US09922931B2
An interconnect structure in which the current capacity of an interconnect pattern involving a large amount of current is increased without preventing the miniaturization of signal lines and increasing the film thickness. The interconnect structure includes a resin layer; and interconnects formed on the resin layer, wherein the resin layer has a plurality of parallel grooves in an area in which the interconnects are formed, and the interconnects are formed of a plating film created on a resin layer front surface in the area, in which the interconnects are formed, and on inner wall surfaces of the plurality of grooves.
US09922926B2
A semiconductor device sends and receives electrical signals. The semiconductor device includes a first substrate provided with a first circuit region containing a first circuit; a multi-level interconnect structure provided on the first substrate; a first inductor provided in the multi-level interconnect structure so as to include the first circuit region; and a second inductor provided in the multi-level interconnect structure so as to include the first circuit region, wherein one of the first inductor and the second inductor is connected to the first circuit and the other of the first inductor and the second inductor is connected to a second circuit.
US09922921B2
A semiconductor package includes: a semiconductor chip including an effective chip region at a center of the semiconductor chip and in which pads connected to chip wirings are formed, and a dummy chip region at a side of the effective chip region and in which pads not connected to the chip wirings are formed; a base film including a chip mounting section on which the semiconductor chip is mounted; and a plurality of wiring patterns disposed on the base film and electrically connected to the chip wirings of the semiconductor chip, wherein first wiring patterns, which are a part of the plurality of wiring patterns, extend on a first region of the chip mounting section corresponding to the dummy chip region.
US09922909B2
A display device is disclosed. In one aspect, the display device includes a substrate including a display area configured to display an image and a peripheral area surrounding the display area. The display device also includes a plurality of signal lines provided in the display area, an encapsulation layer provided over the signal lines and a pad portion provided in the peripheral area. The display device further includes a plurality of connection wires connecting the signal lines and the pad portion, wherein each of the connection wires includes a first portion provided in the peripheral area and a second portion provided in the display area. A portion of the encapsulation layer provided on the display area extends to the peripheral area and placed over the first portions of the connection wires.
US09922907B2
An electronic component, a leadframe, and a method for producing an electronic component are disclosed. In an embodiment, the electronic component includes a housing and a leadframe section partly embedded in the housing, wherein the leadframe section includes a first quadrant, a second quadrant, a third quadrant and a fourth quadrant, wherein each of the quadrants has a first leadframe part and a second leadframe part, wherein each first leadframe part includes a chip landing area, wherein the chip landing areas of all four quadrants are arranged adjacently to a common central region of the leadframe section, and wherein the four quadrants are configured symmetrically with respect to one another.
US09922905B2
A semiconductor device according to an embodiment is a semiconductor device in which a semiconductor chip mounted on a chip mounting part is sealed by resin and a first member is fixed to a chip mounting surface side between a peripheral portion of the semiconductor chip and a peripheral portion of the chip mounting part. Also, the first member is sealed by the resin. Also, a length of the first part of the chip mounting part in the first direction is larger than a length of the semiconductor chip in the first direction, in a plan view.
US09922903B2
An interconnect structure and a method of forming an interconnect structure are provided. The interconnect structure is formed over a carrier substrate, upon which a die may also be attached. Upon removal of the carrier substrate and singulation, a first package is formed. A second package may be attached to the first package, wherein the second package may be electrically coupled to through vias formed in the first package.
US09922902B2
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor element; a heat radiator body having a housing recess wherein a bottom surface of the housing recess is thermally connected to the upper surface of the semiconductor element; a heat sink which is thermally connected to an upper surface of the heat radiator body through adhesive agent; a sealing resin which covers the lower surface and a side surface of the heat radiator body, an inner side surface of the housing recess, and the lower surface and a side surface of the semiconductor element; and a wiring structure body formed on a lower surface of the sealing resin. The sealing resin includes a covering portion having an upper surface which is substantially flush with the bottom surface of the housing recess and covering the side surface of the heat radiator body. The adhesive agent contacts the side surface of the heat radiator body.
US09922896B1
A method includes forming a first polymer layer to cover a metal pad of a wafer, and patterning the first polymer layer to form a first opening. A first sidewall of the first polymer layer exposed to the first opening has a first tilt angle where the first sidewall is in contact with the metal pad. The method further includes forming a metal pillar in the first opening, sawing the wafer to generate a device die, encapsulating the device die in an encapsulating material, performing a planarization to reveal the metal pillar, forming a second polymer layer over the encapsulating material and the device die, and patterning the second polymer layer to form a second opening. The metal pillar is exposed through the second opening. A second sidewall of the second polymer layer exposed to the second opening has a second tilt angle greater than the first tilt angle.
US09922893B2
A semiconductor module includes a rectangular base plate; a substrate which is placed on the base plate and on which a circuit including a semiconductor chip and so forth is formed; a rectangular parallelepiped case made of resin that is attached to the base plate and houses the substrate within; and a plurality of external terminals lower ends of which are fixed to the substrate with upper ends thereof being exposed on a top face of the case. The case is provided with a first case opening portion and a second case opening portion that are respectively formed by cutting off a front face and a rear face of the case from an upper edge thereof along a longitudinal direction thereof; and the top face of the case between the first case opening portion and the second case opening portion includes an external terminal holding portion to hold the plurality of external terminals along the longitudinal direction with the upper ends thereof being exposed. A sealing material is injected from the first case opening portion and the second case opening portion onto a top face of the substrate, and thereby the semiconductor module is sealed.
US09922879B2
An integrated circuit device may include a gate insulation layer covering a top surface and opposite sidewalls of a fin-shaped active region, a gate electrode covering the gate insulation layer and a hydrogen atomic layer disposed along an interface between the fin-shaped active region and the gate insulation layer. A method of manufacturing the integrated circuit device may include forming an insulating layer covering a lower portion of a preliminary fin-shaped active region, forming a fin-shaped active region having an outer surface with an increased smoothness through annealing an upper portion of the preliminary fin-shaped active region in a hydrogen atmosphere and forming a hydrogen atomic layer covering the outer surface of the fin-shaped active region. A gate insulation layer and a gate electrode may be formed to cover a top surface and opposite sidewalls of the fin-shaped active region.
US09922877B2
A connector structure for electrically contacting with a conductive layer disposed on a substrate is provided. The connector structure comprises a conductive connecting element disposed on the substrate. The conductive connecting element comprises a connecting part and an extending part. The connecting part has a bottom portion electrically contacting with the conductive layer. The extending part laterally extends outwards from a top portion of the connecting part, and the extending part and the connecting part are respectively formed of different materials.
US09922874B2
A method of processing a semiconductor substrate includes: immersing a substrate in a first bath, wherein the substrate comprises a barrier layer, a conductive seed layer, and a patterned photoresist layer defining an opening; providing a first electric current between the conductive seed layer and a first anode disposed in electrical contact with the first bath to deposit a conductive material within the opening; stripping the patterned photoresist layer; immersing the substrate in a second bath; providing a second electric current that is a reverse of the first electric current between the conductive seed layer plus the conductive material and a second anode disposed in electrical contact with the second bath; etching the conductive seed layer from atop a field region of the barrier layer; and etching the barrier layer from atop a field region of the substrate.
US09922873B2
A system for interconnecting at least two die each die having a plurality of conducting layers and dielectric layers disposed upon a substrate which may include active and passive elements. In one embodiment there is at least one interconnect coupling at least one conducting layer on a side of one die to at least one conducting layer on a side of the other die. Another interconnect embodiment is a slug having conducting and dielectric layers disposed between two or more die to interconnect between the die. Other interconnect techniques include direct coupling such as rod, ball, dual balls, bar, cylinder, bump, slug, and carbon nanotube, as well as indirect coupling such as inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, and wireless communications. The die may have features to facilitate placement of the interconnects such as dogleg cuts, grooves, notches, enlarged contact pads, tapered side edges and stepped vias.
US09922867B2
A method for transferring a useful layer onto a carrier substrate comprises formation of an embrittlement plane by implantation of light species into a first substrate in such a manner as to define the bounds of a useful layer between the plane and a surface of the first substrate, mounting of the carrier substrate onto a surface of the first substrate so as to form an assembly to be fractured, and thermal fracture treatment of the first substrate along the embrittlement plane in such a manner as to transfer the useful layer onto a support. During the thermal fracture treatment, the degree of peripheral adhesion is reduced at an interface between the carrier substrate and the first substrate.
US09922866B2
A silicon buffer layer selected from undoped silicon, p-doped silicon or a multilayered stack of, in any order, undoped silicon and p-doped silicon is provided between an n+ silicon layer and an oxide layer of an SOI substrate. The presence of the silicon buffer layer reduces electron injection into the oxide layer during device processing which requires an electric field.
US09922865B2
A semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The semiconductor device includes: a deep trench in a substrate; a sidewall insulating film on a side surface of the deep trench; an interlayer insulating film on the sidewall insulating film; and an air gap in the interlayer insulating film.
US09922864B2
A manufacturable and economically viable edge termination structure allows a semiconductor device to withstand a very high reverse blocking voltage (for example, 8500 volts) without suffering breakdown. A P type peripheral aluminum diffusion region extends around the bottom periphery of a thick die. The peripheral aluminum diffusion region extends upward from the bottom surface of the die, extending into N- type bulk silicon. A deep peripheral trench extends around the upper periphery of the die. The deep trench extends from the topside of the die down toward the peripheral aluminum diffusion region. A P type sidewall doped region extends laterally inward from the inner sidewall of the trench, and extends laterally outward from the outer sidewall of the trench. The P type sidewall doped region joins with the P type peripheral aluminum diffusion region, thereby forming a separation edge diffusion structure that surrounds the active area of the die.
US09922861B2
A rotary table; a drive motor M configured to rotate the rotary table; a pin base supported by the rotary table; a pin fixing member configured to move closer to or away from C1 upon the pin base revolving; first chuck pins and second chuck pins provided on the pin fixing member and configured to be into contact with an outer edge of the substrate W; a substrate gripping force generation mechanism including a spring member; a chuck pin switching mechanism including an inertia member configured to be rotated coaxially with the rotary table and a protruded member provided on an outer peripheral part of the inertia member; and a cam member provided on the pin fixing member and configured to engage with protruded member.
US09922849B2
Disclosed is a substrate liquid processing apparatus. The substrate liquid processing apparatus includes a processing unit, a nozzle, a silylation liquid supply mechanism, and a blocking fluid supply mechanism. The processing unit performs a water repellency imparting processing on a substrate by supplying a silylation liquid to the substrate. The nozzle includes an ejection port configured to supply the silylation liquid to the substrate positioned in the processing unit, and a silylation liquid flow path in which the silylation liquid flows toward the ejection port. The silylation liquid supply mechanism supplies the silylation liquid to the silylation liquid flow path in the nozzle through a silylation liquid supply line. The blocking fluid supply mechanism supplies a blocking fluid that blocks the silylation liquid within the silylation liquid flow path in the nozzle from an atmosphere outside the ejection port.
US09922847B2
The present disclosure relates to a microelectronics package with an inductive element and a magnetically enhanced mold compound component, and a process for making the same. The disclosed microelectronics package includes a module substrate, a thinned flip-chip die with an upper surface that includes a first surface portion and a second surface portion surrounding the first surface portion, the magnetically enhanced mold compound component, and a mold compound component. The thinned flip-chip die is attached to the module substrate and includes a device layer with an inductive element embedded therein. Herein, the inductive element is underlying the first surface portion and not underlying the second surface portion. The magnetically enhanced mold compound component is formed over the first surface portion. The mold compound component is formed over the second surface portion, not over the first surface portion, and surrounding the magnetically enhanced mold compound component.
US09922843B1
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method of manufacturing a semiconductor package with an internal routing circuit. The internal routing circuit is formed from multiple molding routing layers in a plated and etched copper terminal semiconductor package by using a laser to activate areas of each molding compound layer of the semiconductor package. Each compound filler in the molding compound layer has a metal interior and an insulating outermost shell. The activated molding compound areas in the molding compound layer become metallized in an electroless plating solution to build conductive paths on the molding compound surface, while properties of non-activated molding compound areas are not changed.
US09922836B2
A semiconductor device manufacturing method of present application includes a catalytic step of depositing catalytic metal on a surface of a semiconductor substrate, an oxide removing step of removing oxide formed on the surface of the semiconductor substrate in the catalytic step, an additional catalytic step of depositing catalytic metal on the surface of the semiconductor substrate exposed in the oxide removing step, and a plating step of forming a metal film on the surface of the semiconductor substrate by means of an electroless plating method after the additional catalytic step.
US09922832B1
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor structure is provided. The manufacturing method of the semiconductor structure includes the following steps: providing a semiconductor substrate, wherein the semiconductor substrate has a first region and a second region surrounding the first region; forming a gate stack and a dummy gate stack in the first region, wherein the dummy gate stack surrounds the gate stack; forming an oxide layer on an exterior wall and a top surface of the dummy gate stack; forming a dummy conductive layer on the gate stack, the dummy gate stack and the oxide layer, wherein the dummy conductive layer has a concave bowl-shaped top surface in the first region; and performing a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process on the dummy conductive layer.
US09922831B2
An asymmetric high-k dielectric for reduced gate induced drain leakage in high-k MOSFETs and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method includes performing an implant process on a high-k dielectric sidewall of a gate structure. The method further includes performing an oxygen annealing process to grow an oxide region on a drain side of the gate structure, while inhibiting oxide growth on a source side of the gate structure adjacent to a source region.
US09922825B2
An electronic device includes first and second electrodes that are spaced apart from each other and a 2D material layer. The 2D material layer connects the first and second electrodes. The 2D material layer includes a plurality of 2D nanomaterials. At least some of the 2D nanomaterials overlap one another.
US09922822B2
On a silicon carbide semiconductor substrate, heat treatment is performed after one layer or two or more layers of an oxide film, a nitride film, or an oxynitride film are formed as a gate insulating film. The heat treatment after the gate insulating film is formed is performed for a given period in an atmosphere that includes H2 and H2O without including O2. As a result, hydrogen or hydroxyl groups can be segregated in a limited region that includes the interface of the silicon carbide substrate and the gate insulating film. The width of the region to which the hydrogen or hydroxyl groups is segregated is from 0.5 nm to 10 nm. In such a manner, the interface state density can be lowered and high channel mobility can be realized.
US09922818B2
A method and composition for producing a porous low k dielectric film via chemical vapor deposition is provided. In one aspect, the method comprises the steps of: providing a substrate within a reaction chamber; introducing into the reaction chamber gaseous reagents including at least one structure-forming precursor comprising an alkyl-alkoxysilacyclic compound, and a porogen; applying energy to the gaseous reagents in the reaction chamber to induce reaction of the gaseous reagents to deposit a preliminary film on the substrate, wherein the preliminary film contains the porogen, and the preliminary film is deposited; and removing from the preliminary film at least a portion of the porogen contained therein and provide the film with pores and a dielectric constant of 2.7 or less. In certain embodiments, the structure-forming precursor further comprises a hardening additive.
US09922808B2
A sputtering target that includes at least two consolidated blocks, each block including an alloy including molybdenum in an amount greater than about 30 percent by weight and at least one additional alloying ingredient; and a joint between the at least two consolidated blocks, the joint being free of any microstructure due to an added bonding agent (e.g., powder, foil or otherwise), and being essentially free of any visible joint line the target that is greater than about 200 μm width (e.g., less than about 50 μm width). A process for making the target includes hot isostatically pressing, below a temperature of 1080° C., consolidated perform blocks that may be surface prepared (e.g., roughened to a predetermined roughness value) prior to pressing.
US09922807B2
A sputtering target according to the disclosure includes 5 wtppm to 10,000 wtppm of Cu and the balance of In and has a relative density of 99% or more and an average grain size of 3,000 μm or less.
US09922805B2
A plasma source for a plasma CVD apparatus that includes an electrode group including four electrodes, which are a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode and a fourth electrode arranged in a row. The electrode group is connected to at least one AC power supply. A voltage supplied to two of the four electrodes is shifted in phase from a voltage supplied to the remaining two electrodes. A space to which a source gas is supplied is provided between the adjacent electrodes, and voltages applied to at least one set among the adjacent two electrodes are in the same phase.
US09922804B2
A compression member for use in a showerhead electrode assembly of a capacitively coupled plasma chamber. The member applies a compression force to a portion of a film heater adjacent a power supply boot on an upper surface of a thermal control plate and is located between the thermal control plate and a temperature-controlled top plate. The member is composed of an electrically insulating elastomeric material which can work over a large range of compressions and temperatures.
US09922801B2
The invention relates to a drying apparatus for use in a lithography system for drying at least part of a surface on a first side of a planar target, such as a wafer. The apparatus has a drying device for eliminating liquid or droplets thereof from the first side of the planar target. The drying device has a first slit and a second slit arranged in close proximity of the target. A gap is present between the target and the drying device. Pressurized gas may be supplied via the first slit into the gap. The liquid may be discharged from the target by means of the pressurized gas through the second slit. The first and the second slit are configured to enable the pressurized gas to flow along the first side of the planar target substantially parallel to the planar target.
US09922798B2
The present invention provides, in the preparation of a TEM or STEM sample using FIB-SEM, a technique for obtaining a processing end point on the back surface side of the sample. The state of the sample back surface being processed by the FIB is detected using a Kikuchi pattern formed when electrons that have been injected by the SEM are emitted from the sample back surface. Since this Kikuchi pattern is caused by the crystal structure of the sample back surface, the crystal orientation relative to the injected electron beam, and the crystal lattice constants, detecting the pattern allows the processing end point on the back surface side to be obtained during the FIB processing.
US09922793B2
An image capture device and an x-ray emitting device are introduced comprising an electron receiving construct and an electron emitting construct separated by a spacer. The electron receiving construct comprises a faceplate, an anode and an inward facing photoconductor. The electron emitting construct comprises: a backplate; a substrate; a cathode; a plurality of field emission type electron sources arranged in an array; a stratified resistive layer between the field emission type electron source and the cathode; a gate electrode; a focus structure and a gate electrode support structure configured to support the gate electrode at a required cathode-gate spacing from the cathode.
US09922790B2
At the time of temporary firing for fixing a glass layer 3 to a glass member 4, the glass layer 3 is irradiated with laser light L2 having a ring-shaped irradiation region. At this time, in a width direction of the glass layer 3, two peaks M in a beam profile of the laser light L2 respectively overlap both edge parts 3b of the glass layer 3. This allows a center part 3a and each of both edge parts 3b of the glass layer 3 to be irradiated for shorter and longer times with a part having a relatively high intensity in the laser light L2, respectively. As a consequence, the amount of heat input by irradiation with the laser light L2 is homogenized between the center part 3a and both edge parts 3b in the glass layer 3, whereby the whole glass layer 3 is molten appropriately.
US09922788B2
An electrical device having one or more settings associated therewith, the electrical device includes a wireless communication unit structured to wirelessly communicate with an external device and to wirelessly receive settings information from the external device, a processor structured to configure one or more settings associated with the electrical device based on the received settings information, and a function module structured to provide an additional function associated with a type of the electrical device.
US09922786B2
A pressure switch is equipped with a pressure sensor, a housing that houses the pressure sensor, an annular seal member arranged in a hole of the housing and which is interposed between the pressure sensor and the housing, and a pressing member that is fixed to the housing. The pressing member includes a base section that faces the seal member, and engagement arms that extend from the base section, are elastically deformable, and engage with the housing.
US09922768B2
A multilayer ceramic capacitor includes a multilayer unit, thickness-direction first and second outer layer sections, and length-direction first and second outer layer sections. A dimension of the thickness-direction second outer layer section is greater than a dimension of the thickness-direction first outer layer section. The thickness-direction second outer layer section includes an inner portion and an outer portion. A composition ratio of Si to Ti in a ceramic dielectric layer included in the outer portion is higher than that in the inner portion. A Si content ratio is higher in a boundary portion between the outer portion and the inner portion. The inner portion has a higher composition ratio of Mn to Ti than the outer portion. Both of minimum dimensions in the length direction of the length-direction first and second outer layer sections are greater than a dimension in the thickness direction of the thickness-direction first outer layer section.
US09922763B2
A transformer includes a first winding conductor and a second winding conductor, magnetically coupled to the first winding conductor. A first transformation ratio is achieved between the second winding conductor and the first winding conductor. A first distance between the first winding conductor and the second winding conductor is higher than a distance threshold, and accordingly, a first coupling factor between the first winding conductor and the second winding conductor is lower than a coupling factor threshold.
US09922757B2
A process for making a material adapted for the production of composite parts by a process in which a thermoplastic or thermosetting matrix is diffused within said material. The material includes at least one sheet of unidirectional carbon fibers associated on at least one of its faces with at least one conductive component associated or integrated with a permeable layer in a thermoplastic material or in a mixture of thermoplastic or thermosetting materials.
US09922746B2
New stretchable electrically conductive composite materials comprising at least one polymer and a plurality of nanoparticles are provided, which exhibit high conductivity even at high strain levels. The composite may comprise polyurethane as the polymer and spherical gold nanoparticles. Such materials have conductivity levels as high as 11,000 Scm−1 at 0% strain and 2,400 Scm−1 at 110% strain. Furthermore, certain embodiments of the composite have a maximum tensile strain of 480% while still exhibiting conductivity of 35 Scm−1. The inventive materials are highly flexible, highly conductive and suitable for a variety of applications, especially for advanced medical devices, implants, and flexible electronics. The disclosure also provides methods of making such stretchable electrically conductive nanocomposites, including formation by layer-by-layer and vacuum assisted flocculation. In certain embodiments, stretchable chiral plasmonic composite materials for use as optic devices and methods for making them are provided.
US09922741B2
A method for treating before calcination a nitric aqueous solution comprising at least one radionuclide and ruthenium is provided. The method comprises a step for adding to the solution a compound selected from lignins, lignocelluloses, optionally as salts and mixtures thereof.
US09922737B1
A reactor internals component having a sensor insert for monitoring reactor internals components, supported within the reactor internals. The sensor insert has a hollow internal cavity that houses a number of compartmentalized, self-contained, passive environmental sensors. The sensor inserts are provided with a tracking code that can be employed to identify their location and orientation.
US09922736B2
A nuclear reactor includes a nuclear reactor core comprising fissile material disposed in a reactor pressure vessel having vessel penetrations that exclusively carry flow into the nuclear reactor and at least one vessel penetration that carries flow out of the nuclear reactor. An integral isolation valve (IIV) system includes passive IIVs each comprising a check valve built into a forged flange and not including an actuator, and one or more active IIVs each comprising an active valve built into a forged flange and including an actuator. Each vessel penetration exclusively carrying flow into the nuclear reactor is protected by a passive IIV whose forged flange is directly connected to the vessel penetration. Each vessel penetration carrying flow out of the nuclear reactor is protected by an active IIV whose forged flange is directly connected to the vessel penetration. Each active valve may be a normally closed valve.
US09922733B2
Illustrative embodiments provide methods and systems for migrating fuel assemblies in a nuclear fission reactor, methods of operating a nuclear fission traveling wave reactor, methods of controlling a nuclear fission traveling wave reactor, systems for controlling a nuclear fission traveling wave reactor, computer software program products for controlling a nuclear fission traveling wave reactor, and nuclear fission traveling wave reactors with systems for migrating fuel assemblies.
US09922731B2
An open end of a cladding tube of a nuclear fuel rod is plugged with an end plug having a main body and a cylindrical bond portion extending from the main body and terminating in a cladding seat with reduced diameter compared with the cylindrical bond portion. The plugging includes clamping the open end of the cladding tube against the cladding seat of the end plug and, while clamping, applying electrical current between the end plug and the open end of the cladding tube so as to force the open end of the cladding tube over the cladding seat and slide over the cylindrical bond portion of the end plug and to generate a resistance weld between a cylindrical bonding surface of the cylindrical bond portion of the end plug and the inside surface of the open end of the cladding tube.
US09922727B2
A data storage device includes a solid-state memory including memory cells and a controller configured to implement a data protection programming scheme by programming a first subset of the cells to a first voltage state using a first target voltage, programs a second subset to a second voltage state using a second target voltage higher than the first target voltage, programs a third subset to a third voltage state using a third target voltage higher than the second target voltage, and programs a fourth subset to a fourth voltage state using a fourth target voltage higher than the third target voltage. A difference in voltage between the fourth target voltage and the third target voltage may be greater or less than a difference in voltage between the third target voltage and the second target voltage and/or a difference in voltage between the second target voltage and the first target voltage.
US09922720B2
In accordance with some embodiments, the way in which the fuses are sensed and, particularly, their order may be made more random so that it is much more difficult to simply exercise the device and determine all the values of the storage elements within the fuse array. One result is a more secure storage device.
US09922711B2
A semiconductor memory cell including a capacitorless transistor having a floating body configured to store data as charge therein when power is applied to the cell, and a non-volatile memory comprising a bipolar resistive change element, and methods of operating.
US09922700B2
In some embodiments, a semiconductor memory device includes an array of semiconductor memory cells arranged in rows and columns. The array includes a first segment of memory cells and a second segment of memory cells. A first pair of complementary local bit lines extend over the first segment of memory cells and is coupled to multiple memory cells along a first column within the first segment of memory cells. A second pair of complementary local bit lines extend over the second segment of memory cells and is coupled to multiple memory cells along the first column within the second segment of memory cells. A pair of switches is arranged between the first and second segments of memory cells. The pair of switches is configured to selectively couple the first pair of complementary local bit lines in series with the second pair of complementary local bit lines.
US09922698B2
A semiconductor integrated circuit device has a memory array including SRAM cells, a plurality of sense amplifiers for reading out data stored in the SRAM cells and a plurality of MOSFETS. The MOSFETs are controlled by a control signal to be in one of an active state or a standby state. Part of the MOSFETs are arranged along one end of the memory array and the other parts of the MOSFETs are arranged along another end of the memory array. The other end of the memory array is opposite to the one end of the memory array. The MOSFETs are controlled by the control signal to be turned ON in the active state and to be turned OFF in the standby mode.
US09922681B2
Techniques are disclosed for adding interactive features to videos to enable users to create new media using a dynamic blend of motion and still imagery. The interactive techniques can include allowing a user to change the starting time of one or more subjects in a given video frame, or only animate/play a portion of a given frame scene. The techniques may include segmenting each frame of a video to identify one or more subjects within each frame, selecting (or receiving selections of) one or more subjects within the given frame scene, tracking the selected subject(s) from frame to frame, and alpha-matting to play/animate only the selected subject(s). In some instances, segmentation, selection, and/or tracking may be improved and/or enhanced using pixel depth information (e.g., using a depth map).
US09922675B1
An optical disk drive with multiple optical pick-up heads is provided. The optical disk drive includes an upper cover, a base, a first carrier member, a second carrier member, a first limiting member, and a second limiting member. The base is disposed under the upper cover. The first carrier member disposed on the base and has a first optical pick-up head. The second carrier member is disposed on the upper cover and has a second optical pick-up head. The first limiting member is used for disposing the first end of the second carrier member on the upper cover. The second limiting member is used for disposing the second end of the second carrier member on the upper cover. The length of the first limiting member is larger than that of the second limiting member.
US09922673B2
A magnetoresistance element has a pinning arrangement with two antiferromagnetic pinning layers, two pinned layers, and a free layer. A spacer layer between one of the two antiferromagnetic pinning layers and the free layer has a material selected to allow a controllable partial pinning by the one of the two antiferromagnetic pinning layers.
US09922665B2
There are provided systems and methods for generating a visually consistent alternative audio for redubbing visual speech using a processor configured to sample a dynamic viseme sequence corresponding to a given utterance by a speaker in a video, identify a plurality of phonemes corresponding to the dynamic viseme sequence, construct a graph of the plurality of phonemes that synchronize with a sequence of lip movements of a mouth of the speaker in the dynamic viseme sequence, use the graph to generate an alternative phrase that substantially matches the sequence of lip movements of the mouth of the speaker in the video.
US09922664B2
A system for and method of characterizing a target application acoustic domain analyzes one or more speech data samples from the target application acoustic domain to determine one or more target acoustic characteristics, including a CODEC type and bit-rate associated with the speech data samples. The determined target acoustic characteristics may also include other aspects of the target speech data samples such as sampling frequency, active bandwidth, noise level, reverberation level, clipping level, and speaking rate. The determined target acoustic characteristics are stored in a memory as a target acoustic data profile. The data profile may be used to select and/or modify one or more out of domain speech samples based on the one or more target acoustic characteristics.
US09922663B2
A voice signal processing method and apparatus, which are used to process a voice signal collected by a microphone of a terminal in order to meet requirements of the terminal in different application modes for the voice signal generated after the processing. The method includes collecting at least two voice signals, determining a current application mode of a terminal, determining, according to the current application mode from the voice signals, voice signals corresponding to the current application mode, and performing, in a preset voice signal processing manner that matches the current application mode, beamforming processing on the corresponding voice signals.
US09922660B2
The present technology relates to a device, a method, and a program for expanding a frequency band, which are capable of obtaining high-quality sound with a small processing amount. A low band extraction band-pass filter processing unit passes a predetermined band of a low band of an input signal and generates a low band sub band signal. A band-pass filter calculation circuit calculates band-pass filter coefficients of band-pass filters having sub bands of high bands as a pass band based on an estimate value of high band sub band power, and an addition unit obtains one filter coefficient by adding the band-pass filter coefficients. A poly-phase configuration level adjustment filter performs up-sampling and level adjustment by performing filtering on a flattened signal obtained from a low band sub band signal using the filter coefficient obtained by the addition unit, and generates a high band signal. An addition unit obtains an output signal by adding the high band signal to the low band signal. The present technology can be applied to a frequency band expanding device.
US09922657B2
When compressing an HOA data frame representation, a gain control (15, 151) is applied for each channel signal before it is perceptually encoded (16). The gain values are transferred in a differential manner as side information. However, for starting decoding of such streamed compressed HOA data frame representation absolute gain values are required, which should be coded with a minimum number of bits. For determining such lowest integer number (βe) of bits the HOA data frame representation (C(k)) is rendered in spatial domain to virtual loudspeaker signals lying on a unit sphere, followed by normalization of the HOA data frame representation (C(k)). Then the lowest integer number of bits is set to (AA).
US09922656B2
In general, techniques are described for transitioning an ambient higher order ambisonic coefficient. A device comprising a memory and a processor may be configured to perform the techniques. The processor may obtain, from a frame of a bitstream of encoded audio data, a bit indicative of a reduced vector. The reduced vector may represent, at least in part, a spatial component of a sound field. The processor may also obtain, from the frame, a bit indicative of a transition of an ambient higher-order ambisonic coefficient. The ambient higher-order ambisonic coefficient may represent, at least in part, an ambient component of the sound field. The reduced vector may include a vector element associated with the ambient higher-order ambisonic coefficient in transition. The memory may be configured to store the frame of the bitstream.
US09922649B1
The invention relates to a customer interaction management system that comprises a memory that stores customer profile data and customer interaction data; a voice response input that receives a voice pattern from a customer; and a computer processor, coupled to the memory and the voice response input, programmed to: retrieve customer voice data from a current customer interaction via a voice channel; retrieve data from one or more other interactions via one or more other channels; compare customer voice data to a customer baseline, where the customer baseline is developed from one or more prior customer interactions; generate, using a speech analytics engine, a customer score that indicates customer sentiment based on the customer voice data and data from one or more other interactions; during the current customer interaction, update the customer score based on customer progress data; and develop one or more actions, in response to the customer score.
US09922646B1
Techniques for identifying a location of a voice-controlled device within an environment. After identifying a location of the device, the device may receive a voice command from a user within the environment and may determine a response to the command based in part on the location, may determine how to output a response based in part on the location or may determine how to interact with the user based in part on the location.
US09922644B2
One or more processors receive recording data of a meeting between a professional and a client. One or more processors analyze the recording data to make one or more determinations. One or more processors identify one or more characteristics of the professional based on the one or more determinations. One or more processors match the one or more characteristics of the professional to one or more preferences of an individual seeking one or more professionals. One or more processors build a profile of the professional based on the one or more characteristics and store the profile in a database. One or more processors search the database for one or more profiles that provide a match of the one or more preferences of the individual seeking one or more professionals and display the one or more profiles.
