based on both technical and business parameters based on the entered variables, and prioritizing uplifts of the servers based on the technical and the business parameters.
US09207981B2
A data processing device may comprise one or more applications. Based on communication from a particular application, the data processing device may be operable to provide, to the particular application, power consumption information of the data processing device associated with each of a plurality of application states of the particular application and/or information related to one or more power-consuming components in the data processing device. The particular application may register with the data processing device to receive a notification when a power consuming component is available for use. The particular application may also perform operations based on the provided power consumption information and/or the provided information related to the one or more power-consuming components. The plurality of application states may comprise an application idle state and one or more application active states.
US09207980B2
Technologies are generally described for a multi-processor core and a method for transferring threads in a multi-processor core. In an example, a multi-core processor may include a first group including a first core and a second core. A first sum of the operating frequencies of the cores in the first group corresponds to a first total operating frequency. The multi-core processor may further include a second group including a third core. A second sum of the operating frequencies of the cores in the second group may correspond to a second total operating frequency that is substantially the same as the first total operating frequency. A hardware controller may be configured in communication with the first, second and third core. A memory may be configured in communication with the hardware controller and may include an indication of at least the first group and the second group.
US09207976B2
Embodiments directed toward a method, system, and computer program product for placement of a plurality of virtual machines on a hardware resource are provided. The method can also include generating a user location vector for each candidate virtual machine from the plurality of candidate virtual machines by aggregating a plurality of user location metrics for each candidate virtual machine. The method can also include ranking, in response to a performance resource demanded by the plurality of candidate virtual machines being at or above a threshold of the performance resource available on the hardware resource, the candidate virtual machines as a function of an aggregate user location vector for each candidate virtual machine. The method can include selecting a subset of the candidate virtual machines for migration based on the ranking.
US09207969B2
A parallel tracer may perform detailed or heavily instrumented analysis of an application in parallel with a performance or lightly instrumented version of the application. Both versions of the application may operate on the same input stream, but with the heavily instrumented version having different performance results than the lightly instrumented version. The tracing results may be used for various analyses, including optimization and debugging.
US09207966B2
A system, method, and techniques for providing high availability to an application are provided. An example system includes a plurality of databases and a persistence layer that generates, based on a request, one or more sets of database commands that is specific to a database. The system also includes a high-availability layer that is an intermediary between the persistence layer and the plurality of databases, and includes a transaction manager and an execution engine. The transaction manager starts a composite transaction including a sub-transaction corresponding to each database of the plurality of databases and determines whether each applied sub-transaction has successfully completed. A sub-transaction includes a set of database commands. The execution engine applies each sub-transaction to its corresponding database.
US09207950B2
It is provided a method for distinguishing between cold boot and warm boot of a device, wherein the device comprises a volatile memory containing a flag used for indicating boot type, the method comprises the step of determining boot type by reading the flag; wherein, the method further comprises upon detection of a message indicating occurrence of power outage, setting data of the volatile memory in such a way that make the device fail to determine the boot type as warm boot.
US09207948B2
The present invention relates to a multi-BIOS circuit and a BIOS switching method accomplished through the circuit. The multi-BIOS circuit comprises at least two BIOS chips, a SPI Select chip is disposed between the BIOS chips and a Southbridge chip, the BIOS chips are connected to the SPI Select chip pins, and the SPI Select chip is connected to the Southbridge chip pins. The present invention can significantly enhance the safety of computers, and increases the stability as well as the convenience in use and operation.
US09207947B1
The disclosure is related systems and method for improved boot and resume from hibernate times in hybrid drives. In one embodiment, a device may comprise an interface circuit to communicate with a host device, a first nonvolatile data storage medium, and a controller configured to monitor the interface circuit for a trigger event and pin data associated with read requests to the first nonvolatile data storage medium during a first specific duration in response to the trigger event. Another embodiment may be a method comprising receiving a trigger event, monitoring a duration since the trigger event, retrieving data from a nonvolatile cache memory, retrieving data from a disc memory when the data is not in the nonvolatile cache memory, and pinning the data retrieved from the disc memory to the nonvolatile cache memory.
US09207931B2
An artifact update system including a server and a client is described. The server stores and updates a preference as to a characteristic of an artifact. The client executes a software development environment using the artifact. The server makes, in view of the preference as to the characteristic of the artifact, an actionable change determination as to whether there is a change in the characteristic of the artifact that reaches a threshold level of significance. The server communicates to the client the actionable change determination. When the actionable change determination is that there is a change in the characteristic of the artifact that reaches the threshold level of significance, the client performs a specific action in the software development environment in response to the actionable change determination.
US09207929B2
Proposed are an integrated system and a firmware update method capable of facilitating the update of firmware and alleviating the burden of the administrator. In an integrated system comprising a computer, a storage device, a connecting device and a management computer, the management computer stores in a memory and manages, as a firmware version of the integrated system, information indicating a combination of operation-guaranteed firmware versions regarding firmware versions of each of the devices of the computer, the storage device and the connecting device, and, upon updating firmware of each of the devices of the computer, the storage device and the connecting device, collectively updates the firmware of each of the devices of the computer, the storage device and the connecting device based on the firmware version of the integrated system.
US09207926B2
The disclosed dynamic image composition system employing fenced applications includes an information handling system (IHS) that may employ an application fencing tool to generate a fenced application. The IHS may also employ a fenced imaging tool to dynamically modify images with fenced applications, statically modify images with fenced applications and/or generate images with fenced applications.
US09207925B2
A computer-implemented method, program product and apparatus for platform specific payload management. The method receives a request containing an OS override value, calls a set of selection bundles using the OS override value and receives true for all selection bundles in the set of selection bundles applicable to the OS override value to form applicable selections and false for all selection bundles not applicable to the OS override value. The computer-implemented method further identifies OS specific payloads using the applicable selections, selects an OS specific payload as a deployable image from a repository, downloads the deployable image to a target system from the repository and unpacks the deployable image on the target system to form an installed image.
US09207922B2
Provided is a compiling method and apparatus for scheduling a block in a pipeline. The compiling method for scheduling a block in a pipeline may include profiling, using a processor, an access count of a block in a control flow of a program code, determining that the block is an important block, in response to an edge count of an edge entering the block being greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the edge count being included in the access count of the block, and scheduling the important block based on the access count to prevent a register writeback conflict.
US09207915B2
Methods and instructions embodied in non-transitory media for the detection of plagiarism in software code implementing a design pattern are described. Steps involved may include receiving input comprising the software code at least one design pattern implemented in the software code, identifying at least one function call to a function in a class implementing the design pattern in the software code, and creating a representation of the called function in the class containing the function call, wherein the function call and the function to which it corresponds is characteristic of the design pattern; and where the created representation implements program logic associated with at least one function implementing the design pattern, including the called function. The function call may be replaced with the representation of the called function. Additionally, the modified code may then be compared with one or more target files.
US09207909B1
Polynomial circuitry includes a respective partial product generator for each bit position of each term of a plurality of terms of a polynomial to be evaluated. A respective plurality of adders for each bit position adds partial products of a respective bit position across all of the plurality of terms to provide a respective bit-slice sum. Resulting bit-slice sums are offset from one another according to their respective bit positions. A final adder adds together the respective offset bit-slice sums to provide a result.
US09207905B2
A system is described for maintaining synchrony of operations among a plurality of devices that have independent clocking arrangements. The system includes a task distribution device that distributes tasks to a synchrony group comprising a plurality of devices that are to perform the tasks distributed by the task distribution device in synchrony. The task distribution device distributes each task to the members of the synchrony group over a network. Each task is associated with a time stamp that indicates a time, relative to a clock maintained by the task distribution device, at which the members of the synchrony group are to execute the task. Each member of the synchrony group periodically obtains from the task distribution device an indication of the current time indicated by its clock, determines a time differential between the task distribution device's clock and its respective clock and determines therefrom a time at which, according to its respective clock, the time stamp indicates that it is to execute the task.
US09207902B2
A method for implementing a multi-vision system by using a plurality of portable terminals, wherein, if a user applies a touch input to each of the plurality of portable terminals in a state in which the plurality of portable terminals are disposed, each of the plurality of portable terminals transmits information relating to the touch input to a multi-vision controller, and the multi-vision controller determines how the plurality of portable terminals have been disposed by using the touch input information and then transmits picture division information indicating a respective content portion to be displayed by each portable terminal to the plurality of portable terminals, and thus, the user can conveniently and quickly implement the multi-vision system by using the plurality of portable terminals and can select an optimized disposition of the plurality of portable terminals based on the characteristics of the content.
US09207892B2
Provided is a print system which analyzes a print job to generate analysis result information, generating an image for printing by performing an RIP process by using an image generating function required for each object for drawing in each page belonging to the print job based on the analysis result information. In turn, the print system synthesizes an image for printing of each object into a page image based on the analysis result information and prints the page image.
US09207883B2
A disk drive receives a request to write at least one block of a first block size, wherein the disk drive is configured to store blocks of a second block size that is larger in size than the first block size. The disk drive stores a plurality of emulated blocks of the first block size in each block of the second block size. The disk drive generates a read error, in response to reading a selected block of the second block size in which the at least block of the first block size is to be written via an emulation. The disk drive performs a destructive write of selected emulated blocks of the first block size that caused the read error to be generated. The disk drive writes the at least one block of the first block size in the selected block of the second block size.
US09207882B2
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes instantiating a virtual adapter on a network device connected to a storage array, the virtual adapter capable of communicating with the storage array; determining storage configuration properties for the network device; and provisioning a portion of the storage array to the network device in accordance with the determined storage configuration properties. The method may further comprise associating the network device with a service profile, where the storage configuration properties are specified in the service profile. Still further, the method may comprise configuring the network device in accordance with the associated service profile, where the instantiating is also performed in accordance with the associated service profile.
US09207863B2
Provided are an input device including at least one key to which a plurality of symbols are allocated, and a method of determining a symbol input by a user in the input device. The method includes tracking a plurality of input objects, receiving a key input from any one of the plurality of input objects, and determining a symbol input by a user on the basis of a relative position, which is a position of the input object in the input objects, of the input object that has generated the key input and the input key. Accordingly, it is possible to output different symbols using one key according to relative positions of an input object that has generated a key input, so that a desired symbol can be easily input through a small input device.
US09207845B2
A system and method for associating anatomically significant regions with regions of one or more images may include automatically modifying images of different modalities according to different correction algorithms, providing a user interface for identifying a plane within three-dimensional data, scaling atlas structures to fit an anatomical image according to identified landmarks, registering an atlas to such an image via a combination of registration algorithms, and/or registering an atlas to such an image using a feature extraction algorithm.
US09207841B2
A video player for tagged online video includes a means for receiving a stream of video data and tag data. The tag data includes tag details including for each tag a link to display during video playback and a location at which to display the link. A video display output displays the video data, a user-selectable tag display GUI option, and selectively, the tag data. The video player is adapted to detect a selection of one of at least a first and a second option via the user-selectable tag display GUI option.
US09207840B2
A method of navigating content items presented in a graphical user interface of an electronic device is provided. The content items of a content item list are displayed on the electronic device with a navigation list associated with a characteristic defined in each of the content items. The content list is sorted by the characteristics, for example by time, alphabetically or numerically. A navigation element in the navigation list is modified based upon the measure of the displayed content items within the content item list providing a sense of measure relative to the overall navigation list.
US09207835B1
A device provides user interfaces for capturing and sending media, such as audio, video, or images, from within a message application. The device detects a movement of the device and in response, plays or records an audio message. The device detects a movement of the device and in response, sends a recorded audio message. The device removes messages from a conversation based on expiration criteria. The device shares a location with one or more message participants in a conversation.
US09207833B2
A collaboration system provides enhanced user interface to enable users to interact with electronic devices. In one embodiment, users can add content to a digital system by using a pen that streams coordinates so that input to the digital system may be based on conventional pen and paper handwriting. In another embodiment, a pie-based menu system is used for input to large display area digital devices in which an occluded portion of the pie-based menu system is not used for direct input by the user. The selection of which areas of the pie-based menu system should be omitted from use is adaptive and responsive to whether the user is left-handed or right-handed, and the wrist angle defined by the user's posture. In still another embodiment, an ergonomic open-shaped pie menu system is provided to facilitate selection of options on a digital surface.
