| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09329921B2 |
Imminent read failure detection using high/low read voltage levels
Methods and systems are disclosed for imminent read failure detection using high/low read voltage levels. In certain embodiments, data stored within an array of non-volatile memory (NVM) cells is checked using read voltage levels below and above a normal read voltage level. An imminent read failure is then indicated if errors are detected within the same address for both voltage checks. Further, data stored can be checked using read voltage levels that are incrementally decreased below and incrementally increased above a normal read voltage level. An imminent read failure is then indicated if read errors are detected within the same address for both voltage sweeps and if high/low read voltage levels triggering faults differ by less than a predetermined threshold value. An address sequencer, error correction code (ECC) logic, and a bias generator can be used to implement the imminent failure detection. |
| US09329919B2 |
Micro controller unit including an error indicator module
A micro controller unit including an error indicator hardware module, the error indicator module being arranged to respond to event signals representative of internal and external fault and error events perturbing the micro controller unit function by registering in non-volatile memory a record of the nature of each of the events, wherein the record of the events is inaccessible to alteration. |
| US09329915B1 |
System and method for testing in a production environment
A network-based production service is configured to process client requests for the production service via a network, capture production request data defining the requests and store the production request data in a data store. A test system comprising one or more controllers creates test jobs according to a test plan for testing the production service. The test plan creates a test profile for using specified production request data to simulate a load on the production service. Each job created by the test plan specifies a portion of production request data. A job queue receives and queues test jobs from one or more controllers configured to add test jobs to the job queue according to the test plan. Workers access jobs from the job queue and the production request data from the data store as specified in each job and replay the production request data to the production service. |
| US09329914B2 |
All-to-all message exchange in parallel computing systems
A method for all-to-all message exchange between program tasks including N>1 hierarchy levels ln, n=1 to N, in which a first level l1 includes a plurality of group tasks and each higher level l(n>1) includes at least one group of level l(n−1) groups to which that task belongs in respective hierarchy levels of the network topology; sending a message via the interconnection network to a respective destination task whose hierarchical identifier is determined; and using the hierarchical identifier to send the program task and the network topology, such that the resulting exchange pattern for the all-to-all message exchange exploits a hierarchical distance in the network topology in a desired manner. |
| US09329913B2 |
Unifying related web service ports using port pointers in proxy mediation
A Web service description can be extended to cross reference a front-side port associated with a client using a Web service and a back-side port associated with a server providing the Web service. The extending of the Web service description can occur in a standards compliant manner for a programming language within which the Web service description is specified and for a repository in which the Web service description is maintained. |
| US09329905B2 |
Method and apparatus for configuring, monitoring and/or managing resource groups including a virtual machine
In one embodiment, methods and apparatus for configuring and/or monitoring a virtual machine in a resource group. In another embodiment, a method and apparatus for configuring and/or monitoring a resource group in accordance with a relocation policy that authorizes relocation of a resource from one cluster to another. In a further embodiment, a method and apparatus for configuring, monitoring and/or managing a resource group via a resource group tool having a user interface accessible via a web-services interface. In yet another embodiment, a method and apparatus for communicating between a console and at least one agent in a resource group tool via a web-services interface. |
| US09329903B2 |
System and method for internet based service notification
The present invention provides an Internet based detailed service notification system to inform the contractor of a customer in need of HVAC servicing. The thermostat has Internet connectivity provided to it. Whenever the customers need servicing or repair of their HVAC devices, they have a special menu/interface at their disposal in their thermostat which assists the customer's service request to be registered on the thermostat company's web server. The company's web server having all the details of the thermostat owner, then automatically forwards these details to the preferred contractor through SMS, through email or an automatically generated call. The details include the address details, phone numbers, type of service needed e.g. servicing, repairing, new device installation, replacement and the like. |
| US09329894B2 |
Method and apparatus for extending local area networks between clouds and permanently migrating virtual machines using static network addresses
The current document discloses methods and systems for extending an internal network within a first cloud-computing facility to a second cloud-computing facility and deploying a virtual machine or virtual application previously running on a first cloud-computing facility within the context of the extended internal network in the second cloud-computing facility by internal-network extension and redeployment of virtual machines and virtual applications by a stretch-deploy operation, allowing the virtual machine or virtual application to resume execution on the second cloud-computing facility, using the computational and storage facilities of the second cloud-computing facility but depending on network support from the first cloud-computing facility. In addition, the current document discloses a snap operation that permanently relocates a stretch-deployed virtual machine or virtual application to the second cloud-computing facility. |
| US09329891B2 |
Communication apparatus and communication method
In a communication apparatus, a communication processor rebuilds, with switching of communication systems, a communication bearer to perform communication. An application processor outputs, when background communication occurs or a display unit is shifted from an off state to an on state while notification from the communication processor is stopped, a request signal to the communication processor. The application processor starts the background communication based on information of a latest communication bearer output from the communication processor in response to the request signal. |
| US09329890B2 |
Managing high-coherence-miss cache lines in multi-processor computing environments
Cache lines in a multi-processor computing environment are configurable with a coherency mode. Cache lines in full-line coherency mode are operated or managed with full-line granularity. Cache lines in sub-line coherency mode are operated or managed as sub-cache line portions of a full cache line. A high-coherence-miss cache line may be placed in sub-line coherency mode. A cache line may be associated with a counter in a coherence miss detection table that is incremented whenever an access of the cache line results in a coherence request. The cache line may be a high-coherence-miss cache line when the counter satisfies a high-coherence-miss criterion, such as reaching a threshold value. The cache line may be returned to full-line coherency mode when a reset criterion is satisfied. |
| US09329888B2 |
Computing optimized virtual machine allocations using equivalence combinations
A method for determining allocation of virtual machines includes: at least one of generating and accessing a list of virtual machines (VMs) configured to run on a network, each VM having at least one network resource requirement, each VM in the list associated with a size of the at least one network resource requirement; selecting at least one equivalence set of VMs having a resource requirement size that is at least substantially identical; generating a plurality of meta-combinations from the at least one equivalence set of VMs, each meta-combination representing all possible combinations of a selected number of individual VMs from the equivalence set; determining a maximum resource capacity of a node in the network; and providing a meta-combination assignment to the node, the meta-combination assignment including a group of meta-combinations having a cumulative resource requirement size value that is less than or equal to the maximum resource capacity. |
| US09329887B2 |
System and method for controlling multiple computer peripheral devices using a generic driver
A method for controlling a peripheral hardware device connected to a computer system is disclosed, the computer system includes a first operating system, acting as the host operating system, running on a first processor platform, and a generic device driver operating on the combination of the first operating system and first processor platform. The method includes delivering the peripheral hardware device with an original peripheral hardware device driver file written for a second operating system or a second processor platform, handling, by the generic device driver, interfaces between the first operating system, the peripheral hardware device and a software application, all configured to interact with the original peripheral device driver file, and emulating, by the generic device driver, at least a part of the second operating system and the second processor that are required for the peripheral hardware device to operate on the first operating system and the first processor. |
| US09329883B2 |
Post-execution instruction tracing of virtualized instructions
Systems and methods for tracing an emulated execution order of non-native instructions based on natively executing code on a computing system having a native instruction set architecture are provided. One method includes, during emulated execution of non-native program code, maintaining a jump history in the computing system, the jump history including a listing of non-native jump instructions for which execution is emulated in the computing system. The method includes, for each of the non-native jump instructions included in the jump history, accessing non-native program code including the non-native instructions to determine one or more non-native instructions executed between the non-native jump instruction and a last-executed non-native jump instruction, and aggregating the non-native jump instruction and the one or more non-native instructions into an instruction trace. |
| US09329875B2 |
Global entry point and local entry point for callee function
Embodiments relate to a global entry point and a local entry point for a callee function. An aspect includes executing, by a processor, a function call from a calling function to the callee function. Another aspect includes, based on the function call being a direct and external function call, entering the callee function at the global entry point and executing prologue code in the callee function that calculates and stores a table of contents (TOC) value for the callee function in a TOC register. Another aspect includes, based on the function call being a direct and local function call, entering the callee function at the local entry point, wherein entering the callee function at the local entry point skips the prologue code. Another aspect includes, based on the function call being an indirect function call, entering the callee function at the global entry point and executing the prologue code. |
| US09329863B2 |
Load register on condition with zero or immediate instruction
A data processor comprising a plurality of registers, and instruction execution circuitry having an associated instruction set, wherein the instruction set includes an instruction specifying at least a mask operand, a register operand and an immediate value operand, and the instruction execution circuitry, in response to an instance of the instruction, determines a Boolean value based on the mask operand and sets a respective one of a plurality of registers specified by the register operand of the instance to a value of the immediate value operand if the Boolean value is true. The instruction execution circuitry, in response to the instance of the instruction, may set the respective one of the plurality of registers specified by the register operand of the instance to zero if the Boolean value is false. |
| US09329861B2 |
Convert to zoned format from decimal floating point format
Machine instructions, referred to herein as a long Convert from Zoned instruction (CDZT) and extended Convert from Zoned instruction (CXZT), are provided that read EBCDIC or ASCII data from memory, convert it to the appropriate decimal floating point format, and write it to a target floating point register or floating point register pair. Further, machine instructions, referred to herein as a long Convert to Zoned instruction (CZDT) and extended Convert to Zoned instruction (CZXT), are provided that convert a decimal floating point (DFP) operand in a source floating point register or floating point register pair to EBCDIC or ASCII data and store it to a target memory location. |
| US09329859B1 |
Tracking model element changes using change logs
Examples of techniques for processing model changes are described herein. A method includes generating, via a processor, a change log in a model. The method also includes detecting, via the processor, a change to a model element of a model package in the model. The method further includes storing, via the processor, the detected change as a change item in a topic of the change log. |
| US09329858B2 |
Managing access to resource versions in shared computing environments
The disclosed embodiments provide a system that manages access to resource versions in a shared computing environment. Routing data including locations of the resource versions is used to route a request to a resource version in the shared computing environment. For an application that is implemented by a set of resources, the routing data and the request is used to execute the application using an alternative version of a resource that is under test and default versions of other resources that are not under test. |
| US09329857B1 |
System, method, and computer program for generating configuration data trees associated with a plurality of source files
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for generating a configuration data tree associated with a plurality of source files. In use, a load of a configuration data tree associated with a plurality of source files is initiated. Further, different versions of the plurality of source files are identified. Additionally, the different versions of the plurality of source files are merged to produce a single configuration data tree, wherein one node in the single configuration data tree is capable of representing a plurality of nodes associated with the different versions of the plurality of source files. Moreover, displayable data associated with the single configuration data tree is generated. |
| US09329856B2 |
Managing a code load
A method and system for managing a code load for a storage system is disclosed. The method and system can include instantiating a code load. The code load can include a first update for a first component and a second update for a second component. The method and system can include monitoring the operational state of the first and second components in response to instantiating the code load. The method and system can also include determining to perform the first update in response to a triggering event. The method and system can also include performing the first update in response to determining to perform the first update. |
| US09329855B2 |
Desktop image management for virtual desktops using a branch reflector
A desktop image management system is described that can efficiently distribute updates to virtual desktops running on host servers in a data center. The system is comprised of a central server and multiple agents, each agent installed on a virtual machine. When a VM receives an update from the central server, the files are stored in a single instance store on the host server. Corresponding stub files (empty of content) are created on the VM for each file in the single instance store. The stub files are marked to indicate that the stub file is mapped to the single instance store. When the guest operating system requests to read the stub file, the virtual disk layer of the host server detects that the requested block has been marked and fetches the content of the file from the single instance store. |
| US09329850B2 |
Relocation of instructions that use relative addressing
Relocation of instructions that use relative addressing. Metadata relating to an instruction that uses relative addressing to access data and is to be relocated is stored prior to relocation. Based on relocating the instruction from one memory location to another memory location, a determination is made of an address to be used to access the data by the instruction. The determining is based on at least one of the metadata or an address of the another memory location. The instruction is executed at the another memory location, and the determined address is used to access the data. |
| US09329843B2 |
Communication stack for software-hardware co-execution on heterogeneous computing systems with processors and reconfigurable logic (FPGAs)
A communication stack for software-hardware co-execution on heterogeneous computing systems with processors and reconfigurable logic, in one aspect, may comprise a crossbar operable to connect hardware user code and functioning as a platform independent communication layer. A physical interface interfaces to the reconfigurable logic. A physical interface bridge is connected to the cross and the physical interface. The physical interface bridge connects the crossbar and the physical interface via a platform specific translation layer specific to the reconfigurable logic. The crossbar, the physical interface, and the physical interface bridge may be instantiated in response to the hardware user code being generated, the crossbar instantiated with associated parameters comprising one or more routes and associated data widths. The hardware user code is assigned a unique virtual route in the crossbar. |
| US09329842B1 |
Method and system for providing a user interface
Method, system, and programs for providing a user interface are disclosed. In one example, a plurality of candidate user interfaces is determined. Each candidate user interface is associated with one or more parameters related to a user interface. Each of the plurality of candidate user interfaces is provided to a subset of users selected from the plurality of users. Inputs are obtained from the plurality of users with respect to each of the plurality of candidate user interfaces. One or more candidate user interfaces are selected from the plurality of candidate user interfaces based on the inputs. A new candidate user interface is generated based on the selected one or more candidate user interfaces. A user interface is identified based on the new candidate user interface and the selected one or more candidate user interfaces. The identified user interface is provided to the plurality of users. |
| US09329841B2 |
Software asset packaging and consumption
A reusable asset packaging and consumption method and system that support consumption activities and variability point instances associated with asset types or artifact types. Generic consumption activities and variability point types for different asset types or artifact types and developed and stored in a repository. When an asset packager packages an asset, a needed activity is selected from the activities associated with the type of the asset. The activity, a variability point instance bound with the activity, and the context constraints, together with the artifacts is packaged into the asset package, where the asset package is then stored in a repository. During consumption, the asset consumer obtains the asset package, verifies the context, and executes the activity packaged in the asset, while specifying variability point values for the bound variability instance. |
| US09329840B1 |
Graphical programming of custom device drivers
The present invention provides a set of blocks for creating device drivers. Since, for most computational devices, device driver code to configure and control an I/O interface may be decomposed into a small finite number of common software functions, by providing a block set comprising blocks representing the finite number of common software functions, custom device drivers can be created for any number of devices. Thus, by providing a set of generalized device driver blocks that can be parameterized by the user, specific instances of custom device drivers can be created as needed. Processor and device specific driver code can then be generated from the custom device driver. |
| US09329836B2 |
Extracting entropy from the vibration of multiple machines
Generating a pool of random numbers for use by computer applications. Vibration sensors are placed throughout a machine and collect entropy data from the measurements of the vibration sensors. The data is then filtered and sent via secure connection to a second machine to be added to the second machine's entropy pool. Applications needing a random number may acquire a number from the pool. A method, computer program product and system to generate the pool are provided. |
| US09329835B1 |
Systems and methods for performing mathematical functions
System and methods are provided for performing mathematical functions. An example system includes an instruction decoder configured to decode instructions for performing a mathematical function, an arithmetic logic unit having an alterable configuration to perform a combination of arithmetic operations, and a control unit configured to, based on the instructions decoded by the instruction decoder, output one or more control signals to the arithmetic logic unit. In response to the arithmetic logic unit receiving the one or more control signals, the configuration of the arithmetic logic unit is configured to be altered accordance with the one or more control signals such that the combination of arithmetic operations to be performed by the arithmetic logic unit is substantially equivalent to the mathematical function. |
| US09329834B2 |
Intelligent parametric scratchap memory architecture
An electronic apparatus may be provided that includes a processor to perform operations, and a memory subsystem including a plurality of parallel memory banks to store a two-dimensional (2D) array of data using a shifted scheme. Each memory bank may include at least two elements per bank word. |
| US09329831B1 |
Playback expansion
Examples described herein involve expanding playback of a media item from a first playback device to a second playback device. In one example, a first playback device of a first zone, identifies a second playback device within a proximity of the first playback device, determines that the second playback device is playing a media item as part of a second zone, and based on the determination, joins the second zone and begins playing the media item in synchrony with the second playback device. In another example, a first playback device, while playing a media item as part of a first zone, determines that a second playback device of a second zone has entered a proximity of the first playback device, and responsively, causes the second playback device to join the first zone and begin playing the media item in synchrony with the first playback device. |
| US09329830B2 |
Music playback method, third-party application and device
The present disclosure relates to a music playback method, a third-party application and a device which are in the field of computer technique. The music playback method includes integrating a background music playback module into a third-party application, receiving a music playing signal in which a playlist identification is included, transmitting the music playing signal to the background music playback module through a predetermined port, acquiring by the background music playback module a corresponding playlist based on the playlist identification of the music playing signal, and randomly playing the music in the playlist by the background music playback module. |
| US09329824B2 |
Methods and systems for determining and displaying printing device energy savings
A system and method for determining and displaying energy saving information associated with a printing device, including a processor and a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium operably connected to the processor. The computer-readable non-transitory storage medium contains a set of instructions that, when executed, instruct the processor to determine a first energy usage by the printing device in a normal operating mode, determine at least one second energy usage for the printing device in at least one energy saving mode, compare the first energy usage and the at least one second energy usage, determine at least one energy savings based upon the comparison, and cause the at least one energy savings to be displayed. |
| US09329818B2 |
Image forming device to use temporary account, image forming system having the same, and methods thereof
An image forming device includes a communicator which performs communication with a user terminal apparatus, user account database (DB), a controller which creates a temporary account regarding the user terminal apparatus and registers the account on the user account DB, and an image former which performs the image forming job in response to a request for an image forming job received from the user terminal apparatus while the temporary account is valid, in which the controller records job performing results information on the temporary account in response to the image forming job being performed, and inactivate the temporary account when an inactivating condition is met. |
| US09329813B2 |
Processing management system, electronic apparatus, management server and processing management method of electronic apparatus
Provided is a processing management method including: causing a management server to execute Step (S2-14) in which a server side account specified from user information is acquired and Step (S2-15) in which server side permission processing correlating to the server side account is read out; and causing a multi-function printer to execute Step (S2-16) in which the user information is transmitted to the management server, Step (S1-17) in which an apparatus side account is acquired, Step (S1-18) in which apparatus side permission processing correlating to the apparatus side account is read out, Step (S1-22) in which execution of processing, usage of which is permitted by both of the management server and the multi-function printer, is permitted, and a Step in which, when execution of the permitted processing is requested, the requested processing is executed. |
| US09329811B2 |
Image forming apparatus that receives information requesting data and transmits response data, a response method, and a computer readable recording medium
In an image forming apparatus connected to a network, an interface unit receives information requesting data via the network and transmits response data to the network during a normal mode and a standby mode. A storage unit stores the response data being read out during the standby mode. A normal-mode response data generating unit generates the response data during the normal mode. An information storing unit, during the normal mode, stores, in the storage unit, information about the response data. A standby-mode response data generating unit, during the standby mode, generates the response data from the information about the response data, and stores a response frequency of the information. A stored response data deleting unit deletes, if an amount of the information exceeds a storage capacity of the storage unit, the information with the response frequency that is lower than a specified threshold. |
| US09329807B2 |
Method and system to share a printer and print
In one embodiment, an instruction to share a printer is received at a print service, via a network, from a first user that is a member of a social networking service. A print job is received at the print service, via the network, from a second user that is a member of the social networking service. The print job is sent, via the network, to the printer to print. |
| US09329806B2 |
Image producing device, image forming device, and image processing device
An image producing device by which image data that is produced by an image producing unit is written in an external memory medium, or by which image data is read from the external memory medium and written to a device main unit of the image producing device, the device main unit includes: a record unit configured to record first identification information of image data that is written in the external memory medium; a data storage unit configured to store image data that is recorded by the record unit; and a data operation unit configured to move image data from the external memory medium to the data storage unit based on the first identification information in the record unit. |
| US09329804B2 |
System and method for micro-tiering in non-volatile memory
In a storage device such as a solid state disk (SSD), a central controller communicates with a plurality of multi-chip memory packages. Each multi-chip memory package comprises a plurality of memory dies and a local processor, wherein the plurality of memory dies includes different memory tiers. The central controller may handle management of the virtual address space while the local processor in each MCP manages the storage of data within memory tiers in the memory dies of its respective MCP. |
| US09329795B2 |
Logical volume transfer method and storage network system
The present invention transfers replication logical volumes between and among storage control units in a storage system comprising storage control units. To transfer replication logical volumes from a storage control unit to a storage control unit, a virtualization device sets a path to the storage control unit. The storage control unit prepares a differential bitmap in order to receive access requests. When the preparation completes, the virtualization device makes access requests to the storage control unit. The storage control unit hands over the access requests to the storage control unit. The storage control unit performs a process so that the access requests are reflected in a disk device and performs an emergency destage of storing data in a cache memory into disk device. When the emergency destage ends, the storage control unit connects to an external storage control unit and hands over access requests to the external storage control unit. |
| US09329791B2 |
File system and file system converting method
A file system converting method converts a first file system to a second file system. The first file system manages a storages apparatus via a file allocation table (FAT). The file system converting method includes formatting the FAT to divide the storage apparatus into a plurality of storage units, and establishing a storage unit index table to record information of the plurality of storage units. |
| US09329771B2 |
Embedded authentication systems in an electronic device
An electronic device with a display and a fingerprint sensor may authenticate a user for a respective function. While a respective function of the device is in a locked state, the device displays a graphical element on the display, the graphical element indicating a first direction of finger movement that enables unlocking of the respective function. While displaying the graphical element, the device detects an input that includes movement of a finger in the first direction over the fingerprint sensor and determines whether the input meets unlock criteria based at least in part on fingerprint information of the finger detected by the fingerprint sensor during the input. In accordance with a determination that the input meets the unlock criteria, the device unlocks the respective function; and in accordance with a determination that the input does not meet the unlock criteria, the device maintains the respective function in the locked state. |
| US09329770B2 |
Portable device, method, and graphical user interface for scrolling to display the top of an electronic document
Described herein are devices, method and computer readable media that allow a device to display a portion of a web page on the touch screen display with concurrently displaying a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) entry area for inputting URLs of web pages, wherein the web page has a web page length, and the displayed portion of the web page has a displayed portion length that is less than the web page length. In response to detecting a gesture on the touch screen display, the device translates the web page in accordance with the gesture to display a different portion of the web page; and ceases to display the URL entry area for inputting URLs of web pages. |
| US09329769B2 |
Display/input device and image forming apparatus including display/input device
A display/input device includes a display section, a touch panel, and a control section. The display section displays an image. The touch panel detects touch with a display surface of the display section. When the touch panel detects touch of two points of which a positional relationship indicates a first direction, the control section allows the display section to display a plurality of images in a second direction different from the first direction. The control section changes a selected state of an image of the plurality of images according to move of one of the two points. |
| US09329766B2 |
Homepage re-assignment
Systems, methods and products are described that provide homepage re-assignment. One aspect includes displaying a default homepage desktop view from among a plurality of scrollable desktop views; receiving user input via a user input device; opening a homepage re-assignment utility responsive to receiving said user input, said homepage re-assignment utility including a display indicating one or more desktop views selectable as a new homepage; and responsive to receiving a user input indicating a selection of a desktop view as a new homepage, changing a default homepage setting to a desktop view selected as a new homepage. Other embodiments are described. |
| US09329761B2 |
Command user interface for displaying and scaling selectable controls and commands
Methods and systems are provided for an improved user interface for displaying and scaling selectable software commands and controls in at least one of a first ribbon and a second ribbon. Underneath a first ribbon of top-level command tabs, selectable controls associated with a selected command tab are presented in logical subgroups or chunks. The selectable controls within the chunks are granularly scaled to accommodate different screen sizes or changes in window size. The scaling includes moving a subset of the selectable controls within at least one of the chunks between an overflow pane and the second ribbon. |
| US09329756B2 |
Navigation in a hierarchical node structure
Techniques are disclosed for navigation in a hierarchical node structure. A first graphical element representing a parent node in a hierarchical node structure is displayed via a graphical user interface (GUI). One or more second graphical elements, each representing a first child node of the parent node, are further displayed via the GUI on a first imaginary curve adjacent to or at least partially surrounding the parent node. In response to a user selection of one of the first child nodes, one or more third graphical elements each representing a second child node of the first child node are displayed via the GUI on a second imaginary curve adjacent to or at least partially surrounding the selected child node. |
| US09329754B2 |
Method for operating menu of multimedia disk
A method for operating a menu of a multimedia disk is provided. The method includes first selecting an item in the menu as a focus point and using a cursor controller for moving a cursor in the menu. An input event issued by the cursor controller is then translated into an input event of a key on a keyboard based on a relative position between the cursor and the focus point, so as to shift or select a target title. Consequently, a user can operate the menu of the multimedia disk in a computer system by using the cursor controller, and the convenience of operating the menu can be improved. |
| US09329753B2 |
Handheld electronic device having selectable language indicator and menus for language selection and method therefor
A method of enabling the selection of a language to be employed as a method input language by a disambiguation routine of a handheld electronic device having stored therein a plurality of method input languages and disambiguation routine number, includes detecting as an ambiguous input an actuation of one or more input members, outputting at least a plurality of the language objects that corresponds to the ambiguous input, outputting an indicator which one of the method input languages is currently employed by the disambiguation function, and outputting a menu of input method languages in response to detecting a selection of the indicator. |
| US09329749B2 |
System and process for roof measurement using aerial imagery
The present disclosure shows creating a first layer and a second layer, in computer memory and substantially overlapping at least a segment of line from said first layer with at least a segment of another line from said second layer. A first non-dimensional attribute is different from said second non-dimensional attribute of the two lines. A user length field enabling a client with said interactive file to override at least one of said length numeric values, where said area operator may automatically recalculate area based on said length field override is shown. Also, providing a visual marker that is moveable on said computer monitor around said aerial imagery region, which may be moved, to more precisely identify the location of the building roof structure is shown. |
| US09329747B2 |
Mobile terminal and controlling method thereof
A mobile terminal and controlling method thereof are disclosed. According to the present invention, after a search for informations related to an inputted search word have been performed, while the found informations are displayed, partial informations respectively representing the displayed informations by including the search word are extracted from the displayed informations. Finally, the extracted informations are enlarged and displayed as a list. |
| US09329746B2 |
Method for managing contents and display apparatus thereof
Embodiments relates to a method for managing contents and a display apparatus using the method, and the method include: displaying at least one icon representing contents provider and icons representing user contents service; receiving a selection of a first icon corresponding to a first contents provider in the displayed icons; and storing information on user's contents in contents provided from the first contents provider to correspond to the user contents service. |
| US09329745B2 |
Rendering in a multi-user video editing system
Methods and systems for remotely editing a video file involve: receiving, at a server, a video editing command from a remote client; modifying, at the server, a virtual representation of a media file in accordance with the received command, the virtual representation including a reference to a source media file stored on a storage device, the storage device being connected to the server over a high-speed link; and generating and transmitting, from the server to the remote client, a proxy representation of the source media file modified by the editing commands, wherein the various regions of the proxy representation are rendered either in the background or in real-time according to their complexity. Rendered frames, whether generated in the background or in real time, are stored for reuse. Individual frames of the edited video file may be transmitted upon request from a client. Simultaneous editing of independent projects by multiple users connected to the server via multiple thin clients is supported. |
| US09329742B2 |
Capacitive touch panel
A capacitive touch panel provides a partially high-resolution by mixing multiple resolutions. The capacitive touch panel includes a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, an insulating layer, and a single one integrated circuit chip. The first electrode layer and the second electrode layer respectively include multiple sensor electrodes disposed with uneven density, so that a part of the touch panel has higher resolution, and other part of the touch panel has lower resolution. The capacitive touch panel provides partially higher resolution by adjusting the distribution of the electrodes without increasing the number of pins of the integrated circuit chip. |
| US09329729B2 |
Touch panel and touch screen having the same
Provided herein is a capacitive-type touch panel. The capacitive-type touch panel may include a first transparent substrate, a first conductive layer positioned on the first transparent substrate, a sensor layer having a second conductive layer spaced from the first conductive layer by a spacer, and a second transparent substrate positioned on the sensor layer. The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer may be transparent. |
| US09329725B2 |
Display device including touch screen compensation and touch sensing method thereof
A display device comprises a timing controller and a touch sensing unit. The timing controller drives a display panel such that a display mode for displaying an image in the display panel and a touch mode for sensing a user' s touch are alternately driven. The touch sensing unit differentially applies DTX (display touch crosstalk) compensation values by compensation area to sense the user' s touch in the touch mode, each of touch sensing block being a sensing unit for a user' s touch. Each compensation area is set based on a distance between a data driver and the compensation area. Each DTX compensation value is a value for compensating for an error of touch data caused by changes in respective grayscale values applied to pixels corresponding to a specific touch sensing block. The touch sensing blocks are divided in a column direction depending on arrangement of multiplexers in the data driver. |
| US09329721B1 |
Reduction of touch-sensor interference from stable display
An interference suppression module coordinates devices susceptible to interference such as a touch sensor with potentially interference generating devices such as a display drive matrix, an active haptic device, and so forth. As a result of status signals generated by the interference suppression module, controllers of the susceptible devices may modify the input received to mitigate or avoid interference. |
| US09329720B2 |
Digitizer
A system for receiving, storing, and displaying biometric input has a case, a touchpad, and a digitizer. The case has an open position and a closed position, wherein the case protects the touchpad in the closed position, the case including a digitizer comprising a substantially transparent touch activatable overlay placed over the touchscreen, and a plurality of sensors supported by the overlay to detect input to the overlay. The digitizer includes a data outlet for transferring the detected input as overlay data so the touchpad can visually display the detected input on its touchscreen. The digitizer has sufficient sensors that the overlay data contains more information than the touchpad data would if the touchscreen were contacted directly without the digitizer present. |
| US09329718B2 |
Display device with input system and method for driving the same
A display device with an input system and a method of driving the same are provided. The method for driving a display device with an input system includes: receiving touch information, including electromagnetic touch information or capacitive touch information, by alternately performing electromagnetic touch sensing and capacitive touch sensing, if the touch information is the electromagnetic touch information: performing the electromagnetic touch sensing for a first period, and performing the capacitive touch sensing after the first period, and if the touch information is the capacitive touch information, performing the capacitive touch sensing for the first period. |
| US09329713B2 |
Non-line-of-sight touch input device
A portable information handling system may be used in tablet-laptop mode, where a first body and a second body are rotatable about each other within an angular range of about 360°. Depending on the detected angular rotation of the first body about the second body, among other detectable usage aspects, line-of-sight operation or non-line-of-sight operation of touch input devices, such as a touch pad and/or a keyboard, may be activated. |
| US09329711B2 |
Information processing method and apparatus for a touch screen device
An information processing method for a touch screen device includes in response to contact of a user's finger with a touch screen of the touch screen device, identifying the finger contacting the touch screen; determining key(s) corresponding to the identified finger based on set correspondence relationship(s) between the finger(s) and the key(s); and displaying at least one character represented by the key(s) corresponding to the identified finger. |
| US09329710B2 |
Touchscreen panel and touchscreen device
There are provided a touchscreen panel and a touchscreen device. The touchscreen panel includes: a plurality of first electrodes extended in a first axis direction; a plurality of second electrodes extended in a second axis direction intersecting with the first axis direction; and a third electrode formed between one first electrode and another first electrode adjacent thereto among the plurality of first electrodes, wherein the third electrode may be engaged with the plurality of first electrodes and formed such that one of either side of the respective first electrodes is exposed. |
| US09329709B2 |
Touch display device
A touch display device includes a transparent substrate, a light-blocking frame layer and a transparent protecting layer. The transparent substrate includes a frame area and a visual area. The light-blocking frame layer is disposed above the frame area of the transparent substrate. The transparent protecting layer is disposed above the transparent substrate and the light-blocking frame layer, and includes a gap having a projection on the transparent substrate, wherein the projection of the gap has one of conditions of at least partially overlapping the light-blocking frame layer and being located at a distance less than 2 millimeters from the light-blocking frame layer. |
| US09329701B2 |
Low power management of multiple sensor chip architecture
