ag DISPLAY DEVICE FOR PRACTICE OF KEYBOARD INSTRUMENT DIAGRAMED WITH BLACK KEYS AS MARKERS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 11 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT In the present invention, images of a keyboard can be efficiently input into a learner's brain by using a display device in which two kinds of parallel black keys on a keyboard instrument are diagrammed as marker figures which are a substantially n-shaped figure and a substantially m-shaped figure, and the positions of pressed keys are plotted onto the marker figures. The display device can be configured using, for example, printed matter (e.g., a sheet or a card), a font set, an electronic display, and a three-dimensional object, and is provided as a sheet for writing music, performance or practice sheet music, learning cards, or a three-dimensional mimic keyboard. Altogether, provided is a novel music education method based on the images of a keyboard. Full Article
ag SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY CONVERTING TEXTUAL MESSAGES TO MUSICAL COMPOSITIONS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 01 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for converting textual messages to musical messages comprising receiving a text input and receiving a musical input selection. The method includes analyzing the text input to determine text characteristics and analyzing a musical input corresponding to the musical input selection to determine musical characteristics. Based on the text characteristic and the musical characteristic, the method includes correlating the text input with the musical input to generate a synthesizer input, and sending the synthesizer input to a voice synthesizer. The method includes receiving a vocal rendering of the text input from the voice synthesizer and generating a musical message from the vocal rendering and the musical input. The method includes generating a video element based on a video input, incorporating the video element into the musical message, and outputting the musical message including the video element. Full Article
ag AUDIO PROCESSING DEVICE, METHOD OF AUDIO PROCESSING, STORAGE MEDIUM, AND ELECTRONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A delay time counter in a DSP cyclically counts a sampling clock from zero to a delay time sampling count and issues a delay time interrupt to a CPU each time the sampling clock count reaches the delay time sampling count. The CPU measures a time difference between each time the DSP issues the delay time interrupt and each time sequence clock interrupts occur a number of times corresponding to the delay time. Then, in order to reduce this time difference, the CPU increases or decreases a maximum count that is set to the sequence clock counter. Therefore, in the next delay process, the shift between the time by which the automatic performance is advanced by the CPU (which is equal to the delay time) and the timing of the delay process executed by the DSP (which is also equal in length to the delay time) will be corrected. Full Article
ag Magnetic Throw-Off Floating Attachment By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A snare drum attachment is disclosed. A mounted body is mounted to the snare drum and houses a first magnet. A moveable body is coupled to the mounted body. The moveable body is configured to retain tensioned snares a set distance from a snare head of the snare drum. The moveable body houses a second magnet magnetically coupled to the first magnet so as to generate a magnetic force. A manual actuator is coupled to the first magnet. Actuation of the manual actuator alters the magnetic force so as to displace the moveable body relative to the mounted body. The displacement changes the set distance of the tensioned snares from the snare head. Full Article
ag Hybrid operating room for combined surgical and fixed imaging services in an ambulatory surgical center By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Feb 2016 08:00:00 EST An ambulatory surgical center can include a hybrid operating room. The hybrid operating room can include at least four lead-shielded walls, a floor, and a ceiling. The ambulatory surgical center can also include an imaging device disposed in a central area of the hybrid operating room. The ambulatory surgical center can further include an operating table disposed in the central area of the hybrid operating room. The ambulatory surgical center can additionally include a power room adjacent to the operating room. The power room can include a power supply for the imaging device. The ambulatory surgical center can also include a conduit from the power room to the imaging device configured to deliver power to the imaging device. The ambulatory surgical center can further include an emergency power source for the imaging device configured to permit continuity of surgery in the hybrid operating room during a power outage. Full Article
ag Electrical Stimulation for Preservation and Restoration of Diaphragm Function By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system and method are presented that electrically stimulates the phrenic nerve whereby said stimulation results in muscle activation of the diaphragm as observed by a measurement of work or power of breathing associated with the inspiratory portion of a stimulated breath. Full Article
ag Systems and Methods for Confirming Disc Engagement By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method comprises receiving an input coupling adjacent to a drive input, the drive input being driven by an actuating element, the input coupling being coupled to a joint output, the joint output being connected to a movable object. The method further comprises rotating the actuating element until a resistance torque is experienced by the actuating element and determining, based upon the resistance torque, whether the drive input has engaged the input coupling. Full Article
