Patents Issued in January 24, 2017
  • Patent number: 9551551
    Abstract: A lens cover for a firearm scope comprises a lens ring configured to mount to a lens, a cover bracket pivotally mounted to the lens ring, and a cover membrane disposed upon a portion of the lens ring and a portion of the cover bracket. When the cover bracket is in a closed position, the cover membrane creates a seal against the lens ring. The lens ring comprises an elastomeric material so as to enable mounting of the lens ring to lenses of differing diameters. The cover bracket includes a plurality of opposing mounting holes for selectively mounting the cover bracket to the adjustable lens ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: APPLIED MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGIES INC
    Inventor: Anthony Ilacqua
  • Patent number: 9551552
    Abstract: Embodiments include active protection systems and methods for an aerial platform. An onboard system includes radar modules, detects aerial vehicles within a threat range of the aerial platform, and determines if any of the aerial vehicles are an aerial threat. The onboard system also determines an intercept vector to the aerial threat, communicates the intercept vector to an eject vehicle, and causes the eject vehicle to be ejected from the aerial platform to intercept the aerial threat. The eject vehicle includes alignment thrusters to rotate a longitudinal axis of the eject vehicle to substantially align with the intercept vector, a rocket motor to accelerate the eject vehicle along an intercept vector, divert thrusters to divert the eject vehicle in a direction substantially perpendicular to the intercept vector, and attitude control thrusters to make adjustments to the attitude of the eject vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Orbital ATK, Inc.
    Inventors: James Kolanek, Behshad Baseghi, David Sharpin, Anthony Visco, Falin Shieh
  • Patent number: 9551553
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a bowfishing slide arrangement for use with an archery bow. In certain embodiments, the arrangement includes a slide having a slide body configured to slide along an arrow shaft. The arrangement further includes a stop used in cooperation with the slide. The stop is arrangeable on the arrow shaft in a manner to prevent the slide from sliding off of the arrow shaft. A dampening material is secured to the rear of the slide and arranged between the slide and the stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Bear Archery, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore J. Boester, Josh Sidebottom
  • Patent number: 9551554
    Abstract: Exemplary projectiles and methods associated therewith including embodiments formed with an internal cavity adapted to receive and retain a cryogenic material into said cavity and then generate a first internal gas upon thermal equalization with said projectile as well as a first internal gas pressure within said cavity. Exemplary embodiments include a structure adapted for maintaining structural integrity after generation of the first internal gas pressure and a second internal gas pressure that is created upon the firing of the projectile. In some embodiments, the second internal gas pressure is more than twice the first internal gas pressure. Some embodiments are adapted with a portion of the projectile formed for displacing away or laterally from an axis formed through a longitudinal center of the projectile upon an impact from striking an object after firing based in part on internal gas pressure and an impact at cavity wall section rupture zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jules Pienkos, Bart Gilliatt
  • Patent number: 9551555
    Abstract: Embodiments of a projectile are disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, a projectile includes a substantially solid core of a material, and two or more petals attached to the core. The two or more petals can be formed from the same material used to form the core and can include a trocar tip. A cavity can be bound by the core and inner surfaces of the plurality of petals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: G2 Research Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Scott Flint, Paul Gombar, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9551556
    Abstract: The necessary ESD safety for chemical detonators 1 is ensured by the fact that the sleeve 2 of the chemical detonator 1 is closely encompassed by an aluminum sleeve 20, the ignition pill 5 is sealed in addition by a casting compound 21 and a predetermined flashover position 26 is provided for the priming wires 3, 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Fr. Sobbe GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Sturm
  • Patent number: 9551557
    Abstract: The present invention provides ammunition having a two piece primer insert with a flange, a polymeric middle body extending from the primer insert to a cylindrical middle body coupling region, a polymeric projectile end having a projectile aperture mated to the polymeric middle body, a primer inserted into the primer aperture, a propellant at least partially filling the propellant chamber, and a projectile frictionally fitted in the bullet-end aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: TRUE VELOCITY, INC.
