Patents Issued in January 26, 2016
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Patent number: 9244148Abstract: A system detects the location of an uncooperative emitter by measuring the power level in an RF signal using a grid of linear antennas. The linear antennas are arranged in an x,y axis with intersections strategically placed in areas of interest. A detector detects the power level in each of the leaky signal cables. A processor in communication with the detector identifies the cable intersection having the greatest power level and associates that intersection as the location of the uncooperative emitter.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Softronics, Ltd.Inventor: Robert Sternowski
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Patent number: 9244149Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for self-labeling access points with their geographic location from received beacon frames. In particular, the present invention transmits beacon frames including temporary location information from mobile devices. The beacon frames are received by an access point, filtered by the access point and then used to determine a location. Once the location has been determined, the access point uses the determined location to self-label itself by converting the location information to a geographic code and inserting it as part of the SSID of the access point's beacon signal. The present invention also includes a number of methods using geographic codes including a method for generating and transmitting geographic codes for mobile devices, a method for determining a location of an access point, a method for self-labeling an access point, and a method for filtering beacon frames.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Ricoh Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kurt W. Piersol, John W. Barrus, Stephen R. Savitzky, Sergey Chemishkian
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Patent number: 9244150Abstract: An approach is provided for providing location information of user devices based on signal frequencies of transmitters. The positioning platform processes and/or facilitates a processing of one or more signals, from one or more transmitters, captured at one or more user devices to determine one or more frequencies of the one or more signals. Next, the positioning platform determines device location information of the one or more user devices based, at least in part, on the one or more frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Nokia Technologies OyInventors: Sailesh Kumar Sathish, Jussi Leppanen
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Patent number: 9244151Abstract: A method for determining a position of a mobile terminal while using an aircraft is provided. Before using the aircraft, orbital data for the navigation satellites of the navigation satellite system is loaded onto the mobile terminal. A planned flight route can then be identified by the mobile terminal with reference to a boarding pass. While using the aircraft, an application on the mobile terminal correlates a current time, the flight route of the aircraft, and the positions of the navigation satellites as ascertained with reference to the orbital data of the navigation satellites to determine which navigation satellites can be received at the current time, and these are then compared with navigation satellite signals that are actually received by the mobile terminal to derive a position of the mobile terminal and to establish whether the mobile terminal is actually located in the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: SIEMENS CONVERGENCE CREATORS GMBHInventor: Gerald Schreiber
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Patent number: 9244152Abstract: Techniques for precisely determining a location of a mobile computing device based on both wireless signal strengths measured at the mobile computing device and movement of the device. The wireless signal strengths may represent the strength of a connection between the device and wireless access points (WAPs), cellular towers, or the like. Furthermore, the techniques described herein may utilize movement data provided by the device. For instance, the device may include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and/or any other components configured to recognize when a device is moving, a direction that the device is moving, or the like. In one example, the accelerometer reports when the device has moved by a certain amount, while the gyroscope reports a direction in which the device is moving. The techniques then utilize this information in addition to the wireless signal strengths to estimate locations of the device as the device moves over time.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Arvind Thiagarajan
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Patent number: 9244153Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide an RFID system for safely controlling an auto guided vehicle, an automated robot or other moving object (“AGV”). The system may include a plurality of radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tags, and each may store a unique identification in a first memory location, a position in a second memory location and/or an instruction in a third memory location. An AGV having an RFID transceiver or antenna and a computer with a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing a predetermined table may read one or more of the memory locations. The table comprises a plurality of data elements with certain data elements associated with particular RFID tags. The AGV safely determines its location upon matching the one or more memory locations read with one or more data elements, or triggers a fault upon failing to match. The AGV may also predict the next RFID tag.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. Zomchek, Derek W. Jones, William E. Waltz, Richard W. Boyd, Wayne Foster
