| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09417770B2 |
Setting control using edges of a user interface
A setting control may be mapped to an edge of a user interface to facilitate control of various settings and access thereto. The mapping may be implemented based on a number of setting values associated with the setting control and a size of a specified edge of the user interface. Additionally, multiple edges of a user interface may be mapped to a variety of setting controls. The edge-mapped setting controls may also be automatically reconfigured according to user preferences and interaction with the interface. Indicators are also generated to provide visual indications about the setting controls and/or a current setting. The appearance of indicators may be altered to convey a variety of information such as the current setting of a control or the type of setting control. |
| US09417769B2 |
Control device, display device, control method and program product
A control device according to embodiments may control update of a target region in an electronic paper. The device may comprise a divider unit, a manager unit and an update instruction unit. The divider unit may be configured to divide the target region into a plurality of sub-regions. The manager unit may be configured to configure an update start timing of each sub-region so that flashings occurring at updating of the sub-regions appear at different timings. The update instruction unit may be configured to instruct to execute an update process of each sub-region according to the update start timings. |
| US09417766B2 |
Beverage preparation machine with touch menu functionality
The present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine, comprising a memory for storing icons, said icons being divided into at least two menu level groups, whereby each icon indicates a selectable menu function of the machine. The machine further comprises a display for displaying: in a first operation mode a first group of icons adjacent a main portion of the display; and in a second operation mode one group of icons as currently selectable icons on said main portion of the display. A touch pad is adapted to accept a touch operation for switching between the first and second operation mode. |
| US09417764B2 |
Methods and systems for decluttering icons representing points of interest on a map
Methods and systems are provided for decluttering icons on a map graphically presented on a display. In one implementation, a method is provided for decluttering icons representing points-of-interest on a map, wherein the method includes determining whether icons in a map view are overlapping and grouping the icons which are determined to overlap into at least one icon group. The method may also include repositioning the icons in each icon group into a decluttered icon patterns, wherein repositioning includes repositioning the icons at a predetermined distance from a common focal point. In addition, the method may include adjusting the repositioned icons to a different position in the map view when the repositioned icons overlap. Additionally, or alternatively, the method may include repositioning an icon in at least one decluttered icon pattern to a new position in the map view based on input from a user. |
| US09417763B2 |
Three dimensional user interface effects on a display by using properties of motion
The techniques disclosed herein use a compass, MEMS accelerometer, GPS module, and MEMS gyrometer to infer a frame of reference for a hand-held device. This can provide a true Frenet frame, i.e., X- and Y-vectors for the display, and also a Z-vector that points perpendicularly to the display. In fact, with various inertial clues from accelerometer, gyrometer, and other instruments that report their states in real time, it is possible to track the Frenet frame of the device in real time to provide a continuous 3D frame-of-reference. Once this continuous frame of reference is known, the position of a user's eyes may either be inferred or calculated directly by using a device's front-facing camera. With the position of the user's eyes and a continuous 3D frame-of-reference for the display, more realistic virtual 3D depictions of the objects on the device's display may be created and interacted with by the user. |
| US09417760B2 |
Auto-completion for user interface design
Techniques for automatically completing a partially completed UI design created by a user are described. A UI query including attributes of UI components in the partially completed UI design is created. Example designs with similar UI components are identified. UI components of one such design example are displayed to automatically complete the partially completed UI design (also called an “auto-complete suggestion”). The user can systematically navigate the design examples and accept auto-completed suggestions to include into the partially complete UI design. |
| US09417752B2 |
Pattern adjusting method for touch sensor and electronic device
A pattern adjusting method of a touch panel and an electronic device are provided. The pattern adjusting method is used for determining a sensor pattern of a plurality of touch sensors on a touch panel and includes the following steps. Panel information of the touch panel is collected. An original layout result of the touch sensors is generated according to the panel information and a predefined sensor information, wherein the predefined sensor information includes an original sensor pattern. A non-covering area of the touch sensors on the touch panel is obtained by analyzing the original layout result. At least one extending area is generated by extending a covering area of the original sensor pattern to the non-covering area in order to obtain a final sensor pattern having at least one extending area. |
| US09417750B2 |
Sense position prediction for touch sensing methods, circuits and systems
A method can include determining multiple sensed positions of an object path in a touch sense region; generating at least a first predicted position from the sensed positions; and filtering a sense position, including associating the sense position with the object path if it is within a first proximity to at least the first predicted position, and not associating the sense position with the object path if it is outside of at least the first proximity from the first predicted position. |
| US09417745B2 |
Touch screen, the manufacturing method of the touch screen and display device
The embodiment of the present invention discloses a touch screen, its manufacturing method and a display device. The method comprise the following steps: first, forming patterns of shielding layer on a substrate; then forming patterns of bridging layer and peripheral traces on the shielding layer by a single patterning process; thereafter, forming patterns of insulating layer on the peripheral traces; and finally, forming patterns of touch control electrode layer. In the present invention, the patterning of the bridging layer and peripheral traces can be achieved by a single patterning process using a mask plate, which reduces the number of patterning processes in the manufacturing process and improves the manufacturing efficiency of the touch screen thereby reducing the cost of production. |
| US09417744B2 |
Touch input device, manufacturing method thereof, and touch detecting method
A touch input device including a carrying board, a plurality of first electrode pads, and a plurality of conductive lines is provided. The carrying board includes a plurality of cantilever portions and a plurality of connecting portions. The connecting portions are respectively connected to the cantilever portions. The first electrode pads are respectively disposed on the cantilever portions and configured to sense capacitance variation due to an object approaching or touching the carrying board. The conductive lines extend on the connecting portions and are respectively connected to the first electrode pads. A manufacturing method of a touch input device and a touch sensing method are also provided. |
| US09417742B2 |
Touch sensitive display
An apparatus including: an array of capacitive sensor electrodes including a plurality of distinct capacitive sensor electrodes distributed in two orthogonal directions over a sensing area; and a plurality of conductive traces each of which is operatively connected to one of the first plurality of distinct capacitive sensor electrodes, wherein at least some of the conductive traces are routed over the sensing area and are opaque metal traces. |
| US09417735B2 |
Optical touch module having single-row serial connection structure and optical multi-touch device having the same
An optical touch module and an optical multi-touch device are disclosed. The optical touch module includes a glass panel, a control board unit and plural optical sensing sets. The glass panel is divided into a sensing zone and a peripheral zone surrounding the sensing zone. The control board unit is disposed on a rear surface of the glass panel and located completely within the peripheral zone. The optical sensing sets are disposed at intervals within the peripheral zone of the glass panel. The optical sensing sets are electrically connected to the control board unit, and the optical sensing sets and the control board unit jointly form a single-row serial connection structure. |
| US09417734B2 |
Module for proximity and gesture sensing
A module operates in a proximity detection mode and a gesture detection mode. The module includes an illumination source, radiation sensors and a controller. When in proximity detection mode, the illumination source emits radiation, the radiation sensors measure the radiation level, and the controller adjusts the measured radiation level to substantially cancel the contribution attributable to ambient radiation to determine the presence of a proximate object by. When in the gesture recognition mode, the level of radiation incident on the sensors is individually sampled, and the controller determines object movement by comparing the changes in the measured radiation levels over a plurality of the samples. Ambient radiation contribution is not removed from the sampled radiation levels during the gesture recognition mode. |
| US09417733B2 |
Touch method and touch system
A touch method and a touch system using the same are disclosed. The touch system comprises a display panel and an image sensing module. The touch method comprises the following steps: detecting and acquiring a coordinate position of a touch object entering a sensing region of the display panel; determining whether the touch object is moving or situated at a fixed point according to the coordinate position; sensing a first reflective luminance generated by the touch object at a point via the image sensing module; sensing a second reflective luminance generated by the touch object at the point via the image sensing module after a time period; comparing the first and the second reflective luminance; if the first reflective luminance is different from the second reflective luminance, then determining that the touch object is performing a fixed point rotation; executing a corresponding instruction according to the fixed point rotation. |
| US09417731B2 |
Contactless user interface having organic semiconductor components
The invention relates to a tactile or contactless user interface device (50), comprising organic semiconductor components (52) made by depositing organic conducting and semiconducting material in liquid form on a dielectric support (54). |
| US09417723B2 |
Method for controlling operation of touch panel and portable terminal supporting the same
A method and portable terminal for controlling an operation of a touch panel are provided. The portable terminal includes a memory for storing at least one program for supporting a user function operated based on a certain frequency upon activation of the user function, a touch panel, activated when the user function is supported, for supporting a touch function, and a controller for selecting frequency information that does not interfere with the certain frequency for operating the corresponding user function when the at least one user function is activated, and for setting the selected frequency information as a scanning frequency of the touch panel. |
| US09417712B2 |
Image processing apparatus, computer-readable recording medium, and image processing method
In the present invention, an image is projected so as to form an acute angle between an axis of projection from a projection device and a screen; the projected image and an image of a perimeter thereof are captured; and a process corresponding to an operation about to be performed by a user is executed based on a shadow area of a finger of the user included in the captured image. |
| US09417711B2 |
System and method for implementing sliding input of text based upon on-screen soft keyboard on electronic equipment
A system for implementing the sliding input of a text based upon an on-screen soft keyboard on an electronic equipment is provided. The system comprises a feature lexicon module, a feature lexicon establishment module, a user interface module, a sliding trajectory feature extraction module, a rough classifying and filtering module, a rough matching and filtering module and an accurate matching and sorting module. A method for implementing the sliding input using the system is also provided. The system and the method can input a word according to the preorder trajectory of the input portion, and cleverly use a forecasting-between-slidings input, decrease a sliding distance, effectively improve the input speed and accuracy of words, and simplify the operation for the users. |
| US09417705B2 |
Motion detection device, electronic device, motion detection method, and program storage medium
A motion detection device includes: an acceleration detection unit, a separating unit, a gravity axis determination unit, and a motion detection unit. The acceleration detection unit detects acceleration components of each axis of a three-dimensional rectangular coordinate system of acceleration acting on the acceleration detection unit and outputs sets of acceleration component data. The separating unit separates the outputted sets of acceleration component data into stationary components and motion components. The gravity axis determination unit determines an axis whose separated stationary component is the largest to be a gravity axis. The motion detection unit detects, if an axis corresponding to a largest motion component showing a largest value of the separated motion components is an axis other than the determined gravity axis, a motion axis of the acceleration detection unit on the basis of the largest motion component. |
| US09417704B1 |
Gesture onset detection on multiple devices
Implementations of the disclosed subject matter provide techniques for improved identification of a gesture based on data obtained from multiple devices. A method may include receiving an indication of an onset of a gesture, from a first device, at a gesture coordinating device. Next, first subsequent data describing the gesture may be received from a second device, at the gesture coordinating device. Based on the indication and the first subsequent data, the gesture may be identified. In response to identification of the gesture, an action may be performed based on the gesture identified. In some cases, the gesture coordinating device may be a cloud-based device. |
| US09417703B2 |
Gesture based control of element or item
Apparatuses (1) for controlling elements (40-70) possibly shown on screens (31) or items (71) possibly represented by the elements (70) comprise detectors (11-13) for detecting features of objects (2) such as body parts in first and second dimensions and converters (14) for converting first features into actions for the elements (40-70) or the items (71). By making the actions dependent on second features, a number of possibilities is increased. First features may be movements of the objects (2) and second features may be absolute or relative positions of the objects (2). First dimensions may be parallel to the screens (31) and second dimensions may be perpendicular or parallel to the screens (31), or vice versa. Actions may comprise browsing groups (4-6) of elements (40-69) at position dependent speeds or browsing one or more groups (4-6) depending on the positions. The items (71) may be lamps, appliances, audio players, video players, whereby their parameters may be adjusted in dependence of the movements and the positions. |
| US09417700B2 |
Gesture recognition systems and related methods
In one embodiment of the invention, the a method includes the steps of receiving one or more raw frames from one or more cameras, each of the one or more raw frames representing a time sequence of images, determining one or more regions of the one or more received raw frames that comprise highly textured regions, segmenting the one or more determined highly textured regions in accordance textured features thereof to determine one or more segments thereof, determining one or more regions of the one or more received raw frames that comprise other than highly textured regions, and segmenting the one or more determined other than highly textured regions in accordance with color thereof to determine one or more segments thereof. One or more of the segments are then tracked through the one or more raw frames representing the time sequence of images. |
| US09417698B2 |
Input device
An input device includes: an operation portion allowing an input operation by an operating body contacting with or coming close to an upper surface thereof; an input detection portion detecting an input operation with respect to the operation portion; a driving member provided below the operation portion and driving the operation portion in an up-down direction; an elastic member provided below the operation portion; a case member holding the driving member; an interlocking member provided below the operation portion, connected to the operation portion, and driven with the operation portion; a restricting member provided between the operation portion and the interlocking member and restricting upward movement of the interlocking member; and an elastic first damper member provided below the interlocking member and contactable with the interlocking member. The elastic member elastically urges the interlocking member such that the interlocking member is brought into press contact with the first damper member. |
| US09417695B2 |
Tactile feedback method and apparatus
A method includes displaying on a display at least one selection option comprising a first selection option and detecting a touch or cursor on the display. Tactile feedback having a first characteristic is provided when the touch or cursor is at a first location associated with the first selection option. Tactile feedback having a second characteristic is provided when the touch or cursor is detected at a second location not associated with the first selection option. |
| US09417692B2 |
Deep augmented reality tags for mixed reality
Techniques are provided for rendering, in a see-through, near-eye mixed reality display, a virtual object within a virtual hole, window or cutout. The virtual hole, window or cutout may appear to be within some real world physical object such as a book, table, etc. The virtual object may appear to be just below the surface of the physical object. In a sense, the virtual world could be considered to be a virtual container that provides developers with additional locations for presenting virtual objects. For example, rather than rendering a virtual object, such as a lamp, in a mixed reality display such that appears to sit on top of a real world desk, the virtual object is rendered such that it appears to be located below the surface of the desk. |
| US09417683B2 |
Driving device for driving a display unit
Disclosed is a display unit driving device which has a reduced power consumption rate. The display unit displays an image in response to a video data signal which is constituted by a plurality of frames each including a data scanning period and a blanking period. The driving device stops power supply to a data driver for a predetermined power stop period within the blanking period. The data driver applies pixel drive voltages respectively corresponding to luminance levels of each pixel based on the video data signal to multiple data lines of the display device in each horizontal scanning cycle within the data scanning period. |
| US09417682B2 |
Display unit driving device with reduced power consumption
A driving device for driving a display unit which can reduce power consumption regardless of the type of video data is provided which, based on the type of application software which is the provider of a video data signal, performs either one of a first power saving mode in which to stop power delivery to a data driver and a second power saving mode in which the data driver stops importing of the pixel data sequence signal when the 1-H line data's respectively corresponding to neighboring ones of horizontal scan lines of the display unit coincide with each other. |
| US09417681B2 |
Mechanism to provide workload and configuration-aware deterministic performance for microprocessors
One embodiment of an apparatus includes a semiconductor chip having a processor and an on-die non-volatile storage resource. The on-die non-volatile storage may store different, appropriate performance related information for different configurations and usage cases of the processor for a same performance state of the processor. |
| US09417677B2 |
Power supply management for portable electronic devices
Power management notifications are provided to a user of a portable electronic device by monitoring a current power level of a power supply in a portable electronic device. A determination is made, with the portable electronic device, whether the current power level is one of less than and equal to a given threshold. One or more wireless detection operations are performed to determine whether a power supply charging device is in proximity to the portable electronic device. The power supply charging device is unattached to the portable electronic device. A notification is presented at the portable electronic device, in response to both the current power level is determined to be one of less than and equal to the given threshold, and the power supply charging device being wirelessly detected in proximity to the portable electronic device. |
| US09417674B2 |
Power supply apparatus, power supply method, and storage medium
A power supply apparatus that wirelessly supplies power includes a detection unit configured to detect a power receiving apparatus, a receiving unit configured to receive, from the power receiving apparatus detected by the detection unit, identification information identifying the power receiving apparatus, a power-supply control unit configured to compare the identification information received by the receiving unit with identification information stored in a storage unit and identifying an allowed device for which power supply is allowed, thereby allowing power supply to the power receiving apparatus when both identification information match each other, and a power supply unit configured to perform the power supply to the power receiving apparatus for which the power supply is allowed by the power-supply control unit. |
| US09417671B2 |
Computer baffle
A system can include a housing that includes a first opening and a second opening; a baffle disposed in the housing wherein the baffle defines within the housing a first plenum in fluid communication with the first opening and a second plenum in fluid communication with the second opening; a first processor disposed in the first plenum; and a second processor disposed in the second plenum. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US09417668B2 |
Sun shade case for a portable computing device
The present portable computing device case is configurable for both carrying a portable computing device and for obstructing external lighting while using a portable computing device in an upright viewing position, particularly for augmented reality applications, outdoor gaming applications and for use of a digital camera housed within the portable computing device. |
| US09417662B1 |
Protective case for electronic product
A protective case for electronic product is disclosed, including a keyboard fixing cover, a keyboard fixing base and an electronic product accommodating member, wherein the keyboard fixing base and the electronic product accommodating member are connected to both sides of the keyboard fixing cover respectively, and the keyboard fixing cover is foldable relative to the keyboard fixing base and the electronic product; a first recess is provided on the obverse side of the keyboard fixing cover, a second recess is provided on the obverse side of the keyboard fixing base, and when the keyboard fixing cover and the keyboard fixing base are folded together, the first recess and the second recess are butted together to form a cavity for accommodating the keyboard. In this way, the electronic product and the keyboard are not required to be kept separate when being carried. |
| US09417656B2 |
NFA byte detector
An NFA (Non-deterministic Finite Automaton) circuit includes a hardware byte characterizer, a first matching circuit (performs a TCAM match function), a second matching circuit (performs a wide match function), a multiplexer that outputs a selected output from either the first or second matching circuits, and a storage device. N data values stored in first storage locations of the storage device are supplied to the first matching circuit as an N-bit mask value and are simultaneously supplied to the second matching circuit as N bits of an N+O-bit mask value. O data values stored in second storage locations of the storage device are supplied to the first matching circuit as the O-bit match value and are simultaneously supplied to the second matching circuit as O bits of the N+O-bit mask value. P data values stored in third storage locations are supplied onto the select inputs of the multiplexer. |
| US09417654B2 |
Method and apparatus for hardware-assisted secure real time clock management
Embodiments of a system and method for secure clock management in a mobile device, or user equipment, are generally described herein. A timer offset may be calculated between a first secure clock time and a first network time. A reset delta based on at least the timer offset may be obtained and a recovered secure clock time based on at least the reset delta may be generated. A one-time password may be generated based on at least the recovered secure clock time. |
| US09417651B2 |
Work apparatus
A work apparatus has a drive motor for driving a work tool and has a control unit for the drive motor. The operating device includes an actuating element actuated by a user. The actuating element is mounted in a movable manner in a housing and can be adjusted in an actuating direction between a zero position and a maximum position. An intermediate stop acts between the zero position and the maximum position. The position of the intermediate stop is settable via a setting element. After the intermediate stop has been reached, the actuating element can be actuated further as far as the maximum position. The operating force (F) for further actuating the actuating element increases when the intermediate stop is reached. Provision is made for the operating force (F) to drop again upon further actuation of the actuating element after the intermediate stop has been overcome. |
| US09417650B2 |
Signal balance system, light control system, and signal balance method thereof
A signal balance system, a light control system, and a signal balance method thereof are disclosed. The signal balance system includes a signal sensing module and a processing module. The signal sensing module is used for detecting an external signal source to generate a sensing signal. The processing module is used for generating an adjusting signal based on the sensing signal, wherein the processing module determines whether the sensing signal exceeds a first threshold; if yes, the processing module decreases the sensing signal to generate the adjusting signal so as to control a controlled device. |
| US09417649B2 |
Method and apparatus for a floating current source
As taught herein, a floating current source outputs a load biasing current from a source terminal into an external load which may have a variable resistance, and sinks the load biasing current from the load into a sink terminal. Advantageously, the floating current source includes a single-transistor current sink having a bias control that sets the magnitude of the load biasing current desired, and further includes a single-transistor current source that self-biases from the float voltage developed on the external load to an operating point at which the single-transistor current source sources the desired magnitude of load biasing current. One or more AC shunts within the self-biasing network prevent any AC fluctuations present or impressed on the source terminal of the floating current source from changing the operating point of the single-transistor current source, thereby imparting a high effective impedance to the single-transistor current source. |
| US09417647B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device having bulk bias control function and method of driving the same
A semiconductor integrated circuit device having a bulk bias control function is provided. The semiconductor integrated circuit device may be configured to output the first external voltage as a bulk voltage of a transistor in a power-up period, and to output a second external voltage having a higher level than the first external voltage as the bulk voltage of the transistor in a power-down mode. |
| US09417646B2 |
Power supply circuit
A power supply circuit includes a transistor disposed between an input terminal to which an input voltage is applied and an output terminal to which an output voltage is applied, and an error amplifier configured to compare a feedback voltage varied based on the output voltage and a reference voltage, and control the transistor based on a result of the comparison, the reference voltage being generated by selectively using the input voltage or the output voltage. |
| US09417643B2 |
Voltage regulator with variable impedance element
A method includes receiving, at a voltage regulator, an activity adjustment signal from a digital circuit. The method also includes controlling one or more variable impedance elements of the voltage regulator to modify an output voltage provided to the digital circuit. The output voltage is based at least in part on the activity adjustment signal. |
| US09417641B2 |
Memory effect reduction using low impedance biasing
A circuit includes a bias circuit for a biased transistor. The bias circuit includes a master-slave source follower circuit, a reference transistor, and a bias circuit voltage output coupled to the biased transistor and configured to provide a bias voltage. The reference transistor has a transconductance substantially identical to a transconductance of the biased transistor. A signal ground circuit may be coupled between the biased transistor and one or more components of the bias circuit that do not generate significant return currents to a power supply ground. A method includes generating a current in a reference transistor according to a first voltage generated using a master source follower circuit, generating a second voltage substantially identical to the first voltage using a slave source follower circuit, and providing the second voltage to a biased transistor. The reference transistor has a transconductance substantially identical to a transconductance of the biased transistor. |
| US09417629B2 |
Ground remote control system and method for an aircraft with an electric taxi system
A ground remote control system for an aircraft includes a security pairing device configured to establish a first secure communication link and protocol between a remote control device and a ground remote control system controller; and establish a second secure communication link and protocol, using the first communication link and protocol between the remote control device and the ground remote control system controller. The ground remote control system controller is configured to receive drive command signals, brake command signals, steering command signals, and power command signals, from the remote control device and generate the electronic drive commands, the electronic brake commands, the electronic steering commands, and the electronic power commands. |
| US09417626B2 |
Efficient design and configuration of elements in a process control system
A process control configuration method in a user interface of a computer system for developing control strategies of a process plant, where the user interface defines a screen area to display a plurality of independent panes therein, includes generating a first edit pane, including displaying a graphical representation of a first set of logical or physical entities for carrying out respective process control operations in the process plant; generating a second edit pane, including displaying a graphical representation of a second set of logical or physical entities for carrying out respective process control operations in the process plant, wherein each in the first set and the second set of logical or physical entities includes at least one input and at least one output, and wherein each of the first edit pane and the second edit pane defines an independent user interface screen within the screen area; receiving a first selection of an output of a first entity in the first set of logical or physical entities; receiving a second selection of an input to a second entity in the first second of logical or physical entities; and automatically generating respective visual indicators in each of the first edit pane and the second edit pane in response to receiving the first selection and the second selection, wherein the visual indicators depict respective endpoints of a connection between the first entity and the second entity. |
| US09417624B2 |
Method of making a part and related system
A system and method of making a part, including capturing an actual tridimensional surface of each part to obtain a corresponding digitized actual surface, performing a tridimensional comparison between the digitized actual surface of each part and a nominal tridimensional surface, generating an actual location and orientation of an operation to be performed based on the tridimensional comparison, and performing the operation on the part based on the generated actual location and orientation of the element. |
| US09417622B2 |
Controller and control method