US09922620B2
A data processing apparatus has a compression circuit and an output interface. The compression circuit has a pre-processor and a compressor. The pre-processor receives a first input display data in a first color domain, and performs a color format conversion upon the first input display data to generate a second input display data in a second color domain, wherein the second color domain is different from the first color domain. The compressor performs compression in the second color domain, wherein the compressor is arranged to compress the second input display data into a compressed display data in the second color domain. The output interface packs an output display data derived from the compressed display data into an output bitstream, and outputs the output bitstream via a display interface.
US09922611B2
The invention provides a GOA circuit for narrow border LCD panel, by disposing a first node leakage prevention unit (700) comprised of ninth TFT (T9), tenth TFT (T10) and third capacitor (C3), wherein the ninth TFT (T9) has gate and source connected to the output clock signal (CK) to form a diode structure to charge the third capacitor (C3) and fourth node (H(n)) to high voltage; the tenth TFT (T10) clears the fourth node during stage-propagated signal duration to ensure normal charging for the first node (Q(n)). The GOA circuit is applicable to dual-side progressive scanning architecture and also to dual-side interlaced scanning architecture, and able to prevent current leakage in the first node under dual-side interlaced scanning architecture to ensure stable operation of circuit and improve reliability of GOA circuit. Moreover, with only two clock signals on each side, the invention is suitable for narrow border display panel.
US09922606B2
The present invention provides a display driving circuit and a display device. The display driving circuit comprises a timing controller and a driving chip, and the timing controller comprises a first generation module and a first timing module. The first generation module is connected with the first timing module and the driving chip respectively, and configured to generate a row starting signal for triggering the first timing module to start timing and the driving chip which is idle to turn on. The first timing module is connected with the driving chip, and configured to trigger the driving chip which is idle in a non-effective pixel display duration to turn off, in case a current timing duration equals to an effective pixel display duration. The display driving circuit can prevent an idle driving chip from staying in the on-state and consuming power, so that current requirements for energy saving against a display device can be satisfied, and the quality of display device can be improved.(FIG. 1)
US09922604B2
Provided is a display panel, a display device and a display method. The display panel can include a plurality of sub pixel columns including sub pixel columns arranged sequentially in a first direction, and the sub pixel columns can be formed by a plurality of sub pixels of the same color arranged sequentially. At least one sub pixel column is in a zigzag line formed by repeat units that repeat in a second direction. Each of the repeat units can include a first segment to a sixth segment that are connected successively. The first, third and fifth segments can be parallel to a diagonal direction of the sub pixel, and the second, fourth and sixth segments can be parallel to the other diagonal direction of the sub pixel. A better display effect can be provided.
US09922594B2
An organic light emitting diode display device having a demultiplexing structure is disclosed. One inventive aspect includes a display panel, a scan driver, a data driver, a plurality of demultiplexers and a timing controller. The timing controller includes first, second and third control signal lines. Each demultiplexer includes first, second and third switching elements, and a branch point formed between the control signal lines and the switching elements. The distance between the switching elements and the display panel is less than the distance between the control signal lines and the display panel.
US09922583B1
The present invention provides a vehicle window projection system that includes projection devices, mounting devices, image processing unit, and a projection film. The projection device is used to project an image onto the projection file thereby displaying an image on a window with the projection film attached thereto. The projection device can include a projector housing rotatably mounted to a mounting bracket that is mounted to a panel in the vehicle.
US09922575B2
A vicarious coaching method included generating a plurality of play selection user interfaces associated with a first team playing football against a second team, The play selection user interfaces include a first play selection user interface corresponding to a first play parameter and indicating a plurality of first play parameter options. The first play selection user interface is generated based on historical data indicative of previous plays executed by the first team. Responsive to receiving user inputs to the plurality of play selection user interfaces, a play called by the user is identified. Responsive to obtaining play identification information indicative of a play executed by the first team and a result of the play executed, the play called by the user is then scored based on the play executed by the first team and the result of the play executed.
US09922561B2
The present invention is a system for intelligently managing parking spaces and facilities. A preferred embodiment of the present invention would include a system comprising one or more parking barrier devices, connected over a network to a system back-end that manages parking space utilization, barrier operation and status, and inputs from one or multiple user applications.
US09922560B2
A first plurality of traffic data transmitted by a first client device associated with a first vehicle may be received. The received first plurality of traffic data may be stored in a database according to a license plate of the first vehicle. A second plurality of traffic data transmitted by a second client device associated with a second vehicle may be received. The license plate of the first vehicle may be identified within the received second plurality of traffic data using at least one image recognition technique. The identified license plate may be determined to be stored in the database. The first plurality of traffic data may be transmitted to the second client device based on determining the identified license plate is stored in the database. The transmitted first plurality of traffic data may be displayed within a user interface associated with the second client device.
US09922545B2
A codeset identifier for an infrared codeset that is compatible with an electronic device can be determined without requiring the user to manually input information about the electronic device. The user points an infrared device that is configured to control the electronic device at a computing device and presses a button, which causes the infrared device to emit an infrared signal that encodes a command representing the button that was pressed. Because the infrared device is configured to control the electronic device, an infrared code associated with the emitted infrared signal is part of the codeset that controls the electronic device and can be used to identify other infrared codes that are also compatible with the electronic device. The computing device extracts the infrared code from the received infrared signal and sends a query based on the infrared code to a server, which accesses an association table to find the codeset identifier corresponding to the infrared code.
US09922541B2
Systems and methods for detecting anomalies in a hazard detection system are described herein. When an anomaly is detected, the system can earmark the presence of the detected anomaly with a flag or other notification, and announce the existence of the anomaly to a user.
US09922539B1
A telecommunications network infrastructure alarms processing system. The system comprises a processor, a non-transitory memory, an alarm collection application and an alarm processing application stored in the non-transitory memory. The alarm collection application pulls alarms from a data store and stores each alarm on a process pending queue. The alarm processing application takes alarms from the process pending queue, determines an identity of network equipment inventory corresponding to each alarm, determines an alarm signature of each alarm, builds enriched alarms comprising corresponding alarm signatures and a management identity of network equipment inventory, places the enriched alarms on a network operations center (NOC) queue, and launches alarm transmission threads for each different cell site, where threads retrieve enriched alarms from the NOC queue and sends enriched alarms to a network operations center (NOC) tool in time order by cell site.
US09922534B2
A system for monitoring and improving hygiene compliance in a caregiver setting is provided. The system includes a plurality of hand cleansing dispensers with sensors coupled thereto to detect usage of the dispenser and the identity of the personnel using the dispenser. Usage of the dispenser affects the personnel's hygiene compliance. Indicators are coupled to or integral with the dispensers to output a real-time indication of the hygiene compliance of the personnel. As time progresses since the last detected handwashing event, the indicators can reflect the real-time degradation of hygiene compliance to keep the personnel well-informed of their compliance.
US09922528B2
A fitness equipment unit has a controller that actuates a light between different states in response to service conditions. In one implementation, actuation of the light is based upon a combination of at least two of: a mileage parameter of the fitness equipment unit, a sensed electrical current of the fitness equipment unit, a sensed temperature from the fitness equipment unit and a sensed position of a portion of the fitness equipment unit. In another implementation, actuation of the light is based upon a combination of the first and second service conditions selected from a group consisting of: a connection error service condition; a part wear service condition; a motor/actuator error service condition; a sensor error service condition; a processor error service condition; and a power supply error service condition and further based upon a prioritization of different severity levels of the first and second service conditions.
US09922524B2
One variation of a method for detecting and handling falls by residents of a facility includes: receiving a notification for a fall event from a resident wearable device associated with a resident; determining a location of the resident within a facility at a time of the fall; in response to the notification, distributing a fall response prompt to a set of computing devices, each computing device associated with a care provider; in response to receipt of a fall response confirmation from a first computing device, deescalating the fall response prompt at a second computing device; and, in response to proximity of the first computing device to the resident wearable device, authorizing edit permissions for an electronic incident report by a first care provider exclusive of a second care provider.
US09922513B1
An apparatus for receiving parcel through a door, the apparatus includes a processor communicatively connected to a network interface connection, a passcode entry station, an interior camera, a non-transitory storage medium. The non-transitory storage medium includes a receive module, an obtain module, an unlock module, an alarm module, and a lock module. The receive module receives, over the network interface connection, a number of access configuration parameters. The number of access configuration parameters comprising an access code and an access time. The obtain module obtains, from an access code input device, an input access code. The input access code indicates that a user has requested limited access to an area for parcel delivery according to the access configuration parameters. The unlock module unlocks a door to allow parcel delivery. The monitor module monitors that the parcel delivery person remains in the field of vision of the interior camera. The alarm module issues, using the network interface connection, an alarm when the parcel delivery person leaves the field of vision of the interior camera. The lock module locks the door after the parcel is delivered.
US09922510B2
Methods, systems, and computer readable media can be operable to generate an alert in response to a detection of an unexpected wireless device within a premises. An access device may receive a communication from a wireless device and may retrieve identification information associated with the wireless device from the communication. The access device may compare the retrieved identification information to identification information associated with one or more known devices, and if the retrieved identification information does not match the identification information associated with any of the known devices, the access device may identify the wireless device as an unexpected wireless device. The access device may output an alert providing a notification that an unexpected wireless device has been detected within an associated premises.
US09922506B2
The disclosed embodiments include methods and systems for detecting ATM skimmers, other unauthorized devices, such as hidden video cameras or keypad overlays, and/or possible damage to the ATM based upon radio frequency (RF) signal emitted from the ATM and/or 3D image analysis.
US09922505B2
Preprinted game tickets, such as pull tab tickets or instant game lottery tickets, are dispensed from a vending machine. A selection option on the vending machine allows the patrons to select either redemption of the value of the winning ticket at the vending machine immediately after purchasing the ticket if the ticket is a winning ticket, or deferral of redemption of the value of the winning ticket immediately after purchasing the ticket if the ticket is a winning ticket. A ticket dispenser dispenses the purchased winning ticket after a selection option is made. A ticket marker in the vending machine visually defaces winning tickets as they are dispensed only if a patron selects the option to redeem the value of the winning ticket at the vending machine immediately after purchasing the ticket. The visual defacing of the winning tickets inhibits attempts to perform deferred redemption of the winning tickets.
US09922500B2
A side wagering system for table games includes a table controller, a dealer interface and at least one player interface, the at least one player interface including a first wager area and at least one second wager area that permits a player to place first, second or one or more third supplemental wagers for the opportunity to win corresponding first, second or one or more third awards, such as a first, a second or a third progressive jackpot. The table controllers or multiple tables may be linked to a common award server.
US09922496B2
A method of gaming comprises providing a jackpot game in addition to a main game, the jackpot game being displayed independently of the main game. Play of the jackpot game affects at least one of the awarding of a jackpot prize and value of a jackpot prize pool from which the jackpot prize is awarded.
US09922495B2
A transaction based interleaved wagering system is disclosed, including an interactive controller configured to: communicate a wager setup indication; receive wager parameter display instructions; display wager parameters; communicate an indication to trigger a wager; display award; a wager controller constructed to: receive wager request instructions; determine a wager outcome; and the application controller operatively connecting the interactive controller and the wager controller, and operatively connected to a transaction controller, the application controller constructed to: receive the wager setup indication; communicate the user information request; receive user information data; determine wager parameters; generate a wagering event identification; communicate the wager parameters; receive the indication to trigger the wager; communicate the wager request; receive the wager outcome; determine the award; communicate the award display.
US09922484B2
In a coin processing apparatus including a plurality of coin containers, each of the coin containers includes a housing guide and a screw-type conveyance member. The housing guide has both side sections paired in a left-right direction. The housing guide has lateral protrusions formed on inner surfaces of the paired side sections and protruding to extend close to each other. The screw-type conveyance member has a shaft having a cylindrical shape and a blade member spirally provided on an outer periphery of the shaft such that the blade member protrudes outward from the outer periphery, and is provided to the housing guide such that a part of the shaft and a part of the blade protrude upward in a space between the lateral protrusions and may rotate about a central axis of the shaft. The screw-type conveyance member is provided at an off-center position of the housing guide.
US09922482B2
A time-locking container to limit the compulsive overuse of objects and substances, such as but not limited to money, food, alcohol, and tobacco. The container locks until a future date and time of day set by the user. The unit displays the duration of locking, permits the user to cancel, and can require affirmative confirmation if locking exceeds a user-selected maximum duration. This feature prevents an accidental prolonged lockout. While the container is locked, the user can extend, but not shorten, the duration of locking. This feature permits the user, while experiencing guilt due to overindulgence, to further delay access without the temptation of an open door.
US09922477B2
An access control system utilizes authorized users' mobile electronic devices for transmitting biometric identifiers in combination with using an access card, for authenticating the user's access privileges for unlocking a secure door. The system may further verify proximity of the user's device to the access control reader, which verifies correspondence of the access card with the transmitted biometric characteristics. The system may further require entry of a PIN into the user's device, for its transmission to the access control system for access confirmation. A scanner scans the area around its geographic location for signals emitted by mobile electronic devices, and identifies a position, a type, and an address of each device, using characteristics of the signals. Audio analytics detect/identify a position of sudden sound fluctuations indicating a gunshot/fight incident, and correlates the incident location to a device location. Video analytics correlate imaged people with detected electronic devices.
US09922474B1
System and methods for authenticating a cartridge comprising reading a unique identifier (UID) and a unique authentication string (UAS) stored on a data storage medium associated with a cartridge; generating, based on the UID or the UAS read from the data storage medium, a test unique authentication string (TUAS) or a test unique identifier (TUID), respectively, according to a methodology used to generate the UAS stored on the data storage medium; and comparing the TUAS or the TUID to the UAS or the UID read from the data storage medium, respectively, to determine if the cartridge is authentic. A method in which the UAS is generated and stored on the data storage medium at a first location, and subsequently authenticated at a second location.
US09922465B2
A perceived speed of motion associated with a user may be changed by determining a speed and a direction of the motion associated with the user within a reference frame. Augmented reality content may be determined for presentation on a display. A direction and a speed of motion associated with the augmented reality content within the reference frame may be determined. The direction of motion associated with the augmented reality content may oppose the direction of motion associated with the user. The speed of motion associated with the augmented reality content may increase as the speed of motion associated with the user increases. The augmented reality content may be presented such that the augmented reality content appears to move toward and past a position associated with the user at the perceived speed that is faster than the speed of motion associated with the user.
US09922463B2
The techniques describe herein use sensor(s) to scan a real-world environment and obtain data associated with geometry of the real-world environment that affects how energy propagates (e.g., locations of spatial objects in a room). The sensor(s) also detect energy (e.g., sound) in the real-world environment, from which a location of a source of the energy can be determined. The techniques combine the geometry data and the energy data to determine how the detected energy propagates from the location of the source through the real-world environment. The techniques can then cause a representation of the propagating energy to be displayed, to a user, as virtual content via a mixed reality device. Accordingly, a user is able to see energy that is otherwise invisible.
US09922454B2
The invention relates to a method for designing a dental appliance for a facial skeleton including dental crowns and the roots corresponding thereto, said method including the following steps: producing a volumetric image of the facial skeleton, in the form an initial digital file, using medical imaging; modifying said volumetric image by means of the computer processing of said initial digital file, and obtaining a modified digital file, said modification including at least one tooth movement with a view to implementing a desired correction of the dentition; designing said dental appliance using said initial digital file and said modified digital file, and producing a file capable of being used by digitally controlled machines capable of manufacturing a dental appliance. In the step of modifying the volumetric image, for each tooth that is moved, the crown thereof is individualized and the root corresponding thereto is associated therewith, characterized in that said volumetric image of the facial skeleton includes the image of the mandibular joint and a record of the movements of the mandible over the course of a plurality of movements of said mandible, so as to account for the possible movements of said joint after capturing the movement of said mandible.
US09922433B2
A method of forming a probability map is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method may include: (1) obtaining multiple measures of multiple imaging parameters for every stop of a moving window on an image, wherein two neighboring ones of the stops of the moving window are partially overlapped with each other; (2) obtaining first probabilities of an event for the stops of the moving window by matching the measures of the imaging parameters to a classifier; and (3) obtaining second probabilities of the event for multiple voxels of a probability map based on information associated with the first probabilities.
US09922425B2
Disclosed is a method of classifying visual elements in a region of a video as either foreground or background. The method classifies each visual element in the region as either foreground or background using a first classifier, and expands spatially at least one of the visual elements classified as foreground to form a spatially expanded area. The method then classifies the visual elements in the spatially expanded area as either foreground or background using a second classifier that is more sensitive to foreground than the first classifier.
US09922424B2
A computer implemented method for determining a centerline of a three-dimensional tubular structure is described. The method includes providing an edge-detected data set of voxels that characterize a boundary of the tubular structure according to a three-dimensional voxel data set for the tubular structure. A gradient field of a distance transformation is computed for the edge-detected dataset. A voxel data set corresponding to a centerline of the tubular structure is computed according to derivative of gradient field.
US09922422B2
Mobile platforms are used to capture an area using a variety of sensors (e.g., cameras and laser scanners) while traveling through the area, in order to create a representation (e.g., a navigable set of panoramic images, or a three-dimensional reconstruction). However, such sensors are often precisely calibrated in a controlled setting, and miscalibration during travel (e.g., due to a physical jolt) may result in a corruption of data and/or a recalibration that leaves the platform out of service for an extended duration. Presented herein are techniques for verifying sensor calibration during travel. Such techniques involve the identification of a sensor path for each sensor over time (e.g., a laser scanner path, a camera path, and a location sensor path) and a comparison of the paths, optionally after registration with a static coordinate system, to verify that the continued calibration of the sensors during the mobile operation of the platform.
US09922420B2
A blood pressure measuring method and system. The method includes: obtaining at least one video that captures a first body area and a second body area of a testee; extracting multiple gray scale values for corresponding images that capture the first body area and multiple gray scale values for corresponding images that capture the second body area; drawing a pulse-wave waveform of the first body area based on the multiple gray scale values of the first body area, and drawing a pulse-wave waveform of the second body area based on the multiple gray scale values of the second body area; determining a pulse-wave propagation time based on the pulse-wave waveform of the first body area and the pulse-wave waveform of the second body area; and obtaining a blood pressure value of the testee based on a corresponding relation between the pulse-wave propagation time and blood pressure.
US09922415B2
An inspection method includes: irradiating a first portion of a sample to be inspected with a lighting light; obtaining a first optical image in which the lighting light transmitted through the first portion is imaged or a second optical image in which the lighting light reflected by the first optical image is imaged; based on a first defect determination threshold, performing a first comparison between a first reference image referred to the first optical image and the first optical image or a second comparison between a second reference image referred to the second optical image and the second optical image; determining whether the first portion includes a first defect; storing a first coordinate of the first defect, the first defect determination threshold, the first optical image or the second optical image, and the first reference image or the second reference image in a case where the first portion is determined to have the first defect; calculating the number of first defects in the first portion as a defect total number; calculating a second defect determination threshold increased by a predetermined amount from the first defect determination threshold in a case where the defect total number is larger than the defect number threshold; and equalizing the second defect determination threshold with the first defect determination threshold in a case where the defect total number is equal to or less than the defect number threshold.
US09922408B2
A computer implemented method is provided that includes generating a spatial filter spectrum that includes a plurality of filters, receiving an input via an interaction device, and performing an operation on the spatial filter spectrum based on the received input, to apply a new filter in the plurality of filters of the spatial filter spectrum.
US09922406B2
There is provided an image processing apparatus including an input device configured to receive a stroke input, and a display controller configured to control a displaying of a modified stroke, wherein the modified stroke is synthesized based on characteristic parameters of the received stroke input and characteristic parameters of a reference stroke that has been matched to the received stroke input.
US09922400B2
An image display apparatus for displaying an image containing a plurality of objects includes a setting unit configured to set a display magnification and a display position according to an attribute of a display target object when a first display mode for displaying each object included in the image is specified, and a display control unit configured to perform control to display on a screen the image containing the display target object based on the display magnification and the display position set by the setting unit.
US09922396B2
Incremental encoding of Bounding Volume Hierarchies (BVH) enables coarse quantization of bounding volumes, significantly reducing their memory footprint. However, reducing the size of the BVH alone does not yield a comparable reduction in memory bandwidth in some embodiments. While the bounding volumes of the BVH nodes can be aggressively quantized, the size of the child node pointers remains a significant overhead. A two-level clustering method introduces a memory layout and node addressing scheme, which allows the reordering of BVH nodes to reduce their memory footprint in hardware ray tracing systems using reduced precision ray traversal.
US09922394B2
A display apparatus and a method for displaying a screen thereof are provided. The display apparatus is configured to when a slave display apparatus approaches a display apparatus which displays contents, split the contents into a plurality of content split screens and transmit the content split screens to the slave display apparatus to correspond to an arrangement of the display apparatus and the slave display apparatus. The display apparatus is further configured to, when a slave display apparatus comes into contact with a master display apparatus, split contents displayed in the master display apparatus into a plurality of content split screens and transmit the content split screens to the slave display apparatus to correspond to a contact point between the master display apparatus and the slave display apparatus.
US09922391B2
A cell phone is disclosed for acquiring information to be transmitted to a receiving facility and for transmitting such thereto. A capture device captures information from an external source. A processor is provided for associating with the captured information a representation of the date and time of the capture of the information, such that the representation of the date and time information in association with the captured information forms augmented captured information. The processor also places the augmented captured information in association with subscriber information in a transmission of the augmented captured information to a receiving facility requiring such subscriber information. A transmitter transmits the transmission including the augmented captured information and the subscriber information to the receiving facility. An encryptor encrypts the augmented captured information with a symmetrical encryption algorithm to provide encrypted augmented captured information in the transmission with the subscriber information.
US09922390B2
A method of watermarking includes determining a first substantially uniform color pixel space in a first frame of a video, determining a first offset color based on the first substantially uniform color pixel space, and compositing a first watermark trace of a watermark key having the first offset color into the substantially uniform color pixel space so that a modified video frame is creating having the first watermark trace of the watermark key having the first offset color.
US09922389B2
A method of detecting tampering in a compressed digital image includes extracting one or more neighboring joint density features from a digital image under scrutiny and extracting one or more neighboring joint density features from an original digital image. The digital image under scrutiny and the original digital image are decompressed into a spatial domain. Tampering in the digital image under scrutiny is detected based on at least one difference in a neighboring joint density feature of the digital image under scrutiny and a neighboring joint density feature of the original image. In some embodiments, detecting tampering in the digital image under scrutiny includes detecting down-recompression of at least a portion of the digital image. In some embodiments, detecting tampering in the digital image includes detecting inpainting forgery in the same quantization.
US09922385B2
Techniques for applying user corrections to medical fact extraction may include extracting a first set of one or more medical facts from a first portion of text documenting a patient encounter. A correction to the first set of medical facts may be received from a user. The correction may identify a fact that should be associated with the first portion of the text. A second set of one or more medical facts may be extracted from a second portion of the text based at least in part on the user's correction to the first set of medical facts. Extracting the second set of facts may include extracting one or more facts similar to the identified fact from the second portion of the text.
US09922377B2
An apparatus for tracking the time spent on different tasks on behalf of different entities comprises a plurality of tokens, each having an RFID coded with information uniquely associated with one of the tasks or one of the entities. A platform connected to a user's computer has an internal sensor that detects the RFID tag of a token placed on the top of the platform. Timing circuitry in the platform generates a start signal when the sensor detects a token's RFID tag and a stop signal when the token is removed from the platform. Decoding circuitry in the platform generates a data signal identifying the task or entity associated with the token. The user can then use his or her computer to associate the time spent on a task with a particular entity. Tokens include three-dimensional icons or text to identify the task or entity represented by each token, respectively.
US09922362B2
Electronic multimedia content is recommended based on personal preferences. Consumption information may be collected to generate recommended multimedia content. Electronic storefronts may also be selected based on the consumption information. Different portals and access points may be used based on IPTV assets, mobile assets, and mobile assets.
US09922358B2
A portable device which assists shoppers. The device identifies items of merchandise, and retrieves information about the items from a remote location. The items can be identified based on their labels, by image recognition, by their location, by the shopper, or by other approaches. This additional or enhanced information about the items can then be overlaid on the real-time display of the portable device, such that the shopper has access to said information and can associate it easily to the relevant items.
US09922354B2
The present technology provides a purchasing interface within an application that allows users to purchase a product from another source without leaving the application. The application offers a product for purchase, and a user, desiring to purchase the product can provide an input effective to cause a purchasing interface to be displayed. While the purchasing interface, or information presented therein, comes from the product source, which is different than the application source, it is presented in such a fashion that gives the impression to the user that they are purchasing the product directly from the application.
US09922352B2
A multidimensional synopsis of a stream of textual data pertaining to a particular subject can be generated. To produce the multidimensional synopsis, multiple dimensions that each includes concepts can be identified. The stream of textual data can then be analyzed to identify the occurrence of the concepts within elements of the stream. The multidimensional synopsis can then be produced by generating a score for each intersecting set of concepts from the multiple dimensions. Therefore, each score can generally represent a prevalence of the corresponding intersecting set of concepts within the stream of textual data.
US09922351B2
Location-based adaptation of financial management system. Crowdsourced feedback regarding financial management system content is tagged with location data such as an IP address and/or geographic location data. Location-specific counters track feedback received from different locations and may involve different languages, dialects, phrases or other manners of expression associated with different countries, states or regions thereof. When pre-determined criteria is satisfied, e.g., a threshold number of counts associated with a particular location, associated location-based feedback is analyzed and identified feedback patterns are used to selectively modify previously presented financial management system content and adapt the financial management system is adapted to different locations by presenting first modified content based at least in part upon a first identified pattern to users at a first location and second modified content based at least in part upon a second identified pattern to users at a different, second location.
US09922350B2
Certain example embodiments relate to a dynamically adaptable real-time customer experience manager and/or associated method. Electronic messages are received from different source systems. Each message has an associated message type. Metadata is dynamically and programmatically developed for each received message based on an extensible set of scoring scenarios. The metadata includes at least one metric that is comparable across messages of different types for assessing relative priorities. A determination is made as to where in a queue of pending messages each received message is to be inserted, based on the metadata. A complex event processing query is executed on the queue to dynamically identify a pending message therein that is to be delivered. The identified pending message is subjected to pre-programmed distribution scenarios to identify which possible communication channel(s) that identified pending message is to be sent. The identified pending message is forwarded to the identified communication channel(s) for sending.
US09922348B2
A method comprises providing an interface permitting a first user to control activation of a mobile information channel through which the first user can share access to content with a plurality of additional users, activating the mobile information channel responsive to input received from the first user via the interface, inserting content provided by the first user into the mobile information channel, receiving additional content relating to the mobile information channel from one or more of said additional users via one or more respective mobile devices associated with at least one wireless network, inserting at least a portion of the additional content into the mobile information channel, and integrating into the mobile information channel information associated with at least one wireless networking functionality of said at least one wireless network.
US09922344B1
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for serving advertisements based on partial queries. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a request for advertisements that specifies a set of query suggestions. The query suggestions are ranked based, at least in part on a probability of each query suggestion being selected by a user that input the partial query. A proper subset of the query suggestions is selected and includes a highest ranked query suggestion based on the ranking and one or more query suggestions of the set of query suggestions that is at least one of a revision of the highest ranked query suggestion or refers to a same topic as the highest ranked query suggestion. One or more advertisements are identified for each query suggestion of the proper subset. Data specifying the identified advertisements are provided.
US09922342B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, are described for providing content. A method includes: receiving a request for an advertisement to be displayed in a slot associated with a third-party content site; identifying a relevant advertisement to be provided in the slot; determining information to be included in an annotation associated with the advertisement, the annotation including customized information related to a user or a group associated with the user that is to be presented along with the advertisement; providing the advertisement responsive to the request including providing the annotation along with a control for re-publishing the advertisement along with the relevant advertisement; receiving user input selecting the control and designating the advertisement for re-publishing; and targeting additional content to the user or a group associated with the user based on the received user input.
US09922339B2
A transaction parameter date set comprising input variables characterizing the transaction conditions are collected when an electronic payment is initiated on an electronic payment system. The collected transaction input variables are used to calculate an expected future transaction value using a decision function. The expected future transaction value identifies high utility transaction based on a comparison of the expected future transaction value to a threshold value established while training the decision function on a training data set of known outcome. A high utility transaction can include behavior that if rewarded is likely to retain current users or grow the electronic payment system network by adding new users. If the expected future transaction value exceeds the threshold value the sender of the electronic payment is rewarded by the system.
US09922333B2
An advertising system identifies behaviors from user activity and associates the behaviors with a user profile. Advertisers provide the advertising system with information on conversion rates of users associated with user profiles. A behavioral model of user responses is built to identify the relative frequency of behaviors for increasing the response rate of ads. Incoming advertising requests are matched to modeled behaviors to determine an advertiser's interest in bidding on the ad placement.
US09922328B2
Acceleration of system documentation conformance to differentiated regulations of multiple countries
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for acceleration of system documentation conformance to differentiated regulations of multiple countries are provided. A database may be prepopulated with documentation specifications specifying documentation attributes corresponding to transaction types and countries. Information indicative of an enterprise structure may be processed. Countries that correspond to the enterprise structure may be identified. Country-specific rules may be determined, the rules defining requirements pertaining to documentation of transactions. A first subset of documentation attributes may be selected based on the rules, the first subset specifying documentation options pertaining to a first transaction type. A second subset of documentation attributes may be selected based on the rules, the second subset specifying documentation options pertaining to a second transaction type. A set of objects to facilitate setup of an accounting program may be generated. The computer system may be configured to execute the accounting program based on the set of objects.
US09922312B2
A system, method, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for separating the purchase of digital assets from their fulfillment and activation. Digital assets purchase information comprising digital assets identifier information and activation key data, and system identifier information comprising system identifier data, is received. The purchase information and the system identifier information are processed to generate digital assets activation request data, which is then processed by the provider of the digital assets to generate digital assets activation data. Associated digital assets data is provided with the digital assets activation data and then processed with the purchase transaction data to generate digital assets entitlement data. A personalization agent associated with a target system automatically downloads the purchased digital assets and associated digital assets entitlement data, which is used to install the digital assets, thereby entitling the system to process the installed digital assets.
US09922311B2
At a computing device, optionally located in communication with an intermediate node in an electronic bill payment system, access is obtained to a data structure including a plurality of valid customer account numbers for customers of a biller that utilizes or desires to utilize the electronic bill presentment and payment system. With the computing device, each character of each of said valid customer account numbers is replaced with a wild card in accordance with a normalization scheme, to obtain a plurality of normalized valid customer account numbers. At least one pattern of said wild cards in said plurality of normalized valid customer account numbers is designated as a recommended account mask.
US09922309B2
Draft management for new electronic communication messages in a mailbox folder is provided. When a user selects to create a new email message, a draft of the new message may appear in a list view of one or more of the user's mailbox folders. The list view may display aggregated contents from both a mailbox folder and the drafts folder. Drafts may be identified as draft messages so that it may be easy for the user to distinguish between draft messages and other email messages. When a draft is deleted or when a draft is sent, it may be removed from the list view. Additionally, selection controls may be provided in the user interface to sort email items by groupings. Selection of a drafts selection control may cause a display of the draft items in the user's email account.
US09922304B2
An apparatus senses and records consumption of medical items during performance of a medical procedure. The medical items are enclosed in wrappers having RFID tags in which medical item information is encoded. The apparatus includes a shielded enclosure that attenuates radio frequency signals emanated from RFID tags disposed outside the shielded enclosure to levels that are substantially undetectable within the internal space. RFID antennas inside the shielded enclosure receive radio frequency signals emanated from RFID tags on wrappers that are removed from used items and placed inside the enclosure. An RFID reader decodes the medical item information encoded in the RFID tags. A computer processor executes a medical item inventory module including instructions for generating a post-op list of medical items consumed during the medical procedure. Item billing information and usage trend information may be derived from the post-op list. Also, Latex alerts and item expiration alerts may be generated based on information encoded in the RFID tags.
US09922302B2
A shipping system and method for tracking customer personal information in electronic devices. The shipping system includes a processor for executing a set of instructions and a memory for storing the set of instructions. The instructions are executed by the processor to receive one or more electronic devices for shipping to a destination, determine whether the one or more electronic devices include CPI, record an identification and metadata of the one or more electronic devices in response to determining CPI is included on the one or more electronic devices, and prevent the shipping system from generating a shipping label to ship the one or more electronic devices in response to determining the CPI is included on the one or more electronic devices.