ag SYSTEMS AND/OR METHODS FOR GUIDING TRANSITIONS BETWEEN THERAPY MODES IN CONNECTION WITH TREATMENT AND/OR DIAGNOSIS OF SLEEP-DISORDERED BREATHING By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT In certain example embodiments, a system and/or method of guiding transitions between therapy modes in connection with the treatment and/or diagnosis of a patient for a respiratory disorder is/are provided. Respiratory disorder treatment according to a first therapy mode is provided. Input indicating a second therapy mode to be transitioned to following provision of the first therapy mode is received, with the second therapy mode being different from the first therapy mode. At least one default treatment parameter suitable for the second therapy mode is assigned or calculated. Each default treatment parameter of the second therapy mode is presented, with each default treatment parameter being adjustable by an operator during the presenting. Transitioning from the first therapy mode to the second therapy mode is performed by providing respiratory disorder treatment in accordance with the second therapy mode and each default treatment parameter and any adjustments made thereto prior to the transitioning. Advantageously, the chances of a patient being disturbed by transitioning from mode-to-mode are reduced. Full Article
ag ELECTRONIC APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANAGING SLEEP By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a capsule container configured to contain at least one capsule, a discharge structure configured to discharge a material included in the capsule, a transceiver configured to transmit data to an external device or to receive data from the external device, and at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to receive, user state information and biometric information from the external device via the transceiver, select at least one capsule in the capsule container on the basis of the received user state information and biometric information, determine a spray amount of a material contained in the selected at least one capsule, and spray the material via the discharge structure. Full Article
ag GUIDED-WAVE TRANSMISSION DEVICE WITH NON-FUNDAMENTAL MODE PROPAGATION AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a transmission device that includes a transmitter that generates a first electromagnetic wave to convey data. A coupler couples the first electromagnetic wave to a single wire transmission medium having an outer surface, to forming a second electromagnetic wave that is guided to propagate along the outer surface of the single wire transmission medium via at least one guided wave mode that includes an asymmetric or non-fundamental mode having a lower cutoff frequency. A carrier frequency of the second electromagnetic wave is selected to be within a limited range of the lower cutoff frequency, so that a majority of the electric field is concentrated within a distance from the outer surface that is less than half the largest cross sectional dimension of the single wire transmission medium, and/or to reduce propagation loss. Other embodiments are disclosed. Full Article
ag DISTRIBUTED ON-PACKAGE MILLIMETER-WAVE RADIO By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Embodiments described herein generally relate to phased array antenna systems or packages and techniques of making and using the systems and packages. A phased array antenna package may include a distributed phased array antenna comprising (1) a plurality of antenna sub-arrays, which may each include a plurality of antennas, (2) a plurality of Radio Frequency Dies (RFDs), each of the RFDs located proximate and electrically coupled by a trace of a plurality of traces to a corresponding antenna sub-array of the plurality of antenna sub-arrays, and (3) wherein each trace of the plurality of traces configured to electrically couple an antenna of the plurality of antennas to the RFD located proximate the antenna, wherein each trace of the plurality of traces is configured to transmit millimeter wave (mm-wave) radio signals, and wherein the plurality of traces are each of a substantially uniform length. Full Article
ag MAGNETIC ANTENNA, AND RF TAG AND BOARD MOUNTED WITH THE RF TAG By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to an RF tag comprising a magnetic antenna for transmitting and receiving information using an electromagnetic induction method, and an IC mounted to the magnetic antenna, wherein the magnetic antenna comprises a magnetic core and a plurality of coils formed on the magnetic core; the coils each have an inductance L1 satisfying the specific relational formula, and are connected in parallel to each other in an electric circuit and disposed in series on the magnetic core; and a combined inductance L0 of the magnetic antenna satisfies the specific relational formula. The RF tag of the present invention is used as a magnetic antenna for information communication using a magnetic field component which is capable of satisfying both reduction in size and improvement in communication sensitivity. Full Article
ag MINIATURIZED PLANAR INVERTED FOLDED ANTENNA (PIFA) FOR MOUNTABLE UHF TAGS DESIGN By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A folded planar antenna device for radio frequency identification (RFID) reading is provided. The folded planar antenna device includes an RFID chip, a conductor member comprising a binocular-shaped slot; and a substrate. The conductor member is mounted on the substrate and the substrate is connected to the RFID chip through the binocular-shaped slot. The folded planar antenna device can be mounted on different objects, such as metal, meat, or liquid container, without being completely de-tuned. Full Article
