Patents Issued in December 15, 2015
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Patent number: 9214136Abstract: A particular method includes detecting an interaction event using an event capture object of a rendered display of a graphics file. The graphics file is rendered to generate the rendered display by layering one or more foreground objects over one or more background objects. The method also includes executing code associated with the graphics file in response to detecting the interaction event. The code is executed to determine information descriptive of the event capture object, to generate a highlight object corresponding to the event capture object, and to modify the rendered display to display the highlight object.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Thomas O. Smailus
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Patent number: 9214137Abstract: A system and method of rendering in real time a virtual object onto a viewfinder display, the method comprising determining one or more scene properties of a scene on a viewfinder display of a device, receiving a virtual object for insertion into the scene, determining a location for placing the virtual object within the scene, determining a first appearance of the virtual object based on the one or more scene properties, and inserting the virtual object with the first appearance into the scene depicted on the viewfinder display of the device based on the location.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: XEROX CORPORATIONInventors: Raja Bala, Hengzhou Ding, Yonghui Zhao, Michael R. Furst, Pramod Sankar Kompalli
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Patent number: 9214138Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are provided for mitigating redundant pixel texture contribution for texturing a geometry. That is, the geometry may represent a multidimensional surface of a scene, such as a city. The geometry may be textured using one or more texture images (e.g., an image comprising color values and/or depth values) depicting the scene from various view directions (e.g., a top-down view, an oblique view, etc.). Because more than one texture image may contribute to texturing a pixel of the geometry (e.g., due to overlapping views of the scene), redundant pixel texture contribution may arise. Accordingly, a redundant textured pixel within a texture image may be knocked out (e.g., in-painted) from the texture image to generate a modified texture image that may be relatively efficient to store and/or stream to a client due to enhanced compression of the modified texture image.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Markus Unger, Konrad Karner, Blaise Aguera y Arcas
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Patent number: 9214139Abstract: An image display apparatus has: a first image generator that defines each position between a predetermined start point and end point of a tubular structure as a first viewpoint and generates a first image obtained by observing an image of the inside of the tubular structure from each first viewpoint toward the end point; a second image generator that defines each position between the start point and the end point as a second viewpoint and generates a second image obtained by observing an image of the inside of the tubular structure from each second viewpoint toward the start point; and a user interface that is provided with an operation part, a monitor and a display controller and is configured so that, in response to an instruction from the operation part, the display controller makes the monitor display the first image and the second image.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventor: Michito Nakayama
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Patent number: 9214140Abstract: A unique guitar has a head section with a base member connected to a support member. A string tuning unit is configured to be positioned on and be removeably secured to the support member in order to maintain the string tuning unit as part of the head section. The guitar secures strings to its bridge by use of uniquely designed pins, each having a slotted top section with a bottom stem offset from the top section and extending therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Inventor: Robert A Hayden
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Patent number: 9214141Abstract: A stand and cradle suitable for resting a bass or cello instrument upon a floor includes an angled base forming a back support and C-bout support upon which a bass or cello may be rested. The base is further supported by a pivotally coupled angled support which maintains the angle of incline of the base. In one embodiment, a pair of generally planar wood members are used to fabricated the base and angled support. In an alternative embodiment, the base is formed of a pair of tubular legs pivotally joined to together with a pivotally secured angle support also formed of a tubular member. In each embodiment, the cradle and base support is foldable to a collapsed configuration for easy storage and transport.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Inventor: Dennis McNutt