A method, device, system, or article of manufacture is provided for low-power management of multiple sensor chip architecture. In one embodiment, a method comprises, at a computing device that includes a first processor, a second processor and a third processor, receiving, at the first processor, first sensor data from a first sensor; determining, at the first processor, a motion state of the computing device using the first sensor data; in response to determining that the motion state corresponds to a predetermined motion state, activating the second processor; receiving, at the second processor, second sensor data from a second sensor; determining, by the second processor, that the motion state corresponds to the predetermined motion state using the second sensor data; and, in response to determining that the motion state corresponds to the predetermined motion state using the second sensor data, sending the motion state to the third processor. |
| US09329700B2 |
Interactive system with successively activated illumination sources
An illumination assembly for an interactive input system (20), comprises at least one imaging device (60) capturing image frames of a region of interest; a plurality of illumination sources (84a, 84b, 84c) associated with the imaging device and being located at different positions relative to the imaging device, the illumination sources providing illumination to the region of interest; and a controller (72) communicating with the illumination sources, the controller conditioning the illumination sources so that the illumination sources provide illumination to the region of interest in succession, the timing of image frame capture by the imaging device being coordinated with the illumination pattern of the illumination sources. |
| US09329689B2 |
Method and apparatus for biometric data capture
A method and apparatus for biometric data capture are provided. The apparatus includes in interactive head-mounted eyepiece worn by a user that includes an optical assembly through which a user views a surrounding environment and displayed content. An integrated processor handles content for display to the user and an optical sensor captures biometric data when the eyepiece is positioned so that a nearby individual is proximate to the eyepiece. Biometric data is captured using the eyepiece and is transmitted to a remote processing facility for interpretation. The remote processing facility interprets the captured biometric data and generates display content based on the interpretation. This display content is delivered to the eyepiece and displayed to the user. Biometric data may include but is not limited to, an iris image, a voice sample and a facial image. |
| US09329688B2 |
Input tools having vibro-acoustically distinct regions and computing device for use with the same
An input tool includes a body in the form of a stylus with plurality of vibro-acoustically distinct regions. The vibro-acoustically distinct regions produce vibro-acoustic responses when the regions touch the surface of the touch screen. The vibro-acoustic responses are used in a computing device to detect what region of the input tool was used. |
| US09329687B2 |
Touch panel device having vibration function
A touch panel device includes a touch panel, a first displacement section, and a second displacement section. The first displacement section is in contact with a reserve surface of the touch panel and displaces the touch panel in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the touch panel based on a first drive signal. The second displacement section is in contact with the reverse surface of the touch panel at a location close to a location where the first displacement section is in contact with the reverse surface of the touch panel and displaces the touch panel in the direction perpendicular to a plane of the touch panel based on a second drive signal. |
| US09329682B2 |
Multi-step virtual object selection
A head mounted display allows user selection of a virtual object through multi-step focusing by the user. Focus on the selectable object is determined and then a validation object is displayed. When user focus moves to the validation object, a timeout determines that a selection of the validation object, and thus the selectable object has occurred. The technology can be used in see through head mounted displays to allow a user to effectively navigate an environment with a multitude of virtual objects without unintended selections. |
| US09329681B2 |
Locomotion system and apparatus
A locomotion system for use with a virtual environment technology includes a platform configured to support a user, a harness support assembly coupled to the platform and extending upwardly from the platform, and a safety harness configured to be worn by the user. The harness support assembly includes a support halo positioned above the platform and extending about a vertical central axis. The safety harness includes an interface structure moveably coupled to the support halo. |
| US09329680B2 |
Terminal and method for iris scanning and proximity sensing
A method of iris scanning and proximity sensing includes: receiving selection information of an operation mode; sensing an iris including emitting light having an amount of light of a first level, and photographing an iris using the emitted light if a selected operation mode is a iris scanning mode; sensing a proximity including emitting light having an amount of light of a second level, and sensing information on whether an object has approached using the emitted light if the selected operation mode is a proximity sensing mode; and recognizing the iris using the photographed iris image, and performing a function according to the sensed information on whether the object has approached, and the first level has a value higher than the value of the second level. |
| US09329678B2 |
Augmented reality overlay for control devices
Embodiments for providing instructional information for control devices are disclosed. In one example, a method on a see-through display device comprising a see-through display and an outward-facing image sensor includes acquiring an image of a scene viewable through the see-through display and detecting a control device in the scene. The method also includes retrieving information pertaining to a function of an interactive element of the control device and displaying an image on the see-through display augmenting an appearance of the interactive element of the control device with image data related to the function of the interactive element. |
| US09329677B2 |
Social system and method used for bringing virtual social network into real life
The present invention is related to a social system and process used for bringing virtual social network into real life, which is allowed for gathering and analyzing a social message of at least one interlocutor from virtual social network so as to generate at least one recommended topic, allowing a user to talk with the interlocutor through the utilization of the recommended topic, and then capturing and analyzing at least one speech and behavior and/or physiological response of the interlocutor during talking so as to generate an emotion state of the interlocutor. The user is allowed to determine whether the interlocutor is interested in the recommended topic through the emotion state of interlocutor. Thus, it is possible to bring the social message on virtual network into real life, so as to increase communication topics between persons in real life. |
| US09329671B2 |
Power-efficient inter processor communication scheduling
Computer system, method and computer program product for scheduling IPC activities are disclosed. In one embodiment, the computer system includes first processor and second processors that communicate with each other via IPC activities. The second processor may operate in a first mode in which the second processor is able to process IPC activities, or a second mode in which the second processor does not process IPC activities. Processing apparatus associated with the first processor identifies which of the pending IPC activities for communicating from the first processor to the second processor are not real-time sensitive, and schedules the identified IPC activities for communicating from the first processor to the second processor by delaying some of the identified IPC activities to thereby group them together. The grouped IPC activities are scheduled for communicating to the second processor during a period in which the second processor is continuously in the first mode. |
| US09329666B2 |
Power throttling queue
A power throttling queue includes a queue and a throttling circuit. The queue has multiple entries. Each entry has a data field and a valid field. The multiple entries include a first portion and a selectively disabled second portion. The throttling circuit is coupled to the queue, and selectively disables the second portion in response to a number of valid entries of the first portion. |
| US09329663B2 |
Processor power and performance manager
Techniques are provided for managing the power consumption and performance of a processing device. Power consumption and utilization ratios for a processing device may be continuously measured. The measured power consumption and utilization ratios may be compared to target power consumption and utilization ratios to adjust an operating frequency of the processing device. In one implementation a power controller may take the target and measured power consumption as inputs to generate a power output and a utilization controller may take the target and measured utilization ratios as inputs to generate a utilization output. The lower of the power output and the utilization output may be selected and used to adjust the operating frequency of the processing device. The power and utilization controllers may implement a proportional-integral control scheme. |
| US09329661B2 |
Information processing method and electronic device
The present invention discloses information processing methods, apparatuses and electronic devices. The method comprises: determining sensor units that will normally operate in the low power consumption state based on the i-th usage mode; generating, in response to obtaining an input operation for generating a wake-up instruction via the sensor units, the wake-up instruction; and switching the electronic device from the low power consumption state to the normal operation state in response to the wake-up instruction. With the present invention, sensor units that will normally operate in the low power consumption state are determined based on the i-th usage mode of the electronic device. A wake-up instruction is generated in response to obtaining an input operation via the sensor units. The electronic device is switched from the low power consumption state to the normal operation state in response to the wake-up instruction. The present invention solves the problem that it is difficult to operate an power-on/off button of an electronic device in complicated scenarios and achieves the effect of determining, based on the usage mode of the electronic device, a switching trigger scheme most suitable for the usage mode. |
| US09329660B2 |
Lowest power mode for a mobile drive
A hard disk drive enters a low power mode to reduce power consumption. To maintain communication with a host device, a communication interface remains energized along with a circuit portion storing configuration data for the communication interface. To energize the communication interface and the circuit portion, low power voltage regulators provide suitable reference voltages. One low power voltage regulator is dedicated to this purpose. Another voltage regulator is converted from an active, switching mode to a low power, linear mode to provide the necessary reference voltage. Also, unique handshaking signals are used to control entry and exit from the low power mode by the hard disk drive. |
| US09329659B2 |
Power monitoring system that determines frequency and phase relationships
A power monitoring system includes a plurality of current sensors suitable to sense respective changing electrical current within a respective conductor to a respective load and a conductor sensing a respective voltage potential provided to the respective load. |
| US09329658B2 |
Block-level sleep logic
In one embodiment, a processor includes at least one sleep block and a central sleep controller. The at least one sleep block may include at least one execution unit, at least one processor component, and sleep logic. The central sleep controller may be to program the sleep logic to perform at least one sleep transition for the at least one sleep block, and to operate in a first sleep mode. The sleep logic may be to perform the at least one sleep transition for the at least one sleep block without waking the central sleep controller from the first sleep mode. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09329657B2 |
Customized power rating for computer equipment
A mechanism is provided for customized power rating for computer equipment. A power monitor determines actual power consumption by computer equipment in a facility. After equipment has been stressed, an operator sends the actual power consumption information to the manufacturer. The manufacturer receives the actual power consumption information and issues a certificate that acknowledges the equipment will not consume more power than what was measured. The manufacturer may provide digital media that instructs power management hardware in the computer equipment to adhere to an actual case power limit. The power management hardware treats the actual case power limit as a hard power limit. That is, the power management hardware will not specify a power cap higher than the actual case power limit. The power management hardware prevents the equipment from crossing the actual case power limit. |
| US09329655B2 |
Power management for data ports
According to some embodiments, a communication interface 110 may include a biasing circuit 140 and a logic unit 130. The biasing circuit 140 may be configured to provide a bias voltage to a port of the communication interface 110. The logic unit 130 may be configured to enable and disable the biasing circuit 140 based on a first signal received from a controller of the communication interface 110. The logic unit 130 may also be configured to enable and disable the biasing circuit 140 based on a suspend signal received from the controller of the communication interface 110. |
| US09329654B2 |
System and method for one-line power mapping of information handling systems in a datacenter
A method of one-line power mapping in a datacenter includes providing from a management system a pre-defined pattern to a rack system, in response to providing the pre-defined pattern, directing the rack system to enable a power supply unit of the rack system and to modulate a power usage of the rack system to encode the pre-defined pattern onto a power cable, wherein the power supply unit receives operating power from a power distribution unit via the power cable, receiving at the management system a power level signal from the power distribution unit, decoding at the management system the pre-defined pattern from the power level signal, and determining that the rack system is connected to the power distribution unit in response to decoding the pre-defined pattern. |
| US09329651B2 |
Electric power management system, electric power management device, electric power management method, and computer readable recording medium
An electric power management system 1 is comprised of an electric power management device 10, measuring devices 4 and 5, and a database 6. The database 6 has stored system information which specifies, for every electric device, a user entity, a location to supply electric power and an associated measuring device, and has stored a needlessness condition which is configured for every user entity or for every location, and specifies a case where an electric device 2 consumes electric power needlessly. An electric power management device 10 specifies the electric device and measuring device associated with the needlessness condition based on the system information, and from the needlessness condition, configures a determining condition by which it can be determined that the specified electric device uses electric power needlessly, and in the case where the collected electric power information or environment information fulfills the determining condition, determines that needlessness of electric power consumption has arisen. |
| US09329650B2 |
Customer-centric demand side management for utilities
A method and system for reducing demand on a power grid through demand side management includes receiving assigned priorities from a customer for smart appliances and for appliances plugged into sockets of one or more smart plugs of the customer, the assigned priorities indicative of a customer-preferred sequence for disconnection of, or adjustment of power to, the appliances from the power grid. The system determines whether to disconnect or adjust power to at least one of the appliances of the customer; and selects at least one of the appliances according to the assigned priorities to reduce demand on the power grid. The system sends one or more commands, the one or more commands indicative to the one or more smart plugs to disconnect or adjust power to the selected at least one of the appliances based on selecting at least one of the appliances. |
| US09329649B2 |
Dual input single output regulator for an inertial sensor
A dual input single output (DISO) regulator, includes a comparator configured to receive a first and second power supply signal and to provide a first compared signal; a first switch configured to couple the first power supply source to an intermediate node, and a second switch configured to couple the second power supply source to the intermediate node; a control logic circuit, coupled to the first comparator, to the first switch, and to the second switch, and configured to receive the compared signal to control the first and the second switch in a first and second operating condition based on the compared signal. The intermediate node being biased by an intermediate power supply signal correlated to the first or second power supply signal. The DISO regulator includes a low-dropout regulator, configured to provide a regulated power supply signal based on the intermediate power supply signal. |
| US09329648B2 |
Performance management of subsystems in a server by effective usage of resources
An approach is provided in which a subsystem cooling manager detects an increased workload indicator corresponding to a computer subsystem's forthcoming workload requirement. The forthcoming workload requirement corresponds to future computing resources required by the subsystem to support one or more software programs executing on the computer system. The subsystem cooling manager determines that the forthcoming workload requirement exceeds a utilization threshold and in turn, directs one or more cooling systems towards the corresponding subsystem according. |
| US09329642B2 |
Mobile terminal device, storage medium, and method for display control of mobile terminal device
A mobile terminal device includes: a display; a display control module which displays an execution screen for an application program on the display; and a detection module which detects a posture of the mobile terminal device based on a gravity acceleration applied to the mobile terminal device. In this arrangement, the display control module controls a display direction of the execution screen with respect to the mobile terminal device according to the posture of the mobile terminal device, and performs suppression control so as to, even if the posture of the mobile terminal device is changed, suppress switching of the display direction corresponding to the changed posture, provided that a suppression condition for suppressing switching of the display direction is satisfied while the execution screen is displayed on the display. |
| US09329640B2 |
Laptop computer
A laptop computer includes a base, a touch screen, a first hinge structure and a second hinge structure. The first hinge structure is pivotally connected with a side of the base. The second hinge structure is pivotally connected with the first hinge structure. The second hinge structure includes a locking part. The locking part detachably fastens to the touch screen. When the locking part fastens to the touch screen and the angle between the touch screen and the base is within 0 degree and a predetermined angle, the second hinge structure rotates relative to the first hinge structure. When the locking part fastens to the touch screen and the angle between the touch screen and the base is larger than the predetermined angle, the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure rotate synchronously relative to the base. |
| US09329637B2 |
Configurable ergonomic keyboard for computing devices
A configurable keyboard. The configurable keyboard includes a base with a top face, and a first edge. A position adjustable panel containing keyboard keys. The position adjustable panel is attached to the base by a position adjustment device. The position adjustment device includes a shaft and a first connector. The shaft is attached, towards a bottom end, to the base. The first connector connects the position adjustable panel to the shaft. |
| US09329634B1 |
Docking system
A docking system includes a base, a deck having an upper surface configured to contact a computing device resting upon the deck, wherein the upper surface includes at least one aperture therethrough, and projections extending upwardly from a surface of the base. The deck is movable along a plane that is inclined with respect to the surface of the base between a first position and a second position, the at least one aperture of the deck when in the first position being located away from the projections such that the deck conceals the projections, and the at least one aperture of the deck when in the second position exposing the projections to allow engagement of the projections with the computing device. |
| US09329632B2 |
Docking station
A docking station for a portable electronic device is provided. The docking station includes a main body, a supporting structure and a pivot. The pivot includes a first fixing portion, a second fixing portion and a pivot portion. The first fixing portion is disposed at the supporting structure, the second fixing portion is disposed at the main body. The pivot portion is connected to the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion. When the portable electronic device is disposed at the supporting structure, the portable electronic device and the supporting structure can rotate relative to the main body via the pivot. The docking station allows the portable electronic device disposing at the docking station drives the supporting structure to rotate relatively to the main body alone the axis of the pivot to stand in vertical, and then the horizontal space of the portable electronic device is saved. |
| US09329631B2 |
Tablet computer heated case
A tablet computer heated case has a body with a cavity in which a tablet computer may be received and includes a window to allow the screen of the tablet computer to be seen and to allow input to the tablet computer. A heating element may be provided opposite the window for heating a back face of the tablet computer when the tablet computer is in the cavity. A method of operating a tablet computer in an environment in which it is normally too cold for the tablet computer to operate employs the heated case by activating the heating element to warm the tablet computer. |
| US09329628B2 |
Handheld electronic device user support case
A body to support a handheld electronic device and at least one arm coupled to the body. The at least one arm include at least one radius value that is based on a thenar measurement. |
| US09329623B2 |
Apparatuses, integrated circuits, and methods for synchronizing data signals with a command signal
Apparatuses, integrated circuits, and methods are disclosed for synchronizing data signals with a command signal. In one such example apparatus, an input control circuit is configured to provide an input clock signal responsive to a data clock signal. A delay circuit is configured to delay the data clock signal corresponding to a propagation delay of a command signal. An output control circuit is configured to provide an output clock signal responsive to the delayed data clock signal and a buffer circuit is configured to capture data responsive to the input clock signal, with the buffer circuit further configured to provide the captured data responsive to the output clock signal. |
| US09329622B2 |
Cycle stealing when a process or environmental variation is detected and a processing instruction is using a critical path
This invention provides a clock control circuit, which can be added to any pipeline-processor to solve timing problems arising from variations due to process outcome and environmental conditions. Critical instructions are detected (instructions that exercise critical paths) in conjunction with environmental sensing (such as process, temperature and voltage). This information is used to control cycle stealing. |
| US09329611B2 |
Power control
As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, an event manager provides control of a battery-powered internal power supply. The power supply has a control port that receives a control signal for activating and deactivating the internal power supply, and one or more output ports for providing a power signal. The event manager includes a plurality of system-event circuits that detect activity signals corresponding to a respective one of a plurality of system events. An event validation circuit, which is powered by the power signal, provides a validation signal that is based upon an activity signal detected by the event manager circuit and that indicates that the internal power supply should provide the power signal in a non-sleep power-operation mode. |
| US09329609B1 |
Feedback based topology for synchronization of multi-voltage domain signals in differential drivers
Disclosed is a differential driver circuit including an input module to receive an input signal and split the input signal into high and low components, a first level shifter to receive the high signal component and output a high side input signal to a high side driver, a delay module to receive the low signal component and output a low side input signal to a low side driver, and a multi-voltage domain phase detector to measure a phase difference between the high side input signal and the low side input signal to provide feedback to the input module and output a phase adjusted output signal to match a first delay timing of the first level shifter. |
| US09329607B2 |
Electrical load controller having a frame with an integrally formed backlightable indicator region
An electrical load controller includes an electrical switching device and an actuator assembly having at least one user actuator for use in turning power on and off to the load and for use in adjustably controlling the level of power to the load. A frame attached to the actuator includes an integrally formed backlightable indicator region having an outer continuous solid surface. Light from an illumination assembly related to the level of power to the load is directable onto a portion of an inner surface of the backlightable indicator region, transmittable through the backlightable region from the inner surface to the outer surface, emittable from a portion of the outer surface, and observable by the user. |
| US09329606B2 |
Temperature control apparatus and method for a barbeque grill
A temperature control system for controlling the rate of flow of a flammable fluid at generally constant pressure is disclosed. The system may include a flow control apparatus that is free of a regulator mechanism, for affecting the flow of the fluid. The flow control apparatus may be operable between at least a first flow rate and a second flow rate, and may have at least one upstream opening and at least one downstream opening. The system may also include a first burner in fluid communication with the downstream opening of the flow control apparatus and a conduit in fluid communication at one end thereof with the upstream opening of the flow control apparatus, and configured at the other end thereof for connection to a fuel supply. A thermocouple may be located in the vicinity of the burner, for converting a sensed thermal state into an electrical signal. An electronic controller, in communication with the flow control apparatus, for activating the flow control apparatus to one of said first and second flow rates, and being in communication with the thermocouple for receiving the electrical signal from the thermocouple is also provided. An interface connected to the controller for manually inputting a desired temperature may be included, wherein the controller is operable to automatically cycle the flow control apparatus between the first and second flow rates until the temperature sensed by the thermocouple is similar to the desired temperature. |
| US09329605B2 |
Network device heating based on power classification and temperature
Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to network device heating based on power classification and temperature. The network device may be configured to receive power via a network connector. The received power can be associated with a power classification. Temperature associated with the network device can be determined. Heat can be produced based on the power classification and the determined temperature. |
| US09329600B2 |
Balloon power sources with a buoyancy trade-off
Example embodiments may facilitate altitude control by a balloon in a balloon network. An example method involves: (a) causing a balloon to operate in a first mode, wherein the balloon comprises an envelope, a high-pressure storage chamber, and a solar power system, (b) while the balloon is operating in the first mode: (i) operating the solar power system to generate power for the balloon and (ii) using at least some of the power generated by the solar power system to move gas from the envelope to the high-pressure storage chamber such that the buoyancy of the balloon decreases; (c) causing the balloon to operate in a second mode; and while the balloon is operating in the second mode, moving gas from the high-pressure storage chamber to the envelope such that the buoyancy of the balloon increases. |
| US09329599B1 |
Automatic guided vehicle and method for controlling the same
An automatic guided vehicle includes a vehicle body and a positioning identification module which being furnished in the vehicle body further includes a three-axis magnetic signal sensing unit and a logic operation processing unit. The logic operation processing unit is connected to the three-axis magnetic signal sensing unit by signal transmitted therefrom. A magnetic pointer unit is furnished adjacent to the marching route of the automatic guided vehicle. The three-axis magnetic signal sensing unit senses the magnetic field of magnetic pointer unit and generates a magnetic field information that transmits to the logic operation processing unit. |
| US09329597B2 |
Autonomous data machines and systems
Autonomous data machines and systems may be provided, which may be deployed in an environment. The machines may roam within the environment and collect data with aid of one or more sensors. The data may be sent to a control center, which may optionally receive information from additional data sources, such as other on-site sensors, existing static data, or real-time social data. The control center may send instructions to the machines to perform one or more reaction based on the received information. The autonomous data machines may be capable of reacting autonomously to one or more detected condition. In some instances, the autonomous data machines may be employed for security or surveillance. |
| US09329596B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling positions and orientations of autonomous vehicles
A method for controlling an autonomous vehicle includes: Receiving data relating to a plurality of proposed vehicle locations; generating a simulated vehicle path based on the received data; determining a simulated vehicle orientation for at least one point on the simulated vehicle path; presenting at least the simulated vehicle orientation in a user-discernable form; receiving a user verification of the simulated vehicle orientation for at least one point on the simulated vehicle path; and producing approved vehicle control commands from the simulated vehicle path and simulated vehicle orientation, the approved vehicle control commands controlling the autonomous vehicle to follow the simulated vehicle path and the simulated vehicle orientation. |
| US09329590B2 |
Machine tool
A machine tool includes a controller including a storage unit that stores correction history data including correction amounts of the positions of tools input from a worker and time when the correction amounts are input, in association with the tools; and a display device that can display a time-based graph showing a relationship between the time and the correction amount for each tool. |
| US09329589B2 |
Interactive device adapted to interactively communicate with a remote device
This invention relates to an interactive device (100) to interactively communicate with a remote device (107). A receiver (101) receives event related information from a remote device which supplies the event related information which includes event progress information. A display (102) displays an image of the current status of the event based on the received event related information. A progress indicator (103) indicates the progress of the event based on received progress information. A sensor (104) receives a modification command from a user indicating a modification of the progress of the event, and a transmitter (105) for transmits the modification command to the remote device. The remote device then adjusts the progress of the event in accordance to the received modification command. |
| US09329587B2 |
Control apparatus and control method for master slave robot, robot, control program for master slave robot, and integrated electronic circuit for control of master slave robot
A master slave robot is that receives force presentation according to a picture watched by an operator operating the master slave robot. The control apparatus for the master slave robot causes a force information correcting unit to correct force information in accordance with magnification percentage information acquired by a displayed information acquiring unit such that the force information is increased accordingly as the magnification percentage information is larger. An operator can thus apply appropriate force while watching the picture projected on a display to perform a task. |
| US09329585B2 |
Article assembling device using robot
An assembling device which does not use a positioning device for articles to be assembled, nor a feeder mechanism and a pneumatic mechanism for a bolt for assembling. The article assembling device includes a first robot which takes out and aligns a bolt by using a detection result of a first camera; a second robot which grips a first article by using a detection result of a second camera and conveys the first article to a position where the first article can be attached to a second article; and a bolt holding and fastening section which fastens the articles by using the aligned bolt. |
| US09329583B2 |
Learning device interaction rules
Devices and methods are disclosed for establishing interaction among electronic devices of an environment. The device has a transmitter, receiver, memory for storing interaction rules, and a processor for learning the interaction rules in association with the transmitter, receiver, and other devices of the environment. The device also includes components for performing the device specific functions and a state sensor for determining the logical or physical state of the device. Methods involve observing at one or more devices change of state activity among the plurality of devices through receiving a change of state message that is transmitted to the one or more devices. A set of rules are learned at the one or more devices based upon observing the change of state activity. The learned set of rules are then applied at the one or more devices to automatically control changes of state of devices within the plurality of devices. |
| US09329582B2 |
Method and apparatus for minimizing error in dynamic and steady-state processes for prediction, control, and optimization
A method for providing independent static and dynamic models in a prediction, control and optimization environment utilizes an independent static model (20) and an independent dynamic model (22). The static model (20) is a rigorous predictive model that is trained over a wide range of data, whereas the dynamic model (22) is trained over a narrow range of data. The gain K of the static model (20) is utilized to scale the gain k of the dynamic model (22). The forced dynamic portion of the model (22) referred to as the bi variables are scaled by the ratio of the gains K and k. Thereafter, the difference between the new value input to the static model (20) and the prior steady-state value is utilized as an input to the dynamic model (22). The predicted dynamic output is then summed with the previous steady-state value to provide a predicted value Y. |
| US09329580B2 |
Electromechanical system for operation without intermittency of an irrigation equipment
An electronic control by frequency inverter of the displacement system of an irrigation or fertirrigation set is made up of structured pipelines, in which the water distribution sprayers are mounted, and which are coupled to each other, and supported by movable towers which are moved by gear motors driving by means of cardans the wheel gear that in turn drive pneumatic wheels, moving the structure about a fixed point, or pivot point, which is the central tower. The driving of the gear motors of each tower is performed by an electric control unit via a frequency inverter, with analogic signal, preferably a potentiometer, or position encoder digital sensor or optical sensor of alignment with relation to the front and back tower. |
| US09329578B2 |
Time adjustment device, timekeeping device with a time adjustment device, and time adjustment method
A timepiece can acquire time information in a short time, reduce power consumption, and display the correct time. A timepiece comprises a receiver to receive a satellite signal, and a time information generator to generate internal time information. The receiver runs a first reception process that acquires first information including week information from the satellite signal, a second reception process that acquires second information including leap second information from the satellite signal, or a third reception process that acquires third information including hour, minute and second information from the satellite signal. In the first reception timing, after the internal time information is initialized, the receiver runs the first reception process and runs the second reception process after running the first. In a next reception timing, after the first reception timing, the receiver runs the third reception process if the first and second information are acquired in the first reception timing. |
| US09329576B1 |
Weatherproof timer enclosure
A timer assembly housing is configured to include a number of features, including but not limited to a tortuous sealing lip, adjustable hinge assembly, removable backing plate, removable pin hinge, toggle switch, and a wiring lid. The timer assembly includes a weatherproof housing having a base with a series of sidewalls and a rear wall, the base sidewalls extending forward from the rear wall to an open front, a lid having a series of sidewalls and a front wall, the lid sidewalls extending forward from the front wall, and a timer assembly positioned within the base. The lid is selectively pivotably secured to the base along one of the base sidewalls. |
| US09329573B2 |
Below dial hand fitting
A timepiece movement driving at least one output arbor for receiving an indicator displaying a physical or temporal magnitude facing and above a complementary indicator or a dial, the complementary indicator or dial being arranged on a local reference or bearing surface included locally in the movement about of each the output arbor of the movement, or being arranged on the local reference or bearing surface. The output arbor includes, on a side of a local reference or bearing surface thereof, a free end which is either recessed or flush with respect to the local reference or bearing surface thereof. |
| US09329572B2 |
Timepiece hand
A timepiece hand for abrupt acceleration is mounted to pivot around a staff so as to be able to indicate an item of information. The hand is made from an at least partially amorphous metal alloy. |
| US09329566B2 |
Configuration of an image forming device for accessing an image forming unit
An image forming device including a casing having a front wall formed with a first opening and an upper wall continuous to the front wall and formed with a second opening. The first and second openings together form a single opening. The device further includes a door for covering the single opening, a belt unit, and a guide member. The belt unit includes first and second rollers, and a conveyer belt. The drawer is configured to accommodate a plurality of cartridges. The guide member is configured to movably guide the drawer. The first roller is disposed nearer to the single opening than the second roller to the single opening. In a state where the door is opened and the drawer is inside the casing, one of the plurality of cartridges closest to the door is detachably attachable to the drawer through the single opening. |
| US09329557B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image heating apparatus includes a heating roller; a nip forming member for forming the nip with the roller; a sheet jam sensor; a first controller for interrupting a heating operation when the sensor detects the sheet jamming, and for resuming the heating operation after the jamming is cleared; a rubbing member for rubbing a heating roller surface; a moving mechanism for moving the rubbing member to a position for spacing the rubbing member from the roller to a position for rubbing the roller surface; and a second controller for executing an operation of moving the rubbing member to the rubbing position to rub the heating roller surface when a predetermined condition is reached, wherein the second controller delays, when the condition is reached during a period in which a predetermined count of sheets pass the nip after the jam clearance, the moving operation to after the period. |
| US09329550B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an operation panel including a display section that displays buttons, a touch panel section, and piezoelectric elements. The image forming apparatus also includes a vibration control section and a determination section. The vibration control section outputs a drive signal to the piezoelectric elements that causes vibration of the piezoelectric elements and the touch panel section. The determination section determines for each maintenance target whether the maintenance target is an inspection target that preferably undergoes maintenance within a preset period of a current time. Upon operation of a button while no inspection target is present, the vibration control section causes the touch panel and the piezoelectric elements to vibrate under a normal vibration condition. Upon operation of a preset button while an inspection target is present, the vibration control section causes vibration of the touch panel section and the piezoelectric elements under a different vibration condition. |
| US09329548B2 |
Terminal apparatus, image forming system, and non-transitory computer readable medium
A terminal apparatus includes a driver. The driver includes a switching unit and has a dedicated mode and a standard mode, the dedicated mode making it possible to use all functions of a predetermined image forming apparatus, the standard mode making it possible to use a function common for plural image forming apparatuses. The switching unit performs switching from the dedicated mode to the standard mode in a case where it is determined that the dedicated mode is inapplicable after the dedicated mode has been started up. |
| US09329535B2 |
Image heating apparatus
A fixing apparatus includes a fixing belt, a pressure roller, a heater, a stay holder, and a scraper. The fixing belt is configured to heat an image on a sheet at a nip portion and has an inner surface with a grease applied thereon. The pressure roller drives and rotates the fixing belt and forms the nip portion between the pressure roller and the fixing belt. The heater and the stay holder press the fixing belt toward the pressure roller from the inner surface of the fixing belt. The scraper scrapes the lubricant transferred to the pressure roller in an area that can come into contact with the fixing belt and that does not come into contact with a maximum width sheet introducible into the fixing apparatus on one end side in a rotational axis direction of the pressure roller. |
| US09329533B2 |
Cleaning device and image forming apparatus including same
A cleaning device includes a plurality of cleaners. The plurality of cleaners includes at least a first cleaner, a second cleaner, and a third cleaner arranged next to each other in a traveling direction of a cleaning target. The first cleaner is disposed at an extreme upstream end of the traveling direction and supplied with a first voltage having a same polarity as a polarity of a normally-charged toner. The cleaners, other than the first cleaner, disposed downstream from the first cleaner, is supplied with a second voltage having a polarity opposite the polarity of the normally-charged toner. |
| US09329527B2 |
Toner case and image forming apparatus including the same
A toner case includes a case main body, a toner discharge outlet, an opening/closing member, a lever member, and a lock member. The case main body can be attached to and detached from an apparatus main body of an image forming apparatus and store toner. The toner discharge outlet is formed on the case main body. The opening/closing member can be moved between an opening position and a closing position. The lever member can be operated between first and second operation positions. The lock member can be moved between: a lock position to abut on the opening/closing member and the lever member, lock the opening/closing member to the closing position and lock the lever member to the first operation position; and an unlock position to be separated from the opening/closing member and the lever member and allow the opening/closing member and the lever member to be released from locks. |
| US09329526B2 |
Developer container, developer replenishing device, developing device, and image forming apparatus using same
A developer container removably installable in an apparatus body of an image forming apparatus includes a container body to contain developer, a cap connectable to the container body, the cap including a supply opening, and a flange projecting beyond an outer circumferential surface of the cap in a radial direction extending from a center of a cross section of the container body. The flange is formed along a circumference of the container body and provided between the container body and the cap. |
| US09329525B2 |
Toner container and printing device
In one example, a toner container has an interior volume defined by a body and a pair of wings extending up and out from the body. |
| US09329522B2 |
Developing cartridges with fixed protrusions and manufacturing method thereof