ag PATCH ANTENNA ARRAY FOR TRANSMISSION OF HERMITE-GAUSSIAN AND LAGUERRE GAUSSIAN BEAMS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An antenna array includes a plurality of patch antennas including a plurality of layers. Each of the plurality of layers are separated by a distance and each support a portion of the plurality of patch antennas. A plurality of connectors are each associated with one of the plurality of layers and supply a signal for transmission by the associated layer. A feed network on each of the plurality of layers provides a connection between a connector associated with the layer and the portion of the patch antennas located on the layer. Each layer transmits a signal having a different orthogonal function applied thereto that multiplexes each of the signals having a different orthogonal function applied thereto onto a single transmission beam. A parabolic reflector reflects the single transmission beam from the plurality of layers of the antenna array. Full Article
ag HIGHLY TUNABLE MAGNETIC LIQUID CRYSTALS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT In various embodiments magnetically actuated liquid crystals are provided as well as method of manufacturing such, methods of using the liquid crystals and devices incorporating the liquid crystals. In one non-limiting embodiment the liquid crystals comprise Fe3O4 nanorods where the nanorods are coated with a silica coating. Full Article
ag LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY ELEMENT, LIQUID CRYSTAL ALIGNMENT FILM, AND LIQUID CRYSTAL ALIGNMENT TREATMENT AGENT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT To provide a liquid crystal display device, in which the vertical alignment property of the liquid crystal is high, favorable transparency when no voltage is applied and favorable scattering property when a voltage is applied are achieved, and the adhesion between the liquid crystal layer and the vertical liquid crystal alignment film is high. A liquid crystal display device, which comprises a liquid crystal layer formed by disposing a liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound which undergoes a polymerization reaction by ultraviolet rays, between a pair of substrates provided with an electrode, and irradiating the liquid crystal composition with ultraviolet rays and curing it in such a state that the liquid crystal composition partly or entirely shows liquid crystallinity, and at least one of the substrates being provided with a liquid crystal alignment film to vertically align a liquid crystal, wherein the liquid crystal alignment film is a liquid crystal alignment film obtained from a liquid crystal aligning agent containing a polymer having a first side chain structure and a second side chain structure. Full Article
ag Crude Oil Storage Tank With Electrostatic Internals To Dehydrate Crude Oil Within A Process Train Of A Floating Production Storage And Offloading Installation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A process train for a floating production storage and offloading installation includes a crude oil storage tank that is equipped with at least one set of electrostatic internals arranged to provide a treatment flow path isolated from a surrounding volume of the electrostatic separator section of the tank. An oil-and-water stream or mixture entering the set of electrostatic internals travels along the treatment flow path and is subjected to an electric field. The treatment flow path is in an upwardly direction toward the oil outlet section and in a downwardly opposite direction toward the water outlet section of the tank. Employing electrostatic internals within the tank permits an allowable inlet water content into the tank of up to 80%, significantly reducing the required topside processing equipment. Full Article
ag Electrostatic Technology System And Process To Dehydrate Crude Oil In A Crude Oil Storage Tank Of A Floating Production Storage And Offloading Installation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A process train for a floating production storage and offloading installation includes a crude oil storage tank equipped with at least one set of electrostatic internals. The set of electrostatic internals are arranged to provide a treatment flow path within the crude oil storage tank oblique to a longitudinal centerline of the crude oil storage tank and through an electric field provided by the set of electrostatic internals. Employing these electrostatic internals within the tank permits an allowable inlet water content into the tank of up to 80%, significantly reducing the required topside processing equipment. The process and system also includes, upstream of the tank, two separator vessels arranged in parallel so each receives a portion of an incoming oil-and-water stream, a flash vessel arranged downstream of the two separator vessels, and a degasser vessel. Downstream of the crude oil storage tank is an electrostatic treater. Full Article