US09922298B2
A system for determining asset configuration in a service delivery environment, comprises a simulation module developing a simulation model reflecting features of the service delivery environment, a search module using the simulation model and constraint data to determine a plurality of asset configurations for evaluation, a first evaluation module determining a value of each of the asset configurations, and determining the asset configuration of the plurality of asset configurations that yields a value meeting a predetermined objective, and a second evaluation module determining a deviation from a current configuration that would be caused by each of the asset configurations, and determining the asset configuration that yields a lowest deviation of the plurality of asset configurations, wherein the second evaluation module uses the value meeting the predetermined objective from the first evaluation module as a constraint when determining the asset configuration that yields the lowest deviation.
US09922296B2
A distribution apparatus includes a reception part that receives first data and a request for execution of a process according to a process definition formed of one or more units of processing with respect to the first data, and one or more processing parts that execute the corresponding one or more units of processing. At least one processing part is a distribution part that distributes, to a distribution destination specified in the process definition, the first data or second data output as a result of execution of a unit of processing executed before a unit of processing corresponding to the at least one processing part. The distribution part distributes the first or second data based on information indicating a distribution method for the specified distribution destination defined in the process definition, when the specified distribution destination is included in multiple distribution destinations to which a communications protocol is common.
US09922295B2
A method and apparatus for evolving a shared to-do list into a business process is disclosed. A business process includes one or more business steps and zero or more action rules related to the business steps. Members of a workgroup participate in the business process and are able to view, modify, add and delete business steps and action rules as needed. An action rule is comprised of one or more business actions and one or more events that trigger the actions to be executed. A computer program keeps track of the business steps, interprets the set of rules, and updates states of the business process, notifies the members and validates and accepts modifications by the members to the action rules of a business steps.
US09922292B2
Various embodiments train a prediction model for predicting a label to be allocated to a prediction target explanatory variable set. In one embodiment, one or more sets of training data are acquired. Each of the one or more sets of training data includes at least one set of explanatory variables and a label allocated to the at least one explanatory variable set. A plurality of explanatory variable subsets is extracted from the at least one set of explanatory variables. A prediction model is trained utilizing the training data. The plurality of explanatory variable subsets is reflected on a label predicted by the prediction model to be allocated to a prediction target explanatory variable set with each of the plurality of explanatory variable subsets weighted respectively.
US09922290B2
A pair of records is tokenized to form a normalized representation of an entity represented by each record. The tokens are correlated to a machine learning system by determining whether a learned resolution already exists for the two entities. If not, the normalized records are compared to generate a comparison measure to determine whether the records match. The normalized records can also be used to perform a web search and web search results can be normalized and used as additional records for matching. When a match is found, the records are updated to indicate that they match, and the match is provided to the machine learning system to update the learned resolutions.
US09922285B1
Systems and methods are provided for performing predictive assignments pertaining to genetic information. One embodiment is a system that includes a genetic prediction server. The genetic prediction server includes an interface that acquires records that each indicate one or more genetic variants determined to exist within an individual, and a controller. The controller selects one or more machine learning models that utilize the genetic variants as input, and loads the machine learning models. For each individual in the records: the controller predictively assigns at least one characteristic to that individual by operating the machine learning models based on at least one genetic variant indicated in the records for that individual. The controller also generates a report indicating at least one predictively assigned characteristic for at least one individual, and transmits a command via the interface for presenting the report at a display.
US09922282B2
Methods and systems for an Automated Readiness Evaluation System (ARES), which is adapted for use with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The ARES (and UAS with such an ARES) is configured for a particular task or application selected by the user based upon their level of specific knowledge. The system may include: hardware components with communication protocols; a task, module data, and skill level repository; a user device; and an optional base system. Methods are provided for configuration, calibration, error checking, and operation of a UAS whereby the ARES serves as a mission planner by calculating the mission parameters for a user-selected task to minimize mission failure by determining the variables for task completion.
US09922276B2
Component circuitry for a replaceable printer component, including a dynamic address generator which selectively generates component addresses, wherein substantially immediately following an event, the component circuitry performs in succession a plurality of sets of operations, each set of operations including receiving an address change request from a master and generating a new component address by the dynamic address generator in response, a last one of the new component addresses generated being available as the component address for the component circuitry in one or more subsequent communications with the master.
US09922273B2
An apparatus and method for establishing a network connection in a portable terminal. The apparatus includes a controller, an image acquisition unit, and a code image analyzer. The controller establishes a network connection with a peripheral terminal using network information acquired through a code image. The image acquisition unit captures the code image generated by the peripheral terminal. The code image analyzer analyzes the code image acquired by the image acquisition unit and acquires the network information of the peripheral terminal. The code image includes at least any one of network information of the peripheral terminal, code image generation information, and information on an automatic execution program to be automatically executed after code image recognition.
US09922268B2
According to one embodiment, an image interpretation report creating apparatus that creates an image interpretation report including a finding and is associated with a key image, includes a key image selecting unit, a position detecting unit, a first local structure information generating unit, and a display. A key image selecting unit selects a sub-image as the key image from among a plurality of sub-images comprising a medical image. A position detecting unit detects a position of a characteristic local structure in a human body from the medical image. A first local structure information generating unit identifies a local structure in the key image or in a vicinity of the key image and generates information on the identified local structure as first local structure information. A display displays the first local structure information as a candidate to be entered in an entry field for the finding.
US09922264B2
In an approach to analyzing a path on a graph, a computer receives a graph comprising a plurality of vertices and edges, each edge linking two vertices. The computer, for each one of said plurality of vertices, analyzes edges linked to said one of plurality of vertices to determine a number of outbound links from said one of plurality of vertices, orders said edges, and assigns a value to each ordered edge. The computer, for the graph, receives a path comprising a plurality of edges linking two of said plurality of vertices through at least one other of said plurality of vertices, encodes said path, the encoding using said number of outbound links and said assigned values of each of said one or more edges linking said two of said plurality of vertices, compresses the encoded path, and analyzes said path on said graph using said compressed, encoded path.
US09922262B2
A method by which a tracking apparatus tracks a target object includes: acquiring a first tree structure indicating a tracking processing order of frames, each frame including a tracking area in which the target object is located; acquiring a plurality of frame groups, each frame group consisting of two frames, and acquiring distance evaluation values of the respective frame groups; acquiring a second tree structure based on the first tree structure and the distance evaluation values; and tracking the target object based on the acquired second tree structure, wherein the distance evaluation value is determined based on at least one of locations of tracking areas included in two frames belonging to the frame group and pixel values included in the tracking areas.
US09922260B2
An information providing method of an electronic device is provided. The information providing method includes determining a selected area based on a user input, determining an extraction method based on types of one or more objects included in the selected area, extracting information from the selected area according to the determined extraction method, and performing a specific function based on the information.
US09922255B2
Systems, methods, and computer program products to perform an operation comprising receiving, from a video monitoring system, a count of people detected at a first location, wherein the video monitoring system comprises a camera configured to capture video of the first location, receiving a count of wireless devices detected in a second location, and applying a first correction factor to the count of wireless devices detected at the second location to determine a number of people present in the second location, wherein the first correction factor is based on the count of people detected by the video monitoring system and a count of wireless devices in the first location.
US09922253B2
Augmented reality (AR) systems, methods, and instrumentalities are disclosed. A user's gaze point may be estimated and may be used to search for and present information, e.g., information relating to areas on which the user is focusing. The user's gaze point may be used to facilitate or enable modes of interactivity and/or user interfaces that may be controlled by the direction of view of the user. Biometric techniques may be used to estimate an emotional state of the user. This estimated emotional state may be used to be the information that is presented to the user.
US09922248B2
Some embodiments include apparatuses and methods having a receiver unit included in a die and a measurement unit included in the die. The receiver unit includes a sampler to sample a first signal based on timing of a first clock signal to generate a second signal. The measurement unit is arranged to sample the first signal based on timing of a second clock signal to provide information for generation of a graph presenting an eye scan of the first signal. The second clock signal has a frequency asynchronous with a frequency of the first clock signal.
US09922243B2
Embodiments include methods for predicting one or more characteristics of an individual, such as a human or non-human animal, by applying computational methods to image(s) of the individual to generate one or more metrics indicative of the characteristics. Embodiments determine predictors of characteristics by creating a sample library of individuals, determining facial measurements for each individual, determining relationships between facial measurements and additional library data, and selecting predictors from these relationships. Embodiments include methods for predicting characteristics of individuals not in the library. Embodiments include methods for predicting characteristics of groups using predicted characteristics of individuals. Embodiments determine suitability of a pair of individuals (from the same or different species) for a particular purpose, task, or relationship based on characteristics of individuals. Other embodiments determine the compatibility of an individual with a group of other individuals. Embodiments include systems, devices, and computer-readable media comprising one or more of these methods.
US09922235B2
Provided is a method for authenticating a user in an electronic device. In illustrative embodiments, a fingerprint input from the user is be detected by receiving detection signals for respective sample points across an area of the fingerprint input. A determination value may be computed, which represents a degree of distribution of the detection signals according to signal strengths. It is then determined whether the determination value falls outside a preset reference range. If the determination value falls outside the preset reference range, the method determines that the fingerprint input from the user is invalid.
US09922228B2
A method for fingerprint recognition may include: acquiring a current charging state of the mobile terminal; updating setting of a fingerprint recognition threshold value according to the current charging state of the mobile terminal; acquiring a fingerprint image, and extracting feature information of the fingerprint image; and conducting a fingerprint recognition according to the extracted feature information and the fingerprint recognition threshold value. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the current charging state of the mobile terminal is acquired and setting of the fingerprint recognition threshold value is thus updated according to the current charging state of the mobile terminal, such that the mobile terminal can acquire the same fingerprint recognition rate regardless of different charging states.
US09922223B2
The invention discloses a multimedia service pushing method and a multimedia service pushing system based on two-dimensional codes. The multimedia service pushing method comprises the steps that: a multimedia terminal receives multimedia content and multimedia service information sent by a multimedia server, generates a two-dimensional code image according to the multimedia service information, and overlaying the two-dimensional code image on the multimedia content for display; when a scanning terminal detects the two-dimensional code image on the multimedia terminal, the scanning terminal parses the two-dimensional code image to obtain a service command, sends a service request to a service server according to the service command, and obtains service content corresponding to the service command; and the scanning terminal or the multimedia terminal receives the service content and displays the service content. The multimedia service pushing method and the multimedia service pushing system based on the two-dimensional codes achieve the effect of automatically acquiring single or multiple pieces of service content corresponding to the multimedia service information through scanning and parsing the two-dimensional code images via the scanning terminal, reduces the space occupation of the multimedia service information, is convenient to operate and control, and brings great convenience to users.
US09922217B2
The present invention provides a method and system for verifying and tracking identification information. In an embodiment of the invention, a system for delivering security solutions is provided that includes at least one of the following: a radio frequency (RF) identification device, an identification mechanism (e.g., a card, sticker), and an RF reader.
US09922215B2
The invention relates to a method for retrieving a shut state and/or a location of a closable container as well as closable containers, wherein a transition between an open position and a closed position is achieved by a relative movement at least of a first container part with respect to a second container part, wherein the container has at least one RFID chip having a connected near field antenna and a far field antenna and the RFID chip having the connected near field antenna is arranged at the first or at the second container part and the far field antenna is arranged at the other one of the first and second container part, respectively, and the near field antenna, which is connected to the RFID chip, is arranged, as compared to the far field antenna, such that, in the closed position of the container, a noncontact electromagnetic coupling takes place between the near field antenna and the far field antenna. In the context of the method, due to the interaction of a sending unit and a receiving unit, a response signal can by generated by means of the RFID chip and can be transmitted, the range of said response signal depending on the shut position of the container.
US09922212B2
A MMIC (microwave monolithic integrated circuit) based FET mixer and method for the same is provided. In particular, adjacent transistors, such as FETs (field effect transistors) share terminals reducing physical layout separation and interconnections. A smaller die size is realized with the improved system geometry herein provided.
US09922209B1
A formal verification approach verifies data access and data propagation paths in a circuit design by proving the unreachability of path cover properties of the circuit design. A security path verification system receives an original circuit model of a circuit design, along with parameters identifying a first location within the circuit design that is a source of tainted data and a second location within the circuit design that is coupled to the first location. The security path verification system also receives a selection of portions of the circuit design to be excluded from the verification analysis. Using an abstracted version of the exclude portions, the security verification system generates a second circuit model of the circuit design for use in determining whether the tainted data can reach the second location from the first location within the circuit design.
US09922204B1
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for a row-level security. One of the methods includes receiving a request for one or more objects. The method includes determining that a type of the one or more requested objects is associated with an object representative of instance level security. The method includes determining access is authorized to at least some of the one or more objects. Determining access includes obtaining a first access statement associated with the type of the one or more objects, obtaining a second access statement associated with the object representative of instance level security, combining at least the first access statement and the second access statement into a third access statement, and obtaining one or more objects using the third access statement. The method also includes providing the authorized subset of objects to the user.
US09922202B2
Facilities are provided herein for unmasking content presented on a display of a computing device. An unmask rule for unmasking the content on the display is determined based on confidentiality level of the content and includes an unmasking parameter indicating an extent to which a masked version of the content is to be physically shielded to unmask the content. A mask is selected and applied to the content in displaying the content on the display. The mask is selected based on the determined unmask rule to convey the unmasking parameter to a user. A shielding level indicating an extent to which the user has physically shielded the masked content on the display is detected and it is determined whether the detected shielding level satisfies the unmasking parameter. If so, the content is temporarily unmasked on the display.
US09922196B2
In one embodiment, a device receives a classifier tracking request from a coordinator device that specifies a classifier verification time period. During the classifier verification time period, the device classifies a set of network traffic that includes traffic observed by the device and attack traffic specified by the coordinator device. The device generates classification results based on the classified set of network traffic and provides the classification results to the coordinator device.
US09922194B2
In one embodiment, a system comprises: a processor including at least one core to execute instructions; a plurality of sensors, including a first sensor to determine location information regarding a location of the system; and a security engine to apply a security policy to the system. In this embodiment, the security engine includes a policy logic to determine one of a plurality of security policies to apply based at least in part on the location information, where the location information indicates a location different than locations associated with the plurality of security policies. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09922191B1
The disclosed embodiments include a method for retroactively analyzing original input content to detect malicious content in a computer system, in which the original input content has been previously processed to generate modified input content and prevented from being received by an intended recipient. The method includes accessing the original input content or a characteristic associated with the original input content, and analyzing it based on a malware detection algorithm to determine whether the original input content includes suspected malicious content, wherein the malware detection algorithm includes at least one update of a signature or behavioral characteristic that was not included in the malware detection algorithm when the modified input content was generated. When it is determined that the original input content includes suspected malicious content, the method includes analyzing the modified input content to determine whether the modified input content includes the suspected malicious content.
US09922190B2
System and method for detecting a domain generation algorithm (DGA), comprising: performing processing associated with clustering, utilizing a name-based features clustering module accessing information from an electronic database of NX domain information, the randomly generated domain names based on the similarity in the make-up of the randomly generated domain names; performing processing associated with clustering, utilizing a graph clustering module, the randomly generated domain names based on the groups of assets that queried the randomly generated domain names; performing processing associated with determining, utilizing a daily clustering correlation module and a temporal clustering correlation module, which clustered randomly generated domain names are highly correlated in daily use and in time; and performing processing associated with determining the DGA that generated the clustered randomly generated domain names.
US09922186B1
A method of providing an additional safety mechanism comprising enabling a setting up of a transaction using a mobile device, between a recipient and a provider, the transaction to be completed face-to-face, providing a wearable device, capable of connecting to the mobile device of the recipient and the mobile device of the provider, the wearable device used to identify an owner of the wearable device as the indicated provider. The method further comprising using the connection between the wearable device and the recipient mobile device to provide an authentication of the recipient to the provider.
US09922180B2
A barcode reader and a barcode reading system having an age verification capability are disclosed. The barcode reader may capture a barcode pattern on an identification (ID) card of an individual presented within a field of view of the barcode reader, extract date of birth information from the barcode, and verify an age of the individual. The barcode reader may provide an approve signal if it is verified that the age of the individual is greater than a high threshold or a deny signal if it is verified that the age is less than a low threshold. The low threshold is distinct from the high threshold. The age may be verified by a host computer. The barcode reader may extract a product ID and send the product ID to the host computer. The host computer may then prompt age verification operation if the product is an age-restricted product.
US09922170B2
A dental treatment planning system includes an input form to receive one or more dental patient inputs; and an engine adapted to receive the dental patient data from the input form and validating the dental patient data in a predetermined sequence.
US09922168B2
A patient communication device for advanced patient communication and methods for making and using same. According to one embodiment, a patient communication device comprises a selection input mechanism for generating a message on a display, the message reflecting a patient request and an urgency level associated with the patient request. The selection input mechanism includes one or more of a button, keyboard and a touch screen. Further, the patient communication device includes a transmitter for transmitting the message to a central processing server and a status indicator on the display, the status indicator representing a transmission status associated with the message.
US09922157B1
A clock-tree construction method for a configurable clock grid structure having a plurality of sectors and a plurality of wire segments includes defining a clock region within the clock grid structure and constructing an H-tree that has a smallest size to cover the clock region. The method further includes aligning the clock region within the H-tree, pruning the H-tree and removing an unused segment from the H-tree. The method further includes performing a tree height reduction procedure to the pruned H-tree, and generating a clock tree with a reduced size or a reduced height from the tree height reduction procedure.
US09922154B2
A computer system may obtain a first schematic design netlist for a first IC design and a second schematic design netlist for a second IC design. The computer system may normalize the first netlist and the second netlist. The computer system may determine that the normalized first netlist is the same as the normalized second netlist. The computer system may obtain a first layout design data for the first IC design and a second layout design data for the second IC design. The computer system may determine that the first layout data is the same as the second layout data. The computer system may copy a sign-off data of the first IC design to the second IC design.
US09922149B2
A method, system, and computer program product to integrate functional analysis and common path pessimism removal (CPPR) in static timing analysis include determining initial path slack for a path for a given timing analysis test. The method also includes comparing the initial path slack with a threshold value to determine if the path passes or fails the given timing analysis test, and based on the path failing the given timing analysis test, performing the functional analysis on the path only based on performing the CPPR on the path, or performing the CPPR on the path only based on a result of performing the functional analysis on the path.
US09922146B2
An integrated circuit design tool apparatus includes a processing resource configured to support a circuit simulator, a circuit sensitivity optimizer and a circuit sensitivity calculator. The circuit sensitivity optimizer is adapted to communicate to the circuit simulator a first dynamic list of selected devices of the circuit; and a second dynamic list of selected process parameters associated with the selected devices of the first dynamic list. The circuit simulator is configured to communicate to the circuit sensitivity calculator, a performance metrics of the circuit in response thereto. The circuit sensitivity calculator is configured to determine one sensitivity coefficient for each device of the first dynamic list in response thereto. The circuit sensitivity calculator is further configured to determine and communicate to the circuit sensitivity optimizer a variance of the performance metrics and also adapted to gradually determine whether or not to further communicate with the circuit simulator.
US09922141B2
Example embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for simulating sparse fluids and visualizing the results. An example embodiment involves simulating sparse fluids on a two-dimensional surface and using that simulation to visualize the results on a three dimensional surface. The fluid computation operates in a two-dimensional (2D) plane although the visualization of the fluid simulation is three-dimensional (3D). The simulation uses surface shape and properties, local gravity vectors, and various other criteria to simulate realistic behavior of sparse fluids, e.g., sweat, tears, blood, and drops of liquid. The systems and methods of the present invention may be implemented, for example, on a highly parallel architecture, such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), and on non-parallel architectures.
US09922130B2
A computer-based system and related method are provided for migrating data associated with a website from a first Web content management (WCM) platform to a second WCM platform. The data migrated can include templates, user and group data files, content files (media, texts and others), workflows, authorizations, among others. The system and related method can further include a transformation capability that enables modifications to website data elements during migration, including but not limited to templates, HTML, users, metadata, file assets, and content such as images, links, and text during migration. In this manner, web administrators can modify the website design during migration to a new WCM platform within an integrated process.
US09922129B2
Systems and associated methods for clustering a plurality of nodes based on connectivity among the plurality of nodes, determining relevant content of the clusters, and applying knowledge regarding the relevant content are described. The nodes can include for example web-based documents such as web pages. The clusters can include for example groups of web pages that are linked together, as via hyperlinks. The relevant content can include one or more topics associated with the web page, as for example determined via text mining. Applying the knowledge regarding the relevant content can include for example using the one or more topics associated with the web pages to augment search results and/or conduct contextual advertising.
US09922126B2
This disclosure relates generally to information technology (IT), and more particularly to a system and method for IT infrastructure transformation. In some embodiments, information related to an IT infrastructure is gathered, a current maturity level of the IT infrastructure is assessed using an analytical maturity model, and a transformation roadmap is derived to achieve a desired maturity level of the IT infrastructure based on the current maturity level and the information gathered. In some embodiments, the analytical maturity model is configured to provide maturity ratings based on the information gathered and industry standard.
US09922110B2
There is provided an information processing apparatus including a link feature amount selecting unit that selects a link feature amount that is a feature amount for linking a first item with another item, an item selecting unit that selects one or more candidates of a second item to be linked with the first item, on the basis of the selected link feature amount, a provision control unit that controls provision, to a user, of the first item, the link feature amount, and the one or more candidates of the second item, and a link creating unit that selects the second item and creates a link of the first item and the second item.
US09922108B1
Systems and methods are provided for facilitating the transformation of data from a tabular data set organized according to a data schema to an object based data set organized according to a data ontology. The provided systems and methods offer a graphical user interface for mapping the tabular based data to the object based data set according to the data ontology. The tabular based data may be transformed according to the mapping.
US09922107B2
A processing platform integrates ETL (extract, transform, and load), real time stream processing, and “big data” data stores into a high performance analytic system that runs in a public or private cloud. The platform performs real time pre-storage enrichment of data records to form a single comprehensive record usable for analytics, searching and alerting. The platform further supports sharing of components and plug-ins and performs automatic scaling of resources based on real time resource monitoring and analysis.
US09922103B2
According to one embodiment, a method of copying a dataset associated with a first extract, transform, and load (ETL) job in a first data integration system to a second data integration system comprises copying executable code associated with the first ETL job from the first to the second system. Operating system software, integration system software, and file system structure are substantially identical between the first and second systems. The method further comprises executing the second ETL job to read the dataset from the first data integration system and write the dataset to the second data integration system. The second ETL job is associated with configuration parameters specifying storage resources in the first system associated with the dataset and destination parameters specifying storage resources in the second system. The method further comprises copying metadata generated by the second ETL job from the first to the second data integration system.
US09922097B2
A system that enables a user to configure alert actions based on search results generated by a query is disclosed. During operation, the system presents an alert user interface (UI) to a user, wherein the alert UI enables the user to configure one or more alert actions to be performed based on the search results. Next, the system receives alert configuration information from the user through the alert UI, wherein the alert configuration information includes tokens representing parameters associated with the query and the search results. Then, while generating an alert associated with the search results, the system performs a token substitution operation that substitutes tokens in the alert configuration information with corresponding parameters from the search results to generate a payload that is communicated to alert-generating functionality. This token substitution allows the parameters to be used by the alert-generating functionality while performing the one or more alert actions.
US09922092B2
Systems, devices, and methods for contextual management extract context information and content information from a collection of stored digital content items; generate an index of the extracted context information and content information; store the indexed context information and content information; receive a query from a computing device, wherein the query is associated with a user; determine a context of the user; determine a context of a user activity; determine contents of the query; generate a recommendation in response to the query based on the context of the user, the context of the user activity, and the contents of the query; and return the recommendation to the computing device.
US09922089B2
Certain example embodiments described herein relate to techniques for processing XML documents of potentially very large sizes. For instance, certain example embodiments parse a potentially large XML document, store the parsed data and some associated metadata in multiple independent blocks or partitions, and instantiate only the particular object model object requested by a program. By including logical references rather than physical memory addresses in such pre-parsed partitions, certain example embodiments make it possible to move the partitions through a caching storage hierarchy without necessarily having to adjust or encode memory references, thereby advantageously enabling dynamic usage of the created partitions and making it possible to cache an arbitrarily large document while consuming a limited amount of program memory.
US09922086B1
A distributed database management system may comprise a plurality of computing nodes. A request to update an item maintained by the system may be acknowledged as durable and committed once an entry corresponding to the request has been written to a log file and quorum among the computing nodes has been achieved. Improved consistency may be achieved by maintaining snapshots of committed item states within queryable in-memory snapshot data structures. Range queries may be performed by merging a secondary index with the snapshots and applying filters. Projections may be completed by retrieving additional data from an item collection maintain on one or more storage devices.
US09922080B2
In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a method for determining query plans includes obtaining a current query and generating a first literal and a first signature key from the current query. The method includes determining that the first signature key matches a second signature key stored in a parser cache and obtaining a literals data structure corresponding to the second signature key. The literals data structure comprises a group of literals, a list of high and low boundary intervals and a parameterization indicator. The method includes identifying, using the parameterization indicator, a parameterized literal in the group of literals. The method includes determining that a high and low boundary interval for the second parameterized literal contains the first literal and executing a stored query plan on the current query.
US09922077B2
A first request may be received to update a first set of values. The first set of values may be stored at a first location within a first data page of a database. The first location may be read-only. In response to the receiving of the first request, a first set of records may be inserted into a second data page. The first set of records may include the update of the first set of values. In response to the inserting, a forward pointer may be stored in the first data page that points to the first set of records on the second data page. One or more committed values may be identified on the second data page. In response to the identifying, the one or more committed values may be merged from the second data page to a third data page.
US09922069B2
Embodiments include a method, system, and computer program product for acquiring a data repository, the data repository being associated with a log configured to receive metadata. Then, a content of the log with respect to at least one manipulation of the data repository is modified by adding first metadata of the metadata. Further, signatures that identify control statements configured to govern the at least one manipulation of the data repository are collected by adding second metadata of the metadata into the log
US09922067B2
Methods and apparatus consistent with the invention provide the ability to organize, index, search, and present time series data based on searches. Time series data are sequences of time stamped records occurring in one or more usually continuous streams, representing some type of activity. In one embodiment, time series data is stored as discrete events time stamps. A search is received and relevant event information is retrieved based in whole or in part on the time stamp, a keyword indexing mechanism, or statistical indices calculated at the time of the search.
US09922065B2
Methods and apparatus consistent with the invention provide the ability to organize, index, search, and present time series data based on searches. Time series data are sequences of time stamped records occurring in one or more usually continuous streams, representing some type of activity. In one embodiment, time series data is organized into discrete events with normalized time stamps and the events are indexed by time and keyword. A search is received and relevant event information is retrieved based in whole or in part on the time indexing mechanism, keyword indexing mechanism, or statistical indices calculated at the time of the search.
US09922063B2
A method for secure storage of secret data begins with an originating device transforming the secret data to produce a plurality of secret data shares and encrypting the plurality of secret data shares using unique encryption values of trusted agent modules of a dispersed storage network (DSN) to produce a plurality of encrypted secret data shares for storage in storage nodes of the DSN. Retrieval of the secret data begins with the originating device sending a secret data retrieval request to the trusted agent modules and recovering, by the trusted agent modules, the plurality of encrypted secret data shares from the storage nodes. The method continues with the trusted agent modules decrypting the plurality of encrypted secret data shares using a decryption function corresponding to the unique encryption values and sending the plurality of secret data shares to the originating device.
US09922052B1
Various embodiments provide a user with a capability to customize multiple image data stores, where each data store can be used to provide content tailored to different users having different interests, setting, or notification demands. For example, users can submit images and modify processing parameters to tune an image matching system to their, or their customer's, individual desires. Accordingly, content can be delivered to a computing device in response to a query image sent by the computing device to a matching system containing the customized image data stores. The delivered content can be related to, or derived from, an image in a respective data store that matches the provided query image.
US09922050B2
Systems and methods are described herein to determine data associated with color palettes identified from keyword searches. Color palettes may be searched by name or other data associated with the color palettes. Color palettes may include colors determined by human color preferences and/or may be associated with human votes. Furthermore, color palettes may be filtered by trends and/or times of the color palettes. Various user interfaces may be based at least in part on the keyword searching and/or trending techniques for color palettes.
US09922047B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for retrieving local information on a user device include detecting itinerary information stored by a first application on a user device, and identifying a travel destination based on the detected itinerary information. The travel destination is communicated to a second application executable on a user device, and the travel destination is stored in association with the second application. The second application is adapted to retrieve local information based on an identified geographic location, and local information for the travel destination is provided through the second application in response to a user interaction with the second application and based on a triggering threshold associated with the itinerary information.
US09922036B2
Disclosed are systems, methods and computer program products for duplicating files on client device for storage in a cloud storage server. An example method includes: receiving, by a user device, a request to upload a file stored locally on the user device into the cloud storage server; determine time required to generate a unique file identifier for said file and time required to upload said file to the cloud storage server; responsive to the time required to generate the unique file identifier for said file exceeding the time required to upload said file to the cloud storage server, initiating the uploading of the file to the cloud storage server; and responsive to the time required to upload said file to the cloud storage server exceeding the time required to generate the unique file identifier, generating said unique file identifier and transmitting the unique file identifier to the cloud storage server.
US09922031B2
A system and method are provided for processing directory service operations. The system includes a client device communicatively coupled to one or more directory servers. Each directory server includes a communications interface, a storage mechanism, and an evaluation module. According to an exemplary embodiment, the storage mechanism is a non-persistent storage mechanism which increases read and write performance. When a directory server receives a directory service operation, it determines whether it is capable of processing the operation, and if so, processes it with respect to its non-persistent storage mechanism.
US09922028B2
The embodiments herein provide a system and method for translation of static and dynamic. content in digital applications. The embodiments provide a system and method for contextual translation of static and dynamic content on digital applications based on user-defined triggers. Currently available methods are pre-configured for content that is already part of the application, the applications do not localize or translate dynamically generated content. The present embodiments provide a system for contextual translation of static and dynamic content on digital applications. The system enables localization of multiple aspects of digital content, such as static and dynamic content, language, push notifications etc. based on multiple user-defined triggers such as history of user preferences, usage pattern of the user, input method, location of user etc. The system also provides a rank-based priority for localization of content based on analyses of usage pattern.
US09922016B2
Digital programmed logic implemented on a computing device programmed to cause the display of an electronic document on a graphical user interface within the computing device. The electronic document displayed includes a plurality of data items of information. The programmed logic is programmed to automatically generate summary data that summarizes at least two data items from the plurality of data items included in the electronic document. The programmed logic is further programmed to generate a virtual sticky and display the virtual sticky on the electronic document. The virtual sticky displays the automatically generated summary data and the display of the virtual sticky is overlaid onto at least a portion of the display of the electronic document.
US09922015B2
Abbreviations can be handled by a computer system that receives a message that specifies a recipient and a sender. A first text portion is identified from the message as being associated with an abbreviation. A sender and receiver profile are used to identify a set of one or more solutions for the first text portion. The solutions are scored based upon the online content exposure information in the profile of the recipient. Based upon the scoring, a particular solution of the one or more solutions is identified for use. The text body of the message is modified to include the particular solution, and the modified message is transmitted to the recipient.
US09922012B1
A first nonextensible schema is obtained, based on the first nonextensible schema, a compact syntax regular language for XML next generation (RNC) file. A regular language for XML next generation (RNG) file can be generated based on the RNC file. Based on the RNG file, a second (core) nonextensible schema and a first (core) extensible schema can be generated. An extensible (extension) schema and a nonextensible (extension) schema can also be generated. The extensible (extension) schema and the nonextensible (extension) schema can be plugged into the RNG file. The RNG file can be regenerated with the plugins, and a third nonextensible schema and a second extensible schema can be generated based on the regenerated RNG file. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
US09922010B2
In at least one embodiment, a system and method place data on an user interface wherein the user interface is a medium for interaction between user and an internet capable device such as a web page or an application. The method and system includes extracting color information from at least one of the web page and the application. Extracting the color information includes the step of classifying each pixel of at least one of the web page and the mobile application into a cluster of a plurality of clusters. Further, the method and system includes assigning an attribute from a plurality of attributes to the cluster of the plurality of clusters. Furthermore, the method and system includes creating a plurality of Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) classes. In addition, the method and system includes customizing the data based on the plurality of CSS classes. Additionally, the method and system includes placing the data on at least one of the web page and the application.
