| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09057932B2 |
Imaging apparatus, image processing method, and recording medium for recording program thereon
An imaging apparatus includes: a setting processor which sets an image area including a tracking shooting object image in a pan-blur shooting as a tracking object image as a tracking image area, with respect to a specific frame image; a searching processor, by respectively setting a scanning area for a plurality of frame images following the frame image used to set the tracking image area, and respectively moving the scanning area on each corresponding frame image of the frame images, and makes a comparison of a characteristic amount of an image between the tracking image area and the scanning area, which respectively obtains a scanning area where the characteristic amount of the image is similar to the image in the tracking image area as a tracking object existing area including the tracking object image, with respect to the frame images; a measuring processor, by dividing a difference between a coordinate of the tracking object existing area obtained with respect to one frame image of the frame images and that obtained with respect to a next one by a certain time interval, which measures a moving speed of the tracking object image on a monitor screen; and a displaying processor which displays a speed display mark corresponding to the moving speed of the tracking object image on the monitor screen. |
| US09057930B2 |
Method and device for optical parametric chirped pulse amplification
An optical parametric amplification device and method. The method includes providing a pump pulse having a pump pulse duration, providing a chirped seed pulse having a seed pulse duration, sequentially passing the pump and seed pulses through amplification stages, wherein the pump and seed pulses are coupled into the amplification stages with varying mutual temporal overlap and the seed pulse is amplified at each amplification stage, an amplified signal pulse is provided by the seed pulse after amplification in a last amplification stage, the seed pulse duration is longer than the pump pulse duration, the mutual temporal overlap of the pump and seed pulses is varied with different temporal ranges of the seed pulse amplified at each amplification stage. Compared with the seed pulse, the signal pulse has an increased energy in the spectral regions determined by the temporal overlap of the seed pulse with the pump pulse. |
| US09057926B1 |
Multi-wavelength emitter array
An array of pixel assemblies emitting multiple wavelengths in a direction and a method therefor, the array comprising: a plurality of pixel assemblies, each respective pixel assembly having a respective pixel area, the respective pixel assembly formed by: one or more waveguides made from electro-optically active material; a plurality of different wavelength emitters, the different wavelength emitters disposed at one or more of the ends of the respective one or more waveguides to propagate their respective wavelengths therealong and capable of being switched; and a one switch disposed to cause when activated, a shifting of the wavelengths propagating in the one or more waveguides of the pixel assembly by substantially 90 degrees to be emitted through the respective pixel area; and a backplane with an electronic circuit for switching the plurality of switches and the emitters. |
| US09057925B2 |
Fill port plugs for electrochromic devices
An electrochromic device including: a first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; a second substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which includes: at least one solvent; at least one anodic material; and at least one cathodic material, wherein both of the anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of the anodic and cathodic materials is electrochromic; wherein at least one of a seal member, the first substrate, the second substrate, and the chamber includes a plug associated with a fill port; and wherein the plug is at least partially cured with at least one photoinitiator and at least one photosensitizer upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 350 nm to about 420 nm. |
| US09057924B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
An object is to propose a method of manufacturing, with high mass productivity, liquid crystal display devices having thin film transistors with highly reliable electric characteristics. In a liquid crystal display device having an inverted staggered thin film transistor, the inverted staggered thin film transistor is formed as follows: a gate insulating film is formed over a gate electrode; a microcrystalline semiconductor film which functions as a channel formation region is formed over the gate insulating film; a buffer layer is formed over the microcrystalline semiconductor film; a pair of source and drain regions are formed over the buffer layer; and a pair of source and drain electrodes are formed in contact with the source and drain regions so as to expose a part of the source and drain regions. |
| US09057919B2 |
LCD panel capable of compensating the feed-through voltage
An LCD panel transmits the display data to sub-pixels in a zigzag pattern through a data line. The variation of the feed-through voltages of the sub-pixels may be modified by adjusting the ratios of the channel widths and the channel lengths of the TFTs in the sub-pixels to some predetermined ratios, or by adjusting the compensation capacitance to the coupling capacitance of the TFTs of the sub-pixels. |
| US09057916B2 |
Liquid crystal display apparatus
In a liquid crystal display apparatus, an angle of orientation of a first extension orientation of a first slit is not greater than an angle of orientation of a first director orientation, an angle of orientation of a second extension orientation of a second slit is not smaller than an angle of orientation of a second director orientation, and a difference between the angle of orientation of the second extension orientation and the angle of orientation of the second director orientation is greater than a difference between the angle of orientation of the first extension orientation and the angle of orientation of the first director orientation. |
| US09057914B2 |
Distribution-type compensator and projection-type liquid crystal display apparatus
A distribution-type compensator has an in-plane retardation of 18 nm±5 nm in a rectangular effective region with a long side and a short side. The slow axis direction of the distribution-type compensator changes continuously in a plane of the effective region and an angle difference between slow axis directions at any two positions in the effective region has a maximum value in a range of 10 degrees to 30 degrees. The distribution-type compensator is mounted to a projection-type display apparatus. |
| US09057911B2 |
Direct type backlight device and liquid crystal display using the same
A direct type LED backlight device improves color unevenness on the periphery of the display region without increase of the driver and its control circuit and contour change of a liquid crystal panel. This device includes a bottom wall, a set of optical members arranged opposite to an inner surface of the bottom wall, a side wall maintaining the bottom wall and the set of optical members at a predetermined distance, and LEDs fixed to the inner surface of the bottom wall. The side wall has a protrusion protruding toward a central portion of a space formed by the bottom wall, the side wall, and the set of optical members. At least part of emission surfaces of the LEDs arranged at outermost positions are overlapped with the protrusion and located at such positions as to be invisible when seen along a direction perpendicular to the set of optical members. |
| US09057908B2 |
Color filter substrate
A color filter substrate includes a transparent substrate, a patterned light-shielding layer, a plurality of color filter units, and a plurality of dummy color filter units. The transparent substrate has a display region and a peripheral region surrounding the display region. The patterned light-shielding layer is disposed on the transparent substrate, and the patterned light-shielding layer includes a first light-shielding pattern disposed on the display region and a second light-shielding pattern disposed on the peripheral region. The first light-shielding pattern defines a plurality of sub-pixel regions. The color filter units are disposed on the display region. The dummy color filter units are disposed on the peripheral region. Spacing between two adjacent dummy color filter units or spacing between the color filter unit and the adjacent dummy color filter unit is wider than spacing between two adjacent color filter units. |
| US09057907B2 |
Mask for black matrix
A mask for forming a black matrix for a display device that includes a data line having a bending structure with respect to a central portion of a pixel region includes a edge frame having a rectangular shape, and a base plate disposed on the edge frame and including a light-transmitting portion and a light-blocking portion, wherein the light-transmitting portion includes first light-transmitting patterns and light-controlling portions between adjacent first light-transmitting patterns, and the light-transmitting portion further includes a bending portion corresponding to the central portion of the pixel region, and wherein the bending portion is disposed with a same distance from the light-transmitting patterns adjacent thereto. |
| US09057904B2 |
Liquid crystal display module
A liquid crystal display module includes a liquid crystal module and a polarizer stacked with each other. The polarizer includes a polarizing layer, a transparent conductive layer and a number of driving-sensing electrodes. The polarizing layer and the transparent conductive layer stacked with each other. The transparent conductive layer is an anisotropic impedance layer having a relatively low impedance direction. An electrical conductivity of the anisotropic impedance layer on the relatively low impedance direction is greater than electrical conductivities of the anisotropic impedance layer on other directions. The number of driving-sensing electrodes are spaced from each other and arranged in a row along a direction substantially perpendicular to the relatively low impedance direction and electrically connected with the transparent conductive layer. |
| US09057900B2 |
Display module
A display module, which includes a display panel, a backlight unit and a bezel. The backlight unit is disposed opposite to the display panel. The bezel includes a bottom, a plurality of sidewalls and a plurality of extension structures. The bottom is configured to support the backlight unit. These sidewalls are configured to corporately enclose the display panel and the backlight unit, and each sidewall has a first end and a second end opposite to each other; wherein the first end is connected to the bottom. The extension structures each extend from the second end of the respective sidewall and include a supporting portion, disposed between the backlight unit and the display panel and opposite to the bottom, configured to support the display panel. |
| US09057898B2 |
Array substrate and liquid crystal panel with the same
An array substrate and a liquid crystal display are disclosed. Each of the pixel cells includes a first, a second and a third pixel electrode, and a first, a second, a third, and a fourth switch. One corresponding scanning line are configured to turn on or off the four switches. The corresponding first data line inputs the first data signals to the first pixel electrode via the first switch. The corresponding second data line inputs the second data signals to the second pixel electrode and the third pixel electrode by the second switch and the third switch. The first end of the fourth switch connects to one of the second pixel electrode and the third pixel electrode. The second end of the fourth switch connects to the common electrode. In this way, the array substrate not only increases the aperture rate in the 2D display mode, but also decreases the cross talk effect in the 3D display mode. In addition, the number of the scanning drivers is reduced. |
| US09057895B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel and repair method thereof
A liquid crystal display panel includes: a liquid crystal; a pixel electrode, which applies a voltage to the liquid crystal; a switching device, which applies a voltage to the pixel electrode; a light shield part, which covers an area except for the pixel electrode, and which has an opening facing the pixel electrode; a color material, which is formed to overlap with a whole area of the opening; an inclusion part, which is a part of the light shield part and is adjacent to the color material; a black powder inclusion space, which is covered by the inclusion part; and a black powder, which is included in the black powder inclusion pocket. |
| US09057894B2 |
Method and apparatus for adaptive display calibration
A calibration system may be provided for calibrating displays in electronic devices during manufacturing. The calibration system may include calibration computing equipment and a test chamber having a light sensor. The calibration computing equipment may be configured to operate the light sensor and the display to gather display performance data. The calibration computing equipment may extract display performance statistics from the display performance data and adaptively select and perform display calibration sequences using the display performance statistics. The calibration computing equipment may be configured to determine whether or not to perform display calibration and whether or not to gather additional display performance data based on display performance statistics extracted during a preceding display calibration sequence. The calibration computing equipment may be configured to iteratively and adaptively perform display calibration sequences until a display is successfully calibrated. |
| US09057892B2 |
Thermochromatic element and thermochromatic display device
A thermochromatic element includes a sealed enclosure, an insulation layer and a first heating element. The insulation layer is received in the sealed enclosure, that divides the sealed enclosure into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first heating element is configured to heat the first chamber. The first heating element includes a carbon nanotube film including a number of carbon nanotube linear units and a number of carbon nanotube groups. Each carbon nanotube linear unit includes a number of first carbon nanotubes substantially oriented along a first direction, and are spaced from each other and substantially extending along the first direction. The carbon nanotube groups are combined with the carbon nanotube linear units by van der Waals force. The carbon nanotube groups between adjacent carbon nanotube linear units are spaced from each other in the first direction. |
| US09057891B2 |
Nonlinear frequency conversion in nanoslab optical waveguides
A waveguide device for frequency mixing or conversion through birefringent phase matching, having a horizontal waveguide suspended above a substrate. The waveguide is formed of a zinc blend type III-V semiconductor material with a high nonlinear susceptibility. |
| US09057890B2 |
Structure of diamond-embedded earpiece and eyeglass and diamond-embedding method thereof
A structure of a diamond-inlaid eyeglass temple includes an eyeglass temple body (1) and an elastomer (3) set thereon. The elastomer (3) has an elastic tendency to bend inwardly and the two external sides thereof are connected, respectively, to a first holding device (4) and a second holding device (5) with a cantilever structure. A first groove (41) and a second groove (51) are provided, respectively, on the corresponding end surfaces of the first holding device (4) and the second holding device (5). A diamond (2) is clamped under the elastic force of the elastomer (3). Also provided are eyeglasses with the structure of diamond-inlaid glass temple and a diamond-inlaying method. Eyeglasses with a structure of the diamond-inlaid eyeglass temple have a high production efficiency, and the diamonds are fixed firmly and are less prone to falling out. The diamond-inlaying method features a simple process and is easy to operate. |
| US09057886B2 |
Methods of designing progressive addition lenses
Embodiments of the invention pertain to a method for producing a spectacle lens with optimal correction across the entire lens that take the patient's complete measured wavefront into account. Specific embodiments also consider one or more additional factors such as vertex distance, intermediate power, add power, segmental fitting height, pantoscopic tilt, and use conditions. The lens wavefront can be achieved by optimizing a corrected wavefront, where the corrected wavefront is the effect of the patient's measured wavefront and/or the lens wavefront. The optimization of the corrected wavefront can involve representing the measured wavefront and/or the lens wavefront on a grid. In an exemplary embodiment, the grid can lie in a plane. During the optimization, a subset of the grid can be used for the representation of the measured wavefront at a point on the grid so that the portions of the measured wavefront that contribute to the corrected wavefront at that point on the grid are taken into account. The progressive addition lens can be utilized for distance, intermediate and reading use wherein the power progression is non-linear in any number or all of the near, intermediate, and far zones. |
| US09057885B2 |
Safety, sport or recreational eyewear with interchangeable optical prescription PVC foil insert
The present invention relates to safety or sport or recreational eyewear with an interchangeable optical PVC foil inserts. The eyewear includes a polycarbonate frame configured to receive interchangeable PVC prescription foil inserts. The frame includes a central nose bridge portion, molded lenses, nose pads, first and second wrap around frame arms, first and second frame arm hinge gussets. Arm hinge gussets strengthen the frame hinge and locate the foil insert in position. Inner hinges securely attach and lock the foil insert into its correct location within the frame. The foil insert provides two inner foil radiuses for the fitting of prescription corrective lenses. Nose bridge and nose pads hooks are supplied to ensure correct central alignment of the optical foil insert. Foil gusset slots ensure correct alignment of the foil insert at the top and base of the frame arm hinge gussets. |
| US09057882B1 |
Multilayer thin film attenuators
An optical element has layers formed on a substrate, including alternating first and second layers having first and second refractive indices, nL and nH that exhibit a spectral characteristic, providing, for incident light at a predetermined wavelength and directed toward the optical element within a range of angles bounded by first and second incident angles θ1 and θ2, between 0 and 80 degrees and differing by at least 1 degree, substantially linear polarization-averaged attenuation of the incident light energy wherein, for any incident angle θn between θ1 and θ2, Aθn is the corresponding polarization-averaged attenuation, and wherein the polarization-averaged attenuation at Aθn at angle θ1 is less than or equal to an optical density value of 0.2 and the polarization-averaged attenuation Aθn at angle θ2 exceeds an optical density value of 4. |
| US09057880B2 |
Laser beam scanned display apparatus and method thereof
Generally, near seamless electronics displays may be employed in cinema and exhibition applications. Laser scanned displays may be enabled such that the display may display three dimensional (“3D”) content. A first method to enable a laser scanned display for 3D content may employ polarization, with or without polarization conversion and another method may employ multiple colors. Additionally, the envelope function that may be employed across the display may be achieved by changing laser power as a beam is scanned on the screen or by changing the dwell time of the laser beam on the pixels. One method of minimizing the effects of seams in the screen may be to reduce the screen resolution near the seams by screen design and/or laser beam dwell time or illumination energy. |
| US09057877B2 |
Optical unit, illumination optical apparatus, exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method
An illumination optical apparatus has an optical unit. The optical unit has a light splitter to split an incident beam into two beams; a first spatial light modulator which can be arranged in an optical path of a first beam; a second spatial light modulator which can be arranged in an optical path of a second beam; and a light combiner which combines a beam having passed via the first spatial light modulator, with a beam having passed via the second spatial light modulator; each of the first spatial light modulator and the second spatial light modulator has a plurality of optical elements arranged two-dimensionally and controlled individually. |
| US09057876B2 |
ICWS periscope
A periscope construction having a ballistic guard formed inside a protective housing, and optical system mounted therein having first and second blocks of optical material mounted at opposite ends; first and second reflective surfaces, and the object and eyepiece viewing surfaces of the respective blocks being generally parallel and forming a parallelogram in cross section; the first and second end surfaces being spaced from each other within the housing with at least one layer of transparent armor therebetween to deflect incoming projectiles away from the object viewing section; and may include at least one layer of transparent armor rigidly positioned at an angle relative to the field of view no less than 300° to a maximum of 360° which is parallel to the field of view. It may further include a high grade metallic band rigidly formed around and adjacent the space between the first and second end surfaces. |
| US09057866B2 |
Mobile device and optical imaging lens thereof
Present embodiments provide for a mobile device and an optical imaging lens thereof. The optical imaging lens comprises four lens elements positioned sequentially from an object side to an image side. Through controlling the convex or concave shape of the surfaces and/or the refractive power of the lens elements, the optical imaging lens shows better optical characteristics and the total length of the optical imaging lens is shortened. |
| US09057865B1 |
Optical imaging lens and eletronic device comprising the same
An optical imaging lens includes a first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth lens element, the first lens element having an image-side surface with a concave part in a vicinity of its periphery, the second lens element having an object-side surface with a convex part in a vicinity of its periphery, the third lens element having an image-side surface with a convex part in a vicinity of its periphery, the fourth lens with positive refractive power, the fifth lens element having an object-side surface with a concave part in a vicinity of its periphery, the sixth lens element having an image-side surface with a convex part in a vicinity of its periphery, wherein the optical imaging lens set does not include any lens element with refractive power other than said first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth lens elements. |
| US09057863B2 |
Polarity scheme for parallel-optics data transmission
A fiber optic harness assembly includes first through sixth groups of optical fibers and first and second connector sets. The groups of optical fibers are arranged in data transmission pairs such that one group of each pair is configured to transmit data and the other group is configured to receive data. The pairs of the groups are organized such that a first pair includes the first and second groups, a second pair includes the third and fourth groups, and a third pair includes the fifth and sixth groups. The optical fibers of the groups are sized and routed to facilitate low-skew and efficient parallel optics connections for high-speed data transmission. |
| US09057861B2 |
Apparatus for cable organization
A cable management apparatus includes a flexible planar body and a plurality of channels aligned along a longitudinal axis on a surface of the flexible planar body. The flexible planar body has a plurality of fasteners aligned along a first edge and a second edge of the flexible planar body, the flexible planar body capable of forming a substantially circular bundle along the longitudinal axis. Each channel of the plurality of channels is configured to secure an individual cable to keep the cable from intersecting with another cable. |
| US09057860B2 |
Fiber optic enclosure with external cable spool
A fiber optic telecommunications device includes an enclosure defining an interior. A first fiber optic adapter is provided at the enclosure. A spool is provided at an exterior of the enclosure. A fiber optic cable, which includes a first optical fiber, is wrapped around the spool. A first fiber optic connector is mounted at a first end of the first optical fiber. The first end of the first optical fiber is positioned within the interior of the enclosure. The first fiber optic connector is inserted within the first fiber optic adapter. The enclosure and the spool are configured to rotate in unison about a common axis when the fiber optic cable is unwound from the spool. |
| US09057859B2 |
Slidable fiber optic connection module with cable slack management
A fiber optic telecommunications device includes a frame and a fiber optic module including a rack mount portion, a center portion, and a main housing portion. The rack mount portion is stationarily coupled to the frame, the center portion is slidably coupled to the rack mount portion along a sliding direction, and the main housing portion is slidably coupled to the center portion along the sliding direction. The main housing portion of the fiber optic module includes fiber optic connection locations for connecting cables to be routed through the frame. The center portion of the fiber optic module includes a radius limiter for guiding cables between the main housing portion and the frame, the center portion also including a latch for unlatching the center portion for slidable movement. Slidable movement of the center portion with respect to the rack mount portion moves the main housing portion with respect to the frame along the sliding direction. |
| US09057855B2 |
Bidirectional and double-frequency optical transmission module and transmission assembly
An optical transmission assembly includes a base plate, an optical signal emitting member, an efferent optical fiber, an optical coupler, an afferent optical fiber, and an optical signal receiving member. The optical signal emitting member is mounted on or besides the base plate. The optical signal isolator is mounted on the base plate, and alignes with the optical signal emitting member. The efferent optical fiber is mounted on the base plate. The optical coupler is located besides the base plate, coupling with the optical signal isolator via the efferent optical fiber. The afferent optical fiber is mounted on the base plate. The optical signal receiving member is mounted on or besides the base plate, coupling with the optical coupler via the afferent optical fiber. The present disclosure further includes a bidirectional and double-frequency optical transmission module having the optical transmission assembly. |
| US09057854B2 |
Optical printed circuit board and method of manufacturing the same
An optical printed circuit board is provided. The optical printed circuit board includes an insulation member, an optical fiber disposed in the insulation member and having opposite end portions exposed to a side of the insulation member, and at least one supporting member provided with a guide portion coupled to the opposite end portions of the optical fiber and guiding bending of the optical fiber. |
| US09057848B2 |
Optical fiber connector
An optical fiber connector includes a first surface, a second surface parallel with the first surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface parallel with the third surface. A groove and a fiber hole are defined in the optical fiber connector. The groove includes a bottom surface and a side surface connected with the bottom surface. A distance between the bottom surface and the bottom of the fiber hole is b. The optical fiber connector follows the relationship: d≦b≦α/tgθ, a is equal to the length of the optical fiber extending out of the fourth surface, d is equal to the diameter of an optical fiber for being received in the fiber hole, and θ is equal to a half of an angle of a laser which is used to cut the optical fiber. |
| US09057839B2 |
Method of using an optical device for wavelength locking
A method of using an optical device. The method comprises splitting a light beam into a first beam that passes through a first arm of a waveguide, and, into a second beam that passes through a second arm of the waveguide. The method also comprises passing at least one of the first beam or second beam through one or more optical resonators that are optically coupled to at least one of the first or second arms. The method also comprises determining a difference in the light-transmittance of the first beam exiting the first arm and the light-transmittance of the second beam exiting the second arm, and, adjusting the operating wavelength if the difference in transmittance exceeds a predefined value. |
| US09057837B2 |
End cap, arrangement and kit for terminating a transmission cable
The present invention relates to an end cap for terminating a transmission cable containing at least one transmission line, the end cap comprising at least one lead-through opening for guiding the at least one line from a rear side to a front side of the end cap. Further, the invention relates to a terminating arrangement terminating a transmission cable containing at least one transmission line. Moreover, the invention relates to a kit for a terminating arrangement for terminating a transmission cable. In order to facilitate the termination of a transmission cable, the present invention provides that a passage extending from the rear side to the front side is formed at the end cap, the passage being adapted for accommodating a central strength member of the cable. |
| US09057835B2 |
Coating compositions that transmit infrared radiation and exhibit color stability and related coating systems
A coating composition suitable for producing coatings that are transparent to infrared radiation and can exhibit color stability, such as a jet black color. The coating compositions include a first tint having a low haze and a second tint having a high haze. The tints include visibly absorbing infrared transparent pigments. |
| US09057833B2 |
Vehicle mirror assembly
An exterior vehicle mirror assembly includes a base, a mirror housing and a camera housing. The base has a mounting portion configured to attach to an exterior vehicle panel. The mirror housing is coupled to the base and extends from the base. The camera housing is coupled to the base adjacent to the mirror housing and extends from the base such that the mirror housing and the camera housing extend away from the base in respective directions are substantially parallel to one another with the mirror housing in an in-use orientation. A distal end of the camera housing is spaced apart from the mirror housing. |
| US09057830B2 |
Discriminating electromagnetic radiation based on angle of incidence
The present invention provides systems, articles, and methods for discriminating electromagnetic radiation based upon the angle of incidence of the electromagnetic radiation. In some cases, the materials and systems described herein can be capable of inhibiting reflection of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., the materials and systems can be capable of transmitting and/or absorbing electromagnetic radiation) within a given range of angles of incidence at a first incident surface, while substantially reflecting electromagnetic radiation outside the range of angles of incidence at a second incident surface (which can be the same as or different from the first incident surface). A photonic material comprising a plurality of periodically occurring separate domains can be used, in some cases, to selectively transmit and/or selectively absorb one portion of incoming electromagnetic radiation while reflecting another portion of incoming electromagnetic radiation, based upon the angle of incidence. In some embodiments, one domain of the photonic material can include an isotropic dielectric function, while another domain of the photonic material can include an anisotropic dielectric function. In some instances, one domain of the photonic material can include an isotropic magnetic permeability, while another domain of the photonic material can include an anisotropic magnetic permeability. In some embodiments, non-photonic materials (e.g., materials with relatively large scale features) can be used to selectively absorb incoming electromagnetic radiation based on angle of incidence. |
| US09057827B2 |
Optical transmission structure and method for manufacturing the same, and optical transmission module
Provided are an optical transmission structure having a high degree of flexibility in the design of an optical waveguide and a method for manufacturing the optical transmission structure, and also an optical transmission module. An optical transmission structure includes a main substrate (30), a cladding member (40), and core members (50). The main substrate (30) has a through hole (30a) penetrating therethrough in a thickness direction thereof. The cladding member (40) is disposed inside the through hole (30a) and has a plurality of optical waveguide holes (40a) penetrating therethrough in a thickness direction thereof. The core members (50) are disposed inside the plurality of optical waveguide holes (40a), respectively, and have a refractive index larger than the cladding member (40). |
| US09057825B2 |
Optical trapping apparatus, methods and applications using photonic crystal resonators
A plurality of photonic crystal resonator optical trapping apparatuses and a plurality optical trapping methods using the plurality of photonic crystal resonator optical trapping apparatuses include located and formed over a substrate a photonic waveguide that is coupled (i.e., either separately coupled or integrally coupled) with a photonic crystal resonator. In a particular embodiment, the photonic waveguide and the photonic crystal resonator comprise a monocrystalline silicon (or other) photonic material absent any chemical functionalization. In another particular embodiment, the photonic waveguide and the photonic crystal resonator comprise a silicon nitride material which when actuating the photonic crystal resonator optical trapping apparatus with a 1064 nanometer resonant photonic radiation wavelength (or other resonant photonic radiation wavelength in a range from about 700 to about 1200 nanometers) provides no appreciable heating of an aqueous sample fluid that is analyzed by the photonic crystal resonator optical trapping apparatus. |
| US09057818B2 |
Adjusting assembly for a lens of a camera
An adjusting assembly for a lens of a camera has a hollow housing with a mounting portion, at least one driving ring mounted around the lens, at least one turning rod mounted through the mounting portion and engaging with the at least one driving ring, and at least one limiting ring. The at least one limiting ring is embedded in the mounting portion of the housing and prevents the at least one turning rod from dropping out of the housing. The mounting portion is integrally formed on the housing and has an enlarged thickness that allows the at least one turning rod to be stably mounted on the housing. The at least one turning rod is embedded in the housing, such that appearance of the housing is smooth and pleasing. |
| US09057812B2 |
Lens holder driving device capable of easily mounting upper elastic member to outer yoke
A lens holder driving device includes a lens holder in which a lens assembly is mounted, a driving coil fixed to the lens holder at outside circumference thereof, a magnet opposite to the driving coil, a yoke including the magnet, an elastic member supporting the lens holder in a direction of an optical axis shiftably, and a base disposed at a lower side of the lens holder. The yoke includes an outer yoke including the magnet at an inner wall surface thereof. The elastic member includes an upper elastic member disposed at an upper side of the lens holder. The upper elastic member is mounted to the inner wall of the outer yoke in a state where the upper elastic member is positioned and fitted to a spacer. |
| US09057811B2 |
Cooling structure for light emitting elements for liquid crystal panel
A cooling structure for light emitting elements for a liquid crystal panel according to the present invention includes: a long-shaped substrate that is disposed so as to extend along an edge of a light guide plate provided on a rear surface of a liquid crystal panel, and in which a plurality of through-holes are formed; a plurality of light emitting elements that are disposed on a front surface of the substrate so as to face the light guide plate; and a chassis that is provided at a rear surface side of the substrate, and the through-holes are arranged at a higher density at a center portion of the substrate in a long direction than at end portions of the substrate in the long direction. |
| US09057808B2 |
Textured light guide to reduce friction with film
Systems, devices, and methods are provided for using a textured surface of a light guide plate to reduce friction between the light guide plate and an adjacent film. A textured surface across an interior region of the light guide may guide light towards a top surface of the textured light guide. A film positioned on the bottom surface of the textured light guide may reflect light towards the top surface. The film may be positioned within the interior region as a substantially flat (e.g., planar) layer. The surface features may reduce the friction to enable the textured light guide plate and/or film to expand or contract independently from one another due to varying temperatures without forming wrinkles on the film or changing the planarity of the film. |
| US09057802B2 |
Simulating downhole flow through a perforation
A method of testing a core sample is provided. The method comprises determining an impedance map, attaching a sleeve to the core sample, and measuring a flow performance of the core sample. An impedance of each of a plurality of portions of the sleeve is based on the impedance map. |
| US09057798B2 |
Adjustable sensor streamer stretch section for noise control for geophysical sensor streamers
A sensor streamer stretch section includes at least one spring. A means for coupling the spring at each end to at least one of a sensor streamer and a lead in cable is included. A cable is coupled at its ends to the means for coupling. The cable is capable of carrying at least one of electrical and optical signals. The cable is formed such that the cable undergoes substantially no axial strain when the shock cord is elongated. An adjustable damper is coupled between the means for coupling at each end of the stretch section. |
| US09057797B2 |
Multilevel workflow method to extract resistivity anisotropy data from three-dimensional induction measurements
A multi-step electromagnetic inversion method is provided for determining formation resistivity, anisotropy and dip. An electromagnetic logging tool is used to obtain non-directional, anisotropy, and directional (including symmetrized and anti-symmetrized resistivity measurements) in a formation using an electromagnetic logging tool. Bed boundaries of the formation are first identified. A horizontal resistivity profile is obtained using the non-directional resistivity measurements, and a vertical resistivity profile is obtained using the anisotropy resistivity measurements. The vertical resistivity profile is improved using the directional resistivity measurements, while dip values are also obtained via an inversion using the directional resistivity measurements. Then, an inversion for each of vertical resistivity, horizontal resistivity, dip values, and bed boundaries is performed using all of the non-directional, anisotropy, and directional resistivity measurements to obtain a formation model. |
| US09057791B2 |
Quantum-counting radiation detector
A quantum-counting radiation detector in which signals of individual pixels and signals of combined pixels are evaluated in parallel processing branches and count results are combined in an appropriate manner, thereby reducing the influence of unwanted interference effects for the respective application. |
| US09057788B2 |
Photon counting-based virtual detector
Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are described for creating virtual channels in a photon emitting imaging modality. The imaging modality comprises a plurality of photon counting channels. Information yielded from two or more photon counting channels during a same or similar acquisition view may be combined to yield a virtual channel that represents a portion of the detection surface substantially equivalent to an area comprised by the two or more photon counting channels. In one example, within a same acquisition view, some virtual channels may comprise a different number of photon counting channels than other virtual channels. Also, different sets of virtual channels may be created for a same acquisition view to produce different images from a single set of data, for example, where there may be overlap between virtual channels such that the same photon counting channel is comprised in more than one virtual channel. |
| US09057783B2 |
Change detection method and system for use in detecting moving targets behind walls, barriers or otherwise visually obscured
A system and method for locating a moving target behind a wall or barrier comprising: providing a plurality of images of the region of interest; selecting a reference image from the plurality of images; forming a predetermined number of difference images by subtracting the absolute value of the pixels of the reference image from the absolute values of pixels in a predetermined number of the plurality of images; eliminating negative pixel values in the predetermined number of difference images; minimizing the side lobes to form a combined difference image for each reference frame, selecting another reference image from the plurality of images and performing the steps of forming a plurality of difference images, eliminating negative pixel values, averaging the resulting predetermined number of difference images and minimizing the side lobes for each selected reference image to form a set of combined difference images which contain the moving target signature. |
| US09057780B2 |
Real-time and post-processed orbit determination and positioning
Novel methods and systems for the accurate and efficient processing of real-time and latent global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) data are described. Such methods and systems can perform orbit determination of GNSS satellites, orbit determination of satellites carrying GNSS receivers, positioning of GNSS receivers, and environmental monitoring with GNSS data. |
| US09057776B1 |
Hybrid estimation DF algorithm
A hybrid method and system is disclosed for determining a direction finding (DF) to a received radio frequency (RF) signal. The method employs a linear interferometer array to receive and measure electrical phase differences in a received RF signal. A closed form analysis of the phase differences produces a first integer solution to which the method adds a plurality of offset values to produce a corresponding plurality of offset integer solutions. The number of offset values is proportional to the length of the baseline of the antenna array. These offset integer solutions are evaluated based on their deviation from measured phase differences by the array. Of the first integer solution and the offset integer solutions, one solution is selected based on a minimum deviation from the measured phase differences. The selected solution is output to a higher level processor and further displayed to an operator as the correct DF solution. |
| US09057775B2 |
Signal generator, radar device
A signal generating circuit includes an oscillator to produce an oscillation signal controlled in oscillating frequency by an analog control signal. The circuit includes: a digital phase detector detecting phase information of the oscillation signal and outputting digital phase information; a first differentiator differentiating the digital phase information and outputting digital frequency information; a comparator comparing a frequency setting code setting the oscillating frequency with the digital frequency information and outputting digital frequency error information; and a low-pass filter removing a high-frequency component of the digital frequency error information. The circuit further includes: a D/A converter converting the digital frequency error information of which high-frequency component is removed into analog frequency error information; and an integrator integrating the analog frequency error information, to convert into analog phase error information, and outputting the analog phase error information as the analog control signal. |
| US09057771B2 |
Carrier sense-based ranging