US09207830B2
A physical health application is accessible via a computer network. The application has a dynamic user interface with an interactive chart. The interactive chart displays a physical parameter over time. The interactive chart is adapted to set a physical progress goals.
US09207814B2
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a touch sensor. The touch sensor is disposed on one or more substrates. The touch sensor includes at least one drive electrode and at least one sense electrode. The drive and sense electrodes each include a base portion and a plurality of digits coupled to the base portion. The spaces between the digits of the drive electrode are partially occupied by a digit of a sense electrode (and vice versa). The drive and sense electrodes occupy the same plane.
US09207813B2
An electronic stylus system includes an electronic stylus and base receiving unit. The electronic stylus includes a first ultrasonic transmitter, a second ultrasonic transmitter, an electromagnetic transmitter, and a writing tip. The base receiver unit includes a first ultrasonic receiver, a second ultrasonic receiver, and an electromagnetic receiver. The ultrasonic receivers of the base unit are operable to receive signals transmitted by the ultrasonic transmitters of the electronic stylus. Similarly, the electromagnetic receiver of the base unit is operable to receive signals transmitted by the electromagnetic transmitter of the stylus. The location of the tip of the electronic stylus relative to a given reference point is determined using the locations of two ultrasonic transmitters relative to the two ultrasonic receivers.
US09207802B2
An apparatus includes a touch sensor operable to sense objects that touch the touch sensor. The apparatus also includes a touch sensor controller operable to detect a first object and determine that the first object is an object that a user intends to touch the touch sensor. The touch sensor controller also defines an intended touch area associated with the first object and suppresses detection of touches that are outside of the defined intended touch area.
US09207799B2
Touch sensing can be accomplished using master/slave touch controllers that transmit drive signals to a touch surface and process sense signals including superpositions resulting from master/slave drive signals. The master/slave can drive and sense different sets of lines, respectively, of the touch surface. A communication link between master/slave can be established by transmitting a clock signal between master/slave, transmitting a command including sequence information to the slave, and initiating a communication sequence from the clock signal and sequence information. The slave can receive/transmit communications from/to the master during first/second portions of the communication sequence, respectively. Touch sensing operations can be synchronized between master/slave by transmitting a command including phase alignment information from master to slave, and generating slave clock signals based on the clock signal and the phase alignment information, such that sense signal processing by master clock signals are in-phase with sense signal processing by slave clock signals.
US09207792B2
A method of controlling a mobile apparatus having a hand writing function using a multi touch includes detecting a hand writing input that is input to a hand writing input window on a touch screen of the mobile apparatus, determining whether the detected hand writing input is a multi touch input or a single touch input, generating a hand writing output including multi touch output corresponding to the multi touch input and single touch output corresponding to the single touch input; and displaying the hand writing output in an output window on the touch screen.
US09207788B2
Decorative film on transparent substrate, a touch sensor device and method of manufacturing the same
A decorative film on a transparent substrate is provided. The decorative film includes a color transparent layer, a reflective layer and a protective layer. The color transparent layer is on a surface of a transparent substrate. The reflective layer is disposed on the color transparent layer and the protective layer is disposed on the reflective layer. The disclosure also describes a touch sensor device and a method of manufacturing a touch sensor device.
US09207784B2
An electromagnetic pressure-sensitive pointer is disclosed. The electromagnetic pointer comprises a pen core and an oscillating circuit. The pointer core has a pointer tip. The oscillating circuit comprises a plurality of conductive terminals and a conductor. A capacitance of the oscillating circuit is increased through the contact between the conductive terminals and the conductor as a force is applied upon the pointer tip. When pointer's tip is been pressed, the pointer's frequency will have an obvious transition while its pressure-sensitivity is maintained.
US09207783B2
The synchronous optical pen electronic whiteboard system in the present invention introduces an image sensor with a global shutter, optical pen pulsing light-emission and synchronizing signal transmitter and receiver. The light pulsing of the optical pen and the exposure of the image sensor coincide by synchronizing signal so as to realize the object of increasing signal-to-noise-ratio. A synchronizing signal sender can be arranged in the optical pen and a synchronizing signal receiver arranged in a signal receiving device, or a synchronizing signal sender can be arranged in the signal receiving device and a synchronizing signal receiver arranged in the optical pen. The coincidence of light pulsing and the exposure can be realized in the two solutions, thereby realizing the object of the present invention. By using the solution of the present invention, the power consumption of the optical pen can be reduced effectively and the signal to noise ratio of the system can be effectively increased in the meanwhile.
US09207775B2
A method for positioning keys in a limited key space in handheld computing and communication devices for efficient finger operation, has the steps of, (i) selecting a set of keys from a full set of keys, where the selected set is useful for use in small handheld devices based on their mode of use and operation, (ii) partitioning the selected keys in two groups of more-used and less-used keys, (iii) positioning the more-used keys in a top center area of the keypad space and the less-used keys in a remainder key space including a bottom, a left, and a right area of the key space, and (iv) adjusting the layout of the keys in the key space based on the size and the orientation of the key space with an correspondingly adjusted key size.
US09207774B2
A method of labeling a package for shipment includes: providing a shipping label having a generally laminar body with a designated tear path matrix extending over at least a major portion thereof, the generally laminar body having a face side on which is printed origination, destination and tracking data, and a bottom side to which is applied a pressure-sensitive adhesive surface; and attaching the shipping label to a surface of the package, via the pressure-sensitive adhesive surface on the bottom side of said label, prior to its shipment via a common carrier. The designated tear path matrix may be a pattern of interconnected regular hexagons, or a pattern of intersecting first and second parallel tear lines. The tear path matrix may be formed by through-hole perforations in the label body, by channels in the label body, or by regions of reduced shear strength in the label body.
US09207773B1
User interaction with a display is detected substantially simultaneously using at least two cameras whose intersecting FOVs define a three-dimensional hover zone within which user interactions can be imaged. Separately and collectively image data is analyzed to identify a relatively few user landmarks. A substantially unambiguous correspondence is established between the same landmark on each acquired image, and a three-dimensional reconstruction is made in a common coordinate system. Preferably cameras are modeled to have characteristics of pinhole cameras, enabling rectified epipolar geometric analysis to facilitate more rapid disambiguation among potential landmark points. Consequently processing overhead is substantially reduced, as are latency times. Landmark identification and position information is convertible into a command causing the display to respond appropriately to a user gesture. Advantageously size of the hover zone can far exceed size of the display, making the invention usable with smart phones as well as large size entertainment TVs.
US09207764B2
A system that generates haptic effects on a haptically-enabled device determines an orientation of the haptically-enabled device and obtains one or more haptic effect channels. The system then assigns each of the haptic effect channels to a haptic output device on the haptically-enabled device based on the orientation.
US09207762B2
A method and an apparatus for marking electronic document are provided. An image sequence of a user is captured by an image capturing unit, and an eye tracking procedure, a nod detecting procedure and a blink detecting procedure are executed for analyzing the image sequence. A first position on the electronic document where a current sightline of the user falls when the user performs a first specific action is obtained, and a marking action is executed for marking the electronic document along with a movement trajectory of the user's eyes starting from the first position. A second position on the electronic document where the current sightline falls when the user performs a second specific action is obtained, and the marking action is finished at the second position.
US09207760B1
This disclosure involves proximity sensing of eye gestures using a machine-learned model. An illustrative method comprises receiving training data that includes proximity-sensor data. The data is generated by at least one proximity sensor of a head-mountable device (HMD). The data is indicative of light received by the proximity sensor(s). The light is received by the proximity sensor(s) after a reflection of the light from an eye area. The reflection occurs while an eye gesture is being performed at the eye area. The light is generated by at least one light source of the HMD. The method further comprises applying a machine-learning process to the training data to generate at least one classifier for the eye gesture. The method further comprises generating an eye-gesture model that includes the at least one classifier for the eye gesture. The model is applicable to subsequent proximity-sensor data for detection of the eye gesture.
US09207757B2
A gesture recognition apparatus detects a locus of a fingertip position of a user from an acquired moving image; sets an effective range configured to set an effective range to detect a locus of the fingertip position of the user from the moving image flap action; determines whether or not the locus of the fingertip position is of the flap action when the locus of the fingertip position is included in the effective range; and recognizes a gesture of the user from the flap action when the locus of the fingertip position is of the flap action.
US09207748B2
A system and method for wireless waking computing devices over a computer network is provided. A signal is broadcast over the network that includes one or more device specific wake-up data sequences. Each device specific wake-up data sequence includes multiple iterations of the hardware address of the wireless network card associated with that device. While in a reduced power or “sleep mode”, the wireless network card monitors wireless channels for packets containing a wake-up data sequence. If a wake-up data sequence is received, the sequence is matched against the hardware address information for that network card. If a match is determined, the network card sends a signal to the computing device causing full system power to be restored. A signal is sent to the network confirming that the device has been successfully woken from the sleep mode.
US09207743B2
According to an embodiment, a control device includes a calculator and a setting unit. The calculator is configured to calculate a system processing time indicating a time required for processing executed after a system, the system including a plurality of elements, power to each element being individually controlled, resumes from a sleep state in which the number of elements supplied with power is limited to a predetermined number and an operation of the system is stopped. The setting unit is configured to set a mode indicating an operation state of the system according to the system processing time calculated by the calculator when a resume factor indicating a factor for resuming the system from the sleep state occurs.
US09207742B2
A power-saving operating method for an electronic device is provided. A control chip of the electronic device has an interrupt pin, and the electronic device couples to a touch device through a connection port and the interrupt pin. When the touch device is idle for over an idle time, a BIOS is informed through the interrupt pin to disable the connection port. When a number of touch signals received from the touch device within a first predetermined time is not less than a first predetermined amount, the connection port is enabled. When the number of the touch signals received from the touch device within the first predetermined time is less than the first predetermined amount or none of the touch signal is received within the first predetermined time, a reading operation for reading the connection port is interrupted and the touch device enters a power-saving mode.
US09207741B2
A storage apparatus includes first and second controller modules. The first controller module monitors power states of the first and second controller modules. When the monitoring results indicate that the power state of the first controller module is an ON state and the power state of the second controller module is an ON processing state in which an ON process of switching from OFF to ON is being executed, the first controller module maintains the power state of the first controller module upon detection of a power control signal for controlling the power state of the first controller module.
US09207738B2
A data processing device has a processor (10) operable at selectable ones of a plurality of performance levels. The processor generates a workload data vector indicating a workload of the processor as a function of time. A memory stores a set of reference workload vectors. A pattern matcher (18) detects whether there is a matching reference workload data vector. A performance level controller (19) selects the performance level of the processor based on control information that is stored in combination with the matching workload data vector.
US09207732B1
Embodiments generally relate to thermal management in a computing device. The present technology discloses techniques that can enable an effective and reliable control of a fan speed using various factors such as a power loading value provided by a power supply unit. Power loading values can indicate a level of current flowing through the device, which is generally proportional to the amount of heat dissipated by such device.
US09207724B2
Quick release couplings for releasably coupling components to the computer are disclosed. The quick release coupling mechanisms are generally configured to allow tool-less placement of the components relative to the computer. That is, the quick release coupling mechanisms are configured to perform their couplings without using conventional fasteners such as screws, bolts, etc. By eliminating use of fasteners, the components may be inserted and removed from the computer without using tools (e.g., tool-less). Furthermore, the quick release couplings are easy to maneuver thereby enabling quick and straightforward assembly and disassembly of the components to and from the computer (e.g., quick release). For example, the components may be inserted and removed by a simple pushing or pulling motion, and/or by a simple flick of a latch or handle.
US09207721B2
In at least some embodiments, an apparatus is provided that comprises a frame and a cover removably attached to the frame. The apparatus further comprises a geared latch assembly attached to the cover, the geared latch assembly having a geared latch. If the geared latch is rotated from a first position to a second position, the cover moves linearly from a closed state to an open state.
US09207719B2
A screen control module of a mobile electronic device has at least one controller formed on a circuit board. The circuit board has multiple solder pads formed on the circuit board and respectively aligning along a first direction and a second direction. A count of the solder pads along the first direction is greater than that along the second direction. The controller is formed by an integrated circuit with a package, and the aspect ratio of the package is not less than 2. The package has multiple electrical contacts respectively aligning along a length direction and a width direction. Each electrical contact aligns with and is electrically connected to a corresponding solder pad. Accordingly, the screen control module mounted within a side frame of a display of the mobile electronic device can increase the aspect ratio to meet the demand for narrowing the side frame of the display.
