Patents Issued in April 11, 2017
  • Patent number: 9618935
    Abstract: A remote controlling and lifesaving apparatus using a wearable device system within a car is provided. The remote controlling and lifesaving apparatus using a wearable device system within a car performs lifesaving according to biometric information of a passenger when a car accident occurs, and provides technology for measuring biometric information of the passenger through the wearable device system when the car accident occurs and performing rapid post management for the passenger based on the measured biometric information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Sun Jong Yang
  • Patent number: 9618936
    Abstract: A system for automated operation of a host-vehicle includes a sensor, a data-source, and a controller. The sensor is installed in a host-vehicle. The sensor is operable to determine a state-of-awareness of an operator of the host-vehicle. The data-source provides route-data used for automated operation of the host-vehicle. The route-data includes a map and a control-rule for navigating the map. The controller is in communication with the sensor and the data-source. The controller is configured to operate the host-vehicle during automated operation of the host-vehicle in accordance with the route-data. The controller is also configured to modify the control-rule based on the state-of-awareness of the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael H. Laur, Indu Vijayan, Serge Lambermont, Ludong Sun, Ryan S. Middleton
  • Patent number: 9618937
    Abstract: An example method may include i) determining a first distance between a pair of feet of a robot at a first time, where the pair of feet is in contact with a ground surface; ii) determining a second distance between the pair of feet of the robot at a second time, where the pair of feet remains in contact with the ground surface from the first time to the second time; iii) comparing a difference between the determined first and second distances to a threshold difference; iv) determining that the difference between determined first and second distances exceeds the threshold difference; and v) based on the determination that the difference between the determined first and second distances exceeds the threshold difference, causing the robot to react.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Blankespoor, Alex Perkins, Marco da Silva
  • Patent number: 9618938
    Abstract: A system includes a computer programmed to determine, along a nominal path to be traversed by a vehicle, a potential field representing a driving corridor for the vehicle. The computer is further programmed to identify a position of the vehicle relative to the potential field at a current time, and apply a torque to q steering column of the vehicle. The torque is based at least in part on the position. The potential field includes an attractive potential that guides the vehicle to remain within the corridor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Edwin Olson, Enric Galceran, Ryan M. Eustice, James Robert McBride
  • Patent number: 9618939
    Abstract: A method and a system are provided for controlling an aircraft in the form of a multicopter which has a plurality of redundant rotors (4), preferably arranged in a common rotor plane, in order, on the one hand, to generate lift, and, on the other hand, also propulsion by inclining the at least one rotor plane, wherein the regulation of the position and the control of the multicopter are carried out by changing rotor rotational speeds as a function of pilot control instructions. The system is characterized in that the rotors (4) are connected to one another in terms of data technology via a failsafe network (8), and they communicate their respective operating state, in particular their rotor rotational speed, in the network (8), and in that the network contains a first multiplicity of redundant sensors which determine control-relevant data and make it available in the network, in particular inclination, acceleration, rotational speed and/or position in all three spatial axes of the multicopter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: e-volo GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Wolf, Thomas Ruf
  • Patent number: 9618940
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for an unmanned aerial system inspection system. One of the methods is performed by a UAV and includes receiving, by the UAV, flight information describing a job to perform an inspection of a rooftop. A particular altitude is ascended to, and an inspection of the rooftop is performed including obtaining sensor information describing the rooftop. Location information identifying a damaged area of the rooftop is received. The damaged area of the rooftop is traveled to. An inspection of the damaged area of the rooftop is performed including obtaining detailed sensor information describing the damaged area. A safe landing location is traveled to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: UNMANNED INNOVATION, INC.