US09922009B2
The present application discloses a network media information display system, method, apparatus and server. The method includes: setting network media information data in a display server, the network media information data including a model type corresponding to a network media information template, template data, and element content, and the template data including an element identification and model data; setting the model type and a creation script of a corresponding basic element in a display apparatus; acquiring, by the display apparatus, corresponding network media information from the display server, automatically creating a basic element corresponding to the model type of the network media information according to a preset basic element creation script, matching a structural element of the current network media information according to an element identification in the template data, and assembling, according to the model data, the structural element into the network media information that needs to be displayed.
US09922000B2
A write queue, for queuing a packet in a traffic manager coupled to a memory device, is selected from among a preemptable write queue configured to queue packets that are candidates for being retrieved from the traffic manager before the packets are written to the memory device and a non-preemptable write queue configured to queue packets that are not candidates for being retrieved from the traffic manager before the packets are written to the memory device. The packet is written to the selected write queue. A read request is generated for retrieving the packet from the memory device, and it is determined whether the packet is queued in the preemptable write queue. If the packet is queued in the preemptable write queue, the packet is extracted from the preemptable write queue for retrieving the packet from the traffic manager before the packet is written to the memory device.
US09921991B2
Systems and methods described herein facilitate configuration changes to an NIC teaming device while enabling multiple I/O threads continue to run through the NIC teaming device concurrently without interruption. At a given time, multiple configurations of the NIC teaming device, e.g., one for a current configuration of the NIC teaming device and one for a new configuration of the NIC teaming device, can co-exist. For the duration of one iteration, the current configuration of the NIC teaming device used by a specific I/O thread does not change and the new configuration of the NIC teaming device is not adopted by the I/O thread until the start of the next iteration. Once all of the I/O threads finish their current iteration, the configuration of the NIC teaming device is flipped from the current configuration to the new configuration and the current configuration is deleted.
US09921990B2
A SAS (Serial Attached SCSI or Serial Attached Small Computer System Interface) switch includes a master SAS expander and a multitude of slave expanders connected to the master SAS expander. Each slave expander has a distinct SAS address. The slave expanders are not directly connected to one another and communicate through the master expander. The SAS switch has a pair of SAS wide ports each having a multitude of SAS links each associated with one of the slave expanders. The slave expanders are configured to route SAS traffic in accordance with routing tables established by the master SAS expander. The master SAS expander is not directly connected to either of the SAS wide ports.
US09921983B2
Two channels of a main CPU channel and a sub CPU channel each including a reception channel and a transmission channel, and performing a data transfer by a DMA in accordance with a descriptor are provided, a channel switching part selects the main CPU channel or the sub CPU channel in accordance with information set at a mode setting register, and performs a switching of channels at a boundary of a packet to be transferred to thereby enable the switching of channels without interrupting a DMA operation.
US09921980B2
Apparatuses, hybrid memory modules, memories, and methods for configuring I/Os of a memory for a hybrid memory module are described. An example apparatus includes a non-volatile memory, a control circuit coupled to the non-volatile memory, and a volatile memory coupled to the control circuit. The volatile memory is configured to enable a first subset of I/Os for communication with a bus and enable a second subset of I/O for communication with the control circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to transfer information between the volatile memory and the non-volatile memory.
US09921967B2
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for using a shared page miss handler device to satisfy page miss requests of a plurality of devices in a multi-core system. One embodiment of such a method comprises receiving one or more page miss requests from one or more respective requesting devices of the plurality of devices in the multi-core system, and arbitrating to identify a first page miss requests of the one or more requesting devices A page table walk is performed to generate a physical address responsive to the first page miss request. Then the physical address is sent to the corresponding requesting device, or a fault is signaled to an operating system for the corresponding requesting device responsive to the first page miss request.
US09921964B2
A computer system processor of a multi-processor computer system having cache subsystem, executes a demote instruction to cause a cache line exclusively owned by the computer system processor to become shared or read-only in the cache subsystem.
US09921963B1
A data processing system and methods for performing cache eviction are disclosed. An exemplary method includes maintaining a metadata set for each cache unit of a cache device, wherein the cache device comprises a plurality of cache units, each cache unit having a plurality of segments, calculating a score for each metadata set, and arranging the metadata sets in a list in ascending order from lowest score to highest score. The exemplary method further includes in response to determining that a cache eviction is to be performed, selecting a cache unit corresponding to the metadata set in the list having the lowest score, without recalculating a score for any of the metadata set, and evicting the selected cache unit. The metadata nay include, for example, segment count metadata, validity metadata, last access time (LAT) metadata, and hotness metadata.
US09921958B2
A method for collection instance resizing. The method may include identifying at least one collection object within a collection framework of a virtual machine. The method may also include determining the at least one identified collection object satisfies at least one preconfigured criteria. The method may further include determining a garbage collection cycle count associated with the at least one identified collection object exceeds a preconfigured threshold. The method may also include determining an occupancy ratio associated with the at least one identified collection object is less than a preconfigured shrink threshold. The method may further include restructuring the at least one identified collection object based on the at least one identified collection object satisfying the at least one preconfigured criteria, the garbage collection cycle count exceeding the preconfigured threshold, and the occupancy ratio being less than the preconfigured shrink threshold.
US09921952B2
A computer executes a first version of a code module in a first test environment, collects a first set of execution measurements, and creates a first profile based on the first set of execution measurements. The computer executes the first version of the code module in a second test environment, collects a second set of execution measurements, and creates a second profile based on the second set of execution measurements. In response to a difference between the first profile and the second profile exceeding a threshold, the computer provides diagnostic data characterizing the difference, analyzes an impact of the difference on the execution of the code module, calculates a risk of code module failure value based on analyzing the impact of the difference, and provides a recommended action based on analyzing the impact of the difference and the calculated risk of code module failure value.
US09921951B2
An example system configured to perform regression tracking and triaging includes a processor and memory coupled with the processor. The memory is configured to provide the processor with instructions to schedule the testing of a first list of equidistant revisions associated with a software application. The memory is configured to provide the processor with instructions to schedule the testing of a second list of equidistant revisions associated with the software application. The memory is further configured to provide the processor with instructions to, for a first revision selected from the first list of equidistant revisions and a second revision selected from the second list of equidistant revisions, upon a determination that an equidistance between the first revision and the second revision is below a predetermined threshold, test the second revision using a first build generated based on the first revision, wherein the first build is executable by the processor.
US09921948B2
A risk level of a software commit is assessed through the use of a classifier. The classifier may be generated based on attributes pertaining to previous commits and used to determine a risk level for deployment of a software commit into a production environment based on attributes extracted from the software commit.
US09921947B2
A test selection method includes: generating, by a computer, relationship information that includes information indicating whether there is a relationship between each pair of one of a plurality of first tests and one of a plurality of second tests, and information on the number of relationships that indicates the number of pairs having the relationship from among a plurality of the pairs, by use of a result of performing the plurality of first tests and a result of performing the plurality of second tests; and when a specific test included in the plurality of first tests is designated, extracting by the computer, from among the plurality of second tests, a related test that relates to the specific test, on the basis of the relationship information and the information on the number of relationships.
US09921946B2
A method and apparatus are provided for navigating source code (112) by capturing a program trace data history (134) from a target (150) in response to execution of application executable code (123) thereon and decorating the source code blocks (252) on a graphical user interface viewer (251) by displaying an execution instance control indicator (253-255) corresponding to each detected execution instance, where an execution instance control enables control of which execution instance is displayed and an execution instance indicator displays information about the sequence of instructions that were executed at runtime in that execution instance.
US09921945B2
Aspects provide for automatic verification of JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) data by making a JSON call via an Extensible Markup Language (XML) Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) HTTP object against a data warehouse data item stored in a back end server. JSON response data returned from the back end server in response to the JSON call is converted into actual XML result data that includes a first plurality of XML statements. A Structured Query Language (SQL) query is executed against the data warehouse data item, and expected XML result data generated in response thereto that include a different (second) plurality of XML statements. The JSON response data returned from the back end server is thereby verified in response to matching the actual XML result data to the expected XML result data.
US09921941B2
A method for performing verification and validation of third party PLC code includes a marketplace computer receiving a program from a technology developer and identifying variables and operations included in the program. The marketplace computer performs (i) error handling testing on the program to yield error test results; (ii) vulnerability testing on the program to yield vulnerability test results; and (iii) performance testing of the program on target platforms to yield performance test results. Next, the marketplace computer generates a report based on the variables and operations included in the program, the error test results, the vulnerability test results, and the performance test results. This report may be sent by the marketplace computer to the technology developer.
US09921923B2
A system, method, and auditing device for processing electronic devices to detect CPI. The auditing device may include a user interface for communicating information and receiving user input. The auditing device may also include a number of interfaces operable to communicate with the one or more electronic devices. The auditing device may also include a memory operable to store a plurality of libraries providing information for detecting CPI on a number of electronic devices including a number of makes, models, and configurations. The auditing device may also include logic operable to utilize the plurality of libraries to detect CPI included on the one or more electronic devices communicating with the testing device, record an identification of an electronic device in response to detecting the CPI is present on the electronic device, and store an alert associated with the identification indicating that CPI is present on the electronic device.
US09921917B2
A computer system for using an undo stack to explore past actions and apply new actions to previous states in a data view is provided. The computer system includes program instructions to detect a change in an application data view. The application then displays an undo stack and stores the data change in the application data view to the undo stack. Upon detecting a selection of the undo stack entry for undo, the application returns the application data view to the state represented by the undo stack entry. The computer system further includes program instructions to provide a user interface allowing a user to perform operations on undo stack entries. Responsive to the user utilizing the user interface and making selections, the application then adjusts the application data view state based on the performed actions.
US09921899B2
A serial link data monitoring apparatus for targeting a given Bit Error Rate (BER) for stable serial link data communication is disclosed. An interface unit may be configured to receive data via a serial interface, and circuitry may be configured to monitor errors in the data. The circuitry may be further configured to perform one or more first training operations in response to a determination that the number of errors detected in the data is greater than a first threshold value, and perform a second training operation in response to a determination that a number of first training operations performed in a predetermined period of time is greater than a second threshold value. An amount of time to perform the second training operation may be greater than an amount of time to perform a given one of the first training operations.
US09921897B2
Embodiments herein provide a testing apparatus (whether physical or simulated) for testing a non-core MMU in a processor chip. Unlike core MMUs, non-core MMUs may be located in a part of the processor chip outside of the processing cores in the chip. Instead of being used to perform address translation requests sent by the processing core, the non-core MMUs may be used by other hardware modules in the processor chip such as compression engines, crypto engines, accelerators, etc. In one embodiment, the testing apparatus includes a MMU testor that transmits the translation requests to the non-core MMU which tests its functionality. Using the data provided in the translation requests, the non-core MMU performs virtual to physical address translations. The non-core MMU transmits the results of these translations to the MMU testor which compares these results to expected results to identify any design flaws in the non-core MMU.
US09921893B2
Disclosed is a method for selecting one of a plurality of versions of a software component of a message queuing software product to perform a task. One or more rules describing one or more characteristics of the plurality of versions of the software component is provided. Responsive to a determination that the rule applies to the task to be performed: a list of the plurality of versions of the message queuing software product is obtained, it is checked whether the software component of the one of the plurality of versions of the message queuing software product is available for use; and the most preferred version of the message queuing software component available is used to perform the task. Responsive to a determination that none of the rules apply to the task to be performed, the task is performed with the most preferred version of the message queuing software component.
US09921892B2
A document having one or more content items is presented in a web browser to a user. A user input to select a content item in the displayed document and a transfer request to transfer the selected content item to the system clipboard are received. In response to the received transfer request, the content item is transformed in an editing surface embedded in the document from a source format of the content item into a target format compatible with the system clipboard. The content item transformed into the target format can then be transferred to the system clipboard.
US09921890B2
An improved system for handling events in an industrial control system is disclosed. A module in an industrial controller is configured to generate an event responsive to a predefined signal or combination of signals occurring. The event is transferred to an event queue for subsequent execution. The event queue may also be configured to store a copy of the state of the module at the time the event is generated. The event queue may hold multiple events and each event is configured to trigger at least one event task. Subsequent events that occur during execution of the event task are stored in the event queue for later execution. An event, or combination of events, may trigger execution of an event task within the module, within the controller to which the module is connected, or within multiple controllers.
US09921889B2
A method and an apparatus for managing an electronic device are provided. The method comprises: determining a state of the electronic device; monitoring whether an instruction for invoking a notification component in the electronic device has been generated when the state of the electronic device satisfies a predetermined condition; and intercepting the instruction for invoking the notification component to prevent a notification event associated with the instruction from being executed.
US09921883B2
A device includes: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute a process of managing data on a first subgraph that is included in a graph including vertices indicating computing resources of a system and edges indicating links between the computing resources and is provided for a first computing resource to which a first job are assigned, or data on a second subgraph that is included in the graph and connected to the first subgraph through a vertex indicating a computing resource to which none of the first job is assigned in the graph and that is provided for a second computing resource to which a second job is assigned, and a process of using the data to determine, based on the first subgraph, whether a third computing resource to which a third job is to be assigned exists.
US09921878B1
Techniques for singleton coordination in an actor-based system are described herein. In some examples, one or more actors within an actor based system may be designated as singleton actors. Each singleton actor is permitted to have only a single associated instance in the actor-based system. In some cases, when multiple executing instances (i.e., duplicates) of a singleton actor are detected, the duplicates may be resolved, for example, such that no more than a single instance of the singleton actor is retained. In some examples, one or more singleton coordinators may be responsible for selecting one or more hubs on which to generate new or re-generated singletons, monitoring existing singletons to ensure that they continue to execute, and re-generating existing singletons after termination.
US09921875B2
An application sends a first request to an operating system to provide a hardware device with direct memory access to contents of a virtual memory location in an application memory of the application, wherein the virtual memory location is mapped to a physical memory location. In response to determining that the virtual memory location is to be reclaimed, the application sends a second request to the operating system to unmap the physical memory location from the virtual memory location. The second request causes the virtual memory location to be mapped to a new physical memory location. Responsive to receiving an indication from the operating system that the request to unmap the physical memory location has completed, the application then accesses the new physical memory location mapped to the virtual memory location.
US09921873B2
A technique for controlling the distribution of compute task processing in a multi-threaded system encodes each processing task as task metadata (TMD) stored in memory. The TMD includes work distribution parameters specifying how the processing task should be distributed for processing. Scheduling circuitry selects a task for execution when entries of a work queue for the task have been written. The work distribution parameters may define a number of work queue entries needed before a cooperative thread array” (“CTA”) may be launched to process the work queue entries according to the compute task. The work distribution parameters may define a number of CTAs that are launched to process the same work queue entries. Finally, the work distribution parameters may define a step size that is used to update pointers to the work queue entries.
US09921869B2
A data processing apparatus generates by a stream processing control program, for a time-series first stream data group of stream data out of a time-series stream data sequence, first vector data including elements acquired by collecting respective pieces of stream data of the time-series first stream data group; generates, by the stream processing control program, for a time-series second stream data group including, as a head, a piece of intermediate stream data of the time-series first stream data group and having the same number of pieces of data as the time-series first stream data group, second vector data including elements acquired by collecting respective pieces of stream data of the time-series second stream data group; and inputs, by the stream processing control program, the first and second vector data generated respectively to a batch program to control the batch program to carry out a batch processing.
US09921868B2
Generally, this disclosure describes systems (and methods) of moderating interrupts in a virtualization environment. An overflow interval is defined. The overflow interrupt interval is used to trigger activation of an inactive guest so that the guest may respond to a critical event. The guest, including a network application, may be active for a first time interval and inactive for a second time interval. A latency interrupt interval may be defined. The latency interrupt interval is configured for interrupt moderation when the network application associated with a packet flow is active, i.e., when the guest including the network application is active on a processor. Of course, many alternatives, variations, and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment.
US09921865B2
A system and method for system table modification in a virtualized computer system are disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment, a hypervisor that is executed by a computer system detects an attempt by a guest operating system of a virtual machine to access a system table. In response to the detecting, the hypervisor determines a hardware configuration of the virtual machine, and populates one or more entries of the system table in view of the hardware configuration.
US09921864B2
A tuning engine for a virtualized computing system is described that periodically collect performance metrics from the virtualized computing system, and detects whether a change in system state has occurred based on the collected metrics. The tuning engine may determine whether the virtualized computing system is densely virtualized, and accordingly modify operations and configuration settings of various components in charge of handling networking for the virtualized computing system.
US09921863B2
Management of virtual machines within a private network may be provided from a server application, such as a web application, on a machine remote from a private network. The server application receives management commands and communications the management commands in a vendor independent format to a client application within the private network. The client application receives the management commands, instantiates the management commands into a vendor specific definition and redirects the management commands to the virtual machine host for appropriate execution.
US09921852B2
In some implementations, network interface controller (NIC) configuration information can be obtained from a NIC prior to booting up an operating system. For example, a Basic Input Output System (BIOS) can obtain the NIC configuration information from the NIC during the execution of a system check (e.g., Power-On Self-Test). A system controller can receive the NIC configuration information from the BIOS. The system controller can store the NIC configuration information in memory associated with the system controller. A management system can request the NIC configuration information from the system controller using an out-of-band communication channel. For example, the management system can send the request for NIC configuration information to the system controller prior to powering on a server using a dedicated network interface of the system controller.
US09921847B2
In one embodiment of the present invention, a streaming multiprocessor (SM) uses a tree of nodes to manage threads. Each node specifies a set of active threads and a program counter. Upon encountering a conditional instruction that causes an execution path to diverge, the SM creates child nodes corresponding to each of the divergent execution paths. Based on the conditional instruction, the SM assigns each active thread included in the parent node to at most one child node, and the SM temporarily discontinues executing instructions specified by the parent node. Instead, the SM concurrently executes instructions specified by the child nodes. After all the divergent paths reconverge to the parent path, the SM resumes executing instructions specified by the parent node. Advantageously, the disclosed techniques enable the SM to execute divergent paths in parallel, thereby reducing undesirable program behavior associated with conventional techniques that serialize divergent paths across thread groups.
US09921845B2
A system for executing instructions using a plurality of memory fragments for a processor. The system includes a global front end scheduler for receiving an incoming instruction sequence, wherein the global front end scheduler partitions the incoming instruction sequence into a plurality of code blocks of instructions and generates a plurality of inheritance vectors describing interdependencies between instructions of the code blocks. The system further includes a plurality of virtual cores of the processor coupled to receive code blocks allocated by the global front end scheduler, wherein each virtual core comprises a respective subset of resources of a plurality of partitionable engines, wherein the code blocks are executed by using the partitionable engines in accordance with a virtual core mode and in accordance with the respective inheritance vectors. A plurality memory fragments are coupled to the partitionable engines for providing data storage.
US09921843B2
Predictive fetching and decoding for selected instructions (e.g., operating system instructions, hypervisor instructions or other such instructions). A determination is made that a selected instruction, such as a system call instruction, an asynchronous interrupt, a return from system call instruction or return from asynchronous interrupt, is to be executed. Based on determining that such an instruction is to be executed, a predicted address is determined for the selected instruction, which is the address to which processing transfers in order to provide the requested services. Then, fetching of instructions beginning at the predicted address prior to execution of the selected instruction is commenced. Further, speculative state relating to a selected instruction, including, for instance, an indication of the privilege level of the selected instruction or instructions executed on behalf of the selected instruction, is predicted and maintained.
US09921830B2
Data is received that includes at least a portion of a program. Thereafter, entry point locations and execution-relevant metadata of the program are identified and retrieved. Regions of code within the program are then identified using static disassembly and based on the identified entry point locations and metadata. In addition, entry points are determined for each of a plurality of functions. Thereafter, a set of possible call sequences are generated for each function based on the identified regions of code and the determined entry points for each of the plurality of functions. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
US09921826B2
A system for visualizing a congruency of versions of an application across phases of a release pipeline includes a selecting engine to select a phase from a number of phases; a representing engine to represent, via a user interface (UI), a congruency for a number of versions of an application compared against a target version of the application across the phases of a release pipeline, the congruency for the number of versions of the application represented with identifiers; a differentiating engine to differentiate a latest-deployed version of the application against a planned version of the application in a particular environment; and a comparing engine to compare, based on a selection, properties of the versions of the application.
US09921822B2
A tool for creating and editing applications on a mobile device. The tool searches the mobile device for one or more exposed features of a plurality of currently installed applications on the mobile device. The tool exposes a workspace using a graphical programming language on the mobile device. The tool receives a plurality of selections in the workspace. The tool receives a configuration of the plurality of received selections in the workspace. The tool determines, based on the configuration of the received selections in the workspace, the application is complete. The tool prompts to save the completed application.
US09921820B2
Techniques are described for standardizing software configuration levels across targets. In one embodiment, a subscription is maintained that identifies a group of targets that subscribe to a particular image, where the particular image represents a standard to follow for targets that belong to the group of targets. The particular image may further include a first image version having a first set of source components. In response to receiving an update to the particular image, a second image version is generated for the particular image, where the second image version includes a second set of source components that are different than the first set of source components. Two or more targets in the group of targets that subscribe to the particular image may be updated based on the second image version.
US09921816B2
A computer-implemented method includes, in a code transformation system, identifying save-to-return code instructions, function call code instructions, comparison code instructions, and exceptional code instructions. The function call code instructions are associated with the save-to-return code instructions. The comparison code instructions are associated with the save-to-return code instructions. The exceptional code instructions are associated with the comparison code instructions. A predefined proximity range based on a predefined proximity value as well as a proximity eligibility indicator are determined. The proximity eligibility indicator denotes whether the save-to-return code instructions and the comparison code instructions are within the predefined proximity range. Responsive to the proximity eligibility indicator denoting the save-to-return code instructions and the comparison code instructions are within the predefined proximity range, one or more execution flow relationships between the function call code instructions and the exceptional code instructions are created. A corresponding computer program product and computer system are also disclosed.
US09921812B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, program products, and systems for modifying source code by managing symbols indicating executable instructions. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to receive one or more symbols indicating executable instructions to be implemented via source code and generate a visual display comprising a dialog box supporting modification of source code that implements the executable instructions indicated by the one or more symbols. Responsive to receiving a user interaction with the dialog box resulting in modified source code, embodiments of the present invention can be used to generate modified source code or a representation of the modified source code that is shorter than the modified source code.
US09921808B1
Memristor-based adders using memristors-as-drivers (MAD) gates. As a result of employing MAD gates in memristor-based adders, such as ripple carry adders, carry select adders, conditional sum adders and carry lookahead adders, the number of delay steps may be less than half than the number of delay steps required in traditional CMOS implementations of adders. Furthermore, by using MAD gates, memristor-based adders can be implemented with less complexity (e.g., fewer memristors and drivers). As a result, by the memristor-based adders using MAD gates, the speed and complexity of a wide variety of arithmetic operations is improved.
US09921807B2
A method of an aspect includes receiving a floating point scaling instruction. The floating point scaling instruction indicates a first source including one or more floating point data elements, a second source including one or more corresponding floating point data elements, and a destination. A result is stored in the destination in response to the floating point scaling instruction. The result includes one or more corresponding result floating point data elements each including a corresponding floating point data element of the second source multiplied by a base of the one or more floating point data elements of the first source raised to a power of an integer representative of the corresponding floating point data element of the first source. Other methods, apparatus, systems, and instructions are disclosed.
US09921805B2
One embodiment provides a method, including: receiving, at an audio receiver of a device, a voice input; selecting, using a processor of a device, an active target voice enabled resource for the voice input from among a plurality of active target voice enabled resources; and providing, using a processor of the device, the voice input to the active target voice enabled resource selected. Other aspects are described and claimed.
US09921804B2
A system and method is presented for awarding content to users of mobile devices for attending events, appearing at locations, or viewing audiovisual content. One embodiment also automatically alters the configuration of mobile devices, which is particularly useful in movie theaters. An application on the device recognizes an audible signal provided at the location or in the audiovisual content. The signal can also be used to unlock content. In this way, desired content is available only when the user has attended an event such as an event sponsored by the content creator. The content can relate to the event, and can be synchronized to the event. The signal can also trigger an application or unlock content at a store location. For example, a scavenger hunt can be guided by an application on the mobile device.
US09921792B2
A vehicle information display apparatus includes display areas displaying information concerning an in-vehicle device and displaying an operation screen page for operating the in-vehicle device; an operating part for performing an operation on the operation screen page and a control part receiving an operation signal corresponding to the operation performed on the operating part, controlling a display on the plurality of display areas and determining, based on the operation signal, an operation valid display area from among the display areas. The control part executes the operation on the operation screen page in the operation valid display area based on the operation signal corresponding to a first operation performed on the operation part. The control part changes the operation valid display area based on the operation signal corresponding to a second operation performed on the operating part.
US09921787B2
A relay apparatus executes: a first receiving process of receiving service requesting information and first identification information from an image forming apparatus through a communicator, the service requesting information being information requesting a service provided by the service providing apparatus; a first read-out process of reading out, from the memory, the first authentication information identified by the first identification information; a first transmitting process of transmitting, to the service providing apparatus through the communicator, the service requesting information and the first authentication information; a second receiving process of receiving service information corresponding to the service requesting information from the service providing apparatus through the communicator, the service information being information provided by the service providing apparatus in response to the service requesting information; and a second transmitting process of transmitting the service information to the image forming apparatus through the communicator.
US09921766B2
Methods and corresponding systems for managing memory of a storage drive are provided. The method includes determining a number of invalid pages in each memory block of a plurality of memory blocks in the storage drive. Thereafter, the method includes identifying a set of target memory blocks within the plurality of memory blocks. The set of target memory blocks is identified by determining a target memory block comprising the highest number of invalid pages amongst the plurality of memory blocks. The step of determining is iterated to determine further target memory blocks while the total number of valid pages in the set of target memory blocks is less than or equal to the total number of free pages in one of at least one free memory block and a garbage collection memory block in the storage drive. The method further includes recycling the set of target memory blocks.
US09921765B2
Systems and methods create partial snapshot for a volume. Files and folders are identified for inclusion in the partial snapshot. In response to writing updated data to the volume, a volume snapshot layer can determine of the updated data is associated with a file or folder in the partial snapshot. If the file or folder is included in the partial snapshot, original data at the volume location is read from the volume and written to the partial snapshot.
US09921764B2
Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for using inactive copy relationships to resynchronize data between storages. A first and second groups of active copy relationships are established to serially copy data among the storages in the first and second groups, respectively. At least one of the storages in both the first group and the second group comprise overlapping storages that are members of both the first and second groups and at least one of the storages in both the first and second groups comprise non-overlapping storages that are a member of only one of the first and second groups. At least one inactive copy relationship is established having as a source storage one of the non-overlapping storages in the first group and as a target storage one of the non-overlapping storages in the second group.
US09921763B1
Providing for a memory apparatus comprising multiple banks of non-volatile memory and a high-speed data bus is described herein. By way of example, the memory apparatus can employ a standard or near-standard DRAM bus as an interface to high-performance two-terminal memory arrays. Interleaved operation can facilitate throughputs over 2gigabytes/second, in various embodiments, and larger throughputs in at least some embodiments, by interleaving multiple memory banks that are separately addressed via one or more mode registers, referred to as an index register(s). Further, the memory apparatus can have one or two terabytes of total storage, with capacity to increase storage volume. According to various embodiments, the memory apparatus can operate with a standard DRAM controller, or a memory controller configured with a DRAM communication protocol, modified in software or firmware to match configurations of the non-volatile memory employed for the multiple banks of memory.
US09921752B2
A computer program product having a computer readable medium tangibly recording computer program logic for providing data access in a storage system, the computer program product including code to analyze a plurality of data access requests directed to a source volume of the storage system, code to generate a mirror volume of the source volume, the mirror volume including a subset of data items of the source volume, in which the first subset of data items is selected for the mirror volume based at least in part on data access patterns revealed by analyzing the data access requests, and code to access the mirror volume in parallel with accessing the source volume to fulfill read requests from a plurality of hosts.
US09921751B2
A memory system includes a CPU that communicates commands and addresses to a main-memory module. The module includes a buffer circuit that relays commands and data between the CPU and the main memory. The memory module additionally includes an embedded processor that shares access to main memory in support of peripheral functionality, such as graphics processing, for improved overall system performance. The buffer circuit facilitates the communication of instructions and data between CPU and the peripheral processor in a manner that minimizes or eliminates the need to modify CPU, and consequently reduces practical barriers to the adoption of main-memory modules with integrated processing power.
US09921746B2
An article of manufacture includes a machine-readable medium that stores a multimedia content file in a first format and multiple program sets. Each program set is a version of software that, when executed by a respective electronic system, produces the multimedia content file in a second format for use in the respective electronic system. A first program set is compatible with a first operating system executed by a first electronic system and a second program set is compatible with a second operating system executed by a second electronic system. The second operating system is distinct from the first operating system.
US09921740B2
Methods, computer program products and systems for displaying content on a touch screen of a touch screen device. One method includes: obtaining data indicating a portion of the touch screen is obstructed during display of the content on the touch screen; and adjusting a position of the content as displayed on the touch screen in response to obtaining the data indicating the portion of the touch screen is obstructed.
US09921735B2
An intelligent terminal may comprise at least one processor-readable non-transitory storage medium and at least one processor in communication with the at least one storage medium. The at least one storage medium may comprise at least one set of instructions for automatically pasting a URL from a clipboard to an address bar of a web browser. The at least one processor may be configured to execute the at least one set of instructions to obtain a URL copied by a user from a clipboard; determine an intention of the user associated with whether to paste the candidate string in a designated location of an interface displayed on the intelligent terminal; and automatically display the candidate string in the designated location of the interface when the intention of the user is determined to paste the candidate string in the designated location of the interface.
US09921729B2
A method for facilitating multiple simultaneous instant messaging conversations includes: receiving a first online instant message from a first instant messaging conversation, where the user is a participant in the first instant messaging conversation; receiving a second online instant message from a second instant messaging conversation, in which the user is also a participant; integrating the first online instant message and the second online instant message into a sequence of instant messages; and displaying the sequence of instant messages such that the more recently received instant messages are displayed either below or above less recently received instant messages. If the user directs input at the displayed sequence of messages, a second sequence of messages primarily comprising messages from the first instant messaging conversation is displayed.
US09921728B2
A screen providing device and a method of providing a user interface (UI) are provided. The method includes operations of selecting a service to be provided via a service providing device; selecting a UI configuring element stored in a database, based on the selected service; and displaying on a screen a UI comprising the UI configuring element.
US09921723B2
A method for switching page includes creating several sequential virtual pages through loading a page script, and displaying the virtual pages on a touch screen of an electronic device; collecting touching positions of a user in the displayed virtual pages; and performing switching pages to the virtual pages displayed on the touch screen according to the touching positions. An electronic device for switching page includes a page virtual module used to create several sequential virtual pages through loading the page script, and display the virtual pages on the touch screen; a collecting module used to collect touching positions of a user in the displayed virtual page; and a processing module used to perform switching pages to the virtual page displayed on the touch screen according to said touching positions.
US09921721B2
An ebook is represented as a plurality of ebook pages associated with a plurality of segments. A navigation command is received from a user, the navigation command requesting a navigation graphical user interface (GUI) in a particular navigation mode of a plurality of navigation modes. One or more ebook pages, of the plurality of ebook pages, are identified for page thumbnail generation, and page thumbnails are generated for each of the identified one or more ebook pages. The generated page thumbnails are grouped by segment, using the plurality of segments. The navigation GUI is generated in the requested navigation mode using the grouped page thumbnails, the navigation GUI listing at least one segment, of the plurality of segments, and horizontally listing at least one page thumbnail associated with the at least one segment, and the navigation GUI is displayed.
US09921719B2
A touch display apparatus and a wallpaper replacing method thereof are provided to select from wallpapers the one different from a currently displayed wallpaper according to a page-replacing operation when touch display apparatus is in an unlocked state, so as to replace the currently displayed wallpaper.
US09921717B2
Certain exemplary embodiments relate to techniques for generating electronic menu (eMenu) graphical user interface layouts for use in connection with electronic devices (e.g., tablets, phablets, smart phones, etc.). A virtual grid-based layout including rows and columns that together constitute regularly sized and shaped grid cells is defined. Input identifying items to be included in the eMenu is received. Each item has associated length and width dimensions corresponding to a number of grid cells. At least some of the items are flagged for inclusion in the eMenu. Those items marked for inclusion are automatically and programmatically arranged in the eMenu in the grid cells of the grid-based layout in a manner that minimizes the number of unused grid cells. A tag-based representation of the layout corresponding to the formatted eMenu is stored. The file is made available to the electronic device in enabling the formatted eMenu to be displayed thereon.
