k System and method for adaptive playback based on destination By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer readable-media for adaptive media playback based on destination. The method for adaptive media playback comprises determining one or more destinations, collecting media content that is relevant to or describes the one or more destinations, assembling the media content into a program, and outputting the program. In various embodiments, media content may be advertising, consumer-generated, based on real-time events, based on a schedule, or assembled to fit within an estimated available time. Media content may be assembled using an adaptation engine that selects a plurality of media segments that fit in the estimated available time, orders the plurality of media segments, alters at least one of the plurality of media segments to fit the estimated available time, if necessary, and creates a playlist of selected media content containing the plurality of media segments. Full Article
k Playback device, playback method, and computer program By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT When reproducing a binocular 3D video, noises with random parallax are reduced by appropriately controlling the intensity of noise reduction. A reproduction apparatus includes: a noise processing circuit for applying noise processing to a video signal of a video content based on a given control signal; and a control section for receiving an output format identification signal which identifies an output format of the video content, and generating the control signal in accordance with the output format identification signal, the control section generating a control signal which causes the noise processing performed in the noise processing circuit to vary depending on whether an output format of the video content is a two-dimensional video or a three-dimensional video. Full Article
k Apparatus and method of seamless switching between a live DTV decoding and a PVR playback By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods and apparatus for switching between a live video decoding and a recorded playback in a digital video and recording system. A received video data stream is transmitted to a first-in first-out video decoder buffer without first looping the video data stream through a playback buffer. The video data stream is transmitted from the video decoder buffer to a video decoder. If a “pause” command is received, the video data stream is transmitted to a first-in first-out playback buffer, while continuing to transmit the video data stream to the video decoder buffer. Transmission of the video data stream to the video decoder buffer is halted when the video decoder buffer fills up. The last byte of the video data stream that was transmitted to the video decoder buffer is marked. If a “play” command is received, the video data stored in the video decoder buffer is transmitted to the video decoder. The video data stored in the playback buffer is transmitted to the video decoder buffer starting at a point immediately after the data element that was marked previously. Full Article
k Digital video recording and playback of user displays in a process control system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A process control system user display provides a display image containing control system information. The system may include a digital recording module including an image capture module for making a real-time digital recording of at least a portion of the display image, the image capture module buffering a terminal portion of the real-time digital recording. A storage module may store at least a portion of the real-time digital recording. A real-time digital recording may contain at least a portion of the display image, wherein, at any particular time, the real-time digital recording includes information from the control system for a predetermined duration proximate the particular time, and at least a portion of the real-time digital recording may be stored. A desired portion of the digital recording may be played back, optionally with process control system event and/or continuous history. Full Article
k Adjustable jig and method for targeting interlocking holes of an intramedullary nail By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EST A targeting jig apparatus for targeting interlocking holes of an intramedullary nail. The targeting jig includes a support-arm extending substantially parallel to the intramedullary nail. A targeting mechanism including a pair of targeting mechanism drill-guide orifices is adjustably disposed on the support arm for aligning the targeting mechanism drill-guide orifice with the interlocking holes of the intramedullary nail. The targeting mechanism includes a saddle having a U-shape including a base and parallel legs that are slidable along the support-arm. A connection mechanism includes a horizontal slot on the support-arm aligned with a vertical slot on the targeting mechanism and a pivot screw extending through the slots for facilitating adjustment of the targeting mechanism relative to the support arm. Full Article
k Over-current protection device and method of making the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST An over-current protection device has a PTC device, first and second electrodes and an insulation layer. The PTC device comprises first and second electrically conductive members and a PTC layer laminated between the first and second electrically conductive members. The first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second electrically conductive members, respectively. The insulation layer is disposed on a surface of the first electrically conductive member. The device is a stack structure extending along a first direction, and comprises at least one hole extending along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The value of the covered area of the hole divided by the area of the form factor of the over-current protection device is not less than 2%, and the value of the thickness of the device divided by the number of the PTC devices is less than 0.7 mm. Full Article
