Patents Issued in April 17, 2018
  • Patent number: 9946261
    Abstract: A propulsion system for an aquatic vessel is provided. The propulsion system includes a plurality of Magnus-type rotors and a drive arrangement for rotating the plurality of Magnus-type rotors. The plurality of Magnus-type rotors are operable to rotate about corresponding substantially upright axes. The propulsion system also includes a control arrangement for receiving one or more measured apparent wind speeds and for controlling the drive arrangement to vary rates of rotations of the plurality of Magnus-type rotors. The rates of rotations may, for example, be varied as functions of the measured apparent wind speeds and a direction of travel of the aquatic vessel. Moreover, the control arrangement includes a user-operable control for adjusting propulsion provided by the plurality of Magnus-type rotors. The control arrangement is operable to control the drive arrangement to vary a drive applied to rotate one or more Magnus-type rotors from the plurality of Magnus-type rotors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Norsepower Oy
    Inventor: Tuomas Riski
  • Patent number: 9946262
    Abstract: A vehicular gesture control system includes sensors such as IoT (internet of things) sensors that can share data with other vehicles and that can communicate with the cloud to provide intelligent handling of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Arafat M.A. Ansari
  • Patent number: 9946263
    Abstract: A method of controlling operation of a robotic cleaning device and a robotic cleaning device performing the method. The robotic cleaning device includes a main body, a propulsion system arranged to move the robotic cleaning device, and an obstacle detection device arranged to detect obstacles. The robotic cleaning device further includes a controller arranged to control the propulsion system to move the robotic cleaning device. The controller is further arranged to identify one or more sections to be cleaned where the robotic cleaning device is likely to move without being hindered by the detected obstacles, and to control movement of the robotic cleaning device such that cleaning of the identified one or more sections is prioritized before sections of the surface where the robotic cleaning device is more likely to be hindered by the detected obstacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET ELECTROLUX
    Inventors: Magnus Lindhé, Petter Forsberg
  • Patent number: 9946264
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for autonomously navigating a vehicle. The method captures a sequence of image pairs using a stereo camera. A navigation application stores a vehicle pose (history of vehicle position). The application detects a plurality of matching feature points in a first matching image pair, and determines a plurality of corresponding object points in three-dimensional (3D) space from the first image pair. A plurality of feature points are tracked from the first image pair to a second image pair, and the plurality of corresponding object points in 3D space are determined from the second image pair. From this, a vehicle pose transformation is calculated using the object points from the first and second image pairs. The rotation angle and translation are determined from the vehicle pose transformation. If the rotation angle or translation exceed a minimum threshold, the stored vehicle pose is updated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Miao Liao, Ming Li, Soonhac Hong
  • Patent number: 9946265
    Abstract: An autonomous transport vehicle for transporting items in a storage and retrieval system is provided. The autonomous transport vehicle includes at least two drive wheels and a controller, where each drive wheel is independently driven and a drive wheel encoder is disposed adjacent each drive wheel. The controller, in communication with the drive wheel encoders, is configured to determine a kinematic state of the autonomous transport vehicle within the storage and retrieval system based on incremental data from the drive wheel encoders only and independent of drive wheel slippage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Symbotic, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Sullivan, Forrest Buzan, Stephen C. Toebes, Andrew Eccles
  • Patent number: 9946266
    Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter includes, inter alia, a method and a system which enables to classify information of a scanned outdoor or indoor environment to different types of environment elements. The identification of environment element types enables to improve detection of obstacles in an environment. The improved detection of obstacles can assist in motion planning to enable to advance quickly and safely through the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: ISRAEL AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Shahar Sarid, Tzvi Horowitz, Tal Siak
  • Patent number: 9946267
    Abstract: A flight vehicle control and stabilization process detects and measures an orientation of a non-fixed portion relative to a fixed frame or portion of a flight vehicle, following a perturbation in the non-fixed portion from one or both of tilt and rotation thereof. A pilot or rider tilts or rotates the non-fixed portion, or both, to intentionally adjust the orientation and effect a change in the flight vehicle's direction. The flight vehicle control and stabilization process calculates a directional adjustment of the rest of the flight vehicle from this perturbation and induces the fixed portion to re-orient itself with the non-fixed portion to effect control and stability of the flight vehicle. The flight vehicle control and stabilization process also detects changes in speed and altitude, and includes stabilization components to adjust flight vehicle operation from unintentional payload movement on the non-fixed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas A. Youmans
