| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09405377B2 |
Trainable sensor-based gesture recognition
In many computing scenarios, a device comprises at least one sensor, and is configured to recognize a gesture performed by a user according to the sensor output of the sensor, and to perform a particular action upon recognizing the gesture. However, many devices are preconfigured with such gestures, and the recognition is specific to the sensors of the device, and is not specific to the manner in which a particular user performs the gesture. Presented herein are techniques for enabling a device to recognize a new gesture by monitoring the sensor output of any sensors provided by the device while the user performs the gesture, optionally requesting repeated gesture performances until reaching a recognition confidence. Once trained to recognize the gesture according to the sensor outputs of the particular sensors of the device, the device may subsequently recognize the gesture performed by the user and execute an associated action. |
| US09405376B2 |
Sensors and systems for the capture of scenes and events in space and time
Various embodiments comprise apparatuses and methods including a light sensor. The light sensor includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a light-absorbing semiconductor in electrical communication with each of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode. A light-obscuring material to substantially attenuate an incidence of light onto a portion of the light-absorbing semiconductor is disposed between the second electrode and the third electrode. An electrical bias is to be applied between the second electrode, and the first and the third electrodes and a current flowing through the second electrode is related to the light incident on the light sensor. Additional methods and apparatuses are described. |
| US09405372B2 |
Self-contained inertial navigation system for interactive control using movable controllers
A movable game controller for controlling aspects of a computer controlled game display with apparatus for determining the linear and angular motion of that movable controller. The apparatus includes a plurality of self-contained inertial sensors for sensing the tri-axial linear and tri-axial angular motion of the moving controller. Each sensor is mounted at a fixed linear position and orientation with respect to the others. The linear and angular motion of the controller is computed from the correlated motion sensor readings of each of the plurality of self-contained inertial sensors. |
| US09405371B1 |
Controllable tactile sensations in a consumer device
An image displayed on a multi-touch display device is associated with a tactile area that has an individually programmable tactile vibration pattern. The image may be automatically associated with a tactile area in association with a sensor detected rotation. Subsequent to the rotation, the image may be automatically associated with the individually programmable tactile vibration pattern. |
| US09405370B2 |
Electronic device and control method thereof
An electronic device has an input device such as a touch panel that detects touching by an object, and performs operations that depend on a pattern of a detected touch input. The electronic device has a haptic feedback generator that generates stimulation that is perceivable by an object (e.g., finger) through a portion that is touching the input device. An acceptable operation method is notified to a user by controlling the haptic feedback generator to generate stimulation corresponding to a pattern of a touch input that is acceptable by the electronic device. |
| US09405368B2 |
Passive stiffness and active deformation haptic output devices for flexible displays
A system includes a flexible display configured to display an image and a sensor connected to the flexible display. The sensor is configured to sense an amount of flexure of the flexible display. A haptic output device is connected to the flexible display and is configured to change a resistance to movement of a first portion of the flexible display relative to a second portion of the flexible display upon receipt of a haptic control signal. The system includes a processor in signal communication with the flexible display, the sensor and the haptic output device. The processor is configured to receive an output signal from the sensor based on the amount of flexure and generate the haptic control signal based on the output signal from the sensor. |
| US09405367B2 |
Object execution method using an input pressure and apparatus executing the same
An object execution method and apparatus is provided for executing an object based on an input pressure level with a haptic feedback indicative of an attribute of the object. An object execution apparatus may include a display unit, an input unit, and a control unit. The display unit may display at least one object. The input unit may detect a selection of an object and/or a pressure level input for executing the object. The control unit may check a reference pressure value preset for the selected object. The reference pressure value may be indicative of attribute information of the object. The control unit may compare an input pressure value of the pressure level input with the reference pressure value, and may determine whether to execute the object based on the comparison result. The input unit comprising a vibration generator may generate a vibration mapped to the reference pressure value. |
| US09405364B2 |
Method of determining reflections of light
A method of filtering glints by processing an image of a user's cornea to obtain coordinates of desired glints from a configuration of light sources, comprising processing an image, in a first image space, of a user's cornea to determine coordinates of respective multiple positions of glints; and iteratively: selecting from the coordinates a first and a second set of coordinates; computing from the first set of coordinates a transformation that transforms the first set of coordinates into first coordinates of a predetermined spatial configuration; and testing whether the transformation transforms also the second set into positions that match second positions of the predetermined configuration. The coordinates of the desired glints are selected as those first and second sets which are transformed into coordinates that match the first and second coordinates of the predetermined configuration. The method is based on a geometrical homography and is expedient for robust gaze estimation in connection with e.g. eye tracking. |
| US09405360B2 |
IP camera smart controller
The instant application discloses, among other things, an IP Camera Smart Controller. In one embodiment, the IP Camera Smart Controller may comprise an internet protocol (IP) camera configured to detect whether a garage door is open or closed. It may be able to transmit real-time images and live high-definition (HD) video, as well as email, text, or audio notifications to users regarding the status of the door. In another embodiment, the IP Camera Smart Controller may be configured to allow a user to monitor and control any object such as light switches, power outlets, fire and carbon monoxide detectors, appliances, and motor vehicles, for example. The IP Camera Smart Controller may contain software written specifically to run inside the camera unit, eliminating the need for additional controlling units, web servers, and wireless accessories. |
| US09405354B2 |
Controlling method, power controller, and power controlling method
A power supply has an inductor and determines loading state of the power supply according to a compensation signal. When the loading state is determined to be a light loading state or a no-loading state, a switch is operated at a low operating frequency. When the loading state is determined to be a heavy loading state, the switch is operated at a high operating frequency. If the compensation signal exceeds a critical value, it is determined that the loading state is an overloaded state. When the overloaded state continues past a tolerable duration, the switch is turned off. The tolerable duration is determined by an external capacitor and is independent of the operating frequency. |
| US09405347B2 |
Power-saving operating system for virtual environment
Principles for enabling power management techniques for virtual machines. In a virtual machine environment, a physical computer system may maintain management facilities to direct and control one or more virtual machines executing thereon. In some techniques described herein, the management facilities may be adapted to place a virtual processor in an idle state in response to commands from a guest operating system. One or more signaling mechanisms may be supported such that the guest operating system will command the management facilities to place virtual processors in the idle state. |
| US09405344B1 |
Method and apparatus for activating sleep mode
An integrated circuit includes a circuit including a plurality of functional blocks, a sensor associated with one of the plurality of functional blocks for sensing a state of activity thereof, and a sleep switch receiving an output from the sensor and placing the associated functional block in a sleep state in response to the sensed state of activity. |
| US09405343B2 |
Social messaging user interface
Hubs for social interaction via electronic devices are described. In one aspect, a data processing device includes a display screen displaying a social interaction hub, the social interaction hub including a collection of records. Each record includes a counterparty identifier identifying a counterparty of a past social interaction event, a mode indicium identifying a mode by which the past social interaction event with the counterparty occurred, and a collection of mode indicia each identifying a mode by which a future, outgoing social interaction event with the counterparty can occur. The counterparty identifier, the mode indicium, and the collection of mode indicia are associated with one another in the records of the social interaction hub. |
| US09405342B2 |
System and method for providing timing
To overcome potential problems associated with overflowing counters/timers, embodiments of the present invention include a ping timer and a pong timer offset from each other, and a time checker that accesses at any one timer either the ping timer or the pong timer to determine whether a time interval has passed. Upon passage of the time interval, the time checker switches access from the ping timer to the pong timer before the ping timer reaches an overflow state, thereby avoiding problems associated with counter/timer overflow. |
| US09405340B2 |
Apparatus and method to implement power management of a processor
In an embodiment, a processor includes a plurality of cores grouped into a plurality of clusters. The clusters are formed based on a corresponding operating voltage of each core at each of a plurality of frequencies. Each cluster includes a unique set of cores and at least one cluster includes at least two of the cores. The processor also includes a power control unit (PCU) including frequency/voltage control logic, responsive to a frequency change request for a first core of a first cluster, to determine an operating voltage for the first core from a first cluster voltage-frequency (V-F) table associated with the first cluster. The first cluster V-F table uniquely specifies a corresponding operating voltage at each of a plurality of frequencies of operation of the cores of the first cluster. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09405339B1 |
Power controller
A closed-loop controller of an apparatus in an example operates a set of switches to dynamically configure power rails to an industry-standard socket. |
| US09405337B2 |
Temperature management circuit, system on chip including the same and method of managing temperature
In managing temperature in a system on chip (SOC), a main temperature signal is generated using a main sensor, where the main temperature signal is a signal having a value corresponding to a main temperature of the SOC. Subsidiary temperature signals are generated using subsidiary sensors, where the subsidiary temperature signals are pulse signals having frequencies corresponding to subsidiary temperatures of subsidiary blocks in the SOC, respectively. An operation of the SOC is controlled based upon the main temperature signal and the subsidiary temperature signals. |
| US09405334B2 |
Electronic card holder and electronic device using same
An electronic card holder includes a fixed member, a tray slidably attached to the fixed member and defines a notch thereon, and a latching member. The latching member includes a main body fixed to the fixed member, a pressing portion extending from the main body and a latching portion extending from the main body towards the fixed member. When the latching portion is received in the notch, the tray is engaged with the fixed member. When the latching portion is driven to move away the notch by an external pressure applied on the pressing portion, the tray is disengaged from the fixed member. |
| US09405331B2 |
Cable grounding system for an information handling system
An information handling system may include a first member, a second member hingedly coupled to the first member via a hinge, a coaxial cable, and a grounding jacket. The coaxial cable may have a ground sheath and a signal wire internal to the ground sheath, wherein an axis of the signal wire is substantially parallel to a rotational axis of the hinge and wherein the coaxial cable comprises an exposed portion in which the ground sheath is exposed externally to the coaxial cable. The grounding jacket may be mechanically coupled to the first member and the second member, wherein the grounding jacket may be configured to mechanically support the coaxial cable and electrically couple to an electrically conductive portion of at least one of the first member and the second member and to the ground sheath at the exposed portion in order to create an electrically conductive path between the ground sheath and the electrically conductive portion via the grounding jacket. |
| US09405329B2 |
Cover structure, method for fabricating it, and touch panel including cover structure
Provided is a cover structure used for a touch panel, including: a substrate and a masking layer buried in the substrate. The region where the masking layer is located defines a non-visible region of the touch panel. In addition, a method for fabricating the cover structure and a touch panel including the cover structure are also provided. |
| US09405327B2 |
Control method and control apparatus of electronic device, and electronic device
A control method and a control apparatus of an electronic device and the electronic device, wherein the control apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect a user's contact with the electronic device, and acquire a detection result; a recognition unit configured to recognize a gesture of the user holding the electronic device according to the detection result; and a first control unit configured to generate a first control signal according to the gesture and a first correspondence between the gesture and the first control signal, the first control signal controlling the electronic device to perform a function corresponding to the first control signal. According to the control method and the control apparatus of the electronic device and the electronic device, a gesture of the user holding the electronic device is recognized, and a control signal for the electronic device is generated according to the gesture, so that the user conveniently controls the electronic. |
| US09405324B2 |
Electronic device with improved power management and user experience
Particular embodiments described herein provide for an electronic device, such as a notebook computer, laptop, or tablet that includes a circuit board coupled to a plurality of electronic components (which may include any type of components, elements, circuitry, etc.). One particular example implementation of an electronic device may include a display portion partitioned into a plurality of display regions, and a plurality of sensors. Each of the plurality of sensors is associated with a particular display region of the plurality of display regions and is configured to determine whether a portion of an electronic device cover is within proximity to the sensor. The electronic device further includes logic to determine a display state of the particular display region associated with the sensor based upon whether the portion of the electronic device cover is determined to be within proximity of the sensor. |
| US09405322B2 |
Computer devices and methods of preventing damage to a display
An example computer device includes a keyboard body further including a keyboard deck and a keyboard. In addition, the computer device includes a display body further including a display, the display body being coupled to the keyboard body such that the computer device is foldable to a closed position. Further, the computer device includes a display protector attached to the keyboard body and disposed at the keyboard deck to protect the display by contact therewith. The display protector includes a plurality of separate, discrete portions, the plurality of portions extends along each side of the keyboard, and each of the plurality of portions contacts both the keyboard deck and the display when the computer device is in the closed position and a compressible load is applied to the computer device. |
| US09405321B2 |
Electronic device
When the lid is rotated in the closing direction toward the first predetermined state from a second predetermined state where the lid is in an open state and the outer lid at a locked position, the projection of the outer lid and a wall portion of the case are brought into contact with each other in the gap, an inclined surface is formed on at least one of a portion, which is brought into contact with the wall portion of the case, of the projection of the outer lid and a portion, which is brought into contact with the projection of the outer lid, of the wall portion of the case, wherein the inclined surface is formed in an inclined manner such that as the inclined surface is farther from the axis of rotation, the inclined surface becomes farther from the predetermined surface. |
| US09405318B2 |
Translucent panel attachment structure and portable electronic device
A translucent panel attachment structure according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a translucent panel, a casing, and a silicone resin layer. The casing has an opening into which the translucent panel is fitted. The opening has an inner wall surface which faces a peripheral surface of the translucent panel and an inner bottom surface which inwardly extends from the inner wall surface so as to face a peripheral edge of a back surface of the translucent panel. The silicone resin layer is formed by filling a silicone resin between the peripheral surface of the translucent panel and the inner wall surface of the casing and between the peripheral edge of the back surface of the translucent panel and the inner bottom surface of the casing. |
| US09405311B1 |
Bias-temperature induced damage mitigation circuit
A circuit that regulates electrical current flow through an integrated circuit involves a sequencing circuit connected to a clock signal generator, the sequencing circuit configured to, responsive to receiving a clock signal from the clock signal generator, generate a set of sequencing signals that includes a first switching signal, a second switching signal, and a disable signal. The circuit also involves a switching circuit connected to the sequencing circuit, the switching circuit configured to receive the first switching signal and the second switching signal and a current mirror connected to the switching circuit and the sequencing circuit, the current mirror configured to receive an activation signal from a current control logic circuit and to receive the disable signal. |
| US09405308B2 |
Method and apparatus to minimize switching noise disturbance
A power management circuit generates a reference voltage and distributes it to a plurality of independently-enabled regulator voltage reference circuits. Separate enable signals and enable pre-charge signals are distributed to each regulator voltage reference circuit. As a regulator voltage reference circuit is enabled via its associated enable signal, an enable pre-charge signal is also asserted for an initial duration. Each regulator voltage reference circuit includes a voltage setting circuit and a first current limiting transistor in series and operative to interrupt current to the voltage setting circuit when the regulator voltage reference circuit is disabled. A second current limiting transistor is configured as a current mirror with the first current limiting transistor, and a pre-charge bias current from a current source passes through the second transistor. This limits the current through the first transistor and into the voltage setting circuit for the initial duration. |
| US09405307B2 |
Apparatus and method for distributing power-up power dissipation
A connection device for connecting a load to a power supply, comprising at least first and second current control devices arranged in parallel between the power supply and the load, and a controller arranged to switch the current control devices on in sequence for temporally overlapping on periods. |
| US09405305B1 |
Precision voltage reference circuit with tunable resistance
A voltage reference circuit is provided. A voltage reference circuit includes a bridge circuit having a first branch, a second branch, and an amplifier. The bridge circuit is coupled between a precision voltage reference (PVR) node and a ground node. The first branch includes a first resistor of value R1 coupled to a reference resistor of value Rref at a first intermediate node. The second branch includes a second resistor of value R1 coupled to a variable resistor of value Rvar at a second intermediate node. Rvar is non-linearly tunable based on the PVR. The amplifier includes a positive input terminal coupled to the second intermediate node and a negative input terminal coupled to the first intermediate node. The amplifier is configured to generate the PVR. |
| US09405304B2 |
Water heater and method of operating a water heater
A water heater that includes a tank for holding water, a heat source, a temperature sensor, a communication module operable to communicate with an external controller remote from the water heater, and a controller including a processor and a computer readable memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to operate the water heater. The communication module receives commands from the external controller for further operating the water heater. |
| US09405302B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling temperature of data card
The disclosure provides a method and apparatus for controlling temperature of data card. The method includes the following steps: sampling the temperature of protected element on the data card; regulating the data transmission speed of the data card according to the sampled temperature to control the temperature of the data card. With the disclosure, the element aging or element damage of a wireless data card is avoided. |
| US09405299B2 |
Control device
A control device configured with a torque/current computation section, an actual current computation section, a current feedback control section, and a voltage control section. A two-axis rotating coordinate system has a first axis defined in a direction of field magnetic flux of a magnet provided in the rotor, and a second axis defined in a direction that is shifted by an electrical angle of 90 degrees with respect to the first axis. In the case where a torque command includes periodic torque vibration, the torque/current computation section executes first-axis command fixation control in which a first-axis current command, which is a first-axis component of the two-phase current command, is fixed at a predetermined value and a second-axis current command, which is a second-axis component of the two-phase current command, is vibrated in accordance with the torque vibration. |
| US09405298B2 |
System and method to divide fluid flow in a predetermined ratio
A system and method for dividing the flow of one or more process fluids in a predetermined flow ratio is provided herein. In one embodiment, a system for dividing flow of one or more process fluids in a predetermined flow ratio includes a process chamber having a plurality of inlets for delivering one or more process fluids into the process chamber; a plurality of modulating valves coupled to the plurality of inlets, wherein each inlet of the plurality of inlets is coupled to at least one modulating valve; and a controller coupled to the plurality of modulating valves, the controller configured to control the operation of the plurality of modulating valves to divide the flow of one or more process fluids in the predetermined flow ratio. |
| US09405297B2 |
System and method for pressure control in a network
A system and a method for controlling the pressure of a fluid in a distribution network. The network includes at least one pump station having a number of pumps that are configured to pressurize the fluid from a supply line; means for determining at least one flow value (Q) of at least a part of the distribution network and a control unit for controlling the activity and/or speed of the pump(s) of the pump station according to a predefined pump curve defining the relationship between the pressure and the flow of the fluid pressurized by the pump station. The control unit is configured to change the pump curve automatically according to at least one determined flow value (Q). |
| US09405288B2 |
Robot apparatus and controlling method of the robot apparatus
A robot apparatus comprises: a robot body having a multi joint arm including a plurality of joints; a motor provided as a driving source of at least a part of the plurality of joints; and a controlling system capable of controlling the motor. The controlling system comprises a motion controlling unit configured to input a current to the motor to rotate the motor, a heat generation controlling unit configured to input the current to the motor to generate heat, without rotating the motor, and a controlling unit configured to calculate a temperature raising current necessary to rise up to a predetermined temperature without rotating the motor, to generate a current instruction for temperature raising to set the heat generation controlling unit to output the temperature raising current, and to transmit the current instruction for temperature raising to the heat generation controlling unit at stopping the robot body. |
| US09405285B2 |
Interface for local configuration and monitoring of an industrial field device with support for provisioning onto an industrial wireless network and related system and method
A method includes communicatively coupling a user device to a field device in an industrial control system in order to configure and provision the field device. The method also includes selecting an operating mode of the user device. The method further includes, in response to selecting a first operating mode, providing configuration data from the user device to the field device in order to configure the field device. In addition, the method includes, in response to selecting a second operating mode, providing provisioning data from the user device to the field device in order to provision the field device onto a wireless network. Providing the configuration data and the provisioning data could include communicating the provisioning data and the configuration data to the field device through an out-of-band communication interface. The out-of-band communication interface may include a direct wired interface or infrared interface. |
| US09405282B2 |
Safety-oriented controller in combination with cloud computing
A control device cyclically accepts each safety-oriented input signal from an industrial-technical process in a fail-safe manner, and transfers the safety-oriented input signals to a Cloud using a fail-safe protocol over a link to a computer network. The control device also accepts signals from the Cloud over the link to the computer network, using the fail-safe protocol for the industrial-technical process specific safety-oriented control signals, and decides based on additional information in a fail-safe manner whether it recognizes the safety-oriented control signals determined by the Cloud for the industrial-technical process as correct. Depending on the result of the decision, the device controls the industrial-technical process in accordance with the safety-oriented control signals in a fail-safe manner or places the industrial-technical process into a safe state in a fail-safe manner. |
| US09405280B2 |
Network system
Provided is a component for a network system, which includes a control part and a power consumer unit. The control part recognizes energy information or additional information except for the energy information. The power consumer unit is controlled to maintain a target value, and is repeatedly turned on or off. An on-period or off-period of the power consumer unit is varied depending on information recognized by the control part. |
| US09405279B2 |
Method and system for controller transition
A method for transition of control from a first controller to a second controller includes communicatively coupling the first controller and the second controller, such that at least one input signal received by one controller is mutually provided to the other controller and such that at least one output signal generated by one controller is mutually provided to the respective other controller. The method includes disconnecting at least one output line from the first controller, connecting the at least one output line to the second controller, and supplying an output signal to the at least one output line. The method includes, before disconnecting at least one output line from the first controller, supplying a logical high signal to the output line by an external voltage source if the first output signal is a logical high signal or if the output line is at a logical high state during normal operation. |
| US09405275B2 |
Time-to-digital converter and related method
A device includes a delay line, a first readout circuit electrically connected to the delay line, a second readout circuit electrically connected to the delay line, and a phase interpolator electrically connected to the second readout circuit. |
| US09405274B2 |
Time piece capable of displaying two time zones
Device (300; 200) for displaying the time, comprising a time-display member (A1, A2) and a switchover mechanism (100) allowing the time-display member to switch between a first time zone and a second time zone. This switchover mechanism comprises: a first heart piece (3) capable of rotating; a first lever (1) having a first end (1a) designed to collaborate with the first heart piece (3) with a view to causing the display member (A1, A2) to indicate the time in the first time zone; a second lever (2; 42) designed to cause the display member (A1, A2) to indicate the time of the second time zone; a two-position selector member (5) collaborating with the first lever (1), and a control member (P) allowing selection of the first or the second time zone for display. The two-position selector member (5) is designed to collaborate directly with a second end (1b) of the first lever (1). |
| US09405273B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus having a sheet conveyance path guiding a sheet to a sheet exit port after the sheet passes through a fixing device. A conveyance unit constitutes one of a pair of sheet conveyance surface portions of the sheet conveyance path. A first cooling fan is disposed within the conveyance unit and sucks air from an air introducing hole in the conveyance unit that is in communication with the sheet conveyance path. A second cooling fan is disposed on an opposite side of the sheet conveyance path to the conveyance unit and blows air at a sheet passing through the sheet conveyance path. A conveyance guide member is fitted to the conveyance unit and switches a conveyance direction of the sheet passing through the sheet conveyance path. The first cooling fan blows at the conveyance guide member air sucked from the air introducing hole. |
| US09405272B2 |
Image forming apparatus including a duct filter having corrugated surface shape
An image forming apparatus includes a fuser unit which includes a heat roller and a pressure roller; a duct which is formed in a long shape in a direction along an axis of the heat roller, is disposed in the vicinity of the fuser unit along the axis of the heat roller, and is exhausted by an exhaust fan which is provided on one end side in a long-side direction; an exhaust port which is opened to a first side wall of the fuser unit side of the duct and causes the fuser unit and the duct to communicate with each other; and a planar filter which is attached to an inner wall surface of the duct. The filter includes a filter base material having an irregular surface shape in which ditches and convex portions are alternately disposed; and a frame which is bonded to both ends orthogonal to an irregularity direction of the filter base material, the convex portion of the filter base material protrudes from the frame, and the convex portion of the filter base material is bonded or stuck to the inner wall surface. |
| US09405270B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A fixing device capable of incorporating in an image forming apparatus includes a belt unit including a rotatable elastic endless belt having a sleeve shape without a driving shaft and a nip forming member disposed contactable against an inner surface of the endless belt, and a pressing member to form a nip contact portion through which a recording medium passes by pressing against the nip forming member via the endless belt. The endless belt is configured to be removable from the fixing device without contacting the endless belt. |
| US09405267B2 |
Developing apparatus having pushing unit and image forming apparatus having the same
A developing apparatus includes a developing unit having a developing member, a photosensitive unit hinge-connected to the developing unit and having an image carrier, and a pushing unit disposed below the photosensitive unit and configured to selectively push a lower portion of the developing unit, wherein the pushing unit includes a pushing member disposed to move linearly in a base and having an end configured to be in contact with the lower portion of the developing unit, a link member having a first end connected to the pushing member, a crank arm rotatably connected to a second end of the link member, an elastic member disposed on the link member and that elastically supports the pushing member, and a rotation shaft rotatably disposed in the base and connected to the crank arm. |
| US09405266B2 |
Detecting a developing cartridge
A developing cartridge is provided. The developing cartridge includes a housing which accommodates developer therein, a receiving member which receives a driving force output member provided in an image forming apparatus, a developing roller which rotates by the driving force received by the receiving member, and a detectable rotary member including a detectable portion, which is a detection target to be detected by a detection member provided in the image forming apparatus, and a contact portion which is provided away from the detectable portion. The detectable rotary member rotates from a retreat position to an initial position where the detectable rotary member is rotated by the driving force received by the receiving member, by the contact portion contacting an interference member fixed in the image forming apparatus in a process of mounting the developing cartridge into the image forming apparatus. |
| US09405263B2 |
Image forming apparatus, image forming system, and post processing method
An image forming apparatus includes a feeder having a longer side direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of a recording medium, and feeds a maximum size recording medium with a longer side first, an image forming unit having a maximum sheet feed width corresponding to a longer side length of the maximum size recording medium, and prints a toner image onto the recording medium, and a sub feeder that can feed the maximum size recording medium to the image forming unit independently from the feeder. A post processing apparatus receives a printed recording medium and executes post processing on a side of the recording medium. A feeding source of the maximum size recording medium is selected from the feeder and the sub feeder for executing the post processing on the longer and shorter sides of the maximum size recording medium, respectively. |
| US09405261B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting phase of input power
A phase detector includes an alternating current input unit to which input power is applied; a zero cross generator that outputs a zero cross signal at a zero cross point of the input power by using a photo coupler; and a zero cross detector that converts the zero cross signal to a pulse signal and detects the phase of the input power based on the pulse signal. A compensation capacitor is connected in parallel at a first side of the photo coupler. |
| US09405258B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a storage unit, a conveyance unit, an opening, and a movement unit. The storage unit stores, in an apparatus body of the image forming apparatus, a sheet having an image. The conveyance unit conveys the sheet having the image to the storage unit. The opening exposes the stored sheet to an outside of the apparatus body. The movement unit is movable to a first position where the sheet conveyed to the storage unit can be stored in the storage unit and a second position. The stored sheet is moved when the movement unit moves from the first to the second position, and is stopped in an exposed state where a part of the sheet is exposed to outside the apparatus body from the opening. The movement unit moves from the second to the first position when the sheet is in the exposed state. |
| US09405246B2 |
Fixing device comprising heating stop device to stop heat source from heating fixing belt and image forming apparatus including same
A fixing device includes a fixing belt, a pressuring member, a heat source, a pressing member and a first heating stop device. The fixing belt is provided to be rotatable around a rotation axis. The pressuring member is configured to be rotatable and to come into pressure contact with the fixing belt so as to form a fixing nip. The heat source is arranged at an inner diameter side of the fixing belt, provided at a position displaced from the rotation axis and configured to heat the fixing belt. The pressing member is configured to press the fixing belt to a side of the pressuring member. The first heating stop device is configured to face an outer circumferential face of a closest part to the heat source of the fixing belt and to operate at a first operating temperature so as to stop the heat source from heating the fixing belt. |
| US09405241B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method for operating image processing apparatus
According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes a heating unit configured to heat an image formed on a sheet, and a control unit configured to control a temperature of the heating unit to be (i) above a first temperature when performing an image erasing operation on a first sheet supplied thereto, and (ii) below a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature when performing an image fixing operation on a second sheet supplied thereto. The control unit permits a first type of job to interrupt a currently-executing job while the image erasing operation is being performed and prohibits a second type of job from interrupting the currently-executing job while the image erasing operation is being performed. |
| US09405236B2 |
Image forming device
An image forming device capable of performing both-side printing, statically transferring, by application of a transfer voltage, an unfixed image formed on an image carrier to a recording sheet when passing through a transfer position, and then thermally fixing the unfixed image when the recording sheet passes through a fixing position where a heating rotating body is disposed. The image forming device acquires an index value of a water content at each of a plurality of sheet-passing-direction positions of the recording sheet having undergone thermal fixing of an unfixed image statically transferred onto a first side thereof, and controls, for each of the positions, a transfer voltage applied for statically transferring an unfixed image onto a second side of the recording sheet, so that the lower the water content indexed by the index value of the position, the greater an absolute value of the transfer voltage. |
| US09405234B2 |
Image forming apparatus
A fiber member and a transfer belt are movable into contact with or away from each other. In an initial contact state in which an image carrying member and the transfer belt are separated and the transfer belt and the fiber member start touching, an upstream side of the fiber member in the movement direction of the transfer belt touches the transfer belt before a downstream side of the fiber member touches the belt. In a contact state in which the image carrying member and the transfer belt are in contact and the transfer belt and the transfer device are in contact, a holding surface is inclined with respect to an opposing portion of an inner peripheral surface of the transfer belt in such a manner that a distance between the holding surface and the opposing portion increases from the downstream side to the upstream side in the movement direction. |
| US09405229B1 |
Developing device
A developing device includes a developer carrying member, a first chamber, a second chamber, a first feeding member, and a second feeding member. The second feeding member includes first to third spiral portions and a disk portion. The disk portion includes a projected portion. When the disk portion is seen in an axial direction of the second feeding member, on the basis of a line connecting a rotation center of the disk portion and an upstream end portion of the third spiral portion with respect to a feeding direction of the third spiral portion, the projected portion is provided within a range from a position deviated by 90 degrees toward a downstream side with respect to a rotational direction of the disk portion to a position deviated by 30 degrees toward an upstream side with respect to the rotational direction of the disk portion. |
| US09405226B2 |
Image forming apparatus capable of effectively developing images
An image forming apparatus, a process cartridge, and a developing unit includes a developer carrying member to carry developer, first and second rotary members arranged in parallel to each other and configured to rotate to agitate and convey the developer, and an enclosure having an inside space to contain the developer, the inside space being divided by a partition with communication openings formed therein at opposite ends thereof into a first chamber configured to maintain the developer above a first level and to hold the first rotary member therein which supplies the developer to the developer carrying member while agitating and conveying the developer, and a second chamber configured to communicate with the first chamber through the communication openings, to maintain the developer at a second level lower than the first level, and to hold the second rotary member therein which circulates the developer with the first chamber through the communication openings. |
| US09405224B2 |
Developer accommodating container with flexible members forming injection opening
A developer accommodating container for accommodating developer for image formation. The developer accommodating container includes a first flexible member having a folded shape and a second flexible member for forming a space for accommodating the developer by covering a part of the first flexible member. The first flexible container and the second flexible container form an injection opening for permitting injection of developer into the space. As seen from an injection direction, the folded shape has a recess. |
| US09405223B2 |
Developing device, image forming apparatus, and process cartridge
A developing device includes a developer bearer to carry developer to a developer range where the developer bearer faces a latent image bearer, a development casing forming a developer storing part storing the developer to supply to the surface of developer bearer, a developer through opening communicating a space in where the developer bearer is disposed and the developer storing part, a cover sheet covering the developer through opening at the developing casing, and when the cover sheet is removed, the developer pass through the developer through opening, a sheet collecting shaft to collect the cover sheet by rotating, and a transmitting mechanism to transmit a force for rotating to the sheet collecting shaft. The transmitting mechanism does not transmit the force to the collecting shaft after the cover sheet is collected. |
| US09405219B2 |
Developing device with reverse rotation control, image forming apparatus, and method for controlling developing device
A developing device 43 includes a first rotation control portion and a second rotation control portion. When a developing process is performed, the first rotation control portion causes a developer carrying member to rotate in a first rotation direction at a first rotation speed previously determined. When the developing process is not performed, the second rotation control portion causes the developer carrying member to rotate at a second rotation speed V2 faster than a rotation speed V1 during the developing process in a direction X2 reverse to a development rotation direction X1, and then, causes the developer carrying member to rotate at a third rotation speed V3 slower than the second rotation speed V2 in the direction X2. |
| US09405218B2 |
Image forming device having detachable developing device unit
An image forming device includes a plurality of developing devices, and a plurality of sloping members disposed in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of developing devices. Each developing device includes a developer accommodating chamber and a developing roller disposed above the developer accommodating chamber. Each developing device is movable between a first position and a second position lower than the first position in a height direction generally parallel to a vertical direction. Each sloping member has a sloped surface movable in the height direction and a biasing member biasing the sloped surface upward in the height direction. Each sloping member is movable between a third position where the corresponding developing device is placed on the sloped surface and a fourth position where the corresponding developing device is released from being pressed by the sloped surface in a predetermined direction generally perpendicular to the vertical direction. |
