US09263756B1
An electrochemical water gas shift system for removing low level carbon monoxide from hydrogen stream. The system including an electrolyzer having a porous anode for absorbing carbon monoxide from a hydrogen stream as a feed stream for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell for generating an electrical energy, a small portion of electricity generated by the fuel cell is applied to the electrolyzer to convert carbon monoxide adsorbed in the porous anode to carbon dioxide and hydrogen via an electrochemical gas shift reaction without oxygen or air input. In an embodiment, the system includes a first electrolyzer operating as a CO adsorber and a second electrolyzer connected in parallel with the first electrolyzer operating as a CO remover. Two electrolyzers can be operated alternatively as CO adsorber and CO remover.
US09263755B2
In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for operating molten carbonate fuel cells with processes for iron and/or steel production. The systems and methods can provide process improvements such as increased efficiency, reduction of carbon emissions per ton of product produced, or simplified capture of the carbon emissions as an integrated part of the system. The number of separate processes and the complexity of the overall production system can be reduced while providing flexibility in fuel feed stock and the various chemical, heat, and electrical outputs needed to power the processes.
US09263753B2
Flowing electrolyte batteries capable of being selectively neutralized chemically; processes of selectively neutralizing flowing electrolyte batteries chemically; and processes of selectively restoring the electrical potential of flowing electrolyte batteries are disclosed herein.
US09263749B2
Provided is a fuel cell having a long product life. In the fuel cell, an interlayer is arranged between a portion of an interconnector which contains at least one of Ag, Pd, Pt, Fe, Co, Cu, Ru, Rh, Re and Au and a first electrode containing Ni. The interlayer is formed of a conductive ceramic.
US09263741B2
There is provided a negative electrode for a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery in which when a battery is formed, the energy density is high, and moreover, the decrease in charge and discharge capacity is small even if charge and discharge are repeated. By using silicon oxide particles having a particle diameter in a particular range as a starting raw material, and heating these particles in the range of 850° C. to 1050° C., Si microcrystals are deposited on the surfaces of the particles. Then, by performing doping of Li, a structure comprising a plurality of protrusions having height and cross-sectional area in a particular range is formed on the surfaces. The average value of the height of the above protrusions is 2% to 19% of the average particle diameter of the above lithium-containing silicon oxide particles. By using the lithium-containing silicon oxide particles obtained by the above means as a negative electrode active material, a negative electrode for a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery is fabricated.
US09263740B2
A battery capable of inhibiting swollenness of the battery is provided. A cathode and an anode are layered with a separator and an electrolyte layer in between. The anode contains an anode active material containing Sn or Si as an element. The electrolyte layer contains an electrolytic solution and a high molecular weight compound. It is preferable that the distance between the cathode and the anode is from 15 μm to 50 μm, and the distance between the cathode and the separator and the distance between the anode and the separator are respectively from 3 μm to 20 μm. Thereby, expansion of the anode is absorbed, stress on the anode is reduced, and occurrence of wrinkles in the anode is inhibited.
US09263731B2
Disclosed herein are lithium or lithium-ion batteries that employ an aluminum or aluminum alloy current collector protected by conductive coating in combination with electrolyte containing aluminum corrosion inhibitor and a fluorinated lithium imide or methide electrolyte which exhibit surprisingly long cycle life at high temperature.
US09263730B2
An electrode for a lithium-ion secondary battery includes a current collector and an electrode layer formed on a surface of the current collector, and including a binder resin, an active material and a conductive additive. The electrode layer includes a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer whose binder-resin concentration is higher than a binder-resin concentration in the first electrode layer. The first electrode layer is disposed on the surface of the current collector and the second electrode layer is disposed on the surface of the current collector at least so as to make contact with the surface of the current collector and at least a side face of the first electrode layer.
US09263724B2
A battery pack is disclosed. An embodiment of the battery pack includes a bare cell, wherein the bare cell comprises a terminal; a circuit module coupled with the bare cell, wherein the circuit module comprises a protective device; and a cover disposed over the circuit module and coupled with the bare cell; wherein the circuit module comprises a through-hole, the cover comprises a protrusion, the protrusion engages with the through-hole, and the through-hole enables welding of the protective device of the circuit module to the terminal of the bare cell through the through-hole.
US09263721B2
An electrochemical storage device comprises a plurality of layer electrodes each including a first charged sector and a second charged sector. The plurality of layer electrodes are assembled with respect to each other such that the first charged sector of a first plate of the plurality of layer electrodes is laid below the second charged sector of a second plate of the plurality of layer electrodes located immediately above the first plate. The charges of the first charged sectors of the first and second plates have a first sign and the charges of the second charged sectors of the first and second plates have a second sign that is opposite the first sign. The device also comprises a separator sector located, and enabling ionic charge exchange, between the first charged sector of the first plate and the second charged sector of the second plate.
US09263707B2
A mask assembly and a method of fabricating an organic light emitting display device using the same are provided. The mask assembly includes: a mask frame including a window therein; and a mask which is disposed on the window and fixed to the mask frame, wherein the mask includes a plurality of open parts and a plurality of blocked parts which extend in a column direction. Each open part and each blocked part may alternately be arranged in a row direction. Each open part may include a plurality of pixel openings and a plurality of pixel connection openings, which are alternately arranged in the column direction, and a maximum width of the pixel opening may be larger than a maximum width of the pixel connection opening.
US09263698B2
A flexible display apparatus includes a flexible substrate, a display layer disposed on one surface of the flexible substrate and including a plurality of pixels, graphene disposed on a surface opposing the one surface of the flexible substrate, and an encapsulation layer covering the display layer.
US09263697B2
Although an organic resin substrate is highly effective at reducing the weight and improving the shock resistance of a display device, it is required to improve the moisture resistance of the organic resin substrate for the sake of maintaining the reliability of an EL element. Hard carbon films are formed to cover a surface of the organic resin substrate and outer surfaces of a sealing member. Typically, DLC (Diamond like Carbon) films are used as the carbon films. The DLC films have a construction where carbon atoms are bonded into an SP3 bond in terms of a short-distance order, although the films have an amorphous construction from a macroscopic viewpoint. The DLC films contain 95 to 70 atomic % carbon and 5 to 30 atomic % hydrogen, so that the DLC films are very hard and minute and have a superior gas barrier property and insulation performance.
US09263688B2
In a BHJ solar cell, a photoelectric conversion layer contains a condensed carbocyclic ring polymer (photoelectric conversion material). The condensed carbocyclic ring polymer is obtained by polymerizing monomers represented by the following general formulae (1) and (2) to prepare a polyphenylene and then reacting the polyphenylene. R1 to R6 in the general formula (1) independently represent a hydrogen atom or a solubilizing group, and the monomer represented by the general formula (1) exhibits a higher solubility in an organic solvent with the solubilizing group than without the solubilizing group. Ar in the general formula (2) represents an unsubstituted or substituted aromatic group, and R7 and R8 in the general formula (2) independently represent a hydrogen atom, an unsubstituted or substituted aromatic group, a methyl group, or a silyl group.
US09263676B2
An organic light-emitting display system and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. In one aspect, the organic light-emitting display system includes a substrate, a display unit that defines an active area on the substrate and includes a plurality of thin film transistor (TFTs), and an encapsulation layer that seals the display unit and has a stacked structure in which at least a first inorganic film, a first organic film, and a second inorganic film are sequentially stacked. The TFTs includes an active layer, a gate electrode, a source electrode, a drain electrode, and an interlayer insulating film that is disposed between the gate electrode and the source electrode and between the gate electrode and the drain electrode, wherein the second inorganic film directly contacts the interlayer insulating film outside the active area. Accordingly, in various embodiments, since an inorganic layer of a thin film encapsulation layer is prevented from being cracked, penetration of external moisture or oxygen into the active area of the display can be reduced or prevents.
US09263675B2
Some embodiments include a switching component which includes a selector region between a pair of electrodes. The selector region contains silicon doped with one or more of nitrogen, oxygen, germanium and carbon. Some embodiments include a memory unit which includes a memory cell and a select device electrically coupled to the memory cell. The select device has a selector region between a pair of electrodes. The selector region contains semiconductor doped with one or more of nitrogen, oxygen, germanium and carbon. The select device has current versus voltage characteristics which include snap-back voltage behavior.
US09263670B2
A memory element and a memory device, the memory element including a first electrode, a memory layer, and a second electrode in this order. The memory layer includes a resistance change layer provided on the first electrode side, and an ion source layer provided on the second electrode side and is higher in resistance value than the resistance change layer. A resistance value of the resistance change layer is changeable in response to a composition change by applied voltage to the first and second electrodes.
US09263665B1
A method of fabricating a vertical two-bits per cell STT MRAM for high density storage includes forming a bottom electrode within an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer, forming an anti-ferromagnetic (AF) layer over the bottom electrode, and forming a fixed layer along sidewalls of the AF layer. The method further includes forming a tunnel layer along the fixed layer, forming a free layer along the tunnel layer, and forming a top electrode along the free layer and over an upper surface of the AF layer.
US09263661B2
A thermally driven power generator having a base and a heat source placed within the base. The thermally driven power generator further having a heat collector is adapted to collect the heat from the heat source through a plurality of fins and a heat sink adapted to release heat into the environment. The thermally driven power generator further having a thermal electric power generation module is sandwiched between the heat collector and a heat sink; the thermal electric power generation module is designed to convert heat collected by the heat collector to electrical power. A tray assembly for a thermally driven power generator, the tray assembly having: a transport tray; and a magnetic element integrated with the transport tray, the magnetic element designed to attract a wick keeper of a candle such that the wick is held in place.
US09263653B2
In some embodiments, a light-emissive device may include a reflector assembly, a dielectric layer, an electrode pin, a second semiconductor, and an electrode connector. The reflector assembly may define a cavity, a light opening, and an electrode pin opening. The dielectric layer may be positioned adjacent to the reflector assembly. The dielectric layer may define an electrode pin aperture and an electrode connector aperture. The electrode pin may include a head and a shaft. The head may be positioned in the cavity and coated with a first semiconductor. The shaft may be at least partially positioned in the electrode pin opening and through-mounted to the electrode pin aperture. The second semiconductor may be disposed in the cavity. The second semiconductor may surround the first semiconductor. The electrode connector may be electrically coupled to the second semiconductor and through-mounted to the electrode connector aperture.
US09263651B2
An LED package including a collimator body adapted to collect and/or reflect and/or focus light. An upper plane provided by the collimator body defines a mainly horizontal plane. At least one reflection surface is provided by the collimator body and is at least partially angled to the horizontal plane. The collimator body includes a recess for receiving a lighting element including a light emitting front face such that the reflection surface extends at least partially below the level of the front face in an assembled state. Due to the angle of the reflection surface with respect to the horizontal plane of the collimator body, a small light source and a high luminous flux at the same time are provided so that the luminance and the brightness of the LED package are increased.
US09263647B2
Various examples of a light emitting diode (LED) package structure and a manufacturing method thereof are described. In one aspect, a LED package structure includes a carrier, a LED chip, a first annular barricade, a second annular barricade and a fluorescent encapsulant. The LED chip is electrically connected to the carrier. The first annular barricade and the second annular barricade are disposed around the LED chip, with the second annular barricade disposed between the LED chip and the first annular barricade. The fluorescent encapsulant is disposed on the carrier and at least covers the LED chip and the second annular barricade. The fluorescent encapsulant includes at least a type of phosphor and at least a type of gel with the phosphor distributed over a surface of the LED chip.
US09263644B2
A semiconductor light-emitting device having an electrode that can be manufactured by a simple method and is unlikely to deteriorate, and a method for forming the electrode are provided. The semiconductor light-emitting device according to the present invention has a semiconductor layered structure having a light-emitting layer that emits light by supplying electric power and an electrode formed on the semiconductor layered structure. The electrode has a reflection layer that reflects light exiting from the light-emitting layer, a barrier layer formed on the upper side and side surface of the reflection layer, and a pad layer formed only on the top surface of the barrier layer.
US09263642B2
A III nitride semiconductor light emitting device with improved light emission efficiency achieved without significantly increasing forward voltage by achieving both good ohmic contact between an electrode and a semiconductor layer, and sufficient functionality of a reflective electrode layer, and a method for manufacturing the same. The III nitride semiconductor light emitting device has a III nitride semiconductor laminate including an n-type semiconductor layer, a light emitting layer, and a p-type semiconductor layer; an n-side electrode, a p-side electrode; and a composite layer having a reflective electrode portion and a contact portion made of AlxGa1-xN (0≦x≦0.05) on a second surface of the III nitride semiconductor laminate. The second surface is opposite to a first surface on the light extraction side.
US09263641B2
An electric contact structure adopted for an LED comprises a nitride middle layer and an N-type metal electrode layer. The LED includes an N-type semiconductor layer, a light emission layer and a P-type semiconductor layer that are stacked to form a sandwich structure. The nitride middle layer is patterned and formed on the N-type semiconductor layer. The N-type metal electrode layer is formed on the nitride middle layer and prevented from being damaged by diffusion of the metal ions as the nitride middle layer serves as a blocking interface, thus electric property of the N-type semiconductor layer can be maintained stable. The nitride middle layer would not be softened and condensed due to long-term high temperature, thereby is enhanced adhesion. Moreover, the N-type metal electrode layer further can be prevented from peeling off, hence is increased the lifespan of the LED.
US09263638B2
Preparation of stable, bright luminescent nanoparticles having compositionally engineered properties
A method is provided for preparing luminescent semiconductor nanoparticles composed of a first component X, a second component A, and a third component B, wherein X, A, and B are different, by combining B with X and A in an amount such that the molar ratio B:(A+B) is in the range of approximately 0.001 to 0.20 and the molar ratio X:(A+B) is in the range of approximately 0.5:1.0 to 2:1. The characteristics of the thus-prepared nanoparticles can be substantially similar to those of nanoparticles containing only X and B while maintaining many useful properties characteristic of nanoparticles containing only X and A. The nanoparticles so prepared can additionally exhibit emergent properties such as a peak emission energy less than that characteristic of a particle composed of XA or XB alone; this method is particularly applicable to the preparation of stable, bright nanoparticles that emit in the red to infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Luminescent semiconductor nanoparticles having exemplary properties are also provided.
US09263634B2
A method for fabrication a light emitting diode (LED) includes forming alternating material layers on an LED structure, formed on a substrate, to form a reflector on a back side opposite the substrate. A handle substrate is adhered to a stressor layer deposited on the reflector. The LED structure is separated from the substrate using a spalling process to expose a front side of the LED structure.
US09263633B2
A light-emitting diode is provided, including an active semiconductor area for the radiative recombination of electron-hole pairs having a plurality of nanowires, each made of an unintentionally doped semiconductor material, a first semiconductor area for radially injecting holes into each nanowire, the first semiconductor area being made of a doped semiconductor material having a first conductivity type and having a bandgap that is greater than the bandgap of the semiconductor material of the nanowires, and a second semiconductor area for axially injecting electrons into each nanowire, the second semiconductor area being made of a doped semiconductor material having a second conductivity type that is opposite to that of the first conductivity type.
US09263627B2
A method and structure for receiving a micro device on a receiving substrate are disclosed. A micro device such as a micro LED device is punched-through a passivation layer covering a conductive layer on the receiving substrate, and the passivation layer is hardened. In an embodiment the micro LED device is punched-through a B-staged thermoset material. In an embodiment the micro LED device is punched-through a thermoplastic material.
US09263621B2
An optical touchscreen assembly may employ a photonic chip packaged with a chip surface at an angle inclined between horizontal and vertical orientations. An inclined paddle sawn flat no-leads (IPSFN) package may be affixed to a cover glass surface along a perimeter of a display. IPSFN packages may incorporate a photo-emitter chip and a photo-detector chip that may be inclined for a desired angle of incidence relative to the cover glass. A CMOS integrated optical transceiver package may include inclined photonic chips and a non-inclined CMOS chip having at least one of a photo-emitter driver, or a photo-detector TIA and/or ADC. A chip package lead frame may include cantilevered paddle tabs amenable to controlled deflection during package assembly. An inclined packaging assembly method may include attaching a chip to a lead frame paddle and form pressing the lead frame to incline the chip to a desired angle before encapsulation.
US09263610B2
The present invention describes a method of producing a photovoltaic solar cell with stoichiometric p-type copper indium gallium diselenide (CuInxGa1-xSe2) (abbreviated CIGS) as its absorber layer and II-IV semiconductor layers as the n-type layers with electrodeposition of all these layers. The method comprises a sequence of novel procedures and electrodeposition conditions with an ionic liquid approach to overcome the technical challenges in the field for low-cost and large-area production of CIGS solar cells with the following innovative advantages over the prior art: (a) low-cost and large-area electrodeposition of CIGS in one pot with no requirement of post-deposition thermal sintering or selenization; (b) low-cost and large-area electrodeposition of n-type II-VI semiconductors for the completion of the CIGS solar cell production; and (c) low-cost and large-area deposition of a buffer layer of CdS or other compounds with a simple chemical bath method.
US09263606B2
A photoelectric conversion element which converts incident light to an electrical signal and detects the signal, the element including: a lower electrode; an insulating layer, provided on the lower electrode; a light-receiving section, which is provided on the insulating layer and receives incident light on the surface; and a groove-like slit, provided such that the insulating layer is exposed from a surface of the light-receiving section, wherein the incident light is converted by the slit to surface plasmons which are wave-guided along the insulating layer, and the surface plasmon is detected as an electrical signal between the light-receiving section and the lower electrode.
US09263599B2
A semiconductor system having a trench MOS barrier Schottky diode is described, including an n-type epitaxial layer, in which at least two etched trenches are located in a two-dimensional manner of presentation on an n+-type substrate which acts as the cathode zone. An electrically floating, p-type layer, which acts as the anode zone of the p-n type diode, is located in the n-type epitaxial layer, at least in a location below the trench bottom. An oxide layer is located between a metal layer and the surface of the trenches. The n-type epitaxial layer may include two n-type layers of different doping concentrations.
US09263598B2
A Schottky device includes a barrier height adjustment layer in a portion of a semiconductor material. In accordance with an embodiment, the Schottky device is formed from a semiconductor material of a first conductivity type which has a barrier height adjustment layer of a second conductivity type that extends from a first major surface of the semiconductor material into the semiconductor material a distance that is less than a zero bias depletion boundary. A Schottky contact is formed in contact with the doped layer.
US09263591B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing an electronic component, in particular a field-effect transistor (FET), comprising at least one substrate, at least one dielectric, and at least one semiconducting metal oxide, wherein the dielectric or a precursor compound thereof based on organically modified silicon oxide compounds, in particular based on silsequioxanes and/or siloxanes, can be processed out of solution, and is thermally treated at a low temperature from room temperature to 350° C., and the semiconductive metal oxide, in particular ZnO or a precursor compound thereof, can also be processed from solution at a low temperature from room temperature to 350° C.
US09263589B2
An object of the present invention is to manufacture a semiconductor device where fluctuation in electrical characteristics is small and reliability is high in a transistor in which an oxide semiconductor is used. An insulating layer from which oxygen is released by heating is used as a base insulating layer of an oxide semiconductor layer which forms a channel. Oxygen is released from the base insulating layer, whereby oxygen deficiency in the oxide semiconductor layer and an interface state between the base insulating layer and the oxide semiconductor layer can be reduced. Thus, a semiconductor device where fluctuation in electrical characteristics is small and reliability is high can be manufactured.
US09263582B2
An efficient strain-inducing mechanism may be provided on the basis of a piezoelectric material so that performance of different transistor types may be enhanced by applying a single concept. For example, a piezoelectric material may be provided below the active region of different transistor types and may be appropriately connected to a voltage source so as to obtain a desired type of strain.
US09263581B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor structure comprises the following steps: providing an SOI substrate and forming a gate structure on the SOI substrate; implanting ions to induce stress in the semiconductor structure by using the gate structure as mask to form a stress-inducing region, which is located under the BOX layer on the SOI substrate on both sides of the gate structure. A semiconductor structure manufactured according to the above method is also disclosed. The semiconductor structure and the method for manufacturing the same disclosed in the present application form on the ground layer a stress-inducing region, which provides favorable stress to the semiconductor device channel and contributes to the improvement of the semiconductor device performance.
US09263580B2
One method disclosed includes, among other things, forming a fin structure comprised of a semiconductor material, a first epi semiconductor material and a second epi semiconductor material, forming a sacrificial gate structure above the fin structure, forming a sidewall spacer adjacent the sacrificial gate structure, performing at least one etching process to remove the portions of the fin structure positioned laterally outside of the sidewall spacer so as to thereby define a fin cavity in the source/drain regions of the device and to expose edges of the fin structure positioned under the sidewall spacer, and performing an epitaxial deposition process to form an epi etch stop layer on the exposed edges of the fin structure positioned under the sidewall spacer and within the fin cavity.
US09263577B2
A ferroelectric field effect transistor comprises a semiconductive channel comprising opposing sidewalls and an elevationally outermost top. A source/drain region is at opposite ends of the channel. A gate construction of the transistor comprises inner dielectric extending along the channel top and laterally along the channel sidewalls. Inner conductive material is elevationally and laterally outward of the inner dielectric and extends along the channel top and laterally along the channel sidewalls. Outer ferroelectric material is elevationally outward of the inner conductive material and extends along the channel top. Outer conductive material is elevationally outward of the outer ferroelectric material and extends along the channel. Other constructions and methods are disclosed.
US09263574B1
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer formed over a semiconductor substrate. A well region is disposed in a portion of the semiconductor layer, and a plurality of first doped regions is disposed in various portions of the well region. A second doped region is disposed in a portion of the well region. An isolation element is disposed in a portion of the top-most one of the first doped regions, and a third doped region is disposed in a portion of the top-most one of the first doped regions. A fourth doped region is disposed in a portion of the second doped region. An insulating layer overlies the third doped region, the isolation element, the second doped region, and the fourth doped region, and a conductive layer overlies the insulating layer.
US09263573B2
Power semiconductor devices, and related methods, where majority carrier flow is divided into paralleled flows through two drift regions of opposite conductivity types.
US09263568B2
The structure, and fabrication method thereof, implements a fully depleted silicon-on-insulator (SOI) transistor using a “Channel Last” procedure in which the active channel is a low-temperature epitaxial layer in an etched recess in the SOI silicon film. An optional δ-layer of extremely high doping allows its threshold voltage to be set to a desired value. Based on high-K metal gate last technology, this transistor has reduced threshold uncertainty and superior source and drain conductance. The use of epitaxial layer improves the thickness control of the active channel and reduces the process induced variations. The utilization of active silicon layer that is two or more times thicker than those used in conventional fully depleted SOI devices, reduces the access resistance and improves the on-current of the SOI transistor.
US09263556B2
A device includes a semiconductor substrate including an active region. The active region includes a first sidewall. An isolation region extends from a top surface of the semiconductor substrate into the semiconductor substrate. The isolation region has a second sidewall, wherein a lower portion of the first sidewall joins a lower portion of the second sidewall to form an interface. A dielectric spacer is disposed on an upper portion of the first sidewall. A silicide region is over and contacting the active region. A sidewall of the silicide region contacts the dielectric spacer, and the dielectric spacer has a top surface substantially lower than a top surface of the silicide region.
US09263552B2
A MOS transistor is produced by forming a first trench in a semiconductor body, forming a first isolation layer on inner surfaces of the first trench, and filling the first trench with conductive material to form a first electrode within the first trench. A portion of the first electrode is removed along one side wall of the first trench to form a cavity located within the first trench. A second isolation layer is formed on inner surfaces of the cavity, and the cavity is at least partially filled with conductive material to form a second electrode within the cavity. A structured third isolation layer is formed on a top surface of the semiconductor body, and a metallization layer is formed on the structured third isolation layer. The first or the second electrode is electrically and thermally connected to the metallization layer via openings in the structured third isolation layer.
US09263541B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a high-K dielectric film for use with silicon germanium (SiGe) or germanium channel materials, and methods of fabrication. As a first step of this process, an interfacial layer (IL) is formed on the semiconductor substrate providing reduced interface trap density. However, an ultra-thin layer is used as a barrier film to avoid germanium diffusion in high-k film and oxygen diffusion from the high-k film to the interfacial layer (IL), therefore, dielectric films such as aluminum oxide (Al2O3), zirconium oxide, or lanthanum oxide (La2O3) may be used. In addition, these films can provide high thermal budget. A second dielectric layer is then deposited on the first dielectric layer. The second dielectric layer is a high-k dielectric layer, providing a reduced effective oxide thickness (EOT), resulting in improved device performance.
US09263540B1
The metal gate structure includes at least a substrate, a dielectric layer, first and second trenches, first metal layer and second metal layers, and two cap layers. In particular, the dielectric layer is disposed on the substrate, and the first and second trenches are disposed in the dielectric layer. The width of the first trench is less than the width of the second trench. The first and second metal layers are respectively disposed in the first trench and the second trench, and the height of the first metal layer is less than or equal to the height of the second metal layer. The cap layers are respectively disposed in a top surface of the first metal layer and a top surface of the second metal layer.
US09263534B2
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate in which a recess is provided on a back surface thereof, and a shape of the recess is reflected on a surface of a metal film which is also provided on the back surface of the semiconductor substrate.
US09263529B2
Method of producing a vertically inhomogeneous platinum or gold distribution in a semiconductor substrate with a first and a second surface opposite the first surface, with diffusing platinum or gold into the semiconductor substrate from one of the first and second surfaces of the semiconductor substrate, removing platinum- or gold-comprising residues remaining on the one of the first and second surfaces after diffusing the platinum or gold, forming a phosphorus- or boron-doped surface barrier layer on the first or second surface, and heating the semiconductor substrate for local gettering of the platinum or gold by the phosphorus- or boron-doped surface barrier layer.
US09263523B2
An advanced transistor with punch through suppression includes a gate with length Lg, a well doped to have a first concentration of a dopant, and a screening region positioned under the gate and having a second concentration of dopant. The second concentration of dopant may be greater than 5×1018 dopant atoms per cm3. At least one punch through suppression region is disposed under the gate between the screening region and the well. The punch through suppression region has a third concentration of a dopant intermediate between the first concentration and the second concentration of dopant. A bias voltage may be applied to the well region to adjust a threshold voltage of the transistor.
US09263522B2
An apparatus comprises a substrate. The apparatus also comprises a diffusion barrier formed on a surface of a first region of the substrate. The diffusion barrier is formed using a first material having a first band gap energy. The apparatus further comprises a channel region formed on a surface of the diffusion barrier. The channel region is formed using a second material having a second band gap energy that is lower than the first band gap energy. The apparatus further comprises a back gate contact coupled to the first region of the substrate.
US09263516B1
An integrated circuit product is disclosed that includes a plurality of trenches in a semiconducting substrate that define first, second and third fins, wherein the fins are side-by-side, and wherein the second fin is positioned between the first and third fins, a layer of insulating material in the plurality of trenches such that a desired height of the first, second and third fins is positioned above an upper surface of the layer of insulating material, a recess defined in the second fin that at least partially defines a cavity in the layer of insulating material, an SDB isolation structure in the cavity on the recessed portion of the second fin, wherein the SDB isolation structure has an upper surface that is above the upper surface of the layer of insulating material, and a gate structure for a transistor positioned above the SDB isolation structure.
US09263514B2
Provided is a semiconductor device having a structure with which a decrease in electrical characteristics that becomes more significant with miniaturization can be suppressed. The semiconductor device includes a first oxide semiconductor film, a gate electrode overlapping with the first oxide semiconductor film, a first gate insulating film between the first oxide semiconductor film and the gate electrode, and a second gate insulating film between the first gate insulating film and the gate electrode. In the first gate insulating film, a peak appears at a diffraction angle 2θ of around 28° by X-ray diffraction. A band gap of the first oxide semiconductor film is smaller than a band gap of the first gate insulating film, and the band gap of the first gate insulating film is smaller than a band gap of the second gate insulating film.
US09263509B2
A pixel structure, including a data line, a scan line, at least one active device, a first auxiliary electrode, and a light emitting device, is provided. The at least one active device is electrically connected with the data line and the scan line, and each active device includes a gate, a channel layer, a source, and a drain. The first auxiliary electrode is electrically insulated from the active device. The light emitting device is disposed above the first auxiliary electrode, wherein the light emitting device includes a first electrode layer, a light emitting layer, and a second electrode layer. The first electrode layer is electrically connected with the first auxiliary electrode. The light emitting layer is disposed on the first electrode layer. The second electrode layer is disposed on the light emitting layer, wherein the second electrode layer is electrically connected with the active device.
US09263505B2
Disclosed herein is a display including: a pixel array part configured to include pixels that are arranged in a matrix, each having an electro-optical element, a write transistor for writing a video signal, a drive transistor for driving the electro-optical element based on the video signal written by the write transistor, and a holding capacitor connected between the gate and source of the drive transistor, wherein the holding capacitor includes a first electrode, a second electrode disposed to face one surface of the first electrode for forming a first capacitor, and a third electrode disposed to face the other surface of the first electrode for forming a second capacitor, and the first capacitor and the second capacitor are connected in parallel to each other electrically.
US09263497B2
Disclosed is a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device including a step of attaching semiconductor wafers together, in which it is prevented that the bonding strength between the attached semiconductor wafers may be decreased due to a void caused between the two semiconductor wafers. Moisture, etc., adsorbed to the surfaces of the semiconductor wafers is desorbed by performing a heat treatment on the semiconductor wafers after cleaning the surfaces thereof with pure water. Subsequently, after a plasma treatment is performed on the semiconductor wafers, the two semiconductor wafers are attached together. The wafers are firmly bonded together by subjecting to a high-temperature heat treatment.
US09263493B2
Provided is an image pickup element, including: condenser lenses made of a resin containing fine metal particles; photoelectric conversion elements formed in a silicon substrate and each configured to photoelectrically convert incident light that enter from an outside through corresponding one of the condenser lenses; and a protective film made of a silicon compound, the protective film being formed between the condenser lenses and the silicon substrate.
US09263487B2
A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes a semiconductor substrate having a photoelectric conversion portion. An insulator is provided on the semiconductor substrate. The insulator has a hole corresponding to the photoelectric conversion portion. A waveguide member is provided in the hole. An in-layer lens is provided on a side of the waveguide member farther from the semiconductor substrate. A first intermediate member is provided between the waveguide member and the in-layer lens. The first intermediate member has a lower refractive index than the in-layer lens.
US09263486B2
A method and device is disclosed for reducing noise in CMOS image sensors. An improved CMOS image sensor includes a light sensing structure surrounded by a support feature section. An active section of the light sensing structure is covered by no more than optically transparent materials. A light blocking portion includes an opaque layer or a black light filter layer in conjunction with an opaque layer, covering the support feature section. The light blocking portion may also cover a peripheral portion of the light sensing structure. The method for forming the CMOS image sensors includes using film patterning and etching processes to selectively form the opaque layer and the black light filter layer where the light blocking portion is desired, but not over the active section. The method also provides for forming microlenses over the photosensors in the active section.
