devices Accessory or fashion item that charges various electronic devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST A toteable or wearable fashion item configured to provide an electronic charge to a mobile electronic device. The device includes a battery comprising one USB port and one pin port and a pouch secured to the fashion device and containing the battery substantially concealed therein, the pouch defining at least one opening which facilitates access to the USB port and the pin port. Full Article
devices Apparatus to support portable electronic devices and other devices or objects By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus to support a device includes a first base; a first support; a first base-support hinge adapted to rotatably couple the first base and the first support along a first axis of rotation; a first swivel slidably connected to the first support and having a first cut-out adapted to receive a first portion of the device; a second base; a second support; a second base-support hinge adapted to rotatably couple the second base and the second support along a second axis of rotation; and a second swivel slidably connected to the second support and having a second cut-out adapted to receive a second portion of the device spaced apart from the first portion of the device. Full Article
devices Side edge cleaning methods and apparatus for thin film photovoltaic devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods for cleaning a side edge of a thin film photovoltaic substrate utilizing a laser are provided. The method can include transporting the substrate in a machine direction to move the substrate past a first laser source, and focusing a first laser beam generated by the first laser source onto the side edge of the substrate such that the laser beam removes the thin film present on the side edge of the substrate. An apparatus is also generally provided for cleaning a first side edge and a second side edge of a thin film photovoltaic substrate. Full Article
devices System and method for voice control of medical devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDT A light-based medical diagnostic system includes a plurality of semiconductor diodes with pump beams and a multiplexer capable of combining the pump beams and generating at least a multiplexed pump beam comprising one or more wavelengths. A first waveguide structure is configured to receive at least a portion of the one or more wavelengths and outputs a first optical beam. A second waveguide structure is configured to receive at least a portion of the first optical beam and to communicate at least the portion of the first optical beam to an output end of the second waveguide structure to form an output beam. A lens system is configured to receive at least a portion of the output beam and to communicate at least the portion of the output beam onto a part of a patient's body, such as a patient's blood. Full Article
devices Methods and devices for controlling a tufting machine for forming carpet with enhanced seams By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A carpet and method for producing same that comprises an enhanced seam suitable for separation of an installation portion of the carpet and sacrificial edge portions of the produced carpet. Full Article
devices Devices for thermally induced transformations controlled by irradiation of functionalized fullerenes By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An electromagnetic radiation activated device comprises a property changing material and at least one functionalized fullerene that upon irradiation of the functionalized fullerenes with electromagnetic radiation of one or more frequencies a thermally activated chemical or physical transformation occurs in the property changing material. The thermal activated transformation of the property changing material is triggered by the heating or combustion of the functionalized fullerenes upon their irradiation. The device can include a chemical agent that is embedded in the property changing material and is released when the material is heated by the functionalized fullerenes upon irradiation. Full Article
devices Luggage for cooperating with various portable devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT Luggage or carrying container (1) having an interface (10) for cooperating with one or more electronic and/or wireless devices (20, 22, 24, 26, 28), a rechargeable power source (30), an integrated antenna (40), and a wireless communication system (50). The luggage (1) allows a user to better manage various electronic devices/accessories in terms of space, efficiency and operation during travel. Full Article
devices Apparatus for charging battery powered electronic devices using a rolling means By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides a new and useful apparatus for charging battery powered electronic devices using a rolling means. The rolling means transfers mechanical energy from a plurality of wheels to a generator by way of a gear ratio. The generator in turn yields electrical energy that is later transformed via integrated circuitry into viable power for the purposes of charging an optional internal batter or that of an attached device. This apparatus does not limit the user's mobility and can be used in everyday settings. The apparatus can be an integral part of a piece of luggage or added to an existing hand cart. Additionally, the apparatus can have a connection for a DC input to charge the internal battery when the apparatus is not in motion. Full Article