    Inventor: Lonnie Burrow
  • Patent number: 9551558
    Abstract: An articulated arm CMM comprises a plurality of transfer members, a plurality of articulation members connecting at least two transfer members to each other, a coordinate acquisition member at a distal end, and a base at a proximal end. At least two of the articulation members can include at least one encoder and the at least two encoders can both be enclosed within a single monoblock housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Hexagon Technology Center GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Ferrari, Thibault Duportal, Elie Shammas, Jerry Gerent, Dongmei Hong, Denny Roux
  • Patent number: 9551559
    Abstract: The 3D contact measuring device senses work pieces in machine tools for adjusting the zero point of a numerically controlled machine tool or for positioning tasks. The device comprises a preferably elongated housing, a sensing arm projecting from the housing and bearing a sensing tip. The sensing arm being movable in the direction of a measuring axis and pivotable in all directions about the measuring axis. A sensing lever is connected to the sensing arm and forms the first universal joint, and a measuring device for detecting a parameter, which characterizes the displacement and/or the pivoting of the sensing arm. A further control surface forms a second universal joint. An elongated toothed rack of a gear transmission is aligned along the measuring axis and is movably supported and is coupled to the sensing lever via the second universal joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Tschorn GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Tschorn
  • Patent number: 9551560
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an extensometer wherein the actuation of the contact arms is performed by a separate rotating bar so as to avoid or minimize placing active mechanics onto the arms. The rotating bar includes a spool about which a metal belt is wound. Rotating the bar, and hence the spool, in the desired direction pulls the metal belt which pulls a spring-loaded wedge with internal camming slots which urges the contact arms apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Fernando L. Castro, Peter Tsiomplikas
  • Patent number: 9551561
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining location using magnetic fields from AC power lines are provided. As an example, each magnetic field reading collected by the device over time can be analyzed to determine a plurality of characteristics of the magnetic field. One or more of the plurality of characteristics can describe a component of the magnetic field that oscillates at a frequency associated with the AC power lines. The plurality of characteristics can be compared to expected values respectively associated with a plurality of locations and provided by a map of the magnetic field to determine a location at which each magnetic field reading was collected. In further embodiments, magnetic field readings collected by the device over time can be analyzed in conjunction with other data or constraints to determine a trajectory of the device. In addition, the map can be updated using the collected readings and the determined trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Peter Kochanski
  • Patent number: 9551562
    Abstract: In a method for determining absolute position of a mobile element in reference to two magneto-sensitive sensors, having a source of a magnetic field fastened to the element, a first sensor signal and a second sensor signal are measured with one magneto-sensitive sensor each. An amplitude ratio of the respective sensor signals and the off-set values about the respective zero point of the sensor signals are determined from the minimum and maximum values of the sensor signals, and from these values, scaled sensor signals are calculated that form a sum signal and a difference signal, which are scaled, with the determination of the minimum and the maximum values occurring by a relative movement of the element over a full range of motion, and an absolute position is calculated via the scaled sum signal and the scaled difference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: IDT EUROPE GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Janisch
  • Patent number: 9551563
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-axis differential interferometer (1) for measuring a displacement and/or rotation between a first reflective surface (21, 321) and a second reflective surface (81, 381), wherein said measuring is carried out using at least two pairs of beams, wherein each pair is formed by a measurement beam (Mb) to be emitted onto a first one (21, 321) of said reflective surfaces, and a reference beam (Rb) to be emitted onto another one (81, 381) of said reflective surfaces, said interferometer (1) comprising: a first optical module (20) and a second optical module (40), wherein each optical module (20, 40) is configured for receiving a respective coherent beam and for creating one of said pairs therefrom. The invention further relates to a lithography system comprising such an interferometer and to a method for assembling such a multi-axis differential interferometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: MAPPER LITHOGRAPHY IP B.V.