  • Patent number: 9946268
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to manipulating pressure-related hysteresis in a pressurized flow system by setting the pressure of the system to a predetermined location in the hysteresis band to advantageously minimize an effect of the pressure related hysteresis on the pressure of the system or to advantageously benefit from the effects of the hysteresis on the pressure of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joshua A. Shreve, Paul Keenan, Steven J. Ciavarini
  • Patent number: 9946269
    Abstract: A method for operating a switch valve which opens and closes a fluid line is disclosed. The switch valve is actuated by a pulse width modulated signal. The switch valve is actuated outside of the active operating time of the switch valve using PWM signals with an increasing or decreasing duty cycle. The duty cycle in which the switch valve is opened is determined, and the duty cycle corresponding to the opening time is then used to actuate the switch valve to open and close the switch valve during the active operating time of same. In this manner, the switch valve can be actuated in a particularly precise manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventor: Roland Haufler
  • Patent number: 9946270
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a flow rate control valve assembly capable of preventing a flow rate from varying in a direction opposite to the desired direction upon flow rate control As shown in FIG. 1, the flow rate control valve assembly comprises a sliding shaft and a sliding cylindrical surface which fit slidably in with each other in an axial direction, and a moving mechanism for moving the sliding shaft in an axial direction. At least one of the sliding surface of the sliding shaft and the sliding cylindrical surface is provided with one or a plurality of tapered grooves having its specific area defining a fluid passage. The tapered groove is configured such that flow passage resistance increases or decreases gradually along a lengthwise direction, and a cavity formed at an end of the sliding shaft for making sure of a sliding area is formed at a site isolated or shut off from the fluid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: FRONTO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masato Maeda
  • Patent number: 9946271
    Abstract: A device and system for regulating the flow of a fluid, comprising: a fluid flow controller; wherein the fluid flow controller comprises: a fluid flow control component and an electronic controller; wherein the fluid flow control component is configured to allow at least two different flow rates of a fluid to pass through the fluid flow controller; and wherein the electronic controller controls the fluid flow controller component, such that the fluid flow controller component operatively switches between the at least two different flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventors: Stefan Tuineag, Steven William Walton
  • Patent number: 9946272
    Abstract: Thermostatic valve including a housing; a sleeve for regulating the circulation of a fluid in the housing, movable along its axis; a thermostatic element, the moving part of which is movable along the axis relative to its stationary part resulting from an expansion of the thermodilatable material of this element so as to move the sleeve; a compression spring for returning the stationary and moving parts toward one another; and a bracket supporting the spring, which supports a decompression thrust produced by the spring and is provided with both fasteners for fastening to a bearing portion of the housing transverse to the axis, these fasteners cooperating in a form-fitting manner with the bearing portion so as to be attached with the bearing portion along the axis resulting from a decompression thrust produced by the spring, and locking for locking the bracket in position while axially abutting against the bearing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: VERNET
    Inventors: Aude Posternak, Thierry Maraux
  • Patent number: 9946273
    Abstract: A cloud server (104) receives environmental information of respective installation sites of a plurality of appliances (101a, 101b, 101c, 102a, 102b) via a network (1000), and determines one or more appliances that are installed in a same room among the plurality of appliances (101a, 101b, 101c, 102a, 102b), based on the received environmental information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Koichi Kusukame, Kazuki Funase, Tetsuji Fuchikami
  • Patent number: 9946274