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Patent number: 9244154Abstract: A positioning system includes at least one DUT (Device Under Test) and a mobile device. A wireless connection is established between the DUT and the mobile device. The mobile device is moved along a path which includes at least two different measurement positions. The mobile device measures a distance between the DUT and each of the measurement positions. Then, the mobile device obtains a target position, at which the DUT is located, according to the measurement positions and the distances.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: ACER INCORPORATEDInventors: Shu-Yu Jiang, Yung-Sen Lin
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Patent number: 9244155Abstract: Embodiments of an adaptive electronically steerable array (AESA) system suitable for use on a vehicle and method for communicating are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the AESA system includes a plurality of arrays of radiating elements and control circuitry to configure the arrays for multi-band and multi-aperture operations to maintain data links with communication stations.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Michael S. Bielas
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Patent number: 9244156Abstract: A system and method for detecting unknown signals that may be radar pulses is presented. The method includes conjugate multiplying a first signal with a second signal to produce a first multiplied signal and conjugate multiplying the second signal with a third signal to produce a second multiplied signal. The first and second signals are orthogonal and the second and third signals are orthogonal. The radar pulse is contained in all three signals but each signal has noise components. The first multiplied signal is integrated to produce a first integrated signal and the second multiplied signal is integrated to produce a second integrated signal. The first and second integrated signals are summed to produce a summed signal. A location of a peak power of the summed signal is then detected. A TOA of the of the radar pulse is then detected based on the location of the peak power.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventor: Arthur J. Tardif
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Patent number: 9244157Abstract: A method and system can display images associated with core threats, associated threats, and/or predictive overflight threats. The images of the weather can be displayed using at least a first color, a second color, and a third color associated with a respective first precipitation rate range, a second respective precipitation rate range, and a third respective precipitation rate range. The first precipitation rate range is less than the second precipitation rate range and the third precipitation rate range is more than the second precipitation rate range. The core threats, associated threats and predictive overflight threats can be displayed using the first, second and third colors, speckled areas, and wedge-shaped symbols.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.Inventors: Venkata A. Sishtla, Roy E. Robertson, Edward A. St. John, Mark C. Fersdahl, Louis P. Nicoli
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Patent number: 9244158Abstract: Reflectors in a scene are reconstructed using reflected signals. First, signals are transmitted to the scene, and the reflected signals are received by receivers are arranged in an array. The reflected signals are then processed to reconstruct the reflectors in the scene, wherein the processing enforces a model that a reflectivity of the scene in front and behind any reflector is equal to zero.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Petros T. Boufounos
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Patent number: 9244159Abstract: A method and target detector for detecting targets. A number of bright pixels are identified in an image. Each of the number of bright pixels belongs to a line detected in the image in which the line represents a candidate for a target. A number of feature vectors are identified for the number of bright pixels in the image. Each of the number of feature vectors is classified as one of a target vector representing the target and a clutter vector representing clutter.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Dmitriy V. Korchev, Yuri Owechko
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Patent number: 9244160Abstract: In some illustrative embodiments, an ultrasonic transducer drive includes a signal generator for producing an outgoing signal and a transducer for converting the outgoing signal to outgoing ultrasound. The transducer may also convert at least a portion of ultrasound reflected by an object to an incoming signal. The transducer may have a transmit side connected conductably to the signal generator during at least a first predetermined period of time and a receive side connected conductably to a signal receiver during at least a second predetermined period of time. A shunt may be connectable between the receive side and a reference potential. The signal generator may generate the outgoing signal during at least substantially the first predetermined period of time while the shunt connects the receive side to the reference potential. The signal receiver may receive the incoming signal during substantially the second predetermined period of time while the shunt is substantially open.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2005Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: University of Virginia Patent FoundationInventors: Travis N. Blalock, William F. Walker, John A. Hossack
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Patent number: 9244161Abstract: An ultrasound transmission circuit comprises a pulse generating circuit, a feedback circuit and a processing circuit. The feedback circuit outputs a trigger signal according to a first pulse signal arriving at an ultrasound transducer. The processing circuit records a first time point at which the first pulse signal is generated, and records a second time point at which the first pulse signal arrives the ultrasound transducer according to the trigger signal. The processing circuit adjusts a first delay value according to a variance between the first time point and the second time point to generate a second delay value, and drives the pulse generating circuit according to the second delay value to generate a second pulse signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Chin Hsia, Yu-Te Kao