US09207712B1
A portable computer that includes an upper surface, disposed between the keyboard and the back edge, a portion of which is indented with respect to adjacent portions of the upper surface. The portable computer also includes a lid assembly that has a display viewable thereon and a lower edge. The lid assembly further has a cover surface and a side surface. A hinge structure is configured to affix the lid assembly to the base assembly such that the lid is moveable between a closed position and an open position wherein the display is disposed at an angle with respect to the upper surface. In the open position at least portions of the cover surface and the side surfaces are received within the indented portion of the upper surface, and the lower edge of the screen is adjacent both the upper surface outside the indented portion and the keyboard.
US09207706B2
Generating monotonically increasing time-of-day values in a multiprocessor system is provided. Synchronization impulses are received by a processor of the multiprocessor system, and an execution of a read instruction of a time-of-day value within a processor of the processors is refused, if the execution of the read instruction of the time-of-day value is requested after a predefined time after a synchronization impulse of the synchronization impulses, and if a trigger signal, indicative of new data received by a related memory system, has been received after the predefined time, wherein the memory system is external to the processor.
US09207699B2
An electric power control system includes a first device, a second device, and an electric power control apparatus. The first device performs an operation when electric power is supplied via a first plug socket. The second device performs an operation when electric power is supplied via a second plug socket. The first and second devices communicate with each other. The electric power control apparatus controls the electric power supplied to the first device and the second device. The first device includes a notification unit to notify the electric power control apparatus of information indicating the second device that is a device relating to the first device. The electric power control apparatus includes an electric power control unit to stop supplying electric power to the second device based on the information notified from the notification unit when the electric power control unit stops supplying electric power to the first device.
US09207698B2
Systems and methods for managing power supplied over an electric power grid by an electric utility and/or other market participants to multiple power consuming devices, each of which having a Power Supply Value (PSV) associated with its energy consumption and/or reduction in consumption. Power flow to the power consuming devices is selectively enabled and disabled, or power-reduced thereto, by one or more controllable devices controlled by the client device. Power control messages from a controlling server indicate amounts of electric power to be reduced and an identification of at least one controllable device to be instructed to disable or reduce a flow of electric power to one or more associated power consuming devices.
US09207685B2
An electrical outlet for receiving an electrical plug is illustrated. The electrical outlet includes a housing defining a recess for receiving the electrical plug and a closed groove in a bottom of the recess, and a draining mechanism accommodated in the housing. The draining mechanism includes a barrel, a first sliding member, and a first driver. The barrel defines a first sliding groove and a slot communicating with both the first sliding groove and the closed groove. The first sliding groove includes a first, external open end and an opposite second open end. The first sliding member includes a first rod slidably retained in the first sliding groove through the second open end. The first driver is configured to drive the first sliding member to slide along the first sliding groove for pushing liquid out of the first sliding groove through the first open end.
US09207682B2
A water pump controlled by a microcontroller and operated to pump hot water for specific recirculation periods during a multi-day cycle. The recirculation periods are determined from hot water usage data logged by the microcontroller during a logging period occurring in the previous multi-day cycle. A preferred cycle is during a seven-day, or one-week, period.
US09207648B2
A watch includes a sound input body and a main body. The main body include an interface unit, a first electromagnetic coil unit, a signal processing unit, and a control unit. The sound input body includes a microphone and a second electromagnetic coil unit. The second electromagnetic coil unit generates inducted electromagnetic filed in response to an electric signal generated by the microphone. The first electromagnetic coil unit coupling the second electromagnetic coil unit generates electric signal in response to the electromagnetic field. The signal processing unit filters algorithm of the electric signal. The control unit recognizes the electric signal amplified by the signal amplification unit to execute corresponding function.
US09207632B2
A receiving member configured to receive a driving force from outside is mounted on a first side wall on an opposite side from a developer accommodating portion and is rotatable around a first axis line parallel to the longitudinal direction. A rotating member is rotatably provided between the first and second side walls and configured to be rotated by the driving force received by the receiving member. A detection body is mounted on the second side wall on an opposite side from the developer accommodating portion and includes a detected part which is detected by a detecting unit. The detection body advances outwards in the longitudinal direction with respect to the second side wall and retracts inwards in the longitudinal direction with respect to the second side wall by the driving force received by the receiving member.
US09207630B2
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body, a development device, and a toner case. The apparatus main body includes an image carrier and a main body side connecting part including a main body side connector and a main body side housing. The toner case includes a case side connecting part including a case side connector and a case side housing. The development device is movable in a first direction as an approach/separation direction to the image carrier in a situation in which the development device is installed to the apparatus main body. The case side housing fits to the main body side housing and a case side terminal comes into contact with a main body side terminal in a situation in which the development device is installed to the apparatus main body and the toner case is installed to the development device.
US09207621B2
A method of controlling a data processing apparatus including: a drive system device; a data processing device configured to perform data processing; and a power supply circuit configured to generate a drive system voltage to be supplied to the drive system device and a data processing system voltage to be supplied to the data processing device, from an input voltage from an external power supply. The method comprises: when an interruption of the input voltage is detected, switching an operation mode to a power saving mode in which the drive system device is stopped or restrained from driving, and then executing a protective operation for the data processing device.
US09207613B2
An image forming apparatus is provided that includes an image forming unit including a process unit, a frame configured to hold the process unit detachably attached thereto, the frame including a first communication portion communicating with an outside of the frame in a first direction to detach the image forming unit from the frame, and a second communication portion communicating with the outside of the image forming apparatus in a second direction different from the first direction, and a material holder configured to hold material for image formation by the image forming unit and detachably attached to a predetermined portion of the frame that is close to the second communication portion relative to the voltage output terminal, so as to close the second communication portion.
US09207610B2
Control device, image forming apparatus, non-transitory computer readable medium, and control method
Provided is a control device including a reception unit that receives an instruction of an image quality adjustment from a user, a changing unit that changes, when the instruction is received by the reception unit, an image forming condition in an image forming section from a first condition to a second condition, and an output unit that outputs first information indicating the first condition and second information indicating the second condition in association.
US09207603B2
Disclosed herein are a fixing device and an image forming apparatus including: a rotatable fixing side member; a rear side member that rotates in pressure contact with an outer peripheral surface of the fixing side member, the rear side member forming a fixing nip portion for conveying a sheet on which a toner image is formed in a sandwiching manner in conjunction with the fixing side member; and velocity difference setting structure for setting a velocity difference between a surface velocity of the rear side member and a surface velocity of the fixing side member, wherein the rear side member and the fixing side member rotate with a velocity difference set by the velocity difference setting structure.
US09207588B2
An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming portion; a fixing portion; a first air blowing portion; and a second air blowing portion. The apparatus is operable in a first air blowing mode in which both the first and second air blowing portions are driven and in which the direction of the air near the exit is the recording material feeding direction, and is operable in a second air blowing mode in which both the first and second air blowing portions are driven and in which a direction of the air near the exit is a recording material feeding direction and a speed of the air is lower than a speed of the air in the first air blowing mode or in which the direction of the air near the exit is the opposite direction to the recording material feeding direction.
US09207579B2
A developer unit for an image forming apparatus is provided. The developer unit includes a developer device with a developer agent carrier and a developer agent supplier, and a developer agent container, which contains the developer agent and is arranged in a lower position with respect to the developer device. The developer agent container is formed to have a fitting wall, which is curved inward at a position to be adjacent to the developer device. The fitting wall is formed to have a feeding opening and a collecting opening. The developer unit is further provided with a first conveyer, which is rotated about a rotation axis to sweep an inner surface of the developer agent container and convey the developer agent toward the feeding opening, and a second conveyer, which is arranged along the developer agent supplier and conveys the developer agent toward the collecting opening.
US09207578B2
A powder container includes a body and a pair of walls that blocks one longitudinal end of the body and the other longitudinal end of the body. Powder is accommodated within the powder container which is mounted to an apparatus using the powder in a posture where a longitudinal direction of the body is a transverse direction of the apparatus. The powder container has an opening, through which the powder is supplied to the apparatus, formed in a lower position of the body in a posture where the powder container is mounted to the apparatus. The powder container includes a shutter and a shield. The shutter is, prior to mounting the powder container to the apparatus, in a closed location to block the opening and, when the powder container is mounted, is moved along an outer peripheral surface of the body to an opened location to open the opening.
US09207562B2
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member that bears a developer image, a transfer apparatus that transfers the developer image, a charge apparatus, an exposure apparatus that exposes the surface of the image bearing member with light to form a latent image, and a developing apparatus that collects and supplies the developer to the latent image to form the developer image, in which an image formation area is divided into an image part and a non-image part where the developer image is not formed, the exposure apparatus exposes the non-image part with light at an exposure amount lower than an exposure amount with respect to the image part, and the charging apparatus charges the image bearing member and the exposure apparatus exposes the image part and the non-image part with light in a state in which the developer remains on the image bearing member.
US09207550B2
Provided is a process for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member having high uniformity of the surface of its undercoat layer by which the usage of an organic solvent is reduced and the stability of an application liquid for an undercoat layer after its long-term storage is improved in the step of forming the undercoat layer. The process for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member includes the steps of: preparing a solution containing a liquid whose solubility in water at 25° C. and 1 atmosphere is 3.0 mass % or less and an electron transporting substance; preparing an emulsion by dispersing the solution in water; forming a coat of the emulsion on a support; and forming the undercoat layer by heating the coat.
US09207547B2
A lithographic apparatus includes a support constructed to support a patterning device, the patterning device being capable of imparting the radiation beam with a pattern in its cross-section to form a patterned radiation beam; a substrate table constructed to hold a substrate; a projection system configured to project the patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of the substrate, and a measurement system with a measurement radiation system to provide a measurement beam of radiation, at least two reflectors to reflect a portion of the measurement beam between the reflectors; and a detector to detect a wavelength of at least a portion of the measurement beam transmitted through one of the reflectors.
US09207545B2
A method and apparatus for alignment are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus includes an overlay mark formed on a substrate; and a plurality of dummy features formed nearby the overlay mark. The dummy features have dimensions below a minimum resolution of an alignment detection tool. A minimum distance separating the overlay mark from its closest dummy feature is correlated to a semiconductor fabrication technology generation under which the overlay mark is formed.
US09207538B2
Semiconductor nano-sized particles possess unique optical properties, which make them ideal candidates for various applications in the UV photolithography. In this patent several such applications, including using semiconductor nano-sized particles or semiconductor nano-sized particle containing materials as highly refractive medium in immersion lithography, as anti-reflection coating in optics, as pellicle in lithography and as sensitizer in UV photoresists are described.
US09207537B2
A presensitized plate having a long press life and excellent resistance to scum and corrosive micro-stains and capable of on-press development is provided. The presensitized plate includes a photosensitive layer containing (A) a sensitizing dye, (B) a polymerization initiator, (C) a polymerizable compound, and (D) a binder polymer; and a protective layer which are formed on a support in this order. The support is prepared from an aluminum alloy plate containing intermetallic compound particles with a circle equivalent diameter of 0.2 μm or more at a surface density of 35,000 pcs/mm2 or more and aluminum carbide particles with a maximum length of 1 μm or more in an amount of up to 30,000 pcs/g.
US09207536B2
The present invention provides structures including a substrate, a crosslinked polymer film disposed over the substrate, and a patterned diblock copolymer film disposed over the crosslinked polymer film. The crosslinked polymer comprises a random copolymer polymerized from a first monomer, a second monomer, and a photo-crosslinkable and/or thermally crosslinkable third monomer, including epoxy-functional or acrylyol-functional monomers. Also disclosed are methods for forming the structures.
US09207535B2
The present invention provides a method for producing a resist composition used in a process for producing a semiconductor apparatus, the method including the steps of: cleaning an apparatus for producing the resist composition with a cleaning liquid; applying the cleaning liquid on an evaluation substrate by spin-coating after removing the cleaning liquid from the apparatus for producing the resist composition; repeating the step of cleaning and the step of applying until the change in the density of defects having a size of 100 nm or more on the evaluation substrate between before and after the application of the cleaning liquid becomes 0.2/cm2 or less; and producing the resist composition by using the apparatus for producing the resist composition after the step of repeating. There can be provided a method for producing a resist composition capable of producing a resist composition whose coating defects are reduced.