A controller has a control unit generating a control signal to control a drive motor and a friction compensation unit adding a friction compensation signal to the control signal for compensating for a positioning error caused by friction in a guide unit. When reversing the direction of movement of the movable body, the friction compensation unit generates a friction compensation signal in accordance with a function f(α) representing a friction compensation value uf by a relationship with a variable α and asymptotically approaching the maximum value and the minimum value of the friction compensation value uf and having an inflection point therebetween, and adds the generated friction compensation signal to the control signal generated by the control unit during movement of the movable body a predetermined movement distance from before to after the reversing. |
| US09417620B2 |
Numerical control device
A numerical control device controls a machine tool having an X axis for moving a turret to which tools are attached, a Z axis for moving work, and a B axis for rotating the turret and having at least one of an H axis for rotating the turret around a center line perpendicular to the center line of rotation of the B axis and a C axis for rotating the work around a center line parallel to the Z axis. The numerical control device includes a unit that performs, during an virtual Y-axis inclined surface machining mode, virtual Y inclined surface machining for moving the tool along the Y axis relatively to the inclined surface in a state in which the tool is inclined such that a center axis is perpendicular to an inclined surface inclined from the X axis and the Z axis. |
| US09417611B2 |
Timepiece with improved sound level
A method for improving sound output level of a musical or striking timepiece including at least one vibration generator and vibrating at specific natural frequencies of the generator. The timepiece includes external parts which are modified by integration or addition of at least one acoustic radiator including at least one element vibrating-radiating at a natural frequency of the radiator tuned to at least one of the natural frequencies of the generator. The external parts include at least one acoustic radiator including at least one element vibrating at a natural frequency of the radiator tuned to at least one of the natural frequencies of the generator. |
| US09417610B1 |
Incoherent digital holographic adaptive optics
An aberration-compensated image of an object field is created by generating a full-field complex hologram of the object field, generating a guide star complex hologram of a guide star selected from the object field, performing mathematical correlation between the guide star complex hologram and the full-field complex hologram, and generating from the correlation an aberration-compensated image of the object field from the correlation. |
| US09417608B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating interference fringe pattern
An apparatus for generating holograms includes a laser source configured to emit a laser beam with a frequency of v; an acoustic optical modulator configured to generate, from the laser beam, a first beam with a frequency of v1 and a second beam with a frequency of v2; a first beam splitter configured to split the first beam into a first reference beam and a first object beam, the first object beam being led to a sample; a second beam splitter configured to split the second beam into a second reference beam and a second object beam, the second object beam being led to the sample; and a detector configured to detect an image composed of a first fringe, based on the first reference beam and the first object beam, and a second fringe, based on the second reference beam and the second object beam. |
| US09417607B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a developing device; a temperature detecting unit measuring a temperature of a main body; a cooling unit cooling the inside of the image forming apparatus; and a controller controlling the cooling unit based on result of the temperature detecting unit. The controller increases an air flow rate of the cooling unit such that the air flow rate is higher than a predetermined rate if the result of the temperature detecting unit is higher than a first temperature during non image forming and the controller increases an air flow rate of the cooling unit such that the air flow rate is higher than the predetermined rate if the result of the temperature detecting unit is higher than a second temperature which is higher than the first temperature during an image forming operation. |
| US09417599B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus including a body provided at one side thereof with an opening, a transfer device movably installed at the body so as to be detachable through the opening, and a locking lever rotatably installed at the transfer device, wherein the locking lever rotates between a first position at which one end of the locking lever protrudes from the transfer device and a second position at which the one end is accommodated within the transfer device, and the body includes a locking protrusion that is locked with other end of the locking lever in a state that the locking lever is at the first position, so that only in a state that a worker rotates the locking lever while gripping the transfer device, the transfer device is separated from the body, thereby separating the transfer device in a safe manner. |
| US09417598B2 |
Imaging cartridge drive having a centered opening
An improved drive system for transmitting rotational force between an imaging machine and an imaging cartridge. A first coupling member comprises a first mating structure configured to transfer or receive rotational force, and a second coupling member comprises a second mating structure configured to transfer or receive rotational force. The first coupling member comprising a locating cone in the center of said first coupling member, said locating cone adapted to locate in an opening of the second coupling member whereby the first coupling member is centered in relation to the second coupling member, and the first mating structure of the first coupling member is directed into contact with the second mating structure of the second coupling member. |
| US09417595B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus transfers a toner image formed on an image carrier having a moving surface onto a transfer object, and includes: a cleaning member that performs a removal operation on residues remaining on the image carrier after transfer of the toner image; and a brush member that has bristles including original yarns with uneven surfaces formed by microparticles adhering to and coating the original yarns, and comes into contact with the image carrier, on a downstream side relative to the cleaning member in a movement direction of the surface of the image carrier, to remove part of the residues that remains unremoved on the image carrier even after the removal operation performed by the cleaning member. |
| US09417591B2 |
Printing apparatus, method for controlling printing apparatus, and storage medium
A printing apparatus includes a determination unit configured to determine, based on a print side designated for a transparent sheet and a print side on which the printing apparatus is able to execute printing, a print side of an image to be printed on the transparent sheet and sheet feeding timing of the transparent sheet, and a printing unit configured to print the image on the transparent sheet based on a content determined by the determination unit. |
| US09417588B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus has a developing unit, a fixing unit, a receiving unit, a paper setting unit, and a control unit. The fixing unit conveys paper on which a visible image is formed by the developing unit between a heating roller and a pressurizing roller to fix the visible image to the paper. The receiving unit receives a demand for smoothing-out of wrinkles of the paper. The paper setting unit sets paper to be subjected to smoothing-out of wrinkles. When the receiving unit receives the demand for smoothing-out of wrinkles, the control unit performs control so that the developing unit is not operated and the paper to be subjected to smoothing-out of wrinkles set in the paper setting unit is conveyed to the fixing unit. |
| US09417587B2 |
Image forming apparatus having belt unit
A belt unit includes a roller, a belt, a first guide, a second guide and a regulating portion. The first guide is provided on a surface of the roller. The first guide is in a form of one of a convex shape and a concave shape. The belt is looped taut around the rollers, and has a second guide in a form of one of a concave shape and a convex shape. The first guide and the second guide are engaged with each other with an engagement depth in the radial direction. The regulating portion confronts the outer belt surface and provides a gap between the regulating portion and the outer belt surface, the gap being smaller than the engagement depth. |
| US09417583B2 |
Image forming apparatus having setting change section to select manual feed tray and image forming method
In absence of a paper feed source matching paper information specified in settings that are input by a user for a job to be executed, permission information associated with the user may not permit use of a manual feed tray as a substitute paper feed source. Upon completion of the job executed in response to selection of a forced execution key, a forced execution determination section determines whether or not an execution number exceeds a predetermined threshold. The execution number indicates how many times a job has been executed in response to selection of the forced execution key. When the execution number exceeds the threshold, a permission information updating section updates the permission information associated with the user so as to permit use of the manual feed tray as the substitute paper feed source. |
| US09417579B2 |
Image forming apparatus employing technique that reduces amount of coloring material consumed
When an edge effect or sweeping occurs in a developing material, pixels, among a plurality of pixels that configure image data, will arise in which a developing material consumption amount rises beyond an original consumption amount. A CPU corrects the developing material consumption amount for the pixels, among the plurality of pixels that configure the image data, in which the developing material consumption amount will rise beyond the original consumption amount. |
| US09417575B2 |
Pressure member configured to inhibit wrinkle formation and fixing device
A pressure member includes a base, an elastic layer outside the base, and a surface layer on the elastic layer, the surface layer containing a fluorine-containing resin. The surface layer is fixed on the elastic layer in a state of being stretched in the longitudinal direction of the pressure member, the elastic layer has a porosity of 20% by volume or more and 60% by volume or less, and when the elastic modulus of the elastic layer in the thickness direction is defined as E (ND) and the elastic modulus of the elastic layer in the longitudinal direction of the pressure member is defined as E (MD), E (MD)/E (ND) is larger than 1.0. |
| US09417571B2 |
Image forming apparatus including a fixing temperature setting section
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a fixing unit that fixes the toner image formed on the recording paper, a rubbing roller that rubs a fixing surface of the recording paper with the fixed toner image, and an image density detection unit that detects image density of the fixing surface of the recording paper having passed through the rubbing roller, wherein a plurality of patch images for fixability evaluation are formed on one piece of recording paper at a predetermined interval in a recording paper conveyance direction, fixing temperature of the fixing unit is changed for each of the formed patch images, the patch images are fixed to the recording paper, and comparison of each image density of a rubbed part and a non-rubbed part by the rubbing roller is performed for each patch image fixed at each fixing temperature, so that appropriate fixing temperature is set. |
| US09417570B2 |
Image forming apparatus and control method thereof
To appropriately adjust the fixing temperature corresponding to the amount of applied toner, an image forming apparatus controls the temperature of a fixing unit configured to fix a recording material on a sheet. The apparatus acquires the amount of the recording material of each page in image data of a plurality of pages generated by dividing image data of one page, determines one fixing temperature using the acquired plurality of amounts of the recording material if a setting of dividing the image data of one page and printing the image data on a plurality of sheets is performed, and controls the temperature of the fixing unit using the determined fixing temperature. |
| US09417568B2 |
Image forming apparatus using stretch member and contact member to maintain potential with a current flowing to intermediate transfer belt
A voltage maintenance element is connected to a contact member that contacts a primary transfer surface area of an intermediate transfer belt to which toner images are transferred from a plurality of image carriers between stretch members, in such a way as to prevent the electric potential of the intermediate transfer belt from varying between respective image forming stations. |
| US09417567B1 |
Image forming apparatus
The image forming apparatus, which includes a plurality of photosensitive drums, charging devices that contact and charge respective photosensitive drums, developing devices that attach toner including a metal particle, which is a polishing particle, and develop latent images, and cleaning devices that remove remaining toner from surfaces of the photosensitive drums and allows toner images of each color formed on the photosensitive drums to be sequentially superposed on an intermediate transfer belt to form a color image, has a primary transfer bias control unit that switches polarity of primary transfer bias, except for a time of image formation on the photosensitive drums, to polarity equal to or opposite to electrostatic charge of toner in response to an average printing rate of each color of a predetermined number of immediately previous papers. |
| US09417565B2 |
Conveyor system and image forming apparatus including same
A conveyor system includes a first conveyor belt entrained about a separation roller and a support roller disposed upstream from the separation roller, a second conveyor belt entrained about a first roller disposed at an uppermost stream in a transport direction of a sheet-type medium and a second roller disposed downstream therefrom, a belt alignment device to tilt a rotary shaft of the separation roller to restrict a range of belt mistracking of the first conveyor belt in a width direction thereof within a predetermined range, and a restriction member to restrict an amount of inclination of the rotary shaft such that a hypothetical extended plane, which is a hypothetical extension of the outer circumferential surface of the first conveyor belt between the separation roller and the support roller to a downstream side in the transport direction, does not contact a rotational center axis of the first roller. |
| US09417561B2 |
Developing device
In a developing device, the conveying ability of a second screw in a first area that includes an area, which is superposed with, in an axial direction of a developing sleeve, a developer carrying area of the developing sleeve and a downstream communicating portion through which a developer is conveyed from a developing chamber to a collecting chamber, is lower than the conveying ability of the second screw in a second area, which is positioned further downstream than the first area in a direction in which the developer is conveyed and which is superposed with the developer carrying area of the developing sleeve. |
| US09417557B2 |
Developing cartridge including housing having opening for filling housing with developer
A developing cartridge including: a housing; a developing roller rotatable around a rotation axis extending in a first direction; a developing gear supported by an end portion of the developing roller; and a driving force receiving member rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the first direction by receiving a driving force from an image forming apparatus body and including a gear portion engaging with the developing gear, wherein the housing has an opening for filling the housing with developer, and wherein at least a part of the driving force receiving member overlaps the opening when viewed in the first direction. |
| US09417553B2 |
Image forming apparatus
A brushless motor has a rotor and a stator, the stator having coils corresponding to respective phases of the brushless motor. A polygon mirror has a plurality of mirror surfaces and is configured to rotate together with the rotor. When executed by the processor, the instructions cause the processor to: detect first timing at which the light sensor receives a light beam emitted from the light source and reflected by one of the plurality of mirror surfaces when the rotor is rotating; acquire first information identifying a relationship between the first timing and second timing at which an inductive voltage reaches a particular reference value, the inductive voltage being generated in at least one coil in a non-energization state due to rotation of the rotor; and perform a phase switching control of the brushless motor based on the first timing and the first information. |
| US09417552B2 |
Light-emitting element array module and method of controlling light-emitting element array chips
A light-emitting element array module, image forming apparatus and method are provided. The light-emitting element array module includes a control driver configured to receive print data and operate according to the received print data, and light-emitting element array chips configured to receive a signal from the control driver and operate according to the received signal, wherein the control driver applies a start signal to a transfer element array by using a signal applied to a light-emitting element array of the light-emitting element array chips. |
| US09417549B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a rotatable photosensitive member; a charger for charging the photosensitive member by being supplied with a DC voltage; an image forming station for forming an image on the photosensitive member charged by the charger to form an electrostatic image; a current detector for detecting a DC current flowing to the charger when the charger is supplied with a DC voltage from the voltage source; an executing portion for executing pre-charging operation for charging by the charger the photosensitive member a which is rotating, after production of an image formation signal prior to image forming operation by the image forming station; and a controller for controlling an amount of rotation of the photosensitive member in the pre-charging operation on the basis of a DC current detected by the current detector during the pre-charging operation. |
| US09417547B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes development sections having development rollers, photosensitive drums, primary transfer rollers disposed opposite to the photosensitive drums in one-to-one correspondence, an intermediate transfer belt, and a voltage application section. The voltage application section includes a first voltage application section and a second voltage application section. In forced toner discharge from the development sections, the first voltage application section applies opposite polarity voltage between each of three upstream primary transfer rollers among the primary transfer rollers and the corresponding one of the photosensitive drums. The second voltage application section applies positive polarity voltage between a most downstream primary transfer roller and the corresponding one of the photosensitive drums. |
| US09417545B2 |
Charge director for liquid toner
A charge director material for charging a liquid toner, the charge director material comprising (a) nanoparticles of a simple salt and (b) a sulfosuccinate salt of the general formula MAn, wherein M is a metal, n is the valence of M, and A is an ion of the general formula (I) [R1—O—C(O)CH2CH(SO3−)C(O)—O—R2], (I) wherein each of R1 and R2 is an alkyl group; said charge director material being substantially free of acids of the general formula (I), wherein one or both of R1 and R2 is hydrogen, and if only one of them is hydrogen, the other is an alkyl group. |
| US09417544B2 |
Low energy consumption monochrome toner for single component development system
A low energy consumption monochrome toner includes a surface additive package having a high charging silica compound, an aerating silica compound, a colloidal silica compound, a polymeric spacer, and a crosslinked spacer. The low energy consumption monochrome toner is suitable for high speed printing in SCD systems while decreasing minimum fusing temperature, maintaining excellent hot offset and storage, and exhibiting a matte finish. |
| US09417542B2 |
Magnetic toner
A magnetic toner contains magnetic toner particles containing a binder resin, a release agent, and a magnetic body, and inorganic fine particles present on the surface of the magnetic toner particles, wherein a ratio of coverage of the magnetic toner particles' surface by the inorganic fine particles is in a prescribed range for the magnetic toner, the inorganic fine particles contain prescribed metal oxide fine particles, with at least 85 mass % of the metal oxide fine particles being silica fine particles, the coefficient of variation on the coverage ratio A is in a prescribed range, the binder resin contains a styrene resin, in a GPC measurement of a THF-soluble matter in the magnetic toner, a peak molecular weight (Mp) of a main peak is in a prescribed range, and a prescribed fatty acid ester compound is incorporated as a release agent. |
| US09417541B2 |
Toner and image forming apparatus
A toner including: toner particles each including a toner base particle and an external additive attached thereon, where the toner base particle includes a binder resin and a colorant, wherein the toner base particles each have protrusions on a surface thereof, an average of lengths of long sides of the protrusions is 0.10 μm or more but less than 0.50 μm, a standard deviation of the lengths of the long sides of the protrusions is 0.2 or less, a coverage rate of the protrusions on the surface of the toner base particle is 10% to 90%, and the external additive includes fine inorganic particles whose surfaces have been treated with an amino group-containing silane coupling agent. |
| US09417539B2 |
Organic photoreceptor, image forming apparatus, and image forming method
In an organic photoreceptor that has a protective layer formed on an organic photosensitive layer, the protective layer contains; a cured resin constituent obtained by polymerizing a polymerizable compound in the presence of a radical scavenger represented by the general formula (2); metal oxide microparticles; and a compound represented by the general formula (1) as a charge transport substance, and the relational expression (1): 80/A≦B≦160/A and the relational expression (2): 12≦A≦25 are satisfied when the volume ratio (volume %) of the metal oxide microparticles in the protective layer and the volume ratio (volume %) of the compound represented by the general formula (1) in the protective layer are respectively denoted by A and B. |
| US09417538B2 |
Photo conductor overcoat comprising radical polymerizable charge transport molecules and hexa-functional urethane acrylates
A method of preparing a photoconductor drum having an overcoat layer is provided. The photoconductor drum is used in an electrophotographic image forming device. The photoconductor drum is prepared from a curable composition including a urethane resin having at least six radical polymerizable functional groups and a charge transport molecule having at least one radical polymerizable functional group. The amount of the urethane resin having at least six radical polymerizable functional groups in the curable composition is about 35 percent to about 65 percent by weight. The amount of the charge transport molecules having at least one radical polymerizable functional group in the curable composition is about 35 percent to about 65 percent by weight. This overcoat layer improves wear resistance of the photoconductor drum without negatively altering the electrophotographic properties, thus protecting the photoconductor drum from damage and extending its useful life. |
| US09417531B2 |
Method for making nano-pillar array on substrate
The disclosure relates to a method of making a nano-pillar array on a substrate. A carbon nanotube composite structure is provided. The carbon nanotube composite structure defines a number of openings. The carbon nanotube composite structure is placed on the substrate. The substrate is dry etched to form a patterned surface by using the first surface using the carbon nanotube composite structure as a mask. The patterned surface includes a number of strip-shaped bulges crossed with each other. The carbon nanotube composite structure is removed. A photoresist layer is applied on the patterned surface. The photoresist layer is removed and some residual photoresist remains at intersections of the number of strip-shaped bulges. The substrate is further dry etched by using the residual photoresist as a mask. |
| US09417530B2 |
Method for developing resist, method for forming a resist pattern, method for producing a mold, and developing fluid utilized in these methods
A method for developing a non chemically amplified resist employs a developing fluid having a carboxylic acid compound, which is a carboxylic acid ester having branched chain alkyl groups and a total carbon number of 8 or greater, as a main component. It is particularly preferable for the carboxylic acid compound to be at least one of isobutyl butyrate, butyl isobutyrate, isobutyl isobutyrate, isoamyl isobutyrate, and 2-methylbutyrate 2-methylbutyl. It is also preferable for the non chemically amplified resist to be a resist having a copolymer of an α-chloroacrylate ester compound and an α-methylstyrene compound as a main component. |
| US09417529B2 |
Coating and developing apparatus and method
In one embodiment, a coating and developing apparatus includes a processing block having two early-stage coating unit blocks, two later-stage coating unit blocks and two developing unit blocks, each unit blocks being vertically stacked on each other, The apparatus has at least two operation modes M1 and M2 adapted for abnormality. In mode M1 the processing module that processed the abnormal substrate in the developing unit blocks is identified, and subsequent substrates are transported to the processing module or modules, of the same type as the identified processing module, other than the identified processing module. In mode M2, the developing unit block that processed the abnormal substrate is identified, and subsequent substrates are transported to the developing unit block other than the identified developing unit block. |
| US09417528B2 |
Pattern forming method, multi-layered resist pattern, multi-layered film for organic solvent development, resist composition, method for manufacturing electronic device, and electronic device
A pattern forming method contains: (i) a step of forming a first film on a substrate by using a first resin composition (I), (ii) a step of forming a second film on the first film by using a second resin composition (II) different from the resin composition (I), (iii) a step of exposing a multi-layered film having the first film and the second film, and (iv) a step of developing the first film and the second film in the exposed multi-layered film by using an organic solvent-containing developer to form a negative pattern. |
| US09417527B2 |
Resist pattern-forming method, substrate-processing method, and photoresist composition
A resist pattern-forming method is provided, including: providing a resist film using a photoresist composition; exposing the resist film; and developing the resist film exposed, the photoresist composition containing a polymer having a weight average molecular weight of no less than 1,000 and no greater than 7,500 and having a structural unit that includes an acid-labile group that is dissociated by an action of an acid, a radiation-sensitive acid generator and a solvent composition, and the photoresist composition having a content of solids of no less than 20% by mass and no greater than 60% by mass. The photoresist composition preferably has a viscosity of no less than 50 mPa·s and no greater than 150 mPa·s at 25° C. |
| US09417524B1 |
Infrared radiation-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursors
A negative-working, infrared radiation-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursor is prepared to contain an infrared radiation-sensitive imageable layer that is disposed on the hydrophilic surface of a substrate. This imageable layer contains sufficient free radical chemistry for infrared sensitivity and imaging to polymerize the exposed regions. This chemistry is dispersed within a primary polymeric binder comprising polyalkylenes oxide segments and optional pendant cyano groups and is present in the form of particles, and a secondary crosslinked hydrophobic binder to provide improved ink receptivity, rapid development, and run length especially with aged precursors. Exposed precursors can be developed on-press while forming the first printed impressions. |
| US09417517B2 |
Photomask having a blind region including periodical clear portions
A photo mask includes a plurality of dark patterns disposed on a transparent substrate, a first region, a shield region, and a second region. The first region includes the dark patterns that are disposed with a wider space than a first distance. The shield region is adjacent to the first region on the transparent substrate and is filled with the dark pattern. The second region is faced to the first region across the shield region and includes the dark patterns that are disposed with a narrower space than a second distance. The second distance is narrower than ninety percent of the first distance. |
| US09417515B2 |
Ultra-smooth layer ultraviolet lithography mirrors and blanks, and manufacturing and lithography systems therefor
An extreme ultraviolet mirror or blank production system includes: a first deposition system for depositing a planarization layer over a semiconductor substrate; a second deposition system for depositing an ultra-smooth layer over the planarization layer, the ultra-smooth layer having reorganized molecules; and a third deposition system for depositing a multi-layer stack over the ultra-smooth layer. The extreme ultraviolet blank includes: a substrate; a planarization layer over the substrate; an ultra-smooth layer over the planarization layer, the ultra-smooth layer having reorganized molecules; a multi-layer stack; and capping layers over the multi-layer stack. An extreme ultraviolet lithography system includes: an extreme ultraviolet light source; a mirror for directing light from the extreme ultraviolet light source; a reticle stage for placing an extreme ultraviolet mask blank with a planarization layer and an ultra-smooth layer over the planarization layer; and a wafer stage for placing a wafer. |
| US09417513B2 |
Projector, projection unit and interactive board
A projector includes: a body including a light source, a display plane illuminated with light from the light source, and a projection optical system which projects light from the display plane; and a projection unit which projects the light from the display plane, which is projected from the projection optical system, toward an illumination-targeted plane, wherein the projection unit includes a negative power convex angle-widening mirror, and wherein the angle-widening mirror reflects light forming an image plane of the display plane for angle-widening, the image plane being inclined to the display plane. |
| US09417512B2 |
Light source device and projection-image display apparatus
The light source device includes a first light source, a second light source, and a substrate including a base member. A first wiring and a second wiring are disposed on the substrate. The first wiring has a connection part including connection parts such that the first light source is electrically connected in series and a connection part including connection parts such that the second light source is electrically connected in series. The base member is provided with at least one through-hole at each portion where the connection parts of the connection parts are disposed, and includes a protrusion in a vicinity of the through-hole such that the protrusion protrudes along a surface of the base member in a direction intersecting the first wiring. The second wiring includes at least one detour path in a vicinity of the protrusion, detouring around the through-hole with an insulation distance from the through-hole. |
| US09417511B2 |
Lighting device, projector including the same, and lighting method
A lighting device includes a first light source which emits excitation light, a wavelength convertor which generates fluorescence containing at least a first wavelength range and a second wavelength range by excitation with the excitation light, a second light source which emits light containing a third wavelength range different from the first wavelength range and the second wavelength range, an optical path-combining element which combines an optical path for the fluorescence from the wavelength convertor and an optical path for the light from the second light source, so as to guide the combined optical paths to a single emission optical path, and a light separator disposed in the emission optical path, which obtains and emits at least the first wavelength range and the second wavelength range of the fluorescence and at least the third wavelength range of the light from the second light source. |
| US09417509B2 |
Universal stabilizing camera mount apparatus
The present disclosure describes a multi-functional device for mounting a camera or video camera and methods of using the same. The device comprises a base unit and one or more accessories. In preferred embodiments, the base unit may comprise mounting channels and an attachment accessory may be secured to the base unit using a quick-release attachment. In preferred embodiments, the accessories may comprise one or more accessories from the group consisting of a main handle assembly, adjustable feet, a tripod mount, a gimbal stabilization assembly, a dolly assembly, interlocking articulating feet, and a shoulder support assembly. |
| US09417499B2 |
Multi-color electrophoretic display device, image sheet, and manufacturing method thereof
A multi-color electrophoretic display (EPD) device, an image sheet, and a method of fabricating the same. The multi-color EPD device includes: a plurality of unit color pixels; and a plurality of color capsules, each comprising color capsule shell which stores a dielectric fluid and at least one type of electrophoretic particles dispersed in the dielectric fluid, the plurality of color capsules being arranged to define subpixels of each of the plurality of unit color pixels. |