Wireless local area networks (WLANs) provide wireless communication between various wireless devices. Frames are acknowledged (ACKed) after a short and predefined MAC idle time. The MAC idle time varies with 1) the physical distance between wireless devices, caused by the delay of wireless signal propagation, and 2) the time to detect the ACK at the local wireless device, which varies with the signal strength of the incoming ACK. Embodiments present CAESAR (CArriEr Sense-bAsed Ranging), which combines time of flight (TOF) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurements to calculate the distance between two wireless devices. CAESAR measures the distance by estimating the MAC idle time in a data/ACK communication at a particular clock resolution and the ACK detection time on a per-frame basis. Performance measurements confirm the accuracy of the solution and show the capability to track the distance to WLAN smart phones at pedestrian speeds. |
| US09057759B2 |
Method for positioning the focus of a gradient field and treatment facility
A method for guiding nanoparticles to a target location by a magnetic gradient field and/or holding them at the target location is proposed. The magnetic gradient field is generated by a magnet system with at least one magnet. A focus of the magnet system is registered with an X-ray device. At least one three-dimensional image dataset showing the target location is captured by the X-ray device. The position of the target location is determined manually and/or automatically in the image dataset or in an image dataset determined therefrom and is positioned automatically based on the registration of the focus so that the focus coincides with the position of the target location. |
| US09057746B1 |
Determining information about devices in a building using different sets of features
Electrical usage of devices in a building may be monitored to provide information about the operation of the devices to a user. The information communicated to a user may include historical information and real-time information. In determining the real-time information, it may be desired to provide the information quickly and use a smaller set of features that are available more quickly. In determining the historical information, it may be desired to provide more accurate information and use a larger set of features. A device may compute real-time information and historical information using different sets of features. |
| US09057745B2 |
Measurement apparatus and electronic device
Provided is a measurement apparatus that measures an input signal, comprising a plurality of first comparators that each receive the input signal, have a common first reference level set therein, and compare a signal level of the input signal to the first reference level; and a level-crossing timing detecting section that detects a level-crossing timing at which the signal level crosses the first reference level, based on comparison results of the first comparators. |
| US09057743B2 |
Apparatus and method for wetting current measurement and control
A voltage signal and a wetting current are received from a switching device. A first pulse train is created from the voltage signal and the first pulse train has a first duty cycle that is proportional to the voltage at the switching device. The first pulse train is transmitted across an isolation barrier. The first pulse train that is received across the isolation barrier is digitized and at least one operating condition of the switching device is determined based upon the digitized pulse train. A second pulse train having a second duty cycle is received and the wetting current from the switching device is controlled based upon the second duty cycle. |
| US09057740B1 |
Probe-based data collection system with adaptive mode of probing
A system for analyzing a sample is described. The system for analyzing a sample includes a probe and a controller circuit. The controller circuit configured to control a movement of the probe to at least a first position and a second position on the sample based on navigation data. In response to the movement of the probe, the controller circuit is configured to adjust a force of the probe on the sample at the first position from a first force value to a second force value and the force of the probe on the sample from a third force value to a fourth force value at said second position on the sample. And, the controller circuit is configured to acquire sample data with the probe at the first position on the sample. |
| US09057738B1 |
Inertial dynamics measurement and structural configuration variation for hydrodynamic stability evaluation of a towed body
A typical inventive device is self-contained and is designed for adjunctive placement at the unconnected end of a towed body in order to test dynamic motions of the towed body. The inventive device includes an IMU, a computer, wired/wireless communication electronics, a fluid-dynamically shaped member, and a cylindrical housing (which encloses the IMU, the computer, and the communication electronics). The housing is connected to the towed body aft of the towed body, and the shaped member is connected to the housing aft of the housing. Data is acquired that is indicative of the inertial dynamics of the towed body while in motion through a fluidic medium. Differently shaped members can be independently connected to the housing at different times, each influencing in its own way the inertial dynamics of the towed body and yielding its own set of data. Comparisons can thus be drawn between/among differently shaped members. |
| US09057737B2 |
Immunoassay for thrombin detection
The invention relates to an in vitro immunoassay for quantifying thrombin in a sample comprising anti-thrombin III (AT-III) and thrombin. The method comprises the following steps: contacting the sample with a small molecule that recognizes the substrate binding site of thrombin; contacting the thrombin with a thrombin specific antibody raised against a thrombin blocked in the active site; and measuring the level of bound antibody. |
| US09057734B2 |
Optogenetic probes for measuring membrane potential
The invention provides methods, cells and constructs for optical measurement of membrane potential. These methods can be used in cells that are not accessible to presently available methods using electrodes. The methods can be directed to, for example, high-throughput drug screening assays to determine agents that can affect membrane potential of a target cell. |
| US09057733B2 |
Predicting mortality and detecting severe disease
Measurement of circulating ST2 and/or IL-33 concentrations is useful for the prognostic evaluation of subjects, in particular for the prediction of adverse clinical outcomes, e.g., mortality, and the detection of severe disease. |
| US09057724B2 |
Detecting a high molecular weight substance
Label complexes, lateral flow apparatus and methods of detecting a high molecular weight substance are shown and described. In one embodiment, the label complex includes an antispecies antibody and another antibody having sensitivity to both the antispecies antibody and to a control line capture agent, an antibody binding protein and a detectable component. Typically, the antibody binding protein may bind to a receptor for the analyte or to the anti-species antibody. In yet other embodiments, a lateral flow test strip includes the label complex and a solid support that traverses lateral flow of a liquid sample and provides a detectable signal. |
| US09057721B1 |
Fail-safe assay device for controlled and ordered delivery of reagents to a sample
An assay device may include a first cylinder that includes a first end that is closed and a second, opposite end that is open. The first cylinder may include one or more reservoirs that are compressible and store one or more reagents. The device may include a test chamber to which the reservoirs are connected, and in which the sample can be inserted to perform the assay; and a second cylinder that includes a third end that is closed and a fourth, opposite end that is open. The fourth end may fit within the second end to enable the second cylinder to be attached to, and rotate within, the first cylinder. The third end may include a member that compresses the reservoirs, in a predetermined order, as the second cylinder is rotated within the first cylinder to cause the reagents to flow, to the test chamber, in the predetermined order. |
| US09057718B2 |
Optical determination and reporting of hydrocarbon properties
A chemical composition analyzer may be used to optically determine and report chemical compositions associated with natural gases within a gas collection and transmission infrastructure. This analyzer includes a number of optical sensors which may be used to perform spectroscopic spectrographic analysis in order to determine the chemical composition of the natural gas. Additionally other sensors may be used to measure other physical properties associated with the natural gas. These sensors are tied to a data collection system wherein the output of the optical sensors and sensors used to measure the physical properties of the natural gas may be combined and processed in order to determine in a nearly continuous fashion the chemical composition associated with the natural gas at various locations within the gas collection and transmission infrastructure. This real time compositional analysis may be used to determine valuations of the gas or to optimize other processes or equipment configurations. |
| US09057717B2 |
Aquatic pollution monitoring
A method of monitoring the effect of pollution in an aquatic mass, said method comprising disposing in said aquatic mass a biosensor unit containing a living sessile organism which exhibits apical growth and which is bound to a carrier, directing an electromagnetic beam towards a corresponding detector and between an edge and the apical tip of said sessile organism whereby to produce a diffraction pattern, detecting said diffraction pattern using said detector and monitoring a change (e.g. successive changes) in said diffraction pattern over time which is indicative of the natural growth of the apical tip of said organism. |
| US09057714B2 |
Reagent and sample handling device for automatic testing system
A handling device for samples and reagents to be used in testing in a system. Carriers of samples and reagents are loaded on a platform which detects the presence of, and proper loading of, such carriers. The carriers are moved from the platform by a transporter to a bar code reader for identification. A reagent container is rotated during reading to facilitate identification. The transporter further moves identified reagent carriers to a carousel on which the carriers automatically secured for storage awaiting use in testing. The carousel rotates, and selected reagent containers rotate on the rotating carousel, during storage. |
| US09057712B1 |
Methods of delivery of encapsulated perfluorocarbon taggants
A system and method for tagging, tracking, locating and identifying people and vehicles transporting people using Perfluorocarbon tracers. An on-going problem faced by military as well as law enforcement personnel is that of friendly fire incidents. To prevent possible friendly-fire incidents, troops would separate the two layers of the uniform patch, thereby releasing a controlled release of the Perfluorocarbon vapors. Other “friendly” troops, equipped with sensors tuned to the specific perfluorocarbon characteristics would thus be able to literally view a plume around the tagged person or object. The system may conversely be used to tag enemies. Formulations of mixed perfluorocarbons may be used to provide coding of emissions. |
| US09057711B2 |
Inspection apparatus and method
An inspection apparatus and method, which can perform defect determination and estimate a defect on a mask and the resultant influence on a wafer. Each of the transfer images is reviewed in order of following (1) to (3): (1) when the degree of defect identified in the first comparing unit is at or exceeding a third threshold and an error ratio corresponding to the defect is at or exceeding a fourth threshold; (2) when the degree of a defect identified in the first comparing unit is less than the third threshold, and an error ratio corresponding to the defect is at or exceeding a fourth threshold; and (3) when the degree of a defect identified in the first comparing unit is at or exceeding a third threshold, and an error ratio corresponding to the defect is less than the fourth threshold. |
| US09057707B2 |
Detection system and inspection method for bottle seam and embossing alignment
A system for detecting features on a container wall includes an optical assembly comprising a camera, and an illuminating unit having light sources arranged on conductive tracks. Viewed in a vertical direction of the unit, the light sources are in vertical columns to project a strip-shaped beam onto a container-wall region. When viewed axially, the light sources are arranged on the conductive track one above the other without offset. Each column of light sources is actuated to project a light pattern on the container-wall region that can be variably adjusted as a function of surface properties of the container-wall region. The illuminating unit has first and second light source sets in corresponding adjacent vertical columns. Each light source set has one or more light sources. Adjustment is effected by concurrently switching the first and second light source sets between an on-state and an-off state. |
| US09057706B2 |
Optical cantilever based analyte detection
An apparatus for detecting a deflection of a beam, the apparatus comprising a beam having a first side and a second side; and a grating structure positioned adjacent the second side of the beam, the grating structure including an interrogating grating coupler configured to direct light towards the beam; wherein the beam and the interrogating grating coupler form a resonant cavity, and light input to the resonant cavity is modulated according to the deflection of the beam. |
| US09057703B2 |
Particle detection device
A particle detection device detects a biological particle. The particle detection device includes a collection unit that collects a particle to a collection substrate, a fluorescence detection unit that emits excitation light toward the particle collected on the collection substrate and receives fluorescence emitted from the particle, and a cleaning unit that removes the particle from the collection substrate at a refreshing position separated from a collection/heating position and a detection position. At the collection/heating position, the particle is collected onto the collection substrate by the collection unit. At the detection position, fluorescence is received by the fluorescence detection unit. With such a structure, the particle detection device in which the particle is highly accurately detected is provided. |
| US09057701B2 |
System and methods for rapid and automated screening of cells
A system for performing automated cell screening in drug discovery, includes an automated microscope, a fast autofocus device, and a digital imaging system. Processes are implemented in software through which relevant cellular material is segmented and quantified with minimal user interaction. Improvements in the following areas: known methods for image processing are implemented in such a way that automated segmentation is achieved; sets of known measurements (pixel counting, etc.) are implemented as methods which demonstrate aspects of biology in a reliable fashion; components for automated positioning, focusing, imaging and processing of a multiplicity of samples are integrated as systems within which the segmentation and measurement methods may be mounted; and components and methods are adapted into systems which yield more highly automated and more rapid cell screening. |
| US09057700B2 |
Separation/detection column and kit thereof
A separation/detection column that can detect a component separated by a separating agent having an optical responsivity which is the same as that of a component in a sample. The separation/detection column is configured by filling one end of a tube 1, having an ultraviolet transparency, with a first filler that has an ultraviolet responsivity and a separation ability to separate the component in the sample, and by filling the other end of the tube 1 with a second filler that has an ultraviolet responsivity which is different from that of the first filler and does not have the separation ability via a spacer 4 constituted by quartz wool, and moreover by inserting an end cap 5 constituted by quartz wool into the other end of the tube 1. |
| US09057697B2 |
Optical device with propagating and localized surface plasmons and detection apparatus
An optical device includes a first protrusion group in which protrusions protruding from a conductor surface of a substrate are arranged in a first direction with a first period, a dielectric layer that covers the conductor surface and the first protrusion group, and a second protrusion group in which metal nanoparticles are arranged on the dielectric layer in the first direction with a second period different from the first period. When one of the first period and the second period is defined as Px1, the other of the first period and the second period is defined as Px2, and the wavelength of irradiation light is defined as λ, λ>Px1>Px2 and 0 |
| US09057693B2 |
Silicon oxide nanopore wetting and stabilization by molecular coating
A nanopore device includes a multi-layer structure comprising a surface defining an aperture extending through the multi-layer structure, wherein at least the surface comprising a minimal diameter comprises a monosilane functionalized silicon dioxide having a silicon-oxygen-silicon bond, the monosilane functionalized silicon dioxide having the following structure: wherein n is an integer from 1 to 12; R2 and R3 are each independently a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, a butyl group, or a tert-butyl group; and R4 is a chloride, a carboxylic acid group, an amine group, an amide group, a thiol group, an alcohol group, an acyl chloride group, an acyl bromide group, an acyl iodide group, an alkene group, an alkyne group, or a polyether group. Also disclosed are methods for making, wetting, and operating the nanopore device. |
| US09057691B2 |
Fuel cell housing for use in an alcohol breath tester
An alcohol fuel cell sensor and the resultant alcohol breath tester assembly. The disclosed housing creates an alcohol breath tester assembly that protects the electrode sensor from liquid ingress, maximizes the sample contact with the platinum electrode surface, and provides a smooth path facilitating laminar flow of the sample through the sensor. This, in turn, provides good flushing of the volume without creating eddies or other turbulence. Additionally, the housing can utilize a vapor barrier layer in the assembly and restricts the layer from touching the electrode surface. |
| US09057690B2 |
Device for monitoring an electrochemical gas sensor
An electrochemical gas sensor testing device that includes a test signal generator that generates a multiplexed signal that includes a first test signal that includes alternating current (AC) and is free from a direct current (DC) component and a second signal that includes a DC bias voltage, an electrochemical cell that includes a counter electrode, a sensing electrode, and an electrolyte, the counter electrode and the sensing electrode being in electrical communication with the electrolyte and each other, the counter electrode being in electrical communication with the signal generator to receive the multiplexed signal generated by the signal generator, and a processor that receives an AC signal from the sensing electrode and that analyzes the AC signal. |
| US09057683B2 |
Image pickup unit and vehicle in which image pickup unit is mounted
An image pickup lens has a focal length far from a position of a transparent member. An image pickup device is put on the side of the transparent member the same as that of a light source and takes reflected light including regular reflection from an interface between an adhered object on the other surface of the transparent member and air. Assuming an incident angle of the emitted light on the transparent member when the light reflected in regular reflection by the other surface of the transparent member is incident on the image pickup lens being θs, an incident angle of a typical light beam of the emitted light falls within θs−30 deg through θs and an incident angle of a main element of the emitted light is less than θs. |
| US09057682B2 |
Blade vibration measuring apparatus
According to the embodiment, there is provided a blade vibration measuring apparatus, having, a contactless displacement sensor which outputs a displacement measurement signal as measuring a displacement of a turbine moving blade in a rotation axis direction, a blade top position identifying device which outputs a blade top position identification signal to identify a top position based on a distance between the contactless displacement sensor and the top position of the turbine moving blade as receiving the displacement measurement signal output from the contactless displacement sensor, and a blade vibration calculating device which calculates vibration amplitude and a vibration frequency of the turbine moving blade based on temporal variation of the distance between the contactless displacement sensor and the top position of the turbine moving blade as receiving the blade top position identification signal output from the blade top position identifying device. |
| US09057678B2 |
Image reconstruction system, apparatus, and method employing non-sequential scanning scheme using real-time feedback
An image reconstruction system, apparatus, and method employing a non-sequential scanning scheme using real-time feedback are provided. A projection information generating unit is configured to generate at least one piece of projection information by the X-ray irradiated to the object in the at least one viewpoint. A projection information comparing unit is configured to compare predicted intermediate projection information with measured intermediate projection information from the generated projection information. The predicted intermediate projection information is predicted from pieces of projection information generated from different viewpoints, and the measured intermediate projection information is measured in an intermediate viewpoint corresponding to the predicted intermediate projection information. A determining unit is configured to determine whether to irradiate the X-ray to the object in an additional viewpoint. An image reconstructing unit is configured to reconstruct the generated projection information, and to acquire an image representing the object. |
| US09057676B2 |
Multiple flow channel particle analysis system
A microfluidic multiple channel particle analysis system (1) which allows particles (2) from a plurality of particle sources (3) to be independently simultaneously entrained in a corresponding plurality of fluid streams (4) for analysis and sorting into particle subpopulations (5) based upon one or more particle characteristics (6). |
| US09057670B2 |
Transmission electron microscope sample fabrication
A method of preparing a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) sample from a semiconductor structure may include milling a region of the semiconductor structure with a focused ion beam and generating the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) sample. The focused ion beam providing the milling may include a rotation angle relative to the crystallographic axis of the semiconductor structure. A transmission electron microscopy image of a cross-sectional plane of the generated transmission electron microscopy (TEM) sample may be generated using a transmission electron microscope, whereby the transmission electron microscopy image of the cross-sectional plane includes an image projection-free region based on the rotation angle. |
| US09057668B2 |
Liquid gas vaporization and measurement system and method
A liquid gas vaporization and measurement system, and associated method, for efficiently vaporizing a continuous sample of liquid gas, such as liquid natural gas (LNG), and accurately determining the constituent components of the gas. A constant flow of liquid gas sampled from a mass storage device is maintained in a vaporizing device. Within the vaporizing device the liquid gas is flash vaporized within heated narrow tubing. The liquid gas is converted to vapor very quickly as it enters one or more independently operating vaporizer stages within the vaporizing device. The vapor gas is provided to a measuring instrument such as a chromatograph and the individual constituent components and the BTU value of the gas are determined to an accuracy of within +/−0.5 mole percent and 1 BTU, respectively. |
| US09057662B2 |
Method for operating a tire pressure-monitoring unit, and tire pressure-monitoring unit
A method for operating a tire pressure monitoring unit for monitoring pneumatic tires of a vehicle includes where a pressure measurement is taken at regular intervals using a pressure sensor and the pressure information is transmitted wirelessly at larger intervals by a transmitter. A control unit checks whether a pressure change exceeding a threshold value has occurred, and, if so, pressure measurements are taken at shortened intervals and the transmission activity is increased. The control unit uses a first threshold value for the pressure change in the case of a stationary vehicle and uses a second threshold value, which differs from the first threshold value, for the pressure change in the case of a moving vehicle. The control unit, by evaluating a signal of an acceleration sensor of the tire pressure monitoring unit, establishes whether the first threshold value or the second threshold value is used. |
| US09057660B2 |
Automated multi-orientation short drop test apparatuses and methods
An Automated Multi-Orientation Drop Test apparatus includes a clamping mechanism for clamping an object to be test dropped. The Automated Multi-Orientation Drop Test apparatus includes a pneumatic lifting mechanism interconnected to the clamping mechanism. The Automated Multi-Orientation Drop Test apparatus includes a guide plate for guiding the object in freefall in a certain orientation such that the object impacts a base in the desired axial orientation. |
| US09057659B2 |
Pressure transmitter with hydrogen getter
A process variable transmitter for measuring a pressure of a process fluid includes a sensor module, a pressure inlet formed in the sensor module, an isolation diaphragm positioned in the pressure inlet, a pressure sensor and an isolation tube containing a fill fluid to convey a process fluid related pressure from the isolation diaphragm to the pressure sensor. A hydrogen getter material is positioned in contact with the fill fluid between the isolation diaphragm and the pressure sensor to remove hydrogen from the fill fluid. |
| US09057650B2 |
Method for correcting permanent calibration and force-measuring balancing machine
Using a force-measuring balancing machine (1), the empirically determined permanent calibration is corrected in that the resonant frequencies (ω1) of the rotor (2) to be balanced are calculated, in a translatory direction and (ω2) in a rotational direction, from the mass (mR) of a rotor (2) to be balanced, which is mounted in the balancing machine (1), the co-oscillating mass (Ms) of the bearing supports (3), the rigidity (c) of the bearing supports (3) and the spacing (L) of the rotor bearings, and a frequency response calculated from the resonant frequencies (ω1, ω2) and the frequency (Ω) of the rotor (2) is introduced to the permanent calibration. |
| US09057642B2 |
Method and apparatus for calibrating a dispenser
A method of calibrating a dispenser of the type having a material dispensing unit that is configured to dispense material on a substrate includes providing a weigh scale having a plate configured to receive material dispensed on the plate, dispensing one or more patterns of material on the plate; weighing the amount of material dispensed on the plate, and comparing the weighed amount of material to a designated amount of material. The act of dispensing one or more patterns of material replicates at least a portion of patterns of material dispensed on the substrate during a dispensing operation. A controller for performing the method is further disclosed. |
| US09057640B1 |
Bulk mortar system
A system and apparatus for preparing bulk quantities of dry colorant or pigment for blending with mortar are described. The system mixes pigments of black, red, white and yellow to prepare a batch of the dry colorant having a particular color. The pigments or dry colorant are generally a powder of metal oxide crystals. The system includes pigment dispensers, wherein each pigment dispenser includes a tote that is in flowing communication with a valve. A receptacle receives pigments from the exit opening of the vibratory trays. A control unit serially operates the vibratory trays to dispense the pigment from each tote. A scale measures the weight of the pigments in the receptacle. The scale is in operational communication with the control unit. |
| US09057639B2 |
Reduced graphene oxide film
Spin coating a mixture of graphene oxide platelets, water, and an organic solvent by placing a drop of the mixture on a spinning substrate while blowing a drying gas onto the substrate and allowing the water and the organic solvent on the substrate to evaporate; and repeating the spin coating one or more times to form a graphene oxide film in contact with the substrate. An about 1-100 nm thick film of overlapping platelets of reduced graphene oxide. |
| US09057633B2 |
In-line flow meter
A device for measuring flow is provided. Tubing having a polymer therein is activated, followed by downstream detection of agents released by the polymer. The downstream detection of the agents provides for a calculation of the flow to be performed. |
| US09057629B2 |
Sensor assembly and method for determining a magnetization direction of an indicator magnet
A sensor assembly for determining a magnetization direction of an indicator magnet with respect to the sensor assembly includes a first magnetic field sensor for detecting a first and a second magnetic field component with respect to a first and a second spatial direction, and a second magnetic field sensor for detecting a third and a fourth magnetic field component with respect to the second spatial direction, wherein the first and the second magnetic field sensor are spaced apart from one another. Further, the sensor assembly includes a processor that is implemented to combine the first and the second magnetic field component to obtain a first combination quantity, to combine the third and the fourth magnetic field component to obtain a second combination quantity, to determine a position of the indicator magnet and the magnetization direction. |
| US09057627B2 |
Low cost flight instrumentation system
A device for providing flight condition information and a method of displaying such information. In one form, the device functions as a backup system to provide flight condition information in the event of partial or complete inoperability of a primary flight instrument system, or to complement such primary flight instrument system. Numerous sensors collect flight data, which can pass through devices to convert and manipulate the data to produce flight condition information that can be displayed in such a way as to reduce a pilot's cognitive workload. The information displayed includes at least flight path angle, lateral acceleration, and turn rate. Additional information that may be displayed includes heading information, as well as information relating to airspeed and altitude, among others. In another form, the device can be part of either a primary or backup system. |
| US09057626B2 |
Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) cartridge for an energy meter
An advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) cartridge includes an AMI cartridge housing having an interior zone, and an AMI module system supported within the interior zone of the AMI cartridge module housing. The AMI module system includes an AMI module and an energy meter interface configured and disposed to detachably connect to an energy meter. |
| US09057625B2 |
Navigation system, navigation method, and computer-readable storage medium
Navigation systems, methods, and programs acquire evaluation information for each unit interval having a predetermined distance, the evaluation information being an index for evaluating a driver's driving operation of a vehicle, and determine based on a first scale of a map displayed on a display unit, a first distance of an evaluation interval for evaluating the driver's driving operation. The systems, methods, and programs evaluate the driver's driving operation in the evaluation interval having the first distance based on the evaluation information for each unit interval included in the evaluation interval, and display the evaluation result at a position corresponding to the evaluation interval on the map displayed on the display unit. |
| US09057623B2 |
Navigation device
A navigation device includes a road periphery display change unit 3 that selects a road R which connects to, intersects with, or is adjacent to a guidance route/a travel plan route 21 from a map database 5, and displays the road in a high contrast on the inside of a predetermined distance from the guidance route/the travel plan route 21, displays the road in a low contrast on the outside of the predetermined distance, and displays the road by changing continuously or stepwise a gradation in an intermediate region between the inside and the outside. |
| US09057619B2 |
Optimal path search system and optimal path search method
An optimal path search system, which optimizes a travel path of a moving object, comprising: a path information database; and a path search unit that searches for an optimal path that exhibits a minimum travel cost borne by the moving object, from among travel paths of the moving object, wherein: the path search unit is configured to: determine destination points on the path network; search for at least one nearest node to each of destination points, search for a second travel path along which the moving object travels by passing through the at least one nearest node and all of the at least one destination point, determine the second travel path for which a travel cost is minimum; and search for the travel paths followed by using each of a plurality of moving means, respectively, in a case where the moving object travels along the optimal path. |
| US09057618B1 |
System and method of determining map coordinates from images
Systems and methods provide approximations of latitude and longitude coordinates of objects, for example a business, in street level images. The images may be collected by a camera. An image of a business is collected along with GPS coordinates and direction of the camera. Depth maps of the images may be generated, for example, based on laser depth detection or displacement of the business between two images caused by a change in the position of the camera. After identifying a business in one or more images, the distance from the camera to a point or area relative to the business in the one or more images may be determined based on the depth maps. Using this distance and the direction of the camera which collected the one or more images and GPS coordinates of the camera, the approximate GPS coordinates of the business may be determined. |
| US09057617B1 |
Enhanced identification of interesting points-of-interest
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for identifying points-of-interest. In one aspect, a method includes identifying points-of-interest (POIs) associated with one or more of multiple, selected geographic areas, and determining, for each of the multiple geographic areas, a score associated with the identified POIs. The actions also include generating a combined score for each identified POI based on the determined scores associated with the respective POI, selecting a subset of the identified POIs based at least on the combined scores, and displaying a link to the POIs in the subset. |
| US09057613B2 |
Validating map data corrections
A system for validating a correction to map data for a geographic location, the system comprising: a processing resource; and a navigation device; wherein the processing resource comprises: a user request generator that is configured to generate a user request for transmission to the navigation device; a transmitter for transmitting the generated user request to the navigation device; and a receiver for receiving a user response from said navigation device; and the navigation device comprises: a receiver for receiving the user request transmitted from the processing resource; a user request module configured to present said received user request to a user of the navigation device; a user response module for capturing a user response to said presented user request, and a transmitter for transmitting said captured user response to said processing resource. |
| US09057612B1 |
Systems and methods for unified directions
Methods and systems for unified directions are described herein. The method includes receiving a list of one or more routes from an origin to a destination for each of two or more different modes of transportation, each route having an associated duration. The durations of routes from each list that are subsequent to a first route from the respective list are penalized. One or more routes from each list are combined to generate a combined list of routes for each of the two or more different modes of transportation. The combined list of routes is sorted to generate a sorted list of routes based, at least in part, on the durations and penalized durations of the routes. |
| US09057608B2 |
Simple type dual axes optoelectronic level
A simple type dual axes optoelectronic level includes a carrier, an adjustable fixing mechanism, a level sensing device, a container cup holding a liquid, and a reflector. The adjustable fixing mechanism and the container cup are fixed at the carrier. The level sensing device is fixed at the adjustable fixing mechanism and faces the container cup. The reflector is fixed at the bottom surface of the container cup. The level sensing device provides a measuring light beam, which is refracted by the liquid surface to the reflector, and reflected back to the liquid surface by the reflector, and refracted again by the liquid surface to the level sensing device. Through the refraction effect, the level sensing device can detect two angles between the bottom surface of the carrier and the liquid surface. The dual axes optoelectronic level has advantages of simple structure, low cost and differentiating angles of two axes. |
| US09057607B2 |
Laser measuring device
A laser measuring device is provided and includes a device top, a device bottom, wherein the device bottom includes a first bottom surface and a second bottom surface, wherein the first bottom surface is in a first plane and the second bottom surface is in a second plane to form a ledge between the first bottom surface and the second bottom surface, a device front portion, a device rear portion, wherein the device rear portion defines a scribe channel, a plurality of leveling vials, wherein each of the plurality of leveling vials are located in a separate plane and a laser light source, wherein the laser light source is associated with the device front portion such that when the laser light source is activated, laser light is emitted from the device front portion and is aligned with the scribe channel. |
| US09057605B2 |
Bistatic synthetic aperture ladar system
In one aspect, ladar system includes a ladar transmitter system and a ladar receiver system configured to receive data from the transmitter. The ladar transmitter system and the ladar receiver system are disposed in a configuration forming a bistatic synthetic aperture ladar system. In one example, the ladar transmitter system is configured to be disposed in a vehicle and the ladar receiver system is configured to be stationary. |
| US09057603B2 |
Optical fiber curvature measuring method
An optical fiber curvature measuring method comprising rotatably holding an end of the optical fiber, irradiating two points at a prescribed distance from each other on a side surface of the fiber with a pair of parallel light beams orthogonal to an axial direction, measuring representative positions of scattered and reflected light beams scattered by the side surface as coordinate positions on an axis parallel to the optical fiber axis, calculating a difference between the two coordinate positions, rotating the fiber by a prescribed angle, repeating the calculation of the difference a plurality of times, calculating a positive representative value for amplitude SA from the difference obtained at each angle, calculating curvature from the amplitude SA as a first curvature of a first optical fiber longitudinal position, changing positions of the beams irradiating the fiber in the longitudinal direction, and calculating first to m-th curvatures by repeating this process. |
| US09057600B2 |
Reducing incremental measurement sensor error
For position sensors, e.g., a fiber-based system, that build a shape of an elongated member such as a catheter using a sequence of small orientation measurements, a small error in orientation at the proximal end of the sensor will cause large error in position at distal points on the fiber. Exemplary methods and systems are disclosed which may provide full or partial registration along the length of the sensor to reduce the influence of the measurement error. Additional examples are directed to applying selective filtering at a proximal end of the elongated member to provide a more stable base for distal measurements and thereby reducing the influence of measurement errors. |
| US09057589B2 |
Target launching device
A target launching device comprising a surface supporting a target to be launched and a rotary launch arm capable of applying a launch force on the target, characterized in that the supporting surface has a concave longitudinal profile located in a plane parallel to the rotation plane of the launch arm. The invention is particularly suitable for launching archery targets. |
| US09057588B1 |
Portable remote-controlled target
A portable remote controlled target assembly includes a frame carried on a base. The frame includes a first arm and a second arm. A sheath is carried on the first arm, a roller is carried on the second arm, and a sheet spans the sheath and the roller. The sheet includes a target. The sheet is advanced between the sheath and the roller by a motor which rotates the roller. The motor is remote control operated to allow new targets to be displayed while a user is remotely positioned during target practice. |
| US09057584B2 |
Modular universal machinegun sight with bullet drop compensation device
A Universal Machinegun Sight (UMS) with a modular design is discussed, whereby the UMS includes a main body receiving a lens body in a detachable manner; a mounting solution disposed in the main body; a wheel type bullet drop compensation device to accept various caliber disks and disposed in the main body; a removable LED module disposed on the main body; and a magnification mounting rail disposed on the main body. |
| US09057576B2 |
Firearm with quick coupling barrel system
A spring-loaded quick coupling barrel retaining system for a firearm. The firearm includes a receiver, a barrel nut, and barrel assembly rotatably mounted thereto. In one embodiment, the barrel assembly may include barrel locking lugs which rotatably engage and interlock with corresponding locking elements disposed on the barrel nut such as splines. The barrel assembly further includes a spring member forming a flexible interface with the barrel nut. The spring member self-tensions and tightens the lockup between the barrel assembly and barrel nut to promote a tight fit. Some embodiments may include a lock nut and a setting tool for adjusting the spring force to promote consistently proper lockup from one replacement barrel assembly to the next. |
| US09057571B2 |
Firearm locking system user interface
A locking system for a firearm is disclosed. A lock has a set state and an unset state, and substantial movement of any one or more fire control group components is inhibited with in the set state. A biometric sensor attachable to a grip of the firearm is receptive to an input biometric feature data set corresponding to a physiological feature of a user. A biometric input controller stores biometric feature data sets corresponding to enrolled user identities in a memory, and compares it against the input biometric feature data set to generate a biometric input validation status indicator signal. A proximity sensor attachable to the grip detects possession of the firearm by the user and generates a corresponding grip detection indicator signal. A system controller selectively actuates the lock to the set state and the unset state based upon a received combination and sequence of the biometric input validation status indicator signal and the grip detection indicator signal. |
| US09057565B2 |
Cooling device and electronic device
The cooling device comprises a base with a recessed part in a first surface, a plurality of heat radiating fins standing erect on a second surface on the reverse side of the first surface, and a flat, plate-like thermal diffusion part housed inside the recessed part. The upper surface of the thermal diffusion part makes thermal contact with the upper surface of the recessed part, the side surface of the thermal diffusion part makes thermal contact with the side surface of the recessed part, and the thermal diffusion part diffuses in the planar and orthogonal directions heat from the heat generating element arranged on the bottom surface of the thermal diffusion part by vaporizing and condensing coolant sealed inside. |
| US09057557B2 |
Apparatus and method to recover and dispense potable water
An apparatus and system to produce purified drinking water from humid air is provided. The apparatus includes a condenser and evaporator coil assembly with a source of germicidal activity. A method to provide purified drinking water from humid air using a stand along apparatus is provided. The apparatus can also dehumidify, improve air-quality and provide air-conditioning. |