Developing cartridges include a main body, a developer transport member, and a developer thickness regulating member. The main body includes a first and second side portions separated from each other along a direction. The developer thickness regulating member regulates a developer thickness and extends in a direction between the first and second side portions. The developer thickness regulating member includes an end portion, which is disposed near the first side portion, and a first protrusion, which extends along the particular direction from the end portion to at least the first side portion. The main body forms a cavity in the first side portion. The cavity is defined by at least a first surface, a second surface opposing the first surface, and a second protrusion that protrudes from the first surface toward the second surface. The first protrusion is fixed at a position between the second protrusion and the second surface. |
| US09329517B2 |
Drive receiving member for an imaging cartridge
A drive receiving member for transferring rotational driving force from an image forming apparatus to components of an imaging cartridge is provided. A distal end of the member includes at least one substantially rigid drive lug for receiving rotational driving force from the imaging device. In some constructions the distal end also includes at least one catch member extending beyond the drive lug to facilitate movement of the coupling member from a retracted position to an extended position when the cartridge is installed in the imaging device. In other constructions, an actuator may be provided to initiate movement of the coupling member from the extended position to a retracted position during removal of the cartridge from the imaging device. |
| US09329512B1 |
Bio-based toner compositions
Bio-based toner compositions that exhibit excellent performance and provide high print quality. More specifically, the present bio-based toner compositions comprise greater than 20% bio-resins but avoid the moisture sensitivity issues that bio-resins are prone to by also including one or more oil additives. |
| US09329510B2 |
Simplified process for sustainable toner resin
The disclosure describes a one reaction process for making a bio-based polyester resin. The resultant polyester resin retains thermal properties as compared to a similar resin but made using previous multi-step processes conducted in separate vessels. |
| US09329506B2 |
Alcohol phosphate treated carbon black compositions
An intermediate transfer member that contains a composition of an alcohol phosphate and carbon black, and where there is formed a chemical attachment between the carbon black and the alcohol phosphate, and processes thereof. |
| US09329504B2 |
Method of aligning an exposure apparatus, method of exposing a photoresist film using the same and exposure apparatus for performing the method of exposing a photoresist film
An origin of a reference coordinate system is assigned to one of a plurality of center points, and center point coordinates according to the reference coordinate system are assigned to remaining center points, so that reference marks successively correspond to center points of a plurality of microscopes fixed to a base. Beam position detection marks disposed between the reference marks with exposure points of exposure heads fixed to the base are crossed to assign beam coordinates according to the reference coordinate system to the exposure points. Thus, alignment may be easily and accurately performed, and is effective for increasingly larger apparatuses. |
| US09329502B2 |
Lithographic apparatuses and methods for compensating for eigenmode coupling
A lithographic apparatus can include a component and a positioning system operatively coupled and configured to move the component along a first axis. The positioning system can be configured to measure a position of the component along a second axis or a third axis. The positioning system can also be configured to control movement of the component so as to compensate for an effect of eigenmode coupling between the movement of the component along the first axis and the measured position of the component along the second axis or the third axis. In some embodiments, the component is a reticle stage or a wafer stage. |
| US09329500B2 |
Lithographic apparatus configured to reconstruct an aerial pattern and to compare the reconstructed aerial pattern with an aerial pattern detected by an image sensor
The invention relates to an image for detection of an aerial pattern comprising spatial differences in radiation intensity in a cross section of a beam of radiation in a lithographic apparatus for exposing a substrate. The image sensor comprises a lens (5) arranged to form a detection image of the aerial pattern and an image detector (6) arranged to measure radiation intensities in a plurality, of positions in the detection image. |
| US09329494B2 |
Lithographic apparatus
A lithographic apparatus includes a first table to support a substrate; a second table, not being configured to support a substrate, including a sensor unit to sense a property of a patterned beam of radiation from a projection system, the second table to move under the projection system when the first table is moved out from under the projection system during a substrate exchange, the first and second tables being independently movable from each other; and a liquid supply system to supply a liquid to a space between the projection system and the substrate, the first table, and/or the second table, wherein the second table is configured to provide a confining surface at a bottom of a liquid confinement structure when the first table is removed from under the projection system so as to prevent the liquid from leaking out into the remainder of the lithographic apparatus. |
| US09329492B2 |
Apparatus and method to control vacuum at porous material using multiple porous materials
An immersion liquid confinement apparatus confines an immersion liquid in an immersion area that includes a gap between a projection system and an object of exposure in an immersion lithography system. The apparatus also recovers the immersion liquid from the immersion area. The apparatus includes an aperture through which a patterned image is projected, an outlet, a first chamber into which the immersion liquid is recovered through the outlet, and a second chamber into which the immersion liquid is recovered through a porous member from the first chamber. The porous member has a first surface contacting the first chamber and a second surface contacting the second chamber. A vertical position of a first portion of the first surface is different from a vertical position of a second portion of the first surface. |
| US09329485B2 |
Method for making lithographic printing plates
Lithographic printing plates are provided by imagewise exposing negative-working lithographic printing plate precursors having a negative-working radiation-sensitive imageable layer, followed by contacting with a processing solution that has a pH of at least 7 and up to and including 11. This processing solution also includes component (1) that is a nitrogen-containing base having an atmospheric pressure melting point of at least 40° C.; component (2) that is a non-ionic surfactant that independently has an atmospheric pressure melting point, glass transition temperature, or pour point of at least 40° C.; component (3) that is a hydroxy-containing solution promoter; and component (4) that is a hydrophilic surface protective compound. The method is carried out in a manner such that the exposed and processed precursor is not further treated with any liquid (such as gumming or rinsing solution) between processing and mounting onto a printing press. |
| US09329483B2 |
Film forming method, non-transitory computer storage medium and film forming apparatus
To appropriately form a metal-containing film containing metal on a substrate, a method first forms an organic film on the substrate, and causes a treatment agent to enter the organic film and causes metal to infiltrate the organic film via the treatment agent, thereby forming the metal-containing film. The metal-containing film contains metal and thus has a high etching selection ratio that is originally required performance. This makes it possible to appropriately form the metal-containing film having a high etching selection ratio on the substrate. |
| US09329478B2 |
Polysiloxane composition and pattern-forming method
A polysiloxane composition includes a polysiloxane, and a first compound. The first compound includes a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring structure, and a polar group, an ester group or a combination thereof. A pattern-forming method includes coating the polysiloxane composition on a substrate to be processed to provide a silicon-containing film. A resist composition is coated on the silicon-containing film to provide a resist coating film. The resist coating film is selectively irradiated with a radioactive ray through a photomask to expose the resist coating film. The exposed resist coating film is developed to form a resist pattern. The silicon-containing film and the substrate to be processed are sequentially dry etched using the resist pattern as a mask. |
| US09329475B2 |
Positive photosensitive resin composition, photosensitive resin film prepared by using the same, and display device
Disclosed are a positive photosensitive resin composition including (A) a polybenzoxazole precursor including a functional group at a terminal end thereof, wherein the functional group is dissociated by light of about 400 nm to about 550 nm wavelength region and is acidified; (B) a photosensitive diazoquinone compound; and (C) a solvent, and a photosensitive resin film and a display device using the same. |
| US09329473B2 |
Method and device for active wedge error compensation between two objects that can be positioned substantially to parallel to each other
The invention relates to a method and device for expanding the travel or control displacement of linear actuators that is available during an imprinting or embossing stroke. The wedge error compensating head (2) comprises a movable part (4), a stationary part (3) and at least three linear actuators (8). Each linear actuator (8) is connected to one of the parts (3, 4) at one end and to the other of the two parts (4, 3) by wedges (9) at the other end. By means of the wedges (9), it is possible to coarsely or roughly compensate for wedge errors and possible tolerances of individual subcomponents of the system. The linear actuators (8) are only used for fine or precision compensation for the wedge error. In this way, sufficient control displacement is available for the imprinting stroke with the linear actuators. |
| US09329470B2 |
Display apparatus for displaying multiple view angle images
The display apparatus comprises a display screen and a plurality of projectors. Each of the projectors comprises at least a light source module, a spatial light modulator and a lens. The first view angle image and second view angle image emitted from each projector are guided to a first sub-viewing zone and a second sub-viewing zone via a first light beam and second light beam, respectively. The sub-viewing zones imaged by each projector are adjacent to each other along a transverse axis sequentially. |
| US09329469B2 |
Providing an interactive experience using a 3D depth camera and a 3D projector
An interaction system is described which uses a depth camera to capture a depth image of a physical object placed on, or in vicinity to, an interactive surface. The interaction system also uses a video camera to capture a video image of the physical object. The interaction system can then generate a 3D virtual object based on the depth image and video image. The interaction system then uses a 3D projector to project the 3D virtual object back onto the interactive surface, e.g., in a mirrored relationship to the physical object. A user may then capture and manipulate the 3D virtual object in any manner. Further, the user may construct a composite model based on smaller component 3D virtual objects. The interaction system uses a projective texturing technique to present a realistic-looking 3D virtual object on a surface having any geometry. |
| US09329465B2 |
Light source device and projection-type display device including first and second light emitting elements and air flow device
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a device that is small in size and low noise, in which heat from a light emitting element such as an LD or an LED is efficiently dissipated. A light source device includes a first light emitting element, a base plate, and an air flow device for sending out air. The base plate, which is thermally connected to the first light emitting element, has a flat surface formed around the first light emitting element to face the emitting direction of light output from the first light emitting element. The air flow device generates a flow of air toward the flat surface of the base plate in a direction perpendicular to the flat surface. |
| US09329464B2 |
Image projection apparatus including two ventilation units
An image projection apparatus includes a light source; an intake port to take in low-temperature air into the image projection apparatus; an exhaust port to exhaust air from the image projection apparatus; a first ventilation unit to generate an air flow from the intake port to the exhaust port; a first flow path for hot-air exhaust; a second flow path for a part of the low-temperature air, taken from the intake port; and a mixing unit to mix the hot-air exhaust flowing from the first flow path and the low-temperature air flowing from the second flow path; and a second ventilation unit to generate an air flow for the second flow path to the mixing unit. The air exhausted from the mixing unit converges with another part of the low-temperature air, flowing from a third flow path outside the mixing unit. |
| US09329463B2 |
Image projection apparatus
An image projection apparatus includes a light source, light from which is used to form an image to be projected, a first flow path, a control unit configured to control a light emission from the light source, an electrical power stabilizing unit configured to stabilize an electrical power to be supplied to the light source, and an electrical power source unit configured to supply the electrical power to at least one of the control unit and the electrical power stabilizing unit. One or both of the electrical power source unit and the electrical power stabilizing unit is/are divided into a plurality of boards. The light source is arranged on a normal line of a surface of any of the plurality of boards. The plurality of boards configure surfaces of the first flow path except a surface nearest to the light source. |
| US09329454B2 |
Focal-plane shutter, image-pickup apparatus, and image-pickup system
A focal-plane shutter includes at least one blade group, a shutter base plate where the blade group is rotatably attached, a blade driving member rotatably supported by the shutter base plate and configured to drive the blade group from a standby position to a travelling completed position when taking pictures, a charge member configured to charge the blade driving member and a braking member formed on a first surface opposite to a second surface where the blade driving member of the shutter base plate is rotatably supported and configured to abut against a protruding portion which penetrates the shutter base plate from the blade driving member so as to protrude to the first surface. |
| US09329453B1 |
Optical pulse energy digitizer
Analog front-end circuits and methods for configuring analog front-end circuits to improve accuracy of optical pulse energy digitizers are disclosed. More specifically, an analog front-end circuit in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein may be configured to reduce a pulse repetition rate as early in the front-end circuit as possible. It is contemplated that reducing the repetition rate in this manner provides more process time that may be allocated for data acquisition, hold, dump, or time guard bands, all of which may help to improve the measurement accuracy of the analog front-end circuit. |
| US09329451B2 |
Method for producing optical semiconductor device
A method for producing optical semiconductor devices includes: forming a stacked semiconductor layer on a device substrate to provide an epitaxial substrate having a size corresponding to a section arrangement; forming, on the epitaxial substrate, a mask having a pattern for a semiconductor mesa and for a trench of at least one optical semiconductor device, a width of the trench in the pattern being determined according to a trench width map in which trench width is based upon an in-plane distribution of the thickness of a resin layer of the at least one device, and upon a correlation between the thickness of the resin layer and the trench width; forming a trench structure including the semiconductor mesa and the trench by etching the stacked semiconductor layer using the mask; forming a resin layer on the trench structure; and forming an opening on the semiconductor mesa by etching the resin layer. |
| US09329441B2 |
Display device
A display device is disclosed. In one aspect, the display device includes a first panel, a second panel facing the first panel, and a sealant configured to seal together the first and second panels. The first panel includes a first substrate including a display area and a peripheral area surrounding the display area, a thin film display layer formed in the display area of the first substrate, and a first lower gate driving circuit formed in the peripheral area of the first substrate. The second panel includes a second substrate including a display area and a peripheral area surrounding the display area, a contact sensing layer formed in the display area of the second panel, and a first upper gate driving circuit formed in the peripheral area of the second substrate. The sealant at least partially overlaps the first lower and upper gate driving circuits. |
| US09329438B2 |
Liquid crystal display
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display includes a first substrate and a second substrate, the second substrate apposite the first substrate, a liquid crystal layer positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate, a spacer formed between the first substrate and the second substrate, the spacer contacting a first region of the first substrate and a second region of the second substrate. The first substrate has a groove including a first groove surrounding an outer boundary of the first region and a second groove surrounding the first groove. |
| US09329437B2 |
Composition, alignment layer and method for preparing same, liquid crystal alignment unit and liquid crystal display panel
The invention belongs to the technical field of displaying, and provides a composition, an alignment layer and a method for preparing the same, a liquid crystal (LC) alignment unit and a liquid crystal display panel. The invention can solve the problems existing in the prior methods for achieving of multi-domain display of LC display devices, such as complex manufacturing processes, high cost, difficult to be manufactured. The composition (alignment layer) of the present invention allows adjusting the alignment of the molecules in the surface of the resultant coating layer of the composition, through adjusting the contents of the components in the composition, the polymerization temperature, and/or the thickness of the coating of the composition. The alignment layer, the LC alignment unit, and the LC display panel according to the invention can be prepared using a simple process and allow to achieve a multi-domain display at a lower cost. |
| US09329436B2 |
Liquid crystal panel and liquid crystal device for eliminating image residues
A liquid crystal panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate includes a display area having a black matrix and a peripheral area surrounding the display area. At least one opening is arranged on the black matrix of the peripheral area. The second substrate includes at least one masking unit arranged corresponding to the openings. In addition, a liquid crystal device including the above liquid crystal panel is also disclosed. By arranging the openings on the black matrix of the peripheral area of the first substrate, the UV rays are prevented from being absorbed by the black matrix. As such, residue of the reactive monomer left within the liquid crystal layer is decreased and display performance is enhanced. Also, the light leakage occurring due to the openings is avoided. |
| US09329432B2 |
High power efficiency LCD
The invention is directed to systems, methods and computer program products for increasing the power efficiency of a display. An exemplary system includes a transflective display that is operable in either a transmissive mode or a reflective mode, and an illumination source with one or more distinct peaks in the illumination source's transmission spectrum, wherein light from the illumination source is directed towards the transflective display during the transmissive mode of operation. For the transmissive mode of operation, the transflective display's transmission spectrum is configured to substantially match the illumination source's transmission spectrum such that one or more narrow passbands in the transflective display's transmission spectrum substantially overlap with the one or more distinct peaks in the illumination source's transmission spectrum. For the reflective mode of operation, the transflective display's reflection spectrum is substantially inversely related to the transflective display's transmission spectrum. |
| US09329430B2 |
Dual panel display with cross BEF collimator and polarization-preserving diffuser
A display including an image-generating panel and at least one contrast-enhancing panel, a cross BEF collimator between a backlight and one of the panels, and a polarization-preserving diffuser (e.g., holographic diffuser) between the panels. Typically, the contrast panel is upstream of the image panel, and a reflective polarizer is positioned between the cross BEF collimator or and contrast panel, with the reflective polarizer oriented relative to an initial polarizer of the contrast panel. Polarization of light transmitted by the reflective polarizer matches that transmitted by the initial polarizer. Collimated light propagating from the cross BEF collimator toward the contrast-enhancing panel is given a polarization bias by the reflective polarizer, which reflects incorrectly polarized light back toward the cross BEF collimator. Alternatively, the reflective polarizer may be positioned between the cross BEF collimator and the image-generating panel when the image-generating panel is upstream of the contrast-enhancing panel. |
| US09329426B2 |
Optical element
The present application relates to an optical device. The optical device according to one embodiment may be a light-dividing device, for example, a device that can divide incident light into at least two kinds of light having different polarization states. For example, the optical device can be used to realize a stereoscopic image. |
| US09329425B2 |
Transparent display apparatus
A transparent display apparatus including a backlight module, a display panel, and a switching panel is provided. The backlight module includes a light source and a light guide plate (LGP). The display panel is located on a light emitting surface of the LGP. The switching panel and the backlight module are located at the same side of the display panel. The switching panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate opposite to the first substrate, a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate, a first electrode layer located between the first substrate and the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer, and a second electrode layer located between the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer and the second substrate. The first electrode layer is divided into first electrode patterns that are separated from and electrically independent from one another. Another transparent display apparatus is also provided. |
| US09329420B2 |
Electronic device and manufacturing method thereof
A method for manufacturing an electronic device is provided, including the following steps. First, an outer frame is provided, wherein the outer frame comprises the first frame member and the second frame member. Next, the first frame member is connected to the second frame member by welding to form a connected structure, wherein a welded portion is formed between the first frame member and the second frame member. Then, a punch pin and a punch base are provided. Next, the connected structure is placed on the punch base. Finally, the connected structure is punched by the punch pin. |
| US09329418B2 |
Tray having limiting structures
A tray having limiting structures for packaging an open cell LCD panel comprises a main body of tray having a recess for positioning the open cell LCD panel. The main body of tray further comprises limiting assemblies. The limiting assembly is connected to a bottom plate of the main body of tray in the gap between a PCB and a liquid crystal box of the open cell LCD panel. The limiting assembly is connected to the main body of tray. The limiting assembly can be mounted when it is used and removed when not used. The compatibility of the tray is thus expanded to fulfill the packaging requirements for the open cell LCD panel A and the open cell LCD panel B. The position of the limiting stopper of the limiting assembly is adjustable to effectively avoid the pull of the open cell LCD panel by the limiting assembly. |
| US09329417B2 |
Method of repairing display panel, and display panel
The present invention discloses a method for repairing a display panel, in which a path for electrically connecting two ends of an opened data line at an opened part thereof is formed by using first line segments and a first common electrode, wherein each of the first line segments is a part of one of common electrode lines in the display panel intersecting the opened data line, and the first common electrode is one of a plurality of common electrodes in a pixel array that is electrically connected with the first line segments. Further, a welding process is performed at an intersecting region between the first line segments and the opened data line to form an electrical connection, and electrical connections between the path and other common electrode lines and other common electrodes outside the path are cut off. This method for repairing data lines employs existing common electrode lines and common electrodes to repair an opened data line, so that no additional repairing line needs to be disposed in the display panel to facilitate a narrow bezel design of the display panel and thus repairing the data lines is no longer limited by the number of the repairing lines. Furthermore, the influence on data signals is negligible because no new line is introduced. |
| US09329416B2 |
Method for brightness enhancement and modes manipulation of a multimode optical fiber
The invention relates to adaptive optics techniques applied to alter the modal structure of light propagating in an optical fiber. In particular the invention relates to altering the modal structure in a multimode beam propagating in a multimode fiber by lowering the number of higher modes. The method comprises combining a wavefront sensor and/or a power sensor with a phase control actuator and actuator control algorithms, to alter the phase structure of the beam thereby to eliminate higher modes. The corrected beam can be then effectively coupled into a smaller diameter fiber with minimum loss of energy and concentrated to smaller spot sizes limited by diffraction. |
| US09329414B2 |
Methods using an intense control light at a first wavelength to cause a whispering gallery mode resonator to self tune at a second wavelength, and apparatus employing such methods such as optical pass/stop band filters and optical demultiplexers
An all-photonic method to cause a WGM resonator to self-tune to a given wavelength is described. Such all photonic approaches include simply superimposing intense light of a wavelength in a range different from that of a signal wave. The wavelength of the pass band for the signal wavelength can be tuned by adjusting the wavelength (and/or the intensity) of the intense light. |
| US09329408B2 |
Wettable hydrogel contact lens and method for producing same
Disclosed is a hydrogel contact lens which has improved and long-lasting wettability in the surface and inner structures, while exhibiting excellent contamination resistance, shape stability and mechanical strength. Also disclosed is a method for producing the hydrogel contact lens. The wettable hydrogel contact lens is characterized by containing an ionic hydrophilic polymer which is a compound having a hydroxy group and an anionic group. The method for producing a hydrogel contact lens is characterized in that a constituent component of the hydrogel contact lens is a copolymer containing at least a cationic monomer and an anionic monomer, and in that the method comprises a step wherein counter ions of the monomers form ionic bonds and a step wherein an ionic hydrophilic polymer, which is a compound having a hydroxy group and an anionic group, is contained. |
| US09329402B2 |
Lens driving device and camera module including the same
A lens driving device includes a lens barrel supporting a lens; an autofocusing driving unit disposed on one side of a plane perpendicular to an optical axis direction based on the lens barrel to thereby drive the lens barrel in the optical axis direction; and a hand-shake prevention driving unit disposed on sides of the plane perpendicular to the optical axis direction other than the one side on which the autofocusing driving unit is disposed, to thereby drive the lens in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. |
| US09329401B2 |
Variable polarization separation via beam splitter rotation
An apparatus for separating polarization of light includes a rotatable beam splitter including an input for receiving light with a first polarization and an output for outputting light with a second polarization different from the first polarization. Rotation of the rotatable beam splitter changes the first polarization of the input light to the second polarization of the output light. An optical network and method are also set forth. |
| US09329398B2 |
Stereoscopic image display device
A stereoscopic image display device, including: an image displaying unit including a plurality of pixels, the plurality of pixels displaying a left-eye image and a right-eye image, a first light blocking unit having a lattice structure including a plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality of pixels, and a second light blocking unit extending from the first light blocking unit into horizontal center portions of the plurality of openings; and a parallax barrier opposed to the image displaying unit, the parallax barrier including transmitting regions and blocking regions, the transmitting regions and the blocking regions extending in a vertical direction and being alternately disposed to spatially divide the left-eye image and the right-eye image displayed by the image displaying unit. |
| US09329396B2 |
Image displaying sheet
An image displaying sheet includes a lens array composed of plural lenticular lenses, wherein the lenticular lens has curvatures along two different directions. A composite image has image periods along the two different directions. The application of the image displaying sheet on the composite image can generate the morphing effect, the dynamic effect, the 3D effect, the depth effect or the zooming effect of the composite image. |
| US09329395B2 |
Green laser zoom beam expanding system and laser processing equipment
A green laser zoom beam expanding system, applied to the field of laser processing, and comprising a first lens, a second lens and a third lens (L1, L2, L3). The first lens and the third lens (L1, L3) are plane-convex plus lenses, and the second lens (L2) is a meniscus minus lens. The first lens, the second lens and the third lens (L1, L2, L3) respectively comprise a first surface and a second surface (S1, S2), a third surface and a fourth surface (S3, S4) as well as a fifth surface and a sixth surface (S5, S6). The radiuses of curvature of the first to sixth surfaces (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6) are ∞, −29.8, 7.2, 1.6, ∞, −100. The center thickness of the first to third lenses (L1, L2, L3) is 2, 1, 4. The outer diameters of the first to third lenses (L1, L2, L3) are 10, 3, 34. Proportions of the refractive indexes to the Abbe numbers of the first to third lenses (L1, L2, L3) are 1.8:25, 1.48:68, and 1.8:25. An interval (d2) between the second surface and the third surface (S2, S3) is 8-28. An interval (d4) between the fourth surface and the fifth surface (S4, S5) is 107-115, a unit is mm, and a tolerance is 5%. The system may perform beam expanding on entering light by 2-16 times, which may be adaptable to laser devices with different emergent diameters and divergence angles, and improve efficiency and accuracy of laser processing. |
| US09329393B2 |
Emergency vision apparatus with touch sensitive screen and closable hand opening
An emergency vision apparatus comprises an inflatable first enclosure, the first enclosure being made of airtight material and having an expanded form when deployed and a deflated form when not in use; and first and second clear members disposed at respective first and second ends of the first enclosure to enable a user to see through the first enclosure when expanded and observe a source of information at a distal end of the first enclosure while smoke or other particulate matter is in the environment. A touch sensitive screen is viewable through the first clear member. The first enclosure includes a closable opening configured for insertion of a user's hand to allow the user to operate the touch sensitive screen viewable through the first clear member; and a sealable closure for closing the opening and sealing the opening around the user's hand. |
| US09329392B2 |
Wearable display
A wearable display device is disclosed. In one aspect, the wearable display device includes an image source configured to output an image and an optical housing at least a portion of which is configured to be placed in front of a user's eye. The optical housing includes a waveguide configured to receive the light from the image source and guide the output image, at least one inclined surface configured to reflect the guided image to the user's eye, and a first sensor formed on the waveguide and configured to sense contact between an object and the waveguide. The waveguide and the inclined surface are integrally formed. |
| US09329391B2 |
Wearable display device having a sliding structure
A wearable display device that employs a sliding structure is disclosed. The device includes: a frame; a main unit coupled to the frame; a display unit coupled to the main unit and configured to show an image on at least a portion thereof; and a sliding element for sliding the display unit from the main unit, where the display unit comprises a hinge for bending a part of the display unit. With the device disclosed herein, it is possible to prevent malfunctioning and damage even when the device is worn for extended periods, and it is also possible to resolve the problem of the wearable display device obstructing the field of vision when not in use. |
| US09329386B2 |
Apparatus and associated methods
A display protector for use with a heat source, the display protector including one or more transparent fluid incident regions and one or more fluid driver regions, wherein the display protector is configured to guide a fluid incident upon one or more of the transparent fluid incident regions away to one or more of the fluid driver regions to facilitate driving of the fluid from the one or more fluid driver regions by heat supplied by the heat source. |
| US09329385B2 |
Exposure device and image forming apparatus with exposure device
According to an embodiment, an exposure device has first and second eccentric cams. The first eccentric cam has an eccentric shape that supports a first mirror support point located near the center on one end side in a longitudinal direction of a mirror and varies a distance between a first rotary shaft and the first mirror support point in correspondence to rotation around the first rotary shaft. The second eccentric cam has an eccentric shape that supports a second mirror support point of two support points located on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the mirror and varies a distance between a rotary shaft and the second mirror support point in correspondence to rotation around the rotary shaft. |
| US09329381B1 |
Target feature integrated laser field and amplifier compensation system
An Integrated Laser Field and Amplifier Compensation System (ILFACS) for end-to-end compensation of high-energy laser for propagation through turbulence with non-cooperative target are described. ILFACS using interferometric slaving technique and stand-alone adaptive optical systems to effect pre-compensation of amplitude and phase aberrations in turbulent medium, providing pre-compensation for aberrations in a laser amplifier is presented. ILFACS enables integration with a short pulse mode locked laser for use in Target Feature Adaptive Optics (TFAO) or with a mode locked ultra short pulse laser with carrier envelope phase stabilization for use in Broadband Coherent Adaptive Optics (BCAO). |
| US09329380B2 |
Reflective dynamic color device
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a display board including a plurality of display devices or tiles that include a casing and a plurality of light manipulating elements disposed within and along a side of the casing, such that the one or more light manipulating elements are adapted to form at least one pixel. The display device or tile further includes at least one or more rods coupled to the plurality of one or more light manipulating elements, and a liquid disposed within the casing, wherein the liquid is adapted to flow within the casing for imparting motion onto the one or more rods for changing the pigment of the at least one pixel. |
| US09329378B2 |
Photonic modulator and switch
The invention taught herein provides a method, device and system for modulating or switching electromagnetic radiation by controlling a state of the radiation, such as a polarization state. Radiation is directed at a reflective or transmissive structure, such that the radiation is incident on the structure. The structure includes a property that can be dynamically switched between two configurations, one of which is asymmetric and is configured to modify the polarization characteristic of the radiation. The dynamically configurable structure can be combined with polarization components to achieve modulation. Embodiments suitable for mode-locking a laser and for cavity dumping a mode-locked laser are also disclosed. |
| US09329377B2 |
Boroscope and a method of processing a component within an assembled apparatus using a boroscope
A boroscope has a first end and a second end, and the first end of the boroscope has an optical fiber and light source. A working head is attached to the first end of the boroscope. The working head has an electrical motor, and a tool is attached to and is arranged to be driven by the electrical motor. The boroscope carries a cable extending from the electrical motor to the second end of the boroscope. |
| US09329375B2 |
Microscope having a touch screen
A microscope includes an image acquisition system, microscope components and a touch screen. The image acquisition system is configured to optically and digitally image an object so as to produce an object image The microscope components are at least one of motorized and electrically controllable. The touch screen is configured to display the object image in a display area thereof and to sense inputs in the display area within the displayed object image so as to change settings of the microscope components. |
| US09329370B2 |
Zoom lens, and imaging apparatus equipped with same
A zoom lens exhibits a reduction in size, increased magnification, a reduction in variation of angle of view during zooming, and an increased focusing speed, said zoom lens being suitable for an imaging apparatus using a solid-state imaging device such as an interchangeable lens, a digital still camera, a digital video camera, or the like. The zoom lens has, in the lens system, at least: a first negative lens group having negative refractive power; a second negative lens group disposed further towards the image side than the first negative lens group, and which has negative refractive power; and a lens group (A) disposed so as to be adjacent to the image side of the second negative lens group. In the zoom lens, focusing from an infinite distance to a near object is performed by moving only the second negative lens group towards the image side, and prescribed conditions are satisfied. |
| US09329364B2 |
Optical lens system
An optical lens system includes sequentially from an object side to an image plane side: a first lens having a negative refractive power and an object side surface that is convex toward the object side; a second lens having a negative refractive power and an object side surface that is convex toward the object side; a third lens having a positive refractive power and an image side surface that is convex toward the image side; a fourth lens having a negative refractive power and an object side surface that is concave toward the object side; and a fifth lens having a positive refractive power and an image side surface that is convex toward the image side. |
| US09329362B2 |
Imaging lens and imaging apparatus
The imaging lens substantially consists of a first lens group having positive refractive power, an aperture stop, and a second lens group having positive refractive power, in this order from the object side. The first lens group consists of, in this order from the object side, an eleventh lens group and a twelfth lens group with a largest air space therebetween. The eleventh lens group has at least one negative lens with a concave surface toward the image side, having negative refractive power; and the twelfth lens group has positive refractive power. The second lens group substantially consists of, in this order from the object side, an aspheric lens having at least one aspheric surface, a positive lens, a negative lens, and a three-cemented lens formed by cementing a positive lens, a negative lens, and a positive lens in this order from the object side. |
| US09329361B1 |
Optical imaging lens assembly
An optical imaging lens assembly includes an aperture stop and an optical assembly, the optical assembly includes, in order from the object side to the image side: a first lens element with a positive refractive power; a second lens element with a negative refractive power; a third lens element with a positive refractive power; a fourth lens element with a refractive power; wherein a radius of curvature of an object-side surface of the second lens element is R3, a radius of curvature of an image-side surface of the second lens element is R4, a radius of curvature of an object-side surface of the third lens element is R5, a radius of curvature of an image-side surface of the third lens element is R6, and the following conditions are satisfied: −0.62<(R3−R4)/(R3+R4)<−0.51; 0.54<(R5−R6)/(R5+R6)<0.67. |
| US09329359B2 |
Mirror assembly for a vehicle
A mirror housing is configured to retain a mirror unit including (i) a mirror having a perimeter, and (ii) a resilient member that contacts the perimeter of the mirror. The mirror housing comprises a first housing member including a member back and a first member edge, and a second housing member including a second member edge that is removably secured to the member back of the first housing member. The first housing member selectively receives the mirror unit substantially adjacent to the member back, with the first member edge contacting at least approximately 25% of an outer surface of the resilient member. The second housing member also contacts at least approximately 25% of the outer surface of the resilient member to impart a force on the resilient member against the first member edge to inhibit movement of the mirror unit relative to the mirror housing. |
| US09329356B2 |
Structure for voice coil motor providing controllable lens tilt capability
A structure for a voice coil motor providing controllable lens tilt capability. The voice coil motor structure comprises a lens mount for fixedly mounting a lens (12), a focusing coil (6), a tilting coil (5, 7) and magnets (8-11), wherein the focusing coil (6) and the tilting coil (5, 7) are respectively and fixedly sleeved on the outer side of the lens mount (12). The magnets (8-11) are distributed around the focusing coil (6) and the tilting coil (5, 7) to allow the focusing coil (6) to interact with the magnets (8-11), so that the focusing coil (6) drives the lens mount (12) to move front and back to realize lens focusing. The tilting coil (5, 7) is interacted with the magnets (8-11) to allow the tilting coil (5, 7) to drive the lens mount (12) to tilt and realize lens shift. By virtue of the structure, the focusing and controllable tilting angle of the lens can be realized at the same time. The three-coil structure enables the camera to keep small size and easy to be produced at large scale; impedances of coils are easy to be matched with conventional motor driving circuits; the structure can be widely applied to the current smart cell phones to provide a shooting function same to the medium-end or high-end digital camera. |
| US09329353B2 |
Slidable fiber optic connection module with cable slack management
A fiber optic telecommunications device includes a frame and a fiber optic module including a rack mount portion, a center portion, and a main housing portion. The rack mount portion is stationarily coupled to the frame, the center portion is slidably coupled to the rack mount portion along a sliding direction, and the main housing portion is slidably coupled to the center portion along the sliding direction. The main housing portion of the fiber optic module includes fiber optic connection locations for connecting cables to be routed through the frame. The center portion of the fiber optic module includes a radius limiter for guiding cables between the main housing portion and the frame, the center portion also including a latch for unlatching the center portion for slidable movement. Slidable movement of the center portion with respect to the rack mount portion moves the main housing portion with respect to the frame along the sliding direction. |
| US09329351B2 |
Drop cable
A drop cable includes a jacket, first and second support members, and at least one optical fiber. The jacket has a oval-shaped cavity defined therein, where the minor dimension of the cavity is as small as about 0.25 mm and wherein the major dimension of the cavity is in a range of 0.25 mm to 10 mm. The first and second support members are arranged on opposing sides of the cavity and run generally longitudinally. The optical fiber is within the cavity and has a length greater than a length of the drop cable. Further, the optical fiber is in a substantially serpentine configuration in the cavity, where the serpentine configuration is substantially along a plane defined by a major axis of the oval-shape of the cavity. |
| US09329350B2 |
Methods and apparatus related to a launch connector portion of a ureteroscope laser-energy-delivery device
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an optical fiber made of a silica-based material. A proximal end portion of the optical fiber has an outer-layer portion. The proximal end portion can be included in at least a portion of a launch connector configured to receive electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus also includes a component that has a bore therethrough and can be made of a doped silica material. The bore can have an inner-layer portion heat-fused to the outer-layer portion of the optical fiber. The component can also have an index of refraction lower than an index of refraction associated with the outer-layer portion of the optical fiber. |