| US09405214B2 |
Image forming apparatus for determining a target bias voltage value
There is provided an image forming apparatus including: a forming section having an image holding member and an developing portion, and configured to apply a developing bias voltage to the developing portion to develop an electrostatic latent image on the image holding member; a sensor configured to detect a mark formed by the forming section; a storage; and a controller configured to perform: forming first and second marks, obtaining the densities of the first and second marks, obtaining a slope, and determining a target bias voltage value, and storing the target bias voltage value in the storage. |
| US09405206B2 |
Electrophotographic photosensitive member and method of producing the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus each including the electrophotographic photosensitive member
Provided is an electrophotographic photosensitive member capable of suppressing a voltage fluctuation and occurrence of a black spot under a high-temperature/high-humidity environment. The electrophotographic photosensitive member includes: a support; a first intermediate layer formed on the support; a second intermediate layer formed on the first intermediate layer; and a photosensitive layer formed on the second intermediate layer, in which the first intermediate layer contains metal oxide particles having a number-average primary particle diameter of from 30 to 450 nm; and the second intermediate layer contains a cured product of a composition containing an electron transport substance having a polymerizable functional group represented by the formula (1) or (2), and having a molecular weight of from 100 to 1,000, and a crosslinking agent having 3 to 6 groups reactive with the polymerizable functional group represented by the formula (1) or (2), and having a molecular weight of from 200 to 1,300. |
| US09405205B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and in-line cleaning apparatus
A lithographic system includes an immersion type lithographic apparatus, which includes a support constructed and arranged to support a substrate, a projection system constructed and arranged to project a patterned beam of radiation onto a target portion of the substrate, a liquid confinement structure configured to at least partially fill a space between the projection system and at least one of the substrate and support with an immersion liquid, a liquid supply system arranged to provide the immersion liquid to the liquid confinement structure, and a cleaning liquid supply system arranged to provide a cleaning liquid to a surface of the lithographic apparatus that comes into contact with the immersion liquid. The system includes a switch to provide the cleaning liquid directly to the liquid confinement structure and to provide the immersion liquid indirectly to the liquid confinement structure via a liquid purification system. |
| US09405201B2 |
Lithography process using directed self assembly
A method includes forming a patterned hard mask layer, with a trench formed in the patterned hard mask layer, dispensing a Bulk Co-Polymer (BCP) coating in the trench, wherein the BCP coating comprises a mix of a first material and a second material different from the first material. The method further includes treating the BCP coating with a chemical to form a first plurality of strips of the first material and a second plurality of strips of the second material, with the first plurality of strips and the second plurality of strips allocated in an alternating layout. The second plurality of strips is selectively etched, and the first plurality of strips is left in the trench. |
| US09405199B2 |
Method for forming resist pattern
A method of forming a resist pattern, and a film including a metal-containing compound formed on the resist pattern while developing the resist pattern. The method uses an organic solvent developer liquid, in which a metal compound capable of generating a hydroxyl group upon hydrolysis is dissolved in an organic solvent that does not have a functional group that reacts with the metal compound. |
| US09405198B2 |
Method for providing conductive silver film elements
A black-and-white developing solution and a silver halide solution physical developing solution are used in sequence to provide electrically-conductive film elements from conductive film element precursors that contain photosensitive silver halide emulsions on one or both supporting sides of a transparent substrate. The two developing solutions have unique combinations of developing agents and other essential components to provide complete development of imagewise exposed silver halide and highly conductive silver metal in desired patterns on a transparent substrate. |
| US09405195B2 |
Method to define multiple layer patterns with a single exposure by charged particle beam lithography
The present disclosure provides a method that includes forming a first patternable material layer on a substrate; forming a second patternable material layer over the first patternable material layer; and performing a charged particle beam lithography exposure process to the first patternable material layer and the second patternable material layer, thereby forming a first latent feature in the first patternable material layer and a second latent feature in the second patternable material layer. |
| US09405194B2 |
Facility and method for treating substrate
Provided is a method of a substrate treatment. The method includes providing an operation module with substrates contained in a lot and performing an operation treatment thereon and performing a test treatment on the substrates completed with the operation treatment in a test module. The performing of the test treatment includes determining a substrate to be tested, which is provided to the test module, to allow the test treatment to be completed within an operation treatment time for the substrates in a unit lot. |
| US09405193B2 |
Imprint apparatus, imprint method and article manufacturing method
An imprint apparatus include: a substrate stage; a dispense unit; an irradiation unit; a receiving unit configured to receive an imprint material that is dummy dispensed from the dispense unit; and a controller configured to cause the dummy dispensed imprint material to be irradiated by an energy beam from the irradiation unit without bringing the dummy dispensed imprint material into contact with the mold. |
| US09405190B2 |
Method for forming resist pattern and resist composition
A resist pattern formation method with enhanced resolution and process margin in forming a resist pattern. The method includes using a resist composition containing a high-molecular weight compound having a constituent unit represented by the general formula (a0-1) and conducting patterning by negative type development with a developing solution containing an organic solvent to forma resist pattern in which R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms; Va0 represents a divalent hydrocarbon group; na0 is an integer of 0 to 2; R1 represents a chain or cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group; R2 represents a group for forming a monocyclic group together with the carbon atom to which R1 is bonded; and R3 represents an optionally substituted cyclic group. |
| US09405189B2 |
Self-assembled structures, method of manufacture thereof and articles comprising the same
Disclosed herein is a photoresist composition comprising a graft block copolymer; a solvent and a photoacid generator; where the graft block copolymer comprises a first block polymer; the first block polymer comprising a backbone polymer and a first graft polymer; where the first graft polymer comprises a surface energy reducing moiety that comprises a halocarbon moiety or a silicon containing moiety; and a second block polymer; the second block polymer being covalently bonded to the first block; wherein the second block comprises the backbone polymer and a second graft polymer; where the second graft polymer comprises a functional group that is operative to undergo deprotection and alter the solubility of the graft block copolymer; where the graft block copolymer has a bottle brush topology. |
| US09405187B2 |
Salt, acid generator and resist composition
The present invention is a salt represented by the formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 independently represent a fluorine atom or a C1 to C6 perfluoroalkyl group; L1 represents a C1 to C17 divalent saturated hydrocarbon group, a —CH2— contained in the saturated hydrocarbon group may be replaced by —O— or —CO—; ring W1 represents a C2 to C36 heterocycle; R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C12 hydrocarbon group, a —CH2— contained in the hydrocarbon group may be replaced by —O— or —CO—; R4 in each occurrence independently represent a C1 to C6 hydrocarbon group, a —CH2— contained in the hydrocarbon group may be replaced by —O— or —CO—; m represents an integer of 0 to 6; and Z+ represents an organic cation. |
| US09405181B2 |
Projection assemblies for use with unmanned aerial vehicles
A projection assembly for use with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) such as quadrotors. The projection assembly includes a projection screen with a rear surface and a front surface, and the projection screen has a level of opacity and/or other physical qualities that enables it to function as a rear-projection surface. The projection assembly includes a vehicle attachment member adapted for coupling with a frame of the UAV, and the projection screen is supported at a first end by the vehicle attachment member. The apparatus includes a projector projecting light, and the projected light is directed onto the rear surface of the projection surface to generate a displayed image visible on the front surface. The projection screen can be formed from a mesh sheet with a porosity allowing air to flow through the projection screen. The mesh sheet may be formed of plastic threads that provide the rear-projection surface function. |
| US09405179B2 |
Projector
A projector that outputs a first picture and a second picture alternately, wherein a control section performs first control and second control, controls a discharge lamp driving section. In the first control and the second control, the absolute value of a drive current is relatively small in a first period and relatively large in a second period. In the first control, the energy provided to a first electrode in the second period is greater than the energy provided to the second electrode in the second period. In the second control, the energy provided to the second electrode in the second period is greater than the energy provided to the first electrode in the second period. |
| US09405171B2 |
Laser illumination device with integrated shutter
The device (1) comprises a controllable illumination module (2) comprising a laser source (3) capable of emitting a laser pulse, a controllable high-speed shutter (5), and an activatable control unit (6) which controls said illumination module (2) and said shutter (5) simultaneously, and which synchronizes the generation of laser pulses by the illumination module (2) and the opening of the shutter (5) so as to move said shutter (5) into an open position, an adjustable time lag after the generation of a laser pulse, and this over an adjustable opening period, said illumination module (2) and said shutter (5) forming part of an assembly (12) having mechanical integrity. |
| US09405167B2 |
Liquid-crystal lens and liquid-crystal lens-cell
An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid-crystal lens having excellent imaging performance. A liquid-crystal lens (1) according to the present invention includes a first liquid-crystal layer (11), a second liquid-crystal layer (12), a third liquid-crystal layer (13), and a fourth liquid-crystal layer (14) which are arranged in this order along an optical axis (C). The first liquid-crystal layer (11) and the second liquid-crystal layer (12) are 90° different in alignment direction from each other in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis (C). The first liquid-crystal layer (11) and the fourth liquid-crystal layer (14) are 180° different in alignment direction from each other in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis (C). The second liquid-crystal layer (12) and the third liquid-crystal layer (13) are 180° different in alignment direction from each other in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis (C). |
| US09405166B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing display laminate
A method and an apparatus for processing display laminate, wherein the display laminate comprises a front electrode layer (106), a display material layer (104) and a protective film layer (102). The display laminate is continuous. A section of protective film layer (102) is continuously removed from the edge of the display laminate by a cutting unit (304) while the display laminate is running through the cutting unit (304). After removing the section of the protective film layer (102), a section of the display material layer (104) located at the same edge as the removed section of the protecting film layer (102) is continuously removed by spraying medium in a spraying unit (310) while the display laminate is running through the spraying unit (310). |
| US09405152B2 |
Liquid crystal display and method for manufacturing same
A liquid crystal display is provided which is capable of reducing the occurrence of defective display due to variations in the initial alignment direction of a liquid crystal alignment control film in a liquid crystal display of an IPS scheme, realizing the stable liquid crystal alignment, providing excellent mass productivity, and having high image quality with a higher contrast ratio. The liquid crystal display has a liquid crystal layer disposed between a pair of substrates, at least one of the substrates being transparent, and an alignment control film formed between the liquid crystal layer and the substrate. At least one of the alignment control films 109 comprises photoreactive polyimide and/or polyamic acid provided with an alignment control ability by irradiation of substantially linearly polarized light. |
| US09405146B2 |
Quantum dot color filter, liquid crystal panel and display device
A quantum dot color filter is used for a liquid crystal panel comprising a plurality of pixels. Each pixel has a plurality of sub-pixels. Each sub-pixel corresponds to one color. The color filter includes subregions disposed in one to one correspondence with the sub-pixels. At least one subregion is formed of a quantum dot material and the quantum dot material generates light of the same color as a corresponding sub-pixel after excitation. |
| US09405145B2 |
Thin film transistor array panel for a display and manufacturing method thereof
A thin film transistor array panel includes a substrate. A data line is formed on the substrate. A color filter covers at least a portion of the data line. A shielding electrode is formed on the color filter and is disposed over the data line. A pixel electrode is formed on the color filter and is separated from the shielding electrode. The shielding electrode has a low reflection characteristic. |
| US09405141B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device having a front frame, a back panel, a middle frame and a fixing unit is provided. A fixing post is installed on an inner surface of the frame side of the front frame, the position of the back panel corresponding with the fixing post includes a first through hole, and the position of the middle frame corresponding with the fixing post having a second through hole; wherein the fixing post includes a fixing hole, the fixing post passes through the second through hole and is installed in the first through hole, and the fixing unit is fixed and connected with the fixing hole so that the front frame, the middle frame and the back panel are fixed each other. |
| US09405128B2 |
Eyeglasses
The present disclosure relates to eyeglasses, more particularly, to eyeglasses the size of which can be reduced during storage and transportation and which can have improved wearing comfort for a user. |
| US09405127B2 |
Planar waveguide faraday rotator
A planar core and a cladding disposed on opposite sides of thereof. In the best mode, the rotator includes a very low Numerical Aperture (NA) planar waveguide. The cladding is birefringent and the refractive index and birefringence thereof are optimized to provide equal mode propagation velocities for both TE and TM modes for at least one transverse mode. The refractive index and birefringence of the cladding are optimized to provide equal mode propagation velocities for both TE and TM modes for a wide range of transverse modes. |
| US09405123B2 |
Optical system
To provide an optical system that lengthens the lifetime of a fiber, an optical system 13 guides light beams emitted from a plurality of light emitting parts ep into a single optical fiber 12, the plurality of light emitting parts ep are arranged to be aligned along a first direction d1, and the optical system 13 allows the light beams emitted from the plurality of light emitting parts ep to have different light collection centers which are offset from each other at least in a second direction d2. |
| US09405111B2 |
Slider for sliding into the observation beam path of a microscope
The invention relates to an optical assembly that can be interposed into the observation beam path of a microscope, comprising a first mount. In the first mount, a stack of optical elements for a polarization optical, differential interference contrast method, is arranged to facilitate a first observation method. The stack comprises, inter alia, a polarizer, polarization-optical shearing elements, and an analyzer. The analyzer is arranged in the stack with regard to its polarization direction in a predetermined orientation relative to the polarization direction of the polarizer. The stack of optical elements in the first mount is arranged such as to be interchangeable. Further, the assembly comprises at least one additional mount for receiving optical elements for at least one additional observation method. |
| US09405107B2 |
Zoom lens and imaging apparatus
A zoom lens consists essentially of a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a negative third lens group, and a positive fourth lens group. During zooming from the wide angle end to the telephoto end, the first lens group and the fourth lens group are fixed, the third lens group is moved monotonously from the object side to the image side, and the second lens group is moved to correct an image plane variation associated with the zooming When the amounts of movements of the second lens group and the third lens group are taken as M2 and M3 respectively, the zoom lens satisfies a conditional expression (1): 0 |
| US09405106B2 |
Imaging lens and imaging apparatus
An imaging lens includes: a first lens group having a positive refractive power which is fixed during focusing operations; a second lens group having a positive refractive power which moves during focusing operations; and a third lens group which is fixed during focusing operations. The first lens group includes a 1a lens group having a positive refractive power, an aperture stop, and a 1b lens group having a positive refractive power. The 1a lens group includes a positive lens, a negative meniscus lens, a negative meniscus lens, a positive meniscus lens, a negative lens, a positive lens, a negative lens, and a cemented lens formed by a positive lens and a negative lens. |
| US09405105B2 |
Zoom lens system and image pickup apparatus including the same
Provided is a zoom lens including a focus lens portion, a zoom portion, an aperture stop, and a relay portion that does not move for zooming but comprises a negative fourth-first unit, a fourth-second unit interchangeable for an optical path, a positive fourth-third unit, and a fourth-fourth unit insertable for the optical path for shifting a focal length range of an entire system to a long focal length side after removing the fourth-second unit from the optical path, and a distance on an optical axis between the aperture stop and a last lens surface of the fourth-fourth unit in a state of inserting the fourth-fourth unit in the optical path, a distance on the optical axis between a first lens surface and the last lens surface of the fourth-fourth unit, and an aperture diameter in an opened state of the aperture stop satisfy a predetermined conditions. |
| US09405101B2 |
Imaging lens and imaging apparatus
An imaging lens substantially consists of six lenses, composed of a negative first lens, a positive second lens, a negative third lens, a positive fourth lens, a positive fifth lens, and a negative sixth lens, disposed in order from the object side, and satisfies, when the distance between the first lens and the second lens is taken as Db12, the center thickness of the second lens is taken as D3, the focal length of the second lens is taken as f2, the focal length of the entire system is taken as f, the paraxial radius of curvature of the object side surface of the first lens is taken as R1f, and the paraxial radius of curvature of the image side surface of the first lens is taken as R1r, conditional expressions given below: 1.0<(Db12+D3)/f (1) f2/f<1.68 (2) 1.1<(R1f+R1r)/(R1f−R1r)<2.2 (3-3). |
| US09405096B2 |
Image sensor modules including primary high-resolution and secondary imagers
An optoelectronic module includes one or more image sensors including photosensitive regions. The module includes a first imager including a first stack of beam shaping elements disposed over the image sensor(s) to direct incoming light to a first photosensitive region, and a second imager including a second stack of beam shaping elements disposed over the image sensor(s) to direct incoming light to a second photosensitive region. Each particular stack includes a respective high-dispersion beam shaping element, where the high-dispersion beam shaping element of the first stack forms part of an achromatic doublet at an object side of the first stack. The high-dispersion beam shaping element in the second stack is part of a laterally contiguous array of beam shaping elements that does not include the high-dispersion beam shaping element that forms part of the achromatic doublet at the object side of the first stack. |
| US09405095B2 |
Imaging lens and imaging apparatus
An imaging lens consists of a first lens-group consisting of a positive lens with its surface that has the smaller absolute value of a curvature-radius facing an object-side, a positive lens in meniscus-shape with its convex-surface facing the object-side, a positive lens with its surface that has the smaller absolute value of a curvature-radius facing the object-side, and a negative lens with its surface that has the smaller absolute value of a curvature-radius facing an image-side, an aperture stop, a second lens-group consisting of a negative lens with its surface that has the smaller absolute value of a curvature-radius facing the object-side, a positive lens with its surface that has the smaller absolute value of a curvature-radius facing the image-side, and a positive lens, and a third lens-group consisting of a positive lens and a negative lens in this order from the object-side. A predetermined conditional expression is satisfied. |
| US09405094B2 |
Photographing lens, optical apparatus and method for manufacturing the photographing lens
Provided is a photographing lens (ML) including a first lens group (G1) having positive refractive power, a second lens group (G2) having negative refractive power, and a third lens group (G3) having positive refractive power, the photographing lens being configured such that the second lens group (G2) moves along the optical axis upon focusing from an object at infinity to an object at a finite distance. The first lens group (G1) includes a front lens group (G1a) and a rear lens group (G1b) having a longest air interval from the front lens group (G1a) in the first lens group (G1), and the second lens group (G2) includes a negative lens (L21) and a cemented lens in which a positive lens (22) and a negative lens (23) are cemented in order from the object. |
| US09405092B2 |
Control apparatus, image pickup system, and control method
A control apparatus includes a first focus detection unit that performs focus detection by a phase difference method based on an image signal obtained from an image pickup element, a second focus detection unit that performs focus detection by a contrast method, and a control unit that performs focusing, the control unit performs the focusing, in a first mode, by using a detection result of the first focus detection unit, and performs the focusing, in a second mode, by selectively using one of the detection result of the first focus detection unit and a detection result of the second focus detection unit according to lens information, and the first mode is a mode in which the focusing is repeated, and the second mode is a mode in which a lens is stopped after the focusing. |
| US09405091B2 |
Parabolic reflector
A reflection device including a sheet of flexible material with memory capabilities having a surface with a reflective property. The sheet comprises an elastic bendable material of a uniform thickness and the width of the sheet varies from the first end to the second end. The sheet forms into a parabolic shape by pulling the first end of the sheet toward the second end of the sheet and coupling them to the first and second securing ends of the securing mechanism. |
| US09405090B2 |
Adjusting instrument for a mirror of a vehicle
Adjusting instrument for a mirror, comprising: a first part 2, a second part 3, wherein the first and second parts 2,3 are pivotable relative to each other, wherein the first part 2 is bearing-mounted via a first bearing 4 about a first pivoting axis 6, and wherein the first part 2 together with the first bearing 4 is bearing-mounted directly or indirectly via a second bearing 5 to the second part 3 about a second pivoting axis 7, which is substantially transverse to the first pivoting axis 6, wherein the first bearing comprises a bar spring 8, which bar spring 8 is biased in a bias direction V+ which is substantially transverse to an adjustment plane Vs formed by the first and second pivoting axes 6,7, which bar spring 8 provides that the two parts 2,3 are pressed against each other under bias substantially transversely to the adjustment plane Vs. |
| US09405089B2 |
High-temperature isotropic plasma etching process to prevent electrical shorts
A method includes placing a device having a titanium nitride layer into a chamber. The device also has a mask that includes a photoresist material and an aluminum copper hardmask. The method also includes performing an ashing process on the mask using the chamber. The method further includes, after the ashing process, performing an etching process using the chamber to etch through portions of the titanium nitride layer. Performing the etching process includes flowing a gas mixture containing tetrafluoromethane (CF4) and oxygen gas (O2) into the chamber at a temperature of at least about 200° C. |
| US09405086B2 |
Organizer tray, fiber-routing assembly, and electro-optical module
Organizer tray including a base wall and a receiving wall that is coupled to the base wall. The base and receiving walls extend parallel to each other along a lateral axis. The receiving wall extends away from the base wall along an elevation axis that is perpendicular to the lateral axis such that the base and receiving walls define a circuit channel. The receiving wall has a curved shape. The base and receiving walls are shaped to hold a flex circuit assembly within the circuit channel, in which the flex circuit assembly includes a fiber-routing substrate and corresponding segments of optical fibers that extend within the fiber-routing substrate. The base and receiving walls are configured to hold the fiber-routing substrate such that the fiber-routing substrate satisfies a bend radius of the optical fibers. |
| US09405082B2 |
OSA cage with reinforced connection to PCB
Direct pin attachment is the most compact method to connect the OSA and the PCBA, due to better performance in general and allows maximum PCBA space for more functionality. However, direct pin attachment can result in concentrated stress in the OSA-PCBA joint area, which can affect the reliability and yield of the module. To overcome the problem, an integrated transceiver cage and housing is provided including a direct pin attachment with reinforcing tabs, which are fixed to the PCBA prior to the pins to transfer any stress between the OSA and PCBA, thereby reducing the amount of stress applied to the pins. |
| US09405081B2 |
Optical transmitting apparatus
An optical transmitting apparatus includes: a substrate; optical modulators that are arranged in parallel to one another on the substrate and modulate light; waveguides that are formed on the substrate and guide signal light represented by at least one of modulated light beams obtained by the light being modulated by the plurality of optical modulators and monitor light represented by at least another one of the modulated light beams other than the signal light; lenses that collimate the signal light and the monitor light emitted from the waveguides; and a holding member that causes the signal light and the monitor light to be emitted from the lenses in mutually-different directions, by holding the lenses in such a manner that the optical axis of at least one of the lenses is out of alignment in a predetermined direction with the optical axis of at least one of the waveguides. |
| US09405076B2 |
Multi-fiber ferrule with a lens plate
An optical fiber assembly includes a ferrule body with a plurality of optical fibers and an end of each optical fiber positioned adjacent the front face of the ferrule body. A beam-expanding element is positioned adjacent the front face of the ferrule body including a lens array aligned with the optical fibers. The lens array is spaced from the optical fibers by a predetermined distance to form a gap with an index-matched medium within the gap. A method of manufacturing the optical fiber assembly is also provided. |
| US09405075B2 |
Interface connector handle for disposable guidewire optical connection
The present document describes an interface connector handle for connecting a first optical fiber to a second optical fiber. The first optical fiber is substantially centered within a proximal portion of a guidewire tubing. The second optical fiber is routed through and extending from an optical interface cable. The interface connector handle comprises a biasing assembly for urging one of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber toward the other one of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber resulting in a contact therebetween. |
| US09405074B1 |
Optical current transducer alignment
Methods and devices for aligning an optical current transducer are provided. The aligning includes, using a novel fixture having a predetermined grooved pattern therein, mounting, in a first groove of the pattern, a first portion of a cable of the optical current transducer and a polarizer unit of the optical current transducer. Further, the aligning can include mounting, in a second groove of the pattern, a second portion of the cable and a mirror unit of the optical current transducer. |
| US09405071B2 |
Delay line interferometer multiplexer
In an embodiment, a delay line interferometer (DLI) multiplexer (MUX) includes a first stage and a second stage. The first stage includes a first DLI and a second DLI. The first DLI includes a first left input, a first right input, and a first output and has a free spectral range (FSR) that is about four times a nominal channel spacing. The second DLI includes a second left input, a second right input, and a second output and has an FSR that is about four times the nominal channel spacing. The second stage is coupled to the first stage and includes a third DLI. The third DLI includes a third left input optically coupled to the first output, a third right input optically coupled to the second output, and a third output. An FSR of the third DLI is about two times the nominal channel spacing. |
| US09405064B2 |
Microstrip line of different widths, ground planes of different distances
An apparatus is provided. There is a circuit assembly with a package substrate and an integrated circuit (IC). The package substrate has a microstrip line, and the IC is secured to the package substrate and is electrically coupled to the microstrip line. A circuit board is also secured to the package substrate. A dielectric waveguide is secured to the circuit board. The dielectric waveguide has a dielectric core that extends into a transition region located between the dielectric waveguide and the microstrip line, and the microstrip line is configured to form a communication link with the dielectric waveguide. |
| US09405060B2 |
Optical fiber cable
An optical fiber cable includes a tubular sheath and a plurality of optical fibers disposed in the space of the sheath as the optical fibers are bent. In the plurality of optical fibers, at least one optical fiber is a multicore fiber. The multicore fiber satisfies an expression RPk |
| US09405051B2 |
Backlight assembly and display device having the same
A backlight assembly includes a light source, a circuit board on which the light source is disposed, a light guide plate in which light emitted from the light source is incident on one surface and is emitted to the other surface, a bottom case configured to accommodate the light guide plate, and a wavelength conversion unit between the light source and the light guide plate. The wavelength conversion unit includes a frame having an opening, the rectangular frame including a top frame, a bottom frame and side frames extending substantially perpendicular to the top frame and the bottom frame, and connecting the top frame and the bottom frame. |
| US09405050B2 |
Thin polarizing film, optical laminate with thin polarizing film, and production method for thin polarizing film
The present invention provides a thin polarizing film which has only a small environmental load and has excellent optical characteristics.The thin polarizing film is produced by forming a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer on a thermoplastic resin substrate. The thin polarizing film has a thickness of 10 μm or less, a single axis transmittance of 42.0% or more, a polarization degree of 99.95% or more, and an iodine content of 17.6 grams per 400×700 square millimeters or less, which is measured by an ion chromatography method. |
| US09405049B2 |
Polarizing plate and liquid crystal display comprising the same
The present invention relates to a polarizing plate and a liquid crystal display device. The polarizing plate, which is lightweight and has a small thickness and excellent physical properties including durability, water resistance, workability, pressure-sensitive adhesion and a light leakage prevention effect; and the liquid crystal display device including the same may be provided. |
| US09405047B2 |
Electrochromic polyelectrolyte gel medium having improved creep resistance and associated electrochromic device
An electrochromic device including a first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; a second substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; and an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which includes: at least one solvent; at least one anodic electroactive material; at least one cathodic electroactive material; wherein at least one of the anodic and cathodic electroactive materials is electrochromic; and a creep resistant crosslinked polyelectrolyte gel matrix. |
| US09405042B2 |
Light-shielding material for optical instrument and manufacturing method thereof
Provided is a method of manufacturing a light-shielding material for use in optical instrument and having a light-shielding coat with a broad low-gloss region while maintaining the physical properties, such as a light-blocking property, necessary for light-shielding coat. In this method for manufacturing a light-shielding material comprising a light-shielding coat formed on the substrate, a coating liquid is prepared containing at least a binder resin, black fine particles and a matting agent having a variation coefficient of 20 or larger. Next, this coating liquid is coated on the substrate and dried to form a light-blocking coat. |
| US09405040B2 |
Optical layered body, method of producing the same, polarizer and image display device
An optical layered body, which has a high hardness and a fine external appearance without an interference fringe, and is excellent in optical properties and in an adhesion property between a substrate and a hard coat layer. An optical layered body includes a light-transmitting substrate; and a hard coat layer, wherein the light-transmitting substrate is made of triacetyl cellulose, the hard coat layer is a resin layer formed with a composition for forming a hard coat layer containing colloidal silica, a solvent, and pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate and/or dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, an amount of the pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate and/or dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate is 25% by mass or more in 100% by mass of a resin solid content in the composition for forming a hard coat layer, an amount of the colloidal silica is 30 to 70% by mass in 100% by mass of a total of the colloidal silica and the resin solid content in the composition for forming a hard coat layer, and the solvent consists of solvents impermeable to the light-transmitting substrate. |
| US09405038B2 |
Fiber optic vault security system
An enclosed security system includes a metal cage with security panel affixed thereto, forming a vault in which an item of value is enclosed. The security panels include a series of fiber optic security cables, preferably arranged in a sinusoidal pattern with nested fiber loops for added security. The cage preferably includes the security panels on the sides, front, top and door to form the vault enclosure. Fiber optical sensor cables are routed through the tubular frame members to a control box. An optical security tether may optionally be connected between the control box and a protected asset. The tether preferably comprises a jacketed fiber optic cable with internal strength member, surrounded by a metallic armored flex sheath. Any breakage or disconnection of the fiber optic cables within the panels or tether from the control box is detected by the monitor, causing an alert signal. |
| US09405037B2 |
Methods for determining wettability from NMR
Methods are described for wettability characterization based on NMR measurements, which are sensitive to the surface wetting conditions of oil and water at the pore scale. The described methods make use of surface relaxation effects on the NMR relaxation (T2). Workflows are described to obtain wettability profiles of a porous media such as a rock either in the native state or prepared to a certain state in the laboratory. An underlying forward model is also described for the mixed wet and fractionally saturated pore spectrum. Outputs of the described inversion include continuous saturation and wettability profiles as a function of the pore sizes in the porous media, as well as an averaged value for saturation and wettability over the entire pore spectrum. |
| US09405027B2 |
Attentuating noise acquired in an energy measurement
A technique includes receiving data corresponding to at least one measurement of energy produced by a shot of an energy source; and transforming the received data to a domain that is sensitive to event direction. The technique includes comparing the measurement(s) with a reference based at least in part on the transformation; and based at least in part on the comparison, attenuating noise from the measurement(s). |
| US09405025B2 |
Method and device for detecting faults in a marine source array
A method for detecting faults of individual wave sources in a marine source array includes acquiring near-field data using sensors, the sensors being located near the individual wave sources. The method further includes generating an index for each of the individual wave sources based on (A) the near-field data and (B) information on the geometry of the marine source array that enables localizing the individual wave sources and respective sensors relative to one another. The method also includes comparing the index for each of the individual wave sources with a corresponding reference index for determining whether a fault has occurred. |
| US09405024B2 |
Method to improve the time resolution of digital silicon photomultipliers
A radiation detector module for use in a time-of-flight positron emission tomography (TOF-PET) scanner generates a trigger signal indicative of a detected radiation event. A timing circuit including a first time-to-digital converter (TDC) and a second TDC is configured to output a corrected timestamp for the detected radiation event based on a first timestamp determined by the first TDC and a second timestamp determined by the second TDC. The first TDC is synchronized to a first reference clock signal and the second TDC is synchronized to a second reference clock signal, the first and second reference clock signals being asynchronous. |
| US09405021B2 |
Detector for detecting x-ray radiation parameters
The present invention relates to an X-ray parameter measuring arrangement comprising a detector for measuring said parameter configured to be positioned in a position adjacent to an x-ray source arranged to generate a ray formation having a primary ray portion for radiating an object. The position is chosen in such a way that the interference with a reproduced image is reduced or eliminated. |
| US09405020B2 |
Scintillator panel manufacturing method, scintillator panel, and radiation detector
Provided is a method of manufacturing a scintillator panel configured to convert radiation into scintillation light, the method including a first process of forming a plurality of convex sections that protrude from a rear surface toward a front surface of the substrate in a predetermined direction and concave section defined by the convex sections on the front surface of the substrate having the front surface and the rear surface, a second process of forming first scintillator units respectively extending from the convex sections of the substrate in the predetermined direction through crystal growth of a columnar crystal of a scintillator material, and a third process of radiating a laser beam to contact portions of the first scintillator units extending from the adjacent convex sections and separating the first scintillator units extending from the adjacent convex sections by scanning the concave section with the laser beam. |
| US09405015B2 |
Method and apparatus for modeling of GNSS pseudorange measurements for interpolation, extrapolation, reduction of measurement errors, and data compression
Polynomial regression models are used to reduce errors in measurements of pseudorange between a GNSS satellite and a receiving station; for data compression by replacing a large number of measurements with a small number of coefficients of the model polynomial, optionally combined with modeling residuals; for extrapolating usefully accurate estimates of future range between the GNSS satellite and the receiving station; and for providing usefully accurate estimates of future coefficient values of the polynomial regression models themselves. |
| US09405012B2 |
Advanced global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) positioning using precise satellite information
A method is provided for estimating parameters useful to determine the position of a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver or a change in the position thereof. The method includes the steps of: obtaining at least one GNSS signal received at the GNSS receiver from each of a plurality of GNSS satellites; obtaining, from at least one network node, precise satellite information on: (i) the orbit or position of at least one of the plurality of GNSS satellites, and (ii) a clock offset of at least one of the plurality of GNSS satellites; identifying, among the obtained GNSS signals, a subset of at least one GNSS signal possibly affected by a cycle slip, the identified subset being hereinafter referred to as cycle-slip affected subset; and estimating parameters useful to determine the position of the GNSS receiver or a change in the position of the GNSS receiver using at least some of the obtained GNSS signals which are not in the cycle-slip affected subset, and the precise satellite information. |
| US09405010B2 |
Geospatial positioning using correction information provided over cellular control channels
Disclosed is a method of calculating a geospatial position by a mobile device by monitoring with the mobile device a first control channel from a first cell of a cellular communications system; monitoring with the mobile device a second control channel from a second cell of the cellular communications system at the same time as the first cellular control channel; receiving with the mobile device a first correction value sent over the first control channel; receiving with the mobile device a second correction value sent over the second control channel; receiving with the mobile device a signal from a global navigation satellite system; calculating with the mobile device the geospatial position based upon the signal from the global navigation satellite system and at least one of the first correction value and the second correction value. |
| US09405002B2 |
Optical radar device
An optical radar device for scanning an object that reduces the effects of stray light is provided. The optical radar device has a light source, a light scanning section, a light path change section, a light receiver, and an opposite phase signal adder. The opposite phase signal adder adds an opposite phase signal to the output signal from the light receiver. A rise timing of the opposite phase signal is delayed by a predetermined time relative to an output timing of the pulse light, and the opposite phase signal has an opposite phase with respect to a phase of the reflected light. |
| US09404999B2 |
Localization system and localization method