k Sulfuration resistant chip resistor and method for making same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A chip resistor includes an insulating substrate, top terminal electrodes formed on top surface of the substrate using silver-based cermet, bottom electrodes, resistive element that is situated between the top terminal electrodes and overlaps them partially, an optional internal protective coating that covers resistive element completely or partially, an external protective coating that covers completely the internal protection coating and partially covers top terminal electrodes, a plated layer of nickel that covers face sides of the substrate, top and bottom electrodes, and overlaps partially external protective coating, finishing plated layer that covers nickel layer. The overlap of nickel layer and external protective layer possesses a sealing property because of metallization of the edges of external protective layer prior to the nickel plating process. Full Article
k Chip resistor with outrigger heat sink By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A surface mount chip resistor for increasing power handling capabilities of radio frequency (RF) circuits and for minimizing parasitic capacitance and inductance effects, the chip resistor includes a ceramic substrate having a main portion and an outrigger. A resistor element is between an input contact and an output contact on a top surface of the main portion. A ground plane attachment area is on a top surface of the outrigger. The ground plane attachment area is mounted to a ground plane of a circuit board to provide a heat pathway for dissipating heat generated by the resistor element. Full Article
k Substrate device or package using embedded layer of voltage switchable dielectric material in a vertical switching configuration By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A substrate device includes an embedded layer of VSD material that overlays a conductive element or layer to provide a ground. An electrode, connected to circuit elements that are to be protected, extends into the thickness of the substrate to make contact with the VSD layer. When the circuit elements are operated under normal voltages, the VSD layer is dielectric and not connected to ground. When a transient electrical event occurs on the circuit elements, the VSD layer switches instantly to a conductive state, so that the first electrode is connected to ground. Full Article
k Articulated work holder for a remote controlled vehicle and the like By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An articulated work holder for a fractional dimensioned, performance vehicle including a base member and first, second and third, support arms having multiple degrees of rotational movement and a vise member carrying vehicle engagement pads for supporting a fractional dimensioned, performance vehicle between the vise engagement pads. Full Article
k Saw buck By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus for holding a log or similar material during cutting is disclosed. The apparatus includes a log holder having a housing and a saddle. A cavity formed in the housing is tapered along a longitudinal axis for receiving an end of a log. The saddle is disposed adjacent to the tapered cavity and offset from the longitudinal axis to inhibit rotation of the log during cutting. A pole and a base rotatably support the log holder in the elevated position. Full Article
k Welding workbench assembly with wraparound dual stage barriers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A welding workbench assembly comprises a base. The welding workbench assembly further comprises a first wraparound barrier comprising at least three panels, including a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. The second panel is adjacent to the first panel at a first end of the first panel and the third panel is adjacent to the first panel at a second end of the first panel. The welding workbench assembly further comprises a second wraparound barrier comprising at least three panels, including a fourth panel, a fifth panel, and a sixth panel. The fifth panel is adjacent to the fourth panel at a first end of the fourth panel and the sixth panel is adjacent to the fourth panel at a second end of the fourth panel. Full Article
k Apparatus for holding a ski or snowboard during repair and maintenance By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A ski tip hold down assembly for holding the tip end of the ski. The ski tip hold down assembly having a base attached to a work bench and an upright stand affixed to the base. The upright stand having a ski rest on a top surface thereof and a ski tip hold down bar secured to the upright stand in spaced apart relation to the ski rest defining an opening adapted to receive a ski tip, with the ski oriented in a base-up configuration, with the ski tip extending underneath the ski tip hold down bar. The apparatus further including a tail rest assembly having a base adapted to be used on the work bench in spaced apart relation to the ski tip hold down assembly and further including an upright stand affixed to the base with a ski rest provided on a top surface thereof. Full Article
k Support disk fixing apparatus, manufacturing method for a semiconductor device using this apparatus, and semiconductor manufacturing apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A support disk fixing apparatus which includes an upper surface to which a wafer is bonded, a lower surface, a cylindrical side surface between the upper surface and the lower surface, and a chamfered portion between the upper surface and the side surface, includes a base upon which the support disk is placed; and a fixture that is provided on the base, and that has a first surface that abuts against the side surface of the support disk and covers the side surface of the support disk, and a second surface that abuts against the chamfered portion of the support disk and covers the chamfered portion of the support disk. Full Article