    Abstract: A temperature control apparatus is provided. The temperature control apparatus includes an analog to digital (AD) converter digital-converting a measurement value transmitted from a plurality of temperature sensors; a control means comparing the measurement value transmitted from the AD converter with a preset desired value to perform PID calculation; and an output unit transmitting, to outside, a pulse width modulation (PWM) control signal transmitted form the control means, wherein an input-side isolator for isolation for each temperature sensor is provided between the AD converter and the temperature sensor, the input-side isolator is connected to each of the temperature sensors, and the control means sequentially operates the input-side isolators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yong Gak Sin
  • Patent number: 9946275
    Abstract: The power management system includes: a power management device for managing power to be used by multiple power loads; and a large power-using power load. The large power-using power load is defined as a power load which shows a power consumption larger than a difference between allowable power and an upper limit power smaller than the allowable power when operating at a maximum power consumption. The power management device calculates remaining available power available for the large power-using power load, from the total power consumption of the multiple power loads and the upper limit power, and notifies the remaining available power to the large power-using power load. The large power-using power load starts to operate under a condition that its power consumption is equal to or less than the remaining available power notified by the power management device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Takehara, Kenji Nakakita, Hitoshi Nomura, Fumitaka Ogasawara, Erina Nagae
  • Patent number: 9946276
    Abstract: A voltage regulator provides an output current at an output voltage, based on an input voltage. The voltage regulator has a pass transistor for deriving the output current. The voltage regulator contains a drive transistor forming a current mirror in conjunction with the pass transistor, such that the output current through the pass transistor is dependent on a drive current through the drive transistor. The voltage regulator comprises an auxiliary transistor arranged such that at least a fraction of the drive current through the drive transistor flows through the auxiliary transistor. The voltage regulator has amplification circuitry to set the drive current through the drive transistor depending on the output voltage and on a reference voltage. The voltage regulator further contains control circuitry to detect an indication for a dropout situation where a difference between the input voltage and the output voltage falls below a dropout voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Ambreesh Bhattad, Frank Kronmueller, Hande Kurnaz
  • Patent number: 9946277
    Abstract: A start-up circuit for a bandgap reference voltage generator circuit, including a first native transistor with a drain connected to a supply voltage of the bandgap reference voltage generator circuit and a source connected to a gate of the first native transistor; a low voltage transistor with a source connected to ground, a drain connected to the source of the first native transistor, and a gate connected to a resistor; a second native transistor with a source connected to the resistor, a gate connected to the source of the first native transistor; a high voltage transistor with a drain connected to a drain of the second native transistor and a source connected to the supply voltage; and a transistor with a gate connected to the gate of the first high voltage transistor and a drain which provides a start-up current for the bandgap reference voltage generator circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: AVNERA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Christopher D. Nilson
  • Patent number: 9946278
    Abstract: A processor system includes first and second regulators for regulating an adjusted supply voltage. In one embodiment, the regulator system comprises a digital low-dropout (DLDO) control system comprising first and second regulators that generate a plurality of control signals to regulate an adjusted power supply voltage and that generate a charge when a droop level falls below a droop threshold value. The first regulator implements a first control loop and the second regulator implements a second and much faster acting control loop. A supply adjustment block with the two regulators and control loops are provided for each processor core allowing different cores to have different regulated supply levels all based on one common supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Miguel Rodriguez, Stephen Victor Kosonocky, Ravinder Reddy Rachala
  • Patent number: 9946279
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a voltage set input terminal, a current source, a voltage clipping circuit, and a voltage regulator. The clipping circuit receives a voltage from the terminal and supplies a voltage onto a reference voltage input of the regulator. The magnitude of an output voltage VOUT output by the regulator is the voltage on reference voltage input multiplied by the voltage gain of the regulator. The user sets VOUT by attaching an external resistor to the terminal. Current from the current source flows out of the terminal, and through the external resistor, thereby setting the voltage on the terminal. If the voltage on the terminal is between V1 and V2, then VOUT is a fixed multiple of the voltage. If the voltage is less than V1, then VOUT is a predetermined VOUTMIN value. If the voltage is greater than V2, then VOUT is a predetermined VOUTMAX value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Active-Semi, Inc.