| US09417495B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel and electronic device
A LCD panel is proposed, which meets analog display mode and memory display mode. The LCD panel includes a capacitive element, first to third switch elements, and a circuit. The first switch element turns ON during a first operation for writing pixel potential from signal line to the capacitive element, and turns OFF during a second operation. The second and third switch elements turn OFF during the first operation. The second switch element turns ON during a readout period in the second operation, to read out the pixel potential from the capacitive element. The third switch element turns ON during a write period in the second operation, to rewrite the pixel potential into the capacitive element. The circuit restores a logic level of the pixel potential read out from the capacitive element, and rewrites inversion of the restored logic level to the capacitive element. |
| US09417493B2 |
Array substrate, method for producing the array substrate, and display apparatus
An array substrate of a liquid crystal display, comprising: a substrate; a first electrode disposed on the substrate; a second electrode located above and electrically insulated from the first electrode; and an orientation film disposed on the second electrode, wherein the array substrate further comprising: at least one shunt electrode connected to at least one of first electrodes to divert residual charges left over a surface of a liquid crystal molecule, and the shunt electrode is located at a side of the orientation film not contacting the liquid crystal molecule. |
| US09417491B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A display device may include an insulating layer. The display device may further include a first field-generating electrode that overlaps the insulating layer. The display device may further include a second field-generating electrode that overlaps the first field-generating electrode and has a cutout. An exposed portion of the insulating layer may be exposed through the cutout and may be exposed between an edge (or boundary) of the first field-generating electrode and an end portion of the second field-generating electrode in a layout view of the display device. |
| US09417489B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a liquid crystal display device, comprising: a first substrate, including a base substrate, and gate lines and data lines, formed on the base substrate and crossing each other to define a plurality of pixel structures; a second substrate, cell-assembled with the first substrate to form a liquid crystal cell; and a liquid crystal layer, filled between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein each of the plurality of pixel structures comprises: the base substrate; a common electrode, formed on the base substrate; a first insulating layer, formed on the common electrode; a plurality of strip-shaped pixel electrodes, formed on the first insulating layer, wherein the plurality of strip-shaped pixel electrodes include a plurality of positive electrodes and negative electrodes which are disposed alternately. |
| US09417485B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
In a liquid crystal display device, a light shielding film, a color filter, an overcoat film, and an alignment film are formed in this order on a counter substrate. However, the alignment film is not formed in a seal portion. When the alignment film is subjected to photo-alignment with ultraviolet radiation, a portion of the overcoat film not covered with the alignment film is degraded by ultraviolet radiation. In order to prevent moisture penetrating from the degraded overcoat film from reaching the light shielding film to thereby alter the light shielding film and from causing the peeling of the light shielding film, the color filter is disposed below the overcoat film to block the moisture. |
| US09417482B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel and liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display panel and a liquid crystal display device having excellent display quality, with reduced string-like defects that occur in display pixels. The liquid crystal display panel of the present invention includes multiple spacers between a pair of substrates, wherein the spacers are arranged such that an inter-spacer distance between adjacent spacers in a longitudinal direction is different from an inter-spacer distance between adjacent spacers in a transverse direction, and an angle formed between a line connecting the spacers with a shorter inter-spacer distance and an alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules at a voltage lower than a threshold voltage in the liquid crystal layer is 20° or smaller. |
| US09417481B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display, including: a first insulation substrate; a gate line and a data line positioned on the first insulation substrate and crossing each other; a first passivation layer positioned on the gate line and the data line; a pixel electrode positioned on the first passivation layer; an alignment layer positioned on the pixel electrode; a second insulation substrate facing the first insulation substrate; and a liquid crystal positioned between the first insulation substrate and the second insulation substrate. A thickness of the alignment layer is larger than a thickness of the pixel electrode. |
| US09417479B2 |
Method for reducing simultaneous contrast error
Facilitating the display of an image in a display system comprising a display panel having sub-pixels, and a backlight having individually addressable colored light emitters configured to provide light to the sub-pixels. From received image data, sub-pixel color values corresponding to color values transmitted by respective ones of the sub-pixels for display of the image are determined. From the image data, backlight values corresponding to brightnesses of ones of the colored light emitters for display of the image are determined, as are a portion of the sub-pixel color values and a portion of the backlight values that collectively correspond to a saturated or near-saturated yellow color in the displayed image. The backlight values are adjusted by increasing an amount of yellow light to be emitted by emitters of the backlight, and the color values are adjusted by decreasing an amount of yellow light to be transmitted by the sub-pixels. |
| US09417476B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a first substrate which is light transmissive and has a display region and a periphery region surrounding the display region. A light shielding portion is formed in at least the periphery region of the first substrate and has a light passing portion in the periphery region. A first scale mark portion is formed on the first substrate so as to be arranged inside the light passing portion. A second substrate overlaps the first substrate and a second scale mark portion is formed on the second substrate and forms a pair with the first scale mark portion. A sealing member seals the first and second substrates in the periphery region between the display region and the light passing portion. A dam portion is formed on the first substrate between the display region and the light passing portion. |
| US09417475B2 |
Display device
A display device having a novel structure that can improve reliability is provided. It lowers reliability to form a structure by using a photomask, such as a color filter on a rear side of a substrate. With this display device, a transistor and the color filter is provided over a first substrate, a touch sensor is provided on a first surface of a second substrate, and the structure is not provided on a second surface of the second substrate. Consequently, the display device with the touch sensor can perform high reliability. |
| US09417469B2 |
Waveguide structure
A waveguide structure comprising: a core comprising a layer of electro-optic dielectric material, a first layer of semiconductor material provided below the electro-optic material and a second layer of the semiconductor material provided above the electro-optic material, and electrodes, configured for applying voltages. The electro-optic dielectric material has a Pockels tensor containing at least one non-vanishing element rij where i≠j, and the electrodes comprise a first set of electrodes provided substantially in direct contact with the electro-optic dielectric material, and a second set of electrodes comprising at least an electrode provided substantially in direct contact with the first layer and at least an electrode substantially in direct contact with the second layer, wherein the sets of electrodes are configurable to apply in the electro-optic material, at least a substantially horizontal electrical field and at least a substantially vertical electrical field that are orientated substantially perpendicular relative to each other. |
| US09417467B2 |
Integrated thermo-optic switch with thermally isolated and heat restricting pillars
System and method embodiments are provided for a thermo-optic switch with thermally isolated and heat restricting pillars. The embodiments enable increased integration density in photonic integrated chips (PICs), reduced power consumption, improved switching speed, and increased chip lifetime. In an embodiment, an optical waveguide; a resistive heater in thermal contact with a surface of the optical waveguide; and a plurality of heat flow restricting pillars connected to the sides of the optical waveguide and supporting the optical waveguide such that the optical waveguide is substantially thermally isolated from a substrate below the optical waveguide by a gap formed between the optical waveguide and the substrate, and wherein the pillars restrict heat flow from the optical waveguide to a supporting structure that supports the pillars. |
| US09417466B2 |
Method and system for integrated power combiners
A method and system for integrated power combiners are disclosed and may include a chip comprising a polarization controller, the polarization controller comprising an input optical waveguide, optical couplers, and a polarization-splitting grating coupler. The chip may be operable to: generate two output signals from a first optical coupler that receives an input signal from said input optical waveguide, phase modulate one or both of the two output signals to configure a phase offset between the two generated output signals before communicating signals with the phase offset to a second optical coupler. One or both optical signals generated by said second optical coupler may be phase modulated to configure a phase offset between signals communicated to the polarization-splitting grating coupler; and an optical signal of a desired polarization may be launched into an optical fiber via the polarization-splitting grating coupler by combining the signals communicated to the polarization-splitting grating coupler. |
| US09417465B2 |
Nanophononic metamaterials
Nanophononic metamaterials and methods for reducing thermal conductivity in at least partially crystalline base material are provided, such as for thermoelectric energy conversion. In one implementation, a method for reducing thermal conductivity through an at least partially crystalline base material is provided. In another implementation, a nanophononic metamaterial structure is provided. The nanophononic metamaterial structure in this implementation includes: an at least partially crystalline base material configured to allow a plurality of phonons to move to provide thermal conduction through the base material; and at least one nanoscale locally resonant oscillator coupled to the at least partially crystalline base material. The at least one nanoscale locally resonant oscillator is configured to generate at least one vibration mode to interact with the plurality of phonons moving within the base material and slowing group velocities of at least a portion of the interacting phonons and reduce thermal conductivity through the base material. |
| US09417459B2 |
Eyeglasses with integral head and hair securement devices, and head and hair securement devices for eyeglasses and methods of making and using the same
Hair securement devices are included on eyeglasses to help resist slippage off the head of a person wearing their eyeglasses on top of their head, when not is use. The hair securement devices are located on the inwardly facing surface of the lower inner frame of the glasses, in a place where they do not touch the face of the wearer when they are in place on the wearer. The hair securement devices may be a toothed device, or may be a suitable type of protrusion that will stick into the hair of the wearer, and resist slippage. Furthermore, methods of making the eyeglass with an integral hair securement device are disclosed, as are methods of making a separate hair securement device to be adhered to a pair of eyeglasses. A method of using the device is also disclosed. |
| US09417454B2 |
Autostereoscopic display device
An autostereoscopic display device uses an electroluminescent display. A set of pixels is provided beneath lenticular lenses, with a plurality of pixels across the lens width direction. The pixels across the lens width direction are arranged with at least two different heights over the substrate. This enables the pixels to define a non-planar array, and they can follow the area to which light is focused by the lenticular lenses. |
| US09417452B2 |
Display system and method
One embodiment is directed to a user display device comprising a housing frame mountable on the head of the user, a lens mountable on the housing frame and a projection sub system coupled to the housing frame to determine a location of appearance of a display object in a field of view of the user based at least in part on at least one of a detection of a head movement of the user and a prediction of a head movement of the user, and to project the display object to the user based on the determined location of appearance of the display object. |
| US09417451B2 |
Screen member and head-up display apparatus
A head-up display apparatus projects a display image onto a projection surface of a windshield so that a viewer views a virtual image of the display image from an eye box. A screen used in the apparatus is constructed of a plurality of micromirrors. Each micromirror has a convex surface portion being curved to magnify a laser beam toward the eye box. A scanned surface of the screen is provided by an array of the convex surface portions. In a cross section intersecting the scanned surface, adjacent convex surface portions have different curved shapes. Thus, brightness unevenness of the display image caused by interference of laser beams can be reduced while maintaining a simple structure of the screen such as a microlens array. |
| US09417445B2 |
Image-acquisition device
An image-acquisition device is consists of a single objective optical system; an image-acquisition element that acquires an image of an optical image of an object formed by the objective optical system; an optical component that can be inserted into and removed from the optical axis of the objective optical system, at an intermediate position on the optical axis; and a moving mechanism that moves the optical component between a position on the optical axis of the objective optical system and a position off the optical axis. The optical component has a deflecting surface for deflecting the optical axis of the objective optical system and a refracting surface having power. |
| US09417438B2 |
Photographing lens system, image capturing device and electronic device
A photographing lens system includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element and a fifth lens element. The first lens element with refractive power has a convex object-side surface. The second lens element has refractive power. The third lens element with refractive power has a convex object-side surface and a concave image-side surface. The fourth lens element with refractive power has an object-side surface and an image-side surface being both aspheric. The fifth lens element with refractive power has a concave image-side surface, wherein an object-side surface and the image-side surface thereof are aspheric, and the image-side surface of the fifth lens element has at least one convex shape in an off-axial region thereof. The photographing lens system has a total of five lens elements with refractive power. |
| US09417433B2 |
Camera arrangement
The present invention relates to a camera arrangement comprising a sensor means for generating sensor signals indicating the camera orientation and a selecting means for selecting a setting out of a plurality of settings in response to the camera-indicative sensor signals. The camera arrangement has a plurality of zoom settings and the selecting means is configured for selecting a zoom factor in response to the camera orientation detected by means of the sensor. |
| US09417430B2 |
Inner focus lens system, interchangeable lens apparatus and camera system
An inner focus lens system comprising a first lens unit and subsequent lens units, wherein the first lens unit: is fixed with respect to an image surface in focusing; and includes a first positive lens element located closest to the object side and a second positive lens element, the subsequent lens units include only a first focusing lens unit located closest to the object side and a second focusing lens unit, at least one of the first focusing lens unit and the second focusing lens unit is composed of two or less lens elements, and the subsequent lens units include an image blur compensating lens unit. |
| US09417424B2 |
Vibration actuator, lens barrel, and camera
A vibration actuator includes an elastic member and a relative movement member. The elastic member generates oscillatory waves by oscillation of an electromechanical conversion element. The relative movement member with which the elastic member is in pressure contact is driven by the oscillatory waves to rotationally move with respect to the elastic member. Of the elastic member and the relative movement member, at least one member has a plurality of spaces at one contacting face opposite to the other contacting face of the other member. The spaces are filled with friction coefficient adjusting substances so that a coefficient of friction of the one contacting face of the one member changes in a radial direction. |
| US09417418B2 |
Flexible lensed optical interconnect device for signal distribution
A method and device for interconnecting optical components, such as optical fibers and optical circuits, in a flexible, repeatable, and cost-effective manner. Two or more optical components are interconnected by a flexible optical circuit substrate bearing one or more embedded optical fibers with a lens at each end of each fiber. The flexible optical circuit may be incorporated into a housing bearing apertures for receiving optical connectors of the optical components that are to be interconnected with the device. The lensed ends of the fibers embedded in the flexible optical circuit are positioned adjacent to the apertures for optically connecting to the fibers within the connectors installed in the apertures without conventional mating connectors disposed inside the housing. |
| US09417417B2 |
Fiber optic enclosure with internal cable spool assembly
A fiber optic enclosure includes a housing having a base and a cover. The base and the cover cooperate to define an interior region. A cable spool assembly is disposed in the interior region of the housing and is rotatably engaged to the base. The cable spool assembly includes a drum portion and a tray assembly engaged to the drum portion. The tray assembly includes a first tray and a second tray mounted to the first tray. A fiber optic distribution cable is wrapped about the drum portion of the cable spool assembly. |
| US09417416B2 |
Optoelectrical composite cable
An optoelectrical composite cable includes an optical fiber; a resin inner cylinder that accommodates the optical fiber; a plurality of electrical lines arranged outside the inner cylinder so as to cover a surrounding of the inner cylinder, and a tubular outer cylinder that collectively covers the plurality of electrical lines. The plurality of electrical lines include pairs of electrical lines, and the electrical lines constitute at least one of the pairs of electrical lines have a larger outer diameter than the other electrical lines and are arranged at opposing positions, with the inner cylinder being interposed therebetween. |
| US09417415B2 |
Interposer with polymer-filled or polymer-lined optical through-vias in thin glass substrate
An optical interposer that includes a glass substrate having one or more optical vias extending through the glass substrate. A first optical polymer may be bonded to the substrate and to interior surfaces of the one or more optical vias. Implementations include one or more optical via cores comprising a second optical polymer that has a greater refractive index than the first optical polymer. The one or more optical via cores may be at least partially surrounded by the first optical polymer. Embodiments include encapsulated optical waveguides in communication with the optical vias and/or via cores. Example implementations include layers of electrical insulation, electrical traces, and electrical vias. A method of manufacture includes forming the optical vias by laser ablation. Certain embodiments may include chemically etching the inside of the vias to improve surface roughness. |
| US09417413B2 |
Compact multiple channel optical receiver assembly package
An optical assembly package is provided for the optical receive components of an optical transceiver. The optical assembly package includes a receptacle subassembly configured to receive an end of an optical fiber. A housing is provided having an opening at one end configured to receive the receptacle assembly. Optical routing and wavelength demultiplexing elements are mounted to a bottom wall of the housing. An electrical subassembly comprising a support plate, a circuit board mounted on the support plate, an integrated circuit mounted to the circuit board, and a plurality of photodetectors mounted to the support plate proximate an edge of the circuit board. The electrical subassembly is positioned a stacked arrangement beneath the housing to minimize an overall length of the optical assembly package. |
| US09417409B2 |
Unitary fiber optic ferrule and adapter therefor
A unitary fiber optic ferrule reflects light off an interior lens and through the fiber optic ferrule. Optical fibers can be easily secured in the unitary fiber optic ferrule. An adapter to secure the unitary fiber optic ferrule to a optical component assembly is also presented. The adapter provides a sealing function for the lenses and to provide routing for optical fibers from other assemblies of unitary fiber optic ferrules and adapters. |
| US09417408B2 |
Modularized interposer
An interposer for optically coupling an optical device (OD) to a fiber, the OD mounted on a substrate, the interposer comprising: (a) a lens component comprising at least one lens for optically coupling with the OD the lens having a first optical axis, a first surface for mating with the substrate, and a second surface for mating with a third surface of a fiber component; (b) the fiber component comprising the third surface and a cavity for receiving at least one fiber and holding the fiber along a second optical axis, the first and second optical axes being perpendicular; and (c) wherein at least one of the lens component or the fiber component comprises a reflective surface for optically coupling the lens to a point along the second optical axis and adjacent the cavity. |
| US09417406B2 |
Cable assemblies and optical connector assemblies employing a unitary alignment pin and translating element
Cable assemblies, optical connector assemblies, and optical connector subassemblies employing a translating element and a unitary alignment pin are disclosed. In one embodiment, an optical connector assembly includes a connector housing defining a connector enclosure and a connector housing opening, a unitary alignment pin including a first pin portion and a second pin portion, and a translating element including a first bore, a second bore, and an optical interface. The unitary alignment pin is secured within the connector enclosure. The first pin portion is disposed within the first bore and the second pin portion is disposed within the second bore such that the translating element translates along the first pin portion and the second pin portion within the connector enclosure. |
| US09417401B2 |
Adapter for fiber optic module
An adapter structure for use with a telecommunications module that is configured to be slidably inserted into a first type of telecommunications chassis comprises a body configured to be mounted to the telecommunications module. The body of the adapter structure is configured for mounting the telecommunications module to a second type of telecommunications chassis that is different than the first type of telecommunications chassis, wherein the telecommunications module is not configured to be mounted to the second type of telecommunications chassis without the adapter structure. The adapter structure includes at least one fiber optic connector protruding outwardly from the body for receiving a fiber optic signal to be relayed to fiber optic equipment of the telecommunications module. |
| US09417400B2 |
Short optical connector for cables containing a bend insensitive fiber
An optical connector has a housing, and a retention member for retaining a cable with a fiber that has a specified minimum bend radius. A rear portion of a connector ferrule and spring are seated in the retention member, a front end of the member engages the connector housing, and the spring urges the ferrule toward the front of the connector housing. An elongated cable support has an axial passage that opens at a front end and at a back end of the support for receiving the cable, and the front end of the support is joined at the rear of the retention member. The passage in the support has a radially outward flare at the back end which acts to limit the cable from bending in the vicinity of the connector, so that the cable fiber is not strained below the specified minimum bend radius. |
| US09417399B2 |
Managed fiber connectivity systems
A communications connection system includes a fiber optic adapter module configured to receive multiple fiber optic connectors. The fiber optic adapter module includes one or more media reading interfaces. Each media reading interface is configured to determine whether a fiber optic connector is received at one of the ports of the adapter module. Certain types of connectors store physical layer information. Certain types of media reading interfaces are configured to read the physical layer information from the connector if the connector stores such information. |
| US09417396B2 |
Optoelectronic switch
An optoelectronic switch comprising: N switch modules, where N is an integer; and an optical full-mesh interconnect; each switch module comprising: M client facing input ports, and M output facing ports, M being an integer which is either equal to or not equal to N; a pre-mesh AWG, the pre-mesh AWG having M inputs and N outputs, each of the N outputs connected to a respective input on the optical full-mesh interconnect; a post-mesh AWG, the post-mesh AWG having N inputs and M outputs, each of the N inputs connected to a respective output of the optical full-mesh interconnect and each of the M outputs for communicating a signal to one or more of the M outputs of the switch module; and a first array of Detector Remodulators (DRMs) located before the pre-mesh AWG, each DRM of the first array configured to receive a signal from an input of the switch module and to regenerate and/or change the wavelength of the received signal to produce a DRM output, the DRM output forming an input at a respective port of the pre-mesh AWG. |
| US09417394B2 |
Spectrally dense comb-like filters fashioned with thick-guided-mode resonant gratings
An apparatus, system, and method for spectrally dense comb-like filters fashioned with thick-guided-mode resonant gratings. A guided-mode resonance (GMR) filter has a film having a thickness many times larger than a wavelength of operation and the film has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The GMR filter further has a periodic pattern on the first surface of the film and an antireflection layer on the second surface of the film. |
| US09417392B2 |
Optical waveguide component, manufacturing method therefor, and optical waveguide device
An optical waveguide component includes: an optical fiber mounting substrate provided with optical fiber alignment grooves having either, for alignment of optical fibers, V-grooves or inverted trapezoidal grooves in which inverted top sections of the V-grooves are truncated; an optical waveguide substrate in which optical waveguides are formed; a resin layer that is aligned and fixed in a state in which the optical fiber mounting substrate and the optical waveguide substrate are flush or have a predetermined amount of offset; and a transparent resin that is filled in a gap in which the optical fiber mounting substrate and the optical waveguide substrate face each other. |
| US09417389B2 |
Coupling optical signals into silicon optoelectronic chips
A method and system for coupling optical signals into silicon optoelectronic chips are disclosed and may include coupling one or more optical signals into a back surface of a silicon photonic chip through a light path in a region where silicon is removed from said silicon photonic chip, wherein photonic devices may be integrated in layers on a front surface of the silicon photonic chip. Optical couplers, such as grating couplers, may receive the optical signals in the front surface. The optical signals may be coupled into the back surface of the chips via optical fibers and/or optical source assemblies. The region where silicon may be removed from said silicon photonic chip may comprise silicon dioxide. The chip may be bonded to a second chip. Optical signals may be reflected back to the optical couplers via metal reflectors, which may be integrated in dielectric layers on the chips. |
| US09417388B2 |
Spot-size conversion optical waveguide
A spot-size-converting optical waveguide includes a core portion. A first core portion of the core portion has a first straight portion and a first tapered portion. The first straight portion extends in a direction, having width and height that are approximately constant in the direction, and the first tapered portion is continuous with the first straight portion and decreases in width and height toward a termination portion. A second core portion of the core portion has a straight-portion-coating portion, a tapered-portion-coating portion, and a second tapered portion, the straight-portion-coating portion covers the first straight portion, the tapered-portion-coating portion covers the first tapered portion continuously with the straight-portion-coating portion and decreases in width and height along the first tapered portion's shape, and the second tapered portion increases in width and height toward the direction. A refractive index of the second core portion is lower than that of the first core portion. |
| US09417387B2 |
Graphene plasmonic communication link
A signal transfer link includes a first plasmonic coupler, and a second plasmonic coupler spaced apart from the first plasmonic coupler to form a gap. An insulator layer is formed over end portions of the first and second plasmonic couplers and in and over the gap. A plasmonic conductive layer is formed over the gap on the insulator layer to excite plasmons to provide signal transmission between the first and second plasmonic couplers. |
| US09417381B2 |
Optical fiber systems for delivering short high power pulses
Described is an optical fiber system for delivering ultrashort pulses with minimal distortions due to nonlinearity. The system is based on delivering the optical pulses in a higher order mode (HOM) of a few-moded fiber. The fiber is designed so that the dispersion for the HOM is very large. This results in a dispersion length LD for the delivery fiber that is exceptionally small, preferably less than the non-linear length LNL. Under these conditions the system may be designed so the optical pulses experience minimum non-linear impairment, and short pulse/high peak power levels are reproduced at the output of the delivery fiber. |
| US09417377B2 |
Display device
A display device in a display panel; a backlight unit configured to provide light to the display panel, the display pan& being arranged at a side of a first surface of the backlight unit; and a first light adjustment unit configured to be arranged at a side of a second surface of the backlight unit opposite to the first surface of the backlight unit, the first light adjustment unit including a plurality of reflection portions, reflection portions of the plurality of reflection portions being rotatable so as to be switchable between a light transmission mode and a light reflection mode. |
| US09417376B2 |
Dual-sided film with compound prisms
Dual-sided optical films have extended prisms formed in one major surface, and extended lenslets formed in an opposite major surface. Some or all of the prisms are compound prisms, in which the two inclined surfaces of each compound prism each include a tip portion, a base portion, and an intermediate portion disposed between the tip portion and the base portion, the intermediate and tip portions forming a concave shape and the intermediate and base portions forming a convex shape, or vice versa. When obliquely incident light, e.g. from a light guide, is incident on the prism side of the film, an output beam emerges from the lenslet side of the film. The output beam has an intensity distribution with a sharp left beam edge and a sharp right beam edge, these beam edges having 10%-to-90% transition angles of no more than 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2 degrees. |
| US09417373B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a light guide unit, a light source, a display panel and a protective member. The light guide unit includes a first surface, a second surface facing the first surface, and a plurality of connecting surfaces connecting the first surface and the second surface to each other, and guides a light which is incident to a connecting surface to the first surface. The light source provides light to the connecting surface. The display panel displays an image using the light provided from the first surface of the light guide unit. The protective member includes a plurality of reflective patterns facing another connecting surface among the plurality connecting surfaces, provides the light leaked from the light guide unit to the another connecting surface, and accommodates the light guide unit, the light source and the display panel therein. |
| US09417369B2 |
Retardation film web, circularly polarizing plate and organic EL panel