A localization system includes: n+1 number of luminescent devices, where n is an integer greater than or equal to one; and a position measurement device moving in each direction of n number of axes, wherein the luminescent device includes a luminescent unit, the luminescent unit emitting a light for measurement having an intensity that varies at a predetermined time cycle, the luminescent unit also emitting a light for identification including an information representing a position of the luminescent device, the luminescent unit emitting the light for measurement and the light for identification in synchrony with a phase of those emitted by another luminescent device; and the position measurement device includes a light reception unit, a position obtaining unit, a phase computation unit, a standard luminescent device selection unit, a phase difference computation unit, and a position computation unit. |
| US09404996B2 |
Position estimation device, position estimation method, program, and integrated circuit
A position estimation device including: a provisional position setting unit which sets current position information indicating an estimated current position of a wireless terminal; a distance estimation unit which estimates, using receiving strengths of signals received from plural wireless stations, distance information indicating distances from the plural wireless stations to the wireless terminal; a possible area calculation unit which calculates, using the distance information and map information indicating a spatial structure, an area in the spatial structure which can maintain the distances indicated in the distance information, as a possible area in the spatial structure in which the wireless terminal is likely to be present; and a correction unit which corrects the current position indicated in the current position information to a position within the possible area when the current position is outside the possible area. |
| US09404992B2 |
Sensors
Embodiments of the present invention provide an electromagnetic sensor (400) for detecting a microstructure of a metal target, comprising: a magnetic device (410, 420) for providing an excitation magnetic field; a magnetometer (430) for detecting a resultant magnetic field induced in a metal target; and a calibration circuit (450, 551, 552, 553, 554) for generating a calibration magnetic field for calibrating the electromagnetic sensor, wherein the calibration reference magnetic field is generated by an electrical current induced in the calibration circuit by the excitation magnetic field. |
| US09404991B2 |
Autonomously calibrated magnetic field sensor
Magnetic field sensor including a magnetic field sensing circuit (2) comprising a reference magnetic field generator (8) and a magnetic field sensing cell (6), and a signal processing circuit (4) connected to the output of the magnetic field sensing cell and comprising a demodulator circuit and a gain correction feedback circuit (30, 28, 47) for correcting error fluctuations in the transfer characteristic of the magnetic field sensor. The sensor further comprises a reference current generator (3) configured to generate a reference current I ref, the reference current generator connected to the magnetic field sensing circuit (2) configured for generating the reference magnetic field B ref and to the gain correction feedback circuit configured for providing a reference signal (yref) to which an output signal of the demodulator circuit may be compared. |
| US09404989B2 |
Method for calibrating a measuring device for inspecting surfaces on the basis of Barkhausen noises for a specified component geometry
A method for enhancing inspection of components of specific geometry based on Barkhausen noises. The method includes specifying a first calibration curve that is independent of the component geometry, which describes the relationship between surface hardness values and measured Barkhausen noise signals. A first noise signal is determined by the measuring device for a reference component having the specified geometry and a first hardness value. A second noise signal is determined for a second reference component, having the specified geometry and a second hardness value lower than the first. A second calibration curve is determined, in which the first calibration curve is fitted to the first noise signal at the first hardness value and to the second noise signal at the second hardness value, such that using the second calibration curve, the measured noise signal of a component having the specified geometry relates with a surface hardness value. |
| US09404987B2 |
Method for correcting image distortion and system, and magnetic resonance imaging equipment
In a method for an apparatus correcting image distortion in diffusion-weighted echo-planar magnetic resonance imaging, a marker sequence is applied before a diffusion-weighted echo planar imaging sequence, to form a combined sequence. The combined sequence is used to obtain marked images with different preset b values and different preset diffusion directions. The diffusion-weighted echo planar imaging sequence is used to obtain diffusion-weighted echo planar images with the same b values and diffusion directions as the marked images. A stretching coefficient and a displacement coefficient are calculated for each image data column of the diffusion-weighted echo planar image. The stretching coefficient and displacement coefficient are used to correct the diffusion-weighted echo planar images. |
| US09404986B2 |
Measuring biological tissue parameters using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging
Methods, devices and systems are disclosed for measuring biological tissue parameters using restriction spectrum magnetic resonance imaging. In one aspect, a method of characterizing a biological structure includes determining individual diffusion signals from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data in a set of MRI images that include diffusion weighting conditions (e.g., diffusion gradient directions, diffusion gradient strengths, sensitivity factors (b-values), or diffusion times), combining the individual diffusion signals to determine a processed diffusion signal corresponding to at least one location within one or more voxels of the MRI data, calculating one or more parameters from the processed diffusion signal by using the diffusion weighting conditions, and using the one or more parameters to identify a characteristic of the biological structure, in which the one or more parameters include values over a range of one or more diffusion length scales based on at least one of diffusion distance or diffusion rate. |
| US09404984B2 |
Method of hyperpolarization applying brute force using particulate acceleration agents
A method for hyperpolarizing nuclei contained in an MR (=magnetic resonance) agent using Brute Force, has the steps of a) providing a sample (1), including the MR agent, optionally dissolved in a solvent, and a relaxation agent (2); and b) exposing the sample (1) to a magnetic field B0, with B0≧0.5 T, and a cryogenic temperature Tcr, with Tcr≦5K. The method is characterized in that the relaxation agent (2) is a particulate relaxation agent (2) having particles of a grain size of 20 μm or less, with a volume content of these particles of at least 1% within the sample. An improved Brute Force hyperpolarization method is thereby provided, which is broadly applicable and simple to perform. |
| US09404983B2 |
Radio frequency transmit coil for magnetic resonance imaging system
A radio frequency coil is disclosed that is suitable for use with a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. The radio frequency coil comprises first and second conductive loops connected electrically to each other by a plurality of conductive rungs. The conductive rungs each include a section that is relatively thin that will result in less attenuation to a radiation beam than other thicker sections of the rungs. Insulating regions are also disposed in areas of the radio frequency coil that are bound by adjacent rungs and the conductive loops. Portions of the insulating regions can be configured to provide a substantially similar amount of attenuation to the radiation beam as the relatively thin sections of the conductive rungs. |
| US09404980B2 |
Magnetometers
The magnetometers possess a detector part with a magnetosensitive material sensitive to the magnetic field and coil surrounding its magnetosensitive material to pick-up the magnetic field, a pulse generator circuit supplies pulse current to the magnetic material, a sample holding circuit including with an electronic switch synchronized with pulse timing for switching on/off and holding capacitance to charge electricity produced by the pickup coil during the switch on period, and an amplifier circuit amplifies the holding capacitance voltage. Magnetometers possess a Buffer circuit connecting the output side of the pickup coil with the input side of the Buffer circuit and connects the output side of the Buffer circuit with the input side of the electronic switch to transfer the pulse signal voltage induced in the pickup coil from the input side to the output side keeping the pulse signal voltage of the outside at the same level as the inside. |
| US09404976B2 |
Energy storage unit connection information acquiring apparatus
An energy storage unit connection information acquiring apparatus that acquires information for connecting a plurality of energy storage units in parallel, each energy storage unit including one or more energy storage elements connected in series, the connection information acquiring apparatus including: a connectable range acquiring unit that acquires a connectable range by determining the connectable range that is a range of energy storage units that can be connected in parallel among the plurality of energy storage units; and a charge/discharge information acquiring unit that acquires information for charging or discharging a connected energy storage unit group such that at least one energy storage unit outside the connectable range can be connected in parallel to the connected energy storage unit group that is composed of the energy storage units in the connectable range that are connected in parallel. |
| US09404972B2 |
Diagnosis and debug with truncated simulation
Patterns used to detect a failure in a semiconductor chip are analyzed to determine a subset of logic in a design where a semiconductor chip, fabricated based on the design, contains a fault in the subset. Parts of the semiconductor chip can be pre-calculated to identify a key subsection of logic, based on the patterns, with that subsection being stored in a computer readable file. Good-machine simulation is performed on the subsection of logic using truncated rank-ordered simulation. The results are compared to the results of the testing of the physical semiconductor chip. |
| US09404970B2 |
Debug interface for multiple CPU cores
A system includes processor cores that receive packets over a debug bus. The cores execute transactions in response to the packets. The packets are one of several types of packets such as a Second Access Bus (SAB) packet and Debug Access Bus (DAB) packet. The cores include specified resources and non-specified resources. A core that executes a transaction in response to a SAB packet accesses a non-specified resource and a core that executes a transaction in response to a DAB packet accesses a specified resources. A debug specification identifies the specified resources as being accessible by a debug controller. The debug specification does not identify the non-specified resources as being accessible by the debug controller. |
| US09404969B1 |
Method and apparatus for efficient hierarchical chip testing and diagnostics with support for partially bad dies
SOC and other chip designs increasingly feature IP cores, and many copies of the same core may be present in a single chip. Using wrapped cores, it is possible to determine which cores are defective on a chip during test. Multiple instances of identical cores may be tested in parallel to easily determine which cores are failing. The cores compare a signature generated during test of the core against an expected signature, having a pass/fail bit as a result. The pass/fail bits may be multiplexed at an output pin where output pins are at a premium relative to the number of core instances or the pass/fail bit stored in a register to be later serially-unloaded from the chip. The disclosed embodiments provide for masking circuitry, as well as both identical and different core instances to be run serially and in parallel. |
| US09404962B2 |
Apparatus for measuring the optoelectronic characteristics of light-emitting diode with a light gathering unit completely covers a sample holder during the measurement
An apparatus for measuring the optoelectronic characteristics of a light-emitting diode includes: a container including a light input port and a light output port; a measurement module connected to the light output port of the container; a sample holder under the container for holding a light-emitting diode under test, wherein a surface of the measurement module reflects more than 50% of the luminous flux generated by the light-emitting diode under test; and a light gathering unit between the container and the sample holder, wherein an interior wall of the light gathering unit reflects more than 50% of the luminous flux generated by the light-emitting diode under test. |
| US09404956B2 |
Vehicle with selectable battery pack isolation detection circuitry using precision resistors
A power system for a vehicle includes at least two battery packs spaced away from each other. A first battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells and a switching element electrically connected with the battery cells. A second battery pack includes a resistor electrically connected in series with the switching element, and sense circuitry configured to detect voltage across the resistor indicative of leakage current associated with the first battery pack. |
| US09404955B2 |
Setting ion detector gain using ion area
A control system and method of determining a signal to noise (S/N) ratio of an ion detector system, including an ion detector, electron multiplier or photomultiplier, operates by determining an area of a noise peak, determining an area of a signal peak and determining a ratio of the area of the signal peak to the area of the noise peak. Based thereon, the signal to noise ratio can be optimized. The system has particular applicability for use in mass spectrometry. |
| US09404951B2 |
Method of discrimination of a device as powerable through a LAN line and device for estimating electric parameters of a LAN line
PDs that can be supplied through the LAN line are discriminated from PDs that cannot be so supplied as a function of the resistance of the supply line and of the voltage drop caused by nonlinear elements in series therewith. The values of these two parameters are estimated by applying two distinct voltages to the supply terminals of the LAN line and sensing the relative steady-state currents absorbed by the power supply line, and by processing voltage and current values for estimating the resistance of the line and the voltage drop caused by nonlinear elements connected in series therewith. |
| US09404950B2 |
Nonlinear system identification for optimization of wireless power transfer
A method of detecting whether a receiver coil is near a transmit coil in a wireless power transfer system (WPTS), the method involving: applying a pseudo-random signal to the transmit coil; while the pseudo-random signal is being applied to the transmit coil, recording one or more signals produced within the WPTS in response to the applied pseudo-random signal; by using the one or more recorded signals, generating a dynamic system model for some aspect of the WPTS; and using the generated dynamic system model in combination with stored training data to determine whether an object having characteristics distinguishing the object as a receiver coil is near the transmit coil. |
| US09404948B2 |
Mains voltage zero-crossing detector
A mains voltage zero-crossing detector has a constant voltage forced on an external node by driving transistor devices with appropriate control signals provided by a feedback loop around a highly power efficient class B configuration comprising an operational amplifier having single ended dual outputs and a class B control circuit. Mains power zero crossings may then be detected by monitoring the drive current of devices driven by this amplifier. Wherein Class B control and current mode detection provide accurate detection of the driven signal without depending on any voltage threshold that may depend on temperature, process fabrication and/or supply voltage. |
| US09404947B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting power quality of uninterrupible power supplies
A system may include an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) configured to provide power to a load via a bypass feed path coupled to a first power source or via an inverter feed path coupled to a second power source. The UPS may include a controller configured to switch between providing power to the load via the bypass feed path and the inverter feed path based at least in part on a real-time calculation of an amount of voltage distortion present on a voltage signal input to the load via the bypass path. As such, the controller may be configured to provide power to the load via the inverter feed path when the amount of voltage distortion is greater than a limit. |
| US09404941B2 |
Contact probe and probe unit
A contact probe includes a conductive first plunger including, on a same axis, a distal end portion, a flange portion, a boss portion, and a base end portion, a conductive second plunger including, on the same axis, a second distal end portion and a boss portion, and a coil spring including a coarsely wound portion formed by winding at a predetermined pitch with an inner diameter equal to or larger than a diameter of the boss portion of the first plunger and a tightly wound portion formed by tightly winding with an inner diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the boss portion of the second plunger, so that the first plunger and the second plunger are connected to each other on the same axis. |
| US09404938B2 |
Acceleration sensor
An acceleration sensor where the accuracy of acceleration detection is unlikely to fall even when the ambient temperature changes. A piezoelectric substrate includes a polarized central portion and first and second end portions. A first electrode is formed on a first main surface of the piezoelectric substrate so as to extend from the first end portion to the second end portion. A second electrode is formed inside the piezoelectric substrate so as to extend across the second end portion and the central portion. The second electrode opposes the first electrode in the central portion in a thickness direction. A supporting member clamps the second end portion. The piezoelectric substrate is formed such that a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode in the second end portion is greater than a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode in the central portion. |
| US09404935B2 |
Metrological mechanical coupling devices
The present invention relates to metrological rotary devices, such as anemometers and the like. Specifically, the present invention relates to a mechanical coupling for the same, whereby an anemometer cup-rotor or like device, can be replaced without the use of a tool. The present invention seeks to provide a coupling device which makes a mechanical coupling between a first and a second member such that the locking together and release action is positive, without likelihood of failure, and can be conducted simply and quickly without the use of a tool. Further objects of the invention are to provide couplings in which a positive axial and rotational location of shaft as first member and mating bore in a second member are obtained which do not cause damage to either of the sliding surfaces when excessive force is applied, and which are capable of transmitting a torque, such couplings being suitable for attaching a rotor to an anemometer. In particular, the present invention provides a coupling arrangement for an anemometer rotating body comprising impellor cups, which impellor cups and rotating body are required for removable fitment, ideally without the use of tools. |
| US09404934B2 |
Sensor unit and motion measurement system using the same
The first buffer portion provides a first base portion and a first outer wall provided on a peripheral edge of the first base portion. The second buffer portion provides a second base portion which provides a mounting surface outside to a measurement target, and a second outer wall provided on a peripheral edge of the second base portion. The buffer body provides the first base portion and a top surface of the second outer wall abutting against each other. A housing portion for the sensor portion is provided inside. A holding portion which holds the sensor portion is provided at least at a part of the top surface of at least one of the first buffer portion and the second buffer portion. The sensor portion is held by the holding portion. |
| US09404926B2 |
Immune gene signatures in cancer
This invention relates to methods for selecting a treatment, treating, and predicting survival time in subjects with cancer, such as colorectal cancer, based on tumor expression levels of chemokines, cytotoxic genes, and/or dendritic cell genes. |
| US09404922B2 |
Recombinant phages and proteins
The present disclosure provides recombinant phages, a Wip1 p23 receptor binding protein and a Wip1 p24 receptor binding protein that bind to Bacillus anthracis. The disclosure further provides methods and uses thereof. |
| US09404919B2 |
Multiplexed analyses of test samples
The present disclosure describes methods, devices, reagents, and kits for the detection of one or more target molecules that may be present in a test sample. The described methods, devices, kits, and reagents facilitate the detection and quantification of a non-nucleic acid target (e.g., a protein target) in a test sample by detecting and quantifying a nucleic acid (i.e., an aptamer). The methods described create a nucleic acid surrogate for a non-nucleic acid target, thus allowing the wide variety of nucleic acid technologies, including amplification, to be applied to a broader range of desired targets, especially protein targets. The disclosure further describes aptamer constructs that facilitate the use of aptamers in a variety of analytical detection applications. |
| US09404916B2 |
Use of a protein kinase inhibitor to detect immune cells, such as T cells
The invention relates to a method for sorting, staining or detecting T cells of the immune system using a protein kinase inhibitor. |
| US09404913B2 |
Micropores and methods of making and using thereof
Disclosed herein are methods of making micropores of a desired height and/or width between two isotropic wet etched features in a substrate which comprises single-level isotropic wet etching the two features using an etchant and a mask distance that is less than 2× a set etch depth. Also disclosed herein are methods using the micropores and microfluidic devices comprising the micropores. |
| US09404910B2 |
Body fluid testing apparatus with testing and storing functions
A body fluid testing apparatus with testing and storing functions is provided, which comprises a body, a cover, at least two body fluid collectors and a testing element. The body comprises a fluid storing chamber, a testing chamber and a partition wall. The fluid storing chamber and the testing chamber are divided by the partition wall. The body is covered by the cover with at least two through-holes through which the body fluid collectors respectively enter into the fluid storing chamber and the testing chamber. The testing element is inserted into the testing chamber. Pollution is avoided, which results from that the body fluid in the testing chamber cannot flow back into the fluid storing chamber. |
| US09404909B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling materials through a through-hole
A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for selectively applying an electrical potential to a top surface of a membrane having a nanopore to repel or attract a molecular strand from the top surface of the membrane, applying a second electrical potential to a bottom surface of the membrane to repel or attract the molecular strand from the bottom surface of the membrane, applying a third electrical potential to an electrolyte solution to apply a transport force on the molecular strand to displace a section of the molecular strand into the nanopore, arresting the section of the molecular strand in the nanopore by adjusting of the first electrical potential, the second electrical potential, the third electrical potential, or combinations thereof, and measuring a signal at the nanopore to identify the section of the molecular strand. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09404908B2 |
Non-invasive imaging to the blastocyst stage for the detection of human embryonic aneuploidy
Methods are provided for the non-invasive imaging of embryos to determine whether they are euploid or aneuploid. |
| US09404907B2 |
Components and method of use of a home lipstick lead test kit
Lipsticks are tested by a lead indicator solution. A lipstick is swiped across a sheet of wax paper, forming a lipstick sample. The test solution is applied, in droplet form, to the sample of lipstick, and allowed to sit for a period of time so a chemical change can occur in the solution, if there is lead present in the lipstick. A cotton swab is used to absorb the solution, and the tip of the swab picks up a bit of the lipstick sample. A color change is observed in the solution on the swab if lead is present in the lipstick. The amount of lead is determined by what color the solution changes to. |
| US09404906B2 |
Underwater vehicle and sensor
Described herein is an underwater vehicle having a vehicle body with a buoyancy controller adapted to vary the buoyancy of the vehicle in order to control motion of the vehicle through an underwater environment. The vehicle further includes a sampling system and a sensor arrangement. The sampling system is adapted to sequentially sample fluid from the underwater environment at specified sampling times resulting in a sample sequence, each sample associated with a sample time and a fluid flow rate. The sensor arrangement includes a plurality of molecule sensors adapted to sense organic molecules in each respective sample of the sample sequence. |
| US09404905B2 |
Water-based wetness-indicating composition and sensor
A color-appearing ink composition includes a surfactant blend of at least two non-ionic surfactants having hydrophilic-lipophilic balance values greater than 10, or a non-ionic surfactant having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value greater than 10 and a charged surfactant. The composition includes one or more water-insoluble leuco dyes, a developer and a desensitizer. The composition may be applied to a substrate to form a sensor. |
| US09404904B2 |
Methods and systems for non-destructive inspection
Disclosed non-destructive inspection methods comprise non-contact determination of the location of a non-destructive inspection probe and identification of the location on a test structure where test data is acquired by the probe. Determination may include capturing the positions of the probe and the test structure with one or more electronic cameras. Identification may include associating the acquired test data with the location of the probe relative to the test structure. Further, methods may comprise visualization of the test data relative to the identified location. Disclosed non-destructive inspection systems comprise a probe, one or more electronic cameras, a computer, and a display, together configured to determine the location of the probe, to acquire test data with the probe, to identify a location on a test structure associated with the test data, and to visualize the test data in relation to the test structure. |
| US09404903B2 |
Method for pipeline inspection
A method for pipeline inspection is provided. The method includes carrying out an inspection run in which a pipeline inspection apparatus travels inside a pipeline, wherein sensors on the apparatus are configured to conduct an in-line inspection of wall material along a length of the pipeline. The method includes initiating a first inspection mode to produce a primary inspection data set, wherein the first inspection mode comprises an inspection of the pipeline wall material upstream and downstream of a location of a dented region in the pipeline, selectively initiating a second inspection mode to produce a secondary inspection data set, wherein the second inspection mode includes an inspection of the pipeline wall material in the dented region in the length of the pipeline, and combining the primary and the secondary inspection data sets to provide a direct assessment for the presence of cracks and/or corrosion in wall material along the pipeline. |
| US09404898B1 |
Laser ultrasound testing in limited-access areas
A method and apparatus for inspecting a structure. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises a laser system located outside of an area that includes a region of a structure to be inspected, a mobile platform located within the area to be inspected, and a projection system associated with the mobile platform. The laser system is configured to generate a laser beam. The projection system receives the laser beam and projects the laser beam onto a surface of the region of the structure. The laser beam causes a number of ultrasonic waves to form within the structure. |
| US09404896B2 |
Two-dimensional TR probe array
An ultrasonic sensor assembly for a test object includes a sensor array having a plurality of sensor elements. The sensor elements detect a characteristic of the test object. The sensor elements are arranged in a matrix formation. Each of the sensor elements includes a transmitter for transmitting a signal and a receiver for receiving the transmitted signal. The sensor array has a curvature that substantially matches a curvature of the test object. A method of detecting characteristics of the test object is also provided. |
| US09404895B2 |
Method for early warning chatter detection and asset protection management
The invention embodies the application of different combinations of the monitoring and data processing aspects as a means to develop an early warning chatter alarming system. Configuring an early warning chatter alarming system can be as simple as using nσ alarm settings to develop an alarming strategy from different trend conditions such as overall RMS, selected vibration frequencies, slope analysis, and wavelet analysis. A higher level of alarming is provided by using a time integrated approach to account for both intensity of the alarm variable and duration. Combining these different aspects with a predictive model incorporates process-operating conditions to enhance the alarming sensitivity for earlier detection and reduce false positives. Finally, combining the different alarming aspects with a rule-based decision making approach such as fuzzy logic allows alarming based on qualitative analysis of different data streams. |
| US09404894B2 |
Standing wave amplification device for vibration signal collection and ladle slag vibration signal detection method
A standing wave amplification device for vibration signal collection includes a sensing rod (11) acting as standing wave transmission medium. A standing wave formation device includes two fixing support devices (12) distributed along the axial direction and connecting the sensing rod (11) to an operating arm (14). The two fixing support devices (12) respectively collect vibration waves and transmit them to the sensing rod (11) from two different locations of the operating arm (14). The vibration waves are superimposed to form a standing wave on the sensing rod (11). A vibration sensor (13) is connected to the sensing rod (11) and the vibration sensor (13) is between the two fixing support devices (12). A wave detected by the vibration sensor (13) is the standing wave. Compared with transverse wave or longitudinal wave transmitted in the transmission medium of prior art, the standing wave has advantages of larger amplitude and more obvious vibration effect. A ladle slag vibration signal detection method based on the device also has said advantages. The sensing rod (11) can make physical resonance, by which the standing wave signal is amplified and real warning rate of ladle slag is improved effectively. |
| US09404892B2 |
Gas concentration sensor, motor vehicle having a gas concentration sensor, and method for measuring gas concentration
A motor vehicle having a gas concentration sensor and a method for measuring gas concentration using the gas concentration sensor the gas concentration sensor having a sound transmitter, a sound receiver and a control device by which a phase shift between the sound signal transmitted by the sound transmitter and a sound signal received by the sound receiver can be controlled to a predefinable phase shift. A change in a composition of a gas mixture can be detected by an analysis unit on the basis of a change in frequency of the sound signal relative to a frequency of a reference sound signal. |
| US09404884B2 |
Biosensor device and related method
One or more circuit arrangements for a biosensor are provided. A circuit arrangement includes an ion sensitive sensor, a differentiator electrically connected to the ion sensitive sensor, an AC signal level comparator electrically connected to the differentiator and a decision circuit electrically connected to the AC signal level comparator. In some embodiments, the AC signal level comparator includes at least one of a first comparator or a second comparator. A method of detecting a bio-reaction is also provided. |
| US09404882B2 |
Method of producing a multi-microchannel, flow-through element and device using same
A method of producing a multi-microchannel, flow-through element, including the steps of providing a body of material, and producing multiple microchannels within the body, wherein the microchannels extend through the body to produce a multi-microchannel, flow-through element. Such an element can be used as a micromixer, a sensor element, a filter, a fuel element or a chromatographic element. |
| US09404872B1 |
Selectably configurable multiple mode spectroscopic ellipsometry
The present invention may include an illumination source configured to illuminate a surface of a sample, a detector configured to detect at least a portion of light reflected from the surface of the sample, a selectably configurable optical system comprising: a rotatable polarizing element disposed in the illumination arm of the optical system, an analyzing element disposed in the collection arm of the optical system, and a rotatable-translatable compensator element disposed in the collection arm of the optical system, and a control system communicatively configured to selectably configure the optical system in the a rotating compensator (RCSE) mode, a rotating polarizer (RPSE) mode, or a rotating polarizer and compensator (RPRC) mode. |
| US09404864B2 |
System for imaging captured cells
A system for imaging captured cells comprising: an illumination module configured to illuminate a target object; a platform configured to position the target object in relation to the illumination module; a filter module configured to filter light transmitted to the target object and/or to filter light received from the target object, an optical sensor configured to receive light from the target object and to generate image data; and a focusing and optics module configured to manipulate light transmitted to the optical sensor. The system can further comprise one or more of: a control system configured to control at least one of the illumination module, the platform, the focusing and optics module, the filter module, and the optical sensor; a tag identifying system configured to identify and communicate tag information from system elements; a thermal control module configured to adjust temperature parameters of the system; and an image stabilization module. |
| US09404862B2 |
Polymeric device suitable for ultraviolet detection
The present invention relates to a flow cell (10) comprising a fluid inlet (16) and a fluid outlet (18) separated by a sample flow-through chamber (12) comprising at least one UV-transparent window (22′), wherein the at least one UV-transparent window (22′) is made of a polymer material and has been subjected to Gamma radiation sterilization. In one aspect, the flow cell is combustible. |
| US09404860B2 |
Micro-electro-mechanical system optical sensor with tilt plates
A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) optical sensor, method of detecting sound using the MEMS optical sensor and method of manufacturing. The MEMS optical sensor including a substrate having a base portion and a vertically extending support portion. The sensor further including a top plate having a compliant membrane configured to vibrate in response to acoustic waves, the top plate connected to the support portion and having a reflective surface. The sensor also includes a back plate connected to the support portion, the back plate having a grating portion positioned below the reflective surface portion and a base plate connected to the support portion at a position below the back plate. A light emitter, a light detector and circuitry operable to tilt the top plate and the back plate with respect to the base plate so as to direct the reflected laser light toward the light detector are further provided. |
| US09404858B2 |
Method and apparatus for determination of surface properties of coatings by determining contrast of an evaluated image
A method is provided for the quantitative determination of surface properties, wherein a spatially resolved image of a surface to be analyzed, which contains a large number of measured values, is recorded. In a first method step, the measured values are analyzed in order to determine those surface areas which have a specific physical property. A result value of this physical property is then determined, wherein this result value is characteristic of the values of the physical property of all those surface areas of the image determined by analyzing the image. In addition to the result value, a further value (B) characteristic of the surface is determined and this characteristic value is displayed together with the result value (I). |
| US09404855B2 |
Method to obtain absorption spectra from near-field infrared scattering using homo-dyne detection
The present disclosure provides a procedure and an apparatus to obtain the absorption profiles of molecular resonance with ANSOM. The method includes setting a reference field phase to φ=0.5π relative to the near-field field, and reference amplitude A≧5|αeff|. The requirement on phase precision is found to be <0.3π. The apparatus includes a phase stabilization mechanism in addition to the ANSOM to maintain high phase precision homodyne phase condition of less than 0.1 rad. This method enables ANSOM performing vibrational spectroscopy at nanoscale spatial resolution. |
| US09404852B2 |
Analyte monitoring systems and methods
A reagentless whole-blood analyte detection system that is capable of being deployed near a patient has a source capable of emitting a beam of radiation that includes a spectral band. The whole-blood system also has a detector in an optical path of the beam. The whole-blood system also has a housing that is configured to house the source and the detector. The whole-blood system also has a sample element that is situated in the optical path of the beam. The sample element has a sample cell and a sample cell wall that does not eliminate transmittance of the beam of radiation in the spectral band. |
| US09404849B2 |
Micro volume inline optical sensor
Micro volume inline optical sensor comprising a flowcell having a sample chamber which has a volume less than 0.4 mL and increases in diameter from two ends toward the middle, a flow passageway intersecting the chamber where the diameter is the greatest, monitoring ports with optically transmissive windows at the ends of the chamber, mounting rings on opposite sides of the flowcell disposed coaxially of an optical axis that passes through the monitoring ports and the sample chamber, and a light source and an optical detector mounted on the mounting rings in alignment with each other along the optical axis. In one embodiment, the sample chamber has a side wall with oppositely inclined frusto-conical sections, and the ends of the chamber are closed and sealed by the monitoring port windows and O-ring gaskets that surround the open ends and are compressed between the body of the flowcell and the windows. |
| US09404846B2 |
Nozzle assembly for a flow cytometer system and methods of manufacture
A method of manufacturing a nozzle assembly may include the step of over molding a nozzle housing, or a portion of a nozzle housing, onto at least one nozzle component, such as an injection tube. Nozzle assemblies and flow cytometers incorporating nozzle assemblies may include any combination of straight smooth injection tubes, improved features for securing a nozzle assembly, improved features for debubbling a nozzle assembly, and aggressive orienting geometries. A method of sorting cells may include the step of magnetically coupling a nozzle assembly with a flow cytometer. |
| US09404845B2 |
Sensor for detecting the quality of a fluid
A device for measuring the quality of an operating substance and/or additive, in particular a reduction agent, stored in a tank, includes a reference container connected to the operating substance and/or the additive via a semi-permeable diaphragm, in which the reference container is filled with a medium which has a known osmotic pressure relative to the used operating substance and/or additive. |
| US09404844B2 |
Method and apparatus for testing consistency of frozen beverages
A method and apparatus using sample test container filled with beverage, a penetrator holder, a penetrator and release means is disclosed. In the method a sample, is drawn into the test container and the penetrator dropped into the sample, and a reading of the stiffness of the sample is made based on the depth of penetration of the penetrator onto the sample. |
| US09404836B2 |
Method and device for carbonyl detection and quantitation
Fluorescence chromophores such as phenylene diamine derivatives can undergo oxidative coupling and polymerization to form optical, colorimetric and fluorogenic, multimers and polymers. The presence of carbonyl containing moieties such as aldehydes and ketones under favorable environmental conditions can initiate, catalyze, accelerate and modulate this reaction which in turn provides a mechanism for the detection and quantitation of such moieties. Selected phenylene diamine derivatives can be used for the detection and quantitation of aldehyde and ketones via measurement of the reaction and the associated spectroscopic transformation. In particular, the use of meta-phenylene diamine (mPDA) and related compounds for aldehyde detection and quantitation is described. The method provides a convenient means for monitoring aldehyde and ketone levels without use of separation steps. The method is applicable to kinetic and quasi-endpoint detection assay formats. |
| US09404828B2 |
Leak test method and leak test apparatus
A leak test method includes: reducing first pressure in an inspection space in a work and second pressure in a space in a master chamber; humidifying the inspection space in the work; and detecting a change in differential pressure between the inspection space in the work and the space in the master chamber, while the inspection space in the work is in a water-vapor saturated state. Also, in this leak test method, a leak in the inspection space in the work is detected from the change in the differential pressure. |
| US09404826B2 |
Vector joint encoding/decoding method and vector joint encoder/decoder
A vector joint encoding/decoding method and a vector joint encoder/decoder are provided, more than two vectors are jointly encoded, and an encoding index of at least one vector is split and then combined between different vectors, so that encoding idle spaces of different vectors can be recombined, thereby facilitating saving of encoding bits, and because an encoding index of a vector is split and then shorter split indexes are recombined, thereby facilitating reduction of requirements for the bit width of operating parts in encoding/decoding calculation. |
| US09404824B2 |
Pressure measuring device
A pressure measurement device for enabling non-intrusive pressure measurement of a first fluid present in a volume having at least one wall is provided. The device includes an enclosed space filled with a second fluid, a transmitter provided in the enclosed space and adapted to transmit a standing wave in a direction of the wall, means for varying a pressure of the second fluid in the enclosed space, a detector for measuring data related to a resonance of the wall and a processor for determining a characteristic change in the data. |
| US09404821B2 |
Large deformation tensile testing system
A large deformation tensile testing system, for use in testing a large deformation tensile of an anchor rod or an anchor rode, comprising a main machine frame (1), a rear collet component (2) arranged at a first position on the longitudinal direction of the main machine frame (1), a front collet component (3) movably arranged at a second position on the longitudinal direction of the main machine frame (1), a telescoping apparatus (4), a measurement and control apparatus, where a sensor module thereof senses the displacement and real-time tensile of the telescoping apparatus to form real-time data to be transmitted to an analysis module and a control module, the control module that controls, on the basis of a set measurement and control scheme and of an input of the sensor module, a testing process to proceed according to a set testing condition, the analysis module for analyzing the input of the sensor module to form a test result, and an output module for outputting same. The large deformation tensile testing system is capable of deriving a statics parameter of the anchor rod or anchor rode being tested. |
| US09404820B2 |
Method and system for estimating the forces and torques generated by the contact of a tire with the road in an instrumented wheel