    Inventors: Khanh Q. Dinh, Tung V. Nguyen, Hiroshi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9946280
    Abstract: The invention relates to a current output stage (100) comprising an input (IN), an output (OUT) for connecting to an input of a unit (200) to be supplied with current, a control stage (T1, T2, Z1), which sets the output current (Iout), and an energy supply stage (Uv;Uv,?Uv), which can provide energy for the output current (Iout). The current output stage (100) comprises a first transistor (T1), which controls the output current in a closed-loop in the passive operating mode, and the current output stage (100) contains a second transistor (T2; T2, T3), which controls the output current (Iout) in a closed-loop in the active operating mode, wherein the first transistor (T1) and the second transistor (T2; T2, T3) is controlled by a control stage OP1) in an open loop, and wherein in the active operating mode the energy supply stage (Uv;Uv,?Uv) is controlled in an open loop such that same provides energy for the output current (Iout).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GMBH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Heinz-Wilhelm Meier
  • Patent number: 9946281
    Abstract: A method achieves minimum limit cycle oscillation (LCO) amplitude of a digital low dropout regulator (D-LDO) by adding auxiliary unit power transistors in parallel with the main PMOS array with selected unit strength and LCO mode. An improved D-LDO with reduced LCO amplitude includes an auxiliary power transistor array in selected strength driven by an output of a comparator in parallel with a main power transistor array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: University of Macau
    Inventors: Mo Huang, Yan Lu, Sai-Wang Sin, Seng-Pan U, Rui Paulo da Silva Martins
  • Patent number: 9946282
    Abstract: A voltage regulator includes a feedback regulation loop and a drive transistor configured to source current to a regulated output. A transient recovery circuit is coupled to the voltage regulator circuit and includes a first transistor coupled to source current into a control terminal of the drive transistor, wherein the source current is in addition to current sourced in response to operation of the feedback regulation loop. The first transistor is selectively actuated in response to a drop in voltage at the regulated output. The transient recovery circuit further includes a second transistor coupled to sink current from the regulated output. The sink current has a first non-zero magnitude in the quiescent operating mode of the regulator circuit. In response to an increase in voltage at the regulated output, the operation of the second transistor is modified to increase the sink current to a second, greater, non-zero magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Shenzhen) R&D Co. Ltd
    Inventor: Yong Feng Liu
  • Patent number: 9946283
    Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate a dual feedback loop regulator. For example, the regulator may include a first amplifier having an output coupled to an output node of the regulator, the output node further coupled to a first feedback path and a second feedback path of the regulator. A first input of a second amplifier may be coupled to the first feedback path and a second input of the second amplifier may be coupled to a reference path. The regulator may also include a transconductance stage having a first transistor and a first current source, the first transistor and the current source coupled to the first feedback path and the second feedback path, and a transimpedance stage coupled to the transconductance stage and an input of the first amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventors: Chi Fan Yung, Xiaodan Zou, Ngai Yeung Ho, Kan Li, Hua Guan
  • Patent number: 9946284
    Abstract: A single event effects (SEE) immune linear voltage regulator includes an input node, an output node, a first transistor control logic, a second transistor control logic, a first transistor, and a second transistor. The regulator is configured such that when the first transistor is operating in linear regulation mode, the second transistor automatically operates in saturation mode, and the voltage at the output node is controlled by the first transistor and the first transistor control logic to be substantially equal to the first reference voltage. Conversely, when the second transistor is operating in linear regulation mode, the first transistor automatically operates in saturation mode, and the voltage at the output node is controlled by the second transistor and the second transistor control logic to be substantially equal to the second reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Lance LeRoy Sundstrom
  • Patent number: 9946285
