us专利 2016-10-25 第4页,专利查询,专利分析-国家发明专利查询检索分析平台

US09478663B2

FinFET device including a uniform silicon alloy fin

A method includes forming a fin on a semiconductor substrate and forming recesses on sidewalls of the fin. A silicon alloy material is formed in the recesses. A thermal process is performed to define a silicon alloy fin portion from the silicon alloy material and the fin. A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a fin defined on the substrate and an isolation structure disposed adjacent the fin. A first portion of the fin extending above the isolation structure has a substantially vertical sidewall and a different material composition than a second portion of the fin not extending above the isolation structure.

US09478655B2

Semiconductor device having a lower diode region arranged below a trench

A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor body and at least one device cell integrated in the semiconductor body. Each device cell includes: a drift region, a source region, and a body region arranged between the source and drift regions; a diode region and a pn junction between the diode and drift regions; a trench having a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, and a bottom, the body region adjoining the first sidewall, the diode region adjoining the second sidewall, and the pn junction adjoining the bottom; a gate electrode in the trench and dielectrically insulated from the body, diode and drift regions by a gate dielectric. The diode region has a lower diode region arranged below the trench bottom, and the lower diode region has a maximum of a doping concentration distant to the trench bottom. A corresponding method of manufacturing the device also is provided.

US09478654B2

Method for manufacturing semiconductor device with tensile stress

A semiconductor device, and a method for manufacturing the same, comprises a source/drain region formed using a solid phase epitaxy (SPE) process to provide partially isolated source/drain transistors. Amorphous semiconductor material at the source/drain region is crystallized and then shrunk through annealing, to apply tensile stress in the channel direction.

US09478653B2

Field effect transistor and semiconductor device

A field effect transistor includes multi-finger electrodes, a gate terminal electrode, a drain terminal electrode, a source terminal and a source terminal electrode. Each of the multi-finger electrodes includes two finger gate electrodes, a finger drain electrode, and at least two finger source electrodes. Finger electrodes are arranged so as to intersect with the first straight line at an angle of approximately +45 degrees and approximately −45 degrees alternately. The gate terminal electrode commonly bundles and connects the finger gate electrodes of two adjacent cell regions. The drain terminal electrode commonly bundles and connects the finger drain electrodes of two adjacent cell regions. And the source terminal electrode commonly bundles and connects the finger source electrodes of two adjacent cell regions. The gate terminal electrodes and the drain terminal electrodes are alternately provided in a connecting region of the multi-finger electrodes of two adjacent cell regions.

US09478649B2

Semiconductor device

A semiconductor device includes: metal collector layer on backside, P-type collector layer, N-type field stop layer, N-drift layer and N-type CS layer within the N-drift layer near the top side. Multiple trench structures are formed by polysilicon core and gate oxide layer near the front side. There are active cells and plugged cells on top of the device. The polysilicon cores of the trenches in the active cells are connected to the gate electrode, and the polysilicon cores of the trenches in the plugged cells are connected to the emitter electrode. There are N+ region and P+ region in active cells, and they are connected to metal emitter layer through the window in the insulation layer. There are P-well regions in both active cells and plugged cells. The P-well regions in active cells are continuous and connected to emitter electrode through P+ region. The P-well regions in plugged cells are divided by N-drift layer, forming discontinuous P-type regions along the direction of trenches. And each P-well region in plugged cells is either electrically floating or connected to the emitter electrode.

US09478646B2

Methods for fabricating anode shorted field stop insulated gate bipolar transistor

A method for fabricating an anode-shorted field stop insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) comprises selectively forming first and second semiconductor implant regions of opposite conductivity types. A field stop layer of a second conductivity type can be grown onto or implanted into the substrate. An epitaxial layer can be grown on the substrate or on the field stop layer. One or more insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBT) component cells are formed within the epitaxial layer.

US09478645B2

Bidirectional device, bidirectional device circuit and power conversion apparatus

Provided is a longitudinal bidirectional device in which current flows in a layering direction of a semiconductor layered portion formed on a front surface of a substrate, the bidirectional device comprising a first semiconductor element that includes a first channel and is formed on the semiconductor layered portion; and a second semiconductor element that includes a second channel and is provided on the substrate side of the first semiconductor element within the semiconductor layered portion. The first semiconductor element further includes a first control electrode that controls the first channel and that is formed on a surface of the semiconductor layered portion that faces away from the substrate, and the second semiconductor element is formed on at least a portion of the surface of the semiconductor layered portion on which the first control electrode is formed and includes a second control electrode that controls the second channel.

US09478639B2

Electrode-aligned selective epitaxy method for vertical power devices

A method of forming trench electrode structures includes forming a first dielectric layer on a semiconductor substrate, forming a second layer above the first dielectric layer and forming an opening which extends through the second layer and the first dielectric layer to the semiconductor substrate such that part of the semiconductor substrate is uncovered. The method further comprises forming an epitaxial layer on the uncovered part of the semiconductor substrate, removing the second layer after forming the epitaxial layer and filling an open space formed by removing the second layer with an electrically conductive material. The electrically conductive material forms an electrode which is laterally surrounded by the epitaxial layer.

US09478629B2

Conductivity modulation in a silicon carbide bipolar junction transistor

In one general aspect, a silicon carbide bipolar junction transistor (BJT) can include a collector region, a base region on the collector region, and an emitter region on the base region. The silicon carbide BJT can include a base contact electrically contacting the base region where the base region having an active part interfacing the emitter region. The silicon carbide BJT can also include an intermediate region of semiconductor material having at least a part extending from the active part of the base region to the base contact where the intermediate region having a doping level higher than a doping level of the active part of the base region.

US09478625B1

Metal resistor using FinFET-based replacement gate process

A semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor substrate, fins coupled to the substrate and surrounded at a bottom portion thereof by isolation material, and resistor(s) situated in the gate region(s), the gate regions being filled with undoped dummy gate material. As part of a replacement gate process, the resistor(s) are realized by forming silicide over dummy gate material, i.e., the dummy gate material for the resistor(s) is not removed.

US09478619B2

Diamond semiconductor device and method for manufacturing same

The present invention provides a diamond semiconductor device which includes: a diamond substrate; a diamond step section disposed over substrate surface of the diamond substrate having a {001} crystal face to rise substantially perpendicularly to substrate surface; an n-type phosphorus-doped diamond region; and a diamond insulation region. In the diamond step section, a first step section having a {110} crystal face over a side surface is integrated with a second step section having a {100} crystal face over a side surface. The phosphorus-doped diamond region is formed by crystal growth started from base angle of the step shape of the first step section over the side surface of the first step section and substrate surface of the diamond substrate as growth base planes. The diamond insulation region is formed by crystal growth over the side surface of the second step section and substrate surface of the diamond substrate as growth base planes.

US09478615B2

Blanket short channel roll-up implant with non-angled long channel compensating implant through patterned opening

A method that forms a structure implants a well implant into a substrate, patterns a mask on the substrate (to have at least one opening that exposes a channel region of the substrate) and forms a conformal dielectric layer on the mask and to line the opening. The conformal dielectric layer covers the channel region of the substrate. The method also forms a conformal gate metal layer on the conformal dielectric layer, implants a compensating implant through the conformal gate metal layer and the conformal dielectric layer into the channel region of the substrate, and forms a gate conductor on the conformal gate metal layer. Additionally, the method removes the mask to leave a gate stack on the substrate, forms sidewall spacers on the gate stack, and then forms source/drain regions in the substrate partially below the sidewall spacers.

US09478614B2

Semiconductor device

A semiconductor device has mesa form first and second p-type base regions and a floating p-type region provided in a surface layer of an n−-type drift layer. The first p-type base region and floating p-type region are separated by a first trench. The second p-type base region is separated from the floating p-type region by a second trench. The first and second p-type base regions are conductively connected to an emitter electrode. The floating p-type region is in a floating state electrically isolated from the emitter electrode. A first gate electrode is provided via a first gate insulating film inside the first trench. An emitter potential second gate electrode is provided via a second gate insulating film inside the second trench. Therefore, di/dt controllability when turning on the semiconductor device can be increased.

US09478608B2

Apparatus and methods for transceiver interface overvoltage clamping

Apparatus and methods for transceiver interface overvoltage clamping are provided. In certain configurations, an interface device includes a first p-type well region and a second p-type well region in an n-type isolation structure. Additionally, the clamp device includes a first p-type active region and a first n-type active region in the first p-type well region and electrically connected to a first terminal of the clamp device. Furthermore, the clamp device includes a second p-type active region and a second n-type active region in the second p-type well region and electrically connected to a second terminal of the clamp device. The n-type isolation structure is in a p-type region of a semiconductor substrate, and electrically isolates the first and second p-type well regions from the p-type substrate region. The clamp device further includes a blocking voltage tuning structure positioned between the first and second n-type active regions.

US09478604B2

Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same

A semiconductor device provided with a silicon carbide semiconductor substrate, and an ohmic metal layer joined to one surface of the silicon carbide semiconductor substrate in an ohmic contact and composed of a metal material whose silicide formation free energy and carbide formation free energy respectively take negative values. The ohmic metal layer is composed of, for example, a metal material such as molybdenum, titanium, chromium, manganese, zirconium, tantalum, or tungsten.

US09478600B2

Method of forming substrate contact for semiconductor on insulator (SOI) substrate

A semiconductor structure is provided that includes a material stack including an epitaxially grown semiconductor layer on a base semiconductor layer, a dielectric layer on the epitaxially grown semiconductor layer, and an upper semiconductor layer present on the dielectric layer. A capacitor is present extending from the upper semiconductor layer through the dielectric layer into contact with the epitaxially grown semiconductor layer. The capacitor includes a node dielectric present on the sidewalls of the trench and an upper electrode filling at least a portion of the trench. A substrate contact is present in a contact trench extending from the upper semiconductor layer through the dielectric layer and the epitaxially semiconductor layer to a doped region of the base semiconductor layer. A substrate contact is also provided that contacts the base semiconductor layer through the sidewall of a trench. Methods for forming the above-described structures are also provided.

US09478593B2

Light-emitting module and light-emitting device

Provided is a light-emitting module from which light with uniform brightness can be extracted. Further, provided is a beautiful light-emitting module in which Newton's rings are not observed. The light-emitting module includes a first substrate, a light-emitting element formed on one surface side of the first substrate, a second substrate, a conductive spacer maintaining the gap between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a space in which the light-emitting element is sealed between the first substrate and the second substrate. Further, the pressure in the space is lower than or equal to the atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, the conductive spacer is electrically connected to the second electrode in a position overlapping with a partition provided over the first substrate so as to reduce a voltage drop occurring in the second electrode.

US09478584B2

Nonvolatile memory device and method for manufacturing the same

A nonvolatile memory device includes an insulating layer, oxygen diffusion prevention layers disposed on the insulating layer, a plurality of contact plugs, each of the plurality of the contact plugs penetrating through each of the plurality of the oxygen diffusion prevention layers and at least a part of the insulating layer, and a plurality of resistance-variable elements, each of the plurality of the resistance-variable elements covering each of the plurality of the contact plugs exposed on surfaces of the oxygen diffusion prevention layers and being electrically connected to each of the plurality of the contact plugs Each of the oxygen diffusion prevention layers is provided only between the insulating layer and each of the plurality of the resistance-variable elements to correspond to each of the plurality of the contact plugs arranged for each of the plurality of the resistance-variable elements.

US09478576B1

Sealed-sidewall device die, and manufacturing method thereof

A method for fabricating a sealed-sidewall device die may include filling grooves of a deeply-grooved device wafer with a sealant, yielding a sealed grooved device wafer. The method may also include forming grooves in a device wafer to yield the deeply-grooved device wafer. The step of forming grooves may include forming a groove that at least partially penetrates each layer of the device wafer. The method may further include masking each device of the deeply-grooved device wafer. A sealed-sidewall device die may include at least one layer including a device substrate layer, a sidewall including a respective surface of each layer of the at least one layer, a sidewall sealant covering the sidewall, and a device formed on the device substrate layer. The sidewall sealant optionally does not cover a top surface of the device. The top surface of the device may directly adjoin an ambient medium thereabove.

US09478570B2

Vertical gate transistor and pixel structure comprising such a transistor

The present disclosure relates to a photodiode comprising: a P-conductivity type substrate region, an electric charge collecting region for collecting electric charges appearing when a rear face of the substrate region receives light, the collecting region comprising an N-conductivity type region formed deep in the substrate region, an N-conductivity type read region formed in the substrate region, and an isolated transfer gate, formed in the substrate region in a deep isolating trench extending opposite a lateral face of the N-conductivity type region, next to the read region, and arranged for receiving a gate voltage to transfer electric charges stored in the collecting region toward the read region.

US09478569B2

Solid-state imaging device and electronic device

The present invention relates to a solid-state imaging device. In a pixel array section in the solid-state imaging device, a vertical signal line is provided right under power supply wiring apart from a floating diffusion region in order to reduce load capacitance of the vertical signal line. Furthermore, the power supply wiring is wired to make a cover rate of each vertical signal line with respect to the power supply wiring nearly uniform. As a result, it is possible to suppress variation of load capacitance of the vertical signal line for each pixel. It becomes possible to suppress deviation in a black level, variation of charge transfer, and variation of settling. It becomes possible to obtain an image with higher quality.

US09478565B2

Array substrate and method for fabricating the same, and display panel

The embodiments of the present invention provide an array substrate, a method for fabricating the array substrate and a display panel. The array substrate comprises a first region and a second region adjoining the first region, a plurality of signal lines are provided in the first region, and a plurality of lead wires connected with the plurality of signal lines are provided in the second region, the array substrate comprises at least one conductive member, each conductive member is connected in parallel with one lead wire, and an overall resistance of the conductive member and the lead wire connected in parallel with the conductive member is smaller than a resistance of the lead wire connected in parallel with the conductive member.

US09478545B2

Method for manufacturing semiconductor device and semiconductor device

A semiconductor device includes a first and second fin-shaped semiconductor layers on a substrate. A first insulating film is around the first and second fin-shaped layers. A first and second pillar-shaped semiconductor layers reside on the first and second fin-shaped layers, respectively. A width of a bottom of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer is equal to a width of a top of the first fin-shaped semiconductor layer, and a width of a bottom of the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer is equal to the width of a top of the second fin-shaped semiconductor layer. First and second gate insulating films and first and second metal gate electrodes reside around the first and second pillar-shaped layers, respectively. A metal gate line is connected to the first and second metal gate electrodes and extends in a direction perpendicular to the first and second fin-shaped layers.

US09478543B2

Semiconductor integrated circuit

A low side control circuit and a high side control circuit are disposed in first and second n type well regions, respectively. A third n− type well region is formed around the second n type well region. The first n− type well region is formed outside the second n− type well region. A p type well region is formed around the third n− type well region. The third n− type well region and the p type well region constitute an HVJT between the first and second n type well regions. A p+ type contact region and a first electrode supplied with GND potential are formed in the p type well region. In the p type well region, an n+ type contact region and a second electrode supplied with L-VDD potential higher than the GND potential are formed between the HVJT and the p+ type contact region.

US09478542B1

Multi-gate device with planar channel

A semiconductor device includes a substrate having a well region implanted with a first dopant by a first well implantation and a non-doped section blocked from the first well implantation. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor fin formed on the substrate, in which the semiconductor fin has a channel stop region and a channel region above the channel stop region. The channel stop region has a portion of the non-doped section and a portion of the well region. The semiconductor fin has a planar channel formed at an interface between the non-doped section and the channel region for additional current flow between source and drain regions of the semiconductor fin. The semiconductor device includes an isolation layer disposed adjacent to and in contact with the well region and the channel stop region. The semiconductor device also includes a gate structure disposed on the isolation layer and around the channel region.

US09478541B2

Half node scaling for vertical structures

A method for half-node scaling a circuit layout in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes vertical devices on a die. The method includes reducing a fin pitch and a gate pitch of the vertical devices on the die. The method also includes scaling a wavelength to define at least one reduced area geometric pattern of the circuit layout.

US09478535B2

Semiconductor device comprising oxide semiconductor film

A semiconductor device including a capacitor having an increased charge capacity without decreasing an aperture ratio is provided. The semiconductor device includes a transistor including a light-transmitting semiconductor film, a capacitor in which a dielectric film is provided between a pair of electrodes, and a pixel electrode electrically connected to the transistor. In the capacitor, a conductive film formed on the same surface as the light-transmitting semiconductor film in the transistor serves as one electrode, the pixel electrode serves as the other electrode, and a nitride insulating film and a second oxide insulating film which are provided between the light-transmitting semiconductor film and the pixel electrode serve as the a dielectric film.

US09478531B2

Semiconductor device comprising an ESD protection device, an ESD protection circuitry, an integrated circuit and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device

A semiconductor device includes an ESD protection device. In a N-well, two P+ doped regions form a collector and emitter of a parasitic transistor of the ESD protection device. The N-well area between the P+ doped regions, forms a base of the parasitic transistor. At some distance away from the P+ doped regions an N+ doped region is provided. The N-well in between the N+ doped region and base of the transistor forms a parasitic resistor of the ESD protection device. The N+ doped region and the emitter of the transistor are coupled to each other via an electrical connection. The ESD protection device has a limited snapback behaviour and has a well-tunable trigger voltage.

US09478530B2

Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of the same

A semiconductor device having a field-effect transistor, including a trench in a semiconductor substrate, a first insulating film in the trench, an intrinsic polycrystalline silicon film over the first insulating film, and first conductivity type impurities in the intrinsic polycrystalline silicon film to form a first conductive film. The first conductive film is etched to form a first gate electrode in the trench. A second insulating film is also formed in the trench above the first insulating film and the first gate electrode, and a first conductivity type doped polycrystalline silicon film, having higher impurity concentration than the first gate electrode is formed over the second insulating film. The doped polycrystalline silicon film is provided in an upper part of the trench to form a second gate electrode.

US09478528B2

Devices, systems and methods using through silicon optical interconnects

Some implementations provide a semiconductor device that includes a first die and an optical receiver. The first die includes a back side layer having a thickness that is sufficiently thin to allow an optical signal to traverse through the back side layer. The optical receiver is configured to receive several optical signals through the back side layer of the first die. In some implementations, each optical signal originates from a corresponding optical emitter coupled to a second die. In some implementations, the back side layer is a die substrate. In some implementations, the optical signal traverses a substrate portion of the back side layer. The first die further includes an active layer. The optical receiver is part of the active layer. In some implementations, the semiconductor device includes a second die that includes an optical emitter. The second die coupled to the back side of the first die.

US09478519B2

Package including a semiconductor die and a capacitive component

In one general aspect, a method can include forming a redistribution layer on a substrate using a first electroplating process, and forming a conductive pillar on the redistribution layer using a second electroplating process. The method can include coupling a semiconductor die to the redistribution layer, and can include forming a molding layer encapsulating at least a portion of the redistribution layer and at least a portion of the conductive pillar.

US09478518B2

Method for permanent connection of two metal surfaces

A process for the production of a permanent, electrically conductive connection between a first metal surface of a first substrate and a second metal surface of a second substrate, wherein a permanent, electrically conductive connection is produced, at least primarily, by substitution diffusion between metal ions and/or metal atoms of the two metal surfaces.

US09478510B2

Self-aligned under bump metal

An integrated circuit including a self-aligned under bump metal pad formed on a top metal interconnect level in a connection opening in a dielectric layer, with a solder ball formed on the self-aligned under bump metal pad. Processes of forming integrated circuits including a self-aligned under bump metal pad formed on a top metal interconnect level in a connection opening in a dielectric layer, by a process of forming one or more metal layers on the interconnect level and the dielectric layer, selectively removing the metal from over the dielectric layer, and subsequently forming a solder ball on the self-aligned under bump metal pad. Some examples include additional metal layers formed after the selective removal process, and may include an additional selective removal process on the additional metal layers.

US09478505B2

Guard ring design structure for semiconductor devices

A customized seal ring for a semiconductor device is formed of multiple seal ring cells that are selected and arranged to produce a seal ring design. The cells include first cells that are coupled to ground and second cells that are not coupled to ground. The second cells that are not coupled to ground, include a higher density of metal features in an inner portion thereof, than the first seal ring cells. Dummy metal vias and other metal features that may be present in the inner portion of the second seal ring cells are absent from the inner portion of the first seal ring cells that are coupled to ground. The seal ring design may include various arrangements, including alternating and repeating sequences of the different seal ring cells.

US09478500B2

Interposer substrate, semiconductor structure and fabricating process thereof

Described herein are interposer substrate designs for warpage control, semiconductor structures including said interposer substrates, and fabricating processes thereof. An interposer substrate defines a cavity and further includes a reinforcement structure, wherein the reinforcement structure is used to control warpage of the semiconductor package structure.

US09478493B2

Semiconductor device and a method increasing a resistance value of an electric fuse

A semiconductor device having an electric fuse structure which receives an electric current to permit the electric fuse to be cut without damaging portions around the fuse. The electric fuse can be electrically connected between an electronic circuit and a redundant circuit as a spare of the electronic circuit. After these circuits are sealed with a resin, the fuse can be cut by receiving the electric current from the outside. The electric fuse is formed in a fine layer, and is made of a main wiring and a barrier film. The linear expansion coefficient of each of the main wiring and the barrier film is larger than that of each of the insulator layers. The melting point of each of the main wiring and the barrier film is lower than that of each of the insulator layers.

US09478490B2

Capacitor from second level middle-of-line layer in combination with decoupling capacitors

A device capacitor structure within middle of line (MOL) layers includes a first MOL interconnect layer. The first MOL interconnect layer may include active contacts between a set of dummy gate contacts on an active surface of a semiconductor substrate. The device capacitor structure also includes a second MOL interconnect layer. The second MOL interconnect layer may include a set of stacked contacts directly on exposed ones of the active contacts. The second MOL interconnect layer may also include a set of fly-over contacts on portions of an etch-stop layer on some of the active contacts. The fly-over contacts and the stacked contacts may provide terminals of a set of device capacitors.

US09478486B2

Semiconductor device and method of forming topside and bottom-side interconnect structures around core die with TSV

A semiconductor device has a core semiconductor device with a through silicon via (TSV). The core semiconductor device includes a plurality of stacked semiconductor die and semiconductor component. An insulating layer is formed around the core semiconductor device. A conductive via is formed through the insulating layer. A first interconnect structure is formed over a first side of the core semiconductor device. The first interconnect structure is electrically connected to the TSV. A second interconnect structure is formed over a second side of the core semiconductor device. The second interconnect structure is electrically connected to the TSV. The first and second interconnect structures include a plurality of conductive layers separated by insulating layers. A semiconductor die is mounted to the first interconnect structure. The semiconductor die is electrically connected to the core semiconductor device through the first and second interconnect structures and TSV.

US09478482B2

Offset integrated circuit packaging interconnects

One embodiment of the present invention sets forth an integrated circuit package including a substrate, an integrated circuit die, and a plurality of solder bump structures. The substrate includes a first plurality of interconnects disposed on a first surface of the substrate. The integrated circuit die includes a second plurality of interconnects disposed on a first surface of the integrated circuit die. The plurality of solder bump structures couple the first plurality of interconnects to the second plurality of interconnects. The first plurality of interconnects are configured to be substantially aligned with the second plurality of interconnects when the integrated circuit package is at a first temperature within a range of about 0° C. to about −100° C. The first plurality of interconnects are configured to be offset from the second plurality of interconnects when the integrated circuit package is at a temperature above the first temperature.

US09478480B2

Alignment mark and method of formation

In accordance with an embodiment, a structure comprises a substrate having a first area and a second area; a through substrate via (TSV) in the substrate penetrating the first area of the substrate; an isolation layer over the second area of the substrate, the isolation layer having a recess; and a conductive material in the recess of the isolation layer, the isolation layer being disposed between the conductive material and the substrate in the recess.

US09478478B2

Electronic device assemblies and vehicles employing dual phase change materials

Electronic device assemblies employing dual phase change materials and vehicles incorporating the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, an electronic device assembly includes a semiconductor device having a surface, wherein the semiconductor device operates in a transient heat flux state and a normal heat flux state, a coolant fluid thermally coupled to the surface of the semiconductor device, and a phase change material thermally coupled to the surface of the semiconductor device. The phase change material has a phase change temperature at which the phase change material changes from a first phase to a second phase. The phase change material absorbs heat flux at least when the semiconductor device operates in the transient heat flux state.

US09478476B2

Package for a microelectronic die, microelectronic assembly containing same, microelectronic system, and method of reducing die stress in a microelectronic package

A package for a microelectronic die (110) includes a first substrate (120) adjacent to a first surface (112) of the die, a second substrate (130) adjacent to the first substrate, and a heat spreader (140) adjacent to a second surface (111) of the die. The heat spreader makes contact with both the first substrate and the second substrate.

US09478469B2

Integrated circuit comprising buffer chain

Among other things, an integrated circuit and method for routing electrical pathways of an integrated circuit is provided. The integrated circuit comprises a buffer chain coupling a first cell of the integrated circuit to a second cell of the integrated circuit. An electrical pathway coupling a first inverter of the buffer chain with a second inverter of the buffer chain extends through a first set of metal layers and is routed to form a pulse-like shape having an apex at a top layer of the first set.

US09478452B2

Small production device and production system using the same

A production system to facilitate the commonization of front chambers among a plurality of production devices that are different in the kind of a process to be performed for a processing substrate.Control units are provided separately in a processing chamber and a front chamber of a small production device. When the processing-chamber control unit outputs a load request signal, the front-chamber control unit loads a processing substrate to the processing chamber, and outputs a load acknowledgment signal. When the load acknowledgment signal is input, the processing-chamber control unit performs a process for the processing substrate, and outputs an unload request signal after the completion of the process. When the unload request signal is input, the front-chamber control unit unloads the processing substrate, and outputs an unload acknowledgment signal. When the unload acknowledgment signal is input, the processing chamber starts the preparation of the next process.

US09478449B2

Floating substrate monitoring and control device, and method for the same

Disclosed is a process tunnel (102) through which substrates (140) may be transported in a floating condition between two gas bearings (124, 134). To monitor the transport of the substrates through the process tunnel, the upper and lower walls (120, 130) of the tunnel are fitted with at least one substrate detection sensor (S1, . . . , S6) at a respective substrate detection sensor location, said substrate detection sensor being configured to generate a reference signal reflecting a presence of a substrate between said first and second walls near and/or at said substrate detection sensor location. Also provided is a monitoring and control unit (160) that is operably connected to the at least one substrate detection sensor (S1, . . . , S6), and that is configured to record said reference signal as a function of time and to process said reference signal.

US09478443B2

Semiconductor package and method of forming the same

According to an exemplary embodiment, a semiconductor package is provided. The semiconductor package includes: a chip having a plurality of joint pads; a component having a plurality of metal caps on one side and having a grinded surface on the other side, wherein the metal caps are in contact with the joint pads of the chip.

US09478440B2

Low-pressure chemical vapor deposition apparatus and thin-film deposition method thereof

A low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) apparatus and a thin-film deposition method thereof. The apparatus comprises a reaction furnace, having reaction gas input pipelines respectively arranged at a furnace opening part and a furnace tail part. During thin film deposition, each reaction gas is synchronously introduced into the reaction furnace through the input pipeline at the furnace opening part and the input pipeline at the furnace tail part.

US09478437B2

Methods for repairing low-k dielectrics using carbon plasma immersion

Methods for repairing low-k dielectrics using a plasma immersion carbon doping process are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of repairing a low-k dielectric material disposed on a substrate having one or more features disposed through the low-k dielectric material may include depositing a conformal oxide layer on the low-k dielectric material and within the one or more features; and doping the conformal oxide layer with carbon using a plasma doping process.

US09478429B2

Removable templates for directed self assembly

A sacrificial-post templating method is presented for directing block copolymer (BCP) self-assembly to form nanostructures of monolayers and bilayers of microdomains. The topographical post template can be removed after directing self-assembly and, therefore, is not incorporated into the final microdomain pattern. The sacrificial posts can be a material removable using a selective etchant that will not remove the material of the final pattern block(s). The sacrificial posts may be removable, at least in part, using a same etchant as for removing one of the blocks of the BCP, for example, a negative tone polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) when a non-final pattern block of polystyrene is removed and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) remains on the substrate.

US09478416B1

Semiconductor manufacturing apparatus and method of manufacturing semiconductor device

In one embodiment, a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus includes a belt supporting module including a first portion that is provided around a first axis, a second portion that is provided around a second axis different from the first axis, a third portion connecting the first and second portions, and a fourth portion connecting the first and second portions and positioned below the third portion. The apparatus further includes a belt provided on the belt supporting module, and configured to rotate around the first axis in a first direction and rotate around the second axis in a second direction reverse to the first direction. The apparatus further includes a wafer supporting module provided on the belt and configured to support a wafer. The apparatus further includes raw material feeding heads provided above the belt and configured to feed a raw material of a film to be formed on the wafer.

US09478404B2

High resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometer

Mass spectrometers and related methods of making and using the same are disclosed herein that generally involve positioning a blocking or masking element in the path of an ion beam passing through the mass spectrometer so as to selectively block at least a portion of the ions in the ion beam from entering an accelerator. Mass spectrometers and related methods are also disclosed in which an ion beam passing through the mass spectrometer is deflected or otherwise aimed so as to approach a TOF axis of an accelerator at a non-zero angle.

US09478402B2

Photomultiplier tube, image sensor, and an inspection system using a PMT or image sensor

A photomultiplier tube includes a semiconductor photocathode and a photodiode. Notably, the photodiode includes a p-doped semiconductor layer, an n-doped semiconductor layer formed on a first surface of the p-doped semiconductor layer to form a diode, and a pure boron layer formed on a second surface of the p-doped semiconductor layer. A gap between the semiconductor photocathode and the photodiode may be less than about 1 mm or less than about 500 μm. The semiconductor photocathode may include gallium nitride, e.g. one or more p-doped gallium nitride layers. In other embodiments, the semiconductor photocathode may include silicon. This semiconductor photocathode can further include a pure boron coating on at least one surface.

US09478391B2

Charged particle beam writing apparatus and charged particle beam writing method

A charged particle beam writing apparatus includes plural conversion processing units to perform data conversion processing in parallel for writing data of each processing region obtained by virtually dividing the writing region of a target object into plural processing regions, a transmission unit to input a part of processing data of one of the plural processing regions for which data conversion processing has been performed, one part at a time, totally as n divided processing data, and sequentially transmit the n divided processing data such that the (n−1) th divided processing data is transmitted while the n-th divided processing data is being input, a deflection control circuit to control a deflection amount for deflecting a charged particle beam, based on one of the n divided processing data transmitted sequentially, and a writing unit to write a pattern by deflecting the charged particle beam based on the deflection amount.

US09478389B2

Scanning electron microscope

The present invention provides a composite charged particle beam device which is provided with two or more charged particle beam columns and enables high-resolution observation while a sample is placed at the position of a cross point. The present invention has the following configuration. A composite charged particle beam device is provided with a plurality of charged particle beam columns (101a, 102a), and is characterized in that a sample (103) is disposed at the position of an intersection point (171) where the optical axes of the plurality of columns intersect, a component (408a, 408b) that forms the tip of an objective lens of the charged particle beam column (102a) is detachable, and by replacing the component (408a, 408b), the distance between the intersection point (171) and the tip of the charge particle beam column can be changed.

US09478378B2

Preventing out-of-synchronism reclosing between power systems

The present disclosure provides apparatus, systems, and methods for preventing out-of-synchronism closing between power systems. An intelligent electronic device (IED) apparatus may include a control component and a delay component. The control component is configured to selectively control opening and closing of a breaker. The control component selectively outputs a close signal to cause the breaker to connect a first portion of a power delivery system to another portion of the power delivery system. The delay component is configured to delay output of the close signal to the breaker. The delay component includes circuitry independent from control by the control component and the delay component is inconfigurable from a remote location.

US09478377B2

Current interruption device and electricity storage device using the same

A current interruption device is provided with a first conducting member that is fixed to a casing, a second conducting member that is disposed at a position opposed to the first conducting member, a first deforming member, and a second deforming member. The first deforming member makes contact with the second conducting member when pressure in the casing is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and is configured not to make contact with the second conducting member when the pressure in the casing exceeds the predetermined value. The second deforming member is provided with a projection in a shape projecting toward a center portion of the second conducting member. A restricting structure that restricts a movement of the first deforming member is provided on the first conducting member. A restricting structure that restricts a movement of the second deforming member is provided on the second conducting member.

US09478371B2

Electrical switch, as for controlling a flashlight

An electrical switch and a flashlight employing the switch may comprise a base having three electrical conductors thereon and an electrically conductive flexible dome adjacent the base. The flexible dome has plural longer legs extending from its dome and in electrical contact with a first conductor, has a shorter leg extending from its dome and overlying a second conductor, and has its dome overlying a third conductor. A spring may extend from the base of the switch. A pushbutton may be moved to apply sufficient force to cause the shorter leg to contact the second conductor and the dome to contact the third conductor. A spring may be between the pushbutton and the flexible dome to couple force to the flexible dome.

US09478362B2

Electrical storage unit

A plurality of electrical storage elements (11) are electrically connected to each other, and parts of the peripheral surfaces of the electrical storage elements (11) contained in concave surfaces (29) are joined to the concave surfaces (29) with double-sided adhesive tape (35), so that the electrical storage elements (11) can be firmly fixed to a holder (27), and heat can be efficiently transferred from the electrical storage elements (11) to the holder (27) through the double-sided adhesive tape (35).

US09478361B2

Self-assembled organic monolayer hybrid materials and methods thereof

Self-assembled monolayer hybrid materials having a modified carboxylic acid deposited from the gas-phase onto a metal oxide substrate, methods of using targeted α-carbon modified carboxylic acids to rapidly deposit activated organic molecules into a self-assembled monolayer on metal oxide substrates, and the self-assembled monolayer hybrid materials capable of being used in various industries, such as optoelectronics and separation science.