The present invention provides a retardation film web having sufficient reversed wavelength dispersion characteristics and favorable for film lamination according to a roll-to-roll system. A retardation film web of the present invention includes a polycarbonate resin or a polyester carbonate resin, an orientation angle θ which is an angle between a slow axis and a width direction satisfies the following formula (I), and a ratio of an in-plane retardation R450 measured at a wavelength of 450 nm to an in-plane retardation R550 measured at a wavelength of 550 nm satisfies the following formula (II): 38°≦θ≦52° (I) R450/R550<1 (II). |
| US09417368B2 |
Pressure sensitive adhesive film for an orientating treatment in a photo-orientable layer
The present invention relates to a pressure sensitive adhesive film for an orientating treatment of a photo-orientable layer, a laminated film, a method for preparing an optical filter or a stereoscopic image display device. In the present invention, the pressure sensitive adhesive film for an orientating treatment in a photo-orientable layer which can minimize the generation of the un-orientated regions, and can form the orientated pattern having high degrees of accuracy, and the preparation method for an optical filter using the pressure sensitive adhesive film are provided. Further, the present invention can provide the optical filter and the stereoscopic image display device having excellent performance. |
| US09417367B2 |
Pressure sensitive adhesive film for an orientating treatment in a photo-orientable layer
The present invention relates to a pressure sensitive adhesive film for an orientating treatment of a photo-orientable layer, a laminated film, a method for preparing an optical filter or a stereoscopic image display device. In the present invention, the pressure sensitive adhesive film for an orientating treatment in a photo-orientable layer which can minimize the generation of the un-orientated regions, and can form the orientated pattern having high degrees of accuracy, and the preparation method for an optical filter using the pressure sensitive adhesive film are provided. Further, the present invention can provide the optical filter and the stereoscopic image display device having excellent performance. |
| US09417366B2 |
Hybrid diffractive optical element and spectral beam combination grating
An integrated optical device that combines a diffractive optical element (DOE) to provide beam combining for coherent beams and a spectral beam combination (SBC) grating for combining beams of differing wavelengths. The device includes a substrate where a periodic pattern for the DOE is formed in the top surface of the substrate in a first direction. A plurality of reflective layers are deposited on the substrate over the periodic pattern so that the layers follow the shape of the pattern. A top dielectric layer is deposited on the plurality of reflective layers so that the top dielectric layer also follows the shape of the periodic pattern. A periodic grating for the SBC is formed into the top dielectric layer in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. |
| US09417365B2 |
Optical reflective film and optical reflector using the same
Provided are an optical reflective film which is a system that permits the employment of a water-based coating method in view of environmental conservation and which, even in a case where the optical reflective film is produced by simultaneous multilayer coating with high production efficiency, exhibits excellent light reflecting properties at a desired wavelength and a low haze due to the suppression of an interlaminar mixing level and interfacial disorder; and an optical reflector using the same. An optical reflective film including at least one unit obtained by laminating a high refractive index layer and a low refractive index layer on a substrate, wherein the high refractive index layer and the low refractive index layer each contain one or more of polyvinyl alcohols, and when a polyvinyl alcohol having the highest content in the high refractive index layer is referred to as a “polyvinyl alcohol (A)” and a polyvinyl alcohol having the highest content in the low refractive index layer is referred to as a “polyvinyl alcohol (B)”, a degree of saponification of the polyvinyl alcohol (A) is different from a degree of saponification of the polyvinyl alcohol (B). |
| US09417364B2 |
Light-diffusing element and polarizing plate provided therewith
There is provided a light diffusing element of a thin film, which has high light diffusibility and a small depolarization factor. A light diffusing element according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first region having a first refractive index; a refractive index modulation region having a substantially spherical shell shape, which surrounds the first region; and a second region having a second refractive index, which is positioned on a side of the refractive index modulation region opposite to the first region. The light diffusing element has a haze of 90% to 99.9% and a depolarization factor of 0.2% or less. |
| US09417363B2 |
Optical sheet, surface light source device and transmission-type display device
An optical sheet including a fly-eye lens is provided, which exhibits excellent optical functions, including desired light condensing ability, light diffusing ability and an ability for rendering a light source image substantially invisible, and can be produced with high reproducibility. The optical sheet includes a sheet-like main body, first unit shaped elements arranged on one surface of the main body and together constituting the fly-eye lens; and second unit shaped elements arranged on the one surface of the main body and extending in parallel with one direction on the sheet surface of the main body. The first unit shaped elements are arranged, with a space provided therebetween, on the one surface of the main body, while the second unit shaped elements are arranged between the first unit shaped elements on the one surface of the main body. |
| US09417362B2 |
Reflective structure and display apparatus employing the same
According to example embodiments, a reflective film includes a plurality of first concave-convex elements having a curved surface and a plurality of second concave-convex elements on the curved surface. The second concave-convex elements may be a smaller scale than a scale of the plurality of first concave-convex elements. The reflective structure may further include a color purity control element configured to reduce degradation of a color purity expressed by the reflective film. The color purity control element may be configured such that at least a complementary light with respect to a color light reflected by the reflective film travels in the same direction as the reflected color light. |
| US09417360B2 |
Stretched optical compensation film
Disclosed is a stretched optical compensation film which is a phase difference film containing a cellulose-based resin and having excellent optical properties. The stretched optical compensation film of the present invention contains 0.5 to 30 parts by mass of a β-diketone compound represented by Formula (I) with respect to 100 parts by mass of the cellulose-based resin. Positions R1 and R2 each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms which is optionally substituted, an arylalkyl group having 7 to 20 carbon atoms which is optionally substituted or an aryl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms which is optionally substituted. Position R3 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. |
| US09417358B2 |
Multi-information coupling prediction method of coal and gas outburst danger
Disclosed in the invention is a multi-information coupling prediction method of coal and gas outburst danger, which is achieved by establishing a multi-index coupling prediction model to detect indexes including original gas pressure of a coal layer, the original rock stress, the critical burst gas pressure of a coal sample, the mechanical performance of coal body, the exploit influence, the drilling cutting gas desorption index, the drilling cutting quantity index and the like, therefore to coupling predict the coal and gas outburst danger. By the multi-information coupling prediction method, the information of the coal and gas outburst danger can be fully complemented; the gas and crustal stress outburst danger prediction is carried out; the defects of insufficient complementation information of a single-index and inaccurate prediction are overcome; and the accuracy of the coal and gas outburst danger prediction is improved. |
| US09417347B2 |
Method and apparatus for noise control in ultrasonic sensors
The adjustable voltage regulator under control of a microcontroller applies controlled amplitude voltage in the range of 5 to 9 VDC to the sensor transmitter to adjust the output amplitude of the transmitter. The adjustable amplitude transmitter allows an occupancy sensor to have its total output energy adjusted to reduce environmental noise-induced false triggering and to conform to the area to be covered. Lowering the total ultrasonic energy in the monitored space lowers the sensitivity of the receiver to inappropriate activations. Lowering the input power to the transmitter also lowers the total internal system noise and provides an improved signal to noise ratio in the receiver. |
| US09417344B1 |
Glass cap wirebond protection for imaging tiles in an X or gamma ray indirect imaging detector
Wirebond protection is provided for imaging tiles in which the imaging sensor and PCB are mounted side-by-side on a tile carrier for use in X or Gamma Ray indirect imaging detectors without use of a “glob top” encapsulant. A glass cap comprising a bead of adhesive material and a lid is formed to provide an enclosed open-air cavity around the wire bonds. As such, any expansion of the bead material does not produce mechanical stress on the wire bonds. |
| US09417342B1 |
Nuclide decay discriminator system and method
A nuclide decay discriminator system and method is disclosed. The system utilizes a digital computing device (DCD) to capture radiation counts from a radiation detection device (RDD) such as a photon detector via the use of one or more integrated analog-to-digital converters (ADC). The radiation count information is then processed using a recursive procedure in the DCD that determines the desired nuclide to be evaluated and then defines the possible nuclide decay transition states. For each possible nuclide decay state, a recursive permutation of possible state transitions from this nuclide state is determined using a state permutation engine (SPE). Combinations of these state transition branches are linked to form state transition chains each having individual probabilities associated with the overall state transition chain. These state transition chain probabilities are applied to the RDD ADC data to form observed RDD radiation data radiation count probabilities and displayed in real-time. |
| US09417340B2 |
Compact geometry CT system
An imaging system is provided. The imaging system includes a rotating gantry. An x-ray source is mounted to the gantry. The system also includes a plurality of interchangeable x-ray detector modules is mounted to the gantry, opposite the x-ray source. The plurality of interchangeable detector modules includes a first detector module mounted at a first distance from the x-ray source and a second detector module mounted at a second distance from the x-ray source. The first distance is different from the second distance. |
| US09417337B2 |
Device for reading out exposed imaging plates
A combined device for reading out and erasing imaging plates comprises an eraser disposed down-stream of a readout unit at a short distance thereof, said eraser being separated from the readout unit by a light barrier. |
| US09417336B2 |
Radiation image conversion panel
A radiation image converting panel includes a flexible support, a photostimulable phosphor layer provided on the main surface of the support and made of a plurality of columnar crystals, a first protective film provided on the photostimulable phosphor layer, and a second protective film provided on the first protective film, the photostimulable phosphor layer is composed of a photostimulable phosphor including Eu-doped CsBr, the first protective film is provided so as to cover the upper surface and side surface of the photostimulable phosphor layer and fill a gap of the plurality of columnar crystals in the photostimulable phosphor layer, the pencil hardness of the second protective film is not more than the pencil hardness of the first protective film, and the radiation image converting panel has a flexibility of up to a bending radius of 15 mm. |
| US09417334B2 |
Radiation measuring instrument
Preprocessing is conducted on a unipolar pulse output from a photomultiplier tube, to thereby generate a bipolar signal (bipolar pulse). In the bipolar signal, the falling waveform portion (back slope) of the initial peak waveform is steep, and also cuts across the baseline, whereby it is possible to accurately identify the falling point as the zero crossing point. The accuracy of identification of the pulse width “t” can be improved thereby. In addition to the pulse width, further reference may be made to the crest value of the unipolar pulse, the crest value of the bipolar signal, and the like, when determining line type. |
| US09417333B2 |
Radiation imaging apparatus and radiation imaging system
A radiation imaging apparatus comprises: a detector that includes a detection unit in which pixels having a conversion element that converts radiation to an electric charge are arranged in a matrix shape, a drive circuit that drives the detection unit, and a read circuit that outputs an electric signal corresponding to the electric charge as image data; a radiation detection unit that detects a radiation irradiation state at a plurality of positions in the detection unit; and a control unit that controls operations of the drive circuit and the read circuit in accordance with a detection result obtained by the radiation detection unit, wherein the radiation detection unit detects a radiation irradiation state at least at a center region and a peripheral region in the detection unit, and a detection capability at the center region is set to a higher capability than a detection capability at the peripheral region. |
| US09417329B2 |
User experience of the connected automobile
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for initiating at least one process in a vehicle are provided. The apparatus determines an approximate position of the vehicle. In addition, the apparatus determines a shortest time period based on the determined approximate position in which one or more registered drivers of the vehicle is in proximity to the vehicle. Furthermore, the apparatus determines whether to initiate the at least one process within the vehicle based on the determined time period. |
| US09417324B2 |
Phase reference shift for SAR images generated from sub-aperture algorithms
Embodiments are directed to generating a plurality of sub-images associated with a target via a synthetic aperture radar, processing, by a processor, the sub-images using a sub-aperture algorithm to generate an intermediate image, and applying, by the processor, a phase shift to the intermediate image to generate an output image. |
| US09417323B2 |
SAR point cloud generation system
The SAR Point Cloud Generation System processes synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data acquired from multiple spatially separated SAR apertures in such a manner as to be able to calculate accurate three-dimensional positions of all of the scatterers within the imaged scene. No spatial averaging is applied thus preserving the high resolution of the original SAR data, and no phase unwrapping processes are required. The effects of height ambiguities are significantly reduced in the SAR Point Cloud Generation System. The SAR Point Cloud Generation System also self-filters against mixed-height pixels that can lead to incorrect height estimates. The system estimates scatterer height by a maximization of an Interferometric Response Function. |
| US09417320B2 |
Game device that generates a display with a simulated body image and methods for use therewith
A game device includes a first receiver that receives body motion signals from a plurality of remote motion sensing device coupled to a user's body. A user data generation module generates simulated body image data. A processor executes a game application that generates display signals for display on a display device, wherein the display signals are generated based on the simulated body image data. |
| US09417319B2 |
Method and arrangement for detecting traffic violations in a traffic light zone through rear end measurement by a radar device
The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for detecting a traffic violation in a traffic light zone through rear end measurement by a FMCW radar device. For this purpose, a vehicle driving through a radar beam of a FMCW radar device, whose first outer edge beam horizontally forms an obtuse angle with the roadway edge, is measured at its front end, flank and rear end. The vehicle length is determined from the obtained measurement signals and added to the specific radial distance of the vehicle, which is determined close to a stop line through the vehicle rear, and a prediction is made based on the vehicle speed about the vehicle front driving over the stop line. |
| US09417318B2 |
Method and system for configuring a leaky wave antenna utilizing micro-electro mechanical systems
Methods and systems for configuring a leaky wave antenna (LWA) utilizing micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) are disclosed and may include configuring a resonant frequency of one or more LWAs in a wireless device utilizing MEMS actuation. RF signals may be communicated using the LWAs. The LWAs may be integrated in metal layers in a chip, an integrated circuit package, and/or a printed circuit board in the wireless device. The LWAs may include microstrip waveguides where a cavity height of the LWAs may be dependent on a spacing between conductive lines in the microstrip waveguides. The LWAs may be configured to transmit the wireless signals at a desired angle. The integrated circuit package may be affixed to a printed circuit board and an integrated circuit may be flip-chip-bonded to the integrated circuit package. An air gap may be integrated adjacent to one or more of the metal layers for the MEMS actuation. |
| US09417311B2 |
Method and device for phase-based localization of a target device using interval analysis
Location of underwater moving target device carrying a receiver configured to detect acoustic waves emitted at a known location is estimated such that to be consistent with detected velocity and orientation of the target device, and with a current phase of a signal corresponding to the acoustic waves detected at the target device. A stack including one or more boxes obtained by applying contractors to location boxes is output as the estimate of the location of the moving target device. |
| US09417310B2 |
Airport target tracking system
A system for tracking objects using an intelligent Video processing system in the context of airport surface monitoring. The system addresses airport surface monitoring operational issues such as all weather conditions, high robustness, and low false report rate. The output can be used to complement existing airport surface monitoring systems. By combining the use of multi-sensors and an adverse weather optimized system, the system is capable of producing an improved stream of information for the target object over traditional computer vision based airport surface monitoring systems. |
| US09417307B2 |
Automatic three-dimensional approach method for RF coil assessment in clinical MRI
Methods, apparatus and systems are provided for determining the performance of one or more receiver coils of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine, or a hybrid-MRI machine, employing a substantially uniform 3D phantom and constructing a composite 3D image of the phantom from signals received by a plurality of receiver coils of the MRI or hybrid-MRI machine. |
| US09417303B2 |
Digital amplitude control and digital phase control of a high-frequency signal
A method for digital amplitude control and digital phase control of a high-frequency signal is provided. A digital command signal specifies in complex form, including a real subcomponent and an imaginary subcomponent, an amplitude and a phase of the high-frequency signal that is to be controlled. A digital activation signal is output to a high-frequency unit for the purpose of generating the high-frequency signal. A digital signal deviation value is received in complex form including a real subcomponent and an imaginary subcomponent. The signal deviation value expresses a deviation of the high-frequency signal from the command signal with respect to the amplitude and the phase. The digital activation signal is determined from the command signal while taking into consideration the signal deviation value. The determination of the real subcomponent and the imaginary subcomponent takes place separately in each case. |
| US09417302B2 |
Therapeutic apparatus for treating a subject using magnetic nanoparticles
A therapeutic apparatus for treating a subject comprising: a first heating means adapted for heating a first region of the subject, a first control means for controlling the power directed into the first region by the first heating means such that the power stays below a threshold value, a particle heating means adapted for heating magnetic nanoparticles within a second region of the subject using a time varying magnetic field, wherein the first region comprises the second region. |
| US09417292B1 |
Thermomagnetic temperature sensing
A thermomagnetic sensor includes a thermomagnetic probe that includes a ferromagnetic material having a temperature-dependent magnetic permeability characterized by a maximum magnetic permeability value at a temperature below a Curie temperature of the ferromagnetic material. The thermomagnetic sensor further includes an alternating magnetic field source to produce an alternating magnetic field in a vicinity of the thermomagnetic probe to facilitate a measurement of the temperature-dependent magnetic permeability as function of temperature remotely using a thermomagnetic effect. A predetermined relationship between the temperature-dependent magnetic permeability and temperature in a range between the maximum magnetic permeability value and the Curie temperature provides a measurement of a temperature local to the thermomagnetic probe. A battery-temperature measurement system includes the thermomagnetic probe in a battery, a magnetic field coil to apply the alternating magnetic field, and a magnetic permeability measurement apparatus to measure the temperature-dependent magnetic permeability. |
| US09417288B2 |
Process for auto-testing a fully discharged battery, such as double-layer capacitor battery, and circuit for doing the same
A process for performing an auto-test of a fully discharged battery (130) of an electronic appliance including a battery charger (160), said process involving the steps of: performing (210) an initialization phase; charging (220) said battery (130) with a predetermined constant current during a predefined period allowing stabilization of said current (Icurrent); detecting (230) the voltage of said battery after said predefined period, said battery being still in charge; testing (240) whether said sensed voltage is comprised within a predetermined range of threshold values (V1, V2), and reporting a battery failure when said sensed value is outside said range. The invention is particularly adapted to the auto-test of a backup battery made of Electric double layer capacitors or any fully discharged backup battery. |
| US09417286B2 |
Sensor enhancement through algorithmic acquisition using synchronization with a scan generator
A system and method for image enhancement associated with scan generators is provided. For example, a source stimulates a device under test (DUT) at electrical interconnects. An internal clock of the DUT is synchronized with the scan rate of the source to reduce the noise of the output signal and enhance a resultant image. A phase adjustment is effected to further reduce the noise in the signal. The synchronization and the phase adjustment seek to ensure that the data is collected at uniform times relative to the reference signal and thereby reduce the noise introduced into the system, by such offsets. Post-scan processing increases the signal-to-noise ratio through averaging techniques. Using a pixel overlay algorithm the averaged data is transformed into a 2-D array and the image of the DUT reconstructed. |
| US09417281B1 |
Adjustable split-beam optical probing (ASOP)
A practical method for greatly enhancing the strength of the modulated signal from laser probing of IC's is described. An IC device under test (DUT) is scanned with two spatially separated laser beams. The output from a single laser source is split into two separate components with each focused on different areas of the DUT. The separation between the beams and their intensity is adjustable to maximize the strength of the modulated return signal. Typically a NIR laser is used with flip-chip IC devices to account for the band-gap (transmission) characteristics of the substrate material. Upon reflection from the DUT, the reflected beams are recombined to interfere with one another. The phase difference of the two beams is adjustable to gain maximum interference. This signal is then processed to obtain the waveforms that correspond to the actions of the active gates and nodes as the chip is electronically cycled through its prescribed test loop. This method significantly improves the signal to noise ratio and reduces the time it takes to acquire a useful voltage waveform. |
| US09417280B2 |
System and method for analyzing voltage breakdown in electrostatic chucks
A system, instructions and a method of determining when an impending failure is likely to occur absent corrective action are disclosed. The system samples the output of a power supply which powers an electrostatic chuck, and determines when that output is outside acceptable limits. The output is sampled at a sufficiently high frequency so as to detect transient anomalies, which are not detectable at lower sampling rates. In some embodiments, the output is converted to a frequency spectrum. The empirical model is compared to known good reference models and, in some embodiments, failure reference models of known failure modes to determine whether an impending failure will occur, and which type of failure. |
| US09417278B1 |
System for locating a fault in a power distribution system comprising at least one solar panel distributed resource
The present invention provides a system to ensure that distributed resources of a power distribution system remain connected to the circuitry of the power distribution system when a fault occurs at a distributed resource node to assist in identifying the location of the fault by continuing to inject current from the distributed resources into the distribution system, wherein at least one of the distributed resources is a solar panel. |
| US09417274B2 |
Electric circuit evaluation method
The electric circuit evaluation method according to the present invention is characterized in that a designated electric circuit is placed inside a shield structure, a noise signal for a malfunction test is inputted to the designated electric circuit, a short-circuit is established between a ground of the shield structure and a ground of a noise source for inputting a noise signal for a malfunction test to the designated electric circuit, and the ground of the designated electric circuit and the ground of the shield structure are isolated. |
| US09417266B2 |
Implementing handheld transfer impedance probe
A method and structures implement an enhanced handheld transfer impedance probe including a rigid probe housing body that carries a pair of coaxial RF connectors providing connections to a network analyzer. A base member includes a respective pair of independent electrical contacts and a common interconnect electrical contact. Each of the respective electrical contacts includes a respective associated electrically conductive compressible pad. Each respective compressible pad extends between rigid stops having a set height to limit gasket compression and enable repeatable gasket compressions for repeatable measurements with the handheld transfer impedance probe. An interconnection structure includes respective interconnects connecting between the coaxial RF connectors and respective electrical contacts. The respective interconnects are contained within the rigid probe housing body and arranged to prevent movement of the respective electrical contacts and the associated electrically conductive compressible pads. |
| US09417265B2 |
Signal display device, method, and recording medium
According to the present invention, a signal display device includes: a first characteristic value measurement unit, a display unit, a second characteristic value measurement unit, and a display form changing unit. The first characteristic value measurement unit measures any one of characteristic values of a signal to be measured, and the display unit displays the characteristic value measured by the first characteristic value measurement unit while the characteristic value is associated with time. The second characteristic value measurement unit measures any one of the characteristic values of the signal to be measured, and the display form changing unit changes a display form on the display unit according to the characteristic value measured by the second characteristic value measurement unit. |
| US09417262B2 |
Scanning probe microscope and sample observation method using same
The purpose of the present invention is to increase the detection light amount of near-field light, which is generated in a liquid between a measurement probe and a sample-to-be-inspected, at the time of employing a near-field scanning microscope for measurement in a liquid, and to improve measurement reproducibility and the SN ratio of near-field light images. The present invention provides a scanning probe microscope comprising: a measurement probe that is relatively scanned over a sample-to-be-inspected; a laser beam irradiation system that irradiates the measurement probe with a laser beam; a sample cell that holds the sample-to-be-inspected and that transmits scattered light of near-field light generated between the measurement probe and the sample-to-be-inspected by the laser beam irradiation; and a detector that detects the scattered light that has passed through the sample cell. |
| US09417259B2 |
Acceleration sensor
An acceleration sensor is provided. The acceleration sensor contains a first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element. An electrically insulative element is connected to the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element, where at least a portion of the first electrically conductive element and at least a portion of the second electrically conductive element make contact with the electrically insulative element. At least one electrically conductive spring is located within a cavity of the sensor, wherein the cavity is defined by at least one surface of the first electrically conductive element, at least one surface of the electrically insulative element, and at least one surface of the second electrically conductive element. |
| US09417253B2 |
Specimen processing system and specimen container classifying apparatus
A specimen processing system comprising: a specimen measuring section for measuring specimens accommodated in specimen containers; a transport section for transporting specimen containers to the specimen measuring section; a specimen container collect section for collecting specimen containers; an obtainer for obtaining shape information on specimen containers or state information on specimens accommodated in specimen containers; a supply judger configured for determining whether specimen containers are to be supplied to the specimen measuring section on the basis of the result obtained by the obtainer; and a delivery section for delivering specimen containers, which are determined to be supplied to the specimen measuring section by the supply judger, toward the transport section, and delivering specimen containers, which are determined not to be supplied to the specimen measuring section by the supply judger, toward the specimen container collect section, is disclosed. A specimen container classifying apparatus is also disclosed. |
| US09417251B2 |
Methods and systems for screening compositions comprising non-anticoagulant sulfated polysaccharides
Aspects of the invention include methods for identifying one or more NASP (non-anticoagulant sulfated polysaccharide) compositions that are suitable for treating a subject having a blood coagulation disorder. In practicing methods according to certain embodiments, NASP compositions are evaluated by determining the coagulation activity and chemical makeup of the NASP composition and the molecular structure of the NASP. Systems for practicing methods of the invention as well as compositions suitable for treating a subject having a blood coagulation disorder are also described. |
| US09417250B2 |
Methods and compositions for diagnosis and prognosis of renal injury and renal failure
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis, and determination of treatment regimens in subjects suffering from or suspected of having a renal injury. In particular, the invention relates to using assays that detect one or more markers selected from the group consisting of cytochrome c and insulin-like growth factor IA as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in renal injuries. |
| US09417241B2 |
5, 10, 15, 20-tetrakis (carboxyphenyl) porphine (TCPP) and kit for use with detecting cancer
Presented is a kit containing TCPP for use in prognosing a patient's response to a cancer therapy wherein prior to the therapy contacting a sample of cells from the patient's tissue or organ being treated for the cancer with a solution of TCPP to permit binding of the TCPP to components of the abnormal dysplastic or carcinomic cells, if any are present; detecting TCPP fluorescence in the sample, the presence of TCPP fluorescence being indicative that the sample contains dysplastic or carcinomic cells; at intervals during the therapy and subsequent to the therapy performing steps a-c on another sample of cells from the patient's tissue or organ being treated for the cancer; and determining if the percentage of abnormal pre-cancerous cells in the samples tested during and subsequent to the therapy are reduced as compared with the sample tested prior to the therapy, the reduction being prognostic of the patients response to the cancer therapy. |
| US09417239B2 |
Assay to determine LRRK2 activity in parkinson's disease