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy allocation system for operating at least an energy storage device to substantially balance the energy consumed by the energy storage device with the energy supplied thereto, comprising the steps of: determining a power flexibility of the energy storage device by generating an upper time-varying power function; predicting energy consumption data per discrete time-slots over a given time-window for the device; predicting a demand for energy by the device in a given planning time-period; generating a time-varying upper energy function for the demand prediction that defines an uppermost limit for the supply of energy to the device; generating a time-varying lower energy function for the demand prediction that defines a lowermost limit for the supply of energy to the device, and supplying energy to the device in a range defined by the limits specified by the upper energy function and the lower energy function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Carl Binding, Olle L. Sundstroem
  • Patent number: 9946286
    Abstract: A time point range setting unit (110) sets an operation startable time point when an operation is startable, and an operation end target time point which is a latest time point among time points when the operation is to be ended, with respect to each of plural power-consuming bodies (20). A necessary operation time setting unit (120) sets a necessary operation time with respect to each of the plural power-consuming bodies (20). A shape information obtaining unit (130) obtains shape information from a schedule management apparatus (40). The shape information represents an assumed shape of a transition line indicating transition in the amount of power supplied in a target period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryo Hashimoto, Hitoshi Yano, Hisato Sakuma, Koji Kudo, Eisuke Saneyoshi, Yuma Iwasaki, Takahiro Toizumi
  • Patent number: 9946287
    Abstract: An apparatus including a first node and a network operations center (NOC). The first node is within the facility and is coupled to a second node via a demand coordination network. The first node has a node processor coupled to a first device, and transmits data and status via the network for generation of schedules, and operates the first device within an acceptable operating margin to maintain a first environment by cycling on and off according to the schedules. The NOC generates the schedules to control the peak demand of the resource, where one or more run times start prior to when otherwise required to maintain corresponding local environments. The NOC coordinates run times for the first device and a second device, where coordination is based on a global schedule, an adjusted first descriptor set characterizing the first environment, and an adjusted second descriptor set characterizing a second environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: ENERNOC, INC.
    Inventors: Randy C. Willig, Jeffrey P. Mathews
  • Patent number: 9946288
    Abstract: An acquirer acquires information concerning an energy management system for controlling a plurality of apparatuses installed in a dwelling. A display displays, in a first display region, the information acquired by the acquirer, and displays, in a second display region, a layout diagram in which images indicating the apparatuses are arranged at positions corresponding to installation locations of the apparatuses in the dwelling. Upon a determination that the information displayed in the first display region includes information concerning a specific apparatus among the plurality of apparatuses, the display displays with relative emphasis an image indicating the specific apparatus in the second display region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kaori Sato, Hirotoshi Yano, Masaaki Yabe, Yuki Ogawa, Satoshi Minezawa, Ichiro Maruyama, Satoshi Endo, Masayuki Komatsu
  • Patent number: 9946289
    Abstract: Bias current generator circuitry includes a first current source having a first temperature sensitivity characteristic, a second current source having a second temperature sensitivity characteristic, and temperature-sensitive control circuitry configured to select, as an output of the bias current generator circuitry, an output of the first current source when circuitry temperature is in a first temperature range, and an output of the second current source when circuitry temperature is in a second temperature range. In an example, the first temperature sensitivity characteristic is temperature independence and the second temperature sensitivity characteristic is proportionality to temperature. The control circuitry includes a third current source having the first temperature sensitivity characteristic, a fourth current source having the second temperature sensitivity characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Wai Lau, Xiaoang Li
  • Patent number: 9946290
    Abstract: A current reference circuit includes a reference current supply unit configured to generate a reference current having a target current level, a current-frequency converter configured to receive a first temporary reference current corresponding to the reference current from the reference current supply unit and to generate a first comparison clock signal in response to the first temporary reference current, and a first current compensation unit configured to generate a first current compensation signal used for the first temporary reference current to reach the target current level in response to a frequency of a reference clock signal and a frequency of the first comparison clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung-Jin Kim, Tae-Ik Kim, Ji-Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 9946291