US09207533B2
A photopolymerizable composition has seven essential components: (a) a photopolymerizable epoxy material, (b) a photoacid generator such as an onium salt, (c) electron acceptor photosensitizer, (d) an electron donor co-initiator having an oxidation potential of 0.1 V to 3 V vs. SCE, (e) metal particles, and in some embodiments, (f) one or more free radically polymerizable compounds, and (g) one or more free radical photoinitiators. This photopolymerizable composition can be applied or printed onto one or both sides of various substrates to form articles that can be used to form electrically conductive materials. Methods for using the photopolymerizable compositions include electroless plating methods that can be carried out in roll-to-roll printing and plating systems once various photocured patterns are formed from the photopolymerizable compositions.
US09207520B2
A filter device which may include first and second filter elements allowing air to pass therethrough, and first and second filter holding members holding the first and second filter elements such that they are linearly connected side by side. The holding members being connected to be foldable in the position where the filter elements are connected.
US09207518B2
A 360 degree camera imaging system comprising a first horizontal boom having a first end, a second end, and a middle section; a second horizontal boom having a first end and a second end; a first vertical arm having a first end and a second end; a second vertical arm having a first end and a second end; and a mounting bracket. The first horizontal boom is connected to the first end of the second horizontal boom by a first rotatable pivot proximate the middle section of the first horizontal boom, and the second end of the second horizontal boom is connected to the mounting bracket. The first end of the first vertical arm is affixed to the first end of the first horizontal boom, and the first end of the second vertical arm is affixed to the second end of the first horizontal boom. A camera is mounted to the first vertical arm, and a backdrop is mounted to the second vertical arm.
US09207514B2
Multi-layer devices comprising a layer of an electrochromic lithium nickel oxide composition on a first substrate, the lithium nickel oxide composition comprising lithium, nickel and a Group 4 metal selected from titanium, zirconium, hafnium and a combination thereof.
US09207513B2
Described is an electrochromic nanocomposite film comprising a solid matrix of an oxide based material, the solid matrix comprising a plurality of transparent conducting oxide (TCO) nanostructures dispersed in the solid matrix and a lithium salt dispersed in the solid matrix. Also described is a near infrared nanostructured electrochromic device having a functional layer comprising the electrochromic nanocomposite film.
US09207507B2
The present invention provides a structure of a pixel, which includes an array substrate (10), a color filter substrate (20), and a liquid crystal layer (30) between the array substrate (10) and the color filter substrate (20). The array substrate (10) includes a first substrate (11), a data line (12) and a gate line (13) arranged on the first substrate (11), and a pixel unit (14). The pixel unit (14) includes a thin-film transistor (15) and a pixel electrode (16). The thin-film transistor (15) is electrically connected to the data line (12), the gate line (13), and the pixel electrode (16). The color filter substrate (20) includes a second substrate (21) and a common electrode (22) arranged on the second substrate (21). The common electrode (22) and the pixel electrode (16) have a first overlapping portion (23), which forms a first storage capacitor of the pixel unit (14).
US09207505B2
A liquid crystal display device includes: a first substrate; a second substrate spaced apart from the first substrate; and a plurality of liquid crystal molecules disposed between the first and second substrates. The first substrate includes a transparent substrate, an insulator layer formed on a surface of the transparent substrate and formed with a plurality of grooves, and a pixel electrode formed on a surface of the insulator layer and formed with a plurality of electrode slits.
US09207504B2
The liquid crystal display device includes an island-shaped first semiconductor film 102 which is formed over a base insulating film 101 and in which a source 102d, a channel forming region 102a, and a drain 102b are formed; a first electrode 102c which is formed of a material same as the first semiconductor film 102 to be the source 102d or the drain 102b and formed over the base insulating film 101; a second electrode 108 which is formed over the first electrode 102c and includes a first opening pattern 112; and a liquid crystal 110 which is provided over the second electrode 108.
US09207501B2
An electrophoretic display panel includes a driving substrate and an electrophoretic display substrate. The driving substrate includes a first base material, driving electrode patterns, conductive lines, and a shielding layer. The first base material has a first configuration region and a second configuration region. The driving electrode patterns are located inside the first configuration region. The conductive lines are respectively connected to the driving electrode patterns and respectively extend from the first configuration region to the second configuration region. The shielding layer shields the conductive lines and exposes the driving electrode patterns. The electrophoretic display substrate includes a second base material located opposite to the first base material, an electrode layer, and display media. The electrode layer is disposed on the second base material and between the first and second base materials. The display media are disposed between the electrode layer and the driving electrode patterns.
US09207500B2
To provide a segment display-type liquid crystal display apparatus that readily prevents display flaws caused by disconnection. The apparatus displays a predetermined pattern shape, comprising a first and a second electrode disposed so that a portion of each overlaps, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the electrodes. The first electrode comprises hollow parts open in accordance with the pattern shape, and a plurality of first openings, each having a first area extending in a first direction. The region where the electrodes overlap is divided into a first region demarcated by a portion of a contour of a hollow part and a first boundary part wherein the distance in the first direction between contours of a hollow part is 1.5 times the length of the first area, and a second region other than the first region, and the plurality of first openings is disposed correspondingly in the first region.
US09207498B2
A photo-alignment exposure device that includes a first mask and a first exposure device that independently proximity-exposes a first divided area, a second mask and a second exposure device that independently proximity-exposes a second divided area adjacent to the first divided area, and a third mask and a third exposure device that exposes an area on a side of the first divided area near a boundary between the first divided area and the second divided area. The third exposure device is provided with a photo-irradiation angle same as that of the first exposure device or the second exposure device with respect to an exposed surface. A condensing element that condenses the mask transmitted light on the area on a side of the first divided area near the boundary is provided between the mask opening of the third mask and the exposed surface.
US09207478B2
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display module comprising: a liquid crystal panel including a color filter substrate and an array substrate that are oppositely arranged to form a cell, a black matrix being arranged at a position close to an edge of the color filter substrate; and a bezel arranged around the liquid crystal panel, wherein a light shielding layer is arranged in a region around the array substrate and close to an edge of the array substrate, and a first angle β1 between a line from an outer edge of the light shielding layer to an inner edge of the bezel and a display surface of the liquid crystal panel is less than a second angle β2 between a line from an outer edge of the black matrix to the inner edge of the bezel and the display surface of the liquid crystal panel.
US09207475B2
A display apparatus that accommodates a display panel of displaying an image in a housing, the display apparatus comprises: a transparent protective member that covers a part of the housing and is arranged at a display face of the display panel; a transparent adhesive member that is arranged at a position corresponding to a display area of the display panel on a face of the transparent protective member, which faces the display panel, so that the display panel is stuck; and an adhesive member that is arranged at a peripheral area, which is provided from an outside of the display area of the display panel up to an end portion of the transparent protective member.
US09207461B2
Optical devices and systems including a polarization maintaining interconnect are disclosed. An optical assembly can include an optical component, a low-birefringence optical fiber and a polarization transformer. The polarization transformer is coupled between the optical component and the optical fiber. The polarization transformer is configured to transform between a substantially circularly-polarized light at the low-birefringence optical fiber and a substantially linearly-polarized light at the optical component.
US09207454B1
A system and method for preventing contamination of an array of fiber optic connectors. The system includes a housing for retaining the array of fiber optic connectors in an adjacent relation and an arrangement for delivering pressurized gas into said housing to prevent external contamination entering said housing and causing debris on a surface of one or more of the connectors. A control arrangement is provided for deactivating air flow after all optical connections are covered and protected from contamination.
US09207449B2
An electrowetting display device includes first and second substrates facing each other and separated from each other, a cell region between the first and second substrates, the cell region including a pixel region and a reservoir region, a first fluid and a second fluid in the cell region, the first fluid being conductive and flowing according to an electrowetting principle and the second fluid being non-conductive and not mixed with the first fluid, and an electrode unit turning on and off the pixel region, the electrode unit including a pixel electrode coated with an insulating material and at least one reservoir electrode coated with the insulating material to promote flow of one of the first fluid and the second fluid into the reservoir region.
US09207447B2
There is provided a cell driven by an electric field including a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from each other and an actuator moving between the first electrode and the second electrode. The actuator does not have permanent electric charges and a DC voltage or a pulse voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode.
US09207441B2
A zoom lens includes, in order from the object side, a first lens unit having a negative refractive power, a second lens unit having a positive refractive power, and a third lens unit having a positive refractive power. The first lens unit includes a negative lens and a positive lens. The zoom lens satisfies the following conditional expression (1): Σd13/ft<0.4 (1) where Σd13 is the total sum of the thickness of the lenses included in the first to third lens units of the zoom lens on the optical axis, and ft is the focal length of the entire zoom lens system at the telephoto end.
US09207440B2
The imaging lens substantially consists of a negative first lens group in which a biconvex lens, a cemented lens, a plurality of lenses including a positive lens and a negative lens are arranged; a positive second lens group including a cemented lens; a negative third lens group in which a single lens forming a meniscus lens with a convex surface toward the object side or a plurality of lenses constituted in such a manner that the absolute value of the radius of curvature of a lens surface disposed on the most image side is smaller than the absolute value of the radius of curvature of a lens surface disposed on the most object side; and a positive fourth lens group including a positive lens in this order from the object side. This imaging lens is configured in such a manner that conditional expression (1) is satisfied: 0.7<|f3|/f<4.0.
US09207435B2
An imaging optical lens system includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element and a fifth lens element. The first lens element with positive refractive power has an object-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof. The second lens element has refractive power. The third lens element with positive refractive power has an object-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof and an image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof. The fourth lens element with refractive power has an image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof. The fifth lens element with refractive power has an image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof. The imaging optical lens system has a total of five lens elements with refractive power.
US09207425B2
An exemplary lens barrel includes a hollow main body and an abutting portion formed on an outer wall of the hollow main body. The hollow main body includes a first upper end at an object side, and a first lower end at an image side. The hollow main body also includes a central axis passing through the first upper end and the first lower end. The hollow main body further includes an outer screw thread. The outer screw thread is located between the first upper end and the abutting portion. The outer screw thread is spaced apart from the abutting portion. The abutting portion is a closed ring-shaped protrusion extending outwardly from the outer wall along a circumstance of the hollow main body.
US09207422B2
A modular assembly for supporting fiber optic splices includes a tray, cradle, and splice holder. A splice holder is mounted to the first face of the cradle base and defines a plurality of fiber optic splice slots positioned over the depression. The splice holder has parallel upright members extending from a splice holder base to define the slots between the members. The members have internal sidewalls incorporating at least one pair of grooves defining passages in which fiber splices fit. The passages have a tapered shape to accommodate varying sizes of fiber splices, and the holder utilizes alternating orientations for the passages to flexibly fit fiber splices therein. The members define an internal cavity with thinned end walls and a bubble formation at a face of the member that add to the flexibility of the members.
US09207418B2
Fiber bundles (10) comprise loose fibers (11) encased within a fiber/resin composite (12). The bundles are useful as strength members for fiber optic cables. In one embodiment the bundles are prepared by a method comprising the steps of (A) bundling fibers together such that a portion of the fibers form an interior part of the bundle and a portion of the fibers form an exterior part of the bundle, and (B) impregnating the exterior part of the bundle with a resin such that (1) the fibers that form the exterior part of the bundle and the resin form a fiber/resin composite that encases the fibers that for the interior part of the bundle, and (2) the fibers that form the interior part of the bundle are not impregnated with the resin.
US09207410B2
An optical fiber connector assembly includes a receptacle, two connectors accommodated in respective accommodation grooves in the receptacle and having a respective clip located at a top side thereof for engagement with a respective retaining groove in a mating optical fiber adapter, an optical fiber cable having two optical fibers respectively mounted in the connectors, and a sliding cover covered on the receptacle and movable relative to the receptacle to elastically deform the clips and to further disengage the clips from the respective retaining grooves of the optical fiber adapter for allowing removal of the optical fiber connector assembly out of the optical fiber adapter with less effort.