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Patent number: 9214142Abstract: A percussion instrument holder that allows attachment to a user mounted carrier. The holder allows adjustment for positioning about the user, and pivoting of the holder to allow the holder to pivot or rotate up to allow the holder with instruments to fit a narrower space. The holder further allows for pivotal attachment of individual drums to link or pivot allowing the linked drums to articulate. The holder can also consist of members that allow a connected drum to move in horizontal position, angle, or height of the drum. A plurality of unique drum connecting members is disclosed that allow the connecting members to connect onto drum tension rods or on a drum lug. The plurality of connecting members can be fabricated from multiple pieces that can interconnectably be locked into position.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Inventor: Randall Lee May
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Patent number: 9214143Abstract: Some embodiments provide a music editing application that enables a user to compose and edit note characteristics, e.g., via a touch-sensitive display. The GUI can display a portion of a music track including note events. In response to receiving a user selection of a note event and a user indication for editing a note event, the GUI can display a menu providing a list of characteristics. The characteristics can include an option for associating at least one of several virtual instruments or one of several articulations with the note event. Upon receiving a user input indicating a characteristic, the matrix editor can associate the note event with the characteristic based on the user input. The music editing application can allow the user to edit additional note characteristics (e.g., an instrument, an articulation) because of the extended capacity for data associated with each note event.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Alexander H. Little, Tobias Manuel Hermann, Clemens Homburg
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Patent number: 9214144Abstract: A system and method are provided for mixing song data based on measure groupings. A player or program may recognize measure groupings in a song through identifying cuepoints. The player or program may use the cuepoints and/or other identifiers of measure groupings to generate a transition between the song and other songs. Parts of one or both songs may be time-stretched, or frames may be added or deleted, such that the beats in both songs are substantially aligned during the transition. The system and method may also involve altering the sequence of frames in one or both of the songs, so that the transition may have various sonic qualities as desired by a user. A choice of transition modes may be provided via a user interface that allow the user some control over when and how transitions between songs are executed.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Mixwolf LLCInventor: Michael Yang
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Patent number: 9214145Abstract: Provided are an electronic musical instrument, computer storage device, and method for generating tone. A sound source in an electronic musical instrument generates a first tone at a first pitch in response to a first tone generation instruction received by an input device of the electronic musical instrument. A second tone generation instruction is received to generate a second tone at a second pitch while generating the first tone at the sound source. A determination is made of a pitch difference of the first and the second pitches. The sound source is controlled to generate the second tone and to not generate the first tone in response to determining that the pitch difference does not exceed a predetermined number of tones. The sound source is controlled to generate the second tone in response to determining that the pitch difference exceeds the predetermined number of tones.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: ROLAND CORPORATIONInventors: Mizuki Nakagawa, Ikuo Tanaka, Shun Takai
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Patent number: 9214146Abstract: Electronic musical instruments as disclosed, include sensors to digitize and alter the sound using FSR sensors in the mouthpieces and other elements of the instrument to mimic the variations available in analog instruments.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2015Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Sensitronics, LLCInventor: Franklin N. Eventoff
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Patent number: 9214147Abstract: A distorter is provided that allows a musician/sound engineer to affect the operation of a distortion circuit using a second musical instrument or a sound modifier, enabling the musician/audio engineer to vary the behavior of the distorter in real time. The invention enables a musician and/or sound engineer to achieve sounds and effects that are impossible to create using conventional distorters. The invention enables a user to provide a primary audio signal representing a musical instrument that is to undergo audio signal distortion; and to provide a secondary audio signal representing a sound modifier or a second musical instrument that is used to modify psycho-acoustic and/or musical effects of the audio signal distortion. An output signal is produced having substantially non-clipped parts for conveying the sound of the musical instrument, and having clipped parts for conveying psycho-acoustic and/or musical effects responsive to the second musical instrument or the sound modifier.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Inventor: William R. Price