    Inventors: Godefridus Cornelius Antonius Couweleers, Thomas Adriaan Ooms, Niels Vergeer
  • Patent number: 9551564
    Abstract: An OCT apparatus includes a wavelength selector provided on an optical path between a light source unit and a pair of optical detection units, and having a wavelength selectivity with equal wavenumber intervals. A differential detection unit detects a differential between two interference lights detected by the two optical detection units, and an information acquisition unit obtains peak values in the temporal waveform of the intensity of the interference lights and acquires information about an object on the basis of the obtained peak values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomohiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 9551565
    Abstract: A method and corresponding system for optical coherence tomography includes optical coherence tomography equipment that acquires at least two two-dimensional initial images of an object in planes of the object that are spaced apart from one another, in particular running parallel to one another, wherein the initial images each include a plurality of initial image values. In order to assure an examination of the object in the case of medical applications that is as reliable as possible, an interpolation of the initial image values of the at least two two-dimensional initial images is performed in three-dimensional space, wherein interpolation values are obtained that form a two-dimensional final image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: AGFA HEALTHCARE NV
    Inventors: Rainer Nebosis, Roland Reuter
  • Patent number: 9551566
    Abstract: Provided is a coordinate measuring device which can easily perform accurate measurement. A coordinate measuring device is provided with a sub-imaging unit, a display unit, and a probe. The probe includes a stylus. The stylus has a contact part that is brought into contact with a measurement target in order to measure the measurement target. The sub-imaging unit is provided in the probe so as to have constant positional relationships, and captures an image of at least part of the measurement target. The image of the measurement target obtained by the sub-imaging unit is displayed as a captured image on the display unit. Based on calculated positions of the probe and the positional relationships of the sub-imaging unit, an image showing a measurement position on the measurement target, with which the contact part is to be brought into contact, is displayed on the captured image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Keyence Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuro Wakai
  • Patent number: 9551567
    Abstract: Among other things, a machine based method includes representing a plurality of spectra reflected from one or more substrates at a plurality of different positions on the one or more substrates in the form of a first matrix; decomposing, by one or more computers, the first matrix into products of at least two component matrixes of a first set of component matrixes; reducing dimensions of each of the at least two component matrixes to produce a second set of component matrixes containing the at least two matrixes with reduced dimensions; and generating, by the one or more computers, a second matrix by taking a product of the matrixes of the second set of component matrixes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Drue David, Boguslaw A. Swedek, Benjamin Cherian
  • Patent number: 9551568
    Abstract: A method for operating a scanning microscope system. The optimal number of required through-focus scans, that is required to predict the position of a focal plane of the objective with respect to the object to produce the image with minimized blur, is not pre-determined but rather defined iteratively in real-time, contemporaneously with conducting the sample scanning operation itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: DMetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Pixuan Zhou, Chen Liang, Xuemeng Zhang
  • Patent number: 9551569
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for curvature and thin film stress measurement are disclosed. The apparatus comprises two light sources and a detector. Two light beams from the two light sources with an angle are not parallel. The two light beams are collimated and projected onto a specimen with a pitch. The detector receives the light beams reflected from the specimen. The curvature of the specimen is calculated via a distance between spots of the light beams on the detector or a size variation of one of the spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Hermes-Epitek Corporation
    Inventors: Chung-Yuan Wu, Robert Champetier, Chung-Hua Fu, Bu-Chin Chung
  • Patent number: 9551570
    Abstract: A method of optical sensing comprising generating optical data associated with an object of interest, generating non-optical data associated with the object of interest, and analyzing the optical and non-optical data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: ATS AUTOMATION TOOLING SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Jason Stavnitzky, Ian Cameron
  • Patent number: 9551571
    Abstract: A method and device for measuring a decentration and tilt of faces of an optical element is provided. At least all optically used and frame-relevant partial surfaces of a surface of the optical element and reference faces of the optical element are registered over the whole area thereof and referenced to one another in a common coordinate system, wherein in each case a surface form deviation of the partial surfaces and reference faces is established relative to an associated intended surface, wherein a location of the partial surfaces and reference faces is established in each case in the common coordinate system from the respective surface form deviation. At least one tilt and at least one decentration are established from the location as a function of a form of the respective partial surface and reference face in the coordinate system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Asphericon GmbH
    Inventor: Sven Kiontke
  • Patent number: 9551572
    Abstract: Provided is a sensor device including a sensor configured to output a vibration datum by detecting a change in a state of a vibration in a first object when a second object touches the first object, a holding section configured to hold, at a portion of the first object which is different from a portion where the second object touches, the sensor in a state where the vibration in the first object is transmitted, and a communication section configured to transmit the single vibration datum detected by the sensor to an analyzing device which identifies a touch position where the second object touches the first object by analyzing the vibration datum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kosei Yamashita, Hideyuki Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 9551573