devices Methods and apparatuses for drying electronic devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods and apparatuses for drying electronic devices are disclosed. Embodiments include methods and apparatuses that heat and decrease pressure within the electronic device. Some embodiments increase and decrease pressure while adding heat. Other embodiments include a desiccator for removing moisture from the air being evacuated from the electronic device prior to the air reaching an evacuation pump. Further embodiments detect humidity within the low-pressure chamber and determine when to increase and/or decrease pressure based on the humidity. Still further embodiments determine that the device is sufficiently dry to restore proper function based on the detected humidity, and in some embodiments based on the changes in humidity while pressure is being increased and/or decreased. Still further alternate embodiments automatically control some or all aspects of the drying of the electronic device. Additional embodiment disinfect the electronic device. Full Article
devices Devices for air-drying sludge By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An air-drying device for sludge comprises at least one air-drying mechanism, a dosing mechanism, and a dehumidifying and heating mechanism. There two air-drying mechanisms. The dosing mechanism connects with the beginning end of the first air-drying mechanism (5) whose terminal end communicates with the beginning end of the second air-drying mechanism (8), with a discharge port (21) is arranged above the communicating position. The terminal end of the second air-drying mechanism communicates with the beginning end of the first air-drying mechanism to form a loop configuration. The device has high efficiency and low energy consumption. The detention time of the sludge in the drying device is adjustable so that the water content of the discharging material is adjustable. Full Article
devices Gas-generating devices with grain-retention structures and related methods and systems By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 08:00:00 EDT Gas-generating devices with grain-retention structures and related methods and systems are described. In particular, gas-generating devices having at least one retention structure fixed to a frame and positioned between adjacent gas-generant grains arranged in a longitudinal stack. Fire suppression systems comprising such gas-generating devices are also described. Additionally, methods of manufacturing gas-generating devices, as well as methods of generating a gas and methods of suppressing a fire utilizing such gas-generating devices are described. Full Article
devices Perforating devices utilizing thermite charges in well perforation and downhole fracing By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 01 Apr 2014 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed are thermite charges for use in well perforation and downhole fracing. The thermite charges have a core, and optionally a case, where at least one of the core and the case includes thermite material. Full Article
devices Valve devices, systems, and methods for controlling the distribution of materials By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT The various embodiments of the present invention are directed to valve devices, systems, and methods for controlling the distribution of materials to multiple locations. The improved valve devices, materials distribution systems, and materials distribution methods disclosed herein are particularly suitable for use in applications where the materials being distributed are, for example but not limited to, non-gaseous fluid materials (e.g., raw liquids, solutions, slurries, colloids, suspensions, and the like) and solid materials having some level of tackiness, moisture content, or like property. The valves, systems, and methods disclosed herein can be operated without having to stop the flow of materials therethrough in order to change the position of the valve from one outlet to another. Further, the valves and systems disclosed herein have few directional changes, therefore there are few, if any, points within the system where the material can get stuck and/or lodged. Full Article
devices Methods of forming bulk FinFET devices with replacement gates so as to reduce punch through leakage currents By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 08:00:00 EDT One illustrative method disclosed herein includes forming a plurality of spaced-apart trenches in a semiconducting substrate to thereby define a fin structure for the device, forming a local isolation region within each of the trenches, forming a sacrificial gate structure on the fin structure, wherein the sacrificial gate structure comprises at least a sacrificial gate electrode, and forming a layer of insulating material above the fin structure and within the trench above the local isolation region. In this example, the method further includes performing at least one etching process to remove the sacrificial gate structure to thereby define a gate cavity, after removing the sacrificial gate structure, performing at least one etching process to form a recess in the local isolation region, and forming a replacement gate structure that is positioned in the recess in the local isolation region and in the gate cavity. Full Article