| US09057554B2 |
Service and maintenance guide for appliance
A household appliance such as a refrigerator includes a housing and a user interface operatively connected to the housing. The user interface includes a display and user inputs. The user interface is adapted for showing on the display a part number for a component part, contact information for use in acquiring the component part, and instructions for installing the component part. The contact information may include a phone number. The contact information may include a web site address. The component part may be a replacement part such as a filter or the component part may be an accessory part. The user interface may also be adapted for displaying instructions or service or maintenance tasks. |
| US09057549B2 |
System and method for monitoring compressor floodback
A system and method for a compressor includes a compressor connected to an evaporator, a suction sensor that outputs a suction temperature signal corresponding to a suction temperature of refrigerant entering the compressor, and a control module connected to the suction sensor. The control module determines a saturated evaporator temperature, calculates a suction superheat temperature based on the saturated evaporator temperature and the suction temperature, and monitors a floodback condition of the compressor by comparing the suction superheat temperature with a predetermined threshold. When the suction superheat temperature is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold, the control module increases a speed of the compressor or decreases an opening of an expansion valve associated with the compressor. |
| US09057544B2 |
Solar panel mounting system
A solar panel mounting system has a plurality of mounting bases which have upper and lower mounting surfaces. In the minimum configuration, four mounting bases are used. A solar panel module is connected to the top portion of two bases and to the bottom portion so that the solar panel module is mounted at a selected angle. Each of the bases has attachment points which hold insert nuts and allows mounting brackets to be secured along the mounting surfaces. The mounting brackets allow the solar panel modules to be clamped utilizing their frames without additional hardware and to be attached from the top without access to the bottom of the panels. The brackets can be industry standard or specific to the system. The bases stack and nest for easy transport. The mounting bases may be secured to a selected surface using ballasts, mechanical attachments or a combination thereof. |
| US09057538B2 |
Solar flux conversion module
In one embodiment a solar collector is provided. The collector has a modular heat transfer component which includes a heat transfer core to heat up a heat transfer fluid. The collector makes use of the heat transfer fluid itself to prevent heat loss through radiation. |
| US09057535B2 |
Solar energy conversion devices and systems
Methods and devices are presented that allow the harvest of electricity, heat and lighting simultaneously from a solar converter, often at less cost than conventional solar collectors. The converters use slats to intercept sunlight. Slat surfaces in the direct light path may be coated with photovoltaic (PV) material, or may be shaped to concentrate sunlight, allowing less PV material to capture reflected, concentrated light for improved economics. Forcing air flow past enclosed slats let the slats operate as PV heat sinks, heat absorbers, and heat exchangers capturing much of the solar energy that is not converted to electricity, as heat. Embodiments also allow passage of indirect light to supplement interior artificial lighting, often with positive aesthetic effects. These slatted apertures mitigate glare and overheating problems associated with typical skylights and some windows, allowing wider use as architectural elements. The devices also can be integrated into new building construction, and serve a dual purpose as building structural components. |
| US09057534B2 |
Modular control system and method for water heaters
A water heating system includes a tank, one or more heating elements mounted on the water heating system, and a first controller mounted on the tank. The first controller is coupled to the one or more heating elements and includes logic to activate and deactivate the heating elements according to a first threshold value. The water heater also includes a second controller that is selectively coupled to the first controller and configured to communicate the first threshold value to the first controller, and perform an additional function related to the operation of the water heater. The first controller is configured to receive the first threshold value from the second controller and control the one or more heating elements based on the received threshold value, and to control the one or more heating elements mounted on the water heating system in a physical absence of the second controller. |
| US09057531B2 |
Thermal humidifier
A thermal humidifier includes an upper housing provided with a steam outlet for conveying steam into a room and combined with a fundamental base having a PTC heating tube installed therein. A water-absorption member is mounted around the PTC heating tube and has a large portion soaked in a water box for absorbing liquid or water from the water box. The water-absorption member, after fully soaking up water, contacts with the PTC heating tube to enable the PTC heating tube to quickly heat the water of the water-absorption member to produce steam to be sent into a room through the steam outlet of the upper housing. |
| US09057530B2 |
Humidifying medium having excellent lifespan characteristics and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed herein is a humidifying medium which adopts a natural humidifying system and has excellent lifespan characteristics. The humidifying medium according to the present invention is formed by coupling a linerboard to one or both sides of a corrugated board. The corrugated board and the linerboard have different average pore diameters, and the humidifying medium of the present invention may be formed by coupling a linerboard having an average pore diameter of 35˜40 μm to one or both sides of a corrugated board having an average pore diameter of 8˜10 μm. |
| US09057527B2 |
Range hood appliance with combination recirculation and exterior venting options
A range hood is provided that allows the user to select between venting to the exterior of a kitchen space versus recirculating air that is drawn over e.g., a cook top. Features are provided whereby the user can readily switch between such options for gas flow. A filter can also be provided whereby the user can readily select between different filter media depending upon the mode of gas flow selected. |
| US09057522B2 |
Powdered fuels, dispersions thereof, and combustion devices related thereto
This application describes powdered fuels, methods of producing powdered fuels source, and dispersions of powdered fuels, as well as systems, kits, and methods for producing and adapting combustion devices to burn powdered fuel, either as a sole fuel source or in combination with existing fuel sources. Exemplary embodiments include engines and furnaces adapted to combust powdered fuel. |
| US09057518B2 |
Reheat burner
A reheat burner (1) includes a channel (2) with a lance (3) protruding thereinto to inject a fuel over an injection plane (4) perpendicular to a channel longitudinal axis (15). The channel (2) and lance (3) define a vortex generation zone (6) upstream of the injection plane (4) and a mixing zone (9) downstream of the injection plane (4) in the hot gas (G) direction. The mixing zone (9) includes a high speed area (16) with a constant cross section, and a diffusion area (17) with a flared cross section downstream of the high speed area (16) in the hot gas (G) direction. |
| US09057515B2 |
Illuminating device for machine tool
The invention relates to an illuminating device for a machine tool, in particular, a grinding machine, wherein the illuminating device is arrangeable at a machine table of the machine tool, and is displaceable with the machine table, characterized in that the illuminating device comprises a first housing in which an illuminating module having a number of illuminating means is arranged, and in that a transparent plate is arranged at the first housing on the side of the illuminating means, wherein the transparent plate is configured so as to disperse the light emitted from the illuminating means substantially evenly. Further, a machine tool, in particular, a grinding machine, equipped with the illuminating device according to the invention is provided by the invention. |
| US09057512B2 |
Vehicle lighting unit
A vehicle lighting unit can form a structure or mechanism for positioning and installing a light emitting device in a vehicle lighting unit main body. |
| US09057511B2 |
High efficiency solid state lamp and bulb
Solid state lamps and bulbs comprising different combinations and arrangements of a light source, one or more wavelength conversion materials, regions or layers which are positioned separately or remotely with respect to the light source, and a separate diffuser. These are arranged on a heat sink in a manner that allows for the fabrication of lamps and bulbs that are efficient, reliable and cost effective and can provide an essentially omni-directional emission pattern, even with a light source comprised of a co-planar arrangement of LEDs. Additionally, this arrangement allows aesthetic masking or concealment of the appearance of the conversion regions or layers when the lamp is not illuminated. Various embodiments of the invention may be used to address many of the difficulties associated with utilizing efficient solid state light sources such as LEDs in the fabrication of lamps or bulbs suitable for direct replacement of traditional incandescent bulbs. Embodiments of the invention can be arranged to fit recognized standard size profiles such as those ascribed to commonly used lamps such as incandescent light bulbs, while still providing emission patterns that comply with ENERGY STAR® standards. |
| US09057508B1 |
Modular hanging lasers to enable real-time control in a distribution center
Disclosed are a system, device and/or an apparatus of modular hanging lasers to enable real-time control in a distribution center. A laser assembly includes a first support member and a second support member having a curved upper hook. The laser assembly includes a printed circuit board in between the first support member and the second support member that is physically coupled with the first support member at a first rotation point of the printed circuit board and the second support member at a second rotation point of the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board has a laser whose orientation is adjustable when a protrusion of the printed circuit board extends from a curved guide of the first support member. The second support member is manually adjusted by shifting the protrusion along the curved guide based on a graduation indicator adjacent to the curved guide. |
| US09057504B2 |
LED strip light connector system
A LED strip light connector system for providing a reliable connection between a flexible LED light strip and a connector. The LED strip light connector system generally includes a connector adapted to receive an end of a light strip, and a support member extending outwardly from the connector to support the light strip near the connector. The light strip is attached to the surface of the support member thereby preventing movement of the light strip with respect to the connector. |
| US09057500B2 |
Flashlight
A flashlight has a casing extending along an axis, formed with a screwthread, and holding a battery having two poles. A light-emitting diode has a light-emitting head and a first and second integral lead wires. A holder is formed with first and second separate throughgoing holes, a seat into which the holes open and in which the diode head is fitted with the first and second wires extending outward through the respective first and second holes out of contact with each other, a reflector adjacent the seat, and a screwthread. The holder is fitted to the casing with the screwthread of the holder operatively engaged with the screwthread of the casing and the first wire pressed directly against one of the poles of the battery. |
| US09057499B2 |
Solid state light sources with common luminescent and heat dissipating surfaces
A solid-state light source with LEDs contained in a light recycling cavity emits both light and heat from heat extracting light emitting elements which form the light recycling cavity. Eliminating appended heat sinks makes these light sources ultra lightweight. The light sources can be attached and supported by suspended ceilings without affecting the seismic properties of the ceiling. The heat extracting light emitting elements are combined with a reflector to make directional light sources, which can be attached to ceilings with small magnets. Because the heat extracting light emitting elements transfer the heat from the light source to the illuminated area there is no requirement for disturbing or penetrating the ceiling barrier to a heat sink on the plenum side of the ceiling. This enables a contiguous acoustic ceiling. Further, the light sources are made from non flammable materials and therefore do not affect the fire rating of the ceiling. |
| US09057498B2 |
LED light module for backlighting
An LED light module and a backlit sign using at least one of the LED light modules are described. The LED light module comprises at least two LED light sources that are spaced apart from each other. Each of the LED light sources is covered by a lens and at least two of the lenses have a different shape than each other. The LED light module produces a uniform intensity of light on a backlit surface. The LED light module can include three LED light sources. Two of the lenses covering the LED light sources emit light that is distributed off-axis and a third of the lenses covering the LED light sources emits light that is distributed substantially on-axis. The backlit sign comprises a housing, at least one LED light module disposed in the housing and a backlit surface on the housing extending over the LED modules. |
| US09057496B2 |
Vehicle headlamp
A vehicle headlamp that is capable of optically distributing a spot portion of a light distribution pattern having a cutoff line to a cruising lane side is provided. The present invention includes semiconductor-type light sources 2L and 2R and lenses 3L and 3R. On emission surfaces 31L and 31R of the lenses 3L and 3R, peak portions 32L and 32R that form a spot portion SP of a light distribution pattern for low beam LP are respectively provided in given locations that are close to a cruising lane side with respect to optical axes ZL and ZR of the lenses 3L and 3R. As a result, the present invention can provide the vehicle headlamp that is capable of optically distributing the spot portion SP of the light distribution pattern for low beam LP having a cutoff line CL. |
| US09057495B2 |
Illuminating lamp and vehicle head lamp, using light emitting diode
An illuminating lamp and a vehicle head lamp, using a light emitting diode, respectively, are capable of not only keeping the same brightness as obtained at the time of lighting after many hours from the lighting, but also being usable for many hours without deterioration in efficiency besides advantages of providing a high output in low power consumption, a long service life, and a simple structure. The illuminating lamp comprises a light source support made up of an upper structure and a lower structure, the upper structure being linked with the lower structure via the heat conduction bar, wherein the light source support is inserted into an aluminum heat-release mount, thereby causing heat generated from the light emitting diode to be released into the aluminum heat-release mount through cooling of the heat conduction bar. |
| US09057492B2 |
Surgical lamp for broadband and narrowband illumination
The present invention relates to a surgical lamp (100) comprising both a first light source (110) and a second light source (112), where the first light source is capable of emitting light across a broad first spectral range and the second light source being capable of emitting light having an emission peak in a narrow second spectral range. The surgical lamp further features a light source selecting device (120), capable of selectively turning on and off the first and the second light source. The first light source has a high color rendering index so as to enable objects, such as tissues, to appear in their true color, and the second light source has a low or non-definable color rendering index, so as enable accentuation of particular tissues. |
| US09057491B2 |
Network controlled interior lighting system
A network controlled indoor lighting system is disclosed, which is constructed based on a device control unit with network connectivity, and a remote controller containing the software for users to control the interior lighting system. The system allows users to control a plurality of LED lamps in terms of brightness, color temperature, beam angle and illumination direction. The system has single/multi-point control, and online error diagnosis. |
| US09057487B2 |
Electronic incense censer
An electronic incense censer includes an electronic incense which consists of a light guide for guiding light and a sheath coated on a circumferential periphery of the light guide, a light source arranged at a light incident end of the light guide, and a light emitting portion arranged at a light output end of the light guide. A color of light generated by the light source is adjustable by mixing light beams having different colors, wherein intensities of the light beams are adjustable. The light enters the light guide via the light incident end and reaches the light emitting portion via a guidance of the light guide. |
| US09057486B2 |
Optical touch device
An optical touch device includes multiple optical touch modules and multiple L-shaped connection boards, which are assembled to form a frame body. Each L-shaped connection board is connected between two adjacent optical touch modules. Each optical touch module includes an LED circuit board and a control circuit board. Multiple LED components are disposed on one face of the LED circuit board. The other face faces the control circuit board. The other face of the control circuit board is connected with the L-shaped connection board. A first connector and a second connector are positioned in a space between overlapping sections of the LED circuit board and the control circuit board and mated with each other. The control circuit board has at least one third connector mated with a fourth connector of the L-shaped connection board. Electronic components and/or an extension section of a filter member are positioned in the space. |
| US09057480B1 |
Collapsible camera crane
A lightweight compact collapsible camera crane may comprise a tubular boom having segments arranged in a telescopic configuration such that the boom is transformable between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration. A boom-end bracket may be removably and hingedly connected to a distal end of the boom. The boom-end bracket may include a camera seat configured to support a camera. A tower may be removably and hingedly connected to an intermediate position along the boom such that during use a downward motion of a proximal end of the boom results in an upward motion of the distal end of the boom and an upward motion of the proximal end of the boom results in a downward motion of the distal end of the boom. A removable actuator cable may mechanically couple the tower and the boom-end bracket to maintain an orientation of the camera seat. |
| US09057479B2 |
Wall-mounted aiding mechanism and wall-mounted device
An exemplary embodiment of a wall-mounted aiding mechanism for firmly attaching an object to a vertical wall and which is proofed against external impacts includes a casing, a sliding plate and an adjusting screw. The casing defines a first receiving space to receive the sliding block which performs a collaring or shearing action on a fastener such as a screw. The adjusting screw passes into the receiving space of the casing. The adjusting screw engages with the sliding block to lift the sliding block to a topmost position of the receiving space or disengages with sliding block to let the sliding block drop onto the neck of the fastener and hold it secure. |
| US09057476B2 |
Binder support apparatus
Binder support apparatus may be configured to support binder covers apart from one another. The binder support apparatus may include two or more portions configured to be coupled to opposing binder covers. At least one portion of the binder support apparatus may be configured into locked and unlocked positions. |
| US09057475B1 |
Beach umbrella with telescoping pole and base plate
A support stand for a beach umbrella or similar structure that requires support is described. The support stand includes a base plate having an upwardly extending attachment cylinder for receiving a pole of an item the needs support. The bottom of the support stand includes a plurality of pivotally attached projections for extending into the ground to provide support. The projections are biased open but can be selectively folded flat against the bottom of the support stand and then held in place for transportation or storage. The support stand includes a handle and pole attachment features the enable one handed transportation. |
| US09057471B2 |
Method and device for tapping and tracing a conduit
Disclosed are a method and a device for tapping and tracing a conduit that is obstructed from view such as a subterranean pipe. The invention allows the conduit to be traced while the conduit continues to function. The device includes a tapping tee for tapping into a conduit with an entry port at an acute angle to the conduit, a flexible fiberglass rodder that includes a conductor, a stuffing box removably attached to the tapping tee for inserting the rodder into the tapping tee, a signal transmitter operably attached to the rodder, and a signal receiver that receives the signals transmitted by the transmitter through the rodder and through the obstruction. |
| US09057465B2 |
Unbonded, flexible pipe
The invention relates to an unbonded, flexible pipe having a length and comprising a tubular inner sealing sheath, at least one metal armor layer and an outer sealing sheath. The unbonded, flexible pipe comprises at least one insulated length section comprising a fluid permeable thermally insulating cover surrounding the outer sealing sheath in the insulated length section. The thermally insulating cover is further surrounded by a liquid permeable jacket, and preferably the thermally insulating cover is liquid permeable. |
| US09057462B2 |
Method of laying a pipeline from a laying vessel onto the bed of a body of water, and laying vessel
A method of laying a pipeline from a laying vessel into a body of water includes guiding the pipeline along a supporting structure of a laying ramp using a number of guide devices, and acquiring an image of the pipeline, in an acquisition plane crosswise to the axis of the pipeline, at the free end of the laying ramp. The method also includes determining whether the acquired image is within an acceptance range predetermined as a function of the configuration of the supporting structure and the size of the pipeline, and emitting an error signal when the acquired image is not within the acceptance range. |
| US09057460B2 |
Plumbing supply line and drain line mounting and finish panel
A plumbing finish plate assembly, for connecting water supply lines and a drain line in a wall to fixture supply and drain lines, comprises a mounting panel having a drain line opening and two supply line openings formed therethrough. The drain line opening is larger than the supply line openings and a flexible, annular seal is secured around the drain line opening. A supply line connector assembly is securable to the mounting panel through each supply line opening. A securement means, in the form of a clip is used to selectively secure the supply line connector assembly to the mounting panel such that an outlet leg of the connector assembly is oriented in at least ninety degree increments relative to the mounting panel. |
| US09057458B2 |
Single operator trenching pipe laying device and method
A single operator extruder main body dispenses aggregate, pipe and geotextile during a trenching operation. Lifting elements allows the main body to be manipulated by a single operator. |
| US09057455B2 |
Crank
A crank for a valve linkage system includes a pin sleeve having a bore for receiving a connecting pin to connect the crank to a link; a shaft sleeve having a bore for receiving a shaft; an arm between the pin bore and shaft sleeve; and a first stiffening rib extending from the shaft sleeve toward the pin bore. |
| US09057448B2 |
Internal relief valve for a valve actuator
A method and apparatus for a pressure control system for an actuator is provided. In one embodiment, the pressure control system may include a housing defining an upper chamber and a lower chamber, and a piston disposed between the upper and lower chambers. A valve may be coupled to the piston that is operable to control fluid communication between the upper chamber and the lower chamber. In one embodiment, a method of controlling over-pressurization of an actuator includes supplying a fluid pressure to a first chamber of an actuator having a piston and actuating the piston using the fluid pressure. The method may further include relieving the fluid pressure from the first chamber through a valve that is coupled to the piston when the fluid pressure exceeds a predetermined maximum pressure. |
| US09057440B2 |
Control unit for synchronous engaging device
When a synchronizing sleeve that is driven by an actuator in response to gear shift request is stroked from a release position to an engagement position, a differential rotation speed between an input rotation and an output rotation is calculated at stroke positions after a synchronization completion position; and when the said differential rotation speed is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value, a damage determination index is calculated based on the said differential rotation speed. Further, when a cumulative value of the damage determination index accumulated for each gear position becomes equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value, the engagement operation of the gear position corresponding to the said cumulative value is disabled. This makes it possible to effectively determine the degree of damage when a gear whine occurs to a synchronized engaging device. |
| US09057439B2 |
Infinitely variable transmission with IVT traction ring controlling assemblies
An infinitely variable transmission includes an input assembly, an output assembly, an input/output planetary ratio assembly and a torque feedback control is provided. The input assembly is coupled to receive input rotational motion. The output assembly provides a rotational output. The output assembly is configured to be rotationally coupled to a load. The input/output planetary ratio assembly sets an input to output speed ratio. The input/output ratio assembly includes a first and a second stator. The torque feedback control assembly provides torque feedback to the input/output planetary ratio assembly to at least in part control the input to output speed ratio of the input/output planetary ratio assembly. The torque feedback control assembly includes a phase relation system operationally coupled to the first and second stator and a torque system operationally coupled to the output assembly. The phase relation system further is in operational communication with the torque system. |
| US09057437B2 |
Forklift and inching control method of forklift
In order to provide a forklift capable of performing an inching control suitable for a specific work and a running operation of the forklift and an inching control method of the forklift, an inching ratio calculating unit calculates an inching ratio, a target engine speed calculating unit calculates a target engine speed, a modulation control unit sets a time constant of the inching ratio in response to a speed difference between the target engine speed and an actual engine speed and outputs a correction inching ratio having the time constant set thereto, a multiplication unit outputs a correction absorption torque obtained by multiplying the correction inching ratio by a target absorption torque, and a HST pump electromagnetic proportional control output current converting unit outputs a current instruction value to a pump capacity setting unit. |
| US09057433B2 |
Shift control method for automated manual transmission in a hybrid vehicle
Disclosed is a method for providing a smooth and stable synchronization operation of a transmission achieved in spite of the sudden change of a vehicle speed in the automated manual transmission (AMT) hybrid vehicle that suppresses a collapse of the synchronization by generating a torque by a motor connected to an input shaft in consideration of changes in inertia of the motor and a control target rotational speed during shifting. |
| US09057426B2 |
Swiveling joint for a horse head on a pump jack
A swiveling joint system for a horse head on a pump jack includes a working beam, a worm drive, a horse head member, and at least one locking pin. The swiveling joint system improves access to parts of the well because the horse head member can be swiveled out of position instead of being completely disassembled. The locking pin holds the horse head member in alignment with the working beam. When the locking pin is removed, the worm drive controls the swiveling of the horse head member in either direction towards either side of the working beam. The worm drive has a worm gear attached to the horse head member so that movement and position of the horse head corresponds to movement of the worm gear. The horse head member and working beam are rotatable relative to each other on a pivot pin, which can be connected to a lubricator. |
| US09057421B2 |
Wave gear device having three-dimensional contacting involute positive deflection tooth profile
In a wave gear device, an involute tooth profile with the low pressure angle α (<20°) is employed as a basic tooth profile of external teeth of a flexible external gear. In the principal section of the external teeth, the tooth depth thereof satisfies 2κ0mn=2(1+c) mn (deflection coefficient κ0=1+c, 0 |
| US09057420B1 |
Protective guiding device for use with a cable
The present invention relates to a protective guiding device for used in cable, including: a plurality of connection rack units for being connected and formed as a chain; and two turning and positioning structures, each of the structures includes an intermediate member and a fasten member, and adjacent surfaces defined on the two members are formed with a plurality of positioning concave parts and positioning convex parts capable of being mutually engaged; when the fasten member is outwardly pulled, and a buckle hole thereof is enabled to compress an elastic member relative to a buckle hook of the intermediate member, so the positioning convex parts and positioning concave parts are released and the fasten member can be turned to a desired angle then be released for allowing the elastic member to be stretched, so the positioning convex parts and the positioning concave parts are engaged for forming a positioning status. |
| US09057419B2 |
Link chain with link plates made of boron-manganese steel
A link chain is provided, in particular a drive chain of a combustion engine, with chain links connected one to another by a chain articulation. The inner and outer chain links, which preferably are arranged in alternation, each have at least two link plates arranged in parallel with each other, each with two link openings. One link pin in each case extends through one of the link openings of the link plates to form a chain articulation. In this design, the link plates are made of a boron-manganese steel. |
| US09057417B2 |
Vibration isolation unit
To provide a vibration isolation unit capable of reducing the number of parts, man-hour and material cost, and suppressing the product cost. One side of a stopper rubber member continues to the outer edge of a diaphragm. Accordingly, because they can be vulcanizingly molded simultaneously, the number of parts can be reduced. Also, because the diaphragm is attached to an outer tube member, the stopper rubber member also can be fixed simultaneously, and therefore the man-hour can be reduced. Further, because one side of the stopper rubber member continues to the outer edge of the diaphragm, overlapping of them in an axial view can be avoided, and a rubber material can be used efficiently. Thus, the number of parts, man-hour and material cost can be reduced and the product cost of the overall vibration isolation unit can be suppressed. |
| US09057415B1 |
Adaptable multi-element vibration isolator
The present invention's vibration/shock amelioration device, as typically embodied, has a geometric device axis and includes two axial endplates, an intermediate support structure, and at least six truncated-conical resilient (e.g., elastomeric) elements. The intermediate support structure is equidistant between the endplates and lies in a geometric bisector plane that is perpendicular to the device axis. Each resilient element has a geometric conical axis, a larger-diameter axial end, and a smaller-diameter axial end. The resilient elements are fixed between the support structure and an endplate and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the device axis whereby the conical axes intersect the device axis at oblique angles and the smaller-diameter axial ends are closer to the bisector plane than are the larger-diameter axial ends. The intermediate support structure can include a single rigid piece, or a composite unit having a pair of rigid members and a resilient (e.g., elastomeric) member sandwiched therebetween. |
| US09057414B2 |
Transmission mounting unit for vehicle
The transmission mounting unit for a vehicle includes a mounting bracket in which a cylindrical mounting unit is formed, mounting ends fixed to a vehicle body that are integrally formed on both sides of the mounting unit, and a bush unit inserted into the mounting unit of the mounting bracket. The bush unit has a first outer pipe that forms an outer shell to be inserted into the mounting unit, a first insulator bonded to an internal circumference of the first outer pipe and integrated with a stopper protruding from the first through hole, a second outer pipe inserted into the first outer pipe, an inner core disposed in a center of the second outer pipe, and a second insulator having an external circumference bonded to an internal circumference of the second outer pipe while surrounding an external circumference of the inner core. |
| US09057413B2 |
Floating brake disk assembling method
Provided are a floating brake disk assembling method and a floating brake disk, and a floating brake disk assembling device, wherein a washer or a spring member can be accurately attached to a coupling pin. In the floating disk brake assembling method, a coupling pin 32 for coupling a brake disk (10) to a hub disk (20), which has a cylindrical body portion (41) to be mounted in a coupling hole (31), a first jaw portion (42) formed in one end portion of the body portion (41), and a portion to be swaged (43A) continuous to the other end portion of the body portion (41), is used; and the portion to be swaged (43A) is swaged so that a second jaw portion (42) having a diameter larger than that of the body portion (41) can be formed. The second jaw portion is formed by swaging the portion to be swaged (43A) while the coupling pin (32) is mounted in the coupling hole (31), and the spring member (33) and the washer (34) are attached to the outside of the coupling pin (32), to compress and deform the spring member (33) via the washer (34). |
| US09057410B2 |
Wet friction clutch
A wet friction clutch comprising at least one clutch component which is rotatable around a shaft, wherein in the interior of the clutch component a rotary valve component that is rotatable around the shaft is formed which is deflectable by an angle of deflection in comparison to the rotatable clutch component by a relative rotation around the shaft, wherein the rotatable clutch component has at least one first opening and the rotary valve component has at least one second opening, wherein a total opening is released by an at least partial overlapping of the first opening and the second opening, the size of the total opening being dependent on the angle of deflection. |
| US09057403B2 |
Method for mounting a hydrodynamic sliding bearing and hydrodynamic sliding bearing, in particular of a magnetic coupling pump
A method for mounting a hydrodynamic sliding bearing of a shaft, in particular a magnetic coupling pump, wherein the hydrodynamic sliding bearing includes a bearing bushing disposed between a bearing sleeve and a bearing housing includes the steps of A coating a clamping ring on at least one of its surfaces with a friction-increasing coating, B heating the clamping ring and applying to the bearing bushing so that a pre-assembly unit is formed, and C heating the bearing housing, wherein the pre-assembly unit is inserted in the bearing housing. A double pressure bond is thus advantageously provided where a radial prevention of rotation and an axial prevention of displacement is achieved without any axial pinning as prevention from rotation and axial tensioning (e.g. L-profile ring) of the bearing bushing being required. |
| US09057402B2 |
Spacers for rolling bearings with adjusted lengths
A rolling bearing device, of the type including a central shaft and a hub (10) mobile in rotation relative to each other, the bearing including at least two rolling bearings (12, 13), one designated “lower” and the other designated “upper”, arranged between the central shaft (11) and the hub (10) in two positions spaced in the axial direction Z, these rolling bearings being fitted with inner (14, 16) and outer (15, 17) rings and with balls (18, 19), the rolling bearings being assembled back-to-back or face-to-face, a rigid preload being applied to these bearings along the axial direction Z, internal (22) and external (23) spacers being arranged between these rolling bearings, the inner (22) and outer (23) spacers have lengths adjusted to limit variations in rigid preload caused by temperature gradients from one point of the bearing to another to less than 30%, particularly thermal gradients in the radial direction. |
| US09057394B2 |
Modular clamping system
A clamping system includes a housing, a clamping lever pivotally coupled relative to the housing, a clamping arm pivotally coupled relative to the housing and the clamping lever, and an expandable link coupled to the clamping arm. The clamping lever and the clamping arm are rotatable from an open position to a closed position. A method of mounting a device on a substrate using the clamping system is also provided. |
| US09057392B2 |
Web-handling machine frame
A web-handling machine frame, at least partially built from reconfigurable interconnected blocks having precision alignment points. From such blocks, modular equipment web-handling lines for web-handling operations can be constructed ad hoc with their shaft mounted web-contacting devices in tram without the need for separate alignment procedures. |
| US09057390B2 |
Electro hydrostatic actuator
An electro hydrostatic actuator includes an actuator body, a hydraulic pump driven to supply operation oil to the actuator body, and an electric motor configured to drive the hydraulic pump. Each of the hydraulic pump and the electric motor is placed so as to surround the outer periphery of the actuator body, and the hydraulic pump and the electric motor are arranged in a direction along a center axis. |
| US09057388B2 |
Vacuum trap
A vacuum trap, a plasma etch system using the vacuum trap and a method of cleaning the vacuum trap. The vacuum trap includes a baffle housing; and a removable baffle assembly disposed in the baffle housing, the baffle assembly comprising a set of baffle plates, the baffle plates spaced along a support rod from a first baffle plate to a last baffle plate, the baffle plates alternately disposed above and below the support rod and alternately disposed in an upper region and a lower region of the baffle housing. |
| US09057382B2 |
Fan impeller structure and manufacturing method thereof
A fan impeller structure and a manufacturing method thereof. The fan impeller structure includes a hub and multiple securing sections. The hub has a top section, an annular section and multiple recesses. The annular section axially extends from a circumference of the top section. The annular section and the top section together define a receiving space. The recesses are formed at a junction between the top section and the annular section. The securing sections are disposed in the receiving space and formed oppositely between the recesses. The manufacturing method of the fan impeller structure enables the manufacturing process to be simplified. Moreover, by using the securing sections, magnetic members can be quickly connected with and secured to inner circumference of the hub to save working time. |
| US09057374B2 |
Oilless screw compressor and compressed air cooling unit
An oilless screw compressor incorporating water-cooled cooling units for cooling compressed air discharged from compressor bodies having a pair of male and female screw rotors which can be rotated in a contactless and oilless manner, the cooling units comprising a plate type heat-exchanger, and the amount of cooling water for the plate type heat-exchanger being adjustable. With this configuration, a difference between a temperature during load operation and a temperature upon automatic stopping and during unload operation of the compressor can be reduced, so that the cooling unit can be restrained from being damaged or broken within a short period, thereby it is possible to provide a highly reliable oilless screw compressor. |
| US09057371B2 |
Method for varying the duration of a supply stroke of a pump element, and a pump device
A pump device is operated according to a method for varying the duration of a supply stroke of a pump element, the supply stroke of which is actuated by a rotatably driven pump shaft (P) over a predetermined rotational position range of the pump shaft. In the method, the pump shaft (P) is rotatably driven by a drive shaft (A) and the angular speed of the pump shaft, at a constant angular speed of the drive shaft, is increased and decreased at least once during one revolution of the pump shaft. |
| US09057369B2 |
Device for the dosed administration of a fluid product, adapted for the replacement of a container
A device for administering a fluid product, the device including a first housing part provided with a receiver for the product, a second housing part detachably connectable to the first housing part, a piston rod held such that it can be displaced for the exertion of an emptying movement, an actuatable or releasable drive element for the piston rod, a coupling element including a coupling input element that couples the drive element to the piston rod in a coupling engagement, transmits a driving force of the drive element to the piston rod, and triggers the emptying movement, and a decoupling element displaceably connected to the second housing part and coupled to the first housing part such that it is displaced, by a movement of the housing parts in relation to each other when the housing parts are separated into a decoupling position wherein the piston rod is decoupled from the coupling input element. |
| US09057367B2 |
Cooling device and projector
A cooling device is provided. The cooling device may include a pump chamber, an inlet flow passage that is used for allowing a fluid to flow into the pump chamber, an outlet flow passage that allows the fluid to flow out from the pump chamber, a pump that includes a fluid resistance element that opens or closes the inlet flow passage between the inlet flow passage and the pump chamber, a circulation flow passage that is used for circulating the fluid from the outlet flow passage to the inlet flow passage, and a first volume adjusting chamber that adjusts pressure of the fluid flowing into the pump chamber. |
| US09057365B2 |
Bush bearing fabricating method thereof and hermetic compressor having the same
Disclosed are a bush bearing, a fabricating method thereof and a hermetic compressor having the same. A lubricant member of the bush bearing can be adhered onto a housing or press-fitted therein so as to remarkably increase the thickness of the lubricant member, whereby the bush bearing can be more resistant to abrasion, and upon applying the same to the compressor, abrasion of a crank shaft or the bush bearing can be reduced. |
| US09057359B2 |
Wind turbine blade with base part having non-positive camber
A blade, for a rotor of a wind turbine has a profiled contour in a radial direction is divided into a root region with a substantially circular or elliptical profile closest to the hub and an airfoil region with a lift generating profile furthest away from the hub. A transition region between the root region and the airfoil region has a profile gradually changing in the radial direction from the circular or elliptical profile of the root region to the lift generating profile of the airfoil region, and the airfoil region comprises at least a first longitudinal segment extending at least 20% of a longitudinal extent of the airfoil region. The first longitudinal segment has a first base part with a cross-sectional profile such that, when impacted by an incident airflow at an angle of attack of 0 degrees has a lift coefficient, which is 0 or less. |