| US09329349B2 |
Integrated optical cooling core for optoelectronic interconnect modules
An apparatus includes one or more optoelectronic transducers, driving circuitry, one or more cooling elements, and a light coupling module. The optoelectronic transducers are configured to convert between optical signals conveyed over optical fibers and respective electrical signals. The driving circuitry is configured to process the electrical signals. The cooling elements are configured to remove heat that is produced at least by the driving circuitry. The light coupling module is configured to couple the optical signals between the optical fibers and the optoelectronic transducers, and additionally serves as a baseplate for the cooling elements. |
| US09329344B2 |
Modal rotation in optical waveguides
An optical waveguide structure includes a rotator having a dual-layer core. A first layer of the dual-layer core may include a tapering portion. A second layer of the dual-layer core may include a rib portion disposed on the tapering portion. The combination of the rib portion and the tapering portion may receive a pair of optical signals, one being polarized in a TE mode and the other being polarized in a TM mode, and convert them to a pair of TE mode optical signals. |
| US09329341B2 |
Radiation scribed waveguide coupling for photonic circuits
Optical waveguide coupling ratios can be modified for a package by providing a substrate with a photonic circuit disposed on a first section of the substrate and a plurality of optical waveguides formed in glass disposed on a second section of the substrate, the waveguides being connected to the photonic circuit, adjacent ones of the waveguides having a fixed coupling ratio. A three-dimensional region of the glass abutting an end of one or more of the waveguides is lased to change a refractive index of the glass in each three-dimensional region, and thereby extend a length of each waveguide abutting one of the three-dimensional regions so that the coupling ratio between that waveguide and an adjacent waveguide is changed as a function of the extended length. The lasing is controlled based on feedback so that each coupling ratio changed by the lasing varies by less than a target amount. |
| US09329340B2 |
Optical modulator
In order to provide an optical modulator capable of suppressing generation of mode mismatching light in the Y-multiplexer in the MZ-type waveguide or mixing of the mode mismatching light with the radiation-mode light or the output light, and separately extracting output light and radiation-mode light, there is provided an optical modulator having a Mach-Zehnder type waveguide on a surface of a dielectric substrate, wherein a waveguide after multiplexing in a Y-multiplexer in an output side of the Mach-Zehnder type waveguide is a multiple mode waveguide 2, a subsidiary output waveguide as a high-order mode waveguide 2 is connected to a portion where the multiple mode waveguide is changed to a main output waveguide 3 as a single mode waveguide, and the multiple mode waveguide 2 has a length equal to or longer than 150 μm. |
| US09329338B2 |
Full-polarization-state power distributor with integer ratio of power distribution based on photonic crystal waveguide
The present invention discloses a full-polarization-state power distributor with integer ratio of power distribution based on photonic crystal waveguide which comprises a photonic crystal waveguide formed in a photonic crystal with a complete photonic band-gap, and the photonic crystal consists of background dielectric rod array; the photonic crystal waveguide consists of a transverse waveguide and a perpendicular waveguide perpendicularly connected with the transverse waveguide; one end of the transverse waveguide is an input end, and the other end is an output end; the perpendicular waveguide is another output end; and the middle part of the transverse waveguide is provided with waveguide defect dielectric rods. The structure of the present invention has a small volume, high light transmission efficiency, it is convenient for optical integration and highly efficient and it is suitable for large-scale optical integrated circuits and can realize the function of full-polarization-state power distribution with integer ratio for different wavelengths. |
| US09329336B2 |
Method of forming a hermetically sealed fiber to chip connection
Disclosed are methods of providing a hermetically sealed optical connection between an optical fiber and an optical element of a chip and a photonic-integrated chip manufactured using such methods. |
| US09329334B2 |
Side-hole cane waveguide sensor
A side-hole optical cane for measuring pressure and/or temperature is disclosed. The side-hole cane has a light guiding core containing a sensor and a cladding containing symmetrical side-holes extending substantially parallel to the core. The side-holes cause an asymmetric stress across the core of the sensor creating a birefringent sensor. The sensor, preferably a Bragg grating, reflects a first and second wavelength each associated with orthogonal polarization vectors, wherein the degree of separation between the two is proportional to the pressure exerted on the core. The side-hole cane structure self-compensates and is insensitive to temperature variations when used as a pressure sensor, because temperature induces an equal shift in both the first and second wavelengths. Furthermore, the magnitude of these shifts can be monitored to deduce temperature, hence providing the side-hole cane additional temperature sensing capability that is unaffected by pressure. Additionally, the side-hole cane can be used to measure a differential pressure between a first pressure ported to the side-holes and a second external pressure. |
| US09329327B2 |
Display and front-light module thereof
A display includes a reflective display module, a light guide plate, at least one light source and a cover lens. The light guide plate includes a first light guide surface opposite to the reflective display module. The first light guide surface includes a light outgoing region and a peripheral region surrounding the light outgoing region. The light source is used for emitting a light to the light guide plate. The peripheral region of the first light guide surface is connected to the cover lens. The light outgoing region and the cover lens are spatially separated, and define an air gap therebetween. |
| US09329320B2 |
Light guide plate, backlight module and display device
The present invention is directed to a light guide plate, a backlight module and a display device with the light guide plate comprising a bottom surface containing space for holding light sources, a light emitting surface opposite the bottom surface and a quantum dot layer arranged in the containing space in the direction of the light emitting surface. Since the bottom surface of the light guide plate is provided with the containing space for holding the light sources, and the light sources are limited within the containing space, light diffusion due to the fact that the light sources are positioned outside the light guide plate is reduced, loss of light is reduced, and quantity of the light sources in the backlight module is reduced. Since the quantum dot layer is arranged in the containing space toward a direction of the light emitting surface, white mixed light is formed according to fluorescent effect of quantum dot materials. Further, as the quantum dots have the characteristics of high color gamut and high transmittance, display effect can be improved. |
| US09329314B2 |
Touch screen display with transparent electrical shielding layer
A polarizer includes a polarizer component having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface. The bottom surface is configured to couple to a color filter layer for a liquid crystal display. The polarizer also includes a transparent conducting layer disposed over the top surface. The transparent conducting layer being configured to electrically shield the LCD from a touch panel. The polarizer further includes a coating layer disposed over the transparent conducting layer. |
| US09329310B1 |
MultiLayered plexcitonic nanoparticles and methods of producing same for controlling plasmon-exciton distance
Multilayered nanoparticles and methods of producing same are provided for controlling plasmon-exciton distance. The nanoparticles include a silver core, a polyelectrolyte spacer layer exterior to the silver core, and a J-aggregate cyanine dye outer shell. This multilayer architecture served as a framework for manipulating the dual coupling of localized surface plasmon resonance exhibited by the silver core with the molecular exciton exhibited by the J-aggregate outer shell. The polyelectrolyte spacer layer promotes the formation of an excitonic J-aggregate while serving as a means of controlling the plasmon-exciton coupling strength through changing the distance between the core and the shell. An analytical expression based on Mie Theory and the Transfer Matrix Method is provided for describing the optical response of these multilayered nanoparticles. Computational and experimental results illustrate that the absorption wavelength of the J-aggregate form of the dye is dependent on both the distance of the dye layer from the silver core and the degree of dye aggregation. |
| US09329303B2 |
Single detector detection and characterization of thermal and epithermal neutrons from an earth formation
An apparatus for detecting thermal and epithermal neutrons. The apparatus includes a first radiation responsive element configured to absorb substantially all incident thermal neutrons and produce first light scintillations indicative of the absorbed thermal neutrons and a second radiation responsive element configured to produce second light scintillations indicative of at least epithermal neutrons that traverse the first radiation responsive element. Also disclosed are borehole logging methods and apparatuses for estimating formation properties using nuclear radiation, particularly an apparatus and method for estimating parameters of a formation. The method may include using neutron count rate information from a detector to model porosity or salinity. The apparatus includes a processor and storage subsystem with a program that, when executed, implements the method. |
| US09329299B2 |
Detection system of geological formations
A detection system of geological formations, particularly but not exclusively used for oil exploration, and for characterization and monitoring of hydrocarbon reservoirs. The detection system includes an electromagnetic transmission device positioned on a surface of a geological formation close to a first well having a vertical development direction, the first well being covered by a metal casing, and an electromagnetic reception device positioned deep inside the first well, the electromagnetic reception device including an electromagnetic detector. The electromagnetic transmission device includes a primary electromagnetic field generator configured to generate a primary electromagnetic field focalized in a direction of the metal casing, the metal casing irradiating the primary electromagnetic field into the geological formation. |
| US09329298B2 |
Antenna coupling component measurement tool having a rotating antenna configuration
Disclosed herein are electromagnetic resistivity logging systems and methods that employ an antenna configuration having at most two transmitter or receiver antenna orientations that rotate relative to the borehole. The measurements made by this reduced-complexity antenna configuration enable the determination of at least seven components of a coupling matrix, which may be determined using a linear system of equations that express the azimuthal dependence of the measurements. For increased reliability, measurement averaging may be performed in azimuthally spaced bins. The coupling matrix components can then be used as the basis for determining logs of various formation parameters, including vertical resistivity and anisotropy. |
| US09329295B1 |
Ferromagnetic fastener locating device
A device for locating a ferromagnetic object has a non-magnetic housing with a front end, a rear end, and a perimeter wall defining a chamber within the housing. A ferromagnetic member is housed within the chamber in a substantially fixed position. A magnet element is housed within the chamber between the front end and the ferromagnetic member, wherein the magnet element is reversibly movable between a first position in which the magnet element is proximate the ferromagnetic member, and a second position in which the magnet element is proximate the front end. |
| US09329293B2 |
Systems and methods for removing acquisition related effects from seismic data
Systems and methods for operating a seismic source to attenuate shot generated noise, or residual energy from previous activation of the source, in recorded seismic data are described. In one aspect, methods operate a single seismic source towed through a body of water along a survey track. As the survey vessel travels along the survey track, the source is activated at the end of randomly selected time delays, resulting in attenuation of shot generated noise. The method also attenuates other forms of coherent noise that align from shot to shot. |
| US09329292B2 |
System and method for preventing cavitation in controlled-frequency marine seismic source arrays
There is provided herein a method of seismic acquisition that utilizes an arrangement of marine sources where each source is positioned at a water depth shallow enough for the surface ghost notch to fall at a frequency greater than or equal to the maximum radiated frequency of interest. If the marine seismic source has a ratio of signal bandwidth to maximum frequency that is less than one half, then it is possible to deploy it at a greater depth at which ghost notches fall below and above its frequency band but not in it. Further, by placing two or more sources at different depths for the same frequency, any undesired nulls in the radiation pattern caused by the deeper tow can be filled in. |
| US09329291B2 |
Non-hyperbolic correction of seismic data
A method for improving seismic images by correction of distortions in the underlying seismic data caused by a near-surface anomaly that produces a non-hyperbolic move-out component of the seismic reflection below the anomaly includes the steps of: a. redatuming the input seismic data to go from the surface to a target horizon using true one-way traveltime operators to provide a first new redatuming dataset; b. redatuming the input seismic data using hyperbolic one-way travel time operators to provide a second new redatuming dataset; and c. redatuming the combination of a first causal part of the first new redatuming dataset and an anti-causal second part of the second redatuming dataset to go from the target horizon back to the surface using hyperbolic one-way traveltime operators to provide a dataset that is referenced to the surface without an imprint of the anomaly. |
| US09329285B2 |
Composite gamma-neutron detection system
The present invention provides a gamma-neutron detector based on mixtures of thermal neutron absorbers that produce heavy-particle emission following thermal capture. In one configuration, B-10 based detector is used in a parallel electrode plate geometry that integrates neutron moderating sheets, such as polyethylene, on the back of the electrode plates to thermalize the neutrons and then detect them with high efficiency. The moderator can also be replaced with plastic scintillator sheets viewed with a large area photomultiplier tube to detect gamma-rays as well. The detector can be used in several scanning configurations including portal, drive-through, drive-by, handheld and backpack, etc. |
| US09329281B2 |
Deposition substrate and scintillator panel
The scintillator panel includes a support, a reflective layer on the support, and a scintillator layer formed on the reflective layer by deposition. The reflective layer includes light-scattering particles and a binder resin. A specific region of the reflective layer is defined by a resin or includes light-scattering particles having a specific area average particle diameter, or the reflective layer has a specific arithmetic average roughness. |
| US09329279B2 |
Method and device for measuring radon by electrostatic collection method without influence of environmental temperature and environmental humidity
A method and device for measuring radon by the electrostatic collection method without the influence of the environmental temperature and humidity is by reducing the pressure that in a electrostatic collection and measuring chamber to below a certain threshold value, in the operating temperature range of 0-45 degrees, and the air relative humidity of the external environment changing in 0%-400%, the collection efficiency of the collection and measuring chamber of the static electricity that collects positively charged 218Po particle to the surface of a semiconductor detector is basically unchanged, so when the temperature and humidity of the external environment change, the detection efficiency does not change; the threshold value relates to the geometric factor and the distribution of the electric field intensity that in different measuring chamber. The device comprises a measuring chamber, a semiconductor detector, a high-voltage module, a sampling pump, a vacuum gauge, and a regulating valve. |
| US09329275B2 |
Film dosimeter and method of determining radiation dose using thereof
A film dosimeter is disclosed in the present invention and doped with a sensitizer for determining a neutron and gamma-ray mixed radiation field. The sensitizer comprises quantitative lithium atoms with a different atom percentage of lithium-6 and lithium-7. Theoretically, the atom percentage of the lithium-6 in the lithium atoms is ranged from 0.1 to 99. On the other hand, a method of determining radiation doses of a neutron and gamma-ray mixed radiation field by using the abovementioned film dosimeter is also disclosed in the present invention. |
| US09329274B2 |
Code minus carrier multipath observation for satellite exclusion
A method comprises generating a respective code-carrier difference for each of a plurality of satellite vehicle and signal frequency combinations, wherein the code-carrier difference is based on a code range and a carrier range. The method also comprises filtering the respective code-carrier difference for an unknown bias and random noise; determining whether multipath is present for each of the plurality of satellite vehicle and signal frequency combinations based on the respective filtered code-carrier difference; and computing a position solution based on trust placed in respective measurements from each of the plurality of satellite vehicle and signal frequency combinations, the trust based on whether multipath is present for the respective satellite vehicle and signal frequency combination. |
| US09329271B2 |
Method for optically scanning and measuring an environment
In a method for optically scanning and measuring an environment, a laser scanner emits an emission light beam, receives a reception light beam reflected from an object, and determines for a multiplicity of measurement points at least the distance from the object to a center of the laser scanner, and in which at least some of the measurement points are displayed on a display device, the measurement points are assigned to pixels of a plane and their distances to the plane are assigned to respective depths, at least the pixels between the pixels which are assigned to the measurement points are filled with values in dependence on the depth, by selecting pixels, by searching for pixels which are adjacent to the selected pixels and have a smaller depth, and by filling the selected pixels depending on the values of the adjacent pixels and on their depths. |
| US09329270B2 |
Image-aided illumination assembly and method
An illumination assembly includes a laser for producing a laser beam of light and an optical fiber disposed adjacent the laser and extending between a beam receiving end for receiving the laser beam of light from the laser and a beam emitting end for emitting the laser beam of light therefrom. A beam splitter splits the laser beam into a target beam and a feedback beam and directs the target beam toward the targeted object. A feedback sensor receives the feedback beam and generates a feedback signal to identify a targeted image portion correlated to the targeted object. A motor is operatively connected to the vehicle with the beam emitting end fixedly secured thereto. A controller receives the feedback signal generated by the feedback sensor and generates a control signal transmittable to the motor to position the beam emitting end of the optical fiber such that the target beam continues to be directed toward the targeted object. |
| US09329268B2 |
Parking sensor/observation system add-on for a vehicle
A parking sensor and observation system for a vehicle, including: an elongated housing, wherein the housing has a front side with first to third openings and a back side with an elongated opening, the first and third openings are adjacent to opposite ends of the housing, the second opening is located at a center portion of the housing; a first parking sensor disposed within the housing and having its proximity detector disposed in the first opening; a second parking sensor disposed within the housing and having its proximity detector disposed in the third opening; a camera disposed within the housing and having its lens disposed in the second opening; and a backing plate disposed at the back side of the housing to seal the elongated opening. |
| US09329267B2 |
Method and system for automatically determining water-level offset, and adjusting a nautical chart for such offset
Methods and sonar system for displaying a nautical chart and for adjusting depth indicators on the chart based on a calculated offset between the actual water level and the standard water level on which the chart is based. The offset is based on sonar soundings compared to depths indicated by the chart. The sonar system's processor automatically adjusts the chart's depth indicators to reflect the offset. |
| US09329263B2 |
Imaging system and method
An imaging system and method in which the system carries out the method which includes the steps of: (a) determining an incident field, (b) using the incident field and a volume integral equation (VIE) to determine a total field, (c) predicting voltage ratio measurement at a receiving antenna by using the volume integral equation (VIE), wherein the VIE includes a vector Green's function, (d) collecting voltage ratio measurements from one or more receiving antennas, and (e) comparing the predicted voltage ratio measurements to the collected voltage ratio measurements to determine one or more properties of the object being evaluated. An S-parameter based inverse scattering method using the vector Green's function and VIE as its core is also described. |
| US09329260B2 |
Method and device for ultrasound imaging
A method of high-resolution ultrasound imaging, in which transducers are made to emit ultrasound waves in a field of observations containing micro bubbles, by making the micro bubbles burst one by one in tandem with the emissions of ultrasound waves. At each shot j of an ultrasound wave, raw reverberated signals Sj(i,t) picked up by each transducer i are recorded, and then differential signals Vj(i,t) representative of variations between successive raw signals are determined, a parabolic function Pj(x) is fitted to the differential signals corresponding to each shot j, and then a crest Aj(x0,y0) of this function Pj, corresponding to the position of the micro bubble destroyed between shots j−1 and j, is determined. |
| US09329258B2 |
Method for determining, in a fixed 3D frame of reference, the location of a moving craft, and associated computer program and device
Method for locating, in a fixed frame of reference (RG), a moving craft from the craft, comprising two characteristic points, the rolling and pitching of the craft in the fixed frame of reference having been determined, so as to determine the yawing and/or the coordinates of the craft in the fixed frame of reference: a/ a local frame of reference (Rn) comprising an axis deviating from the yaw axis of the fixed frame of reference by a known angle resulting from a rotation about a first axis of the first local frame of reference dependent on the roll (R) and a rotation dependent on the pitch (P) is defined; b/ the coordinates of each characteristic point (P1, P2) in said local frame of reference being equal, to within an unknown common factor, to the multiplying of a matrix defining said succession of rotations by a matrix of intrinsic image capture parameters and by the coordinates of a pixel corresponding to the characteristic point in an image captured from the craft, the values adopted by the quotients relating said coordinates are determined; c/ said coordinates of the characteristic points are expressed in said local frame of reference as a function of the distance between these characteristic points and of the quotients determined. |
| US09329254B2 |
Magnetic resonance method and system to correct phase information in MR images
In a magnetic resonance (MR) method and system for correction of phase information in MR images of a predetermined volume segment of an examination subject, a basic magnetic field is applied and MR data of the predetermined volume segment are acquired and evaluated such that phase information is calculated for each image element of the predetermined volume segment. A navigator signal is acquired that detects an unintentional change of the basic magnetic field that is caused by movements of the examination subject or by the magnetic resonance system itself. The phase information is corrected with this navigator signal. |
| US09329252B2 |
Apparatus for real-time phase correction for diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging using adaptive RF pulses
Phase error in MR imaging is corrected in real time by providing adaptive RF pulses and corresponding adaptive magnetic field gradients to mitigate the effect of phase error in the imaging subject. A real time phase error map is obtained, and then adaptive RF pulses and corresponding field gradients are applied that remove the problematic effects of the phase error. Depending on details of the MR imaging mode being employed, there are several ways this removal can be done. Phase error can be cancelled by providing RF pulses that make the phase in the imaging subject uniform. Another approach is to make the adaptive RF pulses insensitive to the phase errors that are present. |
| US09329249B2 |
MRIS shim coil
A shim coil for use in magnetic resonance imaging spectroscopy (MRIS) is formed by cutting or punching in a sheet of electrically conductive material the required coil pattern. The pattern can be punched using a CNC punching or stamping machine. |
| US09329247B2 |
Shim coil arrangement for an extremity of a patient
A shim coil arrangement for at least one extremity of a patient such as a forearm and/or a hand for use in a magnetic resonance device is provided. The shim coil arrangement is arranged surrounding a receptacle for the at least one extremity. At least two planar shim coils having a common coil plane that lies at right angles to a direction of a basic magnetic field of the magnetic resonance device in a usage state and/or to a longitudinal direction of the receptacle are arranged around a circumference of the receptacle. A plurality of coil planes succeeding one another in the direction of the basic magnetic field of the magnetic resonance device in the usage state and/or the longitudinal direction of the receptacle and at right angles to the direction of the basic magnetic field and/or the longitudinal direction are provided with at least two planar shim coils. |
| US09329245B2 |
MRI compatible method and device for rapid DNP on a solid state hyperpolarized sample material
A method for producing hyperpolarized sample material for use in magnetic resonance investigations involves preparing a target material containing high γ nuclei with a short T1, a polarizing agent with a broad EPR line, and low γ nuclei with a long T1. The polarizing agent in the target material is irradiated with microwave radiation, wherein the target material is at a cryogenic temperature and exposed to a static magnetic field B0≧4.0 T, thus polarizing the high γ nuclei by DNP, and the polarization is transferred from the high γ nuclei to the low γ nuclei by Cross Polarization. A dissolved sample material is prepared containing the hyperpolarized low γ nuclei from the target material. Nuclei with a long longitudinal relaxation time T1 can thereby be quickly hyperpolarized to a high polarization level. |
| US09329241B2 |
Device and method for measuring a minimum cell voltage
A device for measuring a minimum cell voltage among cell voltages of a plurality of battery cells connected in series includes a plurality of ohmic resistors connected in series. The device is configured to be connected to a plurality of battery cells connected in series in such a way that a respective battery cell of the plurality of battery cells is associated with each ohmic resistor of the plurality of ohmic resistors according to the series connections. Each ohmic resistor of the plurality of ohmic resistors, with the exception of a first ohmic resistor, is configured to conduct the smaller of a current that corresponds to the cell voltage of the associated battery cell and the current that is conducted by a preceding ohmic resistor in the series connection. |
| US09329240B2 |
Battery SoC estimation device
A battery SoC estimation device includes a discharge-and charge current detection means 1, a terminal-voltage detection means 2, a current-integration SoC estimation means 3, an open-circuit-voltage SoC estimation means 4, an error estimation means 6, and an SoC calculating means 7. The estimation means 3 estimates a current-integration-method SoC (SoCi), calculating variance of current-integration-method SoC based on information on detection accuracy of the detection means 1. The estimation means 4 estimates an open-circuit-voltage-method SoC (SoCv) corresponding to an open circuit voltage value estimated based on a discharge-and-charge current value and a terminal voltage value, using a battery equivalent circuit model. The estimation means 6 estimates an estimate error ni of the current-integration-method SoC based on a difference between the SoCv and the SoCi, variance of the SoCi, and variance of the SoCv. The calculating means 7 calculates SoC of a battery based on the SoCi and the ni. |
| US09329238B1 |
Contact wear detection by spectral analysis shift
A contact wear detector includes an electrical contact 100 having a base layer 110 composed of a first material and a contacting layer 120 composed of a second material, to electrically contact an opposing contact in the circuit. The base layer is capable of having portions exposed through worn areas 125 of the contacting layer. The first material of the base layer is configured to form an arc 210 between the portions of the base layer exposed through the worn areas and the opposing contact when the contacts separate. The arc thus formed emits light 212 having a characteristic optical spectrum of the first material. An optical detector 220 is proximate to the electrical contacts, to detect the characteristic optical spectrum of the light emitted by the arc between the portions of the base layer exposed through the worn areas and the opposing contact. |
| US09329237B2 |
Switch detection device and method of use
A method of switch detection is disclosed that comprises, enabling a low power mode on a switch detection device, activating a first detection circuit for detecting, at a first expiration of a first polling time interval, a first switch state of a first switch having a first priority level, the first switch state including one of a first open state and a first closed state, comparing the detected first switch state with a prior first switch state, and activating a second detection circuit for detecting, at a second expiration of a second polling time interval, a second switch state of a second switch having a second priority level, the second switch including one of a second open state and a second closed state, and the second polling time interval being greater than the first polling time interval, and the second priority level being different from the first priority level. |
| US09329234B2 |
IC die test, scan, and capture, shift, and update circuitry
This disclosure describes die test architectures that can be implemented in a first, middle and last die of a die stack. The die test architectures are mainly the same, but for the exceptions mentioned in this disclosure. |
| US09329232B2 |
Scan response reuse method and apparatus
The disclosure describes a novel method and apparatus for allowing response data output from the scan outputs of a circuit under test to be formatted and applied as stimulus data input to the scan inputs of the circuit under test. Also the disclosure described a novel method and apparatus for allowing the response data output from the scan outputs of a circuit under test to be formatted and used as expected data to compare against the response data output from the circuit under test. Additional embodiments are also provided and described in the disclosure. |
| US09329230B2 |
Enable and select inputs operate combinational logic parallel scan paths
An integrated circuit includes combinational logic with flip-flops, parallel scan paths with a scan input for receiving test stimulus data to be applied to the combinational logic, combinational connections with the combinational logic for applying stimulus data to the combinational logic and receiving response data from the combinational logic, a scan output for transmitting test response data obtained from the combinational logic, and control inputs having an enable input and a select input for operating the parallel scan paths, each scan path includes flip-flops of the combinational logic that, in a test mode, are connected in series, compare circuitry indicates the result of a comparison of the received test response data and the expected data at a fail flag output, and one of the scan paths includes a scan cell having an input coupled to the fail flag output. |
| US09329229B2 |
Integrated circuit with degradation monitoring
An integrated circuit including a degradation monitoring circuit. The degradation monitoring circuit includes a comparison circuit having a programmable delay element including an input coupled to a data node of a timing path and having an output to provide a delayed signal of a data signal of the data node that is delayed by a programmable amount. The comparison circuit includes a logic comparator that provides a logic comparison between a data signal of the data node and the output of the delay element. The monitoring circuit includes a sampling circuit that provides a sampled signal of the output of the logic comparator that is a sampled with respect to a clock signal of the clock signal line. The monitoring circuit includes a hold circuit that provides a signal indicative of a data signal of the data node transitioning within a predetermined time of an edge transition of a clock signal of the clock signal line. |
| US09329228B2 |
Prognostic circuit of electromigration failure for integrated circuit
A prognostic circuit of EM failure for IC is disclosed, which includes a current monitoring module, the current monitoring module includes a current output module electrically connected with a monitoring metal wire, and one or more conductive metals covered by an oxide layer and electrically insulated with the monitoring metal wire, the current output module includes at least one current source, the conductive metal is electrically connected with the output port of the current monitoring module, and the monitoring metal wire is surrounded by the conductive metal. The above prognostic circuit can give a warning for short-circuit failure caused by a whisker created by EM. Meanwhile, the prognostic circuit of the present disclosure can also be added a resistance warning, and it can indicate the failure of the resistance increased by EM and the short circuit caused by whisker, so as to greatly increase the warning efficiency of the EM. |
| US09329227B2 |
Method and apparatus for testing interconnection reliability of a ball grid array on a testing printed circuit board
An apparatus for determining an electrical reliability of a ball grid array (BGA) assembly of an integrated circuit is presented. The assembly comprises a testing printed circuit board (PCB) having an integrated circuit (IC) test region located thereon. Vias extend through the testing PCB from a surface to an underside thereof within the IC test region. Each via has an IO pad or ground pad electrically connectable thereto. An IC package having an IC die connected thereto by solder bumps is connected to the IC test region by solder balls, such that each of the IO pads is electrically connectable to a respective pair of the solder balls and solder bumps by the vias. A method of testing interconnection reliability of the BGA using the apparatus is also presented. |
| US09329220B2 |
Method and system for detecting arc faults and flashes using wavelets
A method for detecting an arc event occurring in an electrical system includes sensing a voltage using a voltage sensing device coupled to a component of the electrical system, producing a signal waveform representative of the sensed voltage using the voltage sensing device, and sampling at a predetermined frequency the voltage signal waveform to generate a plurality of sample waveforms. The method further includes applying a wavelet transform to each sample waveform to decompose them into a predetermined number of detailed waveforms using a corresponding number of successive wavelet components, dividing each detailed waveform into a plurality of segments, analyzing the plurality of segments to detect a change in one or more of the properties of the corresponding detailed waveform, and determining an occurrence of the arc event based on the duration of the detected change of one or more of characteristics of the corresponding detailed waveform. |
| US09329215B2 |
Impedance measurement apparatus
A measurement auxiliary circuit is configured to form a resonance circuit together with a detection target. An ATAC is coupled with the resonance circuit. A signal generator applies an AC probe signal VS to the resonance circuit. After the impedance measurement apparatus enters a stable state, an impedance detection unit measures a voltage at at least one node and/or a current that flows through at least one current path. The impedance detection unit detects the impedance of the detection target based on the measurement value. |
| US09329214B2 |
Frequency judgment device, voltage comparator circuit, and frequency measurement device
The frequency decision device determines frequency of the measured rectangular signal by simple and easy means. The frequency decision device inputs the measured rectangular signal that frequency (or period) changes dynamically. It generates a rectangular reference signal of predetermined on width τ synchronizing to the edge based on a positive going edge of this measured rectangle signal. And it watches the order of measured rectangle signal and falling edges of the rectangular reference signal. When this sequential order reversed, it detects that length of the ON time of ON time of the measured rectangle signal and the measured rectangular signal reversed. |
| US09329208B2 |
Negative voltage measurement
A method of measuring a negative voltage using a device including a first transistor and a second transistor is provided. The first transistor is coupled to the second transistor and the negative voltage is supplied to a gate of the second transistor. A plurality of voltages are provided to a source input of the device. For each voltage of the plurality of voltages, whether a first voltage across the first transistor is equivalent to a second voltage across the second transistor is determined, and, when the first voltage across the first transistor is equivalent to the second voltage across the second transistor, the negative voltage is determined by measuring a magnitude of a positive voltage of the device. |
| US09329206B2 |
Probe card and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a probe card is provided wherein probes are held in a holding plate such that the respective probes correspond to through holes with their connecting end portions projected from one surface of the holding plate. A plate-like member including openings having larger diameters than diameters of the through holes and housing the connecting end portions in the openings is arranged by making one surface of the plate-like member abut the one surface of the holding plate. After supplying solder cream in the respective openings from the other surface of the plate-like member, a connection base plate and the holding plate are relatively fixed so that the solder cream, burying the connecting end portions of the respective probes held in the holding plate with the plate-like member removed, may abut the respective corresponding connection pads, and the solder cream is heated to melt the solder cream. |
| US09329204B2 |
Electrically conductive Kelvin contacts for microcircuit tester
Terminals (2, 502) of a device under test (DUT) are connected to corresponding contact pads or leads by a series of electrically conductive contacts. Each terminal testing connects with both a “force” contact and a “sense” contact. In one embodiment, the sense contact (770) partially or completely laterally surrounds the force contact (700). In order to increase the contact surface, the force contact, in a spring pin (700) configuration contacts the device under test terminal at that portion of the lead which is curved or angled, rather than orthogonal to the pin. |
| US09329199B2 |
MEMS tilt sensor
An acoustic sensor includes a back plate; at least one back plate electrode coupled to the back plate; a proof of mass with the proof of mass elastically coupled to the back plate; and a proof of mass electrode coupled to the proof of mass. Movement of the sensor causes a capacitance between the proof of mass electrode and the at least one back plate electrode to vary and the capacitance represents a magnitude of the movement of the sensor. |
| US09329198B2 |
Direction processing based on multi-state inputs
A computer-implemented method for determining the direction of a moving object across a sensor having a plurality of inputs is disclosed. The invention determines the direction of a moving object, such as a vehicle on a roadway, based on inputs provided by sensors along the object's path. The methods involve monitoring state changes of the inputs as the object passes the sensor and comparing the magnitude of state changes in the order in which a forward-moving object would cause inputs to switch to a particular state. For each state change comparison, a direction variable is adjusted to indicate forward or reverse movement. After passage of the object, a direction of movement is assigned to the moving object on the basis of the final value of the direction variable. The invention provides a high degree of accuracy, is simple to reconfigure, and more economical than other methods. |
| US09329197B2 |
Method and apparatus for improved accuracy of static pressure measurement using pressure taps
A method and apparatus for measuring static pressure. A tube is positioned within a hole in a structure. The hole has a hole diameter that is larger than a tube diameter of the tube such that a gap is formed between the tube and the hole. A first portion of deflected fluid that is deflected from a flow of fluid passing over the hole enters the gap and a second portion of the deflected fluid enters the tube. The static pressure of the fluid is measured at a location of the hole with the tube positioned within the hole. |
| US09329193B2 |
Sample processing apparatus and sample processing method
A sample processing apparatus for performing a process including a plurality of steps on a sample, the sample processing apparatus sequentially processing a plurality of samples, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of units corresponding to the respective steps in the process; a transfer section which transfers a sample to the units according to a flow of the steps; and a controller. Specifically, when an operation was not performed successfully, the controller interrupts the process for a sample that had not reached the location where the unsuccessful operation was performed while continuing the process for a sample that had already passed the location, retries the operation that was not performed successfully, and resumes the interrupted process when the retried operation has been performed successfully. |
| US09329189B2 |
N-11 truncated amyloid-beta Aβ11-x monoclonal antibodies and compositions
This invention relates to antibodies, including specified portions or variants, specific for at least the human Amyloid-beta 11 N-terminal site, i.e. Aβ11-x peptides. It further provides methods of making and using said antibodies, including therapeutic formulations, administration and devices. |
| US09329186B2 |
Imprinted polymers with affinity for phosphorylated peptides and proteins
The present invention relates to a method of separating or extracting phosphorylated amino acids, peptides or proteins with a molecularly imprinted polymer and to the preparation of said molecularly imprinted polymer as well as use of a molecularly imprinted polymer for separating or extracting phosphorylated amino acids, peptides or proteins. |
| US09329185B2 |
Sulfonate compounds
This disclosure relates to compounds containing a fluorophore covalently bonded to at least one protected sulfonate group of formula (I): in which X and R2-R5 are defined in the specification. This disclosure also relates to use of these compounds as dyes in an imaging methods, as well as intermediates that can be used to prepare these compounds. |
| US09329184B2 |
Fluorescent probe
A compound represented by the formula (I) (R1 represents a substituent on the benzene ring; R2 represents a monovalent substituent; R3 and R4 represent hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group; R5 and R6 represent an alkyl group, or an aryl group; R7 and R8 represent hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group; R9 and R10 represent hydrogen atom, or a monovalent substituent; and X represents silicon atom, germanium atom, or tin atom), or a salt thereof. |
| US09329182B2 |
Method of treating motor neuron disease with an antibody that agonizes MuSK
Agents, compositions, and medicaments that pertain to modulating the activity of muscle specific kinase receptor (MuSK) and methods and uses thereof to modulate MuSK activity are encompassed herein. Also encompassed are screening assays to identify modulators of MuSK activity. Agents identified using the screening assays described herein are envisioned for use as therapeutics, alone or in compositions or in medicaments, to alleviate or delay motor dysfunction in subjects afflicted with a disorder associated with nerve terminal loss or fragmentation, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, sarcopenia, or anti-MuSK myasthenia gravis. |
| US09329180B2 |
Preparation of anti-PEG antibody expressing cell and application thereof