US09921716B2
A request to display a portion of a full-screen content overlay options menu of a multiple media player device is detected by the multiple media player device that represents less than all of the full-screen content overlay options menu. A media type of content media currently accessed by the multiple media player device is determined. A current setting status of an available adjustment of the multiple media player device associated with the portion of the full-screen content overlay options menu based upon the determined media type of content media currently accessed by the multiple media player device is determined. A first graphical menu pane of the full-screen content overlay options menu, including the current setting status of the available adjustment, is displayed over full-screen content on a display. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
US09921702B2
A touch display apparatus is disclosed herein. The touch display apparatus has a timing controller outputting external signals; a touch driver for outputting touch driving signals according to the touch-enable signal; a scan driver having a multi-stage shift registers outputting scan signals, each shift register having a driving unit electrically connected to a driving node, outputting a first scan signal to an output end according to a clock signal; a pull-up unit outputting a driving voltage to the driving node according to a second scan signal; a pull-down control unit controlling a voltage level of the driving node according to the clock signal; a discharging unit adjusting the voltage level of the driving node according to a first control signal and the first scan signal, wherein the clock signal and the first control signal are in-phase periodic signals and respectively have a rising edge and a falling edge, the falling edge of the first control signal is ahead of that of the clock signal; and a pull-down unit electrically connected to the output end adjusting the voltage level of the output end, wherein the first control signal and the second control signal are complementary periodic signals.
US09921699B2
In one embodiment, a conductive line structure includes a substrate and a plurality of conductive lines thereon. The substrate has a first area and a second area, and the two areas are separated by at least one borderline. The plurality of conductive lines are disposed at the first area and the second area of the substrate, respectively. The at least one borderline may be a straight line, and the conductive lines disposed at the second area are inclined relative to the at least one borderline. A sensing device using the conductive line structure is also provided.
US09921697B2
A touch sensor device including a first conductive pattern disposed on a substrate and a first polymer layer disposed on the first conductive pattern. The first polymer layer includes a first conductive region and a first non-conductive region. The touch sensor device also includes a second polymer layer disposed on the first polymer layer. The second polymer layer includes a second conductive region and a second non-conductive region.
US09921691B2
In one embodiment, a method includes applying a supply voltage across a compensation capacitor; dividing charge between a capacitance of a touch sensor and the compensation capacitor; and performing the application of the supply voltage and the dividing of charge a pre-determined number of times. A first amount of charge of the compensation capacitor results in a first voltage at an input node. The method also includes applying a reference voltage at the input node. The application of the reference voltage at the input node induces a second amount of charge proportional to a difference between the first voltage and the reference voltage on an integration capacitor. The method also includes determining a first difference between the first voltage and the reference voltage based on a second amount of charge on the integration capacitor; and determining whether a touch input to the touch sensor has occurred based on the difference.
US09921690B2
System and method for contactless detection and recognition of gestures in a three-dimensional space
The invention relates to a method for the contactless detection and recognition of gestures in a three-dimensional movement space (3D gestures), wherein in an electrical near-field which defines the three-dimensional movement space, deformations of the electrical near-field are detected which can be performed by movements of at least one object, e.g. one or two fingers in the three-dimensional movement space, at least one movement path is generated from the detected deformations of the electrical near field, which corresponds to the movement of the at least one object in the three-dimensional movement space, and wherein during the generation of the movement path in the movement path a gesture start is determined, wherein beginning with the gesture start the gesture is extracted from the movement path. The invention also relates to a system for the contactless detection and recognition of gestures in a three-dimensional movement space.
US09921685B2
An optical touch-sensitive device includes a planar optical waveguide structure having a top surface that includes tactile surface features. This produces a tactile effect experienced by the user using a finger or object (e.g., pen, stylus, or other instrument) on the surface.
US09921684B2
An intelligent stylus is disclosed. The stylus can provide a stylus condition in addition to a touch input. The stylus architecture can include multiple sensors to sense information indicative of the stylus condition, a microcontroller to determine the stylus condition based on the sensed information, and a transmitter to transmit the determined condition to a corresponding touch sensitive device so as to cause some action based on the condition.
US09921683B2
Defects in a touch sensor are detected by coupling the sensor lines to a common signal line. Each of the sensor lines is tested by disconnecting the sensor line from the common signal line, connecting it to a voltage (e.g., ground) and comparing the voltage on the common signal line to a reference voltage. Detected defects include a short circuit between any two transmit and/or receive lines and a short between any transmit or receive line to ground.
US09921680B2
Techniques include receiving a pressure input from a user of a user device at a pressure-sensitive display of the device and determining that the display is covered (e.g., obscured from the user's view) using the device. The techniques further include, in response to receiving the pressure input and determining that the display is covered, receiving a search query from the user at the device via voice input, transmitting the query to a search system via a network using the device, and receiving search results from the system at the device subsequent to transmitting the query. The techniques also include performing one or more actions associated with the search results using the user device (e.g., displaying the results to the user at the display, providing a text-to-speech or playback output for the results to the user, and/or forwarding the results to another computing device for display and/or text-to-speech or playback output).
US09921679B2
A force sensing touch screen input device is a solid assembly of multiple layers including a display with a touch-sensitive external surface, a first and second electrode layers separated by a compressible dielectric structure—forming a capacitive force-sensing array, and a rigid planar substrate. One or both electrode layers may be formed by metallizing a polymer surface of the rigid substrate or by creating a conductive electrode onto an internal surface of the display. To increase reliability, each layer is permanently adhered to or formed onto an adjacent layer over its entire surface, whereby preventing internal shifts therebetween. To increase response time, the cover glass flexibility, compressible dielectric structure and the gasket structure between the cover glass and the rigid planar substrates are selected to provide elastic compression and recovery during normal operating conditions.
US09921666B2
Methods and apparatuses for operating a portable device based on an accelerometer are described. According to one embodiment of the invention, it is determined whether a portable device is moving using an accelerometer. It is determined a moving pattern of the portable device based on movement data provided by the accelerometer. A media content is selected based on the moving pattern of the portable device. The selected media content is played via the portable device. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
US09921658B2
A device and method in accordance with the present disclosure provide an input to an electronic device via a gesture performed by a user. A distortion of the user's skin surface due to a gesture performed on the user's skin surface is detected, and a characteristic of the detected distortion is determined. Based on the determined characteristic, the gesture performed on the user's skin surface is determined.
US09921654B2
A tactile sense presentation device that includes a film member which deforms in a planar direction when a voltage is applied thereto, a diaphragm fixed to the film member in a state where a bending stress is applied to the diaphragm, a touch detector which detects a touch operation, and a voltage driver which applies a drive signal to the film member when the touch detector detects the touch operation.
US09921650B2
One illustrative system disclosed herein includes a curved device that includes a curved outer housing, The illustrative system also includes a sensor configured to detect a user interaction with the curved device and transmit a sensor signal associated with the user interaction. The illustrative system additionally includes a processor in communication with the sensor, the processor configured to: receive the sensor signal from the sensor; determine a user interaction based on the sensor signal, determine a first haptic effect based at least in part on the user interaction, and transmit a haptic signal associated with the first haptic effect. The illustrative system also includes a haptic output device configured to receive the haptic signal and output the first haptic effect.
US09921648B2
Disclosed are an apparatus, a method, and a recording medium for controlling a portable communication terminal and a smart watch of the portable communication terminal, which control an operation of a display unit only when a user obtains information on a movement of the smart watch from a sensor installed in the smart watch and view the smart watch.
US09921644B2
A non-linear user interface display presented at a desktop conforms to dimensions of a user detected by a depth camera, such as by presenting the user interface along an arc having a radius determined from a reach of the user detected by the depth camera. Windows presented in the arc vary in size based upon their position relative to a user focus, such as by detecting a user gaze direction or by comparing position to a central display mat. User gestures control presentation of visual images in the arc, such rotating visual image windows in a circular manner around the arc radius and to different orientations in the arc relative to the user.
US09921643B2
A method of extracting a static pattern from an output of an event-based sensor. The method may include receiving an event signal from the event-based sensor in response to dynamic input, and extracting a static pattern associated with the dynamic input based on an identifier and time included in the event signal. The static pattern may be extracted from a map generated based on the identifier and time.
US09921642B2
A hand-held controller includes a user-input surface, a grip coupled to the user-input surface, and a cage coupled to the user-input surface at two points without the grip interposed between the user-input surface and the cage. The hand-held controller includes may further include a plurality of illumination sources on an outer surface of the cage.
US09921641B1
An augmented reality environment allows interaction between virtual and real objects. By monitoring user actions with the augmented reality environment various functions are provided to users. Users may buy or sell items with a gesture, check inventory of objects in the augmented reality environment, view advertisements, and so forth.
US09921636B2
Disclosed are a terminal device and a method for controlling the terminal device that can reduce power consumption. The disclosed terminal device includes: a response time establisher unit which establishes a response time of an interactive application executed on the terminal device, with a frequency of a processor within the terminal device and a priority value of the interactive application as variables; a frequency determiner unit which determines the frequency of the processor based on a default priority value such that the response time does not exceed a preset response time threshold; a priority value determiner unit which determines the priority value based on the determined frequency such that the response time does not exceed the response time threshold; and an executor unit which runs the interactive application based on the determined frequency and the determined priority value.
US09921630B2
Described is a processor comprising: a plurality of transistors operable to provide dynamically adjustable transistor size, the plurality of transistors coupled at one end to a first power supply and coupled at another end to a second power supply; a circuit coupled to the second power supply, the second power supply to provide power to the circuit; and a power control unit (PCU) to monitor the level of the first power supply, and to dynamically adjust the transistor size of the plurality of transistors so that the second power supply is adjusted to keep the circuit operational.
US09921626B2
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving at a device first data transmitted from a stylus by near-field communication. The device determines a hover distance of the stylus in reference to the device based at least in part on the first data. The device is operated based at least in part on the hover distance of the stylus.
US09921621B2
An electronic apparatus having a detachable cooling device is disclosed. The electronic apparatus includes a portable information device having a heating body contained therein. The portable information device also includes a heat sink disposed on a bottom surface of the portable information device and thermally connected to the heating body. The detachable cooling device includes a mount surface on which the bottom surface of the portable information device is mounted, a heat-receiving heat sink disposed on the mount surface and thermally connected to the heat sink, and an up-and-down mechanism that moves the heat-receiving heat sink towards the heat sink and causes the heat-receiving heat sink to contact the heat sink when the portable information device is mounted on the mount surface.
US09921615B2
A component carrier with a tray, a slide cage, a level, and a tilting mechanism. The tray has a bottom surface with a groove formed therein. The slide cage is actuatably coupled with the tray and has a receiving space and an undercarriage. The lever is pivotally coupled with the slide cage and has a lower portion for engaging the groove to transition the slide cage between a first position and a second position. The tilting mechanism is coupled with the tray and configured for biasing the slide cage to the second position. In the first position the undercarriage of the slide cage is positioned proximal to the bottom surface of the tray. In the second position a first end portion of the undercarriage of the slide cage is displaced away from the bottom surface and a second end portion is positioned proximal to the bottom surface of the tray.
US09921598B1
A current mirror includes an input transistor and an output transistor, wherein the sources of the input and output transistor are connected to supply voltage node. The gates of the input and output transistor are connected through a switch. A first current source is coupled to the input transistor to provide an input current. A copy transistor has a source connected to the supply node and a gate connected to the gate of the input transistor at a mirror node. A second current source is coupled to the copy transistor to provide a copy current. A source-follower transistor has its source connected to the mirror node and its gate connected to the drain of the copy transistor. Charge sharing at a mirror node occurs in response to actuation of the switch and the source-follower transistor is turned on in response thereto to discharge the mirror node.
US09921594B1
Systems, methods and apparatus for efficient control and biasing of pass devices that include at least one thin pass device and a remaining of thick pass devices. When operated at extreme high and low voltages, the at least one thin pass device maintains operation in its saturation region of operation while the remaining pass devices may be driven into their triode regions of operation. The thin and thick pass devices are arranged in a cascode configuration that includes a plurality of stacked devices. Biasing of the thin and thick cascode devices can be according to a voltage division scheme which protects the devices when the voltage across the stack is high, and provides a skewed voltage division across the stacked devices that promotes a higher gate-to-source voltage of the thick pass devices for a lower RON. In one exemplary case, gate length of the at least one thin pass device may be reduced to provide a lower gate-to-source voltage of the thin pass device during operation in the saturation region. An exemplary implementation of an LDO controlling the pass devices for providing RF power to a power amplifier is described.
US09921591B2
An interlock function block system, method, and apparatus that reduces the necessity for a building automation programmer to program low-level instructions using a complex series of ANDs, ORs, and arithmetic functions to protect such devices is provided.
US09921570B2
To provide a technique capable of making a schedule with good time efficiency in schedule making for the transport of substrates. A schedule making device makes a judgment as to whether a batch carrying-out procedure can complete the transport earlier than a sequential carrying-out procedure or not, and selectively employs these procedures in accordance with a result of the judgment. The sequential carrying-out procedure is a procedure in which substrates are transported to a predetermined transport destination in chronological order of the times at which the transport process can start, and the batch carrying-out procedure is a procedure in which a substrate the transport process of which can start is not transported until a time at which the transport process of a succeeding substrate can start, and the substrates are transported together to a transport destination at the time when the transport process of the succeeding substrate can start.
US09921557B2
A monitoring device for use in an automation system, such as for a home, warehouse, or any type of structure. The monitoring device includes sensors, a processor, and a transmitter. Using its sensors, the monitoring device is capable of acquiring data about itself and/or its environment. That data is used by the monitoring device and/or a central controller to generate a request for an actor, such as lighting, an HVAC system, motorized drapes, a home entertainment system, other home systems, or appliances, to change its state.
US09921555B2
Devices can be controlled by group even when multiple devices compatible with different interface standards are connected. An iProduct identifier enabling recognition by the host side as interfaces in the same group is set in the USB 2.0 hub and USB 3.0 hub in the same publisher. The host side determines if the hubs belong to the same group based on the iProduct identifier, and coordinates operation of the USB devices to connected to the USB 2.0 hub and USB 3.0 hub determined to be in the same group.
US09921542B2
An image forming apparatus includes a lock mechanism, a first determination processing portion, and a regulation processing portion. The lock mechanism is configured to regulate attachment and detachment of the developer storage portion attached to the attachment portion. The first determination processing portion determines whether or not the developer storage portion attached to the attachment portion is a developer storage portion of a predetermined specific type. The regulation processing portion, when the developer storage portion attached to the attachment portion has been determined to be a developer storage portion of the specific type, causes the lock mechanism to regulate attachment and detachment of the developer storage portion.
US09921538B2
A bias power-supply device of an image forming apparatus includes a transformer that includes a first winding and a second winding, and outputs an alternating-current output signal from the second winding when the first winding is supplied with current; a switch circuit that includes a switching element, and supplies the first winding of the transformer with the current by switching the switching element in accordance with a received modulation output signal; and a modulation circuit that receives a frequency setting signal of setting a frequency of the alternating-current output signal and a modulation signal, and generates the modulation output signal having a modulated pulse width. A frequency of the modulation signal and a frequency of the alternating-current output signal are set to cause an interference frequency between the modulation signal and a harmonic of the alternating-current output signal is higher than a predetermined frequency.
US09921531B2
A fixing device includes an endless belt, a heater disposed inside the endless belt and being elongated in a longitudinal direction, the heater having a first end portion in the longitudinal direction and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion in the longitudinal direction, a resin frame having a recess portion opening toward an inner side of the endless belt, and a metal frame inserted into the recess portion of the resin frame. The metal frame has a first wall having a through-hole, and a second wall extending in a direction from the first end portion of the heater toward a second end portion of the heater, the second wall being disposed between the resin frame and the heater.
US09921528B2
An image forming apparatus including an image forming unit, a fixing unit, a temperature sensor, and a controller to execute a printing operation is provided. The printing operation is conducted at one of a first high-temperature printing pace, a first low-temperature printing pace, a second high-temperature printing pace, and a second low-temperature printing pace depending on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor. The first low-temperature printing pace is one of lower and equal to the first high-temperature printing pace. The second low-temperature printing pace is one of lower and equal to the second high-temperature printing pace. An absolute difference between the second high-temperature printing pace and the second low-temperature printing pace is greater than an absolute difference between the first high-temperature printing pace and the first low-temperature printing pace.
US09921526B2
A semiconductive resin composition includes at least two thermoplastic resins and a conductive filler. Each of the two thermoplastic resins has a sea-island structure, and 40% to 75% of the conductive filler are present in the thermoplastic resin in an island portion of the sea-island structure at an areal ratio of a cross section observed with a scanning electron microscope.
US09921519B2
A developing device and image forming apparatus are provided. The developing device includes a chassis; a developer carrying member; a thickness regulating member; a supply member; and a conveying member. In a state in which the developing device is attached to a main body an opening of the chassis faces upward; the thickness regulating member pressure-contacts the developer carrying member from below the developer carrying member; the conveying member is disposed below the developer carrying member; the supply member overlaps a portion of the conveying member in a horizontal direction; and a portion of the conveying member is disposed within a vertical projection plane between a pressure-contact position of the thickness regulating member to the developer carrying member, and a contact position of the supply member to the developer carrying member. The image forming apparatus includes a main body; a plurality of photosensitive members; and a plurality of developing devices.
US09921517B2
An image forming apparatus includes: a detection unit configured to detect light that a light source emits and that is reflected by a polygon mirror in a predetermined direction, and to output a synchronization signal; a speed control unit configured to perform acceleration/deceleration control of the polygon mirror based on the synchronization signal at a target speed; and a light intensity control unit configured to decide an emission intensity of the light source and notify the digital value to the light driving unit. The speed control unit changes control of the polygon mirror to a neutral control in which neither acceleration nor deceleration control is performed in a case the light intensity control unit changes the light intensity of the light source when the speed control unit is performing the acceleration/deceleration control.
US09921516B2
Provided is an image forming apparatus capable of reducing power consumption by optimizing preliminary operation of a sensor. In the image forming apparatus, when tone characteristics adjustment is instructed (Step S1003: Y), tone characteristics adjustment (Step S1006) is executed after calibration (Step S1004), while when mixed-color correction is instructed (Step S1007: Y), mixed-color correction processing (Step S1009) is executed after calibration (Step S1008). Further, in the case where mixed-color correction is executed after tone characteristics adjustment, the preliminary light emission time in calibration is set shorter than when mixed-color correction is executed without performing gray adjustment first.
US09921515B2
An optical writing device having; a plurality of light-emitting points; a photodiode configured to output a signal which represents a quantity of incident light from a predetermined light-emitting point selected from the plurality of light-emitting points; and a calculation section for calculating a temperature of the photodiode based on a magnitude of a photodiode dark current included in the signal output from the photodiode while the predetermined light-emitting point is OFF.
US09921513B2
A charging member capable of inhibiting the effect of the contact mark on the electrophotographic image, even after in contact with another member for a long term, is provided. The charging member has a surface layer on a support, the surface layer containing a polymer compound having a structural unit represented by the following formula (1): In the formula (1), A represents an aromatic cyclic hydrocarbon group; R1 represents a specific hydrocarbon group. L represents a polysiloxane having at least one of an SiO3/2 unit (T) and an SiO2/2 unit (D). U represents an integer of 1 or more.
US09921509B2
A composite charge control agent for use in electrostatic imaging comprises porous, inorganic core particles of at least 0.08 microns in diameter, impregnated with 2% to 50% by weight of one or more charge control chemicals and up to 50% by weight of one or more additional compounds such as a polymer, a wax, a dye, or other organic chemicals.
US09921495B2
A stage assembly for positioning a device includes: (i) a stage that retains the device; (ii) a base; (iii) a mover assembly that moves the stage along a first axis, along a second axis, and along a third axis relative to the base; (iv) a magnetic sensor system that monitors the movement of the stage along the first, second and third axes, the magnetic sensor system generating a magnetic sensor signal; (v) a second sensor system that monitors the movement of the stage along the first, second and third axes, the second sensor system generating a second sensor signal; and (vi) a control system that controls the mover assembly using at least one of the magnetic sensor signal and the second sensor signal.
US09921490B2
A substrate holding device is equipped with a substrate holder that adsorbs and holds a substrate, and a plurality of vertical movement pin units that each have, at one end, an adsorption section to adsorb a rear surface of the substrate, and are movable relative to the substrate holder in a state of adsorbing the rear surface of the substrate with the adsorption section. The plurality of vertical movement pin units each have at least part including the adsorption section that is displaced in at least one direction, by an action of a force received from the adsorbed substrate.
US09921488B2
A maskless exposure device includes a stage on which a substrate is disposed, an optical head, and an optical source part. The optical head irradiates light to the substrate. The light source part provides the optical head with a light. The optical head irradiates the light, according to an average-focus distance, to the substrate. The average-focus distance is determined by averaging best-focus distances for a plurality of regions of the substrate, respectively.
US09921484B2
An illumination optical unit for EUV projection lithography guides illumination light toward an object field. A field facet mirror of the illumination optical unit has a multiplicity of individual mirrors which are switchable between at least two tilting positions. A pupil facet mirror of the illumination optical unit has a plurality of stationary pupil facets and is disposed downstream of the field facet mirror in the beam path of the illumination light. The pupil facets serve for the at least sectionally superimposing imaging of a group of the individual mirrors of the field facet mirror into the object field via a group-mirror illumination channel.
US09921482B2
The present invention relates to an exposure device which forms an image of a pattern on a mask onto a substrate with microlens arrays to expose the substrate, and reduces a size of an lighting unit which emits an exposure light. Microlens arrays include plural microlenses which are arranged two-dimensionally and arranged in a direction intersecting a movement direction. Lighting unit includes an LD array bar in which plural laser diodes are arranged, and lighting optical system which transforms plural emitted lights emitted from the plural laser diodes into an exposure flux having a slit form. The slit form spreads across plural pieces of the microlenses, and which, with respect to the movement direction, is limited in an area not reaching a microlens arranged in an adjacent row in the movement direction, and illuminates plural microlenses arranged in a row with an exposure light by the exposure light flux.
US09921453B2
Various of the disclosed embodiments incorporate wavelength-shifting (WLS) materials to facilitate high data rate communication. Some embodiments employ a waveguide incorporating such WLS materials to receive a wireless signal from a source. The signal may be, e.g., in the optical or ultraviolet ranges, facilitating a ˜10 Gbps data rate. Because the WLS material is sensitive in all directions, the source may be isotropic or wide-angled. The WLS material may be shaped into one or more “bands” that may cover an object, e.g., a head-mounted display. A detector may be coupled with the bands to receive the wavelength-shifted signal and to recover the original signal from the source. The WLS material may be modified to improve the waveguide retention, e.g., by incorporating layers of material having a different reflection coefficient or a Bragg reflector.
US09921450B2
Controllers and control methods apply a drive voltage to bus bars of a thin film optically switchable device. The applied drive voltage is provided at a level that drives a transition over the entire surface of the optically switchable device but does not damage or degrade the device. This applied voltage produces an effective voltage at all locations on the face of the device that is within a bracketed range. The upper bound of this range is associated with a voltage safely below the level at which the device may experience damage or degradation impacting its performance in the short term or the long term. At the lower boundary of this range is an effective voltage at which the transition between optical states of the device occurs relatively rapidly. The level of voltage applied between the bus bars is significantly greater than the maximum value of the effective voltage within the bracketed range.
US09921446B2
The present application discloses a display panel test structure for testing whether signal lines of a display panel are defective, the signal lines at least comprising a plurality of data lines which are divided into N groups, the display panel test structure comprising N first shorting bars arranged in a test area of the display panel, each of which being configured to short-circuit a group of data lines, wherein the display panel test structure further comprises a plurality of first test pads arranged in the test area, each of which connects with one shorting bar corresponding thereto, and each of the first test pads is configured to load a signal to a group of data lines corresponding thereto during a test.
US09921445B2
To provide a liquid crystal display device capable of controlling deterioration of contrast even in the case where an opening is formed in an organic flattened film and the film has unevenness. In the liquid crystal display device that includes a TFT substrate, a CF substrate, and liquid crystal sandwiched between the TFT substrate and the CF substrate and that drives the liquid crystal with a lateral electric field, the TFT substrate has the organic flattened film in which a through hole for contacting a source electrode of the TFT and a pixel electrode and a sectional shape of the through hole is asymmetrical between a side on which the pixel electrode extends and the other side.
US09921444B2
The present invention provides a liquid crystal panel, in which a black matrix is formed on a TFT substrate and the black matrix includes a plurality of black light shielding frames respectively located in a plurality of pixel zones and arranged in the form of a matrix. The black light shielding frames are each set at a gap between a light blocking frame and data lines and scan lines along a periphery of an opening area of each of the pixel zones so that the liquid crystal panel of the present invention eliminates the occurrence of defect situations of light leaking and color shifting resulting from positional deviation of the black matrix caused by positional shift between upper and lower substrates and also provides a relatively high aperture ratio.
US09921443B2
A display device includes a substrate including an array area in which an image is displayed and a pad area in which an image is not displayed, gate lines in the array area and elongated in a first direction on the substrate, gate lines pads in the pad area and respectively electrically connected to the gate lines, floating patterns disposed in the pad area, a first shorting bar in the pad area and with which electrostatic energy from the floating patterns is dissipated; and first shorting bar lines in the pad area and defined by first lines respectively connected to the floating patterns and second lines spaced apart from the first lines and connected to the first shorting bar, wherein ends of the second lines respectively face ends of the first lines.
US09921434B2
A liquid crystal display device includes, a first insulation substrate, a first subpixel electrode disposed on the first insulation substrate, an insulation layer disposed on the first subpixel electrode, a second subpixel electrode disposed on the insulation layer, a liquid crystal layer disposed on the second subpixel electrode, a common electrode disposed on the liquid crystal layer, and a second insulation substrate disposed on the common electrode. In the liquid crystal display device, the second subpixel electrode and the common electrode are spaced apart by a second distance in a second region in which the second subpixel electrode is disposed, the first subpixel electrode and the common electrode are spaced apart by a first distance in a first region in which the first subpixel electrode is disposed, excluding the second region, and the first distance and the second distance are different from each other.
US09921427B2
The present invention discloses a method for manufacturing a color filter, a color filter, and a liquid crystal panel. The method comprises: providing a substrate; and forming a plurality of color resistances on the substrate one by one using a color resistance forming process, with boundaries of adjacent color resistances being overlapped with each other. The color resistance forming process comprises: coating a photoresist material on the substrate to form a color resistance unit thereof; exposing the color resistance unit, with a light intensity received at the boundary of the color resistance unit being smaller than that received by the main body of the color resistance unit. Through the present invention, dark pixel lines at the boundary overlaps can be eliminated, and transmittance of the product can be enhanced.
US09921425B2
A panel apparatus comprises a first layer. The first layer includes a liquid crystal microdroplet display (LCMD) switchable between transparent and opaque states in response to a change in an applied electrical voltage. The panel apparatus further comprises a second layer spaced apart from and coupled to the first layer. The second layer includes a transparent panel.
US09921416B2
A speckle damping system for dampening speckle on a projection screen for a projection display system employing coherent or partially coherent light sources (e.g., lasers, LEDs) are disclosed. In one embodiment, a rotatably coupled system is disclosed, comprising: a set of actuators; a set of rotatably coupled mounts, each of said set of rotatably coupled mount capable of mounting at least one said actuator; and wherein said at least one actuator mounted on said rotatably coupled mount is in moveable mechanical communication with said projection screen. In another embodiment, a linearly coupled system is disclosed comprising: a set of actuators; a set of linearly coupled mounts, each of said set of linearly coupled mount capable of mounting at least one said actuator; and wherein said at least one actuator mounted on said linearly coupled mount is in moveable mechanical communication with said projection screen.
US09921407B2
A fiber-optic scanner equipped with a light-guiding optical fiber; the fiber-optic scanner including a plurality of vibration generating units disposed circumferentially at equal intervals on an outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber located on a base end side thereof at a predetermined distance from the emission end of the optical fiber to vibrate an emission end of the optical fiber in a plurality of directions; and a vibration damping member disposed at least in a position between base end-side edges of the vibration generating units and the emission end of the optical fiber, wherein the vibration damping member has a uniform shape of a rotating body rotated around the axis line of the optical fiber.
US09921402B2
An optical filter includes a first substrate which has a support portion, a second substrate which is supported by the support portion, a first optical film which is provided on the first substrate, and a second optical film which is provided on the second substrate to face the first optical film. The first substrate and the second substrate are fixed to each other by bonding a first bonding film which is provided on the entire region of a support surface of the support portion supporting the second substrate and a second bonding film which is provided on at least a region (opposing surface) facing the entire region of the support surface from a supported surface of the second substrate.
US09921388B2
Embodiments provide a lens moving apparatus including a bobbin including a first coil disposed on an outer circumferential surface thereof, a housing provided with first and second magnets for moving the bobbin by interaction with the first coil, upper and lower elastic members each coupled to both the bobbin and the housing, and a first position sensor for detecting a sum of intensities of magnetic fields of the first and second magnets, wherein the first position sensor is disposed in a space between the first magnet and the second magnet when the bobbin is disposed at an initial position.
US09921385B2
An optical barrel assembly includes a barrel having an inner bottom surface and an inner lateral surface extending from the inner bottom surface, the inner bottom and lateral surfaces defining a cylindrical housing, and a first element surrounded by the inner lateral surface of the barrel, wherein an outer perimeter of the first element has a different shape than a perimeter defined by the cylindrical housing.
US09921379B2
A compact optical transceiver formed by hybrid multichip integration. The optical transceiver includes a Si-photonics chip attached on a PCB. Additionally, the optical transceiver includes a first TSV interposer and a second TSV interposer separately attached nearby the Si-photonics chip on the PCB. Furthermore, the optical transceiver includes a driver chip flip-bonded partially on the Si-photonics chip through a first sets of bumps and partially on the first TSV interposer through a second sets of bumps. Moreover, the optical transceiver includes a transimpedance amplifier module chip flip-bonded partially on the Si-photonics chip through a third sets of bumps and partially on the second TSV interposer through a fourth set of bumps.
US09921378B2
An optical device may include an optical bench used align a photonic chip to a receptacle. In one embodiment, a surface of the optical bench defines an alignment plane. When a fiber stub in the receptacle is disposed on the surface, an optical path in the stub is parallel with the alignment plane. By disposing the photonic chip on the same surface, the chip and the stub can be aligned such that optical signals can be transmitted between the stub and an optical component (e.g., light source or waveguide) in the photonic chip. In one embodiment, the optical path in the stub and the optical component may have the same height relative to the optical bench. Moreover, the optical device may include a direct thermal connection between the assembly and the heat sink, and thus, have better thermal coupling relative to using thermal pads.
US09921375B2
Ferrule-based fiber optic connectors having a ferrule-retraction balancing characteristic are disclosed. An example fiber optic connector includes a connector assembly and a connector sleeve assembly. The connector assembly includes a ferrule, a resilient member, and a connector body having a latch point and a ferrule stop. The connector sleeve assembly includes a ferrule sleeve and a sleeve housing having a latch, a first stop, and a second stop. The connector assembly is disposed in the passageway of the sleeve housing, and the ferrule of the connector assembly is disposed in the ferrule sleeve in a direction extending from the first stop. When the fiber optic connector is in an unmated state, a gap GL1 is present between the at least one latch and the at least one latch point, and a gap GS1 is present between the first stop and a first end of the ferrule sleeve.
US09921372B2
Disclosed are optical plug connectors and optical receptacles for making optical connections. In one embodiment, the optical plug connector includes an optical portion having an optical interface and a cover for protecting the optical interface. The cover can translate toward the optical interface when connecting the optical plug connector and a portion of the cover allows transmission of optical signals therethrough. The cover has a sliding fit relative to a portion of the housing and may translate on at least one guide surface of the housing.
US09921365B2
A light guide plate for a liquid crystal screen display apparatus providing a favorable visual effect. The printing data of a light reflection pattern stored in a computer is transferred to an inkjet printer to allow the inkjet printer to subject a substantially-rectangular printing face surrounded by upper and lower and left and right edges of a light guide plate to a reflective printing for diffusing light emitted from a light source into the interior of the light guide plate. The printing data for performing the reflective printing is prepared so that a printing density is increased from the edges in the four directions corresponding to the edges in the four directions of the light guide plate toward one or more high density setting points set in front of the respective opposed edges. The reflective printing is performed using white ink including titanium oxide.