US09263485B2
The present invention reduces color mixture (cross talk) and the degradation of sensitivity in a peripheral region of a pixel area to achieve a reduction of sensitivity irregularity in the pixel area. A solid-state imaging apparatus having a pixel area including a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements includes: a semiconductor substrate in which the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are formed; a plurality of air gap formed layers which are arranged above the semiconductor substrate, and correspond to the photoelectric conversion elements in the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements, respectively; and air gaps arranged between the air gap formed layers in the plurality of air gap formed layers, respectively, wherein the air gap in a peripheral region B of the pixel area has a width larger than the air gap in a central region A of the pixel area.
US09263481B2
The array substrate includes a substrate, a thin film transistor (TFT) and a pixel electrode. The TFT is disposed on the substrate and includes a gate electrode, a gate insulating layer, a patterned semiconductor layer, a patterned etching stop layer, a patterned hard mask layer, a source electrode and a drain electrode. The patterned gate insulating layer is disposed on the gate electrode. The patterned semiconductor layer is disposed on the patterned gate insulating layer. The patterned etching stop layer is disposed on the patterned semiconductor layer. The source and the drain electrodes are disposed on the patterned etching stop layer and the patterned semiconductor layer. The patterned hard mask layer is disposed between the source electrode and the patterned etching stop layer and disposed between the drain electrode and the patterned etching stop layer. The pixel electrode is disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to the TFT.
US09263473B2
In a semiconductor device which conducts multilevel writing operation and a driving method thereof, a signal line for controlling on/off of a writing transistor for conducting a writing operation on a memory cell using a transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer is disposed along a bit line, and a multilevel writing operation is conducted with use of, also in a writing operation, a voltage which is applied to a capacitor at a reading operation. Because an oxide semiconductor material that is a wide gap semiconductor capable of sufficiently reducing off-state current of a transistor is used, data can be held for a long period.
US09263472B2
An aperture ratio of a semiconductor device is improved. A driver circuit and a pixel are provided over one substrate, and a first thin film transistor in the driver circuit and a second thin film transistor in the pixel each include a gate electrode layer, a gate insulating layer over the gate electrode layer, an oxide semiconductor layer over the gate insulating layer, source and drain electrode layers over the oxide semiconductor layer, and an oxide insulating layer in contact with part of the oxide semiconductor layer over the gate insulating layer, the oxide semiconductor layer, and the source and drain electrode layers. The gate electrode layer, the gate insulating layer, the oxide semiconductor layer, the source and drain electrode layers, and the oxide insulating layer of the second thin film transistor each have a light-transmitting property.
US09263470B1
Provided is a semiconductor device including a buffer layer that is on a substrate and includes an inclined surface; a crystalline silicon layer that is on the buffer layer; a gate electrode that is on the crystalline silicon layer while being insulated from the crystalline silicon layer; and a source electrode and a drain electrode that are each electrically connected to the crystalline silicon layer, the angle between the substrate and the inclined surface being in a range of about 17.5 degrees to less than about 70 degrees.
US09263459B1
A three dimensional or stacked circuit device includes a conductive channel cap on a conductor channel. The channel cap can be created via selective deposition or other process to prevent polishing down the conductive material to isolate the contacts. The conductor channel extends through a deck of multiple tiers of circuit elements that are activated via a gate. The gate is activated by electrical potential in the conductor channel. The conductive cap on the conductor channel can electrically connect the conductor channel to a bitline or other signal line, and/or to another deck of multiple circuit elements.
US09263452B2
A method for fabricating a reservoir capacitor of a semiconductor device where a first peripheral circuit region and a second peripheral circuit region are defined comprises: forming a gate on an upper portion of a semiconductor substrate of the second peripheral circuit region; forming an interlayer insulating film on the entire upper portion of the semiconductor substrate including the gate; etching the interlayer insulating film of the second peripheral circuit region to form a bit line contact hole; forming a bit line material and a sacrificial film on the upper portion of the interlayer insulating film including the bit line contact hole; and etching the sacrificial film of the first peripheral circuit region to form a trench that exposes the bit line material.
US09263450B2
A one-time programmable (OTP) memory cell is provided, which includes: a well of a first conductivity type; a gate insulating layer formed on the well and including first and second fuse regions; a gate electrode of a second conductivity type formed on the gate insulating layer, the second conductivity type being opposite in electric charge to the first conductivity type; a junction region of the second conductivity type formed in the well and arranged to surround the first and second fuse regions; and an isolation layer formed in the well between the first fuse region and the second fuse region.
US09263448B2
A semiconductor device includes: a first active region defined by a recess contained in a device isolation film of a semiconductor substrate belonging to a first region and a second region, in a peripheral region including the first region, the second region, and a third region; a second active region defined by the device isolation film contained in the semiconductor substrate of the third region; a buried metal layer buried in the recess; a first conductive layer formed over the semiconductor substrate of the first region; and a second conductive layer formed over the semiconductor substrate of the second region, wherein the first conductive layer or the second conductive layer is formed over the semiconductor substrate of the third region. A three-dimensional dual gate is formed in a peripheral region, such that performance or throughput of transistors is maximized even in the peripheral region.
US09263447B2
A semiconductor device, including: a P-type substrate; an N-type region, contacting with the P-type substrate; a N+-type doped region, disposed in the N-type region; a first P+-type doped region, disposed in the N-type region; a second P+-type doped region, disposed in the N-type region; a P-type buried layer, disposed in the P-type substrate under the N-type region and contacting with the N-type region; and a N-type doped region, disposed in the P-type substrate under a contact surface between the P-type buried layer and the N-type region.
US09263442B2
Gate structures and methods of manufacturing is disclosed. The method includes forming a continuous replacement gate structure within a trench formed in dielectric material. The method further includes segmenting the continuous replacement gate structure into separate replacement gate structures. The method further includes forming insulator material between the separate replacement gate structures.
US09263437B2
Embodiments of mechanisms for forming a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor structure are provided. The metal-insulator-metal capacitor structure includes a substrate. The MIM capacitor structure also includes a CBM layer formed on the substrate, and the CBM layer includes a bottom barrier layer, a main metal layer and a top barrier layer. The MIM capacitor structure further includes a first high-k dielectric layer formed on the CBM layer, an insulating layer formed on the first high-k dielectric layer and a second high-k dielectric layer formed on the insulating layer. The MIM capacitor structure also includes a CTM layer formed on the second high-k dielectric layer, and the CBM layer includes a bottom barrier layer, a main metal layer and a top barrier layer.
US09263416B2
Materials, and methods that use such materials, that are useful for forming chip stacks, chip and wafer bonding and wafer thinning are disclosed. Such methods and materials provide strong bonds while also being readily removed with little or no residues.
US09263405B2
A semiconductor device having a semiconductor substrate is provided. The semiconductor substrate includes an integrated circuit, which includes multi-layer structured metallization and inter-metal dielectric. The integrated circuit is below a passivation, which is over a metal structure. The metal structure includes a metal pad and an under bumper metallurgy, which is over and aligned with the metal pad. The metal pad is electrically connected to the integrated circuit, and the under bumper metallurgy is configured to electrically connect to a conductive component of another semiconductor device. The integrated circuit further includes a conductive trace, which is below and aligned with the metal structure. The conductive trace is connected to a power source such that an electromagnetic field is generated at the conductive trace when an electric current from the power source passes through the conductive trace.
US09263403B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a first wiring layer including a plurality of first dummy metals provided inside an inductor wiring, a plurality of second dummy metals provided outside the inductor wiring, and a plurality of third dummy metals provided to overlap the inductor wiring in a plan view, and a second wiring layer provided between the semiconductor substrate and the first wiring layer. The second wiring layer includes the inductor wiring formed in the second wiring layer, a first region surrounding the inductor wiring which includes a plurality of fourth dummy metals, and a second region surrounding the first region which includes a plurality of fifth dummy metals. A density of the fourth dummy metals is lower than a density of the fifth dummy metals.
US09263401B2
The disclosed technology relates to a semiconductor device comprising a diode junction between two semiconductor regions of different doping types. In one aspect, the diode comprises a junction formed between an upper portion of an active area and a remainder of the active area, where the active area is defined in a substrate between two field dielectric regions. The upper portion is a portion of the active area that has a width smaller than a width of the active area itself. In another aspect, the semiconductor device is an electrostatic discharge protection device (ESD) comprising such a diode. In addition, the active area has a doping profile that exhibits a maximum value at the surface of the active area, and changes to a minimum value at a first depth, where the first depth can be greater in value than half of a depth of the upper portion. In another aspect, a method of fabrication the device does not require a separate ESD implant for lowering the holding voltage and can allow for a reduction in the number of processing steps as well as other devices comprising a diode junction.
US09263400B2
An X-ray obscuration (XRO) film comprising one or more metallic wire mesh layers and an adjacent layer of indium foil having portions which extend into openings of the wire mesh and in contact with metallic portions thereof. The XRO film can be capable of absorbing at least a portion of X-ray energy thereby creating an interference pattern when the XRO film is coupled with an electronic circuit and placed between an X-ray source and an X-ray detector and subjected to radiographic inspection. The interference pattern can create sufficient visual static to effectively obscure circuit lines in the electronic circuit when subjected to radiographic inspection techniques. The XRO film can be substantially thinner than existing solutions for preventing X-ray inspection with an exemplary embodiment being no more than 5 mils thick. The metallic XRO film can also provide electromagnetic shielding and/or heat dissipation for electronic circuits.
US09263399B2
Semiconductor device with electro-static discharge protection device above semiconductor device area
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate on which a semiconductor device is formed; first and second pads; a first insulating film which is formed above the semiconductor substrate; a plurality of wiring lines which are embedded in ditches provided in the first insulating film; a second insulating film provided to cover the first insulating film and the plurality of wiring lines; a semiconductor layer formed on the second insulating film; a source electrode connected with the semiconductor layer; and a drain electrode connected with the semiconductor layer. The plurality of wiring lines includes a gate electrode provided in a position which is opposite to the semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer, the source electrode, the drain electrode and the gate electrode configure an ESD protection device to discharge a current by ESD surge from the first pad to the second pad.
US09263392B1
A method for fabricating semiconductor device is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing a substrate having a metal gate thereon and an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer around the metal gate; removing part of the metal gate to form a recess; and depositing a mask layer in the recess and on the ILD layer while forming a void in the recess.
US09263391B2
A dual damascene article of manufacture comprises a trench containing a conductive metal column where the trench and the conductive metal column extend down into and are contiguous with a via. The trench and the conductive metal column and the via have a common axis. These articles comprise interconnect structures incorporating air-gap spacers containing metal/insulator structures for Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) and Ultra Large Scale Integrated (ULSI) devices and packaging. The trench in this regard comprises a sidewall air-gap immediately adjacent the side walls of the trench and the conductive metal column, the sidewall air-gap extending down to the via to a depth below a line fixed by the bottom of the trench, and continues downward in the via for a distance of from about 1 Angstrom below the line to the full depth of the via. In another aspect, the article of manufacture comprises a capped dual damascene structure.
US09263389B2
A method of forming a semiconductor structure including a barrier layer between a metal line and an air gap oxide layer. The barrier layer may be formed in-situ or by a thermal annealing process and may prevent diffusion or electrical conduction.
US09263386B2
In one embodiment, the invention provides a back-end-of-line (BEOL) line fuse structure. The BEOL line fuse structure includes: a line including a plurality of grains of conductive crystalline material; wherein the plurality of grains in a region between the first end and a second end include an average grain size that is smaller than a nominal grain size of the plurality of grains in a remaining portion of the line.
US09263384B2
Programmable devices, methods of manufacture thereof, and methods of programming devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a programmable device includes a link and at least one first contact coupled to a first end of the link. The at least one first contact is adjacent a portion of a top surface of the link and at least one sidewall of the link. The programmable device includes at least one second contact coupled to a second end of the link. The at least one second contact is adjacent a portion of the top surface of the link and at least one sidewall of the link.
US09263383B2
An anti-fuse array includes: a plurality of first transistors having a matrix structure over a semiconductor substrate; a plurality of second transistors respectively disposed adjacent to first ends of the plurality of first transistors along a first direction of the matrix structure; and a plurality of third transistors respectively disposed at second ends of the plurality of first transistors along a second direction.
US09263371B2
A semiconductor device includes a through electrode vertically passing through the semiconductor device; a metal pad electrically coupling the through electrode and an exterior; a data input block suitable for transferring a data signal to the metal pad in response to a write command; a through electrode storage block suitable for storing the data signal transferred through the metal pad; and a data output block suitable for outputting the data signal, which is stored in the through electrode storage block, to the exterior in response to a read command.
US09263367B2
Provided is a semiconductor device comprising a cooler in which, by improving the shape of the connecting portions of an inlet/outlet of a coolant or the like, the pressure loss in the connecting portion or the like can be reduced.A cooler 20 of a semiconductor device 1 includes: an inlet 27 and an outlet 28 provided on side walls 22b1, 22b2 of a case 22 opposing to each other at diagonal positions; an introduction path 24 which is connected to the inlet 27 and formed in the case 22; a discharge path 25 which is connected to the outlet 28 and formed in the case 22; and a cooling flow channel 26 between the introduction path 24 and the discharge path 25. The height of the opening of the inlet 27 is larger than the height of the introduction path 24, and a connecting portion 271 between the inlet 27 and the introduction path 24 includes an inclined surface 271b which is inclined from the bottom surface of the connecting portion 271 toward the longitudinal direction of the introduction path 24.
US09263365B2
An electronic component includes a base substance, a cooling channel formed in the base substance and flows a cooling medium in a second direction from a first direction, a radiator formed in a surface of the cooling channel using a material of which thermal conductivity is higher than a thermal conductivity of the base substance or formed so that the radiator may project to the cooling channel, and that contacts the cooling medium.
US09263362B2
A method includes providing a first semiconductor chip comprising a ring-shaped metal structure extending along a contour of a first main surface of the semiconductor chip. The method includes encapsulating the first semiconductor chip with an encapsulation body thereby defining a second main surface and depositing a metal layer over the first semiconductor chip and the encapsulation body. A plurality of external contact pads are placed over the second main surface of the encapsulation body, the metal layer electrically coupling at least one external contact pad of the plurality of external contact pads to the ring-shaped metal structure. A seal ring is placed between the ring-shaped metal structure and the contour of the first main surface of the first semiconductor chip.
US09263361B2
A semiconductor device is made by forming a conductive layer over a temporary carrier. The conductive layer includes a wettable pad. A stud bump is formed over the wettable pad. The stud bump can be a stud bump or stacked bumps. A semiconductor die is mounted to the carrier. An encapsulant is deposited over the semiconductor die and around the stud bump. A first interconnect structure is formed over a first surface of the encapsulant. The first interconnect structure includes a first IPD and is electrically connected to the stud bump. The carrier is removed. A second interconnect structure is formed over a second surface of encapsulant opposite the first interconnect structure. The second interconnect structure includes a second IPD. The first or second IPD includes a capacitor, resistor, or inductor. The semiconductor devices are stackable and electrically connected through the stud bump.
US09263359B2
A method of forming a thin barrier film of a mixed metal-silicon-oxide is disclosed. For example, a method of forming an aluminum-silicon-oxide mixture having a refractive index of 1.8 or less comprises exposing a substrate to sequences of a non-hydroxylated silicon-containing precursor, activated oxygen species, and metal-containing precursor until a mixed metal-silicon-oxide film having a thickness of 500 Ångstroms or less is formed on the substrate.
US09263356B2
A partition in lattice form forms a plurality of housing sections. A plurality of circuit blocks including a semiconductor block and a terminal base block are electrically connected one to another in a state of being housed in the housing sections to form a power semiconductor circuit. The semiconductor block is formed by covering an IGBT with an insulating material. A collector of the IGBT is connected to an electrode through a metal plate. The electrode is led out from an inner portion of the insulating material to a side surface of the insulating material. A terminal base block includes a power terminal to which an external power wiring for supplying electric power to the IGBT is electrically connected, and a screw hole into which a screw for fixing the power wiring is inserted.
US09263352B2
Disclosed is a singulation apparatus for cutting a workpiece. The singulation apparatus comprises: i) a processor; ii) at least one chuck device for securing the workpiece to be cut; iii) a cutting device spaced from the at least one chuck device by a separation distance, the cutting device being for cutting the workpiece secured to the at least one chuck device; and iv) an imaging device operable to capture one or more images comprising the cutting device and a reference feature. In particular, the processor is configured to determine a separation distance between the cutting device and the reference feature based on the one or more images as captured by the imaging device, to thereby determine the separation distance between the cutting device and the workpiece as secured to the at least one chuck device.
US09263351B2
The present invention discloses an inductive element formed by through silicon via interconnections. The inductive element formed by means of the special through silicon via interconnection by using through silicon via technology features advantages such as high inductance and density. Moreover, the through silicon via interconnection integrated process forming the inductive element is compatible with the ordinary through silicon interconnection integrated process without any other steps, thus making the process simple and steady. The inductive element using the present invention is applicable to the through silicon via package manufacturing of various chips, especially the package manufacturing of power control chips and radio-frequency chips.
US09263348B2
Methods for determining a target thickness of a conformal film with reduced uncertainty, and an integrated circuit (IC) chip having a conformal film of the target thickness are provided. In an embodiment, a first critical dimension of a structure disposed on a wafer is measured. Said structure has at least one vertical surface. A first conformal film is deposited over the structure covering each of a horizontal and the vertical surface of the structure. A second critical dimension of the covered structure is then measured. The target thickness of the conformal film is determined based on difference between the first CD measured on the structure and the second CD measured on the covered structure.
US09263342B2
The present disclosure provides devices and methods which provide for strained epitaxial regions. A method of semiconductor fabrication is provided that includes forming a gate structure over a fin of a semiconductor substrate and forming a recess in the fin adjacent the gate structure. A sidewall of the recess is then altered. Exemplary alterations include having an altered profile, treating the sidewall, and forming a layer on the sidewall. An epitaxial region is then grown in the recess. The epitaxial region interfaces the altered sidewall of the recess and is a strained epitaxial region.
US09263326B2
After a copper interconnection is formed above a substrate, a surface of the copper interconnection is activated by performing acid cleaning. Thereafter, the substrate is immersed in a BTA (Benzo triazole) aqueous solution to form a protection film covering the surface of the copper interconnection. At this time, Cu—N—R bonds (R is an organic group) are formed in grain boundary portions in the surface of the copper interconnection. Thereafter, the protection film is removed by performing alkaline cleaning. The Cu—N—R bonds remain in the grain boundary portions in the surface of the copper interconnection even after the protection film is removed. Subsequently, the surface of the copper interconnection is subjected to an activation process, and a barrier layer is formed thereafter by electroless-plating the surface of the copper interconnection with NiP or CoWP.
US09263317B2
A method of forming a buried word line structure is provided. A first mask layer, an interlayer and a second mask layer are sequentially formed on a substrate, wherein the second mask layer has a plurality of mask patterns and a plurality of gaps arranged alternately, and the gaps includes first gaps and second gaps arranged alternately. A dielectric pattern is formed in each first gap and spacers are simultaneously formed on sidewalls of each second gap, wherein a first trench is formed between the adjacent spacers and exposes a portion of the first mask layer. The mask patterns are removed to form second trenches. An etching process is performed by using the dielectric patterns and the spacers as a mask, so that the first trenches are deepened to the substrate and the second trenches are deepened to the first mask layer.
US09263315B2
An LED leadframe or LED substrate includes a main body portion having a mounting surface for mounting an LED element thereover. A reflection metal layer serving as a reflection layer for reflecting light from the LED element is disposed over the mounting surface of the main body portion. The reflection metal layer comprises an alloy of platinum and silver or an alloy of gold and silver. The reflection metal layer efficiently reflects light emitted from the LED element and suppresses corrosion due to the presence of a gas, thereby capable of maintaining reflection characteristics of light from the LED element.
US09263310B2
A substrate treating apparatus is provided. The substrate treating apparatus includes a loading/unloading unit, a process unit in which a substrate treating process is performed, a loadlock unit disposed between the loading/unloading unit and the process unit, and a carrying member transferring a substrate between the process unit and the loadlock unit. Herein, the carrying member is provided in the process unit and the loadlock unit, and the loading/unloading unit, the loadlock unit, and the process unit are sequentially disposed.
US09263304B2
Suppressed is damage of a semiconductor wafer due to charging of a cleaning liquid used in a single wafer type wafer cleaning step.A chemical solution discharged from a tip of a cleaning nozzle is brought into contact with protrusions of wafer chucks to thereby let static electricity of the chemical solution go to the wafer chucks, and subsequently, the cleaning nozzle is moved above the wafer to supply the chemical solution onto a top surface of the wafer, thereby suppressing abnormal discharge (damage) of the wafer due to charging of the chemical solution.
US09263300B2
A method for manufacturing vias in a glass substrate includes bonding, through a bonding layer, a first face of the glass substrate including a plurality of holes to a first face of a glass carrier. The bonding layer has a thickness t between the first face of the glass substrate and the first face of the glass carrier and extends into at least some of the plurality of holes to a depth h from the first face of the glass substrate. The method includes etching back the bonding layer to a depth d through the plurality of holes in the glass substrate. The depth d is less than the sum of the thickness t and the depth h. The method can include filling the plurality of holes with an electrically conductive material, and de-bonding the glass substrate from the bonding layer and the glass carrier.
US09263296B2
A chemical-mechanical polishing (“CMP”) composition (P) comprising (A) inorganic particles, organic particles, or a mixture or composite thereof, (B) at least one type of A/-heterocyclic compound as corrosion inhibitor, (C) at least one type of a further corrosion inhibitor selected from the group consisting of: (C1) an acetylene alcohol, and (C2) a salt or an adduct of (C2a) an amine, and (C2b) a carboxylic acid comprising an amide moiety, (D) at least one type of an oxidizing agent, (E) at least one type of a complexing agent, and (F) an aqueous medium.
US09263295B2
A nanowire field effect transistor (FET) device and method for forming the same is disclosed. The device comprises: a semiconductor substrate; a device layer including a source region and a drain region connected by a suspended nanowire channel; and etch stop layers respectively arranged beneath the source region and the drain region, the etch stop layers forming support structures interposed between the semiconductor substrate and the source and drain regions. The suspended nanowire channel is formed by etching a sacrificial material disposed beneath the suspended nanowire channel and between the etch stop layers. The etching is selective to the sacrificial material to prevent the removal of the etch stop layers beneath the source region and the drain region.
US09263291B2
To improve a semiconductor device having a nonvolatile memory. a first MISFET, a second MISFET, and a memory cell are formed, and a stopper film made of a silicon oxide film is formed thereover. Then, over the stopper film, a stress application film made of a silicon nitride film is formed, and the stress application film over the second MISFET and the memory cell is removed. Thereafter, heat treatment is performed to apply a stress to the first MISFET. Thus, a SMT is not applied to each of elements, but is applied selectively. This can reduce the degree of degradation of the second MISFET due to H (hydrogen) in the silicon nitride film forming the stress application film. This can also reduce the degree of degradation of the characteristics of the memory cell due to the H (hydrogen) in the silicon nitride film forming the stress application film.
US09263283B2
An etching method and apparatus for etching a silicon oxide film selectively with respect to a silicon nitride film formed on a substrate are provided. A processing gas containing a plasma excitation gas and a CHF-based gas is introduced into a processing chamber such that a flow rate ratio of the CHF-based gas to the plasma excitation gas is 1/15 or higher. By generating a plasma in the processing chamber, the silicon oxide film is etched selectively with respect to the silicon nitride film formed on the substrate in the processing chamber.
US09263272B2
A device includes a semiconductor substrate, and a Device Isolation (DI) region extending from a top surface of the semiconductor substrate into the semiconductor substrate. A gate dielectric is disposed over an active region of the semiconductor substrate, wherein the gate dielectric extends over the DI region. A gate electrode is disposed over the gate dielectric, wherein a notch of the gate electrode overlaps a portion of the DI region.
US09263271B2
A method for processing a semiconductor carrier is provided, the method including: providing a semiconductor carrier including a doped substrate region and a device region disposed over a first side of the doped substrate region, the device region including at least part of one or more electrical devices; and implanting ions into the doped substrate region to form a gettering region in the doped substrate region of the semiconductor carrier.
US09263269B2
Provided are a reaction tube, a substrate processing apparatus, and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device capable of suppressing a non-uniform distribution of a gas in a top region to improve the flow of the gas and film uniformity within and between substrate surfaces. The reaction tube has a cylindrical shape, accommodates a plurality of substrates stacked therein, and includes a cylindrical portion and a ceiling portion covering an upper end portion of the cylindrical portion, the ceiling portion having a substantially flat top inner surface. A thickness of a sidewall of the ceiling portion is greater than that of a sidewall of the cylindrical portion.
US09263264B2
A method of removing at least one oxide from a surface of a body of semiconductor material is disclosed. The method includes arranging the body in a vacuum chamber and maintaining a temperature of the body in the vacuum chamber within a predetermined range, or substantially at a predetermined value, while exposing said surface to a flux of indium atoms. Corresponding methods of processing an oxidized surface of a body of semiconductor material to prepare the surface for epitaxial growth of at least one epitaxial layer or film over said surface, and methods of manufacturing a semiconductor device are also disclosed.
US09263263B2
Disclosed are methods for selective deposition of doped Group IV-Sn materials. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a patterned substrate comprising at least a first region and a second region, where the first region includes an exposed first semiconductor material and the second region includes an exposed insulator material, and performing at least two cycles of a grow-etch cyclic process. Each cycle includes depositing a doped Group IV-Tin (Sn) layer, where depositing the doped Group IV-Sn layer includes providing a Group IV precursor, a Sn precursor, and a dopant precursor, and using an etch gas to etch back the deposited doped Group IV-Sn layer.
US09263257B2
A semiconductor device with fin-shaped structure is disclosed. The semiconductor device includes: a substrate; a fin-shaped structure on the substrate; and an epitaxial layer on a top surface and part of the sidewall of the fin-shaped structure, in which the epitaxial layer and the fin-shaped structure includes a linear gradient of germanium concentration therebetween.
US09263254B2
The disclosure relates to a method of making epitaxial structure. The method includes following steps: providing a free-standing carbon nanotube film, wherein the carbon nanotube film includes a number of carbon nanotubes aligned and connected with each other via van der Waals force; suspending the carbon nanotube film and inducing defects on the surface of the carbon nanotubes; growing a nano-material layer on the surface of the carbon nanotubes via atomic layer deposition; removing the carbon nanotube film by annealing to form a number of nanotubes; wherein the number of nanotubes are successively aligned and connected with each other to form a free-standing nanotube film; setting the nanotube film on an epitaxial growth surface of a substrate; and growing an epitaxial layer on the epitaxial growth surface.
US09263242B2
A method of performing imaging mass spectrometry of a sample. The method comprises performing a first mass analysis of the sample using a first mass analyzer comprising a multi-pixel ion detector to obtain first mass spectral data representative of pixels of the sample. The method further comprises identifying clusters of pixels sharing one or more characteristics of first mass spectral data. The method also comprises performing a second mass analysis of the sample using a second mass analyzer to obtain second mass spectral data at at least one location in each cluster, wherein the number of locations is significantly less than the number of pixels in each cluster, said second mass analysis being of higher resolution than said first mass analysis. Also a mass spectrometry apparatus configured for carrying out the method.
US09263235B2
A method and apparatus for aligning a laser beam coincident with a charged particle beam. The invention described provides a method for aligning the laser beam through the center of an objective lens and ultimately targeting the eucentric point of a multi-beam system. The apparatus takes advantage of components of the laser beam alignment system being positioned within and outside of the vacuum chamber of the charged particle system.
US09263234B2
The invention relates to a projection lens assembly for directing a beam toward a target. This assembly includes a lens support body (52) that spans a plane (P), and has a connection region (58) and a lateral edge (56). The lens support body is arranged for insertion into a frame (42) of a processing unit along an insertion direction (X) parallel with the plane (P). The projection lens assembly includes conduits (60-64) emanating from the connection region, and a conduit guiding body (70-81) for accommodating the conduits. The guiding body includes a first guiding portion (72) for guiding the conduits from the connection region, along the plane to a lateral region (B) beyond the lateral edge. The guiding body also includes a second guiding portion (78) for guiding the conduits from the lateral region (B) toward a tilted edge (79) of the conduit guiding body.
US09263232B2
A charged particle beam device (1) includes a charged particle optical lens barrel (10), a support housing (20) equipped with the charged particle optical lens barrel (10) thereon, and an insertion housing (30) inserted in the support housing (20). A first aperture member (15) is disposed in the vicinity of the center of the magnetic field of an objective lens, and a second aperture member (15) is disposed so as to externally close an opening part provided at the upper side of the insertion housing (30). Further, when a primary charged particle beam (12) is irradiated to a sample (60) arranged under the lower side of the second aperture member (31), secondary charged particles thus emitted are detected by a detector (16).
US09263229B2
A device and method for emitting electrons by a field effect. The device (10) includes a vacuum chamber (12) including a tip (14) having an end (18) and forming a cold cathode, an extracting anode (16), components adapted for generating a potential difference between the tip (14) and the anode (16); an electromagnetic wave source (22) outside the chamber (12); a system (24) for forwarding the electromagnetic wave emitted by the electromagnetic wave source from the outside to the inside of the chamber as far as the vicinity of the tip (14); a system (26) for focusing the electromagnetic wave, laid out inside the chamber (12); and a system (28) for aligning the electromagnetic wave outside the chamber and adapted for allowing alignment of the electromagnetic wave focused by the focusing system on the end of the tip.
US09263227B2
An X-ray tube includes a radiopaque substrate including a window portion, an X-ray transmission window closing the window portion, an X-ray target provided at the window portion from an inner surface side of the substrate, a highly-evacuated container portion attached to the inner surface of the substrate, a cathode, a first control electrode and a second control electrode provided inside the container portion. A shielding electrode is provided at the inner surface of the substrate so as to surround the window portion. Electrons collide with the X-ray target to generate X-rays. Electrons reflected on the X-ray target between the shielding electrodes are absorbed by the shielding electrodes, so an inner surface of the container portion is not charged. The electron emission from the cathode is not affected by the reflected electrons, so a change in target current is small, and thus X-rays of substantially constant intensity can be radiated.
US09263226B2
Embodiments include an X-ray generator including a radiation device installation housing and an X-ray generator. In various embodiments, the radiation device installation housing comprises a housing body, a flange fixedly provided on an inner wall of the housing body and shaped in circular and a compensation device fixedly or movably connected with the flange in a liquid tight manner; a liquid receiving cavity for receiving an insulating liquid formed between one side of two opposite sides of the compensation device and the inner wall of the housing body as well as the flange; a compensation device moving space formed between another side of the two opposite sides of the compensation device opposed to the inner wall of the housing body and an inner wall of the flange.