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Patent number: 9244162Abstract: The invention relates to a method for ranging a radio frequency tag, comprising measuring the modulated backscattering response of the tag at a plurality of frequencies using reader and determining the dispersive properties of the tag from the amplitude of the measured backscattering response. Further, the method comprises determining a position parameter of the tag from the measured modulated backscattering response and the determined dispersive properties of the tag.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2011Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Teknologian Tutkimuskeskus VTTInventors: Ville Viikari, Pekka Pursula
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Patent number: 9244163Abstract: A system includes: a planar antenna array that includes a plurality of right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) antennas and left-hand circularly polarized (LHCP) antennas in a planar surface or in layers, in which each antenna element includes a spiral plate; a feed network connecting a signal to each of the antennas; and amplifiers dispersed in the feed network configured to provide spatial power combining and beam forming of the signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Inventor: Farrokh Mohamadi
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Patent number: 9244164Abstract: A method for unambiguous determination of a range to and/or of a relative velocity of an object with respect to a motor vehicle is disclosed. An unambiguity area (RUn) for the range and/or an unambiguity area (VUn) for the relative velocity may be determined by means of a frequency-modulation continuous-wave radar in the motor vehicle, with a predetermined sequence of frequency-modulated signal pulses being transmitted by the frequency-modulation continuous-wave radar in a measurement cycle. Mutually different unambiguity areas (RUn) for the range and/or mutually different unambiguity areas (VUn) for the relative velocity are defined for at least two successive measurement cycles, and the range and/or the relative velocity are/is determined on the basis of, in each case, at least one measured value for the range and/or for the relative velocity from each measurement cycle.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2010Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: VALEO Schalter und Sensoren GmbHInventors: Urs Luebbert, Udo Haberland
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Patent number: 9244165Abstract: A forward facing sensing system includes a windshield electronics module configured to be attached at and behind a windshield of a vehicle. A radar sensor device and an image sensor are disposed in the module so as to have a sensing/viewing direction forward of the vehicle with the module attached at and behind the windshield. A control includes an image processor that processes image data captured by the image sensor and that analyzes captured image data to detect an object present forward of the vehicle. The detected object is also sensed by a beam of the radar sensor device. The control, responsive at least in part to processing by the image processor of captured image data to detect the object and to sensing by the radar sensor device of the detected object, determines that a potentially hazardous condition may exist in the path of forward travel of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2015Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventor: Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 9244166Abstract: A hazard warning or weather radar system or method can be utilized to determine a location of ice. The system and method can be used in an aircraft. The aircraft weather radar system can include a radar antenna and a processor. The radar antenna receives radar returns. The processor can: 1. identify on a display a region of potential ice associated with a blow off region in response to the radar returns, temperature data, and wind data; 2. identify on a display a region of potential ice associated with a stratiform region in response to radar returns, temperature data, and a history of convective cells in the stratiform region; or 3. perform both 1 and 2.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Jeffery A. Finley, Kevin M. Kronfeld, Gregory J. Koenigs, Roy E. Robertson
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Patent number: 9244167Abstract: A system and method of displaying weather data related to weather for an aircraft can include receiving onboard weather data and external weather data. A vertical weather profile is provided on a display based on the onboard weather data and the external weather data. Display includes a first portion associated with a first range closest to the aircraft and a second portion associated with a second range farthest from the aircraft. First images of weather in the first range are provided on the first portion in response to the onboard weather data and second images of the weather in the second range are provided on the second portion in response to the external weather data. Blended images can be provided on a blended portion between the first range and the second range.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.Inventors: Alexander M. Oransky, James D. Cahoon
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Patent number: 9244168Abstract: A sonar system using frequency bursts. A sonar system for use with a vessel may include a sonar module having a transmitting element configured to generate a transmit signal, where the transmit signal comprises one or more bursts, and where at least one burst comprises a first portion having a first frequency and a second portion having a second frequency different than the first frequency. The sonar system may also include a transducer array in communication with the sonar module, where the transducer array is configured to (i) receive the transmit signal from the transmitting element, (ii) produce one or more sonar beams based on the first frequency and the second frequency, and (iii) receive one or more sonar return signals from an underwater environment.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2015Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Navico Holding ASInventor: Alan Proctor