    Abstract: A device includes sensor substantially coplanar with one another in a sensor plane, each sensor generating a sense value that varies according to a physical distance between the sensor and an object. The device also includes control circuits configured to generate a first position value, a second position value, and a third value using the sense values in a first mode to detect a hover or glove operation by the object. The first position value and the second position values identify a two-dimensional position of the object in the sensor plane and the third value varies in response to movement of the object in a Z-direction substantially perpendicular to the sensor plane. The control circuits are also configured to generate a fourth position value and a fifth position value in a second mode to detect a touch operation by the object. The control circuits include a programmable integrated circuit including an analog portion and a digital portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Creator Technology B.V
    Inventors: Richard Harding, John B. Foreman
  • Patent number: 9551574
    Abstract: A spirit type level that may be used to plumb any vertical pole or post, may be used to horizontally set an object and may also be used to quickly and easily set a pipe at a selected slope of between 0 and 3 percent. The spirit type level of the invention includes a plurality of differently oriented spirit vials that are secured within the level body in a manner such that, if any one of the spirit vials become broken, or otherwise damaged, it can be easily replaced and the level need not be discarded. The spirit type level of the invention can be quickly and easily removably attached to the object to be leveled thereby freeing the hands of the user to position the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Mark L. Silberberg
  • Patent number: 9551575
    Abstract: A laser scanner includes a light emitter that generates a modulated light beam for measuring distance and red, blue, and green lights for capturing colors. The beam is collimated and directed to an object point with a steering mirror. Reflected light from the object point is directed by the steering mirror onto scanner optics. The reflected light is directed to an optical receiver that sends the first light in a first path and the second, third and fourth lights in a second path to a color receiver. The first light is demodulated to determine distance to the target. The second, third, and fourth lights are separated and measured to determine three color values. The color values are combined with the measured distance value to determine a color 3D coordinate for the object point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert E. Bridges, Reinhard Becker
  • Patent number: 9551576
    Abstract: The invention comprises an inertial sensor comprising a frame, a proof mass, a first resonant element, the first resonant element being fixed to the frame and electrostatically coupled to the proof mass, and a second resonant element, the second resonant element being fixed to the frame, adjacent to the first resonant element such that there is substantially no electrostatic coupling between the second resonant element and the proof mass. A coupling is provided between the first resonant element and the second resonant element. A drive means is coupled to the first and second resonant elements for vibrating the first and second resonant elements and a sensor assembly is provided for detecting the amplitude of vibration of at least one of the resonant elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Cambridge Enterprise Limited
    Inventors: Pradyumna Thiruvenkatanathan, Ashwin Seshia
  • Patent number: 9551577
    Abstract: A gyroscope structure with a specific arrangement of drive and sense structures and coupling spring structures, which allows orthogonally directed motions of larger scale drive and sense structures in a very limited surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jaakko Ruohio, Anssi Blomqvist
  • Patent number: 9551578
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a ring laser gyroscope with electrically isolated dither motor are provided. In one embodiment, a ring laser gyroscope, the gyroscope comprises: a laser block comprising a discharge gas filled chamber ring, a cathode, an anode and at least one other electrode; a dither motor mechanically coupled to the laser block and to a sensor chassis, wherein the laser block is secured to the sensor chassis by the dither motor; and an electrical isolator positioned between the dither motor and the laser block, wherein the electrical isolator electrically isolates the dither motor from the sensor chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Matthew Baker, Dean Eivind Johnson
  • Patent number: 9551579
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate generating navigation paths between images. A first image taken from a first location and a second image taken from a second location may be selected. A position of the first location in relation to the second location may be determined. First and second frames for the first and second images may be selected based on the position. First and second sets of visual features for each of the first and second image frames may be identified. Matching visual features between the first set of visual features and the second set of visual features may be determined. A confidence level for a line-of-sight between the first and second images may be determined by evaluating one or more positions of the matching visual features. Based on at least the confidence level, a navigation path from the first image to the second image is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Sheridan, Scott Benjamin Satkin
  • Patent number: 9551580
    Abstract: Techniques for mixed static and dynamic routing include determining a subset of less than all of a plurality of stopover points of an initial route of ordered stopover points. In the subset, all stopover points are marked as dynamic to indicate that their order is allowed to change. It is also determined whether there are at least two stopover points for which order may be changed. If there are at least two stopover points for which order may be changed, then a computed route is determined in which an order in the computed route of the stopover points of the subset minimizes a metric for the entire route compared to any other allowed order of the stopover points of the subset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: HERE GLOBAL B.V.