Disclosed are novel phosphorylation sites identified in LRRK2 and associated with Parkinson's Disease, antibodies that specifically bind to the novel phosphorylation sites, and laboratory and clinical uses thereof. |
| US09417231B2 |
Urine sample analyzing method and sample analyzer including classifying epithelial cells into at least two types based on the change of polarization condition
Disclosed is a urine sample analyzing method comprising: flowing a measurement specimen prepared by mixing a urine sample and reagent through a flow cell; irradiating epithelial cells in the measurement specimen flowing through the flow cell with linearly polarized light and thereby producing scattered light; detecting a change of polarization condition of the scattered light produced by each of the epithelial cells; and classifying the epithelial cells into at least two types based on the change of polarization condition. |
| US09417230B2 |
Methods for diagnosis and intervention of hepatic disorders
The disclosure provides a method for quantification of hepatic function in a subject comprising measuring the clearance of an orally administered isotopically labeled cholic acid in a subject with, or suspected of having or developing, a hepatic disorder, for example, chronic hepatitis C. The disclosure further provides methods and kits for assessment of hepatic function. |
| US09417228B2 |
Method of predicting viscosity behavior of thermosetting resin, simulation software, method of producing thermosetting resin, and underfill produced in the production method
A method of predicting viscosity behavior of a thermosetting resin is provided that is capable of predicting viscosity behavior of a thermosetting resin and void generation in the underfill is suppressed while good solder connection is obtained. The method includes: measuring a reaction rate and measuring viscosity behavior to measure a calorimetry peak and viscosity behavior of the thermosetting resin with three or more rates of temperature increase respectively; fitting a reaction rate to fit measurement data with each rate of temperature increase obtained by the measuring a reaction rate to a Kamal model formula to obtain fitting curves; fitting viscosity behavior to fit parameters in the Kamal model formula and the measurement data for each rate of temperature increase obtained by the measuring viscosity behavior to a Castro-Macosko model formula to obtain fitting curves; and calculating virtual viscosity behavior to calculate virtual viscosity behavior of the thermosetting resin at the arbitrary rate of temperature increase by simulation based on each fitting curve for each rate of temperature increase obtained by the fitting viscosity behavior. |
| US09417227B2 |
Methods for detecting sulfur
A method for rapid detection of sulfur in a gypsum sample by causing emission of sulfur from the sample as vapors, reacting the vapors with silver nitrate and detecting sulfur by monitoring for color change. A kit for rapid detection of sulfur in a gypsum sample is also provided. Further methods include those in which the amount of sulfur in a gypsum sample is quantified in colorimetric analysis with silver nitrate and gypsum standards with known concentrations of sulfur. |
| US09417223B2 |
System and method for automatically adjusting gas sensor settings and parameters
A system and method are disclosed including an automatic sensor excitation voltage adjustment feature, a multi-range concentration feature, and a single calibration feature. The automatic sensor excitation voltage adjustment feature may include a transmitter having an associated microprocessor that provides an initial voltage to an associated sensor. The sensor may include a microprocessor, and as the voltage changes a correction signal may be relayed from the sensor microprocessor to the transmitter microprocessor. The correction signal may be used by the transmitter microprocessor to adjust the voltage applied to the sensor. The multi-range concentration sensor feature may include an amplifier associated with the sensor/microprocessor to create gain settings used to optimize sensor resolution by changing a gain value associated with the sensor. This, in turn, enables a single sensor to be used for a variety of different concentration ranges, as desired by a user. The single calibration feature enables a sensor to be calibrated at a single gas concentration value, and thereafter be used for a variety of different concentration range applications. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09417222B2 |
Gas analyzer
A gas analyzer includes: a gas measuring portion which performs a measurement on a gas; a case which houses the gas measuring portion; a liquid separator which includes a reservoir for storing a liquid component separated from the gas; a holder portion which holds the liquid separator; and a rotation mechanism which mounts the holder portion to the case. |
| US09417220B2 |
Integrated hydrocarbon analysis
Petroleum or other hydrocarbon samples can be analyzed in parallel by 1) GC-field ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer (GC-FI-TOF MS) and 2) two dimensional gas chromatography (2D-GC) equipped with a flame ionization detector (FID). The combined techniques allow for improved quantitative characterization of the compounds within a hydrocarbon sample. The techniques can be combined by correlating the 2D-GC FID data with the GC-FI-TOF MS data based on correlation of compound classes, correlation of retention windows within a compound class, correlation of individual compounds, such as paraffins, or a combination thereof. |
| US09417219B2 |
Sample separation device with valve
A sample separation device for separating a sample comprises a first fluid supply path for supplying a first fluid, a second fluid supply path for supplying a second fluid, a sample separation unit adapted for separating the sample, a sensor configured for determining a value of a parameter related to the fluid, and a valve configured for selectively coupling both of the first and second fluid supply paths to the sensor and to the sample separation unit, or coupling one of the first and second fluid supply paths to the sensor. |
| US09417217B2 |
System for detecting and locating a disturbance in a medium and corresponding method
A system including a mechanism emitting successive acoustic waves in a medium, a mechanism receiving the successive acoustic waves after propagation thereof in the medium, configured to supply a reception signal based on the successive acoustic waves received, and a mechanism detecting and locating disturbance in the medium on the basis of the reception signal. The emitting mechanism is configured such that, amplitude and/or phase spectrum of each acoustic wave having, at a specific frequency at least, an amplitude, or phase, varying in the medium according to a specific spatial distribution of the amplitude, or phase, and the spatial distributions of the amplitude, or phase, of the successive acoustic waves are mutually different. |
| US09417216B2 |
Atomic layer deposition inverted passivated surface acoustic wave sensor for early detection of biofilm growth
A surface acoustic wave (SAW) biofilm sensor includes a transmitting electric to acoustic wave transducer defining an upper surface and a lower surface, a receiving acoustic wave to electric transducer defining an upper surface and a lower surface, a piezoelectric film layer defining an upper surface and a lower surface, and a passivation film layer defining an upper surface and a lower surface. Portions of the lower surface of the piezoelectric film layer are disposed on the upper surface of the transmitting electric to acoustic wave transducer and on the upper surface of the receiving acoustic wave to electric transducer, and the lower surface of the passivation film layer is disposed on the upper surface of the piezoelectric film layer such that the upper surface of the passivation film layer is configured to enable contact with a biofilm. |
| US09417207B2 |
Gas sensing apparatus
A method of selectively sensing the concentration of a target gas in polluted ambient air comprises the steps of: —providing a target gas sensor (220) sensitive to the target gas; —providing a first gas flow derived from the ambient air, from which first flow the target gas is substantially removed; —providing a second gas flow derived from the ambient air, substantially comprising the same target gas concentration as the ambient air; —exposing the target gas sensor to the first gas flow during a first time interval, and obtaining from the sensor a first output signal (Smf); —exposing the target gas sensor to the second gas flow during a second time interval not overlapping with the first time interval, and obtaining a second output signal (Smu); —calculating the difference (SΔ) between the first and the second output signals; calculating the concentration of the target gas from the calculated signal difference (SΔ). |
| US09417205B2 |
Analyte measurement devices and systems, and components and methods related thereto
In some aspects, a modular analyte measurement system having a replaceable strip port module is provided to permit contaminated modules to be replaced. Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to barriers for strip ports or the sealing of strip ports and/or analyte measurement devices to maintain a clean strip port and/or enable the strip port to be cleaned for reuse. Cleaning tools are also provided. Also provided are strip port interfaces that guide fluid away from the strip port opening, as well as absorptive elements that prevent fluid from entering a strip port. Analyte measurement devices with gravity sensors or accelerometers are also provided, along with methods related thereto. Also provided is a docking station that serves as an information server and provides storage and recharging capabilities. |
| US09417199B2 |
Method and system of wireless power transfer foreign object detection
A wireless power transfer foreign object detector having, at least one secondary receiver coil, an adjustable load electrically coupled to the at least one secondary receiver coil, and at least one temperature sensor providing at least one temperature detection signal, wherein the at least one temperature sensor is responsive to at least one thermal state of the at least one secondary receiver coil, and wherein foreign object detection is based at least in part upon the at least one temperature detection signal. |
| US09417196B2 |
X-ray diffraction based crystal centering method using an active pixel array sensor in rolling shutter mode
A method of centering a single crystal sample in the X-ray beam of a diffractometer uses detection of diffraction spots with an active pixel sensor operated in rolling shutter mode. A sample is mounted in the automated goniometer head of the diffractometer and an approximate center of the sample found through which three perpendicular sample axes pass. With a first sample axis perpendicular to a center axis of the X-ray beam, the sample is moved along the first axis from a first position outside of the beam, through the beam and then to a second position outside of the beam. The positions at which first the presence and then the absence of diffraction spots are detected are determined, and the steps repeated for each of the other two perpendicular directions. A precise center may then be found by determining the centroid of the six coordinates thereby obtained. |
| US09417190B2 |
Calibrations and controls for droplet-based assays
System, including methods and apparatus, for performing droplet-based assays that are controlled and/or calibrated using signals detected from droplets. |
| US09417187B2 |
Method for determining the surface gloss of a colour standard
The invention relates to a method for determining the gloss of a colour standard comprising the following steps: A) experimentally determining reflection spectra R(exp) of the colour standard, comprising a first reflection spectrum and a second reflection spectrum, with an integrating sphere colour measurement instrument, wherein said first reflection spectrum is obtained at (A1) d/8°—geometry with the specular component included, and said second reflection spectrum is obtained at (A2) d/8°—geometry with the specular component excluded, and B) converting reflection spectra data of the experimentally determined reflection spectra R(exp) of the colour standard to gloss values by: B1) acquiring the difference reflection spectrum ΔR of the experimentally determined reflection spectrum R(exp) with the specular component included (A1) and the reflection spectrum R(exp) with the specular component excluded (A2), and B2) determining the gloss values corresponding to said difference reflection spectrum ΔR with the assistance of previously prepared calibration curves, representing the functional relationship between the difference reflection spectrum ΔR and the gloss values measured at one or more gloss angles. |
| US09417182B2 |
Prism member, terahertz-wave spectroscopic measurement device, and terahertz-wave spectroscopic measurement method
A prism member having an entrance surface for arranging a terahertz-wave generator for generating a terahertz wave in response to pump light incident thereon, an arrangement part for arranging an object to be measured, an exit surface for arranging a terahertz-wave detector for detecting a correlation between the terahertz wave transmitted through the object in the arrangement part and probe light, a first optical surface for collimating or condensing the terahertz wave incident thereon from the entrance surface toward the arrangement part, and a second optical surface for condensing the terahertz wave transmitted through the arrangement part toward the exit surface, the arrangement part forms a depression adapted to be filled with a liquid incapable of dissolving the object therein. |
| US09417181B2 |
Dynamic measurement of density using terahertz radiation with real-time thickness measurement for process control
A method of determining a density of a roller compacted ribbon is disclosed. The method comprises compacting dry pharmaceutical powder between press rollers of a roller compactor to produce a compact ribbon. The method also comprises determining a thickness at a point on the compact ribbon in a non-invasive manner after it has rolled out from in between the press rollers. Further, the method comprises passing the compact ribbon through a gap in between the terahertz emitter and the terahertz detector. Next, the method comprises determining a refractive index at the point on the compact ribbon using a measurement value from the terahertz emitter and the terahertz detector and a measured value for the thickness at the point. Finally, the method comprises computing a density of the compact ribbon at the point using a value of the refractive index. |
| US09417180B2 |
Optical measuring methods and system
In an optical measuring method, a reflected light from a structure on a substrate is detected by a measuring tool to obtain a raw spectrum. The raw spectrum in a wavelength range having spectrum sensitivity to process variation is analyzed to determine a process variation of an actual process performed on the substrate. The raw spectrum is corrected according to a spectrum offset for the measuring tool which is determined based on the process variation. |
| US09417177B2 |
Method for examining samples of unconsolidated porous media
A sample of an unconsolidated porous medium is frozen and at subzero temperature is placed into contact with a frozen solution of an X-ray contrast agent. Upon the end of saturation of the sample, X-ray computed microtomography of the sample is conducted at subzero temperatures and by means of analyzing the obtained computer tomograhic image, spatial distribution and concentration of ice and/or gas hydrate inclusions, open and closed porosity, pore size distribution, specific surface in the sample are determined. |
| US09417176B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting and registering properties of samples
A laser beam (4) is guided onto or through a sample (1) which while exposed to the laser is scanned by means of a digital scanner (2). The apparatus for performing this method comprises a laser light source (3) and a digital scanner (2). |
| US09417166B2 |
System and method for increased cooling rates in rapid cooling of small biological samples
A method and devices for rapid cooling of small biological samples by plunging them in a cryogenic liquid, such as liquid nitrogen, or contacting them with a cryogenic metal surface, reduce or eliminate the cold gas layer that forms above the liquid cryogens or cryogenic surfaces, producing an abrupt transition from ambient (e.g., room) temperature to the cryogen temperature as the sample enters the liquid or contacts the surface. To reduce or eliminate the effects of the cold gas layer, a flow of warm dry gas can be directed along the plunge path, for example. By removing this cold gas layer, cooling times for a 10 micron sample (the size of single cells and the smallest protein crystals now used protein crystallography) will decrease to ˜0.001 s. |
| US09417165B2 |
Device, systems and methods for analyzing a target analyte
This disclosure is directed to a cap for obtaining a target analyte from a suspension. The cap introduces a magnetic field or a magnetic gradient to the tube to draw the target analyte bound to a particle to the cap. In one aspect, a cap includes a magnetic insert and a receiving piece. The magnetic insert includes a stopper and a magnet extending from the stopper; and, the receiving piece, which is configured to hold the magnetic insert, includes a receiving stopper and a sheath. The sheath may include imaging slides on opposite sides of the sheath. In another aspect, the cap may include a stopper and an embedded magnet. The cap may include an analysis piece on a bottom end of the stopper. In yet another aspect, the cap may include a fluid compartment and a filter at a bottom end of the stopper. |
| US09417161B2 |
Drainable sight glass and associated methods
Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods of use and a (trainable sight glass assembly for use with a sump pump having a pump housing and being adapted to view the condition of oil disposed, within the pump housing. In some embodiments, the drainable sight glass assembly can comprise a sight glass housing having an upper disk layer with a first diameter and a first threaded receptacle formed therein disposed on a top side of the sight glass housing, a lower disk portion with a second diameter and a second threaded receptacle formed therein and disposed on a bottom side of the sight glass housing, and a substantially transparent wall portion connecting upper disk layer to the lower disk portion so that the sight glass has a hollow, substantially frustoconically shaped interior when oil is not in the sight glass housing. |
| US09417159B2 |
Tire testing machine
A tire testing machine of the present invention performs tests on a tire in a testing station, and prints a mark based on the test result in a predetermined mark position of the tire after undergoing the tests by means of a marking device. A controller of the tire testing machine previously stores therein the contents of the tests for performing the tests, and causes the testing machine to perform the tests according to a recipe. In order to freely set the marking setting conditions for marking in the marking device, the controller of the marking device previously stores therein a first marking setting condition as the recipe, and also stores therein a second marking setting condition different from the recipe by an input device as a script. Marking is performed according to the contents of the marking setting condition described in either the recipe or script selected. |
| US09417158B2 |
Electronic unit for measuring operating parameters of a vehicle wheel, comprising an electronic module and an inflation valve
The electronic unit includes an inflation valve adapted to be secured to a wheel rim and including an abutment head against the rim, extending in the continuation of which are a rigid tube, an electronic module mounted in a slidable manner along the tube, and elements for the relative locking in translation of the module along the tube, defining at least two positions of relative locking, each adapted to correspond to a preselected thickness of the rim intended to be equipped with the unit. The module and abutment head include two complementary front faces adapted in order to come into correspondence at a predetermined minimum distance from each other that is identical for all the preselected widths of rims intended to be equipped with the unit. Optical tracking devices are provided to permit verification of whether the distance separating the two complementary front faces corresponds to the predetermined minimum distance. |
| US09417157B2 |
Wheel balancing machine with a tire removing device
A wheel balancing machine having a tire removing device includes a rotation shaft upon which a wheel is mounted and elements for fixing the wheel to the rotation shaft. The device further includes a plate fixed rigidly to the tire removing device, and a tubular element connected to the plate which rotatably accommodates the rotation shaft. The wheel balancing device further includes a plurality of sensors fixed to the plate. The sensors are connected to the tubular element and adapted to measure the forces that constrain the tubular element when the rotation shaft and the wheel are turning and provide a measurement of the forces generated by the dynamic imbalance of the wheel. The plate includes a plurality of slots. The tire removing device includes arms with ends that engage in the plurality of slots to rigidly fix the wheel balancing device to the tire removing device. |
| US09417153B2 |
Balloon catheter apparatus for high pressure leak detection
An inflatable, balloon-type catheter apparatus which is conformable to fit most all intake and exhaust systems to delivery pressure (with or without smoke) to test the fluid integrity of the fluid system. The device is configured to be inserted into the canal of the intake or exhaust system and inflated to seal off the fluid system. The pressurized smoke is passed through the inflated inlet adapter to test for leaks. |
| US09417152B2 |
Combination smoke machine and nitrogen generator
A portable, hand-held combination smoke machine and nitrogen generator having particular application for supplying a mixture of smoke and inert, non-combustible nitrogen gas to a closed fluid system (e.g., the evaporative or air brake system of a motor vehicle) so that the presence and location of a leak can be detected. The nitrogen generator is preferably a compact, commercially-available nitrogen generating membrane tube that is sized to be grasped and lifted in the hand of a user. The smoke machine has a smoke generator device that is adapted to produce smoke and is coupled to the nitrogen generating membrane tube so that a supply of nitrogen gas is delivered from the tube to the smoke generator device at which to be mixed with smoke. The nitrogen gas carries the smoke outwardly from the smoke generator device of the smoke machine to the system being tested for leaks. |
| US09417150B2 |
Pressure transmitter for measuring the pressure of a process fluid and related method
A pressure transmitter and method for measuring pressure exerted by a fluid on the diaphragm of the pressure transmitter. A pressure sensor assembly can include a diaphragm displaceable under pressure exerted by the fluid, and first and second electronic circuits generating first and second oscillating signals, respectively, whose frequencies depend on the displacement of the diaphragm. First and second numerical values which are representative of the oscillating frequencies of the first and second oscillating signals, respectively. A signal indicates pressure exerted by the fluid on the diaphragm based on the first and second calculated numerical values. |
| US09417149B2 |
System for calibration of a compressor unit in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system
The present invention provides for a system for calibrating operation of a compressor unit in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. A measuring device measures an operating parameter of the HVAC system at a position where the measuring device is mounted on a refrigerant line of the HVAC system. The measuring device switches states when the value of the measured operating parameter reaches a switching value. A controller estimates a value of the first operating parameter at the position where the first measuring device is mounted on the refrigerant line, and the controller determines whether the estimated first operating parameter is within a threshold percentage of the switching value. |
| US09417148B2 |
Indicating assembly for a pressurized container
An indicating assembly for a container in which pressurized fluid is stored comprises a valve assembly connected to the pressurized container and having a fluid passage for receiving the pressurized fluid and a piston movable within the valve assembly along a longitudinal axis in response to fluid pressure within the fluid passage. The assembly further comprises an indicating member movable in response to longitudinal movement of the piston between a first condition providing a first indicator portion representing fluid pressure below a threshold pressure and a second condition providing a second indicator portion representing fluid pressure above the threshold pressure. |
| US09417147B2 |
Optical sensor
A device comprising measurement (7) and reference (3) interferometers is disclosed. Each interferometer is configured to receive light from the same light source (1) and to emit light to respective detectors (6) and has a respective operating point. The measurement interferometer (7) is configured to respond to variations in a physical parameter by varying the intensity of light emitted, whereas the reference interferometer (3) is configured to be unresponsive to variations in the physical parameter. The device further comprises a signal processor for generating a differential output signal depending on respective output signals generated by the detectors (6). |
| US09417145B2 |
Cap analysis technique
A technique to assess or analyze cap removal or opening torque or rotational position is provided. In at least one form, a high speed, on-line machine vision system measures or determines the rotational position of a cap on a bottle, measures or determines the rotational position of the finish or neck of the same bottle, and then optionally uses such positional information to predict the opening or removal torque that will be required for a consumer to remove the bottle cap from the bottle. |
| US09417144B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for power measurement
A power measurement device, which may be mounted to an inside area of a crank arm, includes processing circuitry within a housing. The processing circuitry is coupled with strain gauges mounted on the crank arm, and produces a power value that is wireless transmitted to a separate display that may receive and display power measurements. The housing may include a mounted portion and a cantilever portion where the mounted portion houses the processing circuitry and the cantilever portion houses batteries supply energy for the processing circuitry and other features. |
| US09417138B2 |
Gas coupled probe for substrate temperature measurement
A low pressure temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of a substrate during semiconductor device manufacturing is generally described. Various embodiments describe a gas chamber having an opening disposed within a dielectric plate of a platen with a seal disposed around the opening in the gas chamber such that the opening in the gas chamber may be sealed against the substrate. Furthermore, a temperature sensor and a spring are disposed in the gas chamber, the spring biased to place the temperature sensor in contact with the substrate. Additionally, a gas source configured to pressurize the gas chamber with a low pressure gas in order to increase thermal conductivity between the substrate and the temperature sensor is provided. |
| US09417137B2 |
Liquid based ice protection test systems and methods
A liquid based ice protection test system for testing an aircraft part having a first heating element comprises a tub configured for retaining a low temperature bath. The system also includes a first support member for suspending the aircraft part in the tub and a first temperature sensing device for sensing temperatures from one or more locations of a skin of the aircraft part. |
| US09417128B2 |
Emission signal visualization device
An emission signal visualization device includes a front video camera for photographing a measured object from the front, a signal detecting sensor for detecting an emission signal generated from the measured object, a lateral video camera for photographing the signal detecting sensor from a lateral, a spectrum analyzer, and an analyzing body unit, and records and analyzes the state of the spatial distribution of signals detected by the signal detecting sensor. |
| US09417124B1 |
Utilizing a quench time to deionize an ultraviolet (UV) sensor tube
Utilizing a quench time to deionize an ultraviolet (UV) sensor tube are described herein. One method includes monitoring firing events within a UV sensor tube, where a particular firing event initiates arming the UV sensor tube, initiating a quench time to deionize the UV sensor tube, where the quench time includes, disarming the UV sensor tube to prevent a firing event. |
| US09417118B2 |
Device for vibration compensation of the weight signal of a weighing sensor
Device for vibration compensation of weighing sensor weight signals, with a weighing signal branch having an analog/digital converter unit to which a weighing sensor analog weighing signal is fed, and that generates a digital weighing signal that contains discrete sample values of the sampled analog weighing signal of the weighing sensor. At least one compensation signal branch has an analog/digital converter unit to which an acceleration sensor analog noise quantity is fed for detecting a specified acceleration noise quantity, and that generates a digital noise quantity signal containing discrete sample values of the acceleration sensor analog noise quantity signal. The digital noise quantity signal is fed to an adaptive digital filter unit. An addition unit sums the signal values of the digital weighing signal and the signal values (carrying a negative sign) for the digital noise quantity signals fed to it. |
| US09417116B2 |
Weighing method and apparatus
The present invention provides a weighing apparatus comprising a load cell and an inclinometer and a method of weighing with and calibrating the weighing apparatus that tilt compensates for component parts of load cell readings that vary according to different relationships with load cell inclination. The present invention further provides a weighing apparatus and method of weighing with and calibrating the weighing apparatus that compensates for residual errors in a measured weight that has been pre-compensated for load cell inclination. |
| US09417113B2 |
Fill level sensor for detecting the fill level of a liquid in a container
A fill level sensor for detecting the fill level of a liquid in a container includes an ultrasonic transceiver, an inner tube for arrangement inside the container, the inner tube being arranged above the ultrasonic transceiver such that a liquid present in the container forms a liquid column in the inner tube the level of which can be detected by the ultrasonic transceiver, an outer tube surrounding the inner tube, and a cap which covers the inner tube and the outer tube toward the top. The cap has an inner tubular section adjoining the inner tube, an outer tubular section adjoining the outer tube, an inner vent opening for the inner tubular section and an outer vent opening for the outer tubular section. |
| US09417108B2 |
Mass flow meter with self-diagnostic function and mass flow controller using the same
In a mass flow meter comprising two flow sensor units with identical specifications, flow rate deviations between these two flow sensor units are initially measured at various mass flow rates under a circumstance having the same fluctuating factors as those when a mass flow is actually measured. Subsequently, based on these flow rate deviations, a correction value for matching the values of the mass flow rates measured by these two flow sensor units is calculated and stored in a data storage device. Thereafter, when measuring a mass flow rate, a flow rate deviation, from which the influence by the individual difference in the response to a fluctuating factor between these two flow sensor units has been removed, is calculated by correcting a measured value based on the correction value. The existence or non-existence of an occurrence of a malfunction is judged based on whether the flow rate deviation exceeds a predetermined threshold value t or not. |
| US09417107B2 |
Multi-sensor control circuit and method for using the same
A multi-sensor control circuit used in an electronic cigarette comprises a control module, at least two inhalation sensors, and at least two unidirectional circuits corresponding to the inhalation sensors. An output terminal of each inhalation sensor is connected to an input terminal of a corresponding unidirectional circuit, and output terminals of the unidirectional circuits are all connected to a same input pin of the control module. Each inhalation sensor outputs a sensing voltage signal to the corresponding one of the unidirectional circuits upon sensing airflow. Each unidirectional circuit filters the sensing voltage signal received from a corresponding inhalation sensor to generate a unidirectional voltage signal, and outputs the unidirectional voltage signal to the input pin of the control module. The control module controls the electronic cigarette to work upon receiving the unidirectional voltage signal outputted from any unidirectional circuit. |
| US09417103B2 |
Multiple spectrum channel, multiple sensor fiber optic monitoring system
A multiple sensor fiber optic sensing system includes an optical fiber having at least first fiber optic sensors and second fiber optic sensors deployed along its length. In response to an interrogating pulse, the first fiber optic sensors generate responses in a first optical spectrum window, and the second fiber optic sensors generate responses in a second, different optical spectrum window. The responses in the first optical spectrum window are measured in a first optical spectrum channel, and the responses in the second optical spectrum window are measure in a second, different optical spectrum channel and provide simultaneous indications of one or more parameters, such as temperature and pressure, in the environment in which the sensors are deployed. |
| US09417100B2 |
Method of assisted mounting and error compensation for absolute grating ruler