    Inventors: Bernard J. Michini, Hui Li, Brett Michael Bethke
  • Patent number: 9618941
    Abstract: A system and a method for controlling a tool pivotably mounted to an articulated boom connected to a work machine having a control unit. The solution: 1) determining the direction a predetermined point of the boom or the tool is moving to, i.e. the moving direction, and 2) controlling orientation of the tool as a function of one or several predetermined dependencies, the predetermined dependencies defining at least the orientation of the tool in relation to the moving direction. According to an example the work machine is a forest machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Mikko Palmroth, Marko Paakkunainen, Vesa Siltanen
  • Patent number: 9618942
    Abstract: An electronic storage device is coupled with a container capable of holding liquid for electronically storing information relating to the liquid stored in the container. The system can be configured with an antenna, for storing information to and reading information from the electronic storage device. A microprocessor-based controller, coupled with the antenna, may be employed for controlling processing of the liquid based on information read from the electronic storage device by the antenna. A connector of a secure reader system having a reader is provided to physically couple to a container having an information storing mechanism, for periodically reading information from an information storing mechanism. The connector may draw material from the container simultaneous with the reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin T. O'Dougherty, Robert E. Andrews, Tripunithura V. Jayaraman, Joseph P. Menning, Christopher A. Baye
  • Patent number: 9618943
    Abstract: At a time when control of a flow rate adjusting valve is initiated from a fully closed state in order to make a measured flow rate equal to a target flow rate, an initial value of a driving signal is set as a parameter by making use of at least one of the type, pressure, and temperature of a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: HORIBA STEC, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuki Tanaka, Akito Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9618944
    Abstract: A method and system for characterizing pressure controller valves of a pressure controller system are described herein. The pressure controller system includes a first valve and a second valve coupled to a manifold and a controller configured to control operation of the first valve and the second valve. The first valve regulates mass flowrate into the manifold and the second valve regulates mass flowrate released from the manifold. To characterize the apply valve, an electronic solenoid current to the first valve is increased until the manifold pressure rate exceeds the pressure rate threshold. When the manifold pressure rate exceeds the pressure rate threshold, the electronic solenoid current to the first valve decreases until the manifold pressure rate falls below the pressure rate threshold. These steps continue until the manifold pressure exceeds a manifold pressure threshold. At this point, the first valve is closed and characterization of the second valve commences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Qing Shan
  • Patent number: 9618945
    Abstract: Techniques for monitoring surface temperature of devices are described. Generally, surface temperature of devices is monitored and controlled to prevent user discomfort and/or injury that may result from user contact with an excessively heated surface. In at least some embodiments, temperature of an external surface of the device is indirectly monitored. For instance, a temperature sensor is positioned at an internal location in a device that has a known temperature relationship to a temperature of an external surface of the device. Alternatively or additionally, a temperature of an external surface of a device may be directly detected. In at least some embodiments, when a temperature of an external surface of a device is determined to reach or exceed a threshold temperature, procedures can be implemented to reduce the temperature of the external surface and/or prevent further heating of the external surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Douglas Delano, Timothy Jakoboski, Ying Huang
  • Patent number: 9618946
    Abstract: A method includes presenting a set location setting within a graphical user interface (GUI) of a mobile device, and then detecting a selection of the set-location setting. The method proceeds by detecting at least one on-site network in communication with the mobile device in response to the selection of the set location setting, identifying a network name associated with the at least one on-site network, and associating the network name of the on-site network with an on-site zone of a site associated with the mobile device. The method then proceeds by altering an operating condition of a network device located at the site in response to a location of the mobile device relative to the on-site zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Allure Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Imes, James Hollister, John F. Cottrell
  • Patent number: 9618947
    Abstract: Electrical resistance of a heated component is determined for temperature control and monitoring. A voltage-representation signal, which is proportional to a voltage across a heater component, is received. A magnified voltage-representation signal is generated by determining a difference between a voltage baseline offset, which represents a minimum operating voltage of the heater component, and the voltage-representation signal. A current-representation signal, which is proportional to an electrical current passing through the heater component is received. A magnified current-representation signal is generated by determining a difference between a current baseline offset, which represents a minimum operating current of the heater component, and the current-representation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Perry Robert Czimmek