k Apparatus and method for supporting a workpiece during processing By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus for supporting a workpiece during processing of the workpiece is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a chassis having a vacuum chamber that is connectable to a vacuum source; a supporting device rotatable relative to the chassis, the supporting device having a hollow compartment and a supporting surface for holding the workpiece; and at least one sealing device arranged between the chassis and the supporting device, to provide an air-tight seal between the chassis and the supporting device while allowing for rotation of the supporting device with respect to the chassis, so as to form a vacuum passage extending from the supporting surface of the supporting device through the hollow compartment of the supporting device and the vacuum chamber of the chassis to the vacuum source, to thereby hold the workpiece to the supporting surface of the supporting device during processing of the workpiece. Full Article
k Workpiece support By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A workpiece support, including: first and second arms pivotably connected to first and second support members respectively, the first and second support members being spaced apart, each arm including first and second receiving members for receiving the workpiece, the first and second receiving members being provided at first and second ends of each arm respectively, wherein each arm is pivotably connected to the respective first and second support members at a point between the first and second ends of each arm, such that a workpiece may be supported by the first and second receiving members of the first arm and the first and second receiving members of the second arm. Full Article
k Rocking jaw gripper for restraining tubulars By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A rocking jaw gripper for restraining tubulars including an arm with a rocking jaw gripper rocker jaw, a rocking jaw gripper frame connected with the arm, a locking pin connecting the rocking jaw gripper frame to the chain cylinder, a hinge pin connecting the rocking jaw gripper frame to the arm and a plate jaw fastener retaining the rocker jaw body between the top plate and the bottom plate by engaging the tail hole of the rocker jaw body. When the rocking jaw gripper is engaged, it acts to restrain the movement of a tubular during make-up and break-out. Full Article
k Interlocking and removable grid system for floral arranging By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An interlocking and removable tool for floral arranging, consisting of two interlocking pieces which form a sturdy grid when assembled. This grid is placed on top of a vase, jar, bowl, or other vessel used for housing arranged flowers. This grid keeps flowers in place while being arranged, without falling over, and allows the user to construct floral arrangements with ease. When the desired arrangement is complete, the interlocking components slide apart and are removed without disrupting the floral arrangement. Full Article
k Device for cleaning baking trays By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A device for cleaning trays comprises a tub that has a bottom and a wall. The tub is dimensioned such that a baking tray can be placed therein. The device further comprises a dish drain that can be placed in the tub. Said device for cleaning a baking tray uses only a small amount of space in a kitchen and is easy to handle. In fact, in a typical kitchen that already has a dish drain, the device requires no additional space. Full Article
k Inkjet recording method and recording apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention addresses the problem of improving the quality of recorded images in ink jet recording technologies in which a plurality of nozzle lines that discharge ink of the same color are used. As a solution, nozzle lines (10) of n columns (where n is a natural number of three or more) each record a recording pixel column (2) on a recording medium by discharging ink of the same color while scanning over the recording medium (1); and when the nozzle lines (10) of n columns each extract a recording pixel column (2), which is recorded in a single scan, for each n columns in the scanning direction, ink is discharged in such a manner that there are at least two permutation patterns for the nozzle columns (10) that record each column of the extracted recording pixel columns (3). Full Article
k Fluidic structure that allows removal of air bubbles from print heads without generating waste ink By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A fluidic structure has a first chamber having a connection to a fluid reservoir and a connection to an array of apertures, the chamber forming a flow path between the fluid reservoir and the array of apertures, a second chamber having a connection to at least one vent connected to an atmosphere external to the fluidic structure, and at least one path between the first chamber and the second chamber. Full Article
k Ink-jet printing module By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An ink-jet printing module is used for a page-width array ink-jet printer. The ink jet printing module includes a page-width array platen and a plurality of ink-jet cartridges. The page-width array platen has a plurality of receiving cavities arranged as an array. Each of the ink-jet cartridges is detachably and independently embedded into one of the receiving cavities, and includes a body for storing ink, an ink-jet chip to be driven for ejecting the ink, a plurality of nozzles disposed on the ink-jet chip, and a control node for receiving signal to drive the ink-jet chip. The ink-jet chip is disposed on a bottom of the page-width array platen and is driven to eject the ink through the nozzles onto a printing medium. Full Article
