| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09256288B2 |
Apparatus and method for selecting item using movement of object
An item selecting apparatus includes a movement detecting unit detecting a movement of a user, a screen displaying image information, a display image storage unit storing data to generate an image to be displayed on the screen, a display image generating unit generating an image to be displayed on the screen, and a control unit controlling so that a plurality of items is displayed on the screen in one of one-, two- and three-dimensional arrangements, in which the control unit receives a signal from the movement detecting unit to measure a movement of the object in at least one of x-, y- and z-axis directions and issues a command to select at least one from among the plurality of items or provides visual feedback thereto, in response to the measured movement of the user and in accordance with the arrangement of the plurality of items on the screen. |
| US09256287B2 |
Tactile sensation providing apparatus
The tactile sensation providing apparatus 1 includes a contact detection unit 40, a tactile sensation providing unit 50 for providing a tactile sensation to the contacting object contacting the contact detection unit 40, a display unit 30 for displaying an input area and a cursor, and a control unit 10 for controlling the display unit 30. The cursor is moved based on the detected contact and the portion of the displayed input area is displaced based on the movement of the cursor. The control unit 10 controls to cause a first tactile sensation to be provided when the portion of the input area is displaced as the cursor is moved, and a second tactile sensation to be provided when the edge of the input area is displayed as the portion of the input area is displaced, thereby notifying the operator of the results of the operation. |
| US09256286B2 |
Haptic accessory and methods for using same
A method for providing tactile feedback comprises displaying a visual representation of a physical object having at least one haptic property, generating time-varying data associated with the at least one haptic property from the visual representation, sending the time-varying data to a computing device including a feedback apparatus electrically connected to the computing device, and generating the tactile feedback via the feedback apparatus in response to a pressure on the feedback apparatus applied by a user. |
| US09256284B2 |
Information processing apparatus and recording medium
There is provided An information processing apparatus including a perspective switching control unit configured to switch a perspective when playing back content acquired by a content acquisition unit to at least one of a first-person perspective and a third-person perspective, an editing unit configured to edit a part of the content, and a playback control unit configured to play back the content edited by the editing unit in the at least one of the first-person perspective and the third-person perspective to which the perspective has been switched by the perspective switching control unit. |
| US09256281B2 |
Remote movement guidance
In one example of a user-guidance system, a remote control may be configured to guide a user's physical movements by transmitting movement signals that are to be translated into haptic instructions, and cooperative actuators may be configured to be worn by the user to translate the movement signals received from the remote control into the haptic instructions. The movement signals may be translated into the haptic instructions for physical movements of any limb or extremity of the user in either of a vertical direction or a horizontal direction; after the first movement signal, the movement signals may be transmitted prior to completion of an immediately previous physical movement; and the movement signals may include horizontal and vertical directional signal components that indicate the horizontal and vertical direction for the user's next physical movement. The haptic instructions that are translated from the horizontal and vertical directional signal components may differ in either duration or magnitude. The movement signals may include horizontal directional signal components that indicate the horizontal direction for the user's next physical movement, and the haptic instructions that are translated from the horizontal directional signal components may differ in either duration or magnitude. |
| US09256273B2 |
Distributed power budgeting
Embodiments include collecting, from each of a plurality of controllers of a node having a plurality of components, component power consumption. Each of the plurality of controllers is associated with one or more of the components. The component power consumptions are provided to the controllers. A node power consumption for the node is determined based, at least in part, on the component power consumption. The power cap is determined for the plurality of components. A power differential power is determined as a difference between the node power consumption and the power cap for the plurality of components. A proportion of the node power consumption consumed by the component is determined based on the component power consumption of the component. A local power budget is computed for the component based, at least in part, on the power differential and the proportion of the node power consumption consumed by the component. |
| US09256272B2 |
Method and system for file relocation
A method and system for file relocation is provided. A file relocation system is connected to multiple storage devices. The system obtains a number of times that each of a number of files stored on the multiple storage devices is requested simultaneously with a concerned file. The relocation system then classifies multiple files into multiple groups, such that groups of files simultaneously are put together into one group. Multiple files classified in to the same group are then relocated to a single storage device. The relocation system then switches a storage device not accessed for a certain period of time into a power-saving mode. |
| US09256271B2 |
Predictive power management based on user category
The present disclosure relates to a predicative power management system configured to adjust computer CPU clock rate by a computer user to conserve energy based on user category. In certain embodiments, the predicative power management system includes (a) a computer user profile creator module, and (b) a power management module. The computer user profile creator module is used to create computer usage profiles and each of the computer usage profiles has a profileID for a computer user with a computer userID. The power management module is used to set and adjust computer CPU clock rate, CPU voltage and device states based on computer users' category and the computer user's computer usage profile. |
| US09256265B2 |
Method and system for artificially and dynamically limiting the framerate of a graphics processing unit
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to provide a method and system for applying automatic power conservation techniques in a computing system. Embodiments are described herein that automatically limits the frame rate of an application executing in a discrete graphics processing unit operating off battery or other such exhaustible power source. By automatically limiting the frame rate in certain detected circumstances, the rate of power consumption, and thus, the life of the current charge stored in a battery may be dramatically extended. Another embodiment is also provided which allows for the more effective application of automatic power conservation techniques during detected periods of inactivity by applying a low power state immediately after a last packet of a frame is rendered and displayed. |
| US09256263B1 |
Efficient power allocation for redundant power supply with system priority
This disclosure describes a more efficient and configurable power allocation scheme for redundant power supply (RPS) systems used in network switches. This allocation scheme allows the system owner to assign power from a shared RPS unit to higher priority devices in any network switch in the system. This permits more granularity in assigning the RPS with backup power available to devices such as ports residing within individual switches in a multiple switch network. An efficient power allocation scheme for RPS allows the user to define the system priority of various devices for backup power according to the user's preferences. The user may assign the RPS to user-defined high priority devices in any piece of equipment. This makes RPS power allocation more flexible by offering the user more setup options for backup power. |
| US09256261B2 |
Semiconductor device having identification information generating function and identification information generation method for semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes an identification information generation circuit having a power supply control circuit whose output voltage is controlled by a control signal, and a memory array having a first cell power line and a second cell power line. The power supply control circuit outputs a first supply voltage and a second supply voltage to a first cell power line and a second power line, respectively, when the control signal is in a first state, and outputs an intermediate voltage to the first cell power line and the second cell power line when the control signal is in a second state. |
| US09256259B2 |
Electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus includes a touch-control socket device and a display device. The touch-control socket device includes a socket and a touch-control glass. The socket has a seat, a frame extended from the seat, and a connecting module disposed in the seat. The seat has a first insertable opening and a second insertable opening respectively facing two different directions. The touch-control glass is fixed on the frame and electrically connected to the connecting module. The touch-control glass has a first surface and an opposite second surface. When an electrical connector of the display device inserts into the connecting module through the first insertable opening, the first surface is used as a touch-control interface. When the electrical connector of the display device inserts into the connecting module through the second insertable opening, the second surface is served as a touch interface. |
| US09256253B2 |
Clasp assembly and data interconnection for wearable computing devices
Embodiments of the invention describe a clasp assembly for detachably coupling a first housing to a second housing. The clasp assembly to further includes a data connector to provide an input/output (I/O) interface to a computing component of the first housing, and a data connector housing corresponding to the data connector, wherein the data connector is exposed when the clasp assembly is in an open position, and wherein the data connector is disposed in the data connector housing when the clasp assembly is in a closed position. |
| US09256250B2 |
Electronic devices with flexible displays having fastened bent edges
An electronic device may be provided with a display having a flexible substrate with fastened bent edges. The flexible substrate may have an active region that includes an array of light-emitting elements such as organic light-emitting diodes. The flexible substrate may also have inactive regions that lie outside of the active region. The bent edges may include portions of the inactive regions and portions of the active region. The bent edges may be wrapped to conform to the shape of an internal support structure. The bent edges may be fastened to the support structure with fastening members that attach a housing member or an internal clamp to the support structure. The bent edges may be secured between the housing member or the internal clamp and the support structure. The fastening members may be engaged in openings in the support structure and may pass through or alongside the bent edges. |
| US09256249B2 |
Stand assembly and monitor
A system can include a platform that includes a front end and a back end; a support that includes a column, an extension and an arm joint disposed on the extension, where the column extends vertically from the platform and where the extension extends from the column at an acute angle and positions the arm joint vertically above the platform and toward the back end of the platform; a monitor mount that includes an arm joint; a monitor that includes a computing device and a touch screen, the monitor being mountable to the monitor mount; and an arm coupled at a pivot end to the arm joint of the support and coupled at a free end to the arm joint of the monitor mount, the monitor mount being pivotable about the free end of the arm. Various other apparatuses, assemblies, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US09256245B2 |
Clock tree circuit and memory controller
A clock tree circuit includes a clock source and a tree circuit. The clock source generates a signal. The tree circuit at least includes five driving units and a metal connection element. A first driving unit has an input terminal for receiving the signal, and an output terminal coupled to a first node. A second driving unit has an input terminal coupled to the first node, and an output terminal coupled to a second node. A third driving unit has an input terminal coupled to the first node, and an output terminal coupled to a third node. A fourth driving unit has an input terminal coupled to the second node. A fifth driving unit has an input terminal coupled to the third node. The metal connection element is coupled between the second node and the third node, and configured as a short-circuited element. |
| US09256241B2 |
Reference voltage generating apparatus and switching power apparatus
There is provided a reference voltage generating apparatus including: a reference voltage source, a voltage retaining circuit, a switch and a controller. The reference voltage source generates a reference voltage. The voltage retaining circuit includes a first element circuit and a second element circuit, and the voltage retaining circuit outputs a voltage of a connection node between a first terminal of the first element circuit and a second terminal of the second element circuit. The switch is connected between the connection node and the reference voltage source. The controller controls the reference voltage source and the switch. The first element circuit includes at least a resistance component and the first element circuit is supplied with a first voltage at a third terminal and the second element circuit includes a resistance component and a capacity component and the second element circuit is supplied with a second voltage at a fourth terminal. |
| US09256239B2 |
Voltage controlling circuit
A voltage controlling circuit with power sharing components is provided. The circuit includes a voltage regulator for controlling an output voltage for a load and a device in communication with the voltage regulator for power sharing. |
| US09256237B2 |
Low drop-out regulator
Exemplary embodiments disclose a low drop-out regulator including an error amplification unit which includes a zero compensation circuit configured to compensate a plurality of poles which are generated by an output terminal and a buffer, the error amplification unit is configured to generate a first comparison signal in response to a reference voltage and a feedback voltage, the buffer is configured to generate a second comparison signal in response to the first comparison signal and an input voltage, a pass unit configured to provide an output voltage and a load current to the output terminal in response to the second comparison signal and the input voltage, and a feedback unit configured to provide the feedback voltage to the error amplification unit in response to the output voltage. A driving current of the buffer is independently adjusted with respect to the load current. |
| US09256234B2 |
Voltage offset loop for a switching controller
This disclosure relates to radio frequency (RF) power converters and methods of operating the same. In one embodiment, an RF power converter includes an RF switching converter, a low-drop out (LDO) regulation circuit, and an RF filter. The RF filter is coupled to receive a pulsed output voltage from the RF switching converter and a supply voltage from the LDO regulation circuit. The RF filter is operable to alternate between a first RF filter topology and a second RF filter topology. In the first RF filter topology, the RF filter is configured to convert the pulsed output voltage from a switching circuit into the supply voltage. The RF filter in the second RF filter topology is configured to filter the supply voltage from the LDO regulation circuit to reduce a ripple variation in a supply voltage level of the supply voltage. As such, the RF filter provides greater versatility. |
| US09256231B2 |
Device manufacturing apparatus and device manufacturing method
An apparatus for manufacturing a device comprises a temperature regulator configured to regulate a temperature of a component associated with manufacture of the device, a controller configured to control the temperature regulator, and a console configured to send command information to the controller upon receiving an input regarding an operation of the temperature regulator, the command information including a command for causing the temperature regulator to operate in an electric power saving mode, and a parameter which specifies a detail of the electric power saving mode. |
| US09256228B2 |
Mass flow controller with onboard diagnostics, prognostics, and data logging
A mass flow controller and method for operating the same is disclosed. The mass flow controller includes a mass flow control system to control the mass flow rate of a fluid, and a data logging component that obtains snapshots of condition-specific-data for each of a plurality of reoccurring condition types, and reduces each snapshot of condition-specific-data to functional parameter values that characterize each snapshot of condition-specific-data, and the data logging component generates statistical values that are stored in a short term data store that characterize multiple functional parameter values that are obtained during each separate occurrence of a specific condition type. A diagnostics component diagnoses failures using current functional parameter values and the statistical values stored in the short-term memory, and a prognostics component predicts failures based upon a collection of data sets that are stored in the long-term memory. |
| US09256225B2 |
Unmanned aerial vehicle authorization and geofence envelope determination
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle authorization and geofence envelope determination. One of the methods includes determining, by an electronic system in an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), an estimated fuel remaining in the UAV. An estimated fuel consumption of the UAV is determined. Estimated information associated with wind affecting the UAV is determined using information obtained from sensors included in the UAV. Estimated flights times remaining for a current path, and one or more alternative flight paths, are determined using the determined estimated fuel remaining, determined estimated fuel consumption, determined information associated wind, and information describing each flight path. In response to the electronic system determining that the estimated fuel remaining, after completion of the current flight path, would be below a first threshold, an alternative flight path is selected. |
| US09256224B2 |
Method of sequential kernel regression modeling for forecasting and prognostics
A method for determining the future operational condition of an object includes obtaining reference data that indicates the normal operational state of the object, and obtaining input pattern arrays. Each input pattern array has a plurality of input vectors, while each input vector represents a time point and has input values representing a plurality of parameters indicating the current condition of the object. At least one processor generates estimate values based on a calculation that uses an input pattern array and the reference data to determine a similarity measure between the input values and reference data. The estimate values, in the form of an estimate matrix, include at least one estimate vector of inferred estimate values, and represents at least one time point that is not represented by the input vectors. The inferred estimate values are used to determine a future condition of the object. |
| US09256220B1 |
System and method for monitoring completed manufacturing operations
A method and system comprise a tool, a number of radios, and a processor. The tool has a sensor and a wireless transmitter, and is configured to perform an operation on an area. The wireless transmitter is configured to transmit a signal comprising sensor data upon completion of the operation. The number of radios is configured to generate location measurements using the signal. The processor is configured to identify a location of the area using the location measurements and generate an indication of completion of the operation. |
| US09256217B2 |
Dynamically adapting to changes in control system topology
An apparatus and method for adapting to changes in the control topology of a cooperative control system including a plurality of controllers are disclosed. The method is implemented by an actuator or sensor, and includes the steps of selecting one of the controllers as the master controller for one or more state variables of an actuator or sensor, detecting a change in the control topology of the cooperative control system, and reselecting a master controller for the one or more state variables responsive to the change in the control topology. |
| US09256212B2 |
Magnetic field communication arrangement and method
An automotive communication method includes installing a sensor within a vehicle such that the sensor is submerged in a liquid during operation of the vehicle and/or substantially surrounded by a metallic structure during operation of the vehicle. A long wave magnetic signal is transmitted from the sensor. The signal is indicative of a condition sensed by the sensor. The signal is wirelessly received at a controller disposed within the vehicle. Receipt of the signal at the controller is responded to by adjusting a display and/or a setting within the vehicle. |
| US09256209B2 |
Wristwatch structure, electronic core for wristwatch, and method for manufacturing wristwatch
The present invention provides a wristwatch structure, an electronic core for a wristwatch, and a method for manufacturing the wristwatch. The wristwatch structure comprises: a dial; an indicator designed with the dial; an electric driving component connected to the indicator, for driving the indicator and actuating it; and an electronic core having an integrated circuit unit packaged therein, the electronic core also having a plurality of two-dimensional joints distributed on an external surface thereof, wherein the electric driving component is electrically connected to the integrated circuit unit of the electronic core via one set of joints among the two-dimensional joints. The present invention can improve compatibility for various designs, thereby shortening the product development cycle. |
| US09256207B2 |
Timepiece movement provided with a drive mechanism for the periodic or intermittent movement of an analogue indicator
The timepiece movement is provided with an analog device for displaying information whose value varies periodically or intermittently, this analog display device including, on the one hand, an indicator provided with a first toothing, and on the other hand, a mechanism for the periodic or intermittent driving of the indicator. The drive mechanism is formed by an irreversible transmission system which ensures a shock resistant function for the indicator. The display device further includes a positioning jumper for the indicator generating a positioning force on the first toothing, which is sufficient to precisely position the indicator in a plurality of discrete display positions, but considerably insufficient to ensure a shock resistant function for the indicator. Thus, the indicator can be driven with a relatively low torque; which therefore requires less energy and makes it possible to provide a drive mechanism with a lower gear reduction for the drive torque transmission ratio. |
| US09256204B2 |
Device and method for holographic reflection imaging
A holographic imaging device for imaging an object under study includes a partially reflective surface having a contact side for contacting the object under study and an imaging side for partially reflecting a radiation wave. The device also includes at least one radiation source for projecting the radiation wave onto the imaging side of the partially reflective surface and an image sensor arranged to receive the radiation wave when reflected by the partially reflective surface. The image sensor is adapted for determining an interference pattern between the radiation wave reflected by the imaging side of the partially reflective surface and the radiation wave reflected by the object under study when contacting the contact side of the partially reflective surface. |
| US09256200B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing unit heating an image formed on a recording medium and disposed along a conveying path conveying the recording medium. The conveying path includes a first guide plate, discharge guide plate portions and second guide plate portion as conveyance guide plates guiding the recording medium. Partition walls and vertical walls are disposed at positions facing these guide plate portions. The air current guide portion guides air taken in from intake ports through an intake guide portion between the respective guide plate portions and each walls. |
| US09256194B2 |
Developer supply container
A developer container is detachably mountable to a developer replenishing apparatus and includes a cylindrical accommodation member for accommodating a developer and a coupling portion for engaging with a main assembly coupling portion provided on the developer replenishing apparatus by movement in an inserting direction. In addition, a contact portion contacts an urging portion in the developer replenishing apparatus and receives a push-off force from the developer replenishing apparatus in a direction opposite to the inserting direction, and an engaging portion is engageable with an opening and closing portion provided in the developer replenishing apparatus to receive a force from the opening and closing portion in the inserting direction and against the push-off force in a closing operation of the opening and closing portion when the developer container is inserted into the developer replenishing apparatus. |
| US09256192B2 |
Image forming apparatus provided with engaging portion configured to lock access assembly
An image forming apparatus includes: a casing including a base portion, an access assembly, and a cover; first and second engaging portions; and an operating member. The access assembly is pivotally movable between an open position and a closed position. The cover has a recessed portion recessed from an edge thereof in a direction away from the access assembly in the closed position. The first engaging portion overlaps the cover as viewed from above. The second engaging portion is movable between an engaged position engageable with the first engaging portion and a disengaged position disengaged from the first engaging portion. The operating member is in the recessed portion when the access assembly is in the closed position, and movable between a lock position to lock the second engaging portion into the engaged position and an unlock position to unlock the second engaging portion into the disengaged position. |
| US09256188B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus having image supporting members and developing devices provided for a plurality of colors respectively, and a developing bias source. The developing bias source includes DC power circuits provided for the colors respectively, an AC power circuit provided for use in common for all of the colors, and an element provided for at least one of the colors other than black. The developing bias source generates developing biases by superimposing an AC voltage output from the AC power circuit on DC voltages output from the DC power circuits and applies the developing biases to the respectively corresponding developing devices. The element maintains a constant voltage having a potential of an opposite polarity to a potential of charged toner used for the development. The developing bias source further superimposes the constant voltage on the developing bias for the at least one of the colors other than black. |
| US09256184B2 |
Belt conveyance apparatus and image forming apparatus having an endless belt
A rotating member provided on an end of a stretching member is rotatable around a rotating axis inclined with respect to the shaft of the stretching member. In order that, when a belt end winds around the rotating member, the belt end winds around an outer side of an entry position where the belt end enters the rotating member, an outer circumferential surface of the rotating member in an area in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the belt is inclined with respect to a belt contact surface. |
| US09256177B2 |
Image forming apparatus with a cam configured to change a pressurizing force applied to a rotation member, and a control unit configured to control a motor speed for driving the cam
A fixing device causes an eccentric cam to perform a rotation step of 113° to shift from a pressurization releasing mode to a pressurization mode, and causes the eccentric cam to perform a rotation step of 263° to shift from a standby mode to the pressurization mode. A control unit activates a motor by setting a rotational speed of a rotational magnetic field of a stator to 600 rpm in the rotation step of 113° and to 1500 rpm in the rotation step of 263° so as to prevent the eccentric cam from receiving acceleration of a rotational direction from a pressure lever before a rotational speed of a rotor reaches a first rotational speed. Then, the control unit stops the rotational magnetic field of the stator based on an output of a photo interrupter. |
| US09256176B2 |
Fixing belt, fixing device, and method for manufacturing fixing belt
A fixing belt includes an inner layer, serving as a sliding layer, in which filler particles having an aspect ratio of 5 or more are oriented substantially in the longitudinal direction of the fixing belt. |
| US09256175B2 |
Induction heating fusing device and image forming apparatus
An induction heating fusing device and an image forming apparatuses that may control even a very small current region by tracking a resonance frequency to perform PWM control and phase control without considering a deviation of a part constant or a temperature change are provided. The induction heating fusing device includes: a serial resonance circuit having an induction coil and a condenser; a phase comparator, a phase controller, a resonance frequency tracking oscillator, and a PWM (pulse width modulation) signal generator. The phase comparator compares a phase of a pulse outputted by the PWM signal generator with a phase of current flowing through the induction coil, outputs a comparison result obtained by the comparing to the phase controller when controlling the phase, and outputs the comparison result to the resonance frequency tracking oscillator when performing PWM control. |
| US09256174B2 |
Endless belt, image heating apparatus and mounting method
An endless belt detachably mountable to an image heating apparatus includes: a lubricant applied along a longitudinal direction of the endless belt onto a part of an inner surface of the endless belt with respect to a circumferential direction; and an indicating portion configured to indicate a mounting phase of the endless belt to an operator. The indicating potion is provided on an outer surface of the endless belt so as to have a positional relationship with an applied region of the lubricant with respect to the circumferential direction. |
| US09256173B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus has a fixing member, a heating unit, and a control unit. The fixing member fixes a toner image, which is formed on a recording medium, to the recording medium. The heating unit heats the fixing member. The control unit controls a heating operation of the heating unit based on a ready temperature corresponding to job information input by a user. |
| US09256170B1 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method which adjust image magnification based on sheet shrinkage
In accordance with one embodiment, an image forming apparatus comprises a fixing device and a control section. The fixing device is provided with a fixing roller for conveying a sheet. The control section changes the rotation speed of the fixing roller based on a shrinkage rate of the sheet before and after the passing of the sheet through the fixing device. The control section changes, according to the shrinkage rate, the rotation speed of the fixing roller in the second and the following fixing processing carried out by the fixing device in a case in which the same sheet passes through the fixing device more than twice. |
| US09256160B2 |
Developer storage container having rotary cylinder portion inside a main body and image forming apparatus provided with same
A developer storage container includes a main body portion and a rotary cylindrical body. The main body portion has a cylindrical inner peripheral surface and a pair of main body side end surfaces. The rotary cylindrical body has a side surface having a cylindrical shape, a pair of rotary body end surfaces and a storage space configured to store developer. A slit extending is formed on the side surface of the rotary cylindrical body to allow communication between the internal space and the storage space. The rotary cylindrical body is so arranged in the internal space that a predetermined clearance is defined between the side surface and the inner peripheral surface of the main body portion. A developer discharge port is opened on the main body portion. |
| US09256159B2 |
Image forming apparatus and cartridge for the use therewith
A developer cartridge for use in an image forming apparatus may include a casing extending in a longitudinal direction and having an opening communicating with the image forming apparatus. The cartridge may further include a grip that, in some arrangements, is disposed at an opposite end relative to the opening in the longitudinal direction. Additionally or alternatively, the developer cartridge may include an agitator comprising a shaft and a gear. The gear may, in some examples, be provided at the same end as the grip and be fixed to the shaft. A distance between the opening and the gear may be shorter than a distance between the opening and the grip. |
| US09256157B2 |
Moving mechanism for a developing device, process cartridge and image forming apparatus that reduces or removes press-contact forces on a developer carrying member
A developing apparatus includes a developing container for accommodating a developer; a developer carrying member for carrying the developer to a developing zone for developing a latent image; a developer regulator in contact with the developer carrying member to regulate a developer layer thickness on the developer carrying member; a developer feeding member in contact with the developer carrying member to supply the developer to the developer carrying member; an urging member for urging the developer carrying member toward the developer regulator; and a moving mechanism for moving the developer carrying member in a first direction which is a direction in which the urging member urges the developer carrying member and in a second direction crossing with the first direction. The moving mechanism moves the developer carrying member in the second direction to reduce or remove press-contact forces applied by the developer regulator and the developer feeding member. |
| US09256156B2 |
Developing assembly, process cartridge, and image-forming apparatus
First and second dielectric portions and colored particles have −polarity, and a regulating portion and an externally added particles have +polarity. In a triboelectric series,(−) |
| US09256151B2 |
Printing apparatus and controlling method
If the elapsed time since a sheet was stored in a sheet storage unit is less than or equal to a threshold value, control is performed such that the sheet is heated by a fixing unit before an image is transferred to the sheet, and if the elapsed time since the sheet was stored in the sheet storage unit exceeds the threshold value, control is performed such that processing for heating the sheet with the fixing unit before the image is transferred to the sheet is not performed. |
| US09256147B2 |
Toner, and image forming method and process cartridge using the toner
A toner is provided including toner particles A having a circularity of greater than 0.93 and not greater than 1.00 and toner particles B having a circularity of from 0.85 to 0.93, wherein the following relationships are satisfied: 70≦RA≦95, 5≦RB≦30, 0.014≦SD≦0.025, and 0.940≦ED≦0.950, wherein RA (% by number) represents a ratio of a number of the toner particles A to a total number of toner particles included in the toner, RB (% by number) represents a ratio of a number of the toner particles B to the total number of toner particles included in the toner, SD represents a standard deviation of circularity of the toner particles A, and ED represents an average envelope degree of the toner particles B. |
| US09256146B2 |
Toner for electrostatic image development
Provided is a toner for electrostatic image development, having low-temperature fixability and long-term stable charge property and also having heat-resistant storage stability. The toner for electrostatic image development includes toner particles containing a binder resin. The binder resin has a domain-matrix structure in which a crystalline polyester resin is dispersed as a domain phase in a matrix phase formed of an amorphous vinyl polymer formed using at least a vinyl-based monomer. The amorphous vinyl polymer has a carboxy group concentration of not less than 0.2 mmol/g and not more than 1.0 mmol/g, and the crystalline polyester resin has an ester group concentration of not less than 0.1 mmol/g and not more than 7.1 mmol/g. |
| US09256144B2 |
Electrophotographic photosensitive member and image forming apparatus
An electrophotographic photosensitive member containing a terphenoquinone derivative represented by the following formula (1): wherein R1 to R5 may be the same or different and each represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms and optionally having an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an aralkyl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms. |
| US09256141B2 |
Exposure apparatus, device manufacturing method using same, and gas supply device
The exposure apparatus includes a purge member that includes a humidifier that humidifies supplied gas; a first regulator that regulates a flow rate of first gas which passes through the humidifier; a second regulator that regulates a flow rate of second gas which does not pass through the humidifier; a variable instrument that varies a humidifying performance of the humidifier; a sensor; and a controller. Here, the controller controls the first and the second regulators to adjust a flow rate ratio of the first gas and the second gas on the basis of the humidity of the humidified gas detected by the sensor and a pre-set target humidity, and controls the variable instrument to keep the flow rate of the first gas constant on the basis of an amount of operation of the first regulator and an amount of pre-set target operation. |
| US09256139B2 |
Substrate holder, lithographic apparatus, device manufacturing method, and method of manufacturing a substrate holder
A substrate holder for a lithographic apparatus has a planarization layer provided on a surface thereof. The planarization layer provides a smooth surface for the formation of a thin film stack forming an electronic component. The thin film stack comprises an (optional) isolation layer, a metal layer forming an electrode, a sensor, a heater, a transistor or a logic device, and a top isolation layer. |
| US09256137B2 |
Exposure apparatus, liquid holding method, and device manufacturing method
An exposure apparatus includes a first member disposed at least in a part of a periphery of an optical path of the exposure light, and has a first face that faces an upper face of the object through a first gap and holds the liquid between the upper face of the object and the first face, a second member disposed at an outer side of the first face with respect to the optical path and has a second face facing the upper face of the object through a second gap, a first supply port disposed at an outer side of the second face and supplies a fluid, and a first suction port disposed between the first face and the second face, and suctions at least part of gas in an outer space of the second member via a gap between the second face and the upper face of the object. |
| US09256133B2 |
Apparatus and method for developing process
An apparatus includes at least two tanks, at least two pumps, at least one nozzle, and a chuck. The apparatus provides multiple developers with different polarities during a developing process to target portions of a latent resist profile having different polarities, and thus different solubility. This apparatus also allows a mixture of two developers to be used for the resist film developing. A polarity of the mixture is adjustable by controlling a ratio of one pump flow rate to another pump flow rate and further controlling the resist pattern profile. |
| US09256125B2 |
Acid generators and photoresists comprising same
Acid generator compounds are provided that comprise an oxo-1,3-dioxolane moiety and/or an oxo-1,3-dioxane moiety. The acid generators are particularly useful as a photoresist composition component. |
| US09256123B2 |
Method of making an extreme ultraviolet pellicle
The present disclosure relates to a method of forming an EUV pellicle having an pellicle film connected to a pellicle frame without a supportive mesh, and an associated apparatus. In some embodiments, the method is performed by forming a cleaving plane within a substrate at a position parallel to a top surface of the substrate. A pellicle frame is attached to the top surface of the substrate. The substrate is cleaved along the cleaving plane to form a pellicle film comprising a thinned substrate coupled to the pellicle frame. Prior to cleaving the substrate, the substrate is operated upon to reduce structural damage to the top surface of substrate during formation of the cleaving plane and/or during cleaving the substrate. Reducing structural damage to the top surface of the substrate improves the durability of the thinned substrate and removes a need for a support structure for the pellicle film. |
| US09256122B2 |
Mask blank, transfer mask, method of manufacturing a transfer mask, and method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
A mask blank for use in the manufacture of a binary mask adapted to be applied with ArF excimer laser exposure light has, on a transparent substrate, a light-shielding film for forming a transfer pattern. The light-shielding film has a laminated structure of a lower layer and an upper layer and has an optical density of 2.8 or more for exposure light and a thickness of 45 nm or less. The lower layer is made of a material in which the total content of a transition metal and silicon is 90 at % or more, and has a thickness of 30 nm or more. The upper layer has a thickness of 3 nm or more and 6 nm or less. The phase difference between exposure light transmitted through the light-shielding film and exposure light transmitted in air for a distance equal to the thickness of the light-shielding film is 30 degrees or less. |
| US09256119B2 |
Phase-shift blankmask and method for fabricating the same
Provided is a phase-shift blankmask in which a phase-shift layer is formed in at least two continuous layers or a multi-layer film and an uppermost phase-shift layer included in the phase-shift layer is thinly formed to contain a small amount of oxygen (O) so as to enhance chemical resistance and durability thereof.Accordingly, a phase-shift blankmask including the phase-shift layer having enhanced chemical resistance and durability with respect to a cleaning solution containing acid and basic materials, hot deionized water, or ozone water, which is used in a cleaning process that is repeatedly performed during manufacture of a photomask, may be provided using the uppermost phase-shift layer having the enhanced chemical resistance and durability.Furthermore, degradation in the refractive index and degree of phase shift of the phase-shift layer, caused when the cleaning process is repeatedly performed may be prevented due to the uppermost phase-shift layer having the enhanced chemical resistance and durability. Accordingly, a phase-shift blankmask including a thin phase-shift layer can be provided. |
| US09256117B2 |
Panoramic imaging systems comprising rotatable mirrors for image stabilization