    Inventor: Mirko Konig
  • Patent number: 9551581
    Abstract: A turn-by-turn internal navigation system for use with a mobile electronic device includes three receives for using a trilateration navigational algorithm using first receiver for receiving a cellular tower radio frequency (RF) signal, a second receiver for receiving a WiFi RF signal; and a third receiver for receiving at least one Bluetooth RF signal based upon a BLE tag network. A processor works to execute an algorithm using feed-forward estimation such that no feedback is needed for distance error correction. The algorithm uses dead reckoning navigation in combination with information from the first receiver, second receiver and third receiver to generate positional information such that in-building navigation instructions are displayed on the mobile electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Albright Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian D. Pittman
  • Patent number: 9551582
    Abstract: A mobile communications device comprising a location sensing system, producing a location output; a memory, storing a set of locations and associated events; a telecommunications device, communicating event and location information between a remote system and said memory; and a processor, processing said location output in conjunction with said stored locations and associated events in said memory, to determine a priority thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Blanding Hovenweep, LLC
    Inventor: Steven M. Hoffberg
  • Patent number: 9551583
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide efficient and dynamic systems and methods for building a hybrid road network and grid based spatial temporal index to handle big trajectory data. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to satisfy the issue of low indexing and compression rate of big trajectory data, and to improve the efficiency of index queries, while also providing a mechanism to account for missing road links in a map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ning Duan, Peng Gao, Peng Ji, Xiao Bo Li, Zhi Hu Wang, Jun Zhu
  • Patent number: 9551584
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for switching a navigation mode between a vehicle navigation mode and a personal navigation mode in a navigation device supporting vehicle navigation and personal navigation. Switching between the vehicle navigation mode and the personal navigation mode is performed according to whether the navigation device is mounted in a navigation device holder, whether a GPS speed provided by a GPS receiver is higher than a predetermined speed, and whether a step is detected using an output of an accelerometer. Since mode switching between the vehicle navigation mode and the personal navigation mode is automatically performed, a user does not need to manually perform mode switching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jae-Myeon Lee, Hyun-Su Hong, Sung-Chul Yang
  • Patent number: 9551585
    Abstract: A fuel supply prompting method obtains a remaining fuel level of a vehicle from a detection unit, determines a fuel economy of the vehicle, and determines an available moving distance of the vehicle that the remaining fuel level can sustain according to the fuel economy of the vehicle. The method recalls a navigation system to determine a distance of a route from a current position of the vehicle to a destination. The method compares the available moving distance with the distance of the route from the current position of the vehicle to the destination, to determine whether the vehicle can reach the destination without refueling. The method further generates a first prompt when the vehicle cannot reach the destination without refueling. And a related vehicle assistance device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventor: Yu-Lun Li
  • Patent number: 9551586
    Abstract: A contextual description of the arrival location can be determined based on individual or combined attributes, which include (i) a text-based identifier of one or more of the multiple places, and (ii) a spatial relationship as between one or more of the places, or as between the multiple places and the arrival location. The contextual description can be provided for a navigation interface of a computing device used by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Uber Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Fei Guo
  • Patent number: 9551587
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a navigation device and a navigation method. The navigation method includes a satellite signal receiving module of the navigation device for receiving a positioning signal, a control unit of the navigation device for controlling a display module to display a navigation map on a map region according to the positioning signal, and the control unit of the navigation device for controlling a prompt region to present prompt information with different light effects according to traffic information. The prompt region is located outside the map region. Therefore, it is unnecessary for the user to further pay too much cognitive attention on understanding or referring to the navigation images and instructions, so the driving safety can be ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Chin-Hua Chen, Ching-Yuan Chuang, Hui-Ju Lin, Chien-Chi Shen, Wei-Chu Chen, I-Tan Su, Yu-Fang Chen, Hung-Yang Hsu, Chia-Chih Chen, Cheng-Lan Lee, Pei-Chen Chin
  • Patent number: 9551588