devices Aerosol devices and methods for inhaling a substance and uses thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Devices, cartridges, and method are described herein for emulating smoking wherein a device generates an aerosol for inhalation by a subject by heating a viscous material that can have a tactile response in the mouth or respiratory tract, while reducing Hoffman analytes and mutagenic compounds delivered to the user as compared to a common tobacco cigarette. Full Article
devices Mechanisms for vaporizing devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure generally relates to electronic vaporizing devices comprising a plurality of components, and mechanisms for locking or otherwise securing the components together. Components of the electronic vaporizing devices may include a cartridge (e.g., including a liquid for vaporization) and a battery unit (e.g., including a rechargeable battery), among other possible components. The electronic vaporizing devices may be at least partially disassembled to allow a user to replace, replenish, recharge, and/or repair the device, as needed. Full Article
devices Method of simulating print color on mobile devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method of simulating print color on mobile devices, comprising: obtaining a second group of tristimulus values by a chromaticity measuring device through a measuring method; creating a CIEXYZ color space of the mobile device by the second group of tristimulus values, and transforming the CIEXYZ color space to a sRGB color space via a 1D lookup table and a transformation matrix; obtaining a print color from a ICC profile of an output device by 3D lookup table and generating a second color calibrated profile by finding another color, similar to the print color from the ICC profile of the output device, in the sRGB color space through tone mapping; and simulating the print color on a screen of the mobile device by using the second color calibrated profile, whereby the user can directly preview the printed photo on the screen thereby achieving saving print ink and time. Full Article
devices Freight loading system and method for controlling a plurality of freight handling devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The application relates to freight loading systems for transporting freight items. Corresponding freight loading system comprises a freight deck having a plurality of freight handling devices, a control device which is communicatively connected to the freight handling devices in order to handle at least one freight item on the freight deck, and a remote control, which is communicatively connected to the control device in order to output control signals to the control device. The control device is intended to comprise a position determination unit for determining a remote control position on the freight deck and/or the orientation of the remote control, wherein the control unit is designed to select a number of freight handling devices and drive same depending on the control signals received and the remote control position and/or orientation of the remote control. This allows easier control of the freight items on the freight deck. Full Article
devices REDUCING PROGRAMMING DISTURBANCE IN MEMORY DEVICES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Apparatus and methods are disclosed, such as a method that includes precharging channel material of a string of memory cells in an unselected sub-block of a block of memory cells to a precharge voltage during a first portion of a programming operation. A programming voltage can then he applied to a selected memory cell in a selected sub-block of the block of memory cells during a second portion of the programming operation. The selected memory cell is coupled to a same access line as an unselected memory cell in the unselected sub-block. Additional methods and apparatus are disclosed. Full Article
devices STATIC RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY DEVICE WITH VERTICAL FET DEVICES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An SRAM includes an SRAM array comprising a plurality of SRAM cells arranged in a matrix. Each of the SRAM cells includes six vertical field effect transistors. The SRAM array includes a plurality of groups of conductive regions extending in the column direction. Each of the plurality of groups of conductive regions includes a first to a fourth conductive region arranged in this order in the row direction, and the first to fourth conductive regions are separated by insulating regions from each other. The first, second and third conductive regions are coupled to sources of first conductive type VFETs, and the fourth conductive region is coupled to sources of second conductive type VFETs. The plurality of groups are arranged in the row direction such that the fourth conductive region of one group of conductive regions is adjacent to the first conductive region of adjacent one group of conductive regions. Full Article
devices TRANSIENT CURRENT-PROTECTED THRESHOLD SWITCHING DEVICES SYSTEMS AND METHODS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Threshold switching devices demonstrating transient current protection through both insulation and repair current mechanisms, including associated systems and methods, are provided and discussed. Full Article