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Patent number: 9244169Abstract: Acoustic absorption or attenuation of ultrasound is measured. To estimate acoustic absorption or attenuation, the displacement of tissue caused by stress at different frequencies is measured. The absorption or attenuation is calculated from the displacements. The incorporation of different frequencies provides another variable for solving for attenuation or absorption despite unknown tissue stiffness.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Liexiang Fan, Paul Donald Freiburger
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Patent number: 9244170Abstract: A visual display includes hidden reference illuminators adapted to emit invisible light for generating corneo-scleral reflections on an eye watching a screen surface of the display. The tracking of such reflections and the pupil center provides input to gaze tracking. A method for equipping and an LCD with a reference illuminator are also provided. Also provides are a system and method for determining a gaze point of an eye watching a visual display that includes reference illuminators. The determination of the gaze point may be based on an ellipsoidal cornea model.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Tobii Technology ABInventors: Peter Blixt, Anders Hoglund, Bengt Rehnstrom, John Elvesjö, Mattias Kuldkepp
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Patent number: 9244171Abstract: A TOF camera for a vehicle includes a light emitting unit that irradiates light to an object, a light receiving unit that detects a distance to the object based on light reflected and returned from the object and generates a modulation signal for frequency modulation of the light, and a control unit that controls driving of the light emitting unit according to the modulation signal of the light receiving unit. The light emitting unit includes a plurality of laser diodes. The control unit decides a driving order of the laser diodes according to the modulation signal of the light receiving unit so as to control driving of the laser diodes, and decides current values of the laser diodes according to the modulation signal of the light receiving unit so as to control current amounts of laser diodes to be driven.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: MANDO CORPORATIONInventors: Se Kyung Park, Seong Hee Jeong, Byung Sung Kim
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Patent number: 9244172Abstract: An optimum measurement subset with a specified number n of elements is generated from a set of N>n weighted input global navigation satellite system (GNSS) measurements. A group of trial measurement subsets is generated by removing a different individual weighted input GNSS measurement from the set. A value of accuracy criterion for a target parameter is calculated for each trial measurement subset, and the trial measurement subset with the minimum value of accuracy criterion is selected. A new group of trial measurement subsets is generated by removing a different individual weighted GNSS measurement from the previously selected trial measurement subset. A value of accuracy criterion is calculated for each new trial measurement subset, and a new trial measurement subset with the new minimum value of accuracy criterion is selected. The process is repeated until the selected trial measurement subset has the specified number n of elements.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc.Inventors: Raymond M. O'Connor, Ivan Giovanni Di Federico, Sergey Averin, Daniel Milyutin
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Patent number: 9244173Abstract: A mobile computer may determine it is located in a vehicle or a conveyance based on a measured distance and satellite related positioning information.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2015Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.Inventors: Harry Vartanian, Jaron Jurikson-Rhodes
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Patent number: 9244174Abstract: Scintillations caused by ionospheric irregularities during Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements are detected and mitigated. Detection is based at least in part on statistical properties of geometry-free combination parameters calculated from input GNSS measurements corresponding to the same navigation satellite and different carrier frequencies. Mitigation is based at least in part on ionosphere-free combination parameters calculated from input GNSS measurements corresponding to the same navigation satellite and different carrier frequencies. Depending on the number of satellites with detected scintillations, different algorithms are used to calculate values of target parameters from a set of ionosphere-free combination parameters or from a set of ionosphere-free combination parameters and the remaining input GNSS measurements.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc.Inventors: Sergey Vladislavovich Averin, Roman Anatolyevich Nevzorov, Andrey Valeryevich Plenkin, Vladimir Ivanovich Zubinsky
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Patent number: 9244175Abstract: A method including receiving signals associated with multiple antenna elements; obtaining a parameter of the received signals for at least some of the multiple antenna elements; testing the obtained parameters; if the test fails, rejecting the received signals for use in positioning the apparatus; if the test passes, using the received signals for positioning the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2010Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Nokia Technologies OyInventors: Fabio Belloni, Ville Ranki, Antti Kainulainen
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Patent number: 9244176Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided that may be implemented in various electronic devices to possibly reduce a first-time-to-fix and/or otherwise increase the performance or efficiency of a device by employing a position/velocity estimation process using at least one estimated time relationship parameter.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2009Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventor: William James Morrison