    Abstract: Methods and systems to determine consumer locations based on navigational voice cues are disclosed. An example method includes identifying, with a processor, a route point designated by a navigational voice cue output by a navigation system providing directions to an operator of a vehicle. The example method also includes determining, with the processor, at least one of a location or an anticipated location of an occupant of the vehicle based on the route point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: THE NIELSEN COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Ameyon R. Hawkins, Jan Besehanic, Jeremy T. Satterly, Jibri Duncan
  • Patent number: 9551589
    Abstract: Natural navigational guidance provides enhanced guidance instructions that take advantage of unique geographic features along a navigated route to specify maneuver points. Guidance points are clearly visible, unambiguous, and locally unique features in the geography of the maneuver area that can be used to aid the user in discovering the place where the maneuver point is. Within a guidance point selection area, a specific guidance point type has a more strict area within which it can be used. A natural guidance point selection area for an upcoming maneuver to be navigated is determined, and a unique geographic feature within the determined natural guidance point selection area is selected as a natural guidance point for navigation of the upcoming maneuver. A turn-type natural guidance point for an upcoming maneuver to be navigated is generated when the user device is within the natural guidance point selection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Telecommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brant Miller Clark, Mark Goddard, Diego Andres Kaplan
  • Patent number: 9551590
    Abstract: A method of receiving input from a user includes providing a surface within reach of a hand of the user. A plurality of locations on the surface that are touched by the user are sensed. An alphanumeric character having a shape most similar to the plurality of touched locations on the surface is determined. The user is audibly or visually informed of the alphanumeric character and/or a word in which the alphanumeric character is included. Feedback is received from the user regarding whether the alphanumeric character and/or word is an alphanumeric character and/or word that the user intended to be determined in the determining step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Baoshi Yan, Fuliang Weng, Liu Ren, You-Chi Cheng, Zhongnan Shen
  • Patent number: 9551591
    Abstract: A user equipment (UE) provides driving assistance based on road infrastructure information. The UE may include a wireless interface which communicates over a wireless channel, a position determination system configured to determine a position of the UE, a memory configured to store instructions, and a processor configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory. The processor may be configured to transmit a request for road infrastructure data which may include the position of the UE, receive road infrastructure data associated with road infrastructure element(s) within a proximity to the UE, where a boundary of the proximity exceeds a line of sight of the UE. The processor may also generate a graphical representation of the road infrastructure element(s) along with information associated with the road infrastructure data, and provide the graphical representation to a display. The graphical representation may convey status of, or information provided by, the road infrastructure element(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: VERIZON PATENT AND LICENSING INC.
    Inventor: Ramesh Kashinath Bodake
  • Patent number: 9551592
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of counting step-number. When detecting step-number executed by an electronic device, a g-sensor of the electronic device detects whether the moving speed is normal (one step per second), i.e. the detection result is the G value, or the movement speed has abnormal variation (such as one step per two seconds or five seconds), i.e. the detection result is the G value at Y axis, and the electronic device computes the step-number according to sums of maximum values and minimum values of speed variations every second within a counting period, and average of the sums. The processing unit determines the variation of the step-numbers of the G values and the G values at Y axis, and selects one of the two step-numbers for use as a correct step-number detection result, so as to achieve the objective of precisely computing step-number upon the speed variation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: GLOBALSAT WORLDCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shih-Yang Cheng, Kung-Yi Ho
  • Patent number: 9551593
    Abstract: A method of displaying power consumption by receiving information regarding Real Time Pricing (RTP) in which a power rate varies according to time; receiving power consumption amounts; and displaying predetermined visual displaying means based on the RTP information and the received power consumption amounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Young-ho Rhee, Young-kyu Jin, Jong-woo Jung, Yeo-jin Kim, Il-ku Chang
  • Patent number: 9551594
    Abstract: A universal sensor interface enables selective coupling of one or more sensor module units to a wireless node. Each sensor module unit can contain a suite of sensors selected for a particular sensor application at a monitored location. Reconfiguration of the wireless sensor network can occur seamlessly through the plug-and-play connectivity between the sensor module units and the wireless node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Senseware, Inc.
