System and apparatus for regulating flow rate in an espresso machine
US Patent 9,433,318
September 6, 2016
Embodiments are directed towards regulating flow rate in an espresso machine, during a multi-phase brewing process which includes a pre-brew and an extraction phase. During the pre-brew phase, coffee grounds are slowly pre-wetted and/or out-gassed with a first volume of water delivered at a first flow rate. During the extraction phase, a second volume of water is delivered, at a second flow rate, to extract espresso, where the second volume is delivered at a generally greater pressure than the first volume. The second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate. The flow rates, volumes, and pressures are regulated by the espresso machine, which includes a flow rate regulation assembly that comprises first and second flow paths and first and second valves. Baristas may vary the flow rate, volume, and pressure of water throughout the brewing process by opening, closing, or otherwise adjusting at least one of the valves.
System and method for maximising thermal efficiency of a power plant
US Patent 9,436,168
September 6, 2016
A method for maximizing thermal efficiency of a power plant, the method comprising obtaining the current state of the plant from available measured data; obtaining a set of Variables representing a current state of the power plant; applying a set of constraints to the Variables; generating a revised set of Variables representing a revised state of the power plant; and testing the revised set of Variables within a mathematical model for convergence. Generating the revised set of Variable is based at least partly on: Euler’s equation, the conservation of mass equation, and a mathematical description of a reversible continuum. There are also provided a related power plant thermal efficiency maximization system and computer program.
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Online social referral network
US Patent 9,438,691
September 6, 2016
Embodiments are directed to users viewing and referring cards of content to other users. A user may refer a card by endorsing the card. By friending other users, users form a social network. Thus, a user may refer a card to friends, friends of friends, and other users. Cards may include one or more card tallies that are specific to a particular user. Card tallies may refer to the number of friends, of the particular user, that have endorsed the card, the number of friends of friends that have endorsed the card, and other users that have endorsed the card. By viewing the card tallies, the particular user may determine a utility of the card based on the number of the user’s friends that have endorsed the card, the number of friends of friends that have endorsed the card, and the number of other users that have endorsed the card.
Representation of online discussion in conjunction with primary visual content
US Patent 9,432,316
August 30, 2016
A method of representing online discussions in conjunction with primary visual content is presented. In the method, the primary visual content is transmitted to a visual display for presentation to a user. A statement of an online discussion is received. In response to receiving the statement, a representation of the statement and an icon representing a source of the statement are transmitted in conjunction with the primary visual content for presentation on the visual display. The icon and the statement are coupled graphically on the visual display, and are placed near a periphery of the visual display. After a period of time while the icon and statement are presented on the display, presuming a second statement is not received from the source, the icon and the statement are removed from the display while the primary visual content is maintained on the display.
User-selected media content blocking
US Patent 9,432,424
August 30, 2016
Presented herein is a method of blocking user-selected media content, such as, for example, audio and/or video content. In the method, at least one media content stream is presented to a user, wherein the at least one media content stream includes multiple showings of an identifiable contiguous segment of media content. One example of such a segment may be a commercial or advertisement. While presenting a current showing of the segment of media content to the user, a command is received from a user to block the segment of media content from presentation to the user. In response to receiving the command, information identifying the segment of media content is generated. The at least one media content stream is analyzed using the information to detect subsequent showings of the segment of media content. Presentation of at least one of the subsequent showings of the segment of media content is prevented when detected in the at least one media content stream.
Apparatus, systems and methods for adjusting output audio volume based on user location
US Patent 9,431,980
August 30, 2016
Systems and methods are operable to adjust an output audio volume level of presented audio content that is output as sound from one or more speakers in a media presentation environment. An exemplary embodiment detects movement of a user who is listening to the audio content; increases the output audio volume level when the detected user movement is away from a predefined location in the media presentation environment; and decreases the output audio volume level when the detected user movement is closer to the predefined location in the media presentation environment.
Imaging devices with an array of transducers and methods of manufacture and use
US Patent 9,427,210
August 30, 2016
A medical imaging assembly includes an elongated catheter having a connector at the proximal end; an array of transducers on the distal end of the catheter; conductors electrically coupled to the array of transducers and in electrical communication with the connector of the catheter; and a control unit coupleable to the catheter to send and receive electrical signals between the control unit and the array of transducers through the connector of the catheter. The control unit has a processor to execute instructions including 1) selecting a first subset of M transmitting transducers and a second subset of N receiving transducers from the array of transducers, where N>M; and 2) for each of at least N transmit/receive cycles, a) directing the first subset of M transmitting transducers to transmit an acoustic signal; and b) directing the second subset of N receiving transducers to receive corresponding echo signals.
Loudness level control for audio reception and decoding equipment
US Patent 9,430,185
August 30, 2016
The application discusses a computer implemented method and apparatus for performing audio equalization in an audio receiver device, such as an integrated receiver/decoder or set top box, or integrated TV, connected to one or more audio playback devices, such as a television unit, computer screen and speakers, amplifier or home theater equipment. The method and apparatus use an equalization process which compares audio signals received in different audio formats (e.g. MPEG-1 Layer II, AC-3 2.0, AC-3 5.1 and HE-AAC) with one another, allowing a correction gain factor to be determined for equalizing the perceived loudness of the signals when played-back at a connected playback device. The correction gain factor is then applied in the audio receiver device before output.
Collapsible dish drainer
US Patent 9,427,136
August 30, 2016
A collapsible dish drainer is formed using a resilient material allowing the dish drainer to collapse to a smaller size for storage. The dish drainer may be formed with one or more feet to raise the dish drainer above a countertop or other surface. A bottom or base of the dish drainer is configured to direct water toward a drain, with a pivotally mounted spout. An upper shelf is attached for lateral movement between an extended and retracted position.
Apparatus, systems and methods for accessing an initial portion of a media content event
US Patent 9,426,516
August 23, 2016
Systems and methods are operable to retrieve a previously broadcast initial portion of a media content event. An exemplary embodiment stores a media content event at a first media device as the media content event is communicated over a broadcast system; receives a request at the first media device from a second media device, wherein the request identifies an initial portion of a media content event that has previously been communicated over a broadcast system; identifies the initial portion of the media content event from the stored media content event; retrieves the identified initial portion of the media content event; and communicates the initial portion of the media content event from the first media device to the second media device.