  • Patent number: 9618948
    Abstract: An appliance control system includes: a sensor (3) that detects environmental data of a surrounding environment; a plurality of appliances (2) as control targets; a remote controller including: a display unit (15) that displays a list of the appliances (2); an input unit (16) that receives an operation of controlling the appliances (2); a storage unit (13) that stores a threshold value in the environmental data for each of the plurality of appliances (2); and a processing unit (12) that gives higher priority to an appliance in which the environmental data has exceeded a threshold value, the priority being concerned with a display order of the appliance (2) on the display unit (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Yamaguchi, Akihiko Hiroishi, Makoto Kawasaki, Satoshi Kitamura
  • Patent number: 9618949
    Abstract: A power system for delivering a custom level of electrical power to an industrial or commercial facility includes a local generator connected to a turbine operating in accordance with an organic Rankine or steam Rankine cycle. The local generator has a capacity at least greater than a maximum anticipated power level needed for the electrical needs of a local industrial or commercial facility. One or more control devices are operatively connected to the local generator for regulating active and reactive power generated by the generator. A controller directs the one or more control devices to regulate the generator such that the active power and reactive power generated by the generator are sufficient to satisfy active and reactive load conditions of local industrial or commercial facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES, Inc.
    Inventors: Josh Nordquist, Thomas Buchanan, Michael L. Kaleikini, Meir Regal, Lucien Y. Bronicki, Shlomo Shitrit
  • Patent number: 9618950
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, the invention provides a voltage control system for medium voltage applications. The voltage control system provides a booster-transformer and a feeder-transformer, each of the booster-transformer and the feeder-transformer having a respective primary winding and a secondary winding, wherein the secondary winding of the feeder-transformer is electrically connected with the primary winding of the booster-transformer by an intermediate circuit. The voltage control system also includes a connection device configured to connect the secondary winding of the booster transformer with an electrical energy supply network in order that the secondary winding of the booster transformer is connected in series with a transmission line having a voltage that is to be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Martin Carlen, Irma Buschmann, Frank Cornelius, Jens Tepper, Benjamin Weber, Yong Wang
  • Patent number: 9618951
    Abstract: Provided is a voltage regulator capable of keeping the accuracy of an output voltage thereof even at high temperature. The voltage regulator includes: a reference voltage circuit configured to output a reference voltage; an output transistor configured to output an output voltage; a voltage divider circuit configured to divide the output voltage to output a divided voltage; an error amplifier circuit configured to amplify a difference between the reference voltage and the divided voltage, and output the amplified difference to control a gate of the output transistor; a switching circuit configured to switch the divided voltage of the voltage divider circuit; and a temperature detection circuit configured to output a signal in accordance with temperature to control the switching circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SII SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuji Kobayashi, Manabu Fujimura
  • Patent number: 9618952
    Abstract: A current generator circuit includes at least one current generation component arranged to generate an output current of the current generator circuit, at least one absolute current calibration component arranged to enable calibration of an absolute current value of the output current, and at least one temperature coefficient calibration component arranged to enable calibration of a temperature coefficient characteristic of the output current. The at least one temperature coefficient calibration component is further arranged to be in a passive state at a reference temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan Victorovich Kochkin, Sergey Sergeevich Ryabchenkov
  • Patent number: 9618953
    Abstract: A system stabilization system for suppressing a power fluctuation in a power system, the system stabilization system including: a power storage apparatus configured to suppressing a power fluctuation in the power system by either charging or discharging in response to a control; a capacitor apparatus configured to suppress a power fluctuation in the power system by making the charge/discharge response to control faster than the power storage apparatus and charging or discharging in response to the control; and a control apparatus configured to control the power storage apparatus and the capacitor apparatus so as to reduce occurrences of charging or discharging in the power storage apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Tsunoda, Atsushi Honzawa, Shigeaki Nanba, Hiroto Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 9618954