US09263222B2
A radiation generator may include a generator housing, a target electrode carried by the generator housing, a charged particle source carried by the generator housing to direct charged particles at the target electrode based upon an accelerating potential, and a suppressor electrode carried by the generator housing having an opening therein to permit passage of charged particles to the target electrode. A target extender electrode may be between the suppressor electrode and the target electrode and have an opening therein to permit passage of charged particles to the target. At least one voltage source may be coupled to the target electrode, the suppressor electrode, and the target extender electrode to cause the target electrode to have a voltage greater than a voltage of the suppressor electrode and to cause the target extender electrode to have a voltage greater than the voltage of the suppressor electrode.
US09263221B2
A luminophore from the class of nitridic or oxynitridic luminophores with at least one cation M and an activator D, wherein a proportion x of the cation is replaced with Cu and D is at least one element from the series Eu, Ce, Sm, Yb and Tb
US09263216B2
A circuit breaker which includes a shielding component. The shielding component includes an external portion which defines a space external to the circuit breaker housing. The external portion prevents insertion of the circuit breaker into a breaker box closer than the distances defining the space. This can have the advantage of preventing arcing from the breaker contacts to the breaker box. The external portion may also prevent insertion of the circuit breaker into a breaker box such that a vent in the circuit breaker housing is blocked. In some implementations, the shielding component contains an internal portion which extends into the circuit breaker housing and is disposed to impede debris generated by contact arcing, or other debris, from entering the mechanism of the circuit breaker.
US09263215B2
A tool and method for switching an electromagnetic relay may be provided, whereby the tool comprises a switching member capable of moving between a first position and a second position along a path oriented to the relay; wherein movement of the switching member from the first position to the second position is capable of switching a switch state of the electromagnetic relay via a magnetic force exerted by the switching member.
US09263204B2
A housing of an electronic device encloses and supports at least one operational component and includes at least one opening sized to accommodate a mechanical input assembly. The mechanical input assembly includes a feature arranged to receive an input event, at least a portion of the feature exposed at an outside surface of the housing, an operational indicia visible on the exposed portion and having a preferred orientation with respect to the housing, the operational indicial providing an indication of how an operation of the operational component is influenced, and a shaft having a size and shape in accordance with the opening, the shaft attached to the external feature at a first end and an integrally formed self-capturing feature at the second end. The self-capturing feature is inserted into the opening until activated. The indicia is then properly aligned and the mechanical input assembly is locked to the housing.
US09263202B2
The present invention relates to an internal stack-up structure of a touch panel including a touch sensing substrate having a joint area with an electronic assembly placed thereon; a cover substrate facing to and being spaced out from the touch sensing substrate and having a first border region with a first mask layer coated thereon, the first border region corresponding to the joint area; a reflection layer disposed on the first mask layer and corresponding to the electronic assembly; and a bonding layer formed at least between the electronic assembly and the reflection layer, the bonding layer being formed by liquid bonding materials which change from liquid state to solid state to improve the bonding strength between the cover substrate and the touch sensing substrate after being exposed to light reflected from the reflection layer.
US09263200B2
An exemplary high-current switching arrangement in a generator duct arranged between a generator and a transformer is disclosed. This arrangement includes a pole frame which can be positioned on a base surface, a breaker pole of a generator circuit-breaker which is secured to the pole frame, and a drive which is secured to the pole frame. The breaker pole includes an active component arranged along an axis designed for the conduction and interruption of high currents and which incorporates a power switching point, with two axially spaced current terminals. The drive is arranged on a first of two end faces of the pole frame, and includes a linkage mechanism that transmits power from the drive to the power switching point.
US09263183B2
An apparatus, device, and system for generating an amount of output power in response to a direct current (DC) power input includes a configurable power supply, which may be electrically coupled to the DC power input. The configurable power supply is selectively configurable between multiple circuit topologies to generate various DC power outputs and/or and AC power output. The system may also include one or more DC power electronic accessories, such as DC-to-DC power converters, and/or one or more AC power electronic accessories such as DC-to-AC power converters. The power electronic accessories are couplable to the configurable power supply to receive the corresponding DC or AC power output of the configurable power supply.
US09263182B2
A distribution transformer comprises a sensor system and a communications module. The distribution transformer is configured to convert a first high voltage electricity from a high voltage distribution line to a first low voltage electricity and convey the first low voltage electricity along a low voltage line to an electrical device. The sensor system is configured to determine a temperature of the distribution transformer, and the communications module is configured to transmit a load reduction request along the low voltage line to the electrical device based on the temperature of the distribution transformer.
US09263176B2
Disclosed herein are a conductor pattern of an electronic component formed in an oval coil shape on a magnetic substrate, the conductor pattern including: a straight part; and a curved part connected to the straight part at both sides thereof, wherein a line width of the curved part is smaller than that of the straight part, and an electronic component including the same. With the conductor pattern and the electronic component including the same according to the present invention, the high precision fine line width and the high resolution conductor pattern may be implemented to improve connectivity, thereby improving characteristics and reliability of the electronic component.
US09263164B2
A method and a device produce X-ray images of objects, according to which artifacts caused by scattered radiation are corrected. To this end, a modulator field is used, that can be moved from a first position to a second position, thereby enabling modulator field areas with small and relatively large X-ray attenuation coefficients to be interchanged. An initial amplitude-modulated projection of the object is respectively produced in each of the two positions, and a scattered image associated with the projection is respectively calculated. This is especially suitable for rapid CT scans.
US09263159B2
A high radioactivity filter system is disclosed. The invention utilizes within a container substructure a filter employing a combination of specially selected filtration and ion exchange media and a structural design of equipment for substantially or totally providing and/or rendering Class A waste forms and preventing the formation of Class B, C and GTCC waste forms. The invention also provides both ion exchange and filtration of liquid radioactive wastestreams.
US09263156B2
The embodiments described herein include a method and device for adjusting trip points within a storage device. The method includes: obtaining one or more configuration parameters; and based on the one or more configuration parameters, determining a trip voltage. The method also includes comparing the trip voltage with an input voltage. The method further includes triggering a power fail condition in accordance with a determination that the input voltage is less than the trip voltage.
US09263149B2
A semiconductor device includes a one-time programmable (OTP) memory cell includes a first MOS transistor having a gate coupled to a bit line, a first switching device, coupled to one side of a source/drain of the first MOS transistor, configured to provide a current path for a current supplied to the gate of the first MOS transistor, and a second switching device configured to provide a bias voltage at the other side of the source/drain of the first MOS transistor.
US09263147B2
An apparatus for concurrent test of a set of flash memory banks apparatus includes a memory data path (MDP) module coupled to a test controller. The MDP module includes a test control module configured to generate a concurrent control signal that configures the set of flash memory banks to be tested simultaneously; and a set of comparators, that generates a first comparator output in response to the concurrent control signal and an input from the set of flash memory banks. A reduction logic is configured to generate a reduction logic output that combines a status of the comparator outputs to be compressed. A control logic is configured for selective programming across different flash bits of the set of flash memory banks. A fail flag is configured to generate one of an output value ‘0’ if there is a mismatch in data read from the set of flash memory banks in any access, and an output value 1 if there is no mismatch in data read in any access.
US09263141B2
The present invention relates to semiconductor technology, and provides methods for erasing, reading and programming a flash memory. In the present invention, when an erase operation is performed on the flash memory, for a sector selected for the erase operation, its N-type well is applied with a voltage of 8V˜12V, its bit line is applied with a voltage of 4V˜6V, and its word line is applied with a voltage of −7V˜−10V. When a read operation is performed on the flash memory, for a sector selected for the read operation, its N-type well is applied with a VCC voltage; for a flash memory cell selected for the read operation, its bit line is applied with the VCC voltage, and its source line is applied with a voltage of 0V. When a program operation is performed on the flash memory, for a flash memory cell selected for the program operation, its bit line is applied with a voltage of VCC−6.5V˜VCC−4.5V, and its bit line is applied with a voltage of VCC+6V˜VCC+9V. In full consideration of factors including the chip manufacturing process, chip circuit design, chip quality and cost, optimal operating conditions fit for erasing, reading and programming, a NOR-type embedded 2T PMOS flash memory are determined.
US09263130B2
Memory devices and methods are described that include communication circuitry between page buffers in a memory array. Examples include communication circuitry that provide status information of page buffers that are directly adjacent to a given page buffer. The exchanged information can be used to adjust a given page buffer to compensate for effects in directly adjacent data lines that are being operated at the same time.
US09263126B1
Methods for dynamically programming and dynamically reading one or more resistive change elements within a resistive change element array are disclosed. These methods include first pre-charging all of the array lines within a resistive change element array simultaneously and then grounding certain array lines while allowing other array lines to float in order to direct discharge currents through only selected cells. In this way, resistive change elements within resistive change element arrays made up of 1-R cells—that is, cells without in situ selection circuitry—can be reliably and rapidly accessed and programed.
US09263120B2
An embodiment of a memory device of SRAM type is proposed. The memory device includes a plurality of memory cells each for storing a first logic value represented by a first reference voltage or a second logic value represented by a second reference voltage. Each memory cell includes a bistable latch—having a main terminal, a complementary terminal, a set of main storage transistors for maintaining the main terminal at the reference voltage corresponding to the stored logic value, and a set of complementary storage transistors to maintain the complementary terminal at the reference voltage corresponding to the complement of the stored logic value—a main access transistor and a complementary access transistor for accessing the main terminal and the complementary terminal, respectively. The memory device may further include biasing means for modifying a value of a threshold voltage of at least one of the main transistors to a first threshold voltage value or to a second threshold voltage value and for modifying a threshold voltage value of at least one of the complementary transistors to the second threshold voltage value or to the first threshold voltage value during a write operation of the first logic value or of the second logic value, respectively, in the memory cell.
US09263118B2
A semiconductor memory device includes a first pre-charge control block suitable for generating a first control signal by counting a number of toggles of an operation clock in response to a first active pulse in a self-refresh operation exit mode, a second pre-charge control block suitable for generating a second control signal in response to an active command for an active operation in a self-refresh operation mode, and an operation control block suitable for disabling the first pre-charge control block in the self-refresh operation mode, and disabling the second pre-charge control block in a self-refresh operation exit mode, wherein a pre-charge operation starts in response to the first and second control signals after the active operation. The semiconductor memory device may then be secured in a minimal time for stably performing an active operation during a self-refresh operation.
US09263110B2
A semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of memory banks each including a plurality of circuit areas selected based on an address signal, any one of which is selected by a corresponding bank selective signal (source transistor control signals), and a selective activation circuit that, from among circuit areas included in a memory bank that is selected based on the bank selective signal, activates any one of the circuit areas based on the address signal, and deactivates at least one of rest of the circuit areas. According to the present invention, the power consumption can be reduced in an active state by a dynamic power control in response to an address signal, not by entire power control by an external command.
US09263089B2
Herein disclosed are an editing apparatus, an editing method, and an editing program allowing quick editing of video data. In order to clip a section in the video data and play it to be broadcasted as a replay, receiving a request to start playback from a desired position, an in-point is set in response to the request, and an out-point is set in response to a request to finish playback. Then, other video data from the video data of a section between the in-point and the out-point is generated.
US09263085B2
A method for copy protection in which an audiovisual or audio data is divided into a plurality of portions. The plurality of portions is at least partly scrambled and prepared so as to be stored on a record carrier in the scrambled order. This is done so that a physical position on the record carrier, e.g., a sector of the record carrier, where a respective portions of the divided data is stored depends on the scrambled order.
US09263077B2
A data device may have at least a magnetic lamination with a thermal retention structure deposited on a substrate and configured to maintain a predetermined temperature for a predetermined amount of time. Such predetermined temperature and amount of time may allow for the growth of a magnetic layer with a predetermined magnetic anisotropy.
US09263064B2
The present invention provides a search method used to search for the reading order of a plurality of recording groups when the plurality of recording groups written on tape are continuously read by a tape drive which manages data on tape in recording units having a fixed data length for each recording. This search method includes the steps of: receiving information on a plurality of tape groups to be read; and sorting the plurality of recording groups to be read so the reading time is shortened. In the sorting step, the time required to sort the plurality of reading groups is reduced by combining two or more recording groups into a single object to be sorted in the sorting step when at least two or more contiguous recording groups have been assigned to the same region or are assigned across adjacent regions among the plurality of regions.
US09263063B2
The invention relates to a method for disabling a discontinuous transmission node DTX of a speech encoder if a music signal is detected in a call input signal. The music signal is detected by determining an activity factor corresponding to the relation of sound signal periods relative to scheme signal periods. If the activity factor is higher than a specified activity factor, the DTX is disabled.
US09263057B2
An audio encoder has a window function controller, a windower, a time warper with a final quality check functionality, a time/frequency converter, a TNS stage or a quantizer encoder, the window function controller, the time warper, the TNS stage or an additional noise filling analyzer are controlled by signal analysis results obtained by a time warp analyzer or a signal classifier. Furthermore, a decoder applies a noise filling operation using a manipulated noise filling estimate depending on a harmonic or speech characteristic of the audio signal.
US09263048B2
The subject matter of this specification can be implemented in, among other things, a computer-implemented method for correcting words in transcribed text including receiving speech audio data from a microphone. The method further includes sending the speech audio data to a transcription system. The method further includes receiving a word lattice transcribed from the speech audio data by the transcription system. The method further includes presenting one or more transcribed words from the word lattice. The method further includes receiving a user selection of at least one of the presented transcribed words. The method further includes presenting one or more alternate words from the word lattice for the selected transcribed word. The method further includes receiving a user selection of at least one of the alternate words. The method further includes replacing the selected transcribed word in the presented transcribed words with the selected alternate word.
US09263047B2
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server including a controller to receive audio signals and content identification information from a media processor, generate text representing a voice message based on the audio signals, determine an identity of media content based on the content identification information, generate an enhanced message having text and additional content where the additional content is obtained by the controller based on the identity of the media content, and transmit the enhanced message to the media processor for presentation on the display device, where the enhanced message is accessible by one or more communication devices that are associated with a social network and remote from the media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09263035B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for designating certain voice commands as hotwords. The methods, systems, and apparatus include actions of receiving a hotword followed by a voice command. Additional actions include determining that the voice command satisfies one or more predetermined criteria associated with designating the voice command as a hotword, where a voice command that is designated as a hotword is treated as a voice input regardless of whether the voice command is preceded by another hotword. Further actions include, in response to determining that the voice command satisfies one or more predetermined criteria associated with designating the voice command as a hotword, designating the voice command as a hotword.
US09263029B2
The present disclosure discloses a speech recognition method and a terminal, which belong to the field of communications. The method comprises: receiving speech information inputted by a user; acquiring the current environment information, and judging whether the speech information needs to be played according to the current environment information; and recognizing the speech information as text information, when it is judged that the speech information needs not to be played. The terminal comprises an acquisition module, a judgment module and a recognition module. The present disclosure provides the speech receiver with a speech recognition function, when the speech information of the instant messaging is received by the terminal, it can help the receiver to normally acquire the content to be expressed by the speech sender under an inconvenient situation.
US09263021B2
An apparatus for creating a musical composition comprising an audio interface, and audio converter module, and a multi-track compositor module is disclosed. The audio interface operably receives audio from an audio input device and outputting audio to an audio output device. The audio converter module is operably connected to the audio interface to convert audio received via the audio interface into an audio track having one or more partitions. The multi-track compositor module is configured to receive a first audio track and a second audio track and automatically score each partition of the first and second audio tracks based on one or more criteria. The multi-track compositor module is then configured to construct a third audio track from the partitions of the first and second audio tracks based on the scores for each partition. A method is also provided.
US09263019B2
A percussion instrument including a first acoustic chamber housing having a tapered shape, a second acoustic chamber housing having the tapered shape, a sound board having the tapered shape arranged between the first acoustic chamber housing and the second acoustic chamber housing to form a first acoustic chamber defined by the first acoustic chamber housing and the sound board, and a second acoustic chamber defined by the second acoustic chamber housing and the sound board.
US09263018B2
A computer-implemented method comprises receiving musical data including reference timing data, and a succession of musical notes arranged with respect to the reference timing data, receiving input corresponding to a selection of a groove template, and altering the arrangement of the notes (shifting in a positive or negative direction) with respect to the reference timing data based on the selected groove template. Altering the arrangement of notes can further include adding additional musical notes to the succession of musical notes to add stylistic embellishments particular to the selected groove template, where one of the selectable groove templates includes adding a shuffle dynamic to the succession of musical notes by determining a positive offset associated with each of the musical notes along the musical bar, and applying the positive offset to each of the musical notes, wherein the positive offset corresponds to the position of the musical note.
US09263010B2
The present invention generally relates to cajón drums. Specifically, this invention relates to a multi-tonal box drum kit that provides a form factor that is easy and convenient to use while producing the tones and sounds of a full drum kit or some subset thereof.
US09262998B2
A display system and a data transmission method thereof are provided. When a first frame stored in a frame buffer and a plurality of second frames to be outputted by an audio and video (AV) source are the same, the AV source set a AV control signal corresponding to a self-refresh mode, and a timing controller controlled by the AV control signal accesses the first frame to output a display data. When the first frame and the second frames are different from each other, the AV source sets the AV control signal corresponding to a normal mode, and sets a AV data signal according to the second frames, and the timing controller controlled by the AV control signal outputs the display data corresponding to the received second frame or accesses the frame buffer to output the display data according to timings of the AV data signal and the display data.
US09262990B2
Green and red light from first green and red light sources light a first element. Green and red light from second green and red light sources light a second element. Blue light from a blue light source light a third element. A control unit causes an image of a first video signal to be displayed on the first element during lighting of first red source, and causes an image of a second video signal to be displayed on the first element during lighting of the first green source. The unit causes an image of the first signal to be displayed on the second element during lighting of the second red source, and causes an image of the second signal to be displayed on the second element during lighting of the second green source. The unit causes an image of a third video signal to be displayed on the third element.
US09262989B2
An image display apparatus has an A/D converter for sampling an analog video signal whose signal level changes at a frequency higher than the frequency of a synchronizing signal, based on a reproduced dot clock, and converting the sampled analog video signal into a digital video signal, a clock adjusting circuit for generating a clock in synchronism with the synchronizing signal, delaying the phase of the clock according to set delays, and outputting the delayed clock as the reproduced dot clock, a controller for dividing an area of an image displayed based on the converted digital video signal, into a plurality of image areas defined by display lines in a horizontal direction, and establishing different delays for the divided image areas, and a delay evaluating circuit for converting differential data between adjacent signal levels on the display lines for the respective image areas, into absolute values and accumulatively adding the absolute values, thereby producing accumulated sums. The controller judges the delay established for the divided area with the maximum accumulated sum, as an optimum delay.
US09262984B2
A device and method for controlling rotation of a displayed image is provided. The device includes a sensor unit for detecting whether the device has been rotated; a photography unit for taking a picture of the face of a user in response to a determination that the device is rotated; a rotation determination unit for determining a rotation of the displayed image based on the captured face image of the user; and an image rotation unit for rotating the displayed image according to the determined rotation of the displayed image.
US09262983B1
Described herein are systems and techniques for projecting content, periodically or continuously, onto a rear surface of a display medium from behind. The rear projected image is presented on an opposing or front surface of the display medium to a human audience for viewing. Additionally, non-visible light (e.g., IR light) is passed through the display medium to an area in front of the medium. The non-visible light is used to detect human gestures. In this manner, the rear projection arrangement avoids viewer obstruction during projection, yet detects and recognizes gestures made by the viewer in front of the display medium.
US09262982B2
A timing controller for a liquid crystal panel and a timing control method thereof are provided. The timing controller includes a timing control unit for analyzing an input signal to generate a system state transition voltage (STV) signal and a base STV signal, and the timing control unit outputs a base trigger signal and a switch trigger signal having asynchronous frame rates to a select unit at the same time. A compare unit determines whether frequencies of the two state signals are same, so that the select unit determines to forward the base trigger signal or the switch trigger signal to a level shift circuit. Finally, a signal-time control unit controls an output time of the base trigger signal, and controls an output time of the switch trigger signal, so that a liquid crystal unit connected to each gate line has an equal charge time.
US09262979B2
A display device may include a display panel that includes a first region and a second region. The display device may include a controller that may receive a first gamma value and a second gamma value, use the first gamma value or a third gamma value to generate first image data, use the first gamma value and the second gamma value to generate a fourth gamma value, and use the fourth gamma value to generate second image data. The display device may include a data driver that may use the first image data and the second image data to generate a first data voltage set and a second data voltage set. The first region may use the first data voltage set to display a first portion of an image. The second region may use the second data voltage set to display a second portion of the image.
US09262975B2
Aspects of the invention can provide a display device, a display method, and a projection type display device that allow a characteristic of a display image such as brightness to be continuously changed. The display device can include a light source capable of emitting a plurality of different color lights and a white light, and an optical modulation device for modulating light corresponding to the lights emitted from the light source. The ratio of the period of emitting the white light relative to the total of the periods of emitting the lights from the light source can be variable.
US09262971B2
An optical assembly includes a plurality of light sources emitting light in a first direction at a predetermined orientation angle, and a light guide panel having a light incident section and a light emitting section. The light incident section has a first surface to receive the light emitted from the light sources in the first direction and the light emitting section is to emit light received from the light incident section in a second direction. Also included is at least one cover having a first surface adjacent the light sources and a second surface adjacent at least one portion of the light emitting section.
US09262968B2
An image display apparatus according to the present invention includes: a light emitting unit configured to include a light source; a display unit configured to display an image on a screen by transmitting light irradiated from the light emitting unit; a detection unit configured to detect light from the light source; and a control unit configured to extend a lighting duration of the light source when the detection unit detects light in a case where the lighting duration of the light source is shorter than a predetermined time length.
US09262966B2
A pixel circuit, a display panel and a display apparatus are used to improve the lifetime of the light emitting devices in the display apparatus. The pixel circuit comprises: a charging sub-circuit (1), a first driving sub-circuit (2), a second driving sub-circuit (3), a first capacitor (C1) and a second capacitor (C2). A first terminal (A) of the first capacitor (C1) is connected to a first terminal of the first driving sub-circuit (2) and a first terminal of the second driving sub-circuit (3), and a second terminal (B) of the first capacitor (C1) is connected to the charging sub-circuit (1) and a first terminal (C) of the second capacitor; a second terminal of the first driving sub-circuit (2) is connected to a first light emitting device (D1), a second terminal of the second driving sub-circuit (3) is connected to a second light emitting device (D2), wherein the driving current flowing from the first driving sub-circuit (2) to the first light emitting device (D1) is in an opposite direction to the driving current flowing from the second driving sub-circuit (3) to the second light emitting device (D2).
US09262955B2
A display device includes a display panel, a gate driver, a gate clock signal modulating unit, and a gate clock signal generator. The display panel includes gate lines and pixels connected to the gate lines via respective switching elements. The gate driver includes stages configured to output gate signals to the gate lines. The gate clock signal modulating unit is configured to modulate an input gate clock signal based on a scanning start signal to generate an output gate clock signal. The gate clock signal generator is configured to generate a clock signal based on the gate clock signal and output the clock signal to the gate driver. The gate clock signal modulating unit is configured to modulate a width of a pulse of the input gate clock signal overlapping a pulse of the scanning start signal.
US09262954B2
A visible light communication signal display method of displaying (i) an image represented by video signals and (ii) an image obtained by encoding visible light communication signals includes: encoding at least part of the visible light communication signals to generate an encoded image; generating a plurality of sub-images which correspond to respective partial images obtained by dividing the encoded image and each of which (i) includes a corresponding one of the partial images and (ii) except for the corresponding partial image, is an image having a substantially uniform luminance value lower than or equal to a predetermined luminance value; and displaying, in a video display period, the image represented by the video signals, and displaying the sub-images in time series in a communication period different from the video display period.
US09262953B2
Disclosed are a display panel in which all or some portions of an inspection pad and an inspection wire for inspection of a panel are formed in the display panel, and a display device.
US09262946B2
A profile for making channel letters is disclosed. The profile can have a rule having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first surface, and a protective coating. The top edge and the bottom edge can be separated by a profile height. The first surface can describe an interior surface of a completed channel letter. The profile can also have a first rib bonded to the first surface with an adhesive. The first rib can be disposed parallel to a profile axis and separated from the top edge by a face plate thickness. The first rib can be configured to receive one or more cuts allowing the profile to bend and form the channel letter. The profile can be made by bonding the first rib to the rule using an adhesive.
US09262937B2
A system and method for correlating learning objectives, curriculum items or elements or competency expectations between multiple curricula, or between a curriculum and established national, industry or governmental standards, includes multiple steps. A first curriculum, including multiple curriculum items, is selected. A second curriculum or standard, containing multiple elements, is selected. A curriculum item from within the first curriculum is selected. A filter is applied to the elements of the second curriculum or standard to produce a visible display of a subset of elements from within the second curriculum. Individual elements, from within the subset of elements, are identified as correlating to the curriculum item. The individual elements that correlate to the curriculum item are tagged, or cross-walked, to create a link between the curricula.
US09262932B1
Extended runway systems and methods include generating a runway centerline that extends from a start point on the runway to an endpoint located at a predefined distance from the start point. One or more distance markers are also calculated for the runway centerline. Display data is provided to an electronic display that causes the display to show the runway centerline and the one or more distance markers.
US09262929B1
Embodiments described herein may help to automatically create flight plans that incorporate information regarding a number of different societal considerations. An illustrative computer-implemented method may involve receiving societal-consideration data for a plurality of geographic areas over which unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are deployable. For a given geographic area from the plurality of geographic areas, the societal-consideration data may include one or more land-use indications for the geographic area that are indicative of a type of land use in the geographic area. The method may also involve, for each of one or more of the plurality of geographic areas: applying a cost function to the one or more land-use indications for the geographic area to determine a societal-consideration cost of UAV flight over the geographic area; and sending an indication of the determined societal-consideration cost to a computer-based flight planner.
US09262928B2
A method of predicting an achievable level of privacy of a flight path can include receiving an indication of a flight route of an aircraft, receiving an indication of one or more privacy enhancement techniques, estimating an air traffic density for one or more airspaces along or near the flight route where the estimating is based on information obtained from one or more aviation information databases, and estimating an achievable level of privacy of the flight path based, at least in part, on the air traffic density for one or more airspaces and the one or more privacy enhancement techniques. The method can further include using the estimated achievable level of privacy of the flight path as a privacy layer in one or more flight planning and optimization problems.
US09262895B2
A gaming system displays one of a plurality of symbols in each of a plurality of symbol positions, at least one of the plurality of symbols being a target symbol for establishing a direction of shifting and at least one of the plurality of symbols being a magnetic symbol for shifting toward a target symbol. If any generated magnetic symbol is associated with a generated target symbol, the gaming system shifts that magnetic symbol toward the associated target symbol, resulting in an empty symbol position. The gaming system fills the empty symbol position by shifting a displayed symbol or by generating one of the plurality symbols and repeats until no magnetic symbol is associated with a target symbol. The gaming system provides an award for any displayed winning symbol combination. The gaming system removes symbols from each winning combination, fills the empty symbol positions, and repeats as above.
US09262891B2
A gaming method for adding a bonus feature to a main game comprising: providing a display screen comprised of cells arranged in rows and columns; providing a plurality of paylines, each payline comprising one cell from a plurality of columns; automatically and randomly selecting a multiplier value from among a plurality of multiplier values; automatically and randomly applying the selected multiplier value to a limited number of paylines to create one or more selected multiplier paylines; and displaying the multiplier value and the selected multiplier payline(s) to the user on the display screen.
US09262872B2
A printable postage sheet includes a plurality of substantially equally sized preprinted postage labels arranged in a matrix of n rows by m columns, where n and m are integers. The plurality of preprinted postage labels are symmetrically arranged in the printable postage sheet with respect to a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. Preprinted indicia on each of the preprinted postage labels are preprinted on generally the same location on all of the preprinted postage labels. The preprinted indicia are all oriented in a same orientation relative to the sheet. A printable area of each preprinted postage label is positioned on the label such that when indicia are printed on one or more of the preprinted postage labels, the indicia are positioned within the printable area irrespective of a right side up or upside down feeding orientation of the printable postage sheet into a printer.
US09262870B2
In one example, the invention includes steps of: activating feeding and exiting motors of a dispensing device that cause corresponding rollers to rotate in forward direction, wherein the feeding motor is operatively connected to a displacement optical sensor, wherein the feeding and exiting rollers move a dispensing object; wherein an exit sensor generates a first signal, indicating that a leading edge of the dispensing object has activated the exit sensor, generating, by the stationary displacement optical sensor, a second signal, when, by passing at least one light beam over a surface of the portion of the dispensing object, the stationary displacement optical sensor determines that the portion of the dispensing object has traveled a pre-determined distance along the dispensing passage.
US09262867B2
A method of operation of a mobile terminal includes displaying, on a display module, a preview image generated by a camera module, obtaining object information for at least one object shown in the preview image or at least one object within a predetermined distance of a current location of the mobile terminal, and displaying the object information on the display module using a display form that is determined according to a user preference level of the object information.
US09262866B2
The present disclosure provides augmented reality methods and systems where two or more component optical images are optically overlaid via one or more beam splitters to form composite optical images. In some embodiments a second component optical image is an electronic optical image (an image from an electronically controlled emission source) while the first component optical image is one of a physical optical image (an image of a physical object from which diffuse reflection occurs), an electronic optical image, an emission optical image (an image from a non-electronic source that emits radiation), or a hybrid optical image (composed of at least two of a physical optical image, and electronic optical image, or an emission optical image). In some embodiments the first and second component optical images are used to provide feedback concerning the quality of the overlaying and appropriate correction factors to improve the overlay quality.
US09262856B1
Content may be provided within a virtual space responsive to user characters performing available actions solicited via visual indications within the virtual space. One or more available actions may be determined. A given available action may include an action that is available to be performed by one or more user characters within the virtual space. Individual ones of the one or more available actions may be solicited via visual indications of the respective available actions. Performance of individual available actions by one or more user characters may be effectuated responsive to one or more conditions being satisfied. Content may be presented in the virtual space responsive to performance of at least one of the available actions.
US09262854B2
A process for creating a composite picture with a plurality of parts extrapolated from an input picture. The process includes analyzing a picture for color content to detect at least one dominant color in the picture and for shape recognition to detect at least one object in the picture and generating a concentric grid for the input picture based on the color content analysis and the shape recognition for a depth calculation of the input picture. The concentric grid includes a center point, a plurality of lines that radiate from the center point, and a plurality of concentric circles that expand at a spatial distance in the picture, dividing the input picture into a plurality of sections, each representing an equal spatial depth. The process further includes generating a plurality of partial pictures using at least two of the plurality of sections.
US09262842B2
Provided is an image processing apparatus for compressing an image. The apparatus includes a compressing section configured to compress an image based on N representative colors to generate N-representative-color-based compression data and calculate an indicator for evaluating an image quality of the image compressed based on M representative colors during compressing the image based on N representative colors, where M
US09262839B2
There is provided an image processing device including a depth generation unit configured to generate, based on an image of a current frame and an image of a preceding frame of the current frame, a depth image indicating a position of a subject in a depth direction in the image of the preceding frame as a depth image of the current frame.