k Ink jet recording head and method for manufacturing the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An ink jet recording head includes a substrate having a plurality of discharge energy generation elements and having an ink supply port, a protective film provided on the substrate and configured to protect wiring connected to the discharge energy generation elements, and an ink discharge port forming member, wherein the protective film has a protruding portion, wherein the ink discharge port forming member has a beam-like protrusion, wherein the beam-like protrusion has a reinforcing rib, and wherein a separation film containing gold is formed at a portion where the protruding portion and the reinforcing rib are held in close contact with each other. Full Article
k Ink supply reservoir By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An ink supply reservoir, and method of supplying ink, is described. Full Article
k Ink mixing system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An ink system of an ink jet printer includes a fluid tank. The fluid tank includes a generally conically shaped side wall, the side wall sloping inwardly from a top portion to a bottom portion. A bottom surface is disposed adjacent the bottom portion of the side wall. A first fluid conduit is disposed in the fluid tank and includes an opening adjacent to and above the bottom surface of the fluid tank. A second fluid conduit is disposed in the fluid tank and includes an opening at a location above the opening of the first fluid conduit. A pump is in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit. An ink supply line is in fluid communication with the pump. A print head is in fluid communication with the ink supply line. Full Article
k Particle removal device for ink jet printer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A particle removal device for an ink jet printer is discussed. The particle removal device includes a first separator comprising an arrangement of obstacles including at least two rows of obstacles that extend laterally with respect to a flow path of ink in the first separator. The rows of obstacles are offset from one another by a row offset fraction. The arrangement of obstacles is configured to preferentially route larger particles having diameters greater than a critical diameter through the arrangement and along a first trajectory vector that is angled with respect to the direction of the flow path of the ink. The angle of the first trajectory vector with respect to the ink flow path is a function of the row offset fraction. Smaller particles having diameters less than the critical diameter travel through the arrangement along a second trajectory vector that is not substantially angled with respect to the flow path of the ink. The first separator causes a pressure drop of the ink of less than about 100 Pa. Full Article
k Ink stick identification system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A solid ink stick identification system enables accurate and efficient identification of solid ink sticks in a solid ink imaging device. The solid ink identification system includes an actuator configured to move one of an optical source and an optical sensor between a plurality of predetermined positions. The optical source emits light toward a face of the ink stick, and the optical sensor generates signals corresponding to an amount of reflected light received. A controller identifies features on the solid ink stick based on the signals as the one of the optical source and optical sensor is moved between the plurality of predetermined positions. Full Article
k Marking apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a marking apparatus (10) for marking an object comprising a marking head (20) having a plurality of marking devices (40, 40a, 40b) for applying a marking on the object and a driving mechanism for providing a relative movement of the object relative to the marking head in an advance direction (16) during a marking operation. The marking head comprises in addition to the plurality of marking devices a plurality of sensor devices and the sensor devices (50) are arranged down-stream of the marking devices in the advance direction, so that the marking applied by the marking devices is detectable by the sensor devices, when the object is moved relative to the marking head in the advance direction. The invention also relates to a method for marking an object. Full Article
k Selecting printing masks optimized for line features and area fill features of image data By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT For each totally black pixel of image data to be printed using a fluid-ejection printing device, it is determined whether the pixel is part of a line feature or an area fill feature of the image data. Where the pixel is part of a line feature, a first printing mask selected that is optimized for printing line features. Where the pixel is part of an area fill feature, a second printing mask is selected that is optimized for printing area fill features. Each mask specifies a number of fluid droplets to be printed and positions where the fluid droplets are to be printed. The selected mask is applied to the pixel. The pixel is printed using the mask that has been applied. The fluid-ejection printing device prints the pixel by ejecting the number of fluid droplets specified by the mask at the positions specified by the mask. Full Article
k Substrate for inkjet head and inkjet head having protection layer including individual sections corresponding to heating resistors By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Jun 2015 08:00:00 EDT There are provided a substrate for an inkjet head and an inkjet head wherein in a case where a protection layer of heating resistors is energized, an electrical connection with portions around the protection layer is more reliably cut. A first protection layer provided for the substrate for an inkjet head includes individual sections provided at positions corresponding to the plurality of heating resistors and a common section which commonly connects the plurality of individual sections. The individual sections and the common section are connected via connect sections which are eluted and connect in a case where an electrochemical reaction occurs between the connect sections and ink when electricity flow therethrough, so that an electrical connection between the individual sections and the common section is cut. Full Article