US09207406B2
This invention provides a fiber optic rotary joint (20) for enabling the transmission of digital optical signals across the interface between facing surfaces (26, 29) of a rotor and a stator (21, 22), comprising: a plurality of light sources (42A, 42B, 42C, . . . ) mounted on one of the rotor and stator, each light source including a first light source (43C) arranged to selectively generate a first optical signal at a first wavelength and a second light source (43C′) arranged to selectively generate a second optical signal at a second wavelength; a first plurality of light emitters (25) spaced along a first arc distance of the surface of the one of the rotor and stator for transmitting optical signals received from the light sources toward the facing surface of the other of the rotor and stator; a first plurality of first optical fibers severally communicating respective ones of the light sources with respective ones of the light emitters for conveying optical signals from each respective light source to the associated emitter; a second plurality of light receptors (31) spaced along a second arc distance on the surface of the other of the rotor and stator; and at least one light detector (36, 40) mounted on the other of the rotor and stator; and a second plurality of second optical fibers severally communicating respective ones of the light receptors with the light detector(s). The light sources, first optical fibers, light emitters, light receptors, second optical fibers and detector(s) are so configured and arranged that the aggregate propagation delay of the optical signal transmitted from the light sources to the detector(s) is less than about one-quarter of the bit width of the optical signal. The fiber optic rotary joint is capable of transmitting the optical signal across the interface with reduced jitter.
US09207400B2
A photonic crystal waveguide T-polarization beam splitter, comprising a photonic crystal waveguide with a completely forbidden band; after the input end (1) of the photonic crystal waveguide inputs an incident wave in any polarization direction into the polarization beam splitter, a TE component is outputted from a TE output end (2), and a TM component is outputted from the TM output end (3) of the beam splitter. The polarization beam splitter has a small size, high polarization and high light transmission efficiency, facilitates integration and has high efficiency, is suitable for large scale optical path integration, and achieves the functions of polarizing and beam splitting for different wavelengths.
US09207395B2
A LMA, single-mode optical fiber comprises a core region, an inner cladding region surrounding the core region, and an outer cladding region surrounding the inner cladding region. The inner cladding region is configured to provide bend compensation. In one embodiment the index profile of the inner cladding region is graded with a slope of γncore/Rb, where ncore is the refractive index of the core region, Rb is the bend radius, and γ=0.6-1.2. In addition, the inner cladding is annular and the ratio of its outer radius to its inner radius is greater than 2. In a preferred embodiment this ratio is greater than 3. The overall index profile may be symmetric or asymmetric.
US09207393B2
Disclosed is a lighting device which comprises: an optical member comprising a protruding optical pattern forming a gap with an adjacent layer; at least one light emitting unit inserted into the optical member; and a resin layer formed on the optical member and the at least one light emitting unit, whereby it is possible to obtain an effect that the shapes of light change depending on the viewing angle when viewing the light source by producing various protruding optical patterns, an effect that the whole thickness can be reduced, and an effect that the degree of design freedom can be enhanced when designing products thanks to an enhanced flexibility.
US09207392B2
Embodiments relate to a backlight unit, a display device therewith, and a lighting system therewith, the backlight unit including a first reflector and a second reflector, at least one light source disposed between the first reflector and the second reflector, an upper cover plate and a lower cover plate separate from each other, and a heat dissipation unit for holding the light source and being disposed between the upper cover plate and the lower cover plate to dissipate heat from the light source.
US09207385B2
A lighting system is disclosed. The lighting system comprises at least one light source comprising a light emitting diode (LED) and one or more phosphors optically coupled to the LED to convert at least a portion of original light emitted by the LED to provide a modified LED light having a first predetermined spectral output, and an optical material that is optically coupled to at least a portion of a surface of a light guide plate and optically coupled to receive at least a portion of the modified LED light and to convert at least a portion of the modified LED light to at least one predetermined wavelength to provide modified light having a second predetermined spectral output, wherein the optical material comprises one or more types of quantum confined semiconductor nanoparticle. A device including a lighting system is also disclosed.
US09207361B2
A composition for a polarizing film including a polyolefin and a dichroic dye represented by Chemical Formula 1: wherein, in Chemical Formula 1, Ar1 to Ar3, R1, R2, and n are defined in the detailed description.
US09207357B2
The invention provides an article of manufacture, and methods of designing and making the article. The article permits or prohibits waves of energy, especially photonic/electromagnetic energy, to propagate through it, depending on the energy band gaps built into it. The structure of the article may be reduced to a pattern of points having a hyperuniform distribution. The point-pattern may exhibit a crystalline symmetry, a quasicrystalline symmetry or may be aperiodic. In some embodiments, the point pattern exhibits no long-range order. Preferably, the point-pattern is isotropic. In all embodiments, the article has a complete, TE- and TM-optimized band-gap. The extraordinary transmission phenomena found in the disordered hyperuniform photonic structures of the invention find use in optical micro-circuitry (all-optical, electronic or thermal switching of the transmission), near-field optical probing, thermophotovoltaics, and energy-efficient incandescent sources.
US09207352B2
An apparatus for initializing a tool configured to be moved along a wellbore includes at least one directional reference system configured to provide data indicative of an orientation of the at least one directional reference system with respect to a reference direction. The apparatus further includes a mounting portion configured to be mechanically coupled to the tool such that the tool has a predetermined orientation with respect to the at least one directional reference system.
US09207351B2
Embodiments described herein use stochastic inversion (460) in lower dimensions to form an initial model (458) that is to be used in higher-dimensional gradient-based inversion (466). For example, an initial model may be formed from 1.5-D stochastic inversions, which is then processed (464) to form a 3-D model. Stochastic inversions reduce or avoid local minima and may provide an initial result that is near the global minimum.
US09207347B2
A technique includes obtaining a plurality of sets of measurements of distances between nodes located on a seismic spread element while the element is in tow. Each set is acquired in response to the operation of a different set of sources. The technique includes determining a three-dimensional structure of the seismic spread element while in tow based at least in part on the sets of measurements.
US09207346B2
Controlling towing speed of a sensor streamer. At least some of the of the embodiments are methods including: towing a sensor streamer through water at a towing speed; releasing interrogating energy within the water; recording energy received by the sensor streamer to create recorded energy; determining a value indicative of noise within the recorded energy; and changing the towing speed in real-time responsive to the value indicative of noise within the recorded energy.
US09207343B2
A system and method for modeling seismic data using time preserving tomography including storing an initial set of parameter values representing an initial seismic data model. The initial seismic model may correspond to at least two or more ray pairs. Each ray pair may have a traveltime. An altered model may be generated by altering two or more parameter values in the initial set of parameter values for each of two or more ray pairs in the initial model. Altering one parameter value without altering the remaining of the two or more parameter values may correspond to a change in the traveltime of each of the ray pairs, while altering the two or more parameter values in combination typically corresponds to no net change in the traveltime of each of the ray pairs.
US09207332B2
The embodiments relate to a counting digital x-ray detector for recording x-ray images of an object irradiated by x-ray radiation with at least one detector module, which includes a flat direct converter for converting x-ray radiation into an electrical signal and a matrix with a plurality of counting pixel elements, wherein each counting pixel element includes a charge or signal input, a conversion facility for converting the electrical signal into a count signal, a digital counter for detecting and storing the count signal and a control and readout unit, and wherein the x-ray image detector is embodied such that each pixel element of the x-ray image detector is connected to the corresponding electrodes of the detector material of the direct converter via contacts and in this way is embodied switchably.
US09207330B2
A positioning device and a positioning method thereof are provided. The positioning device can cooperate with a first satellite group and a second satellite group, and it comprises a storage, a receiver and a processor. The receiver is configured to receive a first satellite group signal from the first satellite group and a second satellite group signal from the second satellite group. The processor is electrically connected to the storage and the receiver, and configured to calculate a positioning offset value according to one of the first satellite group signal and the second satellite group signal. In addition, the processor is configured to calculate a positioning result according to the second satellite group signal and the positioning offset, and store the positioning result in the storage.
US09207319B2
A ground crew collision-avoidance system includes a plurality of radar sensor modules that each emit a radar signal, receives at a radar detector radar return signals corresponding to reflections of the emitted signal from a ground object, and transmits radar information associated with the received radar signal reflections reflected from the ground object, wherein each of the plurality of radar sensor modules are uniquely located on a surface of an aircraft that is at risk for collision with a ground object while the aircraft is being towed; a gateway unit that receives the radar information transmitted from the radar sensor module and transmits information associated with the received radar information; and a ground crew alert indicator that receives the information transmitted by the gateway unit and that presents a graphical alert icon on a display. The display indicates a likelihood of collision between the aircraft and the ground object.
US09207317B2
Disclosed are passive millimeter wave detection devices that in some embodiments are useful for detecting objects such as weapons obscured underneath clothing. Also disclosed are methods for detecting objects using millimeter waves, in some embodiments, objects such as weapons, obscured underneath clothing.
US09207307B2
A municipal infrastructure maintenance system uses a ground vehicle to move an antenna array in back-and-forth sweeps over large areas or distances. The antenna array comprises dozens of compartmentalized radio dipole antennas arranged laterally, shoulder-to-shoulder across the width of each sweep. An antenna switch matrix is connected between the antenna array and a ground-penetrating-radar (GPR) set and provides electronic aperture switching and selection, and the ability to laterally register one sweep to the next. The antenna array is extended out in front of the ground vehicle on a pivotable boom, and the cantilevered weight is a primary concern. The antenna array is constructed with aluminum-on-aluminum honeycomb panels slotted and folded around dozens of resistive-card compartment separators. Printed circuit boards with matching baluns are also slotted to receive tabs on the resistive cards, and their dipole elements are resistive loaded to quench crosstalk and near field effects.
US09207304B2
Techniques are provided to perform location verification of a radio access point (RAP) device such as femtocell. The RAP is configured to receive signals from global positioning system (GPS) satellite transmitters to produce GPS location data representing a GPS location of the RAP. The RAP is also configured to receive wireless signals at one or more specified channels and to generate radio environment data representing characteristics of received wireless signals at the specified channels in a vicinity of the RAP. A comparison is made between the GPS location data and reference GPS location data for an expected location of the RAP. When the GPS location data substantially matches the reference GPS location data, operations of the RAP are enabled and the radio environment data is stored to be used as reference radio environment data for purposes of subsequent location verification of the RAP.
US09207302B2
A fully-automatic verification system for intelligent electric energy meters comprises a plurality of verification units for automatic verification of the electric energy meters, main transport lines for connecting the verification units, and a verification management system for coordinating the work of the verification units. The main transport lines comprise upper transport lines for transporting boxes carrying electric energy meters to be verified to the verification units and lower transport lines for transporting the boxes carrying the electric energy meters back to the warehouse. The verification system for electric energy meters can implement fully-automatic verification, thus enhancing the efficiency and the verification accuracy.
US09207299B2
A magnetic resonance imaging system measures the temperature of a morbid region to be heated in thermotherapy and controls a scan unit to execute an imaging operation in synchronism with heating by a heating device, and generates measurement temperature data on the basis of the phase change of magnetic resonance signals at different generation times obtained by the imaging operation.
US09207294B1
Contactless determination of electrical parameters. The examples describe a method and apparatus for determining electrical parameters of assemblies (printed circuit boards and as well as passive components) by the contactless determination of the spatial distribution of material. The spatial distribution of material (two-dimensional or three dimensional), is determined for example by measurement by radiographic technology with an X-ray machine or a computer tomography or by an optical instrument. The electrical parameter is determined in each volume element whose size is determined by the resolution of the method used for determining the material distribution, or a partial structure of the conductive structure.
US09207292B2
A magnetoresistive device includes a carrier, an xMR-sensor, a magnetic layer formed above an active xMR-region of the xMR-sensor and an insulating layer arranged between the xMR-sensor and the magnetic layer.
US09207286B2
An apparatus is disclosed that includes a resistance measuring unit operable to determine a solution resistance Rsol and a charge transfer resistance Rct of a battery; and at least one computer-readable non-transitory storage medium comprising code, that, when executed by at least one processor, is operable to provide an estimate of the present value of the battery by: comparing Rsol and Rct to historical deterioration transition information; estimating the number of remaining charge cycles before a discharge capacity lower limit is reached by the battery using the comparison; and estimating the number of remaining charge cycles before a discharge time lower limit is reached by the battery using the comparison. The estimate of the present value of the battery includes the smaller of the number of remaining charge cycles before a discharge capacity lower limit is reached or the number of remaining charge cycles before a discharge time lower limit is reached.