Panoramic imaging systems including rotatable mirrors are provided. A panoramic imaging system includes a rotatable platform, an imaging device mounted to the rotatable platform, and a mirror rotatably mounted to the rotatable platform. The mirror is positioned in an optical path of the imaging device. The mirror and the imaging device are oriented such that the mirror and imaging device are in the same plane, an optical axis of the imaging device is substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the rotatable platform, and an axis of rotation of the mirror is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotatable platform when the mirror is in an initial position. |
| US09256115B1 |
Dual sided lens array using clear beads
A projection screen includes a transparent substrate having a first side and a second side, a first optically clear adhesive (“OCA”) layer disposed across the first side of the transparent substrate, a first two-dimensional (“2D”) matrix of clear beads partially embedded into the first OCA layer, and a dark layer disposed across the first OCA layer filling in exposed gaps between the clear beads to block and absorb light incident upon the exposed gaps between the clear beads. The clear beads form optical paths through the dark layer. |
| US09256114B2 |
Supercontinuum generation system
A supercontinuum generation system comprises a noise-like pulse fiber laser structure, an amplification unit and a broadening medium. The noise-like pulse fiber laser structure generates at lease one noise-like pulse of the wavelength less than 1300 nm. The amplification unit includes a gain fiber with which the noise-like pulse is coupled. The broadening medium is coupled with the gain fiber. A supercontinuum is generated when the noise-like pulse is amplified by the amplification unit and broadened in spectrum by the broadening medium. |
| US09256113B2 |
Plasmonic modulator and optical apparatus including the same
A plasmonic modulator and an optical apparatus including the same are provided. The plasmonic modulator includes a first metal layer, and a second metal layer facing the first metal layer. The plasmonic modulator further includes a refractive index varying layer disposed between the first and second metal layers and including a varying refractive index, and an insulating nitride layer disposed between the refractive index varying layer and the first metal layer. |
| US09256112B2 |
Electronic paper and method for manufacturing the same
Electronic paper whose coloring rate in a pixel is improved by preventing color mixing between pixels and a method for manufacturing the electronic paper are provided. Electronic paper in which an electrophoretic material layer 4, an optically transparent electrode layer 5, an ink fixing layer 7, and a color filter layer 8 created by printing pixel ink by an inkjet method are stacked on an electrode substrate in this order, wherein a repellent component, for example, a monomer containing fluorine or a polymer containing fluorine, or more specifically aliphatic polycarbonate containing fluorine is added to the pixel ink. |
| US09256106B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display includes: a first substrate; a pixel electrode disposed on the first substrate; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a common electrode disposed on the second substrate; and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The common electrode includes a first cross-shaped cutout overlapping the pixel electrode, and a second cutout parallel to an edge of the pixel electrode, the second cutout being separated from the edge of the pixel electrode. |
| US09256105B2 |
Bended liquid crystal display and its manufacturing method and apparatus
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a bended liquid crystal display and a manufacturing method and apparatus therefore. The method comprises: preparing an array substrate and a color filter substrate with flat glass sheets having different thermal expansion coefficients; applying adhesive sealant at edges of surfaces of the array substrate and/or the color filter substrate; heating the array substrate and the color filter substrate, and binding the expanded array substrate and color filter substrate together, to form an assembled substrate; and cooling the assembled substrate and forming a bended assembled substrate having a degree of curvature. The bended liquid crystal display has a better stability, and has no variation in its degree of curvature over service time. |
| US09256103B2 |
Liquid crystal display including liquid crystal with different pretilt angles and method of manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display includes first and second substrates, first and second alignment layers, and a liquid crystal layer between the alignment layers and including liquid crystal molecules. The liquid crystal molecules on a surface of the first alignment layer have a first pretilt angle in a direction which is vertical with respect to a horizontal plane surface parallel to the first substrate, and a first alignment angle in a direction which is horizontal with respect to a horizontal line parallel to the horizontal plane surface. The liquid crystal molecules on a surface of the second alignment layer have a second pretilt angle in the direction which is vertical with respect to the horizontal plane surface and different from the first pretilt angle, and a second alignment angle in the direction which is horizontal with respect to the horizontal line and different from the first alignment angle. |
| US09256098B2 |
Liquid crystal panel and color filter substrate thereof
The present invention discloses a liquid crystal panel and a color filter substrate thereof. By providing at least one separation line perpendicular to a scan direction of horizontal source signals, a transparent conductive layer of the color filter substrate is divided into a plurality of transparent conductive layer sections, each of which is not connected with the others. When a horizontal crosstalk (H-crosstalk) phenomenon is generated, an adjacent horizontal area is not influenced, so that it can lower the H-crosstalk phenomenon of the liquid crystal panel, so as to increase the display quality of the liquid crystal panel. |
| US09256097B2 |
Display apparatuses
A display apparatus includes a first substrate, a second substrate overlapping the first substrate, an image display part disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a black matrix disposed on the second substrate. The display apparatus further includes a floating electrode overlapping the black matrix and being electrically floating. The display apparatus further includes first-type touch lines extending in a first direction, arranged along a second direction, electrically insulated from each other, and including a primary first-type touch line. The primary first-type touch line overlaps and is insulated from the floating electrode. The display apparatus further includes second-type touch lines extending in the second direction, arranged along the first direction, electrically insulated from each other, and including a primary second-type touch line. The primary second-type touch line overlaps and is insulated from the floating electrode. |
| US09256090B2 |
Display device, electronic apparatus, and method for manufacturing display device
According to an aspect, a display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and light shielding layer. The first substrate is a plate-like member and is provided with a switching element for each of pixels arranged in a matrix and a wiring coupled to the switching element. The second substrate is a plate-like member facing the first substrate and having a smaller thickness than the thickness of the first substrate. The second substrate has an outer edge that faces a portion of the first substrate to which the wiring is not led out and that is positioned inside an outer edge of the first substrate when viewed from a direction orthogonal to a substrate surface of the first substrate. |
| US09256089B2 |
Object-detecting backlight unit
This document describes techniques and apparatuses for implementing an object-detecting backlight unit for a display device. An object-detecting backlight unit includes two or more light sources configured to provide light to a display to form an image, and a light sensor configured to receive reflected light when an object is near the display and determine that the reflected light originated from a region of the display. The reflected light is caused by light from the image reflecting off of the object back towards the display. The backlight unit is configured to detect a position of the object based on the region of the display from which the reflected light originated. |
| US09256083B2 |
Multi-focal lens
In one aspect, the invention is directed to a multifocal ophthalmic lens having a first region having first focal properties, and a second region having second focal properties and including a progressive region. The second region may further include, for example, a portion that is a reading region. The second region has two side edges and there are first and second transition regions between the first region and the side edges of the second region. The transition regions each have a width that is less than a selected width. This gives the lens designer more freedom to provide a wider second region without extending into lower left and lower right regions of the lens. |
| US09256074B2 |
Liquid crystal optical element and stereoscopic image display device
According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal optical element includes first and second substrate units, a liquid crystal layer, and spacers. The first substrate unit includes a first substrate and first electrodes. The first substrate has a first major surface. The first electrodes are provided on the first major surface, extend along a first direction, and have a first width in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second substrate unit includes a second substrate and an opposing electrode. The second substrate has a second major surface opposed to the first major surface. The opposing electrode is provided on the second major surface. The liquid crystal layer is provided between the first and second substrate units. The spacers are in contact with the liquid crystal layer. A diameter of each spacer is larger than the first width. |
| US09256072B2 |
Wearable electronic glasses that detect movement of a real object copies movement of a virtual object
A method detects a real object with a wearable electronic device and displays a virtual image of the real object with the real object on a display of the wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device displays movement of the virtual image of the real object to show a task to be completed and detects a completion of the task. |
| US09256071B1 |
User interface
Methods and apparatus for controlling one or more devices using a computing device, such as a wearable computing device, are disclosed. Using a sensor associated with a wearable computing device, one or more inputs are generated at the wearable computing device. As one example, the sensor can be an image capture device, and the inputs can be one or more images from a point of view of a person associated with the computing device. As another example, the sensor can be a motion sensor, and the input can be locations and/or orientations, and a gaze direction can be determined. The computing device can determine an object of interest based on the inputs. A control signal can be generated for the object of interest. The control signal can be transmitted from the computing device. |
| US09256070B2 |
Image display device and program
An image display device includes a transparent plate which may be disposed in an inclined manner with respect to a display section of a portable terminal provided with the display section. A display displayed on the display section may be reflected on the transparent plate. A space behind the transparent plate may be viewed through the transparent plate and, at the same time, an image on the display section of the portable terminal may also be viewed while being reflected on the transparent plate. |
| US09256066B2 |
Laser beam irradiance control systems
Irradiance control systems (“ICSs”) that control the irradiance of a beam of light are disclosed. ICSs include in a beam translator and a beam launch. The beam translator translates the beam substantially perpendicular to the propagating direction of the beam with a desired displacement so that the beam launch can remove a portion of the translated beam and the beam can be output with a desired irradiance. The beam launch attenuates the irradiance of the beam based on the amount by which the beam is translated. ISCs can be incorporated into fluorescent microscopy instruments to provide high-speed, fine-tune control over the irradiance of excitation beams. |
| US09256065B1 |
System and method for compensating thermal dependent loss in variable optical attenuators
A system having a MEMS variable optical attenuator (VOA) that has an improved optical shutter for regulating the optical power of an optical signal by partially intercepting incident light beams and a negative temperature coefficient component that is electrical connected in series with a voltage source that drives the MEMS variable optical attenuator (VOA) is disclosed. |
| US09256064B1 |
Angled orientation of sub-pixels in an electrowetting display
Subject matter disclosed herein relates to arrangements and techniques that provide for improving resolution of black and white images displayed by a display of an image display apparatus, for example an EWD. An electrowetting display device comprising a plurality of sub-pixels. Each sub-pixel comprises a substrate, an electrode layer on the substrate, and a hydrophobic layer on the electrode layer. A first fluid is disposed on the hydrophobic layer and a second fluid is disposed on the first fluid. The second fluid is immiscible with the first fluid. The plurality of sub-pixels is arranged in an angled relationship with respect to horizontal and vertical borders of the electrowetting display device. |
| US09256062B2 |
Electrowetting display apparatus and dye composition for electrowetting display
The electrowetting display apparatus includes a display unit including: a first substrate at least one surface of which is electroconductive; a second substrate disposed to face the electroconductive surface of the first substrate; a hydrophobic insulation film disposed on the electroconductive surface side of the first substrate; a non-electroconductive oil which is provided between the hydrophobic insulation film and second substrate movably on the hydrophobic insulation film and includes a non-polar solvent and an azamethine-based colorant containing two colorant mother nuclei bonded via a linking group represented by ═N—; and an electroconductive hydrophilic liquid provided between the hydrophobic insulation film and second substrate to contact the oil; in which an image is displayed by applying a voltage between the hydrophilic liquid and the electroconductive surface of first substrate and changing the shape of interface between the oil and hydrophilic liquid. |
| US09256059B2 |
Zoom lens system, imaging optical device, and digital appliance
A zoom lens system having a negative first lens group and a positive second lens group, from an object side, and achieving zooming by varying a group-to-group distance. The second lens group includes a three-element cemented lens which is a set of three lens elements cemented together including, from the object side, a negative first lens, a positive second lens, and a negative third lens, and the three-element cemented lens fulfills conditional formulas 0.08<(rs2+rs1)/(rs2−rs1)<0.5, 27 |
| US09256054B2 |
Image lens assembly and image capturing device
An image lens assembly includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, a fifth lens element and a sixth lens element. The first lens element with positive refractive power has a convex object-side surface. The second lens element has positive refractive power. The third lens element has refractive power. The fourth lens element has refractive power. The fifth lens element with negative refractive power has a concave object-side surface, wherein both of the surfaces of the fifth lens element are aspheric. The sixth lens element with refractive power has a concave image-side surface, wherein the image-side surface thereof has at least one inflection point, and both of the surfaces of the sixth lens element are aspheric. The image lens assembly has a total of six lens elements with refractive power. |
| US09256050B2 |
Lens barrel assembly and photographing apparatus including the same
A lens barrel assembly includes: a lens barrel that is rotatable about an optical axis and is movable in a direction along the optical axis; a moving plate that is combined with the lens barrel so that the moving plate is rotated together with the lens barrel and is movable with respect to the lens barrel in the direction along the optical axis; a power transmission unit that is installed on the moving plate and transmits an outside rotation force to the lens barrel via the moving plate; and a stopper that is disposed on a path on which the moving plate moves in the direction along the optical axis and that limits a movement of the moving plate in the direction along the optical axis in a partial section of the path on which the lens barrel is moved. |
| US09256045B2 |
Open loop cooling system and method for downhole tools
A downhole tool (100) including an open loop cooling system (110) having a pressurized container (120) disposed within a tool string, and has a refrigerant (122). The cooling system further includes a tank (150) in fluid communication with the pressurized container (120), and a heat exchanger (160) associated with tank (150), where the heat exchanger exchanges heat between the refrigerant (122) and a downhole payload (164). The cooling system further includes a low pressure apparatus that creates a low pressure region proximate the pressurized container. The low pressure apparatus can include a venturi (180). The venturi has a drilling mud passage (188) therethrough, and drilling mud flowing through a convergence (186) creates a low pressure adjacent the tank (150). |
| US09256037B2 |
Variable optical attenuator
In one embodiment, a variable optical attenuator includes a core configured to propagate optical data signals and a cladding surrounding at least part of the core and comprising a first cladding portion and a second cladding portion. An attenuating spacer between the first cladding portion and the second cladding portion is formed from a smart material. The smart material is configured to apply a force to at least one of the first cladding portion and the second cladding portion in response to an external stimulus. The smart material may be a piezoelectric material and the external stimulus may be an electrical current. |
| US09256034B2 |
Optical connector having high coupling precision
An optical connector includes a first optical-electric coupling element, a second optical-electric coupling element, and a fixing device. The first optical-electric coupling element defines a first cavity and a second cavity. The second cavity includes two opposite first sidewalls. Each first sidewall defines a locating cutout. The second optical-electric coupling element is received in the second cavity, and defines a third cavity. The third cavity includes two opposite second sidewalls. Each second sidewall defines a through hole. The fixing device includes two elastic deformable portions conforming the two through holes, and a number receiving holes each for receiving a optical fiber. The fixing device is received in the through holes, with the elastic deformable portion resisting against an internal sidewall of the locating cutout, to firmly lock the second optical-electric coupling element into the second cavity of the first optical-electric coupling element. |
| US09256033B2 |
Cylindrical optical ferrule alignment apparatus
An alignment sleeve for an optical fiber adapter includes features to bring precision alignment between optical fiber cores. The sleeve includes a tubular inner area to accept first and second ferrule ends of first and second connectors. First and second tabs project from first and second ends of the sleeve. The first and second tabs slide into holes in the ferrule holders or barrels of the first and second connectors, so as to provide rotational alignment of the first and second ferrules, which may be presenting multi-core optical fibers. A mid-portion of the sleeve may include geometrical features to enable a snap fit of the sleeve into a housing of the adapter. More than one tab may be employed at the ends of the sleeve, and the tabs may have defined spacing and/or dimensions to enable security keying, only permitting coupling between connectors possessing matching holes in the ferrule barrels. |
| US09256032B2 |
Global link connector system
A connector mating system that can enable the coupling and decoupling of electrical or optical communications channels, while in a deep, sub-oceanic, sea-floor environments, during which time the contacting interfaces of the said channels remain fully protected from the destructive effects of the said environment. The system features a Wet-Mate Connector (WMC) that provides a means for electrical, optical and hybrid interconnection within an extremely hostile environments. |
| US09256028B2 |
Dispersion-corrected arrayed waveguide grating
Techniques are described for forming an arrayed waveguide grating. In one example, an arrayed waveguide grating comprises a waveguide array coupled to the output of a parallel mode converter and a concave reflective diffraction grating coupled to the output of the waveguide array, wherein the waveguide array comprises a first waveguide and a second waveguide, wherein the first waveguide of the waveguide array has a different length from the second waveguide of the waveguide array. The waveguide array has a first dispersion having a first sign and a first magnitude, wherein the concave reflective diffraction grating has a second dispersion having a second sign and a second magnitude, wherein the second sign is opposite the first sign. |
| US09256024B2 |
Backlight module
The present invention provides a backlight module, which includes a backplane (2) and a light guide plate (4), a backlight source (6), a mounting bracket (8), a quantum dot rail (10), and a heat isolation member (12) mounted in the backplane (2). The quantum dot rail (10) is fixedly mounted, via the mounting bracket (8), between the light guide plate (4) and the backlight source (6). The mounting bracket (8) is made of an aluminum material. The heat isolation member (12) is arranged between the quantum dot rail (10) and the mounting bracket (8). The present invention uses a mounting bracket made of an aluminum material to fix a backlight source for enhancing the effect of heat dissipation and also to fix the quantum dot rail for ensuring a desired effect of fixing and reducing cost. Further, a heat isolation member is arranged between the quantum dot rail and the mounting bracket to prevent the quantum dot rail from being affected by the heat emitting from the backlight source thereby guaranteeing the life span of the backlight module. |
| US09256018B2 |
Stimulated emission luminescent light-guide solar concentrators
A solar concentrator comprising: A luminescent layer having luminescent particles capable of becoming excited by absorbing solar light of a first absorption frequency and, once excited, being capable of being stimulated to emit luminescent light at a first emission frequency. A light source for generating a pump light of the first emission frequency for stimulating the excited luminescent particles having absorbed solar light such that when the pump light traveling in a direction of travel stimulates the luminescent particles having absorbed solar light at the first absorption frequency the luminescent particles emit luminescent light at the first emission frequency in the direction of travel of the pump light, intensifying the pump light. A light guide adjacent to and optically coupled with the luminescent layer, the light-guide for assisting in guiding the intensified pump light via total internal reflection to a light collection area. |
| US09256016B2 |
Cellulose ester films, polarizing plates and liquid crystal displays equipped therewith
The cellulose ester film contains a cellulose ester(s) having substitution(s) by an acyl group(s) having 3 to 4 carbon atoms, or an acyl group(s) having 2 carbon atoms and an acyl group(s) having 3 to 4 carbon atoms, the cellulose ester having a total degree of substitution with the acyl group(s) of not less than 1.0 and less than 2.0 and sufficing a weight average molecular weight of not more than 150000; a sugar ester compound(s) having not less than one and not more than 12 sugar unit structures, the sugar unit structure being at least one of a pyranose structure or furanose structure, wherein an average percentage of substitution in the sugar unit structure is 35% to 75%; and the cellulose ester film having a film thickness of i0 to 35 μm. The cellulose ester film is used for polarizing plates and liquid crystal displays equipped. |
| US09256013B2 |
Short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) multi-conjugate liquid crystal tunable filter
A SWIR hyperspectral imaging filter has serial stages along an optical signal path with angularly distributed birefringent retarders and polarizers. The retarders can include active retarders such as tunable liquid crystal birefringent elements, passive retarders such as fixed retarders, and/or combinations thereof. Distinctly different periodic transmission spectra are provided by different filter stages, each having multiple retarders, in particular with some stages having broad bandpass peaks at wide spectral spacing and other stages have very narrow closely spaced peaks. The respective spectra include at least one tunably selectable band at which the transmission spectra of the filter stages coincide, whereby the salutary narrow bandpass and wide spectral spacing ranges of different stages apply together, resulting in a high finesse wavelength filter suitable for spectral imaging. The filter may be configured to provide faster switching speed and increased angle of acceptance and may operate in the rage of approximately 850-1700 nm. |
| US09256003B2 |
Three-dimensional focusing induced polarization equipment for advanced geological prediction of water inrush disaster source in underground engineering
The invention discloses three-dimensional focusing induced polarization equipment for advance geological prediction of a water inrush disaster source in underground engineering, comprising a constant-current multiplex transmitter, an intelligent multichannel receiver, an automatic multi-electrode switch, an industrial personal computer, an observation electrode array and shielding electrodes, wherein electrodes in the observation electrode array are respectively used as a source electrode and observation electrodes; the industrial personal computer controls the constant-current multiplex transmitter to transmit currents of the same polarity to the shielding electrodes and the source electrode, so that the currents of the source electrodes are nearly directed straight ahead of a driving face under the action of the shielding electrodes; the observation electrodes are used for scanning data acquisition, and the data are fed back to the industrial personal computer through the intelligent multi-channel receiver; and the industrial personal computer controls the automatic multi-electrode switch to change the source electrode. |
| US09256002B2 |
Coupler/ coupling ring assembly, methods, and applications
A coupler for a cable includes a body portion having integral first and second ends and an integral gate having a key entry region, wherein the body portion has a free space at least partially enclosed by an inner surface of the body portion and the gate. A complimentary coupling ring includes an integral perimetal body having a head section, a foot section, and two arm sections therebetween, wherein at least one of the arm sections has a key region, wherein the key region consists of a solid, integral portion of the at least one arm section. A coupler/coupling ring assembly comprises a coupler and a coupling ring that is removeably engageable with the coupler. The coupler/coupling ring assembly is suited for interconnecting lengths of cable, particularly suited for, but not limited to, undersea applications such as attaching a seismic data recording device to the coupler via the coupling ring. |
| US09255998B2 |
Method of optimizing seismic vibrator output force
A method of controlling a seismic vehicle may include estimating at least one orientation parameter for the seismic vehicle and controlling at least one operating parameter in view of the estimated orientation parameter(s). In non-limiting arrangements, the control may relate to re-positioning the seismic vehicle, adjusting value of a hold-down force or target drive force, and/or updating a seismic data acquisition database. |
| US09255996B2 |
Radiation image acquisition device
A radiation image acquisition device includes: a radiation source which emits radiation; a wavelength conversion member which generates scintillation light according to incidence of the radiation emitted from the radiation source and transmitted by an object; first imaging means which condenses and images the scintillation light emitted from an entrance surface for the radiation in the wavelength conversion member; and second imaging means which condenses and images the scintillation light emitted from a surface opposite to the entrance surface in the wavelength conversion member, wherein one of the first imaging means and the second imaging means condenses the scintillation light emitted from the entrance surface or the opposite surface in a direction of a normal thereto, and wherein the other condenses the scintillation light emitted from the entrance surface or the opposite surface in a direction inclined with respect to a direction of a normal thereto. |
| US09255994B2 |
Multiphase code generator and GNSS receiver
A code generator, for providing a PRN sequence in a GNSS receiver, has the capability to store an internal status at any given point of the generated sequence. The stored status can be reloaded in the generator, upon an external command, or after a given number of generation cycles, thus slewing the phase of the generated PRN sequence to the value corresponding to the stored status. A parallel-correlation GNSS receiver includes one or more slewable code generators, for successively generating local replicas of GNSS PRN sequences, having different code phases, corresponding to a plurality of candidate signals of different code and Doppler shifts. Each time the code generator must switch from one candidate to a second, it is preemptively controlled or programmed, while generating the code for the first candidate, to store the internal status at the phase point almost aligned with the start of the PRN sequence for the second candidate. When the correlation engine switches from the first candidate to the second one, the stored status is loaded in the code generator, and the small misalignment between the code generator and the desired sequence is corrected, thus setting it at the needed point in phase space. The generator and receiver of the invention are well suited to the search of several GNSS signal in parallel, and require less memory than a table-based code generator. |
| US09255986B2 |
Method of locating an object in 3D
Methods and devices for calculating the position of a movable device are disclosed. The device may include multiple optical detectors (ODs) and the movable device may include light sources. Optics may be above the ODs. A controller may calculate the position of the light source based on data from the ODs and properties of the optics. The device may be a game console, and the light source may be a game controller. The roles of the OD and light sources may be interchanged. The rotation of the movable device may be determined using multiple light sources and/or multiple ODs on the movable device. The movable device may calculate its position and transmit it to a console. The light sources may be modulated by time or frequency to distinguish between the light sources. There may be two or more movable devices. There may be two or more consoles. |
| US09255985B2 |
Apparatus and method for identifying location information using visible light communication and GPS
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for identifying location information by using visible light communication and a GPS (Global Positioning System). The apparatus includes: a GPS signal processor for receiving a GPS signal, and identifying location information; a visible light signal processor for receiving a visible light signal, and identifying location information; a GPS/visible light selector for identifying strengths of signals provided by the GPS signal processor and the visible light signal processor, and controlling an operation of the GPS signal processor and an operation of the visible light signal processor; and a location information output unit for outputting the at least one location information provided by the GPS signal processor and the visible light signal processor. |
| US09255978B2 |
Magnetic assembly and method for defining a magnetic field for an imaging volume
Disclosed herein is a magnet assembly that includes at least two magnets arranged in a fixed spaced relationship with one another thereby to define a space between the magnets that encompasses an imaging volume. Each of the magnets produces a variety of magnetic field strengths across inward-facing surfaces thereof that, in combination, produce an acceptably homogeneous magnetic field in the imaging volume. Also disclosed is a method of defining a magnetic field for an imaging volume. The method comprises generating an initial model of a magnet assembly; estimating a magnetic field for the imaging volume based on the model; calculating deviation between the estimated magnetic field and a target magnetic field for the imaging volume; and updating the model to reduce the deviation by modifying the magnet assembly to produce a variety of magnetic field strengths that, in combination, produce substantially the target magnetic field in the imaging volume. |
| US09255976B2 |
Current detection device
In a current detection device for detecting current in a busbar, a reduction in device size may be realized by employing a small magnetic core. The prevention or reduction of excessive heat generation by the busbar, the facilitation of the attachment task, and a reduction in the amount of space required for the attachment task may also be realized. The folded-back busbar is U-shaped with a bar-shaped penetration portion that passes through a hole portion of a magnetic core, two bar-shaped extension portions, and two flat plate-shaped penetration portions. The width of each terminal portion is larger than the widths of the penetration portion and the extension portions. An insulating casing supports the magnetic core, a Hall element, and the folded-back busbar in a fixed positional relationship, with the two terminal portions being exposed to the outside. |
| US09255974B2 |
Method for characterizing an electric battery
A determination of particular parameters for modeling a battery such as a lithium-ion battery, for example the charge transfer resistance and the double layer behavior at the surface of electrical connections, by extrapolating results obtained in a stationary mode, for example without charge or discharge current, to quick charge or discharge modes, where traditional measurements are too slow, since the parameters vary as a function of the charge or discharge state. |
| US09255970B2 |
On-line monitoring of stator insulation in motors and generators
Systems and methods are disclosed for on-line monitoring of the condition of the stator insulation of an AC motor or an electric generator. In certain embodiments, the system includes a transformer surrounding each pair of input and output cables associated with a given phase of power provided to the AC motor or generated by the electric generator. In another embodiment, a transformer surrounds the three input cables (for an AC motor) or the three output cables (for an electric generator) that correspond to phases of the AC motor or electric generator. In both embodiments, the transformers generate voltages that may be used to monitor leakage currents associated with the cables. A microcontroller monitors the voltages generated by the transformers and determines the condition of the stator insulation of the AC motor or the electric generator based on the voltages. |
| US09255967B2 |
System and method for measuring an integrated circuit age
A system and method are provided for measuring an integrated circuit age. A first clock generator is provided for generating a first clock signal and a second clock generator is provided for generating a second clock signal. Further, a phase detector in communication with the first clock generator and the second clock generator is provided for receiving the first clock signal from the first clock generator and the second clock signal from the second clock generator, and outputting a phase difference signal that is capable of being used as a measure of an integrated circuit age. Still yet, a circuit in communication with the phase detector and the first clock generator is provided for receiving the first clock signal from the first clock generator and the phase difference signal from the phase detector and for synchronizing the phase difference signal from the phase detector with the first clock signal from the first clock generator. |
| US09255966B2 |
Receiver circuit, semiconductor integrated circuit, and test method
A receiver circuit includes a CDR circuit, a jitter generator unit, a test pattern generator unit, and a comparator unit. The jitter generator unit generates jitter having first characteristics (frequency and amplitude). The test pattern generator unit generates a test pattern to which the jitter is added, and supplies the test pattern to the CDR circuit. The comparator unit compares a value outputted from the CDR circuit with an expected value and outputs a comparison result. |
| US09255962B2 |
Determining intra-die variation of an integrated circuit
Embodiments of the present invention disclose an apparatus and method to determine the intra-chip variation of an integrated circuit. In an embodiment, an apparatus comprises a test macro that includes two or more test structures; wherein each test structure includes identical copies of the same performance monitor; wherein each performance monitor has a unique bounding circuitry that encompasses the performance monitor; and wherein the two or more test structures are positioned close enough to each other as to reduce systematic across chip variation between the two or more test structures. |
| US09255959B2 |
Test apparatus for semiconductor package
A test apparatus for a semiconductor package comprising an X-ray analyzer acquiring an X-ray image of the semiconductor package and detecting a thickness of the semiconductor package from the X-ray image, and a thermal reaction analyzer applying a voltage to the semiconductor package and detecting a failure position of the semiconductor package using a surface temperature of the semiconductor package and the thickness of the semiconductor package may be provided. |
| US09255954B2 |
Method and apparatus for phase identification in a three-phase power distribution network using servers
A remote phase identification system identifies the unknown phase attribute of any energized conductor within a three-phase power distribution network. A base station at a reference location obtains a reference phase each GPS second and stores it on one or more servers. A field probe at a remote location obtains an instantaneous phase measurement at a GPS second and communicates this phase to a field client. The field client communicates with the server either by wireless Internet or satellite modem to compare its field location phase measurement with the reference location phase measurement taken at the same GPS second. Field client tagging reference phase configuration files are automatically created for any circuit. Configuration files can be named, saved, and loaded and are used by the field client to identify and display the unknown field location phase attribute. A field client can be any personal computer, smartphone, or personal digital assistant. |
| US09255950B2 |
Method and arrangement for frequency determination
In a method for determining a frequency of an input signal, a first count value is determined by counting clock edges of a reference clock signal while the input signal corresponds to a first level value. Further, a second count value is determined by counting clock edges of the reference clock signal while the input signal corresponds to a second level value. The frequency of the input signal is determined as a function of the first and the second count value. |
| US09255949B2 |
Local transformer level grid management systems and methods
At least one exemplary aspect comprises an apparatus for multi-channel metering of electricity, comprising: (a) a meter head that comprises one or more metering points, the meter head operable to connect and disconnect service on each one of a plurality of electricity consumer lines, and the meter head operable to measure electricity usage for each of the plurality of electricity consumer lines; and (b) a housing containing the meter head and a distribution transformer. In another aspect, an apparatus comprising a meter head is operable, in response to an interruption in flow of electricity being received from a distribution transformer, to actuate corresponding relays to disconnect service on one or more of the electricity consumer lines. In another aspect, an apparatus comprising a meter head is in communication with one or more sensors operable to sense environmental conditions in a distribution transformer housing. |
| US09255947B2 |
Sensor circuit
A method of measuring signals related to a photodiode based sensor and calculating a corrected data value thereof is disclosed. A nominal reset voltage value of the photodiode may be measured. A knee point voltage may be applied to the photodiode and resets a voltage on the photodiode to the knee point voltage when the voltage on the photodiode falls below the knee point voltage. Applying the knee point voltage may extend the dynamic range of the sensor. An output voltage of the photodiode at end of an integration time of the photodiode may be measured. The knee point voltage may be applied again after the end of the integration time. A voltage value of the photodiode of the knee point voltage may be measured. The nominal reset voltage value, the output voltage of a sensor and the knee point voltage may be reported to calculate the corrected data value. |
| US09255936B2 |
Sample storage cassette for ultra-low or cryogenic temperatures
A storage cassette including a plurality of generally vertical compartments for storing sample tube racks and/or SBS formatted plates is constructed to be flexible along its substantially vertical axis thereby facilitating reliable robotic placement and retrieval of the cassette from nesting tubes located within a horizontal freezer compartment. Insulated walls and solid shelves minimize heat transfer from storage racks or plates placed in the storage cassette when the cassette is removed from an ultra-low temperature or cryogenic freezer. The outer walls of the cassette includes mechanical indexing locations to ensure appropriate positioning when robotically removing storage racks or plates from the cassette. |
| US09255933B2 |
Imaging beta-amyloid peptides and inhibition of beta-amyloid peptide aggregation
The present invention is in the field of pharmaceuticals and chemical industries. In particular, the present invention relates to methods for labeling, imaging and detecting the beta-amyloid (Aβ) peptides, oligomers, and fibrils in vitro by using carbazole-based fluorophores. A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method of reducing and preventing aggregation of beta-amyloid peptides for Alzheimer's disease (AD) as well as of treating and/or preventing Alzheimer's disease by using carbazole-based fluorophores. |
| US09255928B2 |
Method for the characterization of intermolecular interactions
The invention relates to a method for identifying in a sample molecules with the capacity to bind to the different members of a molecule library, wherein the molecules which are in the sample are fractionated based on a physicochemical property of the sample and subsequently transferred from the support in which said molecules have been separated to a second support in which the different members of the molecule library are grouped into microarrays such that they uniformly coat the surface of the support. This technique is especially interesting for the identification in a sample of glycoproteins with affinity for a lectin library as well as for the identification of compounds capable of modulating the glycosylation of proteins and for the rapid characterization of alterations in the glycosylation pattern of a sample of proteins, which can be useful in the diagnosis of diseases in which there are alterations in cell glycosylation. |
| US09255927B2 |
Methods of developing a prognosis for pancreatic cancer and predicting responsiveness to cancer therapeutics