The present invention provides a method for preparing an isolated eukaryotic cell which presents an anti-polyethylene glycol (PEG) antibody on a cell membrane. The present invention also provides a method for a quantitative analysis of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) by said anti-PEG antibody expressing cell. The cell-based quantitative analysis of the present prevention could sensitively quantify free PEG and PEG-modified macromolecules (proteins, nanoparticles and liposomes) as sensitive as nano-gram level. |
| US09329178B2 |
Target substance detection method using aptamer
Disclosed is a method and kit of detecting a target material using an aptamer, and more particularly to a method and kit for detecting a target material, in which a sample and a second aptamer are added to a first aptamer immobilized on a solid phase so as to form a bond sandwiched between the first aptamer, the target material and the second aptamer, to an FET sensor-based method and kit for detecting a target material, and to an AAO sensor-based method and kit for detecting a target material.The method for a target material using an aptamer can detect even low-molecular-weight materials which were difficult to detect in the prior art, thereby enabling detection of disease-related metabolites, environmental pollutants and food toxins in solutions. In addition, the detection method is a direct and simple method and is highly cost-effective, because it uses the aptamer which can be consistently reproduced and can be produced at low costs. |
| US09329177B2 |
Method for manufacturing and using a test paper and chemical composition thereof
A method for manufacturing a test paper is disclosed in the present invention, and at least comprises the following steps. First, a chemical precursor comprising at least a reducing agent is coated onto a substrate. The substrate is then dipped into a metal salt solution comprising a plurality of metal ions for a predetermined time to reduce the metal ions to form metal particles on the substrate. Finally, the substrate is taken out and dried to complete a manufacture of at least a test paper. In the meantime a method for using the test paper, and a chemical composition used in the abovementioned for manufacturing the test paper are also disclosed in the present invention. |
| US09329176B2 |
Glycopeptide-functionalized nanoparticles arrays for capturing and detecting biomolecules
A surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) system for detecting a biomolecule. The system includes a substrate, an array of nanoparticles disposed on the substrate, each being partially embedded in the substrate and having a non-embedded surface, and a linking agent disposed on the non-embedded surface of each of the nanoparticles. The array of nanoparticles has a uniform interparticle gap of 1-50 nm and the linking agent is capable of binding to the biomolecule. |
| US09329173B2 |
Method and apparatus for forming of an automated sampling device for the detection of Salmonella enterica utilizing an electrochemical aptamer biosensor
An aptamer-based solid-state electrochemical biosensor for label-free detection of Salmonella enterica serovars utilizing immobilized aptamers. The device is realized by forming a matrix array of parallel capacitors, thus allowing the realization of low-cost, portable, fully integrated devices. Protein-aptamer binding modulates the threshold voltage of a circuit, changing the impedance (capacitance) of the circuit. This circuit is further characterized by an electrode coded with a p-Si substrate, enhancing the affinity between the Salmonella outer membrane proteins (OMPs) and the aptamer. An aptamer embedded detection plate is configured within a testing lid device that fits a standard, commercially available polymer specimen jar. A sample is mixed with broth for incubation and cultivation of any present Salmonella bacteria to obtain acceptable concentration of the pathogen for testing. The information obtained can then be transmitted by wireless network. |
| US09329172B2 |
Method for analyzing blood cells and blood cell analyzer
A method for analyzing blood cells includes: preparing a measurement specimen for classifying white blood cells, by mixing a sample with a reagent in order to hemolyze red blood cells contained in the sample and to fluorescently stain nucleic acid in white blood cells contained in the sample; detecting, by flowing the prepared measurement specimen in a flow cell, fluorescence emitted from each blood cell in the measurement specimen and two types of scattered light at respective different angles, and obtaining a fluorescence signal and two types of scattered light signals; and classifying the white blood cells into at least four groups and detecting neoplastic lymphocytes, by performing analysis using at least three types of parameters based on the obtained fluorescence signal and two types of scattered light signals. |
| US09329169B2 |
Vivo isotopic labeling method for quantitative glycomics
The present invention relates to a method of isotopically labeling glycans and in facilitating high throughput quantitative/comparative analysis of glycomic compositions of biological cells. The method is applicable inter alia for identifying differentiated cells and their glycomic characteristics, differentiation conditions, disease and/or therapeutic progression, diagnosing disease states, determining drug activity, establishing manufacturing efficiencies and for determining the half-life of glycans in cells. |
| US09329164B2 |
Protection from hydrophobizing agents
The present invention concerns storage containers for storing diagnostic elements having a hydrophilic or hydrophilically coated surface. Furthermore, the invention concerns analytical measuring devices which comprise storage containers of this type, and the use of an absorption material for selectively absorbing hydrophobic, volatile substances in such storage containers. |
| US09329162B2 |
Auto micronaire
A fiber testing instrument having a fiber loading station that is sized to accommodate a fiber sample within a desired size range, a fiber extraction device for extracting a portion of the fiber sample for a first battery of fiber tests, a fiber transport device for conveying at least the remaining portion of the fiber sample, and a micronaire chamber for receiving the conveyed fiber sample, where the micronaire chamber is sized to test any fiber sample within the desired size range. |
| US09329157B2 |
Switching valve for liquid chromatography
The invention relates to a switching valve for liquid chromatography having a stator in which multiple ports are formed. Each port is formed by in each case one duct which is connected at one end to in each case one connection port and which, at the other end, has a predetermined port opening cross section at a stator face surface of the stator. The switching valve includes a rotor which has a rotor face surface which interacts with the stator face surface and in which are formed at least one or more grooves. Depending on the rotational position of the rotor with respect to the stator, in at least one predetermined switching position, the switching valve connects respective predetermined port opening cross sections in a pressure-tight manner. The switching valve further includes a drive device for driving the rotor in rotation, and a device for detecting the rotational position of the rotor, which device generates a signal corresponding to the absolute or relative position of the rotor. |
| US09329153B2 |
Method of mapping anomalies in homogenous material
An electrical conductor and antenna are positioned in a fixed relationship to one another. Relative lateral movement is generated between the electrical conductor and a homogenous material while maintaining the electrical conductor at a fixed distance from the homogenous material. The antenna supplies a time-varying magnetic field that causes the electrical conductor to resonate and generate harmonic electric and magnetic field responses. Disruptions in at least one of the electric and magnetic field responses during this lateral movement are indicative of a lateral location of a subsurface anomaly. Next, relative out-of-plane movement is generated between the electrical conductor and the homogenous material in the vicinity of the anomaly's lateral location. Disruptions in at least one of the electric and magnetic field responses during this out-of-plane movement are indicative of a depth location of the subsurface anomaly. A recording of the disruptions provides a mapping of the anomaly. |
| US09329150B2 |
Electrochemical cell and method of making an electrochemical cell
Electrochemical test cells are made with precision and accuracy by adhering an electrically resistive sheet having a bound opening to a first electrically conductive sheet. A notching opening is then punched through the electrically resistive sheet and the first electrically conductive sheet. The notching opening intersects the first bound opening in the electrically resistive sheet, and transforms the first bound opening into a notch in the electrically resistive sheet. A second electrically conductive sheet is punched to have a notching opening corresponding to that of first electrically conductive sheet, and this is adhered to the other side of the electrically resistive sheet such that the notching openings are aligned. This structure is cleaved from surrounding material to form an electrochemical cell that has a sample space for receiving a sample defined by the first and second conductive sheets and the notch in the electrically resistive sheet. |
| US09329147B1 |
Electronic data security apparatus
An apparatus for providing security for an integrated circuit (IC) chip is disclosed. The apparatus may include the IC chip, attached to a surface of a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB may include a first, electrically insulative, conformal coating layer attached to the PCB surface and to exposed IC chip surfaces. The PCB may also include a Wheatstone bridge circuit to indicate changes to a second, X-ray opaque, optically opaque and electrically resistive, conformal coating layer. The circuit may include four resistors, formed from second conformal coating layer regions, four sets of electrically conductive pads on the PCB, each set electrically connected to a resistor of the four resistors. The circuit may also include a voltage source, connected to two conductive pads and a monitoring device, connected to another two conductive pads and configured to detect a change of resistance of the Wheatstone bridge. |
| US09329142B2 |
Object imaging assembly
An object imaging assembly includes a source of individual objects which move along a predetermined course of travel; an image capture device having a line of sight which extends across the course of travel; and an electromagnetic radiation emitter which emits electromagnetic radiation in a beam which extends transversely across the predetermined course of travel and the line of sight. |
| US09329141B2 |
Large field of view grating interferometers for X-ray phase contrast imaging and CT at high energy
A device and method of the present disclosure provides large field-of-view Talbot-Lau phase contrast CT systems up to very high X-ray energy. The device includes microperiodic gratings tilted at glancing incidence and tiled on a single substrate to provide the large field-of-view phase contrast CT system. The present disclosure is a simple, economical, and accurate method for combining multiple GAIs into a larger FOV system, capable of performing phase-contrast tomography (PC-CT) on large objects. The device and method can be applied to medical X-ray imaging, industrial non-destructive testing, and security screening. |
| US09329138B2 |
Method for standoff detection and analysis of objects
A method for standoff detection and analysis of objects comprises sending a signal through an inspection area, from a transmitter to a receiver, wherein the signal travels through objects in its path. If the signal encounters an object, through which it must travel, the speed of signal distribution decreases and its amplitude drops. A processor then determines the amplitude of the signal and whether the amplitude is above a given threshold, and if the threshold is met, further determining the shift in length of the signal's optical path, determining the thickness of the object, calculating the dielectric permittivity constant, and comparing this constant to known values of different materials to determine a preselected group of materials, to which the object in the inspection area belongs, and whether the inspected object belongs to a preselected group of dangerous objects. A system for detecting and analyzing such materials is also disclosed. |
| US09329137B2 |
Defect inspection method and device using same
A defect inspection device inspecting a sample includes a movable table on which the sample as an inspection object and a pattern chip are mounted, an illumination light irradiation unit which irradiates a surface of the sample or a surface of the pattern chip with linearly-formed illumination light, a detection optical system section where a plurality of detection optical systems are disposed at a plurality of positions above the table and which detect images of scattered light generated from the sample, and a signal processing unit which processes detected signals to detect a defect of the sample surface, and a plurality of repeating patterns for generating the scattered light according to positions of the objective lenses of the plurality of detection optical systems of the detection optical system section when the linearly-formed illumination light is irradiated by the illumination light irradiation unit are periodically formed in the pattern chip. |
| US09329133B2 |
Apparatus for analyzing particles in urine and method thereof
An apparatus, intended for use in analyzing particles in urine is disclosed, that comprising: a sample distribution section for distributing urine samples to a first aliquot and a second aliquot; a first specimen preparing section for preparing a first specimen for measuring urinary particles, containing at least erythrocytes, by mixing a first stain reagent and the first aliquot; a second specimen preparing section for preparing a second specimen for measuring bacteria by mixing a second stain reagent and the second aliquot; and an optical detecting section comprising a light source for irradiating a light to a specimen being supplied, a scattered light receiving element for detecting scattered light emitted from the specimen, and a fluorescence receiving element for detecting fluorescence emitted from the specimen. A method intended for use in analyzing particles in urine is also disclosed. |
| US09329131B2 |
Method of illuminating algae for algae growth
Systems and methods are provided for using a growth vessel to simulate algae growth and/or productivity in a reference environment, such as an open pond, a closed photobioreactor, or a hybrid system. Based on predicted algae sample trajectories in the reference environment, an illumination profile is developed. An algae sample in the growth vessel can then be exposed to the illumination profile under controlled conditions. Properties of algae in the reference environment can then be characterized based on the sample exposed to the illumination profile. |
| US09329127B2 |
Fluorescence scanning head with multiband detection
In a scanning system for the detection and discrimination of a plurality of targets in each of a plurality of samples, one or more multiband fluorescence detection channels each of which contains a single multiband emission filter and a single detector replaces multiple detection components in scanning heads of the prior art. In certain embodiments, a single multi-emitter light source is used as well, to illuminate each sample with excitation light at a variety of distinct wavelengths in succession. |
| US09329126B2 |
Mass spectrometer detector using optically active membrane
A detector suitable for mass spectroscopy uses a thin membrane that converts the kinetic energy of impinging molecules into corresponding photons, the latter detected with a suitable photosensor. The arrival of molecules at the membrane is detected by detection of the corresponding photons. |
| US09329119B2 |
Speed reducer for industrial robot
A speed reducer for an industrial robot includes a speed reducer main body and a lubricant deterioration sensor for detecting deterioration of a lubricant in the speed reducer main body. The lubricant deterioration sensor includes a light emitting element for emitting light, a color light receiving element for detecting a color of received light, a clearance forming member forming an oil clearance in which the lubricant enters, and a support member supporting the light emitting element, the color light receiving element, and the clearance forming member. The clearance forming member is transmissive so that the light emitted from the light emitting element transmits therethrough. The oil clearance is provided on an optical path from the light emitting element to the color light receiving element. |
| US09329114B2 |
Instrument for gravimetric moisture determination with temperature sensor
An instrument (10) for gravimetrically determining moisture content has a housing (20), with a weighing device (40) arranged inside. The weighing device (40) has a load receiver (60) onto which a sample (62) is placed. The housing has a lower, stationary housing part (21) and an upper, movable housing part (22), the movable housing part alternately occupying a measuring position and a loading position. In the loading position, the respective housing parts are spaced apart from each other, allowing a sample to be put on the load receiver. In the measuring position, the respective housing parts form an essentially enclosed testing compartment (30) that surrounds the load receiver. A temperature sensor (80) is arranged so that the temperature sensor is above the load receiver in the measuring position and is essentially to the side of the load receiver in the loading position. |
| US09329110B2 |
Apparatus for distributing fluid to a plurality of sample containers
The present disclosure relates to a distribution apparatus for a sample exposition arrangement comprising at least two sample containers and a fluid source for fluid to be supplied to the sample containers. The distribution apparatus includes a distribution device including a distribution device inlet for supplying fluid to the distribution device, one distribution device outlet each per sample container, and a distribution chamber between the distribution device inlet and the distribution device outlets. The distribution apparatus further includes at least one fluid outlet device per distribution device outlet. The at least one fluid outlet device includes one fluid-outlet device inlet in fluid communication with the corresponding distribution device outlet, a first fluid-outlet device outlet for discharging fluid into the corresponding sample container, and a second fluid-outlet device outlet for discharging excess fluid. The present disclosure also relates and to a sample exposition arrangement that includes the distribution apparatus. |
| US09329106B2 |
Methods, apparatuses and kits for collecting chemical samples
Methods, apparatuses, and kits for collecting chemical samples are provided. In one embodiment, a method for collecting a sample of a chemical from a vessel includes connecting a sampling chamber and a removal chamber in fluid communication with the vessel and flowing a liquid phase of the chemical from the vessel through the sampling chamber and the removal chamber. The method isolates a first volume of the liquid phase in the sampling chamber and removes a second volume of the liquid phase from the removal chamber. Further, the method includes establishing fluid communication between the sampling chamber and the removal chamber and filling the removal chamber with a portion of the first volume to form a vapor phase of the chemical in the sampling chamber. Also, the method includes isolating the sample including the vapor phase and a remaining portion of the liquid phase in the sampling chamber. |
| US09329105B2 |
Sampling method and sampling device of recycled raw material, analysis sample of recycled raw material, and evaluation method of recycled raw material
Provided is a sampling method of recycled raw material, the method including: a process (S3) of primarily crushing recycled raw material; a process (S4 to S7) of separating primarily crushed raw material into three components, “scrap iron”, “scrap aluminum”, and “recycled raw material component other than scrap iron and scrap aluminum” and performing primary sample reductions of the three components; a process (S8 to S10) of secondarily crushing “the recycled raw material component other than scrap iron and scrap aluminum”, which is subjected to the primary sample reduction, and performing a secondary sample reduction of “recycled raw material component other than scrap iron and scrap aluminum” which is secondarily crushed; and a mixing process (S12) of mixing “scrap iron” and “scrap aluminum” with “the recycled raw material component other than scrap iron and scrap aluminum” which is subjected to the secondary sample reduction. |
| US09329104B2 |
Tire testing device
An object of the present invention is to provide an inside drum-type tire testing device, which can significantly improve operability and test precision, reliably has strength high enough to eliminate any concern about strength thereof, and has relatively small size and significantly small floor-occupied area. Specifically, the present invention provides a tire testing device, comprising: an inside drum-type cylindrical rotating drum 1; a fixed support member 2 for surrounding the rotating drum 1 from the outer peripheral side of the drum via rotation guide means 3; and a linear motor 4 provided between the rotating drum 1 and the fixed support member 2, for rotationally driving the rotating drum 1. |
| US09329101B2 |
End-position-monitoring of a gas injector
A method includes checking whether an electromagnetically actuated gas injector arranged in an internal combustion engine between a fuel source and a combustion chamber is in the closed end position thereof. According to the method, an electric test voltage is applied to the gas injector and the discharge current generated by the electric test voltage is measured. |
| US09329100B2 |
Life estimation device and life estimation method for rolling bearing
A lifetime estimation device to estimate a lifetime of a rolling bearing assembly comprising inner and outer rings includes a buildup height estimation unit to estimate in accordance with a predetermined rule a buildup height of the indentation based on the inputted depth of the indentation or the inputted indentation size; and a lifetime estimation unit to estimate the lifetime of the rolling bearing assembly, the lifetime estimation unit being configured to determine a preliminary estimate of the lifetime of the rolling bearing assembly based on a dynamic equivalent load, determine a rate of reduction in a rolling fatigue life based on the buildup height of the indentation, and apply the determined rate of reduction in a rolling fatigue life to the preliminary estimate of the lifetime of the rolling bearing assembly to determine an estimate of the lifetime of the rolling bearing assembly. |
| US09329098B2 |
Method and optical shield for detecting tampering
A method includes conforming an arrangement of an optical fiber to an object to detect tampering with the object when the optical fiber arrangement is changed, measuring an optical signature of the optical fiber arrangement in a first measurement, measuring the optical signature of the optical fiber arrangement at a time after the first measurement in a second measurement, and comparing the first and second measurements to detect tampering with the object from a change in the optical fiber arrangement. In another embodiment, an optical shield includes an optical fiber arranged to detect tampering with an object resulting from a change in the optical fiber arrangement and an optical fiber carrier coupled to the optical fiber for conforming the optical fiber arrangement to the object. |
| US09329090B2 |
Electronic device with temperature detecting element
In an electronic device, a heat generation part pattern is connected to a heat generating element to heat from the heat generating element. A temperature detecting element is disposed adjacent to a first surface of a substrate. A direct under layer pattern is disposed on a second surface of the substrate opposite to the temperature detecting element in an area including a portion corresponding to the temperature detecting element. An interlayer connection pillar connects between the heat generation part pattern and the direct under layer pattern to conduct heat. The heat generated from the heat generating element is effectively conducted to the temperature detecting element through the heat generation part pattern, the interlayer connection pillar, and the direct under layer pattern, and thus the temperature detecting element accurately detects the temperature of the heat generating element. |
| US09329086B2 |
System and method for assessing tissue oxygenation using a conformal filter
A portable system and method for analyzing biological tissue samples and detecting analytes associated with tissue oxygenation using a conformal filter. A conformal filter, which may comprise a tunable filter, is configured to filter interacted photons conforming to a spectral shape correlated with an analyte of interest. Conformal filter configurations may be selected by consulting a modified look-up table associated with an analyte. An iterative methodology may be used to calibrate a conformal design for an analyte of interest, refine a previous conformal filter design for an analyte of interest, and/or generate a new conformal filter design for an analyte of interest. |
| US09329085B2 |
QCL spectroscopy system and applications therefor
A spectroscopy system comprising at least two laser modules, each of the laser modules including a laser cavity, a quantum cascade gain chip for amplifying light within the laser cavity, and a tuning element for controlling a wavelength of light generated by the modules. Combining optics are used to combine the light generated by the at least two laser modules into a single beam and a sample detector detects the single beam returning from a sample. |
| US09329081B1 |
Target feature integrated laser phase compensation system
An Integrated Laser Phase Compensation System (ILPCS) for end-to-end compensation of high-energy laser for propagation through turbulence with non-cooperative target. ILPCS using interferometric slaving technique and stand-alone adaptive optical systems to effect pre-compensation of phase aberrations in turbulent medium, providing pre-compensation for aberrations in a laser amplifier with a minimal number of phase correction devices is presented. ILPCS enables integration with a short pulse mode locked laser for use in Target Feature Adaptive Optics (TFAO) or with a mode locked ultra short pulse laser with carrier envelope phase stabilization for use in Broadband Coherent Adaptive Optics (BCAO). |
| US09329076B2 |
Patient support systems and methods of use
A patient support system includes a patient support apparatus and a support surface mounted on the patient support apparatus. The patient support apparatus is reconfigurable among a plurality of different configurations for supporting a patient on the support surface in a plurality of positions. The support surface is mounted on the patient support apparatus to move in response to reconfiguration of the patient support apparatus. |
| US09329070B2 |
Apparatus for reducing or minimizing disturbance signals in the case of a field device of process automation
An apparatus for reducing or minimizing disturbance signals in the case of a field device of process automation, wherein the field device has a control/evaluation unit and a sensor, with, respectively, at least one main electronics and at least one sensor electronics. At least one data line is provided, via which the main electronics and the sensor electronics communicate. At least one galvanic isolating component is provided, which is integrated into the at least one data line, and which prevents transmission of disturbance signals via the one or more data lines. Power supply lines are provided, via which a power supply voltage sufficient for operation of the sensor is made available to the sensor; and wherein, in the power supply lines, filter means are provided, which are designed in such a manner that predetermined requirements for disturbance resistance of the power supply lines are fulfilled. |
| US09329066B2 |
Flow regulating system and monitoring device comprising said flow regulating system for the detection of air borne analytes
A flow regulating system for maintaining a stable air flow comprising at least one pump, a mass flow sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, an ambient pressure sensor, a temperature compensation sensor measuring the temperature of said mass flow sensor, and a control system is disclosed, as well as a method for measuring a flow using said flow regulating system, a device for the monitoring of air-borne compounds present in air in both a gas phase and a particle phase, wherein it comprises a sampling device, an enrichment trap 1, a calibration and tuning module, a blank module, said flow regulating system, a chromatography unit, and a detection unit, and a method for the detection of air-born compounds in an air flow by using said monitoring device. |
| US09329064B2 |
Flow meter regulation valve fastening structure
A flow meter regulation valve fastening structure includes a holder with one side coupled with a regulation valve by screwing. The regulation valve has a regulation shaft with a flange and a screw head located at an upper side. The screw head is coupled with an anchor member. The anchor member has a coupling plate at one end coupled on the screw head and an anchor plate at another end with two detent plates extended downwards from two sides to butt two sides of the frame edge of the holder for retaining. Thereby when the regulation valve is coupled with the holder and a pipe, the junction of the regulation valve and the holder can be prevented from generating fractures due to excessive turning forces. |
| US09329063B2 |
Electronic device with flexible data and power interface
Electronic modules with small and flexible interfaces are disclosed. One example electronic module includes a power supply terminal configured to receive power for the electronic module and circuitry configured to carry out various functions. The functions carried out by the electronic module circuitry include simultaneously receiving both of the following via the power supply terminal: a power signal for carrying out a mission mode operation of the electronic module, and a data signal. |
| US09329061B2 |
Reduced-stress coupling for industrial process transmitter housing
An industrial process transmitter comprises a sensor module, a housing and a compression ring. A process sensor is located in the sensor module. The housing comprises an electronics compartment having an internal space in which transmitter electronics are located, and a sensor compartment having opening into which the sensor module is inserted. The compression ring is attached to the sensor module or the housing and is configured to arrest rotation of the housing with respect to the sensor module. |
| US09329060B2 |
Measuring apparatus and method, processing apparatus and method, pattern forming apparatus and method, exposure apparatus and method, and device manufacturing method
Position information of a movable body within an XY plane is measured with high accuracy by an encoder system whose measurement values have favorable short-term stability, without being affected by air fluctuations, and also position information of the movable body in a Z-axis direction orthogonal to the XY plane is measured with high accuracy by a surface position measuring system, without being affected by air fluctuations. In this case, since both of the encoder system and the surface position measuring system directly measure the upper surface of the movable body, simple and direct position control of the movable body can be performed. |
| US09329054B2 |
Adjustment of measurement system components
One aspect provides a system including a sensor adjustment component comprising: a memory device having adjustment information stored therein; signal source capable of producing a signal detectable by a sensor to be adjusted; and one or more processors; wherein the one or more processors are configured to execute program instructions to operate the signal source to produce a predetermined signal pattern detectable by a measurement component of the sensor to be adjusted; and wherein the predetermined signal pattern comprises the adjustment information. Other aspects are disclosed. |
| US09329053B2 |
Athletic watch
A device for monitoring athletic performance of a user has a wristband configured to be worn by the user. An electronic module is removably attached to the wristband. The electronic module has a controller and a screen and a plurality of user inputs operably associated with the controller. The user inputs include a user input configured to be applied by the user against the screen and in a direction generally normal to the screen. The controller may further be configured to generate one or more user interfaces in response to various user inputs and conditions. For example, the controller may generate workout mode interfaces and non-workout mode interfaces including various goal information, workout data, reminders and the like. In one or more arrangements, multiple types of information may be displayed simultaneously. |
| US09329049B2 |
Vehicle telematics communications for providing directions to a vehicle service facility
A method of providing directions to a vehicle service facility includes generating a vehicle service alert that includes vehicle operating data, sending the vehicle service alert to a vehicle telematics service subscriber, offering the vehicle telematics service subscriber a choice of one or more vehicle service facilities for responding to the vehicle service alert, and if the vehicle owner chooses a vehicle service facility, providing turn-by-turn directions to the chosen vehicle service facility. |
| US09329048B2 |
Navigation device and method providing a logging function
A method of providing a logging function in a portable navigation device and a portable device adapted to provide such a function are described. The method includes the step of storing location information relating to current position and time-specific information relating to a current position in a non-volatile memory of the device to create a log. The storage of such information only occurs when one of a specified set of events occurs, the set of events being specific to either a navigation mode or a free-driving mode of operation of the device. |
| US09329046B2 |
Methods and systems generating driver workload data
A method of determining data indicative of an individual driver workload is disclosed. The method involves obtaining a generic driver workload parameter, the generic driver workload data being based on data indicative of the behavior of multiple drivers when performing a maneuver at a node or traversing a set of one or more segments of an electronic map. An individual modifier representative of the behavior of an individual driver is generated and used to determine an individual driver workload parameter indicative of the workload of the individual driver when performing the maneuver at a node or traversing the one or more segments of an electronic map based on the generic driver workload data for performing the maneuver at the node or traversing the one or more segments of the electronic map. |
| US09329044B2 |
Guidance system for an individual in an unknown environment and method for implementing such a system
A guidance system (SG) for an individual (IND) moving in an unknown environment establishes a guidance loop (B) between a measurement module (MM) placed on the individual and a remote guidance platform (PG). In the measurement module, a means (CP) collects measurement data (DM) that are transmitted by another means (UC1) of transmission to the guidance platform via a first communication channel. Then, at the guidance platform, a means (UT2) determines the tactical position data (DST) from the transmitted measurement data (DM), and another means (UC2) transmits determined guidance data (DG) from the tactical position data to a communication device of the individual by means of a second communication channel (R2), thus closing the guidance loop. |
| US09329043B2 |
Navigation system having mileage mechanism and method of operation thereof
A method of operation of a navigation system having mileage mechanism includes providing a subtotal mileage for a previous location reading along a route; calculating an incremental mileage at a current location reading from the previous location reading; and calculating a total mileage based on the subtotal mileage and the incremental mileage for displaying on a device. |
| US09329038B2 |
Electronic devices with calibrated compasses
Electronic devices may be provided with compasses for detecting the Earth's magnetic field. Electronic devices may be provided with other electronic components. A compass may include a magnetic sensor and control circuitry configured to apply offsets or other compass calibration data to compass data to compensate for magnetic interference from the other electronic components. Other electronic components may include components such as cameras, auto-focus lens mechanisms, light sources, and displays. The control circuitry may be configured to apply compass calibration data that is specific to an electronic component and that is specific to an operational status of the component. The control circuitry may be configured to recognize a replacement electronic component and revert to an average compass calibration correction. The control circuitry may be configured to output interference-corrected compass data to applications running on the electronic device. |
| US09329037B2 |
System and method for photographing moving subject by means of fixed camera, and acquiring projection image of actual movement trajectory of subject based on photographed image
The present invention relates to a system and method for photographing a moving subject by means of a fixed camera, and acquiring a projection image of the actual movement trajectory of the subject on the basis of the photographed image. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for acquiring a projection image of the actual movement trajectory of a subject, the method comprising: a step for photographing a moving subject by means of a fixed camera; and a step for converting the coordinates of the photographed image of the subject on the camera image frame to coordinates of the image on an actual background portion, the conversion being implemented on the basis of information on mapping between coordinates on an actual background portion having a specific pattern, acquired by pre-photographing, with a fixed camera, the specific pattern of the actual background portion, and the coordinates on the camera image frame of the photographed image thereof. |
| US09329036B2 |
Mobile device positioning based on independently obtained barometric pressure measurements
Various techniques are provided which may be implemented as methods, apparatuses and articles of manufacture for use by a mobile device. In certain example implementations, a mobile device may process a barometric pressure measurement indicative of an altitude effect and a weather effect to determine a first parameter corresponding to the altitude effect and a second parameter corresponding to the weather. Such a mobile device may further determine whether it may be transitioning or may have transitioned from an initial level to another level of a multiple level structure based, at least in part, on the first and second parameters. |
| US09329035B2 |
Method to compensate for errors in time-of-flight range cameras caused by multiple reflections
Due to their parallel illumination and acquisition for all the pixels, today's state-of-the-art time-of-flight (TOF) range cameras suffer from erroneous measurements caused by multiple reflections in the scene. The invention proposes to compensate for the multi-path fusing the results obtained by applying two spatially different illumination schemes, typically one to achieve highest possible lateral resolution and for the second one structuring the emitted light and by doing so lowering the lateral resolution but limiting the impact of multiple reflections. |
| US09329033B2 |
Method for estimating and correcting misregistration target inaccuracy
Aspects of the present disclosure describe systems and methods for calibrating a metrology tool by using proportionality factors. The proportionality factors may be obtained by measuring a substrate under different measurement conditions. Then calculating the measured metrology value and one or more quality merits. From this information, proportionality factors may be determined. Thereafter the proportionality factors may be used to quantify the inaccuracy in a metrology measurement. The proportionality factors may also be used to determine an optimize measurement recipe. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. |
| US09329026B2 |
Hole-measurement systems and methods using a non-rotating chromatic point sensor (CPS) pen
A chromatic confocal point sensor (CPS) system and associated methods are provided for measuring holes. A CPS optical pen includes a beam dividing deflecting element that directs measurement light simultaneously along at least three directions to the interior surface of the hole. A CPS electronics portion comprises a light generator, a spectrometer, and a signal processor. In operation, the CPS pen directs measurement light to the interior surface along the at least three directions, and the spectrometer receives measurement light reflected from those directions back through the pen and provides a spectral intensity profile comprising spectral peak components corresponding to distances to the interior surface along those directions. The hole characteristic may be determined based at least partially on those distances. The CPS pen may be used as a probe on a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The CPS pen does not require rotation in a hole to measure the hole. |
| US09329023B2 |
Rotation control apparatus and method and disk driving apparatus using the same
A rotation control apparatus includes: a controller configured to supply test currents to a plurality of different paths of a motor when the motor is stopped; and a stop position detector configured to detect a rotational position of the motor based on an order of current values of the test currents. The controller causes one of the test currents to flow through one of the plurality of different paths, measure time taken until the corresponding detection voltage reaches a reference voltage, and set electrical conduction time of the test currents based on a result of the measurement. |
| US09329020B1 |
System, method, and computer program product to provide wireless sensing based on an aggregate magnetic field reading
A system including a plurality of actuation devices with each actuation device configured to have a magnetized part which moves to a designated position representative of a designated manipulation, when at least one actuation device is manipulated, a magnetic sensor array configured to measure a composite magnetic field produced by the magnetized parts of the plurality of actuation devices, an acquisition device configured to acquire magnetic field data from the sensor array indicative of the measured composite magnetic field, a converter configured to convert the acquired composite magnetic field data into analog values, and a processor configured to evaluate to the analog values to determine which of the at least one activation device is manipulated, how the manipulation reflects collective operation of the plurality of actuation devices, and/or to provide a response indicative of the manipulation. A method and a computer program product are also disclosed. |
| US09329019B2 |
Apparatus for detecting a magnetically conductive object and position measuring system for measuring the position of a guide rod and associated position measuring method
An apparatus for detecting a magnetically conductive object in a detection area has an electrical coil and at least one sensor element. The apparatus is intended to be as free of degradation processes as possible and thus requires little maintenance and is configured and set up with the highest possible degree of redundancy and measurement reliability. For this purpose, the coil is set up to form a magnetic field in the detection area and the sensor element is configured to detect a magnetic field with a field strength, the magnitude of which is greater than a predefined threshold value. The threshold value is set to be higher than the field strength present in the detection area when the magnetically conductive object is absent and lower than the field strength present therein when the object is present. |
| US09329018B1 |
Flatness inspection spider
A flatness inspection spider with a head assembly with a fixed base and a bearing assembly secured to the fixed base. A rotating inspection head is disposed over the bearing assembly. A load displacement shaft extends through an alignment head, fixed base, bearing assembly, and the rotating inspection head. At least one adjustable foot can extend from the fixed base to contact an inspection surface, wherein the at least one adjustable foot has a foot longitudinal axis, and wherein the at least one adjustable foot can extend or retract in length by rotating without the need for any additional tools. An inspection tubular is mounted through the rotating inspection head having a tubular longitudinal axis and an indicator mounted to the inspection tubular. |
| US09329014B1 |
Horizontal-reel tape measure
Various embodiments of tape measures having a horizontally mounted reel are described. Some tape measures include a plurality of guide members that twist and guide a measuring tape blade as the measuring tape blade is uncoiled from the reel and extended through a slot in the tape measure casing. In some embodiment, the plurality of members include a bottom guide member between the reel and a bottom wall of the casing, a side guide member between the reel and a side wall of casing, and a variable-diameter guide member between the bottom roller and the side roller. In some embodiment, the variable-diameter roller is formed from the reel and a coiled portion the measuring tape blade. |
| US09329012B2 |
Folding rule
A folding rule including at least three links that are pivotably fastened to each other, at least one of the links has a scale for measuring the diameter of objects, the scale is designed in such a way that, when the object is completely enclosed by three adjacent links wherein the insides of the three links are each in contact with the object, a specified region of one of the links is in contact with the scale and a respective contact point on the scale indicates the diameter of the object. |
| US09329011B1 |
High voltage arm/fire device and method
An apparatus and method for initiating the ignition of a pyrotechnic material in a controlled manner. The invention is suitable for use with less sensitive pyrotechnic material or charges, such as, but not limited to, boron potassium nitrate (B/KNO3) and nitrocellulose (NC). The invention is particularly suitable for incorporation with an ignition system for the ignition of pyrotechnic materials used in solid propellant missile and rocket motors. The invention is particularly resistant to spurious radio frequency interference and/or other electromagnetic interference and is readily capable of operating on a minimum fire or triggering voltage in excess of 500 volts. |