ag MAGNETICALLY ENHANCED LOW TEMPERATURE-HIGH DENSITY PLASMA-CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION PLASMA SOURCE FOR DEPOSITING DIAMOND AND DIAMOND LIKE FILMS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A magnetically enhanced low temperature high density plasma chemical vapor deposition (LT-HDP-CVD) source has a hollow cathode target and an anode, which form a gap. A cathode target magnet assembly forms magnetic field lines substantially perpendicular to the cathode surface. A gap magnet assembly forms a magnetic field in the gap that is coupled with the cathode target magnetic field. The magnetic field lines cross the pole piece electrode positioned in the gap. The pole piece is isolated from ground and can be connected to a voltage power supply. The pole piece can have negative, positive, floating, or RF electrical potentials. By controlling the duration, value, and sign of the electric potential on the pole piece, plasma ionization can be controlled. Feed gas flows through the gap between the hollow cathode and anode. The cathode can be connected to a pulse power or RF power supply, or cathode can be connected to both power supplies. The cathode target and substrate can be inductively grounded. Full Article
ag MAGNETICALLY ENHANCED HIGH DENSITY PLASMA-CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION PLASMA SOURCE FOR DEPOSITING DIAMOND AND DIAMOND-LIKE FILMS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A magnetically enhanced HDP-CVD plasma source includes a hollow cathode target and an anode. The anode and cathode form a gap. A cathode target magnet assembly forms magnetic field lines that are substantially perpendicular to a cathode target surface. The gap magnet assembly forms a cusp magnetic field in the gap that is coupled with the cathode target magnetic field. The magnetic field lines cross a pole piece electrode positioned in the gap. This pole piece is isolated from ground and can be connected with a voltage power supply. The pole piece can have a negative, positive, or floating electric potential. The plasma source can be configured to generate volume discharge. The gap size prohibits generation of plasma discharge in the gap. By controlling the duration, value and a sign of the electric potential on the pole piece, the plasma ionization can be controlled. The magnetically enhanced HDP-CVD source can also be used for chemically enhanced ionized physical vapor deposition (CE-IPVD). Gas flows through the gap between hollow cathode and anode. The cathode target is inductively grounded, and the substrate is periodically inductively grounded. Full Article
ag Electrically and Magnetically Enhanced Ionized Physical Vapor Deposition Unbalanced Sputtering Source By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An electrically and magnetically enhanced ionized physical vapor deposition (I-PVD) magnetron apparatus and method is provided for sputtering material from a cathode target on a substrate, and in particular, for sputtering ceramic and diamond-like coatings. The electrically and magnetically enhanced magnetron sputtering source has unbalanced magnetic fields that couple the cathode target and additional electrode together. The additional electrode is electrically isolated from ground and connected to a power supply that can generate positive, negative, or bipolar high frequency voltages, and is preferably a radio frequency (RF) power supply. RF discharge near the additional electrode increases plasma density and a degree of ionization of sputtered material atoms. Full Article
ag OPERATION OF DIAGNOSTIC DEVICES INVOLVING MICROCHANNELS AND ELECTRODES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An assembly is provided for interfacing with a microfluidic chip having at least one microscopic channel configured to receive a liquid sample for analysis. The assembly includes a chip carrier, an electronics module, an optical module, and a mechanical module. The chip carrier includes a base and a cover defining a cavity to receive the microfluidic chip. The electronics module includes a signal generator which applies at least one electrokinetic signal electrode(s) of the chip. The optical module includes an excitation radiation source which causes excitation radiation to impinge on the sample, and an emission radiation detector which detects radiation emitted from the sample. The mechanical module includes a chip-carrier receiving structure, relatable with respect to the optical module for focus and at least one degree of translational freedom. Full Article
ag Medical Devices, Methods, and Kits for Delivering Medication to a Bodily Passage By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Medical devices, methods and kits are described. An exemplary medical device comprises a catheter that has a catheter wall and defines a catheter lumen, a bend, and a coil disposed distal to the bend. The catheter defines one or more apertures that extend through the catheter wall and are in communication with the catheter lumen. Full Article
ag BIOSYNCHRONOUS TRANSDERMAL DRUG DELIVERY FOR LONGEVITY, ANTI-AGING, FATIGUE MANAGEMENT, OBESITY, WEIGHT LOSS, WEIGHT MANAGEMENT, DELIVERY OF NUTRACEUTICALS, AND THE TREATMENT OF HYPERGLYCEMIA, ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE, SLEEP DISORDERS, PARKINSON'S DISE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods for longevity, anti-aging, fatigue management, obesity, weight loss, weight management, delivery of nutraceuticals, and treating hyperglycemia, Alzheimer's disease, sleep disorders, Parkinson's disease, Attention Deficit Disorder and nicotine addiction involve synchronizing and tailoring the administration of nutraceuticals, medications and other substances in accordance with the body's natural circadian rhythms, meal times and other factors. Improved control of blood glucose levels, extended alertness, and weight control, and counteracting of disease symptoms when they are at their worst are possible. An automated, pre-programmable transdermal administration system is used to provide pulsed doses of medications, pharmaceuticals, hormones, neuropeptides, anorexigens, pro-drugs, stimulants, nutraceuticals, phytochemicals, phytonutrients, enzymes, antioxidants, essential oils, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, coenzymes, or other physiological active ingredient or precursor. The system can utilize a pump, pressurized reservoir, a system for removing depleted carrier solution, or other modulated dispensing actuator, in conjunction with porous membranes or micro-fabricated structures. Full Article