US09478356B2

Coated barium titanate particulate and production method for same

Provided is a surface-coated barium titanate particulate for us in multilayer ceramic capacitors and for which the grain growth during high-temperature firing has been suppressed. Also provided is a production method for same. Barium titanate particulate obtained by means of a hydrothermal reaction, wherein the coated barium titanate particulate has an average particle diameter of at least 10 nm but less than 1000 nm, a Ba/Ti ratio of 0.80-1.20 inclusive, a c/a ratio of 1.001-1.010 inclusive, and a coating layer comprising at least one kind of metal compound selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Ba, Mn and rare earth elements is included on the surface thereof. The coated barium titanate particulate according to the present invention is produced by means of a method including: (1) a step for obtaining barium titanate particulate by mixing an aqueous solution containing barium hydroxide and an aqueous solution containing titanium hydroxide at a Ba/Ti ratio of 0.80-1.20 inclusive, and subjecting same to a hydrothermal reaction at a temperature of 200-450° C. inclusive, a pressure of 2.0-50 MPa inclusive, and for a reaction time of 0.1 minutes-1 hour inclusive; (2) a step for uniformly dispersing the barium titanate particulate in an aqueous solution; and (3) a step for coating the metal compound on the surface of the barium titanate particulate.

US09478349B2

Inductor element

Line conductors are provided on one principal surface of a magnetic layer, and line conductors are provided on the other principal surface of the magnetic layer. In addition, side conductors are provided on side surfaces of the magnetic layer to connect the line conductors in a coil shape. A non-magnetic layer is stacked at the one principal surface side of the magnetic layer, and a non-magnetic layer is stacked at the other principal surface side of the magnetic layer. Line conductors are provided within the non-magnetic layer, and line conductors are provided within the non-magnetic layer. Via-hole conductors are provided within the non-magnetic layer to connect the line conductors in parallel with the line conductors. In addition, via-hole conductors are provided within the non-magnetic layer to connect the line conductors in parallel with the line conductors.

US09478346B2

Coil component

A coil component includes a magnetic core, a coil-wire portion wound on the magnetic core, and a case made of a resin covering the magnetic core and the coil-wire portion. The magnetic core is made of a pressed magnetic material powder and forms a closed magnetic circuit. The magnetic core has a lower surface configured to contact a mounting surface. The case has a lower surface configured to contact the mounting surface. The lower surface of the magnetic core includes an exposed-core portion exposed from the case. The exposed-core portion is flush with the lower surface of the case. This coil component enhances the efficiency of heat dissipation.

US09478338B2

Actuator driver circuit

A circuit for driving an actuator including a closing coil and an opening coil, the circuit including a first electrical switch, a second electrical switch, a third electrical switch, a first diode, a second diode, a third diode, and a capacitor electrically connected to a second terminal of the third electrical switch. The circuit is structured such that controlling the state of the first, second, and third transistors causes current flowing through the circuit to flow through one of the closing coil and the opening coil and to not flow through the other of the closing coil and the opening coil.

US09478331B2

Hexagonal strontium ferrite magnetic powder and method of manufacturing the same, and magnetic recording medium and method of manufacturing the same

An aspect of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing hexagonal strontium ferrite magnetic powder, which comprises melting a starting material mixture which has a composition, as a composition converted into an oxide, lying within a region enclosed by the following four points: (a) SrO=48.0 mol %, Fe2O3=17.2 mol %, B2O3=34.8 mol %; (b) SrO=55.9 mol %, Fe2O3=17.7 mol %, B2O3=26.4 mol %; (c) SrO=41.7 mol %, Fe2O3=40.9 mol %, B2O3=17.4 mol %; (d) SrO=36.7 mol %, Fe2O3=40.1 mol %, B2O3=23.2 mol %; in a ternary diagram with SrO, Fe2O3, which may include an Fe substitution element, and B2O3 as apexes, to provide a melt, and quenching the melt to obtain a solidified product; and heat treating the solidified product to precipitate hexagonal strontium ferrite magnetic particles within the solidified product.

US09478330B2

Control device for an electrical circuit built on a substrate of polymeric material

The present invention concerns a control device for an electrical circuit integrated on a substrate made of polymeric material, incorporating carbonaceous conductive structures which define at least one track having improved electrical conductivity properties with respect to the substrate, which control device includes an operating area adapted to be acted on by a user and having a pressure-deformable structure adapted to disturb the electrical properties of the track by a piezo-resistive effect, wherein the conductive track includes at least one linear segment which has a winding progression at the operating area.

US09478325B2

Discharge surface treatment method and coating block for discharge surface treatments

Employing a compact molded from powder of metal or the like as an electrode 11, generating pulsed discharges between the electrode 11 and a treating portion Wa of work W in working oil L as a mixture with powder of semiconductor or conductor mixed therein, using discharge energy thereof for locally fusing surface regions of the treating portion Wa of work W, showering molten pieces of electrode material or reactants of the electrode material onto the treating portion Wa of work W, forming a covering film C on the treating portion Wa of work W.

US09478313B2

Fast semantic processor for Per-pin APG

System and method for implementing a memory test language compiler. The compiler includes a fast semantic processor for interpreting programming patterns in a test program, including converting stateful patterns into stateless patterns, and a device access timing generation module for generating an output based on the stateless patterns. The fast semantic processor can generate a closure for a device access line as the output. In the state of the closure, each device access line is in a closed state. A functor is formed from the interdependency of the variables and the loop dependency and a cache is used to handle recursive variables. The functor is propagated to device access lines as output, wherein the functor references the cache when needed.

US09478309B2

Magnetic-domain-wall-displacement memory cell and initializing method therefor

Provided is a magnetic domain wall displacement memory cell, including a recording layer including a magnetic film, the recording layer including: a magnetization reversal region in which magnetization is reversible; and first and second magnetization fixed regions that supply a spin-polarized electron to the magnetization reversal region. The magnetic domain wall displacement memory cell is configured so that a first region in which magnetization reversal occurs due to a first current flowing in a direction parallel to a film surface of the recording layer and a first magnetic field component in the direction parallel to the film surface of the recording layer is formed, and a second region in which no magnetization reversal occurs is formed.

US09478307B2

Memory device, writing method, and reading method

A memory device includes a memory cell which has one cell selection section and a storage section which is connected in series with respect to the cell selection section and which is selected as an access target for writing or reading by the cell selection section, in which the storage section is provided with a plurality of memory elements which are able to be written one time only and where information is held by changing resistance values in a non-written state and a written state.

US09478294B2

Dummy memory erase or program method protected against detection

In a general aspect, a method of writing data in a nonvolatile memory can include performing a first erase or program cycle to write regular data in a first memory cell of the non-volatile memory by (i) applying at least one erase or program pulse to the first memory cell and (ii) determining the state, erased or programmed, of the first memory cell, and repeating (i) and (ii) if the first memory cell is not in the desired state. The method can also include applying a predetermined number of erase or program pulses to write fake data in a second memory cell.

US09478287B2

Circuits and methods for detecting write operation in resistive random access memory (RRAM) cells

Circuits and methods for detecting write operation and limiting cell current in resistive random access memory (RRAM or ReRAM) cells are provided. RRAM cells can include a select transistor and a programmable resistor. Current can flow through the programmable resistor responsive to word line voltage VWL applied to the gate of the select transistor and a bit line voltage VBL applied to the source of the select transistor. Responsive to the current, the programmable resistor can change between relatively high and low resistances (“SET”), or between relatively low and high resistances (“RESET”). It can be desirable to accurately characterize the resistance of the programmable resistor, that is, to accurately detect write operations such as SET or RESET. Additionally, it can be undesirable for the current to exceed a certain value (“over-SET”). The present circuits and methods can facilitate detecting write operations or limiting current, or both, in an RRAM cell.

US09478282B2

State determination in resistance variable memory

An evaluation signal is applied to a memory cell in an array of resistance variable memory cells. The evaluation signal is configured to cause the memory cell to switch from a first state to a second state. Responses from the memory cell are sensed at three or more sample points. Differences between the responses are determined. For example, with three sample points, a first delta is determined between the first two responses and a second delta is determined between the last two responses. A difference of deltas is determined as a difference between the first and second delta, or vice versa. It is determined that the memory cell changes from the first to the second state if the difference of deltas is above a threshold. It is determined that the memory cell remains in the second state if the difference of deltas is below the threshold.

US09478273B2

Low resistance bitline and sourceline apparatus for improving read and write operations of a nonvolatile memory

Described is an apparatus for improving read and write margins. The apparatus comprises: a sourceline; a first bitline; a column of resistive memory cells, each resistive memory cell of the column coupled at one end to the sourceline and coupled to the first bitline at another end; and a second bitline in parallel to the first bitline, the second bitline to decouple read and write operations on the bitline for the resistive memory cell. Described is also an apparatus which comprises: a sourceline; a bitline; a column of resistive memory cells, each resistive memory cell in the column coupled at one end to the sourceline and coupled to the bitline at another end; and sourceline write drivers coupled to the bitline and the sourceline, wherein the sourceline write drivers are distributed along the column of resistive memory cells.

US09478272B1

Configurable storage blocks with embedded first-in first-out and last-in first-out circuitry

An integrated circuit may have configurable storage blocks. A configurable storage block may include a memory array and a control circuit. The configurable storage block may receive a mode selection command. The control circuit may determine to operate the configurable storage block in a first mode which may provide random access to the memory array or in a second mode which may provide access to the memory array in a predefined order based on the mode selection command. Thus, the configurable storage block may implement first-in first-cut modules or last-in first-out modules and variations thereof in addition to implementing memory modules with random access.

US09478265B2

Semiconductor memory device

Disclosed is a semiconductor memory device including: a sense amplifier capable of sensing and amplifying data loaded on a data-line pair based on a pull-up driving voltage and a pull-down driving voltage; a pull-up driving unit capable of supplying a first voltage as the pull-up driving voltage for first and third active sections of an active mode, and supplying a second voltage having a voltage level lower than the first voltage as the pull-up driving voltage for a second active section of the active mode, between the first and third active sections of the active mode; and a pull-down driving unit capable of supplying a third voltage as the pull-down driving voltage for the first to third active sections of the active mode and for an initial section of a precharge mode after the active mode.

US09478260B2

Semiconductor device and semiconductor system

A semiconductor device may include a target voltage generation section configured to generate first and second target voltages. The semiconductor device may include a comparison signal generation section configured to compare levels of the first and second target voltages with levels of first and second internal voltages, and generate first and second comparison signals. The semiconductor device may include a latch code generation section configured to latch global codes and output first and second latch codes in response to the first and second comparison signals. The semiconductor device may include a selection code generation section configured to generate first and second selection codes for adjusting levels of the first and second internal voltages using either the global codes or the first and second latch codes.

US09478259B1

3D voltage switching transistors for 3D vertical gate memory array

The area consumed by switching transistors for a 3D NAND memory array can be reduced with 3D voltage switching transistors with reduced aggregate area in comparison with 2D voltage switching transistors such as transistors in the substrate. The integrated circuit comprises a 3D NAND array of memory transistors; a plurality of bit lines, with different ones of the plurality of bit lines electrically coupled to different parts of the 3D NAND array; and a plurality of transistor pairs with a stack of semiconductor layers. Different layers in the stack of semiconductor layers include different transistor pairs of the plurality of transistor pairs. Each of the plurality of transistor pairs includes first and second transistors with first, second, and third source/drain terminals. The first transistor includes the first and the third source/drain terminals, and the second transistor includes the second and the third source/drain terminals. The first source/drain terminal is electrically coupled to an erase voltage line. The second source/drain terminal is electrically coupled to a corresponding one of a plurality of program/read voltage lines. The third source/drain terminal is electrically coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of bit lines.

US09478256B1

Video editing processor for video cloud server

An apparatus comprising an interface and a processor. The interface may be configured to (i) receive a first clip of video generated by a camera through a network, (ii) receive edit information through the network, (iii) transfer parsing information to the camera and (iv) receive one or more segments of a second clip of video generated by the camera as identified by the parsing information through the network. The processor may be configured to (i) send/receive data to/from the interface, (ii) edit the first clip in response to the edit information, (iii) generate the parsing information based on the edit information and (iv) create a third clip of video by editing the segments according to the edit information. The second clip may be a higher resolution version of the first clip. The third clip may have the higher resolution.

US09478252B2

Smooth playing of video

A computer-implemented method, including detecting an event associated with an image displayed on a display device within a software application, loading a media player into the software application behind the image, where the media player is configured to play a media file associated with the image, and causing a representation of a frame of the media file to be displayed within the media player instead of the image.

US09478240B1

Spin-signal enhancement in a lateral spin valve reader

A lateral spin valve reader that includes a detector structure located proximate to a bearing surface and a spin injection structure located away from the bearing surface. The lateral spin valve reader also includes a channel layer extending from the detector structure to the spin injection structure. An exterior cladding, disposed around the channel layer, suppresses spin-scattering at surfaces of the channel layer.

US09478228B2

Encoding and decoding of audio signals

An encoder (1201) for encoding a plurality of audio signals comprises a selector (1303) which selects a subset of time-frequency tiles to be downmixed and a subset of tiles to be non-downmix. A downmix indication is generated which indicates whether tiles are encoded as downmixed encoded tiles or as non-downmix tiles. An encoded signal comprising the encoded tiles and the downmix indication is fed to a decoder (1203) which includes a receiver (1401) for receiving the signal. A generator (1403) generates output signals from the encoded time-frequency tiles where the generation of the output signals includes an upmixing for tiles that are indicated by the downmix indication to be encoded downmixed tiles. The invention may provide more flexible and/or improved encoding/decoding and may specifically provide improved scalability, especially at higher data rates.

US09478218B2

Using word confidence score, insertion and substitution thresholds for selected words in speech recognition

A method and system for improving the accuracy of a speech recognition system using word confidence score (WCS) processing is introduced. Parameters in a decoder are selected to minimize a weighted total error rate, such that deletion errors are weighted more heavily than substitution and insertion errors. The occurrence distribution in WCS is different depending on whether the word was correctly identified and based on the type of error. This is used to determine thresholds in WCS for insertion and substitution errors. By processing the hypothetical word (HYP) (output of the decoder), a mHYP (modified HYP) is determined. In some circumstances, depending on the WCS's value in relation to insertion and substitution threshold values, mHYP is set equal to: null, a substituted HYP, or HYP.

US09478216B2

Guest speaker robust adapted speech recognition

A method for speech recognition is implemented in the specific form of computer processes that function in a computer processor. That is, one or more computer processes: process a speech input to produce a sequence of representative speech vectors and perform multiple recognition passes to determine a recognition output corresponding to the speech input. At least one generic recognition pass is based on a generic speech recognition arrangement using generic modeling of a broad general class of input speech. And at least one adapted recognition pass is based on a speech adapted arrangement using pre-adapted modeling of a specific sub-class of the general class of input speech.

US09478202B2

Sound effect data generating apparatus

A sound effect data generating apparatus has a starting point setting portion, an endpoint setting portion, a travel point defining portion and a data generating portion. The starting point setting portion and the endpoint setting portion set a starting point and an endpoint specified by position information, respectively. The travel point defining portion sequentially defines a point which is situated on a line connecting between the set starting point and the set endpoint and is specified by position information, as a travel point in accordance with progression of reproduced tone signals. The data generating portion determines a value of at least one parameter on one sound effect which is to be added to the tone signals on the basis of the position information of the defined travel point, the set starting point and the set endpoint, and generates sound effect data in accordance with the determined parameter value.

US09478199B1

Stringed instrument hemispherical pull string tensioner

The present invention relates to a axial movement tuner that pulls an instrument string in any direction within hemispherical space where the string exits the tuner. The tuner is an adjusting thumbscrew that has a through borehole for string passage and a low friction bearing recessed within the thumbscrew knob, where instrument strings are installed by simply passing them through the thumbscrew bearing, on through the hole in the thumbscrew, and out through a horn shaped opening. Ball end string movement is stopped when the ball reaches the small diameter bearing hole. Tuning is accomplished by turning the thumbscrew causing axial movement of the string end ball while the bearing limits string rotation, and this axial movement of the string within the tuner is redirected by a smooth horn shaped opening to any direction within a hemispherical space defined by the tuner string exit opening.

US09478194B2

Driving circuit and display device of using same

In one aspect of the invention, a driving circuit has a PCB, a transmitter disposed on the PCB for providing an input signal, first and second transmission lines disposed on the PCB and electrically coupled to the transmitter for transmitting the input signal, and a plurality of source drivers formed in a COF architecture disposed between the PCB and the display panel. The input signal is an encoded signal including first and second Gamma reference voltages control signals, and image data. The first and second Gamma reference voltages are transmitted by the PLC technology through the first and second transmission lines, respectively. The driving circuit is implemented with differential transmission of the Gamma voltages, the image data and the control signals.

US09478187B2

Pulse generation circuit and semiconductor device

Two gate drivers each comprising a shift register and a demultiplexer including single conductivity type transistors are provided on left and right sides of a pixel portion. Gate lines are alternately connected to the left-side and right-side gate drivers in every M rows. The shift register includes k first unit circuits connected in cascade. The demultiplexer includes k second unit circuits to each of which a signal is input from the first unit circuit and to each of which M gate lines are connected. The second unit circuit selects one or more wirings which output an input signal from the first unit circuit among M gate lines, and outputs the signal from the first unit circuit to the selected wiring(s). Since gate signals can be output from an output of a one-stage shift register to the M gate lines, the width of the shift register can be narrowed.

US09478186B2

Display device with idle periods for data signals

When an idle period is started, a voltage of the control signal is changed from a value H to a value L. As a result, the analog amplifiers provided in the signal line driver circuit are switched from the normal state to the low-driving power state. At this time, the data signal lines are set to have a constant potential. A gate voltage is changed from Vgh to Vgl at the same time as when the control signal was changed from the value H to the value L. As a result, the gate of each TFT returns to the OFF state from the ON state. The control signal remains at the value L until the idle period is over. In other words, when the next driving period is started, the voltage of the control signal is changed from the value L to the value H. As a result, the analog amplifiers in the signal line driver circuit are switched back to the normal state from the low-driving power state.

US09478184B2

Method of driving display panel and display apparatus for performing the same

A method of driving a display panel includes generating compensated grayscale data by increasing grayscale data corresponding to an N-th gate line of a plurality of gate lines of the display panel, where N is a natural number, generating a data voltage based on the compensated grayscale data, outputting the data voltage to the display panel including a plurality of pixel electrodes and a plurality of data lines, where each of the plurality of data lines is alternately connected to the plurality of pixel electrodes in a first pixel column and the plurality of pixel electrodes in a second pixel column, generating a storage voltage having a first level and a second level, where the second level is lower than the first level, and applying the storage voltage to the display panel.

US09478181B2

Display apparatus

A display apparatus includes a display panel including a display area in which gate lines and data lines are disposed to display an image and a peripheral area which is disposed around the display area and includes fan-out lines having different lengths, and a driving part configured to output driving signals having different levels to channels respectively connected to the fan-out lines according to the different lengths of the fan-out lines.

US09478178B2

Display device

A display device includes a pixel matrix having pixel rows and pixel columns and including pixels having switching elements positioned alternately at a corner near an upper and a lower side of each pixel row and positioned alternately at a corner near an upper and a lower side of and alternately at a corner near a left and a right side of each pixel column; multiple pairs of gate lines transmitting a gate-on voltage; and multiple data lines transmitting data voltages, wherein each pair of gate lines are disposed at the upper and lower sides of each pixel row with the pixels in each row connected to the gate line positioned nearest the respective switching element, and each data line is disposed between adjacent pairs of pixel columns and connected to pairs of pixels where one pixel of the pair has a switching element positioned nearest the respective data line.

US09478175B2

Backlight unit and liquid crystal display using the same

A liquid crystal display (LCD) device having an LCD panel with a plurality of pixels is disclosed. The LCD device includes gate and data driving circuits to provide a gate pulse and a data voltage to the pixels, respectively, and a timing controller to control the gate and data driving circuits. The LCD device also includes a backlight unit to provide light to the liquid crystal panel. The backlight unit includes a light source having at least one LED channel, a driving voltage generator to supply a driving voltage to the LED channel, and an LED driver to supply a conditional pulse width and amplitude modulation (CPWAM) signal to the LED channel. The CPWAM signal has a pulse with an amplitude and a width that are both variable from one period of a predetermined length to another period of the predetermined length.

US09478174B2

Artifact mitigation for composite primary color transition

This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for displaying image frames. A smoothing process can be utilized for mitigating image artifacts similar to dynamic false contouring (DFC). In some implementations, were a display to transition from an field specific contributing color (FSCC) having only two component colors to a target FSCC with meaningful intensities of all three component colors, or vice versa, and that target FSCC remained constant over a series of image frames, DFC-like artifacts would be mitigated at the transition by gradually, over a first number of image frames in a series of image frames, reducing the intensities of all component colors of the FSCC to values at or near zero, before gradually increasing the intensities of the component colors included in the target FSCC to their final target values over a remainder of image frames in the series of image frames.

US09478173B2

Adaptive color correction for display with backlight modulation

The techniques of this disclosure are applicable to backlight display devices. For such devices, the backlight may have different backlight intensity settings in order to promote power conservation. The techniques of this disclosure may apply different adjustments to the display, depending on the backlight intensity setting. In one example, different color correction matrices may be applied for different backlight settings in order to achieve desirable adjustments in the device at the different backlight settings. The adjustments described herein may address chrominance shifts due to different backlight settings as well as cross-talk between color channels. The techniques may also be applicable to organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays that have different luminance settings, and some described techniques may be applicable to displays that have static or fixed luminance output.

US09478167B2

Organic light emitting display and method for driving the same

An organic light emitting display includes a power supply source and a power voltage compensation unit. The power supply source supplies at least a first power voltage to a first power voltage line of the display. The power voltage compensation unit to generate a first compensation power voltage based on the first power voltage and a feedback power voltage from the first power voltage line. The first power voltage compensation unit outputs the first compensation power voltage to the first power voltage line.

US09478159B2

Display device having short and long light emitting periods. Apparatus for signal control device of the same, and signal control method

A display device includes a plurality of pixels, a scan driver sequentially applying a scan signal to a plurality of scan lines, a data driver applying a data signal corresponding to the scan signal to a plurality of data lines, and a signal controller calculating an image parameter from an image signal, and generating and transmitting one of a driving control signal for short period light emitting and a driving control signal for long period light emitting to the scan driver and the data driver by using the image parameter. The driving control signal for short period light emitting is a signal controlling a light emitting period in which a plurality of pixels emit light during one frame with a first period. The driving control signal for long period light emitting is a signal controlling the light emitting period with a second period that is longer than the first period.

US09478148B2

Performance monitoring systems and methods

We have disclosed systems and methods for portable performance monitoring of an individual during a physical activity. The systems and methods may include a heart rate sensor configured to collect heart rate data of the individual while engaged in the fitness activity. The systems and methods may also include a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor and storing computer readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to determine heart rate information based on the heart rate data. The systems and methods may also include a wireless wide area network transceiver for communicating the heart rate information to a remote computer. The systems and methods may also include a portable performance monitoring device that may have a display screen that may be configured to display the heart rate information to the individual.

US09478143B1

Providing assistance to read electronic books

Architectures and techniques are described to provide assistance to read electronic books. In particular, a computing device may receive input from an individual while the individual is reading an electronic book, such as voice input, gaze tracking input, touch screen input, and so on. Based on the input gathered while the individual reads the electronic book, the computing device may determine a particular portion of the electronic book, such as one or more words of the electronic book, that the individual is reading. The computing device may also utilize the input gathered while the individual reads the electronic book to determine whether the individual needs assistance in reading one or more words of the electronic book, such as assistance in pronouncing the one or more words. The computing device may then provide assistance to the individual to read the one or more words.

US09478142B2

Railway transport management

A method performed by a first rolling stock, comprising: receiving one or more communications from one or more second rolling stock, with a railroad network comprising the first rolling stock and the one or more second rolling stock; executing, by the first rolling stock, one or more of a local rule and a global rule; determining, based on executing, a speed for the first rolling stock relative to a speed of at least one of the one or more second rolling stock; and controlling the speed for the first rolling stock in accordance with the determined speed, wherein controlling promotes avoidance of a collision between the first rolling stock and the at least one of the one or more second rolling stock.

US09478139B2

Driving safety system and barrier screening method thereof

A driving safety system mounted in a vehicle includes an image acquisition module and a distance detection module connected to a vehicle-mounted computer and respectively acquiring at least one piece of barrier information and at least one frame of image information. The vehicle-mounted computer analyzes the barrier information and the image information, constantly receives barrier information in the course of driving, and performs a screen and analysis algorithm to screen out noise from the surrounding environment and a comparison analysis algorithm to eliminate noise reflected from objects on the ground, to accurately acquire front target information. Accordingly, the driving safety system can correctly determine barriers in the front when the vehicle is moving to achieve the goal of enhancing driving safety.

US09478137B1

Detecting and communicating lane splitting maneuver

A vehicle system includes a lane detector programmed to output a boundary signal representing a location of a lane boundary relative to a host vehicle. A processing device is programmed to determine, from the boundary signal, whether the host vehicle is performing a lane splitting maneuver. If so, the processing device is programmed to transmit a lane splitting signal.

US09478124B2

Remote control with enhanced touch surface input

A folding remote control with an inner touch surface such as a touch pad is disclosed. The touch surface is split in two sections which together span both inner surfaces of the two sections of the folding remote providing a large touch surface. This allows ease of use and also can provide features such as multi-touch control. Back lighting may provide a relatively large keyboard input spanning both sections which can be selected for display at the push of a button. Remote control embodiments without folding sections but large touch surface configurations are also disclosed.

US09478121B2

Emergency equipment power sources

Energy harvesting devices provide power to devices of emergency equipment stations (e.g., fire extinguisher station, fire alarm pull station, defibrillator station, etc.) distributed throughout a facility to monitor one or more internal or external conditions (e.g., identifiable objects detected near the station, presence of an obstruction restricting access to the station, etc.) and relay information about the monitored conditions to a central station.

US09478120B2

System for monitoring evacuation of a facility

A method of monitoring the presence of personnel within a facility (S) and of monitoring the evacuation of the facility. A personnel registration system (2, 2a, 2b, 4) obtains data indicating the presence of a person. An interface computer (6) continuously receives data about people at the facility from a personnel server, and continuously supplies data to a monitoring server (9). A portable device (10a, 10b, c) is in data communication with the monitoring server and continuously receives data from the monitoring server. Upon evacuation of the facility, the portable device is taken to a mustering point (A, B, C) outside of the facility, and communicates (10) wirelessly with the monitoring server and continuously receives data from and sends data to the monitoring server. During evacuation of the facility the portable device logs the attendance of people at the mustering point and continuously communicates information to the monitoring server about people logged.

US09478113B2

Cordless indicia reader with a multifunction coil for wireless charging and EAS deactivation

A cordless indicia reader including a multifunction coil that can be configured to either transmit or receive electromagnetic energy is disclosed. In this way, the multifunction coil facilitates both the wireless charging of a battery and the wireless deactivation of electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags. The multifunction coil, and a plurality of modules to perform these functions, are integrated within the cordless indicia reader's hand-supportable housing.

US09478108B2

Multi-directional, multi-functional, wearable safety lighting apparatus

A multi-functional, multi-directional wearable safety lighting device is disclosed herein that includes a main light housing and a magnetic mounting assembly coupleable to a bottom surface of the main light housing. The mounting assembly is configured to secure the wearable safety lighting device to a user. The main light housing includes warning light elements coupled front and rear side surfaces. A directional work light is coupled to the front side surface of the main housing and is distinct from the warning light elements. A power source supplies power to the warning light elements and the work light. A controller is programmed to energize the warning light elements in select subgroups following depression of a first control button or a second control button, and energize the directional work light following depression of a third control button.

US09478105B1

Detecting collision between objects

Among other disclosed subject matter, a computer program product is tangibly embodied in a computer-readable storage medium and includes instructions that when executed by a processor perform a method for detecting collision between objects. The method includes identifying a first edge of a first object, and a second edge of a second object, presented on a display, the second object associated with a transformation. The method includes performing an inverse of the transformation on the first object while not performing the transformation on the second object. The method includes generating an output on the display that indicates whether the first and second objects collide, the output based on performing the inverse of the transformation.

US09478103B2

Gambling hybrid gaming system with a fixed shooter

Systems and methods for a gambling hybrid game that provides a fixed shooter game as an entertainment game are disclosed. In a fixed shooter game, a shooter controlled by a player is on a fixed plane and the player shoots at game targets by moving the shooter along at least one axis within the fixed plane. The entertainment system engine in a gambling hybrid game provides the fixed shooter game and determines interactions between the shooter and targets in the game. A game world engine of the gambling hybrid game determines when a gambling event in a gambling game is to be provided based upon the interactions in the fixed shooter game. The game world engine then requests that a real world engine of the game world engine resolve the gambling event in the gambling game. The real world engine then resolves the gambling event and associated wagers.

US09478100B2

Localized remote gaming

A gaming machine, such as a video slot or video poker machine located in a casino or other gaming environment, may be configured to provide simultaneous play by both an in-person player and one or more remote players. Session identifiers may be assigned to the gaming machine that correspond to the game session of the in-person player and the game session of any remote players.

US09478091B2

Digital media rental and return kiosk having a three-position lockable gate mechanism and methods of operating a digital media rental and return kiosk

A digital media rental and return kiosk includes a store arranged to store physical digital media items. The kiosk further includes a user interface (i) having a dispense and return slot, and (ii) arranged to enable a customer to interact with the kiosk to either rent a digital media item or return a digital media item through the slot. The kiosk also includes a delivery system arranged to (i) transport a digital media item to be rented from the store to the slot, and (ii) transport a digital media item to be returned from the slot to the store. The kiosk further includes a gate mechanism including a gate which is (i) movable from a closed position to a first opened position to allow a digital media item to be rented to be dispensed through the slot to a customer, and (ii) movable from the closed position to a second opened position which is different from the first opened position to allow a digital media item to be returned to be inserted through the slot by the customer.

US09478089B2

System for handling valuable documents

A system for handling valuable documents is provided that comprises a validator 2 for validating authenticity of a valuable document, and a printer 3 for printing on a card 20 information in validator 2 and an interface 4 for connecting validator 2 and printer 3 for their intercommunication. Automatically or after a certain period of time, validator 2 transmits its stored validation information to printer 3 through interface 4. Otherwise, receiving a transmission instruction signal of validation information given upon turning a trigger switch on or receiving a retrieval instruction signal from printer 3, validator 2 transmits its stored validation information to printer 3 through interface 4 to print the validation information on card 20.

US09478081B2

Currency keeper

An electronic safe which incorporates consumer programmable buttons, along with an on-board central processing unit.

US09478077B2

Method of analysing flight data

The invention relates to a method of analyzing flight data recorded during N flights of at least one aircraft, by means of a flight data recorder of an aircraft, the data being grouped together by flight i in a signature vector of the flight Xi of size d, the components of which correspond to data recorded during said flight i of the aircraft, a flight i being thus defined by the signature vector Xi, the method comprising the following steps: Gaussian kernel entropy component analysis of the flight signatures Xi to obtain a zone of normal flights and classifying the flight signatures Xi with respect to their distance to said zone; determining, for each flight i, an abnormality score zi defined by the distance of a flight signature Xi with respect to the zone of normal flights; detecting, as a function of the abnormality score zi, at least one abnormal flight.

US09478074B2

Vehicle management

A fleet manager may communicate desired driving behavior, including maximum speed, desired route, areas to avoid, and other information to operators of vehicles in the fleet. The communication may be via an application on a mobile device, vehicle computer, or other device associated with each driver or vehicle. In operation, an administrator, such as, for example, a fleet manager, may communicate instructions to one or more vehicles, for example a vehicle of a fleet of vehicles.

US09478067B1

Augmented reality environment with secondary sensory feedback

An architecture includes a system to create an augmented reality environment in which images are projected onto a scene and user movement within the scene is captured. In addition to primary visual stimuli, the architecture further includes introduction of a secondary form of sensory feedback into the environment to enhance user experience. The secondary sensory feedback may be tactile feedback and/or olfactory feedback. The secondary sensory feedback is provided to the user in coordination with the visual based activity occurring within the scene.

US09478058B2

Object correcting apparatus and method and computer-readable recording medium

An object correcting method includes disposing multiple sample objects at different positions on a display screen, the sample objects having respective attributes characteristic thereof; obtaining the position of a point on the display screen specified by a user; changing the attribute of a target object by calculating an interpolated value of the attributes of the sample objects based on the positions at which the sample objects are disposed and the position of the point and replacing the value of at least one of the parameters of the attribute of the target object with the calculated interpolated value; and correcting the target object based on the changed attribute thereof.

US09478057B2

Chaining animations

In applications that display a representation of a user, it may be reasonable to insert a pre-canned animation rather than animating a user's captured motion. For example, in a tennis swing, the ball toss and take back in a serve could be a pre-canned animation, whereas the actual forward swing may be mapped from the user's gestures. An animation of a user's gestures can be chained together into sequences with pre-canned animations, where animation blending techniques can provide for a smoother transition between the animation types. Techniques for blending animations, that may comprise determining boundaries and transition points between pre-canned animations and animations based on captured motion, may improve animation efficiency. Gesture history, including joint position, velocity, and acceleration, can be used to determine user intent, seed parameters for subsequent animations and game control, and determine the subsequent gestures to initiate.