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Patent number: 9214148Abstract: An acoustic structure, including a pipe having a plurality of cavities that are partitioned by a partition, each of the plurality of cavities extending in a first direction that is a longitudinal direction of the pipe, wherein the pipe has at least one opening which permits the plurality of cavities to communicate with an exterior of the pipe, a position of each of the at least one opening in the first direction being a first position.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventors: Shinichi Kato, Yoshikazu Honji
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Patent number: 9214149Abstract: A sensor system includes a pressure sensor portion, and an accelerometer. Outputs from the sensor system are handled by a signal processing system that includes a first beamforming module for inputs from a pressure sensor, a second beamforming module for inputs from an accelerometer, and an adaptive beam interpolation module. A method for signal processing signals from both a pressure sensor and an accelerometer. An array of sensors transfers data wirelessly.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas J. Barnard, Thomas M. Canavan, Dane E. Reiner, Jennifer L. Pawelczyk, Casey D. Dyer, Joseph E. Nickerson, John H. Goodemote, Dennis C. Stimson, Howard R. Taylor
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Patent number: 9214150Abstract: A personal audio device, such as a wireless telephone, includes an adaptive noise canceling (ANC) circuit that adaptively generates an anti-noise signal from a reference microphone signal and injects the anti-noise signal into the speaker or other transducer output to cause cancellation of ambient audio sounds. An error microphone is also provided proximate the speaker to provide an error signal indicative of the effectiveness of the noise cancellation. A secondary path estimating adaptive filter is used to estimate the electro-acoustical path from the noise canceling circuit through the transducer so that source audio can be removed from the error signal. Noise is injected either continuously and inaudibly below the source audio, or in response to detection that the source audio is low in amplitude, so that the adaptation of the secondary path estimating adaptive filter can be maintained, irrespective of the presence and amplitude of the source audio.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: CIRRUS LOGIC, INC.Inventor: Nitin Kwatra
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Patent number: 9214151Abstract: A signal generator generates an electrical signal that is sent to an amplifier, which increases the power of the signal using power from a power source. The amplified signal is fed to a sender transducer to generate ultrasonic waves that can be focused and sent to a receiver. The receiver transducer converts the ultrasonic waves back into electrical energy and stores it in an energy storage device, such as a battery, or uses the electrical energy to power a device. In this way, a device can be remotely charged or powered without having to be tethered to an electrical outlet.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: uBeam Inc.Inventor: Meredith Perry
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Patent number: 9214152Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound probe (60) comprising: an ultrasound transducer (12) having an emission surface (24) for generating ultrasound waves, and an acoustical lens (12) with a first part (64) having an inner surface (66) facing the emission surface (24), wherein the inner surface (64) comprises a plurality of protrusions (74) and/or recesses (76) for scattering reflections of ultrasound waves.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Harry Amon Kunkel, Charles Clark Cruikshank
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Patent number: 9214153Abstract: A method of controlling sounds associated with a vehicle is provided. The method includes: performing on a processor, monitoring engine torque; and selectively controlling the generation of one or more tones associated with the vehicle based on the engine torque.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2010Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Scott M. Reilly, Timothy R. Bohn, Andrew W. Baur
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Patent number: 9214154Abstract: A personalized text-to-speech (pTTS) system provides a method for converting text data to speech data utilizing a pTTS template representing the voice characteristics of an individual. A memory stores executable program code that converts text data to speech data. Text data represents a textual message directed to a system user and speech data represents a spoken form of text data having the characteristics of an individual's voice. A processor executes the program code, and a storage device stores a pTTS template and may store speech data. The pTTS system can be used to provide various services that provide immediate spoken presentation of the speech data converted from text data and/or combine stored speech data with generated speech data for spoken presentation.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.Inventors: Edmund Gale Acker, Frederick Murray Burg