US09207281B2
A channel control circuit having a plurality of channels according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a channel control signal generating block configured to generate a channel control signal capable of selectively controlling an activated state of a channel in response to a combination of a first test mode signal and a second test mode signal; a scan buffer control signal generating block configured to generate a scan buffer control signal in response to the first test mode signal and a scan signal; a clock buffer control signal generating block configured to generate a clock buffer control signal in response to the channel control signal and the scan buffer control signal; and a clock input buffer configured to generate a clock output signal, which is used as an internal clock of a semiconductor device, in response to the clock buffer control signal.
US09207276B2
A method for testing a semiconductor wafer comprises providing a semiconductor wafer. The semiconductor wafer comprises a protruding annular rim, a first redistribution structure disposed on the front side of the semiconductor wafer, a second redistribution structure disposed on the rear side of the semiconductor wafer within the protruding annular rim and a plurality of vias extending from the front side to the rear side. A first probe is contacted to the first redistribution structure on the front side and a second probe is contacted to the second redistribution structure on the rear side. The first probe is in contact with the first redistribution structure and the second probe is in contact with the second redistribution structure at the same time.
US09207274B2
An apparatus to test a semiconductive device includes a base plane that holds at least one heat-transfer fluid unit cell. The at least one heat-transfer fluid unit cell includes a fluid supply structure including a supply-orifice cross section as well as a fluid return structure including a return-orifice cross section. The supply-orifice cross section is greater than the return-orifice cross section. A die interface is also included to be a liquid-impermeable material.
US09207250B2
A reagent preparing device for preparing a reagent to be supplied to a measurement section for measuring a specimen; the reagent preparing device comprising: a reagent preparing section for preparing a reagent including a first liquid and a second liquid, different from the first liquid; a reagent storage container, connected to the measurement section, for storing the reagent prepared by the reagent preparing section; and a controller configured for determining whether or not the reagent stored in the reagent storage container is suppliable to the measurement section based on reagent expiration date information related to an expiration date of the reagent stored in the reagent storage container, is disclosed. A reagent preparing method and a specimen processing system are also disclosed.
US09207249B2
The present invention is an automated microfluidic chip processing apparatus that includes a deck for holding at least one microfluidic chip and capable of being accessed by a liquid handling system, a fluid control system, and a detection system, wherein a chip handling device transports the chip from the deck to the fluid control system and the detection system. The present invention also includes a chip for use with an automated microfluidic chip processing apparatus, and a method for processing a microfluidic chip using such an apparatus.
US09207248B2
Described herein are methods and devices for detecting the presence of an analyte in a liquid sample. In some embodiments, methods and devices for the detection of an antigen in a body fluid using a plurality of species-specific antibodies are provided. A sandwich complex may be formed using primary antibodies derived from two different species.
US09207232B2
A measure for selective fluorescent labeling of the Golgi apparatus, which has low cytotoxicity and excellent intracellular stability, is provided. According to the present invention, provided are a ceramide derivative represented by the following Chemical formula 1: in the formula, R1 is an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, R2 is an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and n is an integer of 1 to 20, and a Golgi apparatus-labeling fluorescent probe using the same.
US09207227B2
In a method for determining a total hydrocarbon composition of a multiphase flow including gas and liquid, the method includes taking different samples of the gas and liquid at at least two different thermodynamic states of the multiphase flow. The method further includes analyzing the different samples, and using a molar balance of the different samples at the at least two different thermodynamic states to calculate a gas molar fraction and a liquid molar fraction. The gas molar fraction and liquid molar fraction may be used for deriving an overall composition of the multiphase flow and for deriving the gas and liquid volume fractions.
US09207214B2
A method of computing optimal beam numbers of a phased-array ultrasonic weld inspection arrangement. The arrangement is for inspecting a weld that is within an area of interest that has a known dimension and with the inspection arrangement being at a known offset distance from the weld. The selection is such that operation of the at least one element provides sufficient information data for weld analysis. The elements extend along an ultrasonic transmission wedge of the arrangement that supports the extent of the elements at a wedge angle relative to the welded material. The method includes utilizing the dimension of the weld area of interest and dimension of offset of the inspection arrangement from the weld within calculation that yields the selection of the at least one element.
US09207204B2
In a method and apparatus for determining information concerning the presence of ingredients with oxygen demand in a liquid sample, especially for determining the chemical oxygen demand of a liquid sample, especially a water, or wastewater, sample, by means of electrochemical oxidation of ingredients of the liquid sample, oxidation of ingredients of the liquid sample occurs on a boron doped, diamond electrode.
US09207200B2
A biosensor strip with improved sample area design is disclosed, in which a specimen flowing in a flow channel is siphoned into another flow channel which has two hydrophilic layers attached to two respective sides of the same for enhancing the siphoning of the specimen. In an embodiment, by the doping of a hydrophilic material into an enzyme layer of the biosensor strip, the specimen that is being siphoning rapidly is able to mixed with the enzyme fully so as to enhance the measurement accuracy of a biological instrument using the biosensor strip.
US09207196B2
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a microfluidic chamber. In one embodiment, the microfluidic chamber has a first sub-chamber and at least one second sub-chamber. The first sub-chamber has a first window and a second window. Both the first window and the second window are transparent to electrons of certain energies. The second window is positioned substantially parallel and opposite to the first window defining a first volume therebetween. The first window and the second window are separated by a distance that is sufficiently small such that an electron beam that enters from the first window can propagate through the first sub-chamber and exit from the second window. The at least one second sub-chamber is in fluid communication with the first sub-chamber and has a second volume that is greater than the first volume of the first sub-chamber.
US09207193B2
Disclosed are systems, devices and methodologies relating to proton computed tomography. In some implementations, detection of protons can yield track information before and after an object for each proton so as to allow determination of a likely path of each proton within the object. Further, measurement of energy loss experienced by each proton allows determination that a given likely path results in a given energy loss. A collection of such data allows characterization of the object. Such a characterization can include an image map of relative stopping power of the object. Various reconstruction methodologies for obtaining such an image can include superiorization of a merit function such as total variation. Various forms of total variation superiorization methodology can yield excellent results with reduced computing time. In some implementations, such a methodology can result in high quality proton CT images using relatively low dose of protons.
US09207191B2
An apparatus and method of controlling a temperature of a matching material used in an apparatus for generating a tomographic image is disclosed. The method includes measuring a temperature of a matching material in which an object is immersed in an apparatus for measuring a shape of an object, setting a set temperature at which an amplitude and a phase of an electromagnetic wave that passes through the matching material are maintained, based on the measured temperature of the matching material, and controlling the temperature of the matching material to be higher than the set temperature.
US09207186B2
A method for measuring blowing structures of a prestressed disc is described. The method has the steps of: (a) irradiating at least one analysis area of the disc with linearly polarized light from a radiation source at an angle of incidence and recording an image at least of the analysis area at an angle of observation using at least one detector, (b) supplying the image to an evaluation unit, and (c) using the evaluation unit to read a brightness profile along an analysis line on the image, to determine the local maxima and the local minima of the brightness profile, and to determine an intensity index by means of the difference between a brightness mean of the local maxima and a brightness mean of the local minima.
US09207184B2
In one embodiment, a test strip for testing for cholesterol-related blood analytes in whole blood includes a red blood cell separation layer, the red blood cell separation layer separating red blood cells from a blood sample applied to the test strip as the blood sample flows downward through the red blood cell separation layer. The test strip further includes a reaction layer receiving the blood sample from the red blood cell separation layer, the reaction layer including POE-POP-POE block copolymer, a surfactant, and a reflectivity changing reactant, the POE-POP-POE block copolymers solubilizing essentially only non-LDL cholesterol analytes, the non-LDL cholesterol analytes reacting with the reflectivity changing reactant in order to change a reflectivity of the blood sample.
US09207176B2
A method of measuring the concentration of a substance, using a sensor (2) comprising a luminescent material, an LED light source (14) which supplies a pulse of light to the sensor to cause luminescence of the material, a detector (26) for detecting the emitted light and a data processing module (28) for analysing the signals and indicating the concentration of the substance. In a measuring sequence there is a series of pulses of light spaced apart sufficiently to permit the luminescence to decay between pulses. The signals which are analysed are those generated after each pulse of light has terminated and the luminescence is decaying. The data processing module (28) comprises a plurality of accumulators (52A, 52B, 52C and 52D) which are controlled to be operable over a corresponding plurality of different periods of time during decay of the luminescence. Each accumulator accumulates values indicative of the intensity of the luminescence from the series of pulses in the measuring sequence. The parameters regarding the accumulators are stored in a configuration memory (42) which is part of the sensor.
US09207175B2
A condensing-type portable fluorescence detection system which detects antigens using fluorescence includes: a light source generating light to excite a fluorescent substance; a first filter selecting a proper wavelength range from the light generated from the light source; a spherical mirror including two hemispherical mirrors having different curvature radiuses and connected to each other, and condensing the light excited and emitted from the light source; a second filter selecting a proper wavelength range of the light condensed by the spherical mirror; and a photodetector detecting fluorescence from the light condensed by the spherical mirror and passing through the second filter.
US09207174B2
An apparatus and method are provided for characterizing a replica tape which has been embossed, compressed or cast on a surface of a material to be measured to replicate that surface. The replica tape is secured between first and second holding components such that a compressible surface of the replica tape is secured against the first holding component. A light source transmits light through the second holding component, the replica tape and the first holding component. An image sensor measures intensity of the light respectively transmitted through at least two measurement points of the compressible surface of the replica tape. A processing unit converts the measured light intensity transmitted through the at least two measurement points into at least two data values each respectively relating to a measurement statistic of the replica tape at a corresponding one of the at least two measurement points, respectively.
US09207170B2
A gas detector system includes a transmitter (1), which has a light source (3), which emits an analytical light beam (5). A transmitter lens assembly (7), to focus the analytical light beam (5) in an emission direction (9), includes a receiver (19, 19′) with a receiver lens assembly (21), defining a receiver focal point (27, 27′) and a receiver axis (23). A light mixing rod (29) defines a first rod axis (35) that extends from an inlet end (31), pointing toward the receiver lens assembly (21), to an outlet end (33) facing an analytical detector (39) and a reference detector (45). An analytical filter (43, 43′) is arranged in front of the analytical detector (39) as viewed from the receiver lens assembly (21). A reference filter (49, 49′) is arranged in front of the reference detector (45) as viewed from the receiver lens assembly (21).
US09207169B2
A laser spectrometer and method for measuring gas component concentration in a measurement gas, wherein light intensity from a wavelength-tunable laser diode is detected after irradiation of the measurement gas and a reference gas, and the concentration of the gas component is determined based on reduction of the light intensity by the absorption of light at the position of a selected absorption line of the gas component, and the position of the absorption line of the gas component is referenced based on a selected absorption line of the reference gas, and wherein there is a mixed operation consisting of actual measurements of fast concentration changes of the gas component to be measured and a short reference/standardization phase for wavelength referencing, line locking and standardization, where the duration of the actual measurement is measured such that measuring conditions remain constant and do not deviate from those during the reference/standardization phase.
US09207165B2
The present invention relates to a sample chamber for laser ablation analysis of fluid inclusions, comprising a sample cell having a sample cell through-hole extending along the vertical direction and a sample channel extending through the sample cell in a direction transverse to the vertical direction and communicating with the sample cell through-hole. A transparent element is arranged on each of the top and bottom sides of the sample cell through-hole, and is fixed to the sample cell through a fixing ring. The sample chamber further comprises a base comprising a viewing hole and a receiving portion for receiving the sample cell, wherein the viewing hole is coaxially aligned with the sample cell through-hole when the sample cell is placed within the receiving portion. According to the sample chamber of the present invention, it is only necessary to change the sample cell during replacement of the sample chamber, which leads to a convenient operation. At the same time, light from the microscope can pass through the viewing hole, so that the effect of observation is improved.
US09207164B2
The present invention provides a container system for releasably storing a substance. The container system includes a vial having a sample storage chamber and a piercing member for piercing a membrane in the lid, which membrane seals a substance within a reservoir in the lid until the membrane is pierced by the piercing member. The container system optionally includes a funnel. There is also provided a method and kit for use of such a container system.