| US09057358B2 |
Wind turbine with variable blade pitch for wind power electrical generator
The present patent application provides a wind turbine with variable blade pitch. The wind turbine with variable blade pitch includes a turbine shell coaxially disposed at a turbine axis; and at least three evenly distributed blade handle bases fixedly disposed at the outer circumference of the turbine shell. A blade handle axis is coaxially configured on each blade handle base. A blade is fixedly disposed on each blade handle axis. A centrifugal blade pitch changing unit is disposed on the turbine shell and configured to adjust the rotation speed of the wind turbine. When the rotating speed of the wind turbine exceeds the rated rotating speed, it is regulated by the centrifugal blade pitch changing unit, so as to avoid the rotating speed of the wind turbine to be greatly increased due to the wind speed rise and make the wind turbine run stably at the rated rotating speed. |
| US09057357B2 |
Split collar mountable wind turbine
A split collar mountable turbine is assembled in two separate halves and circumferentially attachable around existing structures. Top and bottom attachment rings each comprise first and second arcuate elements adapted to interconnect circumferentially about an axis to form two rings formed in spaced relation. A fan blade housing ring adapted to interface into complimentary slots within the top and bottom rings is received in complimentary slots and moves in tracks located in the top and bottom rings by magnetic levitation. The turbine further includes two pair of off-axis electrical generators each having rotating gears driven by rotation of said fan blade housing for producing electricity. A series of set screws and set guides affixed to the top and bottom rings can be adjusted to engage and be supported by a structure that is collared in the open center of the cylindrical wind turbine. |
| US09057352B2 |
Wave power generation device and method of controlling the same
A wave power generation device for synchronizing a vertical movement of a float with all the wave periods, and a method of controlling the same. The device has a controller which controls a torque of a power generator, and the controller is configured to estimate a displacement and a speed of a float from data of a rotation number or a rotation speed of the power generator, to estimate a wave period from the displacement and the speed, and to determine a displacement coefficient corresponding to the wave period from a data table stored in advance, and to transmit a calculated product of the displacement coefficient and the displacement as a torque command to the power generator so as to control a torque of the power generator. |
| US09057341B2 |
Engine cylinder mid-stop
According to one embodiment, an internal combustion engine includes a cylinder and liner. The cylinder includes a mid-stop formed in a side wall of the cylinder. The mid-stop includes a first contact surface and an undercut between the first contact surface and the side wall. The liner is positioned within the cylinder and includes a seat having a second contact surface. The second contact surface is supported on the first contact surface. |
| US09057339B2 |
Stochastic pre-ignition mitigation system
A stochastic pre-ignition (SPI) mitigation system includes a detection module, an engine load module, and an evaluation module. The detection module generates a pre-ignition determination signal indicating detection of a SPI event in a cylinder of an engine. The engine load module determines load on the engine and generates an engine load signal based on the load. The evaluation module determines whether to operate in a single-pulse mode or a multi-pulse mode and generating a mode signal to operate in a selected one of the single-pulse mode and the multi-pulse mode based on the pre-ignition determination signal and the engine load signal. The single pulse mode includes injecting a single pulse of fuel into the cylinder during a first per combustion cycle of the cylinder. The multi-pulse mode includes injecting multiple pulses of fuel into the cylinder during a second combustion cycle of the cylinder. |
| US09057338B2 |
Exhaust gas oxygen sensor fault detection systems and methods using fuel vapor purge rate
A diagnostic system for a vehicle includes an error module, an equivalence ratio (EQR) module, a threshold determination module, and a fault indication module. The error module determines an error value based on a difference between an amount of oxygen in exhaust measured by an exhaust gas oxygen sensor (EGO) upstream of a catalyst and an expected value of the amount. The EQR module selectively controls fuel injection based on the error value. The threshold determination module determines an error threshold based on a flow rate of fuel vapor from a vapor canister to an intake manifold of an engine. The fault indication module selectively indicates that a fault is present in the EGO sensor based on the error value and the error threshold. |
| US09057335B2 |
Method for operating an exhaust gas aftertreatment apparatus
The present invention relates to a method for operating an exhaust gas aftertreatment apparatus (13) of an internal combustion engine (11), which comprises an oxidation catalytic converter (29), an SCR catalytic converter (35) and a first temperature sensor (32) disposed in the direction of flow downstream of the oxidation catalytic converter (29) and upstream of the SCR catalytic converter (35), an exhaust gas atmosphere capable of exothermal reaction in said oxidation catalytic converter (29) being generated by the metering of hydrocarbons into the exhaust gas (3) upstream of said oxidation catalytic converter (29) during a heating operation. The method is thereby characterized in that a first numerical measurement value of a nominal value of a hydrocarbon conversion in said oxidation catalytic converter (29) is formed, in that a second numerical measurement value of an actual value of the hydrocarbon conversion in said oxidation catalytic converter (29) is determined as a function of the signals of the first temperature sensor (32), in that the second numerical measurement value is compared with the first numerical measurement value and in that the metering of the hydrocarbons is reduced if said second numerical measurement value is smaller than said first numerical measurement value. An independent claim relates to a control device set up for carrying out the method. |
| US09057334B2 |
Vehicle, and control method for vehicle
A control device includes a PWM control unit that executes PWM control over an alternating-current motor mounted on a vehicle. The PWM control unit includes an alarm sound generation processing unit and a slip determination unit. The slip determination unit determines whether a drive wheel coupled to the alternating-current motor is slipping on the basis. of a d-axis current (Id), a q-axis current (Iq), a d-axis voltage command value (Vd) and a q-axis voltage command value (Vq) of the alternating-current motor. When the drive wheel is not slipping, the alarm sound generation processing unit generates an alarm sound from the alternating-current motor by adding a variation value (ΔV) to the d-axis voltage command value (Vd) at a predetermined interval. When the drive wheel is slipping, the alarm sound generation processing unit temporarily stops adding the variation value (ΔV) to the d-axis voltage command value (Vd). |
| US09057330B2 |
Methods and systems for humidity detection via an exhaust gas sensor
Various methods and system are described for determining ambient humidity via an exhaust gas sensor disposed in an exhaust system of a variable displacement engine. A reference voltage of a sensor coupled to an inactive engine bank is modulated between a first and second voltage to estimate ambient humidity. Concurrently, a reference voltage of a sensor coupled to an active engine bank is modulated between the first and second voltage, or at the first voltage, to estimate fuel alcohol content, or exhaust air-fuel ratio, respectively. |
| US09057327B2 |
Method and apparatus for heating liquid fuel supplied to a gas turbine combustor
A method of heating liquid fuel upstream of a combustor in a system where compressor discharge air is cooled before being supplied to fuel nozzles in the combustor includes the steps of passing the compressor discharge air through a heat exchanger in heat exchange relationship with the liquid fuel to heat the liquid fuel and cool the compressor discharge air; supplying the heated liquid fuel and the cooled compressor discharge air to the combustor. |
| US09057326B2 |
System of compact contra-rotating propellers
A system of contra-rotating propellers for an aircraft jet engine, including: a free power turbine; a first and second propeller, contra-rotating, the first propeller being placed in a predetermined direction relative to the second propeller, each including a hub, an outer ferrule, and coupling arms linking the two; and a casing inserted between the free turbine and the propellers, the propellers arranged in the predetermined direction relative to the casing and the free turbine arranged in the opposite direction relative to the casing, the casing including a casing extension in the given direction, rotatably supporting the hub of the propeller. The coupling arms extend in the opposite direction, radially towards the outside. |
| US09057323B2 |
Drive system with a rotary energy-transmission element
The invention relates to a drive system provided with a cylinder shell with two end sections and, inside said cylinder shell, a central combustion chamber with two piston bodies arranged therein, that are displaceable in axially opposed directions within said combustion chamber, wherein a drive rod extending along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder shell is connected with each piston body and has a drive extension extending outwardly from each respective end section of said cylinder shell, wherein said drive rods are each connected via a drive element with a rotary body that can rotate around the cylinder shell, wherein said drive elements are provided with bearings that bear upon said rotary body and that, when in reciprocating motion, drive said rotary body in rotation about said longitudinal axis. |
| US09057321B2 |
Fuel reactivity stratification in rotary diesel engines
A first fuel charge having low reactivity (low cetane number) is injected into a rotary engine, such as a Wankel engine, sufficiently early during the intake stroke that a subsequent higher-reactivity injected fuel charge forms one or more stratified high-reactivity regions within the engine chamber. Compression ignition then begins at the high-reactivity regions and propagates to the lower-reactivity regions. Appropriate choice of the timings, quantities, and other parameters of the injections can allow control of the timing and rate of combustion, such that work output can be maximized, unburned fuel can be minimized, and chamber temperature can be controlled to reduce heat losses and NOx emissions. As a result, rotary engine efficiency can be enhanced while emissions are reduced. Since the invention can be implemented in a lightweight and compact rotary engine, it is well suited for use in hybrid and compact vehicles. |
| US09057318B2 |
Radiator for vehicle
A radiator for a vehicle may include an inlet tank adapted to receive coolant from an engine; an outlet tank disposed apart from the inlet tank and adapted to discharge the coolant back to the engine; a heat-exchanging portion fluidly connecting the inlet tank and the outlet tank and provided with a plurality of tubes and radiation fins to cool the coolant flowing in the tubes by exchanging heat with air; and a bubble separating unit connected to the inlet tank and adapted to separate bubble contained in the coolant discharged from the engine and to continuously discharge the coolant from which the bubble is separated to a reserve tank to supply the coolant from which the bubble is separated to the heat-exchanging portion. |
| US09057311B2 |
Honeycomb unit for exhaust emission control
A metal honeycomb structure includes planar and corrugated sheets brazed together at first and second joining portions made of brazing materials applied to the corrugated sheet. The first and second joining portions are located proximate exhaust inlet and outlet of the honeycomb structure. The honeycomb further includes a joining strip joined to a metal outer tube. The joining strip is made of a brazing material applied to an inner wall of the metal outer tube. The second joining portion overlaps the joining strip and has a brazing length larger than a brazing length of the first joining portion which does not overlap the joining strip. |
| US09057310B2 |
Catalysed soot filter for treating the exhaust gas of a compression ignition engine
A catalysed soot filter comprising an oxidation catalyst for treating carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HCs) in exhaust gas from a compression ignition engine disposed on a filtering substrate, wherein the oxidation catalyst comprises: a platinum group metal (PGM) component selected from the group consisting of a platinum (Pt) component, a palladium (Pd) component and a combination thereof; an alkaline earth metal component; a support material comprising a modified alumina incorporating a heteroatom component. |
| US09057309B2 |
System and apparatus for enhancing exhaust aftertreatment startup emissions control
An aftertreatment system including a method which provides a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst disposed in an exhaust stream of an engine; determines that an ammonia pre-load condition for the SCR catalyst is present; determines a first amount of ammonia pre-load in response to the ammonia pre-load condition; injects an amount of ammonia or urea into the exhaust stream in response to the first amount of ammonia; and adsorbs a second amount of ammonia onto the SCR catalyst in response to injecting an amount of ammonia or urea, where the second amount of ammonia is either the injected amount of ammonia or an amount of ammonia resulting from hydrolysis from the injected amount of urea. |
| US09057306B2 |
Device for delivering reducing agent and motor vehicle having the device
A device for delivering reducing agent from a tank to a metering unit includes a pulsating delivery pump for delivering reducing agent in a delivery direction through a delivery line from the tank to the metering unit. The delivery line includes at least two separate ducts in regions downstream of the delivery pump in the delivery direction. The ducts form flow paths having different propagation times for the reducing agent. This leads, in particular, to cost-effective noise reduction for such delivery systems. A motor vehicle having the device is also provided. |
| US09057300B2 |
Reducing agent metering system with metering chamber for exact setting of the metered amount
The invention relates to a reducing agent metering system for injection of a reducing agent into the exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine for selective catalytic reduction, with a delivery pump (2) by means of which the reducing agent is delivered from a reducing agent tank (1) via a delivery line (3) and is introduced into the exhaust gas flow of the internal combustion engine via at least one nozzle (7), a metering chamber (4) being integrated into the delivery line (3) and being divided into two separate volumes (10, 20) by means of a position-variable element (5), each of the two volumes (10, 20) having at least one input (11, 21) and at least one output (12, 22). Furthermore the invention relates to a method for operating such a reducing agent metering system for injection of a reducing agent into the exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine for selective catalytic reduction. |
| US09057298B2 |
Exhaust purification system for internal combustion engine
A wall flow type particulate filter is arranged inside the exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine where combustion is performed under an excess of oxygen. The particulate filter carries a solid acid. The solid acid has a Hammett acidity function smaller than −0.83 and larger than −12 in the standard state. To remove the ash from the particulate filter, ash atomization processing for rendering the state of the particulate filter a state where the exhaust gas which flows into the particulate filter is lowered in concentration of oxygen and the particulate filter is raised in temperature is temporarily performed. |
| US09057297B2 |
Control apparatus for internal combustion engine
An object of this invention is to appropriately control the state of a corona discharge in accordance with an exhaust air-fuel ratio, and always purify particulate matter (PM) in exhaust gas efficiently. An engine is equipped with a corona discharge-type exhaust emission control device. The exhaust emission control device purifies PM in exhaust gas by generating a corona discharge between a center electrode and an earth electrode. When the air-fuel ratio is in a rich region, an ECU controls an applied voltage that is applied between the electrodes. It is thereby possible to obtain a maximum PM purification rate while preventing an arc discharge. When the air-fuel ratio is in a lean region, a discharge current flowing between the electrodes is controlled. It is thereby possible to suppress power consumption while compensating for a decrease in the PM purification rate caused by a reduction in the PM amount in the exhaust gas. |
| US09057296B2 |
Muffler
A muffler having a shell of a double-layer structure includes an inner shell that is formed by fixing ends of a tubularly rolled plate material to each other through a lock seam, and an outer shell that is formed substantially in the same manner as the inner shell. In this muffler, a through-hole is provided through the inner shell at a position where the inner shell overlaps with a lock seam portion of the outer shell. |
| US09057294B2 |
Engine provided with lubricating structure
A single cylinder engine includes a crankcase having a crank chamber, a crankshaft disposed in the crank chamber of the crank case and having a crank web with a side surface perpendicular to a rotating shaft of an engine, and a lubricating structure for lubricating oil to components in the engine. The lubricating structure includes an oil reservoir communicating with the crank chamber through an oil discharge port formed to the crank chamber under the crank chamber, and an oil discharge groove formed to the crankcase for discharging oil flying from the crank web into the oil reservoir, the oil discharge groove being provided in a side wall of the crankcase facing a side surface of the crank web in the crank chamber. |
| US09057293B2 |
Multiple variable valve lift apparatus
A multiple variable valve lift apparatus may include a camshaft rotating by drive of an engine, at least two cam portions disposed on the camshaft to be movable along an axial direction of the camshaft and to be rotated together with the camshaft, and forming a high cam and a low cam, a valve opening/closing unit operated by one of the high cam or the low cam formed at the cam portion, an operating unit disposed on the camshaft to move together with one of the at least two cam portions, a solenoid selectively moving the operating unit along an axial direction of the camshaft, a interlock unit rotating together with the camshaft, and disposed between one and the other of the cam portions on the camshaft to be movable along an axial direction of the camshaft, and a pin operating unit selectively moving the interlock unit along the camshaft. |
| US09057292B2 |
Valve timing adjustment system
Provided is a timing adjustment system having improved control for achieving a target rotational phase. The valve timing adjustment system includes a displacement mechanism unit that displaces a rotational phase of a camshaft relative to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine; a locking mechanism unit that locks the rotational phase at an intermediate locked phase positioned within a displacement range of the rotational phase; a hydraulic pathway that hydraulically drives the displacement mechanism unit and the locking mechanism unit; and a control unit including a control system that controls operations of the hydraulic control valve. The control unit changes a temporal responsiveness of the control system based on a displacement force that displaces the rotational phase. |
| US09057291B2 |
Variable valve lift device and valve apparatus for vehicle engine using the same
A variable valve lift device and a valve apparatus for a vehicle engine may include a valve configured to open/close a combustion chamber, a cam having a predetermined cam profile and rotatable by receiving a power generated in the combustion chamber, a cam side rocker arm rotatable by the cam, a rocker shaft penetratively mounted into the cam side rocker arm, a valve side rocker arm installed on the rocker shaft to apply a pressure for opening the valve while being turned by the cam side rocker arm, a hydraulic interval adjustment device installed in the cam side rocker arm to adjust an interval between the cam side rocker arm and the valve side rocker arm, and a hydraulic interval maintaining device configured to maintain the interval between the cam side rocker arm and the valve side rocker arm adjusted by the hydraulic interval adjustment device. |
| US09057289B2 |
Internal combustion engine and method for operating an internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine has a working cylinder with two intake valves and two exhaust valves assigned thereto. A first camshaft and a second camshaft each actuate a respective one of the intake valves and a respective one of the exhaust valves. The first camshaft is a variable camshaft with an adjuster for adjusting valve control times and includes an outer shaft, which is a hollow shaft, and an inner shaft, which is disposed within the outer shaft. The outer shaft as well as the inner shaft are rotatable by the adjuster and are rotatable relative to one another by the adjuster such that relative positions of given cams controlling given ones of the intake and exhaust valves are changeable. The second camshaft is driven by a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and is configured as a fixed camshaft. |
| US09057287B2 |
Butterfly plate for a steam turbine exhaust hood
A steam turbine exhaust hood includes an exhaust hood section, and a butterfly plate arranged in the exhaust hood section. The butterfly plate includes a complex curvilinear cross-sectional profile having a first section that extends between a first end portion and a middle portion, and a second section that extends between the middle portion and a second end portion. One of the first and second sections is formed from at least two curvilinear segments including at least one curvilinear segment having a positive curvature and at least one curvilinear segment having a negative curvature. |
| US09057284B2 |
Manifold for geared turbofan engine
A geared architecture for a gas turbine engine includes a lubricant manifold for directing lubricant flow to the geared architecture. The manifold including annular channel and a bowl member received within the annular channel for defining a passage for directing lubricant. |
| US09057282B2 |
Systems and methods for adjusting clearances in turbines
Embodiments of the invention can provide systems and methods for adjusting clearances in a turbine. According to one embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a turbine system. The system may include one or more turbine blades; a turbine casing encompassing the one or more turbine blades; and a thermoelectric element disposed at least partially about the turbine casing, wherein the thermoelectric element expands or contracts the turbine casing by heating or cooling at least a portion of the turbine casing, thereby adjusting a clearance between the one or more turbine blades and the turbine casing. |
| US09057278B2 |
Turbine bucket including an integral rotation controlling feature
A turbine bucket including an integral rotation controlling feature is disclosed. In one embodiment, a turbine bucket includes: a blade section having an inner radial end and an outer radial end; an integral cover section connected to the outer radial end of the blade section; and a base section for engaging a rotor body, the base section connected to the inner radial end, wherein the base section includes: a central body; a set of tangs extending axially from the central body; a set of flanges radially inboard of the set of tangs and extending axially from the central body; and an integral rotation controlling feature extending from the central body, wherein the rotation controlling feature engages a radial opening in the rotor body. The integral rotation controlling feature is sized to limit rotation of the base section, when the turbine bucket is engaged with a rotor body. |
| US09057276B2 |
Twisted gas turbine engine airfoil having a twisted rib
A gas turbine engine blade (20), including: an airfoil (24) including a pressure side exterior surface (34), a suction side exterior surface (36), and a first rib (130) spanning between the pressure side exterior surface and the suction side exterior surface. The airfoil (24) is twisted from a base end (30) of the airfoil to a tip end (32) of the airfoil. The first rib is twisted from a base end of the first rib to a tip end of the first rib. The pressure side exterior surface, the suction side exterior surface, and the first rib are cast as a monolith. |
| US09057275B2 |
Nozzle diaphragm inducer
The present application provides a steam turbine driven by a flow of steam. The steam turbine may include a rotor, a number of nozzles positioned about the rotor, and a number of nozzle diaphragms. One or more of the nozzle diaphragms may include an inducer. |
| US09057261B2 |
System and method for fracturing rock in tight reservoirs
Methods and systems are provided for fracturing rock in a formation to enhance the production of fluids from the formation. In one exemplary method, one or more wells are drilled into a reservoir, wherein each well comprises a main wellbore with two or more lateral wellbores drilled out from the main wellbore. One or more explosive charges are placed within each of the two or more lateral wellbores, and the explosive charges are detonated to generate pressure pulses which at least partially fracture a rock between the two or more lateral wellbores. The detonations are timed such that one or more pressure pulses emanating from different lateral wellbores interact. |
| US09057260B2 |
Through tubing expandable frac sleeve with removable barrier
Thin wall sleeves are inserted into a well and expanded into sealing position to a surrounding tubular. Each sleeve has a ball seat. A zone is perforated after a sleeve is secured in position below the perforations. The ball is dropped onto the seat and pressure is built up to complete the fracturing. After all zones are perforated and fractured, the balls are removed, preferably by dissolving them and the thin walled sleeves are left in the tubular against which they have been expanded. Production can then begin from a selected zone. The objects can be of the same size for each sleeve. The sleeves can be run through tubing and into casing. Acid can be pumped to dissolve the objects. |
| US09057259B2 |
Hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus including a transmission line with fluid tuning chamber and related methods
An apparatus for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein is provided. The apparatus includes a radio frequency (RF) antenna configured to be positioned within the wellbore, a transmission line configured to be positioned in the wellbore and coupled to the RF antenna, and an RF source configured to be coupled with the transmission line. The transmission line includes at least one transmission line tuning section including an inner conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor, and a liquid-blocking plug between the inner and outer conductors to define a tuning chamber configured to receive a dielectric liquid with a gas headspace thereabove. |
| US09057257B2 |
Producing oil and/or gas with emulsion comprising miscible solvent
A system for producing oil and/or gas from an underground formation comprising a miscible solvent source (202); an emulsion manufacturer (204) to produce an emulsion comprising the miscible solvent; an emulsion storage facility (206) adapted to store at least about 5000 gallons of the emulsion; a first array of wells (432) dispersed above the formation; a second array of wells (412) dispersed above the formation; wherein the first array of wells comprises a mechanism to inject the miscible solvent and/or the emulsion into the formation while the second array of wells comprises a mechanism to produce oil and/or gas from the formation. |
| US09057253B2 |
Liner top packer for liner drilling
A liner top packer is configured to be secured in a liner string, such as in a liner drilling operation. The packer is actuated from within the liner or packer body. An actuator assembly includes an inner piston, an actuator housing, and an outer piston. A tubular setting tool is moved upwardly through the inner piston, and dogs on the setting tool allow for force to be applied to the inner piston, pressurizing fluid and forcing it to the outer piston to compress a pack off element. The actuator assembly is removed by upward force applied by a foot of the setting tool on the inner piston, the actuator housing, or any other component of the actuator assembly. |
| US09057252B2 |
Product sampling system within subsea tree
A method and system for producing fluid from a subsea wellbore. An amount of fluid is sampled from fluid being produced and retained for a period of time until constituents in the fluid stratify. A fluid characteristic is sensed at spaced apart vertical locations in the sampled fluid. A water fraction as well as gas content can be ascertained from sensing the sampled fluid. The fluid characteristic is used for calibrating a multi-phase flowmeter that measures flow of the fluid being produced from the wellbore. |
| US09057250B2 |
Formation evaluation system and method
Methods and apparatuses for evaluating a fluid from a subterranean formation of a wellsite via a downhole tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation are provided. The apparatus relates to a downhole tool having a probe with at least two intakes for receiving fluid from the subterranean formation. The downhole tool is configured according to a wellsite set up. The method involves positioning the downhole tool in the wellbore of the wellsite, drawing fluid into the downhole tool via the at least two intakes, monitoring at least one wellsite parameter via at least one sensor of the wellsite and automatically adjusting the wellsite setup based on the wellsite parameters. |
| US09057248B1 |
System and method for steering in a downhole environment using vibration modulation
A system for evaluating a geological formation in a bottom hole assembly (BHA) includes a vibration mechanism configured to use mechanical energy provided by a mechanical energy source to produce a plurality of vibration beats at a predetermined frequency at the BHA. At least one vibration sensor detects the plurality of vibration beats generated by the vibration mechanism. A controller generates a waveform responsive to the detected plurality of vibration beats. The waveform is generated in a first configuration when the geological formation has a first geological characteristic and the waveform is generated in a second configuration when the geological formation has a second geological characteristic. |
| US09057247B2 |
Measurement of downhole component stress and surface conditions
An apparatus for measuring strain on a downhole component includes: at least one strain sensitive device disposed proximate to a surface of a component of a drilling assembly or disposed within a material forming the component; and a processor in operable communication with the at least one strain sensitive device, the processor configured to detect changes in the at least one strain sensitive device and detect at least one of erosion, crack formation and crack propagation in the component surface. An apparatus for measuring strain on a downhole component includes: at least one strain gauge deposited on a surface of a drive shaft or disposed within a material forming the drive shaft; and a processor in operable communication with the at least one strain gauge, the processor configured to detect changes in the at least one strain gauge and detect conditions affecting operation of the drive shaft. |
| US09057244B2 |
Flow control device and flow control method
A method for reversible temperature sensitive control of the flow of fluid in oil and/or gas production, involves a control device or an autonomous valve operating by the Bernoulli principle and includes a moveable disk or body provided within a housing for opening and closing the valve, involving use of the Curie-effect in order to position the body in a preferred position within the housing at a temperature below a certain, preferred transition or Curie temperature. An apparatus for reversible temperature sensitive control of the flow of fluid in oil and/or gas production including a control device or an autonomous valve operating by the Bernoulli principle and including a moveable disk or body provided within a housing for opening and closing the valve, the body and housing including a ferromagnetic material having a certain, preferred Curie temperature, the temperature being selected in order to position the body in a preferred position in the housing during installation or operation. |
| US09057241B2 |
Hydrocarbon resource recovery system including different hydrocarbon resource recovery capacities and related methods
A hydrocarbon resource recovery system for a wellbore in a subterranean formation. The hydrocarbon resource recovery system may include a radio frequency (RF) source, and an antenna configured to be positioned within the wellbore and coupled to the RF source. The antenna may be coupled to the RF source and configured to generate a higher electric field strength region in the subterranean formation having a higher electric field strength and a lower magnetic field strength, and generate a higher magnetic field strength region in the subterranean formation having a higher magnetic field strength and a lower electric field strength. The antenna may have a tubular shape with a plurality of openings therein defining a hydrocarbon resource recovery capacity adjacent the higher electric field strength region that is different than a hydrocarbon resource recovery capacity adjacent the higher magnetic field strength region. |
| US09057237B2 |
Method for recovering a hydrocarbon resource from a subterranean formation including additional upgrading at the wellhead and related apparatus
A method for recovering a hydrocarbon resource from a subterranean formation may include applying radio frequency (RF) power to the hydrocarbon resource in the subterranean formation to upgrade the hydrocarbon resource and producing the upgraded hydrocarbon resource from the subterranean formation to a wellhead. The method may also include, at the wellhead, performing an additional upgrading operation on the upgraded hydrocarbon resource using RF power. The method may further include supplying the upgraded hydrocarbon resource to a pipeline for transportation therethrough. |
| US09057235B2 |
Monitoring and control systems for continuous circulating drilling operations
An apparatus for continuously flowing drilling fluid along a drill string includes a continuous circulation device having at least a first fluid path in fluid communication with a top drive and a second fluid path in communication with a diverter. The diverter is in selective fluid communication with a pipe stand associated with the drills string. The apparatus also includes at least one sensor that estimates at least one operating parameter associated with the continuous circulation device. A related method includes using a continuous circulation device as described to manipulate the drill string and controlling the continuous circulation device using at least one sensor configured to estimate at least one operating parameter associated with the continuous circulation device. |
| US09057232B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for generating shock waves for use in the energy industry
Several methods and devices are provided herein to generate shock waves that are used in the oil industry for well drilling, hydrocarbon or gas exploitation, fracking process or improved oil recovery (IOR), enhanced oil recovery (EOR), cleaning of process waters, oil spills byproducts and oil pipes, which can be used as independent systems or as auxiliary systems concomitantly with other existing technologies. The different devices consist of generating shock waves utilizing either one or more laser sources, or a self-generated combustible gas supply, or a micro-explosive pellet, or piezocrystals, or a piezofiber composite structure. |
| US09057230B1 |
Expandable tubular with integral centralizers
Herein disclosed is an apparatus comprising an expandable tubular; and at least one section of the expandable tubular having a larger outer diameter than the remainder of the expandable tubular, forming at least one complete centralizing ring or at least one partial centralizing ring. In an embodiment, at least one complete centralizing ring or at least one partial centralizing ring is configured to centralize the expandable tubular when the tubular is in use; and wherein at least one complete centralizing ring or at least one partial centralizing ring has the same diameter as the expandable tubular after the tubular is radially expanded. Also disclosed herein are method of using and method of making the apparatus. |
| US09057228B2 |
Wellbore tools with non-hydrocarbon-based greases and methods of making such wellbore tools
A wellbore tool includes a non-hydrocarbon-based grease disposed between a first component and a second component. The grease remains substantially impermeable to hydrocarbons at temperatures up to at least about 150° C. and possibly up to at least about 200° C., and pressures up to at least about 27 MPa and possibly to at least about 50 MPa. Methods of forming such wellbore tools include selecting a grease to comprise a non-hydrocarbon-based grease that remains at least substantially impermeable to hydrocarbons at temperatures up to at least about 150° C. and possibly up to at least about 200° C., and pressures up to at least about 27 MPa and possibly to at least about 50 MPa; and disposing the grease at an interface between a first component of a wellbore tool and a second component of a wellbore tool. |
| US09057225B2 |
Apparatus for releasably holding a pipe, rod or the like
For holding a pipe, rod or the like, such as a section of a pipe string of an offshore oil drilling rig, an apparatus includes a clamping device insertable into a support body. The clamping device includes a device body with a central opening bounded by an inner circumferential surface that conically tapers at a cone angle. The device further includes clamp elements that are received in the central opening of the device body and that each have a radially outer surface sloping along the cone angle to slide along the inner circumferential surface of the device body, and a radially inner clamping surface to clamp against the coaxially arranged pipe. A holding element respectively connects each clamp element to a linear actuator stroke element that is similarly tilted at the cone angle. The linear actuator may be received in a receiver shaft of the device body. |
| US09057224B1 |
Devices and methods for manually moving racked tubulars
A method and device for moving racked tubulars, such as pipe and casing joints on pipe racks at oil and gas well sites. The pipe moving tool comprises a wheel assembly with a long straight handle. The wheels fit inside the pipe, which is then moved by simply pushing or pulling the handle forward or backward, as needed. Several wheel assemblies of different diameters may be used interchangeably with a single handle. An extension handle also may be included. The use of this tool makes moving the pipe safer as the worker's hands are not exposed to injury. Additionally, the handle on the tool makes it possible to easily and more safely reach and move shorter pipes racked above or below longer pipes in a multi-level pipe rack; it is not necessary for the worker to lean over or under the longer pipes. |
| US09057220B2 |
Plastic window frame trim for corrugated building walls and installation method
A plastic window frame trim is for installation of a window in a corrugated metal building wall having a cut opening with a top edge, bottom edge, and side edges, each of the edges being backed by framing members. The window frame trim includes: a frame header J-channel with a flange; a frame footer J-channel with a flange; a pair of nailing fins; and fasteners. The trim header J-channel, footer J-channel, and nailing fins are attached to the window frame. The window frame is lifted so frame header J-channel flange slides between the top edge of the metal building wall and a framing member at the top of the cut opening. The window is lowered so footer J-channel flange slides between the bottom edge of the metal building wall and a framing member at the bottom of the cut opening so that window frame rest on the window sill. Fasteners attach the window frame to the framing members through the metal building wall. Trim caps snap over the nailing fins to finish the trimmed window. |
| US09057218B2 |
Blast door
A blast door (12; 14) comprises a panel (12a; 14a) and a frame provided around the perimeter of the panel. The frame comprises a plurality of frame members (12b, 12c, 12d; 14b, 14c, 14d). Each frame member has a cross section that includes a cavity (36, 40) in which the panel perimeter is received. This ensures that the frame encloses a perimeter portion of the panel on either side thereof. Securing means (47) are provided within the cavity of the frame, to secure the panel therein. A method of fabricating the blast door comprises providing the panel and the frame comprising the plurality of frame members, and securing the panel within the frame using securing means located within the cavity of the frame. |
| US09057209B2 |
Low-cost door key with switch sensor indicator to detect dead bolt lock status
A low-cost switch sensor remote dead bolt status indicator includes a switch sensor within a key body of a door key which starts a sensor at a door lock location upon sensing of a dead bolt entering into a locked position. The sensor is provided with a self shut-off feature operating after a fixed duration of minutes length has elapsed. The indicator also includes a receiver in the hand held key, which is capable of receiving signals from the sensor after the user presses an inquiry button on its surface. The hand held key has two indicators for alternately displaying the lock's dead bolt status as being locked or unlocked. |
| US09057205B2 |
Platform assembly for a wind turbine tower
A modular platform assembly for a wind turbine tower includes a core platform sub-assembly having an underlying structural support grid. A plurality of platform extension panels are disposed circumferentially around at least a portion of a perimeter of the core platform sub-assembly. Support extensions are configured on the support grid at a plurality of circumferential positions around the core platform sub-assembly, with the platform extension panels supported by the support extension. The support extensions are mountable to a wall within a wind turbine tower and are variably positional on the support grid so at to vary the effective diameter of the support grid. |
| US09057202B2 |
Tree stand
A cable-securement member secured to a platform includes a longitudinal passage extending through open first and second longitudinal ends and is sized and shaped for allowing the cable to move through the longitudinal passage from the first longitudinal end to the second longitudinal end. The longitudinal passage has a curved portion adjacent the second longitudinal end configured to resiliently bend a cable body of a cable as the cable enters the curved portion. The cable is configured to automatically rebound toward its unloaded state in the curved portion as a stop of the cable moves past the slot and exits the passage through the second longitudinal end so that the cable body exits the curved portion through a longitudinal slot and the stop is engageable with the cable-securement member to releasably lock the cable relative to the cable securement member. |
| US09057200B2 |
Patio, porch or walkway assembly incorporating a plurality of blocks and including any combination of pre-cast and exposed surfaced patterns, interiorly supported heating pads and LED effect lighting
An assembly for creating a three dimensional exterior structure incorporates a plurality of bodies inter-assembled via engaging tongue and groove profiles to create at least one of a multi-tier stepped or extending walkway surface. Each of the bodies further exhibits a hollowed interior to facilitate in-filling of a compactible material in order to weight said bodies during assembly. Either or both of thermal generating elements or effect lighting can be incorporated into one or more of the bodies. The bodies can also include tiered or stackable step blocks, each exhibiting an interior ledge for supporting a thermally conducting insert shelf or pad, additional rectangular assembled blocks providing tongue and groove engagement and supporting the underside of the step blocks. |
| US09057195B2 |
Camming clamp for roof seam