    Abstract: In response to connection of a vehicle with an external power supply, a plug ECU (PLG-ECU) performs a first charging operation of controlling a charger using a target value which is set to a state of charge lower than a predetermined full state of charge, until the state of charge of a power storage device reaches the target value. After the state of charge reaches the target value, the PLG-ECU stops charging of the power storage device, and restarts charging of the power storage device so that the state of charge reaches the predetermined full state of charge at a scheduled time to end charging which is specified through the use of an input unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomokazu Masuda, Tatsuo Hidaka, Sumikazu Shamoto, Naoki Kanie, Kiyohito Machida, Kazuhiko Matsuda
  • Patent number: 9618955
    Abstract: A power factor correction (PFC) controller includes a driver circuit coupled to vary the switching frequency of the power switch of the PFC converter in response to an input current of a PFC converter and an input voltage of the PFC converter, and to output a third signal to switch the power switch of the PFC converter to control the input current to substantially follow the input voltage. A frequency adjust circuit is coupled to receive an error voltage signal representative of an output of the PFC converter. The frequency adjust circuit is further coupled to output an adjusted error signal to adjust the end of the off time of the power switch of the PFC converter in response to the error voltage signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Power Integrations, Inc.
    Inventor: Roland Sylvere Saint-Pierre
  • Patent number: 9618956
    Abstract: A power supply for an electronic circuit enables a low effort retention mode. During a normal mode a circuit module is supplied a first voltage sufficient for a controlled circuit to operate. During the low effort retention mode the circuit module is supplied with a second voltage lower than the first voltage. The second voltage is sufficient for flop-flops to retain their state but not sufficient to guarantee proper circuit operation. The second voltage is produced by a voltage drop (droop) from the first voltage. The preferred embodiment includes a System On Chip and one external voltage regulator and an on-chip droop circuit for each circuit module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Michael Gill, Ramakrishnan Venkatasubramanian, Shane Stelmach, Jose Luis Flores
  • Patent number: 9618957
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a capacitor and a die. The die comprises a resistor switch coupled between a power line and the capacitor, wherein the resistor switch has an adjustable resistance, and the power line and the capacitor are both external to the die. The die also comprises a circuit configured to receive power from the power line, and a controller configured to open the resistor switch if the power line is powered down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Ryan Michael Coutts, Mikhail Popovich
  • Patent number: 9618958
    Abstract: A current generator includes a first current generation circuit configured to generate a first current having a first current noise which depends on a change in a supply voltage, a second current generation circuit configured to generate a second current having a second current noise which depends on the change in the supply voltage, and a current subtracting circuit configured to generate a third current with the first current noise and the second current noise removed by subtracting the second current from the first current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tae Kwang Jang, Jen Lung Liu, Nan Xing, Jae Jin Park
  • Patent number: 9618959
    Abstract: A circuit includes a reference circuit configured to receive a reference input voltage and provides a first output signal that is a function of the reference input voltage. The circuit includes a reference adjuster configured to receive an external input signal and generates a second output signal that is a function of the external input signal to control an offset voltage to adjust the first output signal. The first output signal and the second output signal are combined to provide a dynamic reference output signal. If the external input signal has crossed a predetermined threshold, the dynamic reference output signal tracks the external input signal while maintaining a substantially constant voltage difference relative to the external input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Alushulla Jack Ambundo, Jim Le
  • Patent number: 9618960
    Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a multifunctional operating device for operating a motor vehicle. The operating device includes a handle and an operating head fixed to the handle. The operating head includes a head housing, a circuit board with at least one switch element, and a support part, mounted inside the head housing, upon which the circuit board is mounted. The switch element is configured to emit an acoustic response when actuated. The head housing is formed as a resonance body for amplifying the acoustic response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: KEHREL AG
    Inventor: Jörg Federer
  • Patent number: 9618961