k Time of arrival (TOA) estimation for positioning in a wireless communication network By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Techniques for determining time of arrivals (TOAs) of signals in a wireless communication network are described. Each cell may transmit (i) synchronization signals on a set of contiguous subcarriers in the center portion of the system bandwidth and (ii) reference signals on different sets of non-contiguous subcarriers distributed across the system bandwidth. A UE may determine TOA for a cell based on multiple signals transmitted on different sets of subcarriers. The UE may perform correlation for a first signal (e.g., a synchronization signal) from the cell to obtain first correlation results for different time offsets. The UE may perform correlation for a second signal (e.g., a reference signal) from the cell to obtain second correlation results for different time offsets. The UE may combine the first and second correlation results and may determine the TOA for the cell based on the combined correlation results. Full Article
k System and method for processing and displaying wake turbulence By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system and method to display, when within an envelope of an ownship's flight path, a symbol representing wake turbulence from another aircraft based on aircraft type and flight parameters received from the other aircraft, the symbol being formatted to indicate the severity of portions of the wake turbulence. The format is modified periodically in accordance with the aircraft's flight path and a decay rate of the wake turbulence. Full Article
k Apparatus and method for assisting vertical takeoff vehicles By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT According to one aspect of the present invention, a radar system is provided which accurately measures the surface profile in a wide sector beneath and forward of a helicopter, to aid low level transit and landing in poor visibility. This uses an electronic beam synthesis technique to form multiple beams directed at the area of interest, each measuring the distance to the first reflected signal received by each beam. These distances represent the profile of the ground and any objects on the ground. A processor then compares the measured profile with the ideal ground profile for safe landing. If the deviations from straight and level exceed the specified requirement for safe landing, or if sufficient rotor clearance is not detected, then a warning is given to the operator. A display will show the measured ground profile highlighting the unsafe regions, allowing the operator to seek a safe region to land. The novelty lies in the way the beams are formed to measure and display the ground profile and provide a warning system. This beam-forming technique is simpler and more cost effective than with a conventional phased array radar. Full Article
k Device and method for controlling tracking information, and radar device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT This disclosure provides a tracking information control device. The device includes a receiver for receiving, from two radar devices, data relating to a target echo received by a radar antenna of one of the radar devices, and data relating to a target echo received by a radar antenna of the other radar device, the data being obtained from tracking the target echoes, respectively, a determiner for determining whether the target echoes indicate the same target object, an ID applier for applying the same ID to the target echoes when the determiner determines that the target echoes indicate the same target object, and a transmitter for transmitting the same IDs to the radar devices in order to inform whether the target echoes displayed by the radar devices, respectively, indicate the same target object. Full Article
k Target tracking apparatus, storage medium stored a target tracking program, target tracking system, and target tracking method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT According to one embodiment, a target tracking apparatus acquires a first determination result by determining which combination of N-dimensional tracks is for the real target, acquires a second determination result by determining which combination of N-dimensional angular observation values is for the real target, selects the first determination result when an observation environment is an environment other than a dense environment, selects the second determination result when the observation environment is a dense environment, and calculates distance information to thereby generate an (N+1)-dimensional track for each target. Full Article
k RF based tracker for rotating objects By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An RF beam is used to probe the presence or absence of a rotating blade in a known field of view. Timing of appearance or disappearance or “zero-crossing” of a reflected signal is correlated with timing of the blade movement. Blades which are leading or lagging versus other blades will produce different timing signatures representative of alignment of the blades. Full Article
k Positioning for WLANS and other wireless networks By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Techniques for positioning access points and terminals in WLANs and other wireless networks are described. For access point positioning, measurements are obtained for at least one access point in a WLAN. The measurements may be based on transmission sequences (e.g., beacon frames) transmitted periodically by each access point. The measurements may be made by multiple terminals at different locations or a single mobile terminal at different locations. The location of each access point is determined based on the measurements and known locations of the terminal(s). For terminal positioning, measurements for at least one access point in a WLAN are obtained. The location of the terminal is determined based on the measurements and known location of each access point. The measurements may be round trip time (RTT) measurements, observed time difference (OTD) measurements, time of arrival (TOA) measurements, signal strength measurements, signal quality measurements, etc. Full Article