US09207153B2
Provided is a test jig including a jig main body having, at an end portion thereof, an insertion part into which an electrode lead is inserted and a fixing member detachably coupled to the insertion part to fix the electrode lead inserted to the insertion part, wherein the insertion part includes insertion faces outwardly extending from both end portions of the jig main body, and coupling faces extending from the insertion faces toward insides of the jig main body and brought into contact with the fixing member, and thus a tensile test is performed on an ultrasonic-welded portion of the electrode lead without an additional cell.
US09207150B2
The present invention provides structures on the tread of a tire that improve the evacuation of mud, soil and the like. In particular, different tread features are provided that may improve the evacuation of mud, soil and the like by themselves or by strategically combining them. These different tread features may be tested to see how they affect mud evacuation at different rotational speeds by a test apparatus that mimics the performance of a tire. For example, a tread that has offset shoulder tread blocks, which shows good mud evacuation at lower speeds, may be combined with shoulder grooves with pockets that show good mud evacuation at intermediate speeds to see if this combination provides a solution that has the lowest change of speed necessary to evacuate 50-87% of the mud found in the grooves.
US09207149B2
The present invention provides a drive-train testing system that is capable of generating a large drive torque without increasing the size of a motor that simulates an engine. The drive-train testing system inputs a drive torque, which is generated according to a torque command which contains an alternating-current component having an excitation frequency, to an input shaft of a workpiece in order to evaluate the performance of said workpiece. This system is equipped with a first motor, a second motor, a torque meter for detecting a torque which acts upon the shaft between the workpiece and the second motor, and a resonance suppression circuit that divides the torque command into a first torque command and a second torque command so as to suppress torsional resonance on the basis of a value detected by the torque meter.
US09207147B2
Method for predicting a rotational speed (n) of a drive shaft (16) in an internal combustion engine (13), wherein a past rotational speed (n) of the drive shaft (16) is determined, characterized in that in order to determine a theoretical rotational speed (nT1, nT2) of the drive shaft (16) at a future point in time (tT1, tT2), the change in the rotational speed (n) between two past events (P01, P11; P02, P12) occurring at different times is used, one rotational speed (n01, n11; n02, n12) and one point in time (t01, t11; t02, t12) being assigned to each event, wherein one point in time (t01, t02) is an earlier point in time and the other is a later point in time (t02, t12), which therefore lies before the predicted point in time (tT1, tT2), wherein a gradient (m) is determined for a period between the two events (P01, P11; P02, P12) and is used as the basis for deducing a theoretical future rotational speed (nT1, nT2) at the future point in time (tT1, tT2), such that in order to determine the theoretical rotational speed (nT1, nT2) of the drive shaft (16) at the future point in time (tT1, tT2), the determined gradient (m) is used to determine the theoretical rotational speed (nT1, nT2) at the future point in time (tT1, tT2), on the basis of the later point in time (t02, t12), thus determining whether the theoretical rotational speed (nT1, nT2) actually occurred before the future point in time (tT1, tT2) or not until afterwards.
US09207146B2
A method monitors an electromagnetic hydraulic valve for controlling a hydraulically adjustable valve gear of a reciprocating piston engine. The hydraulic valve includes an electromagnetic coil and a moving armature configured to connect a control port hydraulically to a high-pressure port or a low-pressure port, depending on an energization of the coil. The method includes detecting a movement of the armature, using a control unit, in response to an energization of the coil based on a mutual induction in the coil and identifying a defect, using the control unit, if the expected mutual induction does not occur.
US09207142B2
A system comprising an engine including a chamber; an air intake coupled to the engine; a pressure sensor disposed in fluid communication with the air intake and disposed between the air intake and the chamber; and a processor configured to determine a breach in a ventilation system of the chamber in response to the pressure sensor.
US09207138B2
A capacitive pressure sensor is provided. The capacitive pressure sensor includes a substrate; and a first electrode formed in one surface of the substrate and vertical to the surface of the substrate. The capacitive pressure sensor also includes a second electrode with a portion facing the first sub-electrode, a portion facing the second sub-electrode and a portion formed in the other surface of the substrate. Further, the capacitive pressure sensor includes a first chamber between the first electrode and the second electrode and a second chamber formed in the second electrode. Further, the pressure sensor also includes a first sealing layer formed on the second electrode; and a second sealing layer formed on the other surface of the substrate.
US09207137B2
A physical quantity sensor includes a semiconductor substrate, a diaphragm section that is disposed on the semiconductor substrate and is flexurally deformed when receiving pressure, a sensor element that is disposed on the diaphragm section, an element-periphery structure member that is disposed on one surface side of the semiconductor substrate and forms a cavity section together with the diaphragm section, and a semiconductor circuit that is provided on the same surface side as the element-periphery structure member of the semiconductor substrate.
US09207132B2
A stress measurement sensor provided with a sensor element that operates according to the SAW principle, comprising a base composed of a first material and the sensor element, which is fixed to the base with a joining material, is to be developed such that it can also be used at higher temperatures and has improved measurement properties. In addition, it is suggested that the joining material be a glass solder.
US09207127B2
An infrared detector may be provided that includes: a micro-bolometer active cell which detects infrared and outputs a current signal; and a reference cell which includes a plurality of connected warm cells having the same structure and electrical characteristics as those of the micro-bolometer active cell, has the same electrical resistance value and average self-heating amount as those of the micro-bolometer active cell, and generates a reference current signal for the micro-bolometer active cell.
US09207123B2
A temperature insensitive (athermal) channeled spectropolarimeter (CSP) is described. The athermal CSP includes a crystal retarder formed of a biaxial crystal. The crystal retarder has three crystal axes, wherein each axis has its own distinct index of refraction. The axes are oriented in a particular manner, causing an amplitude modulating carrier frequency induced by the crystal retarder to be thermally invariant. Accordingly, a calibration beam technique can be used over a relatively wide range of ambient temperatures, with a common calibration data set.
US09207118B2
Apparatus, system and method for scanning monochromator and diode array spectrometer instrumentation
A system and method for determining bias in a spectrometer is described. One embodiment includes a method for determining bias in a spectrometer system, the method comprising over-scanning a grating in a near-zero-response wavelength range; and determining a bias based on the over-scanning. This methodology allows for over-scanning a grating in a near-zero-response wavelength range as a substitute for using shutters or other mechanisms to block light from entering a detector in the system.
US09207107B2
An accessory apparatus for flowmeters, especially for ultrasonic flowmeters having at least two successively arranged, plate-shaped or disk-shaped flow influencing elements (1, 2) which are provided with recesses and which are located downstream and/or upstream of the flowmeter, the recesses in the flow influencing elements (1, 2) being made and/or the flow influencing elements (1, 2) being arranged in a manner eliminating an unobstructed line of sight in the flow direction. The recesses in the flow influencing elements (1, 2) of the accessory apparatus are slots (3, 4) which are offset so that a line of sight through the accessory apparatus is eliminated.
US09207106B2
Systems and methods for incident detection are provided. A system for incident detection includes a network including at least one detector for detecting events in the network, a detection module capable of processing data from the at least one detector, and a calibration module capable of calibrating a plurality of bands for the incident detection based on a plurality of decision variables, wherein the plurality of bands define thresholds that are time-varying for all measurement locations in the network, and the thresholds are estimated using nonparametric quantile regression.
US09207101B2
An optical encoder includes a light source fiber holder holding a light source fiber and a collecting lens therein, and a nut. The light source fiber holder includes an end fitting together with a light source base. An outer circumferential surface of the end includes an inclined surface inclining such that a cross-sectional area increases as the surface approaches the light source fiber; and a projection capable of advancing into a groove of the light source base. The optical encoder includes a light source connector and the light source fiber holder.
US09207098B2
A framework for estimating short-term travel times for one or more roadway links of a transportation network infrastructure models traffic speed predictions from collected traffic speed data and augments these predictions with precipitation predictions for the links being modeled. The framework employs strategies for scaling these augmented models for larger segments and areas of a roadway to minimize processing and training time. The travel time estimates generated by the framework are utilized to provide accurate routing information and recommendations to motorists, and to conduct more efficient traffic monitoring and infrastructure planning and maintenance activities.
US09207091B2
A stopping vehicle estimating unit estimates one of a number of stopping vehicles and a length of a stopping vehicle line of different vehicles that are stopping at a traffic light along an estimated driving route ahead of the own vehicle closer to the traffic light than the own vehicle, based on a position information of a site at which a traffic light is provided, an own vehicle position, an own vehicle speed, and traffic information. A passable time zone estimating unit estimates a passable time zone during which the own vehicle is able to pass by the traffic light, based on the one of the number of stopping vehicles and the length of the stopping vehicle line that have been estimated by the stopping vehicle estimating unit, and on schedule information.
US09207087B2
Disclosed are a server, a navigation system, a vehicle navigation system, and a method for providing images of a vehicle navigation system. According to the present invention, the vehicle navigation system processes image data obtained through a vehicle black box and transmits the processed image data to a server or a user terminal.
US09207085B2
A system and method enable calculation of navigation data as a function of mobility mode and to transmit the calculated data to devices accordingly. The system and method calculate first navigation data based on a first mobility mode at a first device; receive a mobility mode change indication to a second mobility mode; calculate second navigation data based on the second mobility mode; and then transmit the second navigation data to a second device. The calculations can be done at the first device (e.g., a navigation system installed in a vehicle), the second device (e.g., a mobile device), and/or at a third device (e.g., server).
US09207084B2
A computing device can access a calendar entry having an associated time and an associated location, in a calendar application. The computing device can dynamically determine an estimated travel time to the location associated with the calendar entry. The computing device can provide an alarm indication for the calendar entry at a time based on the estimated travel time.
US09207083B2
In a navigation method for tracking a second electronic device using a first electronic device, the first electronic device receives position information of the second electronic device. A position of the second electronic device is marked on a navigation map stored in the first electronic device. The first electronic device is directed to track the second electronic device according to the marked position on the navigation map.
US09207082B2
One embodiment is directed to a resonator fiber optic gyroscope (RFOG). The optical fiber resonator includes an optical fiber, one or more optical filters that suppresses the noise light in the resonator, one or more variable optical attenuators (VOAs) that can adjust the loss of the resonator with fast response, and one or more optical gain elements that provide amplification of light to offset part of the losses of the resonator. The RFOG also includes one or more pump lasers to produce one or more pump beams for the gain elements in the resonator and control electronics configured to control the one or more pump lasers and the one or more variable optical attenuators, such that the round-trip loss of the resonator is a substantially constant, positive value.
US09207081B2
A substrate for an inertial sensor system includes a plurality of electrode arrangements, each electrode arrangement including an acceleration sensor electrode and a pair of quadrature adjusting electrodes on opposite sides of the acceleration sensor electrode, where each electrode arrangement is capable of being overlaid by a corresponding plate of a shuttle such that the plate completely overlays the acceleration sensor electrode and partially overlays the pair of quadrature adjusting electrodes on opposite sides of the acceleration sensor electrode such that capacitive coupling between the plate and each of the quadrature adjusting electrodes is dependent upon the rotational position of the at least one shuttle while capacitive coupling between the plate and the acceleration sensor electrodes is substantially independent of the rotational position of the at least one shuttle.
US09207075B2
Multi-angle levels and plumbing methods are described. In one aspect, a multi-angle level has a body made up of a base section and a rotating section rotatably secured to the base section. A leveling mechanism is disposed on the rotating section.
US09207072B2
A leaf area index measurement system includes: imaging means for capturing an image of a measurement target plant and outputting the captured image; a light source placed either on a side of the measurement target plant opposite to the imaging means or at a position of the measurement target plant; intensity calculation means for calculating an intensity of light when the light source emits light, based on the captured image output from the imaging means; and leaf area index calculation means for calculating a leaf area index, based on the intensity of light calculated by the intensity calculation means.
US09207070B2
A method operational on a transmitter device is provided for projecting a composite code mask. A composite code mask on a tangible medium is obtained, where the composite code mask includes a code layer combined with a carrier layer. The code layer may include uniquely identifiable spatially-coded codewords defined by a plurality of symbols. The carrier layer may be independently ascertainable and distinct from the code layer and includes a plurality of reference objects that are robust to distortion upon projection. At least one of the code layer and carrier layer may be pre-shaped by a synthetic point spread function prior to projection. At least a portion of the composite code mask is projected, by the transmitter device, onto a target object to help a receiver ascertain depth information for the target object with a single projection of the composite code mask.