ag METHOD AND APPRATUS FOR TREATMENT OF INTRACRANIAL HEMORRHAGES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An ultrasound catheter with a lumen for fluid delivery and fluid evacuation, and an ultrasound source is used for the treatment of intracerebral or intraventricular hemorrhages. After the catheter is inserted into a blood clot, a lytic drug can be delivered to the blood clot via the lumen while applying ultrasonic energy to the treatment site. As the blood clot is dissolved, the liquefied blood clot can be removed by evacuation through the lumen. Full Article
ag Magnetic Medical Connector And Fluid Transfer Set Including The Magnetic Medical Connector By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A connector for a fluid path set for delivery of a fluid to a patient during a procedure is described. The connector includes a magnetic check valve for limiting fluid flow to one direction through the fluid path. The magnetic check valve is configured to open in response to one or more of fluid pressure and change in value of magnetic force in the check valve. Full Article
ag METHOD FOR PREPARING AN OBJECT TO BE TESTED AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING THE UNIFORMITY AND INTENSITY OF AN ELECTRIC FIELD INDUCED IN SAID OBJECT ILLUMINATED BY AN INCIDENT ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for preparing an object to be tested, having a given relative permittivity, intended to be illuminated by an incident electromagnetic wave. The method includes: providing a part including a cavity for housing the object and at least one extension element made from a material having a relative permittivity that is preferably equal to that of the object, the extension element at least partially delimiting the cavity and extending to either side of the cavity in a passage direction of the cavity, over a length at least equal, on either side of the cavity, to one third of the length of the cavity in the passage direction, and placing the object in the cavity, such that the object is in contact with the extension element in the passage direction. Full Article
ag Detection and Assessment of Damage to Composite Structure By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Methods and systems for monitoring an integrity of electrical connectivity between a repair patch and a parent structure include providing the repair patch with an embedded sensor configured to detect electrical conductivity. The repair patch includes a ply of conductive material that overlaps a portion of a conductive layer of the parent structure. A baseline set of sensor data is acquired from the sensor indicative of an electrical connectivity between the ply of conductive material of the repair patch and the conductive layer of the parent structure. One or more additional sets of data may be obtained from the sensor and compared to the baseline set of data to determine an integrity of the electrical connectivity between the ply of conductive material of the repair patch and the conductive layer of the parent structure. Full Article
ag HIGH-VOLTAGE DRY APPARATUS PROVIDED WITH A CONTINUOUS MONITORING DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a high-voltage dry apparatus having a semiconductor layer (2) covered by a metal screen (3), this screen (3) being eliminated so as to expose this semiconductor layer (2) over a length, this cable being connected to an element of equipment having an outer envelope (6) mechanically connected to said screen. According to the invention, an electronic monitoring arrangement (20) is contained within said envelope (6), this electronic arrangement (20) being electrically connected to an electrical power supply arrangement (21) surrounding said semiconductor layer (2) and to the metal screen (3) of said cable on either side of said length of the exposed semiconductor layer. Full Article
ag SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE, BATTERY MONITORING SYSTEM, AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE DIAGNOSING METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device including: a power supply input section to which a first voltage from a battery cell is input; a boosting section including one end to which the first voltage from the power supply input section is input, and another end that, based on a control signal from a controller, outputs the first voltage or a second voltage boosted from the first voltage from as a power supply voltage; and a comparison section including an output section, a first input section connected to the power supply input section and the one end of the boosting section, and a second input section connected to the another end of the boosting section, the comparison section outputting a voltage from the output section that corresponds to a difference between voltages input to the first input section and the second input section. Full Article
ag SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE, BATTERY MONITORING SYSTEM, AND DIAGNOSTIC METHOD FOR SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A semiconductor device for measuring a voltage of a battery cell, including first and second nodes, and first and second battery voltage measurement units. The first node is configured to receive a first voltage, the first voltage being a voltage of a capacitor that accumulates an electric charge based on the voltage of the battery cell. The first battery voltage measurement unit measures the first voltage through a first path. The second node is configured to receive a second voltage based on the voltage of the battery cell, the second node being different from the first node. The second battery voltage measurement unit measures the second voltage through a second path that is different from the first path. Full Article