US09262837B2
Circuits, methods, and apparatus for modifying the data rate of a data bus. In a circuit having two processors coupled by a data bus, the processors each learn that the other is capable of operating at a modified data rate. The data rate is then changed to the modified rate. Each processor may learn of the other's capability by reading a vendor identification, for example from a vendor defined message stored on the other processor. Alternately, each processor may provide an instruction to the other to operate at the modified rate, for example by writing to the other processor's extended capability registers. In another circuit having two processors communicating over a bus, it is determined that both are capable of transmitting and receiving data at a modified data rate. An instruction is provided to one or both of the processors to transmit at the modified rate.
US09262830B2
2D images are registered with 3D volume data. In order to provide 2D/3D registration with a facilitated workflow 3D volume data (112) of an object, having a frame of reference is received. A transformation plane (116) is defined in relation to the 3D volume data. A 2D image of the object with an image plane is received. The transformation plane is projected on the image plane. The frame of reference is aligned with the 2D image. At least one alignment interaction value (128) is projected (130) on the transformation plane to determine (134) at least one transformed interaction value (132). The frame of reference is translated with the at least one transformed interaction value.
US09262826B2
A microprocessor is operably coupled to a camera from which patient vital signs are determined. A temporal variation of images from the camera is generated from multiple filters and then amplified from which the patient vital sign, such as heart rate or respiratory rate, can be determined and then displayed or stored.
US09262825B2
The present invention discloses a method for reconstructing an image obtained from kVp switched imaging of a body by acquiring a plurality of images at a first kVp defining a first image scan and a plurality of images at a second kVp defining a second image scan, wherein the plurality of images at the first kVp are acquired interleaved with the plurality of images of the second image scan and by reconstructing an image from the first and second image scan, comprising determining at least one gradient location for at least two images in the first and second image scans, determining divergent gradient locations in respect of a same part of the body for said at least two images in the first and second image scans, tagging each divergent gradient location as an under sampling artifact, generating the reconstructed image from the at least two images in the first and second image scans by correcting for each tagged under sampling artifact. The invention further discloses an imaging system for imaging at least a part of a body by means of a first image scan and a second image scan and a computer program product.
US09262821B2
Systems and methods for generating information for use in a wafer inspection process are provided. One method includes acquiring output of an inspection system for die(s) located on wafer(s), combining the output for the die(s) based on within die positions of the output, determining, on a within die position basis, a statistical property of variation in values of characteristic(s) of the combined output, and assigning the within die positions to different groups based on the statistical properties determined for the within die positions. The method also includes storing information for the within die positions and the different groups to which the within die positions are assigned in a storage medium that is accessible to the inspection system for performing the wafer inspection process, which includes applying defect detection parameter(s) to additional output of the inspection system generated for a wafer based on the information thereby detecting defects on the wafer.
US09262817B2
An environment estimation apparatus includes an image area dividing unit for dividing a camera image taken with a vehicle camera into a plurality of image areas, a camera image information extracting unit for extracting, from an image area that has the sky taken and is acquired from among the plurality of image areas undergoing the division by the image area dividing unit, image information indicating features of the image area, and an environment estimation unit for estimating, from the image information extracted by the camera image information extracting unit, the weather or intensity of light of a surrounding environment by referring to corresponding data indicating the correspondence between the features of the image area and the weather or the intensity of light of the surrounding environment.
US09262811B2
A method for improving quality of low light video images including: receiving a current video frame; temporally enhancing it by applying a first weight matrix including higher weight factors for stationary regions and lower weight factors for moving regions to the received frame and a reference frame to generate an enhanced temporal video frame; spatially enhancing the enhanced temporal video frame by applying a second weight matrix including higher weight factors for stationary regions and lower weight factors for moving regions to generate an enhanced spatial video frame; and motion enhancing the enhanced temporal video frame by extracting matched rigid moving objects in a previous or future frame and processing each of the extracted matched rigid moving objects with a corresponding rigid object in the enhanced temporal or spatial or raw current video frame.
US09262808B2
An input image is denoised by first constructing a pixel-wise noise variance map from the input image. The noise has spatially varying variances. The input image is partitioned into patches using the noise variance map. An intermediate image is determined from the patches. Collaborative filtering is applied to each patch in the intermediate image using the noise variance map to produce filtered patches. Then, the filtered patches are projected to an output image.
US09262807B2
A method for correcting a distorted input image includes determining a local region of an image to be displayed and dividing the region into an array of rectangular tiles, each tile corresponding to a distorted tile with a non-rectangular boundary within the input image. For each tile of the local region, maximum and minimum memory address locations of successive rows of the input image sufficient to span the boundary of the distorted tile are determined. Successive rows of the distorted input from between the maximum and minimum addresses are read. Distortion of the non-rectangular portion of the distorted input image is corrected to provide a tile of a corrected output image which is stored.
US09262804B2
Provided are a method and apparatus for interpolating an image. The method includes: selecting a first filter, from among a plurality of different filters, for interpolating between pixel values of integer pixel units, according to an interpolation location; and generating at least one pixel value of at least one fractional pixel unit by interpolating between the pixel values of the integer pixel units by using the selected first filter.
US09262793B2
Methods, devices, systems and computer program products facilitate embedding and extraction of transactional watermarks into and from a video content. One such method includes selecting a first number of frames from a video content and performing temporal and a spatial psychovisual analysis on the selected frames. For each selected frame, at least one area for insertion of watermarks is identified. A first and a second watermark symbol is embedded separately in the identified area(s), and the embedded frames are re-encoded to obtain a first and a second alternative data. An inserter manifest is formed that includes the first and the second alternative data to enable insertion of a watermark into the video content by selecting one or the other of the first and second alternative data for insertion into the video content.
US09262789B1
Disclosed systems and methods automatically assess claims. A device may receive one or more images of a claimed object, such as a building or vehicle, compare the images to reference images and generate an estimate of financial damages to the object. The device may then generate a claim assessment based on previous comparisons and generated estimates. The claim assessment may be sent directly to a client or to an agent for review and/or processing.
US09262781B2
Disclosed herein are various embodiments for systems and methods for self-payment and verification of the purchase of retail goods and services. According to an embodiment of the invention, a method for verifying the purchase using a mobile electronic device in wireless communication with a payment verification system and a code generating system is provided, the method comprising the steps of: receiving from a consumer information identifying an item for purchase; receiving from a consumer information identifying payment means for purchasing the item for purchase; processing the information identifying the item for purchase and information identifying payment means and generating a unique QR code indicating a purchase of the item; sending the unique QR code to a mobile device for display by a consumer to the vendor of the item for purchase.
US09262778B2
A method and a system to generate mobile storefronts are described. The storefront application is executable by a user device to allow a user of the user device to access the storefront and purchase an item from a merchant. The system comprises an initialization module that provides an initialization interface to an identified merchant that is used to initialize creation of a storefront application. A storefront module provides a generation interface that receives, from the merchant, an appearance for the storefront application. An inventory module receives an inventory information describing items for sale. A policy module provides a policy interface that receives policies of the storefront. A platform module generates source code that when compiled, becomes the storefront application. The source code is generated based at least on one or more templates and the inventory.
US09262777B2
A card reader is provided with a read head with a slot and is configured to be coupled to a mobile device and has a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe of a card. The read head reads data on the magnetic stripe and produces a raw magnetic signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. A power supply is coupled to wake-up electronics and a microcontroller. An output jack is adapted to be inserted in a port of the mobile device and deliver an output jack signal to the mobile device. The wake-up electronics is powered by a microphone bias of a mobile device.
US09262761B2
A portable device is provided that carries account data. The account data may include a security code having a value that is time-varying. The value of the security code may be programmatically varied based on at least one of an algorithm or event. Authorization and use of the account may be sought from an authorization agent using the account data provided on the portable device.
US09262757B2
A method of transmitting information to a mobile device has a card reader with wake-up electronics and a microcontroller, and a power supply coupled to the wake-up electronics and the microcontroller. Data is read on the magnetic stripe. A raw magnetic signal is produced indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. The raw magnetic head signal is converted into a processed digital signal that the microcontroller can interpret. An output jack signal is sent to the mobile device.
US09262754B1
A computer-implemented method for granting a user access to an on-line banking area of a website belonging financial institution responsive to receiving the valid user name and password. The method providing the user with account information regarding checking, savings, mortgage, home equity and/or loan accounts held by the user at the financial institution. The method grants the user access to a request tracking area of the website of the financial institution, receive request related data from the user, the request related data including data relating to at least one expense or goal, calculate portions of each expense respectively owed by each of a plurality of participants in the request and track whether a participant has paid. The method includes sending a message to at least one participant, the message requesting payment for the portion owed by the participant and receiving the payment from the participant in various payment forms.
US09262753B2
A method for video messaging includes recording a video message, at a device, for a recipient; and selecting a contact as a recipient of the video message, at the device, without requiring typing at the device.
US09262752B2
A system and machine-implemented method for suggesting a user for an event within a social networking site is provided. The method includes receiving a social suggestion indication from a first user of the social networking site and determining, using the one or more computing devices, an event associated with the first user. The method also includes accessing a data structure storing a plurality of user models comprising social information of users, and comparing, using the one or more computing devices, the event with the plurality of user models, to determine a second user model from the plurality of user models, based on a predetermined criteria. The method further includes identifying a second user associated with the second user model, and generating a user suggestion identifying the second user.
US09262748B2
Disclosed is a novel system and method for indicating a probability of errors in multimedia content. The system determines a user state or possible user distraction level. The user distraction level is indicated in the multimedia content. In one example, work is monitored being performed on the multimedia content. Distractions are identified while the work is being monitored. A probability of errors is calculated in at least one location of the multimedia content by on the distractions that have been identified. Annotations are used to indicate of the probability of errors. In another example, the calculating of probability includes using a function F(U,S,P) based on a combination of: i) a determination of user state (U), ii) a determination of sensitivity (S) of user input, and iii) a determination of user characteristics stored in a profile (P).
US09262746B2
Various embodiments for prescribing electronic resources based on observational assessments are described. One example system includes a communication unit for sending and receiving data, a recommendation engine, and an assignment engine. The recommendation engine receives observation data related to a target subject, identifies one or more electronic resources that correspond to the observation data, and provides data describing the one or more electronic resources for display to an observer. The recommendation engine is coupled to the communication unit to provide the data representing the one or more electronic resources. The assignment engine receives an assignment request requesting an assignment of at least one electronic resource from the one or more electronic resources to the target subject for completion. The assignment engine also assigns the at least one electronic resource to the target subject. The assignment engine is coupled to the communication unit to receive the assignment request.
US09262742B2
Systems, methods, computer program products are provided for presenting content. An example computer implemented method includes identifying, by a data exchange engine executing on one or more processors, one or more user lists based on owned or permissioned data, each user list including a unique identifier; associating metadata with each user list including data describing a category for the user list, population data describing statistical or inferred data concerning a list or members in a given user list and subscription data including data concerning use of a given user list; storing in a searchable database a user list identifier and the associated metadata; and publishing for potential subscribers a list of the user lists including providing an interface that includes for each user list the unique identifier and the associated metadata.
US09262739B2
The present disclosure involves a method of conducting a commercial transaction. In one aspect, the method of shopping includes receiving user information signifying the start of a shopping session; generating an electronic session identifier corresponding to the shopping session and a user identified by the user information; determining a selection of a product of a shopping facility; associating the product with the session identifier in response to the determining of the selection; and notifying the shopping facility of the associating of the product with the session. The receiving, the generating, the determining, the associating, and the notifying are each performed by a computing system.
US09262733B2
A job supporting apparatus comprises a management section configured to manage a job schedule, containing a predetermined job content to be carried out by a person in charge and a work position at which the job content is performed, that is associated with respective portable terminal carried by each person in charge, a position specifying section configured to specify the position of the portable terminal, a first extracting section configured to extract a job schedule containing a work position corresponding to the location of the portable terminal specified by the position specifying section from the job schedules associated with the portable terminals, and a first notifying section configured to notify the job schedule extracted by the first extracting section to a portable terminal associated with the extracted job schedule.
US09262728B2
An approach is provided for acquiring and integrating data into external services. According to the approach, image and/or video data and identification data are received from a client device. The image and/or video data includes one or more images and/or video data of an object that are acquired by the client device and the identification data is data that uniquely identifies the object. Record data is generated and stored that includes the identification data and at least a reference to the image and/or video data. The image and/or video data and the identification data are transmitted to an external service. This identification data allows an external service to associate the image and/or video data with other data maintained by the external service.
US09262723B2
Embodiments generally relate to methods of accurately predicting seasonal fluctuations in precipitation or other approximate functionals of a climate state space, such as the number of heating or cooling degree days in a season, maximum river flow rates, water table levels and the like. In one embodiment, a method for predicting climate comprises: deriving a climate attractor from a global climate model, wherein a tuning parameter for the climate attractor comprises a value of total energy for moving air and water on the earth's surface; estimating a predictive function for each of a plurality of computational cells within the global climate model; and predicting an approximate climate functional of interest for a given specific location utilizing a combination of the predictive functions from each of the plurality of computational cells geographically proximate the location, where at all stages, predictive functions are selected in part by comparison to historical data.
US09262722B1
The present disclosure relates generally to a computer application software program for mobile phones, and more specifically to an application program related to social networking websites wherein an individual's influence on social networking websites can be quantified based on his/her quantitative and qualitative activity postings. A social networker may register any one or more social networking websites for which he/she is a participant and the system and method discussed herein will measure all activity postings, responses, replies, discussions, third party use of the original activity postings and the like, to generate weighted scores that are aggregated for an impact score that is reflective of the social networkers respective influence.
US09262716B2
Techniques for predicting a user response to content are provided. In example embodiments, one or more feature vectors are assembled into an assembled feature vector. A particular one of the feature vectors not being available is determined. In response to determining that the particular one of the feature vectors is not available, the particular feature vector is ignored based on an importance value associated with the particular feature vector. A substitute value associated with the particular feature vector is inserted into a portion of the assembled feature vector associated with the particular feature vector. A prediction modeling process based on the assembled feature vector and a prediction model is performed to predict a likelihood of a particular member performing a particular user action on a particular content item.
US09262710B2
Exemplary embodiments are directed to a product identification tag, generally including a durable material that includes indicia thereon corresponding to useful information. The durable material is generally configured to be at least one of pierced and/or punched to capture distinctive identification information for a specific product. The distinctive identification information can be at least one of a serial number, an in-service date, and an inspection date. Exemplary embodiments are also directed to a method of product identification, comprising providing a durable material that includes indicia thereon corresponding to useful information. The exemplary method further includes at least one of piercing and/or punching the durable material to capture distinctive identification information for a specific product and detachably securing the durable material to the specific product.
US09262704B1
Methods and systems render higher bit per pixel contone images to lower bit formats using multiple registers of a SIMD processor. The rendering process uses a first register to maintain contone image values of all the pixels being simultaneously processed. A second register maintains a threshold value used during the conversion process. A third register maintains one value for the print ready format pixels (e.g., those having less bits per pixel), and a fourth register maintains the other value (e.g., 0) for the print ready format pixels. Also, a fifth register maintains the conversion error amount for all the pixels being simultaneously processed. Sixth through ninth registers maintain distributed conversion error amounts produced by the diffusing process (for different pixels being simultaneously processed); and a tenth register maintains the pixels in the print-ready format produced by the conversion for all the pixels being simultaneously processed.
US09262703B2
An image processing device determines whether or not a data size per page of a received print job is greater than a preset threshold. When it is determined that the data size is greater than the threshold, the image processing device estimates a first RIP time per page, which is the time required to RIP process when a resolution of an image of the print job is not optimized, an optimization time per page, which is the time required to optimize, and a second RIP time per page when the resolution of the image of the print job is optimized. Then, the image processing device optimizes the resolution of the image of the print job on the basis of the first RIP time, the optimization time, and the second RIP time so that the rates of decreasing the resolution in each image after conversion are substantially the same.
US09262696B2
Embodiments for image capture feedback are disclosed. In some embodiments, a computing system may receive a first image from an image capture device and generate a score for the first image. The computing system may generate a recommendation for an action, such that if the image capture device captures a second image after the action is performed, the score for the second image will be better than the score for the first image. The computing system may indicate the recommended action to the user on an output device. Other embodiments may be disclosed and/or claimed.
US09262690B2
The present disclosure proposes a method and an electronic device for detecting glare pixels of an image including an object and an electronic device using the same. The method includes the following steps. First, the image is processed to remove overexposed pixels from the image to generate a first image. The first image is processed to remove non-object pixels from the first image to generate an object pixel image. The glare pixels are detected from the object pixel image according to a saturation distribution threshold and an intensity distribution threshold. The present disclosure is able to adjust the saturation distribution threshold and the intensity distribution threshold dynamically and adaptively to satisfy various kinds of objects and ambient lighting conditions so as to improve the probability of successful detection and reduce the probability of false alarms on the glare pixels.
US09262689B1
Embodiments of the subject technology provide for determining a region of a first acquired image based at least on a viewing mode and a set of respective positions of graphical elements to decrease the pre-processing time and perceived latency for the first image. One or more regions of text in the first image are detected, and a set of regions of text that overlap with the region of the image is determined and pre-processed. The subject technology may then pre-process an entirety of a subsequent image (e.g., to pick up missing text from the region of the first image). Thus, additional OCR results may be provided to the user by using the subsequent image(s) and merging subsequent results with previous results from the first image.
US09262684B2
Systems, methods, and computer readable media to improve image stabilization operations are described. Novel approaches for fusing non-reference images with a pre-selected reference frame in a set of commonly captured images are disclosed. The fusing approach may use a soft transition by using a weighted average for ghost/non-ghost pixels to avoid sudden transition between neighborhood and almost similar pixels. Additionally, the ghost/non-ghost decision can be made based on a set of neighboring pixels rather than independently for each pixel. An alternative approach may involve performing a multi-resolution decomposition of all the captured images, using temporal fusion, spatio-temporal fusion, or combinations thereof, at each level and combining the different levels to generate an output image.
US09262680B2
A point-of-gaze detection device according to the present invention detects a point-of-gaze of a subject toward a surrounding environment. The device includes: an eyeball image obtaining means configured to obtain an eyeball image of the subject; a reflection point estimating means configured to estimate a first reflection point, at which incoming light in an optical axis direction of an eyeball of the subject is reflected, from the eyeball image; a corrected reflection point calculating means configured to calculate a corrected reflection point as a corrected first reflection point by correcting the first reflection point on the basis of a personal parameter indicative of a difference between a gaze direction of the subject and the optical axis direction of the eyeball; and a point-of-gaze detecting means configured to detect the point-of-gaze on the basis of light at the corrected reflection point and light in the surrounding environment.
US09262674B2
Disclosed is an orientation state estimation device capable of estimating with high accuracy the orientation state of a jointed body. An orientation state estimation device (100) estimates the orientation state of a body on the basis of image data of the body having multiple parts connected by joints. The device is provided with: a likelihood map generation unit (150) which, from the image data, for at least two parts of the jointed body, generates a likelihood map showing the plausibility distribution of where each part is most plausibly positioned; and an orientation state estimation unit (160) which, when a learning likelihood map, which is associated in advance with an orientation state, and an estimated likelihood map, which is generated on the basis of the image data, coincide to a high degree, estimates that the orientation state associated with said learning likelihood map is the orientation state of the object.
US09262673B2
Techniques for human body pose estimation are disclosed herein. Depth map images from a depth camera may be processed to calculate a probability that each pixel of the depth map is associated with one or more segments or body parts of a body. Body parts may then be constructed of the pixels and processed to define joints or nodes of those body parts. The nodes or joints may be provided to a system which may construct a model of the body from the various nodes or joints.
US09262672B2
A pattern recognition apparatus that is lightweight for mounting, and reduces the effects of registration conditions or check conditions on recognition accuracy. Similarity sets for respective local features are calculated from a local feature of input data and local features of a plurality of pieces of dictionary data corresponding to the local feature of the input data. Integrated similarities are calculated by integrating a plurality of similarity sets in the local features according to a registration condition or a check condition. Dictionary data corresponding to the input data is identified based on the calculated integrated similarities.
US09262666B2
One or more techniques, devices and/or systems are disclosed for mitigating a perceived electrical sensation for a relief print scanning device. A current determination component can be used to identify an electrical current configuration that provides a mitigated electrical sensation to the user, for use with an electroluminescent-based relief print scanning device. The electrical current configuration can be identified using one or more image characteristics of a relief print image, which is captured by the devices using the current configuration. A current adjusting component, can be operably coupled with the current determination component, and may be used to adjust the current configuration, where the adjustment can be based on current adjustment data that is provided by the current determination component, based on the image characteristics.
US09262665B2
In a decoding method, photoelectric conversion is performed on light reflected by a code image, a read signal indicating intensity of the reflected light is produced, and the produced read signal is differentiated to produce a derivative signal. The inflection points of intensity of the reflected light in the read signal are detected from the derivative signal and peak levels, each of which is an extreme value of the intensity of the reflected light, the peak level corresponding to a width between the detected inflection points, are detected. A difference between the detected peak levels is then obtained and threshold values for decoding the read signal are set from the obtained difference. This enables the read signal to be decoded even when the code image is spotted with a stain or its printing quality is inferior or even when the read signal is read in its defocus state.
US09262660B2
An optical indicia reading terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, and an image sensor integrated circuit for decoding decodable indicia. The image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to output a plurality of digital signals, each digital signal being representative of light incident on at least one pixel of the two-dimensional image sensor. The optical indicia reading terminal can be configured to selectively acquire a plurality of luminance signals from the plurality of digital signals. Whether the output image data from the sensor is digitally stored as YUV data or YCBCR data, the terminal parses out the luminance signal, Y, in the data matrix to store a monochrome image for decoding. The optical indicia reading terminal can be configured to process the frame of image data for decoding decodable indicia.
US09262658B2
The present invention provides a read sensor that can acquire data from the read object reliably, with a simple configuration, by making it possible to acquire data from the read object using both a magnetic field and an electric field. A read sensor 10 has conductive elements 30 that have a shape in which first elements 31 and second elements 32 are connected with each other along a first plane 20a, as if drawn unicursally in one stroke, so that the angle θ1 formed between a first element 31 and a second element 32 becomes a predetermined sharp angle, and a metal plate 40 that covers a second plane 20b of the dielectric plate 20, which is the back plane of the first plane 20a.
US09262653B2
A reader for data interchange with a mobile data memory, i.e., a ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID transponder, wherein the reader includes reception electronics for converting a high frequency signal received via an antenna into a low frequency signal and includes a decoding device for converting the low frequency signal into data. The reader also includes an analog-digital converter for digitizing and a memory device, linked thereto, for storing the low frequency signal from at least one period of time from a communication event, and also includes an analysis device for evaluating a low frequency signal stored in this manner so that it is possible to independently analyze the processed low frequency signal whenever a mobile data memory is misread (spuriously sensed), wherein the analog-digital converter which is used in the readers can advantageously also be used for digitizing the low frequency signal stored for the analysis purposes.
US09262641B1
A system for authorizing data to be provided to a mobile computing device is provided. The system includes the mobile computing device and a server computer that includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory including processor-executable instructions for performing the steps of storing, in the memory, parameters for authorizing data to be provided to the mobile computing device and determining at least one contextual cue associated with at least one of a task to be performed, the mobile computing device, and a user of the mobile computing device, wherein the at least one contextual cue is associated with the parameters. The processor-executable instructions also perform the steps of authorizing data to be provided to the mobile computing device when the at least one contextual cue aligns with the parameters and providing the data to the mobile computing device.
US09262640B2
A first person (which may be a natural person, organization, brand, or other entity) has one or more affinity planes. Each affinity plane represents a distinct closeness of relationship with the first person. The first person also has one or more sectors, each of which may be associated with a domain. Each of the other people may be associated with zero or more of the first person's affinity planes and zero or more of the first person's sectors. Each of the first person's resources may be associated with zero or more of the first person's affinity planes and zero or more of the first person's sectors. A request by one of the other people to access one of the first person's resources is granted based on the overlap between the affinity planes and sectors associated with the requestor and the affinity planes and sectors associated with the requested resource.
US09262637B2
A method is provided in one example embodiment that includes storing a reference measurement of an object in a trusted storage and retrieving the reference measurement from the trusted storage before an operating system is loaded. In a pre-operating system environment, the reference measurement can be compared with a golden measurement and a policy action can be applied if a variance is detected between the reference measurement and the golden measurement. In more particular embodiments, the reference measurement is a measurement of firmware, and yet more particularly, the measurement is a hash of the firmware.
US09262630B2
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for isolating a device associated with at least potential data leakage activity, based on user input. In operation, at least potential data leakage activity associated with a device is identified. Furthermore, at least one action is performed to isolate the device, based on user input received utilizing a user interface.
US09262628B2
An operating system sandbox may include an operating system isolation module configured to restrict an operating system from transmitting machine-readable data and/or machine-readable instructions to an application, based on at least one predefined rule corresponding to abnormal operating system behavior.
US09262620B2
A secure communication kit is disclosed. The secure communication kit may include a plurality of tangible security tokens; each security token storing one or more cryptographic keys and a group identifier. A first cryptographic key stored on each security token may correspond to one of the cryptographic key(s) stored on every of the other security tokens. The group identifier stored on each security token may correspond to each group identifier stored on every of the other security tokens. A client device for securely communicating using the secure communication kit is also disclosed.
US09262613B1
This disclosure describes methods for identifying an individual in an anonymous biometric authentication system, where an individual's biometric data is captured by a device, and the resulting probe is compared with the templates in a previously enrolled population. The system comprises a Biographic Identity Management System having a non-anonymous sector in communication with an anonymous sector through a network cloud. The anonymous sector or Anonymous Biometric Identity Management System contains an index of tokens associated, each associated uniquely with a biometric template, which may then be compared with a biometric probe to determine the identity of an individual.
US09262609B2
An apparatus and method are disclosed for determining authentication frequency (i.e., the length of time between authenticating and re-authenticating a user) and challenge type (e.g., username/password, fingerprint recognition, voice recognition, etc.) based on one or more environmental properties (e.g., ambient noise level, ambient luminosity, temperature, etc.), or one or more physiological properties of a user (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, etc.), or both. Advantageously, the illustrative embodiment enables authentication frequency and challenge type to be adjusted based on the likelihood of malicious activity, as inferred from these properties. In addition, the illustrative embodiment enables the authentication challenge type to be tailored to particular environmental conditions (e.g., noisy environments, dark environments, etc.).
US09262603B2
Receiving an input authentication pattern, the input authentication pattern including non-alphanumeric input data. Determining if the input authentication pattern matches a previously stored authentication pattern. Providing access to a computing resource if the input authentication pattern matches the previously stored authentication pattern.
US09262594B2
Various techniques are described to protect secrets held by closed computing devices. In an ecosystem where devices operate and are offered a wide range of services from a service provider, the service provider may want to prevent users from sharing services between devices. In order to guarantee that services are not shared between devices, each device can be manufactured with a different set of secrets such as per device identifiers. Unscrupulous individuals may try to gain access to the secrets and transfer secrets from one device to another. In order to prevent this type of attack, each closed computing system can be manufactured to include a protected memory location that is tied to the device.
US09262591B2
A method for computing an exact solution for an electronic state of a substance by performing a first principle calculation using a computer, the method is characterized in that evaluating a deviation of an approximate value obtained by local density approximation or generalized gradient approximation from the exact solution of the electronic state to be obtained using an energy functional determined by an electronic density, a space derivative for the electronic density and fluctuations of physical quantities; and computing the exact solution by solving an optimization problem being defined by the energy functional.
US09262583B2
Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with evaluating global deformations and local deformations in a prostate are described. One example apparatus includes logics that evaluate global and local deformations in a prostate and register a pre-External Beam Radiation Treatment (EBRT) three dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance (MR) image with a post-EBRT 3D MR image. An image acquisition logic acquires a pre-EBRT image and a post EBRT image of an organ, item, or volume. An image texture information logic extracts image texture information from the pre-EBRT and post-EBRT images. A finite element model (FEM) transformation logic constructs a FEM of the volume imaged in the pre-EBRT image, deforms the FEM, deforms the pre-EBRT image as a function of the deformed FEM, and maximizes the image texture similarity between the deformed pre-EBRT image and the post-EBRT image. A registration logic registers the pre-EBRT image with the post-EBRT image based on the transformation.
US09262577B2
A method identifies, as an independent node, any node representing a circuit pattern in any odd loop of a layout of a region of a layer of an IC that is not included in any other odd loop of the layout. The layer is to have a plurality of circuit patterns to be patterned using at least three photomasks. The method identifies, as a safe independent node, any independent node not closer than a threshold distance from any other independent nodes in another odd loop of the layout. The layout is modified, if the circuit patterns in the layout include any odd loop without any safe independent node, so that that after the modifying, each odd loop has at least one safe independent node.
US09262569B2
Systems and methods for improving timing closure of new and existing semiconductor products by balancing sensitivities. More specifically, a method is provided for that includes defining at least one set of correlated parameters for a semiconductor product, the at least one set of correlated parameters comprising a first parameter and a second parameter. The method further includes measuring performance of embedded devices within the semiconductor product. The method further includes closing timing of the semiconductor product using the measured performance of the semiconductor product. The closing the timing of the semiconductor product comprises calculating a sensitivity to the first parameter based on the measured performance of the embedded devices within the semiconductor product and balancing the sensitivity to the first parameter with a sensitivity to a second parameter such that timing degradation is shifted from the first parameter to the second parameter.
US09262558B2
A method includes performing a place and route operation using an electronic design automation tool to generate a preliminary layout for a photomask to be used to form a circuit pattern of a semiconductor device. The place and route operation is constrained by a plurality of single patterning spacer technique (SPST) routing rules. Dummy conductive fill patterns are emulated within the EDA tool using an RC extraction tool to predict locations and sizes of dummy conductive fill patterns to be added to the preliminary layout of the photomask. An RC timing analysis of the circuit pattern is performed within the EDA tool, based on the preliminary layout and the emulated dummy conductive fill patterns.
US09262557B2
The amount of analysis performed in determining the validity of a property of a digital circuit is measured concurrent with performance of the analysis, and provided as an output when a true/false answer cannot be provided e.g. when stopped due to resource constraints. In some embodiments, a measure of value N indicates that a given property that is being checked will not be violated within a distance N from an initial state from which the analysis started. Therefore, in such embodiments, a measure of value N indicates that the analysis has implicitly or explicitly covered every possible excursion of length N from the initial state, and formally proved that no counter-example is possible within this length N.
US09262541B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for processing local search results. In one aspect, a method determines a first local document in a set of local documents for search results is eligible for a demotion operation. The determination is based at least in part on a proximity measure based on the location of the user device and a location specified for the first local document. In response to the determination, for each other local documents in the set of local documents, a proximity measure location of the user device and the location specified for the other local document is determined. The first local document is demoted in its ranking when at least one of the proximity measures indicates a respective other local document has a specified location that is within a threshold distance of the location of the user device.
US09262534B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying a new set of media items in response to an input set (or “query set”) of media items and knowledge base metrics. The system uses a knowledge base consisting of a collection of mediasets. Various metrics among media items are considered by analyzing how the media items are grouped to form the mediasets in the knowledge base. Such association or “similarity” metrics are preferably stored in a matrix form that allows the system to efficiently identify a new set of media items that complements the input set of media items.