A clamp described herein can secure a solar cell array to a seam of a standing seam metal roof. The clamp has a cam that is rotated by the tightening of a bolt to cause the cam to engage the seam. The clamp also has a receiver for receiving the seam and the rotated cam. By installing the clamp on the seam, the solar cell array can be secured to the standing seam metal roof without drilling into the roof. Because no screws are required to be drilled into the rooftop, the damage to the rooftop is substantially reduced. Also, by reversing the process described above, the clamp can be uninstalled in a similar fashion. |
| US09057189B2 |
Rectractable screen systems and methods for catch basins
Retractable screen systems and methods for catch basins are disclosed. In an example embodiment, a retractable screen apparatus includes a retractable center screen coupled to a retracting spring-loaded tube assembly secured to a portion of the catch basin. Two independently-operating side screens may each be coupled to the retractable center screen. Each side screen may be spring loaded such that each side screen is capable of opening and closing horizontally based on a predetermined fluid flow rate of water flowing into the catch basin. |
| US09057186B1 |
Integrally formed water and space saving lavatory-toilet fixture
This integrally formed water and space saving lavatory-toilet fixture enables hand washing with potable water from an existing toilet, recycles effluent completely, and provides sanitary, seamless, one-piece, full perimeter tank closure. A flexible hose re-directs supply away from the overflow through an interior fixture cavity and top cast opening toward a basin, that drains back into the reservoir as effluent; supplementing the required volume of water to complete one flush cycle. A cast sidewall basin opening is formed allowing potential drainage to flow through an internal hollow cavity directly into the tank reservoir below. The integrally formed fixture also includes a sloped front wall allowing additional hand washing space, vertically aligned space saving side and rear walls, and, an integrally formed perimeter rim conforming to the shape of the toilet tank edging below, providing hygienic, continuous tank containment and secure, detachable mounting. |
| US09057182B1 |
Spatially reactive water system incorporating a non tactile control module
A touchless water control system having at least one sensor capable of determining hand movement from point A to point B in a first direction, from point C to point D in a second direction and from point E to point F in a third direction thereby establishing a spatial field spaced away from a faucet through which a user's hand can be moved to initiate or terminate water flow, water temperature and water pressure. |
| US09057177B2 |
Implement tooth assembly with tip and adapter
A ground engaging tip of a tooth assembly for a base edge of a ground engaging implement, is provided, wherein the tooth assembly includes an adapter configured for attachment to a base edge of the ground engaging implement and having a forwardly extending adapter nose. In various embodiments, the ground engaging tip is configured for digging into work material in diverse earth moving environments. |
| US09057175B2 |
Construction machine with hydraulic circuit
Provided is a construction machine including a first circuit with a boom cylinder, a second circuit with an arm cylinder and a third circuit with a slewing motor, first to third pumps discharging respective first to third pump fluids, a first flow combining valve having a first combining position for the third and first pump fluids and a first combination limiting position, a second flow combining valve having a second combining position for the third and second pump fluids and a first combination and a second combination limiting position, and a flow combination switching control section which switches the flow combining valves to their respective combination limiting positions during an arm attracting operation and switches the combining valves to their respective combination limiting positions during a single slewing operation or during a boom raising operation with no arm operation. |
| US09057174B2 |
Diagnosis system and diagnosis method for construction machine
A construction machine diagnosis system is provided. A diagnosis device 10 acquires diagnostic data from a diagnostic data storage device 30, extracts data characteristics from the information contained in the diagnostic data, acquires from a diagnostic knowledge storage device 20 any diagnosing techniques considered to be effective for the data characteristics, and presents to a user the diagnosing techniques along with respective degrees of effectiveness. The user uses the presented degrees of effectiveness to select a desired diagnosing technique and conduct a diagnosis. In addition, in order to make effective use of the diagnostic knowledge stored within the diagnostic knowledge storage device 20, a diagnostic knowledge generating section 107 classifies common data characteristics by elements of diagnosing techniques and stores the classified data characteristics and the elements of the diagnosing techniques, as new diagnostic knowledge. |
| US09057164B2 |
Area delineator
An area delineating device is disclosed for creating a temporary border or barrier between two or more points. The delineating device has a base, a hollow vertical member, and an exit opening in the vertical member. A series of flaps, preferably rubber, are located on the bottom of the base and facilitate access to the base cavity in which is housed a reel of disposable partitioning material, such as caution tape or police tape. The disposable partitioning material threads up from the base cavity, through the base channel and into the vertical cavity. The disposable partition material then exits the vertical cavity via the exit opening at the top of the delineating device. A series of lineal windows can be present in the vertical member. |
| US09057163B1 |
Pavement repair system
A pavement repair system is provided utilizing solid phase auto regenerative cohesion and homogenization by liquid asphalt oligopolymerization technologies. The system is suitable for use in repairing asphalt pavement, including pavement exhibiting a high degree of deterioration (as manifested in the presence of potholes, cracks, ruts, or the like) as well as pavement that has been subject to previous repair and may comprise a substantial amount of dirt and other debris (e.g., chipped road paint or other damaged or disturbed surfacing materials). A system utilizing homogenization by liquid asphalt oligopolymerization is suitable for rejuvenating or repairing aged asphalt, thereby improving properties of the paving material. |
| US09057158B2 |
Method of making a wiper/towel product with cellulosic microfibers
A method of making a wiper/towel product includes compactively dewatering a nascent web having cellulosic microfibers and an apparently random distribution of fibers. The dewatered web is applied to a transfer surface. The web is belt-creped from the transfer surface utilizing a creping belt. The belt-creping step occurs under pressure in a belt creping nip. The web is dried to form a dried web having a plurality of fiber-enriched hollow domed regions protruding from an upper side of the web. The hollow domed regions have a sidewall of a relatively high local basis weight formed along at least a leading edge thereof. The web also has connecting regions of a relatively lower local basis weight forming a network interconnecting the hollow domed regions, and transition areas provided with upwardly and inwardly inflected consolidated fibrous regions that transition from the connecting regions into the sidewalls of the hollow domed regions. |
| US09057157B2 |
Paper making machine, an extended nip roll and a method of producing tissue paper
The invention relates to an arrangement arranged to introduce a three-dimensional structure in a paper during production of said paper in a paper making machine (1). The arrangement comprises a heat roll (14) arranged to dry a wet paper web and an extended nip roll (12) arranged to form a transfer nip (TN) with said heat roll (14). The extended nip roll (12) is provided with a flexible jacket (17) arranged around the circumferential area of said extended nip roll (12). An external surface of said flexible jacket (17) is provided with a textured portion (15) and when the wet paper web passes the transfer nip between said extended nip roll (12) and said heat roll (14), said textured portion (15) of the external surface of the flexible jacket (17) will impart a three-dimensional texture to the paper web. |
| US09057154B2 |
Textile printing apparatus and textile printing method
A textile printing apparatus includes a liquid remaining amount grasping unit which grasps remaining amounts of respective two or more kinds of liquids, and a control unit which performs control of execution of printings onto a plurality of printed textile materials, the control unit has a control mode for, in advance of starting the execution of printings, specifying any print-executable printing specification from among the printing specifications on the basis of the remaining amounts of the respective liquids and the contents of the respective printing specifications, and then, starting execution of any printing based on the any print-executable printing specification having been specified. |
| US09057150B2 |
Laundry washing appliance with dosing dispenser
A laundry washing appliance (100) includes a cabinet (105) accommodating a laundry washing tub and a dispensing arrangement for dispensing laundry washing treatment products to be used during laundry washing. The dispensing arrangement includes a drawer (125) slidable within a seat (227) provided in the cabinet (105). The drawer (125) defines at least one container (201a, 201b) for laundry washing treatment products. At least one suction pump (265a, 265b, 365a, 365b) is associated with the at least one container (201a, 201b) and is fluidly connected to the laundry washing tub for delivering thereto dosed amounts of the treatment products. Suction pipes (213a, 213b, 331) are connected between the at least one suction pump (265a, 265b, 365a, 365b) and the at least one container (201a, 201b). The at least one suction pump (265a, 265b, 365a, 365b) and the suction pipes (213a, 213b, 331) are arranged so as to enable the suction of the dosed amounts of treatment product from above a surface of the treatment product contained in the container (201a, 201b). |
| US09057149B1 |
Embroidery and method thereof
The present invention discloses an embroidery that includes a backing layer, an element situated at a desired position, and coupled with the backing layer to form an integrated layer, with the integrated layer positioned on a main layer and embroidered. |
| US09057144B2 |
Nanostructured films and related methods
Nanostructured films including a plurality of nanowells, the nanowells having a pore at the top surface of the film, the pore defining a channel that extends downwardly towards the bottom surface of the film are provided. Also provided are methods including exposing a growth substrate to an anodizing bath, applying ultrasonic vibrations to the anodizing bath, and generating a current through the anodizing bath to form the nanostructured film. The nanostructured films may be formed from TiO2 and may be used to provide solid state dye sensitized solar cells having high conversion efficiencies. |
| US09057141B2 |
Immersion tin or tin alloy plating bath with improved removal of cuprous ions
The invention concerns an immersion tin plating bath which comprises at least one aromatic sulfonic acid, at least one first precipitation additive and at least one second precipitation additive. The at least one first precipitation additive is an aliphatic poly-alcohol compound, an ether thereof or a polymer derived thereof having an average molecular weight in the range of 62 g/mol and 600 g/mol. The at least one second precipitation additive is a polyalkylene glycol compound having an average molecular weight in the range of 750 to 10,000 g/mol. |
| US09057140B2 |
Method of manufacturing an electrochromic article
The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing an electrochromic article comprising the following successive steps: (a) the deposition of a layer of an electrochromic compound on the surface of a transparent or translucent electrically conductive substrate, said layer of electrochromic compound covering only one portion of the surface of said electrically conductive substrate and leaving free at least one other portion thereof, (b) the deposition of a redox agent which is a reducing agent or an oxidizing agent for the electrochromic compound, on the portion of the surface of the electrically conductive substrate not covered by the layer of electrochromic compound, (c) the contacting of the layer of electrochromic compound, deposited in step (a), and of the layer of redox agent, deposited in step (b), with a liquid electrolyte for a sufficient time to enable the reduction or the oxidation of the electrochromic compound by the redox agent, and (d) the removal of the electrolyte by rinsing and/or drying. |
| US09057133B2 |
Processing solution for forming hexavalent chromium free, black conversion film on zinc or zinc alloy plating layers, and method for forming hexavalent chromium free, black conversion film on zinc or zinc alloy plating layers
It is an object of the present invention to provide a processing solution used for forming a hexavalent chromium free, black conversion film, which is applied onto the surface of zinc or zinc alloy plating layers, and which has corrosion resistance identical to or higher than that achieved by the conventional hexavalent chromium-containing conversion film. |
| US09057132B2 |
Primer composition
Disclosed herein is a primer composition capable of forming a primer layer excellent in adhesion properties and film-forming properties on the surfaces of various materials that may be bonded with an epoxy-based adhesive. The primer composition includes: an epoxy resin containing at least a bisphenol A-type epoxy resin and a phenol novolac-type epoxy resin; a curing agent being dicyandiamide; a curing catalyst being imidazole; and an inorganic oxide filler containing fumed silica, at least a surface of which is hydrophobic and which has a primary particle diameter of 7 to 40 nm and a specific surface area of 50 to 380 m2/g, in an amount of 0.5 to 3 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the epoxy resins, wherein the primer composition includes no solvent. |
| US09057131B2 |
Separating device for process chambers of vacuum coating installations and vacuum coating installation
A separating device for process chambers arranged one after the other in a vacuum coating installation for coating two-dimensional substrates comprises a separating element which can be fitted between two process chambers transversely in relation to the transporting direction of the substrates. The element comprises a passage for the substrate that is arranged in the region of the transporting plane of the substrate and formed by at least one through-opening provided in the separating element, and includes at least one closure, optionally closing or opening the passage. An intermediate chamber formed by intermediate chamber outer walls is also provided and the separating element is arranged inside the intermediate chamber and the intermediate chamber is subdivided into two intermediate chamber segments. In this configuration, the separating device forms a chamber of its own, arranged between two neighboring process chambers. |
| US09057125B2 |
Canister
A canister includes an accommodation portion for accommodating a liquid material; an outlet pipe that is connected to the accommodation portion so as to discharge a gas material obtained by vaporizing the liquid material; a blocking cover that is connected to an upper surface of the accommodation portion; and a plurality of baffle plates that are disposed in the accommodation portion and are spaced apart from each other. The canister further includes a restrictor including a main body member that is disposed between the plurality of baffle plates and the blocking cover and is connected to an internal surface of the accommodation portion, an extension member extending from the main body member, and a through portion that is formed through the main body member and the extension member. A deposition procedure using the canister is efficiently performed and characteristics of a deposition layer are easily improved. |
| US09057120B2 |
Thermoplastic forming methods for amorphous alloy
Provided herein include methods of molding a parison comprising an amorphous alloy and or an amorphous alloy composites, where the molding takes place within the supercooled liquid region or around the glass transition temperature of the amorphous alloy. In one embodiment, the foπning can be carried out with two fluids at different temperatures. The molded article can have a very high aspect ratio or a three-dimensional hollow shape with a desirable surface finish. |
| US09057118B2 |
Plasma method and apparatus for recovery of precious metals
The present invention relates to a method, and apparatus for the recovery of precious metals. Accordingly, it provides a continuous process for obtaining a precious metal composition from a feedstock material, the process comprising the steps of: (i) heating a feedstock material in a plasma furnace to form an upper slag layer and a lower molten metal layer; (ii) removing the slag layer; (iii) removing the molten metal layer; (iv) allowing the removed molten metal layer to solidify; (v) fragmenting the solidified metal layer to form fragments; and (vi) recovering a precious metal composition from the fragments; wherein the feedstock material comprises a precious metal containing material and a collector metal, said collector metal being a metal or an alloy that is capable of forming a solid solution, an alloy or an intermetallic compound with one or more precious metals. This allows for high recovery yields of precious metals. The apparatus comprises a plasma furnace, a casting table enabling continuous casting of the molten metal pool to form a solidified sheet, a fragmentation device and a separation unit for recovering precious-metal-rich alloy from the sheet fragments. |
| US09057115B2 |
Soft magnetic iron-cobalt-based alloy and process for manufacturing it
A soft magnetic alloy consists essentially of 10 percent by weight≦Co≦22 percent by weight, 0 percent by weight≦V≦4 percent by weight, 1.5 percent by weight≦Cr≦5 percent by weight, 0 percent by weight |
| US09057104B2 |
Antipsychotic treatment based on DRD2 or ANKK1 SNP genotype
The present invention relates to the treatment of an individual with an antipsychotic based on individual's genotype at one or more single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associated with the dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) and/or ankyrin repeat and kinase domain containing 1 (ANKK1) genes. |
| US09057102B2 |
Intermittent detection during analytical reactions
Methods, devices, and systems for performing intermittent detection during analytical reactions are provided. Such methods facilitate collection of reaction data from disparate reaction times. Further, such methods are useful for reducing photo-induced damage of one or more reactants in an illuminated analytical reaction at a given reaction time. In preferred embodiments, the reaction mixture is subjected to at least one illuminated and non-illuminated period and allowed to proceed such that the time in which the reaction mixture is illuminated is less than a photo-induced damage threshold period. |
| US09057101B2 |
Automated nucleic acid processor and automated nucleic acid processing method using multi function dispensing unit
In relation to an automated nucleic acid processor and an automated nucleic acid processing method using a multi function dispensing unit, processing involving extraction and amplification of the nucleic acid, can be consistently, quickly and efficiently conducted at a low cost with the use of a multi function dispensing unit, while saving user's trouble without expanding the scale of the device. The multi function dispensing unit includes: a nozzle head provided with a suction-discharge mechanism and nozzles detachably provided with dispensing tips; a container group having, at the very least housing parts for liquids and reaction containers for housing an amplification solution; a transfer mechanism that makes an interval between the nozzles and the container group relatively movable; a temperature controller whereby temperature control of the interior of the reaction vessels is possible; sealing liquids and/or sealing lids that are transportable to the reaction vessels using the nozzles, and which make the amplification solutions housed in the reaction vessels sealable within the reaction vessels; and a sealing control part that controls the suction-discharge mechanism or the transfer mechanism, such that the sealing liquid and/or the sealing lids seal the amplification solution within the reaction vessels when the housing of the amplification solution in the reaction vessels is completed. |
| US09057100B2 |
Composition comprising array of nucleic acid primer sets
This invention provides novel compositions and processes for analyte detection, quantification and amplification. Nucleic acid arrays and libraries of analytes are usefully incorporated into such compositions and processes. Universal detection elements, signaling entities and the like are employed to detect and if necessary or desirable, to quantify analytes. Amplification of target analytes are also provided by the compositions and processes of this invention. |
| US09057096B2 |
Regulation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling
A composition and method for detecting the ability of a compound to modulate the activity of LGR4, LGR5, or LGR6 receptors in a cell. LGR4, LGR5, and LGR6 are capable of activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling system which plays essential roles in embryonic development and in the self-renewal and maintenance of adult stem cells. |
| US09057094B1 |
Nanoparticle-mediated methods for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacteria
A method of testing bacterial cells for antimicrobial susceptibility includes preparing a suspension of the bacterial cells in a non-nutrient medium, mixing with the suspension an antimicrobial, a carbohydrate usable by the bacterial cells, metallic nanoparticles, and a lectin, and incubating the mixture while monitoring a parameter of the nanoparticles responsive to use of the carbohydrate by the bacterial cells. More broadly stated, the invention includes a method of testing an agent for its effect on cell metabolism by preparing a suspension of cells in a non-nutrient medium, mixing the suspension with the agent, adding a carbohydrate usable by the cells, metallic nanoparticles, and a lectin with binding specificity for the added carbohydrate, and monitoring a nanoparticle parameter responsive to the cells. |
| US09057086B2 |
Compositions comprising a polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity and a bicycle compound and uses thereof
The present invention relates to compositions comprising: a polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity and a bicyclic compound. The present invention also relates to methods of using the compositions. |
| US09057085B2 |
Lov-D acyltransferase mediated acylation
Methods for the improved acylation of chemical substrates using LovD acyltransferases, thioesters having acyl groups, and (i) thiol scavengers and/or (ii) precipitating agents are presented. An improved method for the production of simvastatin using (i) activated charcoal as a thiol scavenger and/or (ii) ammonium hydroxide as a precipitating agent is also presented. |
| US09057083B2 |
Fungal Δ-12 desaturase and Δ-15 desaturase motifs
The present invention relates to fungal Δ12 desaturases (responsible for conversion of oleic acid to linoleic acid (18:2, LA)) and Δ15 fatty acid desaturases (responsible for conversion of LA to α-linolenic acid (18:3, ALA)). Amino acid motifs diagnostic of Δ12 desaturases and Δ15 desaturases are also provided. Methods of altering enzyme specificity towards Δ12 desaturation or towards Δ15 desaturation and/or increasing production of specific ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids by over-expression of the fungal desaturases are also described. |
| US09057072B2 |
Banana promoters
This invention provides promoter sequences that are useful for modulating transcription of a desired polynucleotide and/or in the construction of recombinant genes for plant transformation to enable expression of foreign or endogenous coding sequences in plants. The promoters are functional in a both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plant species and are active in a wide range of vegetative or generative plant organs. The invention also provides a polynucleotide construct comprising a promoter of the invention operably linked to a foreign or endogenous polynucleotide encoding a protein of interest or a transcript capable of modulating expression of a target gene. The invention is further concerned with transformed plant cells, as well as differentiated plants, plant parts, plant tissues or plant seeds containing the construct. |
| US09057071B2 |
Recombinant microorganisms and methods of use thereof
The invention relates to methods for the production of chemical compounds, particularly but not exclusively ethanol, by microbial fermentation. Also described are genetically modified micro-organisms capable of using carbon monoxide to produce one or more products, particularly but not exclusively ethanol as a main product, and producing a reduced amount or substantially no 2,3-butanediol and/or a precursor thereof. |
| US09057066B2 |
Compositions and their uses directed to huntingtin
Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions and methods for modulating the expression of huntingtin in a cell, tissue or animal. Further provided are methods of slowing or preventing Huntington's disease progression using an antisense compound targeted to huntingtin. Additionally provided are methods of delaying or preventing the onset of Huntingtin's disease in an individual susceptible to Huntingtin's Disease. Also provided are uses of disclosed compounds and compositions in the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of diseases and disorders. |
| US09057063B2 |
Genetically modified biological cells
The present invention is based, in part, on our discovery of a way to configure expression cassettes so that the expression of a selectable marker protein, which is critical for the growth or survival of a cell, also results in the expression of a protein of interest in a biological cell. Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention features a genetically modified cell (e.g., a bacterial cell) that includes a chromosomally integrated or cytoplasmic expression cassette that includes a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a protein of interest and a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a selectable marker protein. The regulatory sequence (e.g., the sequence encoding a functional promoter) that drives expression of the required selectable marker protein also drives expression of the protein of interest. For that reason, we may refer to their expression as being “linked” or “functionally couple.” |
| US09057058B2 |
Process for the preparation of talc based formulation for LDPE-degrading bacterial consortia
This invention is a process for the preparation of talc based formulation for LDPE-degrading bacterial consortia. The process comprises preparing an active consortium. The active consortium is divided into four parts in centrifuge tubes. The tubes are spun at 5000 rpm. A supernatant is decanted from the tubes. The tubes are vortexed. Talc is added to each tube. The tubes with talc are again vortexed for some time to produce a homogeneous mixture. The mixture is poured into glass dishes. The dishes are kept at room temperature as aseptically for drying. |
| US09057055B2 |
Method of obtaining circulating cancer cell populations
It is herewith provided methods of obtaining circulating cancer cells (CCCs)-enriched cellular populations based on the removal of CD45-positive cells from an apheresis product. It is also provided methods of obtaining circulating stem cells (CSCs)-enriched cellular population from a CCCs-enriched cellular population based on a selection either using the specific cellular markers or through culture. It is further provided methods of obtaining circulating tumor cells (CTCs)-enriched cellular population from a CCCs-enriched cellular population based on a selection using the specific cellular markers. It is also provided screening assays for the selection of (chemo)therapeutic agent as well as personalized medicine application based on drug sensitivity/resistance or cancer markers. |
| US09057054B2 |
Antigen-specific long-term memory T-cells
The present invention provides compositions, methods, and systems for generating antigen-specific long-term memory T-cells using mTOR pathway inhibitors. The present invention provides compositions, systems, and methods for administering antigen-specific long-term memory T-cells to a subject (e.g., to a subject with cancer in adoptive transfer type of procedures). |
| US09057047B2 |
Device for cell culture
A device for cell culture includes a container body, which has an internal compartment to contain a quantity of cells to be cultured and a culture surface for the cells placed in the internal compartment; an introduction opening for introducing the cells to be cultured in the internal compartment; the container body having a first half shell and a second half shell, which can be fixed in mutually facing relation by a removable fixing system and which together define the internal compartment and the culture surface; and at least one out feed opening for a transport and/or culture fluid for the cells. |
| US09057046B2 |
Cassette containing growth medium
The invention features devices for capturing and culturing cells (e.g., microorganisms, cells containing microorganisms, or cells from eukaryotic cell cultures) and methods of using these devices. One device is a cassette containing growth media that may be employed in an automated rapid enumeration system. The cassette has, for example, been enhanced with features for controlling surface flatness, optical imaging, controlled dehydration of semi solid nutrient media, controlled air and particle exchange, and automated handling. Another device of the invention is a filtration funnel that may used to concentrate cells in a sample onto a membrane. |
| US09057044B2 |
Laminar flow reactor
The present invention describes a laminar flow bioreactor with improved laminar flow lines of fluids. The bioreactor housing defines a chamber adapted to receive a scaffold. An inlet aperture at one end of the chamber is in fluid communication with an outlet aperture at the opposite end of the chamber. A bypass mechanism selectively operable from an open position to a closed position consisting of an iris assembly directs a portion of fluid flowing through the chamber around the scaffold-receiving area. This bioreactor is inserted in a bioreactor system. |
| US09057038B2 |
Corrosion inhibiting polyalkylene glycol-based lubricant compositions
Lubricant compositions including a random or block copolymer first high-EO content polyalkylene glycol, a random copolymer second polyalkylene glycol based on propylene oxide and butylene oxide or a second polyalkylene homopolymer having propylene oxide or butylenes oxide units and at least one corrosion inhibitor selected from the group of sarcosines, amine phosphates, and calcium dinonylnaphthalenesulfonate/carboxylates are provided. Lubricant compositions for extreme conditions are also provided. |
| US09057037B2 |
Post torrefaction biomass pelletization
A process for torrefaction of biomass is provided in which biomass are passed into a fluidized bed or a non-fluidized bed reactor and heated to a predetermined temperature in an oxidizing environment. The dried biomass is then fed to a cooler where the temperature of the product is reduced to approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| US09057036B2 |
Process for generating a synthetic natural gas
A process for reducing the thiophene content in a synthesis gas mixture, comprises the steps of (i) passing a synthesis gas mixture comprising hydrogen and carbon oxides and containing thiophene over a copper-containing sorbent disposed in a sorbent vessel at an inlet temperature in the range 200-280° C., (ii) withdrawing a thiophene depleted synthesis gas containing methanol from the sorbent vessel, and (iii) adjusting the temperature of the methanol-containing thiophene-depleted synthesis gas mixture. The resulting gas mixture may be used for production of chemicals, e.g. methanol production or for the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis of liquid hydrocarbons, for hydrogen production by using water gas shift, or for the production of synthetic natural gas. |
| US09057030B2 |
System and method for protecting gasifier quench ring
A system includes a gasifier, which includes a reaction chamber configured to convert a feedstock into a synthetic gas, a quench chamber configured to cool the synthetic gas, a quench ring configured to provide a water flow to the quench chamber, and a quench ring protection system configured to protect the quench ring from the synthetic gas or a molten slag. The quench ring protection system includes a protective barrier disposed within an inner circumferential surface of the quench ring. The protective barrier substantially overlaps the inner circumferential surface in an axial direction along an axis of the quench ring. |
| US09057027B2 |
Process for cracking synthetic crude oil-containing feedstock
A process for steam cracking liquid hydrocarbon feedstocks containing synthetic crude oil comprises i) hydroprocessing a wide boiling range aliquot containing a) normally liquid hydrocarbon portion substantially free of resids and b) thermally cracked hydrocarbon liquid, boiling in a range from about 600° to about 1050° F., to provide a synthetic crude oil substantially free of resids; ii) adding to the synthetic crude oil a normally liquid hydrocarbon component boiling in a range from about 100° to about 1050° F.; and iii) cracking the mixture resulting from ii) in a cracker furnace comprising a radiant coil outlet to provide a cracked effluent, wherein the cracking is carried out under conditions sufficient to effect a radiant coil outlet temperature which is greater than the optimum radiant coil outlet temperature for cracking the synthetic crude oil separately. A method for upgrading synthetic crude for use in cracking is also provided, as well as a feedstock for cracking. |
| US09057019B2 |
Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal composition is described, which has a nematic phase, contains a specific compound having a high maximum temperature or a large dielectric anisotropy as a first component and a specific compound having a large dielectric anisotropy as a second component, and may also contain a specific compound having a high maximum temperature or a small viscosity as a third component and a specific compound having a high maximum temperature or a large dielectric anisotropy as a fourth component. An active-matrix (AM) liquid crystal display device including the liquid crystal composition is also described. |
| US09057018B2 |
Polymerizable liquid crystal compound, polymerizable liquid crystal composition, and polymer thereof
A compound represented by the formula (1) is provided. A polymerizable liquid crystal composition containing the compound can be controlled in birefringence and is excellent in stability of a liquid crystal phase. An anisotropic polymer excellent in uniformity of alignment is obtained by coating and polymerizing the composition on a supporting substrate. In the formula (1), at least one of Ra represents a polymerizable group, A represents a ring group, Y and Z each represent a single bond or alkylene; in which —CH2— in the alkylene may be replaced by another group, and m and n each represent an integer of from 0 to 5. |
| US09057017B2 |
Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal composition exhibiting a blue phase, which enables higher contrast, and a liquid crystal display device including the liquid crystal composition. The liquid crystal composition contains a chiral agent and liquid crystal containing a compound having three electron-withdrawing groups as end groups of a structure where a plurality of rings including at least one aromatic ring is linked to each other directly or with a linking group laid therebetween. At least one of the three electron-withdrawing groups includes a trifluoromethyl group. The peak of the diffracted wavelength on the longest wavelength side in the reflectance spectrum of the liquid crystal composition is less than or equal to 450 nm, preferably less than or equal to 420 nm. Furthermore, a liquid crystal display device can be provided with the use of the liquid crystal composition. |
| US09057015B2 |
Fluorescent dyes for paper dyeing
The present invention relates to an aqueous preparation comprising a fluorescent dyestuff of a specific formula, water, and optionally a dispersing agent, and the use of the aqueous preparation for dyeing cellulose- or polyamide-containing materials. |
| US09057012B2 |
Method of contacting hydrocarbon-bearing formations with fluorinated phosphate and phosphonate compositions
Method comprising contacting a hydrocarbon-bearing formation with a composition comprising solvent and a fluoropolyether compound. The fluoropolyether compound: is represented by formula Rf—[C(0)-NR1—X′—(Z)m]n; or comprises at least one first divalent unit represented by formula (I) and, at least one of, a second divalent unit comprising a pendant Z group; or a monovalent unit comprising a thioether linkage and at least one terminal Z group. Each Rf is independently a fluoropolyether group. Rf is a monovalent or divalent fluoropolyether group, and each Z group is independently —P(O)(OY)2 or —O—P(O)(OY)2. Hydrocarbon-bearing formations treated according to this method are also disclosed. |
| US09057011B2 |
Organoclay materials for environmentally sensitive regions
Fluids comprising oil; and an organophilic clay comprising a smectite clay modified by reaction with a protonated amphoteric surfactant. The smectite clay may be montmorillonite, beidellite, nontronite, or a combination thereof. The protonated amphoteric surfactant may be cetyl/myristyl amine oxide, a stearyl amine oxide, a stearyl betaine, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the fluid may also include water and/or a solid reactive metal. |
| US09057009B2 |
Methods of using fluid loss additives comprising micro gels
Methods and fluids are provided that include, but are not limited to, a drilling fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a fluid loss control additive that comprises at least one polymeric micro gel and a method comprising: providing an aqueous based treatment fluid comprising a fluid loss control additive that comprises at least one polymeric micro gel; placing the aqueous based treatment fluid in a subterranean formation via a well bore penetrating the subterranean formation; allowing the fluid loss control additive to become incorporated into a filter cake located on a surface within the subterranean formation; allowing the filter cake to be degraded; and producing hydrocarbons from the formation. Additional methods are also provided. |
| US09057007B2 |
Starch-based adhesives
Disclosed are starch-based cross-linked phenolic heteropolymer compositions and methods of synthesizing starch-based cross-linked phenolic heteropolymer compositions as well as their use as adhesives or adhesive additives. |
| US09057002B2 |
Curable resin compositions
A curable epoxy resin composition including (a) at least one epoxy resin; and (b) at least one hardener; wherein the curable epoxy resin composition has at least two exotherm peaks representing at least two distinct chemical reactions and wherein the exothermic peak difference of the two exotherm peaks is sufficient to allow the curable epoxy resin composition of being B-staged. |
| US09057001B2 |
Transparent non-stick coating composition, method and apparatus
A coating and method of making, using, and applying the coating to protect structures from scratches and/or the undesired collection of slag and/or spatter associated with metal working processes. The coating includes a base layer and a top layer that, when applied, mitigate adhesion of weld slag to the underlying structure. The coating is also transparent such that it does not interfere with the functionality of any indicia associated with the underlying structure or device and also renders the coating suitable for use with photo-reactive or responsive sensors and/or other non-opaque structures—such as goggles, facemasks, and/or shields. |
| US09056999B2 |
Ultraviolet-curable aqueous ink, ink cartridge, recording apparatus and recording method
There is provided an ultraviolet-curable aqueous ink containing: an ultraviolet polymerizable compound; a water-insoluble thioxanthone compound having an absorption at a wavelength range of 375 nm or more and 450 nm or less, a water-insoluble tertiary amine compound, water, and a water-soluble organic solvent at least including a solvent (A) that dissolves the thioxanthone compound and the tertiary amine compound. |
| US09056998B2 |
Crystalline compounds for phase change inks
Novel crystalline compounds with at least two aromatic moieties for use in the phase change inks. The crystalline compound is derived from bio-renewable materials and can be used in phase change ink compositions to impart desirable ink properties. For example, the crystalline compounds provide phase change ink compositions suitable for ink jet printing, including robust printing on coated paper substrates. |
| US09056996B2 |
Ink-jet recording ink set, recording head, ink-jet recording apparatus, and ink-jet recording method
An ink-jet recording ink set includes: an ink (I) containing a dye D1, a compound C1 represented by the following formula and having a U+V of S1, and water; and an ink (II) containing a dye D2, a compound C2 represented by the following formula and having a U+V of S2, and water in which in case that a surface tension γL1 (mN/m) of an evaluation liquid L1 obtained by adding, to a 5 mass % aqueous solution of the dye D1, a compound C3 in an amount corresponding to 1 mass % of the aqueous solution, and a surface tension γL2 (mN/m) of an evaluation liquid L2 obtained by adding, to a 5 mass % aqueous solution of the dye D2, the compound C3 in an amount corresponding to 1 mass % of the aqueous solution satisfy a relationship of γL1−γL2≧10 (mN/m), the S1 and the S2 satisfy a relationship of 2≦S2−S1≦7. |
| US09056991B2 |
Polymeric pigment systems and methods
A composition useful as an inkjet ink is described as well as methods of making the composition. The composition includes a pigment and a polymer and the polymer may include a polyurethane. The composition exhibits properties that make it useful in thermal and piezo inkjet applications. |
| US09056988B2 |
Solar reflective coatings and coating systems
Disclosed are infrared reflective coating compositions and cured coatings deposited on a substrate, as well as multi-component composite coating systems. The coating compositions include an infrared transparent pigment and an infrared reflective pigment. |
| US09056987B2 |
Super hydrophobic coating
A super hydrophobic coating composition that is a highly durable super hydrophobic transparent coating for glass, metal, and plastic, and automobile painted surfaces that is manually dispensable and may be easily applied to many substrates is provided. Moreover, the inventive super hydrophobic coating is user friendly as coating takes place at room temperature, and can be applied by a normal hand spray method. Embodiments of the coating dry within 30 minutes, and generate a super hydrophobic effect for ready use. The coating is useful to repel water droplets, dew drops, and dust particles in various applications such as solar panels, wind turbines surfaces, house hold components, metal coated furniture, marine equipment parts, marine sports equipment like speed boat screens, automobile wind shields, automobile plastic components, auto bodies and aerospace applications. |
| US09056986B2 |
Ultraviolet curable type ink-jet ink composition, recording method and recording apparatus using same
Provided is a UV curable type ink-jet ink composition containing a monomer A which is expressed by the following general formula (I): CH2═CR1—COOR2—O—CH═CH—R3 (I) (in the formula, R1 is a hydrogen atom or methyl radical, R2 is a bivalent organic residue radical having a carbon number in a range of 2 to 20, and R3 is a hydrogen atom or a univalent organic residue radical having a carbon number in a range of 1 to 11), a compound B containing five or more (meth)acryloyl radicals per molecule, and a monofunctional (meth)acrylate C having an aromatic ring skeleton, wherein the monofunctional (meth)acrylate C which is in a range of 5 to 35 wt % with respect to the total weight of the ink composition is contained, wherein the compound B is in a range of 5 to 40 wt % with respect to the total weight of the ink composition, wherein the monomer A is in a range of 10 to 70 wt % with respect to the total weight of the ink composition. |
| US09056985B2 |
Curable composition
Provided are a curable composition and its use. The curable composition may provide a cured product having excellent processability, workability, and adhesive property, and having no whitening and surface stickiness. The curable composition has excellent thermal resistance and crack resistance, and low gas permeability, and thus provides a device having excellent initial performance when being applied to a semiconductor device and maintaining stable performance when being used at a high temperature for a long time. |