    Abstract: An apparatus may, for example, include a first lever pivoting about a first axis. The apparatus may also include a second lever mounted with the first lever, pivoting about a second axis, and biased to a first position. The first lever can be configured to engage a braking system of a vehicle when the first lever is pivoted about the first axis and the second lever is in the first position. The second lever can be configured to be pivoted about the second axis to a second position. The first lever can be configured to disengage a reverse lockout system of the vehicle when the second lever is in the second position. The second lever can be configured to be pivoted about the second axis to a third position, which cases the first lever to engage a parking brake mechanism of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Philip A. Oakes, Scott Daniel Batdorf, Rob S. Zimmerman, Matthew J. Alexander
  • Patent number: 9618963
    Abstract: Disclosed is a power management apparatus and a multi-source energy harvesting system using the apparatus, which manage power supplied by individual harvesting sources without wasting the power, thus efficiently distributing the power to a battery. The power management apparatus includes a plurality of comparison units configured to compare voltages of storage devices respectively connected to output terminals of a plurality of harvesting power sources with a preset threshold voltage. A control unit is configured to control an operation of the power management apparatus. A plurality of switching units are installed between the storage devices and a battery and are configured to be turned on/off in response to switching control signals output from the control unit and to form power transmission paths between corresponding storage devices and the battery. The control unit generates and provides the switching control signals based on output signals of the comparison units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ELECRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Taewook Kang, Sungeun Kim, Kyunghwan Park, Sungweon Kang, Taeyoung Kang, Kyungsoo Kim, Jungbum Kim, Hyungil Park, Ingi Lim, Byounggun Choi, Changhee Hyoung, Junghwan Hwang
  • Patent number: 9618965
    Abstract: A system for dynamically calibrating operational parameters of a Device Under Test (DUT) includes a signal generator for generating a data pattern, a DUT structured to generate a clock signal, an oscilloscope structured to measure margins of the generated clock signal compared to an eye-diagram produced on the oscilloscope from the data pattern, and a calibration unit. The calibration unit can produce a candidate a jitter value for the signal generator, receive a determination from the oscilloscope whether the data pattern generated with the candidate jitter value causes the DUT to produce the generated clock signal within a pre-determined tolerance level, and modify the jitter value accordingly. The calibration unit may also be further structured to generate voltage swing values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Ganesh K. Kumar, Krishna N H Sri, Madhusudhan Acharya, Kamlesh Mishra
  • Patent number: 9618966
    Abstract: A pulse-drive resonant clock with on-the fly mode changing provides robust operation in a resonant clock distribution network, in particular for processor circuits having a dynamically-varied operating frequency. The clock drivers for the resonant clock distribution network include a pulse width control circuit having selectable operating modes corresponding to multiple clocking modes of the resonant clock distribution network. The pulse width control circuit includes a delay line that has a selectable delay length to provide pulse enable signals that control the pulse widths of the clock drivers in a sector of the resonant clock distribution network. The delay line responds to a mode control signal so that at least one pulse width of the output is changed from a first pulse width to a second pulse width without generating half-cycles with a pulse width narrower than the first or second pulse width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas J. Bucelot, Robert L. Franch, Phillip J. Restle, David Wen-Hao Shan, Christos Vezyrtzis
  • Patent number: 9618967
    Abstract: A portable data-management system may be easily employed with multiple processing devices by eliminating the need to pre-install additional programs, agents, device drivers, or other software components on the hosts. A portable storage device contains software for a data-management application, which receives and processes test data from a meter that measures an analyte. The portable device may employ an interface protocol that makes the portable device immediately compatible with different operating systems and hardware configurations. Once the portable device is connected to the host, the data-management application can be automatically launched. The convenience and portability of a data-management system may be enhanced by integrating advanced data processing and display features with the portable device. The users may access some advanced presentations of health data without having to launch the data-management application on a separate host.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Ascensia Diabetes Care Holdings AG
    Inventors: Darren Brown, Jun Chen, Igor Gofman, Steven B. Harris, Paul L. Inman, Richard Kates, Qiong Li, Harris Lieber, Paul M. Ripley, Gregory Stefkovic, Hoi-Cheong Steve Sun, Mu Wu, Raymond Yao, Simin Yao
  • Patent number: 9618968
    Abstract: Mobile computing devices that include an exterior housing and a port. The housing is configured to form a guide portion of the port. More particularly, the port includes a cavity formed in the housing. The cavity includes interior walls that extend inward from an exterior wall of the housing. The port further includes a connector that is positioned in the cavity. The connector is positioned such that the walls of the cavity form the guide of the connector. The port is further constructed to prevent the ingress of water and/or debris into an interior of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications Inc.