US09262527B2
Methods and apparatus for providing suggested completions to search results are disclosed which employ locating nodes in a stored ontology, wherein nodes consist of classes or instances of information, that correspond to the at least one search term, retrieving neighbors of located nodes in the stored ontology, and generating suggested completions in a format which separates homonymic terms. Methods and apparatus are disclosed for building ontologies and dynamically expanding ontologies.
US09262523B2
One exemplary embodiment involves a computer-implemented method that comprises receiving, via a touch display, a touch down event on an object depicted on a user interface rendered on the touch display. The embodiment involves determining whether to provide access to a complete set of actions responsive to the touch down event based at least in part on whether the object comprises an advertisement. Additionally, the embodiment may also involve determining whether to provide access to the complete set of actions responsive to the touch down event based at least in part on whether the object is associated with one or more listeners. Then, the embodiment involves implementing one or more accessible actions responsive to the touch down event.
US09262522B2
A method of communicating between a sender and a recipient via a personalized message is disclosed comprising: (a) identifying text, via the user interface of a communication device, of a desired lyric phrase from within a pre-existing audio recording; (b) extracting audio substantially associated with the desired lyric phrase from the pre-existing recording into a desired audio clip; (c) inputting personalized text via the user interface; (d) creating the personalized message with the sender identification, the personalized text and access to the desired audio clip; (e) sending an electronic message to the electronic address of the recipient, wherein the electronic message may be an SMS/EMS/MMS message, instant message or email message including a link to the personalized message or an EMS/MMS or email message including the personalized message. An associated method of earning money from the communication along with associated systems are also disclosed.
US09262516B2
A sender-driven framework for enhancing the categorization of emails, wherein the sender is able to create or define rules that refine or augment those at the receiver's end. Particularly, the sender is enabled, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, to add information relating to the context of an email, which can help streamline categorization at the receiver's end.
US09262514B2
Methods for Providing a Network Graphical Representation of Database Records. Database records are selected according to descriptive criteria, wherein each of the database records are members of a common record class. Attributes of the common record class and identified and network nodes are associated to instances of the attributes from the database records. The network nodes are connected with network links that designate network nodes having common instances of the attributes such that the network nodes have a one-to-many relationship with the network links. The identifying and connecting steps are iteratively executed while modifying the descriptive criteria to change the selected database records.
US09262507B2
A classification system executing on one or more computer systems includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory includes a discovery engine configured to navigate through non-volatile memory storage to discover an identity and location of one or more files in one or more computer storage systems by tracing the one or more files from file system mount points through file system objects and to disk objects. A classifier is configured to classify the one or more the files into a classification category. The one or more files are associated with the classification category and stored in at least one data structure. The one or more files are classified using an installed storage driver method. Methods are also provided.
US09262506B2
A method, a system and a computer program product create mappings between taxonomies in which documents are classified from a category of a taxonomy to one or more categories within a master taxonomy based on a statistical model and classification score values. The document classifications are analyzed to determine a mapping between the taxonomy category and a corresponding category of the master taxonomy, where the category is mapped to the corresponding category in the master taxonomy in response to sufficient classification score values for the documents.
US09262502B2
There is provided systems and methods for creating a repository of templates. The templates are deterministic of a configuration a virtual machine. The method includes creating one or more templates for each of one or more applications types based on a benchmark data. Each of the one or more templates is stored in a hierarchal structure having one or more hierarchal levels. Each of the one or more hierarchal levels is indicative of a parameter of the configuration of the virtual machine. Thereafter, one or more rules are defined to traverse through the one or more hierarchal levels to access the one or more templates.
US09262500B2
According to one embodiment, a memory system including a key-value store containing key-value data as a pair of a key and a value corresponding to the key, includes a first memory, a control circuit and a second memory. The first memory is configured to contain a data area for storing data, and a table area containing the key-value data. The control circuit is configured to perform write and read to the first memory by addressing, and execute a request based on the key-value store. The second memory is configured to store the key-value data in accordance with an instruction from the control circuit. The control circuit performs a set operation by using the key-value data stored in the first memory, and the key-value data stored in the second memory.
US09262499B2
A context-based graphical database system for storing a data structure comprises an entity node that stores an identifier of an entity. A data node stores non-contextual entity data about the entity. At least one context node is linked to the data node. The at least one context node provides context to the non-contextual entity data in the data node to create contextual entity data. A pointer from the entity node to the data node returns a data node identifier to the entity node to link the contextual entity data to the entity.
US09262490B2
A method and apparatus is provided for dynamically generating data to dataset mappings and dataset to logical instance mappings and distributing these mappings to subscribers for the purpose of routing work. An advisory engine updates the mappings of data to data sets based at least in part on changing demands and patterns of access to data, and updates the mappings of datasets to logical instances based at least in part on anticipated capacity and change in conditions of the database servers. The subscribers receive and store the mapping information that maps the data to dataset identifiers, and dataset identifiers to logical database instances. The subscribers may also receive information that describes the current availability conditions of database instances, which are used to override the mapping of logical database instances to physical database instances. Subscribers may use the data to dataset mapping to map data identified from in an incoming database request to a dataset. Subscribers may use the dataset to logical instance mapping to map a dataset to a possible database server, and the logical instance to physical instance mapping to map a possible database server to an available database server. In this manner, the subscribers may route data efficiently even when access patterns and server conditions change.
US09262489B2
In one embodiment, a search string is received from a user and the search type of the search is determined from the search string. Based on the search type, an order of repositories to search is determined and each repository is searched. The search results from each repository are displayed for the user in separate panels for each repository and the panels are ordered based on search type and the search results within each panel are ordered using that respective repository's relevancy.
US09262486B2
A method and system for fuzzy full text search is disclosed. The system includes an inverted index where tokens are organized in a Next Valid Character (NVC) tree. Each path through the tree defines a token. The document lists for the tokens are stored at leaf nodes. When performing a fuzzy full text search, the system uses an edit distance greater than zero. After receiving search tokens, the system traverses the NVC tree to generate document error lists. The system then compares the error lists to identify relevant document identifiers and provides a result set.
US09262462B2
Database systems and methods that implement a data aggregation framework are provided. The framework can be configured to optimize aggregate operations over non-relational distributed databases, including, for example, data access, data retrieval, data writes, indexing, etc. Various embodiments are configured to aggregate multiple operations and/or commands, where the results (e.g., database documents and computations) captured from the distributed database are transformed as they pass through an aggregation operation. The aggregation operation can be defined as a pipeline which enables the results from a first operation to be redirected into the input of a subsequent operation, which output can be redirected into further subsequent operations. Computations may also be executed at each stage of the pipeline, where each result at each stage can be evaluated by the computation to return a result. Execution of the pipeline can be optimized based on data dependencies and re-ordering of the pipeline operations.
US09262459B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for indexing application pages of native applications that operate independent of a browser application on a user device. In one aspect, a method includes instantiating a virtual machine emulating an operating system of a user device; instantiating, within the virtual machine, a native application that generates application pages for display on a user device within the native application; accessing, within the virtual machine, application pages of the native application, and for each of the application pages: generating application page data describing content of the application page, the content described by the application page data including text that a user device displays on the application page when the user device displays the application page; and indexing the application page data for the native application in an index that is searchable by a search engine.
US09262456B2
Systems and methods for managing recent data items in a database. A method typically includes determining whether a data object managed by an on demand service is designated as able to be accessed by a user at a mobile device and storing locally at a mobile device a plurality of most recently used items viewed for a data object designated as able to be accessed by a user at a mobile device. The method also typically includes determining a single most recently used set from among the stored plurality of most recently used items viewed for at least one data object designated as able to be accessed by a user at a mobile device.
US09262452B2
An email object is provided in a multi-tenant database system that can be related to multiple people (e.g., contact, lead, user) or any object represented for storage in the multi-tenant database system via sharing relationships. The email object follows a storage model such that some portions of an email are available using one form of storage and some portions of the email are available using another form of storage. In various aspects, a storage model provides users with a better value of a multi-tenant database system as storage requirements may be satisfied while providing users access to email content.
US09262448B2
Machines, systems and methods for backing up data, the method comprising retrieving identifying information about target data storage volumes from which target data is to be backed up; communicating the identifying information to a proxy application installed on a backup computing system utilized to backup the target data stored on the target data storage volumes, wherein the proxy application uses the identifying information to place the target data storage volumes in a first state in which write operations may not be performed to the target data storage volumes, wherein the proxy application causes snapshots to be taken of the target data storage volumes of a first type and a second type, in response to determining that the target data storage volumes are placed in the first state.
US09262443B2
An unknown material is classified using texture. A database of predetermined images is accessed, each of a known material and each captured at a magnification factor that is relatively high. A query image of the unknown material is received. The query image is captured at a second magnification factor that is relatively lower than the magnification factors of the predetermined images. A collection of images of the known materials is dynamically generated at the second magnification factor. The received query image is matched against the dynamically generated collection of images, and the unknown material is classified in correspondence to a match between the received image and the dynamically generated collection of images.
US09262440B2
A digital image of the object is captured and the object is recognized from plurality of objects in a database. An information address corresponding to the object is then used to access information and initiate communication pertinent to the object.
US09262420B1
Techniques are shown for enabling a network system to index data stored on a third-party server without having to access the raw data on the third-party server. Metadata consisting of one or more of indexable text or indexable html or some combination of indexable text and indexable html is associated with the data stored on a third-party server. An indexing utility processes the metadata at the network system from the third-party server and arranges the metadata on the network system in a manner that is searchable by searching functionality of the network system.
US09262417B2
A document management server according to the present invention acquires entity data of a plurality of content documents specified to be downloaded by the client, and stores the acquired entity data of each of the plurality of content documents in a different folder generated in an archive file when there are content documents having a same name among the specified plurality of content documents. Further, the document management server generates an information file in which path information in the document management server and path information in the archive file with respect to each of the plurality of content documents specified to be downloaded are described in association with the corresponding content document, and stores the generated information file in the archive file. Further, the document management server transmits the archive file storing the entity data of each of the plurality of content documents and the information file to the client.
US09262407B1
A method for optimizing a multi-language user interface layout across languages via reverse pseudo-translation using an integrated development environment is provided. The method may include selecting at least one user interface page from a group of user interface pages in a first language for pseudo-translation. The method may include selecting at least one target language from a group of target languages in which to pseudo-translate the at least one user interface page. The method may include specifying at least one layout requirement for formatting the selected user interface pages. The method may include performing pseudo-translation of the at least one user interface page. The method may include modifying, automatically, the at least one pseudo-translated user interface page through application of a merge algorithm according to the at least one specified layout requirement. The method may include implementing a reverse pseudo-translation of the at least one modified pseudo-translated user interface page.
US09262397B2
Architecture that detects and corrects writing errors in a human language based on the utilization of three different stages: error detection, correction candidate generation, and correction candidate ranking. The architecture is a generic framework for generating fluent alternatives to non-grammatical word sequences in a written sample. Error detection is addressed by a suite of language model related scores and other scores such as parse scores that can identify a particularly unlikely sequence of words. Correction candidate generation is addressed by a lookup in a very large corpus of “correct” English that looks for alternative arrangements of the same or similar words or subsequences of these words in the same context. Correction candidate ranking is addressed by a language model ranker.
US09262395B1
A system and methods and data structure for quantitatively assessing associations between terms or symbols in natural language and non-natural language contents. Some of the terms represent objects or concepts or semantic attributes; some other terms represent properties associated with the objects or concepts or attributes. The methods include obtaining a first group of text contents, specifying a target term or symbol, and identifying contextual attributes of the target term or symbol. The contextual attributes include grammatical and semantic attributes as well as positional and distance attributes. Association strength values are calculated for related terms or symbols based on the contextual attributes of the target term or symbol, and terms or symbols are selected to represent the properties of an object or concept or attribute.
US09262392B2
Methods and systems are provided for populating user related information, such as in forms at web sites. For example, a method can include providing a web site with information about a user during the front end of accessing the web site by the user. The information can be used to facilitate use of the web site by the user. A system for facilitating access of a web site by a user can comprise an ID provider that is configured to receive a request from a web site for information regarding a user, request information regarding the user from an information provider, and forward the information to the web site. By providing such information to the web site, log on, sign in, and/or registration with a web site can be done quickly, conveniently, and in a manner that is substantially less prone to errors.
US09262390B2
A computer-implemented method of annotating an electronic document may include receiving annotation information corresponding to a first electronic document file and creating annotation metadata that is associated with the annotation information. The method may further include storing the annotation information and associated annotation metadata in an annotation file that is separate from the first electronic document file, and anchoring the annotation information to a target electronic document file at an anchor location corresponding to the annotation metadata. The annotation metadata may be generated by assigning a target offset value to individual neighboring tokens defining an annotation neighborhood, wherein the target offset values correspond to positions of the neighboring tokens with respect to an annotation location within the first electronic document file. The annotation metadata may also comprise topographic patterns that are compared between source and target documents to determine the anchor location.
US09262387B2
An information distribution system reduces the effort required to change an application in conjunction with changes in process content and changes in the receiver type or specifications while also accommodating broadcast processes. A style sheet database stores a plurality of output style sheets, which are information conversion rules including conditional expressions related to information distribution. An integrated device control service acquires output data and receiver information specifying the address of the receiver and the output style sheet corresponding to said receiver. When the output data satisfies the conditional expression contained in the output style sheet, the integrated device control service distributes converted output data, which is the output data converted based on the output style sheet, to the address of the receiver.
US09262380B2
Embodiments related to calculating node centralities in large and complex networks and graphs. An aspect includes approximating a product of a matrix exponential and a random probe vector of an adjacency matrix, wherein the adjacency matrix represents a graph. A diagonal of the adjacency matrix is computed based on the product of the matrix exponential and the random probe vector. The node centralities are then calculated based on the computed diagonal until a designated number of central nodes has been detected according to embodiments.
US09262372B1
Systems and methods of configuring a computer network are provided. The network can include a first stage of M nodes and a second stage of N nodes. Each node in the first stage can form F communication links with nodes in the second stage and each node in the second stage can form S communication links with nodes in the first stage. Nodes in the first stage are connected to each other only through communication links connecting nodes in the first stage to nodes in the second stage. Communication links between the nodes can be assigned such that the minimum value of the throughput between any pair of nodes in the first stage is maximized.
US09262369B1
A packet processor has a packet memory manager configured to store a page walk link list, receive a descriptor and initiate a page walk through the page walk link list in response to the descriptor and without a prompt from transmit direct memory access circuitry. The packet memory manager is configured to receive an indicator of a single page packet and read a new packet in response to the indicator without waiting to obtain page state associated with the page of the single page packet.
US09262367B2
By using embodiments of the present invention, a targeted advertisement, or other customized content, can be published to a consumer when visiting a website. The consumer is connected to a mobile broadband network and is authenticated and authorized to this broadband network. Further, the consumer is given an Internet Protocol (IP) address of the mobile broadband network and this IP address is used to identify the consumer when the targeted advertisement is determined according to a profile of the consumer.This is achieved according to embodiments by letting the publisher request a targeted advertisement for a consumer visiting a website of the publisher. The targeted advertisement is found by using the IP address allocated to the consumer device by the mobile broadband network, i.e. the consumer is identifiable by the IP address. By using the mobile broadband operator's ability to map the IP address and the consumer identity a consumer profile of the consumer is found and based on the consumer profile the targeted advertisement can be determined and shown to the consumer. The consumer profile is controlled by the mobile broadband network.
US09262363B2
Virtual hot plug systems and methods are described for Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), PCI Express (PCIe), and variants thereof. Specifically, the virtual hot plug systems and methods enable PCI related devices to support a hot plug configuration with such devices lacking hot plug controller hardware. The virtual hot plug systems and methods include intelligent polling logic for discovering the new PCI/PCIe devices with proper logic to access the hardware and avoid hanging or locking up the operating system.
US09262361B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide I/O systems, methods, and devices for interfacing pump controller(s) with control device(s) which may have different interfaces and/or signaling formats. In one embodiment, an I/O interface module comprises a processor, a memory, and at least two data communications interfaces for communicating with a pumping controller and a control device. The I/O interface module can receive discrete signals from the control device, interpret them accordingly and send the packets to the pump controller. The pump controller reads the packets and takes appropriate actions at the pump. The I/O interface module can interpret packets of data received from the pump controller and assert corresponding discrete signals to the control device. The I/O interface module is customizable and allows a variety of interfaces and control schemes to be implemented with a particular multiple stage pump without changing the hardware of the pump.
US09262360B2
In one embodiment, a device having a link training state machine including a reconfiguration logic to perform a dynamic link reconfiguration of a physical link coupled between the device and a second device during a run-time in which the physical link does not enter a link down state, including transmission of a plurality of bandwidth change requests to the second device, each of the plurality of bandwidth change requests to request a bandwidth change from a first bandwidth to a second bandwidth. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09262356B2
An arbiter device arbitrating resource requests received at a plurality of input ports is proposed, which comprises an arbiter circuit that selects an input port to which a resource request is to be granted and successively grants a number of resource requests received at the selected input port.
US09262354B2
Generally, this disclosure relates to adaptive interrupt moderation. A method may include determining, by a host device, a number of connections between the host device and one or more link partners based, at least in part, on a connection identifier associated with each connection; determining, by the host device, a new interrupt rate based at least in part on a number of connections; updating, by the host device, an interrupt moderation timer with a value related to the new interrupt rate; and configuring the interrupt moderation timer to allow interrupts to occur at the new interrupt rate.
US09262352B2
The access device comprises a memory and a device controller configured to send and receive a data control right between the data recording device and a central controller provided in a host device. When having received a request to interrupt transfer of data from the central controller while data is being transferred from the data recording device, the device controller releases the data control right from the data recording device, and has the data recording device determine whether or not mismatching has occurred in file system management information for data stored in the memory. The device controller then returns the data control right to the data recoding device when it is determined that mismatching has occurred in the file system management information. The data recording device releases the data control right after eliminating the mismatching in the file system management information according to the returned data control right.
US09262351B2
Dynamically sharing information among a plurality of adapters in a multipath input/output (MPIO) system, selecting one of the adapters to receive an input/output request based on the shared information, and sending the input/output request to that adapter.
US09262347B2
In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a counter to count between a start value and an end value according to a local clock signal, a first register to store an output of the counter, a mirror elastic buffer to store samples of the counter output received from the first register, where the mirror elastic buffer is to mirror an elastic buffer of a receiver circuit, and a resolution logic to receive a counter output sample from the mirror elastic buffer and a current counter value output from the counter, and to determine a transit latency for a data element to traverse the receiver circuit based at least in part on the counter output sample and the current counter value. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09262345B2
A data control system facilitates transfer of a virtual disk from a primary storage system to a secondary storage system. The data control system, responsive to an instruction to transfer the virtual disk, wherein the virtual disk comprises a plurality of data blocks, determines whether each of the plurality of data blocks is allocated or unallocated; for each data block of the plurality of data blocks determined to be allocated, the data control system reads the data block from memory in the primary storage system and transfers the data block for storage in the secondary storage system; and for each data block of the plurality of data blocks determined to be unallocated, the data control system refrains from reading the data block from memory in the primary storage system.
US09262341B2
A microcomputer including a CPU, a plurality of protection information storages configured to store memory protection information specifying an access permission state or access prohibited state to a memory space by a program executed by the CPU, a memory access control apparatus configured to determine whether or not to allow a memory access request from the CPU according to the memory protection information, and a reset apparatus configured to output a reset signal to the plurality of protection information storages according to a reset request output from the CPU according to a switching of programs executed by the CPU. Each of the plurality of protection information storages is set to a second memory protection state according to the reset signal from a first memory protection state.
US09262336B2
Embodiments of the invention describe an apparatus, system and method for utilizing a page miss handler having wear leveling logic/modules for memory devices. Embodiments of the invention may track an amount of writes directed towards cells of a memory device, and determine whether a linear address specified by a system write transaction is included in a translation-lookaside buffer (TLB). In response to determining the linear address is not included in the TLB, resulting in a TLB miss, embodiments of the invention may perform a page table walk to obtain a corresponding physical address, and convert the physical address to a device address for accessing the memory device based the tracked amount of writes. Thus, embodiments of the invention are more efficient compared to prior art solutions, as instead of all memory operations, only those that miss in the TLB incur additional wear leveling address translation overhead.
US09262331B2
A memory buffer with a set of one or more structures is created by a process of a first software program. The first memory buffer comprises a predetermined amount of memory. It is determined that a structure of the set of one or more structures has been or will be consumed by a second software program that supports the first software program. The consumption of the structure of the set of one or more structures indicates that memory associated with the structure of the set of one or more structures is being reclaimed. In response to the determination that the structure of the set of one or more structures has been or will be consumed, data is written from a first location to a second location. The first location is in memory allocated to the first software program and the second location is indicated for data storage.
US09262330B2
A one-dimensional array is allocated in an in-memory cache for each column in a set of tabular data. The data type of each one-dimensional array is set to be the same as the data type of the corresponding column in the tabular data. Once the one-dimensional arrays have been allocated in memory, a portion of the data from each column in the tabular data is stored in a corresponding one-dimensional array. The tabular data stored in the one-dimensional arrays in the cache may then be utilized to generate an on-screen display of a portion of the tabular data.
US09262329B2
In one embodiment, a method performed by one or more computing devices includes receiving at a host cache a first request for data comprising at least one snapshot of a cached logical unit number (LUN), sending, by the host cache, the data comprising at least one snapshot of the cached LUN in response to the first request, and in response to the completing sending the data comprising at least one snapshot of the cached LUN, sending, by the host cache, a first response indicating that sending the data is complete.
US09262325B1
A heterogeneous memory system includes a network interface card, a main memory arrangement, a first-level cache, and a memory management unit (MMU). The main memory arrangement, first-level cache and the MMU are disposed on the network interface card. The first-level cache includes an SRAM arrangement and a DRAM arrangement. The MMU is configured and arranged to read first data from the main memory arrangement in response to a stored first value associated with the first data and indicative of a start time. The MMU selects one of the SRAM arrangement or the DRAM arrangement for storage of the first data and stores the first data in the selected one of the SRAM arrangement or DRAM arrangement. The MMU reads second data from one of the SRAM arrangement or DRAM arrangement and writes the data to the main memory arrangement in response to a stored second value associated with the second data and indicative of a duration.
US09262317B2
Example embodiments for configuring a serial non-volatile memory device may comprise a non-volatile configuration register to store a configuration value received from the processor, the configuration value to specify one or more attributes of a memory access operation. The configuration value may be read at least in part in response to power being applied to the memory device.
US09262314B2
A data transfer device includes a FIFO memory and a control unit which obtains a data amount of the FIFO memory to control the FIFO memory and outputs a selection signal corresponding to the obtained data amount of the FIFO memory. An output data generation unit generates output data including either one of the second output data and an interpolation data selected based on the selection signal, and a first output data stored in a frame memory.
US09262310B2
An apparatus is provided for facilitating bulk assignment of test cases to a test cycle. The apparatus may include at least one memory and at least one processor configured to enable selection, via a user interface, of test cases to assign the test cases to a designated test cycle. The test cases are designated for testing or execution of functions of at least one application. The processor is also configured to automatically calculate an estimated duration of time in which to complete the testing or execution of the functions in response to receipt of indications of selections of the test cases via the user interface. The processor is also configured to provide visible indicia in the user interface indicating the estimated duration of time in which to complete the testing or the execution of the functions of the application. Corresponding computer program products and methods are also provided.
US09262306B2
An online marketplace for distributing software applications is established. From the online marketplace, devices are enabled to select respective ones of the software applications and initiate testing of the selected software applications in connection with testing tools operating in respective secure testing environments that shield the devices from potential adverse effects arising from testing the selected software applications. The testing tools generate testing data relating to one or more criteria for certifying the selected software applications. For each of one or more of the selected software applications, a determination is made whether or not to classify the software application as a certified software application based on an evaluation of the testing data generated during the testing of the software applications initiated by a plurality of the devices.
US09262305B1
Aspects of the present invention describe a system and method for a user of an event-driven simulation environment and/or embedded software debugger interface to step through the source code of components modeled by the environment/debugger, including the embedded software or hardware model source code. In a virtual platform modeling hardware components, bare-metal software programs, and high-level software applications or processes, the source code of each modeled component may be stepped through during simulation. Insertion points for breakpoints or watchpoints may be detected during a traversal of the source code of each component being modeled in the virtual platform and such breakpoints inserted automatically.
US09262302B2
In an embodiment, an address watch is established on a memory address while the execution of a first thread of a program is halted. In response to a second thread modifying memory contents at the memory address, encountering the address watch and halting, a determination is made whether a first variable in the program that represents the memory address is displayed on a user interface for the first thread. If the first variable in the program that represents the memory address is displayed on the user interface for the first thread, the value of the first variable is read and displayed on the user interface of the first thread.
US09262301B2
Methods of managing observability code in an application program include generating an application program including an observability point, the observability point including a location in the application at which observability code, or a call to observability code, can be inserted, loading the application program into a memory of a target system, retrieving observability information from an observability point information file, and inserting the observability code, or the call to the observability code, at the observability point in the memory of the target system using the observability information retrieved from the observability point information file.
US09262300B1
A method for capturing breakpoint information from a debuggee software process includes generating a breakpoint condition based upon a breakpoint request received from a user computing device corresponding to a user and transmitting the generated breakpoint condition to debuglets, each corresponding to a software process executed by a debuggee service. The debuggee service executes on a distributed system, and each debuglet translates the generated breakpoint condition to a physical breakpoint condition set to the respective software process. The method also includes receiving a request from one of the debuglets to update active breakpoint information captured by the debuglet upon the physical breakpoint condition being hit by one of the software processes and transmitting a notification from the processing device indicating the physical breakpoint condition being hit to the user computing device.
US09262299B1
Aspects of the present invention provide a system and method for a user of an event-driven simulator to specify complex breakpoint conditions and actions which allow both hardware and software states to be accessed. In a virtual platform modeling hardware components, bare-metal software programs, and high-level software applications or processes, a global identifier may be used to unambiguously identify each element, object, and subcomponent of the modeled system. The unambiguous global identifier may include an instance name and a hierarchical path name. A state of a specific element, object, or modeled component may trigger a breakpoint or be utilized or set as part of a breakpoint condition.
US09262295B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for configuration item (CI) status value analysis for multiple performance monitors. In one embodiment of the invention, a multi-CI analysis method can be provided. The method can include weighting different CI status values produced by different performance monitors for a single resource in a monitored computing system and displaying selected ones of the weighted different CI status values according to relevance determined by weight. In one aspect of the embodiment, weighting different CI status values produced by different performance monitors for a single resource in a monitored computing system can include locating the different CI status values for the single resource in a configuration management database (CMDB), identifying the different performance monitors producing the different CI status values in the CMDB and applying weights to the different CI status values according to CI status value characteristics.
US09262293B2
Methods and apparatus are provided that facilitate debugging operations for components in dynamic power domains. In an embodiment, an integrated circuit includes hardware sectors associated with observability circuits served by a debug data bus of a debug circuit. A controlled sector residing in a dynamically-controlled power domain may be turned off while the power domain of another sector remains on. To continue to have debug observability all the way through and after these power events, a debug data register is configured to provide data, such as configuration and/or programming data, to the observability circuit of the controlled sector via the debug data bus. A shadow register is configured to capture the data provided to the controlled sector's observability circuit. The shadow register data is used upon restoring power to the controlled sector to restore the controlled sector's observability circuit to a state when the controlled sector was previously powered on.
US09262292B2
Exemplary system, method and computer-accessible medium for testing a multi-core chip can be provided which can have and/or utilize a plurality of identical cores. This can be performed by comparing each core with as many as at least the number of spare cores plus 1 using a comparator; the number of comparators can equal the total number of cores multiplied by one-half the number of spare cores plus 1. A mismatch between two cores can identify at least one of the two cores as defective and a perfect match between two cores can identify both cores as not defective. The multi-core chip can fail the test if the number of defective cores can be greater than the number of spare cores.
US09262290B2
In one embodiment, a system includes a processor and logic integrated with and/or executable by the processor, the logic being configured to cause the processor to define a disaster recovery (DR) family, the DR family having one or more DR clusters accessible to a DR host and one or more production clusters accessible to a production host, wherein the DR host is configured to replicate data from the one or more production clusters to the one or more DR clusters, create a backup copy of data stored to the one or more production clusters, store the backup copy to the one or more DR clusters, establish a time-zero in the DR family, and share a point-in-time data consistency at the time-zero among all clusters within the DR family. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are presented for DR testing, according to more embodiments.
US09262284B2
Embodiments of the invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to memory fault tolerance, and provide a novel and non-obvious method, system and apparatus for single channel memory mirroring. In one embodiment of the invention, a single channel memory mirroring system can be provided. The single channel memory mirroring system can include a memory controller, a single communications channel, and an operational data portion of memory, and a duplicate data portion of memory, both portions being communicatively coupled to the memory controller over the single communications channel. Finally, the system can include single channel memory mirror logic. The logic can include program code enabled to mirror data in the operational data portion of memory in the duplicate data portion of memory.
US09262276B2
A system and method for managing storage of a digital stream including writing data of the stream to a network storage device, while monitoring availability of the network storage device, switching to writing additional data of the stream to a standby storage device while continuing monitoring the availability of the network storage device, if the network storage device becomes unavailable, switching back to writing additional data of the stream to the network storage device while continuing monitoring the availability of the network storage device, when the network storage device becomes available, and writing to the network storage device the additional data that was written to the standby storage device while the network storage device was unavailable, concurrently with the writing of the additional data of the stream to the network storage device.
US09262273B2
Techniques are described for managing access of executing programs to non-local block data storage. In some situations, a block data storage service uses multiple server storage systems to reliably store block data that may be accessed over one or more networks by programs executing on other physical computing systems. Users may create block data storage volumes that are each stored by at least two of the server block data storage systems, and may initiate use of such volumes by one or more executing programs, such as in a reliable manner by enabling an automatic switch to a second volume copy if a first volume copy becomes unavailable. A group of multiple server block data storage systems that store block data volumes may in some situations be co-located at a data center, and programs that use volumes stored there may execute on other physical computing systems at that data center.
US09262271B2
A method of improving fault tolerance in a computing system arranged to find a computational solution, the method comprising: computing at least two versions of the solution by using a hierarchy of at least two different solvers in parallel; and if there is a fault during execution of a solver resulting in a missing value, substituting a value from a solver that is lower in the hierarchy to replace the missing value.
US09262267B2
A paging scheme for a Solid State Drive (SSD) error correction mechanism that exchanges portions of a parity component, such as a page, between SRAM and less expensive DRAM, which stores the remainder of a context of pages. A parity operation applies an XOR function to corresponding memory positions in the pages of the context. Dedicated error correction (parity) SRAM need only enough memory for portions of memory, typically a cache line of a page, upon which the parity operation (XOR) is operating. The remaining portions in the context are swapped, or paged out, by cache logic such that the entire context is iteratively processed (XORed) by the parity operation.