US09921363B2
This backlight device (illumination device) is provided with (LEDs) light source; a light guide plate having a light-receiving face that opposes the LEDs and where light from the LEDs is incident, and a light-exiting surface where the incident light is emitted; and an optical sheet (optical member) arranged in opposition to the light-exiting surface of the light guide plate and imparting an optical effect to the light emitted from the light-exiting surface. Here, the optical sheet has, in at least one portion thereof, a chromaticity correction region for which x and y chromaticity coordinate values in a CIE 1931 color space both decrease with distance from the LEDs.
US09921343B2
The invention provides the following advantages: the present invention provides a quantum dot polarizer and manufacturing method thereof. The quantum dot polarizer comprises a first protective layer and a second protective layer, and the first protective layer or the second protective layer being a complex film comprising quantum dots. As such, without increasing the thickness of display, the invention can improve color spectrum and transmittance, and is applicable to ultra-thin display devices at low cost. The manufacturing method adds the quantum dots to the cotton glue for forming protective layers by extension or coating process to obtain quantum dot protective layer used for quantum dot polarizer. As such, the invention can avoid humidity and oxygen affecting the quantum dots and reduce cost by eliminating manufacturing independent quantum dot element separately.
US09921331B2
A multi-sensor electromagnetic (EM) system and method for measuring gradients of EM signals. The multi-sensor EM system includes a frame; a transmitter device attached to the frame and configured to generate a primary EM field; a receiver device attached to the frame and configured to record a secondary EM field generated by the earth after being excited by the primary EM field; and a gradient sensor device attached to the frame and configured to record a gradient of the secondary EM field.
US09921327B2
A submerged front end buoy has a body with a connecting mechanism for connecting to a lead-in cable and a seismic streamer. A depth adjustment mechanism is disposed within the body to set a depth of the submerged front end buoy and includes an adjustable buoyancy mechanism and a plurality of wings extending from an exterior surface of the body.
US09921325B2
This disclosure is directed to systems and methods of wavefield separation based on matching operators that represents the relationship between co-located pressure and particle motions sensors. A pressure wavefield and a particle motion wavefield emitted from a subterranean formation are measured using co-located pressure and particle motion sensors located along one or more streamers of a seismic data acquisition system. A matching operator that relates pressure sensor and particle motion sensor responses for co-located pressure and particle motion sensors is computed based on depth of the co-located pressure and particle motion sensors and on the measured pressure and particle motion wavefields. The matching operator and the measured pressure and particle motion wavefields may then be used to compute up-going and down-going wavefields.
US09921316B2
The present invention provides a thermal management system, an X-ray detection device and a CT apparatus. The thermal management system comprises a heater, an air mixing portion and a fan. The heater is provided at an air inlet of the air mixing portion. The air mixing portion provides an air mixing space for mixing exterior air that enters the air mixing portion with interior air of the air mixing portion. The fan is provided at an air outlet of the air mixing portion, and supplies the mixed air in the air mixing portion to a target object to be thermally managed. Therefore, a response time of the thermal management system to operate for an external temperature change may be lengthened, thus occurrence of abrupt change in a temperature of the target object as the external temperature changes abruptly may be avoided, improving a reliability of the thermal management system.
US09921311B2
The invention relates to a method for providing distance information of a scene with a time-of-flight camera, comprising the steps of emitting a modulated light pulse towards the scene, receiving reflections of the modulated light pulse from the scene, evaluating a time-of-flight information for the received reflections of the modulated light pulse, and deriving distance information from the time-of-flight information for the received reflections, whereby a spread spectrum signal is applied to a base frequency of the modulation of the light pulse, and the time-of-flight information is evaluated under consideration of the a spread spectrum signal applied to the base frequency of the modulation of the light pulse. The invention further relates to a time-of-flight camera for providing distance information from a scene, whereby the time-of-flight camera performs the above method.
US09921298B2
An apparatus is described having an image signal processor. The image signal processor has a plurality of depth calculation units to calculate a respective time of flight depth value for different pixel array locations. Each of the plurality of depth calculation units is to receive a response signal from a same pixel in a pixel array so that the plurality of depth calculation units are able to calculate multiple depth values for the different locations of the pixel array from respective response signals from different groups of pixels in the pixel array of which the pixel is a member. Each of the groups include pixels of different receive clock phases sufficient to calculate a respective depth value. Another apparatus is also described where multiple depth values are similarly calculated from different groups of pixels that each include a same pixel but where a depth calculation unit calculates each of the multiple depth values.
US09921296B2
A method of testing a frequency synthesizer over a predetermined frequency range using a delay unit complying with a spectral delay distribution model modeling a spectral delay distribution of the delay unit over the predetermined frequency range. The method comprises generating at least one test signal with the frequency synthesizer according to at least one test command; passing the at least one test signal through the delay unit so as to obtain at least one delayed test signal; measuring at least one shift of a signal attribute between the delayed test signal and the test signal; estimating an accuracy of the frequency synthesizer by comparing the at least one measured shift with an expected shift, the expected shift being derived from the spectral delay distribution model of the delay unit and from the at least one test command.
US09921295B2
A radar device is provided that includes a timing control component operable to generate, for each chirp of a sequence of chirps according to a set of chirp configuration parameters and a chirp profile for the chirp, chirp control signals to cause the radar device to transmit the chirp, the timing control component having chirp configuration parameter inputs, chirp profile parameter inputs, a chirp address output, and chirp control signal outputs, a chirp configuration storage component having chirp configuration parameter outputs coupled to corresponding inputs of the configuration parameter inputs of the timing control component, a chirp profile address output, and a chirp address input coupled to the chirp address output, and a chirp profile storage component having chirp profile parameter outputs coupled to the chirp profile parameter inputs of the timing control component; and a chirp profile address input coupled to the chirp profile address output.
US09921291B2
Techniques are provided which may be implemented using various methods and/or apparatuses in a mobile device to perform a distance travelled estimate with a mobile device. The distance travelled estimate is performed by determining a quality of displacement between a base position and each new position for the mobile device, which is determined based on the displacement between the positions and their associated uncertainties. If the quality of displacement is sufficient, the distance travelled estimate is updated using the displacement between the positions. Multiple tiers may be used, where, for example, if the quality of displacement is sufficiently high, the displacement associated with a preceding position may be excised from the distance travelled estimate and replaced with the displacement associated with the new position. Additionally, if the quality of displacement is even greater, the new position may be set as the base position.
US09921278B2
A superconducting magnet assembly includes a cryostat, a vacuum vessel and a refrigeration stage. An NMR probe using the assembly includes comprises cooled probe components, a two-stage cryocooler, and a counter flow heat exchanger. A cooling circuit guides coolant from one outlet of the counter flow heat exchanger back to an inlet of the counter flow heat exchanger via the second cooling stage, a cooled probe component, and a heat exchanger in the cryostat or a heat exchanger in a helium suspension tube. Both the intake temperature of the coolant flowing into the heat exchanger in the cryostat or in the suspension tube and the return flow temperature of the emerging coolant are at least 5 K lower than the operating temperature of the first cooling stage. Excess cooling capacity of the cryocooler reduces the evaporation rate of liquid helium or cools a superconducting magnet in a cryogen-free cryostat.
US09921275B2
A magnetic sensor includes an MR element and two bias magnetic field generation units. The two bias magnetic field generation units are spaced apart from each other along a first direction and configured to cooperate with each other to generate a bias magnetic field. Each bias magnetic field generation unit includes a ferromagnetic layer and an antiferromagnetic layer stacked along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. An element placement region is formed between the two bias magnetic field generation units when viewed in the second direction in an imaginary plane perpendicular to the second direction and intersecting the MR element. The element placement region includes a middle region and two end regions. The MR element is placed to lie within the middle region in the imaginary plane.
US09921273B2
The present embodiment relates to a Hall electromotive force signal detection circuit. The third switch circuit selects a terminal position for applying a driving current out of four terminals of the third Hall element and switches the terminal position among the first terminal, the second terminal, the fourth terminal, and the third terminal in this order. The fourth switch circuit switches a terminal position for applying the driving current to the terminal in turn, among the first to the fourth terminal of the fourth Hall element, such that this terminal position is different from that selected by the third switch circuit and faces the terminal position for injecting the driving current in the third Hall element. A chopper clock generation circuit supplies a chopper clock signal with different four phases to the third switch circuit and to the fourth switch circuit.
US09921267B2
Provided is an apparatus for testing a semiconductor. The apparatus includes a chuck on which a wafer is disposed, a probe card disposed on the chuck to provide a test signal to the wafer, a sensor disposed in the probe card, a base unit connected to the probe card to transmit the test signal to the probe card, and a pressure device connecting the base unit to the probe card, the pressure device correcting deformation of the probe card.
US09921265B2
Featured are devices, systems and methods for testing an electronic device, such as an integrated chip. Such a testing method includes disposing a thermal clutch between a variable heat sink that absorbs heat energy and a heat source member that selectively delivers heat energy. When the thermal clutch is operated in a first manner the thermal clutch thermally couples the variable heat sink to the electronic device under test (DUT) and when operated in the second manner, the thermal clutch thermally de-couples the variable heat sink from the DUT. Also, when the thermal clutch is operated in the second manner, the heat source member is thermally coupled to the DUT and is operated so as to produce heat energy which is thus provided to the thermally coupled DUT.
US09921260B2
A system for testing electrical continuity of a device to a source wherein there is at least one conductor connecting the device to the source can include a reference capacitive load, an oscillator, and a microprocessor. The oscillator is selectively connected to the reference capacitive load and each conductor connecting the device to the source such that the frequency output of the oscillator is a function of the selected capacitive load of the oscillator. Each conductor connecting the device to the source is connected to the oscillator such that when each one is selectively connected, the output of the oscillator is a function of that conductor's parasitic self-capacitance. The microprocessor can then compare the frequency of the signal generated when each conductor is connected to the oscillator with the frequency of the signal generated when the reference capacitive load is connected.
US09921258B2
A network analyzer device, including a control unit configured to determine network topology information related to impedance mismatches in a voltage distribution network on the basis of an evaluation of measured signals received from the voltage distribution network in response to probe signals supplied to the voltage distribution network and/or phase or running time information about noise signal components generated by appliances connected to the voltage distribution network and received by the network analyzer via different receiving paths. The network analyzer device outputs network information related to impedance mismatches in the voltage distribution network, wherein the output network information contains information about a total number of the impedance mismatches, wiring lengths between impedance mismatches, and characteristics of the impedance mismatches.
US09921254B2
A circuit for measuring a bandwidth of an amplifier includes a switch-capacitor circuit and a controller. The switch-capacitor circuit is coupled to an output and an input of the amplifier. The switch-capacitor circuit is switchable between a sampling mode and an amplification mode. The controller is coupled to the switch-capacitor circuit and the output of the amplifier. The controller is configured to switch the switch-capacitor circuit between the sampling mode and the amplification mode, control the amplification mode to have various durations, and determine the bandwidth of the amplifier based on the various durations of the amplification mode and corresponding voltages at the output of the amplifier.
US09921236B2
A sensor device for speed measurement on a wheel of a vehicle includes a sensor carrier with an integrated sensor to sense the rotation of a pole wheel that rotates along with the wheel. The sensor device has a clamping mechanism integrated into the sensor carrier by which the sensor carrier can be displaceably clamped into a holding opening in the region of the wheel and/or in any orientation with respect to rotations about the longitudinal axis of the sensor carrier. The sensor arrangement can be mounted with less effort and more cost-efficiently than with the current international standard of combining a clamping bush and subsequently mounted rod sensor. Spring-loaded clamps can be fastened as terminal blocks in longitudinal grooves in the sensor, and the spring-loaded elements thereof can protrude over the circumference of the sensor prior to mounting.
US09921235B2
An automatic analyzer capable of avoiding carry-over between samples, and a sample dispensing method, are provided. To that end, an automatic analyzer (1) for performing analysis of both assay menu with a high carry-over avoiding level and assay menu with a low carry-over avoiding level, includes: a first sample dispensing apparatus (6) loaded with a disposable tip (60a) for sample dispensing for assay menu with a high carry-over avoiding level, and for subdividing and dispensing a sample for assay menu with a low carry-over avoiding level; an aliquot container (9) for subdividing and containing a sample for assay menu with a low carry-over avoiding level, subdivided and dispensed by the first sample dispensing apparatus (6); and a second sample dispensing apparatus (5) loaded with a reusable probe (50), for sample dispensing for assay menu with a low carry-over avoiding level.
US09921232B2
The present invention relates to ellagic acid formulations for performing coagulation assays that are highly stable for long term storage and reduce assay time. Particularly, aspects of the present invention are directed to a composition and method of preparing ellagic acid in a highly soluble format for use in a coagulation assay. For example, the ellagic acid may be solubilized in one or more of sodium hydroxide, methanol, a polyether compound, particularly polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, or polyoxyethylene, and a cyclodextrin guest-host complex.
US09921224B2
Provided herein are methods for identifying a subject with cancer for treatment with a Psap peptides. The subject is identified based on a level of CD36. Also provided herein are compositions and methods for treatment of a subject with cancer based on a level of CD36.
US09921221B2
Compositions and methods for diagnosing, predicting risk of and/or treating diabetic nephropathy (DN).
US09921219B2
A biosensor for detecting a microorganism in a sample includes a polymer matrix and an immobilized layer of bacteriophages on the surface of the polymer matrix, wherein interaction of the bacteriophage with the microorganism causes a detectable physicochemical change in the polymer matrix. A method of detecting a microorganism in a sample using the biosensor includes the steps of contacting the sample with the biosensor; allowing the bacteriophage to bind to the microorganism in the sample; and detecting a physicochemical change in the polymer matrix, the change being indicative of the presence of the microorganism.
US09921218B2
The present invention provides methods, devices, compositions (e.g., capture complexes), and kits useful for enhancing the detection of antibodies in a test sample. The methods, devices, and compositions utilize detectable Fc-binding molecules such as Protein A, Protein G, and/or an Fc-specific antibody to amplify the signal of a detected antibody in immunoassays, such as lateral flow assays.
US09921211B2
Described herein are compositions, methods, a system, and kits for detection of endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) in samples, such as samples of water including but not limited to waste water treatment plant effluent, using a live-cell fluorescence-based nuclear translocation reporter system. Upon binding of a ligand to a fluorescent-labeled reporter protein, the protein (and therefore the fluorescence) is translocated in a ligand level-dependent manner from the cytoplasm to the nucleus of live mammalian cells; this translocation is detectable as diffuse (cytoplasmic) fluorescence converting to localized, brightly fluorescent nuclei. The described kits can be used to reliably detect very low levels of EDC contamination, including in high throughput analysis systems as described.
US09921205B2
Disclosed herein is a method for determining the effectiveness of one or more asphaltene dispersant additives for inhibiting or preventing asphaltene precipitation in a hydrocarbon-containing material subjected to elevated temperature and pressure conditions.
US09921203B2
Disclosed herein is a method of predicting sediment content of a hydroprocessed hydrocarbon product. The method involves: (a) precipitating an amount of asphaltenes from a liquid sample of a first hydrocarbon-containing feedstock having solvated asphaltenes therein with one or more first solvents; (b) determining one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated asphaltenes; (c) analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics; (d) determining asphaltene content of the liquid sample from the results of analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics; (e) determining one or more asphaltene stability parameters of the liquid sample from the results of analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics; and (f) correlating the asphaltene content and one of the asphaltene stability parameters of the liquid sample with at least two operation conditions associated with a refinery to predict sediment content.
US09921200B2
An oxygen detecting multilayer body allows easy detection of a color change of an oxygen detecting layer, and prevention of crazing of an oxygen detecting layer. The oxygen detecting multilayer body includes a transparent resin layer, a heat seal layer, and an oxygen detecting layer containing an oxygen detecting component, placed occupying a part of a space between the transparent resin layer and the heat seal layer, wherein a spacer is placed to occupy at least a part of a space between the transparent resin layer and the heat seal layer, where the oxygen detecting layer is not provided, so as to make up a missing thickness of the oxygen detecting multilayer body, wherein the thickness of the oxygen detecting layer is from 0.5 to 40 μm, and the ratio of the thickness of the oxygen detecting layer to the thickness of the spacer is from 15:1 to 1:10.
US09921199B2
Compositions that include bis(glyoxime)-transition metal complexes bound to metal oxide solid supports are provided. In some embodiments the compositions include nickel dimethylglyoxime and the metal oxide supports can be alumina or silica. These compositions can be used to make a colorimetric moisture-indicating sensor that changes visible reflection spectrum quantitatively and reversibly according to the amount of moisture in contact with the sensor. Also provided is a method of detecting moisture using the provided compositions.
US09921197B2
A both ultraviolet-visible and double monochromatic fluorescence dual detector has a small inner-casing, which combines both ultraviolet-visible and double monochromatic fluorescence dual detector widely used in the high performance liquid chromatography by taking the first to use deuterium lamp as the individual light source of the dual detectors, the individual sample detection cell and the individual electrical circuit, the device comprises a detection optical member, which including a first monochromatic spectroscopic device—raster G1, a second monochromatic spectroscopic device—raster G2, a light source, four groups of lens needed for processing the light paths; and a detection electromechanical member, which includes: a central controller, a proposed amplifying module, an auto gain module, a noise processing module and a logarithm amplifying module. The dual detector realizes the sensitivity and stability, also the elimination of noise and drift.
US09921194B2
A wavy micro gas chromatography column includes a silicon substrate and a bonded glass cover. A micro channel having a rectangular cross section is etched on the silicon substrate and coated with a stationary phase film. A projection figure of the micro channel on the silicon substrate includes multiple regular wavy curves. Each wavy curve is formed through alternately connecting first upper arcs with first lower arcs. Because the groove has a curving structure, the carrier gas velocity is decreased as the increase of the arc angle, resulting in an improvement of the flow uniformity at the zones between two adjacent bends but also an enlarging nonsymmetric distribution at the bends. Thus, an optimal curving structure can make the overall flow more even, and in turn achieve a better separation performance compared to the straight channel columns. Meanwhile, a wavy channel realizes a longer column length on a given area.
US09921191B2
A gas chromatographic (GC) unit or module may include one or more microfluidic devices, a GC column, and a flow controller (FC) comprising an FC input port for controlling fluid flows and pressures. The GC unit may be reconfigurable to provide different functionalities. The GC unit may be fluidly coupled to various other fluidic devices, such as other GC units, sample inlets, GC detectors, and the like. Multiple GC units and other fluidic devices may be utilized to build GC devices and associated systems of flexible, reconfigurable, and scalable architecture, thereby enabling a variety of modes of operation useful for present and future GC method development.
US09921189B2
A sensor unit for inducing and indicating ultra sonic sound waves in at least one threaded fastener by physical contact with an end surface thereof, wherein the sensor unit includes: a support casing, a sensor element with forward contact surface for engaging the fastener end surface and movable relative to the support casing between rest and active positions, and a bias spring between the support casing and the sensor element to urge the sensor element into the rest position as the sensor element is out of contact with the fastener end surface and to bias the contact surface of the sensor element into physical contact with the fastener end surface in the active position. The support casing includes a positioning socket, engaged by the sensor element in the rest position, having a non-cylindrical and non-circular cross sectional inner shape and congruent with an outer shape of the sensor element.
US09921185B2
The invention concerns structural integrity assessment apparatus for determining stress concentration zones in a structure, such as a pipeline. The apparatus allows particularly to detect defects in buried pipelines using magnetometric surveying where anomalies in the magnetic field around the pipelines are detected. The apparatus has a plurality of triaxial magnetic field sensors, each sensor being arranged to measure magnetic field components in a plurality of directions. A support is provided to maintain said sensors in a predetermined relative spacing and orientation. The support is moveable relative to a structure under assessment in use and may be portable. Three or more magnetic field sensors are provided which may be arranged in a linear, two-dimensional or three-dimensional array. The apparatus may include position determining means, such as a global positioning system (GPS), so that stress concentration zones can be located on the structure.
US09921178B2
There is presented an electrochemical sensor (100) for sensing nitrous oxide (N2O) in an associated volume (106), the sensor comprising a primary chamber (110), a secondary chamber (120) being placed adjacent the primary chamber (110), the secondary chamber (120) comprising electrodes for performing electrochemical measurements and furthermore an electrolyte comprising an aprotic solvent. A first membrane (114) and a secondary membrane (124) are permeable to nitrous oxide and may be arranged so as to separate the associated volume (106) from a primary volume (116) within the primary chamber (110), and the primary volume (116) from a secondary volume (126) within the secondary chamber (120), where the primary chamber (110) comprises means for hindering oxygen in passing into the secondary volume (126), and wherein the working electrode (104) comprises indium (In).
US09921175B2
The present invention refers to a sensor (10) having a layer arrangement (12), wherein the layer arrangement (12) comprises at least a base layer (14), a middle layer (16) and an outer layer (18), wherein the middle layer (16) is arranged at least partly upon and in contact with the base layer (14) and wherein the outer layer (18) is arranged at least partly upon and in contact with the middle layer (16), wherein the base layer (14) comprises a metal, wherein the middle layer (16) comprises a metal oxide, and wherein the outer layer (18) is porous and comprises a material selected from the group comprising electrically conductive carbon compounds such as, more particularly, graphite or carbon nanotubes (CNTs), organic electrical conductors and base metals, and wherein electrical contacts can be formed with the base layer (14) and outer layer (18) for a conductivity measurement and/or a resistance measurement. Such a sensor (10) provides a high sensitivity with a high selectivity already at ambient temperature and is furthermore producible especially cost-saving. The present invention further refers to a method for producing a sensor (10). The present invention further refers to the use of a sensor (10) according to the invention as gas sensor and/or as liquid sensor.
US09921168B2
The disclosure is a method and system for monitoring the condition of an optical protective component in a laser system associated with a data processor. In one embodiment, the method begins with directing light from the process head of a laser through the optical protective component onto a workpiece. A return light via the workpiece causes light signals coupled through the protective component and into to a fiber which extends proximate the protective component and thereafter flexibly to a sensor. The sensed signals allow monitoring the condition of the protective component during use. The method and system is operative for use with optical protective elements downstream of the process head.
US09921149B2
A controller of an optical measurement apparatus causes, in a condition that a rotational speed of a rotary body is controlled so that the speed is a specified value, a light source to generate light having a constant intensity and apply the light to an irradiation region, and acquires first timing information based on a change with time of an intensity of reflected light or transmitted light that is output from a second detection unit receiving the reflected light or transmitted light of the applied light. The controller causes the light source to periodically generate pulsed light in accordance with the first timing information and apply the pulsed light to the irradiation region, and acquires second timing information based on a result which is output from the first detection unit whose measurement is periodically enabled in accordance with the first timing information.
US09921147B2
The invention is a method for characterizing a liquid sample, said liquid sample containing particles, the method comprising the following steps: a) illuminating said sample using a light source that is able to emit an incident light wave towards the sample; b) detecting, using a photodetector, a light wave transmitted by the sample thus illuminated; c) characterizing the sample depending on an intensity of the light wave detected by the photodetector. The method comprises, prior to step c), applying an acoustic wave to the sample, said acoustic wave forming pressure nodes and pressure antinodes in the sample, so as to separate, in the latter, a poor portion, poor in particles, and rich portion, rich in particles, such that, in step c), the sample is characterized: either on the basis of the intensity of the light wave transmitted by the poor portion; or on the basis of the intensity of the light wave transmitted by the rich portion.
US09921139B1
A portable, hand-held sampler for collection of aquatic biotic samples. A pump with an exhaust tube and a water intake tube is attached to a frame. A battery is attached to the frame and electrically connected to the pump. A handle is attached to the bottom of the frame for an operator to hold the sampler in one hand. A switch is electrically connected to the pump and to the battery and attached to the frame near the handle for the operator to control activation of the pump with the same single hand. A venturi tube assembly with a sample intake tube is attached to the exhaust tube. The pump draws water into the water intake tube and sample material into the sample intake tube and the venturi tube diverts the sample material away from the pump and into a sample collection reservoir to prevent damage to the sample material.
US09921138B2
A sterile injector comprises a body having a cavity, a hollow needle positionable at a distal end of the injector, a probe holder receivable within the needle, a probe connected to a distal end of the holder, and a driving element axially displaceable within the cavity, for causing relative motion between the probe and the needle upon displacement of the driving element. A sample is injected into a sealed container by displacing the driving element to a first position causing the probe to extend from the needle, applying the extended probe with a sample, displacing the driving element to a second position causing the sample laden probe to be retracted within the needle, piercing a seal of a sealed container with the needle, and displacing the driving element to a third position distally spaced from the first position, after which the probe is injected into the container interior.
US09921137B2
An apparatus having a sample sectioning device including a cutting mechanism that is operable to cut sections from a sample and a sample holder that is operable to hold the sample. The apparatus further includes a drive system coupled with the sample holder to drive movement of the sample holder and a reciprocating member coupled to the drive system to drive vertical movement of the drive system. The reciprocating member to move in a reciprocating manner within an angle of rotation of less than 180 degrees. A surface orientation sensor may further be provided that is operable to sense an orientation of a surface of the sample held by the sample holder.
US09921136B2
A sensor unit is configured as a single body, removably mounted in its entirety to a test point location on a machine so machine vibrations propagate into the single body. Within are an accelerometer, circuit board, wireless interface, signal processor, and battery. The sensor unit transmits sensor data wirelessly in real time to a data collection unit. A technician with data collection unit in hand goes from machine to machine, along a route of multiple test point locations on multiple machines, mounting and dismounting the sensor unit and collecting machine vibration data. The sensor unit is configured to reduce frequency response impacts of the mass and volume of the circuit board, wireless interface, signal processor, and battery on dynamic behavior of the sensor unit with respect to machine vibrations to achieve a frequency response rating comparable to a wired sensor.
US09921135B2
A device for rotating a tire includes a fixed support, a driving belt, a plurality of first pulleys, and at least one second pulley. The driving belt has a contact face for contacting an annular part of the tire, and the driving belt enables rotation of the tire. The first pulleys are mounted on the support and are in abutment with the driving belt on a side opposite to the contact face in order to press the contact face radially against the annular part of the tire. The at least one second pulley is in abutment with the contact face of the driving belt and is mounted for translational movement on the support in order to locally space the contact face apart from the annular part of the tire.
US09921129B2
A method and system are described, for the continuous remote monitoring of deformations in a pipeline (10) suitable for the transportation of a pressurized fluids, such as, for example, pipelines designed for the transportation of low- and high-pressure fluids (natural gas, crude oil, water, oil products) that cannot be controlled by using Intelligent Pipeline Inspection Gauge (PIG) systems, or sections of pipeline exposed to the risk of landslides and/or earthquakes in which catastrophic breakages can be generated, with a consequent interruption in the transportation service. The method and system envisage the application of the guided wave technique for the remote-controlled monitoring of the tensional state of the pipeline (10) also on extensive sections, having a length equal to hundreds of meters, using a relatively reduced number of sensors (12) installed on the outer surface of the pipeline (10).
US09921122B2
A calibration rig (1), for calibrating a torque wrench (9), comprises a support structure (3) for supporting the torque wrench (9) during calibration. The support structure (3) comprises: a support member (7) which is free to move substantially vertically; means for applying a balance force (14, 15) to the support member (7), wherein the balance force acts counter to a force exerted by the weight of the torque wrench (9) when a handle of the torque wrench (9) is received by the support member (7); means for applying a measured torque (6) to the torque wrench (7); and means for resisting rotation (16) of the torque wrench (9) as a result of the applied torque.
US09921120B2
A process device for coupling to an industrial process for use in monitoring or controlling the process includes a device housing configured to physically couple to the industrial process. A process variable sensor is configured to measure a process variable and measurement circuitry coupled to the process variable sensor provides an output related to the sensed process variable. A piezoelectric transducer provides an electrical output related to pressure pulsations in the industrial process. Electrical circuitry in the housing includes an input configured to receive the electrical output from the piezoelectric sensor.
US09921113B2
A temperature change detection apparatus for monitoring temperature change in various portions of a large space includes a trip logic unit configured to execute a trip operation based on receipt of a trip signal at the trip logic unit; a plurality of temperature sensors each including a sensing portion composed of optical fiber cable and each being configured to generate light information indicating an amount of Brillouin scattering that occurs within the sensing portion; a plurality of monitoring units configured such that each monitoring unit determines a temperature value corresponding to each temperature sensor connected to the monitoring unit based on an amount of Brillouin scattering indicated by the light information generated by each of the connected temperature sensors, an each monitoring unit generates a trip signal when a determined temperature value exceeds a running average by more than a threshold amount.
US09921112B2
A method and apparatus for automatically measuring and storing a various measured values of an item, or a sequence of measured values of one or more item(s) suitable for single-handed use by a user. In particular, the present invention relates to a mobile computing device with one or more sensors for determining when to measure and record a particular value of one or more items. The mobile computing device may automatically measure the values based on sensing a change in the temperature value or through using proximity as detected by one or more onboard sensors. Additionally, the mobile computing device may automatically measure the values based on coming within range of an external proximity device. In response to automatically measuring the values, the measured values are stored along with additional information for record keeping purposes.
US09921110B2
A radiation sensor includes an integrated circuit radiation sensor chip (1A) including first (7) and second (8) thermopile junctions connected in series to form a thermopile (7,8) within a dielectric stack (3). The first thermopile junction (7) is insulated from a substrate (2) of the chip. A resistive heater (6) in the dielectric stack for heating the first thermopile junction is coupled to a calibration circuit (67) for calibrating responsivity of the thermopile (7,8). The calibration circuit causes a current flow in the heater and multiplies the current by a resulting voltage across the heater to determine power dissipation. A resulting thermoelectric voltage (Vout) of the thermopile (7,8) is divided by the power to provide the responsivity of the sensor.
US09921107B2
A spectrometer system comprising a housing configured as a handheld device with a screen; a source of narrow band illumination; a sensor that detects Raman scattering signals; a source of wide band illumination; an optical element that detect Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) signals; a memory device comprising a library of information with Raman scattering reference information and FTIR reference information; and a processor configured to execute software instructions, wherein the software instructions are configured to: direct the narrow band illumination to the sample; detect the Raman scattering signals; direct the wide band illumination to the sample; detect the FTIR signals; determine a composition of the sample from a similarity between the Raman scattering spectral information and the Raman scattering reference information, and from a similarity between the FTIR spectral information and the FTIR reference information; and display the composition of the sample on the screen.
US09921104B2
Methods and systems for performing simultaneous spectroscopic measurements of semiconductor structures over a broad range of angles of incidence (AOI), azimuth angles, or both, are presented herein. Spectra including two or more sub-ranges of angles of incidence, azimuth angles, or both, are simultaneously measured over different sensor areas at high throughput. Collected light is linearly dispersed across different photosensitive areas of one or more detectors according to wavelength for each subrange of AOIs, azimuth angles, or both. Each different photosensitive area is arranged on the one or more detectors to perform a separate spectroscopic measurement for each different range of AOIs, azimuth angles, or both. In this manner, a broad range of AOIs, azimuth angles, or both, are detected with high signal to noise ratio, simultaneously. This approach enables high throughput measurements of high aspect ratio structures with high throughput, precision, and accuracy.
US09921097B2
A sensor device includes: a first sensor group (13) in which a plurality of first vibration sensors for detecting vibration acceleration in one direction with respect to an object to be detected are arranged to face the same direction; a phase difference calculation unit (220) which, based on a plurality of first signals indicating the vibration acceleration detected by each of the plurality of first vibration sensors included in the first sensor group (13), calculates a first phase difference indicating the phase difference between the plurality of first signals; and an acceleration calculation unit (230) which, using the first phase difference and the plurality of first signals, calculates vibration acceleration in a first direction perpendicular to a surface on which the plurality of first vibration sensors are arranged, and vibration acceleration in a second direction parallel to the surface on which the plurality of first vibration sensors are arranged.