A method of assisted mounting and error compensation for absolute grating ruler comprises: (1) when mounting a CMOS sensor and a grating ruler body, the CMOS sensor reads an upper and a lower sample windows, and due to an angle existing between the grating ruler body and the CMOS sensor, a difference exists between the numbers of the upper and lower sample windows, and by continually adjusting the grating ruler body or the CMOS sensor, the code reading difference minimized so that the angle is zeroed; (2) when mounting the grating ruler body and a mechanic housing, it is moved by a fixed displacement in a motion direction, and a grating encoding reading is recorded and an error compensating amount is obtained which serves as error compensation value in an actual motion to correct a cumulative error introduced by the angle between the grating ruler body and the motion direction. |
| US09417098B2 |
Stationary magnet variable reluctance magnetic sensors
A position sensor for sensing whether a rotatable element is in at least a first rotational position or a second rotational position is provided. A rotor is configured to be coupled to the rotatable element for rotation therewith, and is constructed at least partially of a magnetically permeable material and includes a first rotor pole. A stator is non-rotationally mounted, is constructed at least partially of a magnetically permeable material, is spaced apart from the rotor, and comprises a first main pole and a first stealer pole. The first main pole and the first stealer pole are spaced radially apart from each other. A magnet is non-rotationally disposed adjacent to the stator and is spaced apart from the rotor. A first magnetic sensor is non-rotationally mounted between the stator and the rotor, is disposed adjacent the first main pole, and is radially offset from the first stealer pole. |
| US09417097B2 |
Device for measuring magnetic fields with Laplace force
A device for measuring magnetic fields with Laplace force, comprising a substrate extending in a substrate plane, a first rigid frame in a first plane moveable relative to the substrate about a first rotation axis parallel to the substrate plane with a central through-recess. There is a fixed electrical conductor wound an axis perpendicular to the plane of the first frame. There a first hinge connecting the first rigid frame to the substrate with a first electrical track. There is a second hinge connected to the first rigid frame with a second electrical track. There is a first sensor for measuring of the angular displacement of the first rigid frame. The first hinge and the first electrical track are inside the central recess of the first rigid frame and the second hinge and the second electrical track are outside the central recess of the first rigid frame. |
| US09417096B2 |
Rotation direction detection of an ignition device
A first voltage signal and a second voltage signal each with positive and negative half waves are generated for rotation direction detection during the operation of an ignition device for an internal combustion engine by a rotating magnet wheel in at least two coil arrangements, which are arranged on adjacent core legs of an iron core, whereby the rotation direction of the magnet wheel is determined from a time offset or angular offset of at least one half wave of the first voltage signal relative to a half wave of the second voltage signal. |
| US09417080B2 |
Movement trajectory generator
A movement trajectory generator that generates a movement trajectory of a vehicle is provided, which includes traveling environment recognition means for recognizing a traveling environment, movement strategy generation means for generating movement strategies for positioning in a road area according to the traveling environment that is recognized by the traveling environment recognition means, presenting means for presenting a passenger setting information of the movement strategies, setting means for receiving an operation for the passenger to set the movement strategies based on the setting information of the movement strategies presented by the presenting means, and movement trajectory generation means for generating the movement trajectory based on the movement strategies set by the setting means. |
| US09417078B1 |
Portable device and method for querying a vehicle network
A portable controller device having an OBD-II port interface and a microcontroller that interacts with a vehicle network through the interface, including programming for querying successively the vehicle network for parameters, for retrieving values for the parameters. The parameters are monitored by querying repeatedly a predetermined or random pattern of PIDs, and inferring a vehicle journey status by comparing the responses to the querying against a predetermined set of inferring response or parameter values, such as (1) the absence of a response to query of a monitoring parameter, (2) a zero value, and (3) a non-changing, non-zero value. A confirming parameter that satisfies the comparison is further queried successively a plurality of times within a predefined term, against the same inferring response or parameter values, and, if satisfied, the vehicle journey is identified as ‘ended’. |
| US09417077B2 |
System and method for displaying address information on a map
A method of displaying a map on a device includes determining position information of a position on the map, displaying a graphical position indicator representing the position on the map, determining address information corresponding to the position on the map, and presenting the address information via a user interface of the device by displaying a street number on the map adjacent to the graphical position indicator. |
| US09417076B2 |
Total route score to measure quality of map content
Systems, methods, and apparatuses are described for total route scores to measure quality of map content. Test data is received for a region of interest. The test data may be matched to routes formed from road links stored in a database. Frequency weights may be assigned to the test data based on the frequency of usage for the road links. The routes in the database may be compared to the traveled routes in the test data. Using this comparison, one or more errors in the database may be identified. A total route score for the region of interest may calculated from the errors and frequency weights. |
| US09417075B2 |
Surface vehicle vertical trajectory planning
An active suspension system for a vehicle including elements for developing and executing a trajectory plan responsive to the path on which the vehicle is traveling. The system may include a location system for locating the vehicle, and a system for retrieving a road profile corresponding to the vehicle location. |
| US09417068B2 |
Stable three-axis nuclear spin gyroscope
An n-NV-based gyroscope is provided that includes a diamond structure implanted with a plurality of NV centers, whose nuclear spins form a spin gyroscope. A number of radio-frequency (rf) coils and microwave (μw) co-planar waveguides are fabricated on the diamond structure to provide a sensitive and stable three-axis gyroscope in the solid state while achieving gyroscopic sensitivity by exploiting the coherence time of the 14N nuclear spin associated with the NV centers in the diamond structure combined with the efficient optical polarization and measurement of electronic spin. |
| US09417064B2 |
System and method for north finding
A payload including a gimbal assembly and gyro assembly that includes a gyro assembly control associated with the gyro assembly and operable to trigger the gyro assembly to obtain deviation measurements and process the measurements in a first dynamic range for stabilizing the payload utilizing the gimbal assembly. The gyro assembly control is operable to trigger the gyro assembly to obtain instantaneous measurements and process the measurements in a second dynamic range having different sensitivity than the first dynamic range, for finding deviation of the payload from the magnetic north of the earth. |
| US09417060B1 |
X-ray theodolite
Methods and apparatus for determining the distance to a specified point or distances between specified points on one or more objects, where the specified points are obscured behind an opaque barrier and cannot be viewed. Specified points are illuminated with penetrating radiation from two or more successive locations, and scattered radiation from the specified points is detected, and distance is calculated based on illumination angles. The apparatus has a source of penetrating radiation, a beam scanner for directing the penetrating radiation, a detector for detecting scattered radiation, and a processor for calculating the distance. |
| US09417059B2 |
Distance detecting device and image processing apparatus including the same
A distance detecting device and an image processing apparatus including the same are disclosed. The distance detecting device includes a first light source to output a first output beam and a second light source to output a second output beam having a wavelength different from that of the first output beam, a scanner to progressively perform first directional scanning and second directional scanning to output the first output beam and the second output beam to an outside, a first detecting unit to convert a first received beam corresponding to the first output beam into a first electric signal, a second detecting unit to convert a second received beam corresponding to the second output beam into a second electric signal, and a controller to detect a distance from an external target based on the first electric signal and the second electric signal. |
| US09417057B2 |
Optical sensing system for determining the position and/or shape of an associated object
The present invention relates to an optical sensing system (1) for determining the position and/or shape of an associated object (O), the system comprises an optical fibers (10) having one or more optical fiber cores (9) with one or more fiber Bragg gratings (FBG, 8) extending along the full length where the position and/or shape is be to determined of said object (O). A reflectometer (REFL, 12) measures strain at a number of sampling points along the optical fiber cores, and a processor (PROC, 14) determines the position and/or shape based on said measured strains from the plurality of optical fiber cores. The fiber Bragg grating(s) (FBG, 8) extends along the full length of said optical fiber cores (9), the fiber core having a spatially modulated reflection (r) along the said full length of the optical fiber core so that the corresponding reflection spectrum is detectable in said wavelength scan. Thus, the fiber Bragg grating(s) may be effectively continuous along the optical fiber leaving no gaps so that every position gives rise to a detectable reflection, and achieving that the reflection spectrum may encompass a wavelength span equaling the wavelength scan, or ‘sweep’, of an optical source in the reflectometer. |
| US09417056B2 |
Device for optically scanning and measuring an environment
A laser scanner device for optically scanning and measuring an environment includes a base, a measuring head which is rotatable relative to the base, and a mirror which is rotatably relative to the measuring head, wherein, in at least one operating mode, the laser scanner is mounted on a cart by a mounting device, the cart moves the base which is fixedly connected with the mounting device, the measuring head rests relative to the base, the mirror rotates, and the measuring head is locked with the mounting device by a locking mechanism. |
| US09417053B2 |
Three-dimensional measuring device
A three-dimensional measuring device includes an extraction unit that extracts an image data set with a brightness value of each of pixels in image data within an effective range from among a plurality of image data sets at each of coordinate positions of an object to be measured, and a three-dimensional measurement unit that performs three-dimensional measurement relating to each of the coordinate positions of the object to be measured based on the extracted image data set. The extraction unit extracts the image data set imaged under a pattern light with the highest irradiation brightness among a plurality of types of pattern lights when there is a plurality of sets of the image data sets with the brightness value of each of the pixels in the image data within the effective range from among the plurality of the image data sets. |
| US09417051B2 |
Optical coherence tomography laser with integrated clock
A frequency swept laser source for TEFD-OCT imaging includes an integrated clock subsystem on the optical bench with the laser source. The clock subsystem generates frequency clock signals as the optical signal is tuned over the scan band. Preferably the laser source further includes a cavity extender in its optical cavity between a tunable filter and gain medium to increase an optical distance between the tunable filter and the gain medium in order to control the location of laser intensity pattern noise. The laser also includes a fiber stub that allows for control over the cavity length while also controlling birefringence in the cavity. |
| US09417049B2 |
Rotational angle detecting device
A rotational angle detecting device includes a resistor of which one end is connected to the power source and the other end is grounded, a rotary potentiometer having two wipers which come into sliding contact with the surface of the resistor, a control unit which detects voltage applied to each of the wipers depending on the positions thereof upon the surface of the resistor, two resistors connected at one end to each of the two wipers, and switching means which switch the connection state between the other end of the two resistors and the power source under control of the control unit. |
| US09417047B2 |
Three-dimensional edge profile determination
Systems and methods for determining a three-dimensional profile of an edge of an object are presented. The edge is defined by adjoining first and second surfaces. A first set of surface points can be detected on the first surface, and a second set of surface points can be detected on the second surface. The second set of surface points can correspond to the first set of surface points. A sensor, such as a contact sensor, can be used to detect the first and second set of surface points. Based on the detected first and second set of surface points, a profile of the edge can be determined automatically, such as by a processor operatively connected to the sensor. In this way, the profile of the edge can be determined without direct detection of the edge. |
| US09417042B2 |
Arrow with embedded deployable RFID tag and the methods of using and tracking the same
The present invention relates to an arrow with an embedded deployable RFID tag, and to the methods of using the same in order to improve tracking of an animal. In one embodiment, the tracking device has a body that attached intermediate the head and shaft of an arrow. The internal components can compress during impact with a target, allowing an embedded to become embedded within the target. The embedder can utilize an RFID or other electronically trackable device. A safety can further be provided to prevent the deployment of the embedder during target practice. A tracker can be used to track specific tags that are deployed, and in particular, tags that are lodged within an animal. In one additional embodiment, a signal is provided when the RFID tag is deployed. |
| US09417040B2 |
Arrowhead attachment
An arrowhead attachment is provided. The arrowhead attachment may be formed from a unitary sheet of attachment material so as to be bent and/or twisted from a shipping configuration to an operable configuration. The arrowhead attachment may include an annular body and a plurality of radial arms extending from a periphery of the annular body. In the shipping configuration, at least one piercing tip is disposed alone each radial arm so as to be co-planar with the plurality of radial arms and the annular body. A user may use a common tool to twist the arrowhead attachment from the shipping configuration to the operable configuration. Then the user may place the arrow shaft through a shaft opening formed by the annular body so as to couple the arrowhead attachment behind an arrowhead. |
| US09417039B2 |
Broadhead arrow
An expandable broadhead includes an elongated ferrule and a blade. The ferrule includes a forward ferrule tip and an aft shank operable to connect the broadhead to an arrow shaft. The blade presents an elongated cutting edge that extends along the length of the blade. The blade is shiftably mounted relative to the ferrule to shift into and out of a retracted position where the blade extends alongside the ferrule. The blade extends forwardly beyond the ferrule tip in the retracted position so that the blade presents a leading tip of the broadhead. |
| US09417036B2 |
Optical scope
Disclosed is an optical scope including an objective lens, an eyepiece lens, and a reticle, wherein a field lens having negative power is disposed in at least one of a front and a back of the reticle disposed on an image formation surface of the objective lens to increase eye-relief. |
| US09417030B2 |
Safety mechanism for toy launching systems
A projectile launching system including a safety oriented projectile launching platform and mechanism disposed to segregate the genre of projectile which may be launched from the system. The launching system may include an embodiment embarked upon as a crossbow which includes a control mechanism in combination with which allows only one type of safe projectile to be launched from the device and also either prevents unwarranted or foreign matter from being loaded, or does not allow such items to launch or recoil, thus preventing injury to the users or bystanders. |
| US09417023B2 |
Methods and apparatus for flash suppression
Methods and apparatus for flash suppression according to various aspects of the present technology may comprise a body that is configured to be selectively coupled to a firearm. The body may be formed with curved and or arcing protrusions extending longitudinally along the body. Each protrusion is separated from another protrusion by a gap configured to dissipate gases and unburned materials exiting the barrel of the firearm. |
| US09417018B2 |
Multi-layer protective coating for an aluminum heat exchanger
A method for coating an aluminum alloy heat exchanger includes subjecting at least one surface of the heat exchanger to a pre-treatment process including cleaning; conversion coating the at least one surface of the heat exchanger with a trivalent chromium compound; and subjecting the at least one conversion coated surface to an electro-coating in an aqueous solution containing an organic corrosion inhibitor. |
| US09417015B2 |
Heat exchanger backing plate and method of assembling same
A backing plate for joining a heat removal device to a heat source. The backing plate can include a planar plate region having a first face and a second face opposite the first face. The backing plate can also include at least one boss projecting from the first face and having an opening therein for receiving a fastener. |
| US09417013B2 |
Heat transfer systems including heat conducting composite materials
In one embodiment, a heat conducting composite material may include a bulk material, a conduit, and a conduit material. The bulk material forms a shaped body having a heat introduction portion and a heat dissipation portion. The conduit is disposed in the bulk material and connects the heat introduction portion to the heat dissipation portion. The conduit material is disposed within and fills the conduit. The bulk material thermal conductivity of the bulk material is about equal to a conduit material thermal conductivity of the conduit material at a first temperature. The bulk material thermal conductivity is less than or equal to the conduit material thermal conductivity throughout a first temperature range. The bulk material thermal conductivity is greater than or equal to the conduit material thermal conductivity throughout a second temperature range. |
| US09417007B2 |
Multi-material basket for refrigerator or freezer
A storage basket used for storing and displaying food products and packages in a refrigerator or freezer unit may include a single-material first portion including a bottom wall and an upright wall that extends away from the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the upright wall are imperforate, thereby creating a solid barrier to transfer and fall-through of materials contained in the storage basket. The storage basket may also include a single-material second portion coupled to and extending from the upright wall, and the second portion may include a plurality of perforations. The plurality of perforations may permit airflow around and about the materials contained in the storage basket. |
| US09417004B2 |
Refrigerator and method for opening/closing door thereof
A refrigerator includes a main body, a storage room defined in the main body, and a cooling device configured to cool the storage room. The refrigerator also includes a door rotatably connected to the main body and configured to open and close the storage room. The refrigerator also includes a door storage mounted to the door and having a side storage portion that is accessible when the door is open to an acute opening angle. In addition, the refrigerator includes a door locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the door at the acute opening angle at which the side storage portion is exposed between the main body and the door. |
| US09417002B2 |
Ice handling container
The invention is an improved ice handling container and methods for using the container. The container includes a bottom wall with upstanding sidewalls terminating in a mouth. A bail having an apex and opposing ends is pivotally attached to opposing sidewalls of the container. The bail has a handle generally at the apex and a hook extending generally outwardly from the bail generally near the apex of the bail for hanging the container with the mouth facing generally upward. One sidewall has a handle generally adjacent the bottom wall and a hook generally adjacent the handle extending generally outwardly and upwardly from the sidewall for hanging the container with the mouth facing generally downward. |
| US09416993B2 |
Air conditioner
An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner may include at least one indoor device and an outdoor device connected to the at least one indoor device. The outdoor device may include an outdoor heat exchanger including a plurality of heat exchange parts, a plurality of outdoor expansion parts corresponding to the plurality of heat exchange parts, a pass variable tube that varies refrigerant flow in the outdoor heat exchanger, and a pass variable valve provided in the pass variable tube. The heat exchange parts may include a first heat exchange part. The first heat exchange part may be connected to a manifold that distributes refrigerant flow in a heating operation. The manifold may be connected to a plurality of capillaries connected to the first outdoor expansion part. The pass variable tube may be connected to the manifold. |
| US09416988B2 |
Self-aligning back plate for an electronic device
An illustrative electronic assembly includes a housing and a wall plate, where the wall plate is releasably connectable to the housing. The housing and the wall plate may be configured such that the housing and the wall plate may be able to initially engage each other with the wall plate misaligned relative to the housing. The housing and the wall plate may be configured to guide one another into alignment as the housing and the wall plate are moved together. |
| US09416987B2 |
HVAC controller having economy and comfort operating modes
An HVAC controller may be programmed to control an HVAC system according to a comfort mode and an economy mode. When the HVAC system is operating according to the comfort mode, the HVAC system may primarily draw energy from a locally generated energy source or local energy storage system. The HVAC controller may be programmed to transition the HVAC system from operating according to the comfort mode to operating according to an economy mode, wherein the economy mode is a more energy efficient that the comfort mode. |
| US09416977B2 |
Heater configured to operate with a first or second fuel
A heater can be configured to operate with either a first fuel at a first pressure or a second fuel at a second pressure. In some embodiments, a pressure regulator unit is configured to regulate the pressure of either the first fuel or the second fuel and to direct either the first fuel or the second fuel towards a combustion chamber. A nozzle assembly can be configured to inject the fuel into the combustion chamber. |
| US09416974B2 |
Combustor with fuel staggering for flame holding mitigation
The present application provides a combustor. The combustor may include an air flow path with a flow of air therein. A flow obstruction may be positioned within the air flow path and cause a wake or a recirculation zone downstream thereof. A number of fuel injectors may be positioned downstream of the flow obstruction. The fuel injectors may inject a flow of fuel into the air flow path such that the flows of fuel and air in the wake or the recirculation zone do not exceed a flammability limit. |
| US09416973B2 |
Micromixer assembly for a turbine system and method of distributing an air-fuel mixture to a combustor chamber
A micromixer assembly for a turbine system includes a plurality of pipes each having an inlet for receiving an airflow from an annulus defined by an inwardly disposed liner and an outwardly disposed sleeve, each of the plurality of pipes also including an outlet for dispersing an air-fuel mixture into a combustor chamber. Also included is a first portion of each of the plurality of pipes. Further included is a second portion of each of the plurality of pipes, the second portion comprising the inlet for receiving the airflow. Yet further included is at least one fuel receiving path in communication with at least one of the first portion and the second portion. |
| US09416971B2 |
Multiple diffusing cooling hole
A gas turbine engine component includes a wall having first and second wall surfaces and a cooling hole extending through the wall. The cooling hole includes an inlet located at the first wall surface, an outlet located at the second wall surface, a metering section extending downstream from the inlet, a first diffusing section extending downstream from the metering section, and a second diffusing section extending downstream from the first diffusing section to the outlet. The second diffusing section includes first and second lobes, each lobe diverging longitudinally and laterally relative to the metering section, and a trailing edge. |
| US09416970B2 |
Combustor heat panel arrangement having holes offset from seams of a radially opposing heat panel
A combustor module for a gas turbine engine is provided that includes a first annular liner assembly extending along a longitudinal axis of the engine. The first annular liner assembly includes a first annular support shell and a plurality of first heat shield panels coupled to the first annular support shell. The first heat shield panels form a segmented ring defining a plurality of first axial seams therebetween. The combustor module further includes a bulkhead coupled to the first annular liner assembly. The bulkhead provides a plurality of fuel nozzles for passing a first mass flow comprising fuel and air. The combustor module further includes a second annular liner assembly coupled to the bulkhead. The second annular liner assembly is in spaced-apart generally coaxial relationship from the first annular liner assembly by a channel height H. The second annular liner assembly includes an air admittance hole having a mean diameter D extending along a hole axis. The hole axis is offset from the first axial seam defined by the first heat shield panels. |
| US09416967B2 |
Reducing mercury emissions from the burning of coal
Sorbent components containing halogen, calcium, alumina, and silica are used in combination during coal combustion to produce environmental benefits. Sorbents such as calcium bromide are added to the coal ahead of combustion and other components are added into the flame or downstream of the flame, preferably at minimum temperatures to assure complete formation of the refractory structures that result in various advantages of the methods. When used together, the components reduce emissions of elemental and oxidized mercury; increase the level of Hg, As, Pb, and/or Cl in the coal ash; decrease the levels of leachable heavy metals (such as Hg) in the ash, preferably to levels below the detectable limits; and make a highly cementitious ash product. |
| US09416962B2 |
Heat isolating torch
A device with a flame bowl for a torch having a torch body containing a fuel supply. A fitting attaches to the flame bowl for interfacing with the fuel supply. A perforated support affixes the flame bowl in an elevated position relative to a portion of the torch body. |
| US09416961B2 |
Boiler connection system
A boiler connection system includes: a plurality of heat source device; and a controller. Each of the plurality of heat source devices includes: a first heat exchanger; a heat medium heating circuit branching at one end thereof from a heat medium return pipe and connected at another end thereof to a heat medium outgoing pipe via the first heat exchanger; a bypass pipe connected to the heat medium heating circuit so as to bypass the first heat exchanger; a pressure-feed device provided on the heat medium heating circuit; a flow passage switching valve; a second heat exchanger provided on the bypass pipe; and a water heating circuit branching at one end thereof from the water supply pipe and connected at another end thereof to a hot water supply pipe via the second heat exchanger. |
| US09416959B2 |
Illuminated golf
There is set forth herein one or more feature for providing illuminated golf. The one or more feature can comprise e.g., a golf cup apparatus having a light source bank, a golf flag apparatus having a light source bank, a wearable apparatus having a light source bank, an illumination providing golf ball and an apparatus for charging a golf ball having a light source bank. |
| US09416958B2 |
Electric light bulb type light source apparatus
An electric light bulb type light source apparatus capable of ensuring high receiver sensitivity and achieving downsizing without sacrificing light distribution characteristics for lighting. |
| US09416955B2 |
Sound adaptive cooling system for a stage light
A sound adapting luminaire produces an amount of cooling output that depends on the ambient sound. When the ambient sound is high, the lamp is cooled more aggressively, since more fan noise is acceptable. |
| US09416953B2 |
LED lighting apparatus
Provided is an LED lighting apparatus. The LED lighting apparatus include an LED, a socket part supplying a power into the LED, a heat sink body having one side on which the LED is mounted and the other side to which the socket part is coupled, and a heat sink pin disposed along a circumference of the heat sink body, the heat sink pin having one side extending downward from the heat sink body. The heat sink body may be modified in shape to reduce a weight and improve heat dissipation performance. |
| US09416952B2 |
Lighting apparatus with a light source comprising light emitting diodes
Embodiments of a lighting apparatus with a light source using one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) to generate light. In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus comprises a light diffusing assembly that generates an optical intensity profile consistent with incandescent lamps. The light diffusing assembly comprises an envelope and a reflector element having frusto-conical member and an aperture element disposed therein. The lighting apparatus can also comprise a heat dissipating assembly with a plurality of heat dissipating elements disposed radially about the envelope. In one example, the heat dissipating elements are spaced apart from the envelope to promote convective heat dissipation. |
| US09416951B1 |
Compact indirect lighting system with improved thermal performance
A lighting apparatus includes a light source. A primary optical surface is configured to receive and redirect light from the light source. A secondary optical surface is configured to receive redirected light from the primary optical surface and further redirect the light in a primary emission direction. The apparatus includes a central opening through the apparatus, the central opening defining a convective path through the apparatus. A thermally conductive cover is placed over the central opening and is positioned in the convective path. The primary optical surface is positioned such that a direct view of the light source is obstructed when the apparatus is viewed from the primary emission direction. The primary and secondary optical surfaces are substantially symmetric about the central opening. |
| US09416949B2 |
Adjustable bracket assembly for an ultraviolet lamp
A system for adjusting a position of a lighting element is disclosed. The system comprises a first bracket and a second bracket, where the second bracket is coupled to a lighting element. The second bracket is movable relative to the first bracket. The first bracket may be fixed in place. The second bracket may be movable in both longitudinal and radial directions relative to the first bracket. |
| US09416948B2 |
Light-emitting module and lighting apparatus
A light-emitting module includes: a board; and a plurality of light sources arranged in a two-dimensional array on the board and including a plurality of color temperatures. In a first direction of the two-dimensional array, light sources having a uniform color temperature are successively arranged. The number of light sources having a uniform color temperature and successively arranged in each array line in the first direction is less than or equal to half of the total number of light sources in the array line in the first direction. |
| US09416946B1 |
Flashlight fitting for light painting photography
A universal connector to hold different diameter light emitting devices for use in light painting photography, where the connector is a hollow connector with one end for insertion of a light modifying device and an opposite end having a conical shape so that different diameters of light emitting devices can be quickly changed during a light painting photography exposure. The connector with ridges on an inner surface is made from a soft material that is rigid enough to hold the devices so that different lighting can be quickly produced during a long exposure of a camera. |
| US09416944B2 |
Reflective color display with luminescence and backlighting