devices SEMICONDUCTOR MEMORY DEVICES AND METHODS OF TESTING OPEN FAILURES THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Semiconductor memory devices are provided. The semiconductor memory device includes an input/output (I/O) drive controller, a data I/O unit and a data transmitter. The input/output (I/O) drive controller generates drive control signals and an input control signal for driving first and second global I/O lines in a first test mode or a second test mode. The data I/O unit drives the first global I/O line in response to an input data when a write operation is executed in the first test mode and to drive the first and second global I/O lines in response to the drive control signals when the write operation is executed in the second test mode. The data transmitter transfers the data on the first global I/O line onto first and second local I/O lines to store the data on the first global I/O line in a memory cell array portion when the write operation is executed in the first test mode. The data transmitter also transfers the data on the first and second global I/O lines onto the first and second local I/O lines to store the data on the first and second global I/O lines in the memory cell array portion when the write operation is executed in the second test mode. Related methods are also provided. Full Article
devices METHOD AND RADIO NETWORK NODE FOR SCHEDULING OF WIRELESS DEVICES IN A CELLULAR NETWORK By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method and a radio network node for scheduling wireless devices. The node assigns, to each wireless device, a D2D pair out of the D2D pairs based on spatial compatibilities for each of the D2D pairs with respect to each wireless device. The node estimates, for each wireless device and the assigned D2D pair, a first respective throughput for cellular communication and D2D communication, and estimates, for each wireless device, a second respective throughput for only cellular communication. The node schedules one or more of the wireless devices of the cellular network based on the first and second respective throughputs. Each of the wireless devices is scheduled for cellular communication together with the D2D communication of the assigned D2D pair when the first respective throughput exceeds the second respective throughput, or for only cellular communication when the first respective throughput is below the second respective throughput. Full Article
devices Secure and efficient authentication using plug-in hardware compatible with desktops, laptops and/or smart mobile communication devices such as iPhones By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 08 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT A portable apparatus is removably and communicatively connectable to a network device to communicate authentication or authorization credentials of a user in connection with the user logging into or entering into a transaction with a network site. The apparatus includes a communications port to connect and disconnect the apparatus to and from the network device and to establish a communication link with the network device when connected thereto. A processor receives a secure message from the network security server via the port. The message has a PIN for authenticating the user to the network site, and is readable only by the apparatus. The processor either transfers, via the port, the received PIN to an application associated with the network site that is executing on the network device or causes the apparatus to display the received PIN for manual transfer to the application associated with the network site. Full Article
devices DENTAL PROSTHESES DEVICES AND METHODS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Root canal abutment devices and methods which facilitate the adjustment or removal of an oral appliance, e.g., a crown or bridge, from a reconfigurable abutment assembly are described. The adjustable abutment assembly may be secured within a pulp chamber of a pre-existing tooth. The abutment assembly has a projecting abutment portion with one or more shape memory alloy sleeves or plates or elements extending along the abutment. Each of the sleeves has a length with at least one curved or arcuate portion. Energy may be applied to the elements such that the arcuate portion flattens to allow for the oral appliance to be placed thereupon while removal of the energy allows the elements to reconfigure into its curved configuration thereby locking the oral appliance to the abutment. Removal of the oral appliance may be effected by reapplication of energy to the elements. Full Article
devices MULTIPLE LAYER COATING AND COATING METHOD FOR DENTAL DEVICES AND THE LIKE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A multi-layer coating of alternating titanium nitride (TiN) and titanium carbo nitride (TiCN) layers is applied to at least part of a dental device for use in attaching crowns, overdentures, and the like in a patient's jaw, where the outermost layer is TiCN with a predetermined percentage of carbon to produce a pink color. The pink outermost layer is of sufficient thickness to conceal the color of the underlying layers, and is very hard and resistant to wear and damage in use. At the same time, the outermost TiCN layer is of a color consistent with the gingival anatomy, and is very hard and resistant to wear and damage in use. Full Article
devices DENTAL TOOL AND GUIDANCE DEVICES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention is directed to a system of devices and a method for preparing a tooth to receive a restoration. The system includes a dental instrument for removal of portions of a tooth in the mouth of a patent and an overlay for guiding the dental instrument during the step of tooth removal. The overlay is designed for temporary installation into the mouth of the patient to guide the dental instrument to remove tooth material. The overlay has one or more sets of guide walls, with a predetermined configuration capable of contacting one or more guide projections of the dental instrument, and a receptacle capable of receiving and attaching to the dental instrument. Full Article