    Inventor: Julien G. Stamatakis
  • Patent number: 9551595
    Abstract: An induction detecting type rotary encoder includes: a stator; a rotor disposed opposite the stator; a first transmitting coil that is provided in the stator and includes a first inner circumference coil and a first outer circumference coil; a second transmitting coil that is provided in the stator and includes a second inner circumference coil and a second outer circumference coil; first and second receiving coils provided in the stator; and first and second magnetic flux coupling bodies provided in the rotor. The closest distance between the first inner circumference coil and the second magnetic flux coupling body is shorter than that between the first outer circumference coil and the second magnetic flux coupling body. The closest distance between the second inner circumference coil and the first magnetic flux coupling body is shorter than that between the second outer circumference coil and the first magnetic flux coupling body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kouji Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9551596
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for a high-temperature-resistant metal-packaged fiber Bragg grating sensor includes using a regenerated fiber Bragg grating obtained via high-temperature annealing as a sensitive element so that the grating will not be erased when used at high temperature. The method also includes using a magnetron sputtering method which makes an optical fiber and metal combine better to form on the surface of the optical fiber an adhesive layer and a conductive layer, thereby causing little damage to optical fiber because of the absence of the processes of coarsening, sensitization, etc. of electroless plating and the fact that the method is performed in an anhydrous environment. After magnetron sputtering, the method includes using an electroplating method to thicken and deposit a protective layer, and embedding the optical fiber in a flexible-structure metallic substrate through the electroplating method to achieve the all-metal package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: East China University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Shandong Tu, Yun Tu, Yihua Qi, Peng Han, Xiancheng Zhang, Fuzhen Xuan
  • Patent number: 9551597
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a mobile measurement system includes a handheld device, a measurement device, and an optical sensing device. The measurement device and the optical sensing device are communicatively coupled to the handheld device. The handheld device receives measurement data that comprises at least one measured electrical parameter corresponding to a physical property of an external system. The measurement device generates measurement data that corresponds to a period of time. The measurement device communicates the generated measurement data to the handheld device. The optical sensing device generates optical data corresponding to an interface of the measurement device and the external system where the measurement data is being generated. The generated optical data corresponds to a particular time within the measurement period of time. The mobile measurement system associates and stores the generated optical data for the particular time with measurement data corresponding to the period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: David Lawrence Epperson, Glen Howard Vetter
  • Patent number: 9551598
    Abstract: A fiber optic sensing apparatus that may be used to sense one or more conditions of an electromotive machine is provided. A housing (20) encloses an optical fiber sensor (18). An optical fiber (19) extends into the housing through an opening formed in the housing. A fiber-affixing device (15) may be affixed to the optical fiber proximate the opening. The fiber-affixing device includes opposed bearing surfaces (30, 32) extending away from the optical fiber and disposed against opposed inner and outer surfaces (34, 36) of the housing surrounding the opening. The fiber-affixing device is effective to affix the optical fiber within the opening, thereby substantially improving the robustness and survivability of the optical fiber sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.
    Inventor: Evangelos V. Diatzikis
  • Patent number: 9551599
    Abstract: A sensing system includes a filter construction module that constructs a high pass filter for filtering sensor values indicative of a process variable, the filter construction module setting values for parameters of the filter based on a temperature value indicative of a temperature of the sensor that produced the sensor values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: John Philip Miller, Robert Carl Hedtke
  • Patent number: 9551600
    Abstract: A system for creating a flow cytometer network includes: a flow cytometer with an interrogation zone and a fixed gain detection system that collects sample data from the interrogation zone; a flow cytometer data center that stores and manages sample-related data from the flow cytometer; and a network communication module that communicates sample-related data between the flow cytometer and the data center. The system may include a second flow cytometer and a second network communication module, where the first and second flow cytometers are calibrated to have substantially identical fixed gain settings. A method for creating a flow cytometer network includes: calibrating first and second flow cytometers with a calibration solution; collecting sample data with a fixed gain detection system; uploading data to a flow cytometer data center; retrieving data from the data center; and performing data analysis on the retrieved data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Accuri Cytometers, Inc.
    Inventors: Grant C. Howes, Collin A. Rich