US09262257B2
A computer cluster includes a group of connected computers that work together essentially as a single system. Each computer in the cluster is called a node. Each node has a boot device configured to load an image of an operating system into the node's main memory. Sometimes the boot device of a first node experiences a problem that prevents the operating system from loading. This can affect the entire cluster. Some aspects of the disclosure, however, are directed to operations that determine the problem with the first node's boot device based on a communication sent via a first communications network. Further, the operations can communicate to the first node a copy of boot data from a second node's boot device. The copy of the boot data is sent via a second communications network different from the first communications network. The copy of the boot data can solve the first boot device's problem.
US09262256B2
Dark-bit masking technologies for physically unclonable function (PUF) components are described. A computing system includes a processor core and a secure key manager component coupled to the processor core. The secure key manager includes the PUF component, and a dark-bit masking circuit coupled to the PUF component. The dark-bit masking circuit is to measure a PUF value of the PUF component multiple times during a dark-bit window to detect whether the PUF value of the PUF component is a dark bit. The dark bit indicates that the PUF value of the PUF component is unstable during the dark-bit window. The dark-bit masking circuit is to output the PUF value as an output PUF bit of the PUF component when the PUF value is not the dark bit and set the output PUF bit to be a specified value when the PUF value of the PUF component is the dark bit.
US09262251B1
Systems and methods for the analysis of memory information of a computing device are provided. One or more user computing devices may transmit memory information to a memory analysis system. The memory analysis system may generate a weighted object graph based on the received memory information, and identify subgraphs to inspect for potential memory use patterns. If such patterns are common in an identified subgraph, they may indicate a potential memory leak. The memory analysis system may further analyze a larger portion of the weighted object graph based on a detected common pattern. Each detected pattern may be ranked based on the likelihood that it corresponds to a memory leak.
US09262242B2
Exemplary machine-to-machine (“M2M”) device client systems, methods, and interfaces are described herein. An exemplary M2M device includes an M2M device client configured to provide 1) a platform messaging interface through which the M2M device client communicates with an M2M platform and 2) an application interface that includes a set of application program interfaces (“APIs”) through which an application installed on the M2M device interfaces with the M2M device client. The set of APIs may include one or more of the exemplary APIs and/or API function calls described herein. Corresponding systems, methods, and interfaces are also described.
US09262240B2
A setting storage unit stores first setting information that defines an operation of a first application that runs on a guest OS and second setting information that defines an operation of a second application that runs on at least one of another guest OS and a host OS. A correspondence storage unit stores first identification information for identifying the first setting information and second identification information for identifying the second setting information, in association with each other. An alternative access gaining unit reads from the correspondence storage unit the second identification information corresponding to the first identification information of the first setting information for which an access request is received, and accesses the second setting information of the second identification information that is read out, in place of the first setting information for which the access request is received.
US09262239B2
This document describes techniques enabling users to customize their applications through workflows. In contrast to often-simplistic rules, these user-selectable workflows can be arbitrary and nearly limitless in number and complexity. Further, these workflows do not require that an application designer build them by adding or altering code of the application. The techniques enable users to create workflows by connecting exposed events and exposed actions of an application. These connections, referred to as “synapses,” are used by the techniques to build workflows, thereby permitting users to customize the application.
US09262238B2
A computing device detects an event generated by a first component that publishes a connection endpoint, the event indicating that the connection endpoint of the first component has been modified. The computing device determines a second component that subscribes to the connection endpoint. The computing device updates a location of the connection endpoint in a data structure associated with the second component to maintain a connection between the first component and the second component.
US09262207B2
When executed, a transaction-begin instruction specifies an initial value for a transaction-count-to-completion (CTC) value for a transaction. The initial value indicates a predicted duration of the transaction. The CTC value may be a number of instructions to completion or an amount of time to completion. The CTC value is adjusted as the transaction progresses. The adjusted CTC value indicates how far the transaction is from completion. When a disruptive event associated with inducing transactional aborts, such as an interrupt or a conflicting memory access, is identified while processing the transaction, processing of the disruptive event is deferred if the adjusted CTC value satisfies deferral criteria. If the adjusted CTC value does not satisfy deferral criteria, the transaction is aborted and the disruptive event is processed.
US09262206B2
When executed, a transaction-begin instruction specifies an initial value for a transaction-count-to-completion (CTC) value for a transaction. The initial value indicates a predicted duration of the transaction. The CTC value may be a number of instructions to completion or an amount of time to completion. The CTC value is adjusted as the transaction progresses. The adjusted CTC value indicates how far the transaction is from completion. When a disruptive event associated with inducing transactional aborts, such as an interrupt or a conflicting memory access, is identified while processing the transaction, processing of the disruptive event is deferred if the adjusted CTC value satisfies deferral criteria. If the adjusted CTC value does not satisfy deferral criteria, the transaction is aborted and the disruptive event is processed.
US09262203B2
A computerized method, computer system, and computer program product for processing an execution request within different computing environments. Execution requests and generated reference information are forwarded to the different computing environments, where the requests are executing using the reference information. Results of the processed execution requests are collected from the different computing environments. The results are compared to identify whether a discrepancy exists giving indication of a software or hardware error.
US09262194B2
Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to emulate a virtual device with bidirectional communication capability using a hypervisor. A virtual machine, started by the hypervisor, is capable of receiving hypervisor information from, and transmitting virtual machine information to the hypervisor via the bidirectional communication capability. Further activity may include detecting the existence of the hypervisor information by detecting a logical connection of the virtual device, and masking the existence of the virtual device from a virtual machine user inside the virtual machine. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US09262188B1
Techniques are disclosed for managing assets, such as virtual assets, in a computing system implemented with distributed virtual infrastructure. In one example, a method comprises the following steps. Operational information associated with a plurality of virtual assets in a data center is obtained in a trusted manner. The data center is implemented via a distributed virtual infrastructure. At least a portion of the operational information for at least a portion of the plurality of virtual assets in the data center is reported. The operational information reported is operational information pertaining to one or more virtual assets that the data center provides for a tenant of the data center. The obtaining and reporting steps are performed by at least one processing device operating as a virtual asset manager operatively coupled to the distributed virtual infrastructure.
US09262186B2
Provided is an code rearranger and method for a virtual machine that uses a just-in-time-compiler (JITC) to manage a location of machine code stored in a code cache. The apparatus may rearrange consecutively-executable machine codes from among those stored in the code cache to be placed successively.
US09262181B2
A computer program product for process allocation is configured to determine a set of two or more processes of a plurality of processes that share at least one resource in a multi-node system, wherein each of the set of two or more processes is running on different nodes of the multi-node system. The program code can be configured to calculate a value based on a weight of the resource and frequency of access of the resource by each process. The program code can be configured to determine a pair of processes of the set of processes having a greatest sum of calculated values by resource. The program code can be configured to allocate a first process of the pair of processes from a first node in the multi-node system to a second node in the multi-node system that hosts a second process of the pair of processes.
US09262176B2
Arrangements for executing enterprise resource planning software in a plurality of modes are presented. A graphical user interface may allow an administrator to select from the plurality of modes for executing the enterprise resource planning software, such as a test mode and a production mode. A selection of one of the modes may be received. The selected mode may be linked with a particular initialization file that is used to initialize the enterprise resource software. The enterprise resource planning software may be initialized and run using the selected initialization file.
US09262173B2
A method and apparatus for detecting lock instructions and lock release instruction, as well as predicting critical sections is herein described. A lock instruction is detected with detection logic, which potentially resides in decode logic. A lock instruction entry associated with the lock instruction is stored/created. Address locations and values to be written to those address location of subsequent potential lock release instruction are compared to the address loaded from by the lock instruction and the value load by the lock instruction. If the addresses and values match, it is determined that the lock release instruction matches the lock instruction. A prediction entry stores a reference to the lock instruction, such as a last instruction pointer (LIP), and an associated value to represent the lock instruction is to be elided upon subsequent detection, if it is determined that the lock release instruction matches the lock instruction.
US09262167B2
A system and method for testing whether a computer processor is capable of executing a requested instruction set. The system includes a computer processor configured to receive an encoded conditional branch instruction in a form of machine code executable directly by the computer processor, and implement the encoded conditional branch instruction unconditionally, based on underlying hardware architecture of the computer processor. The Method for testing whether a computer processor is capable of executing a requested instruction set, the method including, receiving an encoded conditional branch instruction in a form of machine code executable directly by the computer processor, and implementing the encoded conditional branch instruction unconditionally, based on underlying hardware architecture of the computer processor.
US09262165B2
A vector processor includes an instruction fetching unit configured to acquire an instruction, a decoding/issuing unit configured to decode the instruction and issuing the instruction, an operation group configured to include a plurality of operation units and a register configured to store the element data column, wherein the plurality of operation units include a first operation unit processes a first type instruction and a second operation unit processes a second type instruction and the first type instruction; and when a plurality of divided instructions, for which the element data of an instruction to be issued has been divided, are processed by the second operation unit, in a case where the second type instruction is not present, the decoding/issuing unit issues the divided instructions, and in a case where the second type instruction is present, the decoding/issuing unit issues the instruction to be issued without performing division.
US09262159B2
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for receiving incoming data in a processor and performing a checksum operation on the incoming data in the processor pursuant to a user-level instruction for the checksum operation. For example, a cyclic redundancy checksum may be computed in the processor itself responsive to the user-level instruction. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09262157B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for matching and attributing code violations. One of the methods includes receiving a snapshot S of a code base of source code and a different snapshot T of the code base. Data representing first violations in the snapshot S and second violations in the snapshot T is received. Pairs of matching violations are determined using performing two or more matching processes, including performing a first matching process, the first matching process determining first pairs of matching violations according to a first matching algorithm and performing a second matching process, the second matching process determining second pairs of matching violations according to a second matching algorithm from violations not matched by the first matching process. The first pairs of matching violations and the second pairs of matching violations are included in the determined pairs of matching violations.
US09262151B2
A system and method is provided for configuring compatibility algorithms for testing compatibility of applications with a platform. The method is performed by one or more processors and comprises attaching compatibility algorithms associated with compatibility applications with meta data or executable code. The method also comprises receiving a request for determining which compatibility algorithms are compatible with a platform, wherein the request includes one or more attributes of the platform. The method further comprises comparing the one or more attributes of the platform with the attached meta data or attached executable code, and identifying at least one compatibility algorithm based on the comparison such that the identified compatibility algorithm determines whether to run the identified compatibility algorithm.
US09262146B1
Software is supplied via data storage system. A software image is provided to the data storage system from an external website. It is determined that software needs to be installed on a host. The software image is retrieved from the data storage system. The software is installed on the host using the software image.
US09262118B2
A graphical display includes multiple networked modules for controlling different group of pixels in the graphical display. In one embodiment, each module includes a network interface for receiving data and control signals, LED drivers for the pixels in the portion of the graphical display, and a control circuit that controls the currents in the LEDs in accordance with the control and data signals received. Memory modules may be provided to store data and programs for the control circuit. The network interfaces of the modules may comply with an industry standard computer network protocol.
US09262111B2
Print control apparatus, print control method, and non-transitory computer readable recording medium
A print control apparatus that discharges a print product produced by a print unit by using any of a plurality of discharge methods includes a first specifying unit that specifies a priority of an input print job and a second specifying unit that specifies a discharge method set for the input print job. The print control apparatus further includes a determination unit that determines an order of printing of the input print job in queued print jobs in accordance with a specifying result of the first specifying unit and a discharge method specified by the second specifying unit, and a print control unit configured to cause the print unit to execute printing based on the input print job on a continuous sheet in accordance with the order of printing of the print job determined by the determination unit.
US09262107B2
Provided is an image forming apparatus including a display section that displays a first operating portion through which a first operation instruction of an operator is input and a second operating portion through which a second operation instruction different from the first operation instruction is input, on a display screen in image formation and an image forming section that performs the image formation, when the first operation instruction of the operator is input through the first operating portion displayed by the display section, onto a recording medium, and displays, when the second operation instruction of the operator is input through the second operating portion displayed by the display section, the image data stored in the storage unit as a list and performs the image formation onto the recording medium for image data selected from the list by the operator.
US09262103B2
Provided is an image forming apparatus that performs appropriately changing to the power-saving mode according to environment (luminosity) of a place that user exists, without increasing in a cost. When there is access from a portable terminal, communication circuit requests to the portable terminal for transmission of illuminance information detected by an illuminance sensor in a side of the portable terminal. Then, based on the illuminance information, mode switching circuit changes to the power-saving mode.
US09262096B2
Implementations disclosed herein provide for dynamically mapping logical block addresses (LBA) of unfinished data blocks to unused data blocks during an in-the-field finishing process of a storage medium. Such dynamic mapping creates an impression that the storage medium operates at an advertised capacity before the effective capacity is equal to the advertised capacity.
US09262090B2
A method for mirroring data between virtual machines includes intercepting a write command initiated from a virtual machine. Address and data information from the intercepted write command is stored within a queue located within a memory buffer of the primary server. The stored address and data information is transferred, upon filling the queue of the memory buffer of the primary server to a predetermined level, to a dedicated region of the memory of the primary server. The stored address and data information is sent from the dedicated region of the memory of the primary server to a backup server upon filling of the dedicated region of the memory of the primary server to a predetermined level.
US09262077B2
The solid state drive device includes a memory device including a plurality of flash memories and a memory controller connected with a host and configured to control the memory device. The memory controller includes first and second cores, a host interface configured to interface with the host, and a flash memory controller configured to control the plurality of flash memories. The first core is configured to control transmission and reception of data to and from the host. The second core is configured to control transmission and reception of data to and from the memory device.
US09262075B1
A computing device may output a graphical keyboard for display. The graphical keyboard may comprise a first and a second subset of keys. The first and second subsets of keys may be arranged to form a first shape and a second shape that enclose a first and a second central area of the graphical keyboard, respectively. No key of the first subset of keys is adjacent to more than two other keys in the first subset of keys. No key of the second subset of keys is adjacent to more than two other keys in the second subset of keys. For each respective letter key in the first and second subsets of keys, the respective letter key is positioned within the graphical keyboard at a location that is generally consistent with a position of a key for the letter a QWERTY-style keyboard.
US09262066B2
A user terminal device and a method are provided. The user terminal includes a display unit for displaying a plurality of UI lines, each including displayed objects of different categories, and a background image corresponding to one of the objects displayed on the plurality of UI lines; and a control unit for controlling the display unit to change the objects displayed on the plurality of UI lines in accordance with an update state of the objects, reconfigure the changed objects, and display the reconfigured objects; wherein a length of each of the plurality of UI lines is changeable individually.
US09262062B2
A method of providing one or more thumbnail images and an image photographing apparatus thereof include displaying a plurality of thumbnail images corresponding respectively to a plurality of image data, if at least one of the plurality of thumbnail images is selected, changing a displaying status of the selected thumbnail image to be distinguishable from that of remaining thumbnail images and, if a user's motion is recognized, replacing the remaining thumbnail images with other thumbnail images while keeping the selected thumbnail image therein.
US09262053B2
An information provision method and apparatus of a mobile terminal is provided for managing and providing information items associated with a plurality of communication accounts of a user in an integrated manner. An information provision method for a mobile terminal includes configuring a plurality of identity informations associated with communications of a specific contact item; detecting an input for selecting an integrated contact management menu; and displaying the identity informations or communication informations associated with individual identity informations in an integrated manner.
US09262046B2
Methods, systems, and products adapt gaming applications to participants. Should one of the participants be a minor, for example, the gaming application may adapt to scenarios that are appropriate for minors. Similarly, the gaming application may adapt to customs associated with a country of a participant.
US09262042B2
Devices, methods and products are described that provide file transfer applications. One aspect provides a method including opening a file transfer application on an information handling device having an internal storage device; providing a source display area indicating a source storage device; providing a destination display area indicating a destination storage device; responsive to movement of one or more file icons a predetermined threshold amount beyond a boundary separating said source display area and said destination display area, change one or more indications to indicate to a user a destination storage device to which one or more files is to be transferred, said changing further comprising modifying screen brightness of the source display area; and responsive to movement of said one or more file icons a predetermined threshold amount beyond said boundary, transferring said one or more files to said destination storage device. Other embodiments are described.
US09262037B2
A method for processing email is presented here. The method begins by receiving email capture criteria for incoming email messages directed to a destination tenant of a multi-tenant database system. The method continues by comparing the email capture criteria to searchable information conveyed in the incoming email messages. When the searchable information in a candidate email message of the incoming email messages matches the email capture criteria by at least a threshold amount, the candidate email message is identified as a matched email message. The method continues by saving a copy of the matched email message for diagnostic analysis, and performing incoming email processing on the matched email message.
US09262030B2
According to one embodiment, a lateral-electric-field liquid crystal display device includes a light-emitting display layer including OLEDs and a driving circuit controlling light emission of the OLEDs, a moisture impermeable film provided to be laminated on the light-emitting display layer to prevent infiltration of moisture into the light-emitting display layer, an optical substrate provided separately from the moisture impermeable film and subjecting light from the light-emitting display region to optical processing, a first touch electrode group serving as one electrode group of touch electrodes and provided on a back surface of the optical substrate, and an extraction electrode group formed to be laminated on the moisture impermeable film, the extraction electrode group and the optical substrate have an overlapping part in plan view, and electrodes of the first touch electrode group being electrically connected to electrodes of the extraction electrode group in the overlapping part.
US09262027B2
A coordinate input device includes: a coordinate input unit having a plurality of first detection electrodes and a plurality of second detection electrodes; an electrode drive circuit that applies a drive signal to one or more of the detection electrodes; a detection circuit that detects a signal of the first and/or second detection electrode; a selection circuit for selecting one or more of the detection electrodes to which the drive signal is not applied from among the detection electrodes which are disposed in parallel to the detection electrodes to which the drive signal is applied, as a reference electrode; a detection circuit for detecting a signal of the selected reference electrode; an input coordinate computing circuit for correcting a detection result of the detection circuit on the basis of the detected capacitance of the reference electrode and for calculating an input coordinate from the corrected detection result.
US09262016B2
A gesture recognition method comprises capturing images, processing the images to identify at least two clusters of touch points associated with at least two pointers, recognizing a gesture based on motion of the clusters, and updating a display in accordance with the recognized gesture.
US09262000B2
Systems, devices and methods are described including using a Human Interface Device (HID) source device to configure a HID sink device to provide interface data such as multi-touch data. The HID source device may enable a data module in the HID sink device to generate the interface data. After receiving the interface data the HID source device may generate output data and provide the output data to the HID sink device.
US09261998B2
One object of an embodiment is to provide a novel electronic device which is configured so that a user can read data regardless of a location, input data by directly touching a keyboard displayed on a screen or indirectly touching the keyboard with a stylus pen or the like, and use the input data. The electronic device includes a first transistor electrically connected to a reflective electrode and a photo sensor over a flexible substrate. A touch-input button is displayed as a still image on a first screen region of a display portion, and a video signal is output so that a moving image is displayed on a second screen region of the display portion. A video signal processing portion supplying different signals between the case where a still image is displayed on the display portion and the case where a moving image is displayed on the display portion is provided. After writing of a still image is performed, a display element control circuit is put in a non-operation state, whereby power consumption can be reduced.
US09261978B2
Systems and methods according to the present invention address these needs and others by providing a handheld device, e.g., a 3D pointing device, which uses at least one sensor to detect motion of the handheld device. The detected motion can then be mapped into a desired output, e.g., cursor movement.
US09261974B2
A method and apparatus is capable of processing a sensory effect of image data. The apparatus includes an image analyzer that analyzes depth information and texture information about at least one object included in an image. A motion analyzer analyzes a motion of a user. An image matching processor matches the motion of the user to the image. An image output unit outputs the image to which the motion of the user is matched, and a sensory effect output unit outputs a texture of an object touched by the body of the user to the body of the user.
US09261972B2
Sliding and non-sliding touch input to an electronic device may be selected so that the motions associated with a character to input are intuitive and thus easy to remember. The motions for the contacts of the touch input may be selected ergonomically in a way enabling touch-typing, thus increasing user comfort for longer periods of use. Multiple repositionable finger contact regions are maintained on a contact surface in an arrangement that is easily accessible for the user's fingertips. Each available input character is associated with a unique finger contact or set of simultaneously-entered contacts, each contact being either sliding or non-sliding contact, and the sliding contacts having a direction associated with the character. One example touch surface is a touch screen. Another example touch surface is the table upon which the electronic device sets and thus separate from the electronic device and freeing space on the device for other use.
US09261971B2
An input device is provided in the present application. The input device includes a first panel and a second panel, the first panel is provided with multiple grooves; the second panel is located under the first panel or fused to a bottom of the first panel, and includes a sensing unit configured to sense a key. In the input device, each of the grooves is arranged to correspond to one key area, and a key command may be input by performing a touch key operation on a corresponding sensing unit under the groove. Compared with the conventional input device, in the input device of the present application, the input of the key command may be realized without key caps and scissor-shaped structures for supporting the key caps, thereby shortening the key travel and reducing the thickness of the input device.
US09261965B2
An application runs on an electronic device having a touch surface, with one or more virtual controls on the touch surface. An overlay panel is attached to the electronic device, with one or more physical actuators mounted within a nonconductive frame. Each physical actuator has one or more conductive elements configured to create a conductive path through the physical actuator. Each physical actuator is aligned with and makes contact with one or more associated virtual controls on the touch surface, such that a user can operate the virtual control(s) by actuating the associated physical actuator(s).
US09261964B2
A method for rejecting an unintentional palm touch is disclosed. In at least some embodiments, a touch is detected by a touch-sensitive surface associated with a display. Characteristics of the touch may be used to generate a set of parameters related to the touch. In an embodiment, firmware is used to determine a reliability value for the touch. The reliability value and the location of the touch is provided to a software module. The software module uses the reliability value and an activity context to determine a confidence level of the touch. In an embodiment, the confidence level may include an evaluation of changes in the reliability value over time. If the confidence level for the touch is too low, it may be rejected.
US09261954B2
There is provided a display control device including a display controller configured to place a virtual object within an augmented reality space corresponding to a real space in accordance with a recognition result of a real object shown in an image captured by an imaging part, and an operation acquisition part configured to acquire a user operation. When the user operation is a first operation, the display controller causes the virtual object to move within the augmented reality space.
US09261948B2
An image forming apparatus automatically recognizes and responds to an encrypted heartbeat packet only with a small amount of calculation, without causing a sub control unit to execute an SSL/TLS decryption process. As a result, the image forming apparatus can execute a proxy response with less power consumption.
US09261945B2
A computer-implemented method dynamically limits peak power consumption in processing nodes of an IHS. A power management micro-controller receives processing node-level power-usage and workload data from several node controllers, including current power consumption and a current workload, for each processing node within the IHS. A total available system power of the IHS is identified including a peak power output capacity and a sustained output power capacity. At least one node peak power threshold is determined based on the power-usage and workload data for each of the processing nodes. The node controllers are triggered to determine and set a central processing unit (CPU) peak power limit for each of several CPUs within each of the processing nodes based on the node peak power threshold, wherein each of the CPUs dynamically adjusts an operating frequency based on the CPU peak power limit.
US09261936B2
A network terminal includes: an oscillator circuit; a communication processing unit which transmits and receives communication data through a transmission path, using the clock; a controller unit which controls a function of the network terminal, using the clock; a clock control unit which causes the oscillator circuit to start or stop oscillating, and supply the clock; and a signal detecting unit which monitors a wave detection signal communicated through the transmission path in the case where the communication processing unit is not operating, and generates an activation signal according to which the clock control unit causes the oscillator circuit to start oscillating at a time when the wave detection signal exceeds a threshold value. The signal detecting unit is operable without using the clock, and the controller unit switches a detectable wave detection signal by changing a circuit constant of the signal detecting unit.
US09261930B2
Embodiments include determining, based on component temperature information of a thermal sensor associated with a component, that a temperature of the component of a computer system has surpassed a temperature threshold. A thermal sensor that is downstream from the component is identified, wherein the downstream thermal sensor is downstream from the component as defined by airflow through the computer system. Downstream temperature information as measured by the downstream sensor is determined. The downstream temperature information and the component temperature information are compared.
US09261913B2
A system or method including a display and sensor to detect touches of the display. The display can display an image of a keyboard. The image of the keyboard can be shaped to the locations of the touches of the display.
US09261899B2
An electronic apparatus including a connector configured to electrically connect with a terminal of a second electronic device; a first detector configured to detect an electrical connection between the connector and the terminal; a second detector configured to detect physical contact between the connector and the terminal; and circuitry configured to control a lock structure based on outputs of the first and second detectors.
US09261894B2
A pedal system for an aircraft comprising a pedal and a pedal mounting mechanism is provided. The pedal is configured for manipulation through at least one operational degree of freedom by a pilot to provide control inputs to the aircraft. The pedal mounting mechanism is configured for supporting the pedal within a cockpit of the aircraft for manipulation by the pilot. The pedal mounting mechanism provides at least two adjustment degrees of freedom for adjusting the position of the pedal within the cockpit.
US09261893B1
A robotic system may include an incremental encoder coupled to a joint of the system. The robotic system may include a memory configured to store representations of angular positions of the joint. The robotic system may include a motor coupled to the joint, where rotation of the joint while the motor is powered off (i) causes rotation of the motor such that electric power is generated, and (ii) updates the angular position of the joint. The robotic system may use the electric power to power on the incremental encoder and the memory while the robotic system is powered off. One or more processors may obtain, when the robotic system powers on after being powered off, the updated angular position of the joint from the memory, where the incremental encoder provides the updated angular position to the memory while the robotic system is powered off.
US09261876B2
A machining method for machining a surface of a spectacle lens at a fixed rotation speed, includes a step of determining the rotation speed from geometric characteristics of the surface, characterized in that the step of determining the rotation speed includes the following steps: a value (Maxdiff) representative of the largest difference in geometric value of the mean sphere on the surface is determined; and the rotation speed is deduced from the value (Maxdiff) of the largest difference in geometric values of the mean sphere on the surface and from a geometric value of the cylinder (FV torus) at a predetermined far-vision control point.
US09261873B2
In a method for positioning machine axes in machine tools, a numerical control converts setpoint positions of a tool, predefined in workpiece coordinates, into setpoint positions of machine axes based on a kinematic chain defined by a kinematic table. In this context, transformations of the coordinates are indicated in the kinematic table in a plurality of entries describing the kinematics of the machine tool, by specifying an axial direction and an associated transformation amount, respectively, per entry. For a machine axis having an error in a direction other than the respective axial direction, error transformation amounts dependent on the axial position are entered into the kinematic table.
US09261870B2
A system of electrical distribution within a building, which selectively energizes power sockets only when an appliance is connected to the socket and in need of power.
US09261869B2
A pressure and flow calculation technique that efficiently solves for pressures and flows within a process network uses both a simultaneous and a sequential solving method. The calculation technique first determines a flow conductance for each of the process network elements, linearizes pressure and flow relationships in each flow path by determining a linearized flow conductance for each process element and then determines a composite process network having a linearized, composite process component in each flow path to produce a simplified process network. A simultaneous solving method is then used to simultaneously solve for the pressures and flows at each of a set of junction nodes of the simplified process network and thereafter a sequential solving method is applied to determine the pressures and flows at the other nodes of the process network.
US09261867B2
A parameter acquiring device for acquiring parameters for a control valve has a controlling valve operating unit, a valve opening signal acquiring unit and a parameter calculator. The controlling valve operating unit operates a controlling valve in an opening direction and in a closing direction by changing, in a specific sequence, a control signal that controls an opening of a regulator valve. The valve opening signal acquiring unit acquires a signal indicating an actual opening of the regulator valve. The parameter calculator acquires data pairs of control signals and valve opening signals. The parameter calculator calculates a parameter of the control valve based on the data pairs that have been acquired.
US09261864B2
A state signal is produced that indicates a state of an energy transmission system. In the method, for pre-determined network nodes of the energy transmission system, electrical measuring values for at least one electrical measuring variable are measured and used to produce the state signal indicating the state. Respectively predicted load data that predict the electrical behavior of the respective load are associated with the electrical loads connected to the energy transmission system. The electrical loads are respectively associated with an electrical load group into which the electrical loads are collected with comparable prognostic reliability. An individual weighting value that describes the prognosis reliability of the predicted load data of the loads associated with the load group is respectively allocated to each load group. The state signal is formed using the measuring values, the load data and the weighting values.
US09261859B2
Universal running equation of time mechanism including a differential device outputting a running equation minute, the running equation minute driving a true minute which, via a true equation motion work drives a true hour, the civil time minute cannon-pinion driving, via a motion work wheel set, a civil hour wheel, a jumper spring, integral with the civil hour wheel, cooperating with a star having twelve teeth connected to an arbor carrying a civil hour hand, a time zone wheel also being integral with the arbor, a time difference and display train applying the time difference linked to the longitude position of the user relative to the center of the time zone to the true running equation hour, the time zone wheel applying to the civil hour wheel, in forward or backward one-hour steps, the time difference between the civil time at the place where the user is situated and the time at the center of the time zone.
US09261858B2
An image forming apparatus has: an exhaust air duct capable of forming a first air flow path for an exhaust air cleaning function and a second air flow path for a room air cleaning function, the exhaust air duct having a common use space used in common for the exhaust air cleaning function and the room air cleaning function; a switching member configured to switch a flow path in the exhaust air duct, depending on which of the cleaning functions is activated; a fan configured to discharge air from the common use space in an active state of the exhaust air cleaning function and in an active state of the room air cleaning function; and a control unit configured to control the switching member and to adjust a rotation speed of the fan, depending on which of the cleaning functions is activated.
US09261855B2
An image forming apparatus include a door through which a tray carrying a cartridge passes. In a door closing operation, (i) movement of the tray from a movable position to an image forming position, (ii) movement of a drive transmission member, for transmitting a driving force to the cartridge from a main assembly, from a first spacing position to a drive-connecting position, (iii) movement of an urging member for urging the cartridge to the main assembly from a second spacing position to a contact position, and (iv) movement of an electric energy supply member, for supplying electric power to the cartridge from the main assembly, from a third spacing position to an electric energy supplying position, are carried out in the order named.
US09261843B2
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion, a storage portion, a density measurement portion, a calibration portion, and a correction portion. The image forming portion is configured to form an image by using a developer. The storage portion is configured to store a relationship between a number of pixels formed by the image forming portion and a usage amount of the developer. The density measurement portion is configured to perform measurement of a density of a patch image formed by the image forming portion. The calibration portion is configured to perform calibration based on the measured density. The correction portion is configured to perform correction of the relationship between the number of pixels and the usage amount of the developer, the relationship being stored in the storage portion, by using differences in number of pixels at a plurality of previously set densities between before and after the calibration.
US09261840B2
An image forming unit forms a plurality of measurement images based on a plurality of process conditions. A measurement unit measures the density of each of the plurality of measurement images. A determination unit uses a first determination mode or a second determination mode. In the first determination mode, a process condition is determined from a first measurement result higher than target density and a second measurement result lower than the target density, from among a plurality of measurement results. In the second determination mode, the process condition is determined from measurement results lower than the target density.