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Patent number: 9214155Abstract: A handsfree device, which is coupled to a data processing device, may be operable to monitor at least one audio stream for occurrence of at least one keyword. Upon recognition of the at least one keyword, the handsfree device may establish a first connection between the handsfree device and the data processing device for launching a voice interface in the data processing device. The handsfree device may send audio data received after the recognition of the at least one keyword to the data processing device, via the first connection for responding to the audio data via the voice interface. During a keyword configuration operation, the handsfree device may send at least one inputted keyword to the data processing device for recording. The handsfree device may receive, via a second connection, the recorded at least one keyword from the data processing device for keyword configuration of the handsfree device.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Google Inc.Inventor: John Richard Stracke
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Patent number: 9214156Abstract: Automated user-machine interaction is gaining attraction in many applications and services. However, implementing and offering smart automated user-machine interaction services still present technical challenges. According to at least one example embodiment, a dialogue manager is configured to handle multiple dialogue applications independent of the language, the input modalities, or output modalities used. The dialogue manager employs generic semantic representation of user-input data. At a step of a dialogue, the dialogue manager determines whether the user-input data is indicative of a new request or a refinement request based on the generic semantic representation and at least one of a maintained state of the dialogue, general knowledge data representing one or more concepts, and data representing history of the dialogue. The dialogue manager then responds to determined user-request with multi-facet output data to a client dialogue application indicating action(s) to be performed.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.Inventors: Simona Gandrabur, Eric Buist, Andrei Dragoi, Alireza Salimi
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Patent number: 9214157Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for processing speech. A system configured to practice the method monitors user utterances to generate a conversation context. Then the system receives a current user utterance independent of non-natural language input intended to trigger speech processing. The system compares the current user utterance to the conversation context to generate a context similarity score, and if the context similarity score is above a threshold, incorporates the current user utterance into the conversation context. If the context similarity score is below the threshold, the system discards the current user utterance. The system can compare the current user utterance to the conversation context based on an n-gram distribution, a perplexity score, and a perplexity threshold. Alternately, the system can use a task model to compare the current user utterance to the conversation context.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2011Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventor: Srinivas Bangalore
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Patent number: 9214158Abstract: An audio decoding device includes a processor; and a memory which stores a plurality of instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to execute, decoding, using a first channel signal and a second channel signal included in a plurality of channels of an audio signal having a first frequency range and a second frequency range, a first prediction coefficient of the first frequency range and a second prediction coefficient of the second frequency range, both selected from a code book when prediction-encoding a third channel signal that is not subjected to prediction encoding and that is included in the plurality of channels; decoding a residual signal included in the first frequency range, the residual signal representing an error occurring in prediction encoding; and prediction-decoding the third channel signal subjected to prediction-encoding in the second frequency range from the first channel signal, the second channel signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventors: Yohei Kishi, Akira Kamano, Shunsuke Takeuchi, Miyuki Shirakawa, Masanao Suzuki
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Patent number: 9214159Abstract: A watermark signal provider comprises a time-frequency-domain waveform provider to provide time-domain waveforms for a plurality of frequency subbands. The time-frequency-domain waveform provider is configured to map a given value of a time-frequency-domain representation onto a bit shaping function, a temporal extension of which is longer than a bit interval, such that there is a temporal overlap between bit shaped functions provided for temporally subsequent values of the time-frequency-domain representation of the same frequency subband. A time-domain waveform of a given frequency subband contains a plurality of bit shaped functions provided for temporally subsequent values of the time-frequency-domain representation. The water mark signal provider further has a time-domain waveform combiner.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.Inventors: Reinhard Zitzmann, Stefan Wabnik, Joerg Pickel, Bert Greevenbosch, Bernhard Grill, Ernst Eberlein, Giovanni Del Galdo, Stefan Kraegeloh, Tobias Bliem, Juliane Borsum, Marco Breiling