Methods of predicting responsiveness of a cancer in a subject to a cancer therapy including a VEGF targeting agent are provided herein. The methods include detecting the expression level of at least one biomarker selected from ANG-2, SDF-1 and VEGF-D in a sample from the subject and using the expression levels to determine whether the VEGF targeting agent will be effective to treat the cancer in the subject. The predictions may be used to develop treatment plans for the subjects. Methods of developing a prognosis for a subject with pancreatic cancer are also provided. These methods include determining the expression level of IGFBP-1, PDGF-AA and at least one of IL-6 or CRP in a sample from a subject with pancreatic cancer. |
| US09255925B2 |
ELISA detection of urine DEK to predict and diagnose bladder cancer in humans
The present invention is directed to a method of detecting a DEK protein in a human urine sample using an ELISA assay. Methods and compositions for detection of DEK using mAb 260-6F9F6 (as detection antibody) and mAb 16-2C9C3 (as capture antibody) in human urine are provided herein. Specifically, the ELISA assay utilizes a capture mAb and a detection mAb to yield a high sensitivity of <50 ng/mL. The presence of DEK in urine is useful in predicting or diagnosing the occurrence of bladder cancer in humans. |
| US09255924B2 |
Exosomes and diagnostic biomarkers
The invention provides methods for the detection of M. tuberculosis proteins in or on exosomes derived from infected individuals. The methods can use a proteomic approach including mass spectroscopy, data mining and multiplex reaction monitoring to quickly examine a large amount of M. tuberculosis proteins to determine the best biomarkers for use in diagnostic tests to identify active TB patients. |
| US09255921B2 |
Diagnostic system and diagnosing method, housing component of a lubricant container
Diagnostic system including a sensor device with a sensor for generating signals corresponding to a first operational condition, a control device with a timer and function for performance of measurements, and a signal transmission device. The system includes a device for determination of a second operational condition of the system component and configured where the sensor value of the signal transmission device corresponding to the first operational condition is furnished when the sensor value corresponding to a second operational condition of the transmission mechanism is higher or lower than a comparative value, and housing component of a lubricant container and a closure device for sealing an opening of the housing component from a lubricant present in the operational use thereof in an internal space thereof, having arranged therein: at least one sensor device including at least one sensor for determining the water content in the lubricant. |
| US09255920B1 |
Wireless sensor
Disclosed is a sensor for detecting a target material. The sensor includes a ferromagnetic metal and a molecular recognition reagent coupled to the ferromagnetic metal. The molecular recognition reagent is operable to expand upon exposure to vapor or liquid from the target material such that the molecular recognition reagent changes a tensile stress upon the ferromagnetic metal. The target material is detected based on changes in the magnetic switching characteristics of the ferromagnetic metal caused by the changes in the tensile stress. |
| US09255918B2 |
Apparatus and method for obtaining gaseous hydrogen concentrations in a mechanical vacuum pump gas stream of a BWR
An apparatus adapted to measure gaseous hydrogen concentrations in a mechanical vacuum pump (MVP) gas stream includes connection ports adapted to allow the apparatus to be connected to an MVP system and allow a gas stream sample to be taken from the MVP gas stream. The apparatus further includes a hydrogen concentration analyzer to measure H2 concentrations of the gas stream sample taken from the MVP gas stream. |
| US09255917B2 |
Analyzer calibrating system and exhaust gas analyzing system
An analyzer calibrating system intended to reduce calibration time and a consumption amount of calibration gas in the case of concurrently calibrating a plurality of analyzers and includes: a calibration gas line for concurrently supplying the same calibration gas to a plurality of analyzers; and a control unit adapted to determine whether or not an output value of each of the plurality of analyzers supplied with the same calibration gas is stable. The control unit calibrates the analyzer having the output value determined to be stable and stops the supply of the calibration gas to the analyzer having completed with the calibration. |
| US09255910B2 |
System and method for performing ultrasonic pipeline wall property measurements
Pipeline wall thickness is measured as a function of position using ultrasound propagation. A series of predictive models is used, which define predictions of the ultrasound response signals as a function of different sets of parameters. The different sets that are determine of position dependent ultrasound speed at different sound frequencies and different spatial resolution. Successive iterative fitting process are executed, each fitting a combination of values of a successive set of parameters to the detected ultrasound response signals according to a respective model, using the values fitted values from the previous fitting process to initialize the next set of parameters for iterative fitting. At least the first model defines predictions of wave vector values as a function of circumferential position in successive rings around the pipe as sums of wave vector value for a plurality of circumferential positions in a preceding one of the rings multiplied by propagation coefficients, using propagation coefficients that depend on a first set of parameters. |
| US09255908B2 |
Tightness measuring apparatus and measuring method
According to a method by a frequency analysis of tap tones at the time when a tightness of a ripple member fixed by an elastic force has been tapped by a hammer or a method of detecting a response at the time when the ripple member has been vibrated, an enough precision cannot be obtained for a tightness estimation. A tapping force is applied to a plurality of positions on the member surface, thereby allowing a plurality of tap tones to be generated. Feature amounts are obtained from the plurality of tap tones. An average feature amount is obtained by averaging the feature amounts. The tightness of the ripple member is estimated from the average feature amount by using a correlation between the tightness of the ripple member and the average feature amount. |
| US09255904B2 |
Step-change sensor for pumped and unpumped operation
A sensor device for sensing at least a proportion of at least one gas component of a gas in a measurement gas space, in particular for detecting oxygen in an exhaust gas of a combustion machine, is proposed. The sensor device includes at least one sensor element. The sensor element includes at least one first electrode and at least one first reference electrode and at least one second reference electrode. The second reference electrode is connected to at least one reference gas channel. The first electrode is connected to the first reference electrode and the second reference electrode by at least one respective solid electrolyte. The sensor element has at least one diffusion element between the first reference electrode and the reference gas channel. |
| US09255903B2 |
Methods of producing an electrochemical sensor for determining an analyte concentration
The invention relates to an electrochemical sensor for the determination of a concentration of at least one analyte in a medium, in particular a body tissue and/or a body fluid, to an apparatus that includes the electrochemical sensor, and to a use of the electrochemical sensor, and finally to a method for producing it. The electrochemical sensor has an isolation element and at least two electrodes. The at least two electrodes comprise at least one working electrode and at least one further electrode, in particular at least one counter electrode and/or at least one reference electrode. The at least two electrodes run parallel to one another and form an electrochemical measuring cell of the electrochemical sensor. |
| US09255897B1 |
Compact scanner apparatus
The present invention provides a compact scanner apparatus having a tunnel with a conveyor passing therethrough. A scanning beam, e.g. an X-ray beam, is mounted in the tunnel to view an object being moved on the conveyor. Upper and lower isolation device curtains are mounted at the tunnel entry. Either a single curtain or multiple curtains are mounted at the exit of the tunnel. The lower curtains are opposed pairs hinged to pivot as the object passes through. The upper curtains may be hinged pairs or a single swinging curtain hanging down from a support bar. Alternate embodiments provide bi-directional hinged curtains or multiple tiers of hinged curtains. |
| US09255892B2 |
Substrate, a method of measuring a property, an inspection apparatus and a lithographic apparatus
A second set of superimposed gratings are superposed over a first set of superimposed gratings. The second set of gratings have a different periodicity from the first set of gratings or a different orientation. Consequently the first order diffraction pattern from the second set of superimposed gratings can be distinguished from the first order diffraction pattern from the first set of superimposed gratings. |
| US09255891B2 |
Inspection beam shaping for improved detection sensitivity
Methods and systems for reshaping the beam intensity distribution of an illumination light supplied to a specimen under inspection are presented. A scanning surface inspection system includes a beam shaping element that flattens the beam intensity distribution of a beam of light generated by an illumination source. The reshaped illumination light is directed to the wafer surface over an illumination spot. With a flattened beam intensity distribution, the incident beam power can be increased without the beam intensity exceeding the damage threshold of the wafer at any particular location. In addition, the illumination spot is shaped by the beam shaping element to have a variable beam width in a direction parallel to the inspection track. The location of a defect within an inspection area having a variable beam width is estimated based on an analysis of the output of the detector. |
| US09255889B2 |
Method for monitoring quality of yarn by electronic yarn cleaner and detector for carrying out the method
A method and sensor are provided for monitoring the quality of yarn by an electronic cleaner of yarn by means of an optical detector having a sensor with one or two rows of individual optical elements that are rectangular-shaped and have analog outputs. Each of the optical elements has a photodiode and an amplifier of its output signal. The amplifier has a variable amplification, whose size is modified according to the required sensitivity of a respective optical element to light. |
| US09255880B2 |
Apparatus and method for evaluating power transmission conductors
An apparatus and method for evaluating power transmission conductors is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to evaluate a charged power transmission conductor at a distance and includes a telescope assembly configured to transmit light to the conductor and receive a reflected light, in response to the transmitted light, from the conductor. The apparatus further includes control electronics configured to analyze the reflected light and determine a ratio based on two pre-determined frequencies, wherein the ratio is correlated with levels of iron oxide corrosion to confirm the presence of oxides that have leached through strands of the conductor. |
| US09255878B2 |
Measurement of nitrate-nitrogen concentration in soil based on absorption spectroscopy
The nitrate-nitrogen concentration in soil is estimated based on the nitrate-nitrogen 200 nm absorption peak. In one embodiment, a device measures the attenuation spectrum of a soil-extractant mixture over a wavelength range that includes wavelengths in the vicinity of the 200 nm absorption peak (the spectral operating range) and then determines the nitrate-nitrogen concentration based on the attenuation spectrum. |
| US09255877B2 |
Metrology system optimization for parameter tracking
Methods and systems for evaluating the capability of a measurement system to track measurement parameters through a given process window are presented herein. Performance evaluations include random perturbations, systematic perturbations, or both to effectively characterize the impact of model errors, metrology system imperfections, and calibration errors, among others. In some examples, metrology target parameters are predetermined as part of a Design of Experiments (DOE). Estimated values of the metrology target parameters are compared to the known DOE parameter values to determine the tracking capability of the particular measurement. In some examples, the measurement model is parameterized by principal components to reduce the number of degrees of freedom of the measurement model. In addition, exemplary methods and systems for optimizing the measurement capability of semiconductor metrology systems for metrology applications subject to process variations are presented. |
| US09255873B2 |
Sensor controller
A sensor controller for a particulate matter detection sensor includes a signal output circuit connected to the particulate matter detection sensor such that a sensor detection value is changeable in a predetermined output range by the signal output circuit, a heater configured to heat an attachment portion so as to burn and remove particulate matter attached to the attachment portion, a learning portion for calculating a sensor standard value in a state where the resistance between a pair of opposed electrodes is reduced based on an obtained sensor detection value and for storing the sensor standard value as a learning value, and a correcting portion for correcting the sensor detection value based on the sensor standard value stored by the learning portion. |
| US09255867B2 |
Wire-pull test location identification on a wire of a microelectronic package
A mechanism is provided for identifying a wire-pull test location on a wire of a microelectronic package. A first distance between a first terminating location of the wire on the microelectronic package and a second terminating location of the wire on the microelectronic package is determined. Based on the first distance, a second distance from either the first terminating location or the second terminating location is determined as the wire-pull test location for testing a strength of a connection of the wire to at least one of the first terminating location or the second terminating location. An adjustment is performed such that a visual guide is oriented on the wire at the wire-pull test location. |
| US09255862B2 |
Gasoline blend spot sampling system and method
A gasoline blend spot sampling system and method including an adjustable volume mechanism for retaining an adjustable volume of gasoline for sampling, a coolant system integrated with the adjustable volume mechanism, and a sample collection assembly using a blunt-end tube for use with an open-mouthed bottle. Various three-way valves are actuated to route gasoline through various stages of a sampling process, from a gasoline fast loop to a purge loop to a gasoline capture stage to a sample bottling stage. |
| US09255861B2 |
Method of measuring optical loss and apparatus for measuring optical loss
The invention is to provide an optical loss measuring method and an optical loss measuring apparatus capable of efficiently measuring an optical loss occurring to a target for measurement. The other optical loss measurement method comprising the steps of inputting light outputted from a light source to a target for measurement to thereby measure an output level of the target for measurement with the use of an optical power meter, maintaining the output level of the light source at a predetermined fixed value, and finding the optical loss occurring to the target for measurement on the basis of the output level of the light source maintained at the fixed value for use as the reference value. |
| US09255857B2 |
Torque detecting device and electric power steering system
A torque detecting device includes a permanent magnet; a first magnetic yoke; a second magnetic yoke; two magnetic elements; a terminal; a case; and an external housing. The two magnetic elements are electrically connected to the terminal. The case accommodates the two magnetic elements and the terminal. The external housing accommodates the permanent magnet, the first magnetic yoke, and the second magnetic yoke, covers an outer side surface of the case, and is formed integrally with the case. |
| US09255854B2 |
Torque sensor
A torque sensor includes an output shaft, and a stator holder into which the output shaft is inserted and coupled. A second coupling piece is connected to the stator holder and configured to come in contact with an outer surface of the output shaft. A through-hole is formed in the second coupling piece in a circumferential direction, and a second hog ring is disposed in the through-hole to contract the second coupling piece in a central direction. |
| US09255848B2 |
Probe thermometer
A probe thermometer comprises a main body, a probe, a self-tapping thread, a temperature sensing unit and a display unit. The interior of the main body has a circuit board. The probe includes a measuring end and a coupling end which couples the main body. The self-tapping thread is formed on the measuring end. The temperature sensing unit is disposed within the probe and the temperature sensing unit is electrically connected to the circuit board. The display unit is disposed on the main body. The display unit, the temperature sensing unit and the circuit board are electrically connected. Thereby, the probe thermometer of the instant disclosure is convenient and effectively reduces cost. |
| US09255847B1 |
Thermo-optical array devices and methods of processing thermo-optical array devices
Thermo-optical array devices and methods of processing thermo-optical array devices are disclosed. One method of processing thermo-optical array devices includes forming a (001) oriented titanium dioxide material on a bolometer material, and forming a vanadium dioxide material on the (001) oriented titanium dioxide material. One thermo-optical array device includes a bolometer material, a titanium dioxide material on the bolometer material, and a vanadium dioxide material on the titanium dioxide material, wherein the vanadium dioxide material has an optical transition temperature of less than 67 degrees Celsius. |
| US09255844B2 |
System and method for optical measurement of a target at multiple positions
The invention relates to a system and a method for optical measurement of a target, wherein the target is illuminated, either actively illuminated, reflecting ambient light, or self illuminating, and a measurement radiation beam received from the target or through it is detected. The measurement system has optical fibers for guiding radiation from/to target positions. Radiation of several target positions is simultaneously filtered by a Fabry-Perot interferometer and detected by a row detector, for example. |
| US09255843B2 |
Porous SERS analytical devices and methods of detecting a target analyte
A surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) analytical device includes a substrate having a porous structure, and a plurality of plasmonic nanoparticles embedding in the porous structure and forming a sensing region. A method of detecting a target analyte in a sample includes contacting the sample with the substrate, whereby the target analyte, if present in the sample, is concentrated in the sensing matrix. The substrate may then be analyzed using SERS detection equipment. |
| US09255839B2 |
Detector of single microwave photons propagating in a guide
The present invention introduces a detector that is able to detect single microwave photons propagating in a waveguide. The waveguide of the invention is lowered to a temperature where it becomes superconductive. Disposed between a middle wire and a ground plane of the waveguide is a very small piece of a desired normal metal, whereby so-called SN contacts are formed between these materials. A separate reflection measurement circuit is coupled to the normal metal piece. When the impedance of the waveguide is matched to the impedance of the normal metal piece as well as possible, a photon propagating in the waveguide is most likely absorbed in the normal metal. The absorption slightly raises the temperature of the piece, which further changes the impedance observed in a so-called SIN junction between the reflection measurement circuit and the piece. The changed amplitude and phase are detectable at the outlet obtained from a mixer of the reflection measurement circuit, whereby a single absorbed photon can be detected. In principle, the present method and device enable quantum calculation in view of future applications. |
| US09255838B2 |
System for measuring light intensity distribution
A system for measuring intensity distribution of light includes a carbon nanotube array and an imaging element. The carbon nanotube array is placed in an environment of inert gas or a vacuum environment. The carbon nanotube array absorbs photons of a light source and radiates radiation light. The imaging element is used to image the radiation light. The carbon nanotube array is between the light source and the imaging element. |
| US09255834B2 |
System and method for detecting objects in a fluid system
A system is provided in one embodiment for real-time detection of an object in a fluid without interfering with fluid flow. The system may include a sensor element coupled to a fluid passage, which can transmit energy substantially parallel to the flow direction of a fluid in the fluid passage and receive energy reflected from an incident object in the fluid. Reflected energy can also be analyzed as a function of object size and material such that an object can be classified or characterized through appropriate signal analysis. A method is provided in another embodiment for detecting an object in a fluid passage. The method may include transmitting ultrasonic energy through an interface membrane into the fluid and receiving ultrasonic energy reflected from the object. A pressure change in the reflected ultrasonic energy may be measured and converted to a signal for an output device. |
| US09255833B2 |
Fan vibration testing apparatus
According to an example, a fan vibration testing apparatus includes a beam. The fan vibration testing apparatus further includes a fan mounting head disposed at a first location on the beam and including a cut-out, and a rod including first and second opposite rod ends. The rod may be attached at the first rod end to the fan mounting head, and the second rod end may be exposed to retain a fan within the cut-out. |
| US09255827B2 |
Computer based fluid flow velocity estimation from concentrations of a reacting constituent for products and services
A method for estimating a fluid flow velocity may include receiving, with a processing device, a plurality of observations corresponding to a concentration of a constituent of a flowing fluid mixture, and computing a final estimate of an average velocity of the flowing fluid mixture based at least in part on the observations, wherein the constituent is undergoing a chemical reaction and the computing implements a reactive transport model. |
| US09255817B2 |
Rotation-angle detection device, image processing apparatus, and rotation-angle detection method
A rotation-angle detection device includes: an amplitude adjustment unit that performs correction to match amplitude values of multiple detection signals output from multiple rotation detection units to output corrected signals, the rotation detection units changing outputs in accordance with a rotation angle of a rotor and being provided such that the rotation detection units output the detection signals having different phases; a vector generation unit that performs addition and subtraction on two signals out of the corrected signals to generate two vector component signals that are perpendicular to each other; an amplitude correction unit that performs correction to match amplitudes of the two vector component signals to output corrected vector component signals; and a rotation-angle searching unit that searches for the rotation angle of the rotor on basis of a vector that is represented by the two corrected vector component signals to output a detection angle. |
| US09255814B2 |
Systems and methods for transitioning between pedometer modes
Systems and methods are provided that allow steps to be counted in multiple pedometer modes. For example, a pedometer application on an electronic device can count steps in an ambient mode of operation and a session mode of operation. By maintaining separate counters for each pedometer mode and continuously monitoring the desired mode of operation, the pedometer application can accurately count the number of steps during a certain time period. In response to detecting a change in the desired mode, the pedometer application can seamlessly switch to the corresponding mode counter. In some embodiments, the pedometer application can display graphical representations of historical step information for one or more pedometer modes. |
| US09255812B2 |
Navigation system and navigation method
There is provided a navigation system having a guidance-controller, the guidance-controller controlling the sequence of guidances, and priority, according to an execution condition set depending on the type of a relevant guidance, while determining whether or not a guidance is executed according to the execution condition to thereby alter the teaching of guidance-execution. If overlapping by plural guidances using speech, and screen display occurs, the simple display of the guidance lower in priority is executed, and if the guidance falls outside an effective range, the guidance is interrupted, or the guidance during standby-display is not executed. Thereby, plural guidances are concurrently displayed, and a meaningless guidance is not displayed. |
| US09255811B2 |
Visual guidance system
A visual guidance system is presented. The system includes a vehicle with an implement connected thereto. The vehicle has a windshield through which the operator looks while steering the vehicle. A guidance image is displayed in the operator's sight path and provides a point of reference for the operator that indicates the outer most position of the implement. The position of this guidance image is calculated by a control system and the image is displayed by a display unit. As the operator steers the vehicle, the operator positions the guidance image at the border of the field or road. This allows the user to precisely control the vehicle and the implement in a convenient and efficient manner. |
| US09255810B2 |
Vehicle contents inventory system interface
A vehicle inventory interface system may include a user interface configured to present a plurality of vehicle icons each representing a vehicle in a fleet, present at least one list icon associated with each vehicle icon, receive a selection of one of the list icons, and display, in response to the selection, an inventory list associated with the selected list icon and indicating whether items specified by the inventory list are present within the vehicle. |
| US09255806B2 |
Method for visualizing a position of a vehicle navigating a pipe
A method for visualizing a position of a vehicle configured for navigating a pipe within the pipe on a display device wherein the visualization on the display device is at least partially performed based on a virtual representation and the pipe is graphically represented at least in sections and preferably in a form of lines defining its enveloping surfaces on the display device, wherein the vehicle and preferably its movement is also represented on the display device thus within the pipe. |
| US09255803B2 |
Devices, program products and computer implemented methods for touchless metrology having virtual zero-velocity and position update
Embodiments of a metrology device and a computer-implemented method generate survey data without touching the subsea objects being surveyed. The metrology device can include an inertial navigation system (INS) outputting position and orientation data of the metrology device; an aiding device positioned at a known distance and orientation with respect to the INS for collecting image data of the subsea objects; and a computer having one or more computer programs that use the image data to calculate measured velocity of the metrology device at first and second subsea objects to perform virtual zero velocity updates, and uses an apparent difference in the position of the first subsea object measured prior and subsequent to measuring the second subsea object to perform virtual position update. |
| US09255799B2 |
Determining and correcting error of positional vector-valued sensors using a fixed angle calibration process
Systems and methods described herein relate to the correction of positional vector-valued sensors using a variety of calibration processes including fixed-angle calibration, known-angle calibration, ortho-calibration and 3-axis gimbal calibration further including various weighting schemes to provide fine-tuned functions or interpolated data which may be used for real-time sensor correction calculation or to populate a look-up table of corrected values. |
| US09255785B2 |
Method and device for high resolution full field interference microscopy
A device for three-dimensional imaging by full-field interferential microscopy of a volumic and scattering sample includes an imaging interferometer of variable magnification, allowing for the acquisition of at least one first and one second interferometric images resulting from the interference of a reference wave obtained by reflection of the incident wave on a reference mirror and an object wave obtained by backscattering of the incident wave by a slice of the sample at a given depth of the sample. The invention also relates to a processing unit that processes the interferometric images, a unit for axially displacing the interferometer relative to the sample for the acquisition of tomographic images for slices at different depths of the sample, and a unit for varying the magnification of the imaging interferometer for the acquisition of interferometric images of a slice for different magnification values. |
| US09255783B2 |
Sensor arrangement for capturing a torque
The invention relates to a sensor arrangement (2) for capturing a torque acting on a shaft (14), wherein the sensor arrangement (2) comprises a sensor unit (4) with a sleeve (34), on which at least one sliding element and at least one first sensor which is sensitive to magnetic fields are arranged, and a magnetic-flux unit (6) with two magnetic flux-conducting rings (28, 30), wherein the at least one sliding element is arranged between the magnetic flux-conducting rings (28, 30), wherein the sensor unit and the magnetic-flux unit (6) are rotated relative to one another during a rotation of the shaft (14), and wherein the at least one sensor which is sensitive to magnetic fields captures a magnetic flux conducted by the rings (28, 30). |
| US09255781B2 |
Method and system for determining proximity of an object
A first sensor detects whether an object is within a first region that surrounds the first sensor. A second sensor detects whether the object is within a second region that surrounds the second sensor. The first and second sensors are omnidirectional capacitive electrodes. In response to the first sensor detecting that the object is not within the first region, a device determines that the object is not proximate to a particular side of the first and second sensors. In response to the first sensor detecting that the object is within the first region, and the second sensor detecting that the object is within the second region, the device determines that the object is not proximate to the particular side. In response to the first sensor detecting that the object is within the first region, yet the second sensor detecting that the object is not within the second region, the device determines that the object is proximate to the particular side. |
| US09255779B2 |
Wireless taper gauge and method of using same
A taper gauge that includes an elongate taper assembly that has a tip section and an electronics section that includes a location determining element that collects data related to a measurement area when the tip section is inserted in the measurement area and a power source. An embodiment allows for increased precision, accuracy, and speed for wireless measurement of gaps. A method and system that uses the taper gauge. |
| US09255773B1 |
Target holder
A target holder comprising a frame including a vertical frame assembly and a horizontal frame assembly connected to a bottom portion of the vertical frame assembly. The target holder includes a supply roll assembly disposed along a top portion of the vertical frame assembly, a motor support disposed on the vertical frame assembly below the supply roll assembly and a motor having a rotatable drive shaft, the motor fastened to the motor support assembly. The target holder includes a take-up roll assembly rotatingly engaged with the drive shaft and target roll rotatingly disposed on the supply roll assembly, the target roll including a plurality of targets. The target holder may include a motor control circuit for controlling the operation of the motor, remote receiver in communication with the motor control circuit and a remote transmitter for transmitting a signal to the remote receiver. |
| US09255771B2 |
Apparatus and method for calculating aiming point information
The present invention relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges at stationary and moving targets. |
| US09255769B2 |
Apparatus and method for powering and networking a rail of a firearm
A method, apparatus and system for networking and powering accessories to a firearm or weapon wherein the accessories are conductively powered from the rail via at least one pin having a tungsten carbide surface and data is transferred between the accessories and the rail via conductive coupling using the at least one pin. In one embodiment, a weapon is provided, the weapon having: an upper receiver; a lower receiver, the upper receiver being removably mounted to the lower receiver; a powered accessory removably mounted to a rail of the upper receiver; and an apparatus for conductively networking a microcontroller of the powered accessory to a microcontroller of the upper receiver and a microcontroller of the lower receiver. |
| US09255765B2 |
Spear gun safety device
A spear gun safety device for shielding at least one spike of a spear is provided. The safety device may include a tube assembly having a firing end and an opposing handle end, forming a barrel through the length of the tube assembly, wherein the barrel is dimensioned and adapted to house the spear, including the at least one spike, but not including a perpendicularly joined band post. The tube assembly provides an elongated notch extending from the firing end toward the handle end, wherein the elongated notch is configured to guide the band post protruding therethrough. The tube assembly provides a pair of band connectors disposed near the firing end, each band connector straddling opposing sides of the elongate notch, whereby tension bands extend from the band connectors to the band post. |
| US09255764B2 |
Crossbow
A crossbow includes a bowstring for firing an arrow combined therewith in the lengthwise direction of the crossbow body so as to be manufactured in a structure that does not have a bow on the crossbow body. Thus, carrying convenience can be provided, and at the same time, the maximum effective range of the crossbow can be adjusted by adjusting the tension of the bowstring. |
| US09255763B2 |
Leveling devices and methods for use in tuning and installing accessories on archery bows
Leveling devices and methods are provided for use in tuning and installing accessories on archery bows such as compound bows. For example, devices and methods are provided for leveling bow risers and arrow rest components of archery bows to enable proper accessory installation and tuning of archery bows. |
| US09255761B2 |
Rope locking device
A rope locking device which cooperates with the yoke on an archery wrist strap is used to lock a rope which connects an archery release with the wrist strap. The locking device includes a generally cylindrical body portion having a longitudinal axis and a contoured outer surface. At one end of the body portion is a head portion containing a pair of openings for receiving the rope. The rope passes through the openings and along the contoured outer surface of the locking device body portion. When the locking device is wedged into an opening in the yoke, the rope is cinched between the locking device and the yoke to lock the rope in place. |
| US09255759B1 |
Compound bow draw weight adjuster operable at full draw and loft adjusting release and trolley arm
A compound bow draw weight adjuster permitting the draw weight to be adjusted with the bowstring at full draw. A toggle arm is pivotally mounted to the bow's riser. A limb deflector is positioned on the riser at the loading end segment of each limb. Each limb deflector has a cam cap spaced from the loading end segment of the limb, a cam interposed between the cam cap and the loading end segment, a fastener extending through the cam cap and through the loading end segment of the limb and anchored in the riser and a cam extension lever fixed to the cam for rotating the cam. A first cam link is connected between the toggle arm and a first one of the cam extension levers for rotating its cam. A second cam link is connected between the toggle arm and a second one of the cam extension levers for rotating its cam. |
| US09255756B1 |
Multifunctional crossbow
The present invention is directed to a crossbow operable for shooting missiles. The crossbow comprises: (a) a left-side bowhead and a right-side bowhead; (b) a left-side bow limb and a right-side bow limb; (c) a cam wheel affixed to the anterior end and the posterior end of each of the left-side and right-side bowheads and the left-side and right-side bow limbs; (d) a left-side bowhead string and a right-side bowhead string; (e) a connecting string; (f) a retention base affixed to the connecting string; and (h) a tiller capable of cocking and firing the crossbow. |
| US09255755B1 |
Crossbow arrow retainer
An arrow retainer for a crossbow including a projection extending from a hood of the crossbow to retain an arrow on a stock of the crossbow. A plurality of projections may be affixed to a retainer insert that is detachably disposed within a receptacle in the hood of the crossbow. Alternatively, the retainer insert may be detachably disposed within a recess of a housing that is detachably connected to the hood of the crossbow. A spring may bias the projection toward the stock. The projection may be formed of bristles or of a circumferential surface of a wheel member. |
| US09255754B1 |
Crossbow lock mechanism
An improved crossbow lock mechanism includes a trigger housing, a seer lever, a seer lock lever, a latch and a trigger. The seer lever includes an anti-dryfiring projection and a latch projection. The seer lever pivots relative to the trigger housing. The latch includes an arrow shaft yoke and a seer notch. The latch pivots relative to trigger housing. The seer notch engages the latch projection. The seer lock lever includes a latch finger and an impact finger. The latch finger is sized to capture the anti-dryfiring projection. A bow string is pulled back, until the seer notch of the latch is locked behind the latch projection. A nock of an arrow shaft is inserted over the bow string. The trigger lever is pulled, which causes the trigger linkage to push the latch projection downward and allow the latch to release the bow string. |
| US09255751B1 |
Bipod firearm support
A bipod includes a mount body, a clutch assembly, a clamp member, a side plate assembly including spaced side plates and legs. The mount body is suitable for mounting to a firearm. The clutch assembly is rotatably mounted to the mount body and is divided into lower and upper portions which define side plate slots suitable for receiving the side plates of the side plate assembly. The clamp member is common to the mount body and the clutch assembly. The clamp member can be tightened to fix the side plate assembly relative to the clutch assembly and the clutch assembly relative to the mount body or can be loosened to allow the side plate assembly to slide through the clutch assembly and the clutch assembly to rotate relative to the mount body. The bipod is supported by the legs which extend downwardly from opposite ends of the side plate assembly. |
| US09255744B2 |
Coated membranes for enthalpy exchange and other applications
Coated membranes comprise a porous desiccant-loaded polymer substrate that is coated on one surface with a thin layer of water permeable polymer. Such membranes are particularly suitable for use in enthalpy exchangers and other applications involving exchange of moisture and optionally heat between gas streams with little or no mixing of the gas streams through the membrane. Such membranes have favorable heat and humidity transfer properties, have suitable mechanical properties, are resistant to the crossover of gases when the membranes are either wet or dry, and are generally low cost. |
| US09255740B2 |
Heat exchanger with heat accumulator
A plate (20) for a heat transfer tube (4) made from a metal sheet includes a peripheral outer wall (10) and having at least one first cavity (24) and least one second cavity (26) respectively formed in the metal sheet. The first cavity (24) is in contact with the peripheral outer wall (10) and the second cavity (26) is arranged at a distance from the outer wall (10). A heat transfer tube (4) of a heat exchanger (1) includes a pair of such plates (20) and a heat exchanger (1) includes a plurality of such tubes (4). |
| US09255739B2 |
Cooling tower with indirect heat exchanger
A heat exchange apparatus is provided with an indirect evaporative heat exchange section. The indirect evaporative heat exchange section includes a series of serpentine tubes, and an evaporative liquid is passed downwardly onto the indirect heat exchange section. The evaporative liquid is collected in a sump and then pumped upwardly to be distributed again across the indirect heat exchange section. An improved heat exchange apparatus is provided with an indirect evaporative heat exchange section including a series of serpentine tubes with run sections and return bend sections of both normal and increased height. A secondary spray system or a direct heat exchange section may be provided in the vertical spacing between run section formed by the increased height return bends. |
| US09255738B2 |
Method and apparatus for heating a sheet-like product
A method and apparatus for heating a sheet-like material to a predetermined temperature profile along the length and across the width of the material. The sheet-like material is transported within a furnace relative to at least one burner holder above or below, or above and below, the material. Each burner holder includes a number of direct flame impingement burners located side-by-side in a row. The burners are directed toward the sheet-like material, and the individual burners in each burner holder are oriented and controlled so that heat output from the burners provides the predetermined temperature profile within the sheet-like material. |
| US09255736B2 |
Vertical-type heat treatment apparatus
A heat treatment apparatus and control method enabling the apparatus to settle down an internal temperature of a treating vessel to a target temperature accurately and quickly. The heat treatment apparatus includes a furnace body with a heater on an inner circumferential surface thereof, the treating vessel disposed inside the furnace body, a cooling medium supply blower and cooling medium release blower each connected to the furnace body, and a temperature sensor provided inside the treating vessel. A signal from the temperature sensor is sent to a heater output computing unit and blower output computing unit included in a controller. The heater output computing unit determines a heater output level based on a heater output numerical model and the signal from the temperature sensor. The blower output computing unit determines a blower output level based on a blower output numerical model and the signal from the temperature sensor. |
| US09255729B2 |
Apparatus and method for accessing refrigerated items
A rotatable shelf for use in a refrigerator that may include a support bracket configured to support a turntable but is not required. A bearing ring may be disposed between the support bracket and the turntable, wherein the bearing ring is configured to facilitate the rotation of the turntable relative to the support bracket. The support bracket may further be configured to be installed into an interior space of a refrigerator such that the rotatable shelf assembly is oriented in a substantially horizontal direction. A user may then place items onto the turntable and manually or automatically rotate the turntable to access the items. Sensors may be configured to receive user input. |
| US09255728B2 |
Refrigerator with temperature control