US09478053B2

Image display device and image adjustment method of image display device

An image display device capable of performing a shape correction of an image displayed on an image display surface having a corner composed of a plurality of surfaces is provided. The image display device includes: an OSD processing unit that displays identification images respectively corresponding to four sides of an image; an identification image selection unit that accepts an operation of selecting the displayed identification image; a moving operation unit that accepts an operation of moving a node set at a predetermined position of the side corresponding to the selected identification image; and an image processing unit that corrects the shape of the image by moving, based on the operation accepted with the moving operation unit, the node of the side of the image displayed on an image display surface composed of a plurality of surfaces.

US09478050B2

Imaging system for imaging an object

The invention relates to an imaging system for imaging an object. Projection data of the object are acquired by using a radiation source emitting primary radiation (14) from a primary focal spot (15) and unwanted secondary radiation (16) from secondary focal spots (17). A first image of the object is reconstructed from the acquired projection data, a forward projection of the secondary radiation through the first image is simulated for generating secondary projection data, and a second image is generated based on the acquired projection data and the secondary projection data. Since the secondary projection data, which can generally cause image artifacts, are determined, the reconstruction unit can consider these unwanted secondary projection data while reconstructing the second image, in order to reduce the influence of the secondary projection data on the reconstructed second image, thereby improving the image quality.

US09478046B2

Image processing circuit and image processing method

An image processing device includes a hue changer and a color gamut converter. The hue changer changes a hue of input image data from a first hue to a second hue by combining a phase with a hue of a primary color when the input image data is at or adjacent the primary color, the phase being based on a hue angle phase difference between a first color gamut and a second color gamut narrower than the first color gamut. The color gamut converter preserves a hue about image data from the hue changer and converts a color gamut from the first color gamut to the second color gamut.

US09478042B1

Determining visibility of rendered content

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for determining whether content rendered on a display is actually visible to a user. In one aspect, a method includes generating and transmitting content presentation data that causes a user device to present, at a display and over a first time period, a content item that includes one or more content portions that are each designated for presentation in a respective first color. For a second time period, the respective first color of a particular content portion is changed to a second color. Visual representation data that includes a visual representation of the display during the second time period is generated and provided. Using the visual representation, an amount of the content item that was visible at the display is determined based on an amount of the particular content portion presented in the second color.

US09478025B2

Device having a digital infrared sensor and non-touch optical detection of vital signs from a temporal variation amplifier

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.

US09478019B2

Reticle inspection using near-field recovery

Systems and methods for detecting defects on a reticle are provided. The embodiments include generating and/or using a data structure that includes pairs of predetermined segments of a reticle pattern and corresponding near-field data. The near-field data for the predetermined segments may be determined by regression based on actual image(s) of a reticle generated by a detector of a reticle inspection system. Inspecting a reticle may then include separately comparing two or more segments of a pattern included in an inspection area on the reticle to the predetermined segments and assigning near-field data to at least one of the segments based on the predetermined segment to which it is most similar. The assigned near-field data can then be used to simulate an image that would be formed for the reticle by the detector, which can be compared to an actual image generated by the detector for defect detection.

US09478015B2

Exposure enhancement method and apparatus for a defogged image

An exposure enhancement method and apparatus for a defogged image. The exposure enhancement method includes: constructing an exposure enhancement function in accordance with a defogging parameter; performing exposure enhancement on a defogged image by using the constructed exposure enhancement function. The method and apparatus can adaptively process the defogged image according to the defogging parameter and can process pixels in the defogged image in parallel.

US09478004B2

Method and system for analog/digital image simplification and stylization

A computer program product includes instructions for a processor to perform a method of improving image structure and coherence, and/or for simplification/stylization. The method includes inputting the image, by: scanning the image; image capture using a camera; and/or image creation using a computer. Multi-channel images are converted into a single-channel grayscale image, which is separated into a first image component—the high spatial frequencies, and a second component image—the low spatial frequencies. The first and second component images are each formed by filtering to remove frequencies outside of respective upper and lower threshold frequencies. A gain multiplier is applied to the filtered first and second component images to control detail amplification. The first and second component images are each blurred at the respective upper and lower threshold frequencies. An improved stylized composite image results by subtracting the gain multiplied first component image from the gain multiplied second component image.

US09478001B2

Scalable high performance 3D graphics

A high-speed ring topology. In one embodiment, two base chip types are required: a “drawing” chip, LoopDraw, and an “interface” chip, LoopInterface. Each of these chips have a set of pins that supports an identical high speed point to point unidirectional input and output ring interconnect interface: the LoopLink. The LoopDraw chip uses additional pins to connect to several standard memories that form a high bandwidth local memory sub-system. The LoopInterface chip uses additional pins to support a high speed host computer host interface, at least one video output interface, and possibly also additional non-local interconnects to other LoopInterface chip(s).

US09477998B2

Performance control for concurrent animations

The embodiments set forth a technique for targeted scaling of the voltage and/or frequency of hardware components included in a mobile computing device. One embodiment involves independently analyzing the individual frame rates of each animation within a user interface (UI) of a mobile computing device instead of analyzing the frame rate of the UI as a whole. This can involve establishing, for each animation being displayed within the UI, a corresponding performance control pipeline that generates a control signal for scaling a performance mode of the hardware components (e.g., a Central Processing Unit (CPU)) included in the mobile computing device. In this manner, the control signals generated by the performance control pipelines can be aggregated to produce a control signal that causes a power management component to scale the performance mode(s) of the hardware components.

US09477995B2

System, device, and method of electronic payment

A system and method allow a customer to perform self-checkout at a real-world non-virtual store or restaurant or other business establishment that the customer is visiting. The customer pre-defines an electronic payment method. The customer visits the business establishment, and the system generates a unique user-specific code that is a function of the time, the location, and the specific customer. The code is displayed on the mobile device of the customer, which is then shown to an employee of the business establishment, which then enters the unique code into a Point of Sale terminal; thereby generating an association between an ongoing open tab of the customer, and the mobile device of the customer. The customer is able to perform self checkout of the open tab, without requiring action on behalf of the business establishment.

US09477989B2

Method and apparatus of determining relative driving characteristics using vehicular participative sensing systems

A system and method for sharing information from a vehicle for comparison to information from other vehicles. The system and method include collecting vehicle trace data and sharing the vehicle trace data using a communications network such that the vehicle trace data is compared and ranked relative to the vehicle trace data of other vehicles.

US09477988B2

Systems and methods for identifying financial relationships

Improved systems and methods are provided for identifying financial relationships. In particular, financial relationships may be identified by associating tradelines with one or more people who sign or co-sign on the tradeline. In various embodiments a method is provided comprising, receiving, at a computer-based system for credit data analysis comprising a processor and a tangible, non-transitory memory, credit reporting data relating to a tradeline, parsing, by the computer-based system, the credit reporting data to yield primary debtor data and secondary debtor data and linking, by the computer-based system, the tradeline with the primary debtor data and the secondary debtor data.

US09477987B2

Methods and apparatus related to producing a household economic forecast

In one general aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be configured to store instructions that when executed cause a processor to perform a process. The process can include receiving, at a first economic conversion block, a first set of parameter values associated with a user identifier, and receiving, at a second economic conversion block, a second set of parameter values associated with the user identifier. The first economic conversion block and the second economic conversion block can be included in a library of conversion blocks. The first economic conversion block and the second economic conversion block can be selected from a library of economic conversion blocks and defining an economic unit.

US09477984B2

Social media transactions system and methods

A system and method for a sales transaction system (STS) in a social media network is presented. The invention provides a simple way to sell and purchase products in a social media environment allowing sellers to easily set up campaigns of a group of products they wish to sell. A member of the social network simply types a purchase direction statement (PDS) that is a keyword to indicate their desire to buy a listed product. The STS detects the PDS and invoices the buyer, updating the seller as to the completed payment, and directing them to ship to the appropriate address.

US09477978B1

Systems and methods for a virtual car advisor

A system for advising a user on the condition of a vehicle is described. Data can be collected from a vehicle in the form of images or reflected energy from a section or part of the vehicle, and the data can be analyzed to determine if repairs, damage, or other problems are present. The collected data may also be images of identifying panels or insignia on the car. A report with results of the analysis can be provided to the user. The results of the analysis may describe detected damage or repairs, provide vehicle history or identifying information, or report detection of repainting.

US09477976B2

Automatic device registration system with barcode identification and maintenance information generation

A system for transmitting product information of a product is described. The system contains a product with an electronic controller for acquiring and/or storing product information, wherein the product information comprises standard information about the product and current product information, a barcode generating component for generating a barcode for representing the product information, wherein the barcode generating means is connected to the product for data transfer or is integrated into the product, and a barcode updating device for updating the barcode on the basis of the standard information about the product and current product information. There is furthermore an acquisition module for the information acquisition of the product information from the barcode by means of an image recording device.

US09477968B2

Collecting information regarding consumer click-through traffic

A method and system for providing the centralized collection of click-through traffic information. The method includes receiving a DNS query for a domain name at a third party auditing service from a requesting computing resource. The domain name is configured to include click-through information as a subdomain, and wherein a URL associated with the domain name provides content. The click-through information is parsed from the domain name without establishing a connection between said third party auditing server and any web server providing the content. An IP address for the web server associated with the domain name is sent to the requesting computing resource.

US09477954B2

Method for delivering music content to a smart phone

A method of distributing media content using mobile communication devices including providing media access cards which promote selected media content to users of such devices whereby a user may access a web server associated with the media access cards and download application software enabling access to selected media content via a mobile device, the media access cards including a machine readable identification number code that identifies media content associated with the card whereby the application software facilitates reading and transmitting the code to a web server via the mobile device, receiving the identification number with the web server and using the identification number to locate a table value in a database wherein a plurality of media access cards identification numbers are associated with a media content table value, using the table value to identify media codes associated with the selected content server which transmits media to the mobile device.

US09477949B2

Media file sharing, correlation of metadata related to shared media files and assembling shared media file collections

The present invention provides for systems and methods for communicating media files and creating a collection of media files, also referred to herein as a master media file. In addition, the systems and methods of the present invention provide for the creation of automatic metadata and compilation of metadata associated with the collection of media files. The present invention is able to bond devices, referred to herein as slave devices, such as media capture devices, presence devices and/or sensor devices and instruct the slave devices, particularly the media capture devices, to communicate captured media files with a specified set of metadata included.

US09477946B2

Method and system for providing a virtual job market

The present invention relates to a method for providing a virtual job market on a network comprising an application server and clients and/or electronic message systems allowing to input and output information, wherein the method comprises the following steps: providing primary dimensions information on industries, career levels and functional areas; providing secondary dimensions information on salary ranges and/or geo-data and/or educational information and/or languages and/or special expertises, entering the primary and secondary dimensions information in a three dimensional data base on the application server; collecting information chunks of open jobs and candidate profiles, and placing the information chunks in a distinct cell or number of cells in the three dimensional database. Further, the present invention relates to a system for providing a virtual job market on a network comprising an application server and clients and/or electronic message systems including at least a first database comprising candidate profiles, a second database comprising salary information and a third database comprising job information, wherein the information available in the three databases is matched in a three dimensional database model.

US09477942B2

Collaborative data entry

A method for collaborative data entry in which a primary user enters data into an input terminal includes data being entered into a number of input fields on an input screen by the primary user. The input terminal has an interface for assigning entry of data into at least one of the input fields to an alternate user. The method includes, with the interface, assigning entry of data into at least one of the input fields to an alternate user. An apparatus allowing collaborative data entry includes an input terminal comprising a display device for displaying data to a user and a user input device for receiving input from a user; and a user interface of the input terminal, the interface comprising a number of input fields for receiving the input from a user and for assigning at least one the input field to an alternate user.

US09477935B2

Timeline based visual dashboard for construction

An embodiment of the invention includes a computer implemented method for monitoring construction. The method may include receiving information about a construction project. The received information may include information about construction milestones and schedule information about the construction milestones. The information may include graphical data related to the construction milestones and the schedule information. Information about the location of a computing device may be received. Based on the location information and the information about the construction project, a graphical display user-interface may be prepared. In an embodiment of the invention, the display may include a visual representation of expected progress of the project. The display may include information about expected activity related to the project for a period of time. Embodiments include receiving an indication from a user that the representation of the expected progress differs from actual progress of the project and determining revised information about the construction project.

US09477932B2

System and method for providing visualization of a parameter on multiple branches of a distribution network

A method of displaying a representation of a power distribution network and a representation of a parameter of the power distribution network on a display device includes displaying the representation of a power distribution network on the display device as an expandable tree structure in a first region, the expandable tree structure having branches that can be expanded and collapsed; displaying the representation of the parameter on the display device during a time period that the representation of the power distribution network is displayed; and collapsing or expanding a portion of the representation of the parameter when a branch is expanded or collapsed.

US09477930B2

Cross channel optimization systems and methods

The inventive subject matter is generally directed to a cross channel optimization system, methods, and related software which provide for the conducting of experiments and/or optimization of digital content across a plurality of external content systems to user of the external content systems.

US09477927B2

Automatic test generation for decision table based rules

Systems and methods are disclosed for testing decision table-based rules. In an embodiment, a memory device may store instructions that cause a processor to perform a method comprising receiving one or more constraints for a set of data attributes, generating a structured data set of the data attributes having values based on the one or more constraints, and providing the structured data set to a decision table-based rule set.

US09477911B2

Image forming apparatus having an assignment unit that assigns pulse modulation signals in accordance with a predetermined rule and a specific pixel position information

Disclosed is an image forming apparatus, including: n laser elements arranged in the sub-scanning direction and configured to simultaneously scan an image; a pixel selection unit configured to execute a thinning process in which the pixels are thinned by selecting m pixels among n pixels arranged in the sub-scanning direction, by changing positions of the pixels to be selected according to positions in the main scanning direction; a pulse width modulation processing unit configured to sequentially convert image data corresponding to the m pixels into m pulse width modulation signals; a transmission unit configured to transmit the m pulse width modulation signals in parallel; an assignment unit configured to assign the m pulse width modulation signals to m laser elements corresponding to the positions of the m pixels; and a driving unit configured to drive the laser elements in accordance with the assigned pulse width modulation signals.

US09477908B2

Multi-level framework for object detection

The disclosure provides an approach for detecting objects in images. An object detection application receives a set of training images with object annotations. Given these training images, the object detection application generates semantic labeling for object detections, where the labeling includes lower-level subcategories and higher-level visual composites. In one embodiment, the object detection application identifies subcategories using an exemplar support vector machine (SVM) based clustering approach. Identified subcategories are used to initialize mixture components in mixture models which the object detection application trains in a latent SVM framework, thereby learning a number of subcategory classifiers that produce, for any given image, a set of candidate windows and associated subcategory labels. In addition, the object detection application learns a structured model for object detection that captures interactions among object subcategories and identifies discriminative visual composites, using subcategory labels and spatial relationships between subcategory labels to reason about object interactions.

US09477907B2

Integration of optical area monitoring with industrial machine control

An industrial safety system is provided that integrates optical safety monitoring with machine control. The safety system includes an imaging sensor device supporting pixel array processing functions that allow time-of-flight (TOF) analysis to be performed on selected portions of the pixel array, while two-dimensional imaging analysis is performed on the remaining portions of the array, reducing processing load and response time relative to performing TOF analysis for all pixels of the array. The portion of the pixel array designated for TOF analysis can be pre-defined through configuration of the imaging sensor device, or can be dynamically selected based on object detection and classification by the two-dimensional imaging analysis. The imaging sensor device can also implement a number of safety and redundancy functions to achieve a high degree of safety integrity.

US09477904B2

Systems and methods for refining building alignment in an aerial image

Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided for refining building alignment in an aerial image. At least one candidate shifting vector and matching score value are determined for a local building. At least one dominant shifting vector is determined for at least one random group of neighboring buildings of the local building. At least one optimized matching score is calculated using the at least one candidate shifting vector for the local building and the at least one dominant shifting vector for the at least one random group of the neighboring buildings. A final shifting vector for the local building is found using the at least one optimized matching score.

US09477902B2

Information processing apparatus, storage medium, information processing method and information processing system for presenting image candidates having similarity to an imaged image

A game apparatus includes a CPU, and in a mode of examining a flower based on an imaged image, the CPU activates two outward cameras to allow a user to image a flower. The CPU obtains color information, shape information and a size of the imaged flower from the imaged image. A shape category is obtained from the shape information, and with the shape category, data for search included in a database for search is filtered. Then, by comparing color information, shape information, and the size of the imaged flower with the data for search to be used, a score of a degree of approximation of the color information and scores of the degree of matching of the shape information and size, etc. are obtained. Then, images of flowers as candidates are presented in the descending order of the score (similarity level).

US09477896B1

Apparatus and system for imaging currency bills and financial documents and method for using the same

Currency bills are received, transported, and imaged to produce image data from which a visually readable image of each currency bill can be reproduced. Each of the currency bills includes a denomination, a serial number, and a set of secondary identifiers. One of the currency bills is determined to be a suspect bill. The suspect bill serial number is attempted to be extracted from the image data associated with the suspect bill. In response to failing to extract a complete serial number of the suspect bill, a serial number field in a suspect report is populated with a serial number snippet image.

US09477891B2

Surveillance system and method based on accumulated feature of object

Disclosed is a surveillance system and method based on accumulated features of objects. The surveillance system ensures and accumulatively stores a plurality of data about feature information corresponding to an object picked up by a plurality of cameras and easily identifies the same object in an image taken by another camera having a surveillance area different from those of the plurality of cameras on the basis of the data, thereby allowing for continuous tracing.

US09477889B2

Face recognition with parallel detection and tracking, and/or grouped feature motion shift tracking

Apparatuses, methods and storage medium associated with face recognition are disclosed herein. In embodiments, a method for recognizing a face may include detecting, by a first thread of a computing device, for presence of a face in interspersed selected ones of the plurality of image frames. On detecting presence of a face in a first of the selected ones of the plurality of image frames, the first thread requests tracking of the face by a second thread of the computing device, the second thread being operated in parallel to the first thread by the computing device. In response, the face may be tracked for the first thread, by the second thread. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

US09477877B2

Asset security management system

Systems and methods for monitoring assets at a premises on a utility grid. Face print information is extracted from image data received. The face print information comprises an amount of data less than the amount of data comprising the image data of the face. Asset management information from an asset management system is also received. Multiple image data may be received and vector information is determined that corresponds to the trajectory of movement of a face. A security alert is generated by correlating the asset management information with the face print information and/or the vector information and transmitting in real time the security alert to a monitoring center. A security alert may also be generated from image data reflecting abnormal running conditions of a device. Security alerts would be of a size and format necessary for transmission on any existing network, including a narrow band network.

US09477869B2

Mutual-capacitance palm print identification method, mutual-capacitance palm print identification device and mutual-capacitance palm print identification touch panel

Provided is a mutual-capacitance palm print identification method, a mutual-capacitance palm print identification device and a mutual-capacitance palm print identification touch panel. The method includes: forming a palm template information by using a mutual-capacitance touch panel to acquire a capacitive sensing data obtained from a palm pressing by a user; forming a current user's palm information by using the mutual-capacitance touch panel to acquire a capacitive sensing data obtained from a palm pressing by the current user; and comparing the current user's palm information with the palm template information and outputting the result of the comparison. It is unnecessary to add extra parts for the present invention, and thus the cost is low. Moreover, a palm of a living body is required, it is difficult to be cracked and counterfeited.

US09477862B1

Verifying panelist identity

A personal identification process executed by a processor includes receiving personal identification data; encoding, by the processor, the received personal identification information; sending the encoded personal identification information to a data element; receiving a comparison result executed by the data element of the sent encoded personal identification information and corresponding personal identification information stored on the data element; and providing the comparison result to a remote server.

US09477854B2

System and method for detecting barcode printing errors

Barcode verifiers automate the verification process by capturing an image of the printed barcode and analyzing the image according to an industry specification. Industry specifications (e.g., ISO/IEC 15416,15415) identify common printing errors and prescribe test methods for detecting and quantifying these errors. Typically, these tests sample a barcode along one or more scan lines. Print errors that are parallel to these scan lines may be missed by the test. The present invention embraces a system and method to detect unprinted lines in barcodes resulting from a printer malfunction and produce a printer malfunction report with information regarding the quantity, position, and magnitude of these print errors.

US09477846B2

Signature device and signature method

A signature device including a storage unit configured to store moving image data, and a processor configured to extract original metadata from moving image data for the image data of each of a plurality of images forming the moving image data, the original metadata including location data of the image data and identification data of the moving image data, to encode the image data of each of the images into still image data in accordance with an image format, to write the still image data into a first area, to write the original metadata extracted by the extractor into a second area, the first area and the second area being included in a storage area of a still image data file in which the still image data is filed, and to generate summary data for the still image data file.

US09477843B2

Inhibiting access to sensitive vehicle diagnostic data

A vehicle system and method of secure communication between a vehicle and an external device communicating with the vehicle in a diagnostics mode. The method includes the steps of: receiving a first diagnostic request at an electronic control unit (ECU) from the external device; determining an increased risk of security breach at the ECU based on the [nature of the] first request; and when it is determined that the increased risk exists, providing a misinformative response.

US09477837B1

Configuring a sandbox environment for malware testing

A device may receive a file to be analyzed in a sandbox environment, and may determine configuration information for configuring the sandbox environment. The configuration information may be determined based on at least one of: file information associated with the file to be analyzed, or client device information associated with a client device for which the file is intended. The device may configure the sandbox environment using the configuration information. The configuration information may identify a system configuration for the sandbox environment. The device may analyze the file in the sandbox environment based on configuring the sandbox environment using the configuration information.

US09477836B1

Content modification in served code

In some implementations, a computer system for obfuscating text in an electronic document can include an analysis module, a font data repository, a re-coding module, and a data interface. The analysis module is operable to identify strings of text from an electronic document. The font data repository can include one or more character maps that correlate, for each character map in the one or more character maps, a first set of characters with a respective different second set of characters. The re-coding module can generate a re-coded document by re-mapping, using a particular one of the one or more character maps, the identified strings of text into corresponding obfuscated strings of text, and by replacing the identified strings of text with the corresponding obfuscated strings of text from the electronic document. The data interface can transmit the re-coded document to a client computing device.

US09477833B2

Systems and methods for updating possession factor credentials

The disclosed computer-implemented method for updating possession factor credentials may include (1) detecting a request from a user of a service to designate a new object to be used by the service as a possession factor credential in place of a previously designated object, (2) prior to allowing the user to designate the new object, authenticating the user by proofing the identity of the user to verify that an alleged identity of the user is the actual identity of the user and verifying that the proofed identity of the user had possession of the previously designated object, and (3) in response to verifying that the proofed identity of the user had possession of the previously designated object, designating the new object as the possession factor credential. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

US09477824B2

Cloud control system and method for LAN-based controlled apparatus

A cloud control system for LAN-based controlled apparatus and method for the same is disclosed. The cloud control system includes a cloud server and a LAN sub-system. The LAN sub-system includes a LAN communication apparatus, a LAN server host, a controlled apparatus that is controlled by the LAN server host, and a an electronic device that may connect to the cloud server and the LAN server host. After logging in to the cloud server through the LAN communication apparatus of the LAN sub-system, the electronic device may acquire the a path linking to the controlled apparatus and may connect to and operate the controlled apparatus by selecting the apparatus linking path. Through the design on the cloud server that controls the controlled apparatus of each of the LAN sub-systems for the permission of linking and operation, the procedure of installation and configuration of the controlled apparatus may be simplified and the time of search for the controlled apparatus may be shorten, and further the security of the controlled apparatuses and their data transmission may be increased.

US09477820B2

Systems and methods for using unique device identifiers to enhance security

A method for detection and use of device identifiers to enhance the security of data transfers between electronic devices. A first electronic device can transmit access data to a second electronic device. The access data can be associated with a first access code that can be generated based at least in part on data representing a device identifier of the first electronic device. A device identifier can uniquely identify the first electronic device from a plurality of electronic devices. Transferring the access data can involve transforming the first access code into a second access code that can include data representing a device identifier associated with the second electronic device. Transforming the first access code into the second access code can facilitate access to a resource associated with the access data for a second user, but not for a first user.

US09477818B1

Leveraging a unification of content hosting and social networking

Content hosting architectures and/or social networking architectures can be improved by, e.g., unifying the two architectures to some extent. Services or features from both can be leveraged to provide an ecosystem that can be superior or preferred by users or consumers. For example, premium content that typically must be purchased via a transaction with the content hosting service can be accessed by certain users that have not purchased the premium content provided those users have a social relationship with one that has purchased the premium content, which can be determined based on data managed by the social networking service.

US09477815B2

Prescription dispensing system

A prescription dispensing system having a dispensing station for holding an inventory of prescription medications, a secure internet connection to the dispensing station for access by a potential prescription medication recipient, by healthcare personnel in a physician office and by pharmacy personnel at the pharmacy distribution center in a remote location, at least two webcams for visual and auditory communication between the location of the dispensing station and the pharmacy personnel via the internet to allow identification of the correct medication, identification and communication with the correct potential prescription medication recipient, and visual validation and recording of all documentation from the physician's office or potential prescription medication recipient, and a biometric reader disposed at the dispensing station for identifying a potential prescription medication recipient. The system may include various enhancements to allow accurate dispensing of the proper medication and direct secure internet communication between the pharmacist and the authorized recipient of the medication.

US09477799B2

Hierarchical determination of metrics for component-based parameterized SoCs

A method of determining a metric of a System-on-Chip (SoC), the method comprising: receiving a model dependency graph representing the SoC, the model dependency graph having a plurality of nodes representing components of the SoC and their models, and a plurality of directed edges between the nodes representing variables passed between the nodes of the model dependency graph; modifying the model dependency graph by clustering a plurality of strongly connected nodes in the model dependency graph into a single clustered node to form a clustered model dependency graph; determining an execution schedule according to a direction of an edge in the clustered model dependency graph; and executing models in the clustered model dependency graph according to the execution schedule to determine metrics of the SoC.

US09477797B1

Automating a microarchitecture design exploration environment

In a computing system running an environment for designing operation of circuity, at least the following are performed for providing simulations and evaluations of one or more user-defined modules of circuitry including one or more pipeline stages in a pipeline. A model of the pipeline is automatically generated by using a pipeline block diagram, where the model is generated in a high-level modeling language able to perform simulations of circuitry with the pipeline. An interface is automatically generated between the one or more user-defined modules and the generated model of the pipeline, the interface including a set of access methods to the pipeline. Evaluation is performed of the one or more user-defined modules using the automatically generated model of the pipeline and the automatically generated interface. Methods, apparatus, and computer program products are disclosed.

US09477794B2

Simulation method for high polymer material

A computerized simulation method for evaluating the dispersion of fillers in a high polymer material is disclosed. The method comprises: a simulation step in which, using filler models and polymer models placed in a predetermined virtual space, a molecular dynamics calculation is performed; and an evaluation step in which, from results of the simulation step, the dispersion of the filler models is evaluated. The evaluation step includes a step of computing a mean-square displacement of most influential particles for which a cutoff distance largest in the filler particle is defined. Thereby, the dispersion can be evaluated certainly at short times.

US09477793B2

Method and systems for off-line control for simulation of coupled hybrid dynamic systems

Systems and methods are provided for controlling the simulation of a coupled hybrid dynamic system. A physical test rig configured to drive the physical structure component of the system and to generate a test rig response as a result of applying a test rig drive signal. A processor is configured with a virtual model of a complementary system to the physical structure component. The processor receives the test rig response and generates a response of the complementary system based on a received test rig response. The system can be driven with a random input. The processor compares the test rig response with the response of the complementary system, the difference being used to form a system dynamic response model.

US09477790B2

Automated MEP design

Embodiments of the present invention include a method for automatically designing MEP for a building. The method may include receiving information about the building including a first structural model of the building, and retrieving design specifications from a database, including information about local building codes, physical laws and building design rules. Information about available MEP components may be retrieved from a component library. The information about the building and the design specifications may be analyzed to determine additional elements for the first structural model of the building. A second structural model of the building including the additional elements may then be prepared.

US09477756B1

Classifying structured documents

Technologies are described herein for classifying structured documents based on the structure of the document. A structured document is received, and the structural elements are parsed from the document to generate a text string representing the structure of the document instead of the semantic textual content of the document. The text string may be broken into N-grams utilizing a sliding window, and a classifier trained from similar structured documents labeled as belonging to one of a number of document classes is utilized to determine a probability that the document belongs to each of the document classes based on the N-grams.

US09477752B1

Ontology administration and application to enhance communication data analytics

A method for developing an ontology for practicing communication data, wherein the ontology is a structural representation of language elements and the relationship between those language elements within the domain, includes providing a training set of communication data and processing the training set of communication data to identify terms within the training set of communication data, wherein a term is a word or short phrase. The method further includes utilizing the terms to identify relations within the training set of communication data, wherein a relation is a pair of terms that appear in proximity to one another. Finally, the terms in the relations are stored in a database.

US09477746B2

System and method for television search assistant

A television guide search query is received from a user. A plurality of suggested search terms are selected. Each of the plurality of suggested search terms is assigned to, and is ranked within, one of a plurality of categories A number of suggested search terms to be returned to the user, nc, is determined for each of the plurality of categories, nc being equal to a ratio of the number of suggested search terms in the respective category to a total number of suggested search terms multiplied by a total number of displayed search terms. A result set is created by adding, for each of the plurality of categories, the top ranked nc suggested search terms to the result set. The result set is transmitted to the user. A selection of a search term is received from the user and is used to conduct a television guide search.

US09477742B2

Update control device, update control program, and update control method

An update control device includes an acquiring unit, a classifying unit, and an update processing unit. The acquiring unit acquires component information that indicates a component in multiple devices. The classifying unit calculates the similarity of the component information related to the multiple devices acquired by the acquiring unit and classifies, on the basis of the calculated similarity, the multiple devices into one or multiple device groups. The update processing unit performs a process for updating systems of the devices that are classified into the same device group by the classifying unit.

US09477738B2

Initialization protocol for a peer-to-peer replication environment

Techniques for initializing a connection in a peer-to-peer database replication environment. A message is received from an initiator node, indicating that the initiator node will begin replicating changes made to a particular data entity. One or more replicated changes relating to the database entity are received from the initiator node. If an updated instance of the data entity does not currently exist on a target node then one or more load operations are performed to create the updated instance. The stored replicated changes may then be processed against the updated instance of the database entity.

US09477737B1

Systems and user interfaces for dynamic access of multiple remote databases and synchronization of data based on user rules

A computing system is configured to access a plurality of remote databases in order to identify data inconsistencies between the remote databases and provide user interfaces to a user in order to initiate communication via one or more APIs to certain remote databases indicating updates that reconcile said data inconsistencies.

US09477733B2

Hierarchical, parallel models for extracting in real-time high-value information from data streams and system and method for creation of same

A computer system identifies high-value information in data streams. The computer system receives a plurality of filter graph definitions. Each of the filter graph definitions includes a plurality of filter nodes arranged in a two-dimensional graph by a plurality of graph edges. Each filter node is configured to accept or reject individual packets in a data stream based on content and/or metadata information associated with the individual packet. The system prepares the filter graph for execution. In response to receiving a data stream with a plurality of packets, the system distributes the packets to inputs of each of the executable filter graph definitions. The system identifies, using the executable filter graph definitions, packets with high-value information based on parallel execution of the filter nodes included in the respective filter graph definition.

US09477729B2

Domain based keyword search

A database keyword search technique that relies on a domain based storage infrastructure is disclosed. In operation, a keyword search string is processed to generate a set of search string permutations. Each string permutation specifies a different ordering of one or more portions of the search string. A domain based search process is then executed asynchronously for each string permutation. Each execution generates a search result set that identifies rows in the database that include data relevant to the string permutation. The results in each result set are scored and ranked based in part on the similarity between the string permutation and the search string provided by the user. The rankings determine which of the results are to be presented to the user.

US09477727B2

Abstracting data for use by a mobile device having occasional connectivity

A system, method, and computer program product are provided for abstracting data in a remote data source. A method operates by defining the data source, defining a data synchronization methodology for communication with the data source, and providing an abstraction layer for accessing data in the data source. The abstraction layer implements the data synchronization methodology when data is accessed through the abstraction layer is presented.

US09477724B2

Framework for visualizing re-written queries to database

Embodiments relate to re-writing database query plans, and visualizing such re-written query plans. A query re-write framework includes a query normalization engine in communication with a rule catalog comprising query re-write rules in the form of rule classes. The framework receives as input, a query plan graph to be re-written. Based upon the engine's application of re-write rules from the catalog, the framework produces a re-written query plan graph as output. An interface component of the framework may provide a visualization of the re-written query plan graph as part of a dashboard. A user may access the framework to enable/disable existing rules in the catalog, add new rules to the catalog, and/or control a sequence and a precedence in which rules are applied to re-write the query plan. A user may interact with the visualization of the re-written query plan for purposes of de-bugging, re-write optimization, and/or query development.

US09477720B1

Social search endorsements

This specification describes technologies relating to searching. In general, aspects of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods that include the actions of receiving, at a computing device, a search query from a user, receiving, at the computing device, search results responsive to the search query, the search results each associated with digital content stored in one or more computer-readable storage media, determining that a first search result of the search results is associated with a first endorsement generated by a first user, determining that the first user is a member of a social graph of the user, and transmitting instructions to display the search results to the user, the instructions including instructions to display a first endorsement annotation associated with the first search result.

US09477713B2

Selecting and ordering groups of titles

Techniques for selecting and ordering groups of titles to present as recommendations. In one embodiment, for example, a method performed by one or more computing devices of an online services comprises selecting, for each of a plurality of row positions, a group of titles to fill the row position based at least in part on a relevance score computed for the group of titles. The relevance score is based at least in part on a personalized ranking for a particular user of titles in the groups in titles selected to fill the row positions. The groups of titles selected to fill to the row positions are presented as recommendations to the particular user as a sequence of rows in which each row in the sequence corresponds to one of the selected groups of titles.