A reflective color display has at least a color pixel disposed to receive ambient light for front lighting and has a light source optically coupled to the color pixel to provide back light for backlighting. The color pixel has a first sub-pixel and a second sub-pixel. The first sub-pixel has a first luminescent layer with a luminescent material for converting a portion of the ambient light spectrum into light of a first color. An unpatterned mirror is disposed under the luminescent layer of the first sub-pixel and extends through the first and second sub-pixels. The unpatterned mirror reflects at least light of the first color while transmitting the back light to the first luminescent layer for conversion by the first luminescent material into light of the first color. |
| US09416940B2 |
Illumination device
An embodiment of an illumination device comprising a broad band artificial light source and a non-liquid chromatic diffuser transparent to visible light comprising a dispersion of elements of nanometrical dimensions of a first material with of certain refractive index in a second material with different refractive index, wherein the light is scattered producing a separation and different distribution between cold and hot components of the light originally produced by the source, according to a scattering process in “Rayleigh” regime. The device allows illumination effects similar to those of natural outdoor environments to be reproduced in indoor environments. |
| US09416939B2 |
LED-based lighting fixture with textured lens
Methods and apparatus related to a textured lens (30, 130). The textured lens includes a textured portion (40, 140) having plurality of unique textures. The lens may be utilized in a LED-based lighting fixture (10, 110) to, for example, reduce the presence of color banding and/or color shadows present in the light output of the lighting fixture. The textured portion may extend across all or portions of the lens surface. |
| US09416936B2 |
Prism sheet, and back light unit and liquid crystal display device therewith
The present invention relates a prism sheet, and a back light unit and a liquid crystal display device therewith, in which total thickness of a back light unit is reduced while taking place of the lamp mura is prevented, for improving a picture quality.The prism sheet includes a plurality of first prism mountains formed on a supporting film at regular intervals, a resin layer filled between the first prism mountains, and a plurality of second prism mountains formed on the resin layer and the first prism mountains with at intervals greater than the intervals of the first prism mountains. |
| US09416933B2 |
Multi-function LED headlamp
A multifunction LED headlamp that utilizes a common light source and a plurality of shutter or mask members to produce a plurality of different light beam modes of operation. The plurality of shutter or mask members are generally opaque to occlude or mask light. Each of the plurality of shutter or mask members have at least one edge and the edge of a first one or the plurality of shutter or mask members cooperates with an edge of a second one of the plurality of shutter or mask members to provide or form a generally horizontal opening whose size is varied by pivoting the plurality of shutter or mask members towards or away from each other. |
| US09416930B2 |
LED lamp strip and manufacturing process thereof
A process of manufacturing an LED lamp strip includes the steps of forming a plurality of through holes on an adhesive tape, mounting the adhesive tape to a top side of a scrollable lead frame, bonding a plurality of LED chips to the top side of the scrollable lead frame according to the positions of the through holes, packaging the LED chips respectively, and finally cutting the scrollable lead frame. In light of this, the LED lamp strip can be produced under the circumstances of low production cost and less production time. |
| US09416929B2 |
Rotary head flashlight headlamp
A flashlight headlamp is described. The flashlight headlamp has a rotary illuminating head around the main shaft capable of forming a right angle upon illumination. |
| US09416925B2 |
Light emitting apparatus
An LED-based luminaire is configured to direct light from an LED source downwardly. However, a portion of the luminaire intentionally reflects part of the light upwardly toward a ceiling of a structure. A control circuit of an LED-based luminaire enables the luminaire to be dimmed by an off-the-shelf dimmer. The control circuit also determines when a temperature of the LED-based luminaire exceeds a desired temperature range, and employs a feedback circuit to reduce power delivery to the LEDs until the temperature is again within the desired temperature range. |
| US09416924B2 |
Light emission module
In a mounting area, a plurality of light-emitting elements are two-dimensionally mounted, and light-emitting elements are connected in series in each of light-emitting element blocks. The light-emitting element blocks) are connected in parallel by wires. The light-emitting element blocks located in a middle portion each include only blue light-emitting elements. On the other hand, the light-emitting elements located above the light-emitting element blocks and the light-emitting element blocks located below the light-emitting element blocks include one or more light-emitting element blocks each including not only blue light-emitting elements but also one or more red light-emitting elements. |
| US09416922B1 |
Switchable solid state lighting system
Embodiments relate to a lighting device that includes or retains a plurality of solid-state light emitters and is capable of providing one or more of omni-directional lighting and task lighting. Other embodiments relate to modular lighting systems for providing the same. |
| US09416918B2 |
Pressure vessel with composite boss having galvanic corrosion protection
The present invention is directed to a protected pressure vessel comprising a one-piece electrically conductive composite boss that is isolated from contact with materials that have an electrical potential that differ from that of the conductive composite boss so as to substantially eliminate the possibility of galvanic corrosion cause by the differences in electrical potential. |
| US09416914B1 |
Structure for cradle head
A cradle head is provided, applicable to a tripod, including a fixing base, a clamping device and a position adjustment assembly; wherein the fixing base engaged to the tripod; the clamping device being for clamping a portable electronic device; the position adjustment assembly including a carrier element and a sliding element; both the clamping device and the sliding element being installed on the carrier element and located on same side of carrier element; the sliding element able to slide along the carrier element without disengaging from carrier element; the sliding element partially extending from the carrier element to couple with fixing base; the clamping device installed at the carrier element in a rotatable manner; the sliding element adjustable with respect to the fixing base so that the center of mass of portable electronic device falling within a range covered by fixing base when clamped by the clamping device. |
| US09416913B2 |
Quick mount connector
A quick mount connector allows for easy rotation of an object, such as an antenna. The connector has a base, a coupling member and an object mount. The base is configured for connection to a surface and includes base teeth around an inner circumference. The coupling member is configured to be inserted into the base and rotates relative the base about a first axis of rotation. The coupling member has a cylindrical portion with mating teeth along its outer circumference; the mating teeth are configured to engage the base teeth. The object mount attaches to the coupling member and rotates relative the coupling member about a second axis of rotation. The object mount has a mounting plate configured for connection to the object; and a locking assembly configured to adjustably couple the coupling member to the object mount. |
| US09416910B2 |
Method for connecting connection piece to thermally insulated conduit pipe
In order to connect a connection piece (10), which is, for example, a pipe coupling or a mounting or a fitting, to a thermally insulated conduit pipe (1), a clamping sleeve (9) with an internal thread (8) is screwed in between the internal pipe (2) of the conduit pipe and the insulation layer (3) of the conduit pipe. A connection body (11) with a plug sleeve (13) is arranged in the internal pipe beforehand. The clamping sleeve (9) acts indirectly on the connection piece (10) by way of a retaining ring (14) in order to press the connection piece against the end face (5) of the internal pipe (2). In this way, the distance between the insulation layer (3) and the casing (4) of the conduit pipe is dispensed with and inaccuracies when cutting the conduit pipe to length can be compensated. |
| US09416908B2 |
Deployable plug system
There is disclosed a deployable plug system having an elongated handle assembly with a hollow conduit, a distal end with a conduit connector in fluid communication with the conduit and a hinge assembly having a handle mounting body, and a proximal end. A gas control valve is affixed to the handle assembly at the proximal end, is configured to receive pressurized gas from a source of pressurized gas, and has a valve trigger which selectively applies pressurized gas from the source of pressurized gas to the conduit. The deployable plug system also has a bladder assembly having a bladder mounting body removably connectable to the handle mounting body, a bladder attached to the bladder mounting body, a check valve assembly for allowing pressurized gas from the conduit to enter the bladder, and a check valve assembly connector that selectively connects the check valve assembly to the conduit connector. |
| US09416904B2 |
Gas supply shock absorber for datacenter power generation
Gas supply pressure spikes are absorbed and leveled-out by a gas supply shock absorber comprising gas storage, which is charged during positive pressure spikes and utilized during negative pressure spikes. The gas supply shock absorber also comprises pressure sensing and regulating valves, which direct positive pressure spikes to the gas storage and draw gas from storage during negative pressure spikes. A backflow preventer limits shock absorption to co-located equipment, but gas supply shock absorbers operate in aggregate to create additional demand during positive pressure spikes and reduced demand during negative pressure spikes. If the gas storage has sufficient gas, a co-located data center utilizes such gas for increased electrical power generation during increased processing activity, which can be requested or generated. Conversely, if the gas storage has insufficient gas, and a negative pressure spike occurs, the data center throttles down or offloads processing. |
| US09416903B2 |
Method and device for removal of a hydrate plug
A method for removal of a hydrate plug (7) in a tube (92) in connection with a petroleum well (9) is described. A hydrate plug remover (2) is included having a collecting container (21). The method includes the steps of positioning the hydrate plug remover (2) in a sluice (5); filling the sluice (5) with a hydrate dissolving fluid; filling the collecting container (21) provided with a valve (3) in the lower end portion (20) of the collecting container (21) with hydrate dissolving fluid through the valve (3); pressure testing the sluice (5); displacing the hydrate plug remover (2) from the hydrate plug (7) and letting the hydrate dissolving fluid flow towards the hydrate plug (7) through a circulation gate (22) in the upper end portion (29) of the collecting container (21); leading loosened hydrate from the hydrate plug (7) into the collecting container (21) via the valve (3); and displacing the hydrate plug remover (2) to the sluice (5) where the collecting container (21) is emptied of hydrate through the circulation gate (22) while hydrate dissolving fluid flows into the collection container (21) through the valve (3). A hydrate plug remover for performing the method is also described. |
| US09416897B2 |
Press fitting device, components and method
A pipe fitting and method therefor includes one or more indicators to provide a visual indication that the fitting has been properly pressed around a tube and that the correct amount of pressure has been provided to create a permanent seal. In embodiments, the present invention includes a fitting having a main body component with at least a first segment having an axially inner portion, an axially intermediate portion and an axially outer portion, with a retaining compartment defined therein. The retaining compartment can retain one or more sealing rings, including an indicator sealing ring having an indicator flange extending from its outer surface. An external indicator band can be securely retained around the external surface of the pipe fitting, and can be adapted to change color upon receiving sufficient force, thereby indicating that the fitting has been properly pressed. |
| US09416894B2 |
Locking mechanism with visible status indication
A system for verifiably locking a first cylindrical component to a second cylindrical component in a safe and secure manner. The system provides a visible indication when the first component and second component are fully and effectively secured. The first cylindrical component comprises a lock cylinder fixedly attached to the first cylindrical component. The lock cylinder comprises a lock piston. The second cylindrical component comprises a channel with a guide region and a lock region. The visible portion of the lock piston provides an indication of whether or not the lock piston is secured in the lock region of the channel. The system is also capable of being operated from a control panel to operate the locks, receive signals from sensors, and to display the lock status of the system. The system offers redundant verifications to enhance safety in operating environments. |
| US09416893B2 |
Fluid controller actuator
There is provided a fluid controller actuator which does not require a plurality of bolts for fixing an inner side spring presser to a casing, in which a configuration is simple and a biasing force of an biasing member can be adjusted from the outside after the assembly. An inner side spring presser includes a shaft portion and a cylinder portion provided at a lower edge portion of the shaft portion, and presses an upper side peripheral edge portion of a through hole of a biasing member by a lower end of the cylinder portion. The shaft portion penetrates an outer side spring presser and extends upwardly. An adjustment screw which positions the inner side spring presser as a lower end abuts against an upper surface of the shaft portion of the inner side spring presser, is screwed to a top wall of a casing. |
| US09416886B2 |
Hydraulic coupling member with pressure-relieving poppet valve
A poppet valve for a hydraulic coupling member has an internal, spring-loaded check valve (which may be a ball check valve) in fluid communication with a bleed passage. The check valve may be configured as a pressure-relief valve which bleeds off excess hydraulic fluid pressure within the coupling member to a preselected value. A poppet valve according to the invention may be used in female coupling members and/or male coupling members. Certain embodiments of the invention may be retrofitted to coupling members of the prior art. |
| US09416885B2 |
Low profile valves
Low profile valves are described. In an embodiment, a tubular member for fluid transport has a valve constructed within a wall of the tubular member for controlling a radial flow of fluid, such as water, oil, or gas, through the wall without impeding the flow of fluid or tools through the tubular member or near the exterior of the tubular member. The low profile valve may be used, for example, in the oil and gas industries as a pressure relief valve or check valve. When used as a pressure relief valve, a load member such as a spring, strap, or rocker arm maintains a backpressure on the valve. Example low profile valves can provide flow control from within a very thin annulus between other components. |
| US09416877B2 |
Cooling device for spindle sealing and/or bearing means
A cooling device for cooling of a seal fixed in a non-rotatable member and with a circumferential contact surface on a rotating member. A closed ring-formed chamber is arranged in the rotating member radially inside of the seal. The chamber contains an amount of cooling medium which at normal rotating operation is both liquid and gaseous, such that the liquid cooling medium which by centrifugal forces is pressed towards the outer wall of the chamber is evaporated from the heat generated by the seal, and where a cooling member is arranged on the rotating member to cool an area radially inside of the chamber, such that the gaseous cooling medium is condensed from the cooling effect of the cooling member. The invention also relates to a centrifugal separator comprising such a cooling device. |
| US09416875B2 |
Apparatus for returning transmission to primary mode
An apparatus for returning a transmission to a primary mode is provided. The apparatus includes a shift lever that is configured to shift a transmission and a motor that is configured to provide driving force to move the shift lever. In addition, a selecting unit receives the driving force from the motor and moves the shift lever in a selecting direction. A shifting unit receives the driving force from the selecting unit and moves the shift lever in a shifting direction. The shift lever is further configured to be moved to a first position by the selecting unit and to a second position by the shifting unit. |
| US09416873B2 |
Continuously variable transmission and control method therefor
A transmission controller determines whether or not an input rotation speed of a sub-transmission mechanism is stagnant and executes a feedback control by adding a rotation speed change rate feedback correction amount caused by a difference between a target input rotation speed change rate and an actual input rotation speed change rate of the sub-transmission mechanism to a rotation speed feedback correction amount if the input rotation speed is determined to be stagnant. |
| US09416870B2 |
Vehicle control apparatus
A vehicle control device includes: a first calculation processing portion outputting a calculation result based on an input value; and a second calculation processing portion acquiring the same input value as the input value of the first calculation processing portion, the second calculation processing portion detecting an abnormality of the first calculation processing portion based on comparison between the input value of the second calculation processing portion and the calculation result of the first calculation processing portion or based on whether the calculation result is a predefined highly safe state value at which a relatively high safety state of a vehicle is acquired. |
| US09416868B2 |
Shift-by-wire controller
A shift-by-wire controller is applied to a shift-by-wire system which switches a shift range of an automatic transmission by a driving force of a motor, and drives the motor according to an input signal. The shift-by-wire controller includes a position sensor, a position acquirement portion acquiring a switching edge corresponding to a position where the shift range is switched from the position sensor, an encoder detecting a rotational position of the motor, a determining portion determining whether the rotational position can be acquired as a present-position from the encoder, and a position determination portion. When the determining portion determines that the present-position cannot be acquired, the position determination portion drives the motor to switch the shift range, and determines a position of the motor based on the switching edge. |
| US09416865B2 |
Lubrication structure for driving force transmission device
A planetary gear has a sun gear having external teeth on an outer peripheral side, a plurality of pinion gears engaged with the sun gear, a carrier supporting the plurality of pinion gears, a circular oil catch plate on an end of the carrier, and a rotation member having a ring gear, on an outer peripheral side of the carrier and the oil catch plate. An engaging element engaged with the rotation member is disposed on an outer periphery of the planetary gear. The oil catch plate includes an open close valve which opens a passage at at least a predetermined rotation number. Lubrication oil supplied to the planetary gear is guided to the engaging element through the passage when the open/close valve is opened. This enables adjusting of the lubrication amount in accordance with a variation occurring in a ratio of a lubrication amount to each part. |
| US09416863B2 |
Pulley ring
A structural or support ring for an overmolded pulley, the ring placed between a bearing and outer radial surface of the pulley, providing structural support across a width of the pulley. |
| US09416861B2 |
Strain wave gearing with involute positive deflection tooth profile taking rim thickness into consideration
In the strain wave gearing, an involute positive deflection tooth profile of a low pressure angle of less than 20° is used as the basic tooth profile for the rigid internal spur gear and the flexible external spur gear in order to increase the effective tooth depth. Continuous meshing of the two gears in the tooth trace direction is made possible by shifting the external teeth so that the linear parts of the rack tooth profiles coincide when viewed along the tooth trace direction. The root rim thickness of the front end of the external teeth of the flexible external spur gear is set to an optimal thickness and the root rim thicknesses at various positions other than the front end of the external teeth in the tooth trace direction are set to appropriate values. |
| US09416857B2 |
Rotational vibration damping assembly
A torsional vibration damping arrangement includes an input region to be driven in rotation around an axis of rotation and an output region. A first torque transmission path and parallel thereto a second torque transmission path and a coupling arrangement for superposing the torques transmitted via the torque transmission paths are provided between the input region and the output region. A first phase shifter arrangement is provided in the first torque transmission path for generating a phase shift of rotational irregularities transmitted via the first torque transmission path relative to rotational irregularities transmitted via the second torque transmission path. |
| US09416855B2 |
Wire connection apparatus
A wire connection apparatus includes a link unit and a drive unit configured to drive the link unit. The link unit includes a first link, a second link rotatably coupled to the first link, a third link rotatably coupled to the second link, a plurality of wires, each of which is fixed at one end thereof to the third link, and is fixed at the other end thereof to the drive unit, and through which a driving force is transmitted from the drive unit to the third link, a path forming structure to form a path of each of the wires between the drive unit and the third link, and a length holding structure to hold constant a length of each of the wires between the drive unit and the third link. |
| US09416854B2 |
Compressed air device for allowing the expeditious adjustment of drive belts
The present invention provides methods and systems for a device for producing compressed air that allows for the expeditious adjustment of a drive belt that includes a base having a substantially triangular shape with at least a first side having a top portion and a bottom portion, a second side having a top portion and a bottom portion, and a third side having a top portion and a bottom portion. The first side, second side, and third side collectively form a cavity therein. A motor is disposed within the cavity of the base and engaged to the first side of the base. A first compressor is slidingly engaged to the second side of the base and a second compressor is slidingly engaged to the third side of the base. |
| US09416852B2 |
Automatic transmission for vehicle
An automatic transmission for a vehicle includes a housing, three single pinion type planetary gear mechanisms being supported by the housing, an input shaft supported by the housing and connected to a first carrier, an output shaft connected to a third carrier, a brake, a first clutch selectively connecting the first carrier and a second sun gear, a second clutch, a third clutch, a fourth clutch, and a switching clutch. The switching clutch selectively switches positions to a position where a third ring gear is fixed to the housing, a position where a second carrier is fixed to the housing, or a position where the third ring gear and the second carrier are released relative to the housing. The first clutch connects the first carrier and the second sun gear, and the switching clutch fixes the second carrier to the housing when establishing a reverse speed. |
| US09416848B2 |
Pin-roller chain
A chain link comprises a first plate, a second plate, a pin which connects the two plates, and a plurality of rolling elements arranged circumferentially around the pin, wherein the plurality of rolling elements are exposed to enable direct contact between them and a tooth of a sprocket when said chain link is mounted to said sprocket. The plurality of rolling elements may be arranged to roll along a surface of the pin. The plurality of rolling elements may be arranged to roll along a surface of a tooth of a sprocket when the chain link is mounted to the sprocket. |
| US09416834B2 |
Braking system for a vehicle
A braking system for a vehicle includes a regenerative braking system and a friction braking system. The friction braking system includes one or more conventional friction brakes, and a cooling device operable to cool the one or more friction brakes. The regenerative braking system includes an electric motor that is configurable to operate as an electric generator. The electric motor is connected to the vehicle's road wheels and is operable to decelerate the vehicle by using the wheels to drive electric motor to generate electric energy. The regenerative braking system is operable to direct at least part of the recovered energy to the cooling device and/or the battery. The regenerative braking system preferentially directs the recovered energy to battery. When the battery is at substantially full capacity, the regenerative braking system directs the recovered energy to the cooling device. |
| US09416832B1 |
Half system torque brakes
Provided are half system torque brakes, aircraft utilizing these brakes, and methods of installing these brakes. A half system torque brake includes an input cam assembly slidably disposed on a compression shaft between first and second output cam assemblies. The second output cam assembly is disposed between the input cam assembly and a rotor-stator assembly. When a torque differential between the input cam assembly and either one of the output cam assemblies exceeds its threshold, the same rotor-stator assembly is engaged and prevents further rotation of any cam assembly. Specifically, when the torque differential corresponding to the first output cam assembly exceeds its threshold, this assembly advances away from the input cam assembly and pulls the compression shaft in the same direction, which in turn engages the rotor-stator assembly by advancing the pressure plate to the second output cam assembly. The second output cam engages the rotor-stator assembly directly. |
| US09416830B2 |
Motor-driven brake having multi-pad
An actuator-driven brake having a multi-pad, may include a torque member, a spindle that may be operated by a driving force from an actuator, a disc pressing assembly that may be pivotally coupled to the torque member and includes an outside lever and an inside lever, wherein each one end of the outside lever and the inside lever may be connected to the spindle and wherein the outside lever and the inside lever simultaneously press both sides of a brake disc by coming closer to each other when the spindle rotates, and a brake pad assembly that includes an outside pad attached to an inner side of the outside lever and an inside pad attached to an inner side of the inside lever. |
| US09416828B2 |
Pin and pawl style bi-directional overrunning clutch
An overrunning clutch is provided having inner and outer members disposed about a rotational axis with the outer member radially outward of the inner member. The clutch further includes a plurality of pins projecting from one of a radially inner surface of the outer member and a radially outer surface of the inner member. The clutch further includes one or more pawls coupled to one of the inner and outer members. Each of the pawls is movable between an engagement position wherein the pawl is engaged with one of the pins to transmit torque between the inner and outer members and a disengagement position wherein the pawl is disengaged from the pin to permit relative rotation of the inner and outer members. In one embodiment, different pawls assume their respective engagement position depending on the rotational direction of the one member. |
| US09416826B2 |
Disconnect clutch for modular hybrid electric vehicle
An assembly includes a shell fixed against axial displacement, a clutch including first plates secured to the shell by a spline, a member fixed against axial displacement, supporting the shell and secured to the shell by the spline, a retainer for limiting axial movement of the first plates and member along the spline, and a piston for forcing the plates along the spline toward the retainer. |
| US09416825B2 |
All-wheel drive disconnect clutch
A drive disconnect clutch assembly, including: an input component arranged to receive torque from a motor; an output gear; and a clutch including: a flexible piston plate; at least one clutch plate; at least one wedge plate; and friction material disposed between the at least one clutch plate and the at least one wedge plate. For a synchronizing mode, the flexible piston plate is arranged to displace in an axial direction to engage the at least one clutch plate with the at least one wedge plate to enable transfer of torque from the input component to the output gear. For a locked mode, a first portion of the flexible piston plate is arranged to further displace in the first axial direction to expand the at least one wedge plate radially outward and non-rotatably connect the at least one wedge plate, the input component, and the output gear. |
| US09416820B2 |
Bearing having integrally formed components
Embodiments of a bearing having integrally formed parts are provided herein. In some embodiments, a damper assembly of a gas bearing may include a housing having a fluid filled cavity formed therein; a compliant seal disposed within an opening of the cavity to seal the cavity; a damper plunger disposed within the cavity, wherein the damper plunger is movable within the cavity; and a bearing pad disposed outside of the cavity and coupled to the damper plunger, wherein the damper plunger and bearing pad are integrally formed with one another. |
| US09416817B2 |
Crankshaft bearing assembly
The invention relates to an assembly providing a crankshaft having a shaft section that is rotationally supported by a rolling element bearing having an outer ring that is radially divided into two ring halves. To reduce friction and accommodate misalignment, the invention proposes that the bearing which supports the shaft section is a toroidal roller bearing. |
| US09416816B2 |
Damper for drive shaft of vehicle
A damper for a drive shaft of a vehicle, which is installed to a predetermined position of the drive shaft for transmitting torque of an engine to a driven wheel, may include a bimetal or a metallic member corresponding to the bimetal; and a hollow body molded of a rubber material to surround the bimetal or the metallic member. |
| US09416812B2 |
Nut
A nut includes a thread portion and a pressing portion. The thread portion is formed at an end of the nut. The thread portion includes a threaded inner wall surface for engaging with a screwing shaft of a screwing piece. The pressing portion is extended from the thread portion and formed at the other end of the nut. A wall thickness of the pressing portion is smaller than a wall thickness of the thread portion. An outer wall surface of the pressing portion is aligned with an outer wall surface of the thread portion. |
| US09416811B2 |
Injectable nut cap
The description provides a method of forming a seal around an end of a fastener protruding from a structure. The cap includes a cap body with a cavity; a sealing material inlet comprising an opening in the cap body; three or more ridges protruding from the cap body into the cavity; and three or more channels between the ridges. The method includes: installing the cap body over the end of the fastener so that it is enclosed within the cavity and contacted by the ridges; injecting sealing material into the cavity via the sealing material inlet so that the sealing material flows along the channels, fills the cavity, contacts the end of the fastener, and contacts the structure; and curing the sealing material to form the seal. |
| US09416810B2 |
Elastomeric retaining devices for joining elements
Elastomeric joining element retaining devices are disclosed. In an aspect, a retaining device is disclosed which is constructed from an elastomeric material such as polyurethane and designed to receive and align an assembly or “stack-up” of nuts, bolts, washers, and/or other joining elements. The retaining device retains and aligns the assembly, enabling a user to install the assembly accurately without dropping or misaligning portions of the assembly. Such retaining devices ease the process of installing or removing joining elements in hard to reach locations. |
| US09416807B2 |
Modular, faceted, block-and-shell node system for connecting elongate frame elements
A modular, faceted-component node system for uniting adjacent ends of elongate frame elements at selectively different types of frame-element-junction nodes in a frame structure including (a) a first type faceted node component adapted for attachments to it of ends of plural, elongate frame elements, operable as a singularity to form in a frame structure a first-type frame-element-junction node, and a second type faceted node component for joining, and cooperating with, different pluralities of the first-type node component to form, selectively with such component pluralities, in a frame structure a plurality of different, second-type frame-element-junction nodes—the first and second type node components including, respectively, concave and convex, angularly faceted surface regions that are complementary to one another, and that accommodate facet-to-facet, matching-facet-coextensive, selective joinder of the two component types. |
| US09416799B2 |
Methods and systems for flow sharing in a hydraulic transformer system with multiple pumps
To achieve flow demands for high flow services, a hydraulic system shares a flow between a hydraulic transformer and one or more hydraulic pumps. The hydraulic transformer is in selective fluid communication with the pumps and actuates a first load. A second load is driven by an actuator in selective fluid communication with the pumps and the hydraulic transformer. The hydraulic system includes a controller to reduce dynamic responses in the system by causing flow sharing between the hydraulic transformer and a directional flow control valve. |