An insulated icemaking compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The icemaking compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the icemaking compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaking compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the icemaking compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the icemaking compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency. |
| US09255726B2 |
Support mechanism for thermal receivers in the solar trough systems
A solar trough system of the invention comprises at least one trough-shaped reflector surface (1) directing beams coming from the sun to the focal axis (F); at least one thermal receiver (2) disposed at the focal axis (F) and extending along the reflector (1). Furthermore, the system comprises at least one first arm (L1) and a second arm (L2), one end of each of which are connected to two fixed points (P1, P2) with swivel joint; at least one third arm (L3) which is connected to the other ends of these two arms (L, L2) from two points (P3, P4) with swivel joint wherein the thermal receiver (2) is connected with swivel joint to a linear movement point (E1) on the third arm (L3) which moves with rotation of the first and second arms (L1, L2). |
| US09255724B2 |
System for supporting an evaporable getter or vacuum gauge
System for supporting an evaporable getter, which can be installed in any type of solar power receiving tube and which is mounted using an automated method. The system consists of a clip-type supporting element having a substantially thin profile and an S-shaped base, the upper part thereof including a ring in which the pellet of evaporable getter is housed. The pellet is supported by the pins of the supporting element, dispensing with the need for an additional contact part in order to secure the pellet. The clip is secured to the bellows-type expansion compensator, such that it remains inside the vacuum zone of the solar power receiving tube. |
| US09255723B2 |
Device for converting heat into electrical power
A device for converting heat into electrical power. The device comprises a base made of a heat conducting material. The base has a substantially flat bottom surface for being placed onto a flat outside surface of a heat source. At least a thermoelectric generator element is disposed onto a top surface of the base such that a high temperature surface of the thermoelectric generator element is in thermal contact with the top surface of the base. A heat sink structure is in thermal contact with a low temperature surface of the at least a thermoelectric generator element. Electrical circuitry is connected to the at least a thermoelectric generator element for receiving the electrical power therefrom. At least an electrical output port is connected to the electrical circuitry for providing the electrical power. |
| US09255718B1 |
Add a vent window system
A small window has upper, lower, forward and rearward edges. A support assembly includes tubular upper and lower cylindrical sections. The upper cylindrical section is removably positioned within an upper slot. The lower cylindrical section is removably positioned within a lower slot. |
| US09255714B2 |
Cookery air purification and exhaust system
An air filtration and exhaust system is described. The system comprises a microcontroller, a power supply, and a series of sensors that detect the presence of airborne contaminants such as ultra fine particles, smoke, natural gas and radon gas. In the presence of these airborne contaminants, the system is designed to inactivate and prevent operation of nearby food preparation appliances. Once these contaminants have been safely removed, the operation of these appliances is restored. In addition, the ventilation system may be equipped with a purification subassembly, which safely and efficiently removes such containments from the area. The system may also comprise an alarm that is activatable in the presence of these contaminants. |
| US09255707B2 |
Illuminated water bottle cage
An illuminated water bottle cage includes a cage forming a receiving space for a water bottle and including a bottom and a backing extending from a top edge of the bottom. The backing includes two barriers on two respective lateral sides thereof. The bottom, the backing, and the two barriers delimit the receiving space. An illuminating device engages with the cage and includes an illuminating member. The illuminating member in use projects light rays in a direction toward the receiving space. |
| US09255706B2 |
Self-defense flashlight
A self-defense device that includes a flashlight with a weapon end, tissue-abrading and tissue-collecting features, and with or without a writing instrument. |
| US09255703B2 |
Light pipe heat sink element
An assembly for use with a heat producing electronic device is disclosed. The assembly may include a heat sink in thermally conductive contact with a shell containing the electronic device, and a light pipe having a first thermal conductivity and configured to transmit light from a light-emitting diode (LED) to a front side of the heat sink. The light pipe may include at least a portion having a thermally conductive layer with a second thermal conductivity greater than the first thermal conductivity. The thermally conductive layer may cover at least a portion of an outer surface of the light pipe, and be positioned between, and in thermally conductive contact with a portion of the heat sink protrusions. The thermally conductive layer may be designed to conduct and radiate heat away from at least a portion of the heat sink protrusions. |
| US09255702B2 |
LED lighting module for vehicle headlight
A light emitting diode (LED) lightning module is disclosed. The LED lighting module includes a heat sink, a circuit board, a carrier, semiconductor chips such as LEDs arranged on an upper surface of the carrier, and at least one holding device pressing a lower surface of the substrate against an upper surface of the heat sink. The semiconductor chips are electrically connected to the carrier. The carrier is electrically connected to the circuit board. |
| US09255701B2 |
Lighting device, and lighting system
A lighting device (100) has a support structure having lighting elements (422) arranged thereon. The support structure has an internal cooling duct having a duct wall. At least a part of duct wall is in thermal contact with the lighting elements. The cooling duct is configured to allow a natural air flow absorbing heat generated by the lighting elements from the duct wall. The cooling duct extends through the support structure from a first opening having a first cross-sectional area to a second opening having a second cross-sectional area. The cooling duct contains a filler body (412) having a substantially bi-conical shape. The filler body and the duct wall form a cooling duct portion with a third cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area and/or the second cross-sectional area. The lighting device is part of a lighting system. The system comprises a control unit (700) coupled to the lighting device. |
| US09255699B2 |
Motion sensing dock lighting systems
Motion sensing dock lighting systems are disclosed. An example lighting system for use at a loading dock where a material handling device is used to load or unload a vehicle parked at the loading dock includes a motion sensing system to be spaced apart from the material handling device. The motion sensing system is to provide an operation signal in response to the material handling device undergoing a change in travel direction within the vehicle. The example lighting system also includes a lamp to be operatively connected in signal communication with the motion sensing system so as to receive the operation signal from the motion sensing system. The lamp is to have a first illuminating mode and a second illuminating mode, and the lamp is to switch between the first illuminating mode and the second illuminating mode in response to the operation signal. |
| US09255698B2 |
Mounting device for lighting sources
A device for mounting planar lighting sources having a light emitting surface on a substrate includes a frame provided with fixing formations for fixing the frame on the substrate with the planar lighting source sandwiched between the frame and the substrate. The frame has an opening to surround the light emitting surface of said lighting source and is provided with elastic formations to elastically urge the lighting source toward the substrate. The fixing formations include at least one resilient formation to resiliently urge the frame toward the substrate. |
| US09255690B2 |
Luminaire for indoor horticulture
A reflector hood for a luminaire having a lamp in an upper portion thereof and first and second air flow ducts formed in first and second opposite sides of said reflector hood for ventilation. First and second secondary reflecting panels are respectively disposed within the hood over and spaced a predetermined distance from each first and second air flow duct such that light emitted by the lamp is reflected from said reflecting panels instead of passing through the first and second air flow ducts. |
| US09255688B2 |
Oscillating interface for light mixing lenses
In some aspects, an optic is disclosed that includes a light input interface having a rippled surface that can mix the light incident thereon as the light propagates within the optic from the rippled surface to a peripheral surface of the optic, which is configured to redirect the light incident thereon to an output surface through which the light exits the optic. |
| US09255685B2 |
Luminaire with prismatic optic
A luminaire with a prismatic optic permits the nearly uniform distribution of light about the luminaire. The prismatic optic permits the use of directional light sources, such as light emitting diodes, while maintaining the uniform light distribution. Furthermore, a concave shape of the optic further enables uniform light distribution. When light emitting diodes are used, the luminaire further includes a heat sink to maintain a desirable operational temperature without negatively affecting the light distribution properties of the luminaire. |
| US09255684B2 |
Motor vehicle component with mounting clip
A motor vehicle component is provided, in particular turn signal lamp, having a clip for mounting to edges of motor vehicle supports, in particular fenders, having different wall thicknesses, wherein the clip has a first mounting face, which is provided for mounting to an edge having a first wall thickness, and a second mounting face, which is stepped with respect to this, which is provided for mounting to an edge having a second wall thickness that is different. |
| US09255683B2 |
Light module of a lighting device of a motor vehicle
A light module of a lighting device comprises one passing-light sub-module for production of a dimmed-light distribution below a horizontal “light/dark” boundary, one high-beam sub-module for production of a light distribution above the boundary, a common projection-lens system for production of an overall light distribution, and one element deflecting a course of light beams of the sub-module(s) before it falls on the system. To realize the smallest system and a reduction of non-homogeneities in the overall light distribution in a region of the boundary, a majority of the light beams of the high-beam sub-module falls on a common segment of the system as a majority of the light beams of the passing-light sub-module, a smaller portion of the light beams of the high-beam sub-module falls on another segment of the system, and the system exhibits a deflector that deflects at least a portion of the light beams falling on the other segment downward. |
| US09255682B2 |
Laser lamp system for a vehicle
A lamp system includes a laser source and a reflecting plate for reflecting light generated from the laser source. The laser source includes a laser diode, a light splitter for splitting light generated from the laser diode into a plurality of beams, a phosphor layer for changing color of the beams transmitted from the light splitter, and a diffusing layer for diffusing the beams transmitted from the light splitter, to thereby form a surface light source. The lamp system is configured to be used in a vehicle. |
| US09255677B2 |
Multi-tiered lighting system
The present disclosure relates to a multi-tiered lighting system that has a pole and at least two light sources. A first light source is mounted to the pole at a first height, and a second light source is mounted to the pole at a second height that is substantially different than the first height. The first light source is configured to project a first beam of light that primarily lights up a first portion of a target coverage area, and the second light source is configured to project a beam of light that primarily lights up a second portion of the target coverage area, which is different from the first target coverage area. The first beam of light may spill onto the second target area, and the second beam of light may spill onto the first target area. |
| US09255674B2 |
Method of manufacturing a light emitting diode lighting assembly
A method of manufacturing a light emitting diode lighting assembly that includes producing a heat sink and securing a platform assembly having a plurality of light emitting diode dies on a single plane. A bulb is formed by securing a first lens section made of a first material to a second lens section made of a second material such that only the bulb determines the lamp type of the light emitting diode lighting assembly. |
| US09255672B2 |
High luminance solid state light source
A solid-state light source includes laser diodes that emit a laser beam with a first wavelength, a rotatable support that is arranged in a beam path of the laser beam and a reflector that is arranged between the laser diodes and the rotatable support. The rotatable support is formed of a ring or of an optically transparent disc. Further, the rotatable support is mounted to be rotatable around a rotation axis such that the laser beam impinges on a ring-shaped area of the rotatable support during rotation. Segments of the ring-shaped area include wavelength converting material that emits radiation of a second wavelength upon impingement of the laser beam. The rotatable support is mounted in a bearing that is arranged distant from the rotation axis to allow unhindered passage of the radiation directed by the reflector to the emission direction. |
| US09255671B2 |
Multi-wavelength-emitting lens to reduce blending of light over long distances
A lamp for safety signalling is disclosed. The lamp uses quantum dot phosphors to down-convert light from a primary light source and provide red or green light. |
| US09255668B2 |
Base, round tube housing and lamp including base and round tube housing
A base configured to carry a light emitting body and to be inserted into a round tube housing, may include: a rectangular portion configured to carry the light emitting body on a first surface of the rectangular portion; and first and second fixing portions configured to extend from first and second long edges of the rectangular portion respectively in a space that a second surface of the rectangular portion faces, such that when the base is inserted into the round tube housing, at least a part of each of the first and second fixing portions presses against the inner wall of the round tube housing, and a first part close to the first long edge and a second part close to the second long edge in the first surface of the rectangular portion press against first and second protrusions on the inner wall of the round tube housing respectively. |
| US09255664B2 |
Cryogenic fuel system with auxiliary power provided by boil-off gas
A system in one embodiment includes a detection unit, a boil-off auxiliary power unit, and a controller. The detection unit is configured to detect a characteristic of a boil-off gas stream from a cryotank configured to hold a cryogenic fluid. The boil-off auxiliary power unit is configured to receive the boil-off gas stream and use the boil-off gas stream to provide auxiliary power to a vehicle system. The controller is configured to acquire information from the detection unit corresponding to the characteristic; determine, using the information acquired from the detection unit, an available boil-off auxiliary energy that is available from the boil-off auxiliary power unit; determine a mode of operation of the vehicle system; determine a required auxiliary energy for the vehicle system; and to operate the auxiliary power unit based on the available boil-off auxiliary energy, the mode of operation, and the required auxiliary energy. |
| US09255659B2 |
Light-weight device for loading solid particles
The invention relates to a light-weight device for loading solid particles into an enclosure including at least one pipe (18, 20) for the circulation of said solid particles and at least one movable element for controlling the fall velocity of the particles, which is designed to be slidably moved inside of said pipe (18, 20). The device further includes a plurality of identical guide plates (12a, 12b) connected to each other by attachment means. Said at least one pipe (18, 20) is made of a flexible material and each guide plate (12a, 12b) has at least one through opening for receiving and guiding said at least one pipe (18, 20) in a position in which the longitudinal axis of the pipe extends substantially perpendicular to the plane of each guide plate. |
| US09255658B2 |
Connection device
A connection device may include an insertion section having an annular outer groove. A housing may be configured to receive the insertion section and a blocking element may be configured to lock the insertion section in the housing. The blocking element may have a band-shaped core and a plurality of teeth arranged adjacent in the peripheral direction along the core. Each of the teeth may include an outer tooth section and an inner tooth section. A core profile may have a core principal direction determined by a maximum diameter. The teeth may have a tooth profile which has a tooth principal direction determined by an inner flank of the teeth lying radially on an interior of the outer tooth section and the core principal direction may be inclined with respect to the tooth principal direction. |
| US09255657B2 |
Pipe joint
A pipe joint includes a soft pipe, a hard pipe and a sleeve. The hard pipe includes an insert portion inserted into an inside of the soft pipe from an end portion of the soft pipe. The sleeve is arranged radially outside of the insert portion and the soft pipe, and presses the soft pipe toward the insert portion. The insert portion includes a corrugated surface, which is arranged on an outer surface of the insert portion, and a column surface, which is arranged on the outer surface at a tip side of the insert portion. The sleeve includes a first small diameter portion, which is arranged radially outside of the corrugated surface and presses the soft pipe toward the corrugated surface, and a second small diameter portion arranged radially outside of the column surface and presses the soft pipe toward the column surface. |
| US09255656B2 |
Fitting for a heat pump and method of installation
A fitting for a heat pump having at least one heat exchanger includes a first fitting element configured for connection with a tubing portion of the heat exchanger and a second fitting element removably connectable to the first fitting element and configured for connection with a tubing portion of the heat exchanger. A non-conductive element is disposed between at least a portion of the first fitting element and at least a portion of the second fitting element such that, when connected, the non-conducting element deforms between the first fitting element and the second fitting element to electrically isolate the second fitting element from the first fitting element. |
| US09255655B2 |
Fluid coupling assembly
A coupling for joining fluid conduits includes a nut portion having a circumferential groove that extends at least partially along an interior surface thereof. The nut portion further includes a tab opening extending therethrough. A cylindrical shaft portion extends from the nut portion. A retaining clip is disposed within the circumferential groove of the nut portion and includes a tab disposed within the tab opening. A first arc of the retaining clip extends from the tab in a first circumferential direction, and a second arc of the retaining clip extends from the tab in a second, opposing circumferential direction. The first arc includes a first knob and terminates in a second knob, and the second arc includes a third knob and terminates in a fourth knob. The second and fourth knobs are larger than the first and third knobs, respectively. |
| US09255653B2 |
Wrap bracket damper assembly
A wrap bracket assembly is provided for securing an elongated member. The assembly includes a bracket with a clamp extending from a base to wrap around the elongated member. The clamp defines an aperture, and includes side edges that extend around the elongated member. The assembly also includes a grommet forming a split tubular body that defines a substantially cylindrical cavity. The body has an axially extending opening through which the elongated member is inserted into the cavity. The body includes a pair of flanges, each of which engages one of the first and second side edges to nest the grommet within the clamp. A projection is provided that extends radially outward from the body and is received in the aperture to circumferentially align the grommet with the bracket. |
| US09255646B2 |
Excess flow shutoff valve
Excess flow shutoff valve comprising a valve body, a valve plug, a partition, and an activation component where the valve plug, the partition, and activation component are disposed within the valve body. A suitable flow restriction is provided to create a pressure difference between the upstream end of the valve plug and the downstream end of the valve plug when fluid flows through the valve body. The pressure difference exceeds a target pressure difference needed to activate the activation component when fluid flow through the valve body is higher than a desired rate, and thereby closes the valve. |
| US09255640B1 |
Park lock mechanism
A park lock having an actuator assembly for pivoting a pawl relative to a dog ring. The actuator assembly has a first linear actuator, a locking mechanism, a first biasing spring and a second linear actuator. The first linear actuator has a first output member that is movable along a movement axis that is parallel to a pivot axis of the pawl. The locking mechanism is configured to selectively couple the first output member and a cam for common movement along the movement axis. The first biasing spring is configured to move the cam along the movement axis relative to the first output member when the locking mechanism decouples the cam from the first output member. The second linear actuator is configured to move the cam along the movement axis and against the first biasing spring when the cam is decoupled from the first output member. |
| US09255637B2 |
Electric oil pump control system and control method for automatic transmission
A control method of an electric oil pump for an automatic transmission that minimizes power loss by normally controlling driving of the electric oil pump when a start intention of a driver is detected after a power source is turned on is provided. The method includes driving an electric oil pump at ‘A’ RPM which is a maximum velocity when the power source is turned on. The driving of the electric oil pump is stopped when a set time t determined by the temperature of the automatic transmission oil has elapsed. The electric oil pump is driven at ‘A’ RPM for the time t, and thereafter, the electric oil pump is driven at ‘B’ RPM when a selection of a driving shift stage is detected. |
| US09255635B2 |
Fastening device on the underbody of a motor vehicle
A fastening device on an underbody of a motor vehicle is provided, via which a shifting device may be fastened to the underbody. The shifting device comprises a floor shift protruding into the vehicle interior and is covered by a central console, which may be fixedly connected to the underbody via at least one retaining element. A damping cap is provided, covering the shifting device and having a through-passage for the floor shift, and the retaining element may be fastened to the underbody by the interposition of the damping cap. |
| US09255631B2 |
Transmission of a control force
A control force transmission arrangement for an aircraft is provided. A transmission device has a first and a second force transmission point, and a coupling unit disposed between them. The coupling unit has a first and a second side element and a connecting element. The first and the second side elements are each connected to the first force transmission point and to the connecting element. At least the first side element has an element for altering the length of the side element. The second force transmission point is provided on the connecting element and is adjustable at least between a first and a second position. |
| US09255629B2 |
Transmission wheel series with periodically varied speed ratio and having reciprocally displacing auxiliary pulley for storing/releasing kinetic energy
The present invention is installed with a unidirectional transmission device at the active side, so when a transmission belt is tightened while the active pulley driving a passive pulley in periodically varied speed ratios, an auxiliary pulley (312) is linked simultaneously so as to form a prestressed force for storing energy, when the force applied by the active pulley to the passive pulley through the transmission belt is zero or relatively smaller, the auxiliary pulley (312) is enabled to release energy for recovering so as to apply force to the transmission belt, because the transmission belt is coupled to the active pulley and/or one end of the active wheel shaft combined with the active pulley is restrained by the unidirectional transmission device, the transmission belt is enabled to link the passive pulley to operate in the original revolving direction for feeding back the kinetic energy. |
| US09255624B2 |
Bicycle chain
A bicycle chain comprises a first outer link plate. The first outer link plate comprises a first end portion, a second end portion, and a first intermediate portion. The first end portion, the second end portion and the first intermediate portion defines a first outer peripheral edge. The first outer peripheral edge comprises a first end edge, a second end edge, a pair of first intermediate edges, and a first recessed edge. The first end edge extends about the first end portion. The second end edge extends about the second end portion. The pair of first intermediate edges extends along the first intermediate portion between the first end edge and the second end edge. The first recessed edge is provided between the first end edge and one of the first intermediate edges. |
| US09255618B2 |
Internally ventilated motor vehicle brake disc made of fibre composite material
An internally ventilated motor vehicle brake disc which includes at least in parts of a fiber composite material, having two parallel friction surfaces on one or more friction rings with cooling channels, wherein the friction ring or rings are arranged on a brake disc hub in a non-rotating manner, and wherein the two friction surfaces include fiber composite material, a disc-shaped carrier for the friction surfaces is provided parallel to the friction surfaces, and wherein the carrier is connected to the brake disc hub as one piece. |
| US09255612B2 |
Overtorque release drive
A torque-release coupling can be remotely reset after an over-torque condition. A threshold torque may be adjusted while the coupling is running. A pressure of pressurized fluid adjusts a force required to release a detent mechanism that holds a torque transmitting member in engagement across an interface between moving parts. |
| US09255611B2 |
Constant velocity universal joint
A constant velocity universal joint smoothly operates under load and during speed rotation, and also suppresses heat generation and has enhanced durability. An offset in an axial direction between a center of curvature of each of track grooves and a center of curvature of an inner surface of an outer joint member, and an offset in the axial direction between a center of curvature of each of track grooves and a center of curvature of an outer surface of an inner joint member are each set to zero. The track grooves of the outer and inner joint members are each inclined with respect to an axial line. A circumferential length of each of pockets of a cage is set so that two pockets allow balls to be assembled therein at one time under a state in which the two pockets are exposed. |
| US09255610B2 |
Torque transmission device
A torque transmission device for a drive train of a motor vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine. The device includes an input part and an output part having a common axis of rotation around which the input part and the output part are jointly rotatable relative to one another, and a spring damper arrangement that has at least one energy storage device. A friction device is effective between the input part and the output part and is arranged radially outside the at least one energy storage device, in order to provide a torque transmission device having a construction that is optimized with respect to the installation space. |
| US09255608B2 |
Linear guide apparatus
A linear guide apparatus is provided such that even if the length of an underseal is changed, the adhesion of the underlip and the side lip can be maintained and the lubricant leakage from the slider is preventable. In the linear guide apparatus, the underseal (10) includes a gap seal protrusion part (20) formed to protrude toward a side seal (17) side to seal the gap between the underseal and the side seal. The gap seal protrusion part (20) is integrally formed adjacently to an underlip (10b) of the underseal (10), and is in contact with a terminal end face (17e) of the side lip (17b) of the side seal (17) without a gap. |
| US09255607B2 |
Slewing bearing with a through-hole and plug
A slewing bearing having two rings and rollers arranged between the rings, wherein one of the rings is provided with a through-hole for inserting the rollers for assembly and maintenance, and with a plug for closing the through-hole. The through-hole is formed as a bore including an inner portion with a smaller bore diameter and an outer portion with a larger bore diameter. The smaller diameter portion is reduced in order to facilitate the assembly, while avoiding an increased diameter in the innermost part of the thorough hole in order to secure stability and robustness. |
| US09255606B2 |
Slide bearing device and compressor
A slide bearing device and a compressor are capable of stably achieving a low friction condition from the early stage of the start of friction. The slide bearing device includes a bearing, a shaft supported by the bearing while being subjected to sliding, and a gas supply section for supplying a dry gas to a bearing slide section where the bearing and the shaft slide against each other. A slide surface of the bearing is formed of a resin composite material, which is a mixture of a carbon material and a resin. The shaft is made of a metal and includes a groove formed on a slide surface of the shaft, the groove extending in a direction different from the sliding direction. Plural grooves may be provided and the grooves may extend in arbitrary directions. The shaft may include a collection of plural recesses on the slide surface thereof. |
| US09255604B2 |
Hydro dynamic bearing device
A hydro dynamic bearing device comprising an upper half of a main bearing and a lower half of the main bearing, wherein the upper half of the main bearing is lined with a low-strength metal such as a Babbitt metal, wherein a circumferential groove is formed in the lower half of the main bearing, and wherein the low-strength metal of the upper half of the main bearing, which is formed at a region opposed to a downstream side of the circumferential groove formed in the lower half of the main bearing, is partially removed to cause a high-strength bearing base metal to be partially exposed. |
| US09255600B2 |
Ratchet locking mechanism for threaded fastener
A fastening device including a fastener having a head portion and an elongated threaded body portion extending axially from the head portion. The threaded body portion includes opposing flat sections. A lock washer has a lower surface with an array of radially extending engagement teeth. The lock washer also defines an axial aperture for receiving the fastener. The axial aperture has two flat inner surfaces for cooperating with the two flat sections of the threaded body portion to prevent relative rotation of the washer and threaded body portion. A threaded lock nut mates with the threaded body portion. The lock nut has an upper surface with at least one cantilevered pawl members for ratcheted engagement with the array of radially extending engagement teeth of the lock washer. |
| US09255592B2 |
Support for flat rigid objects
A drop in receptacle for generally flat and rigid objects that is particularly useful for supporting electronic devices such as tablets and smartphones. The support includes corner catches for at least two corners of the device. The corner catches include rotating latches and cornerpieces. The rotating latches are shaped and configured so that they rotate when the corner of an object is pressed against the top surface of the latch. The cornerpieces are shaped to accept and support the corner of the device. After the devices passes the top surface of the latch, the latch returns to its original state and a spring presses the device against the bottom of the latch, securing the device in place. |
| US09255590B2 |
Ventilation device for a hydraulic cylinder
A ventilation device for a hydraulic cylinder providing a housing having a fluid passageway with an inlet and an outlet, and a closure member disposed in said passageway displaceable in obstructing relation with such inlet upon application of a first fluid force in such inlet, obstructing relation with such outlet upon application of a second fluid force on such inlet and in nonobstructing relation with either of such inlet and outlet upon application of a third fluid force between such first and second fluid forces. |
| US09255589B2 |
Hydraulic pressure supply apparatus for automatic transmission
In a hydraulic pressure supply apparatus for an automatic transmission having hydraulic pressure supply destinations comprising at least three hydraulic actuators different from one another in required hydraulic pressure and a lubrication system, there are provided with at least three, actually five, hydraulic pumps, at least three, actually five, regulator valves capable of regulating hydraulic pressures delivered from the hydraulic pumps to values corresponding to the respective required pressures to be supplied to the hydraulic pressure supply destinations, and the selector valves installed between the hydraulic pumps and the regulator valves, wherein the operation of the selector valves is controlled to connect the hydraulic pumps to the regulator valves in accordance with the flow rates required by five hydraulic pressure supply destinations comprising the hydraulic actuators and the lubrication system. |
| US09255584B2 |
Combined ceiling fan and light fitting
There is provided a combined ceiling fan and light fitting (10) having blades (1-4) that when the ceiling fan is not in use retract and are stowed above an enclosure (12) containing a light emitting device and that when the fan is in use are extended under centrifugal force. The blades are formed in such a way as to both stow compactly above the enclosure and provide reasonable aerodynamic performance. Each blade partially overlies a neighbouring blade when in its stowed position and the blades are so formed as to permit such stacking while limiting the overall height of the assemblage of stowed blades. |
| US09255582B2 |
Exhaust-gas turbocharger for use with an internal combustion engine
The present invention relates to an exhaust-gas turbocharger for use in an internal combustion engine and to a method for assembling and/or setting an exhaust-gas turbocharger. According to the invention, the exhaust-gas turbocharger comprises a regulating mechanism and an actuator device for actuating the regulating mechanism, wherein the actuator device comprises a control rod with a first part and a second part. The second part of the control rod has a guide, which is designed in such a way that it at least partially surrounds the first part. Moreover, the second part has at least one hole, wherein the first part is connected to the second part by a welded or assembly joint, which is arranged in the at least one hole. |
| US09255580B2 |
Systems and methods for operating and validating a compressor
Certain embodiments of the disclosure may include systems, methods and apparatus for operating and validating a compressor. According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, a method is provided for validating compressor operation. The method can include receiving compressor operating parameter data from a plurality of sensors; and adjusting a portion of a variable flow area downstream of a compressor discharge to achieve a desired compressor pressure ratio. |
| US09255577B2 |
Large-scale submersible sewage pump
Disclosed is a large-scale submersible sewage pump assembly that includes a pump and a pump seat installation structure, wherein the pump seat installation structure has a concrete installation base layer, and a pump seat for installing the pump. The pump seat is fixed to the pump installation layer, and the bottom of the pump is directly connected onto the pump seat. The pump has a motor cooling apparatus, wherein the cooling apparatus has an internal cooling apparatus installed inside the case of the motor, and an external cooling apparatus installed outside the motor. The pump seat installation structure can stably mount and support the large-scale submersible sewage pump, preventing potential safety hazard during running of the pump. |
| US09255576B2 |
Cutter apparatus for centrifugal pump
A centrifugal pump with a cutter mechanism consisting of a toothed cutter rotor, integral with the impeller wear ring, affixed to the impeller and a toothed cutter stator affixed to the casing, separately from the casing wear ring. A cutter mechanism consisting of a stator and rotor set such that they may be installed on the centrifugal pump impeller and casing as original equipment or as a retrofit. A cutter mechanism such that when installed in a centrifugal pump they prevent stringy materials, garbage and other agglomerated soft wastewater solids from partially restricting or totally blocking the inlet to the pump impeller. A cutter mechanism such that when it prevents solids from restricting or blocking the impeller inlet, it does so without significant decrease of flow throughput or significant increase in absorbed hydraulic horsepower. |
| US09255575B2 |
Component having reduced metal adhesion
The invention relates to an assembly (1) having at least two metallic components (2, 3) which are subject to sliding stress and each have a sliding surface and in operation slide against one another, wherein at least one of the components (2, 3) consists of a metallic sintered material having an iron-based matrix containing iron together with carbon and up to 10% by weight of at least one non-ferrous metal at least in the region of the sliding stress, where the carbon content is at least 1% by weight and not more than 10% by weight and at least part of the carbon is present in unbound particulate form in the matrix. |
| US09255574B2 |
Rotary pump for a vehicle
A rotary pump can pump a liquid for pollution control of exhaust gases in a system on board a vehicle and can include a rotor and a stator that are positioned in a casing. The casing can include a wall delimiting a main internal volume and an integral outlet pipe for the pump. A pressure sensor can be positioned within the main internal volume of the casing. |
| US09255573B2 |
Testing apparatus for an outer housing of a pump and method for the testing of an outer housing of a pump
Disclosed is a testing apparatus for an outer housing of a pump, wherein the testing apparatus includes a separation element; a first and a second closure element, wherein the first and second closure element respectively close an axial end of the outer housing in a sealing manner; a middle pressure line which is arranged in the first or the second closure element; and a bounding element, wherein the bounding element closes the outlet outside of the outer housing, and wherein a high pressure line is arranged in the bounding element. The separation element is configured and arranged in the outer housing such that the separation element bounds the outlet of the outer housing and the outer housing is divided into a first pressure region and a second pressure region, wherein the first pressure region and the second pressure region are configured as pressure regions independent from one another. |
| US09255571B2 |
Air pump with two pressure gauges for high/low pressure indication
An air pump includes an air pump body for pumping air, and a high pressure gauge and a low pressure gauge mounted in the air pump body for measuring and indicating the air pumped by the air pump body. |
| US09255570B2 |
Metered pump stand
A metered pump system periodically pumps measured amounts of chemical or biological material into a septic or sewage system. The metered pump system includes a metered pump stand having a main panel with first and second sides, a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of side edges. A pair of feet extends from the first side of the main panel near the bottom edge. An upper flange extends from the second side of the main panel near the top edge. A metered pump may be attached to the first side of the main panel. The upper flange of the metered pump stand is disposed above a portion of a material container that supplies chemical or biological material to the metered pump. The disclosed metered pump system is customizable by interchanging components while using the same metered pump stand. |
| US09255569B2 |
Systems, methods, and devices for operating a solar thermal electricity generating system
In a startup period for a solar thermal electricity generating system, a non-solar source of steam heats a downstream receiver (for example, a superheating receiver) prior to insolation being available. Insolation, once available, heats an upstream receiver (for example, an evaporator). The upstream receiver can be arranged in a recirculation loop with a steam separation drum, which may be bypassed during the initial heating of the upstream receiver by insolation. Once sufficient temperature and pressure have been reached, steam from the upstream receiver is directed to the downstream receiver by way of the steam separation drum to replace the non-solar source of steam. Heating of the downstream receiver using steam from the upstream receiver continues until a threshold temperature and pressure are reached. Insolation is then directed at both the upstream and downstream receivers to generate steam for electricity production by a turbine. |
| US09255565B2 |
Laser ignition system based diagnostics
Methods and systems are provided for using an engine laser ignition system to perform a visual inspection of an engine and diagnose various cylinder components and conditions based on engine positional measurements. Laser pulses may be emitted at a lower power level during an intake and/or exhaust stroke to illuminate a cylinder interior while a photodetector captures images of the cylinder interior. Additionally, laser pulses may be emitted at a higher power level to initiate cylinder combustion while the photodetector captures images of the cylinder interior using the light generated during cylinder combustion. |
| US09255563B2 |
Method for operating an ignition device for an internal combustion engine and ignition device for an internal combustion engine for carrying out the method
A method is disclosed for operating an ignition device for an internal combustion engine, said device having an ignition coil designed as a transformer, an igniter plug connected to the ignition coil secondary winding, a controllable switching element connected in series to the ignition coil primary winding and a control unit connected to the ignition coil primary winding and the control input of the switching element, wherein the control unit provides a supply voltage for the ignition coil and a control signal for the switching element depending upon the flows through the ignition coil primary and secondary winding and the voltage between the connection point of the ignition coil primary winding to the switching element and the negative terminal of the supply voltage, to provide an adjustable alternating current for the igniter plug, to provide a targeted supply of power distributed over the ignition time interval. |
| US09255561B2 |
Engine starting device
The engine starting device includes a starter motor, a pinion portion, a pushing mechanism for pushing a pinion gear of the pinion portion to a position at which the pinion gear comes into meshing engagement with a ring gear, and an integrated switch for operating a motor-energization switch to pull a plunger after the pinion gear is pushed, by configuring a switch for actuating the pushing mechanism and turning ON/OFF an energization current to the starter motor by a single plunger coil. When a restart request is issued after an engine stop is requested and therefore the integrated switch is placed in an ON state, operation timing of the pushing mechanism and coil-operation timing of the plunger coil are set so that the starter motor avoids operating until the pinion gear comes into contact or meshing engagement with the ring gear. |