US09477712B2

Searching for segments based on an ontology

The invention pertains to methods, systems, and apparatus for identifying media items relevant to a selected subject matter, the method comprising determining the subject matter of a first media item, the first media item comprising at least one of audio content and video content, determining the classification within an ontology of the subject matter of the first media item, analyzing the ontology to identify other subject matter related to the subject matter of the first media item, and performing a search for other media items relevant to the subject matter of the first media item as a function of at least the other related subject matter according to the ontology.

US09477702B1

Apparatus and method for accessing materialized and non-materialized values in a shared nothing system

A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to define an interface to a multi-dimensional cube divided into partitions distributed across nodes supporting a shared nothing multi-dimensional distributed database. The interface includes a metadata module characterizing access paths to data within the multi-dimensional cube and an access path module to convert a data request into an access path protocol to retrieve data from the multi-dimensional cube to satisfy the data request.

US09477700B2

Data environment change notification

A method of and system for monitoring and providing notification of changes to a data environment. Parameters of interest for monitoring changes made to a metadata data store are stored. Instructions are stored related to notifying a recipient of a communication about the changes. The metadata is monitored for changes related to the parameters of interest, and a change notification communication is generated with transmission initiated to the recipient. The instructions related to notification of the changes may include the identity of a recipient, mechanism for notification, and format and content of notification. A computer readable memory system and a computer program product may be provided that is encoded with a data structure for notifying data consumers of changes to a data environment that includes metadata.

US09477689B2

Embedding digital content within a digital photograph during capture of the digital photograph

A wireless communication device comprises position determining system, a digital imaging system and a photograph customization system coupled to the position locating system and the digital imaging system. The position determining system is configured to provide information indicating a current position of the wireless communication device. The digital imaging system is configured to create digitally rendered images of visual content acquired thereby. The visual content is displayed on an image viewing structure of the digital imaging device while being acquired. The photograph customization system is configured to use the current location of the digital imaging device for providing one or more embeddable content images and to display information from at least one of the one or more embeddable content images on an image viewing structure of the digital imaging device while the visual content being acquired by the digital imaging system is being displayed on the image viewing structure.

US09477685B1

Finding untagged images of a social network member

A method for enabling a new member of a social network to tag photos of the new member is described, where the photos have been previously uploaded by existing members before the new member joined the social network. For example, a system can obtain a reference image (e.g., a profile picture) of the new member. The system compares the reference image to stored images in the social network using facial recognition technology and generates a list of stored images in which the new member may be pictured. The system enables the new member to take one or more predefined actions with regard to each image in the list. For example, the predefined actions may include tagging an image in which the new member is pictured, or sending a notification to the owner of an image in the list.

US09477684B2

Image processing apparatus and control method using motion history images

An image processing apparatus includes: a camera configured to generate a captured image by capturing motion of an object; an image processor configured to process the captured image; a storage configured to store a predetermined information which is common data included in common in a plurality of motion history images (MHI) obtained by capturing respectively the motions by a predetermined form; and a controller configured to determine that a form of the motion by the object within the captured image corresponds to the predetermined form if it is determined that MHI data of the captured image includes the predetermined information.

US09477675B1

Managing file system checking in file systems

A method is used in managing file system checking in file systems. Metadata of a file system is evaluated upon receiving a request to perform file system checking on the file system. Based on the evaluation, determination is made as to whether file system checking has been performed previously on the file system. Based on the determination, file system checking is performed on the file system.

US09477674B2

Merging and splitting of media composition files

During the production of a time-based media project, it is often desirable for editors to work with media files or reels of a given size, both in terms of the temporal duration of media represented in each file and the number of tracks in a file. During the course of editing, files may become longer, or incorporate additional tracks, making them cumbersome to handle. A super-file view that displays multiple files simultaneously provides a framework for an editor to rebalance files during the course of media production. A graphical user interface permits users to adjust the content of the various files, including moving tracks among multiple files that comprise a given reel, as well as media between files belonging to different reels.

US09477670B2

Information management policy based on relative importance of a file

The relative importance of a file is determined based on an importance parameter and an information management policy is caused to be applied to the file based on the determined relative importance of the file. The importance parameter may be the author of the file, the number of users with whom the file is shared, the relationship between the users with whom a file is shared, the uniqueness of the file, or the presence of particular keywords in the file.

US09477656B1

Cross-lingual indexing and information retrieval

Systems and methods are disclosed for searching across multi-lingual information. A user makes a query in a first language, and a group of documents that were previously machine-translated into the first language are searched for information responsive to the query. Contextual information derived can be used to improve the accuracy of the machine translation. Responsive documents are returned to the user. Alternatively, a query provided in a user's language may be translated into one or more other languages. Documents written in these languages can then be searched for information responsive to the appropriate translated query. Responsive documents can be translated into the user's language prior to providing them to the user.

US09477655B2

Processing text with domain-specific spreading activation methods

A method for performing natural language processing of free text using domain-specific spreading activation. Embodiments of the present invention ontologize free text using an algorithm based on neurocognitive theory by simulating human recognition, semantic, and episodic memory approaches. Embodiments of the invention may be used to process clinical text for assignment of billing codes, analyze suicide notes or legal discovery materials, and for processing other collections of text. Further, embodiments of the invention may be used to more effectively search large databases, such as a database containing a large number of medical publications.

US09477653B2

Character entry for an electronic device using a position sensing keyboard

The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for entering characters into an electronic device. Character inputs from a keyboard are displayed on a display of an electronic device and a set of suggested character sequences are also presented on the display in proximity to the displayed text. When a user digit position is sensed in a region of the keyboard, a suggested character sequence of the set of suggested character sequences that is associated with that region of the keyboard is visually indicated or highlighted. Responsive to a sensed motion gesture beginning at the sensed user digit position, the suggested character sequence indicated by the sensed user digit position is selected for input to the electronic device.

US09477646B2

Procedurally expressing graphic objects for web pages

A graphics object can be expressed using procedural language embedded in a markup language document. In an embodiment, a drawing space is specified in markup language. A drawing command to arbitrarily draw a graphics object into the drawing space is specified in procedural language. Interpretation of the markup and procedural language commands results in the rendering of the arbitrary graphics object. In another embodiment, there is a browser comprising a rendering engine, an interpreter, and parser. The rendering engine is configured to interpret a markup language instruction that specifies a drawing space as well as drawing commands in procedural language for drawing an arbitrary graphical object into the drawing space. The parser can then parse the drawing commands and convert them into an execution tree of tree objects.

US09477644B1

Identifying referral pages based on recorded URL requests

A system for pagination of data based on recorded URL requests, includes a data store comprising a computer readable medium storing a program of instructions for performing the pagination of data based on recorded URL requests; a processor that executes the program of instructions; a data segmentation module to receive a log of the URL requests, and to segment the log for a specific source; a referral tree construction module to construct a referral tree for the specific source based on the segmented log and HTTP referrer fields associated with the log; a tree enhancement module to enhance the referral tree based on site-specific rules; a signal computation module to perform signal computation on a plurality of nodes associated with the enhanced referral tree; a classification module to identify each of the plurality of nodes subsequent to the signal computation is performed on the enhanced referral tree; and a page construction module to construct a web page based on the enhanced referral tree subsequent to the classification module identifying the plurality of nodes.

US09477642B2

Gesture-based navigation among content items

In any context where a user can view multiple different content items, switching among content items is provided using an array mode. In a full-frame mode, one content item is visible and active, but other content items may also be open. In response to user input the display can be switched to an array mode, in which all of the content items are visible in a scrollable array. Selecting a content item in array mode can result in the display returning to the full-frame mode, with the selected content item becoming visible and active. Smoothly animated transitions between the full-frame and array modes and a gesture-based interface for controlling the transitions can also be provided.

US09477630B2

Method of connecting a PCIe bus extension system

A PCIe bus extension system, method, interface card and cable for connecting a PCIe-compliant peripheral device to a PCIe bus of a computer system. The interface card includes a printed circuit board, an edge connector adapted for insertion into a PCIe expansion slot on a motherboard of the computer system for transmitting PCIe signals between the motherboard and the interface card, an interface port configured to mate with a connector of the cable, and a logic integrated circuit on the printed circuit board, the logic integrated circuit functionally connecting the edge connector with the expansion slot and amplifying and propagating clock and data PCIe signals therebetween that are compliant with a PCIe standard. The interface card and cable lacks the capability of transmitting power therethrough to a PCIe-compliant peripheral device connected to the interface card through the interface port.

US09477619B2

Programmable latency count to achieve higher memory bandwidth

Disclosed herein are system, method and/or computer program product embodiments for increasing memory bandwidth when accessing a plurality of memory devices. An embodiment operates by executing, by at least one processor, a first read operation to read data from a first memory device following an access time for the first memory device. The embodiment further includes executing, by the at least one processor, a second read operation to read data from a second memory device following an access time for the second memory device. The access time for the second memory device is substantially the same or longer than the access time for the first memory device plus a time it takes to read data from the first memory device.

US09477613B2

Position-based replacement policy for address synonym management in shared caches

A computer-implemented method includes receiving a request to access a cache entry in a shared cache. The request references a synonym for the cache entry. A cache directory of the shared cache includes, for each cache entry of the shared cache, a first-ranked synonym slot for storing a most recently used synonym for the cache entry and a second-ranked synonym slot for storing a second most recently used synonym for the cache entry. The method includes, based on receiving the request, writing contents of the first-ranked synonym slot for the cache entry to the second-ranked synonym slot for the cache entry, and writing the synonym referenced in the request to the first-ranked synonym slot for the cache entry.

US09477611B2

Final level cache system and corresponding methods

A data access system including a processor and a final level cache module. The processor is configured to generate a request to access a first physical address. The final level cache module includes a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a final level cache controller, and a DRAM controller. The final level cache controller is configured to (i) receive the request from the processor, and (ii) convert the first physical address to a first virtual address. The DRAM controller is configured to (i) convert the first virtual address to a second physical address, and (ii) access the DRAM based on the second physical address.

US09477603B2

System and method for partitioning of memory units into non-conflicting sets

A system and method of operation exploit the limited associativity of a single cache set to force observable cache evictions and discover conflicts. Loads are issued to input memory addresses, one at a time, until a cache eviction is detected. After observing a cache eviction on a load from an address, that address is added to a data structure representing the current conflict set. The cache is then flushed, and loads are issued to all addresses in the current conflict set, so that all known conflicting addresses are accessed first, ensuring that the next cache miss will occur on a different conflicting address. The process is repeated, issuing loads from all input memory addresses, incrementally finding conflicting addresses, one by one. Memory addresses that conflict in the cache belong to the same partition, whereas memory addresses belonging to different partitions do not conflict.

US09477601B2

Apparatus and method for determining a sector division ratio of a shared cache memory

An apparatus includes a shared cache memory and a controller. The shared cache memory is configured to be divided into sectors by assigning one or more ways to each sector in accordance with a reusability level of data. The controller changes a sector division ratio indicating a ratio between way counts of the divided sectors of the shared cache memory, where the way count is a number of ways assigned to each sector. When first and second jobs are being executed in parallel, in response to a designation of a program of the second job, the controller calculates the sector division ratio, based on data access amount including a size and an access count of data accessed by the first and second jobs and a volume of the shared cache memory, and changes the sector division ratio of the shared cache memory to the calculated sector division ratio.

US09477600B2

Apparatus and method for shared cache control including cache lines selectively operable in inclusive or non-inclusive mode

A data processing system 2 includes a cache hierarchy having a plurality of local cache memories and a shared cache memory 18. State data 30, 32 stored within the shared cache memory 18 on a per cache line basis is used to control whether or not that cache line of data is stored and managed in accordance with non-inclusive operation or inclusive operation of the cache memory system. Snoop transactions are filtered on the basis of data indicating whether or not a cache line of data is unique or non-unique. A switch from non-inclusive operation to inclusive operation may be performed in dependence upon the transaction type of a received transaction requesting a cache line of data.

US09477591B2

Memory access requests in hybrid memory system

Incoming memory access requests are routed in a set of incoming queues, the incoming memory access requests comprise a range of host logical block addresses (LBAs) that correspond to a memory space of a primary memory. The host LBA range is mapped to clusters of secondary memory LBAs, the secondary memory LBAs corresponding to a memory space of a secondary memory. Each incoming memory access request queued in the set of incoming queues is transformed into one or more outgoing memory access requests that include a range of secondary memory LBAs or one or more clusters of secondary memory LBAs. The outgoing memory access requests are routed in a set of outgoing queues. The secondary memory is accessed using the outgoing memory access requests.

US09477586B1

Power-aware memory controller circuitry

Memory controller circuitry may process the memory access requests by reordering the sequence of requests. Reordering the sequence of requests may decrease the power consumption of the memory controller and system memory associated with the memory controller. The memory controller may operate in at least an unconstrained power mode, a priority mode, and a constrained power mode. In the unconstrained power mode, the memory controller may process memory access requests at elevated and power consumption levels. In the priority mode, the memory controller may process memory access requests from select sources with reduced power consumption. In the constrained power mode, the memory controller may process all memory access requests at reduced power consumption levels. Capacitive-model based power monitoring circuitry may be used to monitor the interactions between the memory controller and the system memory to dynamically adjust the operating mode of the memory controller.

US09477582B2

Executable software specification generation

Executable software specification generation can include recording interactions with a user-interface (UI) mockup for a particular program and generating a number of executable software specification for the particular program based on the interactions with the UI mockup.

US09477580B2

System and method for determining test coverage

A computer-implemented method, computer program product, and system is provided for determining test coverage. In an implementation, a method may include identifying at least one change in source code. The method may also include instrumenting object code of at least one class file associated with a source file of the source code associated with the identified at least one change. The method may further include testing the instrumented object code with at least one test case. The method may further include generating a coverage report associated with the instrumented object code, wherein the coverage report includes a proportion of the at least one change in the source code covered by the at least one test case.

US09477578B2

Sequence-program-debugging supporting apparatus

A sequence-program-debugging supporting apparatus includes a configuration editing unit that receives a disabling unit from a PLC, a variable retaining unit that retains variables used by units on a sequence program, a program editing unit that can edit the sequence program, a converting unit that converts the sequence program into an execution code, a searching unit that acquires variables used by the disabling unit from the variable retaining unit and searches for places where the acquired variables are used in the sequence program, and a disabling setting unit that writes a section of the execution code corresponding to the places in a disabling section setting file as a disabling section not to be executed, and an execution control unit that controls, based on the disabling section setting file, an executing unit not to execute the disabling section.

US09477572B2

Performing predictive modeling of virtual machine relationships

An exemplary method may include collecting performance data of present operating conditions of network components operating in an enterprise network, extracting ontological component data of the network components from the collected performance data, comparing the collected performance data with predefined service tier threshold parameters, and determining if the ontological component data represents operational relationships between the network components, and establishing direct and indirect relationships between the network components based on the determined operational relationships and establishing a business application service group based on the ontological component data.

US09477566B2

Power leveling of a system under test

Power leveling a system under test (SUT). An input signal is provided at an initial power level to the SUT. Multiple iterations are performed, each including measuring, over a specified measuring interval, power of a signal produced by the SUT in response to the input signal, and dynamically adjusting the power of the input signal in response. The measuring interval is increased over the iterations, thereby increasing accuracy of the measuring over the iterations while converging the signal to a specified power level. An initial power leveling operation may be performed for the SUT to establish a specified power level, after which the SUT is tested, during which multiple power leveling operations are performed, each including measuring power of a signal from the SUT over a specified measuring interval, and adjusting the input signal in response, thereby maintaining the specified power level during the testing while correcting for thermal droop.

US09477554B2

Mechanism for persisting messages in a storage system

A plurality of storage nodes in a single chassis is provided. The plurality of storage nodes in the single chassis is configured to communicate together as a storage cluster. Each of the plurality of storage nodes includes nonvolatile solid-state memory for user data storage. The plurality of storage nodes is configured to distribute the user data and metadata associated with the user data throughout the plurality of storage nodes such that the plurality of storage nodes maintain the ability to read the user data, using erasure coding, despite a loss of two of the plurality of storage nodes. The plurality of storage nodes configured to initiate an action based on the redundant copies of the metadata, responsive to achieving a level of redundancy for the redundant copies of the metadata. A method for accessing user data in a plurality of storage nodes having nonvolatile solid-state memory is also provided.

US09477549B2

Methods, systems, and computer readable media for address and data integrity checking in flash memory operations

Methods, systems, and computer readable media for address and data integrity checking in flash memory operations are disclosed. One method includes, at a storage controller, generating, for an address unit, an address parity unit. The method further includes generating a command sequence including the address unit, the address parity unit, and an operation command specifying an operation to be performed on a flash memory array. The method further includes providing the command sequence to a flash memory device that includes the non-volatile memory array. The method further includes performing, by the flash memory device, an address integrity check on the address unit using the address parity unit. The method further includes determining whether or not to perform an operation specified by the command sequence based at least in part on a result of the address integrity check.

US09477547B2

Controller device with retransmission upon error

A controller includes a link interface that is to couple to a first link to communicate bi-directional data and a second link to transmit unidirectional error-detection information. An encoder is to dynamically add first error-detection information to at least a portion of write data. A transmitter, coupled to the link interface, is to transmit the write data. A delay element is coupled to an output from the encoder. A receiver, coupled to the link interface, is to receive second error-detection information corresponding to at least the portion of the write data. Error-detection logic is coupled to an output from the delay element and an output from the receiver. The error-detection logic is to determine errors in at least the portion of the write data by comparing the first error-detection information and the second error-detection information, and, if an error is detected, is to assert an error condition.

US09477544B2

Recommending a suspicious component in problem diagnosis for a cloud application

The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for recommending a suspicious component in problem diagnosis for a cloud application. In the method, firstly a graph data model representing a hierarchical structure of the cloud application is constructed, wherein the graph data model comprises an application node representing the cloud application, a plurality of component nodes representing a plurality of components of the cloud application, and inter-node lines indicating inter-node relationships. Then real-time information of the cloud application is obtained, in response to detecting performance degradation of the cloud application. Impact degrees of the plurality of component nodes on the performance degradation of the cloud application is obtained based on the constructed graph data model and the obtained real-time information, and a suspicious component sequence is generated according to the impact degrees of the plurality of component nodes.

US09477542B2

Electronic control unit

An ECU having a microcomputer for controlling a control object includes: a detection device that detects an anomalous operation of the microcomputer; a first reset device that outputs a reset signal for the microcomputer when the detection device detects the anomalous operation; a failsafe control device that executes a failsafe control operation for controlling the control object to be safer than the control object before resetting the microcomputer when the microcomputer is reset to a normal state; a counting device that counts a number of times of occurrence of the anomalous operation when the detection device detects the anomalous operation again after the failsafe control device starts to execute the failsafe control operation; and a second reset device that outputs the reset signal and holds an output of the reset signal when the number of times of occurrence reaches a predetermined number of times.

US09477539B2

Multi-application workflow integration

Techniques are described for managing interactions between workflows being performed by different applications, such as to enable a combination of multiple workflows in multiple applications of different types to aggregate varying capabilities available from the different types of applications. In some situations, an integrated workflow is created by separating portions of its functionality into multiple constituent workflows that is each performed by a different application and that initiate one or more inter-workflow interactions between the constituent workflows as they are performed (e.g., for one of the constituent workflows to, while it is being performed, invoke another constituent workflow in order to begin its performance). As one non-limiting example, the multiple applications of different types may include a least an enterprise business application program that provides various core business functions, and a desktop collaborative application program that provides various user activity management capabilities.

US09477537B2

Reactive coincidence

An outer event stream can be modeled to represent duration for an event with an inner event stream. The inner event stream can be generated to represent duration of at least one event from the outer event stream. By modeling the outer event stream to include duration, coincidence between two or more events can be determined. More specifically, the modeling of the outer event stream enables use of operators to identify coincidence between events from event streams.

US09477535B2

Connection pool for accessing a backend processing system

Example systems and methods of providing a connection with a backend processing system are presented. In one example, a request for a connection between the backend processing system and a user of an application is received. One of a plurality of connections with the backend processing system is selected. Each of the plurality of connections is bound with a corresponding generic user session in the backend processing system. In response to the request, the selected connection is unbound from a generic user session and bound with a user session corresponding to the user of the application. Access to the selected connection is provided to the user of the application.

US09477534B2

Inter-extension messaging

According to one general aspect, a computer-implemented method may include implementing, in a web browser executing on a computing device, a first extension process. The first extension process may be functionally isolated from a second extension process that is implemented in the web browser. The method may also include presenting, by the first extension process, a public messaging interface. The method may further include receiving, by the first extension process via the public messaging interface, a messaging request from the second extension process, the messaging request including a unique extension ID of the second extension process. The method may also include determining, by the public messaging interface, whether to accept or reject the messaging request based on the first unique extension ID.

US09477532B1

Graph-data partitioning for workload-balanced distributed computation with cost estimation functions

Techniques herein perform workload-balanced graph partitioning. Each graph partition is distributed to a respective computer. Each computer applies a workload-estimation function to its partition to calculate a numeric workload-value that indicates how much computation the partition needs. Each computer sends its numeric workload-value to a master computer. The master compares the highest and lowest numeric workload-values. If the difference exceeds a threshold, the master detects how much work should overloaded-computers offload to under-utilized computers. To each overloaded-computer, the master sends a directive with a balancing numeric workload-value that indicates how much computation to offload and an identifier of an under-utilized computer to receive the offload. Based on this directive and the workload-estimation function, an overloaded-computer selects a portion of its partition that corresponds to the balancing numeric workload-value, removes that portion from its partition, and transfers the portion to the under-utilized computer, which adds the portion to its partition.

US09477529B2

Job distributed within a grid environment using mega-host groupings of execution hosts based on resource attributes

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method and technique for job distribution within a grid environment is disclosed. The method includes: receiving jobs at a submission cluster for distribution of the jobs to at least one of a plurality of execution clusters, each execution cluster comprising one or more execution hosts; determining resource attributes corresponding to each execution host of the execution clusters; grouping, for each execution cluster, execution hosts based on the resource attributes of the respective execution hosts; defining, for each grouping of execution hosts, a mega-host for the respective execution cluster, the mega-host for a respective execution cluster defining resource attributes based on the resource attributes of the respective grouped execution hosts; determining resource requirements for the jobs; and identifying candidate mega-hosts for the jobs based on the resource attributes of the respective mega-hosts and the resource requirements of the jobs.

US09477516B1

Concurrent in-memory data publication and storage system

A method includes allocating a first memory location in a non-transitory data store in communication with a computing device and writing data to the first memory location when a first write transaction executes on the non-transitory data store. The method further includes executing one or more read transactions on the first memory location after completion of the first write transaction and incrementing a first pointer counter upon completion of the first write transaction and for each read transaction executing on the first memory location. The method allocates a second memory location in the non-transitory data store and writes updated data to the second memory location when a second write transaction executes on the non-transitory data store to update the data. The first pointer counter decrements and the second pointer counter increments upon completion of the second write transaction. The first memory location de-allocates when the first pointer counter is zero.

US09477513B2

Batch scheduling

There is provided a method to schedule execution of a plurality of batch jobs by a computer system. The method includes: reading one or more constraints that constrain the execution of the plurality of batch jobs by the computer system and a current load on the computer system; grouping the plurality of batch jobs into at least one run frequency that includes at least one batch job; setting the at least one run frequency to a first run frequency; computing a load generated by each batch job in the first run frequency on the computer system based on each batch job's start time; and determining an optimized start time for each batch job in the first run frequency that meets the one or more constraints and that distributes each batch job's load on the computer system using each batch job's computed load and the current load.

US09477507B2

State customization of forked virtual machines

Embodiments support instant forking of virtual machines (VMs) and state customization. A computing device initiates execution of a first group of services (e.g., identity-independent) in a first VM. A second VM is instantiated from the first VM. The second VM shares memory and storage with the first VM. The computing device customizes the second VM based on configuration data associated with the second VM. A second group of services (e.g., identity-dependent) starts executing on the second VM after configuring the identity of the second VM. Customizing the second VM includes configuring one or more identities of the second VM. In some embodiments, a domain identity is selected from a pool of previously-created identities and applied to the second VM, before bootup completes on the second VM.

US09477504B2

Maintenance of offline virtual machines based on a maintenance register

A solution is proposed for maintaining virtual machines being available in a data-processing system. A mechanism determines a list of software components installed on each virtual machine, retrieves a set of maintenance policies for each software component, each maintenance policy being indicative of a patch to be applied to the corresponding software component. The mechanism determines a set of old virtual machines having at least one old software component thereof requiring the application of at least a new one of the corresponding patches according to a comparison among the maintenance policies and a maintenance register indicative of a current state of the software components of the virtual machines. The mechanism applies the corresponding at least one new patch to each old software component of each old virtual machine and updates the maintenance register according to the application of said at least one new patch to each old software component of each old virtual machine.

US09477481B2

Accurate tracking of transactional read and write sets with speculation

Improving the tracking of read sets and write sets associated with cache lines of a transaction in a pipelined processor executing memory instructions having the read sets and write sets associated with the cache lines is provided. Included is active read set and write set cache indicators associated with the memory operation of executing memory instructions and associated with a recovery pool based on memory instructions being not-speculative are updated when the memory instruction is not-newer in program order than an un-resolved branch instruction. Based on encountering a speculative branch instruction in the processor pipeline, a representation of the active read sets and write sets is copied to the recovery pool. Based on completing the speculative branch instruction, updating the active read sets and write sets from the representations copied to the recovery pool associated with the branch instruction upon a detection of a misprediction.

US09477476B2

Fusing immediate value, write-based instructions in instruction processing circuits, and related processor systems, methods, and computer-readable media

Fusing immediate value, write-based instructions in instruction processing circuits, and related processor systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first instruction indicating an operation writing an immediate value to a register is detected by an instruction processing circuit. The circuit also detects at least one subsequent instruction indicating an operation that overwrites at least one first portion of the register while maintaining a value of a second portion of the register. The at least one subsequent instruction is converted (or replaced) with a fused instruction(s), which indicates an operation writing the at least one first portion and the second portion of the register. In this manner, conversion of multiple instructions for generating a constant into the fused instruction(s) removes the potential for a read-after-write hazard and associated consequences caused by dependencies between certain instructions, while reducing a number of clock cycles required to process the instructions.

US09477470B2

System and method for compiling machine-executable code generated from a sequentially ordered plurality of processor instructions

A method and system are provided for deriving a resultant software program from an originating software program having overlapping branches, wherein the resultant software project has either no overlapping branches or fewer overlapping branches than the originating software program. A preferred embodiment of the invented method generates a resultant software program that has no overlapping branches. The resultant software is more easily converted into programming reconfigurable logic than the originating software program. Separate and individually applicable aspects of the invented method are used to eliminate all four possible states of two overlapping branches, i.e., forward branch overlapping forward branch, back branch overlapping back branch, and each of the two possible and distinguishable states of forward branch and back branch overlap. One or more elements of each aspect of the invention may be performed by one or more computers or processors, or by means of a computer or a communications network.

US09477466B2

Information processing apparatus and instruction offloading method

In general, according to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes an issuer and a communicator. The issuer issues an offload instruction corresponding to a first process executed in company with a first identifier capable of uniquely specifying a resource of a first arithmetic operation device. The communicator transmits the offload instruction to a second arithmetic operation device and receives a result of execution of the offload instruction from the second arithmetic operation device. In the second arithmetic operation device, the first identifier contained in the offload instruction is converted into a second identifier capable of uniquely specifying a resource of the second arithmetic operation device, and processing specified by the offload instruction is executed.

US09477461B1

Systems and methods for generating and applying operating system live updates

Method for generation of a live update including compiling original source code into a first intermediate representation (IR) code; compiling modified source code into second IR code; analyzing and comparing the first and second IR codes to identify variables and functions that were changed generating a part of final IR code with all the original variables and functions; generating an additional part of final IR code with new code for modified portions of the changed original functions, added functions and variables, and marking it for compilation into special code/data sections; and compiling a new object code and a final executable binary based on the final IR. The final executable object code includes the original code and data from original application binary, and a live update code and data from additional part of final IR generated. The live update code and data refer to original code and data where needed via standard object code relocation information.

US09477458B2

Dynamic timeout determination for microcontroller management of firmware updates

Embodiments of the invention provide a method, system and computer program product for dynamic time out determination during a microcontroller driven firmware update. In an embodiment, the method includes selecting by a processor of a server a firmware update to be applied by a microcontroller to firmware of the server and computing a timeout value according to a function based upon a date of production of the server. The method also includes transmitting a request to the microcontroller to apply the selected firmware update to the firmware. Finally, the method includes determining a failure state responsive to detecting a lapse in time from the request beyond the timeout value without response by the microcontroller.

US09477456B2

Method for installing and simultaneously updating operating system software

A method for installing operating system software on a machine computer for controlling machines includes transmitting further operating system software, in addition to old operating system software already running on the machine computer, while the machine is operating. The method also includes installing the further operating system software on the machine computer while the machine is operating, transferring user data from the old operating system software to the further operating system software while the machine is operating, and switching off the machine computer and choosing between starting the old operating system software and starting the newly installed further operating system software when switching on the machine again.

US09477450B2

Manual refinement of specialized classes in runtime environments

While a runtime specializer may always be able to generate an automated specialized version of a generic class, in some cases an alternate form of user control over specialization may allow the use of automated specialization while also adding (or overriding) specialization-specific method implementations. In general, the set of members of a generic class may not change when the class is specialized. In other words, the same members may exist in the auto-specialized version as in the generic version. However, manual refinement of specialized classes may allow a developer to hand specialize a particular (possibly a better) representation and/or implementation of one or more methods of the specialized class.

US09477445B1

Implicit software dependency analysis

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for generated aggregated dependencies between software elements in a code base. One of the methods includes receiving a request to generate implicit dependencies introduced by remote procedure calls in a project. A registration of a remote procedure call is identified, wherein the registration of the remote procedure call specifies a target function and a name for the remote procedure call. An invocation of the remote procedure call using the name for the remote procedure call is identified, wherein the invocation occurs in a source software element of the project. A definition of the target function of the remote procedure call is identified, wherein the target function is defined in a target software element of the project. A new dependency is generated, the new dependency being a dependency from the source software element to the target software element.

US09477444B1

Method and apparatus for validating and recommending software architectures

A control server receives information from detector agents associated with an application program being executed by a processor. The information, which is collected by the detector agents at runtime of the application, includes data with which the control server can generate a representation of the software architecture for the application. The control server compares the generated representation to representations of a set of known acceptable architectures. Based on the results of that comparison, the control server indicates whether the architecture of the application is a valid architecture. Recommendations for modifying the architecture of the application may be made in cases where the architecture is not deemed valid by the control server.

US09477443B1

Method and apparatus of entropy source with multiple hardware random noise sources and continuous self-diagnostic logic

A random number generating apparatus and method for generating on-demand random values using multiple hardware random noise sources; multiple analog-to-digital converters (ADC) for converting analog electrical signals into random digital values; a unit for selecting the random digital values and producing low bias random bytes; a unit for reducing bias and producing true random bytes; a continuous self-diagnostic logic (CSDL) for monitoring the health of the random noise sources and the quality of the generated random numbers.

US09477435B2

Image processing apparatus, information terminal, and program

If a control method during correction processing is not designated in setting information sent from a mobile terminal and if the image forming apparatus has no capability to execute a function (element) designated in the setting information, the image forming apparatus corrects the setting information to be a setting corresponding to the capability. On the other hand, if the control method during the correction processing is designated in the setting information sent from the mobile terminal and if the image forming apparatus has no capability to execute a function (element) designated in the setting information, the image forming apparatus performs correction after confirmation of stop of the function or correction of the function according to the control method.

US09477432B2

Method for controlling communication apparatus, and program

A communication apparatus including a first wireless communication unit that communicates with a partner apparatus by a first wireless communication method, and a second wireless communication unit that communicates with the partner apparatus by a second wireless communication method different from the first wireless communication method, acquires an application identifier from the partner apparatus by the first wireless communication method, executes an application corresponding to the identifier acquired by the identifier acquiring unit, and notifies, using the first wireless communication method, the partner apparatus of network setting information in the second wireless communication method. The communication apparatus communicates with the partner apparatus via a network, the setting information of which has been notified through the notification unit.

US09477430B2

Adapting transfer rate of cached data to prevent stoppage of data transmission

A file system to controls access to a tape library that selectively loads and unloads a plurality of cartridges from a plurality of slots to a drive for transmitting to the file system archived data retrieved from a particular cartridge. The file system includes a cache and receives a request from a requestor to access the tape library, estimates a first data transfer rate from an anticipated tape library operation completion duration and from a capacity of cached data to be transmitted from the cache to the requestor, initiates access to the tape library, and adapts the first data transfer rate to a second data transfer rate to transmit the capacity of the cached data to the requestor throughout the anticipated tape library operation completion duration.

US09477425B1

Managing object deletion

A method is used in managing object deletion. Updated information about a system is repeatedly polled for. An information set is received identifying an object to be deleted from a system management model that is descriptive of the system. An iterative process is applied to determine other objects in the system management model that are unidentified in the information set and that are affected by deletion of the object. The object is deleted.

US09477423B2

Eliminating or reducing programming errors when programming flash memory cells

Mis-programming of MSB data in flash memory is avoided by maintaining a copy of LSB page data that has been written to flash memory and using the copy rather than the LSB page data read out of the flash cells in conjunction with the MSB values to determine the proper reference voltage ranges to be programmed into the corresponding flash cells. Because the copy is free of errors, using the copy in conjunction with the MSB values to determine the proper reference voltage ranges for the flash cells ensures that mis-programming of the reference voltage ranges will not occur.