US09261827B2
In accordance with one embodiment, a heat source unit comprises a first heating section configured to include a first heating member and a first pressing member; a second heating section, which is arranged at the downstream side of the first heating section in a paper conveyance direction, configured to include a second heating member and a second pressing member; a heat source opening and closing mechanism configured to include a rotation shaft at the upstream side of the first heating section in the paper conveyance direction, and be capable of being opened and closed around the rotation shaft; and a paper conveyance guide section configured to include, between the first and the second heating sections, a first paper conveyance rib arranged at one side of the paper conveyance path and a second paper conveyance rib arranged at the other side of the paper conveyance path.
US09261825B2
An image heating apparatus includes: first and second rotatable members configured and positioned to form a nip for heating a toner image on a sheet; a rubbing rotatable member configured to rub a surface of the first rotatable member; a moving mechanism configured to move the rubbing rotatable member relative to the first rotatable member between a rubbing position for carrying out a rubbing process for the first rotatable member and a retracted position retracted from the rubbing position; and an executing portion configured to execute the rubbing process in accordance with a number and a kind of the sheet processed by the image heating apparatus.
US09261820B2
A cleaning device includes a cleaning portion, a polishing roller, a layer thickness restricting member, and a swaying portion. The cleaning portion removes toner that has adhered to a surface of a rotation body. The polishing roller polishes a surface of the rotation body by rotating in a state where a surface of the polishing roller is in contact with the surface of the rotation body and the toner removed by the cleaning portion has adhered to the surface of the polishing roller. The layer thickness restricting member restricts a layer thickness of the toner that has adhered to the surface of the polishing roller. The swaying portion includes a biasing portion, an undulating portion and a support portion, and causes the polishing roller to sway in an axis direction of the rotation body.
US09261819B1
A developer supply device includes a shaft portion arranged in a container main body, a moving wall movable along the shaft portion, a developer discharge port and a shutter mechanism. A control unit causes the moving wall to be arranged at a first position when a remaining amount of the developer is a predetermined first remaining amount and moves the moving wall to a second position closer to the developer discharge port than the first position in the first direction when the remaining amount is a second remaining amount smaller than the first remaining amount, and causes the shutter mechanism to be set in a first open state with a predetermined opening degree when the moving wall is at the first position and causes the shutter mechanism to be set in a second open state larger than the first open state when the moving wall is at the second position.
US09261812B1
A toner adder roll according to one example embodiment includes an electrically conductive shaft defining an axis of rotation of the toner adder roll. A foam member is cylindrically disposed about the shaft and forms an outer circumferential surface of the toner adder roll. The foam member is composed of a polymeric open-cell foam material. An abrasive agent is dispersed on the outer circumferential surface of the toner adder roll.
US09261810B2
A printing apparatus herein includes a sheet feeder and a photoreceptor adjacent the sheet feeder. The photoreceptor receives print media from the sheet feeder, and the photoreceptor transfers toner to the print media. A development roll is adjacent the photoreceptor. The development roll supplies a metered amount of charged toner to the photoreceptor. Also, a supply roll is adjacent the development roll. The supply roll supplies toner to the development roll. In this device, multiple charge blades (e.g., first, second, third, etc., charge blades) contact the development roll, and a charge generator can be electrically connected to the charge blade, supply roll, and development roll.
US09261808B2
Fluorescing highlights can be provided in selected portions of non-color image areas of a printed toner image using fluorescing dry toner particles, such as fluorescing magenta and fluorescing yellow dry toner particles. Before fixing, each fluorescing dry toner particle comprises a polymeric binder phase and a fluorescing colorant that emits at one or more λmax wavelengths of at least 420 nm and up to and including 690 nm and that is dispersed within the polymeric binder phase.
US09261806B2
Provided is a toner having excellent long-term storage stability and exhibiting both low-temperature fixability and uniform gloss in high-speed printing. A toner has a toner particle that contains a crystalline polyester resin A, an amorphous polyester resin B and a colorant, wherein the crystalline polyester resin A has a polyester molecular chain having a nucleating agent segment at the terminal end thereof, and an SP value Sa ((cal/cm3)1/2) of the crystalline polyester resin A ranges from 9.00 to 11.50, and the amorphous polyester resin B has a specific functional group.
US09261790B2
A resist underlayer film-forming composition for forming a resist underlayer film having both dry etching resistance and heat resistance. A resist underlayer film-forming composition comprising a polymer containing a unit structure of Formula (1): In Formula (1), R3 is a hydrogen atom, and both n1 and n2 are 0. A method for producing a semiconductor device comprising the steps of: forming an underlayer film on a semiconductor substrate using the resist underlayer film-forming composition; forming a hard mask on the underlayer film; further forming a resist film on the hard mask; forming a resist pattern by irradiation with light or electron beams and development; etching the hard mask using the resist pattern; etching the underlayer film using the hard mask patterned; and fabricating the semiconductor substrate using the patterned underlayer film.
US09261788B2
The invention provides a compound for forming an organic film having a partial structure represented by the following formula (i) or (ii), wherein the ring structures Ar1, Ar2 and Ar3 each represent a substituted or unsubstituted benzene ring or naphthalene ring; e is 0 or 1; R0 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear, branched or cyclic monovalent organic group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms; L0 represents a linear, branched or cyclic divalent organic group having 1 to 32 carbon atoms; and the methylene group constituting L0 may be substituted by an oxygen atom or a carbonyl group. There can be provided an organic film composition for forming an organic film having high dry etching resistance as well as advanced filling/planarizing characteristics.
US09261787B1
Black-and-white silver halide conductive film element precursors have, on one or both sides and in order, a UV filter layer, non-color hydrophilic photosensitive layer comprising a silver halide, and a hydrophilic overcoat as an outer layer. The one or two UV filter layers individually contains one or more UV absorbing agents in an amount of up 0.5 mmol/m2 and the total amount in the precursor is up to 1 mmol/m2 to prevent crosstalk during imagewise exposure. These precursors can be imagewise exposed and processed to provide conductive film elements with various conductive silver patterns (or grids) with narrow conductive silver lines on one or both sides. Such conductive film elements can be prepared with reduced yellowness as evidenced by reduced b* values. The resulting conductive film elements are highly transparent and can be used in various devices such as display devices.
US09261781B2
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide for norbornane-type ballast materials, norbornane-type photoactive compounds derived from such ballast materials and alkali-soluble positive-tone polymer compositions that encompass such norbornane-type photoactive compounds and one of a PBO or PNB resin.
US09261774B2
The present disclosure provides one embodiment of an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) mask. The EUV mask includes a first state and a second state different from each other; a first main polygon and a second main polygon adjacent to the first main polygon; a plurality of sub-resolution assist polygons; and a field. Each of the first and second main polygons, the sub-resolution assist polygons, and the field has an associated state. The state assigned to the first main polygon is different from the state assigned to the second main polygon. The plurality of assist polygons are assigned a same state, which is different from a state assigned to the field.
US09261772B2
A method uses a lithographic apparatus to form an inspection target structure upon a substrate. The method comprises forming the periphery of the inspection target structure so as to provide a progressive optical contrast transition between the inspection target structure and its surrounding environment. This may be achieved by providing a progressive change in the optical index at the periphery of the target structure.
US09261771B2
Digital photographing apparatus for displaying panoramic images and methods of controlling the digital photographing apparatus are disclosed. A digital photographing apparatus is provided that includes a digital signal processor to enlarge and display a panoramic image based on a target spot set in the panoramic image. Thus, a horizontal or vertical panoramic image may be more easily identified. In addition, a desired portion of the panoramic image may be set, and the panoramic image may be enlarged based on the desired portion, thereby improving satisfaction of a user.
US09261770B2
The present invention provides a light source apparatus (10) for use with a projector (80) and a method for combining laser beams of different polarization characterized in that an overall efficiency for the reflection and transmission exceeding 97% is achieved. A first white laser light beam (18) having a first polarization is combined with a second white laser light beam (28) having a second polarization that is orthogonal to the first polarization by utilizing a multi narrow-band polarizing beam splitter (20) positioned to receive the first and the second white laser light beams (18, 28). Embodiments of the present invention utilize two laser light sources (12, 22) emitting two sets of laser light beams with multiple wavelengths (14, 15, 16 and 24, 25, 26).
US09261752B2
A scalable apparatus and a network environment dynamically changes the light transparency of a single SPD device, a small number of SPD devices or thousands of such SPD devices installed in windows in automobiles, aircraft, trains, marine vehicles, residential homes, commercial buildings and skyscrapers. A scalable apparatus and a network environment dynamically changes the light transparency of a single SPD device or thousands of such SPD devices in the presentation of a multi-media special effects display. Textual messages, graphical images and simulated motion effects are driven. Such scalable apparatus being capable of driving and using several operational parameters of SPD's such as frequency range, AC voltage and temperature so as to provide fine control of SPD characteristics such as switching speed and power consumption.
US09261750B2
An array substrate, a method for fabricating the same and a liquid crystal panel are disclosed. The array substrate includes a display region and a frame region surrounding the display region. The display region includes a plurality of data lines, a plurality of scan lines and a plurality of scan connection lines. The plurality of data lines and the plurality of scan lines intersect each other to divide the display region into a plurality of pixel regions. The plurality of scan lines are electrically connected to the plurality of scan connection lines in a one-to-one correspondence in the display region.
US09261731B2
A liquid crystal display apparatus comprises: a liquid crystal display panel including a liquid crystal cell between a first polarizing plate and a second polarizing plate; and a surface light source device having a light source unit and a light guide plate. In a polarized light output from the light guide plate, when the normal direction of a light output surface is defined to be at a polar angle of 90°, and the light guiding direction of the light guide plate is defined to be a direction of an azimuth angle of 0°-180°, a ratio La/Lt of integrated intensity La of output light in ranges where the polar angle is 50° to 80° and the azimuth angle is 135° to 225°, 0° to 45°, and 315° to 360° to integrated intensity Lt of total output light is 0.3 or more.
US09261730B2
Display devices and composites for making display devices are disclosed. Some embodiments include a display device having an inorganic electroluminescent layer, an active matrix layer; an inorganic polarizing layer, a liquid crystal layer, and a color filtering layer. Some embodiments include a composite having an inorganic polarizing layer and inorganic electroluminescent layer. Methods of making and using the display device and composite are also disclosed.
US09261726B2
A photoelectric sensor, comprising: a first thin film transistor (T1) for converting a photo signal into an electrical signal; a second thin film transistor (T2) for performing an integration operation on the electrical signal; a third thin film transistor (T3) for reading the electrical signal; and a first capacitor (C1) for storing an energy of the electrical signal, wherein a drain electrode of the first thin film transistor (T1) is connected to one end of the first capacitor (C1) and a source electrode of the third thin film transistor (T3); a source electrode of the first thin film transistor (T1) is connected to a drain electrode of the second thin film transistor (T2); a gate electrode of the first thin film transistor (T1) is supplied with a bias signal; wherein a gate electrode of the second thin film transistor (T2) is supplied with an integration signal; a source electrode of the second thin film transistor (T2) is connected to a high level end of a power source; the other end of the first capacitor (C1) is connected to a low level end of the power source; and wherein a gate electrode of the third thin film transistor (T3) is supplied with a scan signal; a drain electrode of the third thin film transistor (T3) is configured to output the read electrical signal.
US09261723B1
Techniques and display systems that provide a tile display screen made up by adjacent constituent screens with a reduced level of visibility of a gap between two adjacent constituent screens.
US09261706B2
There is provided a display device including a video display portion that displays video, and a video signal control portion which performs signal control on an input signal such that a plurality of video streams formed of a plurality of chronologically arranged unit videos are input and there is a case in which display periods of the plurality of video streams are different with respect to an interval of the input signal that includes the plurality of video streams, and which sequentially switches in a time division manner the video streams included in the signal controlled input signal, and outputs the video streams to the video display portion.
US09261704B2
A stereoscopic display including a display panel and a barrier panel is provided. The barrier panel is at one side of the display panel. The barrier panel includes first and second substrates, first and second patterned electrode layers, and a liquid crystal layer between the first and second patterned electrode layers. The first patterned electrode layer is on the first substrate, and includes first electrodes having a first line-width. A gap between the adjacent first electrodes is a first spacing, and a first pitch is a sum of the first spacing and pitch. The second patterned electrode layer is on the second substrate, includes second electrodes having the first line-width. The gap between the adjacent second electrodes is the first spacing, the first and second electrodes are staggered to each other, and a shift in a horizontal direction between the first and second electrodes is half of the first pitch.
US09261699B2
A microscope apparatus includes a monitoring optical system, an imaging unit capturing an image of an observation target through the monitoring optical system to generate a plurality of images, a correction unit disposed in the optical monitoring system and correcting various aberrations which occur due to an observation condition, and a decision unit deciding a correction amount of the correction unit based on the plurality of images generated by the imaging unit, whereby an image deterioration ascribable to the aberration occurring due to the observation condition in the microscope apparatus is appropriately and easily corrected according to a use condition of the microscope apparatus.
US09261696B2
The present invention provides a microstructure device comprising multiple substrates with the components of the device formed on the substrates. In order to maintain uniformity of the gap between the substrates, a plurality of pillars is provided and distributed in the gap so as to prevent decrease of the gap size. The increase of the gap size can be prevented by bonding the pillars to the components of the microstructure. Alternatively, the increase of the gap size can be prevented by maintaining the pressure inside the gap below the pressure under which the microstructure will be in operation. Electrical contact of the substrates on which the micromirrors and electrodes are formed can be made through many ways, such as electrical contact areas, electrical contact pads and electrical contact springs.
US09261680B2
A five-piece wide-angle lens module includes a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a stop, a fourth lens and a fifth lens, which are sequentially arranged from an object side to an image side. The first lens has a negative refractive power, a convex surface on the object side, and a concave surface on the image side. The second lens has a negative refractive power and two concave surfaces on both sides. The third lens has a positive refractive power. The fourth lens has a positive refractive power and two convex surfaces on both sides. The fifth lens has a negative refractive power. Thereby, the five-piece wide-angle lens module can provide good image quality even in the environment with severe temperature changes.
US09261675B2
A compact, low-profile, low-cost imaging lens with brightness of F-value 2.5 or less and a wide field of view, which corrects aberrations properly. Elements are arranged from an object side: an aperture stop, positive first lens having a convex object-side surface, negative biconcave second lens having concave object-side and image-side surfaces, positive or negative third lens having a convex object-side surface and at least one aspheric surface; positive meniscus double-sided aspheric fourth lens having a convex image-side surface; and negative double-sided aspheric fifth lens having a concave image-side surface. The fifth lens' aspheric image-side surface has a pole-change point off an optical axis, and the imaging lens satisfies the following conditional expressions: TTL/2ih≦0.8 (1) 1.60
US09261671B2
An imaging lens substantially consists of, in order from an object side, five lenses of a first lens that has a positive refractive power and has a meniscus shape which is convex toward the object side, a second lens that has a biconcave shape, a third lens that has a meniscus shape which is convex toward an image side, a fourth lens that has a positive refractive power, and a fifth lens that has a negative refractive power and has at least one inflection point on an image side surface. Further, the imaging lens satisfies a predetermined conditional expression.
US09261668B2
An optical device, such as a lens or a light quantity adjusting member, can avoid an increase in its size and also reduce the start-up time without damaging its components. An extracting section, a convex section, and a concave section are formed in a fixing member side by side in an optical axis direction. A flexible board is extracted from the extracting section. The convex section located on the extracting section projects to an inner diameter side from the extracting section. The concave section located on the convex section is recessed to an outer diameter side of the extracting section. While the optical device shifts into an accommodated state, the flexible board contacts a part of the convex section, a first bending portion of the flexible board projects to an inner diameter side thereof, and a second bending portion of the flexible board is accommodated in the concave section.
US09261659B2
A solar concentrator comprising a transparent optical material including a first light coupling portion having an outer end and an inner end tapered so that it converges from the outer end towards the inner end; a first facet formed at the outer end and arranged to reflect light along the first light coupling portion; a first primary concentrator element arranged to focus light onto the first facet; a second light coupling portion having an outer end and an inner end tapered so that it converges from said outer end towards said inner end; a second facet formed at the outer end of the second light coupling portion and arranged to reflect light along said portion the second facet vertically overlapping the first facet; a second primary concentrator element arranged to focus light onto the second facet; a common light guide portion in optical communication with said inner ends of the first and second light coupling portions and arranged to transmit said radiation therethrough; wherein a greatest vertical thickness of the common light guide portion is less than a sum of the heights of the first and second facets.
US09261656B2
An optical lens connector includes a flat lens and substantially flat alignment surfaces. A lens body has a planar surface, and an optical lens is disposed in the lens body. The lens is a GRIN lens with a flat optical surface through which a light signal is propagated. The flat surface of the optical lens and the connector face enables the lens to be cleaned, and can reduce degradation due to contamination. The lens body can be housed in a sleeve as a rail guide to provide alignment of the lens with a mating connector lens.
US09261648B2
A plasmonic structure comprises a substrate and an electro conductor provided in or on the substrate. The electro conductor comprises a first part configured to provide a first series of plasmon resonance modes (for incident radiation of a first wavelength) and a second part configured to provide a second series of plasmon resonance modes (for incident radiation of a second wavelength). The first and second parts are functionally connected in a linkage region, wherein the electro conductor is shaped such as to form a capacitive gap. The electro conductor is further configured to direct radiation incident on the plasmonic structure of the first wavelength predominantly toward a first direction and to direct radiation incident on the plasmonic structure of the second wavelength predominantly toward a second direction, in which the first direction and the second direction are separated by an angle of at least 60°.
US09261637B2
A light guide plate has a light introduction part having an end face configured to have light incident thereon, and a light guide plate body disposed continuously to the light introduction part and comprising a thickness smaller than a maximum thickness of the light introduction part. The light guide plate body has a light emitting surface that emits the light incident from the end face. The light introduction part comprises an inclined face disposed on at least one side of the light guide plate. The inclined face is inclined smoothly from a surface of a part thicker than the light guide plate body toward an end of the light guide plate body. An optical pattern part has a linear pattern element is disposed near a region in a proximity of the inclined face in a face on a light exit side of the light guide plate body.
US09261630B2
A method of concentrating directional radiant energy using reflective optics and receivers that convert that energy wherein the receivers are situated in the body of the reflector on risers parallel to the direction of radiant energy, each said riser bounded by at least one parabolic mirror lying closer and another lying farther from the energy source, where the focus or foci of said mirrors lie substantially in the direction faced by the receiver situated in said riser. The reflector geometries include ones in which the mirrors are parabolic cylinder sections and require only one-axis tacking to focus, and ones in which the mirrors are paraboloid sections and require two-axis tracking to focus sunlight.
US09261628B2
The present invention provides a photovoltaic device having an optical component that is capable of concentrating solar energy and method of making the same. More specifically, the present invention provides for an on-line produced patterned glass component that is capable of concentrating solar energy and allows for significantly less photovoltaic material to be used in a photovoltaic device. The present invention also provides for an on-line method of making the patterned glass and a method for making a photovoltaic device incorporating the patterned glass described herein.
US09261620B2
System and method for deploying multiple antennas in an array configuration with unobstructed electromagnetic access to a formation outside of a casing, sequencing the transmitted signal to control the direction of transmission into the formation, receiving the reflected signals, and locating the position of the reflection based on the scanned transmission signal orientation and the direction of the received signal. Such a deployment of an antenna array with unobstructed electromagnetic access to the formation outside of the casing, sequencing of the interrogation signal, and analysis of the received signal relative to the transmitted signal direction form the basis for reflection image rendering as the transmitted signal is scanned by a sequenced stimulus signal.
US09261614B2
Automated detection of microseismic events is performed by a system and method that provides automated calculation of one or more statistical parameters for statistics-based detection of microseismic events of interest. An event detector to perform signal subspace-based detection may automatically, e.g. iteratively, be configured based on the one or more automatically calculated and/or estimated statistical parameters, which may include a signal subspace dimension, an effective embedding dimension, a detection threshold, and/or a false alarm rate. Some of the statistical parameters may be calculated based on custom-generated synthetic seismic data.
US09261611B2
Systems and methods for scanning with radiation detectors are provided. One system includes at least one radiation scanning camera-head, an array of at least one pixelated radiation detector having an imaging surface including a two dimensional array of pixels, and a scanning unit positioned between the radiation detector and the object. The scanning unit includes first and second radiation blocking plates having first and second two-dimensional arrays of openings, respectively, wherein the array of pixels and the first and second arrays of openings have a same pitch. Additionally, for each of a plurality of scan positions of the scanning unit, the first and second moveable plates and the imaging surface are positioned differently with respect to each other to produce different inclination angles in response to each scan position.
US09261607B2
A radiation detector is formed from a plasma panel that includes a front substrate, and a back substrate that forms a generally parallel gap with the front substrate. X (column) and Y (row) electrodes are coupled by gas discharge events to define one or more pixels. Impedances are coupled to the X and Y electrodes, and a power supply is coupled to one or both types of electrodes. Discharge event detectors are coupled to the impedances.
US09261604B2
Described is a method and system that facilitates triage of thousands to millions of potential patients within a relatively short period of time by scanning of a substrate of a designated card issued to a victim. The method and the system comprise a plurality of noninvasive self-testing test devices located at a plurality of remote peripheral self-testing sites, and each one of the plurality of noninvasive self-testing test devices facilitates self-testing of the substrate of the designated card. Each of the plurality of noninvasive self-testing test devices provides test results of the scan of the substrate of the designated card, and the potential patients are identified, then subsequently screened and triaged based upon the test results of the scan of the substrate of the designated card.
US09261598B1
Systems and methods for managing a plurality of interred cremation remains are disclosed. The systems and methods relate to a parcel of land and a computer database. The parcel of land includes first and second geolocated plots, wherein the first geolocated plot includes the cremated remains of a first deceased subject, and the second geolocated plot includes the cremated remains of a second deceased subject. The computer database electronically stores the geographic positions and the occupancy status of the first and second plots.
US09261595B2
A memory alloy is used during manufacture of a transducer. The memory of the alloy may correct for deviations or bending during manufacture, such as a superelastic alloy returning an array to a flat state after being twisted during handling. The memory of the alloy may cause a desired change in array geometry during manufacture, such as a shape memory alloy twisting an array into a curved or helix due to applied heat. The array may be fixed in place by the memory alloy or bonding after positioning by the memory alloy, preventing further substantial alteration.
US09261591B2
A measurement agent for measuring a distance from the agent to a tag may include a transmitter and receiver for transmitting and receiving radio wave signals. The agent is arranged for changing the agent transmitter from a particular state wherein the agent transmitter transmits a particular radio wave interrogation signal towards a further state determined by the agent wherein the agent transmitter transmits a further radio wave interrogation signal when a signal behavior of a received radio wave response signal changes. Further, the measurement agent includes a counter for determining a time period between transmittance of a first radio wave interrogation signal and receipt of a radio wave response signal having a predetermined signal behavior. The agent also includes a processor for computing a distance between the agent and the tag, based on the determined time period and a multiple number of radio wave interrogation signals.
US09261590B1
A radar system in an autonomous vehicle may be operated in various modes and with various configurations. In one example, the radar system determines a target range for further interrogation. The target range may be determined based on the radar system transmitting a first electromagnetic radiation signal and receiving a first reflected electromagnetic signal radiation signal. After the radar system determines a target range, it transmits an electromagnetic radiation signal according to a Frequency Modulated Continuous-wave (FMCW) operating mode. Additionally, the radar system receives a reflected electromagnetic signal radiation based on the transmission. After receiving the reflected signal, the radar system can process the reflected signal to only have components associated with the target range. The processing of the reflected signal may create a processed signal. Finally, the radar system may determine at least one parameter of a target object based on the processed signal.
US09261589B2
There is provided a signal processing device. Data indicative of a past sensing point, and a counter value indicative of existence possibility of the past sensing point are stored in a storage. Whether the past sensing point has continuity to a recent sensing point is determined. The counter value associated with the past sensing point determined as having no continuity to the recent sensing point is decreased. The data is deleted from the storage means when the counter value becomes less than a first threshold value. The sensing point possibly detected by pairing peak signals obtained in first and second periods in a wrong manner is identified as a specific sensing point. A first value is decreased from the counter value associated with the past sensing point, and a second value different from the first value is decreased from the counter value associated with the specific sensing point.
US09261588B2
A radar apparatus includes a printed circuit board having a top side, on which a radar antenna unit and an RF circuit unit are mounted, and a bottom side, on which a base band circuit unit and a signal processing circuit unit are mounted. A base plate is coupled to the printed circuit board. A protective member is coupled to the top side of the printed circuit board to cover the RF circuit unit in order to protect the RF circuit unit. The protective member has a groove formed on one side thereof, which serves as a passage of a wire for connecting the radar antenna unit and the RF circuit unit mounted on the top side of the printed circuit board.
US09261587B1
Methods and apparatus for providing a passive non-redundant signal distribution system including a passive combiner coupled to the first and second controlled signal sources to receive first and second signals, the combiner having an output, and a passive splitter coupled to the combiner output to provide reference signals to signal sinks, all to provide reliable dissemination of a reference signal despite failures of signal generation or distribution.
US09261582B2
An intelligent radar detection device and method thereof comprise an airport signal detection device detecting a specific airport signal intensity for judging if the device enters an airport, a radio communication device identifying a takeoff of the airplane and reporting location information of the device after the airplane lands, a GPS device acquiring GPS data to ensure the location information, and a system power respectively connected to the radio communication device, the airport signal detection device, and the GPS device. The radio communication device is respectively connected to the airport signal detection device and the GPS device. The present invention for locating and tracking packages and goods transported through aviation can automatically identifies if the device enters the airport to turn off the radio communication function. The present invention also automatically identifies the takeoff of and the landing of the airplane to turn on the radio communication function.
US09261579B2
Methods and systems are disclosed for radio positioning of a mobile receiver using a virtual positioning reference established by logging a known position of the mobile receiver together with a local time at which a first instance of a predictably repeated code word is received by the mobile receiver from a terrestrial radio signal transmitter. During movement of the mobile receiver from the first known position to a second unknown position, a local clock is used to determine the time difference between when the virtual positioning reference is predicted to receive a second instance of the code word and when the mobile receiver actually receives the second instance of the code word.
US09261576B2
A signal receiver receives a time-domain signal that includes a plurality of pilot tones at a plurality of corresponding frequencies. The time-domain signal is transmitted from a transmit location. The signal receiver extracts from the received time-domain signal pilot phase values corresponding to the pilot tones. The signal receiver computes a signal propagation time of the received time-domain signal by fitting an interpolation function to residual pilot phase values, corresponding to the extracted pilot phase values, and determines a slope of the interpolation function. The signal receiver computes a range between the transmit location and the signal receiver by multiplying the computed signal propagation time with the speed of light.
US09261575B2
For generating a three-dimensional magnetic resonance image of a respirating examination subject, the respiration of the examination subject is divided into a number of predefined clusters. Based on a measured respiratory position of the examination subject, one of these clusters is selected. The scanned k-space range is divided into a number of data acquisition shots which, by means of a particular k-space trajectory, each fill a number of k-space lines. The different shots are acquired for the different clusters until all shots of the measurement data set are assigned together to at least two adjacent clusters. The magnetic resonance image is reconstructed from those shots that are assigned to at least two adjacent clusters.
US09261574B2
An imaging apparatus that incorporates an RF coil assembly and RF shield as part of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is disclosed. The imaging apparatus includes an MRI system having a plurality of gradient coils, an RF coil former having inner and outer surfaces, an RF shield positioned on the outer surface of the RF coil former so as to be formed about the RF coil former, and an RF coil positioned on the inner surface of the RF coil former, with the RF coil coupled to a pulse generator to emit an RF pulse sequence and receive resulting MR signals from a subject of interest. The RF coil former comprises a generally cylindrical member having an indented portion indented in a radial direction inwardly from the outer surface, with the RF shield conforming to the RF coil former so as to also have an indented portion.
US09261572B2
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing the effect of contact resistances for Hall effect device contacts. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a Hall effect device comprising a plurality of force and sense contact pairs. The force and sense contact pairs comprise a force contact and a separate and distinct sense contact. The force contact is configured to act as a supply terminal that receive an input signal while the sense contact is configured act as an output terminal to provide an output signal indicative of a measured magnetic field value. By utilizing separate contacts for inputting a signal (e.g., an applied current) and reading out a signal (e.g., an induced voltage) the non-linearities generated by contact resistances may be removed, thereby minimizing the zero point offset voltage of the measured magnetic field.
US09261559B2
This disclosure describes a test architecture that supports a common approach to testing individual die and dies in a 3D stack arrangement. The test architecture uses an improved TAP design to facilitate the testing of parallel test circuits within the die.
US09261558B2
The disclosure describes a novel method and apparatus for improving interposers to include embedded monitoring instruments for real time monitoring digital signals, analog signals, voltage signals and temperature sensors located in the interposer. An embedded monitor trigger unit controls the starting and stopping of the real time monitoring operations. The embedded monitoring instruments are accessible via an 1149.1 TAP interface on the interposer.
US09261555B2
To measure an inner temperature of a chamber included in a test handler, self-refresh currents of semiconductor memory devices under test are measured. The semiconductor memory devices are disposed in the chamber and have a function of linear temperature compensated self-refresh (Li-TCSR). Local temperature values are generated based on the self-refresh currents, where each local temperature value indicates a temperature near the corresponding semiconductor memory device of the semiconductor memory devices under test.
US09261550B2
An in-situ unplug detector circuit detects when a cable is disconnected or unplugged. Detection does not have to wait for normal signaling to pause, such at the end of a frame or timeout. Instead, detection occurs during normal signaling. When the cable is disconnected, the transmitter no longer drives the load at the far end of the cable, and thus can drive the near end to a higher high voltage and to a lower low voltage. The increased voltage swing is detected by a detector at the near end that amplifies the transmitter output to the cable. A fast detector has a higher bandwidth and faster response time than a slow detector, and generates a fast detect signal that crosses over a slow detect signal. When the cable is disconnected, the fast detect signal again crosses over the slow detect signal, and decision logic activates an unplug signal.
US09261547B2
An electrostatic capacitance detection device includes a plurality of electrodes configured to detect an electrostatic capacitance, an electrostatic capacitance measurement part configured to select one electrode from the plurality of electrodes as a detection electrode, to allow the electrodes other than the detection electrode to be in a first electric potential condition and then to be in a second electric potential condition that is different from the first electric potential condition, and to measure a first voltage of the detection electrode in the first electric potential condition and a second voltage of the detection electrode in the second electric potential condition, and a judgment part configured to compare measurement values based on the first and the second voltages of the detection electrode, thereby to judge whether the detection electrode is in a short circuit condition.