    Abstract: A reference voltage generation circuit includes a loading block suitable for generating a reference current and first and second mirroring currents obtained by mirroring the reference current based on a power source voltage, a biasing block suitable for generating a first bias voltage controlled corresponding to variations in the power source voltage and a second bias voltage controlled corresponding to variations in temperature based on the first mirroring current, a compensation block suitable for compensating for the reference current based on the first and second bias voltages, and an output load block suitable for generating a reference voltage which corresponds to the reference current based on the second mirroring current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Tae-Gyu Kim
  • Patent number: 9946292
    Abstract: A power supply circuit includes a N-channel switching element having a drain connected to an input terminal and a source connected to an output terminal, and a P-channel switching element having a drain connected to the output terminal and a source connected to the input terminal. A voltage detection circuit is connected to the input terminal and configured to detect a level of an input voltage supplied at the input terminal. A voltage boosting circuit is configured to boost the input voltage and supply a boosted voltage to a gate of the N-channel switching element. A control circuit is configured to control the N-channel switching element, the P-channel switching element, and the voltage boosting circuit based on the level of the input voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Satoshi Wakimoto
  • Patent number: 9946293
    Abstract: Embodiments for a user input device are disclosed. In one embodiment, a user input device comprises a body, an elongate directional control element having a first end projecting towards the body and a second end projecting away from the body and configured to be movable by a user, a magnet to hold the directional control element in one or more predetermined positions, and a sensor coupled to the body to detect a change in position of the directional control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Vasco Rubio, Eph John Evans, Bill Lawrence, Anthony John Grant, Gary Strowe
  • Patent number: 9946294
    Abstract: A Double Data Rate (DDR) gating method is applied to a memory controller of an associated DDR gating apparatus. The DDR gating method includes: outputting from the memory controller an outward clock signal to a memory, and receiving from the memory a backward clock signal corresponding to the outward clock signal, wherein the backward clock signal is utilized as reference for a data read operation of the memory controller with respect to the memory; and providing an input stage of the memory controller with a reference signal to generate, through single ended receiving of the input stage, gating-related information for performing gating when sampling the backward clock signal, and lengthening time of a preamble of the backward clock signal with aid of the single ended receiving of the input stage, for increasing a detection margin of the preamble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Faraday Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Chih-Hung Wu
  • Patent number: 9946295
    Abstract: An accessory device for use with an electronic device is disclosed. The accessory device may include a cover configured to overlay an electronic device (or device) or fold to form a support structure for the electronic device. The cover may include an attachment feature that electrically couples with the device, and a keyboard foldable with respect to the cover. Further, the keyboard may include a retention feature designed to receive the attachment feature in a folded configuration of the cover. The accessory device may further include an electrically conductive fabric that folds with the cover. The accessory device may include an array of magnets throughout the attachment feature, the cover, and the keyboard. The magnets may be used to magnetically couple together 1) segments of the cover, 2) the cover and the keyboard assembly, 3) and/or the device with the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Gilkison Smith, Daniel J. Coster, Sean S. Corbin, Melody L. Kuna, Siddhartha Hegde, Benjamin A. Cousins, Robert Sean Murphy
  • Patent number: 9946296
    Abstract: An accessory device for use with an electronic device is disclosed. The accessory device may include a cover configured to overlay an electronic device (or device) or fold to form a support structure for the electronic device. The cover may include an attachment feature that electrically couples with the device, and a keyboard foldable with respect to the cover. Further, the keyboard may include a retention feature designed to receive the attachment feature in a folded configuration of the cover. The accessory device may further include an electrically conductive fabric that folds with the cover. The accessory device may include an array of magnets throughout the attachment feature, the cover, and the keyboard. The magnets may be used to magnetically couple together 1) segments of the cover, 2) the cover and the keyboard assembly, 3) and/or the device with the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Gilkison Smith, Daniel J. Coster, Sean S. Corbin, Melody L. Kuna, Siddhartha Hegde, Benjamin A. Cousins, Robert Sean Murphy