US09477404B2

Device, method, and graphical user interface for managing concurrently open software applications

An electronic device detects a gesture on a touch-sensitive surface. In response to detecting the gesture on the touch-sensitive surface, when the gesture is a first swipe gesture in a first direction, the device displays at least a list of recent electronic notifications. When the gesture is a second swipe gesture in a second direction distinct from the first direction, the device displays one or more settings icons in a settings panel, wherein the settings panel includes a respective settings icon that, when selected, causes a partially transparent interface to be displayed over the settings panel, wherein the partially transparent interface is at least partially transparent so that at least a portion of the settings panel can be seen through the partially transparent user interface.

US09477399B1

Automated interaction for mobile applications

Embedded devices, such as smart phones, can execute an application for performing a set of discrete tasks. To evaluate applications for security vulnerabilities, the application is executed and monitored. Part of this process involves the time-consuming process of performing or invoking the various user interface elements included in the application. An automated interaction system automatically, without human intervention, simulates various gestures that can be performed within each view of the application. The automated interaction system further identifies unactivated elements within subviews of the views and tracks its interactions to ensure that all of the identified UI elements within each view and subview are activated.

US09477397B2

Electronic device

A standard for performing an operation associated with an input object is changed in order to avoid an erroneous operation. When data based on the press detected by a press detection unit satisfies a predetermined standard, a control unit configured to perform the operation associated with the input object changes the predetermined standard of the input object based on a frequency of use of the operation associated with the input object.

US09477395B2

Audio file interface

Methods, systems, and computer-readable medium for providing an audio file interface. In one implementation, a method is provided. The method includes, while playing an audio file on a mobile device and displaying a current view in a user interface of the mobile device, receiving first user input requesting that an audio interface be displayed, and displaying the audio interface as an overlay in the user interface, where the audio interface includes information associated with the audio file.

US09477390B2

Device and method for resizing user interface content

Heuristics for resizing displayed objects within an electronic document are disclosed. The heuristics include resizing displayed objects to predefined ratios, resizing displayed objects by predefined increments, relating resizing of displayed objects to a global reference grid, and resizing a plurality of displayed objects aligned to an axis.

US09477389B2

Parameter controlling apparatus

A parameter controlling apparatus has a CPU 201 and operation input portion 302, 303 and 305 which include an operating area 303 whose operated position can be detected, and accept input operation. The CPU 201 detects whether the operation input portion is operated in the first manner or the second manner in accordance with the accepted input operation, and detects the content of the input operation of the operating area 303. In a case where the first manner has been detected, the CPU 201 also changes a value of a target parameter in accordance with the content of the input operation of the operating area 303. In a case where the second manner has been detected, the CPU 201 also switches a type of a target parameter in accordance with the content of the input operation of the operating area 303.

US09477382B2

Multi-page content selection technique

A multi-page content selection mode is provided for devices and systems having display capability. The content may be any type (e.g., text, images, files, etc). In some cases, the user can engage the mode with a combination of gestures and touch points on a touch screen. The combination may include, for example, one or more initial touch points at a desired starting location of target content, followed by a dragging gesture moving from that location to a desired end location of that content. Content between the starting and end locations is selected. Input devices other than touch screens can be used to engage the selection process. During a multi-page selection process, content of a second page can be previewed in a preview area on a first displayed page. In some such cases, content from the second page scrolls into the preview area and displaces content from the first displayed page.

US09477376B1

Prioritizing content based on user frequency

Various aspects of the subject technology relate to systems, methods, and machine-readable media for prioritizing content items based on a request frequency for a user. A system is configured to receive a request for a user interface containing content items for a user, retrieve, in response to the request for the user interface containing content items for the user, a set of content items for the user, and calculate a request frequency score for the user based on a frequency of user requests for the user interface containing content items for the user. The system may further be configured to adjust a priority score for each content item in the set of content items based on the request frequency score for the user and provide the set of content items for display to the user based on the priority score for each content item.

US09477375B1

Techniques for insertion of content into chat communication

A computer-implemented technique can include providing, at a computing device including one or more processors, a chat application user interface for display. The chat application user interface can be associated with a real-time chat communication between a user of the computing device and another user of another computing device via a chat application. The technique can also include determining that the user of the computing device is interacting with a non-chat application other than the chat application. Additionally, the technique can include determining shareable content of the non-chat application and modifying the chat application user interface to include a selectable indicator of the shareable content. The technique can also include receiving a selection of the selectable indicator by the user, and in response to receiving the selection, transmitting the shareable content of the non-chat application to the other user of the other computing device via the chat application.

US09477360B2

Position sensing method of touch panel and integrated circuit

Disclosed is a touch panel. The touch panel includes a touch screen provided therein with a plurality of X electrode lines and a plurality of Y electrode lines which cross each other, and a plurality of comparators connected between first and second Y electrode lines adjacent to each other. The touched position on the touch screen is detected according to an output code formed by using output values of the comparators.

US09477357B2

Touch input system and method for detecting touch using the same

A touch input system and a touch detection method using the same are disclosed. With the disclosed touch input system, the size and manufacturing costs of the stylus are reduced while finger touch and touch of stylus without a battery are distinguished and detected. The touch input system includes a sensor panel including a plurality of first channels and a plurality of second channels, crossing each other, a stylus including one or a plurality of primary coils connected in series to each other, a resonance capacitor connected in parallel to the primary coil, and a conductive tip connected to the primary coil, a ground connected to the stylus, an antenna loop formed outside an edge of the sensor panel, and a touch controller connected to the first channel, the second channel, and the antenna loop.

US09477355B2

Touch panel and display

Provided are a touch panel and a display, the touch panel, including: a substrate; a connection part formed on the substrate; an insulating part formed on the connection part; a first electrode part electrically connected to the connection part; and a second electrode part insulated with the connection part.

US09477351B2

Touch screen panel

A touch screen panel includes: a flat panel display including an upper substrate, a lower substrate, and pixels arranged on a display region of the lower substrate in a stripe arrangement; first sensing cells arranged in a first direction on the upper substrate and second sensing cells arranged in a second direction on the upper substrate; first connection patterns electrically connecting adjacent ones of the first sensing cells to each other in the first direction, and second connection patterns electrically connecting adjacent ones of the second sensing cells to each other in the second direction, wherein at least one of the first connection patterns and the second connection patterns is inclined so that it partially overlaps with the pixels.

US09477341B2

Liquid crystal display device with touch sensor, and electronic apparatus

A liquid crystal display device with a touch sensor has a liquid crystal display function and a touch sensor function is providing and includes a first substrate including a pixel electrode and a first electrode; a second substrate including a second electrode; and a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate. When the liquid crystal display function is activated, the first and second electrodes are supplied with common voltage. When the touch sensor function is activated, the first electrode is applied with a first signal, and the second electrode is configured to receive the first signal to be a second signal as a touch detecting signal.

US09477330B2

Stylus tilt tracking with a digitizer

A method for detecting orientation of a stylus with respect to a digitizer sensing surface includes detecting a signal emitted by a stylus at a plurality of coordinates on a digitizer sensing surface, determining coordinate of a writing tip of the stylus, defining at least one feature characterizing an asymmetrical spread of the stylus signal on the digitizer sensing surface with respect to the writing tip coordinate, and characterizing an orientation of the stylus responsive to the characterization of the asymmetrical spread.

US09477323B2

Exchanging information between devices in a medical environment

A medical device including an operation determiner for determining operations to be performed by the medical device in response to a gesture of the device with respect to the medical device, and an operation data accessor for accessing operation data for the operation performed by the medical device.

US09477321B2

Embedded navigation assembly and method on handheld device

A handheld electronic communication device includes a plurality of text entry keys arranged in a keyfield. A navigation home region includes a navigation home key, and a navigation travel region bounds the navigation home region. The navigation travel region overlies text entry keys within the keyfield. A user navigates by actuating the navigation home key and then moving his finger across keys lying within the navigation travel region and otherwise generally used to effect text entry into the device. The navigation home key is preferably configured for dual levels of actuation, as may be the text entry keys.

US09477312B2

Distance based modelling and manipulation methods for augmented reality systems using ultrasonic gloves

User input gloves and input methods are described that are well suited to provide input to computer modeling (eg CAD) and augmented reality (AR) systems, including wearable AR and spatial AR. Each glove comprises palm mounted ultrasonic transducers, accelerometers, finger based pinch inputs and a wireless communication module. The gloves can be used to measure distances over the natural range of distances that hands can be placed, as well as their orientation, with sufficient resolution to facilitate a range of gesture based input methods to be developed and utilized, including distance-based modeling by measurement. Further the gloves are light weight, allow fast input of modeling measurements, are easy to use, and reduce fatigue compared to existing glove based input systems. The user input gloves, and associated input techniques can be used to measure small and body sized objects using one or two hands, and large objects can be measured using single handed measurements. Further models for both small and large objects can be generated and manipulated through the use of a numeric input technique to obtain an amplification factor to magnify the effective distances measured.

US09477310B2

Free fingers typing technology

The present invention provides the Free Fingers Typing Technology by fingers tapping on a surface, a technology that allows the user to type, point/select (on the display of a computer or computer-based-device) or play music with bare fingers without keyboard, without display pointing/selecting device and even without computer. The invention provides at least: one methodology to execute the finger movements, one convention to code the finger movements, two techniques to recognize the finger movements, a family of apparatus to optically monitor and recognize finger movements as well as the specifications of a plurality of related computer programs all used with the objective of interpreting finger-surface taps and converting them into computer characters, keyboard key strokes, functions of display-pointing/selecting device, music notes etc. . . . The invention provides means for free fingers typing, pointing/selecting and music playing suitable for all devices requiring a keyboard such as computers, personal digital assistants, cellular phones, gaming devices, musical instruments or other keyboard or display pointing/selecting based devices.

US09477304B2

Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

An information processing apparatus includes an image analysis unit that executes a process for analyzing an image captured by a camera, a speech analysis unit that executes a process for analyzing speech input from a microphone, and a data processing unit that receives a result of the analysis conducted by the image analysis unit and a result of the analysis conducted by the speech analysis unit and that executes output control of help information for a user. The data processing unit calculates a degree of difficulty of the user on the basis of at least either the result of the image analysis or the result of the speech analysis and, if the degree of difficulty that has been calculated is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value, executes a process for outputting help information to the user.

US09477298B2

Method and apparatus for power-efficiency management in a virtualized cluster system

A method and apparatus for power-efficiency management in a virtualized cluster system. The virtualized cluster system includes a front-end physical host and at least one back-end physical host, and each of the at least one back-end physical host comprises at least one virtual machine and a virtual machine manager. Flow characteristics of the virtualized cluster system are detected at a regular time cycle, a power-efficiency management policy is generated for each of at least one back-end physical host based on the detected flow characteristics, and the power-efficiency management policies are performed. The method can detect the real-time flow characteristics of the virtualized cluster system and make the power-efficiency management policies thereupon to control the power consumption of the system and perform admission control on the whole flow, thereby realizing optimal power saving while meeting the quality of service requirements, so that a virtualized cluster system with high power-efficiency is provided.

US09477284B1

Minimizing power loss

A device determines a first received power via a first input feed of a circuit board, and determines a second received power via a second input feed of the circuit board. The device further determines whether the first input feed and the second input feed are receiving power based on the first received power and the second received power. The device opens a switch, of the circuit board, when the first input feed and the second input feed are receiving power.

US09477275B2

Thermal management solution for circuit products

An apparatus including a cold plate body; a channel module disposed within the cold plate body including a channel body and a plurality of channels projecting through the channel body; and a manifold disposed on the channel module, the manifold including an inlet and an outlet and a first plurality of apertures in fluid communication with the inlet and a second plurality of apertures are in fluid communication with the outlet. A method including introducing a fluid to an integrated cold plate disposed on an integrated circuit device, the integrated cold plate comprising a cold plate body extending about the device, the fluid being introduced into a manifold in fluid communication with a channel module disposed between the manifold and a base plate, the channel module, and including channels to direct the fluid toward the base plate, and collecting the fluid returned to the manifold.

US09477268B2

Mobile computer device binding feedback

In embodiments of mobile computer device binding feedback, an application interface for a device application is displayed on a first display that is integrated in a dual-display mobile device. The application interface can also be displayed on a second display that is integrated in the dual-display mobile device. Binding position data is received from a binding system that movably couples the first display to the second display. Application context data that is associated with the device application is also received. Feedback can then be generated based on the binding position data and the application context data, where the feedback can be generated as audio feedback, video feedback, display feedback, and/or haptic feedback.

US09477258B2

Clock tree in circuit having a power-mode control circuit to determine a first delay time and a second delay time

A clock tree in a circuit and an operation method thereof are provided. The clock tree includes at least two sub clock trees, at least two voltage-controllable power-mode-aware (PMA) buffers and a power-mode control circuit. The PMA buffers delay a system clock to serve as the delayed clock, and provide respectively the delayed clock to the sub clock trees. The power-mode control circuit provides at least two first power information to at least two function modules respectively, wherein a power mode of each of the function modules is determined according to the first power information respectively. The power-mode control circuit provides at least two second power information to the PMA buffers respectively, wherein a delay time of each of the PMA buffers is determined according to the second power information respectively.

US09477249B2

DC-DC converter, power receiving device, and power feeding system

A circuit capable of keeping input impedance constant is provided. Further, a circuit which can contribute to improvement in power feeding efficiency in power feeding by a magnetic resonance method is provided. A voltage (a former voltage) proportional to a direct-current voltage input to a DC-DC converter from the outside and a voltage (a latter voltage) proportional to a current input from the outside are detected, and the ratio of the former voltage and the latter voltage are held constant. Accordingly, input impedance can be kept constant. Further, impedance conversion is performed in the DC-DC converter. Thus, even when the battery in which power feeding is performed exists on an output side of the DC-DC converter, input impedance can be kept constant. Consequently, power can be supplied to a power receiving device including the DC-DC converter and the battery with high power feeding efficiency by a magnetic resonance method.

US09477244B2

Linear regulator with improved power supply ripple rejection

Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to a linear regulator with improved power supply ripple rejection. An embodiment of an apparatus includes an linear regulator to receive a system power supply and to generate a regulated power supply; a first voltage reference generator to generate a first voltage reference for the linear regulator; a second voltage reference generator to generate a second voltage reference for the linear regulator; and a voltage reference and power switcher. In some embodiments, the voltage reference and power switcher is to switch a voltage reference for the linear regulator from the first voltage reference to the second voltage reference and is to switch a part of a power supply for the linear regulator from the system power supply to the regulated power supply.

US09477240B2

Centralized controller for intelligent control of thermostatically controlled devices

A control module for controlling a thermostatically controlled device includes a processor apparatus adapted to obtain first values for a plurality of parameters for the thermostatically controlled device, the parameters including actual power consumed by the thermostatically controlled device and a number of input parameters, determine a learned correlation function for the thermostatically controlled device based on the obtained values, wherein the learned correlation function relates power consumption of the thermostatically controlled device to at least the number of input parameters, obtain second values for each of the number of input parameters for a future usage period, and determine at least one recommended set point for the thermostatically controlled device using the learned correlation function and at least the second values for each of the number of input parameters.

US09477237B2

Pilot operated gas regulator with diaphragm protection

A method of controlling a regulator with a pilot device includes periodically detecting an outlet pressure at an outlet of the regulator with a feedback pressure sensor. The method also includes comparing each detected outlet pressure with a set-point control pressure. Additionally, the method includes opening an exhaust valve when a detected outlet pressure is greater than the set-point control pressure so that a loading gas, which is applied to a top surface of a diaphragm of the regulator, exhausts out through the exhaust valve to reduce loading on the diaphragm. The method further includes sensing a loading pressure in the outlet port with a loading pressure sensor after opening the exhaust valve and comparing the loading pressure to a predetermined minimum threshold pressure. When the loading pressure is equal to or less than the predetermined minimum threshold value, the method includes closing the exhaust valve.

US09477234B2

Valve

A valve includes: a first chamber; a second chamber adjacent to the first chamber, and having a fuel discharge opening from which the fuel is discharged; an opening/closing hole configured to communicate the first chamber with the second chamber; an opening/closing member configured to open and close the opening/closing hole; a first contact spring having one end contacting an end of the opening/closing member at a side of the first chamber; a first control knob mounted to another end of the first contact spring; a diaphragm mounted to an end of the opening/closing member at a side of the second chamber; a second contact spring having one end connected to the diaphragm; and a second control knob coupled to another end of the second contact spring.

US09477221B1

Hybrid architecture and method for absolute position to quadrature synthesis for motion detection and control

A motor-based position system includes one or more motors having a rotor. The system further includes a motor controller. The motor controller is communicatively coupled to each of the motors. The system further includes one or more encoders configured to detect an absolute position of each motor and one or more devices configured to collect inertial data. The system further includes a processing device coupled to the motor controller, one or more encoders and one or more devices. The processing device is configured to receive signals indicative of motors' absolute position from the encoders and configured to convert the received encoder signals into a format understood by the motor controller. The processing device is further configured to send the converted signals to the motor controller with low latency and configured to combine the received encoder signals with the inertial data to generate more accurate positional information.

US09477219B2

Dynamic compensation in advanced process control

A method of semiconductor fabrication is provided. The method includes providing a model for a device parameter of a wafer as a function of first and second process parameters. The first and second process parameters correspond to different wafer characteristics, respectively. The method includes deriving target values of the first and second process parameters based on a specified target value of the device parameter. The method includes performing a first fabrication process in response to the target value of the first process parameter. The method includes measuring an actual value of the first process parameter thereafter. The method includes updating the model using the actual value of the first process parameter. The method includes deriving a revised target value of the second process parameter using the updated model. The method includes performing a second fabrication process in response to the revised target value of the second process parameter.

US09477216B2

Numerical control device including display part for displaying information for evaluation of machining process

A numerical control device according to the present invention includes a display part for displaying a program coordinate and a command coordinate such that they can be compared with each other. The display part may be adapted to further display an actual coordinate. The display part may also be adapted to further display a program trajectory, a command trajectory and an actual trajectory, which are obtained from a machining program and the program coordinate, the command coordinate and the actual coordinate, respectively.

US09477215B2

Anthropomorphic control of lighting and other output conditions

An example of an intelligent lighting device or system is configured to control one or more parameters of light output, such as intensity, shape or distribution, color characteristics and position or orientation of light output (e.g. via a motorized luminaire control). The device or system may have other controllable output capability, e.g. display projection or audio. Sensors or other input devices are responsive to the user. Responsive to user input, the device or system, controls its light and any other output capabilities so as to present a defined persona to the user or other occupant(s) of a space illuminated by the intelligent lighting device or system.

US09477214B2

Plant control systems and methods

Systems and methods provided herein. In one embodiment, a system includes an advisory system including a loss computation engine configured to derive a total system loss for an industrial plant based on a first sensor positioned in a first industrial plant component and on a first physical model of the first industrial plant component. The advisory system further includes a cost model configured to use a cost function to derive a cost based on the total system loss, and a control strategy system configured to derive an advisory report, a control correction factor, or a combination thereof, based on the cost, wherein a control system is configured to apply the control correction factor to control a process in the industrial plant.

US09477189B1

Belt fixing device having moisture absorbing member and image forming apparatus

According to one embodiment, a fixing device includes a cylinder-shaped rotatable fixing belt and a pressurizing rotating member which is arranged so as to face the fixing belt along an axial direction, and transports a recording medium by rotating along with the fixing belt. In addition, arranged in the fixing belt, a pressurizing member which presses the fixing belt from an inner peripheral portion toward the pressurizing rotating member side, and a support member which supports the pressurizing member, and arranged a moisture absorbing layer which absorbs moisture in air and discharges the absorbed moisture according to a temperature rise between the support member and the pressurizing member.

US09477186B2

Image processing device and image processing method

An image processing device has a first supplying portion that supplies a sheet on which an image is fixed previously. A removing portion removes the image formed on the sheet. A first storing portion stores the sheet from which the image is removed by the removing portion. The first supplying portion and the first storing portion are integrally formed as a unit capable of detaching from the main body of the image processing device.

US09477179B2

Image forming apparatus

Provided is an image forming apparatus including: a holding member holding a toner container with a discharge port, and a shutter opening/closing the discharge port and having a communicating port communicable with the discharge port; a connecting member forming a toner conveying path, and connecting to/retracting from the shutter in conjunction with an operation of mounting/removing the toner container; a first locking portion movable between a first position to locate the shutter in a non-communicating position and a second position to lock the shutter in a communicating position when the toner container is mounted; and a second locking portion locatable in a position to connect the connecting member to the shutter, and in a position to lock the connecting member in a position where the connecting member is separated away from the shutter when the toner container is mounted.

US09477178B1

System for determining the open or closed state of a toner cartridge shutter

An electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a toner cartridge removably installable in the image forming device. The toner cartridge has a reservoir for storing toner and an outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir for exiting toner from the toner cartridge. The toner cartridge has a shutter that is movable between a closed position blocking the outlet port and an open position unblocking the outlet port. A sensor is positioned to detect whether the shutter is in the closed position or the open position when the toner cartridge is installed in the image forming device.

US09477174B1

Using accumulated pixel counting to assess solid area density performance to enable automatic density correction and improve toner yield

This disclosure provides a method and system to adjust pixel density based on a weight and an accumulated pixel count of a printer cartridge. According to an exemplary method, the weight and the accumulated pixel count of the printer cartridge are calculated to determine a pixel density of the printer cartridge, and then a toner output of an associated printing device is adjusted if the pixel density is outside of a predefined pixel density threshold.

US09477172B1

Developing device and image forming apparatus comprising the same

An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a developing part that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier by using toner, a supply part that supplies a developing bias between the image carrier and the developing part, the developing bias having an AC component superimposed on a DC component, and a setting part that sets a peak-to-peak value of the AC component of the developing bias to vary between a reference value that is determined in advance and a special value smaller than the reference value when an image region on the image carrier passes through a developing region, the image region being a region on the image carrier in which an image is to be formed, the developing region being a region in which the image carrier is opposed to the developing part.

US09477169B1

Elastic member, process cartridge, and image-forming apparatus

An elastic member includes a support and an elastic layer on the support. The elastic layer contains a rubber material and a softener having a number average molecular weight Mn of about 600 to about 1,000 and a ratio (Mw/Mn) of weight average molecular weight Mw to number average molecular weight Mn of about 2.5 or less.

US09477168B1

Polymer-encapsulated carbon black: process for its preparation and use thereof

A process for preparing a polymer-encapsulated carbon black material is described. The process comprises: (a) preparing a mixture of an ionic monomer, a stabilizer and carbon black in water; (b) adding an initiator; (c) adjusting the temperature to a temperature above room temperature; and (d) adding at least one other monomer and a charge control agent to obtain the material. The process is performed under continuous stirring. The polymer-encapsulated carbon black material is surfactant-free and is used in the production of toners.

US09477164B2

Electrophotographic photosensitive member, method for producing the same, electrophotographic apparatus, and process cartridge

A surface layer of an electrophotographic photosensitive member contains a cured product of a composition containing a hole transporting substance having an acryloyloxy group and/or a methacryloyloxy group and a siloxane-modified acrylic compound.

US09477157B2

Illumination system of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus

An illumination system of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus includes a light source to produce projection light beam, and a first and a second diffractive optical element between the light source and a pupil plane of the illumination system. The diffractive effect produced by each diffractive optical element depends on the position of a light field that is irradiated by the projection light on the diffractive optical elements. A displacement mechanism changes the mutual spatial arrangement of the diffractive optical elements. In at least one of the mutual spatial arrangements, which can be obtained with the help of the displacement mechanism, the light field extends both over the first and the second diffractive optical element. This makes it possible to produce in a simple manner continuously variable illumination settings.

US09477156B2

Reflecting optical member, optical system, exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method

An exit-side fly-eye mirror is provided with a first mirror block having a mirror element as one of a plurality of mirror elements, and a second mirror block having a mirror element as one of the plurality of mirror elements. The first mirror block has a connecting part that protrudes from an area other than the mirror surface of the mirror element, the connecting part providing a connection to the second mirror block. With the connecting part of the first mirror block, a plurality of mirror elements that includes the mirror element of the second mirror block is positioned relative to the mirror element of the first mirror block.

US09477145B2

Light source device having laser light emitting elements adhesively fixed to a light source element holder, projector, and light source device fabrication method

A light source device has a laser light emitting element including a cylinder portion, a flange portion and lead wire terminals, a collimator lens, a collimator lens holder including a collimator lens mounting depressed portion and a hole portion communicating with the depressed portion and accommodating the cylinder portion, and a light source element holder holding the laser light emitting element and including a lead wire outlet hole portion accommodating the lead wire terminals and penetrating from a front surface to a rear surface, and a front surface of the flange portion is fastened by the perimeter of a rear end of the hole portion to press the laser light emitting element against the front surface of the light source element holder to thereby fix the laser light emitting element to the light source element holder, an adhesion fixing member being filled in the lead wire outlet hole portion.

US09477138B2

Autofocus

Systems, methods, and computer readable media to provide improved autofocus operations are described. In general, techniques are disclosed that show how to improve contrast-based autofocus operations by applying a novel threshold-and-select action to window-specific focus scores. More particularly, techniques disclosed herein may evaluate a multi-window autofocus area over a burst collected group of images. For each captured image, focus scores for each window within an autofocus area may be collected, aggregated and then consolidated to identify a single focus metric and its associated lens position for each window. The window-specific focus scores may be reviewed and selection of a “best” autofocus lens position made using a selection criteria. The specified criteria may be used to bias the selection to either a front-of-plane (macro) or back-of-plane (infinity) focus position.

US09477136B2

Reservoir computing using passive optical systems

A method comprising providing an input signal to at least one input node of a computing reservoir by temporally encoding the input signal by modulating the at least one photonic wave as function of the input signal is described. The method further comprises propagating the at least one photonic wave via passive guided or unguided propagation between discrete nodes of the computing reservoir, in which each discrete node is adapted for passively relaying the at least one photonic wave over the passive interconnections connected thereto. The method also comprises obtaining a plurality of readout signals, in which each readout signal is determined by a non-linear relation to the at least one photonic wave in at least one readout node of the computing reservoir, and combining this plurality of readout signals into an output signal by taking into account a plurality of training parameters.

US09477129B2

Fabrication of low defectivity electrochromic devices

Prior electrochromic devices frequently suffer from high levels of defectivity. The defects may be manifest as pin holes or spots where the electrochromic transition is impaired. This is unacceptable for many applications such as electrochromic architectural glass. Improved electrochromic devices with low defectivity can be fabricated by depositing certain layered components of the electrochromic device in a single integrated deposition system. While these layers are being deposited and/or treated on a substrate, for example a glass window, the substrate never leaves a controlled ambient environment, for example a low pressure controlled atmosphere having very low levels of particles. These layers may be deposited using physical vapor deposition.

US09477114B2

Direct type backlight module and liquid crystal display device having same

A direct type backlight module includes an optical film unit and a light emitting unit. The light emitting unit includes a laser sources, transreflective components, reflective components, and phosphors. Each laser source corresponds to a number of the transreflective components and one of the reflective components arranged at an optical path of a laser beam emitted from the laser source in sequence. The transreflective component transmits part of the irradiated laser beam and reflects the other part of the laser beam. The reflective component reflects the irradiated laser beam. The phosphors correspond to the transreflective components and the reflective components one-to-one and emit out white light when irradiated by the laser beam reflected by the transreflective components and the reflective components. The white light transmits through the optical film unit.

US09477106B2

Array substrate of LCD display and a manufacturing method thereof

The present invention provides an array substrate of LCD display and a manufacturing method thereof, the array substrate comprises a transparent substrate, gate lines and data lines which are disposed on the transparent substrate, wherein the array substrate further comprises: a transparent conducting bar and a gate short-circuit bar which are disposed on the transparent substrate, said transparent conducting bar is disposed below said gate short-circuit bar, said gate short-circuit bar and said data lines are arranged in a same layer. The present invention can avoid the problem of burning the gate short-circuit bar due to the occurrence of static discharge, the electrical defects in the array substrate can be normally detected and repaired in the array test process, thus the qualified product rate of the array substrate of LCD display is improved.

US09477087B2

Holoform 3D projection display

A 3D projection apparatus comprises a projector, and an angular array of illumination optics coupled to an imager in the projector to create a plurality of views for an 3D image. An array of projection optics is coupled to the imager and a light source is coupled to the angular array of projection optics.

US09477083B2

Adjusting an electronic display based on light sensing

A system for adjusting an electronic display is provided herein. The system includes a forward looking light sensor receiver to logarithmically receive a first light information from a forward looking light sensor; an ambient light sensor receiver to logarithmically receive a second light information from an ambient light sensor; and an adjuster to adjust a luminance of the electronic display based on a combination of the first light information and the second light information.

US09477070B2

Zoom lens and imaging apparatus

A five-group zoom lens including, in order from the object side, positive, negative, negative, positive, and positive groups. The first group includes a negative meniscus lens with the concave surface toward the image side, a positive lens and a positive lens. The second group includes a negative lens with the image-side surface having an absolute value of curvature radius smaller than that of the object side surface, a biconcave lens, and a biconvex lens. The third group includes a negative lens with the object side surface having an absolute value of curvature radius smaller than that of the image-side surface, and is moved during focusing on a closer object. The fifth group includes a positive fifth-A group including a biconvex lens, and a negative fifth-B group including a biconcave lens and a biconvex lens, wherein condition expression (1) is satisfied: 0.22

US09477068B2

Imaging lens and imaging apparatus

An imaging lens provided with a negative first lens group and a positive second lens group disposed in order from the object side. The first lens group is composed of a first group first lens which is a biconcave negative single lens, and the second lens group is composed of a positive second group first lens, an aperture stop, a positive second group second lens, and a negative second group third lens disposed in order from the object side. The second group second lens and second group third lens are cemented to form a cemented lens. The imaging lens is configured to satisfy conditional expressions (2): 0

US09477066B2

Imaging lens

The present invention relates to an imaging lens, the imaging lens including, in an ordered way from an object side, a first lens having a positive (+) refractive power, a second lens having a negative (−) refractive power, a third lens having a positive (+) refractive power, and a fourth lens having a negative (−) refractive power and having a negative (−) refractive power from a lens center to a lens outer edge.

US09477058B2

Housing case for optical fiber

Technical Problem In the case where an optical fiber is wound around several times and housed, it is difficult to take out a terminal end of the optical fiber at a side wound around before.Solution to Problem A housing case includes: a body; and bobbin around which an optical fiber is to be wound, the bobbin being housed rotatably in the body, bobbin having a partition portion, partition portion having a fiber groove that guides the optical fiber between an inside and an outside of the partition portion, and the optical fiber being housed by housing a one end side of the optical fiber in the inside of the partition portion and by winding around an outer wall surface of the partition portion the optical fiber that has been guided to the outside of the partition portion with the fiber groove.

US09477056B2

Fiber optic cables and assemblies for fiber toward the subscriber applications

A fiber optic cable includes an optical fiber, strength components disposed on opposite sides of the optical fiber, and a polymeric cable jacket. The optical fiber includes a glass core, a glass cladding, and a polymer coating. The cable jacket surrounds the optical fiber and the strength components. Further, the cable jacket is tightly drawn onto the optical fiber, where excess fiber length of the optical fiber is such that positive strain is present in the optical fiber at room temperature (25° C.).

US09477047B2

Dual inner diameter ferrule device and method

A fiber optic ferrule includes a body extending from a first end to a second opposite end, with the body including an axial passage extending between the first and second ends. The axial passage includes a first diameter portion having a diameter of at least 125 microns, and a second diameter portion having a diameter of at least 250 microns and less than a diameter of the buffer, the second diameter portion positioned between the first diameter and the second end. The axial passage further defines a tapered shape at the second end extending inward from the second end to the second diameter portion. A hub holds the ferrule. A method of assembling a terminated fiber optic cable is also provided.

US09477045B2

Optical element using multicore optical fiber grating and method for processing optical signal using the same

An optical element includes a multicore optical fiber, the multicore optical fiber including an inner core and at least one peripheral core arranged around the inner core and having an effective refractive index different from that of the inner core, and an optical fiber grating formed at the multicore optical fiber to cause an optical signal to be coupled between different cores among the inner core and the at least one peripheral core. The optical element allows a signal of a specific wavelength to be dropped added from an optical signal. Since the optical element may be fabricated easily, designed in a small size and mass-produced reproducibly at low costs, the optical element may be advantageously utilized for an optical communication network such as a wavelength division multiplexing network, an ultra-high speed optical communication system, an optical sensor system or the like.

US09477041B2

Low stray light beam dump with fiber delivery

The present invention is directed to a beam dump which is configured for not increasing a temperature of a laser with which it may be implemented. The beam dump may include an opaque enclosure which is configured for receiving light (ex.—initial light) from a light source (ex.—a frequency-converted laser), said light being delivered through an aperture of the enclosure via one or more connected optical fibers. The received light may be scattered within the enclosure. However, the beam dump is configured for minimizing the amount of light which is back scattered light into the fiber(s). For instance, the amount of back scattered light may be less than 1/1000 of the initial light. Further, the beam dump may be configured for minimizing photocontamination which may be caused when the light contacts interior surfaces of the enclosure. Still further, the beam dump may be a small size, low cost structure.

US09477030B2

Backlight unit and display device

A backlight unit and a display device are provided. The backlight unit includes: a circuit board (20); at least one light source (21) provided on the circuit board (20); a light guiding plate (112) comprising a light incident side, which is configured for receiving light emitted by the at least one light source, and a light exit side; and a diffusion plate (114) provided on the light exit side of the light guiding plate (112). The diffusion plate (114) includes a diffusion-plate body (141) and at least one diffusion-plate extension part (142) that is located on at least one side of the diffusion-plate body (141) and connected to the diffusion-plate body (141). The diffusion-plate extension part (142) is located between the circuit board (20) and the light guiding plate (112). A position of the diffusion-plate extension part (142) corresponds to a position of the light source (121).