| US09255552B2 |
Engine system having dedicated donor cylinders for EGR
An engine system for a machine is disclosed. The engine system may have a first intake manifold configured to distribute air into a first cylinder bank of an engine. The engine system may also have a second intake manifold configured to distribute air into a second cylinder bank of the engine. The engine system may have a first exhaust manifold configured to discharge exhaust from the first cylinder bank to the atmosphere. The engine system may further have a second exhaust manifold configured to discharge exhaust from non-donor cylinders in the second cylinder bank to the atmosphere. In addition, the engine system may have a third exhaust manifold separate from the first and second exhaust manifolds and configured to recirculate exhaust from donor cylinders in the second cylinder bank to the first and second intake manifolds. |
| US09255545B2 |
Piston skirt coating consisting of a low-friction running-in layer and a low-wear base layer
A piston for internal combustion engines has a skirt coating consisting of a wear resistant inner layer consisting of a polymer matrix having ceramic particles, aramide fibers and/or carbon fibers dispersed therein and an outer layer consisting of a polymer matrix having solid lubricants dispersed therein and an outer layer consisting of a polymer matrix having solid lubricants dispersed therein. |
| US09255544B2 |
Piston type internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder of which the interior is divided into two in the longitudinal direction. The lower chamber serves as a mechanical driving portion in which the piston is reciprocated. The upper chamber serves as a power portion in which combustion gas is drawn in, compressed, burned and exhausted. A cylindrical portion with a lid which moves into the power portion is continuously provided on top of the piston. A gap is defined between the cylindrical portion and the inner peripheral surface of the power portion of the cylinder. The inner peripheral surface of the power portion is defined by a heat shield tube fitted in the cylinder. A heat insulating tube is provided on the outer periphery of the heat shield tube. |
| US09255542B2 |
System and method for compensating biodiesel fuel
Methods and systems for adjusting a plurality of fuel injections supplied to a cylinder during a cycle of the cylinder are described. In one example, fuel amounts are adjusted in response to a biodiesel concentration in fuel supplied to an engine. |
| US09255540B2 |
Method for the operation of an internal combustion engine, and internal combustion engine
A method for operating an internal combustion engine and an internal combustion engine are described. In order to recognize and correct the drift in the amount of fuel injected over the service life of the injectors of the injection system of the internal combustion engine, multiple different corrective functions are used to establish corrected individual characteristics relative to nominal characteristics. Each offset of the corrected individual characteristic from the nominal characteristics is determined, offset curves are created, and the sections of the individual offset curves representing a minimal offset are used as control data for the amount of fuel to be injected, thus making it possible to always achieve overall optimal control with a minimal difference in the amount of injected fuel. |
| US09255539B2 |
Spark-ignition direct injection engine
A spark-ignition engine is provided. The engine includes an engine body, a fuel injection valve, an ignition plug, an EGR introduction system, and a controller for operating the engine body by controlling the fuel injection valve, the ignition plug, and the EGR introduction system. The controller controls to combust mixture gas by compressing to self-ignite within a compression self-ignition combustion applying range, and to combust the mixture gas by a spark-ignition using the ignition plug within a spark-ignition combustion applying range. Substantially throughout the spark-ignition combustion applying range, the controller controls the EGR introduction system to introduce cooled EGR gas, and within the compression self-ignition applying range, the controller controls the EGR introduction system to introduce hot EGR gas. The controller controls the EGR introduction system to introduce the hot EGR gas and the cooled EGR gas within a low engine load part of the spark-ignition combustion applying range. |
| US09255538B1 |
Control systems and methods for marine engines emitting exhaust gas
Control systems and methods are for a marine engine emitting exhaust gas. A sensor senses a characteristic of the exhaust gas. An electrical heater heats the sensor. A control circuit monitors current drawn by the heater. The control circuit controls an operational characteristic of the engine based upon the characteristic of the exhaust gas and modifies its control of the operational characteristic of the engine when the current drawn by the heater changes by a predetermined amount. |
| US09255537B2 |
Rejuvenation control of palladium-only diesel oxidation catalyst
A palladium-only (i.e., platinum free) oxidation catalyst body is used to oxidize carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in the exhaust stream of a diesel engine powered vehicle, which is operated at a fuel-lean air-to-fuel ratio (A/F) for much of the time it powers a vehicle. Periodically, a recent history of the temperatures of the exhaust gas at the inlet to the palladium oxidation catalyst body is prepared in a computer control module. And a recent history of the A/F of the operating engine is considered. These temperature and A/F values are then used in determining whether the engine should be temporarily operated in a fuel-rich or stoichiometric A/F mode to provide an exhaust gas composition suitable for rejuvenation of the palladium by reducing its oxide formed during lean operation of the engine. |
| US09255533B2 |
Method for checking the outgassing of fuel and control unit
A control unit and a method for checking the outgassing of fuel from the lubricant of an internal combustion engine are provided, wherein, in a first method step, the outgassing of fuel from the lubricant is estimated on the basis of at least one operating parameter using a theoretical model during the normal operation of the internal combustion engine, and wherein, after the estimation of defined outgassing of fuel on the basis of the model, the outgassing of fuel is estimated in a second method step on the basis of at least one further operating parameter during a defined operating state. |
| US09255531B2 |
Multi fuel engine substitution optimization for transient performance
In an engine system of a machine having a multi fuel engine system, the occurrence of transient events such as gear shifts, grade changes and machine speed changes may be anticipated, and a fuel substitution strategy may be adjusted if necessary to optimize performance during the transient events. Transient events at a worksite may be anticipated and mapped by evaluating shift control logic strategies and worksite maps with truck route, speed and topographical information and determining where the fuel substitution strategy cannot meet the power requirements for the transient event. When it is determined that the machine is approaching an anticipated transient event, an appropriate fuel substitution adjustment can be executed to ensure the engine has sufficient power for the transient event. |
| US09255530B2 |
Method for operating a spark ignition internal combustion engine having at least two cylinders
An example for operating a spark ignition engine comprises discharging exhaust gases via an exhaust system comprising exhaust pipes from the at least two cylinders coming together to form an exhaust manifold; and initiating autoignition with exhaust gas from a first, exhaust-gas-supplying cylinder, which is discharged from the first cylinder into the exhaust system, the exhaust gas is introduced into an adjacent, exhaust-gas-receiving cylinder via the exhaust system. Exhaust gas from the first cylinder mixes with the air-fuel mixture of an adjacent cylinder raising the temperature therein. Under high loads the higher temperature and density of the aircharge is suitable to undergo autoignition. |
| US09255528B2 |
System and method for controlling an exhaust brake of a vehicle
A system and method for controlling an exhaust brake of a vehicle may measure rotation speed (RPM) of an engine, transmit the rotation speed of the engine to a control unit, determine an opening of a valve which opens/closes an exhaust pipe of the engine in the control unit based on the rotation speed of the engine to maintain the back pressure of exhaust gas generated by the exhaust brake to be constant, and control the valve according to the valve opening determined by the control unit. |
| US09255526B2 |
System and method for on line monitoring within a gas turbine combustor section
An on-line optical inspection and monitoring system is externally mounted to existing man way service access within the combustor housing. A replacement man way cover having an optical window is mounted to the combustor housing. One or more optical cameras are oriented so that the camera field of view (FOV) is directed through the man way cover optical window. The camera FOV is moved to plural positions within the combustion section, such as under control of an automated motion control system, and images are captured. Multiple images are combined to form a composite image, which may include an image of an entire transition within the combustion section. Visual images and/or infrared (IR) thermal images may be captured. Thermal image information is correlated with component temperature. Image information is utilized to determine vibration characteristics of the imaged components. |
| US09255525B2 |
System and method for gas turbine operation
A system includes a controller configured to control one or more parameters of a gas turbine engine based on a feedback and a predicted lifespan of one or more components of the gas turbine engine to substantially maintain at least one of power output or heat rate above a threshold level in response to degradation or fouling of the gas turbine engine. |
| US09255523B2 |
Fastening element and de-icing device of an aircraft gas-turbine engine
The present invention relates to a fastening element, in particular to its use in a de-icing device of an aircraft gas-turbine engine, for connecting two components, with the fastening element ensuring a connection of the components with a predetermined relative movability to each other, with the fastening element including two struts arranged at an angle to each other, where two first end areas, spacedly arranged to each other, can be fastened to one of the components, and the two other second end areas can be connected to each other and fastened to the other component. |
| US09255522B2 |
Modular drop-in transition assembly for industrial gas turbine and method for installation
A preassembled modular drop-in transition having internal components in conformity with assembly and function specifications prior to and after insertion into an industrial gas turbine access port. The transition assembly maintains conformity with those specifications after insertion into the combustor case if it does not inadvertently impact other turbine components during its installation. Inadvertent impact is avoided by having a combustor service zone proximal the combustor case, enabling slidable insertion of each transition and/or combustor assembly into its corresponding access port along its corresponding insertion path without contacting other turbine system components. A multi-axis motion transition handling tool (THT) in the combustor service zone, preferably under automatic control, is coupled to a transition and facilitates precise alignment along the insertion path. Automatic control facilitates consistent repetitive transition installation and removal by executing a sequence of stored pre-determined manipulation steps. |
| US09255521B2 |
Gas turbine engine installation including a flexible printed circuit board harness for transferring electrical signals around the gas turbine engine installation
A gas turbine engine installation is provided that has a plurality of flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) harnesses to transfer electrical signals, including electrical power, around a gas turbine engine. The plurality of FPCB harnesses is held to the gas turbine engine installation using generally U-shaped clips that have a base from which first and second sidewalls extend. The FPCB harness is held between the tips of base-teeth extending from the base, and side-teeth extending from the first and second sidewalls. In this way, the FPCB harness can be held securely in position by the clip. |
| US09255520B2 |
Modular adsorption-enhanced compressed air energy storage system with regenerative thermal energy recycling
A compressed air energy storage module including an integrated thermal energy storage and recovery apparatus is provided. The compressed air energy storage module contains no moving parts and is constructed onsite, underground and out-of-sight. The compressed air energy storage module comprises a first regenerative heat exchanger including a first tank filled with a first particulate material that stores thermal energy and adsorbs air, and a second regenerative heat exchanger including a second tank filled with a second particulate material that stores thermal energy. A first end of the first tank is connected to a first end of the second tank via a first piping system. A second end of the first tank is connected to a second end of the second tank via a second piping system. The first piping system and the second piping system form a circular path for the air to circulate through the first and second regenerative heat exchangers. |
| US09255518B2 |
System and method for an aftercooler bypass
Embodiments of systems and methods for bypassing an aftercooler are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the bypass valve system may include a turbocharger, an air temperature sensor, an aftercooler, a three-way bypass valve, an aftercooler conduit, a bypass conduit, a pipe fitting, an engine, a radiator, an expansion tank, a pump, a bypass control system and a locomotive control system. The temperature of the charge air is measured and sent to the bypass control system. The locomotive control system sends engine throttle conditions, such as engine notch position, to bypass control system. Bypass control system determines whether to circulate coolant through the aftercooler or bypass the aftercooler based on the temperature measurements and the engine throttle conditions. Bypass control system then sends a signal to the bypass valve to either to circulate coolant through the aftercooler or bypass the aftercooler through the conduit. |
| US09255515B2 |
Method for determining if an injector is in a blocked state
A method for determining if an injector (10) is in a blocked state, the injector including a coil of resistance R and of inductance L, passed through by a power supply current of maximum intensity (Imax), and powered by a voltage E, the method includes: controlling the opening of the injector, measuring the intensity I passing through a measurement resistance r as a function of time t, determining a necessary duration τ to reach a predetermined intensity value (Ipred), lower than the maximum intensity (Imax), computing the inductance L as a function of the necessary duration, if L≧Lth, then the injector is blocked in the closed position, otherwise if L |
| US09255512B2 |
Urea injection systems wash cycles
Urea injection system wash cycle methods and systems are disclosed. An exemplary wash cycle method includes operating a urea injection system to provide urea solution to a first inlet of a blending chamber, provide pressurized gas to a second inlet of the blending chamber, and output a combined flow of pressurized gas and urea solution from the blending chamber. A pressure of the combined flow at a location downstream from the first inlet and the second inlet is monitored. A wash cycle is performed based upon the monitored pressure wherein the flow of pressurized gas is turned off and urea solution is provided to the blending chamber. An exemplary system includes a controller configured to control a urea injection system to perform a wash cycle in accordance with the exemplary method. |
| US09255509B2 |
Exhaust cleaner for internal combustion engine
The exhaust cleaner for internal combustion engine is equipped with NOx storage reduction catalyst (161, 162) which is disposed in exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine and which absorb and reduce the NOx contained in exhaust gas. The NOx storage reduction catalyst (161, 162) each include a coating layer that has been formed on the inner wall of cells through which the exhaust passage, the coating layer having the catalytic function. The coating layers have been formed so that the thickness of the coating layer of the NOx storage reduction catalyst (161) located upstream in the flow of the exhaust gas is smaller than the thickness of the coating layer of the NOx storage reduction catalyst (162) located downstream. Due to this configuration, the NOx storage reduction catalyst (161, 162) are inhibit from being poisoned by sulfur and high NOx removal percentage is maintained. |
| US09255500B2 |
Valve timing control apparatus
A resin member may include a first side wall, which is placed between a first housing and a laminated body, and a second side wall, which is placed between a second housing and the laminated body. A vane rotor may include a pressing oil passage that is configured to guide hydraulic oil to a first seal member and a second seal member to exert a pressing force, which radially outwardly and axially urge the first seal member and the second seal member. |
| US09255494B2 |
Steam turbine power plant
Disclosed is a steam turbine power plant adapted to start operating safely even if prediction accuracy of its startup constraints cannot be obtained. The system calculates predictive values and current values of startup constraints of a steam turbine from process variables of plant physical quantities, next calculates in parallel both a first control input variable for a heat medium flow controller based on predictive values, and a second control input variable for a main steam control valve based on the current values, and while preferentially selecting the first control input variable, if the first control input variable is not calculated, selects the second control input variable instead. After the selection of at least one of the first and second control input variables, the system outputs an appropriate command value to the heat medium flow controller and the main steam control valve according to the kind of selected control input variable. |
| US09255491B2 |
Surface area augmentation of hot-section turbomachine component
An example turbomachine hot-section component protrusion extends away from a base surface of a hot-section component along a longitudinal axis. A radial cross-section of the protrusion has a profile that is non-circular. |
| US09255488B2 |
Sealing arrangement for a thermal machine
A sealing arrangement for sealing a gap (22) between two adjacent, thermally loaded components (14, 14′) of a thermal machine, especially a turbomachine or gas turbine, includes a seal (25) which is supported in a recess (23) which extends transversely to the gap (22) and traverses said gap (22). An efficient and simple improvement of the sealing arrangement is made by the seal (25) being formed at least partially of a shape memory alloy in such a way that, when a pre-specified temperature limit is exceeded, the seal changes its sealing behavior. |
| US09255482B2 |
Electrical wiring system for a rotor hub
The electrical harness system is configured for routing a harness between a rotor yoke and a rotor blade. A recess in an inboard cap member is configured to house a connector and an associated harness. As the recess extends along a radial path in the chordwise direction of the rotor blade, the harness is configured to lie within the recess. Operationally induced centrifugal forces promote positioning the slack of harness within the recess, while the slack in the harness remains available for relative dynamic movements between the rotor blade and the rotor yoke. Such a routing of the harness reduces aerodynamic drag and minimizes damage that could otherwise occur to the harness. |
| US09255476B2 |
Shaft construction in the earth and method thereof
A method of constructing a shaft in the earth for use as, for example, a launch shaft or a retrieval shaft, may include several steps. One step includes installing a secant pile wall into the earth. The secant pile wall encloses a portion of the earth. Another step includes excavating the portion of the earth enclosed by the secant pile wall. The excavated portion leaves an interior of the shaft and exposes an inside surface of the secant pile wall. Yet another step includes placing a metal liner within the interior of the shaft. And yet another step includes partially or more filling a space located between the inside surface of the secant pile wall and the metal liner with a grout material. |
| US09255473B2 |
Methods and systems for real-time monitoring and processing of wellbore data
An integrated digital ecosystem comprises an applied fluid optimization specialist and one or more sensors communicatively coupled to the applied fluid optimization specialist. The applied fluid optimization specialist receives data relating to performance of subterranean operations from the one or more sensors and interprets the data received. The applied fluid optimization specialist then regulates the performance of subterranean operations based on the interpretation of the data received. |
| US09255466B2 |
Liner hanger fluid diverter tool and related methods
A downhole fluid diverter tool includes a tool body having a central bore therethrough and a bypass port formed in an outer diameter thereof, a spring-biased piston disposed within the tool body, a piston port in the spring-biased piston configured to axially align with the bypass port to control fluid flow outward from the central bore, and a rotatable ball valve aligned within the central bore of the tool body and configured to control fluid flow through the central bore, wherein the bypass port and the ball valve are configured to be cycled multiple times between open and closed positions while in a wellbore. |
| US09255461B2 |
Removable fracturing plug of particulate material housed in a sheath set by expansion of a passage through the sheath
The removable plug features a solid material that is housed in a porous container that has its shape changed to transition from the run in shape to the set shape. A swage is moved through a passage in the container to enlarge the passage and move the container to a borehole wall. The passage is then closed such as with a flapper valve or by moving in a mandrel into the expanded passage and lodging the mandrel in the expanded passage. Various release techniques are described. |
| US09255459B2 |
Collapsible casing device for use in controlling flow
A collapsible casing device, comprising an insert housing, said insert housing having an outer surface and an inner surface, said outer surface fluidly isolated from an external environment, said inner surface having a profile, and a connection between said outer surface and said inner surface, wherein said connection is capable of fluidly connecting to a tubular element; a deformable insert, said deformable insert having an inner surface and an outer surface, said outer surface fitting within said profile of said insert housing, said inner surface capable of containing a fluid and having a first inner diameter, said deformable insert having properties that are conducive to deformation; an explosive material that generates a pressure pulse in response to an activation signal, said explosive material having an inner surface and an outer surface and a composition, said outer surface fitting within said profile of said insert housing, said inner surface external to said outer surface of said deformable insert; and a trigger, said trigger capable of generating said activation signal. |
| US09255456B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving the efficiency of a positive displacement motor for drilling and oil or gas well
A method and apparatus for improving the efficiency of a drill string that includes drilling pipe, a dump valve, a positive displacement motor and a rotary drill bit driven by the motor utilize a dump valve that does not depend upon a pressure loss to maintain the dump valve in a position which closes communication between the drilling string and the annulus between the drilling string and the well bore or casing. The dump valve includes a flow sleeve that is axially moved to close outlet passages to the annulus by the flow of fluid through the outlet passages rather than a pressure drop across the flow sleeve. |
| US09255454B2 |
Set-delayed cement compositions comprising pumice and associated methods
Set-delayed cement compositions and methods of using set-delayed cement compositions in subterranean formations. Embodiments include a method of drilling a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising: circulating a drilling fluid comprising a set-delayed cement composition in the wellbore while drilling the wellbore, wherein the set-delayed cement composition comprises: pumice, hydrated lime, a set retarder, and water. A method of displacing a fluid in a wellbore comprising: introducing a spacer fluid comprising a set-delayed cement composition into a wellbore such that the spacer fluid displaces one or more prior fluids from the wellbore, and wherein the set-delayed cement composition comprises: pumice, hydrated lime, a set retarder, and water. |
| US09255452B2 |
Flush fitting pipe lining system
A liner assembly includes a first ring member, a second ring member, a corrosion barrier ring, a first liner, and a second liner. The first ring member includes a body member having a first end and a second end. The first end has a flange extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom. The second ring member includes a body member having a first end and a second end. The second end has a flange extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom. The body member of the first ring member extends along a face of the first liner a first distance beyond an inner diameter of the first liner. The body member of the second ring member extends along a face of the second liner a second distance beyond an inner diameter of the second liner. |
| US09255450B2 |
Drill bit with self-adjusting pads
A drill bit including a bit body and a pad. The pad extends from a retracted position to an extended position from a bit surface at a first rate and retracts from the extended position to a retracted position at a second rate that is less than the first rate. |
| US09255446B2 |
Pre-positioned capping device for source control with independent management system
Systems and methods contain fluids discharged from a subsea well or at the surface by capping the well blowout with a pre-positioned capping device. The capping device includes at least one blind shear ram and is separate from a blowout preventer. Different personnel offsite of a rig drilling the well may have access and control to operate the device. |
| US09255442B2 |
Double glazing system
A double glazing system, including a first sheet of glass, a second sheet of glass, a spacer element including a first surface for coupling with the first sheet of glass and a second surface for coupling with the second sheet of glass, a blind, or a screen, said spacer element made from low thermally conductive material including rubber and/or silicone foam. The spacer element includes support means including a housing made of a substantially “T”-shaped groove made on a surface perpendicular to the first surface and to the second surface. The support means include two lateral sections for guiding said blind, screen or the like having respective substantially “T”-shaped portions and being able to be engaged in said housing, the lateral sections including respective free ends for supporting respective end portions of said blind, screen or the like. |
| US09255436B2 |
Spindle drive for the motorized adjustment of an adjustment element of a motor vehicle
Described herein is a spindle drive for the motorized adjustment of an adjustment element of a motor vehicle comprising a drive portion on the spindle side and a drive portion on the spindle nut side, in which the drive portions are able to be adjusted relative to one another in a linear manner for producing drive movements between a refracted position and an extended position and in each case comprising a coupling means for transferring the drive movements and a spring arrangement provided which pretensions the two drive portions in the extended position, wherein a predetermined rupture point is provided in the drive train of the spindle drive which fractures at a predetermined critical load acting via the coupling means on the spindle drive, and which is located outside the flux of force of the spring arrangement. |
| US09255425B2 |
Closing device for a door
A door closing device for a door is described. The device includes an externally powered and/or spring force-powered catch device F for mounting to the stationary door frame TR or the door leaf TF. The catch device has a movably mounted catch element F and an externally powered and/or force storage means-powered drive assembly M connected to the catch element F. It is essential that the catch element F can be connected to and disconnected from the counterpart element, for example the lock latch S, so that the catch element F can be brought into engagement with the counterpart element S for pulling the door leaf TF shut and can be brought out of engagement with the counterpart element S outside of the pulling-shut movement. |
| US09255420B2 |
Passenger and vehicle elevator system
The passenger and vehicle elevator system includes a plurality of elevator cars arrayed substantially equidistantly and equiangularly from a central shaft of the building. Each elevator car includes a housing and at least one door. The housing has a floor, a ceiling, and at least one sidewall. A linearly translating platform is mounted on the floor of each of the housings. The linearly translating platform is adapted for automatically carrying the vehicle and the at least one passenger through the at least one door. Further, the vehicle may be rotated within the housing by driven rotation of the platform or the floor, allowing for selective angular positioning of the vehicle with respect to the housing. The elevator car ascends and descends within a corresponding elevator shaft in a manner similar to that of a conventional elevator. |
| US09255418B2 |
Retractable curtain system
A retractable curtain system including a first curtain region, a motor assembly and a mounting arm assembly. The first curtain region is capable of substantially covering the at least one opening when in an unrolled configuration. The motor assembly operably is attached to the first curtain region for moving the first curtain region between the unrolled configuration and a rolled configuration. The mounting arm assembly includes at least one mounting arm for pivotally mounting the motor assembly with respect to the building. |
| US09255417B2 |
Independent aisle containment system
An aisle containment system is disclosed. The aisle containment system includes a frame defined by wall beams, header frames, and a plurality of posts secured to the wall beams and header frames. The header frames extend the width of the frame and the wall beams extend the length of the frame. A plurality of blanking panels extend from the floor to one of the wall beams. The plurality of blanking panels have a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side. Vertical stiffeners are positioned along at least one of the first side and the second side of each blanking panel. The blanking panels overlap adjacent blanking panels along the length of the frame. The blanking panels are laterally adjusted to fill openings in the aisle containment system. |
| US09255414B2 |
Building panels
Flooring material comprising sheet-shaped floor elements with a mainly square or rectangular shape. The floor elements are provided with edges, a lower side and an upper decorative layer. The floor elements are intended to be joined by means of joining members. The floor elements are provided with male joining members on a first edge while a second edge of the floor elements are provided with a female joining member. The male joining member is provided with a tongue and a lower side groove while the female joining member is provided with a groove and a cheek, the cheek being provided with a lip. The floor elements are provided with a male vertical assembly joining member on a third edge while a fourth, opposite, edge is provided with female vertical assembly joining member. |
| US09255412B2 |
Peripheral sealing gland for elongate objects passing through a surface or beyond a pipe end
The invention relates to a peripheral sealing gland to form a seal, between an elongate member and a substantially flat surface. The gland has an at least in part tapered skirt or frustoconical shaped skirt through which the elongate member is to pass and defining at the upper periphery of the skirt and deformable upper seal to deform about and seal to a periphery of said elongate member. A flange depends from the lower periphery of the skirt including on its outward from the skirt presented surface, at least one endless lip to seal when brought into contact, against said substantially flat surface. A compression ring is able to bear on said flange, to be fastened to said substantially flat surface to capture the flange therebetween. |
| US09255411B1 |
Rain gutter with cyclonic debris ejection
An open fluid channel with wind powered cyclonic separation for debris removal. The present disclosure is a channel shape, applied to a rain gutter, that harnesses wind energy to create cyclonic separation wherein channel debris, excited to rotary motion by a vortex are, upon gaining sufficient angular momentum ejected from the channel, reducing the need to manually clear the rain gutter. |
| US09255410B2 |
Raised roof edge to seal and protect membrane and eliminate the need for gutters
A lightweight, raised roof edge segmented to accommodate narrow openings for scupper-fed downspouts. The edge's segments include at least one pair of elongated, inflatable or otherwise fillable, membrane-covered barriers, each of which spans about 20 feet, making it compatible with typical spacings between industrial building downspouts. Retrofitted onto a flat or low pitch roof at the latter's joint with an exterior wall, the barrier, still in its flattened state, is secured and sealed not only to the roof but also to the wall. So secured, the barrier straddles the joint between them longitudinally. Subsequently filled with gas or solids, the barrier functions as a check dam, collecting and temporarily storing storm water and/or funneling it, via scupper, into a downspout. Barriers with rigid, longitudinally extending, angular peaks also tend to break up and lift high winds, further reducing potential roof damage. |
| US09255409B2 |
Pole base bolt template
A pole base bolt template that provides easy and accurate means to hold pole anchor bolts and a rebar cage in a pole base form while pouring concrete or other filling material into the form. The pole base bolt template comprises a plurality of arms disposed around a central hub, each arm comprising a slotted bolt hole, bolt diameter markings, and a form hook adaptable to secure the template to a form, and each arm being shaped so as to raise the entire template above the top of the form. The template further comprises a plurality of gaps between the arms that allow easy access to the form and the filling material. |
| US09255405B2 |
Wood fibre based panels with a thin surface layer
A method of manufacturing a building panel, including mixing wood fiber particles and a binder to form a first mix, applying the first mix, while the first mix is in powder form, on a core for forming a sub layer on the core, applying a surface layer on the sub layer, wherein the surface layer comprises a second mix of wood fiber particles and a binder, pressing the core, the surface layer, and the sub layer, under increased pressure and temperature, and forming them into a building panel. A building panel formed by the method. |
| US09255404B2 |
Methods for producing precast pervious concrete panels
Methods directed to a producing precast pervious concrete panels. Each pervious concrete panel has a plurality of layers of concrete mixture, wherein the aggregate used in each layer may be a different size and each layer is compacted after being laid. The method may further include providing a slip-former machine or an extruder machine to lay the layers of pervious concrete mixture. |
| US09255401B2 |
Lightweight building structure produced by using a mortar
The invention concerns the field of a lightweight building structure produced by using a mortar containing foamed polystyrene and cement. It includes at least one layer of prefabricated foam concrete panel affixed to a reinforcing frame structure wherein interspaces between elements of the reinforcing frame structure are at least partially filled with a mortar providing a first surface contacting the foam concrete panel. The mortar includes granules of 0.5-10 mm size produced by grinding a pressed foamed concrete that has been allowed to mature, 50-200 kg of unbound, anhydrous cement, and 150-300 liters of water added before application per one cubic meter of ground material, respectively. |
| US09255398B2 |
Fire proof oriented strand board and its manufacture
The invention pertains to a method of manufacturing a fire proof board from strands of wood, the method comprising the following steps in the given order: (a) providing strands of wood having a humidity between 5% and 25%, preferably between 5% and 20%, even more preferably between 8% and 20%, (b) immersing the strands of wood in a watery solution of a flame retardant chemical composition, (c) separating the strands of wood from each other, (d) at least in part drying the strands of wood thereby providing dry impregnated strands of wood, (e) applying an adhesive to the strands of wood, and (f) forming a board of a predetermined shape from the strands. The invention furthermore pertains to a board formed by a plurality of strands of wood that are compressed and bonded together with an adhesive, wherein the board further comprises a flame retardant chemical composition, said composition comprising a phosphate compound. |
| US09255396B2 |
Bolted structural connection systems
Systems and methods directed to the art of connectors and assembling structures, such as securing rail members together to form an assembled structure. A connector system capable of inducing a clamping stress in a connector and thereby securing at least one rail within the connector. The connector has a plurality of channel openings and a plurality of brace members extending outward from the connector and between the plurality of channel openings, each brace member has at least one brace aperture therethrough, and each brace member faces one other brace member with the respective brace member apertures aligned. |
| US09255395B2 |
Flange of a wind turbine
An improved flange in a wind turbine is provided. The flange has a flange plate that is connected to a part of the wind turbine. The flange plate and the part of the wind turbine are connected via an edge to form an L-shaped flange. The flange plate includes a connection side to be detachable connected to a counterpart. The flange plate includes a plurality of holes to be used with a connector when the flange is connected to the counterpart. A recess is arranged in the surface of the connection side between the edge of the flange plate and the plurality of holes, to reduce fatigue loads in the area of the holes of the flange plate. |
| US09255387B2 |
Quick assembly structure of faucet handle base
A quick assembly structure of a faucet handle base, which is fixed in a valve assembly, the valve assembly includes a valve core, a directional connector, a locking element having a peripheral groove, a connecting portion, and a tilted guiding face. The handle mount includes: a fixing ring having a central orifice; a flexible fastening sleeve having a lower engagement portion and an upper engagement portion; the upper engagement portion having a plurality of flexible retaining paws; a coupling column having a fitting portion and a snapping insertion; the sapping insertion having plural first recesses; an operating member having a covering portion and a handle extending; and a coupling element employed to join a top end of the sapping insertion of the coupling column with the covering portion of the operating member. |
| US09255385B2 |
Hybrid construction machine
A hybrid construction machine according to the present invention includes a controller for controlling an engine with a droop characteristic. The controller includes: a target engine output calculation unit (2-4) that calculates a target output of the engine; a target speed setting unit (2-7) that sets a target speed command of a motor-generator; a target droop calculation unit (2-8) that obtains an intersection point of a constant output line with the target output value of the engine and a constant speed line with the target speed command of the motor-generator on a speed-torque characteristic diagram, and determines a governor characteristic of the engine so that the governor characteristic passes through the intersection point; a governor characteristic changing unit (2-10) that changes the governor characteristic of the engine; and a motor-generator control unit (2-9) that controls the motor-generator in accordance with the target speed command value. |
| US09255381B2 |
Construction machine
A cooling fan (12) generating a cooling air in a suctioning direction, a radiator (20) provided by facing the cooling fan (12) and cooling an engine coolant by passage of the cooling air, and an oil cooler (21) arranged in parallel with the radiator (20) so as to be in parallel with respect to a flow direction of the cooling air and cooling a hydraulic oil by passage of the cooling air are provided. On a suction side of the cooling air with respect to the radiator (20) and the oil cooler (21), a cooling-air adjusting member (26) for adjusting a ratio of a cooling air amount to be supplied to the radiator (20) and a cooling air amount to be supplied to the oil cooler (21) is provided. |
| US09255380B2 |
Hydraulic suspension hitch system
The present disclosure provides a hitch suspension system that reduces a transfer of energy (e.g., provides a smoother ride) between two bodies hitched together, such as between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle/trailer. In an embodiment, the suspension system includes a hydraulic cylinder with an extendable rod in fluid communication with a fluid pump. A control valve is fluidly coupled between the hydraulic cylinder and the fluid pump and is configured to adjust an extension length of the rod. Additionally, a variable orifice that adjusts resistance to extension and retraction of the rod is fluidly coupled between the hydraulic cylinder and the control valve. A first fixed restrictive element is fluidly coupled in series with the variable orifice to dissipate energy ad the rod extends and a second fixed restrictive element is fluidly coupled in series with the variable orifice to dissipate energy as the rod retracts. |
| US09255378B2 |
Arm for construction machine
An arm of a hydraulic excavator is formed as a box-shaped structural body surrounded by left and right side plates, an upper plate joined to each of the upper end sides of each side plate, a lower plate joined to each of the lower end sides of each side plate, and a thick rear plate joined to each of the rear end sides of each side plate and the upper plate. The side plates are formed by joining a rear thick side plate and a front thin side plate. The upper plate is formed by joining two members, that is, a rear thick upper plate and a front thin upper plate, and the lower plate is formed by joining two members, that is, a rear thick lower plate and a front thin lower plate. |
| US09255377B2 |
Controlling the operation of an industrial machine based on wire rope dead wraps
An industrial machine that includes a dipper, a hoist drum, a wire rope connected between the hoist drum and the dipper, a hoist motor, a sensor, and a controller. The sensor generates a signal related to a number of wire wraps of the wire rope around the hoist drum, which is received by the controller. The controller determines, based on the signal from the sensor, the number of wire wraps around the hoist drum. If the controller determines that there are an insufficient number of dead wraps around the hoist drum, the controller sets one or more parameters of the hoist motor. The controller sets each of the one or more parameters of the hoist motor to a value that is lower than a normal operational value for the parameter. |
| US09255376B2 |
Modular system of mutli-purpose rods for drilling soil