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Patent number: 9244177Abstract: Position calculating methods and devices are described. Satellite information may be calculated, which includes satellite position, satellite movement speed, and satellite movement direction of a positioning satellite. A pseudo distance between the positioning satellite and a user may be calculated based on a satellite signal received from the positioning satellite. The position of the user may be calculated using the satellite information and the pseudo distance in executing a convergence calculation with positioning information for a reference satellite, thereby eliminating a time error term from unknown quantities.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2010Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Seiko EpsonInventor: Maho Terashima
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Patent number: 9244178Abstract: Method of determination of an irradiation dose deposited in a scintillator (5) by ionising radiation, comprising the steps of: irradiating the scintillator (5) during a predetermined time; detecting a moment of excitation of the scintillator (5) with a first photodetector (11); then detecting a moment of reception of a scintillation photon with a second photodetector (14), functioning in single photon counting mode; identifying each sequence consisting of the detection of a moment of excitation by the first photodetector (11), and the detection of a moment of reception by the second photodetector (14) with a coincidence event; counting the number of coincidence events; obtaining the irradiation dose deposited during the irradiation time as a function of the number of coincidence events counted and of a predetermined proportionality factor.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignees: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE (C.N.R.S), UNIVERSITÉ DE STRASBOURGInventors: Jean-Marc Jung, Till Sohier, Mélodie Munier, Rémi Barillon, Mauricio Torres
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Patent number: 9244179Abstract: An integrated circuit in a PET imaging system with a plurality of photo detectors is provided. A plurality of differential transimpedance amplifiers with differential inputs and differential outputs is provided, wherein differential inputs for each differential transimpedance amplifier of the plurality of differential transimpedance amplifiers are electrically connected to a photodetector.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Frances W. Y. Lau, Craig Steven Levin, Mark A. Horowitz, Hwang Ho Choi, Jaeha Kim
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Patent number: 9244180Abstract: Large-area, flat-panel photo-detectors with sub-nanosecond time resolution based on microchannel plates are provided. The large-area, flat-panel photo-detectors enable the economic construction of sampling calorimeters with, for example, enhanced capability to measure local energy deposition, depth-of-interaction, time-of-flight, and/or directionality of showers. In certain embodiments, sub-nanosecond timing resolution supplies correlated position and time measurements over large areas. The use of thin flat-panel viewing radiators on both sides of a radiation-creating medium allows simultaneous measurement of Cherenkov and scintillation radiation in each layer of the calorimeter. The detectors may be used in a variety of applications including, for example, medical imaging, security, and particle and nuclear physics.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: The University of ChicagoInventors: Henry Frisch, Herve Grabas, Fukun Tang, Eric J. Oberla, Michael Minot
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Patent number: 9244181Abstract: A method for processing seismic data. The method includes predicting seismic data according to an earth model representing seismic properties of subterranean formations in the earth, determining a difference between seismic data acquired from one or more seismic receivers and the predicted seismic data, projecting the difference into a model space in traveltime, and updating the earth model according to the projected difference. As a result, the updated earth model more accurately represents the seismic properties of subterranean formations in the earth.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2009Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.Inventors: James Rickett, Paul Childs
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Patent number: 9244182Abstract: A method of assessing a hydrocarbon source rock candidate uses seismic data for a region of the Earth. The data are analyzed to determine the presence, thickness and lateral extent of candidate source rock based on the knowledge of the seismic behavior of hydrocarbon source rocks. An estimate is provided of the organic content of the candidate source rock from acoustic impedance. An estimate of the hydrocarbon generation potential of the candidate source rock is then provided from the thickness and lateral extent of the candidate source rock and from the estimate of the organic content.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2010Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: STATOIL PETROLEUM ASInventors: Helge Løseth, Lars Wensaas, Marita Gading, Kenneth Duffaut, Heinz Michael Springer
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Patent number: 9244183Abstract: Refracted energy travel time can help to derive anisotropic parameters in a target layer. These anisotropic parameters allow us to both explore for new reservoirs and to understand stress and fracturing in existing reservoirs. This information can be used to i) detect oil reservoirs, ii) spot naturally fractured, hence high production zones, iii) detect dominant natural stress directions, iv) better place horizontal wells to optimize production, v) monitoring man made fractures or induced directional stress changes. The method is demonstrated using synthetic and real data.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventors: Samik Sil, Ali Tura, Roman Kazinnik, Xinfa Zhu