The invention relates to a method for measuring the forces and the moments generated by the tire-road contact from the combination of unit deformation or strain signals measured in different angular and radial positions of the wheel. The angular positions in which the sensors are placed are those permitted by the geometry of the tire. The combination of deformation signals results in six or more signals that are independent of the angular position of the measuring sensors with respect to the tire-road contact point. The effect of temperature and loads that generate deformation signals that do not depend on said angular position of the measuring points, such as centrifugal forces, have been eliminated from the aforementioned signals. Said signals provide estimates of the loads by means of the resolution of two systems of linear equations with constant matrices and three unknowns each. |
| US09404819B2 |
Universal mount bicycle power meter module
A universal mount bicycle power meter module has a base member with first and second ends and a narrow central portion which is relatively compressible in response to applied forces. Firmly secured to the first end is an internally threaded mounting nut in registration with an aperture in the first end. The nut secures the first end of the base member to an externally threaded end portion of a bicycle axle. The second end of the base member is configured to be firmly secured to a rear frame portion of a bicycle using a mounting clamp. A strain gauge sensor assembly is mounted on the central portion of the base member to generate resistance values representative of the amount of compression in the central portion. The sensor assembly is coupled to a signal processing unit having circuitry for converting the resistance values and bicycle velocity signals from an associated bicycle speedometer to cyclist power signals. |
| US09404817B2 |
Film-type pressure sensor E.G. for article of footwear
A film-type pressure sensor includes a carrier structure including a first carrier film, a second carrier film and a spacer film arranged between the first and second carrier films, where one or more pressure-sensing cells are disposed in the carrier structure, each of which includes an electrode arrangement for producing an impedance change in response to a compressive force, an electrical interface is provided for mechanically and electrically connecting the pressure sensor to an evaluation circuit, where some terminals of the interface are connected with the electrode arrangements of the cells so as to allow them to be read out, such that one or more electrical components interconnect at least two of the terminals in pairs so as to form a combination of terminal pair impedances that represents coded information relating to the pressure sensor. |
| US09404815B2 |
Superheat sensor having external temperature sensor
A superheat sensor includes a housing, a pressure sensor mounted within the housing, and a processor. A fluid passageway connects the pressure sensor to a source of superheat fluid. An external temperature sensor is located outside the housing of the superheat sensor and is electrically connected to the processor. The external temperature sensor is also electronically connected to a component of a fluid system to which the superheat sensor is attached and is configured to provide one of an internal temperature of the component, an external temperature of the component, and a temperature of fluid in the component. |
| US09404813B2 |
Systems and methods for determining patient temperature
A temperature probe includes a shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a tip disposed at the distal end. The probe also includes an infrared sensor configured to measure a temperature of a structure disposed proximate the shaft. The probe further includes a temperature sensor disposed distal to the infrared sensor. The temperature sensor is configured to measure a body cavity temperature of a patient. |
| US09404807B2 |
Device and method for identifying temperature detecting range
A detected temperature acquiring portion acquires detected temperatures from individual thermopile array sensors, a temperature change comparing portion compares changes in detected temperatures over time, for each respective location, between test locations selected from a overlapping region and individual comparing locations for two thermopile array sensors wherein planned detecting ranges partially overlap each other, to identify a best match location, a factor estimating portion, for each test location, generates an equation indicating a relationship between the best match location and positional shift factors, and establishes these equations as a system and solves the system of equations through a least-squares method to estimate the positional shift factors, and a detecting range identifying portion corrects location coordinates of the planned detecting ranges based on these positional shift factors to identify actual detecting ranges. |
| US09404804B1 |
Thermal sensor with infrared absorption membrane including metamaterial structure
A thermal sensor includes an array of pixels, each having a membrane mounted on legs over a reflector, forming a Fabry-Pérot cavity. Each membrane includes an infrared (IR) absorbing material that defines multiple spaced-apart openings separated by micron-level distances that decrease thermal capacity and increase IR absorption of the membrane. Regular pitch distances between adjacent openings provides narrowband IR absorption, with pitch distances below 7.1 μm facilitating the detection of IR radiation wavelengths below 7.5 μm. Multispectral thermal imaging is achieved by arranging the pixels in repeated groups (superpixels), where each superpixel detects the same set of IR radiation wavelengths. Thermal imaging devices include thermal sensors, IR lenses and device control circuitry arranged in a camera-like manner. A methane leak detection system utilizes two multispectral imaging devices positioned to image a wellhead from two directions, and a system controller that generates spatial and spectral information describing methane plumes using the image data. |
| US09404800B2 |
Wavelength-encoded tomography
Systems and methods for non-invasive optical imaging are provided. One or more time-lenses can be utilized to perform an optical Fourier transform, and the time-to-wavelength conversion can generate a wavelength-encoded image of optical scattering, analogous to optical coherence tomography. This optical Fourier transform provides improved axial resolution and simplifies digital signal processing after data acquisition. |
| US09404791B2 |
Lateral, angular and torsional vibration monitoring of rotordynamic systems
Exemplary embodiments provide a surface of a rotating element with both a phase reference mark and a plurality of additional marks. A proximity probe detects the passage of both the phase reference mark and the plurality of additional marks as they rotate through a detection zone. Both a phase reference signal and a vibration reference signal are generated, which signals are used to calculate lateral and angular (and optionally torsional) vibration of the rotating elements. |
| US09404789B2 |
Kitchen worktop with weighing means
A kitchen worktop having a support plate (2) with a treatment area (4) on which a container is placed (50), and a heating device (34) located in the treatment area under the support plate. Weight transducers (38) are fixed both to the support plate (2) and to a movable portion (24a) of a series of actuators (24), the fixed portion (24b) of which is fixed to a structure (11). A control device allows activating the actuators (24) in order to move the weight transducers (38) and the support plate (2) between a rest position in which the support plate (2) rests on the structure (11), and a weighing position in which the support plate (2) is supported only by the weight transducers (38) in order to enable a weighing operation. |
| US09404783B2 |
Sediment bed passive flux meter (SBPFM)
Embodiments of the present invention provide a sediment bed passive flux meter (SBPFM) and associated methods. In one embodiment, an SBPFM is provided. The SBPFM comprises a casing. The casing comprises an intake portion, an exhaust portion, and an intermediate portion between the intake and exhaust portions. The SBPFM further comprises a permeable sock positioned within the intermediate portion of the casing and a sorptive matrix positioned within the sock. The sorptive matrix is impregnated with one or more tracers. The SBPFM is configured to passively intercept, but not retain, groundwater flow passing through the SBPFM from the intake portion to the exhaust portion. |
| US09404782B2 |
Use of transducers with a piezo ceramic array to improve the accuracy of ultra sonic meters
An ultrasonic meter includes a group of piezoelectronic ceramic arrays, wherein each array comprises array stripes, such that a signal associated with each array can be split and a required phase shaft added to the signal to obtain simultaneously different data from the signal such as, for example, the transit time of a direct path and crosstalk. The smaller array can provide a higher aperture and improve the use of crosstalk. |
| US09404781B2 |
Multiphase metering with ultrasonic tomography and vortex shedding
Ultrasound tomography arrays and vortex shedding devices are provided which measure average flow velocity through Doppler shift of the fluid as well as cross sectional multiphase fluid composition in pipe or tubing conduits. Multiple tomographic arrays in conjunction with correlation of sensed flow patterns in time provided determination of flow velocity as well as cross sectional multiphase fluid composition. The tomographic arrays may be arranged in a skewed or slanted plane to measure velocity fluctuations downstream of a vortex shedding device where the period and amplitude of the fluctuations is correlated with the mass flow of the fluid. Additionally, the tomographic arrays provide the relative composition of the multiphase fluid. The multiple arrays together with correlation to determine velocity fluctuations downstream of a vortex shedding device where the period and amplitude of the fluctuations is correlated with the mass flow of the fluid. Additionally the tomographic arrays output the relative composition of the multiphase fluid. |
| US09404776B2 |
System and method for tailoring polarity transitions of magnetic structures
A system and method for tailoring a polarity transition of a magnetic structure is provided that involves printing one or more reinforcing maxels alongside one side or both sides of a polarity transition boundary between a first polarity region of the magnetic structure having a first polarity and a second polarity region of the magnetic structure having a second polarity, where printing reinforcing maxels alongside the polarity transition boundary improves the magnetic field characteristics of the polarity transition. |
| US09404774B2 |
Instrument panel assembly with variable length pointer
An instrument panel assembly for displaying vehicle information includes a pointer and a magnetic device. The pointer is operable to move about an axis to point at indicia defined by the assembly. The pointer is also operable to vary a length of the pointer in response to a magnetic field proximate to the pointer. The magnetic is device configured to cooperate with the pointer to vary the length of the pointer. |
| US09404768B2 |
Method and a system for harmonizing a frame of reference of an angular positioner relative to a terrestrial frame of reference
A method for harmonizing a frame of reference of an angular positioner to receive a moving body relative to the terrestrial frame of reference, the angular positioner carrying a measurement device for taking inertial measurements of the moving body, the method includes obtaining, using inertial measurements taken by a measurement device on-board the angular positioner during at least one predetermined operating period, values representative of a local magnitude of gravity as perceived by the measurement device and/or of a speed of rotation of the earth, the angular positioner being held stationary during the at least one operating period; evaluating, using the obtained values, at least one angular bias affecting the frame of reference of the positioner; and harmonizing the frame of reference of the positioner relative to the terrestrial frame of reference by compensating for the at least one angular bias as evaluated in this way. |
| US09404767B2 |
Methods and systems for performing charting tasks
A method for accessing information on an electronic version of an navigation information display is described. The method includes displaying navigation information on a display of a device, the device incorporating a touch screen, sensing a user touch on the touch screen, determining, by the device, a location on the touch screen where the user touch has occurred, correlating the location on the touch screen where the user touch has occurred with a location on the navigation information display, and displaying a magnified area of a portion of the navigation information proximate the location on the touch screen where the user touch occurred. |
| US09404766B2 |
Navigation peek ahead and behind in a navigation application
A method of providing a sequence of turn-by-turn navigation instructions on a device traversing a route is provided. Each turn-by-turn navigation instruction is associated with a location on the route. As the device traverses along the route, the method displays a turn-by-turn navigation instruction associated with a current location of the device. The method receives a touch input through a touch input interface of the device while displaying a first turn-by-turn navigation instruction and a first map region that displays the current location and a first location associated with the first turn-by-turn navigation instruction. In response to receiving the touch input, the method displays a second turn-by-turn navigation instruction and a second map region that displays a second location associated with the second turn-by-turn navigation instruction. Without receiving additional input, the method automatically returns to the display of the first turn-by-turn navigation instruction and the first map region. |
| US09404760B2 |
Efficient route planning in public transportation networks
This document discloses a system that selects a path to reach a destination in a transportation network. The system receives information related to a public transportation network with multiple stops. Each stop includes at least one associated link with another stop. Each link represents a mode of transportation between two stops. When the system receives a request for routes between an origin and a destination within the transportation network, it will determine a set of routes between the origin and the destination using an iterative process without reference to a graph representation of the network. The system will select a shortest path that corresponds to the route having the earliest arrival time at the destination. The system will also select an alternative path that corresponds to a route having an arrival time that is no more than a threshold amount later than the earliest arrival time. |
| US09404757B2 |
Verifying a road network of a map
The present disclosure relates to a method and system for verifying the road network of map. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for verifying a road network of a map. The method comprises: determining, based on locations of a set of points in the map, a trajectory distance of a trajectory between a start point and an end point in the set of points on the map; determining a route distance between the start point and the end point in the road network of the map; and verifying the road network by comparing the trajectory distance and the route distance. A corresponding system is also disclosed. |
| US09404753B2 |
Navigating on images
Systems, devices, features, and methods for navigating on images are disclosed. For example, one method includes identifying a point selected on an initial image. An image component, such as a pixel, of the initial image corresponding to the identified point is determined. The image component of the initial image represents an origin. A route from the origin to a destination is generated, and the destination corresponds to another image component, such as another pixel. |
| US09404752B2 |
Method for processing a flight plan in a flight management system
A method for processing a flight plan, implemented in a flight management system, consisting of at least one segment, comprises a step of determining the positions of the start point and of the end point of each of said segments constituting said flight plan by searching for at least two characteristic points of said segment, said characteristic points being explicit, fixed and non-floating, said positions being respectively characterized by a latitude, a longitude and an altitude. |
| US09404749B2 |
Control unit for off-road vehicles including housing configured to fit within pre-existing cavity of off-road-vehicle cab
A control unit disposed in the cab of an off-road vehicle includes a user interface; an attitude and heading reference system and a housing. The attitude and heading reference system includes a processor and at least one of a positioning receiver, magnetometer, compass, gyro and accelerometer electrically connected to the processor. The housing is sized to be fittingly received in a pre-existing DIN slot in the cab of the off-road vehicle. |
| US09404743B2 |
Method for validating measurement data
A method is provided for validating measurement data, such as data obtained from a scanning electron microscope using in a semiconductor fabrication facility. The method includes applying a signal on a material feature by using a source in a measurement tool having a tool setting parameter, collecting a response signal from the material feature by using a detector in the measurement tool to obtain the measurement data, calculating a simulated response signal by a smart, and validating the measurement data by comparing the collected response signal with the simulated response signal. The system also includes a design database having a design feature, a measurement tool collecting a response signal, and a smart review engine configured to connect the measurement tool and the design database. The smart engine generates a simulated response signal using the design feature and a measurement tool setting parameter so that the measurement is validated by comparing a collected response signal and a simulated response signal. |
| US09404742B2 |
Distance determination system for a vehicle using holographic techniques
According to one aspect, a distance determination system for a vehicle includes an apparatus for generating and displaying a pattern generated by a holographic encoded medium in operable communication with an actuator and in communication with an electromagnetic radiation source configured to produce coherent electromagnetic waves. The distance determination system also includes an imager and a distance determination module in communication with the imager. The imager is configured to acquire image data representative of a field of view from the vehicle. The distance determination module is configured to locate at least one feature of the pattern in the image data and determine an estimated distance between the vehicle and the at least one feature based at least in part on a known position of the apparatus, a known position of the imager, and a layout of the pattern. |
| US09404739B2 |
Shape measuring device, program installed into this device, and recording medium storing this program
Provided is a shape measuring device capable of making a user to feel that three-dimensional shape data is easily acquirable. Right and left light projecting sections are individually turned on to automatically adjust exposure time or brightness of illumination so that an image displayed in a display section has the optimum brightness. Further, scanning is performed with a plurality of striped patterns using the light projecting section, and in synchronization therewith, a plurality of striped images are acquired by a camera. Subsequently, a 2D texture image of an object is acquired by using ring illumination or all-white uniform illumination of the light projecting section. A PC performs image processing and an analysis on the acquired image data with a measurement algorithm, to generate stereoscopic shape data. Further, a 3D texture image generated by mapping the two-dimensional texture image onto the stereoscopic shape data is displayed in a display section (monitor). |
| US09404734B2 |
System and method for sensing shape of elongated instrument
An instrument system that includes an elongate body, an optical fiber, a localization sensor and a controller is provided. The optical fiber is operatively coupled to the elongate body and has a strain sensor provided on the optical fiber. The localization sensor is operatively coupled to the elongate body. The controller is operatively coupled to the optical fiber and to the localization sensor and is adapted to receive a first signal from the strain sensor, receive a second signal from the localization sensor, and determine a position or orientation of the elongate body based on the first signal and the second signal. |
| US09404728B2 |
Sensor for locating metal objects and associated coil
A sensor for locating metal objects has coils or coil parts which form at least one transmitting coil (5.1) and at least one receiving coil (7.1) which are inductively coupled to one another and are arranged such that said coils partially overlap for the purpose of interaction decoupling, wherein optimum cancellation of the interaction can be achieved. Sensor electronics are provided for energizing the transmitting coil and for evaluating a reception signal (10.6) from the receiving coil. As a result of the fact that the transmitting coil (5.1) and the receiving coil (7.1) substantially have an identical coil shape and are arranged such that said coils are rotated and/or offset with respect to one another, wherein a plurality of symmetrically arranged, overlapping regions (8.4) are formed, a sensor which provides a greater range and extended possibilities for installation in conventional industrial sensor housings is provided. |
| US09404724B2 |
Digital displacement measuring instrument
A digital displacement measuring instrument includes: a body; a spindle; an encoder; a display; a speed information detector that detects a moving speed of the spindle; a judging unit that judges whether or not the spindle is stopped based on the moving speed detected by the speed information detector and, when the judging unit judges that the spindle is stopped, judges whether or not the moving speed of the spindle just before the spindle is stopped exceeds a predetermined threshold; and a notifying unit that notifies a judgment result provided by the judging unit. |
| US09404717B2 |
Vehicle, in particular a military vehicle
The invention relates to a vehicle, especially a military vehicle, comprising a front section (2) and a rear section (3) and a safety cell (4) arranged between the front section (2) and the rear section (3) and receiving the vehicle crew, the front section (2) and the rear section (3) being connected to each other in the region below the safety cell (4) by means of a protective element (5) which protects the safety cell (4) from the impact of blasts. |
| US09404716B2 |
Hybrid slat armor
In an embodiment, a hybrid slat armor configured for protecting a body against a threat having an anticipated impact direction. The hybrid slat armor comprises a plurality of slat units, each extending along a first longitudinal direction, the units being spaced apart along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each slat unit has a strike end configured for facing the anticipated impact direction, a rear end opposite the strike end, a top set of piercing elements and a bottom set of piercing elements. The piercing elements of each set are successively arranged along the longitudinal direction of the slat unit at the strike end thereof and are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction; The piecing elements of the top set are spaced from the piercing elements of the bottom set in the second longitudinal direction to a distance which is considerably smaller than that between adjacent slat-units. |
| US09404715B2 |
Ballistic collar
Ballistic collar may include a bellows shaped member, which is arranged to surround a human's neck, including bellows plies being mainly perpendicular to the axis of the collar or of the human's neck. Free standing, the structure stands up around the neck to provide ballistic protection. The structure may be formed by folding a sheet of ballistic rated body armor fabric including strong synthetic fibers, e.g. from aromatic polyamide fibers, or ultra high molecular weight polyolefin, e.g. polyethylene polypropylene, fibers. For manufacturing the ballistic collar, a plurality of sheets may be piled-up and the whole may be submitted to transformation in a mold at a temperature and pressure at which the sheets remain mainly loose from each other. Preferably parts of the collars or bellows shaped members are made, which are assembled afterwards e.g. by stitching, welding etc. |
| US09404714B2 |
Modular rail system and firearm with modular rail system
An upper receiver for a weapon, the upper receiver having a plurality channels each being oriented in a first direction and wherein each of the plurality of channels intersect an elongated channel extending in a second direction; a modular rail having a pair of securement features configured to be slidably received within a pair of the plurality of channels such that modular rail can slide in the pair of the plurality of channels in the first direction until the pair of features can slide within the elongated channel in the second direction. |
| US09404713B2 |
Gun sight for use with superelevating weapon
A gun sight for use with a weapon configured for super elevation is disclosed herein. The gun sight includes, but is not limited to, an imaging system that is configured for rotation. The gun sight further includes a drive mechanism that associated with the imaging system and that is configured to rotate the imaging system. The gun sight further includes a gyroscope associated with one of the weapon and the imaging system. The gun sight still further includes a processor that is communicatively coupled with the drive mechanism and the gyroscope. The processor is configured to control the drive mechanism to rotate the imaging system in a manner that causes the imaging system to maintain an initial angular orientation based on information provided by the gyroscope when the weapon is superelevated. |
| US09404711B1 |
Reusable laser sighting device adapter for rocket launcher
Disclosed herein are reusable adapters for sighting devices for rocket launchers and other large weapons, particularly mounting adapters for reusable sighting devices that allow retrofitting of existing weapons inventory. Some embodiments include an adapter that includes a laser sighting device mount coupled to a mounting bracket, wherein the mounting bracket is configured to register to and align with one or more housing features of the rocket launcher. In various embodiments, the adapter also includes a strap member configured to secure and immobilize the adapter in position on the rocket launcher. In various embodiments, the laser sighting device mount may be factory calibrated with respect to the adapter, and therefore once the adapter has been mounted on the rocket launcher, no field calibrations of the laser sighting device are necessary. |
| US09404709B2 |
Systems and methods for aiding the insertion of detachable firearm magazines
The present invention relates to systems and methods for aiding the insertion of detachable magazines in AK rifle variants. The magazine well attachment includes a well attachment body having a slit configured to slide over a trigger guard of a firearm during the assembly process. The attachment body includes a beveled well opening for guiding a tilt-lock magazine into the firearm. The beveled well opening includes beveled steps for funneling and centering the magazine during insertion and also includes an angled front well ramp for guiding the magazine into the rifle at an appropriate angle. In order to accommodate the dimensional variances between receivers made by different manufacturers, a front retainer secures the attachment to the magazine opening. The magazine well attachment also includes a rear overhang secured to a ledge of the firearm's trigger guard. |
| US09404707B2 |
Air gun with gas spring assembly
A gas spring assembly is disposed within a compression chamber of an air gun, and includes a piston defining an interior pressure chamber. The piston includes a latch bushing that is disposed adjacent a rearward end of the bushing. The latch bushing defines a central bore that extends along and is concentric with a longitudinal axis of the piston. A guide rod is slideably supported within the central bore of the latch bushing. The piston is axially moveable along the longitudinal axis relative to the guide rod, between a compressed position and an un-compressed position. The guide rod includes a first end that engages the trigger assembly in abutting engagement, and a second end that engages a head portion disposed within an inner support tube within the interior pressure chamber of the piston. The latch bushing includes a ledge for engaging a sear of the trigger assembly in latching engagement. |
| US09404706B2 |
Crossbow with a crank cocking and release mechanism
A crossbow bowstring drawing mechanism comprises (1) a generally cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end; (2) a shaft rotatably mounted in the housing has a first end that at least partially extends through the housing first end; (3) at least one rope spool received on, and rotationally fixed to, the shaft intermediate the shaft first and second ends; (4) a handle operatively coupled to the shaft; and (5) a clutch mechanism received on the shaft. At least one of the rope spools is configured to attach to a first and a second end of a rope that is configured to he releasably attached to a bowstring. The clutch mechanism is configured to at least temporarily rotationally fix the shaft to the housing to prevent the shaft from rotating in a first direction and an opposite second direction until a force is exerted on the handle to overcome the frictional forces exerted by the clutch mechanism. |
| US09404700B1 |
Enhanced trigger control connector
A firearm enhanced trigger control connector. A torso has a guide angle positioned at a first predetermined angle. The guide angle contains a trigger bar of a firearm. The torso further has a first connector leg extending therefrom at a second predetermined angle. The first connector leg has a disconnector tab at a third predetermined angle. Extending from the first connector leg is a control tab. The torso further has a second connector leg that removably fits within a trigger housing of the firearm. |
| US09404699B1 |
Trigger lock
A trigger lock that can be mounted to the trigger guard of a handheld firearm. The trigger lock has a cover assembly displaceably mounted to a lock housing assembly. The cover assembly is displaceable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A mount adapter is removeably mated to a housing body within the lock housing assembly. The removeable mount adapter has a mount surface shaped to correspond with the outer surface of the trigger guard, allowing the trigger lock to be used on various makes and models of firearms. The trigger lock includes a locking means which in one embodiment has a lock rotor with a caroming surface to displace one or more locking members into the cover assembly. |
| US09404695B2 |
Gas systems for firearms
Provided in one aspect is an annular gas ring within or adjacent a barrel to increase the efficient transfer of pressurized gas to one or more gas ports, which may communicate the high-pressure gas to a piston to cycle the action of the firearm. Provided in another aspect are gas ports may adjacent the chamber, which may communicate pressurized gas from near the chamber to distally-extending gas tubes that communicate the pressurized gas to a distally located piston to cycle the action. A modular gas system is provided comprising a coupler that couples a barrel with a chamber and forms there-between an annular gas ring with ports that communicate pressurized gas to separate longitudinally-extending cylindrical gas tubes that feed into a gas block that supports the barrel and forms the cylinder for the piston. |
| US09404685B2 |
Water removal and heavy-hydrocarbon removal process in liquefied natural gas production from mixed gas rich in methane
A process for dehydrating and removing heavy hydrocarbons in the production of liquefied natural gas from a methane-rich gas mixture is disclosed, wherein the methane-rich gas mixture subjected to deacidification treatment is divided into two streams, i.e. the first stream and the second stream, wherein the first stream used as a system process gas is introduced into a drying procedure, and the second stream used as regenerating gas is introduced into a regenerating procedure; the first stream is subjected to a drying treatment, and the moisture and the heavy hydrocarbons are simultaneously removed from the first stream in a composite adsorbent bed(s) of a drying tower, wherein the moisture is removed such that the dew point at normal pressure is ≦−76° C. and the heavy hydrocarbon components of C6 and higher are removed such that the content of these components is ≦217 ppm; and the second stream is used as a regenerating gas in the regenerating procedure of the above-mentioned drying tower, subjected to a regenerating process, and then returned as a part of the system process gas. Comparing to those conventional processes, the present invention can achieve good purifying effect, lower equipment investment and late-stage energy consumption of the system, increase utilization ratio of feed gas, and the operation target of each unit becomes more clear and easy to control. The present invention further relates to an apparatus for carrying out the process. |
| US09404681B2 |
Air-conditioning apparatus
In an air-conditioning apparatus equipped with an outdoor unit having outdoor devices including a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, a flow switching valve that switches the flowing direction of the refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air, a first expansion valve that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant, an excess-refrigerant container that retains an excess refrigerant of the refrigerant, and a second expansion valve that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant; and an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and indoor air, the air-conditioning apparatus includes an outdoor-heat-exchanger refrigerant injection port provided in a refrigerant pipe that is directly connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, and an excess-refrigerant-container refrigerant injection port provided in a refrigerant pipe that is directly connected to the excess-refrigerant container. |
| US09404680B2 |
Evaporator with cool storage function
An evaporator with a cool storage function includes a plurality of flat refrigerant flow tubes and at least one cool storage material container. The at least one cool storage material container includes a container main body and a plurality of convex portions. The container main body has a first wall and a second wall opposite to the first wall which are substantially parallel to a plane including a longitudinal direction and a width direction. The first wall and the second wall are connected to adjacent refrigerant flow tubes among the plurality of refrigerant flow tubes, respectively. The plurality of convex portions are provided on the first wall and the second wall to protrude outwardly from the first wall and the second wall. Two adjacent convex portions among the plurality of convex portions form each of condensed water drain passages therebetween. |
| US09404679B2 |
Cooling system and cooling method
A cooling system includes; an evaporator evaporating a refrigerant by heat exchange with room air; a water-cooled condenser being arranged above the evaporator and condensing the refrigerant by heat exchange with cold water; a cold-water flow control valve controlling the flow rate of the cold water supplied to the water-cooled condenser; a refrigerant cooling tower being arranged above the evaporator and condensing the refrigerant by heat exchange with outside air; a blower being arranged at the refrigerant cooling tower and blowing the outside air; a refrigerant-temperature detector detecting the temperature of the refrigerant condensed by the water-cooled condenser and/or the refrigerant cooling tower; and a controller changing at least one of the opening in the cold-water flow control valve and the rotational speed of a motor in the blower according to the temperature. |
| US09404671B2 |
Radiant heat lifting device for outdoor flame heater
A radiant heat lifting device for outdoor flame heater comprises a glass tube having a section of heat-resistant net tube made of high-temperature resistant material and mounted on an upper opening thereof; a heat-resistant net tube including countless meshes at a periphery thereof, a top outlet sealed and a bottom outlet connected to the upper opening of the glass tube; and a cover being a bowl-shaped arranged on the heat-resistant net tube and including a multitude of circulation holes at a periphery thereof; whereby a flame emitted from the flame outlet along the glass tube up to the top outlet of the heat-resistant net tube by chimney effect to accumulate the heat and produce infrared to increase the radiation thermal of the glass tube; an exhaust in the glass tube outflows from the meshes of the heat-resistant net tube to the circulation holes of the cover and discharges upward. |
| US09404670B2 |
Water heater
A fan serves to suction combustion gas which has passed through a secondary heat exchanger and emitting combustion gas to the outside of a water heater. A drainage water discharge pipe is connected to the secondary heat exchanger in order to discharge the drainage water produced as a result of recovery of latent heat in the secondary heat exchanger to the outside of the secondary heat exchanger. An air passage pipe is connected to an exhaust box. A Y-shaped pipe joint has a flow path allowing merging of the drainage water discharge pipe and the air passage pipe, and the flow path after merging leads to the outside of the water heater. |
| US09404668B2 |
Detecting and correcting enthalpy wheel failure modes
A heating ventilation and cooling system includes an energy recovery ventilator (ERV). The ERV is configured to produce an inlet airstream and an exhaust airstream. An enthalpy wheel within the energy recovery ventilator is operable to transport heat between the inlet and exhaust airstreams. A pressure transducer is configured to determine a backpressure across the enthalpy wheel. A controller is configured to determine, in response to the backpressure, an operational characteristic of the enthalpy wheel. |
| US09404666B2 |
Bypass humidifier with damper control
An improved humidifier system for adding humidity to an air stream of an HVAC system. The humidifier system includes an air path that is configured to accept air from a first HVAC duct and return air to a second HVAC duct. A damper is disposed in the air path to selectively substantially block the flow of air in the air path, or to substantially not block the flow of air in the air path. In some cases, the damper may be a motorized damper, and the humidifier system may include a controller that is configured to cause the motorized damper to not substantially block the flow of air in the air path during a call for humidifier operation, and to substantially block the flow of air in the air path after the call for humidifier operation ends. Alternatively, the damper may be manually actuated, and an HVAC controller may be configured to notify when the damper should be moved (e.g. between seasons). |
| US09404664B2 |
Controlling a heating/cooling system
The invention relates to a hydronic heating/cooling system. In the system, liquid is led along a main supply pipe (1) to a supply manifold (2) and distributed in the manifold into heating loops (3). The heating loops (3) return to return manifold (4). At least one of the manifolds (2, 4) has actuators (6) for controlling the flow in the heating loops (3). At least one loop is designated to be a bypass loop. The actuators (6) in the loops (3) are monitored and it is ensured that the actuator (6) of the bypass loop is open if all the other actuators (6) are closed. |
| US09404661B2 |
Electric oven and method for servicing same
Provided is an electric oven, which includes a main body, a cooktop, and an oven part. The cooktop is disposed in an upper portion of the main body to heat an object. The oven part is disposed within the main body under the cooktop, and includes a cavity including a cooking chamber, a door selectively opening and closing the cooking chamber, and a first heating unit and a second heating unit, which supply radiant energy into the cooking chamber. Before the cooktop is installed, or after the cooktop is removed, a top of the main body is opened, and the first heating unit is installed in or removed from the cavity through the opened top of the main body. The second heating unit is installed in or removed from the cooking chamber through an open front of the cooking chamber. Accordingly, a heater can be protected, and be conveniently installed and removed. |
| US09404660B1 |
Chambered flame oven
An oven having a central cooking chamber defined in part by a housing and in visual communication with a flame-producing element. The cooking chamber has a door with a transparent portion providing visual inspection of the cooking chamber and a view of the flame produced by the flame producing element. The cooking chamber has a heat source to provide heat to the cooking chamber. |
| US09404659B2 |
Systems and methods for late lean injection premixing
A late lean injection combustor assembly may include a first interior in which a first fuel supplied thereto is combustible, a flow sleeve annulus including a second interior in which a second fuel supplied thereto is combustible, at least one fuel injector disposed about the second interior, and at least one elongate premixing conduit disposed about the flow sleeve annulus and in fluid communication with the at least one fuel injector. The at least one elongate premixing conduit may be in fluid communication with a compressor discharge air and the second fuel such that the compressor discharge air and the second fuel are premixed within the elongate premixing conduit before entering the second interior by way of the at least one fuel injector. |
| US09404655B2 |
Process of fabricating a fuel nozzle assembly
Disclosed is a process of fabricating a fuel nozzle assembly. The process includes providing a fuel nozzle end cover, positioning a fuel nozzle ring having a stepped geometry within a cavity of the fuel nozzle end cover, and securing the fuel nozzle ring to the fuel nozzle end cover by welding or brazing to form features corresponding to one or more of the fuel nozzle end cover and a fuel nozzle insert. The process further includes securing the fuel nozzle insert to the fuel nozzle cover by direct contact with the fuel nozzle ring. |
| US09404654B2 |
Gas turbine engine combustor with integrated combustor vane
A combustor section for a gas turbine engine includes a combustor vane which extends at least partially into a combustion chamber. |
| US09404649B2 |
Electric steam generation
A pressurized boiler (1) for a steam generator appliance comprises an evaporation chamber (78), an electric heater (60) in good thermal contact with a wall (70) of the evaporation chamber (78), a water inlet (77) arranged in a cover (72) of the evaporation chamber (78) separate from said wall (70), and a pump in fluid communication with the water inlet (77) arranged to supply water to the evaporation chamber (78) through the water inlet (77). |
| US09404646B2 |
Lighting system with angled LED arrays
A lighting system with extended arrays of LED light engines is disclosed. The extended arrays of LED light engines are coupled to bent, curved, contoured or angled support surfaces within a housing structure, coupled to bent, curved, contoured or angled surfaces of the housing structure or a combination thereof. Preferably, the extended arrays of LED light engines emit both upward and downward lighting through diffuse surfaces of the housing structure. In some embodiments of the invention the positions and/or angles of light emitting surfaces of extended arrays of LED light engines are adjustable within the housing structure. |
| US09404642B2 |
Lighting module, illuminating device and method for fabricating the lighting module
A lighting module for illuminating device may include at least one lighting component; at least one lighting component bracket bearing its corresponding lighting component; and one mounting trail, wherein each lighting component bracket is mounted onto the mounting trail and fixed onto a shell of the illuminating device by the mounting trail. |
| US09404639B2 |
Recessed lighting assembly with integrated interface module
A compact recessed lighting system is provided. The lighting system includes a light source module, a heat sink, a lens, a set of electrical contacts, and a set of trims. Each of these elements of the lighting system may be coupled to an integrated interface module. The recessed lighting system provides a reduced set of components while ensuring adaptability and easy installation into a structure. In particular, by including an integrated interface module that allows the light source module, the set of trims, the lens, and the heat sink to be easily replaced with minimal tools and minimal fasteners, the recessed lighting system described herein provides a more efficient and user friendly design in comparison to traditional systems. |
| US09404638B2 |
Optical element and illumination unit
An optical element according to the present invention includes a light receiving surface which is designed to cover an emitting surface of a planar light source device, a reflecting surface, a light exit surface which is contiguous to the periphery of the reflecting surface. When the center of the emitting surface is designated as a point O and an axis which passes through the point O and is perpendicular to the emitting surface is designated as an optical axis of the optical element, the reflecting surface has a concave portion around the optical axis and an outer edge surrounding the concave portion. |
| US09404637B2 |
Color shift sign