US09477015B2

Microlens array, method for manufacturing microlens array, electro-optical device and electronic apparatus

A microlens array includes a cell, and P lenses (P is an integer of 4 or more) arranged in the cell, in which the apexes of the P lenses are arranged such that symmetry is at least partially broken, when viewed in plan view. In this way, it is possible to suppress diffraction caused by regularity in the lens shape in the cell. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a microlens with a high utilization efficiency of light.

US09477013B2

Reflective optical source device

Disclosed is an optical source device. The optical source device includes: a mode converter configured to be optically coupled with an optical fiber; a semiconductor optical amplifier coupled with the mode converter, and configured to amplify an optical signal input through the optical fiber; and an electro absorption modulator coupled to the optical amplifier, and configured to modulate the amplified optical signal and output the modulated optical signal, in which each of the semiconductor optical amplifier and the optical absorption modulator includes a heater.

US09477005B2

Method for obtaining information signatures from nuclear material or about the presence, the nature and/or the shielding of a nuclear material and measurement setup for performing such method

The invention relates to a method for obtaining information or signatures about the presence or the nature of a nuclear radiation source, especially in a homeland security application, said nuclear radiation source emitting in a time or angle correlated manner at least a first radiation and a second radiation. The method includes the steps of detecting said first radiation with at least one first radiation detector and detecting said second radiation with at least one second radiation detector. The detection of said second radiation is triggered by said detection of said first radiation in a manner that is adapted to the radiation's correlation structure, thereby increasing the signal-to-background ratio for the detection of said second radiation.

US09477003B2

Combination capacitive and resistive obstacle sensor

An obstacle sensor for a closure panel of a vehicle includes an elongate non-conductive case which encloses a first, second, and third elongate conductive electrodes. The first and second electrodes are separated by a portion of the case, with a capacitance between the first and second electrodes changing when an obstacle approaches the first electrode. The changed capacitance of the obstacle sensor provides a proximity indication of the obstacle to the obstacle sensor. The second and third electrodes are separated by an air gap formed in the case, with a resistance between the second and third electrodes changing when the second and third electrodes come into contact upon compression of the case by the obstacle. The changed resistance of the obstacle sensor provides a contact indication of the obstacle with the obstacle sensor.

US09476995B2

X-ray detector

An x-ray detector, especially for a computed tomograph, includes a number of detector modules arranged next to one another in a stacking direction with a front side, which during operation is oriented towards an x-ray source, and with a rear side lying opposite the front side. For screening against x-rays which pass during operation through an installation between two adjacent detector modules, an absorption element is positioned on the rear side of the two adjacent detector modules.

US09476992B2

Electromagnetic radiation detector with gain range selection

An electromagnetic radiation detector used for imaging comprises a plurality of pixels, each of which converts the electromagnetic radiation to which it is subjected into an electrical signal. Each pixel comprises a plurality of photosensitive elements each converting the radiation received by the photosensitive element into an elementary electrical signal and selection means that select from the elementary electrical signals generated by the photosensitive elements so as to form the electrical output signal of the pixel depending on a gain range chosen for the detector.

US09476976B2

Object recognition apparatus and vehicle

In an object recognition apparatus or a vehicle equipped with the same, a first target area, for judging whether or not a target object is to be treated as a target of a behavior supporting action, is set as one portion of a first detection region, and a second target area, for judging whether or not the target object is to be treated as the target of the behavior supporting action, is set as one portion of a second detection region. If the position of a first peripheral object such as a radar target exists within the first target area and the position of a second peripheral object such as a camera target exists within the second target area, the target object is treated as the target of the behavior supporting action.

US09476970B1

Camera based localization

Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to autonomous vehicles. Specifically, the features described may be used alone or in combination in order to improve the safety, use, driver experience, and performance of these vehicles. In particular, the disclosure includes a system and method of determining a vehicle's location based on a comparison of images captured from the vehicle with a database of images.

US09476969B2

Architecture of single substrate ultrasonic imaging devices, related apparatuses, and methods

Aspects of the technology described herein relate to ultrasound device circuitry as may form part of a single substrate ultrasound device having integrated ultrasonic transducers. The ultrasound device circuitry may facilitate the generation of ultrasound waveforms in a manner that is power- and data-efficient.

US09476968B2

System and method for monitoring optical subsystem performance in cloud LIDAR systems

A method of detecting optical subsystem failures includes emitting a pulsed light beam from a laser through a window. A reflection signal indicative of a portion of the beam reflected by the window is compared to an expected signal to monitor for degradation of an optical component.

US09476962B2

Device, system and methods using angle of arrival measurements for ADS-B authentication and navigation

The present disclosure is directed to a receiver for Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) verification of a target aircraft including a first input for receiving flight tracking information from a target aircraft that indicates positional information of the target aircraft. The receiver further includes a second input for receiving positional and heading information indicating the location and orientation of a multi-element array antenna configured to be attached to the receiver, and a processing module that generates a measured bearing derived from angle of arrival data, and an expected bearing of the target aircraft derived from the indicated positional information of the target aircraft and the positional and heading information defining the receiver location and orientation. A comparator compares the expected bearing to the measured bearing and verifies the ADS-B flight tracking information of the target aircraft and outputs an indication of authenticity based on the verification.

US09476961B2

Method and apparatus for correcting impedance measured by sensor included in wearable device

Methods and apparatuses for correcting an impedance measured by a sensor included in a wearable device are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the methods includes: measuring, from an image including the wearable device and arms of a user, a first angle between a straight line connecting a left elbow joint of the user and a camera device for photographing the image and a straight line connecting the left elbow joint and the wearable device, a second angle between a straight line connecting the left elbow joint and the wearable device and a straight line connecting the wearable device and a right elbow joint of the user, a third angle between a straight line connecting the right elbow joint and the wearable device and a straight line connecting the right elbow joint and the camera device, and a fourth angle between a straight line connecting the right elbow joint and the camera device and a straight line connecting the left elbow joint and the camera device.

US09476960B2

Measurement system including accessory with internal calibration signal

An accessory for use with a test and measurement instrument. The accessory includes an input to receive a signal from a device under test, a calibration unit configured to apply a calibration or compensation signal internal to the accessory, and an output to output the signal from the device under test or the calibration or compensation signal to a test and measurement instrument.

US09476947B2

Method for ascertaining operating parameters of a battery, battery management system, and battery

The disclosure relates to a method for ascertaining permissible operating parameters of a battery. For this purpose, operating parameters of the battery are measured, and further relevant operating parameters of the battery are determined from the measured operating parameters. Furthermore, at least one of the determined operating parameters is compared with a predefined comparison range. If the at least one operating parameter lies within the predefined comparison range, the permissible operating range of the at least one operating parameter is determined using a mathematical model of the battery. However, if the at least one battery parameter lies outside the predefined comparison range, the permissible operating range of the at least one operating parameter is determined using previously stored battery data.

US09476944B2

Insulation inspection instrument

A continuity tester that has particular application for inspecting the insulation on the stator windings in an electric machine. The continuity tester includes a power supply, a brush having conductive bristles, and an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter. One terminal of the power supply is electrically coupled to the brush and another terminal of the power supply is electrically coupled to the A/D converter and the stator being tested. The conductive brush is selectively positioned against the exposed windings of the stator, and if an electrical circuit is formed as a result of loss of insulation, the potential at the input of the A/D converter drops, which can be detected. In one embodiment, the conductive brush is a manual brush that is moved across the stator windings, and in alternate embodiments the conductive brush is specially configured to be positioned against the conductive windings in an automated process.

US09476943B2

Solenoid status determination methods and systems

Methods and systems for determining the status of a solenoid. A method includes measuring a plurality of parameters associated with a current conducting through the solenoid. The measured parameters are compared to predetermined reference parameters to determine the status of the solenoid. A system includes a sensor configured to measure a plurality of parameters associated with a current conducting through the solenoid. The system includes a control module configured to receive the measured parameters and operable to compare the measured parameters to predetermined reference parameters to determine the status of the solenoid.

US09476939B2

Gaining timing accuracy of digital signals through averaging in the X-axis

Rising and falling edges captured by a digital acquisition device appear to chatter on the X-axis by two or more sampling bin boundaries as live acquisition continually updates. This leads to a confusing display of limited usefulness. Averaging of multiple edges eliminates chatter while at the same time increases timing accuracy of the edges beyond the abilities of the base acquisition system. An object of the invention is to display a waveform for an averaged digital signal converted from an analog signal received by a signal processing instrument. A plurality of data acquisitions is stored in memory, and for each data acquisition, a number of rising and falling edges are identified. Each rising and falling edge is counted in each data acquisition. From these counted edges, an average waveform is calculated from the plurality of data acquisitions. The average waveform is displayed as an improved representation of the digital signal.

US09476923B2

Method and device for identifying a material by the spectral analysis of electromagnetic radiation passing through said material

A method identifying a material, includes: measuring an electromagnetic radiation spectrum emitted through the material; determining at least one measurement energy band, and spectral coefficients of a comparison function in the measurement band, using the measured spectrum; estimating, using the determined spectral coefficients, a nature and/or thickness of the material based on a set of reference spectral parameters relating to reference materials and/or thicknesses and defined in reference bands. The estimating includes: prior selecting plural reference materials and/or thicknesses, as possible candidates, from comparing the spectral coefficients determined with at least one portion of the reference spectral parameters; estimating the nature and/or thickness of the material from comparing the spectral coefficients determined with the spectral parameters of at least one portion of the possible candidates, in at least one energy band common to the reference bands of the at least one portion of possible candidates and the measurement band.

US09476922B2

Measuring device, protection relay, and program product

According to one embodiment, a measuring device includes a clock output unit, a receiving unit, an adjusting unit, a generating unit, and a transmitting unit. The clock output unit generates a clock, counts the clock, and outputs a count value. The receiving unit receives a first message including time information. The adjusting unit adjusts time at which acquires a physical amount on the basis of the time information included in the first message and the count value output from the clock output unit when the first message is received. The generating unit generates a second message including a value of the physical amount acquired at the adjusted time. The transmitting unit transmits the second message to a device, which is a transmission source of the first message.

US09476921B2

Systems and methods for sensing current while minimizing measurement error and power loss

A method may include deactivating a switch of a measurement circuit during a measurement portion of at least one voltage regulator phase, wherein each of the at least one voltage regulator phase is integral to a voltage regulator and each of the at least one voltage regulator phase comprises a power stage. The power stage may include a high-side switch for delivering electrical current to the at least one information handling resource in conformity with a first duty cycle of the high-side switch. The power stage may also include a low-side switch for sinking electrical current to an electrical ground in conformity with a second duty cycle of the low-side switch. The method may also include measuring a voltage across a sense resistor of the measurement circuit during the measurement portion, wherein the sense resistor is coupled in parallel with non-gate terminals of the switch.

US09476920B2

Methods and devices for determining root mean square of a delta-sigma modulated signal

Described is a method and devices to determine root-mean-square of a delta-sigma modulated signal. The method includes filtering the delta-sigma modulated signal to produce a multi-bit filtered signal, delaying a copy of the delta-sigma modulated signal by a fixed number of samples to align with the filtered input, setting a sign of each multi-bit value of the multi-bit filtered signal based upon a corresponding sample value of the delayed copy of the delta-sigma modulated signal, to generate a hybrid signal, summing the hybrid signal to produce a summed signal, and determining the average of the summed signal and the square root of the average to produce a root-mean-square value.

US09476917B2

Power theft inspection apparatus and power theft inspection method

A power theft inspection apparatus (100) is mounted on a power transmitting apparatus (10) which has a power transmission unit (13) and a power supply unit (12) configured to supply alternating current (AC) power to the power transmission unit. The power theft inspection apparatus has a controlling device (101) configured to (i) control the short-circuiting device (SW1, SW2) to electrically cut off the power transmission unit from the power supply unit and to short-circuit the input unit of the power transmission unit, and further (ii) transmit, to the power receiving apparatus (20), a signal indicating a request to open the power reception unit (23), upon power theft inspection, and a determining device (101) configured to determine whether or not there is power theft according to current detected by a current detecting device (102) upon the power theft inspection.

US09476909B2

Test terminal block

A test terminal block is formed of a series terminal block and a test plug block pluggable onto the series terminal block and fastening clamps for releasably securing them together. Each of two fastening clamps has a clamp housing contains at least two catch elements and the housing of each has at least two corresponding mating catch elements that determine two interlocking positions of fastening parts in the fastening clamps, one position is arranged after the other in the plug-on direction of the fastening parts. An unlocking element is movably arranged in the housing of each of the two fastening parts, which unlocking element can be brought into a first unlocking position and a second unlocking position, the locking of the first interlocking position being released in the first unlocking position and the locking of the second interlocking position being released in the second unlocking position by the unlocking element.

US09476904B2

Acceleration sensor having at least one micromechanical sensor element for an occupant protection system in a vehicle

In an acceleration sensor having two redundantly disposed micromechanical sensor elements having redundant signal paths with a separate A/D converter, a monitor includes a substitute circuit, integrated in the evaluation unit, for a sensor element, and a redundant further A/D converter, which converts the fixed, acceleration-independent output signal of the substitute circuit as a function of the shared operating parameters of all A/D converters to plausibilize the output signals of the acceleration sensor by means of the monitor. This makes it possible to detect faulty triggering of an airbag due to faults in both A/D converters.

US09476894B2

Centrifuge module, preprocessing system having centrifuge module, and control method for the system

When a STAT sample which needs to be centrifuged is inputted in the system, a measure to quickly realize centrifugation of the STAT sample is necessary. In view of the foregoing problem, the invention provides a specimen processing and conveying system in which a centrifuge module incorporated, the centrifuge module being capable of discriminating the operation status of the system at the time point when a STAT sample is inputted and the attribute of the inputted sample and starting centrifugation operation on the basis of the input interval of samples or the arrival interval at the device carrying out centrifugation, and thus capable of starting centrifugation operation quickly when a single or a group of plural samples of urgency is inputted.

US09476888B2

Method and antibodies for the identification of ubiquitinated proteins and sites of ubiquitination

There is provided antibodies, epitopes and methods for detecting ubiquitinated polypeptides and ubiquitination sites in proteins. The antibodies recognize a fragment of ubiquitin that is created after samples are treated with the proteoloytical enzyme LysC (or LysN).

US09476885B2

Water-dispersable nanoparticles

Provided herein are methods for making water-soluble nanoparticles comprising a core/shell nanocrystal that is coated with a surface layer comprising enough hydrophilic ligands to render the nanoparticle water soluble or water dispersable. Methods for crosslinking molecules on the surface of a nanoparticle, which methods can be used on the above water-soluble nanoparticles also are provided. Nanoparticle compositions resulting from these methods are also provided.

US09476884B2

Hybridization- independent labeling of repetitive DNA sequence in human chromosomes

The present invention discloses a transcription activator-like effector-based strategy, termed “TALEColor”, for labeling specific repetitive DNA sequences in human chromosomes. TALEs were custom designed for human telomeric repeats and fused with any of numerous fluorescent proteins (FPs). TALE-telomere-FP fusion proteins were used to detect telomeric sequence in both living cells and fixed cells. Using human cells with different average telomere lengths, TALEColor signals correlated positively with telomere length. TALEs were also designed to detect centromeric sequences unique to specific chromosomes, enabling localization of these specific human chromosomes in live cells. These methods may have significant potential both for basic chromosome and genome research as well as in clinical applications.

US09476883B2

Cellular recognition conjugates and methods of use for the histological analysis of cancer tissue using MALDI-MS imaging

Disclosed are conjugates that can bind to one or more site on cancer cell surface, for example, surface proteins, compound specific receptors and carbohydrates that comprise the surface of specific cell types. The disclosed conjugates can thereby serve as indicators identifying the presence of cancerous tissue.

US09476881B2

PAS kinase assays

The present invention is directed towards methods for measuring and assaying PAS Kinase activity. The methods are useful, for example, for detecting PASK activity in a cell, and for screening for small molecule regulators of PAS kinase activity, as well as characterizing endogenous factors and stimuli that modulate PAS kinase activity, and identifying and optimizing the activity of potential PAS kinase inhibitors.

US09476880B2

Methods, devices and kits for detecting or monitoring acute kidney injury

Methods for detecting acute kidney injury in an individual comprise (a) contacting a body fluid sample from the individual with an assay device including neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) antibody and a detectable label, to allow complexing of NGAL protein in the sample with NGAL antibody, and determining an amount of complex formed between NGAL protein from the sample and NGAL antibody in the assay device using the detectable label, wherein NGAL antibody in the device has binding capacity with more than two NGAL protein epitopes, and wherein the amount of the formed complex represents a level of acute kidney injury. Methods for determining an origin of NGAL protein in a sample from an individual include the step of determining relative amounts of monomeric, dimeric and heterodimeric forms of NGAL protein in the sample and allow improved diagnosis and therefore better targeted treatment.

US09476876B2

Sol composition for sol-gel biochip to immobilize probe on substrate without surface treatment and method for screening thereof

The present invention relates to a method for screening a sol composition for sol-gel biochips, which is used to immobilize a probe on a surface-untreated substrate, also relates to a sol composition screened by said method and a sol-gel biochip comprising said sol composition immobilized thereon. The sol composition screened by the disclosed method can be mixed with a probe, and the sol mixture can be integrated on 96-well plates, which are widely used in existing bioassays, without surface treatment. Also, the biochip can provide a sensitive and specific good analysis results because this immobilization methods of probe maintain the nature of probes without modification.

US09476873B2

Vitamin D assays

The disclosure relates to methods for measuring levels of 25(OH)vitamin D (250HD) in a mammalian fluid sample. The disclosure further relates to kits for measuring levels of 25(OH)vitamin D (250HD) in a mammalian fluid, the procedure comprising the step of release of the vitamin D from the serum binding protein (DBP), capturing of the released analyte by a specific antibody and competitive assay of the captured vitamin D against a conjugate between the vitamin D and a tracer. The observed signal is inversely proportional to vitamin D concentration.

US09476872B2

Method for evaluation of function of phagocyte

A novel convenient method for evaluating the function of a phagocyte is provided. The method assays sCD14-ST, which is a humoral factor specifically produced in phagocytosis by the phagocyte and which is stable enough for use in an assay. Also provided is a method for detecting diseases associated with the phagocytosis by the phagocyte.

US09476871B2

System and method for automated determination of the relative effectiveness of anti-cancer drug candidates

A computer system is provided for determining the relative effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs. The interface has selectable options, including an option to manage drug testing parameters, and enables user selection of desired drug testing parameters in relation to a virtual well plate associated with a physical well plate of a spectrophotometer. The computer system causes the spectrophotometer to start a drug test, wherein the physical well plate includes at least one test well containing viable cancer cells; and at least one drug candidate in a predetermined concentration; and at least one control well containing the viable cancer cells alone. The system records the optical density of the well at a predetermined wavelength at selected time intervals for a selected duration of time, and stores the optical density and time measurements in the database. An activity value is calculated from the optical density and time measurements, and a correlation is displayed between the activity value and the drug candidate's ability to induce apoptosis in the cancer cells.

US09476856B2

Droplet-based affinity assays

A method of detecting a target analyte in a sample, including executing electrowetting-mediated droplet operations and thereby: combining one or more immunoassay reagent droplets comprising magnetically-responsive beads having affinity for the target analyte with one or more sample droplets potentially comprising the target analyte to yield a first combined droplet; beginning with the combined droplet, effecting a droplet-based washing protocol to wash the magnetically-responsive beads to yield a first washed droplet comprising the washed magnetically responsive beads; and combining the droplet comprising the washed magnetically responsive beads with a droplet comprising a reporter molecule having affinity for target analyte captured on the magnetically-responsive beads to yield a second combined droplet; beginning with the second combined droplet, effecting a droplet-based washing protocol to wash the magnetically-responsive beads to yield a second washed droplet comprising the washed magnetically responsive beads; detecting a signal from the second washed droplet which corresponds to the presence, absence and/or quantity of the analyte in the sample.

US09476855B2

Particle analyzing systems and methods using acoustic radiation pressure

The present invention comprises methods and systems that use acoustic radiation pressure.

US09476847B2

Spectroscopic crude oil analysis

A spectroscopic sample analysis apparatus includes an actively controlled heat exchanger in serial fluid communication with a spectroscopic analyzer, and a controller communicably coupled to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is disposed downstream of a fluid handler in the form of a stream selection unit/stream switching unit (SSU), a solvent/standard recirculation unit (SRU), and/or an auto-sampling unit (ASU). The SSU selectively couples individual stream inputs to an output port. The SRU includes a solvent/standard reservoir, and selectively couples output ports to the heat exchanger, and returns the solvent/standard sample to the reservoirs. The ASU includes a sample reservoir having a sample transfer pathway with a plurality of orifices disposed at spaced locations along a length thereof. The controller selectively actuates the fluid handler, enabling sample to flow there through to the heat exchanger, and actuates the heat exchanger to maintain the sample at a predetermined temperature.

US09476832B2

High resolution light microscope

The present invention relates to an apparatus for the optical analysis of a sample, also referred to as microscope, which is configured for an optical analysis process having high resolution for the detection of fluorescent molecules. The apparatus and the process applied when using the apparatus are configured for excitation light generated by an excitation light source to be directed onto a sample and the light emitted by the probe is detected. The apparatus and the process are characterized in that the excitation light is synchronized with the detection. The apparatus is characterized in that it has a polarization device which is configured to modulate the polarization of the excitation light with a modulation signal, wherein the modulation signal has or consists of at least one frequency, in particular a pre-determined frequency or several pre-determined superimposed frequencies, or the modulation signal consists of a sequence of signals that has no repetition.

US09476820B2

Corrosion resistance evaluators

A corrosion resistance evaluator is provided for evaluating corrosion resistance of coated metals substrates, such as autobodies, at an accelerated rate. The evaluator includes a chamber for retaining an electrolyte that is exposed to an anode and cathode coated with protective coating being tested. These anode and cathode coatings are provided with predetermined and standardized defects, such as micro-holes, to accelerate the corrosion of the underlying metal substrate in a predictable and repeatable manner. The evaluator further comprises an anode holder and a cathode holder for testing the corrosion resistance of the anode and cathode coatings. The evaluator substantially reduces the time required to test corrosion from several days (40 plus days) to few days (about two days).

US09476817B2

Determination of interfacial tensions in supercritical conditions

The invention concerns a method whereby: (E1) an inner liquid phase is made to flow in an inner flow member, and an outer liquid phase in an outer flow member, the flow of the inner liquid phase opening within the flow of the second liquid phase; and the temperature and pressure in the contact area between the first and second liquid phases being such that the first and/or second liquid phase is in the supercritical state, (E2) the flow rate of the inner phase and/or outer phase is varied in such a way as to modify the flow profile, and a torque is identified from values of the flow rates of the inner and outer phases, called transition flow rates, from which the modification in the flow profile occurs (from drops to a jet; or from a jet to drops); (E3) from the transition torque identified in step (E2), the value of the interfacial tension between the two inner and outer liquid phases is calculated, or the result obtained is compared to that obtained for another torque in the conditions of steps (E1) and (E2).

US09476816B2

Probe tip heating assembly

A heating assembly configured for use in mechanical testing at a scale of microns or less. The heating assembly includes a probe tip assembly configured for coupling with a transducer of the mechanical testing system. The probe tip assembly includes a probe tip heater system having a heating element, a probe tip coupled with the probe tip heater system, and a heater socket assembly. The heater socket assembly, in one example, includes a yoke and a heater interface that form a socket within the heater socket assembly. The probe tip heater system, coupled with the probe tip, is slidably received and clamped within the socket.

US09476813B2

Extraction chamber for collecting analytes from samples and method thereof

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for the collection and analysis of analytes from samples. In one embodiment an extraction chamber is provided that includes a sample holder and an extraction lid that allows for simultaneous multifiber solid phase microextraction of analytes from a sample held in the sample holder. Methods of collection and analysis include using simultaneous multifiber solid phase microextraction of analytes from a sample.

US09476803B2

Method and an apparatus for predicting the condition of a machine or a component of the machine

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for predicting the condition of a machine or a component of the machine based on measurements of a condition monitoring parameter. The apparatus comprising—a data storage (6) for storing a moving window including measurement values of the condition monitoring parameter,—a monitoring module (7) configured to determine when a measurement value exceeds a potential failure level at which damage of the machine or component is considered initiated, and to determine the point in time (tP) when the monitoring parameter exceeded the potential failure level,—a data cleaning module (8) configured to discard a new measurement value if it is smaller than the latest stored measurement value in the moving window, to determine an expected value for the measurement based on a defined pattern for the condition monitoring parameter, which pattern reflects an expected behavior of the monitoring parameter after damage has been initiated, and the time elapsed since the point in time the monitoring parameter exceeded the potential failure level, and to discard the new measurement value if it deviates too much from the expected value, and to store not discarded measurement values in the moving window, and—a prediction module (10) configured to predict the level of the condition monitoring parameter at a future point in time based on the measurement values stored in the moving window.

US09476798B2

On-line monitoring of hot gas path components of a gas turbine

Systems and methods for on-line monitoring of hot gas path components of a gas turbine are provided. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a system may include a camera operable to monitor one or more hot gas path components of the gas turbine and a processor communicatively coupled to the camera. The processor is operable to receive realtime data from the camera monitoring the one or more hot gas path components of the gas turbine and compare the realtime data to reference data. Based on the comparison, the processor can determine that a difference between the realtime data and the reference data exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the difference exceeds the predetermined threshold, the processor can notify operators of an anomaly in the one or more hot gas path components.

US09476796B2

Device for detecting a pressure, in particular a combustion chamber pressure of an internal combustion engine

A device for detecting a pressure, in particular in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, has a housing and an adapter element secured in the housing for accommodating a sensor module. The sensor module includes at least one sensor element and one support element. The sensor element makes electrical contact with connecting lines which extend in the axial direction of the sensor module. The support element has a section on which support surfaces are formed for the connecting lines.

US09476793B2

Device and method for diagnosing evaporated fuel processing device

An evaporated fuel processing apparatus includes a valve between a canister and a fuel tank, and adsorbs evaporated fuel by the canister during fuel filling, and introduces into an intake air line of an internal combustion engine and processes the evaporated fuel while the internal combustion engine is operating. A diagnostic apparatus includes: a pump for pressurizing a system including the fuel tank and the canister; and a pressure sensor for sensing an internal pressure of the system. The diagnostic apparatus diagnoses whether or not leakage is present, based on a change in the internal pressure of the system from a pressurized state, wherein the pressurized state is a state pressurized to a predetermined pressure for diagnosis that is higher than a tank pressure at start of diagnosis; and maintains the fuel tank in the pressurized state by closing the valve after termination of the diagnosis.

US09476785B2

Carbon nanotube temperature and pressure sensors

The present invention, in one embodiment, provides a method of measuring pressure or temperature using a sensor including a sensor element composed of a plurality of carbon nanotubes. In one example, the resistance of the plurality of carbon nanotubes is measured in response to the application of temperature or pressure. The changes in resistance are then recorded and correlated to temperature or pressure. In one embodiment, the present invention provides for independent measurement of pressure or temperature using the sensors disclosed herein.

US09476784B2

Optical sensor for contactless pressure measurements

An optical sensor for pressure measurements comprises a sensor head including: a diaphragm having a first surface in contact with a fluid of which the pressure has to be measured and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a body with a tubular cavity, means arranged inside the tubular cavity, associated with the second surface of the diaphragm and movable longitudinally inside said tubular cavity in response to deformation of the diaphragm, said means including a reflective surface, an end part of waveguide means arranged inside the tubular cavity and having the end surface faced to and not in contact with the reflective surface of said means, said waveguide means being connected to a light source and a receiver respectively to send to said means the light beam deriving from the light source and to collect at the receiver the light beam reflected from the reflective surface.

US09476779B2

Sensor with an embedded thermistor for precise local temperature measurement

A resistive temperature sensor (thermistor) for a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device provides local temperatures of MEMS sensors and other MEMS devices for temperature compensation. Local accurate temperatures of the sensors and other devices provide for temperature compensation of such sensors or devices. By incorporating the thermistor structure into a MEMS device, an accurate temperature is sensed and measured adjacent to or within the structural layers of the device. In one embodiment, the thermistor is located within a few micrometers of the primary device.

US09476772B2

Temperature sensor and an infrared detector including such a sensor

A temperature sensor for use in an infrared detector the temperature sensor comprising: a first resistor associated with a first thermal path having a first thermal conductivity between the first resistor and a substrate and a first temperature coefficient of resistance; a second resistor associated with a second thermal path having a second thermal conductivity between the second resistor and the substrate and a second temperature coefficient of resistance, and a measurement circuit responsive to changes in the resistance of the first and second resistors to estimate changes in temperature, and wherein at least one of (a) the first and second thermal conductivities are different or (b) the first and second temperature coefficients of resistance are different.

US09476771B2

Control method for cleaning robots

An embodiment of the invention provides a cleaning robot including a light detector and a controller. The light detector detects a light beam. The controller is coupled to the light detector to control the cleaning robot. When the controller determines that the light beam is being output by a charging station, the controller controls the cleaning robot to move to the charging station along a first boundary of the light beam, which is substantially perpendicular to the charging station.

US09476755B2

Calibration tube for multiphase flowmeters

An automated calibration device that comprises a tube for trapping a multiphase sample between three ultrasound (US) transducer pairs wherein each of the three transducer pairs is positioned to measure a different fraction of the multiphase sample.

US09476750B2

Method and apparatus for water level sensing

An apparatus and method of sensing fluid level in reservoir for calculating fluid flow there from. The method comprising the steps of: receiving a plurality of fluid level signals each indicative of respective fluid level state at a predetermined location within the reservoir; identifying change of a first fluid level state; recording a relative first time, with respect to fluid flow duration, at which the first fluid level state changed; and calculating fluid dispensed from the reservoir using the fluid flow duration and an average fluid flow rate associated with the respective fluid level location within the reservoir. The apparatus comprising: a plurality of fluid level probe elements located within the reservoir, each adapted to provide a respective fluid level signal; and a processor module adapted to receive receiving a plurality of fluid level signals.

US09476749B1

Nesting measuring cups

Nesting measuring cups include a first measuring cup having a measuring portion for measuring a first volume, a first handle provided on first measuring portion, and measuring cup includes upper and lower faces. A first pour spout on first measuring portion has two spaced apart end walls defining pour spout. A second measuring cup has a second measuring portion for measuring a second volume and a second handle. Second measuring volume is smaller than first measuring volume and nests inside it. A second pour spout is on second measuring portion, and a post is provided adjacent lower face of second measuring portion. Post is engageable with a stop on upper face of first measuring portion, so user may rotate second measuring cup relative to first measuring cup until post engages stop, stops rotation of first and second measuring cups relative to each other, and achieves fixed fanned out position.

US09476743B1

Probe with no moving parts for use in a tank

A probe with no moving parts for use in a tank having pressure transducers, temperature sensors, a probe processor electrically connected to the pressure transducers and the temperature sensors, and a probe data storage. The probe controls the temperature sensors and the pressure transducers to produce bidirectional signals and calculate at least one physical property, and perform adaptive measurement for synchronized measurement of the fluid in static operation, non-synchronized measurement of the fluid in static operation, non-synchronized measurement of the fluid in dynamic operation, synchronized measurement of the fluid in dynamic operation, and combinations thereof. The probe data storage contains computer instructions to instruct the probe processor to identify temperature sensors and pressure transducers not covered by the fluid, measure movement of the fluid in the tank, calibrate pressure transducers of the tank, and communicate with a client device via a network using bidirectional signals.

US09476735B2

Magnetic encoder and bearing device including magnetic encoder

A magnetic encoder 1 including a support member 2 attached to a rotating body 12 and a magnet member 3 fixed to the support member 2, the support member 2 and the magnet 4 are not attached to each other using an adhesive but the support member 2 and the plastic magnet 4 are joined together by molding shrinkage or wrap-around form of the magnet 4, and the material for the magnet 4 is selected such that the value of the ratio ((αp−αm)/εc) of a difference (αp−αm) between flowing-direction linear expansion coefficient (αp) of the magnet 4 and linear expansion coefficient (αm) of the support member 2, to tensile breaking strain (εc) of the material for the magnet 4 is equal to or less than a value beginning at a threshold (Nth) based on a prescribed value of cycle member at thermal shock destructive test.

US09476730B2

Real-time system for multi-modal 3D geospatial mapping, object recognition, scene annotation and analytics

A multi-sensor, multi-modal data collection, analysis, recognition, and visualization platform can be embodied in a navigation capable vehicle. The platform provides an automated tool that can integrate multi-modal sensor data including two-dimensional image data, three-dimensional image data, and motion, location, or orientation data, and create a visual representation of the integrated sensor data, in a live operational environment. An illustrative platform architecture incorporates modular domain-specific business analytics “plug ins” to provide real-time annotation of the visual representation with domain-specific markups.

US09476728B2

Navigation apparatus, method and program

A navigation apparatus, method or program extracts only a guide expression a talker such as a fellow passenger says to a driver, and outputs a presentation content which corresponds to the guide expression. Accordingly, the driver can understand the content intuitively. This makes it possible to prevent the misunderstanding of the driver and to prevent a vehicle from going in the direction the talker does not intend.

US09476722B2

Route comparison device, route comparison method, and program

Provided is a route comparison device including a point information acquisition unit for acquiring location information of a starting point and a goal point, a reference route acquisition unit for acquiring shape data of a reference route between the starting point and the goal point, a route search unit for searching for a route between the starting point and the goal point, and a degree-of-matching calculation unit for calculating, by comparing shape data of a found route which has been found by the route search unit and the shape data of the reference route, a degree of matching indicating a degree of correspondence between the routes.