ag MAGNETIC SENSOR APPARATUS AND CURRENT SENSOR APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A sensor apparatus adjusts output timings of a detection signal and a sensing signal for sensing an abnormality in the detection signal. Provided is a magnetic sensor apparatus comprising a magnetic sensor element, an amplifying section that amplifies and outputs an output of the magnetic sensor element, a plurality of comparing sections that compare the output of the magnetic sensor element or an output of the amplifying section to a threshold value, and a plurality of delaying sections that each delay and output a comparison result output by a corresponding comparing section among the plurality of comparing sections. Also provided is a current sensor apparatus including a current path through which a current serving as a measurement target flows and a magnetic sensor apparatus that is arranged corresponding to the current path and detects a magnetic field generated according to the current serving as the measurement target. Full Article
ag LOW FLY HEIGHT IN-PLANE MAGNETIC IMAGE SENSOR CHIP By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a low fly height in-plane magnetic image sensor chip. This sensor chip comprises a Si substrate with a pit on the surface, a magnetoresistive sensor, and an insulating layer. The magnetoresistive sensor is located on the bottom surface of the pit in the Si substrate. The insulating layer is located above the magnetoresistive sensor. The magnetic image surface detected during operation is coplaner or parallel with the surface of the Si substrate surface. The input and output ends of the magnetoresistive sensor are connected with leads directly, or bonded with leads through pads, or through a conducting post and pads to form connections. And the flying height of the leads is lower than the height of the surface of the Si substrate. This technical solution has several advantages, such as compact structure, high output signal, and direct contact with the magnetic image. Full Article
ag MAGNETIC FIELD SENSING APPARATUS AND DETECTION METHOD THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A magnetic field sensing apparatus and detection method thereof are provided. The magnetic field sensing apparatus includes an anisotropic magneto-resistive (AMR) magnetic field detector, a reference magnetic field detector, and a controller. The AMR magnetic field detector generates a first output voltage according to a detected magnetic field. The reference magnetic field detector generates a second output voltage according to the detected magnetic field. The controller identifies whether an absolute value of a field density of the detected magnetic field is larger or smaller than a predetermined value or not, and selects the first output voltage or a saturation voltage to be a magnetic field detection result accordingly. Full Article
ag DETERMINING POSITION OF RADIO FREQUENCY COIL IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for determining a position of an RF coil in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is disclosed. As an example, a center of a field of view (FOV) to be scanned may be adjusted to a magnetic field center of an MRI system, and coordinate values in a coordinate system for shape-characteristic points of the FOV may be determined, where an origin of the coordinate system is located at the magnetic field center of the MRI system. A preset gradient magnetic field may be applied to the FOV, and coil units respectively covering the shape-characteristic points may be determined. An effective region may be obtained by connecting the determined coil units according to the shape of the FOV, and a coil unit located in the effective region may be determined as an effective coil unit for imaging the FOV by the MRI system. Full Article
ag MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS AND RF COIL APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT According to one embodiment, magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a transmission coil, a plurality of reception channels, transmission/reception circuitry, and processing circuitry. The transmission coil transmits an RF wave to a subject. The reception channels receive MR signals generated from the subject. The transmission/reception circuitry controls the transmission coil to change the flip angle of a nucleus contained in the subject and excited by the transmitted RF wave. The processing circuitry determines whether the reception channels include an impaired channel, based on the comparison between the distributions of the signal values of the received MR signals with respect to the changing flip angles among the reception channels. Full Article
ag SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system and method for magnetic resonance imaging is provided. The method includes dividing k-space into a plurality of regions along a dividing direction; scanning an object using a plurality of sampling sequences; acquiring a plurality of groups of data lines; filling the plurality of groups of data lines into the plurality of regions of the k-space; and reconstructing an image based on the filled k-space. Full Article