US09921094B2
A surgical instrument flow indicator comprises a body defining a flow passage comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is configured to be fluidically coupled to a fluid supply source and wherein the outlet is configured to be fluidically coupled to the surgical instrument. The flow indicator further comprises a flow indication mechanism in flow communication with the flow passage, the flow indication mechanism being configured to transition from a first state to a second state in response to a threshold force exerted on the flow indication mechanism, wherein in the second state, the flow indication mechanism has an arrangement indicating to an observer that the flow indication mechanism transitioned from the first state to the second state.
US09921092B2
A method for determining one or more fluid flow parameters for a fluid flowing within a pipe is provided. The fluid is a mixture of solid particles and gas. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a meter operable to determine the velocity of the fluid flow through the pipe, which meter is substantially insensitive to the particulate/gas mass ratio of the fluid flow; b) determining the velocity of the fluid flow within the pipe using the meter; and c) determining a particulate/gas mass ratio using a density value for the gas within the flow and the determined fluid flow velocity.
US09921090B2
A temperature sensing device comprising a plurality of thermocouples in a hollow tube, where the thermocouples sensing tips contact the outer wall of the tube, and a heat flux source that heats the hollow tube. The hollow tube is inserted through a cross section of a pipe perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The apparatus measures a void fraction in a two-phase flow of a liquid-gas mixture flowing through the pipe. A process of measuring void fraction whereby the hollow tube is heated to an initial temperature, and in the presence of a liquid-gas mixture flow through the pipe the difference is calculated between the initial temperature of the tube and the temperature during liquid-gas mixture flow, to determine the void fraction in the two-phase flow of liquid-gas mixture through the pipe.
US09921084B2
A fastening device for a sensor at a fitting including a quick clamping mechanism (4) which clamps the fitting (14), characterized in that the quick clamping mechanism (4) is supported at a first holding part (2) which is connected to a second holding part (3) which supports the sensor (12), with the first holding part and the second holding part (2, 3) forming a clamping device, wherein the first holding part (2) includes two hoops (5, 6), wherein at least one hoop (5) engages behind a fitting support unit (10) of the second holding part (3) and the quick clamping mechanism (4) is fastened between the two hoops (5, 6) of the first holding part (2), wherein the quick clamping mechanism (4) is led or rotatably supported at an axle (9) which connects the hoops (5, 6).
US09921080B2
A mounting assembly and method that utilize Hall effect sensors to detect orientation and insertion of a portable device in a base are provided. Hall effect sensors positioned on one of a portable device and a base are arranged to interact with one or more magnets positioned on the other of the portable device or the base such that a change in proximity of at least one of the magnets to at least one of the sensors will cause the sensor to output a voltage signal that differs depending on the nearness of the magnet. Depending on at least one of the magnitude of the signal, the profile of the signal over time, and the identity of the sensor that output the signal, it is determined whether the orientation of the portable device in the base is correct and/or if the portable device is fully inserted in the base.
US09921075B2
A computer implemented method for performing route guidance using text includes obtaining an optimal route that connects a start point and an end point of a route input by a user; comparing a route history stored in a memory with the optimal route and extracting a route portion from the optimal route, the route portion being replaceable by a route portion in the route history; creating route guidance for the route portion extracted from the optimal route by using a text indication known to the user, the known text indication specifying the replaceable route portion in the route history; and creating route guidance for a route portion in the optimal route, the route portion being not replaceable by a route portion in the route history, by using a new text indication that specifies the route portion that is not replaceable.
US09921074B2
A method, system and computer program product for creating a route are disclosed. In embodiments, the method comprises identifying a start location and a destination for a user; identifying defined needs of the user; obtaining satellite imagery of a specified area between the start location and the destination. The satellite imagery is analyzed to identify defined local features affecting the defined needs of the user in the specified area; and a route is selected for the user, from the start location to the destination, based on the defined local features in the specified area. In embodiments, selecting the route includes identifying a plurality of candidate routes from the start location to the destination; generating a score for each of the candidate routes using the defined local features, and selecting one of the candidate routes based on the generated scores for the candidate routes.
US09921072B2
Predicting the future location of a user based on predicting the route that the user might take is disclosed. The routes used by the user in the past are indexed to generate a dictionary of routes which can be further augmented with contextual data. The prior routes are encoded within the dictionary such that each term representing a respective one of the prior routes comprises a collection of unique identifiers wherein each of the unique identifiers represents a segment of the respective one of the prior routes. Techniques of text prediction, term frequency for dictionary scores and other language processing techniques are used to predict the further route of the user.
US09921067B2
Systems and methods for calibrating odometry of a materials handling vehicle. One embodiment of a method includes determining a current location of the materials handling vehicle, determining an odometry distance from the current location to a destination based on a calculation of a determined number of rotations of a wheel and a circumference of the wheel, and determining a positioning system distance from the current location to the destination. Some embodiments include comparing the odometry distance with data from the positioning system distance to calculate a scaling factor, applying the scaling factor to a fast alpha filter to achieve a fast filter result, and applying the scaling factor to a slow alpha filter to achieve a slow filter result. Similarly, some embodiments include applying the fast alpha filter to the scaling factor to smooth noise, calculating an updated odometry distance utilizing the scaling factor, and utilizing the updated odometry distance.
US09921064B2
A method and system for guidance of an off-road vehicle comprises a crop row sensor for sensing position data for one or more crop rows. A primary guidance path of the vehicle is determined based on the sensed position data for the one or more crop rows if there not a material gap in the crop row for the current location of the vehicle. Alternately or cumulatively, a secondary guidance path of the vehicle is determined based on a historic path heading of the vehicle if there is the material gap in a crop row for a current location of the vehicle.
US09921060B2
A target object (20) for a laser measuring device (11) emitting a search beam and a measurement beam, including a reflector device (21) having at least one reflector element (22) for reflecting the measurement beam, a receiving device (23) having at least one receiving element (24) for receiving the search beam, a transmitting device (25) having at least one transmitting element (31, 32, 33) for emitting a visible transmission beam (34, 35, 36) and a control device (26) having an evaluation element (27) for evaluating the received search beam and a control element (28) for controlling the receiving and transmitting devices (23, 25) is provided. The transmitting device (25) emits a first and a second visible transmission beam (34, 35), wherein the color of light of the first visible transmission beam (34) differs from the color of light of the second visible transmission beam (35).
US09921051B2
Provided are a thickness measuring apparatus and a thickness measuring method. The thickness measuring method includes irradiating a first laser beam of a first wavelength λ1 to a transparent substrate and measuring intensity of the first laser beam transmitting through the transparent substrate; irradiating a second laser beam of a second wavelength λ2 to the transparent substrate and measuring intensity of the second laser beam transmitting through the transparent substrate; and extracting a rotation angle on a Lissajous graph using the first and second laser beams transmitting through the transparent substrate. A phase difference between adjacent rays by multiple internal reflection of the first laser beam and a phase difference between adjacent rays by multiple internal reflection of the second laser beam is maintained at π/2.
US09921043B2
A measurement tool and a method of measuring brake stroke of a brake assembly. The method may include installing the measurement tool on the brake assembly. An actuator shaft may be actuated with a lever tool. The measurement tool may measure the brake stroke when the actuator shaft is actuated.
US09921039B2
A high velocity ignition system for ammunition including an casing, a primer, a payload, a first propellant region, a flash tube, a second propellant and at least one channel. The casing has a base portion and a forward portion. The primer is provided in the base portion. The payload is provided proximate the forward portion. The first propellant region is located in the casing intermediate the primer and the payload. The flash tube substantially extends between the primer and the first propellant region. The second propellant region is located in the casing intermediate the first propellant region and the base portion. The at least one channel extends between the first propellant region and the second propellant region. A separator with a forward extending cup and a rearward extending cup has a cylindrical portion that engages the inside surface of the casing, spans the internal distance in the casing, and defines flash pathways between the primer and main propellant and between the main propellant and the secondary propellant.
US09921035B2
A training device for a mortar that includes a firing tube with a front, open end, a rear end, a tube wall and a removal opening for removing a round of mortar training ammunition from the firing tube. The training device further includes a base plate to which the rear end of the firing tube is pivotably connected and a support with an aiming and alignment device. The firing tube is movably connected to the support on a front area by the aiming and alignment device. The training device also includes a transport device arranged on the rear and of the firing tube with which rounds of mortar training ammunition can be automatically transported away out of the firing tube through the removal opening.
US09921034B2
The invention relates to a sight device (1), in particular a reflector sight or telescopic sight, which sight device has a lighting apparatus (2) for producing or illuminating a target mark, wherein the lighting apparatus (2) comprises an light guide (3) made of photoluminescent, in particular fluorescent material and a radioluminescent light source (7) coupled to the light guide (3), wherein the light guide (3) is designed to receive ambient light and convert said ambient light into photoluminescence light along at least one segment (4) of the longitudinal extent of the light guide, and wherein the absorption spectrum (10) of the photoluminescent material of the light guide (3) and the emission spectrum (9) of the radioluminescent light source (7) in the visible range can both be characterized by a spectral bandwidth and a center wavelength. In order to increase the luminance of the lighting apparatus and thus the visibility of the target mark, the center wavelength of the emission spectrum (9) of the radioluminescent light source (7) is greater than the center wavelength of the absorption spectrum (10) of the photoluminescent material of the light guide (3).
US09921031B2
A holster facilitating rapid magazine replacement includes a pistol sleeve and a spare magazine holder including at least one well configured for receiving a spare magazine. The spare magazine is supported at a predetermined angle relative to the grip of the pistol in the pistol sleeve to allow for straightforward exchange. The spare magazine may be substantially parallel or at least near-parallel to the magazine loaded in the grip of the pistol in the pistol sleeve. The holster preferably includes two wells in a vertical stack, each configured to receive a spare magazine at substantially the same angle. One or more fasteners may be provided for adjusting the frictional engagement of the spare magazine disposed in each well. The spare magazine(s) may be disposed in a plane parallel to the plane of the pistol, and this plane may be offset from the plane defined by the grip and the barrel of the gun.
US09921026B1
An improved elongated-draw compact crossbow (150) includes a riser (101), stirrup (100), right and left split limbs (102) each having a first end coupled to the riser (101), right and left cams (104 and 103) with axles coupled to respective second ends of the right and left split limbs (102), string (105) and harness coupled to right and left cams (104 and 103), and a rifle-type stock (110) with a substantially rectangular-shaped barrel (109) having a bore end and butt end and being coupled to the stock (110). When the string (105) of the crossbow (150) is fully drawn and cocked, covers (108 and 107) may be pivoted on the cylindrical rods of respective brackets (106) until they rest against the side of the barrel (109) and cover the string (105) when cocked. Another improved elongated-draw compact crossbow (160) includes a single cover (113) coupled to a hinge (112) the top side of the barrel (109) that rotates on the hinge (112) down until it rests against the top side of the barrel (109) and two portions of the cover (113) extend down over the string (105) when cocked.
US09921021B1
The invention relates to devices for attaching or detaching a sound suppressor or an auxiliary device to a firearm. The device has a mount body that is attached by threads to a muzzle attachment device that is attached to the muzzle of a firearm. The muzzle attachment device has external mounting threads, a gas seal, an engagement surface, and a locking surface on the rear of the muzzle attachment device. The engagement surface simultaneously provides an alignment function and a forward locking function. A rotating collar is attached by threads to the mount body, and a locking spring with locking surfaces is attached to the mount body by threads, with the locking spring fitting inside the rotating collar. The rotating collar, when rotated, forces the locking spring and its locking surfaces downwards against the rear locking surface on the muzzle attachment device, providing force against the rear locking surface and securing the sound suppressor or auxiliary device to the muzzle attachment device through the combination of the forward engagement surface and the rear locking surface.
US09921013B1
An adjustable buffer system, including at least some of a buffer, wherein the buffer element includes a collar cavity and a spacer cavity, wherein a bolt aperture is formed between the collar cavity and the spacer cavity, and wherein two or more longitudinally extending slots are formed in at least a portion of the buffer element; an adjustment bolt, wherein the adjustment bolt comprises an externally threaded body portion; a slidable collar than includes a ring portion surrounding a core portion and spaced apart by two or more legs, and wherein prong apertures are defined between the ring portion, the core portion, and the legs, wherein each of the legs corresponds to a longitudinally extending slot, such that the slidable collar is repeatably slidable along at least a portion of the buffer element as rotational force is applied to the adjustment bolt.
US09921004B2
Embodiments described herein relate to the concept and designs of a polymer-based thermal ground plane. In accordance with one embodiment, a polymer is utilized as the material to fabricate the thermal ground plane. Other embodiments include am optimized wicking structure design utilizing two arrays of micropillars, use of lithography-based microfabrication of the TGP using copper/polymer processing, micro-posts, throttled releasing holes embedded in the micro-posts, atomic layer deposition (ALD) hydrophilic coating, throttled fluid charging structure and sealing method, defect-free ALD hermetic coating, and compliant structural design.
US09921003B2
A wickless heat pipe including a first tube and a second tube. The first tube may form a first shape extending longitudinally in a first direction. The second tube may form a second shape extending longitudinally in a second direction different from the first direction. The first tube and the second tube intersect at at least one location. The two tubes may intersect at a right angle or an oblique angle. The first and second tube may intersect at a plurality of locations. The tubes may be formed from a metal plate used as a thermal ground plane.
US09920996B2
The system and method of controlling a level of flooding to remain substantially constant within a flooded heat exchanger wherein steam flows into a steam side and condenses to form condensate that partly floods the steam side and that flows out of the steam side, and wherein cold water flows into a water side in heat exchange relationship with the steam side to heat the cold water and form heated water that flows out of the water side, comprises collecting the water condensate flowing out of the heat exchanger condensate outlet into a level controller through a controller condensate inlet; connecting the level controller to a steam source having a pressure equivalent to that of the heat exchanger steam side; and controlling the level of condensate in the level controller to remain substantially constant with a controller valve that allows condensate to be exhausted out through a controller condensate outlet if the level of the condensate in the level controller rises beyond a valve activation threshold wherein the level of condensate in the heat exchanger steam side will also be controlled to remain substantially constant consequently allowing a level of flooding in the flooded heat exchanger to remain substantially constant. The heat exchanger heated water outlet can be coupled to a mixer with a further cold water inlet, for obtaining a system and method of providing a determined heated water temperature at a system heated water outlet in a heat exchange system.
US09920991B2
Various embodiments of methods and devices for drying coated stents in an oven are described herein.
US09920981B2
A refrigerator includes a storage compartment formed in a cabinet of the refrigerator by a fixed insulation wall, the storage compartment being provided with an access opening. The refrigerator also includes a door rotatably provided to the cabinet to open and close the access opening, a drawer provided in the storage compartment, a camera fixed to a ceiling of the storage compartment to photograph both a first region for storing of food arranged in an external space of the drawer and a second region for storing of food arranged in an internal space of the drawer, and a controller configured to separate, through a capturing time of a picture containing both the first region and the second region, a first region picture and a second region picture from the picture to individually divide and store the first region picture and the second region picture.
US09920980B2
A refrigerator includes a storage compartment formed in a cabinet of the refrigerator by a fixed insulation wall, the storage compartment being provided with an access opening. The refrigerator also includes a door rotatably provided to the cabinet to open and close the access opening, a drawer provided in the storage compartment, a camera fixed to a ceiling of the storage compartment to photograph both a first region for storing of food arranged in an external space of the drawer and a second region for storing of food arranged in an internal space of the drawer, and a controller configured to separate, through a capturing time of a picture containing both the first region and the second region, a first region picture and a second region picture from the picture to individually divide and store the first region picture and the second region picture.
US09920978B1
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a liquid dispenser for a refrigerator. According to some embodiments, the liquid dispenser includes a liquid discharge unit including a nozzle through which liquid received in the liquid dispenser is discharged, and a lever that opens and closes the nozzle based on whether the lever is pressed or not. A liquid receiving unit receives the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge unit, and a support unit allows the liquid receiving unit to be positioned to press the lever based on the weight of liquid in the liquid receiving unit. A damper may be used to stably seat the receiving unit and reduce or eliminate noise generated when liquid flows to the liquid receiving unit.
US09920959B2
A refrigeration device includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, intake electromagnetic valves and exhaust electromagnetic valves, two-position three-way electromagnetic valves or two-position five-way electromagnetic valves, a cylinder group, a volume-variable airproof container, two-position two-way electromagnetic valves and a generator. The cylinder group is composed of two or more cylinders, refrigerant flows successively through the compressor, the intake electromagnetic valves, the cylinder group, the exhaust electromagnetic valves, the condenser, the expansion valve and the evaporator and finally enters the compressor from the evaporator, the cylinder group can do work to generate electricity through atmospheric pressure in the volume-variable airproof container and compensates for electric energy consumed by the compressor, and therefore the electric energy can be saved.
US09920957B2
A drive can include a positional sensor within an outer housing of the drive so as to provide an output indicative of a position of the drive. The positional sensor can be an inclinometer. The inclinometer can be used for feedback control of an inclination of the drive. The drive can further include control electronics within the same housing, so as to provide feedback control of a motor of the drive. The control electronics can include an input for receiving a requested inclination and can be configured to drive the motor until the inclinometer outputs a signal indicative of the requested angle.
US09920949B2
In an air conditioning system of the present disclosure, the controlling module determines state of the indoor unit. If the indoor unit is under off state, the controlling module determines whether an indoor temperature is smaller than a preset temperature. If yes, the controlling module controls the indoor unit to heat according to a first heating temperature. If the indoor unit is under heating state, the controlling module sets a second heating temperature of the indoor unit to the first heating temperature, and controls the indoor unit to heat according to the first heating temperature. The first heating temperature is smaller than the second heating temperature. If the indoor unit is under cooling state, the controlling module sets a first cooling temperature to a second cooling temperature which is greater than the first cooling temperature, and controls the indoor unit to cool according to the second cooling temperature.
US09920944B2
A wall module for controlling a temperature in a building space includes a housing and a temperature sensor disposed within the housing. A touch screen display is mounted relative to the housing and a controller is configured to control what is displayed on the touch screen display and to accept inputs received via the touch screen display. A communication port is operatively coupled to the controller for communicating with an HVAC controller that is remote from the wall module. The controller is configured to permit a user to alter a display arrangement of information displayed on the touch screen display, and to transmit the altered display arrangement to the HVAC controller such that the HVAC controller can subsequently provide the altered display arrangement back to the wall module and/or share the altered display arrangement with other wall modules.
US09920941B2
An air-conditioning control apparatus controls an air-conditioning unit used in a central air-conditioning system that conditions a plurality of rooms in a house by a single air-conditioning unit. In the apparatus, a microcomputer starts an output of an ON command signal when started, subsequently continues the output of the ON command signal when a detected temperature inside a room is lower than a predetermined determination temperature, and stop the output of the ON command signal when the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined determination temperature. A protective opening and closing unit closes a first power supply path between a voltage input terminal and an internal alternating-current power supply line when the ON command signal outputted from the microcomputer is supplied, and opens the first power supply path when the supply of the ON command signal is stopped.
US09920940B2
A rotary wheel assembly is configured for use with a system for conditioning air to be supplied to an enclosed structure. The rotary wheel is configured to be positioned within a supply air stream and an exhaust air stream. The assembly includes a cassette frame, a wheel rotatably secured within the cassette frame, and a self-adjusting seal subassembly configured to maintain sealing engagement with respect to a surface of the wheel. The self-adjusting seal subassembly includes at least one seal member.
US09920929B2
Biomass is quickly becoming an important feedstock for energy generation in power plants. Due to their composition and nature, certain biomass fuels contribute to slagging, fouling, and corrosion. This invention provides a novel method of reducing or suppressing slag deposition and/or cleaning deposited slag in energy production processes in which potassium-containing solid fuels are combusted. Besides acting as a slag suppressant, further advantages of this invention are that the additive has no detrimental side-effects on capital equipment, increases slag friability, decreases slag fouling rate, reduces heat transfer corrosion as well as increasing the lifetime of the selective catalytic reduction catalyst.
US09920925B2
A sludge lance for a tube and shell steam generator that has a central divider plate that extends substantially the length of a central tube lane substantially bisecting a hand hole through which the tube lane can be accessed. The sludge lance has a nozzle with a spring biased, reciprocally movable plunger that extends against the divider plate and is locked in position by a stream of high pressure cleaning fluid that traverses the nozzle and exits through jets to clean sludge from between the tubes. An alignment tool with a swing arm indexes the jets to assure they are properly aligned with the tube rows and spaced from the divider plate.
US09920923B2
A method and apparatus for direct contact steam generation for a variety of industrial processes including heavy oil recovery, power generation and pulp and paper applications. The steam generation system consists of a combustor and steam generator and is constructed to be operable at elevated pressures. The fuel, at least one oxidant and a fluid supply including water are supplied at pressure to the combustor. Flue gas from the combustor is delivered to the direct contact steam generator at pressure, and upon direct contact with water produces a flue gas stream consisting primarily of steam. This product stream can then be cleansed and used for industrial application. The combustor can be operated with low grade fuel and low quality water with high solids and hydrocarbon contents. The apparatus and method reduce the environmental footprint by reducing air emission, concentrating CO2 to enable capture and reducing clean water requirements.
US09920921B2
The presented invention facilitates creation of floors and other utilitarian spaces incorporating supplementary, illuminated decorations. It may be utilized in house and public facilities building-oriented branches of construction industry, and in the furniture joinery industry. It can also be incorporated into already finished spaces.The building component is characteristic due to the fact that it is based on utilization of the bottom layer (7), the satisfactory thickness of which shall oscillate around 2÷18 mm, intermediate light forwarding layer (3), the thickness of which shall range from 3 to 18 mm (the additional elements of the design, such as indents, and/or engraves, and/or channels, in which light elements (4) are situated, and/or light mat (8), and top layer (1), the thickness of which shall oscillate around 1÷18 mm, and in which the elements of the design, such as decorative indents, shall be also incorporated (2). The aforementioned elements shall be filled with a special material, such as resin, and/or glass, and/or adhesive substances, and/or transparent substances. The utilized light sources (4) are LED diodes and/or LED diode sets, and/or optical fibers, and/or halogen lamps, and/or cold cathodes, and/or light mat. The aforementioned light sources (4) are located in a circular manner, and/or separate fashion, and/or between the bottom layer (7) and the top layer (1). The building component may incorporate a heating mat (6) situated below the light mat, as well as an additional layer (9), preferably of the thickness of 1÷12 mm and supplementary elements of the design (10), preferably of the thickness of 1÷12 mm.
US09920906B2
An LED lighting device (6) having an LED (8) emitting white light and optical filter means (12) suitable for filtering the white light emitted by the LED (8). The optical filter means comprise at least two optical filters (12) that have different transmission coefficients and that are positionable to filter the light emitted by the LED (8) individually. The lighting device (6) includes a power supply unit (10) suitable for delivering different power supply currents to the LED (8) depending on whether one or the other of the optical filters (12) is positioned to filter the light from the LED (8), so as to modify the color temperature of the light emitted by the LED (8).
US09920903B2
Optical components for lighting devices and lighting devices including such components are described. In some embodiments the optical components are in the form of a lens that alter the distribution of light produced by a lighting fixture. In some embodiments, the lenses are in the form of a downlight to wallwash lens which, when placed in a downlight fixture, convert the light distribution to that of a wallwash fixture, e.g., causing the downlight to produce an off-axis light distribution, without changing the fixture. The lens includes a body with a light source facing side and an opposite room facing side having two optically active regions, each including structures that redirect a portion of light received through the light source facing side and incident thereon. The first region includes structures that redirect, via refraction, and the second region includes structures that redirect, in part via total internal reflection.
US09920902B2
A laser source is described. The laser source is configured for providing collimated laser beams arranged in a ring-shape for exiting a phosphor. The laser source has laser diodes arranged in a ring-shaped manner around a symmetry axis. Parallel parts of the laser beams form a hollow tube. Further, a light source is described. The light source has a phosphor, an optical element and a light source configured for providing collimated laser beams arranged in a ring-shape for exiting the phosphor. The light source is arranged such that the collimated laser beams are directed opposite to the collimated luminance.
US09920897B2
A head lamp for a vehicle is provided that is capable of irradiating a low beam pattern to the front of the vehicle, without using a separate reflector.
US09920893B2
A bus line LED module includes a printed circuit board on which LEDs are mounted and lens portion formed over the LEDs. A pair of wires is positioned beneath the printed circuit board within a bottom portion assembly to form a top portion assembly. A pair of windows within a bottom portion assembly enables access to a portion of the wires where a metal-to-metal contact to the metal inner portion of the wires is made. A pair of metal connectors extends from the printed circuit board to make metal-to-metal contact with the metal wires. A sealing connection is made between the top portion assembly and the bottom portion assembly.
US09920892B2
One non-limiting example of an LED system for a lighting assembly includes a heat sink having a plurality of base plates. Each of the base plates has a pair of opposing edges disposed adjacent to a corresponding one of the other base plates. Additionally, each base plate has an outer face extending between the opposing edges; and the LED system further includes a plurality of LEDs attached to the outer face of each base plate. A fan is releasably attached to a bottom portion of the heat sink and configured to produce a flow of air through the heat sink from the bottom portion through a top portion of the heat sink to maintain an operating temperature of the LED system.
US09920885B2
This invention relates to a multiphase pumping block device comprising a pump and a bypass circuit. Said bypass circuit is suitable for enabling the flow of a fluid from an area upstream of the pump to an area downstream of the pump by bypassing the pump. The latter comprises at least out non-return valve suitable for blocking the flow of the fluid from the area downstream of the pump to the area upstream of the pump. In addition, the pumping block device is connected to a set of pumping circuits, comprising a main bypass circuit suitable for enabling the flow of a fluid from an area upstream of the connected pumping block to an area downstream of the connected pumping block. Finally, the pumping block device is arranged in order to be disconnected from said set of circuits for maintenance.
US09920880B2
An example method of deaerating a mixture of fluid and air includes communicating a mixture of fluid and air directly against a wall of a reservoir to separate the fluid from the air. The method reuses the fluid held within the reservoir after the separating.
US09920874B2
A linkage rod including a limited-displacement flexible mechanism has structural robustness and allows easy reduction in weight and size, simple production and easy operation. The linkage rod including at least one limited-displacement flexible mechanism, wherein the limited-displacement flexible mechanism comprises at least one limited-displacement flexible joint which comprises: a flexible member; and at least one bend limitation section which is arranged in parallel with the flexible member so that the bend limitation section limits a bend of the flexible member.
US09920869B2
A transfer tube includes a conduit with an inlet and an opposed outlet. The transfer tube also includes a retention tab extending from the inlet and a locking spring tab extending from the outlet. The locking spring tab includes a claw portion extending radially from the locking spring tab of the transfer tube.
US09920865B2
A clamping ring for a non-releasable workpiece connection includes an inner circumferential surface, an outer circumferential surface, a proximal end, and a distal end, said inner circumferential surface having a cylindrical design in at least some sections. A sliding sleeve for a non-releasable workpiece connection includes an inner circumferential surface, an outer circumferential surface, a proximal end, and a distal end. An arrangement for producing a non-releasable workpiece connection and a method for producing a non-releasable workpiece connection are provided.
US09920859B2
Pass-through mounting assemblies include an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve, a bushing component, and a cap that are configured to be assembled onto a partition aperture in a partition to retain a tube as the tube passes through the partition. The outer sleeve is sized to fit into the partition aperture. The inner sleeve is sized to nest into the outer sleeve and includes a non-concentric inner rim. The bushing component defines a tube aperture configured to retain the tube and includes an outer rim sized to nest into the inner rim of the inner sleeve. The tube aperture is non-concentric with the outer rim of the bushing component. The cap includes an inner rim sized to nest over the outer rim of the inner sleeve. The tube aperture position may be adjusted by changing the relative angular position of the bushing component, the inner sleeve, and the cap.
US09920856B2
A method for processing operating data (e.g., position, setpoint, and pressure) for a valve assembly. The method is configured to associate characteristics of operation for the valve assembly with a root cause and/or a contributing factor. In one embodiment, the method can assign a first amplitude with a value that quantifies movement or “jump” of the valve stem that results from stick-slip on the valve assembly. The method can also assign a second amplitude with a value that quantifies a change in the data for the setpoint. The method can further ascertain the relationship or “position” of the first amplitude relative to the second amplitude, or vice versa. The method can use the relationship between the first amplitude and the second amplitude to indicate the root cause of the operation of the valve assembly.
US09920847B2
Apparatus to interface with a corrugated profile are disclosed. An example apparatus for use with a fluid regulator includes an elastomeric ring having a corrugated profile that corresponds to a corrugated profile of a diaphragm of the fluid regulator. The elastomeric ring is to be positioned between a valve body and a bonnet of the fluid regulator to clamp the diaphragm between the valve body and the bonnet. The example apparatus includes a metallic ring positioned between the valve body and the bonnet to contact the elastomeric ring to support the elastomeric ring.
US09920831B2
A pattern of a rotational operation force is changed by a state of a device of an input object. An input device includes a knob, a rotation shaft body that rotates together with the knob, a rotation controller that is capable of changing a rotational operation force, a detector that detects a rotational position, a controller, and a storage that stores a plurality of patterns. The controller reads a pattern from the storage according to a pattern signal input from an outside and controls the rotation controller when the knob is operated to be rotated according to a rotational position detected by the detector and the read pattern.
US09920812B2
To prevent response delay and to damp torsional vibration transmitted to a power transmission route. A vibration damper includes a first route R1 provided with a coil spring 43 as an elastic member, and a second route R2 provided with a sun gear 5s as an inertial body formed to be parallel as power transmission routes between an engine 10 to a transmission 20, and by switching the first route R1 and the second route R2 by a first clutch C1 and a second clutch C2, switchover to a state in which an inertial torque acts on the power transmission route by the sun gear 5s and a state in which the inertial torque is not generated is carried out.
US09920809B2
A steering damper is configured to adjust a damping force of a rotor covered by a lower casing and an upper casing by changing the viscosity of a magnetic fluid with an electromagnet. Since a magnetic fluid chamber is provided with a volume compensating unit, even when the volume of the magnetic fluid expands, or air entrainment occurs, air bubbles lighter than the magnetic fluid are collected in the volume compensating unit. Thus, characteristic variations of the steering damper due to volume expansion or air entrainment of the magnetic fluid are prevented.
US09920808B2
A micromechanical spring including at least two bar sections which, in the undeflected state of the spring, are oriented substantially parallel to one another or are at an angle of less than 45° with respect to one another, and one or more connecting sections which connect the bar sections to one another, wherein the bar sections can be displaced relative to one another in their longitudinal direction, and wherein the spring has, in the direction of its bar sections, a substantially adjustable, in particular linear force-deflecting behavior.
US09920804B2
A linear actuation assembly comprising: (a) a differential assembly and (b) a pair of linear actuators in communication with the differential assembly; wherein the pair of linear actuators are movable along an axis so that during movement of each of the pair of linear actuators a pair of brake shoes are moved to create a brake force or moved to release a brake force, and wherein the differential assembly distributes power equally to each of the pair of linear actuators until resistance of one of the brake shoes increases then the differential assembly ceases to provide power to the brake shoe with increased resistance and distributes the power from the brake shoe with increased resistance to a brake shoe of lower resistance until a brake force is created.
US09920802B2
A brake pad (10) for fastening on a brake caliper (110) of a vehicle braking device (100), having a main body (20) and a brake lining (22) arranged over an extended area on the main body (20), wherein the main body (20) has at least two guide openings (24) to receive in each case one guide pin (112), wherein each of the guide openings (24) has a guiding portion (25), wherein the guiding portions (25) of all the guide openings (24) have a radius of guidance (FR) with a common center of guidance (FM).
US09920798B2
To provide a braking device that achieves unidirectionality without limiting the direction of rotation of a rotor. The present invention is characterized by being equipped with a housing (10), a rotor (20) provided inside the housing (10), brake shoes (30) provided between the rotor (20) and the housing (10), first protruding parts (40) that move together with the brake shoes (30), and second protruding parts (50) that move in conjunction with the rotation of the rotor (20), with the first protruding parts (40) riding up on the second protruding parts only when the rotor (20) rotates in the normal direction, and thereby generating greater friction between the brake shoes (30) and the housing (10) than the friction that can be generated between the brake shoes (30) and the housing (10) when the rotor (20) rotates in the reverse direction.