US09476711B2

Angular rate sensor with quadrature error compensation

An angular rate sensor includes a substrate, a drive mass flexibly coupled to the substrate, and a sense mass suspended above the substrate and flexibly coupled to the drive mass via flexible support elements. An electrode structure is mechanically coupled to, but electrically isolated from, the drive mass and is spaced apart from the substrate so that it is not in contact with the substrate. The electrode structure is configured to produce a signal that indicates movement of the sense mass relative to the electrode when the sensor is subjected to angular velocity. When the angular rate sensor experiences quadrature error, the drive mass, the sense mass, and the electrode structure move together relative to the sense axis. Since the sense mass and the electrode structure move together in response to quadrature error, there is little relative motion between the sense mass and the electrode structure so that quadrature error is largely eliminated.

US09476709B2

Calibration apparatus, calibration method, and manufacturing method for an electronic device

Provided is a calibration apparatus, including: a holder for fixing an electronic device; a first motor for rotating the holder with a first rotation axis as a center; a second motor for rotating the holder with a second rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis as a center; and a stopper for restricting a rotational position of the holder about the second rotation axis to a range between a reference position and a perpendicular position reached by rotating the holder by 90 degrees from the reference position, in which the first motor rotates the holder to which the electronic device is fixed at a predetermined speed in each of states in which the rotational position of the holder about the second rotation axis falls in the reference position and in which the rotational position of the holder about the second rotation axis falls in the perpendicular position.

US09476703B2

Size measuring and comparing system and method

The disclosure provides a size measuring and comparing system and a method. The method includes steps: acquiring coordinates of at least four points which are not assigned on a same side of an object, creating a cuboid model including the at least four points as vertices based on the coordinates of the at least four points, calculating a height and a width of a space, determining whether it is feasible for the object to pass through the space based on a length, a width, and a height of the cuboid model and the height and the width of the space; and outputting a comparison result.

US09476701B2

Apparatus for detecting a pre-aligning element at a wafer

An apparatus detects a pre-aligning element at a wafer. The wafer has the pre-aligning element at a wafer edge. The apparatus includes a sensor arrangement and an evaluation unit. The sensor arrangement is configured to illuminate subsequent edge portions of the wafer edge, to receive transmitted fractions and reflected fractions of the illumination from the illuminated edge portions with an illumination sensor, and to output a first and a second sensor signal. The first sensor signal is based on the transmitted fractions of the illumination and the second sensor signal is based on the reflected fractions of the illumination. The evaluation unit is configured to evaluate the first sensor signal and to determine a first position information with respect to a coarse position of the pre-aligning element if the first sensor signal indicates that the transmitted fractions of the illumination has reached a predetermined threshold value.

US09476698B2

Periodic patterns and technique to control misalignment between two layers

A method and system to measure misalignment error between two overlying or interlaced periodic structures are proposed. The overlying or interlaced periodic structures are illuminated by incident radiation, and the diffracted radiation of the incident radiation by the overlying or interlaced periodic structures are detected to provide an output signal. The misalignment between the overlying or interlaced periodic structures may then be determined from the output signal.

US09476693B2

Optical property measurement apparatus and optical property measurement method

An apparatus enabling abnormality detection of a sample. A first interference optical system scans the sample with first signal light from a first sample optical path, making the first signal light interfere with first reference light from a first reference optical path, to detect first interference light. Optical path length difference between the first sample optical path and first reference optical path is changed based on the detection. A change in the optical path length difference is determined. A second interference optical system scans the sample with second signal light from a second sample optical path, making the second signal light interfere with second reference light from a second reference optical path to detect second interference light. Tomographic information of the sample based on detection of the second interference light is determined. A refractive index profile of the sample is obtained based on the change amount information and tomographic information.

US09476688B2

Coordinate measuring apparatus for measuring a workpiece

A coordinate measuring apparatus for measuring a workpiece having a workpiece surface includes a sensor to capture the workpiece surface and a mechanism to move the sensor in coordinate directions (x, y, z) relative to the workpiece. The mechanism includes a rigid frame, a mount and measuring skids. The rigid frame includes mutually parallel horizontal longitudinal members having respective horizontal guides. The rigid frame includes vertical supports having respective upper and lower ends. The horizontal longitudinal members are rigidly connected to the upper ends of the vertical supports. The rigid frame includes transverse members oriented transverse to the longitudinal members and being rigidly connected to the lower end of the vertical supports. The transverse members are supported via the mount and a first one of the measuring skids is configured to move the sensor in the coordinate direction (x) along the first and second horizontal guides.

US09476687B2

Tape rule accessory

A tape rule accessory with a receiving slot that is shaped conformally to the curvature of a tape rule for receiving a tape rule side edge into the receiving slot. The upper flange has a window with opposed and aligned alignment pointers for aligning to demarcations on the tape rule when the tape rule is installed in the receiving slot. The alignment pointers are positioned an integer number of units of length (for example, inches or centimeters) from an end of the accessory. Exterior marking guides are aligned to the alignment pointers. One or more level indicators, such as spirit levels, may be attached, preferably by being snap fit into housings. Friction ridges may be used within the receiving slot to prevent accidental movement while maintaining ease of use. A thermally bonded, two-part embodiment is disclosed.

US09476686B2

Device for transferring energy output from one pyrotechnic device to another

An energy transfer device (10) is provided that is capable of transferring the energy output from one pyrotechnic device (52) to another device (78) for initiating firing thereof. Device (10) comprises a device housing (12) in which a deformable device insert (14) is received. Device insert (14) comprises a central passageway (34) for transmitting the output from a pyrotechnic device (52), including energy, gasses, and/or solids, to another pyrotechnic device (78). The passageway (34) conducts the pyrotechnic device output to a precise location on the second pyrotechnic device (78) where firing is most effectively initiated. The energy transfer device (10) may be employed as a part of a tool (44) used in well completion operations.

US09476682B1

Multi-charge munitions, incorporating hole-boring charge assemblies

Multi-charge munition suitable for defeating a concrete target consists of a detonatable array of hollow primary charges (14) of explosive supported laterally of a line of target penetration on which is disposed a secondary explosive charge (48). Simultaneous detonation of the primary charges in the array causes jet penetrators to be projected together towards the target which produce wide boreholes in concrete suitable for the subsequent emplacement and detonation of the secondary charge. The munition may be an aerially-deliverable bomb or submunition.In one preferred embodiment, the primary charges (14) are positioned in a convergent configuration behind a forwardly-tapered secondary charge (48). Detonation of the primary charges projects penetrators forwardly passed the sides of the secondary charge and thrusts the secondary charge into the borehole produced in the target by the penetrators.

US09476672B2

Accessory mounting hand guard for firearm

Hand guards for firearms and related methods are provided. In one example, a hand guard for a firearm includes an elongated tubular housing having a lumen extending between opposite ends thereof. A hand guard mounting assembly is coupled concentrically to a rear end portion of the housing. The mounting assembly includes a pair of opposing transverse surfaces respectively disposed on opposite sides of a transverse flange located on a front end of a barrel nut extending forwardly from a receiver of the firearm. At least one of the transverse surfaces is longitudinally moveable toward the other transverse surface. A mechanism adjustably urges the at least one transverse surface longitudinally toward the other transverse surface so as to clamp the flange firmly between the two transverse surfaces and such that the barrel of the firearm is disposed concentrically within the lumen of the housing.

US09476668B1

Hypervelocity projectile launching system

A gun system for launching a projectile that forms a component of a two-part payload that also includes a pusher that is separable from the projectile. The system includes a barrel, a source of propellant gas to propel the projectile and the pusher through the barrel, and a retarding coil and an accelerating coil, each having a coil axis parallel to the barrel axis and surrounding a projectile passage through the barrel, the retarding coil being disposed closer to the source of propellant gas than the accelerating coil. The retarding coil is configured to generate electromagnetic energy in response to passage of the pusher when being propelled by propellant gas ignition, and the accelerating coil is configured and coupled to impose an accelerating force on the projectile in response to the electromagnetic energy generated by the retarding coil.

US09476659B2

Gas flow system for a long-barrel firearm

A gas cycling firearm comprising a barrel having a breech end, a muzzle end, an inner surface defining a bore having a bore axis, and an outer surface, wherein the muzzle end is spaced a length L from the breech end, the barrel further having a port providing a fluid path between the bore and the outer surface, the port having an axis that intersects the bore axis at a position P from the muzzle end, where P is less than or equal to ⅓ L; and a gas flowpath extending between the gas port and the piston system, the gas flowpath having a length G and a volume V, wherein G is greater than ⅓ L.

US09476658B1

Air conditioner cleaning assembly

An air conditioner cleaning assembly cleans a housing of an air conditioning unit. The assembly includes a drain tray having a pair of side walls and a base wall coupled to and extending between the side walls. The base wall and the side walls defining a trough configured for receiving a fluid. An aperture extends through the base wall of the drain tray wherein the aperture drains the fluid from the trough. An attachment strap is coupled to and extends from the drain tray for securing the drain tray to an air conditioner such that the drain tray is positioned under the air conditioner. A sprayer assembly includes a sprayer for delivering fluid into a housing of the air conditioner.

US09476653B2

System and method for storing thermal energy as auxiliary power in a vehicle

There is provided a controller for a heat capture and storage system configured to capture and store energy from heat expelled in engine exhaust. The controller includes a plurality of inputs, a plurality of outputs, and at least one processor coupled to a memory for storing within the memory instructions executable by the at least one processor. The controller is configured by execution of the instructions stored in the memory to: receive signals at one or more of the plurality of inputs, the signals representing at least one operating parameter of the heat capture and storage system; and based on at least one operating parameter, generate signals at one or more of the plurality of outputs for controlling at least one component of the heat capture and storage system to capture and store the energy from the heat expelled in the engine exhaust.

US09476651B2

Thermal management system

A system is disclosed. The system includes a thermally conductive enclosure bounding an interior cavity, a metallic cell wall structure disposed within the cavity, in thermal communication with the enclosure, and defining a plurality of cells, and a phase change material disposed within the cells and in thermal communication with the cell walls. The plurality of cells have a cell width less than about 5 millimeters, and the cell wall thickness of the cell wall structure is in a range from about 0.25 millimeter to about 1 millimeter.

US09476650B2

Helical tube bundle arrangements for heat exchangers

A heat exchanger comprising helically wound tube bundles is disclosed. The helically wound tube bundles are joined with tube sheets to define a primary working fluid system that is fluidically isolated from a secondary working fluid system. The tube sheets and tubes are formed of the same material, which facilitates their joining by means of joints that are substantially galvanic corrosion-resistant joints.

US09476649B2

Real-time individual electronic enclosure cooling system

This discloses apparatuses for cooling individual server racks or electrical enclosures. These devices maintain target enclosure temperatures within plus or minus 1 or 2 degrees F. The devices employ industrial cooling using staged cooling towers to evaporatively reach temperatures below the wet bulb temperature of the ambient air. Methods for using such apparatuses are disclosed as well.

US09476647B2

Production line oven

A production line oven includes a product gripping mechanism mounted above one side of the production line oven, a plurality of fixtures, a fixture gripping mechanism mounted under the product gripping mechanism, a lifting mechanism, and a conveyor mounted in other side of the production line oven. The product gripping mechanism includes a first guide rail, a support arm mounted to the first guide rail in sliding, and mechanical gripping members connected to the support arm. The fixture gripping mechanism includes a second guide rail and a clamp mechanism mounted to the second guide rail in sliding. The mechanical gripping members are configured to grip of a product. The fixture gripping mechanism is configured to grasp each the fixture to assemble or dismount the fixtures.

US09476645B2

Open bottom electric induction cold crucible for use in electromagnetic casting of ingots

An open bottom electric induction cold crucible with a slotted wall extending below one or more induction coils surrounding the partial exterior height of the crucible is used in an electromagnetic casting process for the production of ingots. A bottom magnetic shield is provided around the outer perimeter of the crucible's slotted wall in the vicinity of the bottom opening and the bottom termination of the wall slots and the bottom connecting member.

US09476642B2

Method for removing liquid membrane using high-speed particle beam

A method for removing a liquid membrane using a high-speed particle beam includes a wet washing step of washing an object by using a washing solution, and a dry washing step of simultaneously removing the washing solution remaining on the object and pollutants or foreign substances in the washing solution by spraying sublimation particles.

US09476633B2

3D vacuum panel and a folding approach to create the 3D vacuum panel from a 2D vacuum panel of non-uniform thickness

A three-dimensional (3D) vacuum insulation panel (VIP) and a folding approach to create the 3D VIP from a two-dimensional (2D) VIP of non-uniform thickness for a refrigerator, a refrigerator freezer or a non-appliance, are disclosed. The folding approach includes placing a VIP main panel and a plurality of VIP wall panels on an outer film, where one or more panels are of a greater thickness than other VIP panels; placing an inner film on top of the VIP main and wall panels and sealing the films together. The inner film is longer than the outer film and this allows the films and the VIP wall panels to be folded into a finished panel, wherein the longer inner film allows for fording without causing tears or micro-cracks in the film that would adversely affect the insulation properties of the three-dimensional (3D) VIP.

US09476632B2

Positive air pressure ice making and dispensing system

An aseptic ice making system includes an ice making system to receive water from a water supply. The ice making system includes an ice producing subsystem to produce ice and a positive air pressure subsystem to maintain a positive air pressure environment within the ice making system.

US09476626B2

Variable speed compressor control with lost rotor mitigation

A drive controller for a motor of a compressor includes a drive circuit that applies voltages to windings of the motor. A speed control module controls the drive circuit to rotate the motor at a requested speed. A speed determination module generates the requested speed based on a speed demand from a system controller. A lost rotor control module identifies a lost rotor condition and, in response to identifying the lost rotor condition, instructs the speed determination module to set the requested speed to an override speed that is lower than the speed demand. The lost rotor control module identifies the lost rotor condition in response to a comparison of a speed error with an adaptive threshold. The speed error is based on a difference between requested and estimated speeds of the motor. During first and second system states, the adaptive threshold is set to first and second thresholds, respectively.

US09476624B2

Scroll compressor differential pressure control during compressor shutdown transitions

A method including determining whether an OFF criterion is satisfied for a lag compressor of a tandem set of scroll compressors. The tandem set of scroll compressors includes a lead compressor. The method further includes: initiating at least one process when the OFF criterion is satisfied; and maintaining the lag compressor in an ON state for a predetermined period subsequent to the OFF criterion being satisfied. The at least one process includes at least one of: operating the lead compressor at a maximum level; overriding a motor overload protection method, wherein the motor overload protection method protects motors of the lead compressor and the lag compressor; and overriding a proportional integral derivative (PID) method to reduce a speed of a condenser fan. The PID method controls the speed of the condenser fan. A system including the lag compressor module and the lead compressor module.

US09476613B2

Method to control a cooling circuit

A method to control a cooling circuit, with the cooling circuit comprising at least three evaporators, which are fluid connected to the cooling circuit in a parallel connection in individual paths, with each of the paths containing one shut-off valve, through which the flow of the refrigerant, which is circulating through the specific path, can be metered or cut off, where the shut-off valves can be activated or deactivated individually, with the individual evaporators being operative when the shut-off valve located within the specific path of the individual evaporator permits fluid flow, where a maximum of two of the at least three evaporators are operative simultaneously.

US09476612B2

Beam-forming concentrating solar thermal array power systems

The present invention relates to concentrating solar-power systems and, more particularly, beam-forming concentrating solar thermal array power systems. A solar thermal array power system is provided, including a plurality of solar concentrators arranged in pods. Each solar concentrator includes a solar collector, one or more beam-forming elements, and one or more beam-steering elements. The solar collector is dimensioned to collect and divert incoming rays of sunlight. The beam-forming elements intercept the diverted rays of sunlight, and are shaped to concentrate the rays of sunlight into a beam. The steering elements are shaped, dimensioned, positioned, and/or oriented to deflect the beam toward a beam output path. The beams from the concentrators are converted to heat at a receiver, and the heat may be temporarily stored or directly used to generate electricity.

US09476598B2

Oven appliance and method for operating an oven appliance

Oven appliances and methods for operating oven appliances are provided. A method includes determining if a cooktop burner is active during operation of a cooking chamber self-clean cycle. The method further includes deactivating the self-clean cycle if the cooktop burner is active, and continuing the self-clean cycle if the cooktop burner is not active.

US09476594B2

Domestic cooking appliance having a gas switch mounting system

A domestic cooking appliance having a gas burner and a control panel assembly is provided. The assembly includes a control panel cover having an alignment pin and an opening; a gas switch having a protruding portion that extends through the opening in the control panel cover when the control panel assembly is in an assembled position; a gas manifold for delivering gas to the gas switch, the gas switch being positionally fixed relative to the gas manifold; a mounting bracket positionally fixed relative to the gas manifold, the mounting bracket having a mounting portion attached to the appliance, a positioning surface that supports the control panel cover, and a hole in the positioning surface that receives the alignment pin. The hole is positionally fixed relative to the protruding portion of the gas switch when the control panel assembly is in the assembled position.

US09476591B2

Crack resistant combustor

A combustion chamber louver assembly includes an aft louver having a forward panel 24 that extends axially from a louver leading edge 26 to a corner 28, and a forward louver joined to the forward panel of the aft louver. A lip 48 defined by a portion of the forward louver that extends axially past the corner to a louver trailing edge 36 includes circumferentially distributed trailing edge slots 60 extending forwardly from the trailing edge a nominal distance equal to about 88% to 95% of the length L of the lip.

US09476588B2

Boiler and operating method of same

A boiler operating method operates a boiler by switching between air combustion mode and oxygen combustion mode when burning fossil fuel with first combustion gas and second combustion gas. The second combustion gas compensates for oxygen deficiency in the first combustion gas. The air combustion mode uses air as the first combustion gas and the second combustion gas while the oxygen combustion mode uses mixed gas of combustion flue gas and oxygen-rich gas as the first combustion gas and the second combustion gas, the combustion flue gas being produced when the fossil fuel is burned. By mixing the oxygen-rich gas in the air in the process of switching between air combustion mode and oxygen combustion mode, the air being the first combustion gas used in the air combustion mode, the boiler operating method can switch between the air combustion mode and oxygen combustion mode while maintaining stable combustion.

US09476580B2

Lighting device with smooth outer appearance

A lighting device or a lamp bulb (100, 200) with a smooth appearance comprises at least one light source (101); a heat sink component (104, 204), having a bottom (1043) and a side wall (1044) extending from the bottom (1044), wherein the bottom (1043) comprises a protrusion (1041) and wherein the at least one light source (101) thermally contacts the protrusion (1041) of the heat sink component (104, 204); and a cover provided on the sidewall (1044) opposite to the bottom (1043), thereby defining an air chamber (1051, 2051) between the cover, the side wall (1044), the bottom (1043) and the protrusion (1041).

US09476579B2

Relay connector and light source module provided with same

A relay connector that is interposed between two substrates provided with mutually connectable connecting parts and that indirectly connects the two substrates, wherein the relay connector is provided with a first connecting part capable of mechanistically connecting to the connecting part of one of the substrates, and a second connecting part capable of mechanistically connecting to the connecting part of the other substrate.

US09476578B2

Dodecahedronally-shaped illumination device with orientation detector

An illumination device includes a plurality of light panels facing in different directions and having light emitting elements, a user-operable power switch, an orientation detector for detecting the current orientation of the illumination device, and a controller for receiving information from the orientation detector and the user-operable power switch, and controlling electrical power to the light emitting elements based on such information. A timer, used for automatic shutoff and/or delayed-on functionality, might also be included. The controller is configured to operate in one or more different operational modes, which can be preset and/or user-selectable.

US09476577B2

Lighting device, display device, and television reception device

A backlight device according to the present invention is provided with: a chassis having a bottom plate 22a and a side plate; LED substrates 25 disposed on the bottom plate 22a of the chassis in a manner so that one end surface of the LED substrates and the side plate face each other; LEDs disposed on the LED substrates 25 with the obverse side as the light exit side; a wiring pattern 35 disposed on the LED substrates 25; a first connector 31 connected to the wiring pattern 35 and disposed on the end on the side provided with the one end surface among the ends of the LED substrates 25; a second connecting member that is electrically connected to the first connector 31 with the direction of connection being a direction that is along the plate surface of the bottom plate 22a, forming in a plan view an angle with the first side edge 22a1 that faces the one end surface, and facing the first side edge 22a1 from the reverse side from the first side edge 22a1 sandwiching the first connector 31; and a power supply wiring line 38 that is electrically connected to the second connector 32.

US09476574B2

Fastening device, in particular for lighting devices

A fastening device includes a clip 14 with a first clip member 22 and a second clip member 24. The second clip member 24 is resiliently pivotable relative to the first clip member 24, such that a flat object may be resiliently clamped between the first and second clip members 22, 24. The clip 14 has a strap holding portion 30, where a first end of a flexible strap 16 is held within the strap holding portion 30. The clip 14 further has a strap receiving portion 32 arranged at a distance from the strap holding portion 30. The strap receiving portion is shaped to receive a portion of the strap. By use of the fastening device, an element, and in particular a lighting device 12, may be alternatively fixed to another element by the flexible strap 16 or may engage a flat object within the clip 14.

US09476573B2

Lighting apparatus comprising phosphor wheel

Various embodiments relate to a lighting apparatus including at least one light generating device for generating primary light, and at least one phosphor wheel arranged optically downstream of the light generating device. The phosphor wheel may include at least one phosphor for wavelength conversion of the primary light into secondary light. A plurality of phosphor wheels are arranged optically downstream of the light generating device.

US09476562B2

Vehicle lighting device

A vehicle lighting device includes a housing, a first receiving cavity recessed inwardly from a center of a front side of the housing, a first light source received in the first receiving cavity, an annular second receiving cavity recessed in the front side of the housing and surrounding the first receiving cavity, a second light source received in the second receiving cavity, a first envelope fixed in the front side of the housing and covering the first receiving cavity, and an annular second envelope fixed in the front side of the housing and covering the second receiving cavity. An inner face of the second receiving cavity is a bending face including a plurality of reflecting facets for reflecting light emitted from the second light source. Every two adjacent reflecting facets intersect with an angle. The second light source faces at least one reflecting facet distant from the second envelope.

US09476556B2

Vehicle headlight assembly

A reflector configured to receive and reflect illumination from an illumination device across a projector lens of a vehicle headlight assembly. The reflector includes a reflection surface, a curved edge adjacent to the reflection surface and defining a lower illumination aperture, and a wall member extending across the lower illumination aperture to define a gap portion between the wall member and the curved edge. The wall member is configured to reduce illumination reflected from the reflection surface by blocking an amount of illumination passing through the lower illumination aperture.

US09476551B2

Light-emitting construction element

A non-transparent light-emitting construction element (100; 200; 300; 400), comprising: a construction element having a mounting side and a user-facing side (104; 204; 304) to be facing a user when the light-emitting construction element is used in a construction; and a light-emitter (108; 404) embedded in the construction element, wherein the light-emitter is embedded in the construction element in such a way that the light-emitter is non-visible in its off-state and light from the light-emitter escapes from the construction element when the light-emitter is in its on-state.

US09476550B2

Selectively-extendable modular lighting fixture

A lighting fixture including a housing having sidewalls and lengthwise ends, an elongate lens fitted to the housing with lengthwise end edge portions, a pair of unitary endplates each attachable to either lengthwise end of the housing, each endplate having lens support structure supporting one lengthwise end edge portion of the lens, and each endplate having perimeter surfaces matingly attached to an endcap having a peripheral edge of substantially the same size and contour as the outer surface of the endplate where the endcap and endplate join. Each unitary endplate includes perimeter surfaces matingly attached to a linear bridge, an angular bridge or an endcap having a peripheral edge of substantially the same size and contour as the outer surface of the endplate where the bridge or endcap and endplate join. The endplate support prevents the elongate lens from being pressed inwardly into an interior portion of the lighting fixture.

US09476528B2

Fluid coupling element and corresponding assembly

A fluid coupling element including a base body having a central axis (X-X) in which a complementary fluid coupling element is selectively received, and wherein a locking ring includes a locking ball that is capable of locking the complementary fluid coupling element relative to the base body locking ball is movable radially in the body between a locking position of the complementary fluid coupling element and an unlocking position and wherein an actuating ball of the locking ring is adapted to be pushed into an elongated housing of the base body by the complementary fluid coupling element so as to move the locking ring axially from a locking position, wherein the locking ball is locked in the locking position, to a release position and a spring for returning the locking ring to the locking position and wherein the actuating ball has a diameter greater than a diameter of the locking ball.

US09476522B2

Pipe sealing

A sealing apparatus suitable for use as a subsea repair clamp includes a sealing membrane with first and second portions for engaging an outer surface of a pipe. Retaining members are located in opposing relationship to each other about the sealing membrane and are secured to each other by a closure member. The retaining members retain sealing engagement between the sealing membrane and the pipe. Each of the retaining members can include axially spaced plates arranged generally transversely to a longitudinal axis of the sealing membrane.

US09476518B2

Valve assembly and method

A valve assembly includes a housing defining a cavity and a bore which opens into the cavity. A valve member is disposed in the cavity. The valve member moves between an open position for allowing fluid flow through the housing and a closed position for preventing fluid flow through the housing. An actuator extends through the bore for moving the valve member between the open and closed positions. A packing is positionable in the bore to provide a seal about the actuator for preventing fluid from exiting the housing through the bore. The packing is ejectable from the bore. The valve assembly includes a first and second biasing member. The first biasing member is configured to apply a first force to the packing to provide the seal. The second biasing member is configured to apply a second force to the packing for ejecting the packing from the bore.

US09476515B2

Check valve housing

A check valve housing for a check valve is provided and includes check valve housing body. First and second hinge supports extend from the check valve housing body. A stop is coupled to the first and second hinge supports. The first hinge support includes a first hinge pin interface having a first hinge pin hole to receive a hinge pin. A ratio of a diameter of the first hinge pin hole to a thickness of the first hinge pin interface is between 2.44 and 2.66.

US09476509B2

Axially aligned rotationally adjustable flow control valve

A rotationally adjustable valve is disclosed whereby the user is able to control the flow of fluids from complete shutoff to maximum flow by rotating the adjustment means of the valve, said rotation being axial to the flow of the fluid. Additionally, the user is able to attach high and low pressure test probes directly to the valve, as it is rotatably adjusted, so that additional equipment is not required next to the valve. An embodiment of this invention includes the use of an adjustable Cv disk to set the maximum flow of the valve, rather than just create a simple 180° on/off, very similar to a current 90° ball valve that this device will replace.

US09476508B2

Valve assembly having improved rotational feel

A valve assembly includes a valve housing having an internal generally cup-shaped bore, a valve control cartridge inserted into the bore and having a rotatable control stem extending upwardly therefrom, and a bonnet nut having a through-bore. The bonnet nut is threaded to the valve housing such that the control stem extends through the through-bore. Flexible fingers are provided along the through-bore to control a level of resistance to a rotation of the rotatable control stem. The stem is positioned to frictionally engage the flexible fingers as the stem is rotated.

US09476502B2

Hydraulic pressure supply system of automatic transmission

A hydraulic pressure supply system of an automatic transmission for a vehicle is disclosed. The hydraulic pressure supply system of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may supply a low hydraulic pressure generated at a low-pressure hydraulic pump to a low pressure portion through a low-pressure regulator valve, may supply a portion of the low hydraulic pressure to a high-pressure hydraulic pump, and may supply a high hydraulic pressure generated at the high-pressure hydraulic pump to a high pressure portion through a high-pressure regulator valve.

US09476498B2

Drive device for construction machine

A drive device for a construction machine, which includes a speed reducer and a brake mechanism, wherein the speed reducer has a casing in which lubricating oil and the brake mechanism are provided, and wherein the brake mechanism includes: a ring-shaped brake piston; and a brake plate configured to generate a braking force by a pressing force of the brake piston, and wherein the brake piston has: a plurality of oil pockets provided in the brake piston at respective positions along a circumferential direction of the brake piston, each of the oil pockets formed as a space capable of storing lubricating oil; oil inlets allowing lubricating oil rising during operation of the drive device to be introduced into the oil pockets respectively; and oil outlets allowing lubricating oil stored in the respective oil pockets to be discharged.

US09476493B2

Differential device and method of manufacturing the same

In a differential device and a method of manufacturing it, a press-fit regulation device regulating a press fit depth of the flange and the ring gear is provided in a press-fit portion between the flange and the ring gear, the flange includes thin-walled portions with recessed portions and thick-walled portions without the recessed portions, the thick-walled portions and the ring gear are welded from a second bearing boss side to a predetermined weld depth, and the thin-walled portions and the ring gear are welded from the second bearing boss side to a weld depth shallower than the predetermined weld depth or not welded. Accordingly, the press-fit portion between the flange and the ring gear can be efficiently welded even in a case where work windows of a differential case cut into a side surface of the flange on a first bearing boss side to form the recessed portions.

US09476492B2

Active limited slip differential

A limited slip differential assembly for a vehicle has a differential assembly drivingly engaged with a prime mover of the vehicle. The assembly has a differential mechanism disposed in a differential case and two opposite output shafts outwardly extending from the differential case. A torque coupling unit is provided for selectively restricting rotation between one of the output shafts and the differential case. The torque coupling unit has a friction clutch assembly disposed about one of the output shafts. The friction clutch assembly has a first portion drivingly engaged with one of the output shafts and a second portion drivingly engaged with the differential case. A ball and ramp assembly is disposed adjacent the friction clutch assembly for selectively frictionally loading the friction clutch assembly.

US09476474B2

Copper alloy wire and copper alloy spring

A copper alloy wire is a filamentary material of a copper alloy containing, in percent by mass, Ni: 3.0 to 15.0%, Al: 0.5 to 5.0%, and Si: 0.1 to 3.0%, with the remainder being composed of Cu and incidental impurities, which is provided with the tensile strength (σB) of 900 to 1300 MPa and electrical conductivity of 10 to 22% IACS and, in addition to that property, satisfies an intensity ratio of A:B:C of 1.0:1.2 to 6.0:2.2 to 8.0 when A, B and C represent diffraction intensities of Cu (111), Cu (200) and Cu (220), respectively, according to an X-ray diffraction method in a predetermined cross section, and which is used for an operation or contact spring by incorporating in mobile phones and various small electronic instruments by formulating into a copper alloy spring used, particularly, for an electrical conductive spring.

US09476472B2

Brake

A brake having an adjustable tappet for applying a brake force to a brake pad, a tappet having a rotating part in threaded engagement with a non-rotating part, the rotating part including a tappet gear, an adjuster mechanism for selectable rotating the tappet gear, the adjuster mechanism having a clutch with a driving clutch plate in frictional engagement with a driven clutch plate, the driven clutch plate having external teeth in direct meshing engagement with the tappet gear.

US09476468B2

Disc brake and brake pad for a disc brake

A disc brake for a commercial vehicle includes a brake caliper which takes the form of a sliding caliper and straddles a brake disc. In the caliper, brake pads are arranged on an actuation side and a reaction side, which pads can be pressed against both sides of the brake disc by an actuation device during braking. The reaction-side brake pad is supported on a rear-side wall of the brake caliper by a pad carrier plate carrying a friction pad, and a gap is formed in a non-operational position in a region facing an assembly opening of the brake caliper between the rear-side wall of the brake caliper and the reaction-side brake pad. The gap is wider than the adjacent region and the length of the gap corresponds at least to the length of the contact surface of the reaction-side wall on the pad carrier plate when braking is applied. The disc brake is disposed such that the gap is formed by at least one recess in the pad carrier plate. The recess is integrated into the planar rear side running parallel to the side carrying the friction pad. The recess runs at a distance from the edges of the pad carrier plate that delimit the longitudinal sides of the brake pad.

US09476457B2

Rolling bearing

A seal ring including filters is mounted to a rolling bearing. The bearing includes rolling elements disposed between an outer race and an inner race. The seal ring is made of a resin or a metal and covers an end opening of the bearing space defined between the outer race and the inner race. The filters are detachably fitted in oil flow holes formed in the seal ring. The filters catch foreign matter contained in lubricating oil. The seal ring is engaged by one of the outer race and the inner race. An annular member made of a material softer than the seal ring is fixed to the seal ring. The annular member serves as a lip facing the other of the inner and outer races with a gap left therebetween, or in abutment with the other of the inner and outer races.

US09476455B2

Outer ring for a rolling-element bearing, and method for assembling a rolling-element bearing

An outer ring for a rolling-element bearing includes a first region having a first diameter on an outer surface of the outer ring, a second region on the outer surface of the outer ring, the second region having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, a circumferential groove at a boundary between the first region and the second region, and a filler in the groove. The filler is configured such that a temperature compensation ring can be mounted to the outer ring at the first region so that it abuts on an axial end of the second region, the temperature compensation ring having an inner diameter, at least in the region which is disposed over the groove in the radial direction, that corresponds to the outer diameter of the first region.

US09476451B2

Guide carriage having a rolling-body guide section which engages behind the raceway insert

A guide carriage is configured for use with an elongate guide rail. The guide carriage has at least one row of spherical rolling bodies which are received in an associated endless circulatory channel. The circulatory channel has a load-bearing section and a return channel which are connected to one another at their ends which lie opposite one another via in each case one curved deflection channel. The load-bearing section is delimited by a carriage raceway extending in a longitudinal direction on the guide carriage and a rail raceway on the guide rail. A separate main body of metal is also provided. The carriage raceway is arranged on a separate raceway insert which bears against the main body. A separate rolling-body guide part is also provided which has a guide section extending in the longitudinal direction. The guide section engages behind the raceway insert.

US09476446B2

Systems and methods for a locking double carabineer

An apparatus for attaching items includes a body and a first and second hook oriented on a first and second side of the body. The apparatus further includes a first and second gate, the first gate attached to the body and oriented to close the first hook, the second gate attached to the body and oriented to close the second hook. The apparatus further includes a pivoting lock, the pivoting lock oriented in the body, the pivoting lock having a first position where a first end of the pivoting lock rests against the first gate and a second end of the pivoting lock rests against the second gate preventing the first and second gates from opening; and a second position where the first end of the pivoting lock does not rest against the first gate and the second end of the pivoting lock does not rest against the second gate, and the first and second gates may be opened.