US09261541B2
In embodiments of the present invention a device, circuit, and method are described for sampling input signal voltages, which may include voltages below a negative supply voltage for the device or circuit, without requiring static current from the input. Various embodiments of the invention obviate the requirement of an external negative supply voltage or attenuation resistors to allow sampling between a positive and negative voltage range. These embodiments result in a lower power sampling solution as well as simplifying any driver circuitry required by the sampler. The embodiments of the invention may be applied to sampling processes within analog-to-digital converters and may also be applicable to various other types of circuits in which a sampling input having input voltages that are lower than its negative supply voltage.
US09261539B2
A method for measuring an electrical current with the aid of a field effect transistor inserted into a current path is disclosed, in which a control voltage is applied between the gate and source of the transistor in such a way that the voltage drop between the drain and source at the transistor in the current path remains within a specifiable range. Further, said voltage drop and the control voltage are determined. With these two values, and with a known relationship between the drain-source current, the drain-source voltage and the gate-source voltage the value of the current of interest can now be determined. Apparatus for implementing the method according to the invention is, furthermore, disclosed.
US09261538B2
An electrical circuit and method includes a transmitter in a first power domain with a first supply voltage referenced to a first voltage reference. The transmitter has an oscillator generating a first carrier signal, and an analog modulator receiving an input sensor signal and the first carrier signal and generating a modulated carrier signal. A receiver is in a second power domain with a second supply voltage referenced to a second voltage reference. The second voltage reference is different from the first voltage reference. The receiver includes a demodulator that receives and demodulates the modulated carrier signal and generates an output sensor signal. At least one coupler includes a pair of galvanically isolated elements with one galvanically isolated element in each of the first and second power domains. The modulated carrier signal couples from the first power domain to the second power domain through the at least one coupler.
US09261537B2
A testing device for wafer level testing of IC circuits is disclosed. An upper and lower pin (22, 62) are configured to slide relatively to each other and are held in electrically biased contact by an elastomer (80). The elastomer is precompressed from its natural rest state between a top (22) plate and a bottom (70). Pre compression improves the resilient response of the pins. The pin crows (40) are maintained relatively coplanar by the engagement of at least one flang (44a-b) against an up-stop surface 90 of plate 20, thereby insuring coplanarity of the crowns. The pin guide (12) is maintained in alignment with the retainer 14 by establishing a registration corner (506) and driving the guide into the corner by elastomers in at least one diagonally opposite corner.
US09261528B2
An impact detecting device includes a first impact detecting portion, a determining portion and an informing portion. The first impact detecting portion detects an impact applied to an object equipped to a vehicle. The determining portion determines that the object has received the impact when a detection result of the first impact detecting portion is greater than a first impact determination threshold. The informing portion informs that the object has received the impact, when the determining portion determines that the object has received the impact.
US09261524B2
The invention relates to a positioning device for a sample distribution apparatus, such as a pipetting apparatus, providing a first part, at which a sample transport device can be arranged, a second part, at which a sample holder can be arranged, wherein the first part and the second part are arranged moveable in relation to each other between a first position and an adjusted target position of the first and second part for performing a positioning motion, such that a sample can be conveyed towards the sample holder by the positioning motion. The automated change of the target position assists for achieving an error-free positioning and sample distribution. A corresponding method for the automatical change of a position of a first part relative to a second part using the positioning device, is also claimed.
US09261522B2
Methods for assessing the condition of keratinized structures, including hair, in particular methods to determine the condition of keratinized structures in relation to suitability for analysis of analytes of interest in a test sample, are presented. The methods comprise contacting the keratinized structure with a non-proteolytic reducing agent and an optional proteolytic agent. The methods further include inspection of the hair sample, or measurement of free protein eluted from the keratinized structure, after reduction and optional proteolysis to determine condition prior to analyte identification and quantitation by known techniques such as immunoassays.
US09261521B2
The present invention generally relates to the field of biomarkers. In particular, the present invention relates to biomarkers such as PC-O 42:4 that can be used, for example for detecting and/or quantifying visceral adiposity and/or changes in visceral adiposity. This biomarker may also be used to diagnosing the effect of a change in lifestyle on visceral adiposity in a subject.
US09261520B2
The present invention generally relates to the field of biomarkers. In particular, the present invention relates to biomarkers such as PC-O 44:4 that can be used, for example for detecting and/or quantifying visceral adiposity and/or changes in visceral adiposity. This biomarker may also be used to diagnosing the effect of a change in lifestyle on visceral adiposity in a subject.
US09261512B2
The present invention concerns biomarkers and use thereof for determining whether a subject is or is not susceptible to developing a prophylactic or therapeutic immune response after such treatment.
US09261508B2
Provided is the use of antisense RNA and methods for the treatment, diagnosis and prophylaxis of cancer comprising administering said antisense RNA, particularly miRs 15 and 16 to a patient in need thereof.
US09261505B2
The invention provides compositions and methods useful for early detection of congenital CMV infection, predicting the likelihood and severity of congenital CMV disease, and monitoring the efficacy of therapeutic approaches. Compositions of the present invention include biomarkers that are differentially expressed in CMV-infected mothers and fetuses compared to uninfected individuals.
US09261504B1
The invention provides a method and a kit for measuring the levels of serum fetuin-A in children to reflect the severity of invasive pneumococcal diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, including necrotizing pneumonia and hemolytic uremic syndrome. The mean fetuin-A levels in the HUS patients are significantly lower (207±80 mg/L, p<0.001) when compared to patients with lobar pneumonia (610±190 mg/L) and the healthy controls (630±250 mg/L). A serum fetuin-A level is a useful biomarker to classify the severity of pneumococcal infection in children. The level of biomarker fetuin-A can be monitored and evaluated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot hybridization.
US09261497B2
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention is also directed to a method of treating cancer in a subject. Also disclosed are methods of inhibiting SCF-Skp2 activity and a method of identifying inhibitors of SCF-Skp2 activity.
US09261491B2
A urea solution quality determining system may include a urea tank in which a urea solution is filled through a charging hole, a test chamber positioned below the charging hole for holding a portion of the urea solution, a main line connected to the urea tank at a lower part of the urea tank below the test chamber, a test line connected to the test chamber, a pumping line to which the main line and the test line are joined, a pump in the pumping line to pump the urea solution from the test chamber or from the urea tank, a control valve for selectively connecting the main line or the test line to the pumping line, and an injector at an end of the pumping line to inject the urea solution into an exhaust line through which an exhaust gas flows. A method is also described.
US09261478B2
Described are methods and systems to apply a plurality of test voltages to the test strip and measure a current transient output resulting from an electrochemical reaction in a test chamber of the test strip so that a glucose concentration can be determined that is simpler, less error prone and provides the unexpected advantage of being insensitive to hematocrits in the blood sample.
US09261467B2
A system and method include acquisition of projection data from a scanned object, the set of projection data comprising a plurality of projection measurements. The system and method also include calculation of a set of modified statistical weights from the projection data, wherein a respective modified statistical weight of the set of modified statistical weights comprises a deviation from an inverse variance of a corresponding projection measurement of the projection data. The system and method further include reconstruction of an image of the scanned object using the set of modified statistical weights as coefficients in an iterative reconstruction algorithm.
US09261459B1
A fluorometer for measuring fluorescence of a sample includes an excitation source for emitting electromagnetic radiation along a first beam path to induce fluorescence in the sample. An excitation filter transmits electromagnetic radiation from the excitation source toward the sample. An excitation filter holder supports the excitation filter and defines an aperture for passage of electromagnetic radiation from the excitation source. The aperture is positioned asymmetrically relative to the first beam path such that the aperture allows an asymmetrical portion of the electromagnetic radiation in the first beam path to pass toward the sample and the excitation filter holder blocks passage of a corresponding asymmetrical portion of the electromagnetic radiation in the first beam path. The blocked passage of the corresponding asymmetrical portion of the electromagnetic radiation in the first beam path reduces the amount of electromagnetic radiation oriented directly from the emitter module to the detector module.
US09261456B2
A method and system for analyzing noisy terahertz spectroscopy data transforms the measured time-dependent data into frequency space, for example, using a discrete Fourier transform, and then transforms the frequency spectrum into wavelet frequency space. The twice-transformed data is analyzed to identify spectroscopic features of the signal, for example, to identify a resonance frequency. The method may be used, for example, in a stand-off detector to identify particular chemicals in a target.
US09261452B2
Embodiments are directed to a host structure that includes a waveguide configured to deliver measurement light to a compartment at least partially within the host structure. The compartment is configured to reversibly engage a fluidic optical cartridge. The host structure also includes a detector configured to receive and process output light emanating from the fluidic optical cartridge as well as electronics to process signals from the detector.
US09261448B2
A particle size distribution measuring apparatus having: a light intensity distribution obtaining unit for obtaining the light intensity distribution that occurs when the sample cell is irradiated with light for measurement from a light source through detection by a detector; and a particle size distribution calculating unit for calculating the particle size distribution of the particles to be measured included in the sample by using the light intensity distribution obtained by the light intensity distribution obtaining unit, the temperature adjusting member for adjusting the temperature of the sample cell is movable between a first location along the light path around the sample cell and a second location that is outside the light path, and the temperature adjusting member is moved to the second location when the sample is irradiated with the light for measurement from the light source.
US09261446B2
A rotational viscometer contains a measuring shaft that can be rotated at a specified rotational speed, a measuring part that is carried by the measuring shaft and that can be lowered into a sample, and a detection unit for determining the angle of torsion of the measuring part relative to the driven part of the measuring shaft. Accordingly, a twistable element is inserted into the measuring shaft, preferably in the section of the measuring shaft close to a motor. The detection unit is moved along with the shaft and determines the relative twist or the angle of torsion (twist) between the shaft part located on the motor side relative to the twistable element and the shaft part located on the measuring-part side. The output signals of the detection unit are fed to an evaluation device as the basis for determining the viscosity of the sample.
US09261445B2
A system for measuring golf swing parameter data on impact of a club face of a user's golf club with a target surface includes an absorber bag having a front facing surface with target image thereon for receiving an impact of the user's club face therewith, an anchor frame to which the bag is attached thereto, and an electronics module removably attachable to the anchor frame. The system further includes a plurality of shock mounts positioned between the absorber bag and anchor frame, and at least one accelerometer in electrical communication with the electronics module and arranged on a rear surface of the bag that measures acceleration upon impact of the club face with the absorber bag, providing a signal that is converted by the electronics module into golf swing parameter data for display to the user.
US09261440B2
A punching device is provided for processing samples applied to a sample card comprising at least one punching head with a punch and a lower die, the punch being movable between a resting position and a punching position. The punching head has a receiving opening into which a sample card can be introduced by a movable gripping unit, and a punching drive, which drives the movement of the punch between the resting position and the punching position. A piece of sample punched out from the sample card can be discharged at an outlet opening of the lower die into a receiving recess of a receiving container. The gripper unit comprises a sample card gripper and a receiving container gripper which are moveable by a drive unit in three main directions that are orthogonal to one another.
US09261438B2
A method of preparing a sample for matrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging analysis by a two-step process. Firstly, a MALDI matrix is dusted on to the sample followed by a spray of a suitable solvent onto the dusted sample. The present method has been successfully applied to the detection and mapping of several analyte classes in latent fingermarks. Using the present two-step method, fingermark enhancement, recovery and analysis from different substrate surfaces is now possible enabling visual and chemical information to be obtained simultaneously via remote testing.
US09261416B2
According to one embodiment, a thermocouple abnormality detection system including: a plurality of thermocouples each including a plurality of thermocouple wires housed in a sheath; a transmission signal conversion unit configured to convert a thermo-electromotive force generated by each of the plurality of the thermocouple wires to a transmission signal and to output the transmission signal; a transmission unit configured to transmit the transmission signal outputted from the transmission signal conversion unit; and an abnormality detection circuit configured to detect an abnormality of each of the plurality of the thermocouples by comparing, with each other, the transmission signals obtained from the plurality of thermocouple wires provided in each of the thermocouples.
US09261415B1
In accordance with an embodiment, a temperature sensor includes a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) current generator having a first current output configured to provide a first temperature dependent current, a first curvature compensation circuit configured to provide a first compensating current to an internal node of the PTAT current generator, and a second curvature compensation circuit configured to add a second compensating current to the first current output. The first compensating current has a first non-linearity with respect to temperature, a portion of the first non-linearity is present in the first temperature dependent current, the second compensating current includes a second non-linearity with respect to temperature, such that the second non-linearity in the second compensating current substantially cancels out the first non-linearity in the first temperature dependent current.
US09261410B2
A terahertz electromagnetic wave generator according to the present disclosure includes: a thermoelectric material layer; a metal layer which partially covers the surface of the thermoelectric material layer; and a light source system which is configured to irradiate both a surface region of the thermoelectric material layer that is not covered with the metal layer and an edge of the metal layer with pulsed light, thereby generating a terahertz wave from the thermoelectric material layer.
US09261405B2
An optical path of measurement light emitted from a measurement light source is overlaid by a beam combiner on an optical path of reference light emitted from a reference light source. The measurement light emitted from the measurement light source includes light in the sensitivity wavelength range (S1) of a measurement light detector and light in the sensitivity wavelength range (S2) of a reference light detector. An interferometer includes a wavelength separation filter that cuts light in at least a part of the sensitivity wavelength range (S2) of the reference light detector, of light included in the wavelength range of the measurement light.
US09261404B2
An apparatus and method using the apparatus for measuring target samples, particularly pharmaceutical products using Raman radiation. The sample is located in an aperture in a wall structure with a reflective surface on one or both of the sides of the wall structure facing respectively the excitation radiation transmitter or the Raman radiation detector. Preferably two reflective surfaces each in hemispherical shape and facing each other in a spherical arrangement are provided, with the wall structure across the diameter of the sphere.
US09261399B2
A method for determining the acoustic absorption coefficient and/or the transmission coefficient at a chosen position in a space in which a certain sound field prevails as a result of the operation of a sound-emitting source, and/or the acoustic power emitted by the source comprises the following steps of: (a) measuring the sound pressure p(t) and the particle velocity v(t) at the chosen position in the space; (b) calculating the Fourier transforms P(f), V(f) of p(t), v(t); (c) calculating on the basis of P(f) and V(f) the time-averaged active intensity Iac(f) in the direction indicated with the vector n, being the normal vector on the relevant surface, and the time-averaged total intensity Itot(f), in the direction indicated with the vector n; (d) determining the time-averaged incident sound intensity in the direction n: Iin(f)=½(Iac(f)+Itot(f)); and the step of: (e) determining the time-averaged absorption coefficient in the direction n: α=Iac(f)/Iin(f); and/or the step of: (f) determining the transmission coefficient θ=Iac(f)/Iin(f) in the direction n for barriers wherein the mechanical absorption can be disregarded; and/or the steps of: (q) defining an enveloping surface around the sound-emitting source; and (r) determining the emitted acoustic power by integrating Iin(f) over the enveloping surface. The invention also relates to a device for performing the method.
US09261397B2
The invention relates to an in-motion scale, in particular, to a conveyor scale with a conveyor belt, with a load cell (9) and a conveying device (5) for goods to be weighed, in particular, packaged goods, for feeding the goods to and leading them away and from the load cell (9), and with a control device (11) for controlling the functions of the in-motion scale. According to the invention, the control device (11) can be changed over to a cleaning mode in which the functions of the in-motion scale (1) are controlled according to a specified cleaning-mode functional model so that danger to operating personnel and/or damage to the in-motion scale (1) is reduced or eliminated.
US09261391B2
A system for monitoring for gas and oil flow venting from a surface using time intervals, size and velocity, and using a processor with a data storage containing a bubble flow classification chart and bubble flow categories. The data storage receives at least one: video feed, drilling parameter data feed, seismic profile data feed, logging while drilling data feed, measurement while drilling data feed, sonar data feed, and hydrographic data feed to verify a determined bubble flow category and bubble flow classification as a baseline bubble flow classification and provides an alarm when a bubble flow emergency is ascertained due to a change in bubble flow classification without an anticipated change or changes outside predefined acceptable limits within the video feed, drilling parameter data feed, seismic profile data feed, logging while drilling data feed, sonar data feed, hydrographic data feed, or measurement while drilling data feed.
US09261379B1
Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to generating roadgraphs for use by autonomous vehicles. A computer may receive input defining aspects of a roadway including an intersection with another roadway, one or more traffic control features, and one or more locations at which a vehicle is required to observe at least one traffic signal before entering the intersection. A user may identify the intersection, for example, by tracing a perimeter around the intersection. In response, for each particular location of the one or more locations, the computer may identifying a route through the intersection from the particular location and determine, based on the boundary of the intersection and the particular location, a set of the one or more traffic control features must be observed by the vehicle before entering the intersection. This information may then be used to generate a roadgraph.
US09261377B2
A request is received to compute a route from a start point to an end point. The route is computed using map data that includes a plurality of map elements, and route data that includes rules associated with the map elements, each of the rules being triggered by a condition flag that specifies a condition according to which the rule should be applied. The route data is based inputs related to driver experience in a geographic area associated with the route, and the inputs are based on stored data and not real-time or near-real-time data.
US09261348B2
In a rotary input apparatus, a stationary ground electrode, a first stationary sensing electrode, and a second stationary sensing electrode are formed on a stationary facing surface of a stationary plate. The first stationary sensing electrode includes first facing portions and a first connecting portion electrically connecting the first facing portions, and the second stationary sensing electrode includes second facing portions and a second connecting portion electrically connecting the second facing portions. Each of the first facing portions has a different phase from that of the corresponding one of the second facing portions in a rotation direction. When a rotary electrode, which is provided on a rotary portion, rotates, an encoded signal of a first phase is obtained between the first stationary sensing electrode and the ground potential, and an encoded signal of a second phase is obtained between the second stationary sensing electrode and the ground potential.
US09261347B2
A measuring system for determining the distance to a magnetic alternating field source, with a magnetic sensor arrangement, by means of which a characteristic magnetic alternating field signal of the magnetic alternating field source can be recorded, and an evaluation device connected with the magnetic sensor arrangement and by means of which the characteristic magnetic alternating field signals of the magnetic alternating field source recorded by the magnetic sensor arrangement can be evaluated and converted into the distance between the magnetic alternating field source on the one hand and the magnetic sensor arrangement on the other.
US09261339B2
Multiple report stun grenades have an elongated body defining a body axis and having a sidewall and opposed top and bottom end faces, the body including a plurality of delay chambers each containing a different delay feature, the body having a plurality of flash charge chambers each containing a quantity of flash charge material, the body defining a plurality of ignition passages, each ignition passage communicating from a respective flash charge chamber to an associated delay chamber, each flash charge chamber having at least one exhaust aperture, and each of the exhaust apertures penetrating at least one of the top and bottom end faces. Each of the flash charge chambers may have a first exhaust aperture penetrating the top end face, and a second exhaust aperture penetrating the bottom end face. Each of the flash charge chambers may be an elongated bore parallel to the body axis.
US09261334B1
A low-weight rupture/ballistics resistant wall structure is provided. Such a structure includes a multi-layer composite of at least two triaxial quasi three-dimensional woven fabrics, each coated with a specific depth of a polyurea material. Additionally, each fabric layer may be impregnated with an epoxy material to retain the triaxial configuration during utilization. Such a composite is adhered to a steel or other type of metallic base to provide improved strength to the base structure without significantly increasing the overall weight thereof. In such a manner, the inventive composite mitigates against undesirable rupture or other compromise of the overall metal structure during a destructive event and even permits reliable resealing of any created opening therein as a result of such an occurrence. The process of manufacturing the composite as well as the method of providing increased ballistic protection are also encompassed within this invention.
US09261333B2
A ballistic laminate includes a layer including first fibers of a first material oriented at both a first direction and a second direction and second fibers of a second material oriented at both the first direction and the second direction. The first fibers are flammable, and the second fibers are flame retardant. A periodic distance greater than about 9 mm is between the second fibers of the second material oriented at the first direction. A periodic distance greater than about 9 mm is between the second fibers of the second material oriented at the second direction.
US09261332B2
A system and method for marksmanship training comprises a screen, a computer having a processor and a memory connected to the processor and adjacent the screen, a set of modified video images stored in the memory, a set of projectors for projecting the set of modified video images onto the screen, connected to the computer and adjacent the screen, the set of modified video images including a moving clay target image and a phantom clay target image adjacent the moving clay target image at a lead distance from the moving clay target image, a camera connected to the computer and adjacent the screen, a weapon adjacent the screen, and a laser operatively mounted in the weapon. The phantom clay target image has a contrast level range from a fully opaque image to a fully transparent image.
US09261318B2
An assembly is described for use in attaching accessories to a firearm having a barrel with a threaded distal end. The assembly includes a coupler with opposed, inwardly curved side plates that together form a cylindrical bore for receiving the firearm barrel attachable behind the threaded distal end, the side plates have integrally joined upper ends and lower ends that are moveable toward each other to clamp the coupler to the barrel, the coupler including a retractable pin having an extended position and a retracted position; and an adapter having a rear end with a threaded bore for receiving the barrel threaded end, and a front end with a threaded projection for attachment to a firearm accessory, the adapter including a groove to receive the retractable pin when the retractable pin is in the extended position.
US09261313B2
A method of controlling a heat transfer apparatus comprising the steps of: providing a heat transfer apparatus; providing a control apparatus comprising a thermal sensor configured to control operation of the heat transfer apparatus; providing a casing comprising a casing wall enclosing a casing chamber, a casing entrance, and a casing seal; and inserting the thermal sensor into the casing chamber through the casing entrance an aperture in the casing seal.
US09261308B2
Cooling apparatuses and methods of fabrication thereof are provided to facilitate two-phase, immersion-cooling of one or more electronic components. The cooling apparatus includes a housing having a compartment within which dielectric fluid is disposed which facilitates immersion-cooling of the electronic component(s). A liquid-cooled heat sink is associated with the housing and cools a cooling surface exposed within the compartment. One or more pumps are disposed within the compartment and configured to pump dielectric fluid liquid within the compartment towards the cooling surface to facilitate cooling the liquid within the compartment below a saturation temperature of the dielectric fluid. The heat sink includes or is coupled to condensing and sub-cooling regions exposed within the compartment.
US09261306B2
An atomizing furnace, in particular for atomic absorption spectroscopy, includes a tube furnace apparatus and a sample carrier. The sample carrier is disposed within the tube furnace apparatus, and includes at least three supporting protrusions by which the sample carrier is punctually supported on an interior wall of the tube furnace apparatus. The supporting protrusions are disposed in a common plane running through a longitudinal axis of the sample material, wherein at least two supporting protrusions are formed on respectively opposite ends of the sample carrier.
US09261299B2
An arrangement for use in a refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, at least one evaporator unit, and at least one expansion valve. The arrangement includes first and second microsystems and first and second controllers. The first microsystem includes a first MEMs sensor configured to measure at least a first operational parameter of a first of the plurality of refrigeration devices. The first controller is operable to generate a first actuator control signal based on a first control signal, and is configured to generate the first control signal based directly or indirectly on the first operational parameter measurement. The second microsystem includes a second MEMs sensor configured to measure at least a second operational parameter of a second of the plurality of refrigeration devices. The second controller is operable to generate a second actuator control signal based on a second control signal, and is configured to generate the second control signal based directly or indirectly on the second operational parameter measurement.
US09261294B2
A joint heating system of gas combined cycle and solar power and a dispatching method thereof, the user adopts two ways of the hot water radiator and the heat pump to supply heat, wherein the hot water comes from the gas combined cycle units, the electric power comes from the combination of the gas combined cycle units and the solar power generation units, and after detecting the power supplying and power consumption of the user in a historical time period by the comprehensive dispatching and controlling device, a future time period is predicted, and then dispatching is processed on the basis.
US09261291B2
A hot water heater comprises a hot water tank, a supply pipe to be connected to the public water mains and a discharge pipe to be connected to a tap. The hot water tank has a circumferential wall which encloses the interior of the tank and which is provided with a heating element disposed inside the hot water tank and with a temperature control device. The circumferential wall of the tank comprises a part which is bellows-shaped so as to be deformable under pressure, thus enabling the tank to expand and contract. The bellows-shaped part of the tank wall is surrounded by a gas chamber containing a gas under pressure, which is capable of balancing the expansion of the tank. The invention further relates to a method for supplying hot water.
US09261283B2
A system and method of heating or cooling a room of a building provides supplemental warmer or cooler air to the room with an inline duct supplemental heating and cooling device mounted along an air duct that supplies the room with air from a main furnace and/or cooling unit associated with the building. A thermostat is used to set a desired temperature for the room, and a controller of the supplemental heating and cooling device is in communication with the thermostat, and activates an electric heater and/or fan as appropriate to warm or cool the room as needed. When the device is used to cool the room, the fan may be operated to draw cooled air through the duct from the main cooling unit and/or from other areas in the building that are linked via ductwork.
US09261282B2
A heating system, a method of operating a heating system and a controller for a heating system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the controller includes: (1) a system interface configured to receive thermostat calls from a thermostat, the thermostat calls including a heat pump thermostat call and an electrical heating elements thermostat call and (2) a processor coupled to the system interface and configured to select a starting heat load for the heating system based on the thermostat calls and a selected target discharge air temperature for the heating system.
US09261277B2
In a multistage combustion furnace having a motor driven inducer blower and a pressure sensing device or set of switches for sensing pressure in the combustion gas flowpath through the furnace, a high firing rate blower speed and low firing rate blower speed are set based on the blower speed setting required for a medium firing rate. Each particular furnace, having its own pressures and combustion gas resistance to flow characteristics, may be provided with a database of inducer blower motor speeds required to achieve predetermined pressures in the combustion gas flowpath for a variety of combustion gas venting systems generating such resistance.
US09261267B2
A luminaire is providing, having a substrate of a particular shape and a plurality of solid state light sources mounted thereon. The plurality has a measurable characteristic and includes an adjustable solid state light source, such that the characteristic changes in response to adjustment thereof. The luminaire also includes a sensor that detects the characteristic from outputted light, compares it to a baseline value and, based on the comparison, so adjusts the adjustable solid state light source. The luminaire also includes a reflector with a lower edge that conforms to the particular shape of the substrate, and reflects outputted light from the plurality so that it exits past the reflector's upper edge. The luminaire also includes a lightguide having an input that is surrounded by the reflector and captures a portion of the outputted light so as to provide the captured outputted light to the sensor.
US09261265B1
A backlight display device includes a pixel region, a light-emitting region, a control element, a plurality of first flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) contacts, and a plurality of first driving circuits. The pixel region has a first edge, a second edge opposite to the first edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge opposite to the third edge. A corner region is formed between the first edge and the fourth edge. The light-emitting region is located on the corner region of the pixel region. The control element is located on the corner region of the pixel region and between the light-emitting region and the first edge. The first FPCB contacts are located on the second edge. Each of the first driving circuits is electrically connected to one of the first FPCB contacts and the control element.
US09261261B2
An illumination system includes a light source device configured by an excitation light source, a light guiding member and a wavelength converter that are connected in order, and an operation check device. The system further includes: a connector configured to directly and physically connect the operation check device to a light signal emitting end which includes the wavelength converter; a detector configured to detect a light signal emitted from the light signal emitting end when the light signal emitting end and the operation check device are connected by the connector; and an operation determiner configured to determine the operations of the excitation light source, the light guiding member, and the wavelength converter by a detection result in the detector.
US09261258B2
A light emitting diode (LED) luminaire that produces a uniform light pattern at close distances is provided. The LED luminaire includes a housing, a printed circuit board assembly thermally coupled to the housing, a plurality of high brightness (HB) LED emitters, thermally coupled to the printed circuit board assembly to form a linear array, and a linear reflector assembly, attached to the housing, to concentrate the light generated by the LED emitters over a beam angle formed by the upper surface of the housing and the linear reflector assembly.
US09261253B2
A vehicle headlamp includes a light source configured to emit light, a reflector configured to reflect the light, a projection lens through which the light is projected, and a lens holder holding the projection lens. The projection lens has a positioning portion, and the lens holder is formed with a jig insertion hole at a location corresponding to the positioning portion in a direction around an optical axis of the projection lens such that the positioning portion is visible through the jig insertion hole. When mounting the projection lens to the lens holder, a positioning jig is inserted through the jig insertion hole and is engaged with the positioning portion to position the projection lens in the direction around the optical axis of the projection lens.
US09261243B2
A fluorescent lamp type light emitting apparatus is provided. The light emitting apparatus comprises a cover, a light emitting module, radiation pads, and cap parts. The cover comprises a first cover and a transmissive second cover coupled to the first cover. The light emitting module comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes in the cover. The radiation pads are disposed on the light emitting module. The cap parts comprise electrode terminals at both ends of the cover.
US09261238B2
A method for dispensing gas within a target temperature range wherein the gas exchanges heat with multiple thermal capacitors to cool the gas.
US09261236B2
An LNG storage and delivery method for a transportation system includes routing a first train to scheduled stops along a first train route, routing the first train to an LNG fuel source positioned on the first train route, transferring LNG from the LNG fuel source to the first train, and transporting LNG from the LNG fuel source to an LNG storage site positioned along a second train route using the first train.
US09261234B2
A method of controlling a motorized device comprises the steps of providing a motorized device, receiving a code, checking that code, and changing the operational state of a portion of the motorized device in response to the code in certain circumstances. In one embodiment, the motorized device comprises a drive system, an activation mechanism, and a safety circuit that is in communication with the activation mechanism and at least a portion of the drive system. After receiving an unlocking code from the activation mechanism, the next step is to determine if the received unlocking code corresponds to a predetermined unlocking code. Subsequently, if the received unlocking code corresponds to the predetermined unlocking code, then the safety circuit is transitioned from a locked state to a normal operation state. Additional codes and corresponding operational states may also be incorporated into other embodiments of the method.
US09261232B2
A pipe lubricant applicator includes a rotatable housing to receive a lubricant, the housing having a central axis and a concave inner surface and wherein an axis extending radially from the central axis of the housing intersects the concave inner surface at an angle that is not 90°.
US09261229B2
A device to hang articles includes a base defining a generally flat body to engage a mounting surface and a hook protruding therefrom to hang an article. The device also includes a bracket pivotally attached to the base at a proximal end of the bracket and a piercing arm extending from a distal end of the bracket. Also, the bracket is adapted to pivot between a first position relative to the base where the piercing arm is retracted from the mounting surface, and a second position relative to the base where the piercing arm is inserted into the mounting surface to retain the device thereto.
US09261222B2
There is disclosed an anti-kinking device having a neck portion having a threaded internal surface; and a coil portion connecting the neck portion and a terminal portion; wherein the coil portion has a central coil axis and comprises a plurality of spaced apart windings with open spaces between each winding in a relaxed state, each winding having a substantially cylindrical inner wall, a substantially cylindrical outer wall, and sidewalls connecting the inner and outer walls, the sidewalls having planar angled portions with respect to the coil axis. In an aspect, the device can have a terminal portion having a threaded internal surface. There is also disclosed a hose system comprising a hose inserted through the disclosed device. The device can prevent kinking of the hose.
US09261218B2
A method for sealing a leak in a pipeline used to transport fluid includes positioning a sealing device within the pipeline, moving the sealing device through the pipeline to a leak location, and internally generating an inflation pressure to inflate the sealing device to substantially cover a leak opening and limit release of the fluid from the pipeline.