k Methods, apparatus, and systems for providing an enhanced positive response for underground facility locate and marking operations based on an electronic manifest documenting physical locate marks on ground, pavement or other surface By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 Jan 2016 08:00:00 EST A positive response notification to provide information regarding locate and/or marking operations for underground facilities may include time-stamp information to provide proof of a time at which the locate and/or marking operation was completed by a locate technician, and/or place-stamp information to provide proof of a presence of the locate technician at or near a work site. An electronic manifest image and/or a virtual white line image similarly may be included in a positive response notification. In one example, such images may be bundled together based on respective descriptor files (or descriptor metadata) that associates the corresponding images with a locate request ticket for the operation. In another example, a positive response notification may include environmental information regarding one or more environmental conditions present at or near the work site during the locate and/or marking operation. Full Article
k Electric steering wheel lock device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An electric steering wheel lock device includes a control circuit that starts and stops supplying power to a motor that actuates a lock mechanism to lock and unlock a movable member of a vehicle steering mechanism. The control circuit changes contact states of first and second relays to switch a supplying direction of the power. A drive restriction unit stops and starts supplying power to a drive circuit for the motor. The control circuit changes contact states of the first and second relays when the drive restriction unit stops supplying power to the drive circuit. Full Article
k System and method for providing simple feedback signals indicating if more or less power is required during inductive power transmission By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An inductive power outlet for providing power to an electric load via an inductive power receiver includes at least one primary inductive coil wired to a power supply via a driver configured to provide a driving voltage across the primary inductive coil such that a secondary voltage is induced in a secondary inductive coil associated with the inductive power receiver. The driver may include a controller configured to receive feedback control signals from the inductive power receiver indicating if more or less power is required. The controller may be further configured to adjust the driving voltage according to the control signals. Full Article
k Control of the distribution of electric power generated by a wind farm between an AC power transmission link and a DC power transmission link By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A power distribution system for distributing electric power generated by a wind farm between an AC power transmission link and a DC power transmission link is provided. Both power transmission links connect the wind farm to a substation of a power grid. The power distribution system includes a central wind farm controller and a distribution device. In response to a control signal from the central wind farm controller, the distribution device distributes the generated electrical power between the two power transmission links. It is further described a power transmission system with the above described power distribution system and a method for distributing electric power between an AC power transmission link and a DC power transmission link. Full Article
k Asymmetric series power packs with efficient dc-dc conversion By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods to operate a power supply. A power supply has an inductor and a capacitor coupled in a substantially series connection. The power supply has a first selectably conductive path that selectably couples a first power pack to the series reactive circuit and a second selectably conductive path that selectably couples the series reactive circuit to a substantially series combination of the first power pack and a second power pack. When the first power pack output voltage is above the threshold, the first selectably conductive path couples electrical current between the first power pack to the series reactive circuit. Otherwise, the second selectably conductive path couples electrical current between the series combination and the series reactive circuit. The controller further transfers charge from the second power pack to the first power pack. Full Article
k Electronic device with mounting apparatus for solid state disk By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A mounting apparatus for a solid state disk includes a bracket and a latching module. The bracket includes a connecting pole and a supporting member mounted to the connecting pole. The latching module is installed to the supporting member, and comprises a latching member. The supporting member includes a position pole mounted to the connecting pole and a supporting bar perpendicularly extending out from the position pole. The position pole defines a latching slot facing the supporting bar for positioning an end of the solid state disk. The supporting bar defines a guiding slot facing the latching slot for receiving a side of the solid state disk. The latching member is to latch onto the solid state disk. Full Article