  • Patent number: 9946297
    Abstract: An auxiliary electronic device attachable to a wearable electronic device. The auxiliary device includes a housing, electronic circuitry within the housing, and an attachment mechanism configured to attach the auxiliary electronic device to the wearable device while the device is being worn by a user. In some embodiments the electronic circuitry includes a power transmitting unit that can wirelessly transmit power to charge a rechargeable battery within the wearable electronic device. In some embodiments the attachment mechanism includes a pair of lugs that extend, from opposite ends of the housing, above the housing towards a center of the auxiliary device and are adapted to fit within corresponding recesses of the wearable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: David I. Nazzaro, Tyler S. Bushnell, Javier Mendez
  • Patent number: 9946298
    Abstract: A wearable device interactive system and techniques, methods and apparatuses thereof are described. A wearable device may sense a user input by a hand of the user, analyze the user input, and perform one or more operations responsive to a result of the analysis. For example, the wearable device may launch an application corresponding to the user input. As another example, the wearable device may recognize a text at a fingertip of the user and determine a location of the wearable device to determine a context, and launch an application corresponding to the context.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: MEDIATEK INC.
    Inventors: Chih-Kai Chang, Yu-Hao Huang, Chun-Chia Chen, Tsu-Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 9946299
    Abstract: A Method and Apparatus for a User Configurable Docking System have been disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, an electrical connector and a back support are adjustable by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Peter-Jason Patrick Stewart-Acosta
  • Patent number: 9946300
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are related to systems and methods for a docking station that wirelessly connects to a mobile device, facilitates charging the mobile device, and enables the mobile device to interact with a virtual desktop infrastructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
    Inventors: Nicholas Kim Rosenberg, Richard John Carey, Marsha A. Vincent
  • Patent number: 9946301
    Abstract: A pivot structure includes a base, a bracket, an elastic component, and a positioning assembly. The bracket is rotatably connected to the base. The elastic component is disposed on the base. The positioning assembly includes an elastic clip and a pillar. The elastic clip is pivoted to the base and has a first releasing segment and a first positioning segment. The pillar is connected to the bracket and has a second positioning segment. The pillar is rotatably clipped in the elastic clip. The bracket is adapted to be expanded to a first expanding state through an elastic force of the elastic component, so as to drive the second positioning segment to move along the first releasing segment. The bracket is adapted to receive an external force to be further expanded to a second expanding state, so as to drive the second positioning segment to move to the first positioning segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Wei-Hao Lan, Jyh-Chyang Tzou, Ching-Tai Chang, Chia-Chi Lin, Tsai-Yu Lin, Hsin Yeh, Che-Hsien Lin, Cheng-Shiue Jan
  • Patent number: 9946302
    Abstract: Transparent articles for use as outer surfaces of electronic devices and methods therefor are disclosed. A transparent cover can be provided over a display of portable electronic device to provide a protective outer cover over the display. The transparent cover can include material to mark, mask or color a portion of the transparent cover, such portion thereupon becoming opaque. The material can be provided in a recessed portion of an inner surface of the transparent cover, such portion being a portion of the transparent cover that is not over a usable portion of the display. The electronic device can, for example, be a portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy C. Franklin, Ming Leong, Kristina A. Babiarz, Amy Qian, Kevin David Gibbs, Eugene C. Cheung
  • Patent number: 9946303
    Abstract: Provided herein are a multi smartphone and a method of controlling the same. The multi smartphone includes a display part configured to output a screen when an input signal is sensed; a memory part configured to store a plurality of operating systems (OSs) which are operated differently based on a time at which the input signal is sensed, a place at which the input signal is input, or a user who inputs the input signal; and a control part configured to perform control such that at least one OS of the plurality of OSs is selected and operated based on any one of a time at which the input signal is sensed, the place at which the input signal is input, and the user who inputs the input signal when the input signal is sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: FOUNDATION OF SOONGSIL UNIVERSITY-INDUSTRY COOPERATION