| US09329006B1 |
Magnetic blade retainer for a broadhead
A magnetic blade retainer for an expandable broadhead utilizing the properties of magnetic attraction to reliably secure a plurality of blades completely within respective blade channels so that an expandable broadhead may closely resemble the flight properties of a practice arrow tip yet lethally expand upon impact with a target. Extraneous parts are eliminated, but a strong, disc magnet is inset or integrated into the forward portion of a broadhead tip assembly. Each blade is provided with a magnetic, flat forward end. The interaction of the flat forward end and the magnet magnetically retain each blade. The magnetic bond is broken when the arrow penetrates a target. An actuating spike further transfers the impact energy to each blade. The forces on the actuating spike then drag each blade backward and each blade extends as the rearward forces are translated by the wedging surface near the end of the channel. |
| US09329005B2 |
Expandable arrow nock
Embodiments of the Expandable Arrow Nock are comprised of a nock tip, expandable fins, an internal spring, a high tensile strength wire and a pass-through module. When the arrow is fired, the fins are in the stowed position and remain in the stowed position as the arrow travels up to the point where the arrow hits the target animal. At the point where the arrow hits the target animal, the deceleration of the arrow at that instant actuates the compressed internal spring that in turn force the fins into the deployed or open position. The deployed fins prevent the nock from travelling through the body of the animal. However, the shaft portion of the arrow detaches from the nock and pass-through module. |
| US09329000B1 |
Isolated cab mounting system for an armored vehicle
A vehicle includes a structural frame member including a structural tunnel, a first frame coupled to the structural tunnel and configured to engage a first axle assembly and a first suspension assembly, a second frame coupled to the structural tunnel and configured to engage a second axle assembly and a second suspension assembly, a cab assembly coupled to the structural tunnel, and an isolated joint positioned to support the cab assembly. The cab assembly is isolated from the structural tunnel, the first frame, and the second frame. The isolated joint includes a first bracket associated with the structural tunnel, a second bracket associated with the cab assembly, and a resilient member. |
| US09328997B2 |
Sight mechanism with integrated range finder
The disclosed subject matter relates to a sight device can include an integrated range finder and/or a camera with an associated display device. The display device can present a field of view associated with the target and an aiming element such as a dot or crosshairs. Data associated with a distance to a target can be employed to update a presentation by the display device such that the aiming element accurately represents a location at the distance to the target a projectile is expected to hit upon discharge. Updates to the presentation can relate to, e.g., a zoom factor or a vertical-axis offset determined based on the distance to the target. |
| US09328993B1 |
Gun sight
A gun sight is provided having a rear sight including at least two apertures which are offset vertically and horizontally to correctly sight the gun relative to two perpendicular axes. A forward sight is also provided which corresponds to the at least first and second apertures of the rear sight. These features also offset vertically and horizontally to aid in fast acquisition and targeting. The user or shooter may learn to accurately fire the weapon and more easily acquire a target with less extensive training. |
| US09328992B1 |
Method and apparatus for gun stabilizer
Method and apparatus for a firearm stabilizer having a housing for mounting onto a firearm from which housing a cord extends having a connector on its distal end so that the connector can be removably attached to a proximate stable object during firing wherein the cord is wound on a spring-loaded spindle disposed inside the housing. An edge of the spindle extends through an opening on either side wall of the housing so that a hand of the user can contact and tension the spindle thereby tightening the cord so as to stabilize the firearm while firing the weapon. |
| US09328990B2 |
Lever-action modular tactical rifle
A lever-action tactical rifle having an upper receiver assembly having a rifle barrel and a hand-guard. A lower receiver releasably and pivotally connected with the upper receiver and having a butt-stock and a magazine receptacle releasably containing a cartridge magazine. A bolt mechanism having a bolt carrier and a bolt member and firing pin being located for reciprocating movement within the upper receiver. A lever-action mechanism is mounted to the lower receiver and is connected with the bolt carrier by an actuating linkage. The bolt member has cam slots being engaged by cam pins of the bolt carrier to translate linear movement of the bolt carrier to rotation of the bolt for bolt locking and unlocking. |
| US09328989B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling paintball loading using a detent
A paintball assembly capable of retaining a paintball in a loading chamber using a paintball catcher is disclosed. The paintball assembly includes a loading chamber, a detent, and a bolt. The loading chamber is coupled to a loading port to receive paintballs. In one embodiment, the detent includes a paintball catcher capable of catching the paintball as it is loaded into the loading chamber. In one example, the paintball catcher is a flexible paintball catcher extending into the loading chamber and is able to catch the paintball and hold it in a predefined position. When a trigger is pulled, the bolt pushes the paintball into a firing chamber while the paintball catcher releases the paintball. |
| US09328987B2 |
Crossbow comprising a composite material component
A crossbow may include a crossbow barrel having reduced weight and increased strength and shock resistance to the crossbow. This invention may also aid in improving torsional resistance, improving specific stiffness, and increasing compresses strength. The invention may also reduce friction between a barrel and a bow string to increase bow string life. The invention may also reduce the friction between a barrel and a bow to allow added arrow distance. Additionally, the crossbow may decrease both vibration and sound. |
| US09328986B1 |
Turret assembly
A turret assembly includes a mounting plate and a ring rotatably engaged with the mounting plate. The ring includes a first arm extending radially outward relative to a central axis of the ring. The turret assembly further includes a second arm pivotally coupled to the first arm and a telescoping member. The telescoping member has a first end pivotally coupled to the ring and a second end pivotally coupled to the second arm. The second arm is selectively repositionable between a storage orientation and an operating orientation. |
| US09328981B2 |
Self regulating gas system for suppressed weapons
A gas system for an autoloading firearm wherein the gas used to cycle the weapon can be restricted automatically through a mechanical shutoff actuated by the installation of a suppressor on the weapon. The gas system could be used to actuate either a piston to mechanically operate the weapon or a gas impingement mechanism wherein the gas is redirected into the bolt carrier assembly to directly actuate the unlocking and cycling of the bolt and bolt carrier group. A gas block for the firearm includes a spring-loaded plunger assembly positioned within a bore of the gas block and oriented parallel to a bore of a barrel of the firearm, the plunger assembly including a regulator plunger, a regulator bushing, a regulator spring, and a regulator cap. Mounting a suppressor over the muzzle depresses the regulator plunger driving it rearward, the rearward movement of the regulator plunger blocking one of gas ports in the gas block to automatically reduce the volume of propellant gases directed into the gas system. |
| US09328977B2 |
Aluminum alloy heat exchanger
An aluminum alloy heat exchanger with aluminum alloy tubes is provided by assembling and brazing. A coating which includes from 1 to 5 g/m2 of Si powder, from 3 to 20 g/m2 of Zn containing flux, and from 0.2 to 8.3 g/m2 of binder is formed on the aluminum alloy tubes. The fins contain Zn and 0.8 to 2.0% by mass of Mn, Si in a ratio of 1/2.5 to 1/3.5 relative to the Mn, and less than 0.30% by mass of Fe. A fillet is formed between the tube and the aluminum alloy fin after brazing, and a primary crystal portion is formed in the fillet. A eutectic crystal portion is formed in a portion other than the primary crystal portion, and the electric potential of the primary crystal portion is equal to or higher than the electric potential of the aluminum alloy fin. |
| US09328972B2 |
Condenser having a receiver/dehydrator top entrance with communication capable of stabilized charge plateau
A sub-cooled condenser for an air conditioning system includes a condenser portion, a sub-cooler portion located below that of the condenser portion, an integral receiver tank having an upper receiver first chamber with a first fluid port in hydraulic connection with the condenser portion and a lower receiver second chamber having a second fluid port in hydraulic connection with the sub-cooler portion, and a refrigerant conduit disposed in the receiver tank. The refrigerant conduit may include a top entry end extending into the upper receiver first chamber and a bottom discharge end extending in the lower receiver second chamber, wherein the bottom discharge end may extend below the second fluid port. The condenser portion may include multiple passes in which the refrigerant flows in an upward direction from the inlet of the condenser portion to the first fluid port that is in hydraulic connection to the upper receiver first chamber. |
| US09328968B2 |
Low profile, split flow charge air cooler with uniform flow exit manifold
A low profile, split flow charge air cooler with uniform flow exit manifold comprises a first heat exchanger core having a plurality of gas flow passages and a plurality of coolant flow passages arranged in alternating order. First and second gas outlet manifolds are in communication with the gas flow passages, and a gas inlet manifold is in communication with both the first and second gas outlet manifolds. The gas inlet manifold is located between the first and second gas outlet manifolds, such that the gas flows in two different directions from the inlet manifold toward the outlet manifolds. A gas outlet chamber receives the gas flows from the gas outlet manifolds and provides a space in which the gas flows are combined before being discharged from the heat exchanger. |
| US09328966B2 |
Heat exchanger with a baffle reinforcement member
A heat exchanger includes a plurality of tubes, a collection tank having an inlet port and an internal chamber in fluid communication with the plurality of tubes, a header coupled to the collection tank and having a plurality of apertures each dimensioned to receive a corresponding tube, a gasket separating the header from the collection tank and sealing a gap between the header and the collection tank, and a reinforcement retaining the gasket in position between the header and the collection tank. The reinforcement includes a first web extending across the internal chamber and a second web spaced apart from the first web and extending across the internal chamber. The heat exchanger also includes a baffle coupled to and extending between the first web and the second web. The baffle extends across at least a portion of the internal chamber between the inlet port and the plurality of tubes. |
| US09328965B2 |
Heat exchanger of air conditioning device including a refrigerant path arranged downstream of other refrigerant paths relative to airflow direction
There is provided a heat exchanger of an air conditioning device capable of improving heat exchange efficiency in heat transfer tubes arranged in downstream rows in an airflow direction to enhance cooling capacity. In the heat exchanger of the air conditioning device, a plurality of heat transfer tubes arrayed in three or more rows in the airflow direction are provided, and a refrigerant is distributed to a plurality of paths to be supplied to the heat transfer tubes, and the heat exchanger is used as a evaporator during cooling operation. The plurality of paths include a most downstream path made up of only the heat transfer tubes in a most downstream row in the airflow direction, and an upstream path made up of only the heat transfer tubes in a plurality of rows arranged on an upstream side of the most downstream path. |
| US09328964B2 |
Partitioned, rotating condenser units to enable servicing of submerged it equipment positioned beneath a vapor condenser without interrupting a vaporization-condensation cycling of the remaining immersion cooling system
An immersion cooling tank includes: a tank comprised of a base wall, and perimeter walls, and having a lower tank volume in which a liquid can be maintained and heated to a boiling point to generate a rising plume of vapor; a rack structure within the tank volume that supports insertion of multiple, heat dissipating electronic devices in a side-by-side vertical configuration; and a condenser configured as a plurality of individually rotatable condenser sub-units, with each condenser sub-unit located above a vertical space that extends vertically from the lower tank volume and within which an electronic device can be inserted. Each individual condenser sub-unit can be opened independent of the other sub-units and each other condenser sub-unit can remain in a closed position while a first condenser sub-unit is opened to allow access to a first vertical space and any existing electrical device contained therein below the first condenser sub-unit. |
| US09328959B2 |
Vehicle wash drying system
A drying station for a vehicle wash facility includes at least one rotatable drying wheel positioned adjacent a vehicle treatment area. The at least one rotatable drying wheel has a drying material disposed thereon and which can engage an exterior of the vehicle to remove water accumulated thereon. The drying station includes a beater device disposed adjacent the at least one rotatable drying wheel with the beater device and the drying wheel being engageable as the at least one rotatable drying wheel rotates. As the rotatable drying wheel spins, the drying material contacts the beater device to help minimize its level of saturation. |
| US09328956B2 |
Refrigerator control system and method
A control system for operating a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator has a variable damper, a variable speed fan, and a variable speed compressor. The damper position, evaporator fan speed, and compressor speed are determined through interacting feedback control loops based on the set point temperatures for the fresh food and freezer compartments as well as the measured temperatures in such compartments. The adjustment of these actuators can eliminate large temperature fluctuations and discontinuities in the air flow and improve the thermal performance and energy efficiency of the refrigerator. |
| US09328955B2 |
Tiltable drawer
A refrigerated cabinet having a cabinet, thermal insulation, cover or liner, which help it form a cavity which can house objects to be refrigerated with at least one shelf and one door comprising a vegetable drawer which itself on its lateral and opposite walls having an appendage integrated by a head, an upper crossbar, a lower crossbar, a skate, a hump; which runs within a rail comprising a channel formed by a barrier, a lower bay, a neck in C with a straight which is inclined, a gulf and a stump; with the peculiarity that when the vegetable drawer is found in its resting or closed position, the front wall of said vegetable drawer is in close proximity to the vertical; the head (32) is coupled within the neck in C, the skate is in contact with the upper face of the lower bay, and the barrier is in contact with a portion of the lower face of the lower crossbar; and that when the vegetable drawer is extracted in its final runner position, the vegetable drawer has an α inclination with relation to the horizontal; wherein the head (32) is coupled unto the gulf of the rail, and the barrier is in contact with a lateral face of the skate, as well as with a portion of the lower face of the lower crossbar. |
| US09328951B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator includes a main body with a first storage compartment; a first evaporation compartment provided within the main body in order to cool the first storage compartment; and a first evaporator provided in the first evaporation compartment. The refrigerator further includes a second storage compartment independently provided in the first storage compartment including a case forming an insulation space so as to maintain a temperature lower than the first storage compartment and a drawer to insert into and remove from the case; a second evaporation compartment, independent from the first evaporation compartment, formed in the second storage compartment; and a second evaporator provided in the second evaporation compartment. |
| US09328949B2 |
Compressor surge control system and method
A system and method for controlling gas surges in compressors powered by electric motors. An adjustable speed drive (ASD) incorporating a microprocessor powered by a three-phase source of electricity controls the electric motor which drives the compressor. A bypass valve is inserted between the gas input of the compressor and the gas discharge. The bypass valve opens in response to signals from the ASD which detects gas surges by analyzing a stored surge map which plots a surge line and a related discretionary control line based on the power and speed of the motor. When the operating point of the motor crosses the control line, the ASD causes the bypass valve to open. |
| US09328946B2 |
Heat pumps with unequal cooling and heating capacities for climates where demand for cooling and heating are unequal, and method of adapting and distributing such heat pumps
Heat pumps for climates where demand for cooling and heating are unequal and methods of adapting and distributing heat pumps for such climates. Heat pumps include a compressor, compressor motor, variable-speed drive, and controller. In a number of embodiments, non-volatile memory stores sets of constant speeds for cooling and heating, and a person can select, via an input device, different sets of speeds for cooling and heating to provide the different cooling and heating capacities. The controller then operates the unit at the selected speeds, selecting from within the set based on demand for cooling or heating. In some embodiments, different sets of speeds may have the same minimum speed but different maximum speeds. Identical heat pumps can be configured to have different capacity ratings and different advertized efficiencies for different climates. |
| US09328945B2 |
Air conditioner for vehicle
An air conditioner for a vehicle includes: a compressor (21); an internal heat exchanger (22, 24) which exchanges heat between the refrigerant and air in an interior space; an external heat exchanger (23) which exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outside air; a battery (5); a battery heat exchanger (29) which exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the battery by causing the refrigerant, which travels to the compressor from the external heat exchanger, to go through the battery heat exchanger; a throttle adjusting part (30) which is arranged in a refrigerant flow passage on an upstream side of the battery heat exchanger; and a control unit (40). The control unit (40) controls the flow of the refrigerant through the throttle adjusting part based on an extra heat exchange capacity that is an extra capacity of the external heat exchanger with respect to the internal heat exchanger. |
| US09328941B2 |
Service water heating unit having heat exchangers and circulation pumps
A service water heating unit (2) provided for use in a heating installation includes at least one heat exchanger (6), having a first flow path (10) in which a heating medium flows and a second flow path (12) in which service water to be heated flows, and a first circulation pump (46) which pumps the heating medium. The first circulation pump (46) is connected to the first flow path (10) of the heat exchanger (6) and mounted onto the heat exchanger (6). The service water heating unit (2) can also include a second circulation pump (76) mounted to on the heat exchanger (6), that pumps the heated service water. |
| US09328939B2 |
Air handling unit with mixed-flow blower
An air handling unit has a cabinet forming a duct, a mixed-flow blower assembly configured to provide airflow through the duct, and a refrigeration coil assembly disposed within the cabinet and downstream of the mixed-flow blower assembly. Another air handling unit has a cabinet forming a duct having a generally downstream direction and a blower assembly to provide airflow through the duct. The blower assembly may have an axis of rotation generally parallel to the downstream direction and the blower assembly may be configured to primarily expel air in a direction that has a directional component that extends radially away from the axis of rotation. |
| US09328937B2 |
Variable rate heating for agricultural purposes
An exemplary temperature control system for animal confinement buildings includes an agricultural heater and a ventilation system. The agricultural heater is modified to be a variable rate heater using SmartBox technology or by applying appropriate control logic and outputs to a conventional room controller. A heat on/off relay of the room controller can serve as an enable signal connected to the SmartBox. Heating is controlled using a proportional-plus-integral algorithm for error correction. Error correction may be ceased when temperatures fall within a dead band. Heat is turned on when the temperature drops to an on temperature equal to a set point minus 0.5F. Heat can be turned off when the heater has been at a minimum output level for a minimum output period (such as 90 seconds) and the temperature has not dropped below the on temperature during the minimum output period. An auto-variable radiant brooder may be incorporated. |
| US09328935B2 |
Housing structure
A base portion has a separation wall, and an air hole is defined in the separation wall. A case portion defines a first space with the separation wall of the base portion. A covering portion defines a second space with the separation wall of the base portion. A waterproof and breathable sheet covers the air hole. A water guiding portion is arranged adjacent to a surface of the sheet not to contact the surface of the sheet. The water guiding portion is located between the covering portion and the sheet. |
| US09328933B2 |
External thermostat fan controller
A method for efficient control of a heater ventilation fan. The method includes switching the heater ventilation fan from low speed to high speed after a brief period P1 following starting, and continuing heater ventilation fan operation for a variable period of time P2 after the heat source has stopped. The period P1 is preferably about four minutes, and the period P2 is determined by the duration of heating and is generally between two and four minutes. Operating the heater ventilation fan at high speed improves heat transfer and efficiency while the heating system is operating, increases warm air movement to the space, satisfies the thermostat set point temperature in less time, reduces heating system operation, and reduces energy use. Continuing heater ventilation fan operation after turn-off maximizes recovery of additional heat from the heat exchanger to improve overall efficiency, extend the off cycle time, and save energy. |
| US09328922B2 |
Valve assemblies for heating devices
In certain embodiments, a valve assembly can comprise a housing, a valve body and a nozzle. The housing can define a first inlet and a second inlet. The valve body can be positioned within the housing and configured to rotate between a first position for a first fuel type and a second position for a second fuel type different from the first. A control knob is operatively coupled to the valve body and to an air shutter such that rotation of the control knob controls the state of the valve body and the position of the air shutter. |
| US09328921B2 |
Lighter that includes a pivoting ignition subset
A gas lighter that includes a reservoir for holding a flammable gas, a valve mounted on a top surface of the reservoir for allowing a release of the gas from the reservoir, a valve actuator having a push button on a first end and a connector at a second end for connecting the valve actuator to the valve; a first spring biased against a lower surface of the push button actuator and a wall of the reservoir; a spark wheel coaxially mounted with corresponding cheeks that are capable of rotating; a hood disposed completely or partially over the spark wheel and cheeks; at least two support arms, each arm having a first end coaxially mounted with the cheeks and a second end having a pivoting connection to bearings located on the reservoir; a sleeve disposed under the under the spark wheel; a second spring disposed in the sleeve; and a flint stone disposed in the sleeve. |
| US09328920B2 |
Use of contaminated low-rank coal for combustion
The present invention relates generally to processes for preparing an inorganic sodium and/or chlorine contaminated low-rank coal feedstock for combustion in a fluidized fuel combustor to generate steam and, desirably, co-generate electricity. |
| US09328912B2 |
Illuminating bar of soap
An illuminating bar of soap is disclosed that includes a shell, a light module, and a soap dispenser; wherein the light module comprises a sensor and at least one light source; whereas when the sensor senses a change in its surroundings, stability or a combination thereof, such as motion, temperature or light, the sensor triggers the light source to illuminate for a predetermined amount of time. |
| US09328908B2 |
LED strobe light with integrated magnet and heat sink chimney
A strobe light includes a base, a mounting post, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) lights, a lens, and a channel. The mounting post extends vertically from the base. The plurality of LED lights are mounted around a periphery of the mounting post. The lens is connected to the base and covers the mounting post and the plurality of LED lights. The channel extends through the base, mounting post and lens. Air flowing through the channel transfers heat generated by the plurality of LED lights out of the strobe light. |
| US09328902B2 |
Reflector for a lighting device and lighting device
A reflector (1; 31; 41) for a lighting device comprising: (13; 61; 62), at least one rear cutout (6) for a light source (20; 47; 56) in each case and at least one front-side reflector opening (8), wherein at least one spring element (10; 34; 45) is incorporated into the reflector (1; 31; 41). |
| US09328900B2 |
Packaged LED module
The invention relates to a packaged LED module (1) comprising a module (2) having at least one LED (3) arranged thereon, and a one-piece package (10, 100) having a receptacle for the module (2), a substantially optically transmissive region (11, 11a, 11b, 11c), which makes it possible to emit light from the LED (3) towards the outside, an opening (16) and potting blocking means (17). The package (10, 100) is embodied in such a way that a potting component is introduced via the opening (16) into the package (10, 100) equipped with the module (2). The introduced potting component forms a potting body (30), which completely fills the package (10, 100), excluding a region between the LED (3) and the substantially optically transmissive region (11, 11a, 11b, 11c) on account of the potting blocking means (17), and which connects the package (10, 100), the module (2) and connecting cables (20) that can be connected to the module (2) in an externally sealing manner. |
| US09328895B2 |
Illumination device
An illumination device including a base, at least one LED light source and a diffusing element is provided. The base has a supporting plane. The LED light source disposed on the supporting plane has a light emitting surface substantially parallel to the supporting plane. The diffusing element disposed on the supporting plane to cover the at least one LED light source. The diffusing element includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion located above the at least one LED light source. The second portion connected between the first portion and the base. An optical characteristic of the first portion is different from that of the second portion so that a non-continuous boundary is defined between the first portion and the second portion. |
| US09328894B2 |
Remote phosphor light engines and lamps
A light engine has a pillar with first and second ends; a circuit board on the first end of the pillar, a light source mounted on the circuit board encircling the pillar and facing towards the second end of the pillar, and a surface extending from the second end of the pillar, that surface and the exterior of the pillar between that surface and the circuit board being coated with a reflective remote phosphor that is excited by light from the light source. The light engine may be used in a light bulb, with a frosted globe enclosing the circuit board and mounted round the outer edge of the phosphor-coated surface, and an Edison screw or other standard base connected to the second end of the pillar. |
| US09328886B2 |
System and method for controlling head lamp for vehicle
A system and method for controlling a head lamp for a vehicle are provided. The system includes a first head lamp that is configured to block a part of a first light emitted from a first light source to form a first shaded line on a front road of a vehicle. In addition, a second head lamp is configured to block a part of a second light emitted from a second light source to form a second shaded line on the front road of the vehicle. |
| US09328885B2 |
Vehicle lighting unit
A vehicle lighting unit includes LEDs mounted on a substrate, and an elongated inner lens configured to receive light from the LEDs and guide the light along its lengthwise direction so as to emit light from its front surface. The inner lens includes a first light guiding section extending in the left-to-right direction and a second light guiding section extending in the vertical direction, and a bending section between the first and second light guiding sections. The bending section includes a first reflection surface and a second reflection surface. The first and second reflection surfaces internally reflect light toward the first and second light guiding sections, respectively. The LEDs include a first LED and a second LED, disposed in the rear of the first reflection surface and the second reflection surface, respectively. |
| US09328879B2 |
LED device and preparation method thereof
The present invention provides a light-emitting diode (LED) device and a method for manufacturing the same. The LED device comprises: a substrate (1); a chip (2) disposed on the substrate (1); and a first lens (3) disposed on the substrate (1) and spaced from the chip (2); wherein the first lens (3) comprises luminescent powder (7) and at least one of light-diffusing particles (8) and light-reflecting particles (10). The LED device provided by the present invention has a high luminous efficiency, and solves the problem in the prior art that the LED device has a small angle of emergence and the emergent light emergence lacks of uniformity. |
| US09328876B2 |
High efficiency LED lamp
A LED lamp includes a plurality of red LEDs and a plurality of blue LEDs, a phosphor covering at least the plurality of blue LEDs, where the lamp has an LPW of at least 200 in a steady state operation. |
| US09328875B2 |
Scalable laser with selectable divergence
A laser illuminator/pointer can have an array of diode lasers for providing laser beams. A beam shaping optic can shape each of the laser beams. A movable, substantially transparent window can be in a path of the laser beams. A plurality of diffusers can be disposed on the window and can be positioned to vary a divergence of at least one of the laser beams when the window is moved. |
| US09328873B2 |
Light bulb having light emitting diodes connected to at least two circuit boards
A light bulb includes a glass bulb having a top part and a bottom part which is connected to the top part. A light unit is located in a space defined between the top and bottom parts. The light unit has a transverse circuit board and at least one upright circuit board. Multiple Light Emitting Diodes are connected to the top surface and the bottom surface of the transverse circuit board. The at least one upright circuit board is connected to the top surface of the transverse circuit board. Multiple Light Emitting Diodes are connected to the outside surface of the at least one upright circuit board. The light beams from the Light Emitting Diodes go through the glass bulb and toward different directions. |
| US09328872B2 |
Multiple chemical supply line
A method of supplying multiple chemicals in a supply line. The method includes: supplying a first chemical to the supply line; and supplying a second chemical, different from the first chemical, to the supply line. The first and second chemicals are sequentially supplied as discrete slugs. |
| US09328870B2 |
Flow regulator for nitrogen purging, system and method
Flow regulator, system and method that allow regulation of gas flow, both during a purging operation such as to purge a line of oxygen, and during a brazing operation to maintain the line free or substantially free of oxygen during the brazing operation. The system includes a gas source, such as a nitrogen tank containing a source of nitrogen, a gas regulator in fluid communication with the gas source to regulate the delivery pressure from the gas source, and a flow regulator in fluid communication with the gas source to regulate the flow of gas during the purge and brazing operations. The flow regulator provides a visual indication that gas is flowing, and a visual indication of the particular flow rate of the flowing gas. |
| US09328865B2 |
Holder with handle for mobile computing device
A holder for a mobile computing device, such as a tablet computer or the like, can include a handle that is positioned laterally from a device space in which the mobile computing device is held within the holder. The handle can be angled relative to the mobile computing device and can have a fixed angle or adjustable angles. The holder can include two or more portions that are connectable in two or more different positions to hold the mobile computing device in at least two orientations, such as landscape and portrait orientations, and/or to accommodate devices of different sizes. In some configurations, the holder can incorporate a peripheral device. |
| US09328864B1 |
Carrier device for display device
A carrier device includes an attachment having a base member, a unidirectional bearing member engaged in the base member, a mounting seat having a coupler, and a shaft device attached to the coupler and engaged with the unidirectional bearing member for rotatably attaching the coupler and the mounting seat to the base member of the attachment, and the unidirectional bearing member is arranged to allow the shaft device and the coupler and the mounting seat to be rotated only upwardly relative to the base member. The coupler includes a space for forming two ears and for receiving the base member. The ears each include a recess communicating with the space of the coupler for engaging with the shaft device. |
| US09328863B2 |
Panel mount
This invention is a panel mount for non penetrative fastening of a panel (such as a glass pane). The panel mount has clamp jaws defining an elongate slot in which an edge of a panel can be received. A foot is provided for mounting and fastening the clamp jaws to a structure. At least one of the clamp jaws carries at least one threaded fastener that can be actuated by a user, including when the foot is fastened to the structure. The threaded fastener(s) of the at least one clamp jaw, in cooperation with the other clamping jaw, is capable of operatively clamping the panel to hold it in the slot, irrespective of any non-parallel disposition of the plane of the panel to the elongate direction of the slot. |
| US09328860B1 |
Mount for suspending and selectively positioning an object
A mount for supporting a gun, bow, or other object is provided. The mount includes a support for contacting a ground surface, a beam extending from the support and being pivotable relative thereto, and a first and second clamp assembly extending from the beam for clamping the object thereabout. |
| US09328859B2 |
Isocyanate-based polymer foam composite with improved thermal insulation properties
This invention relates to rigid isocyanate-based polymer foam and composites thereof comprising a carbon black component comprising at least 50 weight percent of a fluorinated carbon black. Said foam having improved thermal properties, specifically, rigid polyurethane and/or polyisocyanurate foams for use in said insulation applications. |
| US09328854B2 |
Solderless hose connection for a line section of an air conditioning system
A method for manufacturing a connection between a hose and coaxial line section is provided. The method includes providing an outer pipe, inserting an inner pipe along with a hose situated at least partially on an outer periphery of the inner pipe inside the outer pipe, and deforming the outer pipe, the inner pipe or both so that the hose becomes clamped between the inner pipe and outer pipe. A coaxial line section for a refrigerant circuit of a motor vehicle also is provided. |
| US09328845B1 |
Valve stem lock and methods of using same
Valve stem locks include a plug element and a sliding latch disposed in a hole of the plug element. The latch includes a hole and is biased toward the locked position. A key inserted in a hole in the plug element moves the latch from the locked position until the hole of the latch is in alignment with the key. The key is then inserted into the hole of the latch until a notch on the key engages a lower portion of the latch. As a result, the latch is prevented from returning to its locked position. To allow the latch to return to its locked position, the key is removed by rotating the key to disengage the notch from the lower portion of the latch and sliding the key from the hole in the latch. Removal of the key frees the latch to return to its locked position. |
| US09328843B2 |
Valve bonnet assembly
The valve bonnet assembly (1) includes a bonnet stem and a valve member supported on the stem. Rotation of the stem (16) axially moves the valve member (12) along the stem axis into and out of sealing engagement with a seat (11). The bonnet stem includes multiple start threads, and the thread pitch divided by a number of starting threads is greater than or equal to 6 and less than or equal to 9. |
| US09328840B2 |
Solenoid valve
A solenoid is operated so as to be switched between a closed valve state in which the valve element is brought into contact with the valve seat by application of a spring force and an open valve state in which an electric current is passed through a coil (16) and the valve element is separated from the valve seat by a magnetic force. A fixed iron core (15) has a U-shape, and magnetically-attracting surfaces (26) are provided on respective ends thereof. A resin case (17) into which the fixed iron core (15) and the coil (16) are incorporated is provided with a bottom surface (27) having openings through which the magnetically-attracting surfaces (26) are exposed to the outside. A case contact surface (51) protruding toward a movable element in comparison with the magnetically-attracting surfaces (26) is formed on the bottom surface (27) of the case (17). Resin films (52) are provided on the respective magnetically-attracting surfaces (26). |
| US09328838B2 |
Plug assembly for opening and closing a drain hole
A drain plug assembly that has particular application for sealing a drain hole in a battery compartment on a vehicle. The plug assembly includes a plug that inserted into the drain hole and a cover covering the plug. The plug assembly also includes a first shape memory alloy (SMA) wire having ends attached to the cover and a middle portion attached to the plug and a second SMA wire having ends attached to the cover and a middle portion attached to the plug. The plug assembly also includes a mechanical hinge attached to the plug and the cover, wherein the first SMA wire is actuated to flip the hinge to position the plug in a closed position to close the drain hole and the second SMA wire is actuated to flip the hinge to position the plug in an open position to open the drain hole. |
| US09328836B2 |
Pressure regulator valve seals, systems and methods
A pressure regulator valve has a housing that defines a fluid passage and a flat seat disposed around an opening of the fluid passage and exit ports. A pin with a raised conforming elastomeric embossment that contacts the seat when the valve is closed is axially disposed in the housing. The pin is biased to maintain the elastomeric embossment in contact with the seat to maintain the valve closed and control an opening pressure of the valve. Flow of fluid through and out of the pressure regulator valve housing is controlled through adjustment of a level of this biasing. The fluid flows across the flat seat and between the flat seat and the embossment when the valve is open in such a manner that the flow is generally laminar and such that the valve minimizes pressure gain at the onset of flow. |
| US09328834B2 |
Air valve connecting device
An air valve connecting device or attachment includes a housing having a tilted inner peripheral surface, a sliding member slidably engaged in the housing and having a pathway for receiving a pressurized air, a gripping device having two casing members slidably engaged with the tilted inner peripheral surface of the housing and having a passage formed in the casing members, and an inflation valve engageable into the passage of the casing members for moving the casing members into the housing and for allowing the casing members to be forced toward each other with the tilted inner peripheral surface of the housing and in order to grasp the inflation valve with the casing members. |
| US09328833B2 |
Relief valve for vehicle component
A vehicle component includes an opening that receives a plug. A relief valve is mounted to the plug and has at least one elongated passage extending through a flexible membrane that is movable between a venting position and a sealed position. |
| US09328832B2 |
Wheatstone bridge check valve arrangement
A device is disclosed that may include a spool valve having a first connector and a second connector and a spool movable for controlling flow between the first connector and the second connector, regardless of direction of flow through the spool valve. A pilot valve having an inlet and an outlet develops a command pressure. A feedback circuit having an inlet and an outlet develops a feedback pressure. The spool valve may be responsive to the command pressure and the feedback pressure. A fluid rectifier circuit is provided to connect the higher pressure of the first connector and second connector to the pilot valve inlet and feedback circuit inlet, and connect the other of the first connector and second connector to the pilot valve outlet and feedback circuit outlet. |
| US09328830B2 |
Residual pressure valve
A residual pressure valve configured to maintain a residual pressure within a pressure vessel to prevent contaminants or gaseous diluents from entering the vessel after it has been discharged/depressurized. In some embodiments, the residual pressure valve is situated between the pressure vessel and an upper seat of the regulator assembly and moves between an open position and a closed position to seal the pressure vessel from the upper seat of the regulator assembly when the pressure within the pressure vessel drops below a residual pressure level. |
| US09328828B1 |
Seat assembly for valve
A seat assembly for a valve includes an annular seat carrier with an annular sealant groove formed along an inner side. The seat carrier has at least one sealant injection port extending there through from an outer side and intersecting the sealant groove for injecting a sealant into the sealant groove. A sealant distribution member extends along the sealant groove to cooperate with the seat carrier to define an annular sealant flow path along the inner side of the seat carrier. The sealant distribution member has a plurality of openings formed there through to provide a plurality of fluid flow passageways from the sealant groove for injecting the sealant between the seat carrier and the valve member. |
| US09328827B2 |
Quarter turn ball valve with lift-off seats
A method and apparatus for controlling fluid flow with a quarter-turn ball valve with seats operated to lift off the sealing surface of the ball valve prior to ball rotation and to reseat upon completion of the ball rotation. One embodiment shown relates to a quarter-turn ball valve having a rotatable cam with an eccentric camming disk that engages a cam pocket in the ball seats to reciprocally lift off the sealing surface of the ball valve prior to ball rotation and to reseat upon completion of the ball rotation. An embodiment is also shown that provides filler pieces that restrict that flow around the ball valve whenever the ball seats are lifted off the surface of the ball valve. |
| US09328826B2 |
Fluid control valve and mass flow controller
In order to, in a short period of time, reduce to zero a measured flow rate value measured after fully closing a fluid control valve, the fluid control valve having a configuration suitable to decrease the inside volume of the fluid control valve is configured together with a valve element member, and a valve seat block provided with: an in-valve flow path that is formed inside of the valve seat block; and a valve seat surface that is brought into contact with or separated from a seating surface of the valve element member is provided with a cutout that is formed in a part of a protruded rim so as to be communicatively connected to a downstream side flow path. |
| US09328822B2 |
Parking brake system for a work vehicle
A parking brake system for a work vehicle may include an internal braking mechanism and an external brake actuator. The brake actuator may generally include a housing at least partially defining a rod-side chamber, a secondary chamber and a piston-side chamber extending between the rod-side and secondary chambers. The brake actuator may also include a primary piston movable between a first position at which the braking mechanism is actuated to an engaged state and a second position at which the braking mechanism is actuated to a disengaged state. In addition, the brake actuator may include a secondary piston at least partially housed within the secondary chamber that is configured to apply a force against the primary piston when fluid is supplied within the secondary chamber in order to move the primary piston from the first position to the second position. |
| US09328821B2 |
Hydrostatic drive system