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Patent number: 9214160Abstract: An apparatus for processing an audio signal and method thereof are disclosed. The present invention includes receiving, by an audio processing apparatus, an audio signal including a first data of a first block encoded with rectangular coding scheme and a second data of a second block encoded with non-rectangular coding scheme; receiving a compensation signal corresponding to the second block; estimating a prediction of an aliasing part using the first data; and, obtaining a reconstructed signal for the second block based on the second data, the compensation signal and the prediction of aliasing part.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, Yonsei UniversityInventors: Hyen-O Oh, Chang Heon Lee, Hong Goo Kang, Jung Wook Song
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Patent number: 9214161Abstract: When a frame immediately preceding an encoding target frame to be encoded by a first encoding unit operating under a linear predictive coding scheme is encoded by a second encoding unit operating under a coding scheme different from the linear predictive coding scheme, the encoding target frame can be encoded under the linear predictive coding scheme by initializing the internal state of the first encoding unit. Therefore, encoding processing performed under a plurality of coding schemes including the linear predictive coding scheme and a coding scheme different from the linear predictive coding scheme can be realized.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: NTT DOCOMO, INC.Inventors: Kosuke Tsujino, Kei Kikuiri, Nobuhiko Naka
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Patent number: 9214162Abstract: Sequential digital audio signals are received to calculate a difference between each currently sampled digital audio signal and another digital audio signal sampled at one sampling period before each currently sampled digital audio signal. Differences for the sequential digital audio signals are stored. The number of digital audio signals consecutively clipped is counted in the received sequential digital audio signals. A specific difference is retrieved, from the stored differences, for a digital audio signal sampled at a specific number of sampling periods before each clipped digital audio signal. The specific number of sampling periods is determined based on the counted number of digital audio signals consecutively clipped. Each clipped digital audio signal is corrected based on the specific difference.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: JVC KENWOOD CorporationInventor: Masami Nakamura
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Patent number: 9214163Abstract: A speech processing apparatus and method. The speech processing apparatus includes a microphone to receive a speech signal, an analog/digital converter to convert the speech signal generated by the microphone into a digital speech signal, and an automatic gain controller to calculate an average value of the magnitude of the digital speech signal generated by the analog/digital converter in a plurality of frames, to determine in which region of a speech signal band the average value is located, the speech signal band being divided into a plurality of regions according to the strength of speech, and to adjust gain according to a location of the average value on the speech signal band so that the strength of speech has a level of an optimal region capable of processing the speech signal. Accordingly, speech recognition may be maximized without being constrained by the distance of a speech source.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2011Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ki Beom Kim
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Patent number: 9214164Abstract: In one general embodiment, an apparatus includes a magnetic head. The magnetic head has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion together providing a tape bearing surface. The first portion has an opening at least partially encircling the second portion. The second portion has at least one array of transducers. A longitudinal axis of each of the at least one array is defined between opposite ends thereof. The longitudinal axis of each of the at least one array of transducers is oriented at an angle relative to a line oriented orthogonally to the intended direction of tape travel thereacross, the angle being between 0.2° and about 10°.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Robert G. Biskeborn, Calvin S. Lo
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Patent number: 9214165Abstract: A method and system provide a magnetic transducer. The transducer includes a main pole, a side gap, at least one coil and at least one of a leading shield, a trailing shield and side shield(s). A portion of the main pole resides at the ABS. The coil(s) are configured to energize the main pole. The side gap is being between the main pole and the at least one side shield. At least one of the leading shield, the side shield(s) and the trailing shield has a gradient in a saturation magnetization (Bs) such that the saturation magnetization increases in a yoke direction perpendicular to the ABS.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Western Digital (Fremont), LLCInventors: Feng Liu, Zhanjie Li, Zhigang Bai
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Patent number: 9214166Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a magnetic writer pole for use in a hard drive. The magnetic writer pole comprises a first bevel formed by a non-magnetic layer, the first bevel formed at a first angle and extending to a first throat height. The magnetic writer pole further comprises a second bevel formed by the non-magnetic layer and extending distally from the first bevel at a second angle that is greater than the first angle and extending to a second throat height. The magnetic writer pole further comprises a third bevel formed by the non-magnetic layer and extending distally from the second bevel at a third angle that is greater than the second angle.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2015Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Western Digital (Fremont), LLCInventors: Li Zeng, Dehua Han, Zhigang Bai, Lisha Wang