    Inventor: Jongseong Kim
  • Patent number: 9946304
    Abstract: A flexible display device may include a display module unit configured to project an image, a frame, and a connecting unit. The frame supports the display module unit. The connecting unit is coupled to the display module unit and the frame, and is adjustable so as to allow an amount of curvature of the display module unit to be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Byeong Hwa Choi, Seung Bae Lee
  • Patent number: 9946305
    Abstract: An electronic device includes: a sheath including a connection magnet to couple another device, wherein the connection magnet is installed in a region of the sheath where the another device is coupled; a movable part installed in the region of the sheath where the another device is coupled, wherein the movable part is foldable back to a side where the connection magnet is present; and a magnetism-blocking part installed on a region of the movable part that covers the connection magnet when the movable part is folded back to the connection magnet side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Hideyuki Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 9946306
    Abstract: An electronic assembly includes a transparent adhesive layer, a transparent cover, a display module and a frame. The transparent adhesive layer has a first adhesive surface and a second adhesive surface opposite to the first adhesive surface, the second adhesive surface having a central region and a peripheral region around the central region. The transparent cover is adhered to the first adhesive surface of the transparent adhesive layer. The display module is adhered to the central region of the transparent adhesive layer. The frame has a border carrying part which is adhered to the peripheral region of the transparent adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Chu-Chun Lo, Cheng-Min Lin, Chun Tseng
  • Patent number: 9946307
    Abstract: Different types of user inputs can be input by a user via a keyboard of an input device. These different types of user inputs include, for example, key strikes, multi-touch interactions, single finger motions, and/or mouse clicks. Touch information regarding the pressure applied to the keys of a pressure sensitive keyboard over time (or the contact area of the user input for other types of keyboards over time) is used to classify the intent of the user input as one of the various types of user inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Moshe R. Lutz, III, Paul Henry Dietz
  • Patent number: 9946308
    Abstract: Electronic apparatuses and electronic subassemblies having integrated stands are provided. An electronic subassembly includes a display device and a housing coupled with the display device. The housing has an integrated stand that encircles an open area and that projects away from the display device. The electronic subassembly also includes a processor disposed in the housing and that controls information displayed on the first display device. The integrated stand pivots relative to the housing and supports the housing at different angles relative to a surface on which the housing is disposed. Another electronic subassembly may be removably coupled with the electronic subassembly having the integrated stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD
    Inventors: Thomas Perelli, Ali Kathryn Ent, Cuong Huy Truong
  • Patent number: 9946309
    Abstract: The description relates to devices that can include a base assembly, upper assembly, an arm, and a conductor. In one example the base assembly can include a base shaft and the upper assembly can include an upper shaft. The arm can be secured to the base shaft and the upper shaft to translate a range of rotation of the arm around the base shaft to rotation around the display shaft. The conductor can extend from the base assembly into the arm parallel to the base shaft and extend from the arm into the upper assembly parallel to the upper shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony J. Hewett, Daniel C. Park, Brian T. Whitman
  • Patent number: 9946310
    Abstract: A hinge includes connection members, a first fixing member, a second fixing member, a first axle, a second axle, and a third axle. Each connection member includes a first slide block, a second arc surface, a first arc surface, and a second slide block. A first circular hole penetrates through the first slide block. A first arc hole penetrates through the second slide block. The first fixing member includes a third arc surface and a third slide block with a second arc hole. The second fixing member includes a fourth slide block with a second circular hole and a fourth arc surface. The first axle passes through the second arc hole and the first circular hole. The second axle passes through the second circular hole and the first arc hole. The third axle passes through the first circular hole and the first arc hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Jung Huang, Jui-Lin Chu, Kuo-Jung Hsu