The present application is directed to an illumination device comprising a recycling cavity defined by recycling surfaces and a light emission surface; a light source within the cavity. A spectrum modifying layer is on a portion of the recycling surface, the spectrum modifying layer producing a spectral response different from the spectral response of the recycling surface. In some embodiments, the spectrum modifying layer shifts the spectral properties of the light being emitted from the light emission area from the spectral properties of the light source. In some embodiments, the spectrum modifying layer selectively absorbs a portion of light along the light source spectrum. In some embodiments, the spectrum modifying layer re-emits light at a wavelength longer than the wavelength it absorbed. |
| US09404633B2 |
Lighting device for vehicles
A lighting device for vehicles, having a housing, in which a light module, containing a light source and a lens unit allocated thereto, is disposed, for generating a lighting function, wherein the light source is designed as a light source emitting a linear light distribution, and the lens unit has optical means for converting the linear light distribution of the light source into another linear light distribution, for generating a predefined lighting function. |
| US09404632B2 |
Lens assembly for a vehicle
A lens assembly for a vehicle includes a light source, a preliminary lens, and a bending lens. The light source emits a stream of light rays. The preliminary lens has an entry surface and an exit surface disposed opposite the entry surface. The preliminary lens is disposed in adjacent relationship to the light source such that the entry surface faces the light source. The bending lens has a receptor surface and an emission surface disposed opposite the receptor surface. The receptor surface of the bending lens faces the exit surface of the preliminary lens. At least one optic extends from the emission surface of the bending lens. Each optic is configured to bend a portion of the stream of parallel light rays travelling therethrough such that a stream of bent light rays is emitted from the optic. |
| US09404628B2 |
Wall pack light fixture
A lighting fixture includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The first housing portion includes a base and a wall extending outwardly from substantially the perimeter of the base. A top portion of the wall includes one or more hinges extending outwardly therefrom. The second housing portion includes a front panel and a side panel extending outwardly from substantially the perimeter of the front panel. A top portion of the front panel includes at least one slot. The second housing is coupled to the first housing in an open position when the hinge is inserted into the slot and the front panel is disposed elevationally above the base. The second housing is coupled to the first housing in an operational position when the hinge is inserted into the slot and the front panel covers the base. |
| US09404624B2 |
Lighting apparatus
Disclosed is a lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus includes a lighting apparatus including a control module supplying an electric power; a heat sink receiving the control module; a light source module mounted on the heat sink and including a light source connected to the control module; and an antenna device disposed on the light source module and connected to the control module. Since the lighting apparatus is wirelessly controllable, a user of the lighting apparatus can easily control the lighting apparatus. |
| US09404621B2 |
Fuel tank valve
The present invention includes: a valve main body including a filling port through which a fuel gas is filled in a tank and an output port through which the fuel gas in the tank is output; and a jet flow deflection piece through which the fuel gas to be filled through the filling port is ejected at a predetermined angle relative to an axial direction of the tank. The jet flow deflection piece includes: a fuel ejecting portion including an ejection port through which the fuel gas is ejected into the tank; and a temperature measuring portion in which a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the fuel gas to be filled in the tank is provided. Thus, the temperature of the fuel gas when filling the fuel tank with the fuel gas can be precisely measure and monitored. |
| US09404614B2 |
Method and device for holding and releasing a cable in a pipe splitter
A cable retention and release mechanism includes a cable gripping device including a cable passage. A cable extends through the cable passage. A cable gripping device collar is movably coupled around the cable gripping device. An outer cable gripping device surface is seated against a cable gripping device receiving inner surface preventing movement of the cable gripping device relative to the cable gripping device collar. The cable gripping device receiving inner surface clamps the cable gripping device on the cable and prevents sliding movement of the cable. A jack is movably coupled with the cable gripping device collar. In a first engaged position the jack is engaged against the cable gripping device proximal end. In a second engaged position the jack unseats the outer cable gripping device surface from the cable gripping device receiving inner surface and releases the clamping of the cable. |
| US09404609B2 |
Flexible pipe terminal end-attachment device
A terminal end-attachment device (10) for a flexible pipe (12) comprising an attachment body (14) adapted to receive a terminal end of a flexible pipe (12) and to couple the said flexible pipe to a hydrocarbon production installation structure. The device (10) further comprising a strain sensor (16) coupled to a sensor carrier (18), at least part of the sensor carrier (18) and the strain sensor (16) being at least partially incorporated within the attachment body (14). A method of manufacturing a terminal end-attachment device (10) for a flexible pipe (12) is also provided. |
| US09404605B2 |
Cable guidance system
A cable guide or cleat for a cable, comprises, in one embodiment, a pivot mounting, a base section on the mounting and an upper section that, when fastened to the base section, a cylindrical guide with clearance for a cable to be passed through the guide for installation, and an insert piece designed to be inserted when the cable is in its final position, so that the base and upper sections, clamp the cable in place. The clearance allows the cable guide to be used first without the insert, when laying the cable, facilitating the laying of the cable round bends in particular. Then, when the cable is in place, the cleat is released again and the insert put in place, so that when the cleat is fastened the cable is securely clamped. Disclosed systems obviate the need for separate temporary guides that would otherwise need storing. |
| US09404598B2 |
Valve with temperature activated trigger having novel material configuration
A temperature activated valve is provided comprising a trigger for effecting actuation of the valve. The trigger includes a temperature responsive trigger portion including a plurality of constituent trigger segments connected to one another in series. The constituent trigger segments include a plurality of temperature responsive trigger segments. Each one of the temperature responsive trigger segments, independently, includes a composite material, the composite material including: (a) a shape changing material-comprising component configured to assume a change in shape in response to receiving of heat energy by the temperature responsive trigger segment, and (b) a relatively inelastic material-comprising component having a modulus of elasticity that is greater than the modulus of elasticity of the shape changing material-comprising component. |
| US09404594B2 |
Multi-chamber thermal management rotary valve module
A rotary valve with ports connected to housing. A first valve body rotatably positioned in a housing flow chamber has a fluid pathway that connects a first and/or second port to the flow chamber in a first rotational position, and prevents flow from the first and/or second port in a second rotational position. A second valve body rotatably positioned in the flow chamber has at least one fluid pathway that connects a third and/or fourth port to the flow chamber in a first rotational position, and prevents flow from the third and/or fourth port in a second rotational position of the second valve body. An actuator positions of the first and second valve bodies, and includes an epicyclic gear arrangement for driving the second valve body such that movement of the actuator shaft that rotates the first valve body results in only a partial movement of the second valve body. |
| US09404589B2 |
Non-sliding gate valve
A parallel movement mechanism including guide grooves and guide rollers and a perpendicular movement mechanism including cam grooves and cam rollers are interposed between a drive rod of an air cylinder and a valve assembly. By moving the valve assembly parallel to valve seat surfaces formed around a pair of openings of a valve casing with the parallel movement mechanism, and then moving it perpendicularly to the valve seat surfaces with the perpendicular movement mechanism, valve seal members of valve elements can be brought into and out of contact with the valve seat surfaces, and the openings can be selectively opened and closed. |
| US09404588B2 |
Vacuum control valve for vacuum drainage system
A valve for a vacuum drainage system includes a valve body having an interior chamber operatively connectable to a suction device and through an outlet to a vacuum source. A movable member having an aperture is secured within the chamber and movable through points between closed and open positions to adjust the open area of the aperture and the fluid flow through the outlet. The aperture is configured such that during adjustment to increase the effective operational area of the aperture, a rate of change of the effective operational area increases non-linearly in relation to a linear increase in the distance of travel, while providing advantageous and more controllable linear adjustment of the applied vacuum. The aperture can have a trilateral shape including at least one curved side, or comprise a plurality of sub-apertures, and the movable member can comprise a rotary sleeve. |
| US09404584B2 |
Compact restictive seal for bearing housings
This certificate of addition pertains to alternative constructive methods submitted for the components of the seal, resulting in increased efficiency and durability of the device, as well as the ease of assembly thereof.Compact restrictive seal (1) derived from these constructive alternatives can be applied indiscriminately to equipment lubricated by grease, fluid oil or oil mist. |
| US09404583B2 |
Slide ring seal
A slide ring seal, and in particular a running gear seal, including an angled slide and/or counter ring, the radial leg of which is provided with a sliding surface and the axial leg of which forms a seating for a trapezoidal sealing element, wherein the outer ends of the axial leg have recesses, into which engage projections on the sealing element to form anti-rotation locks, wherein the transition area from the axial leg to the radial leg of the slide and/or counter ring provided beyond the sliding surface has a profiling, into which a section of the sealing element having an approximately corresponding construction engages. |
| US09404580B2 |
Duplex finger seal for joints with high relative displacement
The sealing apparatus and method of assembling the same is disclosed. The sealing apparatus may comprise a resilient member and a sealing member. The resilient member may define a cavity having a closed end and an open end. The resilient member may include a first wall having a first inner sealing surface and a second wall having a second inner sealing surface. The first and second walls may be joined at the closed end. The sealing member may be disposed at least partially in the cavity in sealing engagement with the first and second inner sealing surfaces. The sealing member may comprise an upper plurality of layered finger seals and a lower plurality of layered finger seals. |
| US09404579B2 |
Sealing device and method
A sealing device is suitable, for example, for conducting verification and testing of fluid-tightness, and includes a body supporting an end piece equipped with a gasket. The gasket presents an outer surface in which at least one area is in the form of a truncated cone. A sealing method concerns the sealing of an aircraft pipe presenting an opening arranged behind a wall, with the aid of a sealing device as described above. |
| US09404575B2 |
Transmission upshift flare detection and mitigation
A transmission control module comprises an actuation module and a flare control module. The actuation module controls actuation of a friction device used in shifting from a first transmission ratio to a second transmission ratio. The transmission ratio is based on an input speed of a transmission divided by an output speed of the transmission. The first transmission ratio is greater than the second transmission ratio. The flare control module selectively generates an engine torque reduction request when a measured transmission ratio is greater than a threshold during a shift from the first transmission ratio to the second transmission ratio. |
| US09404574B2 |
Transmission device and method for operating a transmission device
A transmission device has at least one electro-hydraulic transmission control unit and a method of operating the transmission device having a plurality of gear wheel that can be engaged and disengaged from a force flow by fluidically actuated shifting elements. A piston space of a first shifting element, delimited by a second functional surface of the actuating piston of the first shifting element, is made separate from a piston space of a second shifting element, delimited by the first functional surface of the actuating piston, and an area of the second shifting element, that carries an actuating pressure, or an area of the first shifting element, that carries an actuating pressure, is, or can be, connected to the piston space delimited by the second functional surface of the actuating piston of the first shifting element. |
| US09404572B1 |
Synchronizer fork position control
A vehicle includes an engine, a transmission having a position-controlled clutch with a synchronizer sleeve and a synchronizer fork, an input member with an input speed, and an output member with an output speed, and a controller. The controller is programmed to register a slip-away condition when the input speed falls within a calibrated speed band and the output speed remains below a calibrated threshold speed. In response to the registered slip-away condition, the controller records a diagnostic code indicative of the synchronizer sleeve being disengaged, changes an engaged position of the synchronizer sleeve by a calibrated amount to thereby adapt the engaged position, and commands the clutch to disengage and the fork to move to a neutral position after increasing the engaged position. The controller also moves the synchronizer sleeve toward the adapted engaged position and applies the clutch when the synchronizer sleeve attains the adapted engaged position. |
| US09404571B2 |
Controlling an automatic transmission
A method of downshifting an automotive transmission. An on-coming transmission element is stroked while pressure for an off-going element is reduced. Pressure for the stroked on-coming element is increased to be sufficient to carry torque. Pressure for the off-going element is reduced below a torque transmitting amount once the stroked on-coming element has a sufficient torque carrying capacity. Torque capacities for the elements are determined from transmission output torque and acceleration and transmission input torque and acceleration. Feed forward or feedback terms for off-going and on-coming element torque capacities may be calculated using the transmission output torque, transmission input acceleration, and transmission input torque. |
| US09404568B2 |
Epicyclic reduction gear, notably for a turbomachine
An epicyclic reduction gear, for example for a turbomachine, including an internal sun gear and an external sun gear, which are coaxial, with the internal sun gear being movable in rotation about its axis, with the external sun gear being stationary. At least one planet gear is mounted to be movable in rotation on a planet carrier and meshing with both the internal sun gear and the external sun gear. The planet carrier is configured to pivot about the axis of the internal sun gear and the external sun gear, the planet gear having a cylindrical inner surface mounted to be movable in rotation around a cylindrical surface of the planet carrier. The reduction gear further includes a mechanism supplying oil at an interface between the cylindrical surfaces. |
| US09404562B2 |
Electromotive linear drive
An electromotive linear drive with a housing that is equipped with a drive unit, the output member of which is designed as linearly movable spindle nut that is operatively connected to a connecting part for connecting to another component. The spindle nut is engaged with the connecting part in the normal operating state by a first coupling part and a second coupling part engaged with said first coupling part, and the driving connection can be decoupled by a movement of at least one coupling part in the longitudinal direction of the spindle. |
| US09404559B2 |
Fixture, maintenance assembly, and method for maintaining wind turbine gearbox
Fixtures, maintenance assemblies, and methods for maintaining a wind turbine gearbox are provided. The gearbox includes a sun pinion and a bull gear surrounding the sun pinion. The sun pinion and the bull gear each define a central aperture therethrough and have a central axis. The gearbox further includes a casing, at least a portion of the casing coupled to the bull gear. The fixture includes a frame member and a shaft extending from the frame member. The shaft is insertable through the central aperture of the sun pinion. The fixture further includes an attachment mechanism removably attachable to the sun pinion. Upon attachment of the attachment mechanism to the sun pinion, the fixture is configured for moving the sun pinion along the central axis of the sun pinion. |
| US09404558B2 |
Heavy-duty chain
The invention relates to a heavy-duty chain containing chain-links comprising synthetic polymeric yarns, wherein when said chain is kept at least taut onto an essentially planar surface, each chain-link has an orthographic projection onto said planar surface, said projection having a foot print area (A), wherein the foot print areas denoted as A1 and A2 of every two adjacent links are in a relation 80% A2≦A1≦100% A2 with A1 being the smallest of said two areas and wherein the projection is done in such a way that the ratio of the foot print areas A2 to A1 is maximized. |
| US09404556B2 |
Damper
An illustrative embodiment of a damper for use with rotary machinery may include a damper mass connected to an electronics housing via one or more piezo elements. The illustrative embodiment of the damper may include one or more electrical components wherein the electrical components, piezo elements, and/or damper mass may be tuned such that the damper is configured with an electrical resonance frequency corresponding to a mechanical resonance frequency present in a component of the rotary machinery. The piezo elements may be extension/retraction type or bending type, and they may have any orientation with respect to the rotational axis of the rotary machinery depending on the specific embodiment and/or application of the damper. |
| US09404550B2 |
Rotary damper
A rotary damper includes: a shaft capable of rotating about a central axis; a pair of side panels that support the shaft rotatably; a case provided between the pair of side panels such that an operating chamber is defined in an interior thereof; a vane provided on the shaft such that a tip end thereof slides against an inner periphery of the case, thereby dividing the operating chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber; and a damping valve provided in the shaft to apply resistance to a flow of a fluid traveling between the first chamber and the second chamber. |
| US09404547B2 |
Steel for high-strength spring, method for producing same, and high-strength spring
A steel for high-strength spring has an Ac3 transformation temperature as an indicator of the decarburization performance, which is calculated by Equation (1) below, is from 859 to 885° C., a maximum hardened diameter DI as an indicator of the hardening performance, which is calculated by Equation (2) below, is from 70 to 238 mm, and a temper hardness HRC as an indicator of the spring performance, which is calculated by Equation (3) below, is from 50 to 55. Ac3=910−203×√{square root over (C)}−15.2Ni+44.7Si+104V+31.5Mo+13.1W (1) DI=DO×fSi×fMn×fP×fS×fCu×fNi×fCr (2) HRC=38.99+17.48C+2.55Si−2.28Ni+2.37Cr+8.04Ti (3) wherein, D0=8.65×√{square root over (C)}, fSi=1+0.64×% Si, fMn=1+4.10×% Mn, fP=1+2.83×% P, fS=1−0.62×% S, fCu=1+0.27×% Cu, fNi=1+0.52×% Ni, and fCr=1+2.33×% Cr. |
| US09404545B2 |
Combined power take-off and hydraulic pump assembly
A combined power take-off and hydraulic pump assembly includes a power-take off including a housing portion having an opened end, an input put mechanism that is adapted to be connected to a source of rotational energy, and an output mechanism that is rotatably driven by the input mechanism. The assembly also includes a hydraulic pump including a housing portion having an opened end, a fluid inlet port that is adapted to communicate with a reservoir containing a quantity of relatively low pressure hydraulic fluid, and a pumping mechanism that is rotatably driven by the output mechanism of the power take-off. An intermediate housing has a first opened end that cooperates with the opened end of the housing portion of the power take-off and a second opened end that cooperates with the opened end of the housing portion of the hydraulic pump. The intermediate housing also has a fluid outlet port that communicates with the pumping mechanism and that is adapted to communicate with a hydraulically driven device. The intermediate housing may also support a bearing that, in turn, supports a portion of the output mechanism of the power take-off. |
| US09404543B2 |
Window regulator apparatus for vehicle
A window regulator apparatus may include a first operation part including a first housing with which a bar-shaped central shaft may be through-connected, and a first elastic member which may be connected inside of the first housing, a second operation part disposed inwardly of the first operation part and including a second housing with which the central shaft may be through-connected, and a second elastic member connected inside of the second housing to be slidably formed in a longitudinal direction of the central shaft from above the central shaft, and a connection part selectively connecting or disconnecting the first operation part and the second operation part to or from each other. |
| US09404542B2 |
Shaft arrangement and method for relaying torques acting around a rotational axis
A shaft arrangement is disclosed for transmitting torques acting around a rotational axis, with a variably adjustable torsional stiffness acting around the rotational axis and a method for varying the torsional stiffness of a shaft arrangement. The invention includes a first shaft section, having at least one torsion element secured thereto which is not damaged by torque and is axially fixed manner, which is mounted to be dimensionally stable transverse to the rotational axis, a second shaft section spaced axially apart from the first shaft section, to which the at least one torsion element is secured which is not rotatable but is axially movable and that a means for operatively interacts or can be made to operatively interact with the second shaft section for axially moving the second shaft section in relation to the first shaft section and in relation to the at least one torsion element. |
| US09404541B2 |
Mating connection for connecting two components in a non-rotatable way and method
A method for producing a plug connector and to a plug connector for rotationally connecting a first component to a second component, for example, in a clutch assembly, where the first component includes at least one connecting element, where the connecting element protrudes through an opening of the second component, where the connecting element has an end piece above the second component, where a cross-section of the end piece is wider than a cross-section of the opening, where the widening of the end piece is produced by means of a rolling method. |
| US09404538B2 |
Slip-free rolling bearing
A slip-free rolling bearing (1) is provided, in the outer ring (3) of which there is formed an encircling groove (7). The rolling bodies (2) of this rolling bearing are surrounded, in the manner of an envelope circle, by a central ring (8) and are in physical contact therewith. To ensure permanent drive of the rolling bodies, the central ring is inserted into the groove so as to be radially free but is fixed rotationally fixedly in said groove, wherein a radial depth of the groove is greater than a thickness of the central ring. The rotational fixing of the central ring in the groove of the outer ring is effected by a spring element. |
| US09404534B2 |
Rotating assemblies of turbomachinery, foil journal bearing assemblies thereof, and methods for producing journals of the foil journal bearing assemblies
A rotating assembly of turbomachinery is provided. The rotating assembly includes a plurality of components mounted on a rotatable shaft within a housing of the turbomachinery and at least one foil journal bearing assembly for mounting the rotatable shaft to the housing. The foil journal bearing assembly includes an annular bearing carrier mounted to the housing. An annular bearing sleeve is disposed within the annular bearing carrier and attached thereto. The annular bearing sleeve is lined with a plurality of foils. A journal is mounted to the rotatable shaft. The journal has an outer surface engaging the foils. The journal is configured to at least one of the following: resist operational deflection thereof and reduce the effects of misalignment. A method for producing the journal of the foil journal bearing assembly is also provided. |
| US09404532B2 |
HTS bearing system and method
A superconductor-magnet bearing system can include a first bearing portion and a second bearing portion. One of the first and second bearing portions can be at least partially composed of a high-temperature superconductor (HTS) and another can be at least partially composed of a magnet. The first bearing portion can be disposed at least partially within an opening of the second bearing portion with a gap between the first and second portions. A magnetic bearing portion can include a plurality of rings disposed next to one another. An HTS bearing portion can include a magnet. The bearing portions can be biased toward an alignment with one another. One bearing portion can rotate relative to another bearing portion. |
| US09404531B2 |
Bearing apparatus for wheel
A bearing apparatus for wheel with ensured high durability by including a part with improved fatigue strength in a non-hardened portion includes an outer member, an inner member, and a roller. The inner member includes a hub ring made of steel and having a wheel attachment flange formed. The hub ring has a hardened portion hardened to attain at least 50 HRC as a result of quench hardening and a non-hardened portion which is a portion other than the hardened portion. Compressive stress in a range from at least 50 MPa to at most 500 MPa remains in the surface of the non-hardened portion. |
| US09404529B2 |
Foil journal bearing applicable to high speed machining center
A foil journal bearing. A single foil engages an inner surface of and is mounted to the bearing housing. The single foil extends circumferentially of the inner surface and has a generally flat top foil portion and a bump foil portion which is disposed between the top foil portion and the inner surface of the housing. The bump foil portion comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced ridges which engage the top foil portion and further comprises a plurality of generally flat portions between the ridges respectively and which engage the inner surface of the housing. |
| US09404523B2 |
Bolt retention apparatus and method
A unitized component assembly includes an component having an aperture, and a plurality of discrete projections extending into the aperture and spaced apart from one another about the perimeter of the aperture, and a fastener having a head and a shank extending from the head. The shank includes a necked portion and a threaded portion adjacent the necked portion. The shank is positioned in the aperture such that the necked portion is in facing relationship with the projections. The threaded portion is engageable with the projections to provide an axial stop for limiting movement of the fastener relative to the component. |
| US09404521B2 |
Self integrating structural insert sleeve
A self-integrating insert sleeve assembly, comprising an insert sleeve and an expander pin, for insertion into an aperture of a work piece is provided. Upon installation, the insert sleeve component is incrementally expanded by interaction with the pin, and secured to the aperture of the work piece, such that the resulting aperture of the installed insert sleeve has a predetermined diameter, and the resulting structure now contains compressive residual stresses. Thus, the installed insert sleeve may be employed as a hole repair solution, allowing for the installation of an original size fastener per structural design within a damaged and reconditioned aperture, or simply for enhanced structural fatigue life. The installation of this insert sleeve may be done through various manners, including pull type, push type, and blind type installation processes. |
| US09404519B2 |
Compensating position roof ditch molding retainer
A retainer adapted for disposition within a vehicle roof ditch between a first sidewall and a second sidewall to hold an elongate molding strip in covering relation to the vehicle roof ditch. The retainer includes at least one body portion adapted for disposition within the roof ditch in operative connection to a base portion of the roof ditch. The body portion has a length dimension adapted for orientation along a length segment of the roof ditch between a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The body portion includes an arrangement of molding attachment elements adapted to engage an underside of the elongate molding strip and at least one spring biasing leg disposed at an elevation below the molding attachment elements, which extends an operative length away from one side of the body portion. |
| US09404515B2 |
Valve positioner having bypass component and control value comprised thereof
A valve positioner that can maintain operation of the control valve despite failures in one or more components. The valve positioner may reduce downtime by allowing in-situ repair to occur on the valve positioner. The valve positioner may incorporate a by-pass component, which can utilize control input signals (e.g., a 4-20 mA signal) to energize one or more components (e.g., a current-to-pressure converter) to cause the control valve to modulate fluid flow without the digital microprocessor and/or related components. |
| US09404514B2 |
Hydraulic block for a hydraulic unit of a slip-controlled hydraulic vehicle brake system
A hydraulic block for a hydraulic unit of a slip-controlled hydraulic vehicle brake system includes a row of receptacles for brake pressure buildup valves and a row of receptacles for brake pressure reduction valves arranged parallel to the row of receptacles for the brake pressure buildup valves. The hydraulic block further includes installation spaces for damper chambers arranged between the receptacles for the brake pressure buildup valves and the brake pressure reduction valves to allow space-saving accommodation of damper chambers. The installation spaces emerge at longitudinal sides of the hydraulic block and run parallel to the rows of receptacles for the brake pressure buildup valves and the brake pressure reduction valves. The installation spaces for the damper chambers viewed from a front side are arranged below the receptacles for the brake pressure buildup valves and the brake pressure reduction valves, close to a rear side of the hydraulic block. |
| US09404510B2 |
Fan vibration absorption structure
A fan vibration absorption structure applied to a fan set having a first side and a second side respectively having multiple first and second fixing holes. The fan vibration absorption structure includes: a housing for receiving the fan set; a first frame body having multiple first through holes on the first side without contacting therewith, a first gap being defined between the first frame body and the first side, the first frame body having multiple first locating sections each having a first perforation, a second gap being defined between the first locating section and the housing; multiple first assembling member each having a first engagement section clamped between the first frame body and the first side to form the first gap; and multiple second assembling members each having a second engagement section clamped between the first locating section and the housing to form the second gap. |
| US09404505B2 |
Fluid pump with a rotor
The invention relates to a fluid pump, in particular to a liquid pump having a rotor with at last one rotor blade for conveying the fluid, the rotor being variable with respect to its diameter between a first, compressed state and a second expanded state. In order to produce a simple compressibility and expandability of the rotor of the pump, it is provided according to the invention that at least one rotor blade is deformable between a first state which it assumes in the compressed state of the rotor and a second state which it assumes in the expanded state of the rotor by means of a fluid counterpressure during a rotation of the rotor during pump operation. |
| US09404504B2 |
Blower
The blower comprises: a stator being provided in a case; a radial bearing being provided in the case; a rotor shaft being provided in the case and supported by the stator and the radial bearing; a rotor being integrated with the rotor shaft; and an impeller being integrated with the rotor shaft, the impeller sucking a fluid into the case from an axial direction and sending the same in the circumferential direction of the impeller. The impeller is attached to the rotor shaft to make a blade forming surface of the impeller face the rotor in the axial direction. A shaft end of the rotor shaft, which is located on the opposite side of the impeller, is supported by a thrust receiving member. |
| US09404503B2 |
Compressor motor and electric compressor including the same
Provided is a compressor motor that can achieve reduction in length of a motor lead wire, compactification of a motor housing, and reduction in size and weight of an electric compressor, and also provided is an electric compressor including the compressor motor. A cluster block (39) that is connected to a stator coil end of a motor (10) via a motor lead wire is placed in an outer circumferential region of a stator coil end cover (38) or a bobbin (37A) of the motor (10) such that a terminal connection port of the cluster block (39) faces an outer circumferential side. An opening (34) and a placement bearing surface (35) for inserting and placing a hermetic terminal (8) are provided in an outer circumferential region of a motor housing (4), the outer circumferential region facing the cluster block (39) provided on the motor (10) side. The hermetic terminal (8) is inserted and placed from an outer circumferential side of the motor housing (4) to the opening (34) and the placement bearing surface (35), to be thereby made directly connectable to the terminal connection port of the cluster block (39). |
| US09404499B2 |
Dual chamber discharge muffler
A dual chamber discharge muffler for a compressor. The dual chambers of the discharge muffler are separated by a check valve that closes upon shutdown of the compressor, which in turn limits the amount of exhaust gases in the discharge muffler that are able to return to the compressor. The dual chambers are formed by dividing a muffler housing with a dividing plate. The dividing plate may also be adapted to receive a fastener that through mounts the muffler to the compressor. |
| US09404493B2 |
Progressive cavity pump including a bearing between the rotor and stator
Techniques are generally described for a progressive cavity pump and methods for making and using a progressive cavity pump. In an example, a progressive cavity pump may include a stator, a rotor and/or a bearing. The stator may include a helical shaped interior with a first pitch. The rotor may be inside the stator. The rotor may include a helical shaped exterior with a second pitch. The second pitch may be different from the first pitch. The rotor may be effective to rotate with respect to the stator and effective to move eccentrically within the stator to define at least one cavity inside the stator. At least one bearing may be between the rotor and the stator. The bearing may be sized and shaped so that the rotor is effective to rotate inside the bearing and the bearing is effective to move eccentrically along with the rotor. |
| US09404492B2 |
Pump device having a micro pump and bearing member for a micro pump
The invention relates to a micro pump, comprising an inner rotor arranged on a shaft and an outer rotor, which form a rotor unit including a delivery chamber for fluid, wherein the pump comprises a multi-functional bearing member for the shaft with improved lubrication, to a bearing member for a micro pump and to an operating method. |
| US09404489B1 |
Peristaltic pump system and method using a virtual ellipse motor
A peristaltic pump and methods are presented. At least one flexible tube is configured to alternately radially compress to constrict fluid passage and radially recover to allow fluid passage. A surface is configured to support the at least one flexible tube. A non-rotating compression plate is configured to: compress the at least one flexible tube by a virtual elliptical wave nutation, and control a flow of a fluid in the at least one flexible tube by compression of the flexible tube. |
| US09404488B2 |
Pressurized oil delivery system for a reciprocating air compressor
A pressurized oil delivery system for a reciprocating air compressor includes an oil pump having an inlet port connected to an oil pickup tube and an outlet port connected to a filter inlet tube and a user interface panel mounted to a crankcase of the air compressor. The filter inlet tube may be connected to an oil filter assembly supported on an exterior face of the user interface panel. A pressure regulating valve may be provided in line in the filter inlet tube upstream of the oil filter assembly. An oil fill port may be located on the user interface panel. An oil level indicator may be connected to an oil level indicator tube passing through and supported by the user interface panel. An oil pressure measurement port may be provided on the user interface panel. |
| US09404487B2 |
Apparatus and methods for evacuating air from a closed area
Apparatus and methods for generating a partial vacuum in a cavity are disclosed. In one method, a suction unit is disposed on a surface and includes a plurality of embedded suction generation devices that suction gas therethrough. The suction generating devices are powered-on to form a cavity defined by at least the surface and the suction unit and gas is evacuated from the cavity to generate the partial vacuum. |
| US09404484B2 |
Diaphragm pump and valve assembly with molded wobble plate
A diaphragm pump having an improved wobble plate and cam/bearing assembly for increased pump life and improved inlet and outlet valve design for increased effective sealing area. A cam/bearing assembly includes a cam injection molded directly into an inner race of a bearing to prevent the cam from pulling away from the bearing. The wobble plate is injection molded directly onto an outer race of the bearing to prevent the wobble plate from pulling away from the cam and bearing. Inlet and outlet check valves include rounded peripheral relief zones that form a band, as opposed to a line, of effective sealing area when in the sealed position within a valve seat that eliminate or reduce sealing inconsistencies and increase sealing efficiencies. |
| US09404483B2 |
Hydraulic control arrangement
A hydraulic control arrangement includes a common variable displacement pump configured to supply pressure medium to two consumer groups. The pressure level of a control block assigned to one of the consumer groups is set to a different pressure level than that of a further control block assigned to the other consumer group. |
| US09404481B2 |
High-pressure pump
Between a movable core chamber and a fuel supply passage, a needle guide slidably supports a needle fixed to a movable core. The needle guide has a communication hole which fluidly connects the movable core chamber and the fuel supply passage. An opening sectional area of the communication hole is defined in such a manner that a fuel discharged amount decreases as an energization start time of a coil is delayed. In a suction stroke, it is restricted that the movable core and the needle bounce toward the fixed core after the needle biases a suction valve toward a stopper by means of a biasing force of a second spring. A relationship between the energization start time of the coil and the fuel discharged amount is properly maintained, so that the fuel discharged amount of the high-pressure pump can be controlled correctly. |
| US09404479B2 |
Systems, devices and methods for improving efficiency of wind power generation systems
According to some aspects of the invention, a turbine, such as a wind turbine, is provided that includes one or more fluid (e.g., air) flow components for inducing a secondary fluid flow that emanates from a rearward location on the turbine to minimize wake effects. According to some aspects of the invention, arrays of turbines, such as in wind farms, are provided that comprise a plurality such turbines. According to further aspects of the invention, methods are provided for minimizing wake effects in a wind turbine and for improving the efficiency of a wind farms. |
| US09404477B2 |
Proportional moving air power transmission and energy collection and control system
A proportional moving air power transmission and energy collection and control system includes a fixed vertical spindle, a vertical rotational hub and a plurality of wings being supported around the vertical hub in 360°. Each of the wings has a blunt leading end and a pointy trailing end and defining an outer surface and an inner surface. In a fully opened position, the trailing end of each wing is moved away from the vertical hub to a diameter of the wing assembly to drive the vertical hub to rotate. In a fully closed position, the wings are overlapped with each other end-to-end to form a hollow cylinder-like structure to furl, such that the diameter of the wing assembly is minimized for facing the wind at all direction. |
| US09404476B2 |
Modular multi-axial rotor
A modular, electricity generating apparatus comprises an elongate, central member comprising a first end and a second end; at least one foil disposed about the central member in fluid interacting relation thereto; the first end and the second end dimensioned and configured to be connected to a connecting node; and, the elongate central member at least partially comprised of an electrically conductive material and configured to conduct electrical electricity from at least one of the connecting nodes to the other of the connecting nodes. |
| US09404475B2 |
System and methodology for wind compression
A wind compressor system having one or more wind turbines and a plurality of wind compressors located proximate the one or more wind turbines. The wind compressors optimize the energy created by the wind turbines by redirecting and converging the wind from the wind compressor to the wind turbines. Each of the wind compressors comprises an obstruction having a size and shape adapted to converge the wind currents by means of a Venturi effect toward the one or more turbines thereby increasing the velocity and force of the wind hitting the wind turbine. A plurality of transporters coupled to the wind compressors. The transporters configured to move at least one wind compressors to a location that maximizes the force of the wind encountered by the turbine. |
| US09404473B2 |
Strain isolated attachment for one-piece wind turbine rotor hub
A wind turbine rotor hub attachment that extends inside a one-piece two-bladed wind turbine rotor hub, and secures to its shear web(s). This isolates the attachment from the high strains on the hub exterior, and allows balanced loads to flow across the hub, so that only unbalanced air loads and torque, plus net rotor loads such as thrust and weight, are passed across from the rotor to the wind turbine main shaft. This solves the excess motion problem of central teeter hinges, is mechanically simpler, and reduces overall weight and cost compared to the conventional practice of using individual blades bolted to a separate central hub. A method for connecting a one-piece two bladed wind turbine rotor to a main shaft using a strain isolating attachment to the rotor hub shear web(s) is included. |
| US09404468B2 |
Method and system for torque control
Methods and systems are provided for enabling a smooth transmission shift in a hybrid vehicle configured with a motor hybrid transmission. During an initial part of a transmission upshift, spark timing may be advanced from MBT to expedite torque reduction. Once engine speed has sufficiently reduced, and is within a threshold range of the desired engine speed, spark timing may be retarded until the transmission shift is completed. |
| US09404467B2 |
Ignition device for internal combustion engine and ignition method
An ignition unit (11) has a superimposed voltage generation circuit (17) that feeds, between electrodes of an ignition plug (9), a superimposed voltage of the same direction as a discharge voltage, and in an operation range wherein an engine rotation speed is equal to or lower than a given speed and an engine load is equal to or lower than a given load, feeding of the superimposed voltage is carried out. Although the energization time for a primary coil (15a) is basically set in accordance with the engine rotation speed, the energization time TDWLON for the superimposed voltage feeding is set shorter than the energization time TDWLOFF for the superimposed voltage non-feeding. With this, temperature increase of the ignition unit (11) caused by the feeding of the superimposed voltage is suppressed. |