ag UNIVERSAL, MODULAR TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED MRI PHANTOM FOR CALIBRATED ANISOTROPIC AND ISOTROPIC IMAGING INCLUDING HOLLOW FLUID FILLED TUBULAR TEXTILES FOR CALIBRATED ANISOTROPIC IMAGING By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A universal, modular, temperature controlled MRI phantom for calibration and validation for anisotropic and isotropic imaging comprises an outer insulating shell configured to be received within an MRI chamber; an inner shell received within the outer insulating shell; a fluid conduits adjacent the inner shell for receiving temperature controlling fluid or gas cycling there-through; and a series of stacked layers of frames containing test points for the MRI phantom, each layer including at least one fiducial and including at least some anisotropic imaging test points in at least one frame and at least one isotropic imaging test point in at least one frame. The anisotropic imaging comprises hollow tubular textile fibers, wherein each hollow tubular fiber has an outer diameter of less than 50 microns and an inner diameter of less than 20 microns, wherein at least some hollow tubular fibers are filled with a fluid. Full Article
ag SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNET COIL SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A superconducting magnet coil system with high resistance to quench events includes a first coil portion (1) with a first superconducting material and a second coil portion (2) with a second superconducting material. The first superconducting material has a higher critical temperature than the second superconducting material. The first and the second coil portions are bridged by a common quench protection element (6) and together with the quench protection element form a first loop. The magnet coil system also includes a third coil portion (3) which is part of a second electrical loop with a second quench protection element (8, 8', 8″)as well as a heating element (9) which is supplied with a heating voltage in response to a quench of the third coil portion. Among the series connected coil portions (1, 2) only the second coil portion is in thermal contact with the first heating element (9). Full Article
ag ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW METER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A first detection electrode that outputs a first flow rate signal and a second detection electrode that outputs a second flow rate signal, a differential circuit that outputs a differential flow rate signal obtained by obtaining a difference between the first flow rate signal and the second flow rate signal, an AC signal generation circuit that causes a first AC current to flow between the first detection electrode and the ground electrode and causes a second AC current with a reverse phase at the same frequency as that of the first AC current to flow between the second detection electrode and the ground electrode, and a diagnosis unit that diagnoses an abnormality of at least either of the first detection electrode or the second detection electrode based on a differential flow rate signal. Full Article
ag ON-TOOL MASS FLOW CONTROLLER DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Mass flow controllers with on-tool diagnostic capabilities and methods for on-tool diagnosis of mass flow controllers are disclosed herein. One method includes opening a control valve to a fixed position and closing an upstream valve to produce a flow rate that decreases from a high flow rate, across a range of flow rates, to a low flow rate. A pressure signal is generated that is indicative of a pressure of the fluid within a volume between the upstream valve and a sensor tube, and a flow sensor signal is provided with the mass flow sensor that is indicative of a mass flow rate of the fluid through the main flow path. Ratio curves are produced that relate, across the range of flow rates, a rate of change of the pressure signal to the flow sensor signal and comparing a test ratio curve to a previously generated baseline ratio curve. Full Article
ag Detection and Assessment of Damage to Composite Structure By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system comprising: a parent structure made of composite material and having a repair site; a repair patch made of composite material, the repair patch being bonded to the parent structure at the repair site; and a sensor embedded in the repair patch. The system may further comprise non-volatile memory and an interface unit embedded in the repair patch and electrically connected to the sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor is a loop-shaped sensor comprising an electrically conductive structure having an electrical conductivity that varies as a function of a pressure exerted on the repair patch. In another embodiment, the sensor comprises a sensor chip having nonvolatile memory. In a further embodiment, the sensor comprises an optical fiber that is sensitive to changes in pressure on or strain in the repair patch. Full Article
ag MULTI-PARAMETRIC ENVIRONMENTAL DIAGNOSTICS AND MONITORING SENSOR NODE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The multi-parametric environmental diagnostics and monitoring sensor node (10) provides monitoring and diagnostics of a variety of different ambient environmental factors and is powered by multiple sources of renewable energy. The multi-parametric environmental diagnostics and monitoring sensor node (10) includes a base (38) and a plurality of environmental condition sensors (36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, 36e, 36f) mounted thereon. A controller (47) is also mounted on the base (38), the plurality of environmental condition sensors (36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, 36e, 36f) being in communication therewith. An external photovoltaic cell (18) is mounted to the base and an internal photovoltaic cell (34) is mounted in an opposed orientation on a cover (32). The external photovoltaic cell (18) and the internal photovoltaic cell (34) charge a power storage module (52), which powers the plurality of environmental condition sensors (36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, 36e, 36f) and the controller (47). Full Article