| US09056983B2 |
Dynamic load-absorbing materials and articles
A compound for protection of an object from a blast or shock wave. The compound include a matrix material and at least a first and second sets of inclusions in the matrix material that differ in size, quantity, shape and/or composition in a direction through the impact-absorbing material, the combination of which contributes to the ability of the material to exhibit at least one property that changes as the inclusions are deformed in response to a blast or shock wave. |
| US09056981B2 |
Polyamide resin composition with good reflectance, impact strength, heat resistance, and water resistance and method of preparing the same
The present invention provides a polyamide resin composition comprising (A) about 100 parts by weight of polyamide resin; (B) about 0.1 to about 50 parts by weight of titanium dioxide; and (C) about 1 to about 20 parts by weight of modified polyolefin, wherein the (C) modified polyolefin is prepared by grafting a monomer that is partially miscible with the polyamide resin into the main chain of the polyolefin. |
| US09056978B2 |
Non-halogen flame retardant and high rigidity polycarbonate resin composition
A non-halogen flame retardant and high rigidity polycarbonate resin composition is disclosed. The non-halogen flame retardant and high rigidity polycarbonate resin composition has excellent flame retardancy and rigidity by overcoming a conventional problem such as poor rigidity occurred, upon adding a flame retardant agent in polycarbonate resin composition reinforced with a glass fiber having improved rigidity such as flexibility and surface smoothness etc., imposed by the use of the glass fiber.The polycarbonate resin composition has excellent fluidity, appearance surface quality and flexibility, together with high impact resistance and toughness, and also flame retardancy. |
| US09056977B2 |
Stabilised polycarbonate compositions with blends of silica and an inorganic acid
The present invention relates to polycarbonate compositions having improved processing stability, increased heat stability and a good natural color, and to their preparation and use, wherein the polycarbonate compositions contain an adsorber or absorber and an acid.The present invention relates further to a compounding process for the preparation of heat stabilized polycarbonate compositions containing constituents having a basic action, using acids applied to an adsorber or absorber.The present invention relates further to the use of Brönsted acids applied to an adsorber or absorber for the heat stabilization of polymer mixtures, containing basic impurities, containing at least one polymer prepared by polycondensation, during compounding and thermal shaping. |
| US09056971B2 |
Rubber-plastic alloy for warm mix asphalt mixture and method for manufacturing the same
A rubber-plastic alloy for a warm mix asphalt mixture and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The rubber-plastic alloy consists of plastic, crumb rubber, cracked wax and rubber oil. The manufacturing method includes extruding the plastic, the crumb rubber, the cracked wax, and the rubber oil at suitable ratio via a single screw extruder, and pelleting via a water-cooled die-face cutter. The rubber-plastic alloy is mixed with a hot mineral material in an asphalt mixture mixer, and then liquid asphalt matrix is pumped into the mixer via an asphalt pump to provide a warm mix rubber-plastic modified asphalt mixture. The rubber-plastic alloy is applied for modifying an asphalt mixture to an effect equivalent to that achieved by a wet method. |
| US09056969B2 |
Composition containing microfibrillated plant fibers
This invention provides a polyolefin-based molded article containing microfibrillated plant fibers having high strength and high elastic modulus. Specifically, the present invention provides a composition comprising (1) a polymeric compound having a primary amino group, (2) a polymeric compound modified with maleic anhydride, (3) microfibrillated plant fibers, and (4) a polyolefin; and a molded article obtained by subjecting the composition to heat treatment. |
| US09056965B2 |
Process for mixing polyvinyl chloride with a bio-based plasticizer
Processes for making a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) dry blend composition with a phthalate-free, bio-based plasticizer and filler, having a bulk density of greater than 0.67 g/cc and an extrusion rate of greater than 65 gm/minute for a single screw extruder of 0.75 in barrel diameter with a 25:1 L:D general purpose polyethylene screw at 75 rotations per minute screw speed, and compositions made by the processes are provided. |
| US09056963B2 |
Low residual bisphenol A alkoxylated materials, their preparation and use thereof
This invention relates to alkoxylated Bisphenol A compositions containing low residual amounts of Bisphenol A. The present invention also relates to methods for making such alkoxylated compositions containing low residual amounts of Bisphenol A, as well as uses for such compositions. The alkoxylated compositions containing low residual amounts of Bisphenol A may be utilized in packaging applications (such as indirect and/or direct food contact packaging), printing inks, container linings, and the like. |
| US09056960B2 |
Use of nanoporous polymer foams as heat-insulating materials
A method of thermally insulating a transport means or an industrial or plant construction comprises obtaining a nanoporous foam (NP1) by reacting epoxy resin(s) (E) with amphiphilic epoxy resin hardener(s) (H) in water by a phase inversion polymerization wherein the binder content during polymerization is from 15% to 39.9% by weight, and installing the nanoporous polymer foam as a thermal insulation material in transport means or in an industrial or plant construction. |
| US09056955B2 |
Resin particle comprising microparticle made of a crystalline resin, and method for producing the same
A resin particle having a sufficiently narrow particle size distribution obtainable by using a supercritical fluid, and a production method for obtaining a resin particle having a sufficiently narrow particle size distribution by using a supercritical fluid are provided. The present invention provides a resin particle (C) having a microparticle (A) fixed to or formed as a film on a surface of a resin particle (B) containing a resin (b), wherein the degree of swelling of the microparticle (A) by liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide (X) at a temperature lower than the glass transition temperature or the melting point of the microparticle (A) is 16% or less, and the microparticle (A) is at least one kind selected from the group consisting of a crystalline resin (a1), a noncrystalline resin (a2), and an inorganic compound (a3). |
| US09056954B2 |
Cathodic electrocoating compositions
Disclosed herein are functionalized polymers comprising ethylene and substituted ethylene segments, which have been crosslinked using a multifunctional thiol to enhance their crosslinking ability. These functionalized polymers are useful as film forming resins in cathodic electrocoating compositions. Also disclosed herein are aqueous dispersion compositions comprising the functionalized polymers and a process for coating various electrically conductive substrates. |
| US09056952B2 |
Composite materials comprising an open-cell polymer matrix and granules embedded therein
Composite materials are provided that include an open-cell polymer foam matrix including one or more polymers and, embedded into the polymer foam matrix, granules or shapes which have an open porosity. |
| US09056951B2 |
Ultrastrong and stiff layered polymer nanocomposites and hierarchical laminate materials thereof
A stiff layered polymer nanocomposite comprising a substrate adapted to receive a plurality of alternating layers of a first material and a second material; wherein the first material and second material are a polyelectrolyte, an organic polymer or an inorganic colloid and said first material and said second material have a chemical affinity for each other, said plurality of layers crosslinked using a chemical or physical crosslinking agent. Thin films that are consolidated and optionally crosslinked can be manufactured into hierarchical laminates with rigid and stress resistant properties. |
| US09056950B2 |
Composite polymeric articles formed from extruded sheets containing a liquid crystal polymer
A process for forming shaped three-dimensional products is described made from a composition containing at least one filler and an aromatic liquid crystal polymer. In one embodiment, the process includes forming a substrate such as a film, a sheet or a tube, through an extrusion process. Once the substrate is formed, the substrate is then heated and fed to a shaping process. The shaping process may comprise a thermal forming process or a blow molding process. In order to form the three-dimensional products, the aromatic liquid crystal polymer has a high heat of crystallization, a high melt temperature and/or a high melt viscosity. |
| US09056949B2 |
Michael addition curing chemistries for sulfur-containing polymer compositions employing bis(sulfonyl)alkanols
Michael addition curing chemistries in compositions comprising sulfur-containing polymers such as polythioethers and polysulfides are useful in aerospace sealant applications. Compositions employing Michael addition curing chemistries include sulfur-containing adducts comprising terminal Michael acceptor groups. In particular, the sulfur-containing adducts include terminal 1-(ethylenesulfonyl)-n-(vinylsulfonyl)alkanol groups. |
| US09056947B2 |
PHA compositions comprising PBS and PBSA and methods for their production
Compositions of PHAs with PBS and/or PBSA are described and methods of making the same. |
| US09056945B2 |
Process for organocatalytic ring-opening polymerization
The present invention relates to a process for organocatalytic ring-opening polymerization of at least one monomer M suitable for ring-opening polymerization, or of mixtures thereof, wherein, in a step (i), at least one N-heterocyclic compound is subjected in the presence of at least one Zerevitinov-active compound Z1 to a temperature of at least 80° C. for a period of at least 30 seconds and, in a step (ii), the monomer M is added and reacted. |
| US09056944B2 |
Ductile polymer binders and battery components using the same
The present invention is directed at a binder for a battery electrode comprising an ethylene oxide-containing copolymer including a first monomer of ethylene oxide (EO) and at least one additional monomer selected from an alkylene-oxide that is different from the first monomer of EO, an alkyl glycidyl ether, or a combination thereof; wherein the ethylene oxide-containing copolymer has a weight average molecular weight less than about 200,000 g/mole (e.g., from about 10,000 to about 100,000), the molar fraction of the first monomer of EO (XEo) in the ethylene oxide-containing copolymer is greater than 0.80 (e.g., from about 0.80 to about 0.995), and the ethylene oxide-containing copolymer has a peak melting temperature (Tp), in ° C., for a selected XEO in the range of about 0.80 to about 0.995, which is below a maximum value of Tpmax, at the selected XEO, which is calculated using the equation Tpmax=(60−150 (1−XEO)). |
| US09056942B2 |
Curable resin compositions
A solvent-free curable epoxy resin composition including (a) at least one divinylarene dioxide; and (b) at least one hardener; wherein the solvent-free curable epoxy resin composition is substantially free of solvent and has at least two exotherm peaks and wherein the exothermic peak difference of the two exotherm peaks is sufficient to allow the curable solvent-free epoxy resin composition of being B-staged. |
| US09056941B2 |
Photocurable resin composition and optical component using the same
The present invention relates to a photocurable resin composition including the following ingredients (A), (B) and (C): (A) a linear chain epoxy resin represented by the following general formula (1), in which m indicates an integer of from 2 to 10, and R1 and R2 each represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom; (B) an alicyclic epoxy resin having at least two epoxy groups in one molecule thereof; and (C) a phosphorus fluoride-based photopolymerization initiator. |
| US09056940B2 |
Aliphatic polyester polyols from cyclohexane oxidation byproduct streams as precursors for polyurethane and polyisocyanurate polymers
The invention provides polyester polyol compositions and resin blends, useful as components of polyurethane and polyisocyanurate polymers, produced from cyclohexane oxidation reaction byproducts, such as water extracts and non-volatile distillation residues from the reaction. Such byproducts of industrial processes for preparation of adipic acid and caprolactam, important intermediates in the production of various types of nylon, have hitherto largely been used only as fuels. The present invention provides value-added products, methods for making, and methods for using the byproduct-derived polyester polyol compositions. For example, the invention provides polyurethane (PU) and/or polyisocyanurate (PIR) polymers made using the polyol compositions and polyfunctional isocyanates. The PU and PIR polymers can be used as adhesives, binders (e.g., for wood fibers), coatings (e.g., for controlled release fertilizers), and foams. |
| US09056935B2 |
Photocurable resin composition, method of fabricating optical film using the same, and optical film including the same
A photocurable resin composition includes an ester (meth)acrylate, an antistatic agent, a silicone additive, an initiator, and at least one UV-curable unsaturated compound. The at least one UV-curable unsaturated compound may include a monofunctional or multifunctional UV-curable monomer, and a (meth)acrylate containing about 10 mol % or more of an ethylene oxide group. |
| US09056934B2 |
Nanohybrid polymers for ophthalmic applications
The present invention relates to novel materials particularly useful for ophthalmic applications and methods for making and using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to relatively soft, optically transparent, foldable, high refractive index materials particularly suited for use in the production of intraocular lenses, contact lenses, and other ocular implants and to methods for manufacturing and using the same. |
| US09056932B2 |
Hydroxy polyalkylene glycol function (meth) acrylic comb polymers, their use as shear-thinning agents in coating dispersions and dispersions containing them
Comb polymers useful in paper coating dispersions. |
| US09056929B2 |
Catalyst for the polymerization of olefins
The present invention relates to catalysts systems for the polymerization of olefins CH2═CHR, wherein R is an alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl radical having 1-12 carbon atoms, comprising (A) a solid catalyst component comprising Ti, Mg, and halogen (B) an aluminum alkyl compound and (C) a brominated cyclic hydrocarbon. Said catalyst systems have improved polymerization activity. |
| US09056924B2 |
Mutations in the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase associated with resistance to STI-571
The invention described herein relates to novel genes and their encoded proteins, termed Mutants Associated with Resistance to STI-571 (e.g., T315I Bcr-Abl), and to diagnostic and therapeutic methods and compositions useful in the management of various cancers that express MARS. The invention further provides methods for identifying molecules that bind to and/or modulate the functional activity of MARS. |
| US09056922B2 |
Chimeric relaxin polypeptides comprising an A and B chain derived from different relaxin family peptides
Provided herein are modified relaxin polypeptides wherein the B chain comprises the core amino acid sequence CGR-XXX-R-XX-I/V-XX-CG (SEQ ID NO:1), where X is any amino acid. Also provided are modified relaxin polypeptides comprising at least an A and a B chain, wherein the A and B chains are derived from different naturally occurring relaxins and wherein the B chain comprises the core amino acid sequence CGR-XXX-R-XX-I/V-XX-CG (SEQ ID NO:1), where X is any amino acid. |
| US09056921B2 |
Method for making mature insulin polypeptides
The invention is related to a method for making human insulin analogs by culturing an fungi cell comprising a DNA vector encoding a precursor for human insulin analog, wherein the said precursor comprises a connecting peptide flanked with cleavage sites at both junctions with the A- and the B-chain of the insulin peptide, respectively said cleavage sites being cleaved within the fungi cell allowing the cell to secrete high amount of correctly processed, mature two chain human insulin analog to the culture media. |
| US09056919B2 |
USP2a peptides and antibodies
The invention relates to novel USP2a peptides and antibodies, as well as nucleic acids related to them. The peptides, antibodies and the nucleic acids are useful for the detection, staging and monitoring of the progression of cancer, as well as for determining or monitoring the efficacy of treatment. |
| US09056918B2 |
Prion epitopes and methods of use thereof
Prion peptides comprising prion epitopes and fusions thereof, that display enhanced immunogenicity are described. Also described are methods of treating and diagnosing prion disease. |
| US09056913B2 |
Method for preventing or treating M tuberculosis infection
The present invention is directed to methods of preventing reactivation of active and latent M. tuberculosis infections by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a nucleic acid encoding a Mtb72f fusion protein, or a Mtb72f fusion protein or an immunogenic fragment thereof, for example together with an adjuvant. The Mtb72f nucleic acid or fusion protein can be administered with one or more chemotherapeutic agents effective against a M. tuberculosis infection. The methods also provide for shortening the time course of a chemotherapeutic regimen against a M. tuberculosis infection. |
| US09056912B2 |
Immunogenic compositions for Streptococcus pyogenes
The invention includes a GAS antigen, GAS 40, which is particularly suitable for use either alone or in combinations with additional GAS antigens, such as GAS 117, GAS 130, GAS 277, GAS 236, GAS 40, GAS 389, GAS 504, GAS 509, GAS 366, GAS 159, GAS 217, GAS 309, GAS 372, GAS 039, GAS 042, GAS 058, GAS 290, GAS 511, GAS 533, GAS 527, GAS 294, GAS 253, GAS 529, GAS 045, GAS 095, GAS 193, GAS 137, GAS 084, GAS 384, GAS 202, and GAS 057. |
| US09056911B2 |
Antibody against carcinoembryonic antigen and uses thereof
The invention discloses a humanized chimeric monoclonal antibody against carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), polynucleotides encoding the antibody, expression vectors comprising the polynucleotides, and host cells containing the expression vectors. The invention also discloses uses of the antibody, polynucleotides, vectors and host cells for manufacturing medicaments for diagnosis and/or treatment of tumors. |
| US09056910B2 |
Anti-PMEL17 antibodies and immunoconjugates
The invention provides anti-PMEL17 antibodies and immunoconjugates and methods of using the same. |
| US09056907B2 |
Human domain antibodies against components of the human insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system
The invention provides antibodies or antibody fragments that bind to insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1 receptor (IGF-1R) or IGF-2, as well as method of using the antibodies for inhibiting the IGF-mediated signaling pathway, inhibiting IGF-1R signaling, and treating cancer. The invention also provides a method of detecting the presence of IGF-1R or IGF-2 in a sample using the inventive antibodies and antibody fragments. |
| US09056906B2 |
Methods for the treatment of autoimmune disorders using immunosuppressive monoclonal antibodies with reduced toxicity
The present invention provides methods of treating, preventing, slowing the progression of, or ameliorating the symptoms of T cell mediated immunological diseases, particularly autoimmune diseases (e.g., autoimmune diabetes (i.e. type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)) and multiple sclerosis) through the use of anti-human CD3 antibodies. The antibodies of the invention of the invention are preferably used in low dose dosing regimens, chronic dosing regimens or regimens that involve redosing after a certain period of time. The methods of the invention provide for administration of antibodies that specifically bind the epsilon subunit within the human CD3 complex. Such antibodies modulate the T cell receptor/alloantigen interaction and, thus, regulate the T cell mediated cytotoxicity associated with autoimmune disorders. Additionally, the methods of the invention provide for use of anti-human CD3 antibodies modified such that they exhibit reduced or eliminated effector function and T cell activation as compared to non-modified anti-human CD3 antibodies. |
| US09056905B2 |
Antibodies to TNF-α and use thereof
The present invention is directed to antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for TNF-α. Another embodiment of this invention relates to the antibodies described herein, and binding fragments thereof, comprising the sequences of the VH, VL and CDR polypeptides described herein, and the polynucleotides encoding them. The invention also contemplates conjugates of anti-TNF-α antibodies and binding fragments thereof conjugated to one or more functional or detectable moieties. The invention also contemplates methods of making said anti-TNF-α antibodies and binding fragments thereof. Embodiments of the invention also pertain to the use of anti-TNF-α antibodies, and binding fragments thereof, for the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of diseases and disorders associated with TNF-α. |
| US09056901B2 |
Methods of making hemagglutinin proteins
Methods of making a protein that stimulates a protective immune response in a subject include separating a portion of a protein from a naturally occurring influenza viral hemagglutinin to form a protein portion. The protein portion includes at least a portion of a globular head, and at least a portion of at least one secondary structure having at least one β-sheet at a bottom of the globular head that causes the globular head to essentially retain its tertiary structure. The protein portion made by the methods of the invention lacks a transmembrane domain, a cytoplasmic domain and an HA2 subunit. A nucleic acid sequence encoding the protein portion is transformed into a prokaryotic host cell. |
| US09056898B2 |
Attenuated RNA virus and applications thereof
The invention encompasses an attenuated RNA virus and methods of using an attenuated RNA virus. The RNA virus comprises, in part, an ion channel protein comprising a peptide tag. |
| US09056897B2 |
Method for isolating a cyclohexapeptide
The present invention relates to a method for isolating acyclohexapeptide and to a novel crystalline form of caspofungin diacetate thus obtained. |
| US09056896B2 |
Method for removing viruses from high concentration monoclonal antibody solution
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for removing even small viruses from a high concentration monoclonal antibody solution using a membrane, and thus for recovering the antibody within a short time at high yield in the form of a filtrate. The present invention provides a method for producing a preparation containing a monoclonal antibody, which comprises a step of removing viruses by filtering viruses in a monoclonal antibody solution using a virus-removing membrane, wherein (1) the monomer content of the monoclonal antibody accounts for 90% or more; (2) the monoclonal antibody concentration in the monoclonal antibody solution ranges from 20 mg/ml to 100 mg/ml; (3) the monoclonal antibody solution contains at least a basic amino acid; and (4) the parvovirus removal rate of the virus-removing membrane satisfies the following conditions: LRV (Log Reduction Value: logarithmic reduction value)≧4. |
| US09056893B2 |
Method and apparatus for treatment of biomass substrates
A system and method for the treatment of biomass comprising mixing a biomass with an ionic liquid (IL) to swell the biomass and electromagnetic (EM) heating, preferably radiofrequency (RF) heating, said biomass. Additionally, a method of acidolysis of biomass comprising mixing biomass in an ionic liquid (IL) to swell the biomass; adding an acid, to lower the pH of the biomass below pH 7; applying radio frequency (RF) heating to the biomass to heat to a target temperature range; applying ultrasonic heating, electromagnetic (EM) heating, convective heating, conductive heating, or combinations thereof, to the biomass to maintain the biomass at a target temperature range; washing the treated biomass; and recovering sugars and released lignin. |
| US09056892B2 |
Retrograde transport peptide and use of same for delivery to central nervous system
Transport peptides, alone or attached to a cargo moiety, are capable of targeted axonal import into the spinal cord and other structures of the central nervous system. The transport peptides can be used to deliver therapeutic agents and other molecules of interest from the periphery to the central nervous system, providing a means to detect, treat or prevent neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, chronic pain and other conditions via minimally invasive techniques of administration. |
| US09056891B2 |
Synthetic peptide inhibitors of Wnt pathway
A peptide or peptidomimetic comprising the amino acid sequence KKRLSVXLTSSLFR (SEQ ID NO: 1) or the inverse thereof, or comprising at least eight contiguous amino acids of helix C of β-catenin (SEQ ID NO: 41) or inverse thereof, wherein the peptide or peptidomimetic comprises a total of about 50 or fewer amino acids and inhibits the Wnt pathway, as well as a method of inhibiting the Wnt pathway in a cell, a method of treating or preventing a disease mediated by the Wnt pathway, and related compounds, compositions, and methods. |
| US09056886B2 |
Guanosine-rich modified oligonucleotides and antiproliferative activity thereof
The present invention relates to a novel modified oligonucleotide comprising at least one guanosine molecule and a modified nucleic acid with therapeutic efficacies. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition having cell apoptotic activity against cancer cells for preventing or treating cancer comprising a guanosine-rich modified oligonucleotide with at least one therapeutically effective modified nucleic acid (N), or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt as active ingredient. |
| US09056882B2 |
Process for the preparation of tenofovir
The present invention provides a process for preparation of tenofovir by dealkylation of its phosphonate ester using Ionic complexes. The present invention also provides a process for preparation of tenofovir disoproxil or a salt thereof using the tenofovir of the present invention. |
| US09056878B2 |
Hydrolysis-resistant silicone compounds
In one aspect, the invention relates to hydrolysis-resistant silicone compounds. In particular, disclosed are sterically hindered hydrolysis-resistant silicone compounds and improved purity hydrolysis-resistant silicone compounds. Also disclosed are processes for making hydrolysis-resistant silicone compounds; the products of the disclosed processes; compositions and polymers comprising the disclosed compounds and products of the disclosed processes; and ophthalmic lenses, for example contact lenses, intraocular lenses, artificial cornea, and spectacle lenses, comprising the disclosed compositions, disclosed polymers, disclosed compounds, and products of the disclosed processes. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. |
| US09056876B2 |
Substituted 1H-pyrazolo[3′,4′,4,5]thieno[2,3-b]pyridin-3-amine analogs as positive allosteric modulators of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M4
In one aspect, the invention relates to substituted 1H-pyrazolo[3′,4′:4,5]thieno[2,3-b]pyridin-3-amine analogs, derivatives thereof, and related compounds, which are useful as positive allosteric modulators of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M4 (mAChR M4); synthesis methods for making the compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds; and methods of treating neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with muscarinic acetylcholine receptor dysfunction using the compounds and compositions. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. |
| US09056872B2 |
Organic compounds, process for preparing same and uses in electronics
The present disclosure relates to novel organic compounds, to the processes for preparing same and to the uses thereof, firstly in the electronics field, in particular in the fields referred to as plastic electronics and molecular electronics, and, secondly, in the coatings field, in particular in the fields of adhesion primers and intelligent coatings. The disclosure also relates to a material comprising a novel compound according to the invention. |
| US09056871B2 |
Adduct compound, methods for purification and preparation of fused polycyclic aromatic compound, solution for formation of organic semiconductor film, and novel alpha-diketone compound
Provided are a novel adduct compound and a novel α-diketone compound, from which organic semiconductor layers consisting of a fused polycyclic aromatic compound can be formed by a solution method, said solution method being generally easier than a deposition method. Also provided are a method for the purification of the adduct compound, and a solution for the formation of organic semiconductor film, which contains the adduct compound. The adduct compound has a structure wherein a compound having a double bond is added in an eliminable state to a fused polycyclic aromatic compound of general formula (I): Ar1Ar2Ar3 (I), while the α-diketone compound has a structure wherein a compound having a double bond is added in an eliminable state to a fused polycyclic aromatic compound. The fused polycyclic aromatic compound is dinaphthothienothiophene or the like, while the compound having a double bond is hexachlorocyclopentadiene or the like. In general formula (I), Ar1, Ar2 and Ar3 are each as defined in the description. |
| US09056869B2 |
Tricyclic compounds having antimitotic and/or antitumor activity and methods of use thereof
The present invention provides tricyclic compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, solvates, or hydrates thereof, having antimitotic activity, anti-multidrug resistance activity, for example P-glycoprotein inhibition, and antitumor activity, and which inhibit paclitaxel sensitive and resistant tumor cells. Also provided are methods of utilizing these compounds for treating tumor cells and inhibiting mitosis of cancerous cells. |
| US09056864B2 |
Crystalline form of abacavir that is essentially free of solvent
Crystalline form of abacavir that is essentially free of solvent of formula (I), in particular crystalline Form I, and its preparation process which comprises the following steps: a) crystallizing abacavir from a solution of said compound in a (C1-C4)-alcohol, dichloromethane, acetonitrile/water, or mixtures thereof; b) isolating the crystalline form of abacavir that appears in the prior step; and c) removing the solvent from the crystalline form of abacavir thus obtained. Crystalline Form I can also be obtained by dispersion of abacavir in acetonitrile. The crystalline form of abacavir that is essentially free of solvent is useful for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for use in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of HIV infections. |
| US09056860B2 |
Synthesis of antiviral compound
The present disclosure provides processes for the preparation of a compound of formula I: which is useful as an antiviral agent. The disclosure also provides compounds that are synthetic intermediates to compounds of formula I. |
| US09056853B2 |
N-Thio-anthranilamid compounds and their use as pesticides
N-Thio-anthranilamid compounds of formula (I) wherein A is A1 wherein the variables and the indices are as defined per the description, processes for preparing the compounds I, pesticidal compositions comprising compounds I, use of compounds I for the control of insects, acarids or nematodes, and methods for treating, controlling, preventing or protecting animals against infestation or infection by parasites by use of compounds of formula I. |
| US09056843B2 |
Trifluoromethyl-oxadiazole derivatives and their use in the treatment of disease
The invention relates to novel trifluoromethyl-oxadiazole derivatives of formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, (I) in which all of the variables are as defined in the specification, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, pharmaceutical combinations thereof, and their use as medicaments, particularly for the treatment of neurodegeneration, muscle atrophy or metabolic syndrome via inhibition of HDAC4. |
| US09056840B2 |
Coelenterazine analogues and coelenteramide analogues
Coelenterazine analogs with different luminescence properties from conventional ones and coelenteramide analogs with different fluorescence properties from conventional ones have been desired. The invention provides coelenterazine analogs modified at the 8-position of coelenterazine and coelenteramide analogs modified at the 2- or 3-position of coelenteramide. |
| US09056836B2 |
Benzomorphan analogs and the use thereof
The present invention is directed to Benzomorphan Analog compounds of the Formula I-ID as shown below, wherein R1, R2a, R2b, R3 and R4 are as defined herein. Compounds of the Invention are useful for treating pain, constipation, and other conditions modulated by activity of opioid and ORL-1 receptors. |
| US09056834B2 |
Glucagon receptor modulators
The present invention provides a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein R1, R2, R3, A1, A2, A3, A4, L, B1, B2, B3 and B4 are as defined herein. The compounds of Formula I have been found to act as glucagon antagonists or inverse agonists. Consequently, the compounds of Formula I and the pharmaceutical compositions thereof are useful for the treatment of diseases, disorders, or conditions mediated by glucagon. |
| US09056828B2 |
Alkoxylation method of fatty acid alkyl esters
The present invention is directed towards a method of preparing alkoxylated fatty acid alkyl estersin a one-pot alkoxylation reaction in the presence of a catalyst which is an alkaline earth metal oxide/mineral acid combination, preferably a barium oxide/sulfuric acid combination, or a Lewis acid, preferably Sn Cl4, comprising the steps of: a) providing a fatty acid alkyl ester, b) adding a catalyst to said fatty acid alkyl ester to obtain a first mixture, wherein said catalyst is an alkaline earth metal oxide/mineral acid combination or a Lewis acid, c) adding one or more alkylene oxides to said first mixture to obtain a second mixture and (d) isolating the alkoxylated fatty acid alkyl ester. |
| US09056827B2 |
Method of synthesizing polyol acetate by using catalyst of ionic liquid heteropoly acid
The present invention uses a nitrogen-containing organic compound to be reacted with an alkyl sultone to obtain a zwitterion compound. The zwitterion compound is reacted with a heteropoly acid (HPA) to obtain an ionic liquid HPA (IL-HPA). The IL-HPA is used for acetylation of polyol and HOAc for obtaining polyol acetate. The IL used in the reaction can be recycled. Thus, problems of product separation, waste acid handling, and corrosion of facilities are solved and production through esterification is improved with a green catalysis. |
| US09056820B2 |
Alicyclic alcohol
Provided is an alicyclic alcohol compound which can be used as a raw material for a compound perfume, and which has excellent floral-green-like aromas which are crisp and fresh; also provided are a manufacturing method for the same, and a perfume composition which contains the alicyclic alcohol compound. An alicyclic alcohol compound having a specified structure represented by chemical formula (1) has excellent floral-green-like aromas which are crisp and fresh; and a method for manufacturing the alicyclic alcohol compound represented by chemical formula (1) by reacting, in the presence of hydrogen fluoride, 1-isopropyl-4-methylcyclohexene and carbon monoxide, reacting the resulting 4-isopropyl-1-methylcyclohexane carboxylic acid fluoride with alcohol, and, after having acquired a cyclohexane carbonyl compound, reducing the cyclohexane carbonyl compound. |
| US09056819B2 |
Isocyanate production process using composition containing carbamic acid ester and aromatic hydroxy compound, and composition for transfer and storage of carbamic acid ester
An object of the present invention is to provide an isocyanate production process, which is free of the various problems found in the prior art, and which uses a composition containing a carbamic acid ester and an aromatic hydroxy compound when producing isocyanate without using phosgene, as well as a carbamic acid ester composition for transferring or storing carbamic acid ester. The present invention discloses an isocyanate production process including specific steps and using a composition containing a carbamic acid ester and an aromatic hydroxy compound, as well as a composition for transfer or storage of carbamic acid ester comprising the carbamic acid ester and the specific aromatic hydroxy compound. |
| US09056815B2 |
Synthetic acid and associated methods
Glycine is an organic compound that can be used in the making of a synthetic acid that obviates all the drawbacks of strong acids such as hydrochloric acid. The new compound is made by dissolving glycine in water, in a weight ratio of approximately 1:1 to 1:1.5. The solution is mixed until the glycine is essentially fully dissolved in the water. Once dissolution is complete, hydrogen chloride gas is dissolved in the solution to produce the new compound, which can be referred to as hydrogen glycine. A method of taming an acid includes adding the solution of hydrogen glycine to the acid in an effective amount for substantially preventing corrosion and fuming during an application of a mixture thereof. |
| US09056811B2 |
Method for producing alcohol by guerbet reaction
A method for increasing the yield of alcohols by a Guerbet reaction in a gas phase and reducing production cost is provided. A method for producing alcohols by a Guerbet reaction, wherein the reaction is performed in a gas phase and at a total pressure of less than 1 atm and preferably from 0.01 to 0.5 atm, using one or more raw material alcohols. |
| US09056810B2 |
Photocatalytic preparation method of parylene AF4
The present invention disclosed a preparation method of parylene AF4, which provides a reactant and a reducing agent with the use of catalyst or exposure to UV light with photo-initiator, to shorten the reaction time as a result of minimized the byproduct(s) formation, and obtain high purity (>99.0%) of parylene AF4 product under high concentrated reaction mixture. |
| US09056809B2 |
Catalytic preparation method of parylene AF4
The present invention disclosed a preparation method of parylene AF4, which provides a reactant and a reducing agent with the use of catalyst or exposure to UV light with photo-initiator, to shorten the reaction time as a result of minimized the byproduct(s) formation, and obtain high purity (>99.0%) of parylene AF4 product under high concentrated reaction mixture. |
| US09056808B2 |
Process for the production of chlorinated propenes
Processes for the production of chlorinated propenes are provided. The present processes make use of 1,2-dichloropropane, a by-product in the production of chlorohydrin, as a low cost starting material, alone or in combination with 1,2,3-trichloropropane. The present processes can also generate anhydrous HCl as a byproduct that can be removed from the process and used as a feedstock for other processes, providing further time and cost savings. Finally, the processes are advantageously conducted in the liquid phase, thereby presenting additional savings as compared to conventional, gas phase processes. |
| US09056802B2 |
Methods for making environmental barrier coatings using sintering aids
Methods or making an environmental barrier coating using a sintering aid including combining at least water, a primary transition material selected from mullite, BSAS, or a mullite/BSAS mixture, and a slurry sintering aid to produce a transition layer slurry; applying the transition layer slurry to a ceramic component; combining at least water, and a primary outer material of BSAS to produce an outer layer slurry; applying the outer layer slurry to the component having the applied transition layer slurry; and sintering the component to produce the environmental barrier coating having at least a transition layer and an outer layer where the transition layer comprises a porosity of from 0% to about 30% by volume of the transition layer, and the outer layer comprises a porosity of from 0% to about 15% by volume of the outer layer. |
| US09056800B2 |
Additive for molding of ceramic material
The present invention relates to an additive for use in the molding of a ceramic material, which exhibits satisfactory water absorption performance in a ceramic green ceramic clay, can highly achieve both high fluidability and low loading performance during extrusion molding and high shape-retaining performance after extrusion at the same time, and comprises polymer microparticles. This additive for use in the molding of a ceramic material comprises polymer microparticles, is characterized in that the polymer microparticles have an average particle size between 10 and 150 μm when the polymer microparticles are swollen with ion exchange water until the swollen polymer microparticles reach a saturated state and can absorb 10-60 mL/g of ion exchange water under ordinary pressure, and is also characterized in that an aqueous dispersion prepared by dispersing 1 part by mass of the polymer microparticles in 110 parts by mass of ion exchange water has an electrical conductivity of 1500 μS/cm or less at 25° C. |
| US09056799B2 |
Matrix powder system and composite materials and articles made therefrom
The present invention includes a matrix powder system comprising one or more polycrystalline carbides, binderless carbides, or a combination thereof, a composite comprising the matrix powder system and a metal bond phase, a matrix bit body for a drill bit for oil and gas drilling made of this composite material, and a drill bit for oil and gas drilling comprising the matrix bit body and at least one cutter. The polycrystalline and/or binderless carbides may comprise carbides of W, Ti, V, Cr, Nb, Mo, Ta, Hf, Zr, or a combination thereof. The binderless carbides have less than 3 wt. % binder and the binderless and/or polycrystalline carbides may have a grain size of ≦15 μm and a hardness of ≧1900 HV (0.5 kgf). Additional ceramic components and/or metals may also be present in the matrix powder system. Alternatively, the composite material may be present on only a portion of the matrix bit body surface. |
| US09056798B2 |
Method for processing ceramic fibers
A method of treating ceramic fibers based on metal carbide, the method including a first reagent gas heat treatment performed with at least one first reagent gas of the halogen type that chemically transforms the surface of the fiber to obtain a surface layer constituted mainly of carbon, and a second reagent gas heat treatment performed with at least one second reagent gas that eliminates the surface layer formed during the chemical transformation. |
| US09056796B2 |
ATZ fused grains
Fused grain having the following chemical composition: more than 10% and less than 50% of alumina Al2O3; more than 10% and less than 50% of titanium oxide TiO2; more than 21% and less than 50% of zirconia; more than 1% and less than 10% of a compound chosen from the group constituted by MgO, CaO, Fe2O3, Cr2O3, MnO2, La2O3, Y2O3, Ga2O3 and mixtures thereof; less than 20% of silica SiO2; less than 10% of a compound chosen from the group constituted by alkali metal oxides, alkaline-earth metal oxides and mixtures thereof; less than 2% of other oxide species; the percentages being percentages by weight on the basis of the oxides. Application in the melting of metals. |
| US09056792B2 |
Internally curing cement based materials
A method of curing cementitious material comprising added a fibrillated carboxyalkyl cellulose, cellulose alkylsulfonic acid, phosphorylated cellulose or sulfated cellulose having a degree of substitution of 0.01 to 0.45 to the material during mixing. The fibrillated carboxyalkyl cellulose, cellulose alkylsulfonic acid, phosphorylated cellulose or sulfated cellulose may also include bleached or partially bleached wood pulp fiber. The fibrillated carboxyalkyl cellulose, cellulose alkylsulfonic acid, phosphorylated cellulose or sulfated cellulose has a substituent content of from 10 to 150 meq/100 g cellulose fiber. The fibrillated carboxyalkyl cellulose, cellulose alkylsulfonic acid, phosphorylated cellulose or sulfated cellulose is 0.1 to 5% by weight of the dry weight of the cementitious material. The structure produced by the method. The autogenous shrinkage of the cementitious material is reduced. |
| US09056789B2 |
Method of treating stone wool
The present invention provides a method of producing a granular product, the method comprising providing waste stone wool product of which at least 90% is in coherent form having minimum dimension at least 50 mm and which has a content of at least 10% water, by weight of the waste stone wool product; producing a base material from the stone wool by reducing the coherent stone wool to particulate form such that at least 80% by weight of the base material is in the form of particles having size not more than 40 mm, and has water content not more than 50 wt % based on the particulate base material; forming the particulate base material into granules, wherein at least 80% by weight of the granules have size not more than 40 mm, and subjecting the granules to sintering at a temperature in the range 900 to 1050° C. to form a granular product wherein at least 80% by weight of the granular product is in the form of granules having size not more than 40 mm, and during the operation of the method no binder is added. The present invention also relates to a product obtainable by the method described above. |