| US09404460B2 |
Injection nozzle
An injection nozzle for the direct injection of a liquid fuel into a cylinder chamber of a piston engine includes multiple spray holes for generating injection jets. The multiple spray holes are distributed on a nozzle body of the injection nozzle in the peripheral direction. At least one pair of spray holes adjoining in the peripheral direction is provided, the longitudinal center axes of which enclose a pair angle in the peripheral direction that is smaller than an adjacent angle which is enclosed between the longitudinal center axis of the respective spray hole of the spray hole pair in the peripheral direction and a longitudinal center axis of a spray hole adjoining the spray hole pair in the peripheral direction. |
| US09404457B2 |
Fuel supply system for internal combustion engine
A fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine capable of executing calculation of an energization time of the electromagnetic valve at proper timing and thereby properly controlling the amount of fuel to be discharged from the fuel pump toward a fuel injection valve. In the fuel supply system, when a predetermined timing corresponding to a predetermined crank angle position of the engine deviates from a predetermined cam angle timing which is within a predetermined time period including a timing at which a top of a cam nose of the driving cam is abutting a plunger, and preceding and following the timing, and corresponds to a predetermined rotational angle position of the driving cam, the calculation timing of the energization time is corrected such that the calculation timing is made closer to the cam angle timing. |
| US09404455B2 |
Method for operating an internal combustion engine with assistance from an electric machine, and internal combustion engine
A method for operating an internal combustion engine is disclosed, in which method test injections are carried out in order to adapt, during the operation of the internal combustion engine, the injection parameters used for the control of the injection processes. For this purpose, during the test injections, an electric machine which is coupled to the internal combustion engine generates negative torque impulses in a manner synchronized with the positive torque impulses generated by the test injections, which negative torque impulses counteract the torque impulses generated by the test injections. In this way, rotational speed oscillations generated by the test injections are eliminated. Also described is an internal combustion engine of said type. |
| US09404450B2 |
Air purification device for vehicles
The present invention relates to an air purification device for vehicles and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a DOR (Direct Ozone Reduction) system which suppresses deterioration in purifying function of the ozone purifier. Ozone purification rate of activated carbon correlates with probability that gas is contacted with the radiator. Also, wind velocity of the gas passing through a radiator correlates with car speed. Therefore, the ozone purification rate of the activated carbon correlates with the car speed, The grill shutter 22 is controlled in fully open condition when the car speed is within an area faster than Speed A shown in FIG. 6. When the car speed is slower than Speed A, the grill shutter 22 is controlled in closed condition as shown in FIG. 2 (A). |
| US09404444B2 |
Exhaust system for internal combustion engine
In an exhaust system for an internal combustion engine, an output member is configured to transmit power generated by a motor to a valving element via a valve stem. An output shaft is disposed on a rotation central axis of an output gear and coupled with the output gear to be rotatable integrally therewith. A follower is disposed eccentrically relative to a rotation central axis of the output shaft and connected to the output shaft to be rotatable integrally therewith. A first accommodating chamber accommodates at least the valve stem and the follower. A second accommodating chamber accommodates at least the motor and the output gear. A housing includes a housing wall that divides the first chamber from the second chamber. The housing wall includes a first bearing slidably supporting the output shaft in its rotation direction, and a cylindrical first bearing holder holding outer periphery of the first bearing. |
| US09404443B2 |
Methods for joule-thompson cooling and heating of combustion chamber events and associated systems and apparatus
A method for operating an internal combustion engine including a combustion chamber and configured to perform at least a compression stroke and a power stroke. The method comprises direct injecting a first substance having a positive Joule-Thomson coefficient into the combustion chamber during a compression stroke, thereby reducing an amount of work otherwise may be used to perform the compression stroke and direct injecting a second substance having a negative Joule-Thomson coefficient into the combustion chamber during a power stroke, thereby increasing an amount of work otherwise produced from the power stroke. |
| US09404441B2 |
Low velocity injector manifold for hypergolic rocket engine
A fuel manifold for a thrust chamber assembly includes a main fuel chamber which is generally frustro-conical in shape. The main fuel chamber provides a resonance frequency that is different than an acoustic resonance frequency of a combustion chamber. |
| US09404440B1 |
Common platform modular stirling radioisotope generator
A radioisotope generator system may comprise a common platform convertor having two ends, and multiple heat source modules thermally coupled to each other and to the common platform convertor. A portion of the multiple heat source modules may be thermally coupled to each end of the common platform convertor. The common platform convertor may be optimized for a nominal power level. |
| US09404438B2 |
Supporting a driver of a motor vehicle in utilizing an automatic start-stop system
A method and a device for supporting a driver of a motor vehicle in utilizing an automatic engine start-stop system of the motor vehicle is provided. The method includes registering and storing, for at least one operating time of the motor vehicle and for each engine stop of a total number initiated by the automatic engine start-stop system in the operating time, at least the respective time durations where k=0, 1, 2, . . . P, where Pε[0, 1, 2, . . . ]. A first ratio value that is dependent on the operating time and the added time durations determined: W 1 = ∑ k = 0 P B t MS , k t B . ( 1 ) The first ratio value is output and/or an output which is dependent on the first ratio value is generated and output. |
| US09404434B2 |
Universal solenoid driver
A device may include a driver integrated circuit (IC) comprising a first control unit and a second control unit, a first solenoid that is electrically coupled to the first control unit, a second solenoid that is electrically coupled to the second control unit; at least one sensor, a clock that synchronizes a microcontroller and the driver IC, and a peripheral bus that communicatively couples the first control unit, the second control unit. The microcontroller and the driver IC form an outer control loop that actuates the first solenoid and the second solenoid, and the first control unit, the second control unit, and the at least one sensor form an inner control loop that controls the first solenoid and the second solenoid. |
| US09404431B2 |
Method and device for operating an internal combustion engine
A method and a device operate an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders with which are associated respective injection valves for metering fuel, and having an exhaust gas probe which is arranged in an exhaust gas tract and the measurement signal of which is characteristic of the air/fuel ratio in the respective cylinder, and having a crankshaft angle sensor the measurement signal of which is representative of a crankshaft angle of the crankshaft. Within a predefined operating range of the internal combustion engine, and when at least one predefined condition is fulfilled, a rough-running based cylinder-individual diagnosis (CYBL-HOM) with regard to harmful emissions is carried out before activation of a cylinder-individual lambda control (CILC) is enabled. |
| US09404430B2 |
Logic-based sliding door interlock
A fuel door and a sliding door are on the same side of a vehicle. The sliding door has power locking and power child locking. To prevent the sliding door from interfering with the fuel door during refueling, a lock controller responds to the fuel door moving to the open position by 1) preserving a current outside locked or unlocked state and a current inside locked or unlocked state of the sliding door, 2) initiating or maintaining the outside locked state and inside locked state, and 3) after the fuel door moving to the closed position, restoring or maintaining the preserved current outside locked or unlocked state and the preserved current inside locked or unlocked state. |
| US09404427B2 |
Engine with dedicated EGR exhaust port and independently deactivatable exhaust valves
An engine assembly includes an engine block defining a cylinder, an exhaust system, and an exhaust gas recirculation system. A first exhaust valve is configured to control the flow of fluid from the cylinder to the exhaust system. A second exhaust valve configured to control the flow of fluid from the cylinder to the exhaust gas recirculation system. The second valve is deactivatable independently of the first valve, thereby enabling EGR flow. |
| US09404425B2 |
Device and a method of regulating a power plant including at least one turbine engine, and an aircraft
A regulator device (10) for regulating a turbine engine (3). The regulator device (10) includes mechanical power take-off means (100) for taking off power mechanically from a gas generator (4), and an engine computer (20) controlling said engine (3) to comply with at least a first limitation (LimTET, LimT45) of a temperature (TET, T45) of the gas within the engine, and with a second limitation (LimNg) of a speed of rotation (Ng) of the gas generator (4). The engine computer (20) determines whether the speed of rotation (Ng) of the gas generator has reached said second limitation (LimNg), and whether said temperature (TET, T45) has reached said first limitation (LimTET, LimT45). An avionics computer (30) causes the mechanical power take-off means (100) to operate if the speed of rotation (Ng) of the gas generator (4) has reached said second limitation (LimNg), and if said temperature (TET, T45) has not reached said first limitation (LimTET, LimT45). |
| US09404424B2 |
Turbine conduit purge systems
In one embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a combustor configured to combust a fuel, and a three-way valve fluidly coupled the combustor and disposed upstream of the combustor. The system also includes a fuel circuit comprising a fuel supply, wherein the fuel circuit is disposed upstream of the three-way valve and is configured to provide the fuel to the three-way valve. The system additionally includes a fuel conduit section fluidly coupling the fuel circuit to the combustor. The system further includes an inert fluid supply configured to provide an inert fluid to the three-way valve and a compressor discharge (CPD) fluid source configured to provide a purge fluid to the three-way valve. The three-way valve is configured to purge the fuel from a first portion of the fuel conduit section by using the purge fluid. |
| US09404418B2 |
Low emission turbine system and method
A turbine system is provided. The turbine system includes a compressor configured to compress ambient air and a combustor configured to receive compressed air from the compressor, and to combust a fuel stream to generate an exhaust gas. The turbine system also includes a turbine for receiving the exhaust gas from the combustor to generate electricity; wherein a first portion of the exhaust gas is mixed with the ambient air to form a low-oxygen air stream, and wherein the low-oxygen air stream is compressed using the compressor, and is directed to the combustor for combusting the fuel stream to generate a low-NOx exhaust gas. |
| US09404415B2 |
Method and system for operating an engine turbocharger
A system and method for operating an engine turbocharger is described. In one example, the turbocharger is rotated in different directions in response to operating conditions. The system and method may reduce engine emissions. |
| US09404412B2 |
Two-stroke engine and four-stroke engine
A two-stroke engine (1) includes a cylinder (2) having a scavenging port (23) and an exhaust port (24), a piston (3) provided in the cylinder (2), a first ejection part (61) for ejecting liquid ammonia into a combustion chamber (20), and a supercharger (5) for pressurizing a suction gas to generate a scavenging gas. In the two-stroke engine (1), the first ejection part (61) ejects liquid ammonia into the combustion chamber (20) within a period of time from when supply of the scavenging gas through the scavenging port (23) into the combustion chamber (20) is started until when the piston (3) next reaches top dead center. It is thus possible to reduce the temperature of gas within the combustion chamber (20) by the heat of vaporization of the liquid ammonia, reduce the pressure in the combustion chamber (20) during compression, and reduce the amount of compression work. |
| US09404408B2 |
Device and method for metering a reducing agent into an exhaust gas system of a motor vehicle
In an internal-combustion engine exhaust gas system, a storage tank stores the reducing agent, a supply pipe connects the storage tank to a metering unit which introduces the reducing agent into the exhaust gas system. A pump mechanism within the supply pipe conveys the reducing agent. A pressure sensor detects the pressure in the supply pipe downstream of the pump, and a pressure-releasing device has a return pipe connected to the storage tank and comes off the supply pipe. A first valve system is arranged in the supply pipe. A section of the return pipe is located at a higher level than the return pipe to form a storage volume for air present in the supply pipe. A second valve system is arranged in the supply pipe to create, when the second valve system is closed, a storage volume for pressurized reducing agent by way of this pipe branch. |
| US09404405B2 |
Abnormality diagnosis apparatus for exhaust gas purification apparatus
The present invention provides an abnormality diagnosis apparatus for an exhaust gas purification apparatus having an SCR catalyst, with which a misdiagnosis of an abnormality in the SCR catalyst even though the SCR catalyst is normal can be suppressed. In the present invention, a NOx purification ratio is determined using an estimated NOx inflow amount as a parameter, and an abnormality in the SCR catalyst is diagnosed on the basis of the NOx purification ratio. According to the present invention, a minimum NH3 adsorption amount is determined as an NH3 adsorption amount of the SCR catalyst in a condition where an actual NOx inflow amount reaches a maximum. When the minimum NH3 adsorption amount equals or exceeds a predetermined amount, a determination is made as to whether or not a NOx purification ability of the SCR catalyst has deteriorated from a normal condition by comparing the NOx purification ratio with a first threshold. When the minimum NH3 adsorption amount is smaller than the predetermined amount, a determination is made as to whether or not the NOx purification ability of the SCR catalyst has been completely lost by comparing the NOx purification ratio with a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold. |
| US09404403B2 |
Engine oil level monitoring systems and methods
An oil monitoring system includes a level module, a limit module and an remedial action module. The level module is configured to determine N oil levels of an engine of a vehicle, where N is an integer greater than 1. The limit module is configured to determine an oil level trend based on the N oil levels and estimate when a level of oil in the engine is to be outside the predetermined range based on the oil level trend. The remedial action module is configured to perform a remedial action based on the estimate of when the level of the oil is to be outside the predetermined range. |
| US09404393B2 |
Combined cycle power plant
A combined cycle power plant in which a gas turbine engine generates power, a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) produces steam from high energy fluids produced from the generation of power in the gas turbine engine and a steam turbine engine generates additional power from the steam produced in the HRSG. The combined cycle power plant includes a heating element fluidly interposed between the steam turbine engine and the HRSG to heat fluid output from the steam turbine engine, which is to be fed to the HRSG and a control system to control an amount the fluid output from the steam turbine engine is heated by the heating element based on differences between HRSG and ambient temperatures. |
| US09404392B2 |
Heat engine system
An improved heat engine is disclosed. The heat engine comprises at least one heat pipe containing a working fluid flowing in a thermal cycle between vapor phase at an evaporator end and liquid phase at a condenser end. Heat pipe configurations for high-efficiency/high-performance heat engines are disclosed. The heat pipe may have an improved capillary structure configuration with characteristic pore sizes between 1μ and 1 nm (e.g. formed through nano- or micro-fabrication techniques) and a continuous or stepwise gradient in pore size along the capillary flow direction. The heat engine may have an improved generator assembly configuration that comprises an expander (e.g. rotary/turbine or reciprocating piston machine) and generator along with magnetic bearings, magnetic couplings and/or magnetic gearing. The expander-generator may be wholly or partially sealed within the heat pipe. A heat engine system (e.g. individual heat engine or array of heat engines in series and/or in parallel) for conversion of thermal energy to useful work (including heat engines operating from a common heat source) is also disclosed. The system can be installed in a vehicle or facility to generate electricity. |
| US09404391B2 |
Diffuser for the exhaust section of a gas turbine and gas turbine with such a diffuser
The invention relates to a diffuser for the exhaust section of a gas turbine, comprising at least one cone extending along a machine axis and bordering a channel for an exhaust flow, whereby said at least one cone has a wall with an internal structure comprising a plurality of longitudinal liner segments extending in an axial direction and establishing a conical liner being in contact with the exhaust flow, a support structure coaxially arranged with respect to said conical liner in a predetermined distance, and an insulation filling the space between said conical liner and said support structure. A smooth inner surface and a safe compensation of different thermal expansions are achieved by having each of said liner segments fixed in a lateral direction at one fixing point, and having each liner segment supported at a plurality of distributed points outside said fixing point by means of supporting elements, which are confined to the space between said conical liner and said support structure and allow for a lateral thermal expansion of the liner segments. |
| US09404387B2 |
Honeycomb seal and method
A seal for a turbo machine is provided. The seal includes a plurality of honeycomb cells, at least one circumferential groove within the plurality of honeycomb cells, and at least one swirl brake within the at least one groove. |
| US09404385B2 |
Shaft break detection
A method to detect shaft break includes monitoring first and second parameters and defining a two-dimensional parameter space that is a function of the first and second parameters, the two-dimensional parameter space includes integration regions. The method also includes defining an integration function for each integration region. For measured values of the first and second parameters, the method determines the applicable integration region and applies the integration function to the first parameter to give an integration result; and then sets a shaft break signal to TRUE when the integration result exceeds a predetermined threshold. The present invention also provides a shaft break detection system. |
| US09404383B2 |
Variable geometry turbine
A variable geometry turbine comprises: a turbine wheel in a housing for rotation about a turbine axis; an annular inlet passage defined between respective radial inlet surfaces of first and second wall members, at least one of said first and second wall members being moveable along the turbine axis to vary the size of the inlet passage; an array of vanes extending across the inlet passage, said vanes being connected to said first wall member; a complementary array of vane slots defined by the second wall member, said vane slots configured to receive said vanes to accommodate relative movement between the first and second wall members; the second wall member comprising at least two axially adjacent co-axial plates, a first plate defining a first array of openings which overlie a second array of openings defined by a second plate so as to define said array of vane slots, said first plate being fixed to said second plate. |
| US09404382B2 |
Method and apparatus for safety operation of extraction steam turbine utilized for power generation plant
A safety operation method includes detecting a steam pressure inside a high-pressure casing of the high-pressure part and a steam pressure inside a low-pressure casing of the low-pressure part; obtaining a low-pressure casing limit pressure as a reference corresponding to a pressure of the high-pressure casing in each detection, on a basis of a pressure correlation line expressing a prescribed special relation between preset high-pressure casing pressure and low-pressure casing pressure of the extraction steam turbine; comparing the low-pressure casing limit pressure with the detected pressure of the low-pressure casing; and forcibly throttling an opening of the main steam control valve to reduce the flow rate of steam flowing into the high-pressure part, in a state in which the extraction control valves continue controlling an operation of the extraction steam pressure, when the detected pressure of the low-pressure casing is judged to be higher than the low-pressure casing limit pressure. |
| US09404380B2 |
Turbine thermal clearance management system
Systems and devices configured for active thermal control of turbine components are disclosed. In one embodiment, a thermal control system for a turbine includes: a thermal source shaped to connect to a turbine; a set of sensors disposed about the turbine and configured to obtain operational data from the turbine; and a computing device communicatively connected to the thermal source and the set of sensors, the computing device configured to regulate a thermal input of the thermal source to the turbine based on the operational data obtained by the set of sensors. |
| US09404378B2 |
Rotating seal configuration and method of sealing a rotating member to a housing
A seal configuration includes a housing and a rotatable member rotationally mounted relative to the housing. The rotatable member has at least one portion defining an outer perimetrical face that is configured to contact the housing during operational conditions that cause a radial dimension of the at least one portion to increase. The at least one portion has opposing axial surfaces with each of the opposing axial surfaces being dimensionally axially nearer to the other of the opposing axial surfaces immediately radially inwardly of the outer perimetrical face than a furthest part of the outer perimetrical face. |
| US09404377B2 |
Turbine blade and non-integral platform with pin attachment
Platforms (36, 38) span between turbine blades (23, 24, 25) on a disk (32). Each platform may be individually mounted to the disk by a pin attachment (42). Each platform (36) may have a rotationally rearward edge portion (50) that underlies a forward portion (45) of the adjacent platform (38). This limits centrifugal bending of the rearward portion of the platform, and provides coolant sealing. The rotationally forward edge (44A, 44B) of the platform overlies a seal element (51) on the pressure side (28) of the forwardly adjacent blade, and does not underlie a shelf on that blade. The pin attachment allows radial mounting of each platform onto the disk via tilting (60) of the platform during mounting to provide mounting clearance for the rotationally rearward edge portion (50). This facilitates quick platform replacement without blade removal. |
| US09404371B1 |
Reduction of radar cross-section of a wind turbine
The various technologies presented herein relate to formation of a wind turbine blade having a reduced radar signature in comparison with a turbine blade fabricated using conventional techniques. Various techniques and materials are presented to facilitate reduction in radar signature of a wind turbine blade, where such techniques and materials are amenable for incorporation into existing manufacturing techniques without degradation in mechanical or physical performance of the blade or major alteration of the blade profile. |
| US09404370B2 |
Exhaust-gas turbocharger component with microstructured surface
An exhaust-gas turbocharger component (10) having at least one flow-conducting component surface (11) and having a discontinuity structure (12) which is formed on the component surface (11). The discontinuity structure (12) has a multiplicity of punctiform depressions (13) which are arranged separately from one another on at least one part of the component surface (11). |
| US09404363B2 |
Proximity detection systems and methods
A proximity detection system at least one processor. The processor configured to detect a location of an object; determine a velocity of the object; define a zone around the object based on the location and the velocity; and automatically perform at least one action if the zone around the object overlaps with a location of a piece of equipment. |
| US09404359B2 |
Active drilling measurement and control system for extended reach and complex wells
A dynamically controlled drill string includes a communications sub, a circulation sub and a measurement sub. The communications sub is operable to receive a wireless signals and retransmit the signals wirelessly. The measurement sub is operable to detect a downhole condition and transmit wirelessly a corresponding data signal. The circulation sub is operable to selectively permit fluid communication between the interior fluid conduit and the exterior of the dynamically controlled drill string at the circulation sub. The circulation sub is operable to selectively permit fluid communication through the internal fluid conduit at the circulation sub. A method for using the dynamically controlled drill string in a well bore includes the steps of introducing the dynamically controlled drill string into the well bore and introducing fluid operable to modify a detected downhole conditions into the well bore. |
| US09404356B2 |
System and method for remotely controlled surface steerable drilling
A system and method for surface steerable drilling are provided. In one example, the system receives feedback information from a drilling rig and calculates an estimated position of a drill bit in a formation based on the feedback information. The system compares the estimated position to a desired position along a planned path of a borehole. The system calculates multiple solutions if the comparison indicates that the estimated position is outside a defined margin of error relative to the desired position. Each solution defines a path from the estimated position to the planned path. The system calculates a cost of each solution and selects one of the solutions based at least partly on the cost. The system produces control information representing the selected solution and outputs the control information for the drilling rig. |
| US09404355B2 |
Path tracking for directional drilling as applied to attitude hold and trajectory following
A method for directional control of a drilling system includes generating a set point attitude on an outer loop to establish a path to be followed by the drilling system. The set point attitude may be generated using a surface controller based on inclination and azimuth measurements made at the drilling system and a measured depth of the drilling system. A downhole inclination and azimuth hold system is used on an inner loop to control drilling along the path established by the set point attitude. The inclination and azimuth hold system processes the set point attitude to compute a toolface control input and a dogleg severity control input which are applied to the drilling system to control the drilling system to drill along the established path. |
| US09404352B2 |
Transmission line segment coupler defining fluid passage ways and related methods
A transmission line segment coupler is for coupling together first and second coaxial transmission line segments each including an inner tubular conductor and an outer tubular conductor surrounding the inner tubular conductor and a dielectric therebetween. The coupler apparatus includes an outer tubular bearing body to be positioned within adjacent open ends of the inner tubular conductors of the first and second coaxial transmission line segments, and an inner tubular bearing body configured to slidably move within the outer tubular bearing body to define a linear bearing therewith. The inner tubular bearing body is configured to define a fluid passageway in communication with the adjacent open ends of the inner tubular conductors of the first and second coaxial transmission line segments. |
| US09404350B2 |
Flow-activated flow control device and method of using same in wellbores
A flow control device for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment may include a main flow passage and a weep hole, wherein the main flow passage closes when a fluid is supplied to a first end of the valve that exceeds a selected rate and opens when the fluid supplied is below the selected rate and wherein the weep hole continues to allow the fluid therethrough. |
| US09404348B2 |
Packer for alternate flow channel gravel packing and method for completing a wellbore
Apparatus and method for completing a wellbore including providing a packer having an inner mandrel, alternate flow channels along the inner mandrel, and a sealing element external to the inner mandrel, including connecting packer to tubular body, then running the packer and connected tubular body into the wellbore. In one aspect, the packer and connected tubular body may be placed along an open-hole portion of the wellbore. Tubular body may be a sand screen, with the sand screen comprising a base pipe, a surrounding filter medium, and alternate flow channels. The method includes setting a packer and injecting a gravel slurry into an annular region formed between the tubular body and the surrounding wellbore, and then further injecting the gravel slurry through the alternate flow channels to allow the gravel slurry to at least partially bypass sealing element of the packer. |
| US09404343B2 |
Wireline conveyed apparatus for wellbore fluid treatment
A wellbore treatment apparatus includes: a tubing string including a wall defining an inner diameter and a port extending through the wall, the port closed by a closure including a plug-actuated sliding sleeve; and a port opening apparatus including a wireline deployable through the inner diameter of the tubing string to extend to a position adjacent the plug-actuated sliding sleeve and an actuator plug carried on and axially slideable along the wireline, the actuator plug sized to land in the plug-actuated sliding sleeve to actuate the plug-actuated sliding sleeve, while remaining on the wireline. The apparatus can be employed in a method by running the tubing string into a well, placing the slickline in the string and running the actuator plug along the wireline to land on and actuate a sleeve in the string. |
| US09404342B2 |
Top mounted choke for percussion tool
A system and method of fabricating a percussion tool that includes a choke valve that is replaceable and/or maintainable without disassembly of the percussion tool. The flow tube includes inner and outer walls and at least one opening formed in the outer wall. The inner wall extends from a top end of the flow tube to a bottom end of the flow tube and defines a central channel therein. The outer wall extends from the top end towards the bottom end, surrounds a portion of the inner wall, and defines an outer channel with the inner wall. The choke is positioned at the top end over the central channel and regulate a fluid flow therethrough. A check valve is positioned in fluid communication with the choke. |
| US09404340B2 |
Frac sleeve system and method for non-sequential downhole operations
A downhole communication and control system configured for use in a non-sequential order of treating a borehole, the system includes a string having at least three ports including first, second, and third longitudinally spaced ports arranged sequentially in a downhole to uphole manner in the string; at least three frac sleeve systems including first, second, and third frac sleeve systems arranged sequentially in a downhole to uphole manner in the string and arranged to open and close the first, second, and third ports, respectively, each frac sleeve system having self-powered, electronically triggered first and second sleeves; and, communication signals to trigger the first, second, and third frac sleeve systems into moving the first and second sleeves to open and close the ports. Also included is a method of completing downhole operations in a non-sequential order. |
| US09404339B2 |
Flow-affecting device
Fluid flow influencer devices in chambers subsequent to vortex assemblies are described. A flow-affecting device can move from a first position to a second position based on a flow path of fluid flowing from the vortex assembly to the chamber. The flow path may depend on an amount of rotation of the fluid from the vortex assembly. The flow-affecting device in the first position can substantially allow fluid to flow through a chamber exit opening. The flow-affecting device in the second position can substantially restrict fluid from flowing through the chamber exit opening. |
| US09404334B2 |
Downhole elastomeric components including barrier coatings
An apparatus for performing a downhole operation includes a carrier configured to be disposed in a borehole in an earth formation, and a deformable component configured to be disposed in the borehole. The deformable component includes an elastomeric material and a barrier coating disposed on a surface of the elastomeric material. The barrier coating has properties configured to resist permeation of downhole gases into the elastomeric material at downhole temperatures. |
| US09404332B2 |
Well system with an independently retrievable tree
A well apparatus system that includes a wellhead, a tree, a tubing hanger, a tubing spool that is located between the wellhead and the tree, and a production isolator surrounded by the tree and the tubing spool. The tree component of this system can include a vertical or horizontal tree. More importantly, this system can be constructed in a number of different sequences. In addition, this well apparatus system allows for installation, retrieval, and/or work-over the tubing hanger and associated completion system without disturbance of the tree. The presented system also allows for installation and retrieval of the tree independent of the tubing hanger and associated completion system. Some embodiments can include valve-type mechanisms to serve as production environmental barriers. These mechanisms are integral to the production isolator. |
| US09404329B2 |
Downhole tool for debris removal
A downhole tool for use in a wellbore having a tool body with a blade assembly slidably mounted thereon and movable between a retracted and an outwardly extended position. The blade assembly is biased towards the retracted position and movable with an actuating force to the extended position. The tool includes an indexer constructed and arranged to facilitate movement of the blade assembly. |
| US09404328B2 |
Gas injection for managed pressure drilling
Injection of gas into a managed pressure drilling system to provide for operation of the drilling system in a pressure window defined by the pore pressure of a formation being drilled and a fracture pressure of the formation. The gas is injected through gas injection ports and drilling fluids are allowed to flow between the drilling annulus and the gas injection system though a plurality of flow ports that are disposed vertically below the gas injection ports in the borehole being drilled. The gas injection ports and the flow ports are configured so that when gas is flowing through the gas injection ports, the flow ports are sealed. |
| US09404323B2 |
Emergency cylinder lowering circuit with regenerative hydraulics and burst protection
A safety system for bypassing counter balance valves of a catwalk hydraulic cylinder from a remote location in a safe and controlled manner. Oil from a base end of the hydraulic cylinder is routed around the counter balance valves and flows through a velocity fuse to a needle valve, a check valve, and a pump outlet. |
| US09404321B2 |
Oilfield lift cap and combination tools
A modular tool body having upper and lower sections, a pair of longitudinal members define a central open region, the longitudinal members joined at one end having a lifting feature formed therein configured to accept a manipulator. The lifting feature is positioned such that when the modular tool body and a rig tool connected thereto are lifted by the manipulator, they are easily moved over, aligned with, and connected with a working drillpipe or other rig tool while minimizing possibility of the manipulator slipping off. The lower section includes a threaded end mating with a mating end of a rig tool, a central longitudinal bore, and an upper end formed to accept the lower ends of the longitudinal members of the upper section. Elongate slots in each longitudinal member define one or more manipulating handles. A pair of generally horizontal hand holds may be formed in each longitudinal member. |
| US09404317B2 |
Modified tubular
A positioning member for a tubular is formed using a prefabricated fiber-reinforced resin shell positioned upon a surface of the tubular and bonded to provide a protrusion upon the surface of the tubular. In a disclosed method a fiber-reinforced resin shell is secured to an external surface of a tubular thereby enclosing a cavity between the shell and the surface of the tubular; a bonding agent is introduced through inlet ports in a surface of the fiber-reinforced resin shell to fill a cavity between the shell and the surface of the tubular (10), and the bonding agent is cured. |
| US09404316B2 |
Methods and apparatus for mitigating downhole torsional vibration
A well tool apparatus for damping torsional vibration of a drill string comprises stabilizing members projecting radially outwards from a housing that is, in operation, rotationally integrated in the drill string, to stabilize the drill string by engagement with a borehole wall. The stabilizing members are displaceably mounted on the housing to permit limited angular movement thereof relative to the housing about its rotational axis. The well tool apparatus includes a hydraulic damping mechanism to damp angular displacement of the stabilizing members relative to the housing, thereby damping torsional vibration of the housing and the connected drill string, in use. |
| US09404313B2 |
Drilling tubing cleaning system and method
A tubing cleaning system comprising: a body portion, a tubing aperture, a one or more spray heads, a fluid input and a one or more fluid channels. Said body portion comprising a one or more plates. Said tubing aperture through said one or more plates. Said one or more spray heads arranged within said tubing aperture. Said fluid input. Said one or more fluid channels cut into said one or more plates between said fluid input and said one or more spray heads. |
| US09404308B1 |
Cutting element assembly including one or more superabrasive cutting elements and drill bit utilizing the same
Some embodiments relate to cutting element assemblies including a superabrasive cutting element that may be axially compressed to enhance the damage tolerance thereof, enclosed in an enclosure that exposes the superabrasive cutting element therethrough, enclosed in an enclosure that restricts rotation of the superabrasive cutting element, or combinations of the foregoing. Additionally, some embodiments relate to cutting element assemblies in which a superabrasive cutting element is mechanically fastened to a base, such as a substrate or directly to a bit body of a rotary drill bit. Some embodiments also relate to cutting element assemblies including one or more superabrasive cutting elements that are rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the cutting element assembly, that may be axially compressed to enhance the damage tolerance thereof, that may be enclosed in an enclosure that exposes the superabrasive cutting element therethrough, or combinations thereof. |
| US09404306B2 |
Ladder securing apparatuses, ladders incorporating same and related methods
A ladder is provided comprising a first pair of spaced apart rails and a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of spaced apart rails. A pair of hooks are located such that each hook is positioned adjacent and upper end of an associated rail. A securing apparatus is coupled adjacent the upper end of the first pair of spaced apart rails. The securing apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart engaging members and may include a cross-member coupled therebetween. Each of the engagement members is pivotal with respect to an associated rail of the first pair of spaced apart rails. In one embodiment, the securing apparatus lacks any biasing members (e.g., springs or actuators) or locking members. The engagement members and hooks cooperatively encircle and overhead, generally horizontal support member to support and secure the ladder in a desired position. |
| US09404304B2 |
Method for operating a flap arrangement of a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a method for operating a flap arrangement of a motor vehicle, wherein the flap arrangement has a flap wing and a control arrangement, wherein a flap drive which is assigned to the flap wing and by which the flap wing can be adjusted between a closed position and an open position in an adjustment process is provided, wherein at least one predetermined flap operator control event is detected by means of the control arrangement and the flap drive is actuated as a technical control reaction to a flap operator control event. It is proposed that by means of the control arrangement the technical control reaction of stopping or continuing an adjustment process, which is due to two successive flap operator control events, is suppressed if at least one suppression condition is detected. |
| US09404303B2 |
Chain winder for a window or door
The present invention relates to a chain winder which has a casing, a chain housed at least partially within the casing and extension means operable to cause the chain to extend out from the casing and also to retract back into the casing. The chain winder also includes a clutch mechanism which is operable to allow the chain to be extended out from the casing, or retracted back into the casing, without operating the extension means. |
| US09404300B1 |
Hinge and applications thereof
A hinge structure may comprise a first assembly including a central post with an outer surface and a first connector element on the central post for mounting on a first structure, a second assembly pivotally coupled to the first assembly and including a ring extending about the central post, a ring connector connected to the ring, and a second connector element on the ring for mounting on a second structure. A braking element may apply a selectable amount of resistance to pivot movement of the second connector element with respect to the first connector element and including a friction pad extending about a portion of the central post, a pressure band for pressing the friction pad against the central post, and a connecting structure connecting the ends of the band and being adjustable to move the ends closer toward each other and to relax the ends away from each other. |
| US09404298B1 |
Hinge structure
A hinge structure includes a housing comprising two half-housings disposed opposite, an opening formed on a top thereof, an inner space formed by the half-housings, a cover plate configured to cover a portion of the top and a lifting member disposed in an electronic device to cover the other portion of the top, wherein a gap is formed between the cover plate and the lifting member, each of the half housing comprises a depression and a guiding groove formed in front of the depression, and the two depressions form the inner space; two half-driving members opposite disposed, mounted in the inner space and connected to the lifting member so that the half-driving members are assembled to each other and actuate in the inner space; and a sandwiched torque member disposed between the half-driving members and comprising a guiding rod having two ends movably inserted into the half-driving members and an axial torque tube having a preset notch, wherein the axial torque tube is tightly fitted to a shaft connected to the half-driving members. |
| US09404297B2 |
Lever actuated compression latch
A lever operated compression latch has an elongated, hook-ended pawl carrying a longitudinal slot, and is cam guided and pin rotated while translated to engage and withdraw from a keeper cup. The compound movement of the pawl includes a lateral translation towards the keeper cup while rotating there into, followed by a lateral withdrawal to exert a compression force between the latch body which is attached to a door and the keeper cup which is attached to a door frame. A series of interconnected links is operated by a lever handle to fold into one another to provide a compact envelope when the latch is closed and to expand outwardly to open the latch and disengage the pawl from the keeper when operated by the lever. Of this series of links, a pair of release links operates in contact with one another, and rotates on respective individual pivot points to extend outwardly from the latch envelope to engage a striker plate portion of the keeper cup. This striker engagement causes the release links to push the latch and the door from a sealing engagement with the keeper and door jamb for a short distance, prior to the latch and the door thereafter being fully opened. This striker engagement of the release links also causes the latch links to fold inwardly which rotates and translates the pawl into keeper engagement and compression. This operation is facilitated with a floating spring having one end operating as a pivot member. A detent engages one of the links to provide a physical indication to the handle lever between the hard closed position and the closed about to open position. |