ag POWER SYSTEM FOR SUPPLYING HIGH VOLTAGE TO AN ELECTRON BEAM EMITTER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Power system for supplying high voltage to an electron beam emitter, which is adapted to sterilize a packaging container or a packaging material by electron beam irradiation, the power system comprising a voltage multiplier for generating a high voltage, a first voltage measurement device for measuring an output voltage level of the voltage multiplier and providing a first measured voltage value, and an actuator for modifying the output voltage level of the voltage multiplier based on the first measured voltage value provided by the first voltage measurement device, characterized in that the power system further comprises a second voltage measurement device adapted to independently measure the output voltage level of the voltage multiplier and provide a second measured voltage value. Full Article
ag USE OF FLUORESCENT POLYMERS IN MARKING COMPOSITIONS FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC DETERMINATION OF CLEANING PERFORMANCE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention generally relates to fluorescent marking compositions and their use to determine whether a surface has been cleaned. More particularly, the marking compositions comprise fluorescent polymers. Full Article
ag ENCODER, HOLDING MEMBER, METHOD OF MOUNTING AN ENCODER, DRIVE APPARATUS, AND ROBOT APPARATUS, AND STAGE APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An encoder, including: a scale that has a pattern and is mountable to a rotary member of an object to be measured; a main body including a detector that detects the pattern, the main body being mountable to a non-rotating portion of the object to be measured; and a holding member including: an abutment portion that is removably provided to the main body from outside the main body and passes through the main body to abut the scale; and a pushing portion that is capable of pushing the abutment portion toward the scale. Full Article
ag IMAGING DEVICE AND METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An imaging device and method are provided. Light from an object is provided as a plurality of sets of light beams to a phase difference array having a plurality of elements. The phase difference array is configured to provide different optical paths for light included within at least some of a plurality of sets of light beams. The light from the phase difference array is received at an imaging element array. The imaging element array includes a plurality of imaging elements. Information obtained from hyperspectral imaging data based on output signals of the imaging element array can be displayed. Full Article
ag VEHICLE TRACTION SYSTEM AND RADIATION IMAGING CHECK SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure relates to vehicle traction apparatus and radiation imaging check systems. One illustrative implementation may comprise two parallel tracks, two sets of traction mechanisms and a driving unit, wherein the tracks are disposed on a ground. The two sets of traction mechanisms may be respectively disposed on the two tracks. Further, the driving unit may be adapted for driving the two sets of traction mechanisms to synchronously move along the two tracks. In some embodiments, each of the two sets of traction mechanisms includes a body, a cantilever, a lifting driving mechanism and a wheel supporting assembly, and may include features such as the body being mounted on the track, the cantilever being disposed parallel to a direction of the tracks, and/or both ends of the cantilever being respectively connected with the lifting driving mechanism and the wheel supporting assembly. Full Article
ag RAY CALIBRATION DEVICE AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF, AND RADIATION IMAGING SYSTEM AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure provides a ray calibration device and a working method thereof, and a radiation imaging system and a working method thereof, and belongs to the field of radiation imaging technology. The present disclosure can solve the problems that the existing calibration devices have low calibration efficiency and require relatively large spaces. The ray calibration device of the present disclosure includes a driving part, a cam part and a calibration part, wherein the calibration part is located below the cam part; the driving part is adapted to drive the cam part to rotate; and the cam part is adapted to exert a force on the calibration part to enable the calibration part to move into a ray area downwards. Full Article
ag SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A solid-state imaging device includes a detector, a count value storage, and a reader. The detector includes an avalanche amplification type light receiving element that detects a photon, and a resetter that resets an output potential of the light receiving element, and outputs a digital signal that indicates the presence or absence of incidence of a photon on the light receiving element. The count value storage performs counting by converting the digital signal output from the detector to an analog voltage, and stores the result of counting as a count value. The reader outputs an analog signal indicating the count value. Full Article