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Patent number: 9214167Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, an apparatus may be implemented that comprises a main pole layer of magnetic material, a non-magnetic gap layer of material above the main pole layer, an etched first sacrificial layer of material above the non-magnetic gap layer of material, and a second sacrificial layer of material above the etched first sacrificial layer of material.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLCInventors: Wei Tian, Venkateswara Rao Inturi, Doug Lin, Huaqing Yin, Jiaoming Qiu
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Patent number: 9214168Abstract: A method and system for providing a magnetic transducer is described. The method and system include providing a magnetic structural barrier layer and a crystalline magnetic layer on the magnetic structural barrier layer. The magnetic structural barrier layer may reside on a shield. The method and system also include providing a nonmagnetic layer on the crystalline magnetic layer. A pinning layer is provided on the nonmagnetic layer. Similarly, a pinned layer is provided on the pinning layer. The pinning layer is magnetically coupled with the pinned layer. The method and system also include providing a free layer and a nonmagnetic spacer layer between the pinned layer and the free layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Western Digital (Fremont), LLCInventors: Chando Park, Qunwen Leng, Sangmun Oh, Mahendra Pakala
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Patent number: 9214169Abstract: A method and system provide a magnetic transducer including a first shield, a read sensor, and a second shield. The read sensor is between the first shield and the second shield. The read sensor includes a pinned layer, a nonmagnetic spacer layer and a free layer. The nonmagnetic spacer layer is between the pinned layer and the free layer. The free layer includes a plurality of ferromagnetic layers interleaved with and sandwiching a plurality of nonmagnetic layers. The plurality of ferromagnetic layers are ferromagnetically aligned.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Western Digital (Fremont), LLCInventors: Christian Kaiser, Yuankai Zheng, Xin Jiang, Zhitao Diao, Qunwen Leng
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Patent number: 9214170Abstract: A high performance TMR sensor is fabricated by employing a free layer comprised of CoNiFeB or CoNiFeBM where M is V, Ti, Zr, Nb, Hf, Ta, or Mo and the M content in the alloy is <10 atomic %. The free layer may have a FeCo/FeB/CoNiFeB, FeCo/CoFe/CoNiFeB, FeCo/CoFeB/CoNiFeB, or FeCo/CoNiFeB/CoFeB configuration. A CoNiFeBM layer may be formed by co-sputtering CoB with CoNiFeM. A 15 to 30% in improvement in TMR ratio over a conventional CoFe/NiFe free layer is achieved while maintaining low Hc and RA<3 ohm-um2. The CoNiFeB or CoNiFeBM layer has a magnetostriction (?) value between ?5×10?6 and 5×10?6.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2015Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Headway Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hui-Chuan Wang, Tong Zhao, Min Li, Kunliang Zhang
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Patent number: 9214171Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetoresistance effect element includes first and second shields, first and second side magnetic units, a stacked body, and a hard bias unit. The first side magnetic unit includes a first soft magnetic layer, a first nonmagnetic intermediate layer, and a second soft magnetic layer. The second side magnetic unit includes a third soft magnetic layer, a second nonmagnetic intermediate layer, and a fourth soft magnetic layer. The stacked body includes a fifth ferromagnetic layer, a third nonmagnetic intermediate layer, and a sixth ferromagnetic layer. The hard bias unit is provided between the first and second shields. A first distance between the first and fifth magnetic layers is shorter than a second distance between the second and sixth magnetic layers. A third distance between the third and fifth magnetic layers is shorter than a fourth distance between the fourth and sixth magnetic layers.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Yousuke Isowaki, Satoshi Shirotori, Masayuki Takagishi, Hitoshi Iwasaki
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Patent number: 9214172Abstract: A tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) read sensor having a tabbed AFM layer and an extended pinned layer and methods for making the same are provided. The TMR read sensor has an AFM layer recessed from the air bearing surface, providing a reduced shield-to-shield distance.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Western Digital (Fremont), LLCInventors: Shaoping Li, Yuankai Zheng, Gerardo A. Bertero, Qunwen Leng, Michael L. Mallary, Rongfu Xiao, Ming Mao, Zhihong Zhang, Anup G. Roy, Chen Jung Chien, Zhitao Diao, Ling Wang