US09920795B2
A clutch assembly is disclosed having a clutch housing and a shaft. A clutch pack selectively couples rotation of the clutch housing and the shaft. The clutch pack includes a primary backing plate, a reaction plate, first and second friction plates disposed between the backing plate and the reaction plate, and a secondary backing plate disposed between the first and second friction plates. A first actuator selectively applies pressure to the reaction plate to move the reaction plate toward the primary backing plate. A second actuator controls movement of the secondary backing plate to switch the clutch pack between a low torque state and a high torque state. In the low torque state, the secondary backing plate cannot move longitudinally toward the primary backing plate beyond a locked position. In the high torque state, the secondary backing plate can move beyond the locked position.
US09920794B2
A torque limiter is configured from a ring body and a spring-form part provided in the ring body. The ring body includes a band-form metal plate and is bent approximately into a C-shape along the circumferential direction of a motor shaft and a lock holder. The spring-form part is formed so as to be capable of radial elastic deformation. The spring-form part is configured from main protrusions arranged in a compressed state between the motor shaft and the lock holder, and from sub-protrusions arranged in a non-compressed state. Further, grease is stored in a part or all of the concavities formed by the main protrusions and the sub-protrusions.
US09920790B2
The present invention discloses an active airbearing device, including a airbearing body, a gas film active adjusting unit, a support body detection unit and a drive control unit, wherein the support body detection device measures a state of airbearing, the drive control system generates a control signal according to a detection signal, drives and controls the gas film active adjusting device to generate an active action, and dynamically adjusts the form of gas films on a airbearing surface, so as to dynamically adjust pressure distribution of gaps between the gas films of the airbearing device, thereby improving dynamic stiffness characteristics of the airbearing. Through the present invention, the dynamic stiffness characteristics of the airbearing can be improved significantly, and the purpose of stabilizing the airbearing is achieved; in addition, the active airbearing device according to the present invention also has the characteristics of a compact structure, convenient operation and control, and high precision, and thus is especially suitable for occasions such as ultra-precision machining or high speed spindle which has high requirements for dynamic stiffness of support.
US09920788B2
A linking arm assembly incorporating an improved connection between an elongated rod portion and an engagement element such as a ball stud or the like adapted to join the linking arm to another structure. The linking arm assembly may incorporate an improved ball and socket connection. The socket may include an arrangement of flexible rib elements that are compressed when the ball stud is inserted so as to bias against the ball during use.
US09920787B2
A connecting rod (10) has a big end bearing eye (11) for attachment to a crankshaft, a small end bearing eye (12) for attachment to a piston, and an eccentric adjusting device (13) for adjusting an effective connecting rod length. The eccentric adjusting device (13) has eccentric rods (15, 16) that engage on an eccentric lever (14), an eccentric (36) that is guided in an aperture in the eccentric lever (14) and in the small end bearing eye (12) and an aperture for accommodating a piston pin (37). Lubricating oil bores (38, 39) are introduced into the small end bearing eye (12) via which a lubricating oil film can be built up between the small end bearing eye (12) and the eccentric (36). The small end bearing eye (12) has a larger radial wall thickness in those regions in which the lubricating oil bores (38, 39).
US09920781B2
A system comprises a set piece, a threaded block, and a nut and is configured to support a panel in a railing system. The set piece comprises a block portion and a base portion. The block portion has a first planar surface and an opposing, second planar surface. The base portion is planar and extends from an edge of the block portion substantially perpendicular to the first and second surfaces of the block portion and away from the first surface of the block portion. The threaded block comprises a base and an extended circular portion. The circular portion comprises a threaded surface on the circumference, and the threaded block is configured to align with the set piece. The nut is configured to engage the threaded block. The nut comprises a corresponding threaded internal circular surface to rotatably engage the extended circular portion and move orthogonal to the threaded block base.
US09920776B2
A fluid controller includes a valve housing having an inlet port, a return port, first and second control ports and a load sense port. The fluid controller further includes a fluid meter in selective fluid communication with the valve housing and a valve assembly adapted to provide selective fluid communication between the valve housing and the fluid meter. The valve housing includes a main flow path and a load sense flow path. The main flow path is adapted to provide selective fluid communication between the inlet port and the first control port. Fluid in the main flow path passes through the fluid meter. The load sense path is adapted to provide selective fluid communication between the load sense port and the main flow path. The load sense flow path includes a variable load sense orifice that substantially closes prior to a maximum rotational displacement of the valve assembly.
US09920750B1
A data center includes computing devices, an air handling system, a heat engine, and a generator. Air moved by the air handling system flows across heat-producing components in the computing devices in the data center. Heat from air that has flowed over the heat-producing components heats a hot section of the heat engine. The heat engine generates mechanical work based on a temperature differential between a hot section of the heat engine and a cold section of the heat engine. The generator generates electricity from the mechanical work generated by the heat engine.
US09920741B2
A swept wind turbine blade (20) includes a blade body (24) extending along a length between a root (26) and a tip (28) of the blade (20). A pitch axis (36) extends through the root (26) of the blade (20). A reference line (48) defines a deviation from the pitch axis (36) and corresponds to a swept shape of the blade (20) along its length. The reference line (48) has a zero sweep at the root (26), a zero slope at the root (26), and a positive curvature (66) along a segment within 25% of the length from the root (26) to the tip (28) of the blade (20).
US09920733B2
A system and method for preventing unauthorized modification to engine control software or an engine control system of, for example, a refrigerated transport application is provided. Particularly, the embodiments described herein prevent unauthorized parties from inadvertently or intentionally making changes to the engine control software used for controlling the engine or the engine control system that could, for example, potentially bypass emission strategies implemented in the refrigerated transport application. Accordingly, emission strategies such as, for example, EPA Tier IV not-to-exceed (“NTE”) regulations can be maintained.
US09920720B2
A blowby gas treatment device is configured to discharge blowby gas inside an internal combustion engine to an intake passage inside an intake manifold. The blowby gas treatment device includes a blowby gas passage, a flow control valve, a communication hole, and a lid. The blowby gas passage includes an engine gas passage and an intake manifold gas passage. The communication hole is provided in the intake manifold. The communication hole is configured to connect outside of the intake manifold and a part of the intake manifold gas passage on a downstream side of the flow control valve in a gas flow direction. The communication hole opens the intake manifold gas passage to the atmosphere. A lid is configured to open and close the communication hole.
US09920717B2
A preheating device for an internal combustion engine may include an inlet connection for connecting a distributor rail of a fuel injection system and an outlet connection for connecting a fuel injector of the fuel injection system. A preheating chamber may be fluidically connected with the inlet connection and the outlet connection and be flowable through by a fuel flow. At least one electrical heating element may be included for heating the fuel flow in the preheating chamber. At least one metallic heating body, which may be exposed to the fuel flow in the preheating chamber, may receive the at least one heating element.
US09920710B2
An exhaust system for a variable cycle aircraft engine. The exhaust system comprises a core exhaust for bypass air and hot gases of combustion. The core exhaust includes a convergent-divergent nozzle. The convergent-divergent nozzle is formed from a plurality of flaps and seals. The exhaust system comprises a third air duct for a third stream of air. The third stream of air is selectively exhausted from the third duct through a secondary nozzle or divergent slots in the convergent-divergent nozzle, or both depending upon the flight mode. A diverter valve is positioned in the third stream duct to selectively control the flow of third stream air through the secondary nozzle, the divergent slots and combinations thereof.
US09920707B2
The container unit type cogeneration engine generator comprises a long generator container in which an engine and components on a generator main body side including a generator driven by the engine are accommodated, and a short exhaust heat utilizing container in which a boiler that generates steam and hot water for hot-water supply by utilizing exhaust heat of the engine and an exhaust heat utilizing apparatus including a heat exchanger are accommodated. A combination container unit is configured so that shorter walls on one end side of the both containers in a longer direction are positioned on a same straight line, and making both longer walls of the long generator container and the short exhaust heat utilizing container to face each other. Both containers are coupled with a plurality of pipes along the shorter direction of the containers across the facing walls along which the both containers are arranged.
US09920706B1
Methods of laser powering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) with heat engines are disclosed. The laser powered heat engines are used in conjunction with devices for absorbing laser optical radiation, turning the laser optical radiation into heat, supplying the heat to a working fluid of the heat engine and harvesting mechanical work from expanding working fluid in the heat engine.
US09920705B2
A combination port fuel injection (PFI) and direct injection (DI) dual path fuel injection system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) that switches between the PFI portion and the DI portion depending on the engine operating point and fuel flow requirements. During transitions in engine loading, the ECU instructs the PFI portion to increase injection for a limited amount of time, while instructing the DI portion to maintain a current injection. Subsequently, fueling is transitioned from the PFI portion back to the DI portion. Advantageously, the combination PFI and DI dual path fuel injection system mitigates the emission of particles during transient engine operating conditions.
US09920702B2
After off of an injection pulse of partial lift injection, a first filtered voltage Vsm1 being a negative terminal voltage of a fuel injection valve filtered by a first low-pass filter and a second filtered voltage Vsm2 being the negative terminal voltage of the fuel injection valve filtered by a second low-pass filter are calculated, and time from a predetermined reference timing to a timing when a difference Vdiff (=Vsm1−Vsm2) between the filtered voltages has an inflection point is calculated as voltage inflection time Tdiff. An averaged value Tdiff.ave of a predetermined frequency of data of the voltage inflection time Tdiff is obtained as a learning value of the voltage inflection time, and the injection pulse of the partial lift injection is corrected based on the learning value Tdiff.ave of the voltage inflection time.
US09920700B2
A method for operating an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders includes: measuring, by exhaust gas sensors arranged at an exhaust gas of every cylinder for which cylinder-specific combustion control is carried out, for each respective cylinder, at least one actual combustion value; comparing each respective measured actual combustion value with a reference combustion value to determine at least one cylinder-specific control deviation for every cylinder for which cylinder-specific combustion control is carried out; determining at least one cylinder-specific control variable for every cylinder for which cylinder-specific combustion control is carried out based on the cylinder-specific control deviation or on every cylinder-specific control deviation; and operating each cylinder for which cylinder-specific combustion control is carried out based on the respective cylinder-specific control variable to bring the respective actual combustion value closer to the respective reference combustion value and minimize the respective control deviation.
US09920687B2
A rotary engine and a rotary unit thereof are provided. The rotary engine includes an air-compressed rotary unit provided in an engine body and a power rotary unit moving in coordination with the air-compressed rotary unit. Each rotary unit includes an outer rotor and an inner rotor provided eccentrically within the outer rotor, inner teeth constituted by convex arc surfaces are formed in an inner circumference of the outer rotor and outer teeth constituted by concave arc surfaces are formed in an outer circumference of the inner rotor, such that intake and compression strokes of the air-compressed rotary unit and power and exhaust strokes of the power rotary unit are achieved during the engagement and disengagement between the inner and outer teeth. The rotary engine has a compact structure, a smooth output torque, a high power per liter, and can be widely used in fields of vehicle, power machinery, etc.
US09920686B2
A charge air cooler includes a plurality of plate assemblies. Each of the plate assemblies includes a unitary first plate and a unitary second plate. The first plate and the second plate each have a channel forming surface. The channel forming surface of the first plate cooperating with the channel forming surface of the second plate to form a first flow channel for receiving a first coolant and a second flow channel for receiving a second coolant. A plurality of fins is interposed between the plate assemblies.
US09920678B2
The present invention relates to a heat recovery device particularly suitable for internal combustion engines, and more particularly suitable for engines incorporating a WHRS (waste heat recovery system). The device of the invention relates to the occasional recovery of heat from the exhaust gases where the invention carries out this function such that the main conduit where the exhaust gases circulate is not affected by a noticeable increase in heat loss due to the incorporation of said device. It provides a heat exchanger (3.6) and a bypass flap valve (3.8) upstream for selectively diverting the exhaust gases to the main exhaust conduit (1) or to the heat exchanger (3.6).
US09920676B2
A mixer for an emissions cleaning module is provided. The mixer having an elongate body configured for location within a flowhood and a downstream conduit of an emissions cleaning module. A plurality of apertures are included in the mixer and configured to permit passage of exhaust gas therethrough, to promote mixing, in use of an injected additive and a flow of exhaust gas. An emissions cleaning module including such a mixer is also described.
US09920673B2
The invention relates to an SCR line for treatment of exhaust from an internal combustion engine and including a first hose to carry a reducing agent, a second hose to carry a tempering agent and a pipe enclosing the two hoses. The two hoses are arranged in the pipe so as to run side by side in parallel. Each of the same-side ends of the first hose and of the pipe are connected to a reducing agent coupling housing. The ends of the second hose are each connected to a tempering agent coupling part separate from the reducing agent coupling housing. At least one of the reducing agent coupling housings has a through-opening at the outer perimeter. The second hose runs from the interior of the pipe through the through-opening to the outside. Furthermore, the invention relates to an SCR line bundle with an SCR line.
US09920672B2
A method for heating a device for delivering a liquid additive, the device having at least one pump having at least one pump chamber and at least one movable pump chamber wall, the movable pump chamber wall being displaceable for the delivery of the liquid additive, includes: a) generating a vibration movement by at least one actuator; b) transmitting the vibration movement to the movable pump chamber wall; and c) converting the vibration movement into heat in the movable pump chamber wall.
US09920668B2
A filter device may include a filter housing cover defining a chamber and an annular filter element arranged within the receiving chamber. The filter device may further include a housing and at least one intermediate piece arranged between the filter housing cover and the housing when the cover is secured to the housing. An inlet duct may be in communication with an untreated side of the filter element and an outlet duct may be in communication with a clean side of the filter element. A drainage duct may be arranged in the housing for draining the chamber during removal of the cover. A closure device may be arrange in the intermediate piece and have a closure element configured to close the drainage duct.
US09920660B2
A method for operating a camshaft adjuster, which includes an adjusting transmission with an input shaft, an output shaft connected in a non-rotatable manner with a camshaft, and an adjusting shaft, whereby the adjusting shaft is driven by an actuator, characterized by the fact that the actuator drives the adjusting shaft by overcoming a torque that is dependent on its angular position.
US09920659B2
A coupling pin anti-rotation arrangement is provided for a switchable roller finger follower within a valve train of an internal combustion engine. The coupling pin, located on one of the levers, has a first locking surface, and includes at least one coupling pin-side anti-rotation flat; the other lever, with a second locking surface, is configured with at least one lever-side anti-rotation flat. The at least one lever-side anti-rotation flat slidably guides the at least one coupling pin-side anti-rotation flat such that the first locking surface is aligned with the second locking surface throughout longitudinal displacement of the coupling pin within a coupling pin bore. The coupling pin anti-rotation arrangement is adaptable to various switchable roller finger follower designs that incorporate different valve lift strategies and lever configurations.
US09920653B2
According to an example embodiment, a gas turbine engine assembly includes, among other things, a fan that has a plurality of fan blades. A diameter of the fan has a dimension D that is based on a dimension of the fan blades. Each fan blade has a leading edge. An inlet portion is situated forward of the fan. A length of the inlet portion has a dimension L between a location of the leading edge of at least some of the fan blades and a forward edge on the inlet portion. A dimensional relationship of L/D is between about 0.2 and 0.45.
US09920652B2
A section of a gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a thermally isolated area, and a first rotor disk and a second rotor disk. Each of the first and second rotor disks are provided within the thermally isolated area.
US09920646B2
Turbine and compressor casing/housing abradable component embodiments for turbine engines, have abradable surfaces with asymmetric forward and aft ridge surface area density. The forward ridges have greater surface area density than the aft ridges to compensate for greater ridge erosion in the forward zone during engine operation and reduce blade tip wear in the aft zone. Some abradable component embodiments increase forward zone ridge surface area density by incorporating wider ridges than those in the aft zone.
US09920642B2
Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods of a vane design utilizing welding techniques. The present invention concerns a method for preventing cracking within a vane assembly utilizing full penetration welding. Additional embodiments concern a vane design that, when assembled with another vane, comprises an axial slot that prevents cracking within a vane assembly.
US09920639B2
A gas turbine combustion chamber is provided, including a flow sleeve structure with an improved anti-vibration performance. A gas turbine combustion chamber of the present invention includes a liner, a transition piece, and a flow sleeve including a plurality of segments and integrated by welding a tie piece along joint portions of the segments. The tie piece includes a first member and a second member, the first member continuously extending along a longitudinal direction of the joint portions of the segments and being arranged to cover the joint portions, and the second member being formed at an end portion of the first member, having a width wider than the first member, and including a recess.
US09920638B2
A turbine or compressor stage for a turbine engine is provided. The stage includes a disk including a metal material configured to be coupled to a shaft of the turbine engine, an airfoil including a ceramic matrix composite material, and an interface part that is distinct from the airfoil and that is configured to be fastened to the disk and to fasten the airfoil. The interface part includes a ceramic or a ceramic matrix composite material.
US09920635B2
The present disclosure provides various embodiments of cooling circuits, turbine blades with cooling circuits, and methods of forming such turbine blades, having raised rib turbulator structures, which may be used in gas turbine engines. In one exemplary embodiment, a cooling circuit for directing a flow of fluid is disclosed, the cooling circuit includes a cooling circuit wall and a plurality of raised turbulator ribs, each turbulator rib of the plurality of raised turbulator ribs being spaced apart from the cooling circuit wall to allow the fluid to flow between the cooling circuit wall and the plurality of turbulator ribs.
US09920624B2
A mining machine including a chassis, an actuator, a cutter drum supported by the chassis, the cutter drum driven by the actuator, a cutter bit coupled to the cutter drum, and a controller. The controller includes a processor and memory and is configured to measure a characteristic of the actuator, determine the cutter bit is worn based on the measured characteristic of the actuator, and output a signal when the cutter bit is determined to be worn.
US09920622B2
A range of apparatus and methods for providing local and long range data telemetry within a wellbore is described. These apparatus and methods may be combined in a wide variety of ways. In some embodiments data is transmitted across a gap in a drill string using signals of a higher frequency for which an electrical impedance of the gap or of a filter connected across the gap is low. Low-frequency EM telemetry signals may be applied across the gap. The gap and any filter connected across the gap present a high impedance to the low-frequency EM telemetry signals. The described technology may be applied for transferring sensor readings between downhole electrical packages. In some embodiments sensors are electrically connected across electrically insulating gaps in the drill string.
US09920621B2
A magnetic system for determining the location of a wellbore component in a first string relative to a wellbore component in a second string. The system includes a circumferentially distributed array of magnets positioned in the first string that is operable to produce a magnetic field in the wellbore proximate the location of the array of magnets. A magnetic field detector is operably associated with the second string and is operable to detect a magnetic signature of the magnetic field. One of the first and second strings is stationary within the wellbore. The other of the first and second strings is moveable in the wellbore such that the magnetic field detector is moveable relative to the magnetic field and such that when the magnetic field detector identifies the magnetic signature, the location of the array of magnets is correlated with the magnetic field detector.
US09920620B2
A well tool can include a magnetic sensor having opposite sides, and a magnetic shield that conducts an undesired magnetic field from one side to the other side of the sensor. Another well tool can include a magnetic sensor in a housing, the sensor having opposite longitudinal sides relative to a housing longitudinal axis, and a magnetic shield interposed between the housing and each of the opposite longitudinal sides of the magnetic sensor. Another well tool can include at least two magnetic sensors, one magnetic sensor sensing a magnetic field oriented orthogonal to the housing longitudinal axis, and another magnetic sensor sensing a magnetic field oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a magnetic shield interposed between a housing and each of opposite longitudinal sides of the magnetic sensors.
US09920618B2
Systems and methods for identifying formation boundaries without necessarily obtaining an azimuthal borehole image are provided. A downhole tool may be placed in a wellbore in a geological formation that has a formation boundary. First and second measurements may be obtained at a number of depths of the wellbore. The first measurement may have a first effective penetration length into the geological formation and the second measurement may have a second effective penetration length into the geological formation different from the first effective penetration length. Thus, the first measurement may detect the formation boundary at a first depth and the second measurement may detect the formation boundary at a second depth. Using a difference between the first depth and the second depth, an apparent relative angle between the wellbore and the formation boundary or an apparent formation dip, or both, may be obtained.
US09920617B2
A downhole tool includes a tool body having an outer surface portion and an inner surface portion and a recess formed in one of the outer surface portion and inner surface portion. At least one removable electronic component access member is detachably mounted to the tool body. The removable electronic component access member provides access to electronic components housed in the recess. A metallic seal is provided on at least one of the tool body and the removable electronic component access member. The metallic seal prevents fluid ingress into the recess through the at least one removable electronic component access member.
US09920616B2
A method and apparatus for ranging from ahead of a drill bit is described. The ranging apparatus includes a ranging probe with at least one sensor that may be deployed ahead of the drill bit. The ranging probe may be conveyed via a cable through the interior of a drill string. In an alternative embodiment, the ranging probe may be attached to a ram that is seated inside of the drill string and that may be extended and retracted. In such an embodiment, the ranging probe may be retrievable by cable. The ranging probe optionally includes collapsible arms that retract when the ranging probe is inside the drill string or drill bit and that extend when the ranging probe is deployed ahead of the drill bit. One or more ranging sensors may be coupled to the collapsible arms. Ranging measurements may be communicated to the surface using telemetry.
US09920611B2
A well pump assembly includes rotary pump and a submersible motor. A shroud surrounds the pump intake and the motor. The shroud has an open upper end in fluid communication with the pump intake. A tubular member of smaller diameter is secured to and extends downward from a lower end of the shroud. The tubular member may have an open lower end for drawing well fluid along a lower flow path up the tubular member to the pump intake. An upper flow path at the upper end of the shroud may have a minimum flow area that is smaller than a minimum flow area of the lower flow path. The tubular member has a smaller outer diameter than an outer diameter of the shroud. The tubular member may have a closed lower end to define a debris collection chamber with a drain valve.
US09920609B2
A well treatment fluid containing borated galactomannan may be used to isolate a productive zone in a well having multiple productive zones. The fluid is particularly useful in treatment of wells containing a mechanical zonal isolation system in the productive zone of interest. The fluid is pumped into the well in a substantially non-hydrated form. The well treatment fluid is therefore highly effective in preferentially sealing or blocking productive zones in the formation since delayed hydration of the fluid may be controlled for up to several hours. The seal may be degraded and a productive zone subjected to re-fracturing by introducing a viscosity reducing agent into the well.
US09920607B2
The complexity of a fracture network may be enhanced during a hydraulic fracturing operation by monitoring operational parameters of the fracturing job and altering stress conditions in the well in response to the monitoring of the operational parameters. The operational parameters monitored may include the injection rate of the pumped fluid, the density of the pumped fluid or the bottomhole pressure of the well after the fluid is pumped. The method provides an increase to the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV).
US09920606B2
Preparation method, formulation and application of chemically retarded mineral acid for oilfield use
An aqueous composition comprising a mineral acid, a fixing agent and water present in an amount sufficient to dissolve the mineral acid and the fixing agent. The fixing agent comprises at least one of an amine and/or an amide containing compound having a dipole moment of at least 3 when in the aqueous composition.
US09920600B2
An assembly for performing multiple downhole hydraulic stimulation applications in a well. The different applications may be performed without removal of the assembly from the well between the different applications. So, for example, even a hydraulic perforating application may be performed with prior or subsequent clean-out applications. Yet, there is no need to remove the assembly for manual surface adjustment of the hydraulic perforating tool in order to allow for such clean-outs.
US09920598B2
An umbilical (2) has a center tube (4) that is a steel tube, and that the cross section of the center tube (4) at the extremity of the umbilical (2) is made corrugated on a length that extends substantially from the extremity to a distance from the extremity so that fatigue strain on non corrugated parts of the steel tube is avoided when the extremity of the umbilical (2) is inserted into a bend stiffener (1).
US09920597B2
A system for subsea pumping or compressing includes an ESP (electrical submersible pump), a flowline jumper, a connector part in either end of the flowline jumper, and a truss structure or longitudinal rib-arrangement that acts as a stiffening arrangement. The ESP may be arranged in the flowline jumper which may be orientated in a substantially horizontal direction. The stiffening arrangement may function to ensure that the ESP shaft is straight at all times during lifting, installation and operation. The system may also include a load limiting arrangement for limiting or eliminating the load on structure and seabed supporting the system.
US09920593B2
A wireline retrievable injection valve for an oil or gas well has an internal valve that is initially moved to open a flapper safety valve and also opens to allow fluid flow through the valve. The internal valve includes a sleeve that opens the flapper safety valve and shields the flapper safety valve from fluid. In this manner the flapper valve is protected from being caused to “flutter” or “chatter” due to pressure variations in the fluid flow, which may damage the seat.
US09920592B2
A well tool can include an operator device with an operator profile and at least two routes, and an indexing device with a cam and a cam follower including a structure. The structure engages the routes in succession in response to relative displacement between the operator profile and cam. A method can include causing relative displacement between an operator device and an indexing device in one direction, thereby causing a structure to disengage from one route of the operator device and displace an initial distance between two routes in response to engagement between the cam follower and a cam, and causing relative displacement between the operator and indexing devices in an opposite direction, thereby causing the structure to displace a remaining distance between the routes in response to engagement between the cam follower and an operator profile of the operator device, and to displace along the second route.
US09920582B2
A method for reducing fluid loss from a water-based wellbore servicing fluid is disclosed. The method includes preparing a fluid loss control additive that is substantially stable even at a high temperature of about 350° F. The fluid loss control additive may be formulated by dry mixing of a natural starch and sodium monochloroacetate for a first predetermined reaction time period; spraying an alkaline solution onto the dry mixture for a second predetermined reaction time period to form a complex starch mixture; and treating the complex starch mixture for a third predetermined reaction time period with a diluted cross-linking agent.
US09920580B2
A monohull offshore drilling vessel includes a hull having a moonpool; a multiple firing line hoist system mounted on the hull at the moonpool and including a mast having a top side and a base connected to the hull, wherein the mast has a hollow construction with a first side and an opposed second side; a first hoisting device having load attachment means displaceable along a first firing line extending on the outside of and adjacent to the first side of the mast; a second hoisting device having load attachment means displaceable along a second firing line, which on the outside of and adjacent to the second side of the mast; wherein the first and second hoisting devices each include cable(s) and associated winch(es), the winches disposed in the hollow construction of the mast, to manipulate the position of each of the load attachment devices relative to the mast.
US09920575B2
Earth-boring tools include a cutting element positioned on a drill bit body at a radial distance from a longitudinal axis thereof. At least two formation-engaging elements are positioned at the same radial distance from the longitudinal axis as the cutting element. The formation-engaging elements are recessed from a cutting profile of the cutting element by a distance within about 10% of d, wherein d=(α*x)/(1800*y), where α is an angle between the formation-engaging element and the cutting element, x is a rate of penetration of the drill bit body, and y is a rotation speed of the drill bit body. Additional earth-boring tools include at least one cutting element and at least two formation-engaging elements recessed from a cutting profile of the at least one cutting element at a common angle. Methods relate to forming such earth-boring tools.
US09920570B2
The present invention is directed towards a window sill flashing comprising a base having a substantially rectangular shape. A front flange projects perpendicularly downward from a front edge of the base and at least one side flange extends vertically from a side edge of the base. The side flange includes a front surface. The window sill flashing is made from a rigid homopolymer vinyl film.
US09920567B2
A threshold system and threshold insert for transitions through doorways. An insert for a threshold saddle to be used with a door includes an elongated member for providing a seal along a bottom edge of the door and to be received in a seat in the saddle. The insert defines a door engagement surface adapted to extend across both the seat and the change in elevation to engage the door to provide the seal. When installed for use, the door engagement surface, the saddle adjacent to the sides of the seat, or both provide an overall slope of at least or approximately 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical. A threshold system includes a saddle and the insert. The door or an appurtenant door shoe may have an angled surface to interface with the door engagement surface of the insert.
US09920557B2
Disclosed are a fixing device and a refrigerator having the same. The fixing device includes a clasp (400) installed to a first member (12), the clasp having a contact portion (402, 404) defining a plane, and a coupler (500) installed to a second member (100), the coupler serving to fix the second member to the first member to enable selective coupling or release of the second member and the first member. The coupler includes a hook (510) having a protruding tip portion (511) configured to come into contact with the contact portions (402, 404) so as to be caught by the contact portion (404), the hook being rotatable, and an elastic member (52,0) configured to elastically support the hook such that the hook is rotated toward the clasp. A contact position of the protruding tip portion and the contact portion is spaced apart from a rotation center of the hook by a predetermined distance (d).
US09920556B2
An apparatus for opening and closing a tailgate for a vehicle includes a latch device provided in the tailgate and an actuator. The latch device includes a claw to engage with a striker provided at a vehicle body side, a pawl to engage with the claw to maintain the claw in a locked position, and an unlocking lever to operate the pawl to unlock the claw. The actuator includes a cinching/release lever to selectively operate a cinching cable connected to the claw to rotate the claw from an unlocked position to the locked position, and a release cable connected to the unlocking lever to operate the claw from the locked position to the unlocked position.
US09920551B2
An electromechanical cylinder lock includes an outer lock shell and a rotatable lock barrel located therein which is controlled by dual locking features. A side bar or fence selectively blocks and permits rotation of the barrel with respect to the shell in response to insertion of a key into a keyway in the barrel. A slider bar is movable between a blocking position in which the side bar is prevented from permitting rotation of the barrel, and an unblocking position in which the side bar permits rotation of the barrel. Alternately, a blocking mechanism is provided to block motion of tumbler pins in the cylinder lock. A shape memory alloy actuator, such as a wire made of nitinol, disposed in the barrel is activated by an electric current in response to determination by an electronic control device whether an attempt to open the lock is authorized. Thermal interlock protection from external heating of the lock is also provided.
US09920544B1
An apparatus for creating a surfing wave in a body of water. An apparatus for the purpose of efficiently producing a variety of surfing waves having a repetition rate and size suitable for surfing. The waves are generated using a controlled up and down motion of mechanical plungers in a way that allows the control of the shape and therefore surf characteristics of the wave. A linear array of plungers is used so that they interact in different ways with bathometry of the body of water and can be changed to further alter the surfing characteristics of the waves. The motion of the individual plungers can be adjusted so that effects of different wave travel distance to the bathometry can be compensated for consistent wave characteristics.
US09920539B1
An adjustable arch measuring tool measures an arcuate curvature of one of a window and a door and thereby assists a user to layout a radius of the arcuate curvature on an existing cutting surface. The adjustable arch measuring tool includes a first member having an arcuate slot defining an adjustable fulcrum axis formed at a proximal end thereof, a second member having an aperture formed at a proximal end thereof, and a fastener removably inserted through the aperture and selectively locked along a curvilinear longitudinal length of the arcuate slot. Advantageously, the second member is selectively pivoted about the adjustable fulcrum axis defined along the arcuate slot of the first member. With the use of reference points and guide pins, each half of the arch can be easily drawn directly on the working surface.
US09920537B2
A decoupling underlayment membrane is described. The decoupling underlayment membrane includes: a set of mortar cavities; a set of through holes; and an adhesive layer coupled to an exterior surface of each mortar cavity in the set of cavities. A method of manufacturing a decoupling underlayment membrane includes: retrieving a membrane sheet; thermoforming a set of cavities into a top surface of the membrane sheet; pressing a set of through holes into the membrane sheet. A decoupling underlayment membrane includes: a set of starfish-shaped cavities arranged in a first repeating pattern and formed into a top surface of the membrane; a set of through holes arranged in a second repeating pattern; and a peel and stick adhesive layer coupled to a bottom surface of the membrane.
US09920534B2
A trellis system having a trellis structure that is installable to extend generally outwardly from a vertical supporting member. The trellis structure includes at least one internal mounting bracket by which the trellis structure is securable to the vertical supporting member. The internal mounting bracket has a unitary member having a flange portion and a web portion, the flange portion being securable to the vertical supportable member by fasteners and the web portion extending outwardly orthogonally from the flange portion and being couplable to one of the plurality of outwardly extending tube structures. A tube structure has a flange opening and a front opening sized to receive the web portion. The web portion passes through the front opening. The web portion has an alignment structure sized to be received within one of the outwardly extending tube structures in close fitting relation to an interior of the outwardly extending tube structure.
US09920522B2
An exemplary demountable barrier system includes a panel, a frame structure having a channel to receive the panel, and a seal compressing against the panel to hold the panel. The seal is slideably attached to the frame structure.
US09920519B2
An apparatus for protection of an elongated structural support from impact, the apparatus includes an elongated impact protection component in the form of a unitary part having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a plurality of orthogonally-oriented projections spaced along a length of the elongated impact protection component. The projections of the elongated impact protection component include integrally formed connectors for interlocking connection to other same type impact protection components.