    Inventor: Olof Simonsson
  • Patent number: 9618969
    Abstract: An embodiment provides an electronic device, and the electronic device includes: a body having a first end and forming a non-closed ring shape; a first display assembly arranged in the body and having a first display output face being exposed through the first end of the body. The body may further include a second end, wherein the first end and the second end of the body meet a first predetermined position relation in which the first end faces the second end, or in which the first end crosses the second end, or in which the first end is substantially perpendicular to the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: Beijing Lenovo Software Ltd., Lenovo (Beijing) Limited
    Inventor: Lingsong Jin
  • Patent number: 9618970
    Abstract: Disclosed are a mobile terminal of a watch type and controlling method thereof, by which a photographing device can be remotely controlled. The present invention includes a wireless communication unit configured to communicate with a photographing device, a display unit configured to display a preview image inputted through a camera of the photographing device before a photo is photographed through the photographing device, and a controller, if a preset user input is received while the preview image is outputted, controlling a remote photograph command to be transmitted to enable the photo to be photographed through the photographing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seojin Lee, Samsick Kim, Donghwan Yu
  • Patent number: 9618971
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing utility receptacles and HDMI cables at a location on a work surface has a bottom panel member and a wall structure attached to the bottom panel member. The wall structure defines an interior region. An interior panel is positioned within the interior region and attached to the wall structure to form upper and lower compartments. An electrical power device is positioned within the interior region and attached to the wall structure. The electrical power device has an electrical power receptacle and device charging ports. A HDMI signal switcher is in the lower compartment and has HDMI input and output connectors. The apparatus includes a plurality of HDMI cables. Each HDMI cable extends from a corresponding opening in the interior panel and has a first HDMI connector connected to a corresponding HDMI input connector and a second HDMI connector for connection to an HDMI signal source device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Premier Manufacturing Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Russ Hayden, Michael Brandstatter, David Black, Michael O'Keefe, Kimberly Golden, Ryan O'Connor, Paul Murphy, Andrew Grandin
  • Patent number: 9618972
    Abstract: A three-dimensional display presents a plurality of icons that are associated with a user interface of an electronic device. The plurality of icons include at least a first icon presented at a first depth of presentation and a second icon presented at a second, different depth of presentation. The first icon is associated with a first input component of the user interface, such that the first input component provides for interaction with the first icon. The second icon is associated with a second input component of the user interface, such that the second input component provides for interaction with the second icon. The aforementioned depths of presentation may substantially coincide with various surfaces of the electronic device (such as a first touch-sensitive surface and a second touch-sensitive surface). This approach can serve to facilitate three-dimensional presentation of icons for interaction by touch-sensitive surfaces on the front and back of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Michael Joseph DeLuca, Alexander Samson Hirsch
  • Patent number: 9618973
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to provision and/or utilization of a mechanically embedded heating element are described. An embodiment includes a heating element which is thermally coupled to an adhesive. The adhesive bonds a first item and a second item. The heating element is capable of being heated in response to application of power and the heated heating element causes the release of a bond by the adhesive to allow for physical separation of the first item and the second item. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Remi Bergmann, Erkki Nokkonen, Juha Paavola, Hannu Luoma, Kari Vallius
  • Patent number: 9618974