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Patent number: 9214173Abstract: A slider, such as for a data storage system, the slider having a leading edge, a trailing edge, an air-bearing surface, and a transducer proximate the trailing edge. The slider has a low surface energy coating on the air-bearing surface and a high surface energy coating on the transducer. In some embodiments, the high surface energy coating is present on a contact sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLCInventors: Gary J. Kunkel, David J. Ellison, Ajaykumar Rajasekharan
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Patent number: 9214174Abstract: A method to manufacture a head stack assembly for a disk drive, the method comprising: attaching a head gimbal assembly that includes a flexure tail having flexure bond pads to an actuator that includes a flexible printed circuit (FPC) with FPC bond pads; folding each of the flexure bond pads upon itself such that the flexure tail is substantially thicker at each of the folded flexure bond pads; aligning the flexure bond pads with the FPC bond pads; introducing an adhesive material that includes electrically conductive beads of substantially similar size between each of the flexure bond pads and corresponding ones of the FPC bond pads; and bringing a thermode tool into contact with the flexure bond pads after folding, with the thermode tool pressing the flexure bond pads against the FPC bond pads for a period.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Tzong-Shii Pan, Fernando A. Magsombol
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Patent number: 9214175Abstract: A data storage device is disclosed comprising a first disk surface comprising servo data defining servo tracks at a first radial density, a first head, and a voice coil motor (VCM) configured to actuate the first head over the first disk surface using a servo control system. A load operation is executed to load the first head over the first disk surface, and a back electromotive force (BEMF) voltage generated by the VCM during the load operation is evaluated to generate an estimated distance traveled. The servo data on the first disk surface is detected, and an initial servo track during the load operation based on the detected servo data to generate a measured distance traveled. A gain of the servo control system is configured based on the estimated distance traveled and the measured distance traveled.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2015Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Wei Xi, Yuanyuan Zhao, Michael Troy Nicholls
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Patent number: 9214176Abstract: A PZT limiter in a microactuator type dual stage actuated (DSA) suspension limits travel of the PZT, particularly of the cantilevered end of the PZT and particularly during non-operational shock. The PZT limiter thus limits the stresses including bending placed on the PZT during the shock event and thus helps to prevent cracking of the PZT. Additionally, by limiting displacement of the PZT, the limiter improves the mechanic and electrical performance of the suspension during operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2015Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: MAGNECOMP CORPORATIONInventors: Ajay Sharma, Preecha Sudachun, Ekkapong Simtong
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Patent number: 9214177Abstract: According to one embodiment, provided is a perpendicular magnetic recording medium including an orientation control layer formed on a non-magnetic substrate, the orientation control layer consisting of a Ni alloy having fcc structure, non-magnetic buffer layer containing silver having fcc structure, non-magnetic seed layer consisting of Ag particles having fcc structure and amorphous Ge grain boundaries between the Ag particles, non-magnetic intermediate layer consisting of Ru or Ru alloy, and perpendicular magnetic recording layer, wherein the orientation control layer contacts the non-magnetic buffer layer, and the non-magnetic buffer layer contacts the non-magnetic seed layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventor: Takeshi Iwasaki
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Patent number: 9214178Abstract: A method of fabricating a magnetic recording medium sequentially forms a magnetic recording layer, a protection layer, and a lubricant layer on a stacked body. The stacked body is enclosed in a transfer container unit without exposing the stacked body to atmosphere after forming the protection layer on the stacked body by a deposition apparatus, and the transfer container unit is transported to a vapor-phase lubrication deposition apparatus. The stacked body is removed from the transfer container unit without exposing the stacked body to the atmosphere, in order to form the lubricant layer on the stacked body within the vapor-phase lubrication deposition apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: SHOWA DENKO K.K.Inventors: Yasuyuki Tsutatani, Daisuke Shiomi
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Patent number: 9214179Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetic recording medium includes a substrate, an auxiliary layer formed on the substrate, and at least one perpendicular magnetic recording layer formed on the auxiliary layer. The perpendicular magnetic recording layer includes a magnetic dot pattern. The perpendicular magnetic recording layer is made of an alloy material containing one element selected from iron and cobalt, and one element selected from platinum and palladium. This alloy material has the L10 structure, and is (001)-oriented. The auxiliary layer includes a dot-like first region covered with the magnetic dot pattern, and a second region not covered with the magnetic dot pattern. The first region is made of a (100)-oriented nickel oxide. The second region contains nickel used in the first region as a main component.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Tomoyuki Maeda, Yousuke Isowaki, Akira Watanabe