A modular system of multipurpose rods for drilling soil is constituted by rods (1) crossed by an internal passage (2) for the passage of concrete, of substantially cylindrical shape, that completely crosses the rod; each of the rods is provided at the endings with a male insert (5) and a female insert (6) respectively, adapted to be plugged in one to the other for permitting the assembly in batteries of any length. The inserts (5, 6) are provided with transmitters (11, 11a) for transmitting the rotation along the whole battery of rods (1) and arranged for fixing elements that reduce the internal passage (2). |
| US09255375B2 |
Helmet adapter for pile drivers
An adapter assembly for transmitting a drive force from a pile driving system defining a drive axis to a pile defining a pile axis comprising a base assembly and an adapter assembly. The base assembly is operatively supported such that the drive force is transmitted to the base assembly. The adapter assembly comprises a plate member, a skirt member defining a skirt chamber, and an adapter connector configured to support the skirt member relative to the base assembly, the plate member, and the pile member. The adapter assembly substantially aligns the drive axis with the pile axis. The drive force is transmitted from the base assembly to the plate member. The pile is received within the skirt chamber such that the drive force is transmitted from the plate member to the pile. The skirt member is substantially isolated from the drive force. |
| US09255374B2 |
Icebreaking vessel and method of breaking ice
To keep the water around an off-shore installation (1) free from a harmful impact of ice, a vessel (5) is used to deploy an anchor (6) in a position at a distance from the off-shore installation (1) and in a direction which, seen from the off-shore installation (1), is substantially in parallel with the direction of movement (P) of the ice. By means of the machinery of the vessel, which preferably comprises azimuth propellers, the direction of the anchor line is adjusted and so is the orientation of the vessel relative to the anchor line to the effect that then propellers can be used to crush and dispose of the ice without using energy to hold the vessel up against the pressure of the ice. |
| US09255371B1 |
Vehicle pulled snow scraper systems
The vehicle pulled snow scraper system is an adjustable width snow blade having a pivotally attached blade in which the forward-backward tilt of the blade is adjusted via the winch. The forward-backward tilt function also may raise and lower the bottom edge of the blade in relation to the ground surface. The invention has a two piece hitch receiver bar having two different diameters of tubing, with an impact spring between the tubes to absorb impacts when the blade catches an immovable object. The outside edges of the blade assembly extend outward to greatly increase the width of the snow plow blade as desired by the user. |
| US09255369B2 |
Collapsable shovel handle
One embodiment relates to a snow shovel system with an extended and collapsed state. The system includes a blade member, handle, lower shaft member, and upper shaft member. One end of the lower shaft member is coupled to the blade member and the other is slidably coupled with the upper shaft member. A first end of the upper shaft member is coupled to a handle and the second end is slidably coupled with the lower shaft member. The slidable coupling between the lower and upper shaft members includes an extended state and a collapsed state in which the handle is separated from the blade member a greater distance in the extended state. The collapsed state includes translating a portion of the lower shaft member beyond the first end of the upper shaft member. |
| US09255363B2 |
Manually operated arrangement
The present invention embraces a manually operated arrangement (“A”) and a method, adaptable for a transfer along a longitudinal extension of a rail (1) and intended to be able to secure said rail to a subjacent crosstie (2) by a horizontal transfer of clips (3: 3a), included in fastening elements (4), and displaceably oriented in relation to a holder (5) included in the fastening element (4), where the holder (5, 5a) co-operates firmly with said crosstie (2). The respective one of said clips (3; 3a) is adapted to, by a movement, allow displacing the clips (3: 3a) horizontally for a clamping of the rail base (1c) in relation to the holder (5). An opposed first pair (6a, 6b) of a first lever-shaped means (6) is adapted to, via its lower end areas (6aa, 6ab) co-operate with the clips. For this purpose, the invention provides a means (20, 21, 23) lifting the crosstie (2) with holders (5) and clips (3) up to the rail base, which means is adapted adjustable in height (“D”). |
| US09255362B2 |
Rail anchor
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including an apparatus that is a rail anchor comprising a head, a tail, and a belly section. The belly section comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, and two side surfaces. Each side surface comprises a contact-bearing surface area. The head comprises a bend along a length of the head. The tail comprises a notch. Each contact-bearing surface area has a surface area of at least 3 square inches and is adapted to extend at least 1.5 inches downward from the top of a railroad track crosstie along a side of the railroad track crosstie. |
| US09255357B2 |
Laundry treatment apparatus
A laundry treatment apparatus may facilitate input and removal of laundry items. The laundry treatment apparatus may include a door which may selectively open and close an opening into a receiving space formed in a cabinet in which laundry items may be received for treatment. The door may serve as a laundry guide when positioned at an angle relative to the cabinet so as to guide laundry items into the receiving space, and may serve as a shelf to support laundry items thereon when positioned at another angle relative to the cabinet. |
| US09255350B2 |
Branched poly(arylene sulfide) resin and method for producing same
Disclosed are a branched poly(arylene sulfide) resin having a melt viscosity measured at a temperature of 310° C. and a shear rate of 1200 sec−1 of 65 to 450 Pa·s, a maximum draft ratio of 6500 or more, and a degree of whiteness of 65 or more; moreover, a branched poly(arylene sulfide) resin preferably having a dependence of melt viscosity on shear rate of 1.4 to 2.6 or a melt stability of 0.85 to 1.30; and a method for producing a branched poly(arylene sulfide) resin, wherein a sulfur source and a dihaloaromatic compound are caused to undergo a polymerization reaction at a temperature of 170 to 290° C. in the organic amide solvent in the presence of a polyhaloaromatic compound in an amount of 0.0001 to 0.01 mol per mol of the fed sulfur source. |
| US09255349B2 |
Terpolymer for melt blown media for air filtration
Melt-blown fiber comprising a terpolymer of propylene, ethylene and a C4 to C10 α-olefin, wherein further said melt blown fiber and/or said terpolymer has/have a melt flow rate MFR25 (230° C.) of at least 300 g/10 min, the amount of propylene in said terpolymer is at least 90.0 wt.-%, the weight ratio of ethylene and α-olefin within said terpolymer is 1/100 to below 1/1, and the terpolymer has <2,1> regiodefects of below 0.4 mol.-% 0.10. |
| US09255348B2 |
Systems and methods for biodosimetry with biochip using gene expression signatures
Exposure to ionizing radiation can produce a well-defined dose dependent signature in terms of changes in gene expression. In approaches and devices described herein, such a signature can be used to generate and use a self-contained radiation biodosimeter device, based on, for example, a blood finger stick. Various aspects of the invention are directed to biodosimetry with a fully integrated biochip using gene expression signatures. |
| US09255345B2 |
Method for growing germanium/silicon—germanium superlattice
A bulk manufacturing method for growing silicon-germanium stained-layer superlattice (SLS) using an ultra-high vacuum-chemical vapor deposition (UHV-CVD) system and a detector using it is disclosed. The growth method overcomes the stress caused by silicon and germanium lattice mismatch, and leads to uniform, defect-free layer-by-layer growth. Flushing hydrogen between the layer growths creates abrupt junctions between superlattice structure (SLS) layers. Steps include flowing a mixture of phosphine and germane gases over a germanium seed layer. This in-situ doped germanium growth step produces an n-doped germanium layer. Some of the phosphorus diffuses into the underlying germanium and reduces the stress in the underlying germanium that is initially created by the lattice mismatch between germanium and silicon. Phosphine can be replaced by diborane if a p-doped layer is desired. The reduction of stress results in a smooth bulk germanium growth. |
| US09255343B2 |
Iron-based composition for magnetocaloric effect (MCE) applications and method of making a single crystal
A method of making a single crystal comprises heating a material comprising magnetic anisotropy to a temperature T sufficient to form a melt of the material. A magnetic field of at least about 1 Tesla is applied to the melt at the temperature T, where a magnetic free energy difference ΔGm between different crystallographic axes is greater than a thermal energy kT. While applying the magnetic field, the melt is cooled at a rate of about 30° C./min or higher, and the melt solidifies to form a single crystal of the material. |
| US09255341B2 |
Method, apparatus, and electrolytic solution for electropolishing metallic stents
An apparatus, a method, and an electrolytic solution are described for electropolishing metallic stents made, for example, of high-strength medical alloys. The apparatus may include an electropolishing container made from material of low thermal conductivity. The apparatus may include at least one spiral cathode for optimization of solution agitation and/or voltage distribution in the electrolytic solution. Further, an electrolytic solution including at least dimethylsulfate is described. A method for improved electropolishing to consistently produce smooth surfaces is also described. |
| US09255337B2 |
Methods and apparatus for processing of rare earth metal ore
In one aspect, the present invention is directed to methods for extracting rare earth metals from ores comprising reduction of rare earth metal oxyfluorides. In another aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for extracting rare earth metals from ores comprising reduction of rare earth metal oxyfluorides. The methods and apparatuses described herein generate rare earth metals from ores with reduced requisite pre-removal of metal oxides found as natural impurities in ores. |
| US09255328B2 |
Metamaterial and method for forming a metamaterial using atomic layer deposition
A metamaterial includes a first continuous layer formed with a first material by atomic layer deposition (ALD), a first non-continuous layer formed with a second material by ALD on first upper surface portions of a first upper surface of the first continuous layer, and a second continuous layer formed with the first material by ALD on second upper surface portions of the first upper surface of the first continuous layer and on a second upper surface of the first non-continuous layer. |
| US09255326B2 |
Systems and methods for remote plasma atomic layer deposition
Systems and methods deposit a film on a substrate by introducing a precursor gas into a reaction volume of a processing chamber. A substrate is arranged in the reaction volume. After a predetermined soak period, the precursor gas is purged from the reaction volume. The substrate is exposed with plasma gas using a remote plasma source. |
| US09255325B2 |
Method and apparatus for igniting silicon rods outside a CVD-reactor
A method and a device for igniting silicon rods outside a CVD-reactor. A silicon rod is disposed inside a chamber of a casing of an ignition device. At least one pair of contact electrodes applies a first voltage supplied by a transformer with an open circuit voltage sufficiently high to initialize a current flow in and ignite the silicon rod. Optionally, the silicon rod may be heated by a current flow and/or an external heating unit to a temperature within a predetermined range. The silicon rod is removed from the ignition device and may be exposed to a depositing process inside a CVD-reactor. The ignition of the silicon rod outside the CVD-reactor facilitates a new ignition for the depositing process. |
| US09255323B2 |
Sputtering target including a feature to reduce chalcogen build up and arcing on a backing tube
A sputtering target has a cylindrical backing tube having two edges and a sidewall comprising a middle portion located between two end portions. The sputtering material is on the backing tube. The sputtering material does not cover at least one end portion of the backing tube. The sputtering target also has a feature which prevents or reduces at least one of chalcogen buildup and arcing at the at least one end portion of the backing tube not covered by the sputtering material. |
| US09255322B2 |
Substrate processing system having symmetric RF distribution and return paths
A processing system may include a target having a central axis normal thereto; a source distribution plate having a target facing side opposing a backside of the target, wherein the source distribution plate includes a plurality of first features such that a first distance of a first radial RF distribution path along a given first diameter is about equal to a second distance of an opposing second radial RF distribution path along the given first diameter; and a ground plate opposing a target opposing side of the source distribution plate and having a plurality of second features disposed about the central axis and corresponding to the plurality of first features, wherein a third distance of a first radial RF return path along a given second diameter is about equal to a fourth distance of an opposing second radial RF return path along the given second diameter. |
| US09255318B2 |
High-steel galvanized steel sheet and method for manufacturing the same
A high-strength galvanized steel sheet has a low YP, good stretch flangeability, and excellent corrosion resistance and contains, on a percent by mass basis, more than 0.015% to less than 0.10% of C, 0.5% or less of Si, 1.0% to 1.9% of Mn, 0.015% to 0.050% of P, 0.03% or less of S, 0.01% to 0.5% of sol. Al, 0.005% or less of N, less than 0.40% of Cr, 0.005% or less of B, less than 0.15% of Mo, 0.4% or less of V, and less than 0.020% of Ti, in which 2.2≦[Mneq]≦3.1 and [% Mn]+3.3[% Mo]≦1.9, and [% Mn]+3.3[% Mo])/(1.3[% Cr]+8[% P]+150B*)<3.5 are satisfied. |
| US09255317B2 |
Method of cold forming titanium alloy sheet metal
A method of cold forming titanium alloy sheet metal, the titanium alloy consisting of 5.5 to 6.75 wt % aluminum, 3.5 to 4.5 wt % vanadium and the balance titanium plus incidental impurities, the method comprising the steps of (a) heat treating at 700° C. for at least 30 minutes and (b) cold forming at room temperature. Step (b) may comprise bending the titanium alloy sheet metal using a press brake. Step (b) may comprise placing a neoprene rubber film or a rubber film between the titanium alloy sheet metal and a lower V of the press brake. Step (b) may comprise placing the titanium alloy sheet metal into the press brake such that the grain of the titanium alloy sheet metal is arranged at an angle to the bend axis of the press brake. The method reduces and preferably overcomes cracking of the titanium alloy sheet metal during cold forming. |
| US09255315B2 |
Al-Mg alloy product suitable for armour plate applications
Aluminum alloy plate having improved resistance against incoming kinetic energy projectiles, the plate having a gauge of 10 mm or more and the aluminum alloy having a chemical composition including, in weight percent: Mg 4.0 to 6.0, Mn 0.2 to 1.4, Zn 0.9 max., Zr<0.3, Cr<0.3, Sc≦0.5, Ti≦0.3, Fe<0.5, Si<0.45, Ag<0.4, Cu<0.25, other elements and unavoidable impurities each <0.05, total <0.20, balance aluminum, and wherein the alloy plate is obtained by a manufacturing process including casting, preheating and/or homogenization, hot rolling, a first cold working operation, an annealing treatment at a temperature of less than 350° C., followed by a second cold working operation. |
| US09255311B2 |
Copper alloy conductor, and trolley wire and cable using same, and copper alloy conductor fabrication method
A copper alloy conductor has a copper alloy material which has a copper parent material with 0.001 to 0.1 wt % (=10 to 1000 wt·ppm) of oxygen and 0.15 to 0.70 wt % (exclusive of 0.15 wt %) of Sn. A crystalline grain to form a crystalline structure of the copper alloy material has an average diameter of 100 μm or less, and 80% or more of an oxide of the Sn is dispersed in a matrix of the crystalline structure as a fine oxide grain with an average diameter of 1 μm or less. |
| US09255308B2 |
Methods of copper extraction
The hydrometallurgical copper extraction processes of the present teachings generally including two steps: a conditioning or activating step using low concentrations of ammonia and ammonium in an aqueous solution; and an acid leaching step. The processes of the present teachings can be performed at low temperature, for example, at ambient temperature, and at atmospheric pressure. |
| US09255303B2 |
Method for determining at least one state variable of an electric arc furnace, and electric arc furnace
In a method for determining a state variable of an electric arc furnace, especially for determining the level of the foamed slag (15) in a furnace, the energy supplied to the furnace is determined with the aid of at least one electric sensor while solid-borne noise is measured in the form of oscillations on the furnace. The state variable is determined by a transfer function which is determined by evaluating the measured oscillations and evaluating measured data of the electric sensor. The state of the foamed slag level can thus be reliably recognized and be monitored over time. The foamed slag level is decisive for the effectiveness with which energy is fed into the furnace. Furthermore, losses caused by radiation are reduced by covering the arc with the foamed slag. The improved measuring method allows the foamed slag level to be automatically controlled or regulated in a reliable manner. |
| US09255297B2 |
CHK2 polymorphism as a cancer marker
The invention relates to the use of gene modifications in the human gene CHK2 (CHEK2), which encodes the checkpoint kinase 2, for predicting the risk and progression of cancer diseases, for predicting the response to pharmacological or non-pharmacological therapeutic measures for treating cancer diseases, and for predicting undesired effects of drugs. The invention further relates to the provision of individual gene variants with the help of which further gene modifications that can be used for the aforementioned purposes can be detected and validated. Such gene modifications can comprise a substitution of adenine for guanine in position −7161 in the promoter of CHK2, a substitution of guanine for cytosine in position −7235, a substitution of adenine for guanine in position −10532, or a deletion of 29 base pairs in positions −10621 to −10649. |
| US09255295B2 |
Method for evaluating the sensitizing potential of a test compound
The invention relates to a method for evaluating the sensitizing potential of a test compound, and to a kit for implementing said method. |
| US09255293B2 |
Integrated capture and amplification of target nucleic acid for sequencing
The invention provides efficient methods of preparing a target nucleic acid in a form suitable for sequencing. The methods are particularly amenable for preparing high quality nucleic acids for massively parallel sequencing. The methods involve capturing a target nucleic acid from a sample and PCR amplification of the target nucleic acid. The target nucleic acid is captured by binding to a capture probe, which in turn binds to an immobilized probe. The immobilized probe is typically immobilized via a magnetic bead. The captured target nucleic acid is PCR amplified by thermocycling without prior dissociation of the target nucleic acid from the beads. The efficiency of the method lies in part in that both the capture and amplification steps are performed in a single vessel. The amplified nucleic acid can then be sequenced. |
| US09255291B2 |
Oligonucleotide ligation methods for improving data quality and throughput using massively parallel sequencing
Described herein is a buffer concentration for highly efficient ligation of two oligonucleotides. The embodiments herein have led to the development of an optimized ligation step used in the sample preparation for sequencing reactions. Further, embodiments herein describe a high-throughput method for sequencing using barcodes or the purpose of multiplexing several samples simultaneously and novel methods for making targeted DNA libraries for re-sequencing on massively parallel next-generation sequencing platforms and for alternatives to gel-purification for recovering the desired templates from small RNA libraries for next generation sequencing. |
| US09255290B2 |
Methods and devices for non-therman polymerase chain reaction
Methods and devices for non-thermal PCR amplification of nucleic acid sequences. An electrical potential is applied to cause non-thermal separation of strands of a double-stranded nucleic acid or double-stranded nucleic acid/primer extension product. |
| US09255288B2 |
Nanofluidic devices for the rapid mapping of whole genomes and related systems and methods of analysis
Devices and methods generate an ordered restriction map of genomic DNA extracted from whole cells. The devices have a fluidic microchannel that merges into a reaction nanochannel that merges into a detection nanochannel at an interface where the nanochannel diameter decreases in size by between 50% to 99%. Intact molecules of DNA are transported to the reaction nanochannel and then fragmented in the reaction nanochannel using restriction endonuclease enzymes. The reaction nanochannel is sized and configured so that the fragments stay in an original order until they are injected into the detection nanochannel. Signal at one or more locations along the detection nanochannel is detected to map fragments in the order they occur along a long DNA molecule. |
| US09255287B2 |
Method for detection of chemical reaction with respect to target substance in sample
Reaction detection method to detect a chemical reaction with respect to a target substance, for instance, glucose (5) in a sample (32) includes the steps of forming a reaction layer (3) to induce the chemical reaction and forming an oxygen transfer layer (2), which has an oxygen transmission rate higher than that of the reaction layer (3) and which transfers oxygen (4) in the air (1) to the reaction layer (3), between the reaction layer (3) and the air (1), where the oxygen is consumed in the chemical reaction. Chemical reaction rate with respect to target substances in a sample is increased. |
| US09255284B2 |
Cellulose and ligno-cellulose active proteins
Methods to digest carbohydrates, especially lignocelluloses and hemicelluloses, using fungal proteins previously not recognized as having this activity are described. |
| US09255282B2 |
Tailored oils produced from recombinant heterotrophic microorganisms
Methods and compositions for the production of oil, fuels, oleochemicals, and other compounds in recombinant microorganisms are provided, including oil-bearing microorganisms and methods of low cost cultivation of such microorganisms. Microalgal cells containing exogenous genes encoding, for example, a lipase, a sucrose transporter, a sucrose invertase, a fructokinase, a polysaccharide-degrading enzyme, a keto acyl-ACP synthase enzyme, a fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase, a fatty acyl-CoA/aldehyde reductase, a fatty acyl-CoA reductase, a fatty aldehyde reductase, a fatty aldehyde decarbonylase, and/or an acyl carrier protein are useful in manufacturing transportation fuels such as renewable diesel, biodiesel, and renewable jet fuel, as well as oleochemicals such as functional fluids, surfactants, soaps and lubricants. |
| US09255280B2 |
Removal of fermentation inhibiting compounds from citrus waste using solvent extraction and production of ethanol from citrus waste
The present invention relates to novel processes for producing ethanol from citrus waste using suitable solvent extractions to reduce the presence of fermentation inhibiting compounds, such as limonene, from citrus waste. The extraction can be performed before or after the polysaccharides present in aqueous mixtures comprising citrus waste are converted into fermentable sugars. |
| US09255279B2 |
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) as an oncogene capable of transforming normal human cells
The present invention provides compositions and methods for transforming primary mammalian cells using an oncogenic form of ALK wherein the transformed cells display features of that of a corresponding tumor cell isolated from a cancer subject. The invention also provides a method for immortalizing normal CD4+ T lymphocytes with a lymphoma-characteristic form of ALK such as NPM-ALK. |
| US09255277B2 |
GNTIII expression in plants
The invention relates to the field of glycoprotein processing in transgenic plants used as cost efficient and contamination safe factories for the production of recombinant biopharmaceutical proteins or pharmaceutical compositions comprising these glycoproteins. The invention provides a plant comprising a functional mammalian enzyme providing mammalian GnTIII that is normally not present in plants, said plant additionally comprising at least a second mammalian protein or functional fragment thereof that is normally not present in plants. |
| US09255275B2 |
Methods for producing polypeptides in enzyme-deficient mutants of Fusarium venenatum
The present invention relates to methods of producing a polypeptide, comprising: (a) cultivating a mutant of a parent Fusarium venenatum strain in a medium for the production of the polypeptide, wherein the mutant strain comprises a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide and one or more (several) genes selected from the group consisting of pyrG, amyA, and alpA, wherein the one or more (several) genes are modified rendering the mutant strain deficient in the production of one or more (several) enzymes selected from the group consisting of orotidine-5′-monophosphate decarboxylase, alpha-amylase, and alkaline protease, respectively, compared to the parent Fusarium venenatum strain when cultivated under identical conditions; and (b) recovering the polypeptide from the cultivation medium. The present invention also relates to enzyme-deficient mutants of Fusarium venenatum strains and methods for producing such mutants. |
| US09255273B2 |
Bioavailable diacylhydrazine ligands for modulating the expression of exogenous genes via an ecdysone receptor complex
The present invention relates to non-steroidal ligands for use in nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression system, and a method to modulate exogenous gene expression in which an ecdysone receptor complex comprising: a DNA binding domain; a ligand binding domain; a transactivation domain; and a ligand is contacted with a DNA construct comprising: the exogenous gene and a response element; wherein the exogenous gene is under the control of the response element and binding of the DNA binding domain to the response element in the presence of the ligand results in activation or suppression of the gene. |
| US09255272B2 |
Use of inhibitors of leukotriene B4 receptor BLT2 for treating asthma
The present invention relates to the use of inhibitors of leukotriene B4 receptor BLT2 for treating asthma. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for treating asthma comprising BLT2 inhibitors and a method for treating asthma using BLT2 inhibitors. |
| US09255269B2 |
Multi-conjugate of siRNA and preparing method thereof
The present invention relates to a multi-conjugate of small interfering RNA (siRNA) and a preparing method of the same, more precisely a multi-conjugate of siRNA prepared by direct binding of double stranded sense/antisense siRNA monomers or indirect covalent bonding mediated by a cross-linking agent or a polymer, and a preparing method of the same. The preparing method of a siRNA multi-conjugate of the present invention is characterized by simple and efficient reaction and thereby the prepared siRNA multi-conjugate of the present invention has high molecular weight multiple times the conventional siRNA, so that it has high negative charge density, suggesting that it has excellent ionic interaction with a cationic gene carrier and high gene delivery efficiency. |
| US09255268B2 |
Methods for diagnosing and treating learning or mental disorders
The present invention embraces methods for the diagnosis and treatment of learning or mental disorders such as schizophrenia using miR-25, miR-98, or miR-185. |
| US09255263B2 |
Antithrombotic compounds
A soluble compound for preventing or reducing blood coagulation comprising an antithrombotic agent and a membrane binding element, wherein the antithrombotic agent has a weight of less than about 5,000 daltons. Also disclosed is a soluble compound for preventing or reducing blood coagulation comprising an anticoagulant joined to a membrane binding element via a joining element, wherein the joining element between the anticoagulant and the membrane binding element is less than about 10,000 daltons in weight. These compounds can be used in therapy and, in particular, in preventing or reducing blood coagulation. As a result, a method of treatment is provided comprising administering an effective amount of the compounds to a subject to prevent or reduce blood coagulation as well as a method of perfusing an organ, tissue or cell comprising contacting the compounds with the organ, tissue or cell to prevent or reduce blood coagulation. Also disclosed is an organ, tissue or cell which has been perfused with the compounds. |
| US09255261B2 |
Ultrapure hypoallergenic solutions of sacrosidase
One aspect provides an ultrapure, hypoallergenic sacrosidase. Another aspect provides a solution of sacrosidase in about 1:1 glycerol/water having an enzymatic activity of at least about 7500 IU/mL and a residual papain concentration that does not include an allergic reaction in a human patient when given a dose of about 2.0 mL/day. |
| US09255254B2 |
Nylanderia fulva virus
At least one novel virus capable of infecting crazy ants (Nylanderia fulva) is isolated, along with polynucleotide sequences and amino acid sequences of the virus. The virus is capable of be used as a biopesticide to control populations of crazy ants. |
| US09255252B2 |
Live attenuated virus vaccines for La Crosse virus and other Bunyaviridae
The invention relates to vaccine compositions including CEV serogroup immunogens, attenuated and inactivated viruses of the CEV serogroup and chimeric Bunyaviridae. Also disclosed are methods of treating or preventing CEV serogroup infection in a mammalian host, methods of producing a subunit vaccine composition or an immunogenic composition, isolated polynucleotides comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a CEV serogroup immunogen, methods for detecting La Crosse virus (LACV) infection in a biological sample and infectious chimeric Bunyaviridae. |
| US09255250B2 |
Isolated mouse or human cell having an exogenous transgene in an endogenous albumin gene
Cells and methods of using these cells for expressing a transgene expressing a protein that is aberrantly expressed in a metabolic disorders from a safe harbor locus. |
| US09255248B2 |
Method of producing erythrocytes without feeder cells
Provided herein are methods of producing erythrocytes from hematopoietic cells, particularly hematopoietic cells from placental perfusate in combination with hematopoietic cells from umbilical cord blood, wherein the method results in accelerated expansion and differentiation of the hematopoietic cells to more efficiently produce administrable erythrocytes. Further provided herein is a bioreactor in which hematopoietic cell expansion and differentiation takes place. |
| US09255236B2 |
Acid-free quaternized nitrogen compounds and use thereof as additives in fuels and lubricants
The present invention relates to novel acid-free quaternized nitrogen compounds, to the preparation thereof and to the use thereof as a fuel and lubricant additive, more particularly as a detergent additive, as a wax antisettling additive (WASA) or as an additive for reducing internal diesel injector deposits (IDID); to additive packages which comprise these compounds; and to fuels and lubricants thus additized. The present invention further relates to the use of these acid-free quaternized nitrogen compounds as a fuel additive for reducing or preventing deposits in the injection systems of direct-injection diesel engines, especially in common-rail injection systems, for reducing the fuel consumption of direct-injection diesel engines, especially of diesel engines with common-rail injection systems, and for minimizing power loss in direct-injection diesel engines, especially in diesel engines with common-rail injection systems. |
| US09255234B2 |
Device and method for manufacturing natural gas hydrate
Disclosed are a device and a method for manufacturing a natural gas hydrate. Provided is the device for manufacturing a natural gas hydrate comprising: an ice slurry generation unit for preparing ice slurry having 13-20% of ice at normal pressure; a first pipe, having one end connected to the ice slurry generation unit for withdrawing the ice slurry from the ice slurry generation unit, and in which a high-pressure pump for increasing pressure on the ice slurry is interposed; a hydrate preparation reactor, which is connected to the other end of the first pipe so as to receive the pressurized ice slurry, and to which natural gas is supplied and mixed, for generating natural gas hydrate slurry; a second pipe, having one end connected to the hydrate preparation reactor, for withdrawing the natural gas hydrate slurry; and a dehydrating portion, which is connected to the other end of the second pipe, for dehydrating the natural gas hydrate slurry. |
| US09255232B2 |
Gasification system and method
A method including introducing a carbonaceous feedstock and a heated heat transfer material into a gasifier, whereby at least a portion of the carbonaceous material is pyrolyzed; removing a gasification product gas comprising, entrained therein, char, particulate heat transfer material, and optionally unreacted carbonaceous feedstock; separating a solids product comprising char, heat transfer material and optionally unreacted carbonaceous material from the gasification product gas; heating at least a portion of the solids product via a combustor, thus producing a heated portion of the solids product and a combustor flue gas, wherein a portion of the heat for heating is obtained via combustion of the char; separating the heated portion from the flue gas, and introducing the separated heated portion into the gasifier, providing heat for pyrolysis; and utilizing at least a portion of the gasification product gas for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and/or power production. |
| US09255231B2 |
Method and apparatus for fixed bed gasification
A fixed bed gasification system to convert solid organic matter (also called biomass), into synthesis gas. This gas can be burned in an engine, turbine, oven or boiler, which makes it possible to valorize the thermal energy that it harbors. |
| US09255229B2 |
Hydroconversion process for heavy hydrocarbonaceous feedstock
The invention concerns a process for hydroconversion of a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock comprising: a preparation step of at least one catalyst in one or more preparation reactor upstream from a reaction section, wherein (i) at least one preparation reactor feeds one or more reactor of the reaction section, or (ii) preparation reactors are dedicated for catalysts fed to at least a hydroconversion reactor or at least a hydrotreatment reactor of the reaction section; a separation step of solids contained in the liquid effluents issued from the reaction section, a treatment step of residues issued from separation section, comprising a partial oxidation step wherein said residues are partially oxidized to produce carbon monoxide, hydrogen an a metal containing residue. Such process permits improving of products quality, operation of the separation section, recovering of catalytic metals contained in the feed and supplying hydrogen to the reaction section. |
| US09255222B2 |
Fluorescent material for self-erasable writing, authentic security labeling, currency counterfeit prevention and processes for the preparation thereof
The present invention provides a novel fluorescent molecule having formula 1 which exhibit emission color change when in contact with moisture useful for the preparation of fluorescent paper, allowing self-erasable writing, security label for document authenticity, check and prevention of currency counterfeit. Compound of formula 1 when coated on paper results in blue emitting surfaces on which writing is possible using water as ink. The images undergo self-erasal after 6 hours making the paper reusable or instantly with hot air. The images are visible only on illumination with a UV lamp having wavelength 365 nm. The material can be coated on any document to create security label which changes color on touching with a wet surface or water pen and will go back to the native color when the moisture is dried off after a time frame. This strategy is used to create a security label for currency bills for checking original and fake currency notes or any other documents for authenticity. The technique is also useful for temporary writing on recyclable papers. |
| US09255220B2 |
Defoamer formulation and methods for making and using same
Defoamer compositions are disclosed and methods for making and using same, where the defoamer has universal applicability at low concentrations. The defoamer compositions include between 40 vol. % and about 80 vol. % distilled water (other waters may be used instead), 10 vol. % and about 30 vol. % of silicon anti-foam agent and between about 10 vol. % and about 30 vol. % of active silicon anti-foam agent. The defoamer compositions are used in amount of less than or equal to 200 ppm in all foamed downhole fluid systems. |
| US09255219B2 |
Refrigeration compressor lubricant
Disclosed are working fluid compositions for heat transfer apparatuses, such as refrigeration systems, that include a refrigerant and an ester based lubricant. The working fluid may comprise ≦50% by weight of the ester based lubricant composition and ≧50% by weight of one or more refrigerant compounds. The ester based lubricant comprises an additive selected from the group consisting of: diaryl sulfides, arylalkyl sulfides, dialkyl sulfides, diaryl disulfides, arylalkyl disulfides, dialkyl disulfides, diaryl polysulfides, arylalkyl polysulfides, dialkyl polysulfides, dithiocarbamates, derivatives of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, derivatives of 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole, and combinations thereof. The refrigerants may be C3-C8 hydrocarbons, trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11), dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12), saturated hydrofluorocarbons, difluoromethane (HFC-32), 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134), difluoroethane (HFC-152a), fluoroethane (HFC-161), R410A (a near-azeotropic mixture of difluoromethane (HFC-32) and pentafluoroethane (HFC-125)), 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea), 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236ea), 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236fa), 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245fa), 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane (HFC-365mfc), hydrofluoroolefins, dimethyl ether, carbon dioxide, bis(trifluoromethyl)sulfide, and trifluoroiodomethane and combinations thereof. |
| US09255217B2 |
Iminoxytriazines as radical generators
Iminoxytriazine compounds of the formula I wherein n is 1 or 2; R1 and R2 independently of each other are hydrogen, NH2, NHR5, NR5R6, COR5, COOR5, CONH2, CONHR5, CONR5R6, CN, SR5, OR5, C1-C18alkyl, C3-C12cycloalkyl, C6-C14aryl or C2-C14heteroaryl, wherein said C3-C12cycloalkyl, C6-C14aryl or C2-C14heteroaryl is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more radicals selected from the group consisting of C1-C12alkyl, C3-C12-cycloalkyl, phenyl, halogen and C1-C12 alkoxy, or R1 and R2 together with the C atom to which they are linked form a 4 to 12 membered carbocyclic or heterocyclic saturated or unsaturated ring which is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more radicals selected from the group consisting of C1-C12alkyl, C3-C12-cycloalkyl, phenyl, halogen and C1-C12 alkoxy; R3 is F, Cl, OH, OR5, SH, SR5, NH2, NHR5, NR5R6 or R1R2C═N—O—; wherein R1 and R2 in all groups R1R2C═N—O— in the compound of the formula I are identical or different; if n is 1, R4 is F, Cl, OH, OR5, SH, SR5, NH2, NHR5, NR5R6 or R1R2C═N—O—; wherein R1 and R2 in all groups R1R2C═N—O— in the compound of the formula I are identical or different; if n is 2, R4 is a difunctional group derived from a diol, diamine, aminoalcohol or mercaptoalcohol; R5 and R6 independently of each other are C1-C18alkyl, C3-C12cycloalkyl, C6-C14aryl or C2-C14heteroaryl; are suitable as radical generating agents. |
| US09255213B2 |
Scratch and abrasion resistant UV blocking glass coating
A resin for making abrasion and scratch resistant UV blocking glass coating. The resin can include an inorganic polysiloxane polymer matrix formed from water-based colloidal silica and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS). The resin also can include a bi-functional silanol coupling agent coupled to the inorganic polysiloxane polymer matrix. The resin further can include a UV absorber conjugated to the bi-functional silanol coupling agent. The resin also can include a solvent that is compatible with the colloidal silica, TEOS, bi-functional silanol agent, and UV absorber. |
| US09255212B2 |
Acetoacetyl-functional silicon-based resin and process for preparing the same
An acetoacetyl-functional silicon-based resin includes at least a fraction with a branched molecular skeleton containing silicon atoms and acetoacetyl functional groups chemically bonded to the branched molecular skeleton. The acetoacetyl functional silicon-based resin can be used to formulate coating compositions. |
| US09255211B2 |
Adhesion to plastic with block copolymers obtained using RAFT
An aqueous coating composition (which optionally can coat plastic substrates) the composition comprising a block copolymer and a polymer P; where the block copolymer comprises at least blocks [A]x[B]y; where at least block [A] is obtained by a controlled radical polymerization of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer via a reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) mechanism (optionally in solution in the presence of a control agent and a source of free radicals); and wherein block [A] comprises 20 to 100 mol % of ethylenically unsaturated monomer units bearing water-dispersing functional groups; wherein block [B] comprises 20 to 100 mol % of ethylenically unsaturated monomer units bearing plastic adhesion promoting functional groups; and wherein polymer P is prepared in the presence of blocks [A]x[B]y. The compositions may be used to coat plastic substrates, foam; surfaces having low surface energy, hydrophobic substrates and/or polyolefins. |
| US09255209B2 |
Air-permeable sheet imparted with oil repellency
Provided is an air-permeable sheet imparted with oil repellency, having a surface coated with an oil-repellent agent. The oil-repellent agent contains a linear fluorine-containing hydrocarbon group represented by —R1C5F10CH2C4F9 or —R2C6F13, where R1 and R2 are each independently an alkylene group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or a phenylene group. The air-permeable sheet is a resin sheet having air permeability in a thickness direction of the resin sheet, the resin sheet is a non-porous sheet having two or more through holes formed to extend in the thickness direction, and the through holes are straight holes extending straight through the resin sheet. This air-permeable sheet is imparted with oil repellency without significantly reducing its air permeability. |
| US09255208B2 |
Ink jettable silver/silver chloride compositions
The present invention uses a silver/silver chloride composition and ink jet technology in the art of digital printing, especially for use in blood glucose sensors. |
| US09255207B2 |
Inkjet inks containing crosslinked polyurethanes
Inkjet inks are described that have, as a principal component, a crosslinked polyurethane dispersoid binder additive. These inks can be used for printing on different media, and are particularly suitable for printing on paper. |
| US09255205B2 |
Silver particle-containing composition, dispersion solution, and paste and method for manufacturing the same
The method for manufacturing a silver particle-containing composition according to the invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a silver particle-containing composition coated with a fatty acid and includes a step (A) of preparing silver particles coated with a first fatty acid (a) with 3 to 7 carbon atoms, a second fatty acid (b) with 2 to 20 carbon atoms, and a solvent in which the first and second fatty acids can disperse, respectively, a step (B) of adding the silver particles coated with the first fatty acid (a) and the second fatty acid (b) into the solvent, and a step (C) of substituting the second fatty acid (b) for the first fatty acid (a) coating the silver particles after the addition step. |