| US09056787B1 |
System and method for texturing glass
A method for texturing a glass substrate includes cleaning the glass substrate with at least one surfactant and etching the glass substrate using a caustic solution. The percentage of caustic solution is provided by controlling a fluid flow and temperature to control the depth of the etching. The method also includes acid cleaning the etched glass substrate to remove glass residuals and surfactants. |
| US09056782B2 |
Technique for manufacturing platinum-manganese dioxide/carbon complex for use in positive electrode of lithium-air battery
Disclosed is a method for preparing a platinum-manganese dioxide/carbon complex for a positive-electrode material of a lithium-air battery. More specifically, a manganese dioxide/carbon complex is prepared by dispersing carbon in a manganese dioxide precursor solution and applying microwaves, filtering and drying to the resulting solution. Next a platinum-manganese dioxide/carbon complex is prepared by dispersing the manganese dioxide/carbon complex in ethylene glycol, adding a platinum precursor and applying microwaves to the resulting solution. The platinum-manganese dioxide/carbon complex synthesized according to the present invention exhibits lower overvoltage and higher current density in oxygen reduction and oxidation reactions as compared to either a manganese dioxide/carbon complex or a platinum/carbon complex. |
| US09056781B2 |
Method of producing calcite capable of controlling a grain size thereof
Provided is a method of synthesizing high-purity calcite capable of controlling a grain size thereof, by reacting an aqueous calcium chloride solution with CO2 gas under strong alkaline condition, to crystallize into white and ultra-fine grain calcite. The method of synthesizing fine-grain calcite according to the present disclosure can decrease super-saturation by producing calcite under the strong alkaline conditions, thereby suppressing generation and growth of grain, resulting in controlling the grain size. Therefore, the above method is useful in producing high-purity ultra-fine grain calcite and can control the grain size of calcite from several hundreds of nanometers to several tens of nanometers by regulating the concentration of an aqueous caustic soda solution. |
| US09056780B2 |
Boundary layer carbonation of trona
A boundary layer carbonation process for producing sodium bicarbonate crystals having specific surface area in the range 0.4 m2/g to 2.5 m2/g from Trona, wherein in one embodiment the process comprises the steps of: providingTrona particles having a particle size range of −4+120 mesh; pre-wetting the Trona particles with water to provide a plurality of pre-wetted Trona particles each having a liquid water solution boundary layer deposited thereon; and carbonating the pre-wetted Trona particles across the water boundary layer to provide a product comprising sodium bicarbonate crystals. |
| US09056779B2 |
Method for preparing MWW-type molecular sieves
The present invention is directed to a process for preparing MWW-type molecular sieves using 1,3-diisobutylimidazolium as a structure directing agent. |
| US09056778B2 |
Nano-graphite plate structure
The present invention relates to a nano-graphite plate structure with N graphene layers stacked together, where N is 30 to 300. The nanometer nano-graphite structure has a tap density of 0.1 g/cm3 to 0.01 cm3, a thickness of 10 nm to 100 nm, and a lateral dimension of 1 μm to 100 μm. The ratio of the lateral dimension to the thickness is between 10 and 10,000. The oxygen content is less than 3 wt %, and the carbon content is larger than 95 wt %. The nano-graphite plate structure has both the excellent features of the graphene and the original advantages of easy processability of the natural graphite so as to be broadly used in various application fields. |
| US09056776B2 |
Remote cool down of a purified directionally solidified material from an open bottom cold crucible induction furnace
Solid or semi-solid feedstock is melted in an open bottom electric induction cold crucible furnace. Directionally solidified multi-crystalline solid purified material continuously exits the bottom of the furnace and may optionally pass through a thermal conditioning chamber before being gravity fed into a transport mold where an ingot of the purified multi-crystalline solid material is transported to a remote holding area after the transport mold is filled with the multi-crystalline material and cut from the continuous supply of material. Cool down of the ingot is accomplished remote from the open bottom of the electric induction cold crucible furnace. |
| US09056771B2 |
Gasification of heavy residue with solid catalyst from slurry hydrocracking process
A cost-effective solution for the disposal of heavy residue bottoms recovered from a slurry hydrocracking process that include solid heterogeneous catalyst particles is provided by their introduction into a membrane wall gasification reactor in the form of a flowable slurry to produce a synthesis gas and, optionally, subjecting the synthesis gas to a water-gas shift reaction to produce a more hydrogen-rich product stream. Process steam and electricity are produced by recovering the sensible heat values from the hot synthesis gas. |
| US09056770B2 |
Compositions, devices and methods for hydrogen generation
Methods and systems for hydrogen generation from solid hydrogen storage compositions which generate hydrogen in an exothermic reaction wherein the heat released can be absorbed by solid endothermic compositions are disclosed. The solid hydrogen storage compositions comprise mixtures of chemical hydrides and water surrogate compounds. Fuel cartridges suitable for use with compositions which generate hydrogen upon the application of thermal initiation and methods for operating the fuel cartridges are also disclosed. |
| US09056767B2 |
Dynamic access point based positioning
A wireless device that includes an access point (AP) scanner, a transceiver, and a controller coupled to the AP scanner and transceiver. The AP scanner is configured to scan wireless network channels utilized by one or more APs to transmit data packets, probe responses, and beacons. The transceiver is configured to transmit one or more probe requests to the one or more APs and receive one or more probe responses and beacons from the one or more APs. The controller is configured to determine a proximate geographic position of the wireless device based on signal strength of the one or more probe responses and beacons received from the one or more APs. The controller also dynamically adapts a parameter utilized in determining the proximate geographic position of the wireless device. |
| US09056759B2 |
Beverage dispensing system
The disclosure relates to a system for simultaneously dispensing liquids from multiple sources, wherein the liquids are released through a single spout and are mixed together during the dispensing process. The disclosure further discloses an adaptor that has a dispensing aperture, a body, and first and second members that actuate the spouts substantially simultaneously to allow fluid flow between the first and second liquid sources and the first and second tap spouts through the adaptor body and out the dispensing aperture, which may have a spout. The invention also relates to a method for simultaneous dispensing and mixing of liquids. The liquids may have substantially the same or substantially different viscosities and may be mixed in equal or different volumes. The invention has particular applicability to bag-in-box systems. |
| US09056757B1 |
Combination bottle and can opener
A combination bottle opener by which to remove a cap from the top of a bottle and can opener by which to remove a lid from the top of a can. The opener includes a body having a curved head located at one end thereof to surround the bottle cap to be removed and a pair of tapered legs located at the opposite end to fit below the lid to be removed from the can. A force-transmitting plate is affixed to the top of the body so as to extend between the pair of legs. A force applied to the force-transmitting plate of the opener in a first direction causes an edge of the plate to rotate into engagement with the bottle cap to lift the cap off the bottle. A force applied to the force-transmitting plate in an opposite direction causes the tapered legs to rotate into engagement with the lid to pry the lid off the can. |
| US09056755B1 |
Compact air compressor and vehicle jack
A compact air compressor and vehicle jack comprises a case, an air bladder, and an air compressor. The case comprises a durable two-piece construction further comprising a plurality of latches and a carrying handle. The air bladder comprises a durable inflatable vessel located internally within the case. The bladder is capable of withstanding the weight of a car. An internal electric air compressor inflates the air bladder. Power to the air compressor is provided via a cigarette lighter adapter. In use, a user would undo the latches, place the case beneath the vehicle, supply power to the air compressor using an external switch, and inflate the bladder until the vehicle achieves a desired height. |
| US09056754B2 |
Method and apparatus for using pre-positioned objects to localize an industrial vehicle
According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of using dynamically placed pre-positioned objects as landmarks to operate an industrial vehicle is provided. The method comprises (i) transporting an object along a path within the physical environment and placing the object at a location within the physical environment such that the placed object becomes a dynamically placed pre-positioned object in the physical environment; (ii) updating a map of the physical environment by adding placed object data representing the dynamically placed pre-positioned object to the map of the physical environment to create updated map data such that the placed object, when added to the map, serves as a landmark with observable features and can be used in the navigation of an industrial vehicle with access to the updated map data; (iii) storing the updated map data on a mobile computer attached to the industrial vehicle or on a central computer coupled to the industrial vehicle via a network; and (iv) operating the industrial vehicle based on a navigational position determined from sensor data and the updated map data by navigating the industrial vehicle along a path within the physical environment. |
| US09056752B2 |
Crane, in particular mobile port crane, comprising a hybrid drive system
A crane comprising a diesel-electric drive, the three-phase generator of which supplies an AC voltage circuit, further comprising a DC voltage circuit connected to the AC voltage circuit, electric motors which drive at least one rotating mechanism, a lifting mechanism and a luffing mechanism of the crane, at least one brake resistor, and a short-term energy store, which is connected to the AC voltage circuit or to the DC voltage circuit for the intermediate storage of excess energy. At least one of the electric motors is connected to the AC voltage circuit and at least one is connected to the DC voltage circuit, and the AC voltage circuit is connected to the DC voltage circuit via a rectifier such that an energy exchange is possible between the AC voltage circuit and the DC voltage circuit. |
| US09056748B2 |
Lifting system and method
The lifting system and method comprises a winch and pulley system, the pulleys being adapted to be mounted to a wall of a structure, the winch being mounted to a tube assembly, said tube assembly comprising a tube and winch plate, wherein said tube is slideably and removably coupled to a receiver portion such that the winch may be removed when not in use or may be moved to be used in another system; wherein said receiver portion is coupled to a substructure upon which a cooler structure is mounted; wherein, a first pulley is mounted to an outside wall of said structure; wherein said second pulley is positioned at an end of a lifting arm, said arm being coupled to an inside wall of the structure; wherein a through opening is provided in said wall so that a winch cable may be threaded from the winch outside the structure, through the first pulley, through said wall opening, and over said second pulley; and wherein an end of said cable may be secured to a motor in the interior of said structure. |
| US09056747B2 |
Load measuring device for an elevator installation
An elevator installation includes an elevator cage with a support construction carrying the elevator cage, wherein the support construction has two beams. Mounted on each beam is a positioning arrangement on which, for example, a sensor is positioned, which is part of a load measuring device, wherein the positioning arrangements have material structures or sensor carriers. The sensors detect a change in spacing of the material structures or of the sensor carriers from one another, wherein this change in spacing is caused by a change in loading of the elevator cage. Signals of the sensors are processed in an evaluating unit and a signal representing the loading is used in an elevator control. |
| US09056746B2 |
Adaptable vehicle
The present disclosure is directed at an adaptable vehicle that includes a pair of primary rollers for rolling along a surface on which the vehicle is travelling. At least one of the rollers is rotatably powered. The adaptable vehicle also includes two sets of linking arms, one of which is coupled to one of the rollers and the other of which is coupled to the other of the rollers such that moving the sets of linking arms can shift the axes of rotation of the rollers without impeding rotation of the rollers. The sets of linking arms are connected to and rotatable about an actuatable hub. Actuation of the hub causes at least one set of the linking arms to rotate about the hub and shifts the axis of rotation of at least one of the rollers to allow the vehicle to adapt to its surroundings. |
| US09056745B2 |
Image forming apparatus
A supporting portion is provided to project from an upper surface of a side regulating member which is provided in a sheet feeding cassette which is detachably attached to a color laser beam printer body, and which regulates a position of a sheet in a width direction orthogonal to a sheet feeding direction, and this supporting portion regulates downward deformation of a conveyance guiding member which is positioned above the sheet feeding cassette and which forms a sheet conveying path R which guides the sheet. |
| US09056744B2 |
Cable cord retractor
A mechanism for storing a length of cord that includes a first and second pair of pulleys mounted at opposite ends of a frame. An intermediate section of a cord is stored in the frame and has one end of the stored section fixed to the frame, with the other end extending from the frame. The stored cord section is at least partially wound over the pair of pulleys, and one pair of pulleys is slidably mounted for motion toward the other pair of pulleys. A damper is coupled to one of the second pair of pulleys, which engages the pulley to rotate about an axis to damp the rotary motion of one of the second pair of pulleys in such a manner that the intermediate storage section is in tension during retraction and withdrawal. The mechanism further includes a solenoid that is activated locally or remotely by a switch. |
| US09056742B2 |
Process for initiating a web winding process
Processes for initiating a web winding process, more particularly a processes for initiating a web winding process that doesn't require the use of a threading rope or manually threading a tail of the web like known processes are provided. |
| US09056740B2 |
Media processing device and conveyance unit for reversing paper
A printer absorbs conveyance speed differences between a conveyance mechanism and a reversing conveyance mechanism with a simple configuration. A printer 1 has a reversing conveyance mechanism 38 that reverses the front and back and returns printing paper P supplied from a main conveyance mechanism 17 to the main conveyance mechanism 17. The reversing conveyance mechanism 38 has a first reversing conveyance roller 31, and a first gear train 51 that transfers drive power from a reversing conveyance motor 39. A backlash part 70 enabling relative rotation in a preset angular range between the first final gear 64 and first reversing conveyance roller 31 is disposed between the first final gear 64 of the first gear train 51 and the first reversing conveyance roller 31. |
| US09056736B2 |
Media-tracking system using thermally-formed holes
A system is described for tracking a position of a receiver medium as it travels along a media path. A heat source provides heat to the receiver medium in a localized area sufficient to form a hole through the receiver medium thereby forming a reference mark. A light source illuminates a first side of the receiver medium, and a sensor located on a second side of the receiver medium senses light transmitted through the receiver medium thereby providing a sensed light level signal. The sensed light level signal is analyzed to determine a position of the receiver medium by detecting light transmitted through the hole through the receiver medium associated with the reference mark. |
| US09056732B2 |
Sheet feed apparatus and image forming apparatus including the sheet feed apparatus
A sheet feed apparatus includes a lifting/lowering plate, a drive portion, a determination portion, and a remaining amount detecting portion. The lifting/lowering plate has a sheet mounting surface on which one or more sheets are placed, and is attached to the sheet feed apparatus in such a manner that the sheet mounting surface can be lifted and lowered. The lifting/lowering plate is made of a flexible material. The drive portion drives and lifts and lowers the lifting/lowering plate. The determination portion determines whether or not the lifting/lowering plate has a warpage. The remaining amount detecting portion detects a remaining amount detection value which indicates a remaining amount of sheets placed on the sheet mounting surface. The remaining amount correcting portion corrects the remaining amount detection value detected by the remaining amount detecting portion, based on a determination result of the determination portion. |
| US09056730B2 |
Loading and unloading station
A loading and unloading station, comprising: a frame, on top of which a cassette intended for the carrying and storage of loads can be placed; at least two supporting arms connected to the frame in a pivotable manner so that the supporting arms can pivot around substantially horizontal pivot axes to a substantially horizontal position, in which the supporting arms are placed under the cassette, and to a substantially vertical position, in which the supporting arms extend through the cassette; at least one supporting beam, on top of which the load can be placed and to which the at least two supporting arms are connected in a movable manner; and the supporting arms are fitted both to lift the supporting beam from below the cassette through the cassette above the cassette, and to lower the supporting beam back under the cassette; and the supporting arms are further fitted to keep the supporting beam substantially horizontal. |
| US09056729B2 |
Slat conveyor
A carrying segment comprises a first surface for receiving objects, a second surface, and at least a third and a fourth surface connecting said first surface and said second surface, a first engaging member arranged on said second surface and configured to be guided by a first guide of a slat conveyor, and a second engaging member arranged on said second surface on one side of the first engaging member and configured to be guided by a first switch of said slat conveyor. |
| US09056727B2 |
Multi-piece shaft
A multi-piece shaft for an idler roller including a tube having a first end and a second end. The shaft includes a first stub secured to the first end of the tube by a mechanical interlock and a second stub secured to the second end of the tube by a mechanical interlock. The first stub extends from the first end and the second stub extends from the second end when secured to the tube such that the tube, the first stub and the second stub define a length of the shaft. |
| US09056725B1 |
Static-resistant transport mechanism for a product conveying system
A static resistant transport mechanism is configured as a set of slats where each slat is manufactured from a static-dissipative or static-resistive material to minimize or eliminate the build-up of an electrical or static charge in the product conveying system. With such a configuration, the static-resistant transport mechanism minimizes the likelihood of product either failing to enter a slat cavity from a hopper, prematurely exiting a slat cavity prior to dispenzation into a container at a dispensing location, or failing to exit a slat cavity and enter the container at the dispensing location. Accordingly, because the product conveying system can deliver product to containers for an extended period of time with a relatively low rate of error, the static resistant transport mechanism minimizes down time associated with the product conveying system. |
| US09056724B2 |
Apparatus for handling containers
Provided is an apparatus for handling containers. The apparatus comprises a moveable carrier, a plurality of treatment stations arranged on the moveable carrier for treating the containers, each treatment station having at least one element that is moveable in relation to the carrier, and a stationary guide curve. The elements are temporarily coupled to the guide curve. A movement between a treatment station of the plurality of treatment stations and the guide curve translates to a movement of the at least one element. A coupling device comprises at least one guide roller which at least temporarily contacts the guide curve. At least one of the guide roller or the guide curve includes an imidized polymer material. |
| US09056719B2 |
Automatic storage system
An automatic storage system includes a front rack and a rear rack, a stacker crane, and a crane controller. The front rack and the rear rack include a plurality of shelves located in a right and left direction and in an up and down direction. Each of the shelves includes a near-side storage portion and a far-side storage portion arranged in the depth direction. The stacker crane includes an elevator provided at the travelling vehicle such that the elevator can move up and down. The crane controller is programmed to control the elevator to move vertically between an upper stop position and a lower stop position when the article is transferred between the slide fork and the shelves. The upper stop position includes a far-side upper stop position corresponding to the far-side storage portion and a near-side upper stop position corresponding to the near-side storage portion. The crane controller controls the elevator such that the far-side upper stop position is higher than the near-side upper stop position. |
| US09056716B1 |
Waste container with actuatable, internal bag obstruction member
Waste container including a base defining a waste-receiving compartment, a lid movably attached to the base and movable between a first position covering a waste insertion opening and a second position in which it does not obstruct the waste insertion opening. An obstruction mechanism includes an obstruction member having at least one part that selectively engages with the bag, The obstruction member is rotatable upon movement of the lid to cause movement of the obstruction member between a first position in which the obstruction member is in a first plane not obstructing insertion of waste into the bag when the lid is open and a second position in which the obstruction member is in a second plane obstructing insertion of waste into the bag when the lid is closed. |
| US09056713B2 |
Cartridge for glass substrate
The present invention discloses a cartridge for glass substrate and which includes a top wall, a bottom wall, at least a pair of sidewalls, a plurality of supporting rods, and an adjusting device. The plurality of supporting rods are arranged on the pair of sidewalls along a first horizontal direction across the pair of sidewalls such that a plurality of supporting surfaces configured by at least a pair of supporting rods facing each other from the paid of sidewalls are defined. The adjusting device is used to move one of the sidewall toward the other sidewall with respect to the top and bottom walls so as to change a span between the pair of sidewalls. As a result, the cartridge can be used to accommodate glass substrates with different dimensions. |
| US09056709B2 |
Side container
The side container includes one oblong under-frame; one oblong upper-frame; corner posts be installed on the four corners between under-frame and upper-frame; top surface panel, front end panel, back end panel and two side panels installed on the corner posts. The side panel has two side doors. At least one turnable locking bar should be installed on the upper area of the side door, and a latch hook should be installed on the bottom area of each locking bar. Cam keepers will be fixed on the under-frame. There is a cant hook installed between two permanent seats. When the under-frame is in a horizontal position, the cant hook is located above the latch hook. The side container can be fully open on an oblong side, while the side doors and the under-frame can still be securely locked, when the under-frame deforms downward during a full load condition. |
| US09056700B2 |
Dosage dispensing cap system
A dosage dispensing cap system is configured to release a fixed amount of medication from a container as a result of a single actuation by a user. A first cap element of the system may have a first aperture and be adapted to be attached to the container, which is configured to house a multiplicity of pills of a generally uniform size, or liquid medication of a particular volume. A second cap element may be flexible, have a flange member extending generally radially outward from a diaphragm member and be disposed between the first cap element and the container. The diaphragm member may have a mouth portion, a throat portion and a cavity generally disposed therebetween. The cavity may be generally large enough to contain a fixed number of pills or a dose volume of liquid. By way of a simple actuation, the mouth portion opens and the throat portion closes, thereby allowing the cap system to release a discrete number of pills or a dose volume of liquid medication. |
| US09056699B2 |
Pouring spout for container
A cap for a container is provided. The cap includes a handling portion that is configured to engage the container about a dispensing opening of the container. The cap also includes an extendible spout that has a discharge passage. The extendible spout has a proximal end, with a proximal opening, and is affixed to the cap. The extendible spout also has a distal end, with a distal opening, and is configured to extend from and retract at least partially into the cap. The extendible spout is further configured to dispense a pourable material from the container through the distal opening when the handling portion is engaged with the container about the dispensing opening of the container and the distal end of the extendible spout is at least partially extended from the cap. |
| US09056692B2 |
Medicine packaging apparatus
In a medicine packaging apparatus, a distance from a printing section to a heat sealing section is reduced without generating wrinkles on a package sheet. An unfolding guide 65 for unfolding and opening a package sheet 61 provided in a packaging unit 4 includes a main ridge 94 extending along with a crease of the package sheet 61 and a pair of unfolding guide surfaces 95a, 95b which are convex curved surfaces stretching from the main ridge 94. A contact start position 100a with the package sheet 61 of the unfolding guide surface 95a on the outer side of a curve in the conveying direction A relative to the main ridge 94 is located on an upstream side in the conveying direction A of the package sheet 61 of a contact start position 100b with the package sheet 61 of the unfolding guide surface 95b located on the inner side of the curve relative to the main ridge 94. |
| US09056691B2 |
Bag deflation devices and methods for deflating bags
Bag deflating devices and methods of using the bag deflating devices are provided. In a general embodiment, the invention provides a bag deflating device comprising a first gripper and a first mechanical finger attached to the first gripper and constructed and arranged to move with the first gripper. The first mechanical finger comprises an elongated rod and a support plate attached to the elongated rod and defining at least one aperture. The bag deflating device further comprises a second gripper opposing the first gripper and a second mechanical finger attached to the second gripper and constructed and arranged to move with the second gripper. The second mechanical finger comprises an elongated rod and a support plate attached to the elongated rod and defining at least one aperture. |
| US09056685B2 |
Method and system for mounting interior components in an aircraft
A method for mounting interior components in an aircraft includes premounting a first interior component and premounting a second interior component. At least one of the first and the second interior component is secured to a mounting device and the first and second interior components are connected to form an individual module. A plurality of individual modules secured to the mounting device are interconnected to form a large module which is secured to the mounting device. The large module is detached from the mounting device and transported to a final-mounting position in an aircraft fuselage element. The detached large module is then mounted in the aircraft fuselage element. |
| US09056682B2 |
Integrated monument
A monument is provided for an aircraft. The monument includes, but is not limited to several system components with identical, substantially identical or similar functions that can be connected by way of a single system connection arrangement to the supply in the aircraft. Distribution of the supply media, received by the aircraft, to the individual system components takes place within the monument. The system connections can thus be identical to the system connections of a single monument. |
| US09056679B1 |
System and method for airborne deployment of object designed for waterborne task
An airborne deployment system and method for deploying an object designed. for a waterborne task. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has an object such as an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) releasably coupled thereto. The UAV is guided to a target site on a body of water in accordance with navigation. rules predicated on navigation capability of the UAV. The UUV Is released from the UAV at a location that is one of in the air and on the water in accordance with release rules predicated on the navigation capability of UAV. |
| US09056676B1 |
Systems and methods for UAV docking
Systems and methods are provided for docking an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a vehicle. The UAV may be able to distinguish a companion vehicle from other vehicles in the area and vice versa. The UAV may take off and/or land on the vehicle. The UAV may be used to capture images and stream the images live to a display within the vehicle. The vehicle may control the UAV. The UAV may be in communication with the companion vehicle while in flight. |
| US09056675B2 |
Pilot control system with hand rest
According to one embodiment, a control assembly includes a post, a grip, and a hand rest. The post has a top, a bottom, and a body joining the top to the bottom. The grip is positioned at least partially above the post and is movable along at least one arc. The hand rest is coupled to the top and comprises an upper surface having a profile corresponding to the at least one arc. |
| US09056670B1 |
Hybrid (pitot-flush) air intake system for air-breathing missiles and aircraft
A hybrid air intake system and method for air-breathing missiles and aircraft comprising providing to an airborne vehicle fuselage an air intake opening comprising at least a pair of side walls and at least an upper wall and a lower wall extending between the side walls, wherein the lower wall extends below a plane defined by the vehicle fuselage, and not employing a boundary layer diverter between the fuselage and the upper wall. |
| US09056667B2 |
Flight modes and protection envelopes based on inertial attitude estimates for radio-controlled airplanes
The present disclosure describes flight training systems and methods for radio-controlled (RC) airplanes that rely on inertial attitude estimates. Preferred embodiments include an RC airplane with one or more control processors configured to (i) estimate an inertial attitude of the RC airplane based on one or more measurements from an attitude sensor array and (ii) control the inertial attitude of the RC airplane based the inertial attitude estimate. In operation, controlling the attitude of the RC airplane may include both controlling the RC airplane to a specific inertial attitude and/or keeping the inertial attitude of the RC airplane within a predefined flight envelope. |
| US09056663B2 |
Variable speed drive for subsea installations, vessels, and/or vehicles
A Variable Speed Drive (1) for subsea installations (20), subsea vessels or subsea vehicles, as well as to a corresponding subsea installation (20), subsea vessel or subsea vehicle, has an alternating current/alternating current converter (2) having a current-controlled capacitor-less direct current link (7). |
| US09056662B2 |
Wetsuits with hydrodynamic interlocking and kinesiologic features
A wetsuit for aquatic activities may include a wetsuit material having a first surface and an opposite second surface. The wetsuit may also include a chest pad located on the first surface in an anterior portion of the wetsuit corresponding with a portion of the wetsuit associated with the chest region of a wearer of the wetsuit. The chest pad may include a left-angled superior surface and a right-angled superior surface that intersect at a prow disposed at a superior portion of the chest pad, each of the left-angled superior surface and the right-angled superior surface being configured to route water from the chest region in a lateral direction. |
| US09056660B2 |
Dock system including collapsible frame, and method for assembling dock system including collapsible frame
A dock system including a collapsible frame, and method for assembling the dock system including collapsible frame are provided. A collapsible dock system includes a collapsible frame. The collapsible frame includes a first beam, a second beam, a cross-member, and a hinged bracket system. The cross-member system secures the first beam to the second beam. The hinged bracket system is selectively coupled to the first beam and the second beam in either a compact transport state in which the first beam is movable relative to the second beam or a fixed installation state in which the first beam is fixed relative to the second beam. |
| US09056657B2 |
Offshore vessel for laying a pipeline on the seabed, and a method for handling pipe sections
An offshore pipelaying vessel for laying a pipeline on a seabed includes a pipeline-laying installation having a preassembly line; an inspection station; an assembly line with a pipeline assembly station to assemble a pipeline to be launched from the vessel by joining multi and/or single length pipe sections end to end; and a conveyor system for transporting multi and single length pipe sections, said conveyor system comprising an entry-and-exit location, wherein the conveyor system is configured to allow transportation of multi and/or single length pipe sections at least along the following routes: directly from the entry-and-exit location to the assembly line; indirectly from the entry-and-exit location to the assembly line via the preassembly line and said inspection station; and from the entry-and-exit location to the preassembly line and said inspection station, and after passing said inspection station directly to the entry-and-exit location. |
| US09056656B2 |
Mooring loop
A mooring loop is provided for use with connecting a mooring line to a bollard. The mooring loop may stretch and function as a time delay fuse when excessive loads are applied to the mooring line. The mooring loop is comprised of a reactive fiber component in the shape of a continuous loop that includes a plurality of at least one of: an undrawn hydrophobic polymer fiber or a substantially undrawn hydrophobic polymer fiber. At least two jackets are in surrounding relation to portions of the reactive fiber component. The at least two jackets include respective end portions which overlap. As the mooring loop stretches, a visual indicator on an end portion of one of the jackets pulls out of and away from the end portion of the other one of the jackets. The visual indicator serves as a warning that excessive loads are being applied to the mooring line. |
| US09056653B2 |
Hand-foot compound bicycle with double ratchet
Disclosed is a hand-foot compound bicycle with a double ratchet, which comprises a handle assembly which comprises a crank handle for generating handle power, and an upper gear to be rotated by rotation of the crank handle; a pedal assembly which comprises a pedal for generating pedal power, and transfers both or either one of the handle power and the pedal power to a rear wheel; and a power transfer unit which comprises a first power transfer gear corresponding to the upper gear, and a second power transfer gear for transferring the handle power from the first power transfer gear to the pedal assembly. |
| US09056650B2 |
Bicycle shock assemblies with plunger operated valve arrangement
A shock absorber, which is particularly applicable to bicycles, includes a secondary chamber whose volume selectively contributes to a volume associated with a primary chamber of the shock. A piston is supported by a compression rod and cooperates with a shock tube to define the primary chamber. The secondary chamber is fluidly isolated from the primary chamber by a valve arrangement positioned proximate the piston. A plunger extends along a longitudinal length of the shock and forms or interacts with the valve arrangement such that the secondary chamber is selectively fluidly connected to the primary chamber so the primary and secondary chambers of the shock assembly contribute to the performance of the shock for a selected portion of shock travel. |
| US09056639B2 |
Folding vehicular utility trailer
Disclosed are systems and methods for a folding vehicle trailer. The trailer design is able to be made of various lengths and widths from as well as multiple axle configurations. This trifold design is compact and allows for vertical stacking of sectionalized components to minimize space, while maintaining great flexibility and simplicity for the end user. |
| US09056630B2 |
Lane departure sensing method and apparatus using images that surround a vehicle
A method and an apparatus for sensing a lane departure using images that surround a vehicle. The lane departure sensing method includes receiving images that are taken during driving by a plurality of cameras installed in a car, through respective channels connected to the cameras; modifying the obtained images into top-view images to generate a plurality of modified images; compositing the plurality of modified images to generate images that surround a vehicle; extracting a lane from the images that surround the vehicle, and yielding the information on a distance between the vehicle and the extracted lane or the information on an angle between the travel direction of the vehicle and the lane, so as to determine a lane departure; and giving a warning if the lane departure is determined. |
| US09056627B2 |
Steering column assembly
A steering column assembly comprises inner and outer tubes, an elongate slot in the outer tube closed by applying a load to either side of the slot to reduce the internal diameter of the tube, a pair of flanges fixed to the tube on opposing sides of the slot, and a clamp mechanism which connects one flange to the other, the clamp mechanism movable between a clamped position which applies a clamping force to the flanges to reduce the slot width and tighten the outer tube around the inner tube, and an unclamped position which permits the flanges to move away from one another, and a catch secured at one end to one of the flanges and catches a part of the other flange at its other end, to prevent movement of the flanges beyond a position wherein the inner diameter of the outer tube is equal to a predetermined maximum value. |
| US09056624B2 |
Front wheel drive control
A front wheel power system which may enable independent control of power to each wheel as well as yield direct control over average and differential front wheel speeds. |
| US09056615B2 |
Vehicle system for control of vehicle safety parameters, a vehicle and a method for controlling safety parameters
A vehicle, a method and a vehicle system for control of vehicle safety parameters is provided. The system is arranged to determine a closing velocity between a host vehicle exterior portion and an external object in a road environment where the host vehicle and the external object approach each other. The system comprises image capturing means, processing means and a sensor arrangement. The processing means are arranged to determine the closing velocity for each time instance by forming a quota of a distance between a first position and the host vehicle exterior portion and the estimated time to collision between the first position and the external object. The vehicle system is arranged to control the one or more vehicle safety parameters as a function of the determined closing velocity. |
| US09056613B2 |
System and method for upshift torque modification using an upstream clutch in a hybrid vehicle
A hybrid vehicle has an engine, an electric machine connected to the engine by an upstream clutch, a transmission gearbox connected to the electric machine by a downstream clutch, and a controller. The controller is configured to, in response to a commanded upshift of the gearbox, modulate a pressure of the upstream clutch. A method for controlling a vehicle includes, in response to a commanded upshift of a gearbox, controlling an upstream clutch to a first nonzero speed differential corresponding to a first inertia connected to and upstream of the gearbox to reduce inertia torque during the upshift. A method for controlling a vehicle includes, in response to a commanded upshift of a gearbox when the vehicle is beyond an electrical limit and a fast path torque reduction limit, slipping an upstream clutch and reducing torque outputs of an engine and an electric machine. |
| US09056607B2 |
System for selecting a transmission economy-based shift schedule
The present invention provides a method of selecting an economy mode shift schedule for a transmission coupled to a motor vehicle. The method includes calculating vehicle acceleration and determining a change in accelerator pedal position. Also, a net tractive effort force of the vehicle is determined for a current gear range of the transmission. Also, the method includes comparing the net tractive effort force for the current gear range to a maximum tractive effort force for a desired gear range and selecting the economy mode shift schedule for the transmission based on the comparison. The method further includes controlling shifting between one or more gear ranges of the transmission according to the economy mode shift schedule. |
| US09056598B2 |
Method for setting the actuating force applied by a parking brake
In a method for setting the clamping force applied by a parking brake, which is generated by an electromechanical brake device and additionally by a hydraulic brake device as needed, the hydraulic pressure is ascertained, and the pressure is assigned a pressure reference path which is compared with an actuator path. |
| US09056597B2 |
Bicycle control device
A bicycle control device is provided with a bracket, a first lever and a second lever. The first lever is pivotally mounted to the bracket on a first pivot axle for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis defined by the first pivot axle. The second lever is pivotally mounted to the bracket on a second pivot axle for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis defined by the second pivot axle. The second pivot axle is disposed inside the first pivot axle. |
| US09056594B2 |
Soldier platform system
A soldier platform system and a method for protecting soldiers are disposed in a vehicle. In an embodiment, a soldier platform system includes a seat assembly. The soldier platform system also includes a ratchet platform upon which an individual disposed in the seat assembly stands. The soldier support system also includes a single point release system. The single point release system includes a release assembly. In addition, the single point release system includes a first seat side strap and a second seat side strap. Moreover, the single point release system includes a first main support strap and a second main support strap. The single point release system further includes a first side restraint tether and a second side restraint tether. |
| US09056586B2 |
Carrier device
A carrier device for carrying and fixing a housing for at least one of a sensor system, an electronic system, a drive unit or a camera in or on a motor vehicle. |