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Patent number: 9244184Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for using a rigid-stem lead-in assembly comprising a plurality of interconnected rigid stems in a marine geophysical survey. An embodiment discloses a method of towing a survey device from a survey vessel, comprising: coupling the survey device to the survey vessel with a lead-in comprising a rigid-stem lead-in assembly, the rigid-stem lead-in assembly comprising a plurality of rigid stems that are interconnected and each comprise a stem both defining one or more interior chambers; and towing the survey device through a body of water. Also disclosed are marine geophysical survey methods and marine survey systems.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: PGS Geophysical ASInventor: Rune Sindre Voldsbekk
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Patent number: 9244185Abstract: A system comprises towed marine geophysical equipment, adapted for towing through a body of water; and a surface covering, comprising a textural attribute of shark skin, attached to the marine geophysical equipment. A method comprises towing marine geophysical equipment having a surface covering, comprising a textural attribute of shark skin, attached thereto.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: PGS Geophysical ASInventor: Bruce William Harrick
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Patent number: 9244186Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning one or more spread elements of a marine seismic spread are described. One system comprises a seismic vessel-mounted acoustic Doppler current meter adapted to ascertain at least the horizontal component of the current velocity vector at a point ahead of the seismic vessel, and one or more controllers adapted to use the ascertained current velocity vector to control position of one or more seismic spread elements. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.Inventors: Rune Toennessen, Jens Olav Paulsen, Kenneth Welker
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Patent number: 9244187Abstract: A towable and steerable elongated float for a marine seismic source arrangement for use in making a seismic survey at sea, having first attachment means at a lower or bottom part of a float body for allowing at least one seismic source to be suspended from the float, and second attachment means on a fore part of the float body for attachment of a strength taking source towing line or umbilical. The float body comprises first and second elongated steering foils being attached to and spaced from respective port and starboard sides of the fore part of said float body by respective support arrangement. The steering foils have respective longitudinal steering foil axes being oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the float body and so as to be substantially perpendicular to a sea surface when in use, the elongated steering foils having respective first and second chord axes.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: CGG SERVICES SAInventors: Peder Aasmund Berentzen, Stig Runar Valdal, Svein Dale, Peer Øyvind Toftner
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Patent number: 9244188Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation time cutoff between results for a bound-water index of rock and a free-fluid index of the rock is determined. The determination is made based on measured and predicted values for permeability and/or wettability over a set of core plugs. The determination does not require a nuclear magnetic resonance operation performed on the core plugs under irreducible water saturation.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventors: Boqin Sun, Emmanuel Toumelin
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Patent number: 9244189Abstract: A steering tool is movable by a drill string to form an underground bore along an intended path. A sensing arrangement of the steering tool detects its pitch and yaw orientations at a series of spaced apart positions along the bore, each position is characterized by a measured extension of the drill string. The steering tool further includes a receiver. At least one marker is positioned proximate to the intended path, for transmitting a rotating dipole field to expose a portion of the intended path to the field for reception by the receiver. The detected pitch orientation, the detected yaw orientation and the measured extension of the drill string are used in conjunction with magnetic information from the receiver to locate the steering tool. The steering tool may automatically use the magnetic information when it is available. A customized overall position determination accuracy can be provided along the intended path.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2015Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Merlin Technology Inc.Inventors: Guenter W. Brune, Albert W. Chau, Rudolf Zeller, John E. Mercer
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Patent number: 9244190Abstract: Technologies are generally described for transmitting electric power using electromagnetic waves. An example device may include a transmitting unit, a dielectric waveguide, and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit can be configured to transmit the electromagnetic wave through a first waveguide. The dielectric waveguide can be configured to direct the electromagnetic wave from the first waveguide to a second waveguide. Further, the receiving unit can be configured to receive the electromagnetic wave from the dielectric waveguide through the second waveguide. An example borehole radar system may generate an electromagnetic wave from a DC power supply and provide the electromagnetic wave to a power transmitting unit. The power transmitting unit can be configured to transmit the electromagnetic wave through a dielectric waveguide. The electromagnetic wave can be rectified to generate a DC voltage signal, by which a transmitting antenna may be powered to generate a radar signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: OSAKA ELECTRO-COMMUNICATION UNIVERSITYInventors: Satoshi Ebihara, Kentaro Kawata