A hydrostatic drive system for a machine is provided. The hydrostatic drive system includes a first hydraulic circuit, and a second hydraulic circuit. The first hydraulic circuit includes a first pump and a first hydraulic motor configured to selectively receive a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid from the first pump at a first pressure. The second hydraulic circuit includes a second pump and a second hydraulic motor configured to selectively receive the flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the second pump at a second pressure. The hydrostatic drive system further includes a controller configured to maintain a pressure balance between the first and the second hydraulic circuits based on a difference between the first pressure and the second pressure. |
| US09328817B2 |
Drive device for construction machine
A drive device for a construction machine includes a speed reduction unit reducing speed of rotational force output from a motor, the speed reduction unit has a gear mechanism provided in a casing and reducing the speed of the rotational force output from the motor, and an oil receiver arranged above the gear mechanism in the casing, the oil receiver forms a main storage space for storing the lubricant oil, and is arranged in the casing such that an oil passage for guiding a rising lubricant oil to the main storage space is formed between an outer surface of the oil receiver and an inner wall surface of the casing, the oil receiver is provided with an oil drain opening, the oil drain opening designed to gradually discharge the lubricant oil stored in the main storage space toward the gear mechanism through the oil drain opening. |
| US09328806B2 |
Structure of power transmission apparatus
A power transmission system transmits power from a drive shaft of an internal combustion engine to a first and a second auxiliary device through a belt. An auto-tensioner extends or contracts to change the tension of the belt. A controller rotates the first auxiliary device in a reverse direction to loosen the belt to cause the auto-tensioner to extend to increase the tension of the belt and calculates a reversing timing when the drive shaft will be reversed as a result of increasing of the tension of the belt. The controller inhibits the tensioner body from contracting immediately before or when the reversing time is reached to keep the tension of the belt at an increased degree, thereby eliminating the slippage of the belt on each pulley without having to finely control the operation of the first auxiliary device when the internal combustion engine is started. |
| US09328799B2 |
Multi-purpose adjustable retaining device
A multi-purpose adjustable retaining device is disclosed. In one embodiment, a cord having two ends is provided that is composed of an elastomeric material configured to deform elastically upon elongation. Each of ends of the cord are threaded through a cord stop, which permits the length of each end to be adjusted, with any spare cord forming a loop extending from a side of the cord stop opposite the two ends. Suspension clips are respectively slidably connected to each end of the cord in order to grip a material. |
| US09328797B2 |
Damper
A module flexible ligament damper includes an cylindrical inner structure with a central axis and an outer cylindrical surface. An outer casing with an inner cylindrical surface is positioned around the inner structure. A modular ligament with an inner flange and an outer flange connected by a web is positioned between the inner structure and the casing. The inner flange is connected to the inner structure and the outer flange is connected to the casing to support the inner structure within the casing, and to permit free orbital movement of the inner structure on a plane perpendicular to the axis of the inner structure. In one embodiment, the web is straight but does not intersect the axis of the inner structure for flexing in a radial direction. In other embodiments, the web is curved for radial flexing. |
| US09328794B2 |
Hydraulically damped drive train mounts
A hydraulically drive train mount (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, includes a mount housing (2) in which an elastic mount body (3) is arranged in a partially movable manner. The elastic mount body at least partially encloses a first fluid chamber (4) and has a fluid-filled equalization chamber (6) sealed by a sealing element (5) that can be moved in the mount housing (2). A membrane (7) arranged in the mount housing (2) separates the first fluid chamber (4) from the equalization chamber (6). The pressure in the equalization chamber (6) can be adjusted by the sealing element (5) that is formed as an axially movable piston (8). |
| US09328793B2 |
Bicycle with suspension
A bicycle can include a suspension system with a shock absorber. The shock absorber can have a sag position which can be adjustable. Sag refers to the amount of movement experienced by the suspension under a static load, such as that of the weight of a rider. Methods and systems to set sag can include at least one valve in fluid communication with a gas chamber of the shock absorber. In some embodiments, the at least one valve can be used to automatically set the sag position based on an individual's weight and riding position. |
| US09328789B2 |
Vibration damping device for railway vehicle
A vibration damping device for railway vehicle includes an actuator and a damper circuit that causes the actuator to function as a damper. The actuator includes a cylinder coupled to a truck of a railway vehicle, a piston, a rod coupled to the piston and a body, a rod-side chamber and a piston-side chamber inside the cylinder, a first on-off valve for a first passage that communicates between a rod-side chamber and a piston-side chamber, a second on-off valve for a second passage that communicates between the piston-side chamber and a tank, and a pump that supplies a hydraulic fluid into the rod-side chamber. The hydraulic fluid has such kinematic viscosity-temperature characteristics that a kinematic viscosity of the hydraulic fluid ranges from 7 mm2/s to 50 mm2/s in a temperature range of from 20° C. to 60° C. |
| US09328787B2 |
Rubber stopper
A damper for damping vibrations between a support and a device mounted on the same includes two elastic elements which can be attached to the support by means of a bolt and a securement means. The damper should be suitable for different material thicknesses of the support. This is achieved in that a step is constructed on an outer periphery of a first element, wherein a smaller cross-section formed by the step corresponds to the cross-section of an opening in the support which is functionally assigned thereto, and the part having the smaller cross-section is longer than a thickness of the support, and in that a bore hole is included in an end face of a second element, wherein the cross-section of the bore hole corresponds to that of the opening. |
| US09328786B2 |
Parking brake device
A parking brake device according to the present invention comprises a housing unit; a bolt screw configured to be included in the housing unit, and rotate due to an actuation of a driving unit; and a nut screw configured to engage with the blot screw which is passed through the nut screw. |
| US09328785B2 |
Tensioned brake pad
A brake caliper assembly comprising a housing including inlet and outlet ends collectively defining forward and rearward directions. The housing includes an abutting surface facing in the rearward direction and positioned closer to the inlet end than to the outlet end. A pad assembly includes an engaging surface in engagement with the abutting surface to thereby substantially prevent movement of the pad assembly in the forward direction. The outlet end of the housing is free from a feature that substantially prevents movement of the pad assembly in the forward direction. The pad assembly includes a base and a projection extending from the base in the rearward direction and defining the engaging surface. The outlet end of the pad assembly can include an alignment member extending in the forward direction and engaging the housing in a direction substantially perpendicular to the forward direction. |
| US09328784B2 |
Supporting and braking assembly for a motor vehicle wheel
A supporting and braking assembly for a motor vehicle wheel has a supporting member, defined by a single piece adapted to be coupled to a suspension of the motor vehicle and provided with a central portion coupled to a rotating hub by means of a bearing. The supporting member is also provided with two arms which extend in cantilevered manner from the central portion in essentially radial directions and support respective studs, to which a floating caliper is slidingly coupled. The caliper is arranged straddling a brake disc, fixed and coaxial with respect to the hub, and supports two brake pads arranged on opposite sides of the brake disc. At least one of the studs is sized so as to transfer the tangential loads caused by braking from the caliper directly onto the corresponding arm. |
| US09328777B2 |
Clutch and corresponding motor vehicle
A clutch, in particular for a motor vehicle, for transmitting torque from an input shaft to an output shaft, includes a wet chamber which is at least partially filled with a cooling medium, and at least one piston, the piston and a component located opposite the piston being rotatable around an axis, and the piston being movable in the direction of the axis to disengage and engage the clutch, is characterized in that on at least one of the following elements:a) the piston andb) the component located opposite the pistonon a side facing the other element, at least one web is formed, which extends in the direction of the axis in the direction of the other component, and whose path has at least one radial part in reference to the axis. |
| US09328771B2 |
Hub bearing unit equipped with a low friction sealing assembly
An assembly providing a first annular shield including a sleeve portion integral with a rotating member and with a flange portion, which radially extends to protrude from the first sleeve portion; a second annular shield having a sleeve portion integral with a stationary member and with a flange portion that radially extends to protrude on the opposite side of the sleeve portion of the first shield and facing the flange portion; and an annular seal, which the flange portion of the first shield ends with an L-shaped annular portion that protrudingly radially and axially extends out of an annular gap delimited between the rotating and stationary members to define an L-shaped channel in radial section having constant width and forming a first labyrinth seal; the channel leads into an annular recess, delimited between the second shield and a first lip of the annular seal without contacting the first shield. |
| US09328767B2 |
Bearing assembly
A bearing assembly includes first and second rolling-element bearings each having an inner ring with a running surface for rolling elements and a guide flange that extends radially outwardly beyond the running surface for limiting axial movement of the rolling elements. The inner rings are configured such that they are in contact with each other exclusively within a contact surface diameter that is smaller than an average value of a maximum diameter of the running surface of one of the inner rings and a maximum outer diameter of that inner ring. The guide flanges are disposed on sides of the inner ring of the first rolling-element bearing and of the second rolling-element bearing that face each other axially. |
| US09328764B2 |
Fastening system including removable stud and retaining plate
A fastening system includes a removable stud and a retaining plate. The removable stud includes a threaded portion configured to be removably threaded into a threaded bore of a housing, a shank portion arranged coaxially with the threaded portion and configured to be inserted through a bore of a housing of a line replaceable component, and an anti-rotation portion disposed between the threaded portion and the shank portion. The retaining plate is configured to be mounted between the housing and the line replaceable component. The retaining plate includes a mating hole configured to mate with the anti-rotation portion of the removable stud. |
| US09328761B2 |
Fastener
An improved fastener comprising: a screw element (1) and a cover member (11). The screw element (1) comprising a shank member (2) having comprising a piercing tip (6) at a first end of the shank member and a head (7) at a second end of the shank member. The head of the screw comprising a first recess (9) for releasably engaging an instrument of rotation and a second recess (10) extending from the first recess into the shank member for releasably engaging a shank portion (14) of a cover member (11). The cover member (11) comprising a capping portion (12) having a first face (13), a second face (17) and a shank portion (14) extending substantially orthogonally from the first face (13) of the capping portion (12), the shank portion (14) being releasably engagable with the second recess (10) of the screw element (1). |
| US09328759B2 |
Fastening clip
In a fastening clip (10), in particular for a lining part (12) of a vehicle, including a base body (16) which has a retaining portion (20) for the lining part (12) and a fastening portion (22) provided thereon, which can be inserted into an opening (24) of a vehicle-fixed component (14), in particular of a vehicle body part, and which can latch therein, the fastening portion (22) includes at least two flexible latching wings (48) each held on a flexible web (40), the webs (40) being spaced apart from each other, and the latching wings (48) extending from the webs (40) away from each other, and a flexible connecting element (42) connecting the webs (40) on the entire length to each other being provided between the webs (40). |
| US09328755B2 |
Extension pole mechanism for paint roller
An extendable pole mechanism may be used with a pair of poles that are longitudinally movable to adjust the overall length of both poles. The mechanism may include a housing that receives the poles and a trigger that is moveable with respect to the housing to adjust the mechanism between a use condition, where the poles are held in a longitudinally relative fixed position, and an adjustment condition, where the poles are longitudinally moveable with respect to each other. |
| US09328748B2 |
Hydraulic excavator
A hydraulic excavator is provided which can allow the cooling device to be arranged in proximity to a rear wall of a cab. The rear wall of the cab has an upright wall part extending in the vertical direction and an inclined wall part inclined to the rear upper side with respect to the upright wall part. The outer surface of an oil cooler has a front surface facing the upright wall part and extending in the vertical direction and an inclined surface inclined to the rear upper side with respect to the front surface. The upper edge of the front surface is arranged below the height position of the other edge of the inclined wall part. An angle formed by the upright wall part and the inclined wall part is more than or equal to an angle formed by the front surface and the inclined surface. |
| US09328747B2 |
Servo actuator load vector generating system
A servo actuator system and method of operating the same includes a dual acting actuator comprising an actuator body and a movable member movable in the actuator body to define a first and second chamber on each side of the movable member. A first port is fluidly coupled to the first chamber and a second port is fluidly coupled to the second chamber. A fluid pump having a return is provided. A proportional valve assembly is fluidly coupled to the fluid pump, return and the first and second ports. The proportional valve assembly includes a plurality of metering orifices. A controller is operably coupled to the proportional valve assembly to control the plurality of metering orifices to generate a load vector having magnitude and direction and wherein an actual position of a movable member in an actuator body is indeterminate. |
| US09328740B2 |
Fan assembly with retaining module
A fan assembly includes a fan, a bracket, and a retaining member. The fan defines a locking hole. A bracket receives the fan. The bracket includes a mounting wall. The retaining member includes a base panel and a mounting portion. The mounting portion includes a mounting tab extending from the base panel and a mounting protrusion extending from the mounting tab. The mounting protrusion extends through the mounting wall and inclining resists an inner side of the locking hole to prevent the fan from moving along a first direction substantially parallel to the mounting wall. |
| US09328736B2 |
Motor pump bearing
A bearing that is used in a motor pump in which a liquid is, not only pumped by means of an impeller driven by the pump, but also is used to lubricate components of the motor pump including the motor pump shaft. The bearing is for supporting the shaft at at least one location of the shaft. The bearing is constructed of a bronze material having added thereto a small amount of graphite, preferably around 2.5%. |
| US09328734B2 |
Seal plate
A seal plate for an air cycle machine includes a substantially disk-shaped body having a first side configured to be coupled to a compressor housing of the air cycle machine and a second side configured to be coupled to a turbine housing of the air cycle machine. The seal plate also includes a timing pin slot configured to align the first side of the seal plate with the compressor housing. The seal plate further includes a plurality of fastener holes distributed radially in an asymmetric pattern. The plurality of fastener holes includes an alignment fastener hole configured to align the second side of the seal plate with the turbine housing. An angular offset between the alignment fastener hole and the timing pin slot is about 38.45 degrees. |
| US09328732B2 |
Automatic compensation mechanism for hinge seal gap in spherical compressor
Disclosed is an automatic compensation mechanism for a hinge seal gap in a spherical compressor. A cylindrical hinge formed around a central pin (1), a rotating disk pin seat (81), and a piston pin seat (16) of the spherical compressor. A fan-shaped insert (14) thicker at both sides and thinner in the center thereof is disposed at the bottom of a sump (161) on the pin seat of the cylindrical hinge. The shape of the insert (14) marches the shapes of the sump (161) and of the external cylindrical surface of a semi-cylinder (811) on the pin seat of the cylindrical hinge respectively, forming a dynamic seal fit, thus improving the reliability of the seal, adapting to mass production, and enhancing overall performance. |
| US09328730B2 |
Angular synchronization of stationary and orbiting plate scroll blades in a scroll pump using a metallic bellows
Parts of a pump head of a scroll pump facilitate an assembly process in which the stationary and orbiting scroll blades of the pump are angularly aligned or synchronized with one another. A metallic bellows of the pump head provides a primary means of synchronizing the stationary and orbiting scroll blades. The assembly process may be carried out using a fixture configured to be mountable to an assemblage including the bellows and the orbiting plate scroll. The fixture has a reference feature, and the orbiting plate scroll or the frame has another reference feature that can be aligned with the reference feature of the fixture, in the circumferential direction of the bellows, during the course of the assembly process. |
| US09328729B2 |
Pumping systems with dedicated surge dampeners
A drilling fluid pumping system including a pump apparatus with a pumping chamber having an inlet valve and an outlet valve and a dampener system in fluid communication with the pumping chamber for damping the flow of fluid, e.g. drilling fluid, This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C. F. R. 1.72(b). |
| US09328726B2 |
Sliding guide for a peristaltic pump
A peristaltic pump that includes an assembly including a rotor configured to compress a hose/tube being positioned on a pump cavity inner perimeter and an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the compression force imposed on the hose/tube. The adjustment mechanism includes a gear unit and a counterpart for the gear unit. The counterpart is operatively coupled to the rotor, wherein the gear unit in cooperation with the counterpart is configured to adjust a gap between the rotor outer surface and the pump cavity inner perimeter. The assembly is fixed to a sliding guide that is configured to support the hose/tube. |
| US09328719B2 |
Method of calculating available output power of wind farm
A method of calculating available output power of wind farm includes following steps. A space vector Vk is obtained by decomposing a power sequence of benchmarking wind turbines in a wind farm based on empirical orthogonal function. A typical power sequence of the benchmarking wind turbines is calculated by restoring the space vector Vk. A total power Ptotal of a feeder on which the benchmarking wind turbines is operated is obtained by enlarging a typical power of each benchmarking wind turbine in proportion according to the quantity of the benchmarking wind turbines operated on the feeder. An output power Pestimate of the wind farm is obtained by accumulating the total power Ptotal of all the benchmarking wind turbines. |
| US09328716B2 |
Direct-drive wind turbine
A direct-drive wind turbine comprising an external rotor having an external anular body and a stator, a nacelle which is mounted on an upper part of a tower and which houses a shaft-holder mechanism for supporting the horizontal shaft, a plurality of blade-holder structures arranged equidistantly on external peripheral portions of the external anular body, and a blade root connected to the blade-holder structure, said turbine also including a distal end part connected to the blade root, a lateral hatch for accessing an internal chamber in the blade ender and a door for closing the hatch. |
| US09328714B2 |
Hydroelectric power generating apparatus without dam
Various examples provide a large scale hydroelectric power generating apparatus without dam, which includes a base and a turbine frame mounted on the base; a turbine shaft mounted within the turbine frame, connected to at least one generator, a first support assembly and a second support assembly mounted within the turbine frame for fixing the turbine shaft; hydraulic mechanisms having at least one layer of vanes mounted on the turbine shaft, each of the hydraulic mechanisms including a vane frame, multiple vane shafts mounted within the vane frame, and multiple vanes with the vane shafts as rotating axis; and vane stoppers mounted on the vane frame or on the vane shafts for controlling an opening angle of each of the vanes. |
| US09328713B2 |
Turbine apparatus and methods
Turbines and methods for their use, for generating power utilizing the flow of water or other fluids. In certain embodiments, turbines with helical blades oriented to efficiently intercept off axis or angular fluid flow, such as presented by whirlpool water flow patterns. In certain preferred embodiments, turbines having helical blades with major blade surfaces oriented to take advantage of whirlpool or circular-angle flow patterns, depending on geographic location of installation in the northern or southern hemisphere. In still other embodiments, turbines in which the pitch of rotor and/or helical blade surfaces is variable. |
| US09328712B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine
Provided is a control device for an internal combustion engine, employing a microprocessor to control a load other than an ignition device, the control device being provided to an internal combustion engine in which is installed a magnet generator that has a magneto coil for successively generating, in association with revolution of the internal combustion engine, a first half wave voltage, a second half wave voltage of different polarity than the first half wave voltage, and a third half wave voltage of identical polarity to the first half wave voltage; and the magnet generator employing the second half wave voltage to drive the ignition device. The device is provided with an electricity storage element which draws excess power from the output that is output by the magnet generator for the purpose of driving the ignition device, and which is charged by the first and second half wave voltages, as well as being charged by the second half wave voltage as well at times that the internal combustion engine is in the exhaust stroke, in order to supply power to the load and to the microprocessor. The power source circuit is constituted to use the energy stored in this electricity storage element to generate power source voltage for presentation to the microprocessor and to the load other than an ignition device. |
| US09328711B2 |
Control unit for vehicle
In a control unit for a vehicle, a redundancy circuit includes a main power source line, a back-up power source line, and a diode. The back-up power source line performs a voltage compensation operation when a voltage of the main power source line is lower than a predetermined voltage. The back-up power source line is turned on when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the main power source line is turned on. The back-up power source line is turned off when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the main power source line is turned off. The diode is disposed on the back-up power source line. The fault detector detects an open fault of the diode when a voltage of a cathode of the diode is lower than a predetermined threshold within the predetermined period of time after the main power source line is turned off. |
| US09328708B2 |
Fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, comprising a presupply pump (1) and a downstream high-pressure pump (7), which is connected to a high-pressure accumulator (9) and wherein the high pressure accumulator (9) is operatively connected to at least one fuel injector (10). According to the invention, a fuel injection system is provided and a method for operating such a fuel system is described which avoids the disadvantage of a slow pressure build-up in the high-pressure accumulator (9) and rather allows a rapid start of the internal combustion engine. This is achieved in that the presupply pump (1) is designed to generate a delivery pressure by which a fuel injection by means of the fuel injector (10) is effected, at least in a defined operating state of the internal combustion engine. At the delivery pressure generated by the presupply pump (1), the fuel injector is prompted to open by a control device. A corresponding method for operating the fuel injection system provides for the presupply pump (1) to be operated in a starting operating mode until the internal combustion engine has been started, and after the internal combustion engine has been started to be operated in a presupply operating mode. |
| US09328706B2 |
Fuel injector
A fuel injector has a cylindrical nozzle body, a nozzle needle, a pressure chamber and an injection passage. The injection passage includes a first hole and a second hole. A minimum vertical distance between an outer periphery of a first nozzle hole outlet and a contact point relative to an axial center line of the first hole is defined as a vertical distance R. A minimum axial distance between the first nozzle hole outlet and the contact point relative to an axial center line of the first hole is defined as an axial distance L. An angle between the axial center line of the first nozzle hole and the outer periphery line of the fuel spray is defined as an injection angle θ. The vertical distance R, the axial distance L and the injection angle θ satisfy a formula: R/(L×tan θ)>6.0. |
| US09328702B2 |
Multiple tap aspirator
Systems and methods are provided for engine systems including a vacuum-powered multiple tap aspirator coupled between atmospheric, an engine crankcase, or another source and a vacuum source such as a compressor inlet or engine intake manifold. The multiple tap aspirator includes a suction tap arranged in a throat of the aspirator, a suction tap arranged in a diverging cone of the aspirator, and a suction tap arranged in a straight exit tube downstream of the diverging cone of the aspirator. The aspirator provides vacuum generation and suction flow over a range of vacuum levels at the suction taps, and suction flow only passes through a single check valve before entering the aspirator. |
| US09328695B2 |
Variable fan nozzle using shape memory material
A gas turbine engine (10) includes a fan (14), a nacelle (28) arranged about the fan, and an engine core at least partially within the nacelle. A fan bypass passage (30) downstream of the fan between the nacelle and the gas turbine engine conveys a bypass airflow (1) from the fan. A nozzle (40) associated with the fan bypass passage is operative to control the bypass airflow. The nozzle includes a shape memory material having a first solid state phase that corresponds to a first nozzle position and a second solid state phase that corresponds to a second nozzle position. |
| US09328689B2 |
Method for the open-loop control and closed-loop control of an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a method for the open-loop control and the closed-loop control of an internal combustion engine (1), the rail pressure (pCR) being controlled in the normal operating state in a closed loop control mode via an intake throttle (4) on the lower pressure side as the first pressure control member in a rail pressure control loop and at the same time a rail pressure disturbance variable being applied to the rail pressure (pCR) via a pressure control valve (12) on the high pressure side as the second pressure control member. For this purpose, a pressure control valve volume flow (VDRV) is redirected from the rail (6) to a fuel tank (2) via the pressure control valve (12) on the high pressure side, and an emergency operation mode is activated once a defective rail pressure sensor (9) is detected, in which emergency operation the pressure control valve (12) on the high pressure side and the intake throttle (4) on the low pressure side are actuated depending on the same set point value. |
| US09328684B2 |
Methods and systems for an intake oxygen sensor
Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a reference voltage for an intake manifold oxygen sensor based on ingestion of hydrocarbons from a fuel system canister and/or an engine crankcase. During conditions when purge or crankcase ventilation hydrocarbons are ingested in the intake aircharge, the intake oxygen sensor is transitioned from operating at a lower reference voltage to a higher reference voltage where the effects of the ingested hydrocarbons on the sensor output are nullified. An EGR dilution of the intake aircharge is estimated based on the output of the sensor at the higher reference voltage while an amount of hydrocarbons ingested is estimated based on a difference between sensor outputs at the higher and lower reference voltages. |
| US09328683B2 |
Electronically controlled diesel engine
An object is to provide an electronically controlled diesel engine capable of inhibiting the drastic increase of the fuel injection quantity from the fuel injection quantity before acceleration without the measurement of the relation between the number of revolutions of an engine, boost pressure, and the upper smoke limit of the fuel injection quantity. An electronically controlled diesel engine includes an judge part of an acceleration (64) that judges whether a control of acceleration is finished or not based on a difference between a target number of revolutions of the engine (Nset) and an actual number of revolutions of the engine (Ne). The electronically controlled diesel engine includes that the calculate part of a third upper limit of a fuel injection quantity (73) that is included in the calculate part of the upper limit of the fuel injection quantity (65) that sets an initial upper limit of a fuel injection quantity (Q0) to a bigger injection quantity either of an injection quantity at the time of the judgment and a limit of a injection quantity based on the actual number of revolutions of the engine (Ne) at the time of the judgment when the judge part of an acceleration (64) determines that the condition of acceleration in the low speed area are satisfied and recover the limit value to the normal limit value until the judgment means of cancel of acceleration in the low speed area determines that the condition of cancel of acceleration in the low speed area are satisfied. |
| US09328681B2 |
Control apparatus for internal combustion engine
A control apparatus for a multicylinder internal combustion engine includes: a detection portion that detects a parameter that represents degree of variation in air/fuel ratio among cylinders; a measurement portion that measures stored oxygen amount of a catalyst provided in an exhaust passageway of the internal combustion engine; and a rich-control portion that switches between execution and stop of a rich control for enriching the air/fuel ratio according to the stored oxygen amount measured by the measurement portion when the parameter detected by the detection portion is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. |
| US09328677B2 |
Usage strategy for mixed gasoline and CNG fueled vehicles
A method for an engine, comprising: responsive to a pressure in a fuel tank being below a pressure threshold, injecting only a liquid fuel into an engine cylinder, the fuel tank storing the liquid fuel and a pressurized gaseous fuel partially dissolved in the liquid fuel. In this way, the pressurized gaseous fuel may be conserved, thus maintaining a pressure gradient within the fuel system and allowing for judicious use of the pressurized gaseous fuel, for example during cold start conditions. |
| US09328675B2 |
Method for influencing the thermal balance of an internal combustion engine
A method for reducing the thermal load of an internal combustion engine without substantially reducing its power output is described. The method includes adjusting an engine air-fuel ratio responsive to one or more of a charge air over-temperature, a coolant over-temperature and an engine efficiency parameter. |
| US09328671B2 |
Airflow control systems and methods using model predictive control
A torque requesting module generates a first torque request for a spark ignition engine based on driver input. A torque conversion module converts the first torque request into a second torque request. A setpoint control module generates setpoints for the spark ignition engine based on the second torque request. A vacuum requesting module requests an amount of vacuum within an intake manifold of the engine. The setpoint module selectively adjusts at least one of the setpoints based on the amount of vacuum requested. A model predictive control (MPC) module: identifies sets of possible target values based on the setpoints; generates predicted parameters based on a model of the spark ignition engine and the sets of possible target values, respectively; selects one of the sets of possible target values based on the predicted parameters; and sets target values based on the possible target values of the selected one of the sets. |
| US09328670B2 |
Automated tuning of gas turbine combustion systems
A system for tuning the operation of a gas turbine is provided based on measuring operational parameters of the turbine and directing adjustment of operational controls for various operational elements of the turbine. A controller is provided for communicating with sensors and controls within the system. The controller receiving operational data from the sensors and comparing the data to stored operational standards to determining if turbine operation conforms to the standards. The controller then communicates selected adjustment in an operational parameter of the turbine. The controller then receives additional operational data from the sensors to determine if an additional adjustment is desired or is adjustment is desired of a further selected operational parameter. |
| US09328668B2 |
Combined cycle power plant black start method where steam turbine provides increase in demanded load
A reliable and flexible black start network restoration for a combined cycle power plant can be achieved by synchronizing a steam turbine and ramping that steam turbine up to an operating point where a maximum power increase is achieved. The resulting steam turbine load change can be compensated by the gas turbine. The increase in the demanded load can be provided by the steam turbine. The load of the steam turbine can also be gradually reduced to increase its load-increasing capacity. |
| US09328667B2 |
Systems and methods for changing a speed of a compressor boost stage in a gas turbine
Systems and methods for changing a speed ratio between a compressor boost stage (12) and at least one power turbine (16) of a gas turbine engine (10) are described. Such a system may comprise a coupling device (20) configured to selectively transmit energy from the at least one power turbine (16) to the boost stage (12) according to at least a first speed ratio and a second speed ratio. The system may also comprise an auxiliary power device (22, 26) configured to cause a rotational speed of the boost stage (12) to change from a first speed corresponding substantially to the first speed ratio to a second speed corresponding substantially to the second speed ratio when the boost stage (12) is decoupled from the at least one power turbine (16). |
| US09328665B2 |
Gas-turbine combustion chamber with mixing air orifices and chutes in modular design
The present invention relates to a gas-turbine combustion chamber with mixing air orifices, with a combustion chamber wall, with tiles arranged on the inside of the combustion chamber wall at a certain distance from said combustion chamber wall as well as with mixing air orifices passing through the combustion chamber wall and the tiles, characterized in that the mixing air orifices are formed by chutes which are designed tube-like and pass through the tiles, and that several chutes are formed on a mixing air wall element extending at least around part of the circumference of the combustion chamber. |
| US09328663B2 |
Gas turbine engine and method of operating thereof
A gas turbine engine and method for operating a gas turbine engine includes compressing an air stream in a compressor and generating a post combustion gas by combusting a compressed air stream exiting from the compressor in a combustor. The post combustion gas is expanded in a first turbine. The expanded combustion gas exiting from the first turbine is split into a first stream, a second stream and a third stream. The first stream of the expanded combustion gas is combusted in a reheat combustor. An outer liner and flame stabilizer of the reheat combustor are cooled using the second stream of the expanded combustion gas. An inner liner of the reheat combustor is cooled using the third stream of the expanded combustion gas and a portion of the second stream of the expanded combustion gas passing through the one or more flame stabilizers. |
| US09328662B2 |
Gas turbine engine nacelle having a symmetric flowpath
An initial geometry for a nacelle provides an intake at the upstream end of the nacelle and an exhaust at the downstream end of the nacelle. The intake has in flow series, an intake lip and a diffuser. The intake lip has a highlight defining the boundary between the inner and outer surfaces of the intake lip. On all longitudinal sections containing the axis of the engine (i) the inner and outer surfaces are tangency matched at the highlight, and (ii) the inner and outer surfaces have their maximum curvatures at the highlight. |
| US09328661B2 |
Apparatus for aircraft with high peak power equipment
An apparatus is provided for supplying electrical power and cooling for an aircraft. The apparatus includes a cooling turbine coupled to a shaft, a compressor coupled to the shaft, and including an input for receiving engine bleed air or ambient air, and an output for discharging compressed air, a flywheel coupled to the shaft, a power turbine coupled to the shaft, and a starter generator coupled to the shaft between the compressor and the power turbine. |
| US09328660B2 |
Gradual oxidation and multiple flow paths
Described herein are embodiments of systems and methods for oxidizing gases. In some embodiments, a reaction chamber is configured to receive a fuel gas and maintain the gas at a temperature within the reaction chamber that is above an autoignition temperature of the gas. The reaction chamber may also be configured to maintain a reaction temperature within the reaction chamber below a flameout temperature. In some embodiments, heat and product gases from the oxidation process can be used, for example, to drive a turbine, reciprocating engine, and injected back into the reaction chamber. |
| US09328653B2 |
Intercooler
The invention relates to an intercooler for a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine that is supercharged in steps. In this case, the intercooler has an air outlet opening as well as two air inlet openings, a heat exchanger module being associated with each air inlet opening. Air channels of the two heat exchanger modules are ultimately brought together in an air box of the intercooler, which is connected to the air outlet opening. It is thus made possible to bring together compressed charging air from two supercharging assemblies only in the area of the intercooler. To improve the pressure ratios during operation of only one supercharging assembly, a non-return valve is provided in an air channel. Thus, a module for separately bringing the airways together can be eliminated, thereby reducing the installation space requirement. |
| US09328650B2 |
Engine cooling system
An engine cooling system may include a housing forming an enclosed duct having an air intake opening, an air intake door, an exhaust opening, and an exhaust door; at least one heat exchanger positioned within the duct such that ambient air entering the air intake opening flows through the duct to contact the at least one heat exchanger and exits the duct through the exhaust opening; and a controller connected to vary a degree that one or both of the air intake door and exhaust door is open to modulate a mass flow rate of ambient air contacting the at least one heat exchanger to vary a heat transfer from the at least one heat exchanger to the ambient air in the duct to maintain a temperature of a fluid within the at least one heat exchanger within a preferred temperature range. |
| US09328648B2 |
Protective shield to reduce exhaust soot and condensate deposition
An exhaust assembly is provided that includes an exhaust pipe extending rearward from a vehicle into an exhaust passage, and a fascia coupled to the vehicle defining the exhaust passage. The exhaust assembly further includes a bezel defining an exhaust opening substantially aligned with the pipe, and a sleeve configured within the exhaust opening. The sleeve extends rearward to at least the rearmost portion of the exhaust opening and substantially parallel to an exit portion of the pipe. The exhaust opening may further define an exhaust plane tangent to rearmost portion of the bezel, and the sleeve may extend at least to this plane. An upper sleeve may also be configured to extend at least to a line tangent to the rearmost surfaces of an upper bezel and perpendicular to the upper sleeve. |
| US09328643B2 |
Selective catalytic reduction system
A selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system that can prevent fixation of urea solution to an interior of a dosing valve when the urea solution is not injected through the dosing valve. An SCR system closes a dosing valve when the exhaust gas temperature is lower than a temperature at which an SCR catalyst becomes active and is provided with a fixation prevention system that opens the dosing valve and controls a supply module to feed the urea solution in the dosing valve back to a urea tank to prevent fixation of the urea solution to the interior of the dosing valve, when the exhaust gas temperature is equal to or higher than a temperature at which the urea solution crystallizes and lower than the temperature at which the SCR catalyst becomes active. |
| US09328642B2 |
Internal combustion engine with selective catalytic converter for the reduction of nitrogen oxides and method for operating an internal combustion engine of said type
An internal combustion engine comprising a turbocharger wherein a bypass line in an exhaust gas discharge system delivers an aqueous urea reductant to an at least one SCR catalyst and a method to maintain the reductant at a desired temperature to maximize its conversion to ammonia and optimize the reduction of NOx in the SCR. |
| US09328641B2 |
Power management system that includes a wet exhaust system
Some embodiments relate to a catalytic assembly for an engine. The catalytic assembly includes a cooling housing that receives a coolant (e.g., seawater). A catalyst housing is disposed within the cooling housing such that the coolant flows between the catalyst housing and the cooling housing. A catalyst substrate is positioned within the catalyst housing such that exhaust gases from the engine flows through the catalyst substrate. The catalyst substrate serves to covert harmful emissions found in the exhaust gases to less harmful emissions. The catalyst housing includes a first fitting and cooling housing includes a second fitting that mates with the first fitting to prevent rotation of the catalyst housing relative to the cooling housing. |
| US09328639B2 |
Regeneration system to regenerate a particulate filter based on code clear diagnostic signal
An exhaust treatment system includes a particulate filter having a filter substrate configured to trap soot contained in exhaust gas. A regeneration system is configured to perform a regeneration operation that regenerates the particulate filter by burning away soot stored in the filter substrate. A control module is in electrical communication with the regeneration system to generate a first control signal that initiates the regeneration operation based on a comparison between at least one operating condition of the exhaust treatment system and a threshold value. The control module generates a second control signal in response to detecting at least one diagnostic signal. The second control signal initiates the regeneration operation independently of the comparison. |
| US09328636B2 |
Oil pressure control valve and valve timing controller
A supply oil passage is defined in a sleeve and communicates to a feed port to which oil is supplied. A valve object is able to be seated on or separated from a valve seat defined on an inner wall of the supply oil passage. A guide wall is defined by an inner wall of the sleeve, and the valve seat is located between the feed port and the guide wall. A forward flow port extends from the guide wall to an oil passage of an attachment component. A pressure chamber is defined in the sleeve, and the valve seat is located between the supply oil passage and the pressure chamber. A backflow port always allows the pressure chamber and the oil passage of the attachment component to communicate with each other. The forward flow port is located between the valve seat and the backflow port. |
| US09328631B2 |
Self-generated power integration for gasification
A gasification facility includes an air separator and a high temperature gas cooler for cooling the gaseous products that are produced at the facility's gasifier. The high temperature gas cooler is configured and a method is provided to produce superheated steam that is used to generate electric power in a steam turbine to satisfy the power demands of at least the air separator. Alternatively, or in addition, the superheated steam can be employed to drive compressors at the air separator. The high temperature gas cooler can be further configured so that it produces only that quantity of superheated steam required for the steam turbine to power the gasification facility, including the air separator, or a quantity of superheated steam adequate for the steam turbine to both power the gasification facility, including the air separator, and provide electric power or superheated steam to other users. |