| US09404296B2 |
Recessed handle lever for lift and slide door
A handle assembly for use with a lift and slide door system. The handle assembly includes a support frame configured to be received within a recess defined on a surface of a door panel and a handle rotationally and movably connected to the support frame. With the handle assembly, in a first position the handle is substantially flush with the surface of the door panel and in a second position the handle includes a first component that is substantially parallel to the outer surface of the door panel and a second component that is substantially perpendicular to the outer surface of the door panel. |
| US09404295B2 |
Sliding sash secondary lock
A sliding fenestration sash assembly includes a sliding sash and a frame having a first longitudinal member including at least one aperture. A pin is operatively connected to a handle and movable between a first position and a second position. The pin being biased into the aperture by the biasing member when the pin is aligned with the aperture. |
| US09404287B2 |
System and method for determining appliance door status
A system and method of determining the status of an appliance door is provided. The status of the door of the appliance can be determined based an output signal provided by a door switch coupled in series with a latch motor feedback. A change in the output signal of the door switch can be indicative of either the opening of the appliance door or the actuating of the latch motor. The source of the change in an output of the door switch can be determined based on the latch command provided to the latch motor. The appliance can be controlled based on the status of the appliance door. |
| US09404284B2 |
Shaft arrangement for a locking device and a locking device
The invention relates to a locking device comprising a rotatable shaft coupling (19, 63) provided with a hollow (21, 65) and a shaft arrangement (3, 61) comprising a shaft (25, 71) arranged in the hollow and which connects the shaft and the shaft coupling so that they are jointly rotatable for transmission of at least one rotational movement or rotational force between the shaft and the shaft coupling. The invention also relates to a shaft arrangement (3, 61) shaped to be connected with a locking device comprising a rotatable shaft coupling provided with a hollow. |
| US09404282B2 |
Canopy leg hold down plate
A plastic, preferably recycled plastic, canopy leg anchor plate is used with a portable collapsible canopy unit. It encloses a canopy frame leg and covers the canopy leg's welded attached footplate, and, by ground pegging through the plate and/or placing weight on the plate, provides wind stabilization for the canopy unit. The plate can be molded into various decorative shapes for attractiveness, uniqueness and occupation recognition. |
| US09404281B1 |
Adjustable canopy
An example canopy according to this disclosure includes, among other things, a column, and support including a track extending in a longitudinal direction. The support is connected to the column. The canopy further includes a frame member, and at least one follower connected to the frame member. The at least one follower is received in the track such that the frame member is slidable in the longitudinal direction. |
| US09404280B2 |
Dual-function, sequential-task, lug-registry, pick and stack-align building-component handling system
A system for handling various structural building components including a pick and stack-registry lug which is anchorable to the top of a building component for handling that component in either one, or both sequentially, of its two, pick and stack-registry functional modes, (b) a clamshell-style, releasably lockable clasp adapted to receive and close capturingly upon the lug under operational circumstances with the lug anchored to the top of a building component, and ready to function in its pick category of component-handling behavior, and (c) a guide socket includable in the base of a building component functional for camming, guided reception of a lug with the lug then functioning in its stack-registry mode of behavior to facilitate overhead stack registering of two building components in relation to the lowering of an overhead component onto the top of an underlying component whose top also has a lug anchored to it. |
| US09404275B2 |
Reinforcing bar wire tying apparatus
A binding wire twisting apparatus for tying reinforcing bars. A motor rotates a shaft upon which a member reciprocates from a rearward to a forward position. The apparatus includes opposed fingers with opposed channels for fed binding wire. When in the rearward position, the member drives a wire feeding unit that feeds binding wire though the fingers and around the reinforcing bars. When the leading end of the fed wire impacts an actuator of a four-way valve, a pneumatic cylinder reciprocates the member from the first to the second position, and a cutter cuts the wire. Once in the second position, gripping surfaces entrap and hold the ends of the wire, and the rotating member, while holding the ends of the wire between first and second grip pieces, twists and ties the wire around the reinforcing bars, and a torque-release clutch decouples the motor from the shaft. |
| US09404273B2 |
Scaffold end cover system and method
A system and method for covering a scaffold end with a scaffold cover. The system includes a cap or scaffold cover having a closed end for providing a force-absorbing surface, and an open end for receiving a scaffold end. The open end includes a lip and a lip notch working cooperatively with a spring and rest notch to securely lock the scaffold cover in place. |
| US09404272B1 |
Track drive apparatus for screeding concrete
An apparatus for screeding concrete to produce a level finished surface that includes a frame assembly, a boom assembly secured to the frame assembly at a first end and to a screed head at a second end, and a track drive assembly having a pair of driven tracks spaced from at least one wheel, the tracks and the wheels each rotatably secured to the rigid frame assembly. |
| US09404271B1 |
System and method for creating concrete designs
A system and method for creating custom concrete designs includes one or more textured concrete forms used to create concrete “tiles” with the desired surface appearance, generally mimicking the surface appearance of natural stone or other desired pattern. The method involves creating a plurality of cement tiles in the desired shape, pattern, and texture. These cement tiles are most preferably in the range of ¼″- 5/16″ thick using a proprietary cementious mixture poured into molds. The concrete used to form the tiles may be colored before it is poured into the form or it may be colored after the concrete has set. After the desired number of concrete tiles have been formed, they may be positioned and fixed in place so as to cover the desired area and create the desired effect for the selected application. |
| US09404265B2 |
High efficiency scalable structure
A building may include a floor, a dome having a vent, and an internal ceiling that divides areas underneath the dome into first and second chambers. The internal ceiling may have an aperture that is structured to allow air to pass from the first chamber into the second chamber. The building may also include an air inlet configured to allow air to travel from outside the building into the first chamber and an air moving device that is configured to facilitate the movement of the air. The building may also include an air cooling element that is configured to cool the air as it travels from outside the building into the first chamber. |
| US09404263B2 |
Roofing material and method of making the same
A roofing material comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the upper surface includes reduced-particle size granules and may further include a reduced-thickness face coating. The thickness of the upper surface is related to the particle size of the granules deposed on the face coating. A smaller particle size granule than those used in traditional roofing shingles is utilized in the upper surface which may allow for a reduced-thickness face coating while not sacrificing the retention of the granules on the surface of the roofing material or desired physical characteristics. The face coating may include a reduced amount of filler material, such as mineral fillers, than face coatings of traditional roofing materials. |
| US09404262B1 |
Standing seam metal panel recover for shingled roofs
Metal panel standing seam roof recovers installed over an existing shingled roof. The existing shingled roof comprises a plurality of shingles installed in overlapping rows running across the pitch of the existing roof. The rows of shingles have a covered upper edge and an exposed lower edge. The recover system comprises a plurality of panel clips mounted to the existing shingled roof and arranged in linear arrays running along the pitch of the existing roof. The panel clips have a base that extends across and is supported by the lower edges of a first row of shingles and an adjacent second row of shingles. A recover is attached to the panel clips. The recover comprises a plurality of elongated metal panels having upstanding sides defining lateral edges with a trough therebetween. The metal panels are interconnected along adjacent lateral edges by sidelaps formed on the panel clips. |
| US09404261B2 |
Roofing systems and methods
According to one aspect, a roofing system includes a plurality of insulation boards adapted for overlying a roof deck to form a layer of insulation. Each of the plurality of insulation boards includes a first polyisocyanurate foam having a first foam density. The roofing system further includes a plurality of cover boards adapted for overlying the layer of insulation. Each of the plurality of cover boards includes a second polyisocyanurate foam having a second foam density, and the second foam density is greater than the first foam density. Each of the insulation boards and cover boards may have a facer on at least one major surface. The second foam density may be selected to provide the cover boards with a compressive strength to resist deformation. |
| US09404258B2 |
Reinforcing bar connector
In general, embodiments of the present invention relate to a reinforcing bar connector. Specifically, the present invention provides a reinforcing bar connector including a holder and a binding member. The holder includes a first cover and a second cover. The holder is inserted into the binding member with the reinforcing bars surrounded by the holder. The first cover and the second cover are moved independently from each other enabling a secure connection between the reinforcing bars regardless of whether the reinforcing bars have the same or different lug arrays. |
| US09404249B2 |
Ultra light fiber placed truss
A novel composite beam is disclosed. The composite beam may comprise variations in the surface that can be used to create open and closed surfaces for the modulation of natural light. The composite beam may also be optimized for the applied loads by placing the fibers in the direction of the applied loads and/or increasing the fiber density in the regions of higher loads. |
| US09404243B2 |
Showerhead with turbine driven shutter
The present disclosure includes embodiments directed to a showerhead. In some of the embodiments, the showerhead includes a housing defining a chamber in fluid communication with a fluid inlet such as a water source, a first bank of nozzles, and a second bank of nozzles. The showerhead also includes a massage mode assembly that is at least partially received within the chamber. The massage mode assembly includes a turbine, a cam connected to or formed integrally with the turbine, and a shutter connected to the cam. With the structure of the massage mode assembly, the movement of the shutter is restricted along a single axis such that as the turbine rotates, the cam causes the shutter to alternatingly fluidly connect and disconnect the first bank of nozzles and the second bank of nozzles from the fluid inlet. |
| US09404241B1 |
Waste water diverter apparatus
A waste water diverter apparatus enables an undisturbed flow of fluid and solids in the waste water through the apparatus. The waste water diverter apparatus includes a substantially Y-shaped valve housing with an inlet port, a first outlet port and a second outlet port, and an inner valve member having a circular aperture and rotatably mounted to the Y-shaped housing. The circular aperture has an angled pathway that extends through the inner valve member. The inner valve member adjusts to a first position to enable the aperture to connect the inlet port to the first outlet port and a second position to enable the aperture to connect the inlet port to the second outlet port. |
| US09404235B2 |
Coupling arrangement
A coupling arrangement for fluid coupling a work tool to a machine comprising a plurality of coupler assemblies slideably mounted in a plurality of corresponding cavities for coupling a machine fluid circuit and a work tool fluid circuit, the coupler assembles partitioning the cavities to form chambers; and a rail circuit connecting the chambers. |
| US09404229B2 |
Composite tool for a milling drum, milling tool holder and milling drum
The present invention relates to a composite tool comprising at least two milling tool holders, to a milling tool holder for such a composite tool and to a milling drum equipped with such milling tool holders. According to the present invention, a milling tool holder is utilized for supporting a tool replacement device during tool replacement of the milling tool in the milling tool holder that precedes it in the peripheral direction. To this end, according to the present invention, a supporting area is provided on the base element of the milling tool holder, which supporting area provides appropriate stabilized guidance for the tool replacement device. |
| US09404226B2 |
Dual-unit paving system
A dual-unit paving system for covering a surface. The system comprises pairs of first and second units. For each pair, the first and second unit have different respective shapes and sizes, and are configured to be matingly engageable for forming a hexagonal assembly having six, non-linear sides. The hexagonal assembly allows forming rotational tessellations. The first and second units are also shaped and configured to be matingly engageable so as to form horizontally aligned tessellations, and also vertically aligned tessellations. |
| US09404225B2 |
Rail drilling station for a rail loading and unloading machine
A drill station for a rail loading and unloading machine. The drill station is provided between primary and secondary drive units to enable adjacent ends of a pair of sections of rail to be driven independently by a respective drive unit to position the ends on the drill station for drilling. The drill station is raised from a stowed position below a walkway to conduct a drilling operation and retracted to provide workspace for an operator to install joining plates on segments of rail. |
| US09404222B2 |
Sanitary tissue products
Sanitary tissue products employing fibrous structures that exhibit novel combination of slip stick coefficient of friction and compressibility properties and methods for making same. |
| US09404220B2 |
Urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin composition for enhanced stability, tensile and tear strength before and after cure
The present invention provides aqueous urea formaldehyde resin (UF resin) compositions having a pH or 7.0 or more, preferably, 8.5 or more, and comprising the UF resin modified with from 2.5 to 15 wt. %, of at least one ammonia or volatile amine neutralized carboxylic acid group containing solution polymer or alkali soluble emulsion polymer modifier, based on total UF resin and polymer solids, wherein the polymer modifier is the reaction product of 30 to 100 wt. % of methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, maleic anhydride, a salt thereof, or mixtures thereof, wherein the solution polymer has a weight average molecular weight of from 2,000 to 16,000 and the alkali soluble emulsion copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of from 1,500 to 20,000. The compositions enable the provision of untreated glass mats having improved wet web strength to prevent mat breakage in process. |
| US09404219B2 |
High-durability sheet for manufacturing bank notes
A high-durability paper and method of manufacture thereof. The paper may be intended for manufacturing bank notes, offering good resistance to circulation, especially good resistance to pulverulent soiling in dry medium, to friction in wet medium and to soiling in wet medium, which is moreover appropriately capable of satisfying all the manufacturing constraints, especially the printing constraints. The high-durability paper includes a fibrous substrate, and a protective coat completely covering at least one face of the fibrous substrate, where the protect coat includes at least one base layer on the substrate side and a polyurethane-based outer printability layer that covers the base layer. |
| US09404218B2 |
Press felt base fabric exhibiting reduced interference
A press felt formed of two stacked layers of woven single layer base fabric, each layer being formed by warp yarns interwoven with two systems of weft yarns according to a single layer weave pattern. The layers are needled with a batt layer. In the woven single layer base fabric: a) the warp yarns are polymeric monofilaments arranged as a single layer and there are two systems of weft yarns; b) the first system of weft yarns are formed by cabled polymeric monofilaments and the second system of well yarns are single polymeric monofilaments; c) the cabled polymeric monofilaments are 50% to 85% in one repeat; d) the cabled monofilaments are each formed of at least two monofilaments which are cabled together; and e) at least two of the cabled well yarns in each repeat are adjacent to each other. |
| US09404217B2 |
Biomass treatment for hydrothermal hydrocatalytic conversion
A selective removal of metal and its anion species that are detrimental to subsequent hydrothermal hydrocatalytic conversion from the biomass feed prior to carrying out catalytic hydrogenation/hydrogenolysis/hydrodeoxygenation of the biomass in a manner that does not reduce the effectiveness of the hydrothermal hydrocatalytic treatment while minimizing the amount of water used in the process is provided. |
| US09404216B2 |
Polyester surfactants for deinking
A polyester surfactant includes a condensation esterification product of a) a polyhydric alcohol, b) a dimer or trimer of an C2 to C42 acid, and c) polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol. The polyhydric alcohol is selected from glycerol, arabitol, sorbitol, sorbitan, mannitol, mannitan, erythritol, pentaerythritol, or mixtures thereof. The polyester surfactant is used for deinking, for example, printed waste paper. A method for deinking includes a step of contacting an aqueous pulp slurry with the addition of a composition comprising a polyester surfactant. |
| US09404211B2 |
Sequenced water delivery in an additive dispenser
An automatic washing machine includes a wash additive dispenser for dispensing detergent and one or more additives into a wash tub. Water is delivered to a first wash agent chamber in the wash additive dispenser for delivery into a wash tub during a wash cycle. Water is subsequently delivered to a second wash agent chamber to flush from that chamber any unintended collection of water or additive residue therein, as may result from the water delivery to the first wash agent chamber and/or from an earlier dispensing of additive from the second wash agent chamber. |
| US09404209B2 |
Laundry machine
A laundry machine is disclosed. The laundry machine includes a tub configured to receive wash water, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, a shaft connected with the drum, a bearing housing (400) configured to support the shaft, a tub back (130) coupled to inner and outer circumferences of a front surface of the bearing housing (400), a rear gasket connected between the tub back (130) and the tub and a suspension unit configured to support vibration of the drum suspendingly. |
| US09404205B2 |
Article of footwear incorporating a knitted component with inlaid tensile elements and method of assembly
Various articles may include a knitted component formed of multiple knitted component portions. The knitted component is formed of unitary knit construction and includes multiple tubular rib structures and multiple webbed areas. An article of footwear may include an upper incorporating a knitted component. The upper may be assembled through a wrapping process. The upper may comprise areas with tubular rib structures arranged in different orientations over the forefoot region, the midfoot region, the vamp region, and the heel region of the article of footwear. Some regions of the upper may have a greater number of tubular rib structures than other regions, and some tubular rib structures can include tensile elements. |
| US09404202B2 |
Carbon fibre yarn and method for the production thereof
The invention provides a spun yarn comprising recycled carbon fiber, and a method for the production thereof. The recycled carbon fiber comprises discontinuous carbon fiber and, optionally, continuous carbon fiber, and may be recycled from various sources, such as end-of-life waste and manufacturing waste. The yarn which is produced shows the required degree of strength and durability, and can be used in all conventional composite manufacturing operations where virgin yarn is currently employed, such as woven fabric manufacture, unidirectional fabric manufacture, filament winding, pultrusion and the like. |
| US09404200B2 |
Thermochromic build materials
A variety of thermochromic build materials are disclosed for use in color-controlled three-dimensional printing. By providing materials that exhibit a final color dependent upon heat applied during a melt or extrusion process, objects can be fabricated having a user-controlled color that varies from object to object, or within a single object. |
| US09404197B2 |
Large area, low-defect gallium-containing nitride crystals, method of making, and method of use
An ultralow defect gallium-containing nitride crystal and methods of making ultralow defect gallium-containing nitride crystals are disclosed. The crystals are useful as substrates for light emitting diodes, laser diodes, transistors, photodetectors, solar cells, and photoelectrochemical water splitting for hydrogen generators. |
| US09404196B2 |
Manufacturing method of group 13 nitride crystal
A method of manufacturing a group 13 nitride crystal includes a crystal growth process to form the group 13 nitride crystal by growing the group 13 nitride crystal having a hexagonal crystal structure from a seed crystal which is a gallium nitride crystal having a hexagonal crystal structure in which a length “L” in a c-axis direction is 9.7 mm or more, and a ratio L/d of the length “L” to a crystal diameter “d” in a c-plane is larger than 0.813. The crystal growth process includes a process of forming an outer periphery containing a {10-10} plane and an outer periphery containing a {10-11} plane at side surfaces of the group 13 nitride crystal, and forming an outer periphery containing a {0001} plane at a bottom surface of the group 13 nitride crystal. |
| US09404195B2 |
Hexagonal prism-shaped zinc oxide particles, method for production of the same, and cosmetic, heat releasing filler, heat releasing resin composition, heat releasing grease, and heat releasing coating composition comprising the same
It is an object of the present invention to provide hexagonal prism-shaped zinc oxide particles which have a specific particle diameter and a specific aspect ratio, and high ultraviolet blocking performance and transparency, and therefore can be suitably used as a cosmetic and a heat releasing material. Provided are hexagonal prism-shaped zinc oxide particles having a primary particle diameter of 0.1 μm or more and less than 0.5 μm and an aspect ratio of less than 2.5. |
| US09404191B2 |
Anode for use in zero-gap brine electrolyzer, brine electrolyzer and method for zero-gap brine electrolysis employing same
It is an object of the present invention to provide an anode for a zero-gap brine electrolyzer which through employment of a highly roughened surface at a catalyst layer at an anode for a zero-gap brine electrolyzer makes it possible to achieve sufficient liquid permeability and further reduction in electrolyzing voltage and a brine electrolysis method employing same. The present invention relates to an anode for a zero-gap brine electrolyzer equipped with a liquid-permeable conductive substrate 21, and with a catalyst layer 22 which is provided on the conductive substrate 21 and which is such that the maximum difference in height of surface irregularities is 55 μm to 70 μm; a zero-gap brine electrolyzer equipped with the anode 20, a cathode 30, and an ion-exchange membrane I disposed between and in contact with the anode 20 and the cathode 30; and a brine electrolysis method employing same. |
| US09404184B2 |
Substrate position detecting apparatus, substrate processing apparatus using substrate position detecting apparatus, and deposition apparatus
A substrate position detecting apparatus detects a position of a substrate inside a chamber from an image of a target inside the chamber. The apparatus includes an image pickup device to pick up the image of the target inside the chamber through a window, an illumination device to irradiate light upwards, an illumination reflecting plate provided above the illumination device and including a reflecting surface to reflect the light from the illumination device towards the window, and a reflection restricting part provided on the reflecting surface to form a shadow in a predetermined region that includes the target inside the chamber. |
| US09404181B2 |
Plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition system
A plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) system used to form thin films on substrates includes a plasma chamber, a processing chamber, two or more ring units and a control piece. The plasma chamber includes an outer and an inner quartz tubular units, whose central axes are aligned with each other. Therefore, plasma is held and concentrated in an annular space formed between the outer and outer quartz tubular units. Due to the first and second through holes, the plasma flow may be more evenly distributed on most of the surface of the substrate to form evenly distributed thin films and nano particles on the substrate. In addition, due to the alignment and misalignment between the first and second through holes, the plasma generated in the plasma chamber may be swiftly allowed or disallowed to enter to the processing chamber to prevent the precursor from forming a CVD. |
| US09404179B2 |
Chemical vapor deposition process for depositing a silica coating on a glass substrate
A CVD process for depositing a silica coating is provided. The process includes providing a glass substrate. The process also includes forming a gaseous mixture including a silane compound, oxygen, a fluorine-containing compound, and a radical scavenger such as ethylene or propylene. The gaseous mixture is directed toward and along the glass substrate and is reacted over the glass substrate to form the silica coating thereon. |
| US09404178B2 |
Surface treatment and deposition for reduced outgassing
A method of forming a dielectric layer is described. The method first deposits a silicon-nitrogen-and-hydrogen-containing (polysilazane) layer by radical-component chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The silicon-nitrogen-and-hydrogen-containing layer is formed by combining a radical precursor (excited in a remote plasma) with an unexcited carbon-free silicon precursor. A silicon oxide capping layer may be formed from a portion of the carbon-free silicon-nitrogen-and-hydrogen-containing layer to avoid time-evolution of underlying layer properties prior to conversion into silicon oxide. Alternatively, the silicon oxide capping layer is formed over the silicon-nitrogen-and-hydrogen-containing layer. Either method of formation involves the formation of a local plasma within the substrate processing region. |
| US09404177B2 |
Obstructing member for a fluidized bed reactor
Embodiments of an obstructing member and methods for its use in a fluidized bed reactor are disclosed. The obstructing member comprises a plurality of receiving members, each receiving member comprising a tubular wall defining a passageway dimensioned to receive an internal reactor component, and a plurality of connecting elements connecting the receiving members, wherein the obstructing member occupies from 15-60% of a horizontal cross-section of a reaction chamber of the fluidized bed reactor. |
| US09404174B2 |
Pinned target design for RF capacitive coupled plasma
In some embodiments, substrate processing apparatus may include a chamber body; a lid disposed atop the chamber body; a target assembly coupled to the lid, the target assembly including a target of material to be deposited on a substrate; an annular dark space shield having an inner wall disposed about an outer edge of the target; a seal ring disposed adjacent to an outer edge of the dark space shield; and a support member coupled to the lid proximate an outer end of the support member and extending radially inward such that the support member supports the seal ring and the annular dark space shield, wherein the support member provides sufficient compression when coupled to the lid such that a seal is formed between the support member and the seal ring and the seal ring and the target assembly. |
| US09404172B2 |
Erosion and fatigue resistant blade and blade coating
A coating is described for an airfoil blade component. The coating comprises a cermet material and has, when applied to the rotor blade, a compressive residual stress greater than about 60 ksi. In another embodiment, the compressive residual stress of the coating is in the range of approximately 90-110 ksi. |
| US09404170B2 |
Method for increasing mechanical strength of titanium alloys having α″ phase by cold working
A process for making an article of a titanium alloy having α″ phase as a major phase according to the present invention includes providing a work piece of a titanium alloy consisting essentially of 7-9 wt % of molybdenum and the balance titanium and having α″ phase as a major phase; and cold working at least a portion of the work piece at room temperature to obtain a green body of the article, wherein the cold worked portion of the green body has a thickness which is 20%-80% of that of the at least a portion of the work piece, and the cold worked portion has α″ phase as a major phase. |
| US09404163B2 |
Pseudomonas putida strain as well as its microbial inoculum and application
A Pseudomonas putida strain is named as Pseudomonas putida S-1, which was preserved at China Center for Type Culture Collection (CCTCC) on Sep. 25, 2013 with the deposit number of CCTCC NO: M2013444. The strain of this invention takes isopropanol, ethanal, dipropyl disulfide, diethyl disulfide and propanethiol as the sole carbon source for effective degradation of substrate simultaneously with the energy growth. Furthermore, it can obtain a perfect growth in different cultivation modes owing to high substrate tolerance, which has laid down a solid foundation for engineering application for elimination of volatile organic compounds contained exhaust gas by means of biological purification. |
| US09404160B2 |
Methods for the detection of microorganisms
Presented herein are methods for the detection of the presence or absence of one or more microorganisms in a sample. The method deploys a plurality of probe sets to detect a plurality of microorganisms. The probes in the probe set are detectably labeled. At least one probe set has probes labeled with a combination of detectable labels. The number of detectable labels used in the plurality of probe sets numbers less than the number of microorganisms being detected by the probe set. |
| US09404158B2 |
Alternative splicing variant of OATP1B3 mRNA
[PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED]An object of the present invention is to provide a novel tumor marker and use thereof. In more detail, the present invention provides a novel tumor marker, a method for measuring said tumor marker and a measurement kit, a method for detecting cancer using the same, a kit for detecting cancer, a method for screening a preventive and/or therapeutic agent for cancer, as well as a medicament such as cancer vaccine.[SOLUTION]According to the present invention, a method for measuring an alternative splicing variant of OATP1B3 mRNA in a sample to be examined is provided. Said measurement method comprises measuring mRNA comprising a nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 in the sequence listing table in a sample to be examined isolated from living organism with differentiation from a mRNA comprising a nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2. Said measurement method is useful for detecting cancer or screening a preventive and/or therapeutic agent. |
| US09404153B2 |
Detection method of nucleic acid and kit and using thereof
A detection method of nucleic acid is provided. The method includes: providing nucleic acid to be tested, making the nucleic acid to be tested react under asymmetric PCR conditions with a pair of primers for target nucleic acid amplification, DNA polymerase, adenine deoxyribonucleotide, guanine deoxyribonucleotide, cytosine deoxyribonucleotide and thymidine deoxyribonucleotide in a PCR buffer solution, mixing the reaction product and liquid that contains probe molecules, and judging whether the nucleic acid to be tested contains the target nucleic acid by observing the obtained mixture color or color change. A kit is also provided that can be used in the nucleic acid detection by the said method. Application of the method and the kit in inspection and quarantine is also provided. The method is a quick and easy, sensitive and a specific detection method of nucleic acid with direct observation using naked eyes. The method does not need additional equipment. |
| US09404151B2 |
Non contact real time micro polymerase chain reaction system and method thereof
The present disclosure provides a non-contact real time micro Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) system comprising; a chip having a reaction chamber for holding a sample and an embedded metal heater below the reaction chamber for heating the sample; an optical unit comprising an associated LED driver and a photo detector amplifier placed above the chip to detect fluorescence; an induction heater mounted around the chip and inductively coupled to the metal heater; an infrared temperature sensor mounted below the chip for measuring a temperature of the metal heater, wherein the infrared temperature sensor is interfaced with a signal conditioner; and a controller interfaced with the signal conditioner and the induction heater for regulating the power to the induction heater based on feedback received from the infrared temperature sensor through the signal conditioner. |
| US09404148B2 |
Oligonucleotides and uses thereof
A method for determining the number of tandem repeats in a target polynucleotide, the method comprising (a) providing a sample containing the target polynucleotide, wherein one or more of the tandem repeats in the target polynucleotide is in single stranded form, (b) hybridizing a labelled probe oligonucleotide to the single stranded portion of the target polynucleotide, wherein the probe oligonucleotide is complementary to at least one of the tandem repeats, and at least 5 nucleotides of the probe oligonucleotide are complementary to the tandem repeats, in the single stranded portion of the target polynucleotide, and (c) determining the number of tandem repeats in the target polynucleotide based on the hybridization of the probe oligonucleotide to the single stranded portion of the target polynucleotide. |
| US09404147B2 |
Closed nucleic acid structures
The invention provides compositions and methods for making closed nucleic acid structures in which one or both strands are continuous. The closed nucleic acid structures can be used as sequencing templates among other applications. |
| US09404145B2 |
Codon-optimized gene for mutated shrimp luciferase and method for use thereof
There has been a demand for a codon-optimized gene for the mutated catalytic domain of Oplophorus luciferase, which is capable of efficiently expressing a protein both in a cultured animal cell and Escherichia coli. There has also been a demand for a substrate coelenterazine analog showing a higher activity than that of native 19 kDa protein. The invention provides a polynucleotide comprising a polynucleotide consisting of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. According to the invention, bis-coelenterazine is used as a substrate coelenterazine analog suitable for the photoprotein encoded by the polynucleotide comprising the polynucleotide consisting of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. |
| US09404144B2 |
Glucose dehydrogenase
An object of the present invention is to provide a novel glucose dehydrogenase, a method for producing the glucose dehydrogenase, and applications of the glucose dehydrogenase. The flavin-binding glucose dehydrogenase of the invention has the following characteristics (1) and (4): (1) Molecular weight: the molecular weight of a polypeptide moiety in the enzyme is about 68 kDa as measured by SDS-polyacrylamide electrophoresis; (2) Km value: the Km value for D-glucose is about 15 mM or less; (3) Temperature stability: stable at a temperature of 55° C. or less; and (4) pH stability: stable at a pH range of 3.0 to 8.5. |
| US09404143B2 |
Assays for detecting modified compounds
Provided are methods and compositions which are useful for separating, isolating, detecting, and quantifying compounds of interest which have been modified chemically, enzymatically or catalytically from other compounds which have not been so modified. The modifications may take the form of functional groups which are gained, lost or retained by the compounds of interest. |
| US09404142B2 |
Screening methods for identifying Plasmodium proteases inhibitors
The invention relates to the field of parasitology. Methods and peptidic substrate for screening and identifying inhibitors of Plasmodium are described. Also described are compounds identified by these screening methods, including more particularly inhibitors of Plasmodium subtilisin-like proteases. The invention also concerns anti-malaria compounds, anti-malaria compositions, and uses thereof for preventing, treating, improving, and/or alleviating a Plasmodium infection in a subject, and more Plasmodium vivax and/or by Plasmodium falciparum human infections. |
| US09404140B1 |
Patterned cardiomyocyte culture on microelectrode array
The invention provides a culture of patterned cardiomyocytes, the culture including a support substrate bearing a multielectrode array, a negative surface resistant to cell attachment and deposited on the support substrate covering the multi-electrode array, a pattern ablated on the negative surface, a positive surface promoting cell attachment deposited on the pattern ablated on the negative surface; and cardiomyocytes adherent to the positive surface and growing aligned along the pattern ablated on the negative surface. The invention also includes a method of making the culture of patterned cardiomyocytes and a method of in vitro method of testing the effect of a compound on cardiac function by measuring electrical output from the patterned cardiomyocytes. |
| US09404138B2 |
Method for secretory production of protein
A novel technique for improving ability for secretory production of a multimeric protein of a coryneform bacterium is provided, and thereby a method for secretory production of a multimeric protein is provided. A multimeric protein is produced by secretory production utilizing a coryneform bacterium having an ability to produce a multimeric protein by secretory production and modified so that expression of a gene coding for a metallopeptidase is increased as an expression host. |
| US09404137B2 |
Compositions comprising a polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity and a heterocyclic compound and uses thereof
The present invention relates to compositions comprising: a polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity and a heterocyclic compound. The present invention also relates to methods of using the compositions. |
| US09404136B2 |
A-xylosidase enhanced conversion of plant biomass into fermentable sugars
The invention relates to increasing the availability of fermentable sugars from plant biomass, such as glucose and xylose. As described herein, α-xylosidases can be employed with cellulases to enhance biomass conversion into free, fermentable sugar residues. |
| US09404135B2 |
Biomass decomposition apparatus and method thereof, and sugar-solution production system using biomass material
To include a hydrothermal decomposition unit that transports a fed biomass material from one side (a lower side) to the other side (an upper side) by a screw 14 in an apparatus body, feeds pressurized hot water, hydrothermally decomposes the biomass material, transfers hot-water soluble fractions into a hot-water effluent and separates a lignin component and a hemicellulose component from the biomass material, and also to include a biomass discharging unit. Further, a scraping unit is provided at an end of a flight of the screw positioned within an installation area of the solid-liquid separator. |
| US09404133B2 |
Polypeptides having peroxygenase activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having peroxygenase activity, and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides. |
| US09404129B2 |
Metabolically engineered cells for the production of resveratrol or an oligomeric or glycosidically-bound derivative thereof
A recombinant micro-organism producing resveratrol by a pathway in which phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) produces trans-cinnamic acid from phenylalanine, cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H) produces 4-coumaric acid from said trans-cinnamic acid, 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL) produces 4-coumaroyl CoA from said 4-coumaric acid, and resveratrol synthase (VST) produces said resveratrol from said 4-coumaroyl CoA, or in which L-phenylalanine- or tyrosine-ammonia lyase (PAL/TAL) produces 4-coumaric acid, 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL) produces 4-coumaroyl CoA from said 4-coumaric acid, and resveratrol synthase (VST) produces said resveratrol from said 4-coumaroyl CoA. The micro-organism may be a yeast, fungus or bacterium including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, E. coli, Lactococcus lactis, Aspergillus niger, or Aspergillus oryzae. |
| US09404128B2 |
Processes for the acidic, anaerobic conversion of hydrogen and carbon oxides to oxygenated organic compound
Processes for the bioconversion of syngas to oxygenated organic compound are disclosed that reliably, cost-effectively and efficiently supply sulfur nutrient to microorganisms contained in acidic, aqueous fermentation menstrua. In the processes of this invention, basic, aqueous solution used to maintain the pH of the aqueous fermentation menstruum is used to remove hydrogen sulfide from the off-gas from the fermentation menstruum for recycle to the fermentation menstruum. |
| US09404122B2 |
Endothelial cell production by programming
The invention generally regards methods for providing endothelial cells and precursors of endothelial cells from a variety of cell sources, such as pluripotent stem cells. Also provided are therapeutic compositions including the provided endothelial cells, and methods of using them for the treatment of subjects. |
| US09404120B2 |
Production of plants having improved water-deficit tolerance
The present invention relates to a method for increasing the tolerance of a plant to water deficit, which method comprises the overexpression in said plant of an R2R3-MYB subfamily 4 transcription factor. |
| US09404117B2 |
Increased production of isobutanol in yeast with reduced mitochondrial amino acid biosynthesis
Yeast cells with reduced activity of certain enzymes involved in branched chain amino acid biosynthesis in yeast mitochondria are described. Target enzymes include threonine deaminase, isopropylmalate synthase, and optionally branched chain amino acid transaminase. |
| US09404116B2 |
Method of construction of recombinant organisms using multiple genes co-integration
Provided is a method of simultaneous co-integration of multiple nucleic acid sequences into a microbial organism comprising culturing a microbial organism to be transformed until a growth phase is reached in which a random integration is facilitated; and transforming the microbial organism by mixing the cultured microbial organism with a sample to be co-integrated into the microbial organism with, wherein the sample comprises more than one nucleic acid sequence, and the products generated from the method. |
| US09404111B2 |
Inhibitors of miRNAs 221 and 222 for anti-tumor activity in multiple myeloma
Inhibitors of miRNAs 221 and 222, and their use as medicaments in the treatment of multiple myeloma. The inhibitors inhibit miRNAs 221 and 222 of the type of LNA-miRNAs and have the formula +C*A*G*+A*+C*A*+A*T*+G*T*+A*+G*C, and formula C*+A*+G*+A*T*+G*T*+A*+G*C wherein letters with symbol “+” indicate the positions of LNA and symbol “*” indicates phosphorothioate bonds. |
| US09404110B2 |
Dermatological, pharmaceutical composition suitable for oligonucleotides
The invention relates to a cosmetic and/or dermatological and/or pharmaceutical composition for the topical use and application of oligonucleotides, in particular antisense-oligonucleotides such as DNAzyme, siRNSs, asDNAs or ribozymes for use as an agent against inflammatory diseases by means of emulsions having a dispersed, internal, discontinous aqueous phase. |