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Patent number: 9244191Abstract: A real-time synchronous measurement system for multiple factors such as a wind-blown sand electric field, sand particle electrification and wind speed, comprising: a first support, a second support, a third support, and an electric field instrument disposed vertically in parallel. A 3D ultrasonic anemometer (4), a wind speed meter (3), a temperature and humidity detector (1), and a weather vane (2) are installed on and connected via data cables to the first support. A probe (7) of the electric field instrument is installed on the second support. A piezoelectric kinetic energy sensor (5) is installed on the third support. A data collector (6) is installed between and connected via data cables to the first support and the third support. A real-time sand particle mass-to-charge ratio instrument is further comprised. A computer (12) is installed between and connected via data cables to the second support and the real-time sand particle mass-to-charge ratio instrument.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2011Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: LANZHOU UNIVERSITYInventors: Xiaojing Zheng, Tianli Bo, Yirui Liang
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Patent number: 9244192Abstract: A precipitation sensor including a cantilevered sensor member having a cantilevered portion and an upper and a lower surface extending on opposite sides of the cantilevered portion. The sensor member can receive falling precipitation on the upper surface and vibrate when struck by such precipitation. The cantilevered portion can have outer perimeter edges that are sloped downwardly for shedding the precipitation off the cantilevered portion. An electromechanical sensor can be incorporated with at least a part of the cantilevered portion of the sensor member for sensing the vibrations of the sensor member caused by the precipitation, and generating an electrical response from which precipitation properties can be determined. A support structure can be connected to the lower surface of the cantilevered portion at about a central region of the sensor member for supporting the sensor member. The cantilevered portion extends outwardly beyond the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Airmar Technology CorporationInventors: Robert M. Cullen, Chad Lawrence Andrews, Frederic Schoff Boericke, II, Stephen G. Boucher, Roger Henry Tancrell
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Patent number: 9244193Abstract: Polymerizable resin compositions and microstructures comprising the reaction product of such polymerizable resin compositions are described. The microstructures comprise the reaction product of a polymerizable resin composition comprising an organic portion having a refractive index of at least 1.56 wherein the polymerizable resin composition comprises a fluorene-containing monomer.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Bryan V. Hunt, Eric W. Nelson
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Patent number: 9244194Abstract: The present invention relates to an azo compound represented by the following formula (1) [wherein, A represents a naphthyl group having a substituent, R1 to R6 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having a carbon atom number of 1 to 5, an alkoxy group having a carbon atom number of 1 to 5, a sulfo group, or an alkoxy group having a sulfo group and a carbon atom number of 1 to 5, and X represents a benzoylamino group having a substituent, a phenylamine group having a substituent, a phenylazo group having a substituent, or a naphthotriazole group having a substituent] and a salt thereof. A neutral color polarizing plate and a color polarizing plate for a liquid crystal projector being excellent in polarization performance and durability and having less color leakage in a visible light region can be provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignees: Nippon Kayaku Kabushiki Kaisha, Polatechno Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Higeta, Takuto Nishiguchi
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Patent number: 9244195Abstract: The invention is related to a method for making a silicone hydrogel contact lens having a nano-textured surface which mimics the surface texture of cornea of human eye. A method of the invention comprises creating a prime coating having nano-textures through controlled imbibition and/or depositions of a reactive polymeric coating material and fixing the nano-textures by crosslinking a hydrophilic polymeric material onto the prime coating to form a crosslinked polymeric coating that perserves the nano-textures of the prime coating and provides a nano-textured surface to the contact lens.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Novartis AGInventors: R. Erich Bauman, Peter Hagmann, John Dallas Pruitt, Joseph Michael Rappon
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Patent number: 9244196Abstract: Provided are articles such as medical devices which comprise at least one water soluble, crosslinked copolymer. The primary polymer chains of the copolymer are hydrophilic and independently have a degree of polymerization in the range of about 10 to about 10,000. The water soluble, crosslinked copolymers of the present invention are free from terminal substrate associating segments. The copolymers may be incorporated into a formulation from which the article is made or may be contacted with the article post-formation.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.Inventors: Charles W. Scales, Kevin P. McCabe, Brent Matthew Healy
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Patent number: 9244197Abstract: The present invention relates to a process comprising the steps of reacting a reactive mixture comprising at least one silicone-containing component, at least one hydrophilic component, and at least one diluent to form an ophthalmic device having an advancing contact angle of less than about 80°; and contacting the ophthalmic device with an aqueous extraction solution at an elevated extraction temperature, wherein said at least one diluent has a boiling point at least about 10° higher than said extraction temperature.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.Inventors: Azaam Alli, James D. Ford, Scott L. Joslin