| US09255204B2 |
Cavitation resistant polyurethane compositions and methods of forming coating films using the same
A cavitation resistant polyurethane composition includes a first solution comprising a urethane prepolymer and a second solution. The urethane prepolymer is synthesized by a polymerization of about 60 to about 70 weight percent of an isocynate compound and about 30 to about 40 weight percent of a polyol. An average functional group number of the isocyanate compound is at least 2. The second solution includes about 90 to about 95 weight percent of a polyol having an average functional group number of at least 4, about 1 to about 3 weight percent of a nano-carbon, about 1 to about 3 weight percent of a colorant, about 1 to about 3 weight percent of a moisture absorbent, about 1 to about 3 weight percent of an anti-wear agent, and about 1 to about 3 weight percent of a defoaming agent. |
| US09255203B2 |
Water/oil repellent composition, method for its production and article
To provide a water/oil repellent composition with which an article which has favorable water/oil repellency and washing durability, and into which infiltration of a coating liquid can be suppressed, is obtained, and which presents a low environmental impact, its production method and an article having its surface treated with the composition. A water/oil repellent composition comprising a copolymer (X) having structural units based on the monomer (a) and structural units based on the monomer (b), and an aqueous medium, wherein the mass average molecular weight of the copolymer is at least 60,000, and the proportion of the structural units based on the monomer (a) is 60 to 95 mass %. Monomer (a): by (Z—Y)nX, wherein Z is a e.g. C1-6 polyfluoroalkyl group, Y is e.g. a bivalent organic group having no fluorine atom, n is 1 or 2, and X is a polymerizable unsaturated group. Monomer (b): vinyl chloride. |
| US09255200B2 |
Heat resistance in polycarbonate compositions
Disclosed herein are methods and compositions of blended polycarbonate compositions with improved heat resistance. The resulting compositions, comprising a first polycarbonate polymer, a second polycarbonate polycarbonate, an impact modifier, optionally a flow promoter, and optionally a flame retardant, can be used in the manufacture of articles while still retaining the advantageous physical properties of blended polycarbonate compositions with improved heat resistance. 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. |
| US09255197B2 |
Polymer foam
The present invention relates to foam comprising thermoplastic starch, polyolefin, polyolefin wax, ethylene vinyl alkanoate copolymer, and ethylene acrylic copolymer, and also to a method of preparing the same. |
| US09255195B2 |
Ionic liquids, functionalized particulates, and fluoropolymer composites
The present invention relates to (i) novel fluoroionic compounds capable of dispersing particulate filler compositions into a fluoropolymer; (ii) novel particulate compositions in which particulates are surface-functionalized with a fluoroionic compound; (iii) fluoropolymer composite materials containing the surface-functionalized particulates of (ii) incorporated into a fluoropolymer; (iv) crosslinked versions of (iii); v) methods for producing the crosslinked material of (iv); and (vi) articles of manufacture containing the compositions (iii) and (iv). |
| US09255194B2 |
Methods and materials for depolymerizing polyesters
Provided is a method of depolymerizing polyesters from post-consumer products, such as beverage bottles, to produce a high purity reaction product. For the depolymerization reaction, the polyesters are reacted with an alcohol and an amine organocatalyst at a temperature of about 150° C. to about 250° C. In one application, the use of an organocatalyst with a boiling point significantly lower than the boiling point of the reactant alcohol allows for the ready recycling of the amine organocatalyst. In another application, performing the depolymerization reaction under pressure at a temperature above the boiling point of the alcohol allows for accelerated depolymerization rates and the recovery of the organocatalyst with no further heat input. In a further application, glycolytic depolymerization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) produces a reaction product of bis(2-hydroxyethyl)terephthalate (BHET), which may in turn be used to produce high purity beverage bottle grade PET, in a closed loop process with minimal waste. |
| US09255193B2 |
Film having water, grease, gas and water vapor barrier properties
Film having liquid-water, grease, gas and water-vapor barrier properties, comprising a PVA film grafted on the surface with a fatty acid. |
| US09255192B2 |
Optical compensation films based on fluoropolymers
An optical compensation film composition is disclosed herein wherein the optical compensation film is stretched to yield a negative A-plate having a refractive index profile of nx |
| US09255190B2 |
Process for the continuous preparation of water-absorbent polymers
The invention relates generally to a process for the preparation of water-absorbent polymer particles, including the process steps of preparing particulate water-absorbent polymer and mixing the particulate water-absorbent polymer with an aqueous crosslinker solution and heat-treating the mixture of particulate water-absorbent polymer in a horizontally operated mixing device, wherein the horizontally operated mixing device is hydraulically driven. The invention also relates to water-absorbent polymer particles obtainable by such a process. |
| US09255188B2 |
Compositions comprising lignin
Compositions comprising lignin and low levels of undesirable impurities, such as compounds containing sulfur, nitrogen, or metals, are disclosed. |
| US09255186B2 |
Thermosetting resins with enhanced cure characteristics containing organofunctional silane moieties
A thermosetting resin. The resin includes a silane and a co-reactant monomer. The silane includes a quaternary silicon atom with first and second non-hydrolyzable moieties chemically bonded thereto. Each of the first and second non-hydrolyzable moieties includes respective first and second reactive groups. The reactive groups include at least one aromatic or unsaturated group having a triple bond. |
| US09255184B2 |
Process for making stable high viscosity amino silicone emulsion
A stable highly viscous aminosilicone polymeric fluids and a process for synthesis of stable high viscosity amino silicone emulsion by using the said aminosilicone polymeric fluid by way of a simple and cost-effective manufacturing process yielding emulsions in large scale commercial process with a particle size from 0.01 micron to 150 micron for diverse applications such as in personal care, specially hair care, textile, release and alike. |
| US09255179B2 |
Copolycarbonate resin and article including the same
According to the present disclosure, a copolycarbonate being economically prepared, and having improved low-temperature impact strength with improved transparency and flowability which are conflicting properties with each other, simultaneously, and a molded article including the same, may be provided. |
| US09255167B2 |
Method of making diarlysilanediol containing polymers, polymer compositions and articles containing such polymers
A method of making a polymer with stable Mooney viscosity and molecular weight is described. A conjugated diolefin is reacted in a hydrocarbon solvent in the presence of an initiator to form a polymer. After forming the polymer, alkoxy silane terminal functionalizing groups are bonded to the polymer. A mixture of at least one of a first stabilizing agent having the formula (R)4-nSi(OH)n wherein R is a C1 to C18 alkyl, C1 to C18 alkyl group containing a heteroatom such as nitrogen or oxygen, C4 to C8 cycloalkyl, or C6 to C18 aromatic group, and a at least one of a second stabilizing agents having the formula (R)2Si(OH)2 wherein R is an aryl group, is then added to the polymer, optionally in the presence of hydrocarbon oil. The polymer is then desolvatized, resulting in a polymer with stable Mooney viscosity and molecular weight, even over prolonged periods of time. Compositions and articles containing the polymer are also described. |
| US09255166B2 |
High purity heterophasic propylene copolymers
High purity heterophasic polypropylene copolymers comprising (A) 73 to 98 wt % of a propylene homo- or copolymer matrix with an MFR2 in accordance with ISO 1133 (230° C., 2.16 kg load) of ≧45 g/10 min and (B) 2 to 27 wt % of an elastomeric copolymer, comprising propylene in an amount of at least 50 wt % of component (B) and at least ethylene and/or one other C4 to C10 alpha olefin in an amount of up to 50 wt % of component (B), the heterophasic polypropylene copolymers being obtainable by a multistage polymerization process in the presence of a catalyst system comprising (i) a Ziegler-Natta procatalyst which contains a trans-esterification product of a lower alcohol and a phthalic ester and (ii) optionally an organometallic cocatalyst and (iii) an external donor represented by formula (I) Si(OCH2CH3)3(NR1R2) wherein R1 and R2 can be the same or different a represent a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, their production and use. |
| US09255162B2 |
Polymerisation process
Process for the polymerization of olefins in a gas phase fluidized bed reactor, by i) passing a fluidizing gas to the reactor to fluidize a bed of polymer particles therein, ii) withdrawing the fluidizing gas from the reactor, iii) cooling all or a portion of the fluidizing gas withdrawn from the reactor to a temperature at which a portion of the components of the fluidizing gas condense to form condensed liquid, and iv) passing condensed liquid and non-condensed components of the fluidizing gas back to the reactor. A reservoir of condensed liquid downstream of the cooling step is provided, and variations in the inventory of the condensed liquid are made in order to control the temperature in the reactor. |
| US09255160B2 |
Multi-metallic ziegler-natta procatalysts and cataysts prepared therefrom for olefin polymerizations
Novel catalyst compositions comprising three or more transition metals are effective in increasing catalyst efficiency, reducing polydispersity, and increasing uniformity in molecular weight distribution when used in olefin, and particularly, linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), polymerizations. The resulting polymers may be used to form differentiated products including, for example, films that may exhibit improved optical and mechanical properties. |
| US09255157B2 |
Rhamno-polysaccharide from Enterococcus faecium clonal complex 17 and uses thereof
The present invention relates to a rhamno-polysaccharide antigen from Enterococcus faecium clonal complex which is useful as a vaccine component for therapy and/or prophylaxis of bacterial infection. |
| US09255154B2 |
Anti-PCSK9 antibodies and use thereof
The present invention is directed to antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for PCSK9. 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-PCSK9 antibodies and binding fragments thereof conjugated to one or more functional or detectable moieties. The invention also contemplates methods of making said anti-PCSK9 antibodies and binding fragments thereof. Embodiments of the invention also pertain to the use of anti-PCSK9 antibodies, and binding fragments thereof, for the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of diseases and disorders associated with PCSK9. |
| US09255153B2 |
Polynucleotides encoding Toll-Like Receptor 3 antagonists
Toll Like Receptor 3 (TLR3) antibody antagonists, polynucleotides encoding TLR3 antibody antagonists or fragments thereof, and methods of making and using the foregoing are disclosed. |
| US09255152B2 |
Antibody specifically recognizing an epitope for switching to Th2 cell and a method for converting T cell to type 2 helper T cell using the same
The present invention relates to a novel epitope to convert T cell to type 2 helper T (TH2) cell. Specifically, the present invention relates to an epitope constituting the 20th to 30th amino acids (SEQ ID No. 2) of extracellular domain (ECD) of activation-inducible tumor necrosis factor receptor (AITR), an antibody recognizing the epitope, a polynucleotide encoding the epitope, a polynucleotide encoding the antibody, an expression vector comprising the polynucleotide encoding the epitope or antibody, a transformant introduced with the vector, a composition comprising the antibody for converting T cell to TH2 cell and a method of conversion, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody for preventing or treating autoimmune disease, and a method for treating autoimmune disease using the antibody. |
| US09255144B2 |
Anti-IL-18 antibodies and their uses
The present invention provides human, humanized and/or chimeric antibodies as well as fragments, derivatives/conjugates and compositions thereof with a specific binding affinity for interleukin-18. The invention includes the use of these antibodies for diagnosing and treating diseases associated with increased IL-18 activity, the latter in the form of a pharmaceutical composition. |
| US09255143B2 |
Methods for controlling the galactosylation profile of recombinantly-expressed proteins
The present invention relates to methods for modulating the glycosylation profile of recombinantly-expressed proteins. In particular, the present invention relates to methods of controlling the galactosylation profile of recombinantly-expressed proteins by supplementing production medium, e.g., a hydrolysate-based or a chemically defined medium, with manganese and/or D-galactose. |
| US09255140B2 |
Adjuvancy and immune potentiating properties of natural products of Onchocerca volvulus
The present disclosure relates to a method for inducing an antigen-specific immune response to an antigen in a mammal in need thereof, or potentiating an immune response, by administering to the mammal an effective amount of an isolated Ov-ASP, or at least one subunit of Ov-ASP. |
| US09255135B2 |
High affinity HIV T cell receptors
The present invention provides TCRs having high affinity. The TCR binds to SLYNTVATL (SEQ ID NO:16)-HLA-A*0201 with a KD of less than or equal to 1 μM and/or an off-rate (koff) of 1×10−3 S−1 or slower using Surface Plasmon Resonance. The TCRs are non-native, isolated or recombinant. The TCRs are useful, either alone, or with a therapeutic agent, for targeting HIV infected cells that present the SLYNTVATL (SEQ ID NO:16)-HLA-A*0201 complex. |
| US09255132B2 |
Angiopoietin derived peptides
Provided are angiopoietin-derived peptides or homologs or derivatives thereof, pharmaceutical composition including them, a use thereof for therapy and for the manufacture of a medicament, a method of treating a wide range of conditions, disorders and diseases therewith, nucleotide sequences encoding them, antibodies directed to epitopes thereof and fusion proteins including them. |
| US09255131B2 |
Identification of surface-associated antigens for tumor diagnosis and therapy
An isolated truncated desmoglein 4 (DSG4) polypeptide splice variant of the invention is characterized by an amino acid sequence that lacks a region encoded before exon 9 or beyond exon 10 of the DSG4 gene having the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 75. Also disclosed is a method of diagnosing a cancer, or monitoring the course thereof, in a patient. The method comprises detecting in a tissue sample of a patient the expression of a tumor-associated antigen comprising the extracellular domain of a DSG4 polypeptide encoded by a DSG4 gene having the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 75, or a truncated DSG4 polypeptide splice variant characterized by an amino acid sequence that lacks a region encoded before exon 9 or beyond exon 10 of the DSG4 gene. |
| US09255125B2 |
Polynucleotides encoding extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) heteropolyligand polypeptides
The invention relates to kinase inhibitor ligands and polyligands. In particular, the invention relates to ligands and polyligands that modulate ERK activity. The ligands and polyligands are utilized as research tools or as therapeutics. The invention includes linkage of the ligands and polyligands to a cellular localization signal, epitope tag and/or a reporter. The invention also includes polynucleotides encoding the ligands and polyligands. |
| US09255124B2 |
Modifications of peptide compositions to increase stability and delivery efficiency
The disclosed invention relates to methods of modifying peptide compositions to increase stability and delivery efficiency. Specifically, the disclosed invention relates to methods to increase the stability and delivery efficiency of protein kinase C (PKC) modulatory peptide compositions. A “therapeutic peptide composition” comprises a “carrier peptide” and a “cargo peptide.” A “carrier peptide” is a peptide or amino acid sequence within a peptide that facilitates the cellular uptake of the therapeutic peptide composition. The “cargo peptide” is a PKC modulatory peptide. Peptide modifications to either the carrier peptide, the cargo peptide, or both, which are described herein increase the stability and delivery efficiency of therapeutic peptide compositions by reducing disulfide bond exchange, physical stability, reducing proteolytic degradation, and increasing efficiency of cellular uptake. |
| US09255123B2 |
Skin-beautifying agent
The invention addresses the problem of providing a skin-beautifying agent with beautifying effects such as skin moisturizing, skin beautification, prevention of rough skin, wrinkle prevention, prevention of reduced elasticity, etc., and a skin-beautifying product such as a cosmetic, food or drink, feed, medicine, etc. that contains said skin-beautifying agent. The skin-beautifying agent is characterized in containing a hydrolyzate of whey protein as an active ingredient. Using a whey protein hydrolyzate having the characteristics of a molecular weight distribution of 10 kDa or less, a main peak of 200 Da-3 kDa, APL (average peptide length) of 2-8, free amino acid content of 20% or less, and a β-lactoglobulin antigenicity of 1/10,000 or less, in particular, provides a skin-beautifying agent of low allergenicity and low bitterness. |
| US09255119B2 |
Process for perparing fondaparinux sodium and intermediates useful in the synthesis thereof
Processes for the synthesis of the Factor Xa anticoagulent Fondaparinux, and related compounds are described. Also described are protected pentasaccharide intermediates as well as efficient and scalable processes for the industrial scale production of Fondaparinux sodium by conversion of the protected pentasaccharide intermediates via a sequence of deprotection and sulfonation reactions. |
| US09255118B2 |
Light induced drug release
Photosensitive compounds for use in a method of treating a disease or condition are described. The photosensitive compounds have the formula R—Y, wherein R is a ruthenium complex and Y is at least one sulphur-containing photoreleasable group, and the compounds comprise at least one ruthenium-sulphur bond; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, ester or amide, such that upon influence of visible or near infra-red light (400-1400 nm) in vivo, said at least one ruthenium-sulphur bond is broken, thereby generating a pharmacologically active compound. |
| US09255110B2 |
Pyrazolo[1,5a]pyrimidine derivatives as IRAK4 modulators
Compounds of the formula I or II: wherein X, m, Ar, R1 and R2 are as defined herein. The subject compounds are useful for treatment of IRAK-mediated conditions. |
| US09255109B2 |
Fungicidal compounds and methods of their use
Antifungal compounds, an antifungal compound extracted from Epicoccum purpurascens, also known as Epicoccum nigrum, methods of producing the antifungal compounds, isolates and compositions comprising the antifungal compounds, and methods of using the antifungal compounds. |
| US09255105B2 |
Process of preparing alcaftadine
The present invention is related to a substantially pure compound of structural formula (VIII), a process for the purification of a compound of structural formula (VIII) and an improved process of preparing an alcaftadine compound of structural formula (I). |
| US09255103B2 |
Substituted pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrazines as mGluR5 receptor modulators
In one aspect, the invention relates to substituted pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrazines analogs, derivatives thereof, and related compounds, which are useful as positive allosteric modulators of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5); synthetic methods for making the compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds; and methods of treating neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with glutamate 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. |
| US09255100B2 |
Substituted imidazopyridazines
The present invention relates to substituted imidazopyridazine compounds of general formula (I), which are Mps-1 (Monopolar Spindle 1) Kinase inhibitors (also known as Tyrosine Threonine Kinase, TTK) in which R3, R5, and A are as defined in the claims, to methods of preparing said compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions and combinations comprising said compounds and to the use of said compounds for manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prophylaxis of a disease, in particular of a hyper-proliferative and/or angiogenesis disorder, as a sole agent or in combination with other active ingredients. |
| US09255099B2 |
Pyrazolo[3,4-D]pyrimidine-4,6(5H,7H)-diones as phosphodiesterase 1 inhibitors
2-(optionally hetero)arylmethyl-3-(optionally hetero)arylamino-[2H]-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4,6(5H, 7H)-diones, for example, a compound of Formula I: in free, salt or prodrug form, are useful as pharmaceuticals, particularly as phosphodiesterase 1 inhibitors. |
| US09255098B2 |
Xanthine derivative
The present invention discloses a xanthine derivative having the structure of the following general formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; further discloses a preparation method for the xanthine derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and further discloses the use of the xanthine derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Through experiments of DPP-IV activity inhibition experiments in vitro, impact on glucose tolerance in normal mice and impact on blood glucose in spontaneous diabetic mice, it proves that the compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof show good DPP-IV inhibition activity, can be applied to prepare medicines for treating dipeptidyl peptidase IV-related diseases, and more particularly, can be applied to the use of medicines for treating type II diabetes or diseases of abnormal glucose tolerance. |
| US09255096B1 |
Substituted 1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[C][2,7] naphthyridines and derivatives thereof as kinase inhibitors
The present invention relates to organic molecules capable of modulating tyrosine kinase signal transduction in order to regulate, modulate and/or inhibit abnormal cell proliferation. |
| US09255095B2 |
Dihydropyrimidinoisoquinolinones and pharmaceutical compositions thereof for the treatment of inflammatory disorders
A compound according to Formula Ia: wherein L1, G, and R1 are as described herein. The present invention relates to novel compounds according to Formula I that antagonize GPR84, a G-protein-coupled receptor that is involved in inflammatory conditions, and methods for the production of these novel compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, and methods for the prevention and/or treatment of inflammatory conditions (for example inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, lung diseases (e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung interstitial diseases (e.g. idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF))), neuroinflammatory conditions, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, endocrine and/or metabolic diseases, and/or diseases involving impairment of immune cell functions by administering a compound of the invention. |
| US09255094B2 |
Pyrido[4,3-B]indoles and methods of use
Provided are new heterocyclic compounds that may be used to modulate a histamine receptor in an individual. Also provided are pyrido[4,3-b]indoles, as are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds and methods of using the compounds in a variety of therapeutic applications, including the treatment of a cognitive disorder, psychotic disorder, neurotransmitter-mediated disorder and/or a neuronal disorder. |
| US09255093B2 |
Polycyclic HERG activators
The present invention provides a compound of formula I, in which R1, R2, X and R3 are defined in the Summary of the Invention, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; a method for manufacturing the compounds of the invention, and its therapeutic uses. The present invention further provides a combination of pharmacologically active agents and a pharmaceutical composition. |
| US09255092B2 |
Polymorph of a pharmaceutical
A new crystalline polymorph of ritonavir and methods for its use and preparation are disclosed. |
| US09255087B2 |
Substituted indazole derivatives active as kinase inhibitors
Substituted indazole derivatives of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, as defined in the specification; the compounds of the invention may be useful in therapy in the treatment of diseases associated with a deregulated protein kinase activity, like cancer. |
| US09255084B2 |
Heterocyclic compound and organic light-emitting device containing the same
A heterocyclic compound represented by one of Formulae 1-4 below and an organic light-emitting device including an organic layer that includes the heterocyclic compound. The heterocyclic compounds have excellent light-emitting characteristics and excellent electron transporting characteristics, and thus may be used as electron injecting materials or electron transporting materials suitable for all-color fluorescent and phosphorescent devices, such as red, green, blue, and white fluorescent and phosphorescent devices. In particular, the heterocyclic compounds are efficiently used as light-emitting materials of green, blue, and while fluorescent devices. By using the heterocyclic compounds, organic light-emitting devices having high efficiency, low driving voltage, high brightness, and long lifespan may be prepared. |
| US09255082B2 |
Processes for the preparation of pesticidal compounds
The present application provides processes for making pesticidal compounds and compounds useful both as pesticides and in the making of pesticidal compounds. |
| US09255080B2 |
Quinazolinedione derivatives as PARP inhibitors
The present invention provides compounds of formula (I), their use as PARP inhibitors as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds of formula (I) wherein R1, L1, L2, X, Y and Z have defined meanings. |
| US09255076B2 |
Arylpiperazine derivatives and methods of utilizing same
The present invention provides arylpiperazine derivatives having Formula I as shown below, which can be advantageously used for treating schizophrenia and related psychoses such as acute manic, bipolar disorder, autistic disorder, and depression, |
| US09255074B2 |
Process for preparing antiviral compounds
This disclosure is directed to: (a) processes for preparing compounds and salts thereof that, inter alia, are useful for inhibiting hepatitis C virus (HCV); (b) intermediates useful for the preparation of the compounds and salts; (c) pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds or salts; and (d) methods of use of such compositions. |
| US09255072B2 |
Pyrazole compounds and thiazole compounds as protein kinases inhibitors
A compound of formula (I): wherein A, B, D, X, Y, R1, R2, R3, m, p, and q are defined herein. Also disclosed is a method for inhibiting FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3, aurora kinase, or vascular endothelial growth factor receptor. |
| US09255070B2 |
Method of deuteration using mixed catalyst
The subject of the present invention is to provide a method for deuteration, which can obtain a compound having an aromatic ring and/or a heterocyclic ring at an improved deuteration ratio. The present invention relates to a method for deuteration of a compound having an aromatic ring and/or a heterocyclic ring, comprising reacting the compound having an aromatic ring and/or a heterocyclic ring with a heavy hydrogen source in the presence of an activated mixed catalyst of not less than two kinds of catalysts selected from among a palladium catalyst, a platinum catalyst, a rhodium catalyst, an iridium catalyst, a ruthenium catalyst, a nickel catalyst and a cobalt catalyst. |
| US09255065B1 |
Multi(azobenzene-amine) photoactive crosslinkers and methods of making the same
Photo-active cross-linkers derived from a tris(azobenzene)-containing compound with the following generic structure: wherein for meta-azo substitution, R is equal to H, and for para-azo substitution, R is selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, CF3, and CH3. |
| US09255061B2 |
Dehydroxylation of nitroalcohols to nitroalkanes
The present invention provides a process for producing nitroalkanes by dehydroxylation of nitroalcohols. This provides an alternate reaction route for making nitroalkanes, such as 2-nitropropane and its derivatives. |
| US09255058B2 |
Complex alcohol ester composition, method for production same, and use of same
Disclosed is a complex alcohol ester composition comprising a polyester in which at least two molecules of a polyol represented by a formula I: R(OH)n (wherein R represents an n-valent aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic group, one or more carbon atoms not adjacent to each other in R may be individually substituted with an oxygen atom, and n indicates an integer of 2 or more) are linked through at least two ester bonds via at least one molecule of a polybasic acid, and at least a part of the non-linked side chain ends of the polyol have a group represented by a formula II: (AO)kR2 (wherein R2 represents a hydrocarbon group, A represents a divalent linking group, and k indicates an integer) via a polybasic acid. The complex alcohol ester composition can be used a lubricant agent. |
| US09255055B2 |
Method for producing compound
In sequential steps including preparing a solution of a compound having —CF2O— as a linking group, bringing the solution into contact with a purifying agent or not bringing the solution into contact with a purifying agent, subsequently performing crystallization from the obtained solution for crystallization to precipitate a crystal, collecting the crystal by filtration, and drying the crystal, steps from the initiation of the crystallization step to the end of the drying step are performed in an atmosphere having an oxygen concentration of 3% by volume or less. |
| US09255053B2 |
Treatment of bisphenol-A residue streams
In a method of treating a residue stream from the production of bisphenol-A, the residue stream is contacted with an aqueous solution of a base under conditions effective to hydrolyze at least part of said residue stream into acetone and phenol and produce an effluent stream. Acetone is recovered from the effluent stream to produce a phenol-containing mixed phase stream which is substantially free of acetone and which contains water and unhydrolyzed heavy organic compounds. The phenol-containing mixed phase stream is then treated with a water-immiscible organic solvent to extract phenol and unhydrolyzed heavy organic compounds into said solvent and produce an organic phase containing the solvent, phenol and unhydrolyzed heavy aromatic compounds and an aqueous phase with reduced concentrations of phenol and unhydrolyzed heavy organic compounds. At least part of the phenol and the organic solvent are subsequently recovered from the organic phase. |
| US09255048B2 |
Process for producing chlorinated hydrocarbons
The preparation of chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as pentachloropropanes, such as 1,1,1,2,3-pentachloropropane, from tetrachloropropanes, such as 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane, in the presence of a polyvalent antimony compound that includes a pentavalent antimony compound, such as antimony pentachloride, is described. Also described are methods for preparing optionally chlorinated alkenes, such as, tetrachloropropenes, from chlorinated alkanes, such as pentachloropropanes, in the presence of ferric chloride and a polyvalent antimony compound that includes a pentavalent antimony compound. |
| US09255047B2 |
Process for the preparation of fluorinated compounds
A subject-matter of the invention is a process for the preparation of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene which comprises the following stages: (i) hydrogenation of hexafluoropropylene to give 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane; (ii) dehydrofluorination of the 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane obtained in the preceding stage to give 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene; (iii) hydrogenation of the 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene obtained in the preceding stage to give 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropane; and (iv) dehydrofluorination of the 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropane obtained in the preceding stage to give 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene. Stages (ii) and (iv) are carried out using a water and potassium hydroxide mixture with the potassium hydroxide representing between 58 and 86% by weight of the mixture and at a temperature of between 110 and 180° C. |
| US09255039B2 |
Quick drying polymeric coating
Improved agriculturally useful products are provided, including solid materials such as nitrogenous fertilizers (e.g., urea), together with a polycarboxylated polymer selected from the group consisting of a salts of copolymers containing individual quantities of maleic and itaconic moieties. The polymer composition also includes from about 10-60% by weight of an organic drying agent such as a lower alcohol which enhances the quick drying properties thereof. The compositions may also include an amount of boron, and bimodal vinylic polymer made up of quantities of high and low molecular weight (MW) vinylic polymers such as PVA. |
| US09255028B2 |
Optical glass, precision press molding preform, and optical element and method of manufacturing the same
The optical glass is described that may be an oxide glass including, denoted as cation %, a total of 5 to 60% of B3+ and Si4+ (with 5 to 50% of B3+), a total of equal to or higher than 5% of Zn2+ and Mg2+, a total of 10 to 50% of La3+, Gd3+, Y3+, and Yb3+, and a total of 6 to 45% of Ti4+, Nb5+, Ta5+, W6+, and Bi3+ (a total content of Ti4+ and Ta5+ being higher than 0% and a content of W6+ being higher than 5%). |
| US09255026B2 |
Methods for making active laser fibers
Methods for making active laser fibers include the production of an optical fiber with disturbed (or deviated) cylindrical symmetry on the glass surface of the fiber. The methods include a preform containing a central core made of glass. In one embodiment, the preform is circular and surrounded by additional glass rods and an outer glass jacket tube. In a first alternative embodiment, this preform is merged during fiber drawing. In a second alternative embodiment, the preform merged in a process forming a compact glass body with disturbed cylindrical symmetry. This compact preform is drawn into a fiber under conditions maintaining the disturbed cylindrical symmetry. |
| US09255022B2 |
Biological-chemical treatment of liquid organic wastewater
The invention is directed to systems and methods of biological and chemical treatment of wastewater comprising organic nitrogen compounds. Systems may include: an aerobic reactor, a first separation module for separating liquid and solid components of the wastewater; an oxidation module for removing organic materials from the wastewater; and a post-anoxic reactor for denitrifying at least a portion of the wastewater. Systems may include a second separation module and various feedback recycle lines between the components. Methods may include: degrading by the aerobic reactor more than 95% of organic compounds to ammonia, oxidizing by the oxidation module at least a portion of the ammonia to nitrates, and degrading by the post-anoxic reactor at least a portion of the nitrates to nitrogen gas and water. Systems and methods may reduce total organic carbon of the wastewater by more than 90%, and total nitrogen of the wastewater by more than 90%. |
| US09255021B2 |
System for the metabolization of organic substances and method for the metabolization of organic substances
The present invention refers to a system for the metabolization of organic substances, comprising at least one housing with an elongated space. The housing has at least one inlet opening at the top end portion for the introduction of liquids with organic substances therein and at least one outlet opening for liquids at the bottom end portion. The inlet opening and the outlet opening are in communication with the elongated space, where the elongated space extends from the top end portion to the bottom end portion of the housing. Further, the system for metabolization comprises at least one planting opening provided on the housing between the inlet opening and the outlet opening for the accommodation of a support element for plants, the planting opening being in communication with the elongated space, and a porous filler material provided in the elongated space. |
| US09255019B2 |
Protein scaffolds for selective enrichment of metal ions
Polypeptides comprising high affinity for the uranyl ion are provided. Methods for binding uranyl using such proteins are likewise provided and can be used, for example, in methods for uranium purification or removal. |
| US09255018B2 |
Cost-efficient treatment of fluoride waste
A method and system for processing fluoride-containing wastewater includes treating the wastewater with brine (waste) created by the regeneration process implemented by in ion exchanging water softener. The brine, which is typically disposed of, contains both calcium and magnesium salts, in varying concentrations and ratios. The regeneration process brine is added to the fluoride-containing wastewater within a reaction tank, and the fluoride ion concentration is monitored. When the fluoride ion concentration falls below a predetermined level (e.g., 15 ppm), the flow of regeneration process brine is stopped. A pH controller monitors the pH within the reaction tank, and adds a basic agent to ensure that the pH remains above a predetermined level (e.g., pH>9). The pH control results in a clear effluent, and a sludge having a high settling rate and a high dewater ability. |
| US09255017B2 |
Liquid treatment methods and apparatus
A liquid or water treatment apparatus comprising one or both of an electrodialysis cell and a cavitation unit. The cavitation unit generates cavitation in the liquid by flow of the liquid into a constriction where cavitation bubbles are formed and then to an outlet where cavitation bubbles implode, and the constriction includes an aperture formed by walls which are long and narrowly spaced in a plane normal to the flow direction. The electrodialysis cell is arranged with an inlet flow path for directing only part of a quantity of water to be treated through the electrodialysis cell, and an outlet flow path for returning a product of the electrodialysis cell to the remainder of the water. |
| US09255011B2 |
Method for producing lithium carbonate
The present invention relates to a method for producing lithium carbonate, which is important as a raw material of a lithium ion battery and the like, from brine resources. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for producing lithium carbonate, in which carbon dioxide gas obtained by calcining limestone is introduced, in the presence of ammonia, into a concentrated brine, which is prepared from a lithium-containing brine as a raw material through an evaporative concentrating step, a desulfurizing step and an electrodialysis step, thereby depositing lithium carbonate crystals, and the crystals thus deposited are recovered through solid-liquid separation. |
| US09255009B2 |
Diamond material
Starting from a diamond material which shows a difference in its absorption characteristics after exposure to radiation with an energy of at least 5.5 eV (typically UV radiation) and thermal treatment at 798K, controlled irradiation is applied so as to introduce defects in the diamond material. After the controlled irradiation the difference in the absorption characteristics after exposure to radiation with an energy of at least 5.5 eV and thermal treatment at 798K is reduced. |
| US09255008B2 |
Graphene solutions
A method for producing a solution of dispersed graphenes comprising contacting graphite having a dimension in the a-b plane of 10 μm or less with an electronic liquid comprising a metal and a polar aprotic solvent, and solutions of dispersed graphenes which may be obtained by such a method are described. |
| US09255007B2 |
Copper foil for producing graphene and method of producing graphene using the same
A copper foil for producing graphene, including oxides and sulfides each having a diameter of 0.5 μm or more having a total number of 15/mm2 or less measured by using a scanning electronic microscope before heating at 1000° C. for 1 hour in an atmosphere containing 20% by volume or more of hydrogen and balance argon. |
| US09255003B2 |
Carbon nanotube fibers/filaments formulated from metal nanoparticle catalyst and carbon source
Disclosed is a method of: providing a mixture of a polymer or a resin and a transition metal compound, producing a fiber from the mixture, and heating the fiber under conditions effective to form a carbon nanotube-containing carbonaceous fiber. The polymer or resin is an aromatic polymer or a precursor thereof and the mixture is a neat mixture or is combined with a solvent. Also disclosed are a carbonaceous fiber or carbonaceous nanofiber sheet having at least 15 wt. % carbon nanotubes, a fiber or nanofiber sheet having the a polymer or a resin and the transition metal compound, and a fiber or nanofiber sheet having an aromatic polymer and metal nanoparticles. |
| US09254993B2 |
Method for connecting a precious metal surface to a polymer
The invention relates to a method for connecting a precious metal surface to a polymer, wherein a layer made of 20% to 40% gold and 60% to 80% silver is deposited on a substrate and the silver is subsequently selectively removed in order to produce a nanoporous gold layer. A fluid polymer is applied to the gold layer and cured. |
| US09254991B2 |
Filling machine with sealing valve
A filling machine for filling product into a packaging container comprises; at least one filling nozzle for ejection of liquid in a first general direction into the packaging container, wherein the filling nozzle is arranged in a dishbox having an opening through which the product may be ejected towards a package provided in a volume, wherein the opening may selectively be sealed by a sealing valve having a valve body with a portion dimensioned to be inserted in said opening. In the inventive filling machine a recess is arranged in an upper surface of the volume such that the valve body is at least partly insertable in the recess in the rest position. |
| US09254989B2 |
Heavy duty ratchet
A ratchet includes a spool rotatably disposed within a housing and supporting a cord having opposed cord sections extending from the housing. Tension to one cord section is initially applied by pulling on the other cord section. To increase the tension, a tool is engaged with the spool to apply a further force to increase the tension on the one cord section. In another embodiment, a cord enters the housing and into the center of a hollow shaft supporting a spool and drawn through the hollow shaft to establish an initial degree of tension on the section of the cord entering the housing. A lever cooperating with the spool turns the spool to wrap the cord about the spool and increase the tension on the cord. In a third embodiment, a cord enters a housing and extends about a spool supported within the housing and thereafter exits the housing. A pivotable lever incrementally rotates the spool to increase the tension on the cord entering the housing. To further increase the tension on the spool, a wrench or the like may engage the shaft supporting the spool in any of the ratchets described. |
| US09254987B2 |
Tower erection lift kit tools
A mounting tool for use in safely lifting a heavy object such as a wind tower segment. Mounting tools may be provided in a kit that includes a tool that is especially adapted for attachment to the top of the object, and a tool that is especially adapted for attachment to the bottom of the object. Both the top and bottom mounting tools include a mounting bracket for removably mounting the tool to a mounting ring on a heavy object. To accommodate different bolt patterns in mating holes in the objects, the mounting bracket has a slotted mounting hole and two generally annular mounting holes extending therethrough. These mounting holes are arrayed along a common axis. A hoist ring assembly is mounted to the mounting bracket and includes a bail adapted for swiveling and pivoting movement to define a generally hemispheric envelope. |