| US09404109B2 |
Compositions and methods for treatment of prostate and other cancers
Therapeutic agents which target heat shock protein (hsp) 27 in vivo are used to provide treatment to individuals, particularly human individuals, suffering from prostate cancer and other cancers that overexpress hsp27. A therapeutic agent, for example an antisense oligonucleotide or RNAi nucleotide inhibitor with sequence specificity for hsp27 mRNA, for example human hsp27 mRNA, is administered to an individual suffering from prostate cancer or some other cancer expressing elevated levels of hsp 27 in a therapeutically effective amount. The therapeutic agent is suitably formulated into a pharmaceutical composition which includes a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and packaged in dosage unit form. A preferred dosage unit form is an injectable dosage unit form. |
| US09404102B2 |
Treatment of disease conditions via administration of DNA repair enzyme
The present invention is directed to compositions and methods of preserving viability of islets of Langerhans for transplantation, and treating various disease and other abnormal or pathological conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, ischemic heart disease, acute lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome and radiation-induced brain injury, with DNA repair enzymes that are directed to the mitochondria. |
| US09404097B2 |
Peptide capable of silica deposition and use thereof
A peptide for synthesizing silica and use thereof are provided. The peptide for synthesizing silica can polymerize silica from a silica precursor in an aqueous solution having conditions of normal temperature, normal pressure and near-neutral weak base. The peptide for synthesizing silica can form a self-assembled structure during silica synthesis, and thus can be used as various biomaterials such as a silica-based protein immobilizer, a biosensor, and a drug delivery system. |
| US09404096B2 |
Alkane oxidation by modified hydroxylases
This invention relates to modified hydroxylases. The invention further relates to cells expressing such modified hydroxylases and methods of producing hydroxylated alkanes by contacting a suitable substrate with such cells. |
| US09404094B2 |
Polypeptides having peroxygenase activity
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having peroxygenase activity, and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides. A polynucleotide encoding a peroxygenase was isolated from Myceliophtora hinnulea. |
| US09404091B2 |
Dehydrogenase variants and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to 3-hydroxypropionate dehydrogenase variants. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants. |
| US09404089B2 |
Bacteriophage preparations and methods of use thereof
Disclosed herein are purified bacteriophage preparations that effectively lyse a plurality of C. perfringens strains. In one embodiment, a purified bacteriophage preparation includes four or more C. perfringens-specific bacteriophage, wherein each bacteriophage has lytic activity against at least five Clostridium species strains. In another embodiment, the purified bacteriophage preparation includes five or more C. perfringens-specific bacteriophage. |
| US09404087B2 |
Insulin producing cells derived from pluripotent stem cells
A method of generating islet cells from pluripotent stem cells is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) culturing the pluripotent stem cells in a differentiation medium so as to differentiate the pluripotent stem cells into endoderm cells; and (b) culturing the endoderm cells in a medium comprising at least one growth factor, a cAMP inducer and retinoic acid (RA), said at least one growth factor being selected from the group consisting of FGF10, bFGF and FGF7 so as to generate further differentiated cells; and (c) culturing the further differentiated cells in a medium comprising a maturation factor selected from the group consisting of nicotinamide, GLP-1 and exendin 4, thereby generating islet cells from pluripotent stem cells. Further methods of generating islet cells are also disclosed, isolated cell populations comprising same and uses thereof. |
| US09404086B2 |
Method for cell differentiation
The present invention relates to the field of cell biology, in particular to methods for differentiating pluripotent stem cells. The invention provides methods for differentiating primate pluripotent stem cells into cells of all three germinal layers. In particular, methods for differentiating primate pluripotent stem cells into the definitive endoderm are provided. |
| US09404081B2 |
Pyruvate kinase activators for use in therapy
Described herein are methods for using compounds that activate pyruvate kinase. |
| US09404079B2 |
Media for culturing stem cells
Well-defined, xeno-free culture media which comprise a TGF-beta isoform or the chimera formed between IL6 and the soluble IL6 receptor (IL6RIL6), which are capable of mainataining stem cells, and particularly, human embryonic stem cells, in an undifferentiated state are provided. Also provided are cell cultures comprising the culture media and the stem cells and methods of expanding and deriving embryonic stem cells in such well-defined, xeno-free culture media. In addition, the present invention provides methods of differentiating ESCs or EBs formed therefrom for the generation of lineage specific cells. |
| US09404073B2 |
Apparatus for recycling of protein waste and fuel production
Example embodiments provide an apparatus that is useful for recycling protein waste and producing fuel from protein waste. Waste is ground by a grinding means and digested by a enzyme digest medium composed of enzymes, preservatives, inedible egg and or a waste fluid that may include other protein sources with or without fat. The ground proteins are digested with the enzyme in recirculated digest tanks. Fat can be collected from the tank by addition of acid and separation of fat from water with a centrifuge. Alternatively the ground protein and enzyme can be fermented and gas collected from the digest tank in a pressure tank with a compressor. The protein solubles are emulsified, separated from water, and extruded before drying. Either fat or gas can be used to fuel a dryer. Example embodiments provide a highly digestable paletable food stuff from protein waste which is usable for pet, livestock, or an aquaculture diet. |
| US09404070B2 |
Compositions and methods for surface treatment with lipases
Methods and compositions for treating textiles and hard surfaces with compositions having specific lipases are described. The compositions have increased stability to oxidative degradation in particular due to bleach catalysts. |
| US09404067B2 |
Fluoro-inorganics for inhibiting or removing silica or metal silicate deposits
The present invention generally relates to methods for removing silica or silicate deposits comprising contacting a cleaning composition with a surface in contact with a liquid containing silica or silicates, wherein the cleaning composition comprises a salt of a nitrogen base having a fluoro inorganic anion. In particular, these methods for removing silica or silicate deposits can be used in steam generators, evaporators, heat exchangers, and the like that are used in produced water plant unit operations. |
| US09404064B2 |
Method of removing a contaminant from a contaminant-containing biological composition useful as a biofuel feedstock
Biological compositions containing animal fats and plant oils desirably are free of contaminants prior to processing into a biofuel. Disclosed herein is a method of removing such contaminants from these compositions to make that processing more efficient. The method employs a unique arrangement of mixers and centrifuges along with acidic solutions and recycle streams to re-move these contaminants from the compositions. |
| US09404057B2 |
Hydrocarbon diluent with a low VOC level for construction materials
A hydrocarbon diluent for the dilution of polymer with a pour point below −15° C. according to ASTM standard D97, with a boiling point comprised between 280 and 450° C., including more than 50% by weight of isoparaffins, and naphthenes up to at most 40% by weight, and constituted by a mixture of hydrocarbons with a boiling point above 200° C., obtained by distillation of hydrodewaxed gas-oil cuts. |
| US09404055B2 |
System and method for the preparation of coal water slurries
Disclosed embodiments include a feedstock preparation system that includes a first slurry preparation system that may receive a first portion of a solid fuel to generate a first fuel slurry using the first portion of the solid fuel and a liquid and second slurry preparation system separate from the first slurry preparation system that may receive a second portion of the solid fuel and the first fuel slurry. The second slurry preparation system may produce a second fuel slurry using the second portion of the solid fuel and the first fuel slurry. The first fuel slurry has a first particle size distribution and the second fuel slurry has a second particle size distribution, and the first and second particle size distributions are different. |
| US09404054B2 |
Tubular radiant syngas cooler
A system includes a gasifier that may gasify a feedstock to produce a syngas and a syngas cooler that includes a cooling chamber having a tapered configuration. The cooling chamber includes a first section that may separate particulates from the syngas and includes a first opening and a second opening. The first opening has a smaller width than the second opening. The system also includes a second section in fluid communication with the first section that includes a plurality of tubes surrounding the first section. A first portion of the plurality of tubes is arranged parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cooling chamber and a second portion of the plurality of tubes is angled such that the second portion of the plurality of tubes forms the tapered configuration. The system further includes a passage to flow a seal gas between a shell of the radiant syngas cooler and the second section. The shell encloses the cooling chamber. |
| US09404047B2 |
Start-up method of hydrocarbon synthesis reaction apparatus
A start-up method for a hydrocarbon synthesis reaction apparatus, comprising: an initial slurry-loading step in which the slurry is loaded into the reactor at the initial stage of the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction at a lower loading rate than that applied to the reactor in a steady-state operation; and a CO conversion ratio-increasing step in which the liquid level of the slurry in the reactor is raised by adding to the slurry the hydrocarbons synthesized at the early stage of the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction so that the CO conversion ratio is increased in proportion to a rise in the liquid level of the slurry in the reactor. |
| US09404042B2 |
Thermal reactor
A thermal reactor for the continuous thermolytic recycling of granules of scrap tires, vulcanization residues and waste plastics, and of similar products features a feed portion, a central heating-zone portion and a discharge portion arranged vertically one below the other. An extraction pipe is located centrally in the central heating-zone portion of the thermal reactor, the lateral surface of the extraction pipe featuring numerous holes and/or slits for withdrawal of the vaporized short-chain hydrocarbon compounds being formed, and the extraction pipe having conical bells pushed onto it one above the other. A device withdraws the vaporized hydrocarbon compounds from the extraction pipe. Radially arranged heating plates are provided on the lateral surface of the reactor in its central heating-zone portion, the heating plates being arranged at the heating levels, which lie one above the other, such that the plates are mutually offset. |
| US09404040B2 |
Liquid crystal compound having fluorine-containing alkenyl terminal group, liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
To provide a liquid crystal compound satisfying at least one of high stability to heat, light and so forth, a high clearing point, a low minimum temperature of a liquid crystal phase, small viscosity, suitable optical anisotropy, large dielectric anisotropy, a suitable elastic constant and excellent compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, a liquid crystal composition containing the compound, and a liquid crystal display device including the composition.The compound is represented by formula (1): wherein, for example, R is alkyl having 1 to 10 carbons or alkoxy having 1 to 9 carbons; ring A1, ring A2 and ring A3 is 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene or 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene; at least one of L1 and L2 is fluorine and the remainder is hydrogen; Z1, Z2 and Z3 are a single bond, —(CH2)2—, —CH2O— or —COO—; x and y are an integer from 0 to 10; and l, m and n are 0 or 1. |
| US09404038B2 |
Cyclopropyl-bearing liquid crystal compounds and mixtures
The present invention is directed to compounds of the following General Formula I. The cyclopropyl-bearing liquid crystal compounds of Formula I of the present invention have a positive or negative dielectric anisotropy (Δ∈), an appropriate optical anisotropy (Δn), an appropriate clearing point (CP), good low-temperature miscibility with other liquid crystals, a low rotary viscosity, and good UV stability and high-temperature thermal stability, and therefore have good use value. The compounds of the present invention can be used for preparing positive and negative liquid crystal compositions and can also be employed in passive and active matrix displays. |
| US09404034B2 |
Coating systems and fluorescent lamps provided therewith
Coating systems suitable for use in fluorescent lamps, particularly as scattering agents within a UV-reflecting coating for the purpose of improving fluorescent lamp luminosity. Such a coating system is provided on a transparent or translucent substrate and includes a phosphor coating and a scattering agent that scatters UV rays. The scattering agent includes an inorganic powder present in a separate UV-reflecting layer adjacent the phosphor coating and/or dispersed in the phosphor coating so that the scattered UV rays are absorbed by the phosphor coating and cause the phosphor coating to emit visible light. The inorganic powder exhibits low or no absorption to UV rays having wavelengths of 185 nm and 254 nm and is not reactive with mercury. |
| US09404033B2 |
Environmentally beneficial recycling of brines in the process of reducing friction resulting from turbulent flow
Processes are provided for reducing the hydrodynamic friction of a turbulent brine stream including, for example, the step of injecting a mixture of a finely divided free flowing friction reducing powder into the turbulent brine stream, wherein the particles of the powder have a primary particle size between 10 and 100 microns in average particle diameter, and the brine stream comprises water with at least 90,000 ppm total dissolved solids, wherein the total dissolved solids includes at least 30,000 ppm sodium cations, 10,000 ppm calcium cations, and 1,000 ppm magnesium cations, and wherein the brine has an electrical conductivity of greater than 100.0 mS/cm at 25° C. For use with a harsher brine, the particles preferably have a primary particle size between 10 and 53 microns in average particle diameter. The friction reducing powder may, for example, be a polyacrylamide polymer. |
| US09404031B2 |
Compositions and methods for controlling particulate migration in a subterranean formation
Stabilizers that include hydrophobically modified amine-containing polymers may be utilized as compositions or in methods for controlling particulate migration in a subterranean formation. For example, a method may include providing a treatment fluid that comprises a base fluid and a hydrophobically modified amine-containing polymer (HMAP), the HMAP comprising a plurality of hydrophobic modifications on an amine-containing polymer; introducing the treatment fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, the subterranean formation comprising a plurality of particulates; and allowing the HMAP to coat at least some of the particulates. |
| US09404024B2 |
Acrylic adhesive composition and polarizer film using the same
An adhesive composition includes an acrylic copolymer having at least one alkyl group, at least one hydroxyl group, and at least one furyl based group; and a curing agent. |
| US09404017B2 |
Active-energy-ray-curable hot-melt urethane resin composition, member for electronic device, the member including the resin composition, and packing
An active-energy-ray-curable hot-melt urethane resin composition contains a hot-melt urethane and an active energy ray polymerization initiator, the hot-melt urethane being obtained by converting more than 50% and 100% or less of the total number of isocyanate groups in an isocyanate group-terminated urethane prepolymer into terminal (meth)acryloyl groups by a reaction with hydroxyl groups in a reactive functional group-containing (meth)acrylic compound, the isocyanate group-terminated urethane prepolymer being obtained by reacting a polyisocyanate component with a polyol component that contains an aromatic polyester polyol containing a 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propylene structure in its molecule in an amount of 90% by mole or more of a glycol component and a polyol other than the aromatic polyester polyol. The hot-melt urethane resin composition has excellent properties such as hot melting, rapid curability, a shape-retaining property after being applied, flexibility, durability, a property of adhering to a base, a low outgas property, mechanical strength, and flame retardancy. |
| US09404015B2 |
Multifunctional coatings for fasteners
A coating composition adapted for application on a fastener, the coating composition composed of a binder component composed of a polymeric resin present in the composition at a concentration between 1.0% and 15.0% by total composition weight, wherein the binder component is composed of at least one of a solvent dispersible compound; a reactive cross-linking component present in the composition in an amount between 1.0% and 80.0%; at least one curing agent; optionally at least one expansion agent, wherein at least one of the curing agent or the reactive cross-linking component are physically and reactively isolated from other components of the composition. |
| US09404014B2 |
Epoxy resins and silane aqueous co-dispersions and the uses thereof
The process to prepare a storage stable aqueous co-dispersion of epoxy resins and at least a silane oligomer is given. This aqueous co-dispersion of epoxy resins with a silane as part A, of a curable paint composition in which the part B comprises a hardener and optionally pigments and additives. This epoxy resins with the silane provide equal performance even after several months' storage. |
| US09404011B2 |
Coating agents having improved runoff tendency
Coating compositions comprising at least one hydroxyl-containing compound (A), at least one isocyanato-containing compound (B) and at least one urea-group-containing compound (H) different from (B), compound (H) comprising at least one structural unit selected from the group consisting of a structural unit (I) a structural unit (II) a structural unit (III) —NR′″—C(O)—N(X—SiR″x(OR′)3-x)n(X′—SiR″y(OR′)3-y)m, and combinations of two or more of the foregoing, compound (H) being obtained by reacting an isocyanato-containing compound (HG) with amino-containing compounds, wherein in compound (H) more than 90 mol % of the isocyanate groups originally present in (HG) have undergone reaction to form the structural units (I), (II), (III), or combinations thereof, where R′, R′″=hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl; R, R″=alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl; X, X′=linear and/or branched alkyl or cycloalkyl radical; x, y, n, m=0 to 2; and m+n=2. |
| US09404009B2 |
Polymer dispersants
The present invention relates to novel polymer dispersants and to a liquid compositions containing solid fine particles, such as organic or inorganic pigments and fillers, and the polymer dispersants. The polymer dispersants have at least one functional moiety of the formula I, which is bound to one of the termini or to the backbone of the polymer: (I) where # indicates the point of attachment to the terminus and/or to the polymer backbone; k is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, m is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, A is a chemical bond or a divalent moiety selected from the group consisting of C1-C6 alkylene, —O—(C2-C6 alkylene), —C(═O—O—(C2-C6 alkylene), —NR3—(C2-C6 alkylene) and C(═O)—NR3—(C2-C6 alkylene), where the C2-C6 alkylene part is attached to Q; Q is a divalent moiety selected from the group consisting of —O—, —NH— and —S—; R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of —OH, —COOH, —COOCH3, —NH2, —NH(C1-C6 alkyl), —N(C1-C6 alkyl)2, —NO2, —S(═O)2R4, C1-C20 alkyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, halogen, aryloxy, aryl, heteroaryl; R2 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, —S(═O)2R4, C1-C20 alkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aryl-C1-C4-alkyl and heteroaryl-C1-C4-alkyl; R3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, —S(═O)2R4, C1-C20 alkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl; R4 is selected from the group consisting of OH, —NH2, —NH(C1-C6 alkyl), —N(C1-C6 alkyl)2, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, aryl and heteroaryl. |
| US09404008B2 |
Elastomeric polymer compositions for coatings and sealants
Polymer compositions for elastomeric coatings or sealants provide excellent balance properties between elongation to break, early water resistance, alkaline resistance and adhesion on unpolar substrates. The composition is free of volatile and toxic monomer such as acrylonitrile, or substituted acrylonitrile. |
| US09404006B2 |
Hybrid water dispersions, (poly)ethylene (meth)acrylic acid copolymer composite latex emulsions, hybrid (poly)ethylene (meth)acrylic acid organosilane composite latex emulsions, and coating compositions formed therefrom
Hybrid water dispersions are disclosed which can be used in the formation of coating compositions having good blush resistance, abrasion resistance, blister resistance, hardness and scratch resistance, in some embodiments, the coating compositions are used to coat substrates such as cans and packaging materials for the storage of food and beverages. Hybrid water dispersion of the invention may be prepared by mixing a (poly) ethylene (meth) acrylic acid copolymer in water to form a mixture, and reacting the mixture with an organosilane compound. |
| US09403995B2 |
Blue coloured aqueous dispersion of silver nanoparticles a process for preparation and compositions thereof
The present invention provides blue colored aqueous dispersion of silver nanoparticles and process for preparation thereof. The present invention also provides compositions comprising blue colored dispersion of silver nanoparticles. The blue colored aqueous dispersion comprising silver nanoparticles wherein dispersion is characterized by —having plasmonic peaks in the range 330-335 nm and 650-720 nm combined with missing plasmonic peaks in the range 390 to 410 nm and 410-500 nm in UV-Vis spectrum, —the dispersion having silver nanoparticles of anisotropic shape with majority of particles (>65%) having equivalent diameter in range of 0.5 to 6 nm, —Molar extinction coefficient greater than 10.1 preferably in the range of 10.1 to 15.7 mM−1 cm−1 at wavelength of maximum absorption in the range of 650-720 nm, —Dispersion stability of at least 15 months, —Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) lower than 0.10 ppm preferably in the range of 0.055-0.099 ppm. |
| US09403992B2 |
Barrier coatings for polymeric substrates
An exemplary embodiment provides coated polymeric substrates that have a polymeric substrate body with a coated surface. The surface coating includes more than one pair of coating layers. Each pair of coating layers includes a first applied coating layer and a second applied coating layer. In addition, an indicator, applied on top of or between coating layers, provides an indication of wear of the coating. The first and second applied coating layers have a thickness between about 3 to about 10 nanometers. The coating exhibits a Hall-Petch effect. |
| US09403983B2 |
White thermosetting silicone resin composition for a light-emitting semiconductor device and a case for installing a light-emitting semiconductor element
The present invention provides a case for installing semiconductor element for use in LED etc. formed from a white thermosetting silicone resin composition and a cured material thereof that have low light transmittance rate, excellent moldability and are difficult to cause a burr to occur in molding. Provided is a white thermosetting silicone resin composition for a light-emitting semiconductor device, comprising: (A) a resin organopolysiloxane having a hydroxy group, and exhibiting a weight-average molecular weight of 500 to 20,000 based on polystyrene conversion, (B) an organopolysiloxane having a straight-chain diorganopolysiloxane residue, (C) a white pigment, (D) an inorganic filler other than (C), (E) a silane coupling agent in which a refractive index difference from the resin organopolysiloxane (A) is higher than or equal to 0.02 and a boiling point at atmospheric pressure is higher than or equal to 200° C., and (F) a curing catalyst. |
| US09403980B2 |
Polyamide composition having surface reflectance and heat resistance
A polyamide resin composition includes (A) a polyamide resin in an amount of about 30 to about 80% by weight, (B) inorganic filler in an amount of about 10 to about 60% by weight, (C) white pigment in an amount of about 5 to about 50% by weight; and (D) photostabilizer in an amount of about 0.05 to about 2 parts by weight and (E) inorganic fine particles in an amount of about 0.05 to about 3 parts by weight, wherein each of (D) and (E) is based on about 100 parts by weight of the polyamide resin (A). The polyamide resin composition can have good light reflectance and yellowing resistance. |
| US09403975B2 |
Thermoplastic polymer composition, production method thereof, and shaped article and electric cable obtained therefrom
Propylene-based resin compositions contain an inorganic filler in a high ratio and are excellent in flexibility, mechanical strength, elongation at break, heat resistance, scratch resistance, whitening resistance and flame retardancy. Shaped articles comprise the compositions.A first propylene-based resin composition of the present invention contains 5 to 64.9% by weight of a propylene-based polymer (A) having a melting point, as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), in the range of 120° C. to 170° C.; 0 to 59.9% by weight of a propylene-based polymer (B) having a melting point, as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), of less than 120° C. or having no observed melting point; 0.1 to 30% by weight of a graft-modified propylene-based polymer (C) obtained by graft modifying a propylene-based polymer having a melting point, as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), of less than 120° C. or having no observed melting point; and 35 to 75% by weight of an inorganic filler (D) (here, the total amount of (A), (B), (C) and (D) is 100% by weight). |
| US09403974B2 |
Clay/polymer blend as high pH or ionic liquid barrier
A composition capable of increased impermeability against the passage of ionic liquids therethrough can include a clay mixed with an anionic and cationic polymer. Such compositions can be provided in geosynthetic liners to provide a hydraulic barrier in aggressive leachate environments. |
| US09403969B2 |
Compounding silica-reinforced rubber with low volatile organic compound (VOC) emission
Alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane compounds are described. The alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane compounds contain an alkoxysilane group that participates in an alkoxysilane-silica reaction as a silica dispersing agent in rubber, with the release of zero to about 0.1% by weight of the rubber of volatile organic compounds (VOC), especially alcohol, during compounding and further processing. Further described are methods for making alkoxy-modified silsesquioxanes, methods for making vulcanizable rubber compounds containing alkoxy-modified silsesquioxanes, vulcanizable rubber compounds containing alkoxy-modified silsesquioxanes, and pneumatic tires comprising a component that contains alkoxy-modified silsesquioxanes. |
| US09403968B2 |
Heavy release additive for release sheet, polyorganosiloxane composition for release sheet, and release sheet
A heavy release additive for a release sheet comprises a condensation reaction product of dehydrative condensation reaction between (A) a polydiorganosiloxane of average polymerization degree of 500 to 10,000 and has at least one hydroxy or hydrolysable group per molecule and (B) a polyorganosiloxane resin composed of a (SiO4/2) unit and a (R3SiO1/2) unit (wherein R's independently represent a C1-12 monovalent hydrocarbon group or a C2-6 alkenyl group each having no aliphatic unsaturated bond), has a ratio of the (R3SiO1/2) unit to the (SiO4/2) unit of 0.6 to 1.2 by mole, and contains the hydroxy group and the hydrolysable group in the total content of 2.1 mass % or more and less than 10.0 mass %. The heavy release additive can have the effect of achieving an extremely great peel force compared with cases in which no additive is added. |
| US09403965B2 |
Plasticizer for low temperature unwind with weight retention during heat aging
The present disclosure is directed to a plasticizer, polymeric compositions containing the plasticizer, and conductors coated with the polymeric composition. The plasticizer includes (i) an epoxidized fatty acid methyl ester, (ii) an epoxidized natural oil, and (iii) an epoxidized tallate ester. Polymeric compositions containing a polymeric resin and the plasticizer exhibit a weight loss less than 50 mg/cm2 after exposure to 100° C. for seven days. Conductors coated with the polymeric composition (containing the plasticizer) pass the low temperature unwind test of UL719 and exhibit a weight loss less than 50 mg/cm2 after exposure to 100° C. for seven days. |
| US09403957B2 |
Sealing material
A sealing material is provided, which maintains excellent sealing property for a long period of time. The sealing material of the invention is characterized by being prepared by vulcanizing and foaming a mixture containing a rubber component containing a copolymer rubber of ethylene, an α-olefin having 3 or more carbon atoms, and a non-conjugated diene, a vulcanizing agent, and a blowing agent, wherein the mixture contains a thermoplastic resin having a melting point of 80° C. or less. |
| US09403950B2 |
Aqueous organic-inorganic hybrid composition
Disclosed is an organic-inorganic hybrid composition containing a metal oxide (A) having a particle diameter of 1-400 nm and a polymer emulsion particle (B) having a particle diameter of 10-800 nm. The polymer emulsion particle (B) is obtained by polymerizing a hydrolyzable silicon compound (b1) and a vinyl monomer (b2) having a secondary and/or tertiary amide group in the presence of water and an emulsifying agent. |
| US09403947B2 |
Display device, method for manufacturing same, polyimide film for display device supporting bases, and method for producing polyimide film for display device supporting bases
Provided is a display device that can be made thin, lightweight, and flexible, has no problems of cracks and peeling caused by thermal stress, and is excellent in dimension stability and the like. The display device includes: a supporting base including a polyimide film; and a gas barrier layer formed on the supporting base, in which the polyimide film has a transmittance of 80% or more in a wavelength region of from 440 nm to 780 nm, and a coefficient of thermal expansion of 15 ppm/K or less, and has a difference in coefficient of thermal expansion from the gas barrier layer of 10 ppm/K or less. |
| US09403943B2 |
Composite polyamide shaped articles
High fluidity polyamides are used for the impregnation of reinforcing cloth materials, namely, industrial fabrics, which impregnated cloths are converted into composite shaped articles. |
| US09403941B2 |
Poloxamer composition free of long circulating material and methods for production and uses thereof
Provided herein are long circulating material free (LCMF) poloxamer compositions and uses thereof. In particular, provided are LCMF poloxamer 188 compositions and uses thereof. Also provided are supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) methods and high pressure (subcritical) methods for preparing poloxamer compositions, particularly the LCMF poloxamer compositions. |
| US09403940B2 |
Polyalkylenecarbonate resin and method for preparing the same
This disclosure relates to polyalkylene carbonate resin that inhibits decomposition of resin resulting from back-biting and the like when heat treated, and thus exhibits improved thermal stability, and a method for preparing the same. The polyalkylene carbonate resin may comprise a basic polyalkylene carbonate based repeat unit, a polyalkyleneglycol based repeat unit, and the polyalkylene carbonate repeat unit crosslinked by a specific compound. |
| US09403939B2 |
Processes for preparing polycarbonates with enhanced optical properties
Processes for preparing high purity polycarbonates having high light transmission, low yellowness, and color stability are disclosed herein. High purity starting ingredients are used to form a polycarbonate powder. The polycarbonate powder can be subsequently melt extruded at an optimum shear rate to minimize yellowness and the need to add colorant to overcome the yellowness. The lower amount of colorant increases the light transmission of the resulting polycarbonate resin. |
| US09403938B2 |
Method for continuous production of biodegradable aliphatic/aromatic polyester copolymer
A continuous preparation method of a biodegradable aliphatic/aromatic polyester copolymer includes: performing a first esterification reaction of an aliphatic dihydroxy compound with an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid at a temperature of 185° C. or less; continuously performing a second esterification reaction of a reaction product from the first esterification reaction; continuously performing a first polycondensation reaction of a reaction product from the second esterification reaction to obtain a prepolymer; continuously performing a second polycondensation reaction of the prepolymer to obtain a second polycondensation reaction product having a melting index from about 15 g/10 min to about 25 g/10 min; and continuously performing a third polycondensation reaction of the second polycondensation reaction product to prepare the biodegradable aliphatic/aromatic polyester copolymer, wherein the performing of the first esterification reaction or the continuously performing of the second esterification reaction includes adding an aromatic carboxylic acid. |
| US09403935B2 |
Two dimensional polymers and methods of making same
The present invention relates to two dimensional polymers and methods of making the same. Irradiation of polycyclic, three bladed monomers, such as polyaromatic, three bladed monomers or an antrip monomer, derivatives or analogs thereof, with ultraviolet radiation provides the two dimensional polymers, which may be used in membrane applications. |
| US09403932B2 |
Process for producing silica-comprising polyol dispersions and their use for producing polyurethane materials
Provided is a process for producing silicate-comprising polyols, comprising (i) admixing an aqueous silica sol (K) having an average particle diameter 1-150 nm, silica content 1-60% by weight and a pH of 1-6, with a 0.1- to 20-fold amount of at least one organic solvent (L), (ii) admixing the resulting mixture with a polyol, (iii) removing at least partially water and the organic solvent (L) by distillation, (iv) admixing with 0.1-30 mol % of at least one compound (S) which has at least one at least monoalkoxylated silyl group and at least an alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl substituent, which may contain heteroatoms, wherein the substituent optionally contains a group reactive toward an alcohol, an amine or an isocyanate, and (v) optionally adjusting the pH of the silicate-comprising polyol to 7-12 by addition of a basic compound. |
| US09403928B2 |
Polymerization process to make low density polyethylene
A high pressure polymerization process to form an ethylene-based polymer comprises the steps of: A. Injecting a first feed comprising ethylene and optionally a chain transfer agent system (CTA system) into a first autoclave reactor zone operating at polymerization conditions to produce a first zone reaction product, the CTA system of the first reactor zone having a transfer activity Z1; and B. (1) Transferring at least part of the first zone reaction product to a second reactor zone selected from a second autoclave reactor zone or a tubular reactor zone and operating at polymerization conditions, and, optionally, (2) freshly injecting a second feed into the second reactor zone to produce a second zone reaction product, with the proviso that the second reactor zone contains a CTA system having a transfer activity Z2; and with the proviso that the ratio of Z1/Z2 is less than 1. |
| US09403924B2 |
Process of production of large and spherical polymerization catalyst and use of same in olefin polymerizations
Solid catalyst particles for use in olefin polymerization, olefin polymerization catalyst systems containing the solid catalyst particles, methods of making the solid catalyst particles and the catalyst systems, and methods of polymerizing and copolymerizing olefins involving the use of the catalyst systems. The method of preparing the solid catalyst particles includes steps of maintaining a mixture of reactants at a temperature of about 5° C. to about 35° C. for at least 2 hours; increasing the temperature of said mixture to a temperature of about 40° C. to about 50° C. over a period of at least 3 hours; and increasing the temperature of said mixture to a temperature of about 80° C. to about 90° C. |
| US09403922B2 |
Continuous polymerization device, method for producing polymer composition, and injection valve
A continuous polymerization apparatus uses at least a first reactor and a second reactor (10, 20). Each of the reactors (10, 20) comprises a supply port (11a, 21a) and an effluent port (11b, 21b). The supply port (11a) of the first reactor (10) is connected to supply sources (1, 3) of a raw material monomer and a polymerization initiator, and the effluent port (11b) thereof is connected to the supply port (21a) of the second reactor (20) by a connection line (15a). The connection line (15a) is combined with a replenishing line (15b) through an injection valve (50) at a combining part. The injection valve (50) comprises, in a full closure state thereof, a clearance that may cause a fluid comprising at least the raw material monomer to flow from the replenishing line (15b) to the connection line (15a). |
| US09403917B2 |
Preparation of poly alpha-1,3-glucan esters and films therefrom
Poly alpha-1,3-glucan ester compounds are disclosed herein with a degree of substitution of about 0.05 to about 3.0. Also disclosed are methods of producing poly alpha-1,3-glucan ester compounds and films made therefrom. |
| US09403916B2 |
Polysaccharide-and polypeptide-based block copolymers, vesicles constituted by these copolymers and use thereof
The invention relates to a new type of polysaccharide-block-polypeptide diblock copolymer which is bioresorbable or biodegradable and biocompatible, to a method for preparing same, to the micellar vesicles constituted of this copolymer, and to the use thereof for encapsulation, transport, vectorization, and targeting of molecules of interest. |
| US09403890B2 |
HJURP peptides and vaccines including the same
Isolated peptides derived from SEQ ID NO: 50 and fragments thereof that bind to an HLA antigen and induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and thus are suitable for use in cancer immunotherapy are described herein. The inventive peptides encompass both the above mentioned amino acid sequences and modified versions thereof, provided they retain the requisite cytotoxic T cell inducibility of the original sequence. Further provided are nucleic acids encoding the peptides as well as pharmaceutical agents, substances and/or compositions that include any of the peptides or nucleic acids. The peptides, nucleic acids, pharmaceutical agents, substances and compositions of this invention find utility in the treatment of cancers, including, for example, AML, bladder cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, cholangiocellular carcinoma, CML, colorectal cancer, esophagus cancer, diffused-type gastric cancer, liver cancer, NSCLC, lymphoma, osteosarcoma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, renal carcinoma, SCLC, soft tissue tumor and testicular tumor. |
| US09403887B2 |
Endothelial cell-specific polynucleotides and use thereof
An isolated polynucleotide is disclosed comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence of HIF-1alpha, the polypeptide being stably expressed and constitutively active. Isolated polypeptides encoded by same are also disclosed and uses thereof. |
| US09403884B2 |
Peptides useful as cell-penetrating peptides
A peptide having an amino acid sequence containing at least eight consecutive amino acids of the human lactoferrin protein or of the bovine lactoferrin protein. The peptide is suitable as a cell-penetrating peptide. A complex of the peptide and a cargo molecule non-covalently bound to the peptide. The cargo molecule may be a nucleic acid, an amino acid, a peptide, a protein, a carbohydrate, a lipid, or a small molecule. A method of penetrating or transfecting a cell using the complex. |
| US09403882B2 |
Sulfation of Wnt pathway proteins
Provided is a composition comprising a peptide comprising amino acids and/or amino acid analogs comprising a continuous sequence of a sclerostin fragment comprising Tyr43 or Tyr213. Also provided is a composition comprising a peptide comprising less than about 75 amino acids and/or amino acid analogs including an amino acid or amino acid analog capable of being sulfated, where the composition is capable of inhibiting sclerostin binding to an LRP. Further provided is a composition comprising a peptide comprising less than about 75 amino acids and/or amino acid analogs including an amino acid or amino acid analog capable of being post-translationally sulfated, where the composition is capable of inhibiting binding of a protein ligand comprising a sulfation site to its binding partner. Additionally provided is a method of enhancing a Wnt signaling pathway comprising contacting an LRP5/6 receptor in the Wnt signaling pathway with either of the above-described compositions that comprise a sequence of a sclerostin fragment or is capable of inhibiting sclerostin binding to an LRP, where the tyrosine or tyrosine analog is not sulfated, in a manner sufficient to enhance the Wnt signaling pathway. Further provided is a method of treating a subject having a disease exacerbated by inhibition of a Wnt signaling pathway comprising administering either of the above-described compositions that comprise a sequence of a sclerostin fragment or is capable of inhibiting sclerostin binding to an LRP, where the tyrosine or tyrosine analog is not sulfated, to the subject in a manner sufficient to reduce the inhibition of the Wnt signaling pathway. Also, a method of inhibiting binding of a protein ligand comprising a sulfation site to its binding partner is provided. The method comprises adding the above-described composition that is capable of inhibiting binding of a protein ligand to its binding partner to the protein ligand and its binding partner in a manner sufficient to inhibit binding of the protein ligand to its binding partner. |
| US09403878B2 |
Methods for producing virus particles with simplified glycosylation of surface proteins
Methods for producing virus particles with simplified glycosylation on structural or surface proteins, such as mono-glycosylated forms of influenza A virus, NIBRG-14 (H5N1). When used as targets for vaccine production, the conserved nature of such sites generates vaccines that are less sensitive to viral mutations. Such methods may include the use of glycosylation inhibitors for production of viruses with simplified glycosylation profiles. |
| US09403877B2 |
Peptide agents for cancer therapy
There is provided peptides for inhibiting growth of cancer cells, the peptides comprising the amino acid sequence RxKxKxxxxR wherein K and R are respectively lysine and arginine amino acid residues, each x is independently an amino acid, and 5 wherein the peptide has 50% or less amino acid sequence identity with the amino acid sequence RSKAKNPLYR (SEQ ID. No. 2). Each x amino acid may independently be an amino acid residue selected from the group consisting of alanine (A), valine (V), leucine (L), isoleucine (I), threonine (T) and serine (S) amino acid residues. There is also provided chimeric proteins incorporating a peptide of the amino acid sequence 10 RxKxKxxxxR, nucleic acids encoding for the peptide, expression vectors including a nucleic acid encoding the peptide for expression of the peptide, and methods for use of the peptide for inhibiting growth of cancer cells. |
| US09403876B2 |
Cyclic-GluR6 analogs, methods of treatment and use
A composition which is reversible inhibitor of at least one neuron-specific PDZ domain comprising wherein R is a molecular transporter with or without a linker amino acid; R1 is at least about one amino acid covalently bound; and, R2 is isoleucine, leucine, alanine, phenylalanine, or valine, and methods of use. |
| US09403874B2 |
Peptides and use thereof
The present invention relates to novel peptides and use thereof and more specifically is directed to a peptide with anti-inflammatory effect, a polynucleotide encoding the peptide, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the peptide or polynucleotide for preventing or treating inflammatory diseases, an anti-inflammatory drug, an over-the-counter (OTC) drug composition comprising the peptide for preventing or ameliorating inflammation, a health food composition for alleviating or ameliorating inflammation, a cosmetic composition for preventing or ameliorating inflammation, a method for treating inflammatory diseases, comprising administrating the pharmaceutical composition to the subject suspected of having inflammatory disease, a method for preparing a mimetic of the peptide and a method for designing the same. |