k Stacked semiconductor packages By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus includes a first substrate having a first land and a second substrate having a second land. A first molding compound is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. A first semiconductor chip is disposed on the first substrate and in contact with the first molding portion. A first connector contacts the first land and a second connector contacts the second land. The second connector is disposed on the first connector. A volume of the second connector is greater than a volume of the first connector. A surface of the first semiconductor chip is exposed. The first molding compound is in contact with the second connector, and at least a portion of the second connector is surrounded by the first molding compound. Full Article
k Switch rack system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT In one embodiment, the system comprises: (a) a chassis; (b) one or more cards mounted in the chassis, each card having a plurality of switch ports, the plurality of switch ports being aligned in one or more columns; (c) an aggregator mounted adjacent the chassis, the aggregator having a plurality of bays, each bay being aligned with a card in the chassis, at least one of the bays having a faceplate comprising at least first and second aggregator ports aligned in a column; (d) at least first and second hydras, wherein each hydra comprises at least (i) a first connector; (ii) a plurality of second connectors; (iii) a plurality of conductors, each conductor connecting the first connector to one of the second connectors, the plurality of conductors being bundled together to form a trunk portion from the first connector to a breakout point, the plurality of conductors being separated into breakout portions from the breakout point to the second connectors; (iv) wherein the trunk portion of the first cable is longer than that of the second cable; and (e) wherein the first connector of the first hydra is connected to the first aggregator port and the second connectors of the first hydra are connected to a first set of switch ports, and the first connector of the second hydra is connected to the second aggregator port and the second connectors of the second hydra are connected to a second set of switch ports, wherein the first set of switch ports are further away from the aggregator than the second set of switch ports. Full Article
k Hydraulic brake system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Two pressure chambers of the master cylinder and brake cylinders provided respectively for front left and right wheels are respectively connected directly to each other by master passages. Provided respectively in the master passages are master cut-off valves each as a normally-closed electromagnetic open/close valve. As a result, when the brake pedal is not operated and when no current is supplied to solenoids of the respective master cut-off valves, the pressure chambers and the brake cylinders are respectively disconnected to each other, preventing an outflow of the working fluid from the pressure chambers, i.e., fluid chambers of a master reservoir to the brake cylinders. Full Article
k Dual pressure control for a rotor brake actuator for vertical lift aircraft By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT In some aspects, a master cylinder assembly for vertical lift aircraft is configured to move pressurized fluid through a conduit in response to applied movement of an input lever. A low pressure relief valve can be connected to a first conduit to limit pressure to a low level. An isolation valve can be connected to the first conduit and configured to isolate the low pressure relief valve from the conduit when engaged. A high pressure relief valve can be connected to a second fluid conduit to limit pressure to a high level. In some aspects, a rotor brake actuator is fluidly connected to the first conduit and the second conduit and configured to engage a rotor brake in response to hydraulic fluid pressure. Full Article
k Method for operating a hydraulic brake system of a motor vehicle and a hydraulic braking system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for operating a hydraulic brake system of a motor vehicle, comprising a pressure generating device used to build up additional brake pressure in a master brake cylinder or in addition to a master brake cylinder and in opposition to further pedal actuation wherein the additional pressure is a function of the pedal actuation travel distance. A method that reduces the limitations of a braking system's physical parameters on the build-up of additional braking pressure. Full Article
k Brake control system for motor vehicles By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A brake control system for motor vehicles includes a stability system for stabilizing the vehicle from the standpoint of driving dynamics during braking, a triggering unit for the automatic output of a braking demand as a function of the traffic situation, a braking unit which converts the braking demand into a braking action, and a control unit for modifying the braking demand prior to its implementation as a function of the state of the stability system. Full Article
k Brake device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A brake device can prevent deterioration of braking force by applying a predetermined pressure in the drive hydraulic pressure chamber even when an electric system failure occurs. The brake device includes a stroke simulator portion, regulator, a first passage connecting the accumulator and the high pressure port of the regulator, a second passage connecting the reservoir tank and the low pressure port of the regulator, a third passage connecting the stroke simulator portion and the pilot pressure input port of the regulator, a fourth passage connecting the drive hydraulic pressure chamber and the output port of the regulator and a fifth passage connecting the accumulator and the drive hydraulic pressure chamber bypassing the high pressure port. The normally open type pressure decrease control valve is provided in the second passage or in the fourth passage whereas the normally closed pressure increase control valve is provided in the fifth passage. Full Article