US09476441B2

Clamping device for the releasable connection of two profile sections

A clamping device for the releasable connection of a first profile section with a second profile section, wherein the clamping device can be introduced into a recess provided in the first profile section, and is provided with at least one hook element for purposes of engaging with the first profile section and with a clamping element. Thus, the at least one hook element can be brought into a releasable retentive engagement with at least one locking element of the first profile section that is complementary to the former. The clamping device comprises for this purpose a plate, wherein the at least one hook element is aligned in the plane of the plate on the first profile section, and the clamping element is provided on the opposing side of the plate relative to the hook element, so as to clamp the plate against the second profile section.

US09476433B2

Rotary actuator

A rotary actuator includes a piston and rod coaxially disposed in a tube. The piston is configured for lateral displacement along the rod. Moreover, the tube includes an inner circumferential surface with a bearing portion having spherical bearing pockets in rows. Each bearing pockets in the tube includes a mated bearing for engagement with a slant groove body portion on an outer circumferential surface of the piston. The slant groove body portion of the piston includes at least two spiral grooves with a helix direction. The piston further includes an inner circumferential surface with a second spherical bearing pocket portion to engage a spiral groove portion of the axial rod disposed through the piston. As a result, linear motion of the piston engages the axial rod and forces the axial rod to rotate, thereby driving a platform affixed at an end cap of the axial rod to rotate.

US09476431B2

Hydraulic actuating device for actuation of one or more setting elements in, in particular, a motor vehicle transmission

An actuating device for hydraulically actuating at least one setting element comprising a pump, which has an electric pump drive, with reversible pumping direction, at least one double-acting piston-cylinder arrangement, which is connected therewith and the piston of which is operatively connected with the setting element, and a hydraulic fluid reservoir from which the hydraulic fluid can be pumped to the piston-cylinder arrangement in order to hydraulically load the piston thereof for a setting element movement depending on pumping direction on one (effective surface 22) or other (effective surface 24) side. In this connection, the piston-cylinder arrangement is functionally associated with a detent device with a blocking element, which is spring-biased into a blocking position preventing setting element movement and is movable by an electrically activatable actuator from the blocking position into a release position permitting setting element movement.

US09476422B2

Sliding vane positive displacement pump having a fixed disc configuration to reduce slip paths

A sliding vane, positive displacement pump is provided which uses a fixed disc configuration wherein a rotor includes a pair of discs affixed to opposite faces of the rotor so as to rotate with the rotor/shaft. Preferably, the discs each have an outer diameter proximate the outer diameter of the rotor and define an outer disc surface which faces radially outwardly towards an opposing, inside surface of the pump head or other casing structure. A dynamic seal is provided along the outside disc diameter which eliminates the formation of slip between end surfaces. The path of fluid traveling from the high pressure pump side near the outlet to the low pressure side of pump near the inlet is controlled with a radial clearance that is defined between the OD of each disc and the ID of the stationary head. This effectively eliminates direct slip paths extending radially across axially-directed end faces.

US09476408B2

Method of controlling a wind turbine generator and apparatus for controlling electric power generated by a wind turbine generator

A method of controlling a wind turbine generator is provided, the wind turbine generator converting mechanical energy to electrical. The method comprises: determining an electromagnetic power reference representing the electromagnetic power generated by the wind turbine generator, wherein the electromagnetic power reference is determined based on a desired output of the wind turbine generator; controlling the electrical power generated by the wind turbine generator using a control signal, wherein the control signal is derived from the electromagnetic power reference and is modified in dependence on an inverse power function of the wind turbine generator by incorporating minimal copper loss constraint and stator voltage limiting constraint such that non-linearity of the wind turbine generator is compensated in the control loop and it operates at its maximum efficiency. One effect of the method is that classical linear control loop design can be employed in spite of the plant being a non-linear identity.

US09476404B2

Method for assembling a segmented electrical machine while maintaining gaps between segments

In a method an inner segment is first pre-assembled on each of a number of outer segments by at least one fixing element, so as to produce a plurality of segment modules having each a predetermined air gap between the inner segment and the outer segment. The inner segments and the outer segments are assigned to the rotor or stator of the electrical machine. The inner segments of the plurality of segment modules are fastened to an inner assembly device (for example a hub). The outer segments of the plurality of segment modules are fastened to an outer assembly device (for example a supporting structure). Finally, the fixing elements between the inner segments and the outer segments are removed.

US09476396B2

Locking device for wind turbines

Locking device for positive locking a rotor of a wind turbine, with a rotor shaft of a drive train rotatably mounted on a machine frame of the wind turbine, a locking disk and a locking bolt, the rotor shaft being non-rotatably connected with the locking disk, which has one or more through-openings for the engagement of the locking bolt, wherein the locking bolt can be substantially locked on the machine frame in a circumferential direction of the rotor shaft, and is arranged on the machine frame for displacement in substantially an axial direction of the rotor shaft, the locking bolt is constructed to be substantially rotationally symmetric about its center axis, in particular cylindrical-shaped, and is supported in a housing, wherein the housing is constructed with an inner hollow-cylindrical seat for receiving the locking bolt and an outer cylindrical shape with a center axis.

US09476394B2

Motor stator bobbin

A motor includes a stator with a bobbin. The bobbin has a lower end winding portion, a head part retainer portion that retains a head part of a winding, and a control portion disposed between the lower end winding portion and the head part retainer portion. A head part retainer surface formed on a pump part side of the head part retainer portion and an end face formed on a pump part side of the control portion are positioned on the same plane and on a pump part side relative to a winding retainer surface that is formed on a pump part side of the lower end winding portion. Thus, when the winding is wound in layers onto the winding retainer surface of the bobbin, collapsing of a middle part of the winding onto the head part of the winding is prevented.

US09476390B2

Intake system for a vehicle, and engine including same

An intake system for a vehicle includes an air cleaner assembly in a compact size. Intake passages introduce intake air to front and rear cylinder blocks of a multicylinder engine, and an air cleaner assembly is connected to upstream ends of the intake passages. A space inside an air cleaner case of the air cleaner assembly is partitioned into upper and lower sides by a partition wall, forming a clean chamber above the partition wall and a dirty chamber below. The intake passages are arranged to pass through the dirty chamber in an up-down direction, and inlets of the intake passages are arranged in the clean chamber. A through hole is formed in the partition wall between the intake passages for the front and rear cylinder blocks. An air cleaner element, configured to clean incoming intake air, is arranged to occlude the through hole.

US09476380B2

Engine provided with connecting line connecting each cylinder

An engine provided with a plurality of cylinders includes a plurality of connecting lines connecting a first intake port of each of the cylinders having a present firing order and a second intake port of each of the cylinders having a next firing order, and connecting valve units opening and closing the each of the connecting lines.

US09476371B2

Method for determining a filling difference in cylinders of an internal combustion engine, operating method, and calculation unit

In a method for determining a filling difference between at least two cylinders of an internal combustion engine, e.g., an Otto-cycle engine, a power output parameter contribution made available by the respective cylinder to a total power output parameter of the internal combustion engine is ascertained for each of the at least two cylinders for different fuel quantities, and an air inhomogeneity between the at least two cylinders is ascertained on the basis of the power output parameter contributions, ascertained for the different fuel quantities, of the at least two cylinders.

US09476367B2

Fuel system protection in a multi-fuel engine

A method that protects a direct injection fuel injector in a multi-fuel engine comprises selectively operating the engine with at least one of a directly injected fuel introduced through the direct injection fuel injector and a second fuel. When fuelling the multi-fuel engine with the second fuel, a fuel system protection technique is selectively commanded when one or more adverse conditions, such as the direct injection fuel injector requiring cooling, is determined to exist. The fuel system protection technique comprises (a) suspending fuelling with the second fuel and injecting the directly injected fuel for a first predetermined number of engine cycles, and (b) switching back to fuelling the multi-fuel engine with the second fuel for a second predetermined number of engine cycles. The first and second predetermined number of engine cycles are selected to keep torque disturbances below a predetermined threshold value.

US09476363B2

Actuator to valve calibration of a fuel control valve assembly

A method for calibrating a fuel control valve assembly including a valve and an actuator is disclosed. The method includes determining an encoder offset by actuating the valve until a predetermined value for the effective flow area is measured to obtain an actual calibration encoder count and comparing the actual calibration encoder count to an initial calibration encoder count. The method also includes adjusting an alignment encoder count and a maximum encoder count by an amount of the encoder offset. The method further includes associating the adjusted alignment encoder count with an alignment command value and the adjusted maximum encoder count with a maximum command value.

US09476356B2

Integration of pressure swing adsorption with a power plant for CO2 capture/utilization and N2 production

Systems and methods are provided for combined cycle power generation while reducing or mitigating emissions during power generation. Recycled exhaust gas from a power generation combustion reaction can be separated using a swing adsorption process so as to generate a high purity CO2 stream while reducing/minimizing the energy required for the separation and without having to reduce the temperature of the exhaust gas. This can allow for improved energy recovery while also generating high purity streams of carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

US09476351B2

Recirculation valve and turbocharger

Provided is a recirculation valve that diverts some of the compressed air in a scroll section to an upstream side of the scroll section via a bypass conduit in an open state and sends the compressed air in the scroll section to a downstream side in a closed state, the recirculation valve including a valve body that is fittable in a branch hole in which the scroll section communicates with the bypass conduit, and an actuator that moves the valve body between the closed state where the valve body is fitted in the branch hole and the open state where the valve body is away from the branch hole, in which the valve body forms an inner surface along an inner wall of the scroll section in the closed state.

US09476348B2

Method and apparatus for achieving high power flame jets while reducing quenching and autoignition in prechamber spark plugs for gas engines

A prechamber spark plug may have a prechamber having a pre-determined aspect ratio and hole pattern to achieve particular combustion performance characteristics. The aspect ratio and hole pattern may induce a rotational flow of fuel-air in-filling streams inside the prechamber volume. The rotational flow of the fuel-air mixture may include both radial flow and axial flow characteristics based on the aspect ratio and hole pattern. Axial flow characteristics can include a first axial direction proximate the periphery of the rotational flow and a counter second axial direction approaching the center of the rotational flow. The radial and axial flow characteristics may further include radial air-fuel ratio stratification and/or axial air-fuel ratio stratification. The rotational flow, the radial flow and the axial flow may be adjusted by alteration of the aspect ratio and hole pattern to achieve particular combustion performance characteristics in relation to a wide variety of spark gap geometries.

US09476347B2

Controlled spark ignited flame kernel flow in fuel-fed prechambers

A pre-chamber spark plug that includes a shell. Additionally, the pre-chamber spark plug includes an insulator disposed within the shell. In a particular embodiment, a center electrode has a first portion surrounded by the insulator, and a second portion that extends from the insulator into a pre-chamber. The pre-chamber defined by the shell. In a further embodiment, a ground electrode is attached to the insulator. In particular embodiments, the ground electrode is tubular in shape and includes an inner spark surface ring spaced in surrounding relation to the center electrode to create a spark gap, an outer ring attached to the shell, and a plurality of rounded spokes connecting the inner and outer rings. In a particular embodiment, the ground and center electrodes accommodate attachment of precious metal alloys to increase electrode surface life. In another embodiment the ground electrode and insulator is coaxial to the center electrode.

US09476344B2

Compact cooling device for an internal combustion engine and method for manufacturing such a device

A cooling device for a motor vehicle engine connected to a cooling fluid feed system, where the cooling device includes two superposed subassemblies, where the first subassembly includes a feed body connected to the feed aperture and a tube connected to the feed body, the free end of which forms a first evacuation end, where the tube extends laterally relative to the feed body and is shaped so as to have a desired orientation, where the second subassembly includes a feed body connected to the feed aperture and a tube connected to the feed body the free end of which forms the second evacuation end, where the tube extends laterally relative to the feed body and is shaped so as to have a desired orientation, and where the feed bodies are securely attached to one another in sealed fashion.

US09476335B2

Hybrid vehicle and control method therefor

A hybrid vehicle includes an engine; a motor, a catalyst used to purify exhaust gas of the engine, and an ECU configured to control the engine and the motor according to an output request of the hybrid vehicle, execute a target engine output keeping control for controlling an engine output such that the, target engine output keeps at a predetermined value during warm-up of the catalyst, and set an engine speed to a first engine speed when the target engine output keeping control is executed, the first engine speed being lower than a lower limit engine speed at which the engine is operated without executing the target engine output keeping control.

US09476320B2

Gas turbine engine aft bearing arrangement

An example gas turbine engine includes a turbine and first and second spools coaxial with one another. The first spool is arranged within the second spool and extends between forward and aft ends. The aft end extends axially beyond the second spool and supports the turbine. A housing is arranged downstream from the turbine. First and second bearings are mounted to the aft end of the first spool and supported by the housing portion.

US09476315B2

Axial flow turbine

An axial flow turbine that can enhance an effect of reducing a mixing loss is disclosed. The axial flow turbine includes a plurality of stator blades provided on the inner circumferential side of a diaphragm outer ring; a plurality of rotor blades provided on the outer circumferential side of a rotor; a shroud provided on the outer circumferential side of the plurality of rotor blades; an annular groove portion formed in the diaphragm outer ring and housing the shroud therein; a clearance passage defined between the groove portion and the shroud, into which a portion of working fluid flows from the downstream side of the stator blades in a main passage; seal fins provided in the clearance passage; a circulation flow generating chamber defined on the downstream side of the clearance passage; and a plurality of shielding plates secured to the diaphragm outer ring.

US09476305B2

Impingement-cooled turbine rotor

An integral turbine includes a forward hub section and an aft hub section. The forward hub section and the aft hub section are metallurgically coupled to one another along an annular interface that resides within a plane generally orthogonal to a rotational axis of the axially-split turbine. The turbine further includes an airfoil blade ring metallurgically coupled to a radial outer surface of the coupled forward and aft hub sections and an impingement cavity formed within an interior portion of the coupled forward and aft hub sections. The impingement cavity includes an interior surface that is positioned proximate to the radial outer surface of the coupled forward and aft hub sections. Further, an impingement cooling air flow impinges against the interior surface of the impingement cavity to provide convective and conductive cooling to the radial outer surface of the coupled forward and aft hub sections.

US09476303B2

Integrated automation system for regions with variable geographical boundaries

Methods and systems are described for effecting autonomous operations within a defined geographical region (1110). A plurality of localized zones (1102, 1104, 1106, 1108) having operation-defined geographical boundaries are specified within the region. A plurality of control modules are established associated with respective ones of the localized zones and autonomous operations are effected under the supervisory control of the control module associated with the localized zone in which the autonomous operation occurs. The geographical disposition of the boundary of at least one of the localized zones is varied within the defined geographical region.

US09476301B2

Mine ventilation door with wings and slidable or pocket personnel door

A personnel access door assembly of an opposing wing of a mine ventilation door. The personnel access door includes a frame including a top portion, a bottom portion, a first post portion and a second post portion, the top frame portion and the bottom frame portion coupled to respective top and bottom ends of the first post and second post portions. The personnel access door further includes sets of trolley wheels affixed to the top or bottom of the frame to engage a top rail or bottom rail affixed on the opposing wing.

US09476300B2

Pan pitch control in a longwall shearing system

A system and corresponding method of monitoring a longwall shearing mining machine in a longwall mining system, where the shearing mining machine includes a shearer having a cutter drum, the method includes obtaining, by a processor, desired pitch angle information, and receiving, by the processor, a pitch angle indicative of a current pitch position of the shearer. The method also includes determining, by the processor, whether the pitch angle is within a desired pitch angle range, and controlling, by the processor, a position of the cutter drum based on whether the pitch angle is within the desired pitch angle range. The desired pitch angle range is based on the desired pitch angle information.

US09476295B2

Plunger fall time identification method and usage

A method for determining when a plunger reaches the bottom of an oil or gas well equipped with a plunger lift system. More particularly, the method identifies a surface pressure associated with the plunger reaching the bottom.

US09476294B2

Device and method for discrete distributed optical fiber pressure sensing

An apparatus for estimating at least one parameter includes: a deformable member configured to deform in response to the at least one parameter; a housing surrounding at least a portion of an external surface of the deformable member to define an isolated region around the portion and an isolated surface of the deformable member; and at least one optical fiber sensor disposed on the isolated surface and held in an operable relationship with the isolated surface, the at least one optical fiber sensor configured to generate a signal in response to a deformation of the deformable member.

US09476265B2

Trolley apparatus

A cartridge of tubulars may be removably positioned with a carriage, and the carriage may move the cartridge transversely, vertically, and/or rotationally to roll tubulars on an adjacent tubular receiving member using only gravity from a selected tier of tubulars without human contact. A single trolley disposed with the tubular receiving member both pushes and pulls tubulars toward or away from the drilling deck.

US09476256B2

Mining vehicle and method of moving boom

The disclosure relates to a mining vehicle and a method of moving a boom of a mining vehicle. The boom is provided with several boom joints and there is a mining work device at a distal end of the boom. One or more boom joint positions are determined and stored in a memory medium. A control unit of the mining vehicle may automatically move the boom to a predetermined transport position.

US09476251B2

Water-tight compartment with removable hatch and two-sided gel seal for multiple conduit access

A water-tight or air-tight accessible compartment has a removable hatch sealed at the edge with elastically conformable opposing seals, with elongate communication elements extending into the compartment between the opposing seals, seals conforming to the topology formed between the compartment edge and the elongate communication elements.

US09476250B2

Sash window

A sash window includes a fixed frame in which at least one inner sliding frame can slide between an open position and a closed position of the window, and at least one sliding or fixed outer frame, seals being interposed between the fixed frame and the inner sliding frame, a sealing system including, for the inner sliding frame, two lateral seals, a top cross-member seal, for the outer frame, and a bottom cross-member seal. Additionally, the invention the sealing system includes intermediate seals that join on each side of the sliding frame the cross-member seals and the lateral seals, so as to form a continuity of sealing between these seals in the closed position of said inner sliding frame. The lateral junction region between the inner sliding frame and the outer frame is thus connected by a sealing system that makes them sealed vis-à-vis each other.

US09476246B2

Door apparatus and method

A door apparatus includes a door, actuating mechanism, and tie rod mechanism, the actuating mechanism actuating the tie rod mechanism to impart a substantially translating motion to the door. The actuating mechanism can include a drive yoke coupled to the tie rod mechanism with a one-way coupling. The tie rod mechanism can include a primary tie rod coupled to a secondary tie rod coupled to a latch. In another aspect a door apparatus includes an actuator, a first door, a second door, a first linkage assembly coupling the actuator to the first door, and a second linkage assembly coupling the first door to the second door, the actuator configured to activate the first linkage assembly to move the first door, the first door imparting motion to the second linkage assembly to move the second door in a synchronous and opposite motion with respect to the motion of the first door.

US09476231B2

Pop up device and method of operating an outside door handle

A pop up device of an outside door handle includes a motor part interlocking with a smart key and receiving a signal from the smart key to thereby be operated; a cam part connected to the motor part to be rotatable in a horizontal direction; and a grip handle body having one end provided at an outer side of a door of a vehicle and another end provided at a cam part side to thereby be mounted at a grip handle base on a door side so as to be popped up. Therefore, the grip handle body is popped up to improve convenience in operating the outside door handle when a passenger gets in the vehicle and to prevent damage to the vehicle and injury to a hand of the passenger, thereby making it possible to improve salability and stability.

US09476227B2

Door strike having a kicker and an adjustable dead latch release

An actuator-controlled strike comprising a housing disposable within a doorframe and including a cavity for a spring latch and a dead latch of a mortise-type lockset. A keeper is pivotably mounted within the chamber to engage the spring latch. A pivotably mounted kicker cooperates with the keeper. A pivotably mounted dead latch release is supported by the keeper when the spring latch is within the strike. The keeper is released by the actuator and rotates into a position to ramp the spring latch out of the strike, also allowing the dead latch release to release the dead latch into the cavity, allowing the spring latch to be ramped out of the strike. Pivoting the keeper causes the kicker to urge the spring latch onto an exit ramp on a face of the keeper. The dead latch release can be installed in a plurality of different locations in the housing.

US09476224B2

Combination lock with rotary latch

A combination lock is provided, the combination lock having a rotary latch configured for rotation between a locked position and an unlocked position, the rotary latch rotating in a first plane; and a bolt configured for movement between a first position and a second position along a second plane the second plane being oriented at a different location than the first plane, the bolt engaging the rotary latch in the first position such that rotation of the rotary latch from the locked position to the unlocked position is prevented.

US09476218B2

Column base fitting and column base structure using it

A column base fitting 42 includes a bottom plate 42c and a support base 42f. The bottom plate 42c is formed to be a plate shape having a square shape, both surfaces of upper and lower, and thickness. The support base 42f is inside from the periphery part of an upper surface 42d of the bottom plate 42c and has a height upward. A lower end of column member 4 is jointed on an upper surface 42g of the support base 42f. Three bolt insertion holes 42a, 42b and 42b are formed in each four corner portions of the bottom plate 42c. A center position of three bolt insertion holes 42a, 42b and 42b is located at a position in which a gravity center of a triangle consisting of lines connecting each center of the insertion holes comes to a position corresponding to a corner part 42q of the support base 42q.

US09476209B2

Drywall tape dispenser actuated using a drill

A drywall tape dispenser actuated using a drill has an “L” shaped member having a top cross piece, an elongated side piece, and an elbow portion therebetween thereby forming an L-shape, a first spindle member at a bottom portion of the elongated side piece, a second spindle member at a top portion of the elongated side piece and within the elbow portion, and a third spindle member between the first and second spindle members. An active pressure roller rotatably attached to a distal end section of the top cross piece opposite the elbow portion adapted to press on a surface portion of tape passing thereby. A passive pressure roller rotatably attached to the distal end section of the top cross piece opposite the elbow portion and spaced from the active pressure roller and adapted to press on an opposite surface portion of the tape passing thereby, such that the active pressure roller and the passive pressure roller are adapted to pinch the tape passing therethrough.

US09476202B2

Foam board with pre-applied sealing material

A board with preformed seals. In an exemplary embodiment, a sealing material is applied to at least one edge of a board to form a preformed seal on that edge. The board is configured such that when the board is attached to a frame adjacent to a another board, at least a portion of the sealing material applied to the edge of the board seals against at least a portion of an edge another board. In one exemplary embodiment, the boards are configured to seal against edges of substantially identical boards. A plurality of the sheathing boards may be installed on a building frame to form a sheathing system that provides a moisture and/or gas barrier between and interior and exterior of a building.

US09476198B2

Glass fiberboard and production method therefor

The present invention relates to a glass fiberboard and to a production method therefor, and more specifically, to technology for providing a glass fiberboard for vacuum heat insulation and a production method therefor, which have outstanding initial heat insulation performance and economic advantages through application of an optimized inorganic binder.

US09476185B2

Pond water diversion apparatus for flood control and prevention of castor infestation

An apparatus for water level management in bodies of water is provided herein. Further, a method of controlling beaver infestation in bodies of water is also provided.

US09476173B1

Quick release mechanism for a sign display stand

A support stand includes a base, a plurality of legs pivotally attached to the base, a post extending from the base in an upright orientation, and a slider disposed on the post and slidable upwardly and downwardly thereon. The plurality of legs are each connected to the slider so that all of the legs are movable simultaneously to deploy or stow the stand. To deploy, the support stand is placed in a desired location, and the slider is released from a fixed position relative to the post, thereby allowing the slider and the connected plurality of legs to each fall simultaneously to a lower end of the support stand. With the downward movement of the slider, the plurality of legs also pivot to an extended position, with outer ends of each leg disposed on a ground surface to support the support stand. Then, the slider is fixed to the post at a lower end thereof to ensure that the plurality of legs remain in their extended position.

US09476163B1

Wood grain concrete paving slabs

A set of cast concrete paving slabs is laid in a pattern side by side and end to end to cover an area to be paved. Each of the slabs members has side and end spacer abutments to hold an adjacent slab member at a predetermined spacing. Each of the slabs has a longitudinal slot in the upper surface defining a false joint parallel to the sides so as to divide the upper surface into parallel strips. There are different types of slabs some with both strips divided by transverse slots and some with only one strip with a slot. This forms in the finished product apparent strip pieces of many different lengths to simulate wood planks. Each of the parallel strips has a molded upper surface defining a series of wavy lines recessed from other parts of the upper surface and dyed darker than the remaining part of the slab thus simulating a wood grain appearance.

US09476157B2

Drain hose and washer having the same

A drain hose has a simple structure which absorbs vibration of a drain pump, and a washer has the same. The washer includes a main body, a drain pump disposed at the lower portion of the main body, a drain hose to guide wash water pumped by the drain pump to the outside of the main body, and an anti-vibration member formed of a material differing from the drain hose, and including a corrugation part connected between the drain pump and the drain hose and absorbing vibration of the drain pump during drainage of the wash water.

US09476156B2

Portable terminal and control method of clothes treatment apparatus using the same

Disclosed is a portable terminal including a clothes information input unit, to which at least one of fiber blending ratio information of clothes and laundry care symbol information is input, a display unit to display the information input via the clothes information input unit, a storage unit in which a plurality of clothes treatment methods is stored, the clothes treatment methods being classified based on the at least one of the fiber blending ratio information of clothes and information on a handling method of clothes, and a controller that selects at least one of the clothes treatment methods stored in the storage unit based on the information input via the clothes information input unit, and allows the selected clothes treatment method to be displayed on the display unit.

US09476155B2

Roller washing machine and the washing method thereof

A roller washing machine and the washing method thereof, comprises four layers of mutually sleeved washing tubs and a water containing tub, wherein, a first tub, a second tub, a third tub and a fourth tub are arranged from inside to outside sequentially and particles are stored in a space between the second tub and the third tub; a plurality of first openings used for dewatering are arranged on the walls of the second tub and of the third tub, and a second opening allowing the particles to be put in and recycled is arranged on the wall of the second tub. The roller washing machine integrates such functions as clothes washing, separation of clothes and the particles, recycling and storage of the particles, dewatering of the particles, thus realizing 100% put-in and recycling of the particles, simplifying washing procedures and shortening washing time.

US09476154B2

Washing machine appliance and damper assembly for same

Washing machine appliances and damper assemblies are provided. A damper assembly includes a cylinder defining a central longitudinal axis, the cylinder including a sidewall that defines an interior, the sidewall defining a central bore and a pocket concentrically surrounding the central bore, the sidewall including an upper shoulder and a lower shoulder that each connect the pocket and the central bore. The damper assembly further includes a piston partially disposed in the central bore and movable along the longitudinal axis relative to the cylinder. The damper assembly further includes a tube assembly concentrically surrounding the piston and at least partially disposed in the pocket, the tube assembly having a length that is less than a length of the pocket. The piston is further movable along the longitudinal axis relative to the tube assembly.

US09476151B2

Hoop frame and zone to zone method for quilting

A hoop frame unit having a frame support structure, a hoop frame assembly, and a machine carriage assembly. The hoop frame assembly has a front fabric retainer, a rear fabric retainer, a first end retainer, and a second end retainer. Retainer clips mate with retainer seats on each of the retainers to secure fabric zones of quilt cores in place for machine sewing. The machine carriage assembly is supported by a front carriage track and a rear carriage track which are affixed on opposing ends to the frame support structure. The machine carriage assembly incorporates a lateral carriage element for carriage lateral movement, and a pair of longitudinal tracks on the lateral carriage element to provide for machine longitudinal movement.

US09476150B2

Sewing machine

A sewing machine includes a frame support portion, a moving device, a movable member and a detecting device. The frame support portion is configured to be detachably mounted with a mounting portion of an embroidery frame. The mounting portion has a specific shape that corresponds to a type of the embroidery frame. The moving device is configured to move the frame support portion. The movable member is configured to move in a first direction by a movement amount corresponding to the type of the embroidery frame, in conjunction with an operation in which the mounting portion of the embroidery frame is mounted on the frame support portion. The detecting device configured to detect the movement amount of the movable member, and to detect the type of the embroidery frame mounted on the frame support portion based on the detected movement amount.

US09476147B2

Gel spinning process for producing a pan-based precursor fiber

Processes for producing carbon fiber, the filament thereof and pre-oxidized fiber are provided. In one embodiment, the gel spinning of polyacrylonitrile filament is achieved by using small-molecule gelling agent, and the carbon fiber obtained thereby is increased by 15% to 40% in tensile strength and by 20% to 35% in toughness. In another embodiment, the melt spinning process of polyacrylonitrile is conducted by using imidazole type ion liquid as plasticizer, the process reduces environment pollution, is suitable for industrial production and the fiber produced thereby is improved in its strength. In yet another embodiment, polyacrylonitrile pre-oxidized fiber is produced by melt spinning, so low cost and controllable pre-oxidization of polyacrylonitrile can be achieved. In a further embodiment, high strength carbon fiber is manufactured by using polymer thickening agent. In another further embodiment, low cost and controllable pre-oxidization of polyacrylonitrile is achieved by conducting pre-oxidization before spinning, minimizing skin-core structure, so as to produce high performance carbon fiber, and reduce the production cost of carbon fiber greatly.

US09476143B2

Methods using mask structures for substantially defect-free epitaxial growth

Disclosed are methods and mask structures for epitaxially growing substantially defect-free semiconductor material. In some embodiments, the method may comprise providing a substrate comprising a first crystalline material, where the first crystalline material has a first lattice constant; providing a mask structure on the substrate, where the mask structure comprises a first level comprising a first opening extending through the first level (where a bottom of the first opening comprises the substrate), and a second level on top of the first level, where the second level comprises a plurality of second trenches positioned at a non-zero angle with respect to the first opening. The method may further comprise epitaxially growing a second crystalline material on the bottom of the first opening, where the second crystalline material has a second lattice constant different than the first lattice constant and defects in the second crystalline material are trapped in the first opening.

US09476142B2

Method for manufacturing silicon single crystal

The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a silicon single crystal according to a Czochralski method: bringing a sharp end of a seed crystal into contact with a silicon melt; melting the seed crystal from the end up to a position at which the seed crystal has a predetermined diameter; growing the silicon single crystal without a Dash-Necking process, wherein the seed crystal is melted while a crucible is rotated at a rotational speed of 2 rpm or less, and the rotational speed of the crucible is decelerated to below the rotational speed at the time of the melting within 10 minutes after an end of the melting and a start of the crystal growth. The method avoids reduction in success rate for dislocation-free single crystal growth in manufacture of a heavy, large-diameter ingot and improves the productivity by the dislocation-free seeding method without the necking process.

US09476140B2

Electrodeposited nano-twins copper layer and method of fabricating the same

An electrodeposited nano-twins copper layer, a method of fabricating the same, and a substrate comprising the same are disclosed. According to the present invention, at least 50% in volume of the electrodeposited nano-twins copper layer comprises plural grains adjacent to each other, wherein the said grains are made of stacked twins, the angle of the stacking directions of the nano-twins between one grain and the neighboring grain is between 0 to 20 degrees. The electrodeposited nano-twins copper layer of the present invention is highly reliable with excellent electro-migration resistance, hardness, and Young's modulus. Its manufacturing method is also fully compatible to semiconductor process.

US09476134B2

High purity copper and method of producing high purity copper based on electrolysis

High purity copper having a purity of 6N or higher, wherein content of each of the respective components of P, S, 0, and C is 1 ppm or less, and nonmetal inclusions having a particle size of 0.5 μm or more and 20 μm or less contained in the copper are 10,000 inclusions/g or less. As a result of using high purity copper or high purity copper alloy as the raw material from which harmful P, S, C, O-based inclusions have been reduced and controlling the existence form of nonmetal inclusions, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of rupture of a bonding wire and improve the reproducibility of mechanical properties, or reduce the percent defect of a semiconductor device wiring formed by sputtering a high purity copper target with favorable reproducibility.

US09476127B2

Method for processing cooling water system

A method for treating a cooling water system comprises adding, in a cooling water system having calcium hardness of 250 mg/L or less as CaCO3, a treatment agent containing a (meth)acrylic acid-based copolymer. The (meth)acrylic acid-based copolymer comprises a structural unit (a) derived from a (meth)acrylic acid-based monomer (A) represented by the following general formula (1) and a structural unit (b) derived from a specific (meth)allyl ether-based monomer (B) represented by the following general formula (2), a content of the structural unit (b) is 1 to 15 mol % relative to 100 mol % of structural units derived from all the monomers, a weight average molecular weight of the (meth)acrylic acid-based copolymer is 7,000 to 28,000, and at least one of the main chain terminals of the (meth)acrylic acid-based copolymer is a sulfonic acid group or a salt thereof.

US09476123B2

Solvent management methods for gel production

Embodiments of the present invention describe a method for continuous manufacture of a gel material comprising the steps of: forming a gel sheet by dispensing a gel precursor mixture onto a moving element at a rate effective to allow gelation to occur to the gel precursor mixture on the moving element; and cooling the formed gel thereby reducing the rate of solvent evaporation therefrom.

US09476120B2

Temperature controlled showerhead

A temperature controlled showerhead for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chambers enhances heat dissipation to enable accurate temperature control with an electric heater. Heat dissipates by conduction through a showerhead stem and fluid passageway and radiation from a back plate. A temperature control system includes one or more temperature controlled showerheads in a CVD chamber with fluid passageways serially connected to a heat exchanger.

US09476118B2

Adjustable shunt assembly for a sputtering magnetron and a method for adjusting such a shunt

An adjustable shunt assembly for use with a sputtering magnetron having at least two magnets spaced from one another and disposed with respect to a sputtering target having a sputtering surface. The magnets define a longitudinal axis and the adjustable shunt assembly moves a shunt between the two magnets for altering the magnetic field therebetween. A transporter is used for moving the shunt so that such movement may be occurred without disassembling the components of the magnetron and such movement may also be done remotely. A method for moving such shunts is also disclosed.

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