| US09056584B2 |
Rearview assembly for a vehicle
A vehicular rearview assembly with a mirror element having a curved or rounded edge on the first surface that is fully observable from the front of the assembly, a complex peripheral ring, and a user interface with switches and sensors that activate and configure pre-defined function(s) or device(s) of the assembly in response to the user input applied to the user interface. The mirror element is supported by a hybrid carrier co-molded of at least two materials, a portion of which is compressible between the housing shell and an edge of the mirror element. The peripheral ring may include multiple bands. Electrical communications between the electronic circuitry, the mirror element, and the user interface utilize connectors configured to exert a low contact force, onto the mirror element, limited in part by the strength of adhesive affixing the EC element to an element of the housing of the assembly. |
| US09056571B2 |
Headrest and method for manufacturing a headrest
A headrest and a method for manufacturing a headrest are proposed, wherein the headrest is provided, in particular, as a motor vehicle headrest, wherein the headrest has a cover and a foamed material, wherein the foamed material fills the cover at least in certain areas, wherein the headrest is manufactured in such a way that the foamed material is at least partially liquid at the time when the foamed material is introduced into the cover, wherein the cover has at least one closure element, wherein an opening in the cover which is present before the foamed material is introduced can be closed off by means of the closure element. |
| US09056569B2 |
Motorcycle passenger armrest assembly
A passenger armrest assembly includes an armrest coupled to a support tube that is pivotally mounted to an armrest support bracket. The armrest support bracket is configured to be reversibly mounted to a mounting bracket that is installed on a motorcycle structure adjacent to a passenger seat. The armrest support bracket is easily removable when a motorcycle is not carrying a passenger, and is easily attachable to the mounting bracket when a passenger is to be carried on the motorcycle. |
| US09056567B2 |
Baby carrier in the form of a bucket seat
A seat element and a backrest element are integrated in a baby carrier in the form of a bucket seat, such that the angle of inclination can be adjusted. A carrying handle is pivotally and lockably mounted on the lateral walls such that the handle substantially lies on the center of gravity axis of the baby carrier. The outer upper end of the seat element or the backrest element that has an adjustable angle of inclination is mounted on the corresponding end wall in a pivotal manner about a transverse axis. Laterally outward projecting bearing pins of the other inner lower end of the seat element or backrest element are guided in slots of a respective lifting device which is pivotally mounted on the lateral walls, by means of which the pivotally mounted element can be raised from a lowered seating position into a lying position. |
| US09056561B2 |
Slide rail device for vehicle
A slide rail device for a vehicle is provided, which can increase the rotatable range of a handle that is connected to a lock operational lever, and the operational force that is necessary for carrying out a lock release operation can be reduced, even if the rotatable range of the lock operational lever is limited to a narrow range by an upper rail.The slide rail device includes a biaser 70 which rotatably biases the handle with respect to said lock operational lever in a direction so as to constantly maintain a supported state of a lower supported portion by a lower support portion and a supported state of an upper supported portion by an upper supporting portion. |
| US09056560B2 |
Seat assembly having a front cushion module
A vehicle seat assembly having a seat bottom that includes first and second side frame members and a front cushion module. The front cushion module has a support wire and a cushion. The support wire has first and second ends that are disposed proximate the front end of the first and second side frame members, respectively. The cushion receives and is supported by the support wire. |
| US09056558B2 |
Overhead power grid for mobile mining machines
A vehicle is provided that connects to an overhead power structure for powering and guiding the vehicle. The overhead power structure includes a trolley, a track along which the trolley runs, a power source connected to the track, and a cable connected to the trolley and configured to attach to the vehicle moving on a surface. The vehicle includes a chassis and a cable connected to the chassis and configured to mechanically and electrically connect the vehicle to the overhead power structure. The chassis includes a connector rotatable 360 degrees, and the cable connects to the chassis through the connector. |
| US09056542B2 |
Tonneau cover having a draw cord
A tonneau cover assembly for attachment about a top of a perimeter of a cargo box of a pickup truck. The tonneau cover assembly including a cover, a support frame and a securing plate having at least one locking member. Preferably, the tonneau cover assembly includes two biased locking members interconnected by a draw cord. The draw cord preferably includes a clip that removably and adjustably secures the draw cord to a channel in the securing plate. The draw cord preferably includes a pull loop that at least partially extends through an opening in the cover. |
| US09056541B2 |
Bow pivot assembly for a side roll tarping system
A bow system is provided for an open-topped container body having a cover sized and configured to extend laterally across the body from one side rail to the other side rail. The bow system includes a plurality of curved bows pivotably mounted at one end to one side rail and sized to extend in a curved path over the open-top of the container body to engage the other side rail at an opposite end of the bows. A ridge pole assembly is provided that includes first and second ridge pole segments, each of the segments pivotably engaged to a corresponding number of the plurality of curved bows. A tether element is coupled between the facing ends of the ridge pole segments that permits movement of the segments relative to each other as the bow system is moved between a deployed configuration in which the plurality of curved bows extend across the open-top of the container body and a retracted position in which the curved bows are substantially outside the open-top of the container body. |
| US09056540B2 |
Drive device for a roof module of a motor vehicle
A drive device for a roof module of a motor vehicle. A drive device of this type, the roof module comprising two movable roof parts, with longitudinally extended tension/compression means for transmitting drive to the roof parts which are driveable by a common drive motor via two output pinions, is known. The output pinions are oriented coaxially with respect to each other, and the output pinions are assigned a change-over device which sets the drive motor into operative connection alternatively with the one or the other output pinion. |
| US09056539B2 |
Display apparatus and method having parameter display toggle capability for an environmental control system
A display apparatus for a control unit in an environmental control system; the display apparatus including: a display area presenting a plurality of first loci, a plurality of second loci and at least one third locus; each respective first locus of the plurality of first loci being responsive to pressure for effecting a respective response; each respective second locus of the plurality of second loci presenting information using a fixed segment data format; at least one third locus of the at least one third locus presenting information using a dot matrix data format, the display apparatus configured to allow a display of parameters to be toggled. |
| US09056538B2 |
Stabilizer link and manufacturing method therefor
A stabilizer link and a manufacturing method therefor in which there is less concentration of stress, the stud releasing load is improved, and the accuracy of centering of the ring member is improved. A second subassembly is formed by inserting a ball seat of a first subassembly into a ball seat receiving portion of a housing and by arranging a ring member at an opening side of the ball seat. A stopper base portion is abutted to an opening end surface of the ball seat. An outer peripheral end portion taper surface has a taper shape in which a diameter is increased toward an opening side in an axial direction, in a stopper base portion and it is abutted to a slope portion for a stopper base of the housing. An opening side of the ball seat is pressed through the ring member by caulking inwardly a caulking portion. |
| US09056534B1 |
Tire bead breaking assembly
A tire bead breaking assembly includes a base that may abut a support surface. A wheel tower is coupled to the base so the wheel tower may retain an off road vehicle wheel. A primary mount is coupled to the base. A jack is coupled to the primary mount so the jack is positionable between an extended position and a retracted position. An arm tower is coupled to the base so the arm tower extends upwardly from the base. A primary arm is coupled to the jack so the arm tower provides a fulcrum for the primary arm. A secondary arm is coupled to the primary arm so the secondary arm selectively engages an off road vehicle tire when the jack is positioned in the extended position. |
| US09056531B2 |
Tire stud provided with recesses configured to improve its retention in the tire
Stud (30) for a tire (10), the tire comprising a tread (20) made of rubber mix, the stud having an axis (A-A) and two axial ends and comprising: a first part (60) configured to come into contact with the ground when the stud is fitted to the tire and the tire is rolling along the ground, this first part being positioned at one of the axial ends of the stud; a head (70) configured to anchor the stud into the tread of the tire, the head being positioned at the other axial end of the stud; and a body (80) connecting the said first part and the head of the stud, the mean diameter of the body being smaller than the mean diameter of the head of the stud, these diameters being measured at right angles to the axis of the stud; in which the head comprises at least one recess (100) opening onto the surface of the head, the recess being configured to be filled with rubber mix of the tread so as to provide additional anchorage for the stud in the tread. |
| US09056530B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire comprises a tread portion provided with a shoulder main groove, shoulder lateral grooves extending from the shoulder main groove toward axially outwardly, the shoulder main groove extending in a zigzag manner comprising linear portions and curved portions which are arranged alternately in a circumferential direction of the tire, each linear portion inclined with respect to the circumferential direction of the tire, each curved portion having a radius of curvature of from 12-80 mm, the curved portion protruding toward axially outwardly of the tire, the shoulder main groove having a pair of groove edges and a circumferential space therebetween which straightly extends along the circumferential direction of the tire without coming into contact with both groove edges and the circumferential space with an axial width of from 0.2 to 0.7 times an axial groove width of the shoulder main groove. |
| US09056529B2 |
Carcass reinforcement for an airplane tire
A technique for comprising the compression fatigue rupture strength of the carcass reinforcement external layer (3) of an aeroplane tire in the region of bending on the rim (7). The distance (d) between a point (A) on the bead external face (6) and the carcass reinforcement external layer (3), measured along the straight line perpendicular at this point to the bead external face, is at a maximum at the point (M) on the bead external face that is the orthogonal projection of the radially external end (E) of the filling element (5) onto the bead external face, and the distance (dmax) between the orthogonal projection (M) of the radially external end (E) of the filling element (5) onto the bead external face (6) and the carcass reinforcement external layer (3) is at least equal to 1.3 times the distance (d1) between the orthogonal projection (L) of the center (O) of the bead wire core (4) onto the bead external face and the carcass reinforcement external layer. |
| US09056528B2 |
Pneumatic tire with specified carcass ply turn-back portions
In a carcass (13), between first sections (13A) in which an inter-cord distance between a body portion and turn-back portions gradually decreases outward in a tire radial direction and second sections (13B) in which the inter-cord distance gradually increases, there are disposed first distance-invariant sections (13C) in which the turn-back portions (14B) are brought closer to the body portion (14A) that becomes a substantial bending neutral axis and in which the inter-cord distance is constant, so compressive force acting on the cords of the turn-back portions (14B) can be reduced. By disposing the first distance-invariant sections (13C) between the first sections (13A) and the second sections (13B), the direction of the cords of the turn-back portions (14B) is not suddenly changed, so it becomes difficult for stress to concentrate in the rubber between the cords of the turn-back portions (14B). |
| US09056526B2 |
Modified copolymer of conjugated diene and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and polymerization method thereof
Provided is a polymerization method of a modified copolymer of conjugated diene and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon. A multi-functional vinyl benzene-based compound is reacted with an organic alkali metal compound to form a star shaped compound with multiple active sites. A conjugated diene monomer, a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer, and the star shaped compound with multiple active sites are reacted with each other to form a copolymer of conjugated diene and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon. The copolymer of conjugated diene and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon is then reacted with a modifier to form the modified copolymer of conjugated diene and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon.The modifier is represented by formula 1, wherein R1 is a C2-C4 alkylene group; R2 is a group at least consisting of a C2-C4 alkylene group and a C1-C3 alkoxy group; m is an integer of 5 to 30; and n is an integer of 5 to 35. |
| US09056523B2 |
Wheel bearing apparatus provided with a rotational speed detecting apparatus
A wheel bearing apparatus has a cup-shaped cap that is coated by a preserving film and mounted on an outer member. The cap is press-formed from non-magnetic steel sheet. The cap has a cylindrical fitting portion, a disk portion and a bottom portion. The cylindrical fitting portion is press-fit into the inner circumference of the inner-side end of the outer member. The disk portion extends radially inward from the fitting portion and opposes a pulser ring, via a small axial gap. The bottom portion extends from the disk portion, via a bent portion, to cover the inner-side end of the inner member. The rotational speed sensor is arranged opposite the pulser ring, via the disk portion of the cap, where the rotational speed sensor is closely arranged to the pulser ring. |
| US09056521B2 |
Wheel spoke
A wheel spoke includes a shaft, a head at an axial end of the shaft, and a head rear surface on the face of the head which faces towards the shaft; the head rear surface has a plurality of alternating raised portions and recesses which can define a discontinuous contact surface. |
| US09056515B2 |
Paper enhancement treatment with decreased calcium chloride
An inkjet printable media comprises a paper base containing a surface coating comprising calcium chloride and a synergistic amount of a sulfate salt. When the printable media is printed with an inkjet ink containing a black pigment, a KOD value of the printed media is equal to or greater than that of a comparative inkjet printed media comprising up to 12 kg calcium chloride/T media and lacking the sulfate salt. |
| US09056513B2 |
Ink ribbon cartridge and printer
An ink ribbon cartridge holds an ink ribbon impregnated with ink. A casing includes two guide portions projecting from the casing. An ink ribbon formed in a Mobius loop, the ink ribbon including a width, the ink ribbon including a first half of the width and a second half of the width, the ink ribbon being housed in the casing and exiting the casing from a free end of one of the two guide portions and entering the casing from a free end of the other of the two guide portions. An ink supplying section supplies ink to the ink ribbon at an area in the first half of the width, the area being directly facing the casing between the two guide portions. |
| US09056512B1 |
Printing apparatus and method for detecting defective jetting nozzle of printing apparatus
There is provided a printing apparatus comprising: a printhead; a recovery mechanism for the printhead; a jetting failure detector; an operation history memory; a detection condition memory, the jetting failure detector; and a controller. The controller in configured to control the printing apparatus to: determine whether or not the operation history of the printhead conforms to the first condition value; determine whether or not the jetting failure is present, in a case that, the operation history conforms to the first condition value; cause the recovery mechanism to perform the recovery process, in a case that, the jetting failure is present; and cause the detection condition memory to store the second condition value smaller than the first condition value as a new first condition value, in a case that the jetting failure is present. |
| US09056509B2 |
Image recording apparatus
There is provided a transporting section configured to transport a recording medium, a recording head configured to record an image on the recording medium, a carriage movable and holding the recording head, a first guide member guiding movement of the carriage, a second guide member guiding the movement of the carriage, a first movable member movable along with the carriage, a second movable member disposed away from the first movable member and movable along with the carriage, and a driving section configured to drive the carriage between a position where the recording head records the image onto the recording medium and a position where the recording head is separate from a path over which the transporting section transports the recording medium by moving the first movable member and the second movable member. The driving section moves the first movable member and the second movable member in synchronization. |
| US09056508B2 |
Printer apparatus including a fixed blade pushed toward a movable blade
A printer includes a fixed blade block and a movable blade block. The fixed blade block includes an installing member including a rotation shaft, a fixed blade installed in the installing member, a retaining member, and a spring attached to the installing member in a rotatable state with respect to the rotation shaft. The spring includes a first contact part that contacts with the fixed blade and a second contact part that contacts with the retaining member. The movable blade block includes a movable blade that is movable toward the fixed blade. When the fixed blade block and the movable blade block are connected, the retaining member presses the second contact part, causing the spring to rotate and push the fixed blade toward the movable blade. |
| US09056505B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus may include a corrugate mechanism configured to form a sheet into a corrugated shape. The inkjet recording apparatus may be configured to receive sheets of various sizes and shapes. Accordingly, in some examples, the inkjet recording apparatus may include differently configured portions to handle sheets of different sizes or shapes. According to one arrangement, the inkjet recording apparatus may be configured to receive passage of sheets of a first size through multiple ones of the differently configured portions while receiving passage of sheets of a second size though limited ones of the differently configured portions. |
| US09056503B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes: a first driving unit that rotates a roll member; a second driving unit that drives a transport unit that transports a medium of the roll member; and a control unit that executes a first process for measuring a load occurring when transporting the medium while rotating the roll member 1/N rotations in a transport direction of the medium by driving the first driving unit while the second driving unit is stopped, and after executing the first process, executes a second process for rotating the roll member 1/N rotations in a opposite direction as the transport direction by driving the first driving unit while the second driving unit is stopped and then rotating the roll member 1/N rotations in the transport direction by driving the first driving unit and the second driving unit. |
| US09056499B2 |
Image recording apparatus
A plurality of through holes are provided between upstream ejection ports and downstream ejection ports. Thereby, when a rear end portion and therearound of a paper sheet is opposed to the downstream ejection ports, gas sucked to suction holes exposed at an upstream side of the paper sheet can be absorbed from the through holes. This can suppress an airflow occurring between a housing and the paper sheet. As a result, deviation of ink droplets ejected from the downstream ejection ports can be suppressed. |
| US09056496B2 |
Recording substrate treatment apparatus, printing system and method of drying
A recording substrate treatment apparatus includes a transporting mechanism for transporting a sheet of a recording substrate; a suction device to provide an underpressure force at an outer surface of the transporting mechanism arranged for holding down a sheet of a recording substrate; a heater for directly heating the recording substrate; and a blower for providing a flow of a gaseous medium at the outer surface of the transporting mechanism, wherein in operation the blower receives the gaseous medium from the suction device.The present invention also pertains to a printing system comprising such a recording substrate treatment apparatus and a method of drying a recording substrate using such a recording substrate recording apparatus. |
| US09056491B2 |
Nail print apparatus
A nail print apparatus, including: a placement surface on which a drawing target is placed, the drawing target has a curved shape along a width direction of the drawing target; a drawing head in which at least one drawing tool is set, the drawing tool having a tip portion that contacts with a surface of the drawing target and performs drawing on the surface of the drawing target; and a head drive unit which moves the drawing head along the placement surface. |
| US09056488B2 |
Two-side thermal printer
Methods of, and apparatus for, two-sided thermal printing comprising direct and/or thermal transfer print means are provided. In one embodiment, a combined direct thermal and thermal transfer printer and related media are disclosed wherein direct thermal printing is provided for on a first media side, and thermal transfer printing is provided on a second media side. In other embodiments, various two-sided thermal transfer printers and media are disclosed wherein thermal transfer printing is provided for on first and second media sides through use of, inter alia, a one- and/or a two-sided thermal transfer ribbon. |
| US09056487B2 |
Printing method for reducing printer artifacts
A printing method comprising a printhead and rollers for printing. A page of a print job is printed which causes depressions in the non-printed side of the print medium. The print medium is heated to reduce the depressions before printing the non-printed side. |
| US09056486B1 |
Inkjet image forming apparatus
An inkjet image forming apparatus includes ink heads, a drive voltage controller that adjusts density by controlling each drive voltage of the ink heads, a halftone processing controller that adjusts density by changing the number of ink droplets ejected from each nozzle of the ink heads, and a density adjustment controller that prints and scans a density adjustment pattern to calculate an adjustment value of each density level. The density adjustment controller adjusts density of a lowest density level so that the drive voltage controller controls each drive voltage based on the adjustment value of the lowest density level, and adjusts density of each density level other than the lowest density level so that the halftone processing controller changes the number of ink droplets based on the adjustment value of each density level other than the lowest density level and the adjustment result by the drive voltage controller. |
| US09056479B2 |
Pressure bag
A pressure bag for in a fluid cartridge having an opening in open connection with a channel in a wall of the fluid cartridge. |
| US09056475B2 |
Inkjet printer with web feed maintenance assembly
An inkjet printer includes: (a) a pagewidth inkjet printhead having a plurality of nozzles for delivering ink onto print media fed past the printhead; and (b) a maintenance assembly for maintaining the printhead. The maintenance assembly includes: (i) an elongate web of material; (ii) rollers for supporting the web; (iii) a maintenance member positioned opposite the printhead; (iv) a web-feeding mechanism for advancing the web past the printhead; and (v) an actuating mechanism for configuring the printer in either one of a maintenance position and a printing position. A gap is defined between the web and the printhead in the printing position. |
| US09056474B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A cap member has a fitting recess in which a liquid ejecting head is mounted. On inner surfaces of the fitting recess, a contact section configured to make contact with a side surface of the liquid ejecting head intersecting with a liquid ejecting surface is continuously provided along a circumferential direction of the fitting recess. A movement unit moves the cap member relative to the liquid ejecting head in a manner in which an area on the side surface of the liquid ejecting head with which the contact section makes contact is gradually increased when attaching the cap member to the liquid ejecting head. |
| US09056472B2 |
Non-wetting coating on a fluid ejector
A fluid ejector includes a substrate having an exterior surface and an interior surface. A non-wetting coating can cover at least a portion of the exterior surface and can be substantially absent from the flow path. A non-wetting coating can be formed of a molecular aggregation. A precursor of a non-wetting coating may flow into a chamber at a higher temperature higher than the substrate. A non-wetting coating can be over a seed layer. An outer portion of the seed layer can have a higher concentration of water molecules or a greater density than an inner portion. The outer portion can be deposited at a ratio of partial pressure water to partial pressure matrix precursor that is higher than the ratio for the inner portion. An oxygen plasma can be applied to a seed layer on the exterior surface, and the non-wetting coating can be applied on the seed layer. |
| US09056470B2 |
Flexible circuit seal
Various embodiments and methods relating to an adhesive paste layer (34, 134) sandwiched between a flexible circuit (30) and a fluid delivery system (26) to form a seal at least partially about a print head (28) are disclosed. |
| US09056462B2 |
Ink jet printing method and printer
A method includes deriving from print data a first intended position of a first dot to be printed, determining a first printing element from a plurality of printing elements suitable for printing the first dot at the first intended position, printing the first dot with the first printing element at a first location on the substrate, deriving from the print data a second intended position of a second dot to be printed, retrieving a tolerated deviation of a distance between the first intended position and the second intended position, determining a second printing element from the plurality of printing elements suitable for printing the second dot based on the tolerated deviation, and printing the second dot with the second printing element at a second location on the substrate. |
| US09056461B2 |
Method for driving liquid discharge head, liquid discharge head, and liquid discharge apparatus
A liquid discharge apparatus includes: a liquid discharge head which includes; a discharge port to discharge a liquid; and a substrate including: an energy generating element for generating thermal energy to discharge the liquid from the liquid discharge port; a pair of electrodes connected to the energy generating element for driving thereof; an insulating layer of an insulating material provided to cover the energy generating element; and a metal layer of a metal material provided corresponding to the energy generating element to cover the insulating layer; and a driver unit which sets a first potential of one of the pair of electrodes substantially equal to the potential of the liquid and a second potential of the other one of the pair of electrodes lower than the first potential to drive the energy generating element. |
| US09056460B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method for controlling liquid droplet discharge head
An image forming apparatus includes: a liquid droplet discharge head; a pressure generator; and a driving waveform generator configured to generate a driving waveform including a plurality of pulse units for driving the pressure generator for discharging a liquid droplet. The pulse unit includes one or more first pulses, and one or more second pulses arranged after the first pulses for discharging a liquid droplet. The second pulse has a pulse width that is set in advance to generate a resonance with the liquid droplet discharge head. The first pulse has a pulse width different from the pulse width of the second pulse. |
| US09056454B2 |
Actuator, method of manufacturing the actuator, and liquid droplet ejecting head, liquid droplet ejecting apparatus, and image forming apparatus having the actuator
An actuator includes a base member and an electro-mechanical transducer element including a first electrode, an electro-mechanical transducer film, and a second electrode. Further, the base member includes a thin wall part having a concave shape, the electro-mechanical transducer film is formed in a manner such that a film thickness of the electro-mechanical transducer film is gradually reduced from a center part of the electro-mechanical transducer film to both end parts of the electro-mechanical transducer film in at least one direction crossing a film thickness direction of the electro-mechanical transducer film. |
| US09056451B2 |
System for gripping a cylinder conducting ink in a printing press
A device for gripping and transporting at least one ink-attracting cylinder of a printing machine includes support elements that can enter into contact with pins of the cylinder in order to be able to raise the cylinder, Each support element includes at least two tong-like gripper arms with which a pin of the cylinder can be at least partially gripped. |
| US09056449B2 |
Methods of manufacturing electrochemical cells
Methods of manufacturing electrochemical cells having a current collector which, at least in part, underlies a catalyst layer are discussed. A method comprises patterning a current collector to have at least one electrolyte opening, disposing an electrolyte into or through the at least one opening, and disposing a catalyst, at least in part, over the disposed electrolyte. Optionally, the method comprises pattering a substrate and attaching a patterned current collector to each side thereof. Patterning of the current collector can include patterning a continuous sheet, which comprises at least a first and a second separable current collector. In one such example, a continuous carbon-fiber sheet impregnated or laminated with a non-porous material is patterned. In another such example, a continuous plastic material sheet impregnated with one or more electrical conductive particles is patterned. Among other things, the pattern of the current collector can include an extruded slot or adjacently-disposable strips. |
| US09056444B1 |
Molded composite products, including solid doors
Molded planar products such as solid interior and entry doors produced by molding lignocellulosic and cellulosic composite materials. The doors can be manufactured by compressing and heating a layered mixture of fine wood particles blended with thermo-set molding resins and coarse wood particles blended with thermo-set binding resins between two molds, which may contain relief patterns. The molded products are strong, solid and have hard, smooth, paint-ready outer surfaces. |
| US09056443B2 |
Brazing process, braze arrangement, and brazed article
A brazing process, a braze arrangement, and a brazed article are disclosed. The brazing process includes brazing an article with a braze arrangement. The braze arrangement includes a first braze material and a second braze material, the first braze material having a first melting point and the second braze material having a second melting point, the first melting point differing from the second melting point. The brazed article includes a treatment region, a first brazed material positioned within the treatment region, and a second brazed material positioned distal from the article in comparison to the first brazed material. The first brazed material is formed by the first braze material and the second brazed material is formed by the second braze material. |
| US09056436B2 |
Tire mold
A tire mold constituted by arranging a pair of upper and lower side plates, a sector, a sector shoe holding the sector and an actuator, wherein a ring is provided on each outer diameter portion of the side plates, and when the mold is in fully closed state at room temperature, projection parts formed in the upper and lower sides of the sector shoe contact the outer diameter portion of the brim-like ring and when the mold has reached a vulcanization temperature in fully closed state, the inner diameter portion of the sector contacts the outer diameter portion of the side plate, and the projection parts formed in the upper and lower sides of the sector shoe are formed to contact the outer diameter portions of the ring. |
| US09056434B2 |
Method for extrusion-molding loose tube and apparatus therefor, and loose tube
An apparatus with: an extrusion head with a tip and a die concentrically arranged therewithin and extrudes a tube between the tip and the die; a needle that feeds at least one optical fiber and filler to be filled around the optical fiber into the tube being extrusion-molded; and a cylindrical bundling member provided within the needle. The bundling member has a bundling hole smaller than an inner diameter of the tube at a center thereof and into which the optical fiber can pass through, and a flow pass penetrating along a feeding direction of the filler between the bundling hole and an inner circumferential surface of the needle. In a method using the apparatus, the optical fiber is passed through a bundling hole to be bundled at a center of the tube. The filler is passed through a flow path to be filled around the optical fiber. |
| US09056431B2 |
Apparatus comprising an end fitting connected to a body
An apparatus includes a fitting connected to a body. The fitting has an engagement portion including a channel formed into a peripheral surface of it and an axis. The body includes an axial layer provided around at least some of the peripheral surface of the engagement portion of the end fitting and a hoop layer provided around the axial layer at a location corresponding to at least some of the channel so as to urge at least some of the axial layer into a portion of the channel. The channel is arranged such that at least some of it defines a pathway that is non-orthogonal with respect to the axis of the fitting, such that at least some of the surface area of the channel defines a load bearing surface for the transfer of torque between the fitting and body when a rotational force is applied to one of them. |
| US09056426B2 |
Method for the thermal joining of two components, and a thermal joining strip
A method for a thermal joining of two thermoplastic components includes arranging at least one reactive sheet entity in a mating zone between the two thermoplastic components. A multiply perforated metallic sheet entity configured as a bonding agent is disposed on each side of the at least one reactive sheet entity, at least in some regions of the mating zone. The at least one reactive sheet entity is activated so as thermally join the two thermoplastic components in the regions of the mating zone. |
| US09056423B2 |
Manufacturing method of an eco friendly foaming package material
A manufacturing method of an eco friendly foam package material includes a raw material mixing step for mixing raw materials uniformly and thoroughly to form a mixed raw material, a raw material hybrid-melting step for performing a hybrid-melting process to form a hybrid-melted material, a particle forming step for performing the particle forming process by putting the hybrid-melted material into a pelletizer to form plastic particles, and a foam extrusion step. In the foam extrusion step the plastic particles are melted to become a gelatinous state material, and foamed with non-chemical method. Since the properties of the biodegradable polymer are changed by the decomposition enzyme, and further to mix with bio-cellulose and the industrial starch, such that the eco friendly foam package material with compostability is obtained. |
| US09056419B2 |
Sizing tank with electro-mechanical controlled water flows
A vacuum sizing tank configured to provide controlled fluid flow. A fluid control system and a vacuum sizing tank utilizing electronic controls to create and maintain controllable fluid flow within the tank. Flow meters may measure the flow in and out of the tank to maintain consistency. Temperature meters may measure the temperatures for each of the flows to maintain consistency. An electronic circuit may compare the values with preset values. Any difference between the values may trigger change by varying the voltage applied to a variable speed water pump. |
| US09056407B2 |
Method of and apparatus for molding glazing gasket onto multilayer glass panel
While a first coating gun 405 is being moved along a peripheral edge portion 100a of one surface of a multilayer glass panel 100 horizontally placed on a first worktable 20, the first coating gun 405 discharges a molding material to coat the peripheral edge portion 100a with the molding material over its entire length, molding a glazing gasket 110 thereon. An inverting mechanism 60 inverts the multilayer glass panel 100 with the molded glazing gasket 110 such that the other surface of the multilayer glass panel 100 faces upwardly. Then, a second coating gun 505 is moved along a peripheral edge portion 100b of the other surface of the multilayer glass panel 100, which is horizontally placed on a second worktable 30, and simultaneously discharges a molding material to coat the peripheral edge portion 100b with the molding material over its entire length, molding a glazing gasket 110 thereon. |
| US09056404B2 |
Computational design of inflatable deformable balloons
An automated process facilitates the fabrication-oriented design of a mold for an inflatable, deformable balloon. The automated process comprises a computational balloon design process that, given a desired shape of an inflated balloon, computes an optimal rest shape of the balloon that, when inflated, approximates the desired shape as closely as possible. In such a design process, the optimal rest shape of the balloon is solved for numerically using a physics-driven shape optimization method combining physical simulation of inflatable elastic membranes with a dedicated constrained optimization algorithm. Once the optimal rest shape is determined, a dip mold can be fabricated that is suitable for manufacturing balloons having such a rest shape. |
| US09056399B2 |
Utilty knife
The utility knife device generally comprises a sheath, covering a portion of the user's hand and a blade housing which attach together at a connection point. The blade housing is made up of a casing which preferably encloses the user's index finger, a blade housed within the casing and a trigger which extends out of the casing and manipulates the blade. The blade is capable of extending outward from the casing being held in place for use. The blade is also capable of automatically retracting within the casing so that the blade is not exposed. |
| US09056397B2 |
Robot
A robot according to an aspect of embodiments includes a motor and a hypoid gear. The motor is provided in a robot arm. The hypoid gear transmits the driving force of the motor to a leading-edge arm coupled to the robot arm to swing the leading-edge arm or to rotate an end effector. |
| US09056389B2 |
Line wrenches
A line wrench includes a drive receiving portion, a holder movably connected to the drive receiving portion and a fastener engaging body. The fastener engaging body has a plurality of fastener engaging surfaces defined by a fastener receiving aperture having an axis and a side opening through which an elongate member can enter the fastener receiving aperture by a movement transverse to the fastener receiving aperture axis. The holder is arranged to receive the fastener engaging body, has a free end portion and is movable between a position in which the free end portion is spaced from the drive receiving portion to permit an elongate member to enter the side opening and a position in which the free end portion engages the drive receiving portion such that a drive force applied to the drive receiving portion is transmitted to the holder via the free end portion. |
| US09056388B2 |
Grinding lamella for arrangement on a grinding wheel which can be driven in rotation about an axis of rotation
A grinding lamella 1 for being arranged on a grinding wheel 19 which is rotatingly drivable around an axis of rotation, comprising an outer edge 2 which is at least partially convex, an inner edge 3 which is at least partially concave, a front edge 4 which connects together the outer edge 2 and the inner edge 3 on the front side of the grinding lamella 1, and a rear edge 5 which connects together the outer edge 2 and the inner edge 3 on a rear side of the grinding lamella 1, wherein the front edge 4 is longer than the rear edge 5 and wherein the outer edge 2 is longer than the inner edge 3. |
| US09056382B2 |
Polishing pad, composition for the manufacture thereof, and method of making and using
A polyurethane layer for forming a polishing pad for a semiconductor wafer is described, wherein the polyurethane layer comprises: a foamed polyurethane, wherein the polyurethane foam has a density of about 640 to about 960 kg/m3, and a plurality of cells having an average diameter of about 20 to about 200 micrometers; and particles of a hydrophobic polymer having a critical surface energy of less than 35 mN/m and having a median particle size of 3 to 100 micrometers. Polishing pads as well as methods for polishing are also described. |
| US09056381B1 |
Line trimmer/grinder system
A support pole has upper, lower and intermediate extents. A motor with a drive shaft is coupled to the lower extent of the support pole. A grinding component is coupled to the drive shaft. The grinding component includes an annular plate below, a cylindrical sleeve above and a hemispherical dome there between. The sleeve is adapted to receive the drive shaft. The annular plate has a downwardly facing abrasive surface. The dome ventilation apertures. A bushing is coupled to the drive shaft for axial securement of the dome and abrasive surface to the motor. |
| US09056376B2 |
Apparatus and method for remote fastener installation
A tool configured to install and torque multiple fasteners, such as nuts and/or bolts, positioned in confined and/or hard to reach areas. The tool includes a body portion, a plurality of fastener retainers, and a structure which permits both the remote tightening and torquing of such fasters. The tool also provides an actuator for the remote release of torque loads which may build up in the fastener retainers during such torquing of the fasteners. The actuator includes a lever arm pivotally connected to the body portion and a cam that is rotatable between a first position and a second position. A linkage is engaged by the cam and urges the lever arm to a torquing position upon the cam being in the first position and to a torque release position upon the cam being in the second position. |
| US09056372B2 |
Extending useful life of a cobalt-based gas turbine component
A method of extending the useable life of a gas turbine component fabricated from a cobalt-based alloy is disclosed. The method includes applying a rejuvenation process to the alloy where the alloy is placed in a protected atmosphere and heated to three different elevated temperatures and held at the elevated temperatures for approximately four hours each. Application of the rejuvenation process allows gas turbine components to be returned to service for at least one more service interval of approximately 24,000 operating hours. |
| US09056371B2 |
Method for recontouring a compressor blade or a turbine blade for a gas turbine
A method for recontouring a blade of a gas turbine includes systematically melting a portion of a leading edge of the blade using an energy beam so as to form a new contour of hardened material substantially without incorporating additional material. |