devices ADJUSTABLE PTO MOUNTING DEVICES AND METHODS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods for mounting components to machinery, including machinery with a rotatable shaft, are disclosed. Embodiments include systems and methods for mounting auxiliary devices, such as hydraulic pumps or electric generators, to a power takeoff (PTO). In some embodiments, the mounting system maintains alignment of the auxiliary device with the PTO while allowing hand rotation of the auxiliary device to an appropriate orientation and secures the auxiliary device to the PTO in the selected orientation. Embodiments include a stationary member that connects to a PTO and captures a rotatable member between the stationary member and the PTO. When the appropriate orientation of the auxiliary device is achieved, the rotatable member can be moved toward the auxiliary device to connect to the auxiliary device and to engage the stationary member (and to possibly engage teeth in the stationary member) to lock the orientation of the rotatable member. Full Article
devices MULTICHANNEL TRANSDUCER DEVICES AND METHODS OF OPERATION THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure is directed to multichannel transducer devices and methods of operation thereof. One example device includes at least two acquisition modules that have different sensitives and a signal processing stage that generates a blended signal representative of a lower gain signal mapped onto a higher gain signal. One example method of operation includes receiving a first signal from a first sensor having a first sensitivity, receiving a second signal from a second sensor having a second sensitivity that is different from the first sensitivity, generating a blended signal by mapping the second signal to the first signal, outputting the first signal while the first signal is below a first threshold and above a second threshold, and outputting the blended signal when the first signal is above the first threshold and when the first signal is below the second threshold. Full Article
devices SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A PLURALITY OF POWER SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A power conversion system may include a plurality of power devices and a sensor operably coupled to at least one of the plurality of power devices and configured to detect a voltage, current, or electromagnetic signature signal associated with the plurality of power devices. The power converter may also include circuitry operably coupled to the plurality of power devices and the sensor. The circuitry may send a respective gate signal to each respective power device of the plurality of power devices, such that each respective gate signal is delayed by a respective compensation delay that is determined for the respective power device based on a respective time delay of the respective power device and a maximum time delay of the plurality of power devices. Full Article
devices DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR STABILIZATION OF SURGEON'S ARM DURING SURGERY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Described herein is an arm stabilization member for dampening inadvertent movement of the arm of a user during a surgical procedure, comprising an arm support and a movement mechanism coupled to the arm support. The arm support comprises an outer frame sized to support at least a portion of the user's arm and an inner pad lining an inner surface of the outer frame and configured to conform to the user's arm. The movement mechanism comprises a counterbalance system movably connected by joints and configured to compensate for the gravitational forces exerted by the arm of the user. Full Article
devices METHODS OF FORMING MAGNETIC DEVICES WITH VARIABLE OVERCOATS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 02 Mar 2017 08:00:00 EST Methods that include depositing a first layer over the entire surface of a structure, the structure having a magnetic reader and a magnetic writer, wherein the magnetic reader and the magnetic writer are positioned adjacent to each other on a substrate and the magnetic writer includes a near field transducer (NFT); depositing a second layer over the entire surface of the first layer; depositing a photoresist material layer over the entire surface of the second layer, the photoresist material layer having a bottom surface in contact with the second layer and an opposing top surface; exposing the photoresist material layer to radiation through the bottom surface of the photoresist material layer via the NFT to form a first exposed region; and exposing the photoresist material layer to radiation through the top surface of the photoresist material layer to form a second exposed region. Full Article
devices DEVICES INCLUDING A MULTILAYER GAS BARRIER LAYER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 04 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT Devices that include a near field transducer (NFT); a multilayer gas barrier layer positioned on at least a portion of the NFT, the multilayer gas barrier layer including at least a first and a second sublayer, where the second gas barrier sublayer is positioned on the first gas barrier sublayer, the first gas barrier sublayer is positioned adjacent the NFT and the second gas barrier sublayer is positioned adjacent the wear resistant layer, the first and second sublayers independently have thicknesses from 0.01 nm to 5 nm; and a wear resistance layer positioned on at least a portion of the gas barrier layer. Full Article