US09207069B2
A point cloud data processing device extracts features of an object from point cloud data thereof and automatically generates a three-dimensional model in a short time. The device includes a non-plane removing unit for removing points of non-plane areas from the point cloud data, and a plane labeling unit for adding identical labels to points in the same planes other than the points that are removed by the non-plane removing unit so as to segment the point cloud data into planes. The device also includes a three-dimensional edge extracting unit for extracting three-dimensional edges based on at least one of lines of intersections of the segmented planes and convex lines that convexly cover the segmented planes. The device further includes a two-dimensional edge extracting unit for extracting two-dimensional edges from within the segmented planes, and an edge integrating unit for integrating the three-dimensional edges and the two-dimensional edges.
US09207066B2
A device includes a spatial filter arranged in a Cartesian coordinate system having orthogonal x, y, and z axes. The spatial filter has mask features that are more light transmissive and mask features that are less light transmissive. The mask features are arranged along the x-axis in the flow direction of a flow path. A detector is positioned to detect light emanating from at least one object in the flow path, the object having a width along the y-axis, a thickness along the z-axis, and a length along the x-axis. Light emanating from the object is time modulated according to the mask features as the object moves along the flow path. The detector is configured to generate a time-varying electrical signal in response to the detected light that includes information about the width or thickness of the object.
US09207061B2
An object is to provide a magnetic-pole position detection apparatus for synchronous machines that allows a desired accuracy of magnetic-pole position detection regardless of variation in DC voltage of a DC voltage source. Calculation means (2a) changes a pulse width (tp) and a pulse-quiescent width (tn) in accordance with a DC voltage detection value (Vdc), using a pulse width determination section (22a), such that a desired accuracy of magnetic-pole position detection can be obtained regardless of variation in DC voltage of a DC voltage source (5). The calculation means (2a) also performs control such that a sampling timing is fixed at the end point of the pulse width (tp) of voltage vectors regardless of the DC voltage detection value (Vdc).
US09207060B2
A micro-electrical discharge machine based metrology system including a control unit with a sensing circuit and a micro-electrical discharge machine with a sensing probe. The micro-electrical discharge machine based metrology system capable of sensing dimensions of a work piece at pico-joule energy levels. The micro-electrical discharge machine based metrology system is a non-contact, non-destructive, and on-board metrology system capable of in-process quality assurance/quality control.
US09207055B2
Systems for delivering explosives with variable densities are disclosed herein. Methods of delivering explosives with variable densities and methods of varying the energy of explosives in a blasthole are disclosed herein.
US09207039B1
Spear gun for killing venomous fish is powered by compressed gas such as from SCUBA tank. Spear is attached to a base plate that retains spear partially inside body of spear gun. Discharge of spear gun compresses a spring as spear moves forward, causing spear to automatically return to cocked position after firing. Sliding spear cover makes transport of spear gun safer and helps to dislodge fish from spear.
US09207037B2
A crossbow is provided which has a frame, first and second limbs, a bowstring, and a bolt retainer. The first and second limbs are secured to the frame. The bowstring extends between the first and second limbs and is configured to move between a forward rest position and a rearward cocked position. The bolt retainer downwardly biases a bolt forward of the forward rest position of the bowstring.
US09207034B2
A firearm muzzle brake may include a substantially cylindrical hollow first portion having a first end and a second end; a pair of opposed rows of slots extending through the first portion, each row extending axially along a side of the first portion; a pair of rows of ports extending through the first portion, each row extending axially along the first portion above one of the rows of slots; and a second portion having a first end received in the second end of the first portion, a second end, a central aperture extending through the second portion and being in fluid communication with the hollow first portion such that a bullet can pass through the first and second portions.
US09207033B2
A baffle for use in a firearm suppressor to decrease the amount of sound and flash upon the firing of a firearm on which the suppressor is attached. The baffle comprises a hollow cone-shaped main member having a vertex connected to a base by an annular side surface. The base and the vertex are centered at an elongate central axis of the main member and the side surface has a baffle entry aperture extending therethrough. The baffle entry aperture extends along the side surface in the direction of the base and is offset from the elongate central axis of the main member. In use, the cone-shaped main member is located in a non-centered position within the suppressor such that the vertex is offset from a bore extending through the suppressor and the baffle entry aperture is aligned with the bore of the suppressor.
US09207027B1
A rifle lower receiver has a trigger well and a magazine well. A hammer is disposed in the trigger well and configured to pivot from a first hammer position to a second hammer position in response to moving a trigger from a first trigger position to a second trigger position. A gear member attached to the lower receiver has a predefined number of gear teeth and a locking pin extending from the gear member. A pawl is connected to the trigger and operationally engages the gear member to increment the gear member once per trigger pull. Upon reaching a predefined number of trigger pulls, the locking member locks the trigger. A release lever on the lower receiver is operably configured to advance the gear member one increment to unlock the trigger. A method of dry-fire training is also disclosed.
US09207024B2
The embodiments disclose at least one predetermined patterned layer configured to eliminate a physical path of lateral thermal bloom in a recording device, at least one gradient layer coupled to the patterned layer and configured to use materials with predetermined thermal conductivity for controlling a rate of dissipation and a path coupled to the gradient layer and configured to create a path of least thermal conduction resistance for directing dissipation along the path, wherein the path substantially regulates and prevents lateral thermal bloom.
US09207016B2
Disclosed is an apparatus for treating laundry for making a laundry treating capacity the largest.The disclosed laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet, a drum rotatably provided in the cabinet to hold laundry, the drum including a drum front portion, a drum center portion, and a drum rear portion, wherein the front portion includes a plurality of discharge holes, and wherein the rear portion includes a plurality of suction holes, a front supporter to support the front portion of the drum and to surround the plurality of the discharge holes, and a rear supporter to support the rear portion of the drum and to surround the plurality of the suction holes.
US09206999B2
A solar panel array system has posts for mounting vertically in earth along a Z-axis. A torque tube extends along an X-axis at upper ends of the posts for supporting and pivoting solar panels to track the sun. A bearing saddle base has a downward-facing surface that is placed on an upward-facing surface of the post. Lugs and slots on the upward-facing and downward-facing surfaces are positioned so that rotating the base about the Z-axis causes the lugs to enter the slots. A bearing saddle cradle is adjustably mounted to the base at selected pitch angles relative to the base. The base is rotatable about the Z-axis to various positions either centered or placing the X-axis at a yaw angle relative to the post.
US09206998B2
A system for capturing solar light of the sun, whereby the solar light comprises a short wavelength light component and a long wavelength light component. The system comprises at least a lens (101), a light-guide (102), and a self-adaptive coupling feature (103). The at least one lens is arranged adjacent to the light-guide in order to focus the long wavelength component onto the self-adaptive coupling feature, and the self-adaptive coupling feature is configured to couple the short wavelength light component into the light-guide.
US09206996B2
Water heater appliances are provided. A water heater appliance includes a tank defining a chamber, the tank further defining an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture. The water heater appliance further includes a cold water conduit extending through the inlet aperture and in fluid communication with the chamber of the tank, the cold water conduit configured for directing a flow of water into the chamber of the tank. The water heater appliance further includes an alignment feature configured on the cold water conduit for orienting the cold water conduit within the chamber, the alignment feature corresponding to a mating alignment feature configured on the inlet aperture.
US09206993B2
An HVAC controller may display a user query on the display of the HVAC controller, which queries the user as to whether a utility saver switch is installed and in use. The HVAC controller may take into account whether a utility saver switch is installed and in use when determining, logging and/or reporting out diagnostic faults of the HVAC system.
US09206983B2
A hot gas path component (100) including: a metallic substrate (102) disposed beneath an outer surface (112) of the component (100) that is exposed to a hot gas present during operation of an internal combustion engine; a thermal barrier coating (TBC) (110) disposed on the metallic substrate (102) and defining a first portion (118) of the component outer surface (112); and a powder metallurgy structure (104) bonded to the metallic substrate (102) and in contact with the TBC (110).
US09206971B2
A marine lamp includes an LED and a heat sink that removes heat from the LED. A lens assembly is associated with the LED and collects the energy from the LED and compresses the light into a high intensity beam. The beam strikes a secondary reflective surface which spreads the light into a desired output distribution. In one particular application, the desired output distribution has a ring-like distribution with a primary light beam at approximately 60 degrees from mounting surface normal.
US09206954B2
A vehicular lamp includes a light source unit that is attached to one of a lamp body and a reflector. The light source unit includes a semiconductor light emitting element that is a light source; a plurality of conductive members formed into a predetermined three-dimensional shape by press working a conductive metal material; and a housing that is formed of an insulating material. The plurality of conductive members each include: an element mounting portion to which the semiconductor light emitting element is mounted, a heat dissipating portion that dissipates heat generated when the semiconductor light emitting element emits light, and a connecting portion to which a connector that supplies power to the semiconductor light emitting element is connected. The housing holds the plurality of conductive members in a spaced apart state.
US09206953B2
A lighting assembly for installing through a fitting aperture defined by a handrail. The lighting assembly including: a retaining element that is removably insertable through the fitting aperture; a body device for providing a light source, the body device comprising a coupling element releasably engageable to the retaining element; and wherein, with the retaining element inserted through the fitting aperture and located within the handrail, insertion of the body device through the fitting aperture enables the coupling element to engage the retaining element thereby releasably retaining the body device.
US09206952B2
A solar-powered light source may comprise a solar-powered energy production module. The solar-powered light source may be self-righting. At least one of the energy production module, an energy storage module, a light emission device, or a diffuser may provide the weight for the self-righting effect. The weight may be located substantially near a bottom portion of the solar-powered light source in order to keep the solar-powered light source positioned upright.
US09206949B2
Embodiments of an end-cap for an LED tube are described. In one aspect, an end-cap for an LED tube may include an end-cap housing, at least one elastic component, and a connecting assembly. The end-cap housing may include at least one power pin thereon and configured to connect to an external power source. The elastic component may reside inside the end-cap housing. The end-cap housing may connect to a first end of the connecting assembly via an extendable connection and a second end of the connecting assembly opposite to the first end thereof connects to a body of the LED tube through at least one power connector. The power connector may connect to the at least one power pin when the elastic component is pressed. The power connector may remain separate from the at least one power pin when the elastic component is not pressed.
US09206944B2
A lubrication system is disclosed. The lubrication system may have a collection area for collecting lubricating media and a pumping system for transporting the lubricating media from a withdrawal location of the collection area to a distribution location of the collection area. The lubricating media may collect in the collection area to a static level when the pumping system is off and to a dynamic level when the pumping system is on. The lubrication system may also include a drain valve located between the static level and the dynamic level. The drain valve may operable to open to drain a portion of the lubricating media in response to the lubricating media reaching a predefined threshold temperature and level. The valve may comprise a thermally-activated material, and the material may substantially change phase or volume upon reaching a predetermined temperature.
US09206936B2
Disclosed herein is a high compression pipe clamp which in one embodiment has an inner housing and an outer housing. The hollow rigid inner housing may have a first end, an outer diameter, and a first strap bracket. The hollow rigid outer housing may have a first end, and inner diameter and a second strap bracket wherein the inner diameter of the outer housing is larger than the outer diameter of the inner housing to fit thereover. A tensioning device such as for example threaded rod is also disclosed, the threaded rod passing through the inner housing and outer housing and a threaded nut engaging the threads on the threaded rod.
US09206935B2
A quick acting, adjustable pipe repair apparatus, comprises, a first shell portion having an inner and outer surface, a second shell portion having an inner and outer surface, a hinge connecting the first shell portion and the second shell portion, and two or more adjustable latch assemblies on the outer surface of the first and second shell portions. A gasket may be included covering substantially the entire inner surface of the first and second shell portions.
US09206934B2
A heated hose assembly may include a flexible hose and a heating element. The flexible hose defines an internal water channel and includes first and second hose couplings secured to first and second ends, respectively. The first end is opposite the second end. The heating element extends from the first hose coupling to the second hose coupling through the flexible hose. The heating element is configured to heat the first and second hose couplings and the flexible hose.
US09206929B2
Flexible pipe body for transporting fluids from a sub-sea location includes a carcass layer comprising adjacent interlocked annular elements each comprising a body portion that extends around an inner circumference of a bore region and a channel region provided within the body. A method of manufacturing flexible pipe body is also disclosed.