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Patent number: 9214180Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a glass substrate for an information recording medium having a high level of cleanness and superior smoothness. The manufacturing method includes a step for washing a disk-shaped glass plate with an acid washing liquid, a step for removing at least part of a surface layer, which is formed on the surface of the glass plate, by performing grinding with diamond abrasion grains, and a step for washing the surface with a neutral or alkaline washing liquid.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: HOYA CORPORATIONInventors: Yasuhiro Saito, Toshiaki Hashimoto, Yuriko Kudoh
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Patent number: 9214181Abstract: Provided is a recording film for an optical information recording medium with which it is possible to meet all predetermined characteristics requirements and increase productivity while reducing the number of layers in the optical information recording medium. The present invention relates to a recording film for an optical information recording medium on which recording is performed by laser light irradiation, wherein the recording film for an optical information recording medium includes: Mn; at least one element (group X element) selected from the group consisting of Bi, Ag, Co, Cu, In, Sn, and Zn (group X); and oxygen (O). At least some of the Mn and at least some of the group X element are oxidized.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.Inventors: Yoko Shida, Yuki Tauchi
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Patent number: 9214182Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid dynamic bearing system having a bearing bush and a shaft that are rotatable with respect to one another about a common rotational axis and form a bearing gap filled with bearing fluid between associated bearing surfaces. The bearing surfaces form at least one fluid dynamic radial bearing. A rotor component is disposed on the shaft. A stopper ring is disposed on the shaft or on the rotor component and adjoins the bearing bush, wherein a gap is formed between the mutually facing surfaces of the bearing bush and the stopper component that is filled with a bearing fluid and connected to the bearing gap and extends substantially in a radial direction. According to the invention, the surfaces of the bearing bush and/or the stopper component are formed such that the gap is tapered, narrowing radially outwards.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: MINEBEA CO., LTD.Inventors: Thilo Rehm, Martin Bauer
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Patent number: 9214183Abstract: A system 100 for securely storing digital data includes a data storage 110 and a physical uncloneable function 120 (PUF), including an input (122) for receiving a challenge and an output (124) for producing a response to the challenge. Means 130 determine an identifier associated with the data storage. Means 140 supply a representation of the identifier to the PUF as a challenge and retrieve a corresponding response from the PUF. A cryptographic unit 150 performs a cryptographic operation for securing or verifying a digital content item stored in the data storage, where the cryptographic operation is performed under control of a cryptographic key derived from the received response.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2008Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventor: Sander M. Van Rijnswou
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Patent number: 9214184Abstract: The present invention relates to digital rights management (DRM) for content that may be downloaded and bound to a storage device. The storage device may be an intelligent storage device, such as a disk drive, or network attached storage. In addition, the storage device is capable of performing cryptographic operations and providing a root of trust. In one embodiment, the DRM employs a binding key, a content key, and an access key. The binding key binds the content to a specific storage and is based on a key that is concealed on the storage. However, the binding key is not stored on the storage with the content. The content key is a key that has been assigned to the content, for example, by a trusted third party. The access key is determined based on a cryptographic combination of the content key and the binding key. In one embodiment, the content is encrypted based on the access key and stored in encrypted form in the storage device.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David L. Blankenbeckler, Danny Ybarra, Lambertus Hesselink
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Patent number: 9214185Abstract: A data processing system includes an adaptive notch filter operable to estimate an interference frequency in data samples, a convergence detector operable to determine whether the interference frequency converges on a value, indicating that the data samples contain interference, and an interference removal circuit operable to remove interference detected by the adaptive notch filter from the data samples.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Xiufeng Song, George Mathew