devices MAGNETIC DEVICES WITH OVERCOATS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 04 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT A magnetic device including a magnetic writer; and an overcoat positioned over at least the magnetic writer, the overcoat including oxides of yttrium, oxides of scandium, oxides of lanthanoids, oxides of actionoids, oxides of zinc, or combinations thereof. Full Article
devices DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ENDOTHELIALIZATION OF MAGNETIC VASCULAR GRAFTS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Magnetic vascular grafts and methods for their use are provided herein. Full Article
devices Contextual based notification management system for wearable devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT One embodiment relates to an apparatus, comprising logic, at least partially incorporated into hardware, to receive a plurality of notifications from each of a plurality of notification sources, determine a ranking score for each notification relative to any other notification received from the same notification source, and determine a notification class for each ranked notification relative to the ranked notifications from all notification sources based upon at least one blending attribute and at least one user contextual state. Full Article
devices Toilet training devices for small children By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A toilet training device includes an odor remediation system for absorbing or masking odors that may be created during toilet training. The odor remediation system may include a modular odor remediating insert that may be releasably positioned within a recess that is provided within the toilet training device. The odor remediating insert may include an odor absorbing substance such as sodium bicarbonate, an odor masking substance such as a fragrance or a combination of an odor absorbing substance and an odor masking substance. The toilet training device also includes a system for dispensing wipes that may utilize a recess that is defined in a side wall of the main body portion of the toilet training device. A wipes cartridge is designed so that it can be used to conveniently dispense wipes regardless of whether it is separated from the toilet training device or mounted within the recess of the toilet training device. Full Article
devices ATOMIC LAYER DEPOSITION OF III-V COMPOUNDS TO FORM V-NAND DEVICES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for forming a V-NAND device is disclosed. Specifically, the method involves deposition of at least one of semiconductive material, conductive material, or dielectric material to form a channel for the V-NAND device. In addition, the method may involve a pretreatment step where ALD, CVD, or other cyclical deposition processes may be used to improve adhesion of the material in the channel. Full Article
devices METHODS OF GROWING HETEROEPITAXIAL SINGLE CRYSTAL OR LARGE GRAINED SEMICONDUCTOR FILMS AND DEVICES THEREON By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method is provided for making smooth crystalline semiconductor thin-films and hole and electron transport films for solar cells and other electronic devices. Such semiconductor films have an average roughness of 3.4 nm thus allowing for effective deposition of additional semiconductor film layers such as perovskites for tandem solar cell structures which require extremely smooth surfaces for high quality device fabrication. Full Article
devices MANUFACTURING FLEXIBLE ORGANIC ELECTRONIC DEVICES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method of forming microelectronic systems on a flexible substrate includes depositing a plurality of layers on one side of the flexible substrate. Each of the plurality of layers is deposited from one of a plurality of sources. A vertical projection of a perimeter of each one of the plurality of sources does not intersect the flexible substrate. The flexible substrate is in motion during the depositing the plurality of layers via a roll to roll feed and retrieval system. Full Article
devices Molded polymeric spacing devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Substrates such as sheet metal components may be kept spaced apart from each other using a molded polymeric spacing device. The spacing device has a main body with a thickness corresponding to the desired minimum spacing between the substrates and, extending from the main body or a base connected to said main body, an attachment member capable of being inserted into an opening in one of the substrates, but resistant to being easily withdrawn from such opening. Noise and vibration that might otherwise be generated or propagated by closely proximate substrates are reduced through the use of such molded polymeric spacing devices, which may be integrally fashioned from a rubber. Full Article