| US09328630B2 |
Lateral propulsion unit for aircraft comprising a turbine engine support arch
A propulsion unit for an aircraft, comprising one turbine engine and a mounting device for a turbine engine designed to be added laterally on an aircraft structure and comprising a rigid mounting structure. The rigid mounting structure supports at least one arch which is concave towards the longitudinal axis of the propulsion unit and which has a distal end at an angular distance of between 45 and 120 degrees from a vertical plane passing through the axis, on the other side of the structure, and supporting a distal connecting element connecting the turbine engine to the arch. |
| US09328627B2 |
Bearing device and turbomachine having a bearing device
A bearing device, for example in a turbomachine is provided. Between bearing races of the anti-friction bearings and a casing component positioned adjacent the bearing races is arranged a device for converting an axial force between the anti-friction bearings into a torque at the bearing races in the manner of a ball screw or planetary screw assembly. The bearing races are connected to one another by a feedback mechanism such that a torque at one bearing race can be converted into an opposite torque at the other bearing race. |
| US09328623B2 |
Turbine system
A turbine system is disclosed. The turbine system includes a transition duct having an inlet, an outlet, and a passage extending between the inlet and the outlet and defining a longitudinal axis, a radial axis, and a tangential axis. The outlet of the transition duct is offset from the inlet along the longitudinal axis and the tangential axis. The turbine system further includes a turbine section connected to the transition duct. The turbine section includes a plurality of shroud blocks at least partially defining a hot gas path, a plurality of buckets at least partially disposed in the hot gas path, and a plurality of nozzles at least partially disposed in the hot gas path. At least one of a shroud block, a bucket, or a nozzle includes means for withstanding high temperatures. |
| US09328618B2 |
High-pressure turbine nozzle for a turbojet
A high temperature turbine nozzle with automatic regulation of flow of cooling air passing therethrough. Each of vanes includes a first sleeve drilled with holes and a second sleeve that is engaged in the first sleeve, drilled with corresponding holes, and made of a material possessing a coefficient of expansion different from that of the first sleeve. |
| US09328617B2 |
Trailing edge or tip flag antiflow separation
An airfoil includes a leading edge, a trailing edge region, a suction surface, a pressure surface, a cooling passageway, and a column of flow separators. The suction surface and the pressure surface both extend axially between the leading edge and the trailing edge region, as well as radially from a root section of the airfoil to a tip section of the airfoil to define a central cavity of the airfoil. The cooling passageway is located within the central cavity at the trailing edge region. The column of flow separators is located in the cooling passageway adjacent the trailing edge and includes a first flow separator having a first longitudinal axis and a second flow separator having a second longitudinal axis. The first longitudinal axis is offset at an angle with respect to the first longitudinal axis. |
| US09328616B2 |
Film-cooled turbine blade for a turbomachine
A turbine blade for a turbomachine has an outer wall which delimits an inner cavity. Cooling fluid flows in the inner cavity. A through duct is arranged in the outer wall through which the cooling fluid flows from the inner cavity to an outside of the turbine blade. The through duct is inclined with respect to a trailing edge of the turbine blade, wherein a marginal portion of an entrance of the through duct is designed on an upstream side to be sharp-edged in relation to other marginal portions of the entrance such that a separation zone of a cooling fluid flow is formed in the through duct. A pair of swirls builds up in the through duct, wherein velocity vectors of the cooling fluid flow between the swirl centers point toward a downstream side of the through duct. |
| US09328614B2 |
Method of making a metal reinforcing piece
A metal reinforcing piece for mounting on a leading edge or trailing edge of a composite blade for a turbine engine is made by shaping two metal sheets, positioning them on either side of a core, assembling the two sheets together around the core under a vacuum, shaping them on the core by hot isostatic compression, and cutting them to separate the reinforcing piece and release the core. A predetermined roughness is given to at least a portion of the surface of the core and is transferred to a corresponding portion of an inside surface of the reinforcing piece by the hot isostatic compression. |
| US09328608B2 |
Driven latch mechanism
Implementations include a core barrel assembly having a driven latch mechanism. The driven latch mechanism can lock the core barrel assembly axially and rotationally relative to a drill string. The driven latch mechanism can include a plurality of wedge members positioned on a plurality of driving surfaces. Rotation of the drill string can cause the plurality of wedge members to wedge between an inner diameter of the drill string and the plurality of driving surfaces, thereby rotationally locking the core barrel assembly relative to the drill string. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including such driven latch mechanisms, and methods of retrieving a core sample using such drilling systems. |
| US09328596B2 |
Heater and method of operating
A plurality of heaters are disposed end to end within a bore hole of a formation where the bore hole extends from an upper end to a lower end such that a lower heater of the plurality of heaters is proximal to the lower end of the bore hole while every other of the plurality of heaters is distal from the lower end of the bore hole. Each of the plurality of heaters includes a fuel cell stack assembly having a plurality of fuel cells which convert chemical energy from a fuel into heat and electricity through a chemical reaction with an oxidizing agent. Each of the plurality of heaters has a thermal output that is less than or equal to a predetermined value except the lower heater of the plurality of heaters which has a thermal output that is greater than the predetermined value. |
| US09328591B2 |
Air release assembly for use with providing heated water for well related activities
A system is provided that allows relatively low temperature water to be withdrawn from a pipeline for heating and then returning the heated water to the pipeline, wherein the assembly includes a device for limiting or preventing excess air within the pipeline to also be drawn into the one or more water heaters being used. At least one embodiment further includes a device for adjusting the rate of flow through a primary pipe so that desired temperatures are maintained during the heating process. |
| US09328583B2 |
Set-delayed cement compositions comprising pumice and associated methods
Disclosed herein are cement compositions and methods of using set-delayed cement compositions in subterranean formations. An embodiment includes a method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprising: providing a cement composition comprising water, pumice, hydrated lime, a set retarder, and a strength enhancer, wherein the strength enhancer comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of cement kiln dust, slag, amorphous silica, a pozzolan, and any combination thereof; introducing the cement composition into the subterranean formation; and allowing the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation. |
| US09328580B2 |
Equalized hydrostatic bailer
This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for collecting debris in a wellbore. The apparatus includes a housing for receiving debris defined by an endless wall portion, first and second end portions, at least the second end portion is provided with at least one closable aperture allowing one-way flow of debris into the housing, a releasable sealing device for holding a volume of a first fluid within the housing, the volume of the first fluid having a lower pressure than ambient wellbore pressure; a retaining device for initially holding the releasable sealing device in a first portion; a releasable sealing device to move from the first position to a second position, whereby debris is entered through the closable aperture into the housing, where volume of first fluid is reduced, at least one conduit defined by an inlet and an outlet, the outlet being in the second end portion being submerged in the debris when the apparatus collects debris, the inlet in fluid communication with a pressurized second fluid contained in a chamber upon release of a valve. |
| US09328576B2 |
System, method and apparatus for controlling fluid flow through drill string
A device for limiting the flow of drilling fluid through a section of drill string includes a body with a hole in the periphery. Flow enters the device through one axial end, at least a portion of the flow exits through the other axial end. Some of the fluid flow can be diverted through the peripheral hole. A spring-biased axial piston has an approximately constant force throughout its range of travel. The piston moves axially in response to the changing fluid flow rate to ensure that a constant amount of flow exiting the axial end of the tool is achieved while diverting away excess flow through the side. |
| US09328570B2 |
Guiding assembly for a piping system
A guiding assembly for a riser piping system (2) in an opening in the bottom (8) of a floating structure, said assembly permitting limited axial and angular displacement of the riser piping system (2) in said opening. The assembly comprises a prismatic anchor (1) surrounding a portion of the riser piping system (2) and being connected thereto, an outer prismatic guide tube (4) receiving the prismatic anchor (1), the outer prismatic guide tube (4) having inner surfaces that are parallel to and equally spaced from outer surfaces on the prismatic anchor (1), and rollers (3) arranged in at least two different levels and confined in spaces (2) formed between said inner and outer surfaces, the rollers (3) permitting relative axial movement between the prismatic anchor (1) and the outer prismatic tube (4). |
| US09328561B2 |
Drill bits with sensors for formation evaluation
In one aspect, a method of making a drill bit is disclosed that includes selecting a drill bit configuration, obtaining a stress map for the drill bit configuration relating to a drilling operation, performing a mechanical test with an actual drill bit having the selected configuration, and selecting a location on a surface of the drill bit for installing a sensor thereat based on a location of low stress from the stress map and results of the mechanical test, and placing a sensor at the selected location. |
| US09328554B2 |
Spring drive systems for window covers
A spring drive system includes a housing, an extendible window cover coupled with the housing, and at least one lift cord coupled to the cover for raising and lowering the window cover. A spring drive system comprises a first spring drive spool spaced apart from a second spring drive spool and at least one spring having a storage end coupled to one of the spring drive spools and an output end coupled to the other of the spring drive spools. A first cord spool has a first cord spool axis. The lift cord extends from the first cord spool to the window cover for assisting in raising and lowering of the cover, and the spring drive system affects rotation of the first cord spool about the first cord spool axis and has no external hand-operated control cord input to raise and lower the window cover. |
| US09328553B2 |
Retractable shade with collapsible vanes
A retractable cover for architectural openings having collapsible vanes includes a support structure in the form of a sheet of material, monofilaments, tapes, ribbons, cords, or the like, supporting an upper edge of a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally extending vanes with the lower edges of the vanes in most embodiments of the invention being connected to operating elements adapted to raise the lower edges of each vane toward the upper edges to define openings or gaps between the vanes through which vision and light can pass in an open condition of the covering. Variations of the covering do not require movement of a lower edge of a vane relative to an upper edge but simply movement of some vanes relative to other vanes. The vanes can be made of materials having different flexibilities and where more rigid materials are used, creased fold lines can be established for desired operability. |
| US09328551B2 |
Safety gate assembly
A safety gate is composed of a U-shaped frame and a door spanning the interior of the frame. One side of the door is pivotally connected to one side of the frame to permit pivotal movement of the door with respect to the frame. The frame's width is adjusted by a ratchet mechanism composed of a spring-loaded pawl having a sloping side and a vertical side so that the width of the frame can be adjusted in one direction only. |
| US09328547B2 |
Door release mechanism
A door hoist includes a bracket, drive sprocket, ring gear, hub assembly, set of planetary gears, and governor shaft. The drive sprocket has a drive sprocket axis. The ring gear is fastened to the drive sprocket. The ring gear has a ring gear axis that is in alignment with the drive sprocket axis. The hub assembly includes a connector to receive a door drive shaft and secure the door drive shaft in a fixed rotational alignment with the hub assembly. The set of planetary gears is rotationally mounted to the hub assembly. The set of planetary gears is configured to mate with the ring gear. The governor shaft includes a sun gear, brake assembly, and link. The sun gear is configured to mate with the set of planetary gears. The brake assembly has an engaged position and a disengaged position. The sun gear is rotationally fixed relative to the bracket in response to the brake assembly being in the engaged position. In response to the brake assembly being in the disengaged position, rotation of the sun gear is unfixed relative to the bracket. The link secures the brake assembly in the engaged position. The link is configured to melt in response to an ambient temperature exceeding a predetermined temperature. |
| US09328545B1 |
Blind hinge structure used for furniture
A blind hinge structure used for furniture, comprising a movable cup holder provided on the furniture door body, an adjusting base provided on the furniture body, a rotary arm connected between the movable cup holder and the adjusting base as well as an elastic element designed to generate opening/closing acting force on the movable cup holder; wherein the adjusting base is designed to realize three-dimensional or two-dimensional adjustment to the hinge; a convex step used to support the elastic member is integrally formed on the bottom wall of the movable cup holder; the elastic member is a torsion spring, with its section on at least one of its end parts being square or circular. The present utility model enables the structure among the rotary arm, the adjusting base and the adjusting components to have higher firmness and even compact assembly, improves strength and extends the service life. |
| US09328536B2 |
Multipurpose security device and associated methods
A security device for protecting a merchandise item against theft typically includes a pair of clamping members, a cable extending between the clamping members, and a tightening mechanism for tightening the cable to cause the clamping members to move toward one another and clamp onto the merchandise item. One of the clamping members typically serves as a housing containing the tightening mechanism, which may include a spool, a lock slide for releasably securing the spool and a locking mechanism for releasably securing the lock slide. The locking mechanism may be unlocked with a magnetic key. The security device is typically configured to set off an alarm upon tampering or attempted removal of the item and security device from a store. |
| US09328535B2 |
Padlock cylinder retention
A padlock with a removable lock cylinder. A retaining member couples the lock cylinder to the padlock's body. In some embodiments, the retaining member includes a flange for actuating the retaining member between a retained position and a released position. The flange is accessible through an opening of the lock body when the shackle is in the unlocked position and inaccessible when the shackle is in the locked position. |
| US09328532B2 |
Electronic lockset with multi-source energy harvesting circuit
An electronic lockset with a radio frequency harvesting circuit. In one embodiment, the electronic lockset includes a mechanical locking portion movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. One or more energy consumption devices are provided that actuate the mechanical locking portion between the locked position and the unlocked position. A rechargeable battery provides electrical power to the energy consumption devices. A radio frequency (“RF”) transmitter and RF energy harvesting circuit are used to wirelessly recharge the battery. Typically, the RF transmitter is configured to transmit at a predetermined frequency. The RF energy harvesting circuit is tuned to the predetermined frequency and is electrically coupled with the rechargeable battery to recharge the battery. |
| US09328531B1 |
Rechargeable automobile ignition key
A rechargeable automobile ignition key having a conductive shank insertible into an automobile ignition system port to enable convenient recharge of a key body during normal operation of an automobile, whereby said key body remains usable for remote operation of a locking system of said automobile and effects remote sounding of an alarm signal when an automobile alarm is sounded, the alarm signal thereby alerting a user that the particular automobile alarm is sounding, even when said user is remotely disposed potentially outside of an audible range of said automobile alarm. |
| US09328529B2 |
Electrical device mounting pole
A mounting pole for high voltage equipment can be adjusted at particular increments to provide for installations at various heights. A base section includes a right-side flange, a left-side flange, and a center web formed substantially in the shape of an I-beam with a front channel. The center web includes a first set of adjustment holes. The base section also includes a control mounting bracket to receive hardware for securing a control unit for a high voltage switch. A channel assembly is slideably contained within the front channel. The channel assembly includes a second set of adjustment holes, and a set of mounting holes to receive hardware for securing the high voltage switch. The base section and the channel assembly are configured so that the first and second set of adjustment holes can be selectively aligned during field operations to set the mounting pole at one of multiple height increments. |
| US09328528B2 |
Tower for a wind power station
The invention relates to a tower for a wind power installation, with the walls of the tower being produced at least partially from individual wall sections, which are connected to one another via connecting means. The object of the invention is therefore to provide a tower for a wind power installation, which can be assembled with adequate precision. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a method for erection of a tower such as this. With respect to the tower, the object according to the invention is achieved in that a falsework is provided at least partially in the tower interior, to which the wall sections are connected, holding them. |
| US09328525B2 |
Pool cleaning apparatus
A pool cleaning apparatus that may include a filter; a entrapment cell; a first impeller; a first pump motor arranged to rotate the first impeller; a driving unit arranged to move the pool cleaning robot; a structural element; and an external housing that comprises a first inlet and a first outlet; wherein the filter and the structural element define a first space that has a spiral portion; wherein the first impeller is arranged to rotate along a first rotational direction; wherein rotation of the first impeller along a first rotational direction causes fluid be drawn through the first inlet and to follow a spiral path within the first space during which a first portion of the fluid is filtered by the filter to provide filtered fluid that exits through the first outlet of the housing; and a second portion of the fluid follows the spiral path until entering the entrapment cell. |
| US09328513B2 |
Skylight and method of fabricating the same
A skylight system including a support frame and an apex patch fitting that together support a plurality of glass pieces joined together in a selectable shape. The support frame includes a sill and a setting chair that are arranged to support the base portions of the glass pieces. The apex patch fitting may be of selectable shape and includes an upper and lower member to retain the peaks or corners of the glass therebetween. The apex patch fitting includes one or more positioning keys to align and secure the glass pieces. A method of making the skylights includes the use of an apex retainer tool to maintain the apex patch fitting in a fixed position while placing glass pieces on it. Multiple apex patch fittings can be used for a skylight, including a skylight that is ridge shaped or hipped ridge shape. |
| US09328510B1 |
Ceiling system
A ceiling system in one embodiment includes ceiling panels configured for attachment to an overhead support grid. The ceiling panel includes profiled first and second edges that engage parallel first and second grid support members respectively. At least one intermediate channel is formed in the top surface between the first and second edges. The channel defines a seating surface that engages a third grid support member arranged parallel to and between the first and second grid support members. The central portion of the ceiling panel is supported in a manner which allows the panel to span across and cover at least two grid openings, thereby providing a ceiling system that utilizes large format panels exceeding the size of the openings. |
| US09328500B2 |
Integrated system for treating and recycling rainwater
An integrated system for treating and recycling rainwater in a residential community. The residential community includes low-lying land. The integrated system includes a primary channel for receiving and treating initial rainwater, a baffled water treatment pool, and a reservoir. The primary channel includes an external wall and an inner wall. The baffled water treatment pool includes a water inlet which is disposed on the inner wall of the primary channel. The reservoir includes a water inlet, a gravel filter layer, and an overflow wall. The primary channel, the baffled water treatment pool, and the reservoir are disposed in the low-lying land. The primary channel is annular and surrounds the baffled water treatment pool and the reservoir. The overflow wall of the reservoir cuts off the annular primary channel. The baffled water treatment pool and the reservoir are adjacent to each other and are divided by a shared wall. |
| US09328499B2 |
Device for settlement of particles from a liquid
An object of this invention is to provide an improved means of water treatment effectiveness. The invention strips floating and sinking particulates from flowing water with netting and inclined settling cells, which are arranged in an overlapping fashion to save treatment space. The effluent invert is virtually level with the influent invert to minimize pressure loss. The device pre-treats water for further treatment by filtering methods and among other application is ideally suited for applications where low depth profile treatment is beneficial or required. |
| US09328496B2 |
System for the elimination of odours for a flushing sanitary apparatus
A system (10) includes a water and/or air inlet (20), connectable to a water supply pipe (5) for a sanitary apparatus (1). An outlet (40) connects to a sewage outlet pipe (4) downstream of the sanitary apparatus. The inlet leads from a suction box (30), which starts the outlet (40). A motorized ventilation device (31) conveys air from the inlet (20) to the outlet (40). A siphon (32) is at least partially filled with water (33) from the water supply device (6). The ventilation device (31) and the siphon (32) are mutually in series between the inlet (20) and the outlet (40). The suction box (30) includes a further siphon (321), connected between the supply pipe (5) and the outlet pipe (4) and is arranged in parallel with respect to the siphon (32) and the device (31). The further siphon (321) is at least partially filled with water. |
| US09328492B2 |
Plunger and evaporative base
A plunger with evaporative base is disclosed where the evaporative base has a standoff joined to a drainage bottom and a stump and stump channel arrangement for keeping the plunger suspended slightly above the drainage bottom. A plunger is disclosed that mates with the evaporative base and has a plunger bell standoff that mates with the evaporative base standoff to further keep the plunger suspended slightly above the drainage bottom. The outer perimeter of the bell of the plunger is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the evaporative base body to allow for air circulation between the plunger bell and the evaporative base. Good air circulation and drying promotes cleanliness and reduces the incidence of mold, mildew and bacteria on the plunger and base. |
| US09328491B2 |
Water spouting device
The present invention provides a water spouting device which enables air bubble entrained water with an increased entrainment rate of air bubbles to be discharged at a low flow rate stage even though the user adjusts the flow rate based on the same feeling as that for a conventional water spouting device, the present water spouting device further enabling, at a high flow rate stage, prevention of discharge of air bubble entrained water with such a total amount as makes the user feel that the resultant amount of water significantly exceeds that intended by the user. A spout cap BC serving as the present water spouting device includes a pressure reducing portion 30 serving as an entrainment rate adjusting portion to adjust the entrainment rate of air bubbles entrained in air bubble entrained water in an air bubble entraining portion 703. The pressure reducing portion 30 serving as the entrainment rate adjusting portion increases the entrainment rate until inflow water from an inflow port 101 reaches a predetermined flow rate, and suppresses an increase in entrainment rate when the inflow water from the inflow port 101 exceeds the predetermined flow rate. |
| US09328487B2 |
Bubble faucet
A valve actuator assembly efficiently dispenses liquid soap to create bubbles. A faucet has a spout body including a valve port and seat. A valve gate door on an inlet side of the valve port is movable vertically relatively to the valve port between open and closed positions. The valve actuator assembly includes a hollow valve stem extending vertically from an exterior of the spout body into an interior thereof at the outlet side of the valve port. The hollow valve stem contains at least one orifice communicating with a hollow interior of the valve stem. The at least one orifice is exposed to a path of liquid flow from the valve port in the lower open position. A knob of the valve actuator assembly has an upwardly open funnel opening that communicates with the hollow interior of the valve stem to receive a liquid soap. |
| US09328480B2 |
Hydraulic excavator
In a hydraulic excavator, a hydraulic cylinder drives a boom via a hydraulic fluid discharged from a first hydraulic pump. A first hydraulic circuit connects the first hydraulic pump and the hydraulic cylinder and forms a closed circuit therebetween. A hydraulic motor rotates a revolving upper unit with hydraulic fluid discharged from a second hydraulic pump. A second hydraulic circuit independent from the first hydraulic circuit connects the second hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor. A motor hydraulic pressure reduction unit reduces the driving hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic motor when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition is a condition in which an operation of the boom operating member to raise the boom and an operation of the rotation operating member to rotate the revolving upper unit are conducted together and an operation amount of the boom operating member is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. |
| US09328474B2 |
Soil anchor footing
The present invitation relates to a soil anchor footing supporting system within the ground surface to support steel or concrete column, brick or block wall, light post, sign post, substation equipment, pre-cast panel, retaining wall etc. It comprises of a footing slab (2) made of concrete; plurality of deformed steel bars (1) or fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bars embedded in the lower surface of the concrete slab (2) and plurality of anchor bolts (4) or reinforcing starter bars which are embedded into upper surface of concrete slab (2) to suit steel or concrete column. The bars, which act as mini piles, are configured for ground penetration and a concrete slab is cast on top to encase all the bars and is capable of holding desired loads. These footings can be cast-in-situ type where the bars are pushed into ground (3) individually or in groups and concrete is cast on top, or it can be pre-cast type where, the whole footing is pushed into ground using pile driving equipment or mobile press. |
| US09328473B2 |
Method for consolidating soil
The invention relates to a method for consolidating soil by means of calcifying bacteria, said method comprising washing the consolidated soil and recycling the wash water. |
| US09328464B2 |
Single bend rail
A railroad rail includes a body defining a first section and a tapered second section with the body defining a head section, a web section depending from the head section, and a base section depending from the web section. The head section, the web section, and the base section define an end surface configured to mate with a corresponding end surface of a complementary railroad rail when joined together. The railroad rail is formed from a single bent railroad rail having only a single bend defined by the head section, web section, and base section of the body of the railroad rail. |
| US09328456B2 |
Method for treating textile with endoglucanase
The present invention relates to the method for manufacturing textile, by treating textile with an isolated polypeptide having endoglucanase activity, especially in biostoning and bio-polishing process. |
| US09328452B2 |
Laundry machine having a drying function
A laundry machine having a drying function for drying an object to be dried, especially clothes. The laundry machine according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a circulating drying machine that supplies the hot air to an object to be dried, so as to remove water, and then condenses the water from the hot air and heats the condensed water to supply the heat to the object to be dried. At this time, condensing may be carried out using natural convection. |
| US09328451B2 |
Bulk dispenser fluid level sensing and out of balance detection for a washing machine appliance
A method and apparatus for sensing the level of fluid present in a dispenser, such as a detergent or fabric softener dispenser, of a washing machine appliance and to detecting an out of balance condition for such appliance is provided. A pressure sensor is used to determine the level of fluid present and to provide indications of the same at various levels of use of the fluid. One or more pressure sensors can also be used to detect an out of balance condition when the appliance is a washing machine. |
| US09328448B2 |
Laundry machine with drying duct comprising a nozzle
A laundry machine including a tub in which wash water is stored and/or a drum in which laundry is accommodated, the drum being rotatably provided, a duct configured to communicate with the tub and/or drum, a heater installed in the duct and heating only a predetermined space within the duct, a nozzle installed in the duct and serving to directly supply water to the heated predetermined space, and a blower installed in the duct and serving to blow air toward the predetermined space so as to supply the generated steam into the tub or drum. |
| US09328445B2 |
Mode shifter with a leaf spring yoke for a washing machine appliance
A clutch positioning assembly for a washing machine appliance is provided. The assembly uses a cam that can be rotated so as to position the clutch between different positions that provide for engaging or disengaging a motor from a wash basket. A leaf spring, configured as a yoke in one exemplary embodiment, provides a force to urge the clutch into a position that e.g., disengages the wash basket from the motor during e.g., wash modes while also allowing the clutch to be moved into a position that engages the wash basket with the motor during spin modes. The clutch positioning assembly can be provided as a modular unit that is connected with the appliance during manufacturing. |
| US09328436B2 |
Energy absorbing fabric and method of manufacturing same
Energy absorbing fabrics that are generally flat and that have a controllable and significant elongation distance. The fabrics are comprised of elongation yarns, such as partially oriented yarns (POY), and binder yarns, where the elongation yarns and the binder yarns have various weave-in percentages depending on the desired amount of elongation. In certain embodiments, because they are generally flat, the energy absorbing fabrics are suitable for use in retractors. Also provided are processes of manufacturing generally flat, energy absorbing fabrics. |
| US09328435B2 |
Functional weaving vamp fabric
A functional weaving vamp fabric is disclosed, which is formed by a two beams jacquard according to a texture composition. The two beams jacquard comprises two warp beams, a jacquard and a plurality of weft knitting mechanisms, characterized in: the warp group having a plurality of first warp units and a plurality of second wrap units, the two warp beams yarn feed roller groups respectively delivering the plurality of first warp units and the plurality of second wrap units, the weft group having a plurality of weft units, and respectively delivering the plurality of corresponding weft units; wherein the jacquard interlaces the warp group and the weft group according to the texture composition, and using diversity of yarn materials or thread diameters of the plurality of first warp units and the plurality of second wrap units to produce the functional weaving vamp fabric in the process of single weaving. |
| US09328426B2 |
Systems and methods for generating oxygen and hydrogen for plant equipment
A system includes a photoelectrolysis system having a solar collector configured to collect and concentrate solar radiation to heat water, generate electricity, or both. The system also includes an electrolysis unit configured to electrolyze the heated water using at least the generated electricity to produce a first gas mixture and a second gas mixture. The first gas mixture includes oxygen and steam and the second gas mixture includes hydrogen and steam. The system further includes a first device configured to receive and use the first gas mixture as well as a hydrogen membrane configured to receive and separate the hydrogen and steam mixture into a hydrogen component and a steam component. |
| US09328424B2 |
Coating method using enamel and equipment for carrying out the method
Provided are an enamel coating method and apparatus. The enamel coating method includes (a) preprocessing a surface of a conductive coating object by feeding the coating object into a preprocessing chamber by an in-feed conveyor, (b) coating the surface of the coating object with an enamel glaze supplied from an enamel glaze supply nozzle provided inside a coating chamber by feeding the preprocessed coating object into the coating chamber, and (c) firing the coated coating object by feeding the coated coating object into a firing chamber, wherein the firing chamber in the (c) firing includes a firing chamber conveyor having at least two transport rollers, and the firing chamber conveyor transports the coating object to an output conveyor while supporting a lower side of the coating object by the at least two transport rollers. |
| US09328422B2 |
Crystallization and bleaching of diamond-like carbon and silicon oxynitride thin films
Optically transparent diamond-like carbon (DLC) thin films are formed using relatively low-temperature deposition conditions followed by a post-deposition bleaching step. The bleaching can include exposure of an as-deposited thin film to UV laser radiation, which reduces the concentration of defects in the film. The method is compatible with temperature-sensitive substrates, and can be used to form water clear DLC layers on glass substrates, for example, which can be used in display applications. |
| US09328421B2 |
Organic vapor jet printing system
An organic vapor jet printing system includes a pump for increasing the pressure of an organic flux. |
| US09328416B2 |
Method for the reduction of defectivity in vapor deposited films
Methods for depositing film on substrates are described. In various cases, a high thermal conductivity gas such as helium is used to deposit a conditioning layer on surfaces of the reaction chamber before it is used to process substrates. The helium may be used to help atomize/vaporize a liquid reactant in a heated injection module before the reactant is delivered to the reaction chamber. In some embodiments, a purge gas including helium is used during a post-deposition purge during deposition on substrates. The disclosed embodiments allow for mixed recipe processing without having to clean the reaction chamber between recipes, and without forming a high number of particles/defects on the substrates. This allows for an improved throughput of high quality film, even where mixed recipes are used in a single reaction chamber. |
| US09328414B2 |
Method of manufacturing thin film semiconductor device
Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a thin film semiconductor device includes the step of forming a silicon thin film including a crystalline structure on a substrate by a plasma CVD process in which a high order silane gas represented by the formula SinH2n+2 (n=2, 3, . . . ) and a hydrogen gas are used as film forming gases. |
| US09328409B2 |
Coated article, method for making the same and electronic device using the same
A coated article includes a glass substrate and a film on at least one surface of the glass substrate. The film includes Al2O3, Cr2O3 and ZrO2. A method for making the coated article, and an electronic device using the coated article are also provided. |
| US09328406B2 |
Shape setting a shape memory alloy dental arch
Methods are provided for shape-setting hyperelastic, single-crystal shape memory alloy (SMA) material while preserving the hyperelastic properties of the material. A wire or rod of a single crystal shape memory alloy material is heated to an annealing temperature (Ta). While maintained at the annealing temperature, the wire or rod is shaped by driving the wire or rod and a shaping form together into contact with each other, and the shaped wire or rod is quenched in a quenching medium virtually simultaneously with the shaping. |
| US09328401B2 |
Copper alloy casting having excellent machinability, strength, wear resistance and corrosion resistance and method of casting the same
A copper alloy casting with excellent machinability, strength, wear resistance and corrosion resistance contains Sn: 0.5 to 15 mass %; Zr: 0.001 to 0.049 mass %; P: 0.01 to 0.35 mass %; one or more elements selected from Pb: 0.01 to 15 mass %, Bi: 0.01 to 15 mass %, Se: 0.01 to 1.2 mass %, and Te: 0.05 to 1.2 mass %; and Cu: 73 mass % or more serving as a remainder. In this case, f1=[P]/[Zr]=0.5 to 100, f2=3[Sn]/[Zr]=300 to 15000, and f3=3[Sn]/[P]=40 to 2500 (the content of an element ‘a’ is expressed as [a] mass %). The total content of α, γ and δ-phases is 95% or more, and the mean grain size is 300 μm or less. |
| US09328400B2 |
Treatment of manganese-containing materials
An improved method for treating manganese-containing materials, such as seafloor manganese nodules, by leaching such materials with aqueous HNO3 and polymerized nitric oxide (N2O3)x, and more particularly to methods for recovering valuable constituents from such nodules, especially manganese, cobalt, nickel, iron, and copper. It also provides a method to leach manganese-containing material to release any titanium, vanadium, cerium, molybdenum and other metals from the manganese oxides and to make them available to be recovered, as well as providing a method of producing a fertilizer grade nitrate product. |
| US09328398B2 |
Method for recycling noble metal from electronic waste material and apparatus thereof
A method for recycling noble metals from electronic waste materials and apparatus thereof. The method comprises the following steps: mechanically breaking up the electronic waste materials; removing rubber and plastic materials by electrostatic separation; removing ferromagnetic metals by magnetic separation; removing residual rubber and plastic materials by microwave pyrolysis; removing low-melting-point metals by indirectly heating using microwave; separating the noble metals from one another in turn from low-melting-point metal to high-melting-point metal for recycle. The apparatus includes a microwave housing. A filtering screen is positioned on the inside wall of the housing horizontally, and vertically-arranged and open-ended heating pipes are positioned over the filtering screen. The method and apparatus can adequately recycle resources in the electronic waste materials. |
| US09328397B2 |
Removal of arsenic using a dissimilatory arsenic reductase
The object of the invention is the plasmid pSheB, particularly a plasmid which may comprise a fragment of pSheB including the arr module and functional derivatives thereof, and strains containing such a plasmid, preferably the Shewanella sp. strain, deposited as KKP 2045p, which are capable of removing arsenic by dissolution of minerals and reduction of arsenates to arsenites. The object of the invention is also the method and the use of such bacterial strains or compositions which may comprise them, for the selective removal of arsenic from mineral resources, raw materials industry waste or soil. |
| US09328394B2 |
Agent and method for tanning skins and pelts
Process for the tanning of hides and skins, characterized in that hides and skins are treated with tanning agents containing deglycosylated iridoids and/or deglycosylated secoiridoids, excluding tanning agents containing genipin. |
| US09328391B1 |
Cloning and expression of HIV-1 DNA
The determination of the nucleotide sequence of HIV-1 DNA; identification, isolation and expression of HIV-1 DNA sequences which encode immunoreactive polypeptides by recombinant DNA methods and production of viral RNA are disclosed. Such polypeptides can be employed in immunoassays to detect HIV-1. |
| US09328390B2 |
Insect resistant cotton plants and methods for identifying same
The invention provides specific transgenic cotton plants, plant material and seeds, characterized in that these products harbor a specific transformation event at a specific location in the cotton genome. Tools are also provided which allow rapid and unequivocal identification of the event in biological samples. |
| US09328386B2 |
Markers for susceptibility to an inhibitor of an Src-family kinase
The present invention relates to a method for predicting the responsiveness of a mammalian tumor cell or cancer cell to an inhibitor of a kinase of the Src family, such as dasatinib, bosutinib, saracatinib or ponatinib. The present invention also provides for a method for predicting the responsiveness of an individual to an inhibitor of a kinase of the Src family, whereby the individual is suspected to suffer from cancer. These methods involve the evaluation of the status of integrin β4, wherein said status is indicative for the responsiveness to the inhibitor. Furthermore, a kit useful for carrying out the methods described herein as well as an oligo—or polynucleotide and/or antibodies capable of detecting the expression level of integrin β4 for predicting the responsiveness to the inhibitor are provided. |
| US09328383B2 |
Method for high-throughput AFLP-based polymorphism detection
The invention relates to a method for the high throughput discovery, detection and genotyping of one or more genetic markers in one or more samples, comprising the steps of restriction endonuclease digest of DNA, adaptor-ligation, optional pre-amplification, selective amplification, pooling of the amplified products, sequencing the libraries with sufficient redundancy, clustering followed by identification of the genetic markers within the library and/or between libraries and determination of (co-)dominant genotypes of the genetic markers. |
| US09328380B2 |
Flow passage device and testing system using the same
A real time analysis in accordance with temperature change and highly sensitive detection are permitted. A flow passage device has a flow passage (1) and is able to heat a fluid in the flow passage. A state of the fluid in the flow passage is observable using light. The flow passage device includes a first member (2) including an observation surface (3) and an upper inner wall surface (4), and a second member (5) including a lower inner wall surface that opposes the upper inner wall surface (4) and that is part of inner walls of the flow passage. A heating resistor (6) having a reflective surface that reflects light is provided on the lower inner wall surface. The light reflected by the reflective surface passes through the upper inner wall surface (4) and the observation surface (3). |
| US09328374B2 |
Selective culture medium and method for detecting carbapenem-resistant bacteria in a test sample
The present invention relates to a culture medium comprising a carbapenem, a carbapenemase activator and a M-type penicillin. It also relates to a method for detecting carbapenem-resistant bacteria in a test sample using said culture medium. |
| US09328369B2 |
Process for production of useful substance, and surfactant for use in the process
The present invention is aimed to provide a method for industrially producing a useful substance (protein etc.) utilizing a bacterium such as Escherichia coli in the presence of a surfactant and a surfactant to be used in this method for producing a useful substance. The present invention is a method for producing a useful substance into a culture solution by secretion by a bacterium in the culture solution, wherein the culture solution contains a surfactant (A), and a dried cell density based on the volume of the culture solution is 1.5 to 500 g/L. More preferably, the present invention is a method for producing a useful substance wherein the surfactant (A) is at least one agent selected from the group consisting of an amphoteric surfactant, an anionic surfactant, and a nonionic surfactant having an HLB value of 0 to 13. |
| US09328367B2 |
Engineered lower eukaryotic host strains for recombinant protein expression
The present invention relates to novel engineered lower eukaryotic host cells for expressing heterologous proteins and to methods of generating such strains. |