    Abstract: A foldable display is disclosed. In one aspect, the foldable display includes a display panel including: a plurality of flat regions and a folding region interposed between the flat regions. Each of the flat regions includes a fixed region and a semi-fixed region interposed between the fixed region and the folding region. The foldable display also includes a plurality of substrates respectively attached to the flat regions and a plurality of fixed adhesive members respectively interposed between the fixed regions and the substrates. The fixed adhesive members respectively attach the substrates to the fixed regions. The foldable display further includes a plurality of semi-fixed adhesive members respectively interposed between the semi-fixed regions and the substrates. The semi-fixed adhesive members are configured to respectively attach/detach the semi-fixed adhesive regions to/from the substrates based on the degree to which the display panel is folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jinhwan Choi, Taewoong Kim, Boik Park, Taean Seo
  • Patent number: 9618975
    Abstract: A retractable display apparatus includes a display assembly and a retraction assembly. The retraction assembly includes an accommodation assembly, a rotary member, a driving assembly, and a latching member. The rotary member is received in the accommodation assembly and is coupled to the display assembly. The driving assembly is rotatably received in the rotary member, fixed to the rotary member and secured by the accommodation assembly. The latching member detachably latches the rotary member onto the accommodation assembly. The rotary member drives the driving assembly to rotate, and the driving assembly accumulates potential energy for reversely rotating the rotary member, for extending or rolling the display assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Chiun Mai Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kao-Kuan Su, Min-Sheng Wang
  • Patent number: 9618976
    Abstract: A computer display has an adjustable built-in stand with a slide portion that reciprocates in an opening in the rear of the display, and a support portion hingedly connected to the slide portion that extends rearwardly of the display and that supports the display in adjustable orientations, established by sliding the slide portion in the opening, ranging from the vertical or near vertical to the horizontal or near horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Cuong Huy Truong, Gerard Francis Muenkel, Brian William Wallace
  • Patent number: 9618977
    Abstract: Input device adhesive techniques are described. A pressure sensitive key includes a sensor substrate having one or more conductors, a spacer layer, and a flexible contact layer. The spacer layer is disposed proximal to the sensor substrate and has at least one opening. The flexible contact layer is spaced apart from the sensor substrate by the spacer layer and configured to flex through the opening in response to an applied pressure to initiate an input. The flexible contact layer is secured to the spacer layer such that at first edge, the flexible contact layer is secured to the spacer layer at an approximate midpoint of the first edge and is not secured to the spacer along another portion of the first edge and at a second edge, the flexible contact layer is not secured to the spacer layer along an approximate midpoint of the second edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: David Otto Whitt, III, Timothy C. Shaw, Rob Huala, David C. Vandervoort, Matthew David Mickelson, Christopher Harry Stoumbos, Joel Lawrence Pelley, Todd David Pleake, Hua Wang
  • Patent number: 9618978
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention introduces a method for controlling a touch panel, executed by a micro-controller of a portable computer, which contains at least the following steps. A control signal is outputted to direct a touch panel controller to disable the whole touch panel or a portion thereof before sleep mode is entered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ACER INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Kim Yeung Sip
  • Patent number: 9618979
    Abstract: Portable computing apparatus includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes first connecting module having a first curved surface, which is convex. The second component includes second connecting module including a retaining portion and a groove portion having a second curved surface, which is concave. The retaining portion disposed adjacent to the groove portion can abut against the first curved surface. When the first connecting module is magnetically connected to the second connecting module, the first curved surface is slidably engaged to the second curved surface. When the first curved surface slides against the second curved surface, an angle between the first component and the second component continuously increase, the first component can rotate against the second component by pivoting around the retaining portion, so as to further separate the first curved surface from the second curved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: Inventec (Pudong) Technology Corporation, INVENTEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hung-Sheng Wang