devices TORQUE TUBE DAMPING DEVICES AND ASSEMBLIES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure provides a torque tube comprising a barrel portion disposed between a flange and a back leg, the flange extending radially inward towards an axis of rotation and the back leg extending radially outward from the barrel portion. The torque tube further comprises a channel defined by a channel wall and disposed in at least one of the barrel portion and the flange, the channel being configured to receive a sacrificial member. Full Article
devices ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND CONNECTORS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed are electronic devices and connectors, including: a first main body, a second main body; the first magnet being arranged at a first end of the first main body and the second magnet being arranged at a second end of the second main body; the first magnet having a magnetic property opposite that of the second magnet; the first main body being pluggably connected to the second main body through the interaction between the first magnet and the second magnet; the first number of spacers is arranged at a preset position of the first magnet, and the first number of spacers is arranged at a preset positions of the second magnet; and the spacers are non-magnetic. Other embodiments, including manufacturing methods, are described and claimed. Full Article
devices SPRING CONNECTOR FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT In one example an electronic device comprises at least one electronic component, a chassis comprising a first section, a connector to connect the first section of the chassis to a second section, the connector comprising a housing defining a first shaft, a retention structure disposed in the shaft, and a plurality of electrical contacts positioned within a corresponding plurality of channels in the retention structure. Other examples may be described. Full Article
devices COMMUNICATIONS CABLE WITH STATUS INDICATOR FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An electronic device system can include an electronic device. The electronic device can include a receptacle, and a device logic driving status unit configured to generate a status signal indicating activity of the electronic device, and a communications cable. The communications cable can include a first plug configured to connect to the receptacle and receive the status signal, wherein the first plug includes a status indicator configured to indicate activity of the electronic device based on the status signal. Full Article
devices MIXED LEFT/RIGHT CHIRAL LIQUID CRYSTAL FOR IMPROVED SWITCHING SPEED AND TUNABILITY FOR RF DEVICES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for improved switching speed and/or tunability for radio-frequency (RF) devices are described. In one embodiment, a liquid crystal (LC) component comprises an LC structure in a mixture with right-handed (R) and left-handed (S) chiral dopants. Full Article
devices POLARIZATION TECHNIQUES FOR SUPPRESSION OF HARMONIC COUPLING AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system comprising: an interrogator device, comprising: a first transmit antenna configured to transmit radio-frequency (RF) signals circularly polarized in a first rotational direction; and a first receive antenna configured to receive RF signals circularly polarized in a second rotational direction different from the first rotational direction; and a target device, comprising: a second receive antenna configured to receive RF signals circularly polarized in the first rotational direction and a second transmit antenna configured to transmit, to the interrogator device, RF signals circularly polarized in the second rotational direction. Full Article
devices SPRAY DEVICES AND UNITARILY FORMED COMPONENTS THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides spray devices for plumbing fixture fittings and unitarily formed components thereof having complex flow paths, made of multiple materials, and/or that are movable. Full Article
devices EJECTOR DEVICES, METHODS, DRIVERS, AND CIRCUITS THEREFOR By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT In a piezoelectric ejector assembly, a piezoelectric actuator is attached to an ejector mechanism, while a drive signal generator and a controller are coupled to the actuator. The drive signal generator is configured to generate a drive signal for driving the actuator to oscillate the ejector assembly. The controller is configured to control the drive signal generator to drive the actuator at a resonant frequency of the ejector assembly, and an auto-tuning circuit is provided to define the optimum drive signal frequency. Full Article
devices AIR AND FLUID CLEANING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CLEANING VEHICLE VISION DEVICES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention provides an air and fluid cleaning system for propelling a cleaning fluid and air onto a vehicle vision device such as a vehicle camera system. The cleaning system comprises at least one fluid nozzle aimed at the camera; at least one cleaning fluid pump fluidly connected to both a fluid supply conduit and a cleaning fluid source; at least one air nozzle aimed at the vehicle camera; and at least one telescopic air jet fluidly connected to the air nozzle, hydraulically connected to the fluid supply conduit, and operated by the fluid pressure provided by the cleaning fluid pump; such that during a first operation time interval only cleaning fluid is propelled onto the vehicle camera and during a second operation time interval only an air jet burst is propelled onto the vehicle camera. The invention further includes a method for cleaning a vehicle camera exposed to ambient. Full Article