| US09254973B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: a sheet storage portion having a sheet stacking portion, a sheet feed portion, a drive portion configured to be capable of switching a lifting speed when lifting the sheet stacking portion between a first lifting speed and a second lifting speed, a height detecting portion configured to be capable of detecting the fact that the sheet reaches a decelerating position for switching the lifting speed of the sheet stacking portion from the first lifting speed to the second lifting speed, a time counting portion, and a control unit. The control unit computes the sheet stacking amount of the sheet stacking portion by using a relationship among the lifting time from a start of the lifting operation of the sheet stacking portion until the sheet reaches a decelerating position, the first lifting speed, and a heightwise position of the decelerating position when the sheet stacked on the sheet stacking portion is lifted to the decelerating position at the first lifting speed by the drive portion and then is lifted to a feeding position at the second lifting speed. |
| US09254969B2 |
Transporting device
A transporting device includes a support frame, a driving mechanism, a first picking mechanism, and a second picking mechanism. The driving mechanism is mounted on the support frame. The first picking mechanism includes a first sliding member slidably mounted on the support frame and driven by the driving mechanism, a first driving member mounted on the first sliding member, a hinge member comprising a hinge portion driven by the first driving member, a first connection portion rotatably connected to the hinge portion, and a second connection portion rotatably connected to the first connection portion. The second driving member includes a driving portion capable of telescoping and selectively latching with the second connection portion. Thus, the first connection portion and the first picking member are rotatable relative to the second connection portion. |
| US09254967B2 |
Module for aligning containers and method for aligning containers
The invention relates to a device for treating containers (10), comprising a first movable transport unit (2) for transporting the containers (10) along a predetermined transport path (P), on which unit a plurality of clamp-like gripping elements (4) are arranged, wherein said gripping elements (4) can be switched between a closed state in which the gripping element (4) grips the container (10) and an open state in which the grip of the container (10) by the gripping element (4) is at least loosened. According to the invention, the transport unit (2) comprises a plurality of holding units (6) in addition to the gripping elements (4), which holding units can be brought into engagement with a mouth section of the container or which holding units support the bottom section of the container, wherein both a gripping element (4) and a holding unit (6) are assigned at least at intervals to at least one container (10) during the transport thereof by means of the device for the purpose of transporting said container. |
| US09254958B2 |
Storage and order collection system
Device for the storage of articles and the formation of groups of articles therefrom, includes a frame having a first series of mutually parallel elongated storage sections that extend between a first end and a second end of the frame, a number of holders for the articles, wherein the storage sections are provided with holder supports on which a number of the holders can be supported, wherein at the first end and the second end of the frame first and second platforms, respectively, have been arranged which each are adapted for accommodating at least one holder, and movement elements for horizontally moving at least one holder from the first platform at the first end of the frame to the holder supports of a selected storage section while moving one or more holders representing a same holder length from the selected storage section to the second platform at the second end of the frame. |
| US09254955B2 |
Container for powder, a method for marking/identification of a powder container and an apparatus for use of powder from the container
A container for powder, a method for marking of the containers for the powder and an apparatus for use of a powder. At least one radio-frequency identification chip provided in the container, wherein the radio-frequency identification chip stores at least one set of parameters for material characterization of the powder in the container. A unique key is assigned to every type of powder by means of which the data in the radio-frequency identification chip located in the container are readable, writeable and updateable via an antenna arranged outside the container. |
| US09254954B2 |
Metering valve
The present invention is directed to a metering valve used in both conventional and bag-on-valve aerosol container applications that allows a high flow rate of especially viscous substances. The metering valve according to the present invention including a valve housing, a valve stem, and a spring or other biasing device that allows the valve stem to move relative to the valve housing. The valve stem serves as a metering chamber with a metering device in the form of a ball or disk without other mechanisms such as springs or mechanical parts within the valve stem. Radial bores and a seal near the bottom of the valve stem provide for dispensing of pre-determined quantities of product from an aerosol container pressurized with liquefied propellants or compressed gas. The bore shape and size can be selected to facilitate a high volume flow rate for highly viscous substances. |
| US09254953B2 |
Cleaning device
A device for cleaning a surface comprises a pressurized container containing a cleaning composition; a nozzle through which the composition is arranged to be dispensed, in use, upon an actuation of a valve; a shroud attached to the container and surrounding the nozzle. The shroud has a hollow generally cylindrical portion adjacent to the nozzle for guiding the dispensed product in the direction in which it leaves the nozzle, and a flared portion at the end of the cylindrical portion furthest from the nozzle forming a spreading plate for guiding the dispensed product laterally when in contact, in use, with a surface to be cleaned. The nozzle is arranged to be actuated by movement of the container towards the shroud. The device comprises a reservoir. The nozzle and shroud are configured so that, in use, the cleaning composition is directed across the surface to be cleaned and into the reservoir. The shroud is relatively movable with respect to the reservoir and is biased to a closed position in which it closes the reservoir to retain the cleaning composition in the reservoir. A restriction is provided within the cylindrical portion of the shroud and a corresponding projection is provided on the nozzle. The restriction and projection are configured such that they temporarily retard relative movement of the nozzle through the shroud, wherein the biasing on the shroud is sufficient to move the shroud to the closed position once the projection has passed the restriction. |
| US09254952B2 |
Package with enlarged base
A microwave heating construct may include a widened base. The construct may be erected by folding end panels of the construct towards one another and optionally securing the panels in the folded position. The construct may be formed from a blank. The construct and/or blank may include a removable portion at least partially defined by a line of disruption. |
| US09254950B2 |
Device for encapsulating flavoring solids and container having such a device
A device is described to encapsulate solid flavoring substances, particularly tea or coffee, added to a liquid, particularly water, with a wing-shaped rotary slider supported rotational about a rotary axis between an initial position and an end position, which in its end position limits a space accepting the solid flavoring substances, with the device being embodied for the installation in a container with its top showing an opening to fill in or discharge the liquid, which can be closed by a lid, which for closing and opening the container opening is subjected to a rotary motion, characterized in that the rotary slider comprises at least one engagement means by which the rotary slider can be made to engage the lid at least during the rotary motion in order to close the container opening and can be rotated into its end position. |
| US09254949B2 |
Anti-slip cable tie
A cable tie includes a band having a first end and a second end a housing, affixed to the band near the second end, with a first opening to receive the first end of the band. The housing comprises a first mass near the first opening and one side of the housing, a stop mass near a second side of the housing, and a second mass between the first mass and the stop mass. When the first end is inserted into the housing, the second mass prevents the first mass from moving a first distance occupied by the second mass, toward the stop mass. When the first end in the housing is being pulled out of the housing, the first mass locks the first end in the housing and prevents the first end from slipping over a second distance. |
| US09254948B2 |
Water tank of water-cooled heat dissipation system
A water tank includes a box, an air valve body, a valve core, a cap, and an elastic element. The box defines an accommodating space and a vent communicating with the accommodating space. The air valve body is extended out from the box and adjacent to the vent. The valve core is mounted to the valve body to airproof the vent, and comprises a first end inserted into the accommodating space through the vent and a second end opposite to the first end. The elastic element is arranged between the cap and the valve core. The valve core will open the vent to deform the elastic member and allow heated air in the accommodating space to leak out of the accommodating space through the vent, in response to an air pressure in the box is greater a reference air pressure. |
| US09254947B2 |
Safety cap
A safety cap including a screw-type inner cap detachably mounted on a container mouth; and an outer cap that is combined with the inner cap so as to be rotatable relative to the inner cap. Each of the inner cap and the outer cap has a plurality of engaging protuberances. The engaging protuberances of the inner cap and the engaging protuberances of the outer cap are engaged with each other and rotate the inner cap when the outer cap is rotated while being pressed toward the inner cap. Each of the engaging protuberances has a vertical part that is engaged when the outer cap is rotated in a closing direction and an inclined part that is engaged when the outer cap is rotated in an opening direction. The inclined part has a steeply inclined part and a gently inclined part that is continuous with the steeply inclined part. |
| US09254946B2 |
Pierceable cap having single frangible seal
A pierceable cap 411 may be used for containing sample specimens during storage and transport. The pierceable cap 411 may prevent unwanted escape of sample specimen before transfer with a transfer device 43. The pierceable cap 411 may fit over a vessel 21. An access port in the pierceable cap 411 may allow passage of a tip 41 of a transfer device 43 through the pierceable cap 411. Single or multiple frangible layers 415, 416 may be disposed across the access port. Single frangible layers 415, 416 are configured to prevent venting upon initially being pierced by a transfer device 43 but to allow venting as the transfer device 43 is advanced through the frangible layer 415, 416. |
| US09254945B2 |
Easy pour spout
A can end is provided, which includes a center panel having a radius, a tab fastened to the center panel, and a scoreline defining a tear panel in the end panel. The tab is operable to sever the scoreline and open the tear panel to provide an opening in the can end. The tear panel includes an enlarged portion extending outwardly toward the center panel radius, thereby enlarging the opening. The enlarged portion forms an easy pour spout. |
| US09254941B2 |
Resealable container and closure package
A resealable container and closure package includes a container and a closure cap. The container has a longitudinal center axis, and a finish. The finish includes an external thread, an annular lip, and a sealing surface. The external thread includes 1.5 turns of a complete thread having symmetrical flank angles of about 13 degrees. The lip extends radially inwardly from a neck at an angle from about 0 degrees to about 5 degrees from a plane orthogonal to the center axis. The sealing surface is on an exterior surface of the lip. The closure cap includes an end wall defining a circumferential edge, an annular skirt projecting from the end wall, and an internal thread defined on an inner surface of the annular skirt. The internal thread is threadingly engageable with the external thread. The internal thread has an “M” style cross section for an SP 400 Finish. |
| US09254936B2 |
Fluid activatable adhesive for glue-free, liner-free, labels for glass and plastic substrates and methods of use thereof
Methods for applying a liner-free, or liner-less label, to a substrate, particularly glass or plastic (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate) substrates, are described herein. The method includes applying an adhesive composition, such as a polymeric coating, to a label face sheet, activating the adhesive composition with an activating fluid, and contacting the label to the substrate. The activating fluid is preferably a mixture of water and one or more organic solvents, such as low molecular weight alcohols. |
| US09254935B2 |
Bulk material handling system and carrier therefor
A compact, portable carrier for a flexible bag containing a comminuted material and having a bottom discharge spout, including a frame structured to encompass such bag and attach such bag in suspended relation thereto, be transported to a spaced site and be operated to jostle the material contained in such suspended bag to facilitate the discharge thereof through the spout thereof. |
| US09254934B2 |
Carrier plate for conveyor-based filling system
A carrier plate configured for use with a filling system including a conveyor and at least one filling nozzle includes a plurality of spaced-apart plate segments interconnected by one or more receiving members. The carrier plate is movable along the conveyor and relative to the at least one nozzle. Each nozzle is configured to dispense product into the container supported by the corresponding receiving member and is aligned between the corresponding adjacent plate segments such that, upon movement of the carrier plate along the conveyor and relative to the at least one nozzle, each nozzle passes through the gap defined between the corresponding pair of adjacent plate segments. |
| US09254928B2 |
Liquid medication dispensing machine
A liquid medication dispensing machine capable of stirring a liquid medication contained in a liquid medication bottle in the machine with a simple structure is provided. The liquid medication dispensing machine supplying a liquid medication from a liquid medication bottle (23) containing the liquid medication to a prescription bottle includes a holder (78) holding a bottom (23B) of the liquid medication bottle (23), and a rotationally driving unit (61) generating rotary force and rotating the holder (78) and the liquid medication bottle (23) held by the holder (78) around a rotation axis (L3) extending along a center line (L2) of the liquid medication bottle (23). |
| US09254927B2 |
Retractable infill panel for high-lift device
The present invention provides an aircraft assembly with a fixed structure and a high-lift device. The fixed structure has a spar, a forward part which provides a foremost edge of an aircraft wing, and a lower part which provides a lower surface of the aircraft wing. A high-lift device is downwardly movable relative to the fixed structure from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration. The high-lift device has a forward part which provides a foremost edge of the aircraft wing and a lower part which provides a lower surface of the aircraft wing. Downward movement of the high-lift device causes progressive opening of a lateral gap between the lower part of the high-lift device and the lower part of the fixed structure. A retractable infill panel is arranged to progressively extend from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration to fill the lateral gap. |
| US09254926B2 |
Warning system for aircraft, and aircraft
To provide a warning system that can issue a stall warning taking a flight environment into account. The warning system according to the present invention is a warning system for an aircraft, for issuing a warning in the case where there is a possibility of the aircraft stalling, and includes a selecting section for selecting one of two or more calculation criteria based on an icing state of the aircraft, a calculating section for calculating a stall angle based on the selected calculation criterion, and a warning section for comparing the calculated stall angle with a current angle of attack of the aircraft and issuing a stall warning if the current angle of attack exceeds the stall angle. |
| US09254925B2 |
Air intake with double inlet door
An APU air intake having a foldable intake door, including a frame with airfoil profiles. The frame is turned to an aperture angle (α) with respect to the frame support, and each airfoil profile is turned to a profile angle (βi) with respect to the frame. The aperture angle (α) varies from 0° to 22°, and the profile angles (βi) vary from 0° to 110°. The frame is moved by an actuator and the airfoil profiles are operated by extendable rods and secondary rods each secondary rod having rod supports. A latching mechanism is assembled onto each extendable rod, including a rare earth magnet and either a magnet contact plate or a plate with another magnet. |
| US09254924B2 |
Pressure influencing assembly for an aircraft auxiliary system
An exemplary pressure influencing assembly for an aircraft auxiliary system an inlet opening to an aircraft auxiliary system and an exhaust opening from the aircraft auxiliary system. Both the inlet opening and the exhaust opening face at least partially radially away from an axis. At least some of the inlet opening is circumferentially aligned with at least some of the exhaust opening relative to the axis. |
| US09254920B2 |
Aircraft energy management system including engine fan discharge air boosted environmental control system
An aircraft energy management system including a cabin air compressor adapted to be coupled to a source of fan discharge air at a first pressure during an inflight operating mode and adapted to be coupled to a ram intake air during a ground operating mode. The system further including an environmental control system mechanically coupled to a compressor exit of the cabin air compressor. The aircraft energy management system configured to provide a conditioned fluid flow to an aircraft cabin, cockpit or de-icing system. |
| US09254915B2 |
Rotor system with torque-splitter assembly
According to one embodiment, a rotor head includes a yoke, a torque-splitter assembly, and a joint assembly. The torque-splitter assembly includes a spine assembly, a first trunion, and a second trunion. The spline assembly is configured to receive the drive shaft through a first opening. The spline assembly has a first plurality of outer splines oriented in a first direction and a second plurality of outer splines oriented in a second direction different from the first direction. The first trunion is disposed about the first plurality of outer splines. The second trunion is disposed about the second plurality of outer splines. |
| US09254913B2 |
Hybrid braking system and apparatus
The present disclosure relates to hybrid brake systems. The hybrid brake systems may comprise one or more electromechanical actuators and one or more hydraulic adjusters. The hybrid brake system may further comprise a housing configured to store and/or conduct fluid. The hybrid brake system may also further comprise a fluid reservoir. The hybrid brake system may be redundant. |
| US09254912B2 |
Anti-lofting deflector for aircraft landing gear
An anti-lofting deflector for landing gear having two wheels on an axle. The deflector comprises a stationary support (5) for being fastened in service to a portion of the landing gear that carries the axle in order to extend between the wheels and present a distal end behind the wheels. It also has a first flap (2) hinged to the support via its distal end about a first hinge axis (X1) substantially parallel to the axle and a second flap (3) hinged to the first flap about a second hinge axis (X2) substantially parallel to the first hinge axis. Finally, there is a a return member (11) arranged so as to urge the second flap against an abutment of the first flap that prevents the second flap from becoming aligned with the first flap, and to urge the first flap against an abutment of the stationary support that prevents the first flap from folding against the support. |
| US09254909B2 |
Optimized flap positioning for go-around operations
A system for optimizing a flap setting of an aircraft may include a flap optimizing computer configured to compute an optimum flap setting for one or more flaps of an aircraft. The system may further include a flap control system communicatively coupled to the flap optimizing computer. The flap control system may be operable to select any one of a plurality of flap settings including a designated flap setting. The flap control system may be configured to automatically command the one or more flaps from a first position to a second position corresponding to the optimum flap setting in response to the selection of one of the plurality of flap settings using the flap control system. |
| US09254906B1 |
Attitude control for a high-altitude balloon
A high-altitude balloon is provided that may use at least one conductive coil to facilitate attitude control of the balloon. The balloon may include an envelope, a conductive coil, and a control system. The conductive coil may be operatively coupled to the envelope, and the control system may be configured to perform functions. The functions may include determining a measure of rotation with respect to a predetermined orientation of the balloon. The functions may additionally include causing a current to be applied to the conductive coil in a manner such that torque is applied to the envelope that counteracts the measure of rotation and substantially returns the balloon to the predetermined orientation. |
| US09254899B2 |
Buoyancy control system
A buoyancy-based lifting system can be dynamically controlled to lift, move, or hold a load an object of arbitrary size at a fixed depth. The control system can control the trajectory of a flexible gas-filled lift bag and attached load by opening or closing inflation and deflation valves based on ambient pressure readings obtained during a lift. Stable control can be achieved and maintained without having to directly measure the actual volume of gas in the lift bag, and without having to accumulate measurements of gas flows into and out of the bag. A controller can pre-determine limits of instability and lift control parameters, then use this information in conjunction with ambient pressure readings to prevent the system from becoming unstable during a lift. User intervention is generally unnecessary to maintain the system's instability. |
| US09254897B2 |
Hydrodynamic appendage such as a keel or a centerboard, and a method of fabrication
A method of fabricating a hydrodynamic appendage for a ship, the method including the steps of: forming two metal half-shells having outside surfaces that form the flanks of a hydrodynamically-active portion of the appendage; forming a metal head including a mechanism for securing the appendage to the ship; and assembling together the half-shells and the head so that the head is sandwiched between the top ends of the two half-shells and closes a top portion of an internal volume defined by the half-shells. The half-shells are welded to the head so as to make the internal volume watertight. |
| US09254896B2 |
Ballast system and related methods
A ballast system and method use a situational adaptive approach to measure, control and monitor the level of liquid in an onboard ballast tank. A baseline level of liquid in the tank, established while the watercraft is static, is stored in memory associated with a controller. While the watercraft is moving, the controller monitors pump conditions, e.g., run time, flow, vacuum, etc., and extrapolates the amount of water added to or drained from the tank. The baseline level and extrapolated added/drained amount are added to accurately determine the true liquid level in the tank. That information is displayed to the watercraft operator. The system can automatically adjust watercraft attitude by adding/draining water from the ballast tank based on preset values to provide a desired wake. The system can display ballast levels in volume, percentage of full, and weight; and can provide estimated times to achieve preset levels, empty or full. |
| US09254894B2 |
Flotable subsea platform (FSP)
A subsea facility for hydrocarbon recovery in deep waters and methods of installation are provided. More specifically, the subsea facility equipment is on multiple modules equipped with a buoyancy system to allow the modules to sink to the sea floor. The modules can be attached and unattached to each other, thus allowing for a module to be raised to the surface for repairs without affecting the rest of the subsea facility. |
| US09254890B2 |
Power train for a pedal vehicle
Motive power unit for a pedal vehicle, comprising a first and second motor, the latter being meshed on the bottom-bracket spindle and the first motor being connected to a sun gear, a planet holder being connected to an output sprocket of the motive power unit, which comprises a measuring element arranged to produce a measurement signal indicating a torque supplied by the first motor and a control unit producing a speed control signal to be supplied to the first motor and a torque control signal to be supplied to the second motor on the basis of the angular velocities of the motors. |
| US09254888B2 |
Straddle-type electric vehicle
A straddle-type electric vehicle includes a seat disposed farther forward than a rear wheel, foot rest portions configured to support feet of an occupant seated on the seat, stands between a front wheel and the rear wheel and supported so as to swing, a leg shield including a surface which extends in a vertical direction, a receptacle facing an opening portion provided in the leg shield, and a body frame which supports the front wheel, the rear wheel, the seat, the stands, the leg shield, and the receptacle. The receptacle is disposed between a ground contact point of the front wheel and the leg shield; includes a connecting port which is opened to the top, left, or top left; and is configured so that a force received by the receptacle via the body frame when a charging plug is fitted therein is transmitted to the front wheel. |
| US09254884B2 |
Wheel mechanism for converting a child vehicle between multiple configurations and associated method
A wheel converting mechanism for a child vehicle having a wheel includes an elongate body having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, wherein the third portion of the elongate body is configured to be coupled to the wheel of the child vehicle. The first portion and second portion are coupled together through a pivot joint that allows the second portion to pivot relative to the first portion about a pivot axis defined by the pivot joint. Additionally, the second portion and the third portion are coupled together through a swivel joint that allows the third portion to rotate relative to the second portion about a swivel axis defined by the swivel joint. A method of moving a wheel of a child vehicle is also disclosed. |
| US09254880B2 |
Complete body assembling apparatus for various vehicle models
The present invention relates to an apparatus for assembling a front panel, a plurality of side panels, a back panel, and a roof panel in a complete body assembly line for various vehicles. The complete body assembling apparatus realizes a new type of a coupling apparatus by which hangers for vehicle models are held in a post buck in a complete body line for a vehicle and the post buck is flexibly movable depending on the changes in various vehicle models. This in turn, allows various vehicle models to be produced in a single process by flexibly coping with various vehicle models and enhancing the efficiency of an entire complete body assembling process. |
| US09254878B2 |
Mobile robot
The invention relates to a mobile robot, exhibiting an omnidirectional wheeled support vehicle (1) having numerous omnidirectional wheels (13) and drives for driving the omnidirectional wheels (13), a robot arm (2), exhibiting numerous, successively disposed links (3-7) and drives for moving the links (3-7), and a positioning device (17), designed to position the robot arm (2), which can be automatically moved on the support vehicle (1), in relation to the support vehicle (1), and a drive dedicated to the positioning device (17) for moving the robot arm (2) in relation to the support vehicle (1). |
| US09254868B2 |
Displacement detection apparatus for linear motion mechanism and rear wheel steering apparatus for vehicle including the same
A displacement detection apparatus for a linear motion mechanism includes a nut member, a rod including elongate grooves elongating in an axial direction of the rod and a through hole, a permanent magnet disposed parallel to the rod, a magnet block made of synthetic resin and including a retaining portion holding the permanent magnet, a pair of leg portions extending from ends of the retaining portion that are spaced apart, and a nut made of metal insert-molded at an intermediate position between the pair of leg portions, and a displacement sensor disposed opposing to the permanent magnet. The pair of leg portions and the nut of the magnet block are disposed in the elongate groove of the rod and the magnet block is fixed to the rod by a bolt screwed to the nut, the bolt penetrating through the through hole extending through the rod. |
| US09254862B2 |
Electric power steering control device
Provided is a control device for an electric power steering device, the control device configured to control an output torque of a motor that provides an assist torque to a steering torque, the output being controlled based on a steering-torque signal from a torque sensor that detects a steering torque, the control device controls the output torque using a correction signal to damp a vibration at a natural frequency determined in accordance with a transfer characteristic from the steering-torque signal to the output torque. |
| US09254860B2 |
Outer column and steering column apparatus
A steering-column apparatus minimizes the force required for expanding or contracting the portion where an inner column fits and is supported and improves the ease of operation for adjusting the position of a steering wheel. A split is provided in the bottom surface of the front section of an outer column includes a main slit section in the axial direction and a sub slit section in the circumferential direction, with the front-end section of the main slit section being open on the edge on the rear side thereof. The length from the main slit section to one end section in the circumferential direction of both end sections in the circumferential direction of the sub slit section, is longer than the length from the main slit section to the other end section in the circumferential direction. |
| US09254859B2 |
Motor vehicle steering wheel having operating elements and method of operating same
A steering wheel for a motor vehicle has operating elements for controlling at least one longitudinally dynamic control system of the motor vehicle. The operating elements include an adjusting element for changing a set speed value for the longitudinally dynamic control system, which adjusting element can be actuated in two opposite actuating directions in order to predefine a direction of the change of the set speed value by way of the actuating direction. The adjusting element can be actuated in at least two steps in each of the two actuating directions with respect to the extent of the actuation in order to predefine an extent of the change of the set speed value by way of the extent of the actuation. |
| US09254854B2 |
Method and device for determining the train length of a plurality of coupled railway traction vehicles
A method and a device for determining a train length of a plurality of coupled railroad traction vehicles, each having a vehicle device with an ID specific to the railroad traction vehicle, include determining the train length of arbitrarily long train sets in a secure and simple signaling manner by having vehicle devices determine if the railroad traction vehicle is coupled on one side or both sides by evaluating coupling contacts. The IDs of all of the coupled railroad traction vehicles or ID pairs indicating adjoining relationships of railroad traction vehicles directly coupled to one another are successively transmitted to a particular vehicle device by digital I/O connections between the vehicle devices. The device determines the train length as a function of received IDs or ID pairs. |
| US09254852B2 |
Methods and system of automating track circuit calibration
A method for calibrating a track circuit is provided. The track circuit includes a transmit processing unit, a receive processing unit, and a plurality of rails coupled in series to form a track section having a first end and a second end. The transmit processing unit is coupled to the track section adjacent the first end. The receive processing unit is coupled to the track section adjacent the second end. The method includes operating the transmit processing unit so that a first voltage is applied to the track section, operating the receive processing unit to detect a first current signal, and if a parameter of the first current signal is not within a predetermined acceptable range, then communicating with the transmit processing unit so that the transmit processing unit applies a second voltage to the track section, the second voltage having a different magnitude than the first voltage. |
| US09254850B2 |
Rail road car truck with bearing adapter and method
A swing motion rail road freight car truck is provided that has a truck bolster and a pair of side frames, the truck bolster being mounted transversely relative to the side frames. The side frames have spring seats for the groups of springs. The springs seats may be rigidly mounted in the side frames. Friction dampers are provided in inboard and outboard pairs. The biasing force on the dampers urges then to that act between the bolster ands and sideframes to resist parallelogram deflection of the truck. The bearing adapters and sideframe pedestal seats interact on a rolling linear contact interface that has a relatively small radius of curvature. |
| US09254843B2 |
Apparatus and method of assisting parking
Disclosed are an apparatus and a method of assisting parking, and the apparatus for assisting parking includes: an around view monitoring (AVM) system including a plurality of cameras mounted in a vehicle, and configured to combine images photographed by the respective cameras, and output a combined image signal in a form of an around view; a controller configured to analyze the combined image signal and detect a parking guide line, calculate a distance between the detected parking guide line and the vehicle, and generate control information corresponding to the calculated distance; and a guide unit configured to output control information. |
| US09254840B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for controlling engine starting while shifting of hybrid electric vehicle
A technique for controlling engine starting while shifting a hybrid vehicle is provided that minimizes fuel consumption of the engine by determining an improved engine starting time and drivability when a current operating state of the hybrid vehicle requests a kick down shift required to start the engine and coupling of the engine clutch. In particular, the technique controls engine starting while shifting a hybrid vehicle by employing an information detector configured to detect a current operating state of the hybrid electric vehicle, and a controller configured to control an operation of a transmission, a motor, an engine, and an engine clutch based on output signals from the operating information detector. |
| US09254837B2 |
Driving device for vehicle
A first shaft and a second shaft configured to connect the engine to the driving shaft and connectable/disconnectable to/from the engine, and a differential mechanism configured to connect the first shaft, the second shaft, and a rotating electrical machine to one another are provided, wherein, at the time of upshift to a gear shift stage of the second shaft from a state in which the engine is connected to the driving shaft through a gear shift stage of the first shaft, power transmission to the driving shaft through the second shaft is blocked, the second shaft is connected to the engine, power of the engine is transmitted to the second shaft by output control of the rotating electrical machine, the first shaft is disconnected from the engine, and the engine is connected to the driving shaft through the gear shift stage of the second shaft. |
| US09254835B2 |
Hybrid vehicle and control method therefor
In a hybrid vehicle, a criterion temperature for locking a first electric motor/generator is set to a first temperature when the engine is in a reduced-cylinder operation. The criterion temperature is set to a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature, when the engine is in an all-cylinder operation. If the temperature of the first electric motor/generator is higher than the criterion temperature, the first electric motor/generator is set to a locked state. |
| US09254834B2 |
Vehicle and control method for vehicle
An ECU executes a program including the steps of: executing fuel-cut control when an IG OFF operation has been performed and a vehicle is traveling; determining torque command values of a first MG and a second MG when a charge power upper limit value Win is reduced; controlling the first MG based on the determined torque command value of the first MG; and controlling the second MG based on the determined torque command value of the second MG. |
| US09254833B2 |
Method and system for charging battery for hybrid electric vehicle
Disclosed herein is a method and system for charging a battery of a hybrid electric vehicle driven with power of an engine and/or a motor, the method including detecting an accelerator pedal position by an accelerator position detector, detecting a brake pedal position by a brake position detector, determining, by a controller, when the vehicle is coasting based on manipulation of the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal; determining when a state of charge of the battery is a charged state having a value equal to or smaller than a set value; and maintaining the engine in a driving state and rotating the driving motor with engine power to charge the battery with generated power of the driving motor when the state of charge of the battery is the charged state having the value equal to or smaller than the set value and the hybrid electric vehicle is coasting. |
| US09254828B2 |
Safety valve for trailer
Systems and methods of overriding a conventional trailer emergency brake system to preclude and alert others as to inadvertent or premature movement of the trailer are described herein. One implementation includes a safety valve operatively positioned in the emergency braking system of a trailer that may be engaged to override the brake valve located in a tractor to prevent a truck driver from prematurely or inadvertently moving the trailer. In addition, the system may include a one way check valve to allow air upstream of the safety valve to bleed out of the brake system when the safety valve is closed (to prevent movement of the trailer) before the emergency brakes for the trailer are set by the driver. A communication system may also be provided to alert the driver via a remotely located computing device that the emergency brakes for the trailer need to be set. |
| US09254827B2 |
Operation of a brake booster as a pedal simulator
The invention describes a method for operating a controllable electromechanical brake booster and the corresponding brake booster which, via a coupling element between the brake booster and pedal rod, is capable of applying a force in opposition to the pedal activation force of a driver, and can therefore be operated as a pedal simulator. For this purpose, a pedal opposing force can be set by a characteristic curve as a function of a pedal position which is predefined by the driver, and can give the driver a pedal sensation even if there is no reaction of, for example, a conventional brake system. In a further operating mode, the brake booster can be operated in its original form. |
| US09254822B1 |
System and method for estimating position of machine
A system having a primary inertial measurement unit and a secondary inertial measurement unit configured to generate a primary position signal and a secondary position signal respectively is provided. The system also includes an error detection module communicably coupled to the primary inertial measurement unit and the secondary inertial measurement unit. The error detection module is configured to receive the primary position signal and the secondary position signal and detect if an out-range error is present in at least one of the primary position signal and the secondary position signal. The error detection module is also configured to detect if an in-range error is present in at least one of the primary position signal and the secondary position signal and determine an action to be performed based on the presence of at least one of the out-range error and the in-range error. |
| US09254821B2 |
Stabilizer pad and handle apparatus
A stabilizer pad and handle apparatus is provided having a substantially C-shaped handle, or U-shaped handle with ends of the handle inserted into seating holes extending inwardly from the side walls of the pad. An anchor hole and anchors may be provided extending downward through and perpendicular to the seating holes and through the handle. The pad may be rectangular or square shape or substantially circular in shape. A substantially trapezoidal recess is provided in the circular pad into which the seating holes are provided, and may be angled inwardly away from the side walls, with the handle provided in the recess. At least a portion of the top surface of the handle may be aligned with the outer circumference formed by the circular shape of the pad. The circular pad may be rolled on its side wall edge. Multiple handle means may be provided. |
| US09254820B2 |
Wiper drive
The invention relates to a wiper drive for a rear window wiper of a motor vehicle, comprising a drive unit having a wiper shaft for the oscillating pivoting about a rotational axis, and having a protective cap surrounding the wiper shaft in an axial section, wherein the protective cap is connected to a housing of the drive unit by way of a radial press fit connection. The protective cap comprises a detent element engaging in a recess in the housing in order to absorb axial forces on the protective cap. |
| US09254818B2 |
Seat belt retractor for a motor vehicle
A seat belt retractor is provided for a motor vehicle with a receiving part for a seat belt retractable on the receiving part, a deceleration sensor for detecting a deceleration in the seat belt retractor, a first extension speed sensor for detecting an extension speed of the seat belt prior to activating an energy absorption device. The energy absorption device fixes the seat belt during an accident with energy absorption, so that when a first deceleration limit detected by the deceleration sensor is exceeded the seat belt is restrained with energy absorption. The seat belt retractor encompasses a locking mechanism for securing the seat belt and a second extension speed sensor for detecting an extension speed after activating the energy absorption device. When a second extension speed limit of the seat belt has been exceeded, the locking mechanism restrains the seat belt without energy absorption. |
| US09254816B2 |
Seat belt webbing guide
A seat belt webbing guide includes a main body having a slot through which seat belt webbing passes and a through hole through which a mounting bolt passes. The webbing guide includes at least one rib that is formed as a single unit with the main body along a circumferential surface of the through hole. The at least one rib extends inwardly in a radial direction of the through hole to a central axis of the through hole. At least a portion of the at least one rib is protruded from a surface of the main body toward a head of the mounting bolt. |
| US09254813B2 |
Motor vehicle body with expandable element
A body for a motor vehicle that encompasses a windshield and has an A-column flanking the windshield is provided. The body includes at least one expandable element mounted on the A-column along the edge of the windshield. The body also includes and a cover that covers an installation space of the at least one expandable element and tightly adjoins the windshield. |