  • Patent number: 9618980
    Abstract: A portable terminal includes a body, and an input part on a side of the body, the input part having a changeable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hyun-Gyu Choi
  • Patent number: 9618981
    Abstract: A capacitive input device has a sensor electrode pattern disposed on a first side of a substrate. The sensor electrode pattern comprises a plurality of sensor electrode elements disposed on the first side of a first substrate. A plurality of routing traces is disposed along a first edge of the sensor electrode pattern on the first side of the substrate and configured to communicatively couple at least some of the sensor electrodes with a processing system. A pair of guard traces is disposed in the same layer as and brackets the plurality of routing traces. A guard overlaps the routing traces, is disposed proximate the routing traces on the first side of the substrate, and ohmically couples the pair of guard traces with one another. A second insulator is disposed between the routing traces and the guard. The second insulator and the first insulator are disposed in the same layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Synaptics Incorporated
    Inventors: Jim Dunphy, Robert J Bolender, Adam Schwartz, David Hoch
  • Patent number: 9618982
    Abstract: Disclosed is a touch window. The touch window includes a substrate; a sensing electrode disposed on the substrate to sense a position; wire parts to electrically connect the sensing electrode; and a dummy pattern between the wire parts, wherein the wire parts include first extending parts and second extending parts having mutually different directionalities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chan Kyu Koo, Jung Hwan Bang, Jong Sun Kim, Tae Kyung Kim, Hyun Soo Kim, Jun Sik Shin, Joon Hyuk Yang, Ji Hyouk Chung
  • Patent number: 9618983
    Abstract: A memory module includes a signal tab and a power tab spaced apart from each other on a surface layer of a substrate, the signal tab and the power tab defining a module tab area, a reference plane layer below the surface layer, the reference plane layer being recessed below the signal tab and being non-recessed below the power tab, and an insulating layer between the surface layer and the reference plane layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dongyeop Kim, Jaejun Lee
  • Patent number: 9618984
    Abstract: An electromagnetic (EMC) shielding system includes a bezel and a sleeve. The bezel includes an exterior opening aligned with an accessible computer enclosure component. The sleeve includes a shoulder portion in contact with the exterior of the bezel, a flange portion protruding into the interior of the bezel through the exterior opening, and a tunnel portion extending through the shoulder portion and flange portion. The accessible computer enclosure component generally is positioned within the tunnel portion. An EMC shielding method includes inserting the sleeve into an exterior opening of the computer enclosure bezel and installing the bezel to a computer enclosure such that the accessible component is positioned within the tunnel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew A. Butterbaugh, Eric A. Eckberg, Camillo Sassano, Kevin L. Schultz
  • Patent number: 9618985
    Abstract: A data storage device securing mechanism is used to secure a data storage device on a board. The data storage device securing mechanism includes a bracket secured on the board, a pivot shaft secured on the bracket, and a latch piece rotatably installed on the pivot shaft. The bracket includes a plurality of sliding grooves. The latch piece includes a latch portion. The data storage device is configured to be slidably installed on the sliding groove. The latch piece is configured to be rotated and be received in the sliding groove. The latch portion is configured to be resisted against the data storage device to secure the data storage device on the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (WuHan) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yong-Chang Fan, San-Yong Yang
  • Patent number: 9618986
    Abstract: A system for supplying cooling airflow across a plurality of wireless charging coils. More specifically in certain embodiments, the system includes a charging system which includes a partitioned airflow system for cooling a plurality of information handling systems. In certain embodiments the information handling systems comprise wireless powered information handling systems. In certain embodiments, the charging system includes a charging system housing as well as a plurality of charging transmit coils. The charging transmit coils interact with respective charging receive coils which are associated with respective information handling systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Travis C. North, Andrew T. Sultenfuss, Christopher M. Helberg, Austin M. Shelnutt