| US09416798B2 |
Hydraulic circuit, and combination valve used in same hydraulic circuit
A composite valve is used in a hydraulic circuit. The composite valve is interposed between a stack valve and a hydraulic power supplier and between the stack valve and a multifunction valve coupled to a hydraulic device. The composite valve includes: stop valves opening/closing communication between the hydraulic power supplier and the stack valve and stop valves opening/closing communication between the stack valve and the multifunction valve; and bypass circuits respectively including stop valves opening/closing communication between the hydraulic power supplier and the multifunction valve, the bypass circuits provided closer to the hydraulic power supplier than the stop valves. This structure makes it possible to simultaneously perform various functions: repair, checking, and/or maintenance on the stack valve; flushing; and repair, checking, maintenance, and/or a trial run of the hydraulic device. The composite valve has uniform circuit configurations, which facilitates production of the valve. |
| US09416790B2 |
Method and apparatus for composition based compressor control and performance monitoring
A method and apparatus controls a compressor, where the compressor inlet gas may contain water and/or non-aqueous liquid. The method includes the steps of measuring temperature at the compressor inlet and/or outlet side, measuring pressure at the compressor inlet and outlet side in order to determine a compressor pressure ratio, measuring fluid mixture density at the compressor inlet and/or outlet side, measuring individual volume fractions of gas, water and non-aqueous liquid at the compressor inlet and/or outlet side, measuring fluid velocity at the compressor inlet and/or outlet side, and determining individual flow rates of gas, water and non-aqueous liquid on the basis of the measured individual volume fractions of gas, water and non aqueous liquid and the fluid velocity at the compressor inlet and/or outlet side. |
| US09416789B2 |
Valve cover geometry
A closure device for monitoring leakage of a process fluid through a bore of a compressor casing is provided. The closure device may include a body configured to be detachably coupled with the compressor casing about the bore of the compressor. The body may define a fluid passage and a plurality of grooves. The plurality of grooves may be defined about an outer circumferential surface of the body and may be axially spaced from one another. The closure device may also include a plurality of seals at least partially disposed in respective grooves of the plurality of grooves. The plurality of seals may be configured to engage an inner surface of the compressor casing such that adjacent seals of the plurality of seals at least partially define an annular gap therebetween fluidly coupled with the fluid passage and configured to contain the leakage of the process fluid. |
| US09416785B2 |
Fan motor
A fan motor includes a base member including a bottom plate portion, a bearing support portion, and a screw receiving portion. The bottom plate portion extends in directions perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a central axis below a circuit board. The bearing support portion extends upward from the bottom plate portion and has a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape. The screw receiving portion is arranged to project upward from the bottom plate portion on a radially outer side of the bearing support portion. At least a portion of the screw receiving portion is arranged in a hole portion defined in the circuit board. |
| US09416783B2 |
Compressible rotor for a fluid pump
The invention relates to a rotor for a fluid pump, in particular for use in the medical sphere, the rotor being compressible for bringing to the place of use and thereafter being expandable. The compressibility is assisted by the provision of cavities, in particular also production of the rotor at least partially from a foam. |
| US09416780B2 |
Electroformed stator tube for a progressing cavity apparatus
A method for use in producing a stator for a progressing cavity apparatus which includes the use of electroforming to produce the stator tube. A stator tube for a progressing cavity apparatus which is produced using electroforming and a stator for a progressing cavity apparatus which includes a stator tube produced using electroforming. |
| US09416778B2 |
Self-gettering differential pump
A self-gettering differential pump for a molecular beam epitaxy system has a collimator with a length greater than its diameter mounted in front of a source in extended port geometry, wherein the reactant delivered by the source also serves as a gettering agent. |
| US09416777B2 |
Control circuits for electrochemical pump with E-valves
An electrochemical actuator drive system and method that provides for full control of an electrochemical pump system having at least three electrochemical actuators, including two valve actuators, and one pump actuator. The driving circuit is based on a standard H-bridge driving circuit wherein part of the circuit is shared among actuators. Because the system only needs to operate either the pump actuator or one of the valve actuators at any given time, part of the H-bridge driving circuit can be shared among the three actuators, thereby permitting the use of four half-bridge driving circuits. |
| US09416776B2 |
Microfluidic distributing device
A microfluidic distributing device having a plurality of microchannels for the analysis of a fluid sample (such as blood). The microfluidic distributing device has a fluid sample entry port from which subsamples of the fluid sample are distributed to the plurality of microchannels in which fluid subsamples are treated for analysis by test devices. |
| US09416773B2 |
Power generation and distribution system for a wind turbine
A power distribution system for a wind turbine having a base and a nacelle, the wind turbine being coupled to a power grid. The system can include a main power circuit, the main power circuit including a generator, a main power transformer, and a first current interrupter. The system can further include an auxiliary circuit, the auxiliary circuit including a second current interrupter, an auxiliary transformer, and at least one auxiliary component, and a junction coupled to the main power circuit, the auxiliary circuit, and the power grid. |
| US09416767B2 |
Erecting a wind powerplant
A method for handling a wind powerplant's rotor hub or to handle a wind powerplant's rotor using a hoist, in particular for erecting a wind powerplant or for assembling or disassembling a rotor to and from such a powerplant, in particular a hub or a rotor being configured by means of one assembly side to the wind powerplant's tower, the hub or rotor being raised or held by the hoist. In the raised state, the hub is tilted by a tilting mechanism acting on it out of the initial, raised position by a predetermined angle of tilting, or the rotor is tilted by a tilting mechanism acting on the rotor blade roots of the rotor through a predetermined angle of tilting. A mechanism to handle a wind powerplant's rotor hub of a wind powerplant's rotor, in particular for assembling or dismantling a rotor to or from its wind powerplant. |
| US09416766B2 |
Energy-capturing floating breakwater
An apparatus comprises an asymmetric heaving floating body that resists influence from viscosity effects. The asymmetric heaving floating body is coupled to a Permanent Magnet Linear Generator (“PMLG”) that serves as a power take off (“PTO”) system. A support structure for the apparatus is designed so as to restrain lateral force and pitching moment. Similarly, the asymmetric floating body is designed to minimize viscosity effects when in motion to transfer incident wave energy to the PTO. |
| US09416764B1 |
Fluid flow power switch
A system is provided for converting flow through a pipe to electric power and then using this electric power productively, through lighting, or the powering of other electronic devices. |
| US09416757B2 |
Air filter arrangement and connecting duct
An air filter arrangement has a filter housing (10) for connection to a duct (80) for a combustion engine. The filter housing (10) has a cover (30) for closing a top aperture of the filter housing (10). An engine air outlet (40) is on the cover (30). A flexible pipe section (42) on the engine air outlet and for connection to the duct, the flexibility to allow the cover (30) to be removed from the top aperture and a filter unit to be introduced into or taken out from the filter housing (10). |
| US09416755B2 |
Systems and methods for determining canister purge valve degradation
A method is provided, comprising: during a first condition, opening a fuel tank isolation valve while maintaining a canister purge valve closed; and indicating degradation of the canister purge valve based on an output of a universal exhaust gas oxygen (UEGO) sensor. The UEGO sensor output will indicate whether any fuel vapor vented from the fuel tank reaches intake through the commanded closed canister purge valve. In this way, canister purge valve degradation may be diagnosed in vehicles that do not include a functional fuel tank pressure sensor or canister vent valve. |
| US09416752B2 |
Gas turbine exhaust having reduced jet noise
A gas turbine engine has an engine core and an annular by-pass duct, within a surrounding nacelle. An exhaust nozzle of the nacelle includes a selectively deployable noise-reduction section on an inner surface thereof. The noise-reduction section includes an inflatable envelope comprising a fixed outer wall and a displaceable inner wall. At least projections on the inner wall are inwardly displaced when the envelope is pressurized and retracted radially outwardly when the envelope is de-pressurized. When the envelope is pressurized, the inner wall includes portions that project to form a rough surface on the inner surface of the nacelle exhaust nozzle. This thickens the boundary layer and reduces the speed of the gas flow at the outer radius of the nozzle, thus reducing the differential velocity with the ambient air, which reduces the gradient throughout the shear layer thus reducing the noise level of the engine. |
| US09416750B2 |
Piston for an internal combustion engine
A piston for an internal combustion engine includes a piston head that has a piston crown, a top land, a ring part, and a combustion bowl with a bowl base, a bowl wall, and an insert which is made of an annular component and which is held in the piston head by means of an undercut section. According to the invention, the component has an inner wall on the bowl side, the inner wall continuously tapering off all the way to the bowl wall or the bowl base in a flush manner, thereby forming a circumferential edge that tapers into a point. |
| US09416743B2 |
Cylinder activation/deactivation sequence control systems and methods
A target cylinder count module determines a target number of cylinders of an engine to be activated during a future period. The future period includes N sub-periods, and N is an integer greater than one. Based on the target number, a first sequence setting module generates a sequence indicating N target numbers of cylinders to be activated during the N sub-periods, respectively. A second sequence setting module retrieves N predetermined sequences for activating and deactivating cylinders during the N sub-periods, respectively, and generates a target sequence for activating and deactivating cylinders during the future period based on the N predetermined sequences. During the future period, a cylinder actuator module: activates opening of intake and exhaust valves of the cylinders that are to be activated based on the target sequence; and deactivates opening of intake and exhaust valves of the cylinders that are to be deactivated based on the target sequence. |
| US09416742B2 |
Method for starting an engine
A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method controls a transition from split fuel injection timing during an engine start to single event fuel injection during idle speed or engine torque control modes. The method better manages vehicle launch performance when the engine is restarted while coupled to an automatic transmission that is in gear. |
| US09416741B2 |
Exhaust system component input pressure estimation systems and methods
An output pressure module that sets an output pressure of a first component of an exhaust system of the vehicle equal to one of: an input pressure of a second component that is immediately downstream of the first component in the exhaust system; and ambient air pressure. A pressure drop module determines a pressure drop between an input of the first component and an output of the first component based a temperature of exhaust input to the first component. An input pressure module determines an input pressure of the first component based on a sum of the output pressure of the first component and the pressure drop between the input and the output of the first component. An actuator control module selectively controls at least one engine actuator based on at least one of the input and output pressures of the first component. |
| US09416737B2 |
Boat propulsion device and float position determining method
A boat propulsion device is configured to be attachable to a vessel body including an external tank. The boat propulsion device includes an engine, an exhaust pipe, a catalyst, an internal tank, a detection unit and a control unit. The exhaust pipe is connected to the engine. The catalyst is disposed in the exhaust pipe. The internal tank communicates with the external tank. The internal tank is configured to store a fuel to be supplied to the engine. The detection unit is configured to detect whether or not an amount of fuel remaining within the internal tank is less than or equal to a predetermined remaining amount. The control unit is configured or programmed to perform a rotation speed reduction control to reduce a rotation speed of the engine when the detection unit has detected that the amount of fuel remaining within the internal tank had become less than or equal to the predetermined remaining amount. The predetermined remaining amount is an amount of fuel necessary to drive the engine until a temperature of the catalyst becomes lower than an ignition temperature of the fuel under the rotation speed reduction control. |
| US09416736B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling an internal combustion engine during a combustion transition
A method for operating an internal combustion engine includes increasing engine drag torque, transitioning from a cylinder deactivation state to an all-cylinder state, and decreasing engine drag torque immediately subsequent to transitioning to the all-cylinder state. |
| US09416734B2 |
Accessory mounting for a gas turbine
Accessories are mounted to a gas turbine engine from a frame attached to a pylon which is used to mount the engine to an airframe. The frame independently mounts the accessories so that engine vibrations are not transmitted to the accessories. |
| US09416732B2 |
Engine manifold drain system
A fuel system for a gas turbine engine includes an engine fuel manifold, a hydraulic actuator, and a drain piston assembly. The hydraulic actuator actuates in response to a change in pressures within the hydraulic actuator. The drain piston assembly is fluidically connected to both the hydraulic actuator and the engine fuel manifold. The drain piston assembly receives fuel from the engine fuel manifold and sends fuel to the hydraulic actuator during engine shut down. |
| US09416731B2 |
Thermocouple assembly
A thermocouple assembly includes a thermocouple probe fixedly contained within a probe insulation sheath. Also included is a protection tube having a first end, a second end, and a hollow portion extending in a longitudinal direction of the protection tube from the first end to the second end, the hollow portion configured to receive the thermocouple probe and the probe insulation sheath therein. Further included is a radiation shield integrally formed with the protection tube proximate the second end of the protection tube. Yet further included is a nut configured to threadingly engage a threaded portion of the protection tube proximate the first end of the protection tube, the nut configured to positionally fix the thermocouple probe and the probe insulation sheath upon engagement with the protection tube. |
| US09416730B2 |
Bi-directional ventilation systems for use with aircraft and related methods
Bi-directional nacelle ventilation and cooling systems for use with aircraft and related methods are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a passageway to fluidly couple an opening formed in a nacelle of an aircraft engine and an engine compartment of the nacelle. The opening provides an inlet into the engine compartment when passive airflow is available to vent or cool the engine compartment and the opening to provide an outlet from the engine compartment when forced air is needed to vent or cool the engine compartment. A fan is positioned in the passageway to provide the forced air when the passive air is unavailable. |
| US09416729B2 |
Oil tank mount with yoke
An engine has an oil tank mounted to an engine wall with clevis ears formed on both the oil tank and a mount bracket. A link connects the mount bracket clevis ears to the oil tank clevis ears. The link has a spherical bearing which is mounted in the oil tank clevis ears. This provides a connection allowing movement between the link and the oil tank clevis ears. The link is a yoke having arms positioned outwardly of the mount bracket clevis ears securing the oil tank to the mount bracket. |
| US09416727B2 |
Engine assembly and waste heat recovery system
An engine assembly includes an internal combustion engine and a waste heat recovery system. The waste heat recovery system is configured to direct refrigerant around a loop. The loop includes a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from engine exhaust gases to the refrigerant such that the refrigerant is vaporized; a turbine configured to receive and be driven by the vaporized refrigerant; and a condenser configured to cool and condense the refrigerant for subsequent delivery in liquid form to the heat exchanger. The turbine includes a turbine wheel connected to a shaft which is held in a shaft housing, a bearing lubricated by liquid refrigerant being provided between the shaft and the shaft housing, and squeeze film dampers which utilize the liquid refrigerant are provided between the bearing and the shaft housing. |
| US09416726B2 |
Method for producing a gaseous fuel comprising hydrogen from kinetic and/or potential energy recovered from a vehicle powered by a four stroke diesel engine fitted with an engine braking mechanism and system useful to implement such method
A method for producing a hydrogen gaseous fuel from kinetic and/or potential energy recovered from a vehicle powered by a four stroke Diesel engine fitted with a Jacobs engine brake during a deceleration stage. Such a method comprises the following steps: a) providing a preheated steam flow; b) providing a gas flow from at least one chemical species used as preheated carbon and hydrogen source; c) mixing the gas flow from at least one chemical species used as carbon and hydrogen source from step a) with the steam flow from step b); d) reacting the mixture from step c) in the catalytic bed of a reforming reactor, heated by high temperature air from the compression stage of the Diesel engine acting as engine brake upon deceleration, producing an outlet synthesis gas flow which contains hydrogen; e) causing water to condense in the outlet synthesis gas flow which contains hydrogen, producing a water-free synthesis gas flow, and f) storing the synthesis gas flow obtained at step e) in a reservoir for its subsequent use during an acceleration stage of the vehicle. A system useful to implement the method for recovering kinetic and/or potential energy from a vehicle powered by a four stroke Diesel engine fitted with a Jacobs engine brake during a deceleration stage. |
| US09416723B2 |
Air supply concepts to improve efficiency of VCRC engines
The air supply to internal combustion engines using variable compression ratio and variable fuel supply VCRC, is improved. The improvements involve increasing thermal efficiency and/or reducing production of pollutants by this engine. The improvements can also be used with other engines that are regulated by fuel supply such as two-stroke diesel engines. These improvements are directed to engines in two basic categories; those with mechanical blowers only and those with turbo charging. |
| US09416722B2 |
Control apparatus for internal combustion engine
A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine of the present invention switches a steady-state characteristic that defines a relation between an engine load factor and a throttle opening degree between a high atmospheric pressure steady-state characteristic and a low atmospheric pressure steady-state characteristic in accordance with whether or not the atmospheric pressure is higher than a predetermined value. According to the low atmospheric pressure steady-state characteristic, a throttle opening degree corresponding to an identical engine load factor is set to a smaller value compared to the high atmospheric pressure steady-state characteristic in a medium load region, and the throttle opening degree is set so as to increase as the engine load factor increases towards a full load in a region on the side of a higher load factor than the medium load region. |
| US09416718B2 |
Engine equipped with secondary air supply device
An engine equipped with a secondary air supply device includes: a fuel tank disposed over a cylinder head for storing fuel of the engine; an exhaust muffler disposed beneath the fuel tank and below the exhaust port in a region lateral of the cylinder head; an exhaust pipe connecting the exhaust port to the exhaust muffler; a secondary air introduction pipe connected to the exhaust pipe for introducing air into the exhaust muffler; and a tailpipe for discharging exhaust gas of the exhaust muffler to the outside, the exhaust muffler and the fuel tank defining therebetween a space, the tailpipe being disposed to meander in the space. |
| US09416715B2 |
Method for monitoring an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine
A method and an arrangement for monitoring an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. Temperature profiles upstream and downstream of an installation location of a catalytic converter are measured in order to determine whether or not a catalytic converter is installed. |
| US09416714B2 |
Non-intrusive exhaust gas sensor monitoring
Systems and methods for monitoring an exhaust gas sensor coupled in an engine exhaust are provided. In one example approach, a method comprises indicating exhaust gas sensor degradation based on a downstream exhaust gas sensor responding before the upstream exhaust gas sensor during a commanded change in air-fuel ratio. |
| US09416713B2 |
Exhaust gas purification system
An exhaust gas purification system comprises an exhaust gas purification device which is arranged in an exhaust gas route of an engine, renewing devices, for burning and removing a particulate matter within the exhaust gas purification device, renewal advance notifying means which is actuated in the case that a clogged state of the exhaust gas purification device becomes equal to or more than a prescribed level, and renewal informing means which informs of a fact that the renewing devices are under operation. The renewal advance notifying means is actuated before actuating the renewing devices. |
| US09416711B1 |
Exhaust energy recovery and pollution control system for marine vessel
An exhaust gas heat energy recovery and pollution control system for a marine vessel is disclosed. The system includes (a) an exhaust gas boiler that receives exhaust gases from a gas or fuel oil-burning internal combustion engine, (b) a variable capacity wet scrubbing system that sprays a mixture into the exhaust gases, (c) two or more condensing heat exchangers that receive exhaust gases, (d) a variable flow and variable pressure exhaust gas mover that facilitates movement of the exhaust gases, (e) a liquid collection and treatment system that collects liquid condensate, (f) one or more heat sinks to receive thermal energy from exhaust gases, (g) an interconnecting fluid conduit that allows for movement of exhaust gases, and (h) a control system communicatively coupled with a plurality of sensors, actuators, and external interfaces. |
| US09416710B2 |
Metering arrangement for a liquid exhaust-gas aftertreatment medium and metering method
A metering arrangement (3, 30) is proposed for a liquid exhaust-gas aftertreatment medium for the aftertreatment of the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine which has an exhaust-gas system, in particular for a urea/water solution, having a delivery pump (7) and a metering module (13), wherein the delivery pump (7) is connected to a suction line (23) for sucking the exhaust-gas aftertreatment medium out of a tank (1), wherein the delivery pump (7) and the metering module (13) are connected to one another via a pressure line (25), and the exhaust-gas aftertreatment medium can be fed via the metering module (13) to the exhaust-gas system, wherein a recirculation pump (8) is arranged parallel to the delivery pump (7), wherein the recirculation pump (8) is connected on the suction side to the metering module (13). Furthermore, a corresponding method for metering is proposed. |
| US09416708B2 |
Method for determining HC-conversion efficiency of a catalyst, a diagnostic device configured to carry out the method as well as a motor vehicle having such a catalyst
The invention relates to a method to determine the HC-conversion efficiency of a catalyst, which is situated in the exhaust gas flow path of an internal combustion engine and which is configured to convert hydrocarbons, by means of an oxygen-sensitive sensor that is installed downstream from the catalyst in the exhaust gas flow path and that exhibits a cross sensitivity to hydrocarbons. The method comprises: detecting a first signal of the downstream sensor in a first situation in which a first HC fraction is present in the exhaust gas upstream from the catalyst; detecting a second signal of the downstream sensor in a second situation in which a second HC fraction that is higher than the first HC fraction is present in the exhaust gas upstream from the catalyst; and determining the HC-conversion efficiency of the catalyst as a function of the first and second signals of the downstream sensor. |
| US09416706B2 |
Exhaust gas treatment system comprising a catalytic particulate filter, and corresponding method
The invention relates to an exhaust gas treatment system comprising a catalytic particulate filter, a catalytic reduction device for the reduction of nitrogen oxides, which is mounted downstream of the catalytic particulate filter, an injection device mounted upstream of the catalytic particulate filter, a means for determining the temperature of the catalytic particulate filter and an electronic control unit able to command injection of reducing agent. The electronic control unit comprises a first control means able to command injection of the reducing agent in order to obtain a reference quantity of reducing agent stored in the filter that corresponds to a filter temperature below a threshold, and a second control means able to command the injection of reducing agent in order to obtain a reference quantity of reducing agent stored in the device that corresponds to a filter temperature higher than said threshold. |
| US09416704B2 |
Exhaust gas treatment device of engine
It is an object of the present invention to provide an exhaust gas treatment device of an engine capable of preventing matching surfaces of catalyst portions configuring a combustible gas catalyst from being thermally damaged. In the exhaust gas treatment device, combustible gas is produced by combustible gas generating catalyst, exhaust gas heated by combustion of combustible gas is supplied to an exhaust gas treatment portion, the combustible gas generating catalyst comprises an aggregate of a plurality of catalyst portions, each of the catalyst portions includes a matching surface with respect to adjacent one of the catalyst portions, a fastening ring is fitted over the combustible gas generating catalyst in which the matching surfaces of the adjacent catalyst portions are abutted against each other, and the matching surfaces of the adjacent catalyst portions are brought into tight contact with each other by a fastening force of the fastening ring. |
| US09416701B2 |
Work vehicle having exhaust apparatus
An exhaust gas purifying device is disposed in a portion of a motor section rearwardly of a vehicle body. A cylindrical mixing exhaust pipe is provided in a distal end portion of an exhaust pipe, through which exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust gas purifying device flows. The mixing exhaust pipe has a larger diameter than the exhaust pipe to overlap the exhaust pipe in a radial direction for drawing ambient air by the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust pipe and mixing drawn air with the exhaust gas to discharge the mixed gas to the outside from a discharge opening. The mixing exhaust pipe is arranged in a lower side position of the motor section on one side of the vehicle width direction with the exhaust gas being discharged toward the front of the vehicle body. |
| US09416699B2 |
Heating device of a PCV valve
A heating device of a PCV valve includes a PCV valve, a conduit and a bush. The PCV valve contacts the bush. The bush includes an outward protrusion. The outward protrusion includes a curved surface contacting an outside surface of the conduit in a manner of a surface-to-surface contact. Therefore, when the conduit is heated by engine cooling water, the bush contacting the conduit in the manner of a surface-to-surface contact is heated and the PCV valve contacting the bush is heated. Therefore, the PCV valve can be heated by the engine cooling water. |
| US09416698B2 |
Fastening method, assembly and structure of engine oil fill extension tube
Fastening method, assembly and structure of engine oil fill extension tube can include an oil fill extension tube and a self-locking washer. The oil fill extension tube can include a plurality of locking edges disposed towards a first distal end of the oil fill extension tube, where the plurality of locking edges can define boundaries of a plurality of slots. The self-locking washer can include a plurality of teeth disposed on its top surface. The self-locking washer can be oriented over an opening in the oil pan, after which the oil fill extension tube can be threaded into the opening. The plurality of slots and plurality of teeth can be ratcheted together to fasten the oil fill extension tube into the oil pan when the oil fill extension tube is rotated clockwise. The washer can further include a locking extension to securely engage a portion of the oil pan. |
| US09416697B2 |
Engine bearing lubrication by external positive oil pressure delivery
A system including a lubrication delivery tube and a bearing for an engine provides high reliability through an externally-supplied lubrication. The system may be supplied as a kit including a lubrication delivery tube and an oil filter adapter having a port for supplying the external lubrication to a mounting flange of the bearing. |
| US09416691B2 |
Internal-combustion engine having a system for variable actuation of the intake valves, provided with an electrically actuated valve having two ways and three positions
An internal-combustion engine includes a system for variable actuation of intake valves, including a control valve for each cylinder, which controls communication of a pressurized-fluid chamber with a discharge channel. The control valve has at least three different positions, namely, a first completely open position, a second partially open position, and a third completely closed position. Electronic control means are programmed for keeping the control valve in its closed position in operating stages in which the intake valve must remain coupled to the respective cam and for bringing the control valve from its completely closed position to its partially open position or to its completely open position in operating stages in which the intake valve must be uncoupled from the respective cam, selection between the first position and said second position of the control valve being made as a function of one or more operating parameters of the engine. |
| US09416688B2 |
Switchable finger follower with combined lost motion spring and hydraulic lash adjuster clip
A switchable roller finger follower including a combined lost motion spring and hydraulic lash adjuster clip is provided. The switchable roller finger follower includes at least one spring having two coiled spring portions. Each of the two coiled spring portions is wrapped around a respective spring holding pin formed on an inner elongated body. Each one of the at least two coiled spring portions includes a first leg and a second leg. The first legs each extend from a respective one of the two coiled spring portions to engage a spring pallet formed on an outer elongated body. The second legs each contact a bottom portion of the inner elongated body in proximity to a socket portion to act as a retainer for retaining a hydraulic lash adjuster to the inner elongated body. |
| US09416687B2 |
Camshaft module and corresponding production method
A camshaft module may include a shaft and at least one functional element. The functional element may have a functional element opening through which the shaft passes. The functional element may be fixed to the shaft in a seat portion of the shaft. The camshaft module may include a bearing arrangement in which at least one bearing portion of the shaft is mounted. The shaft may include at least one adjusting portion axially adjacent to the at least one seat portion. The adjusting portion may have a first outer diameter smaller than a second outer diameter of the seat portion. The functional element opening may have an inner diameter smaller than the second outer diameter of the seat portion and larger than the first outer diameter of the adjusting portion such that a press fit fixing is realized between the functional element and the seat portion of the shaft. |
| US09416685B2 |
Auxillary steam generation arrangement for a combined cycle power plant
A combined cycle plant (10) including: a gas turbine engine (12) having a compressor (14), a combustor and a gas turbine (16); a heat recovery steam generator (20) (HRSG) configured to receive exhaust from the gas turbine engine; a steam turbine (22, 24) configured to receive steam from the HRSG; a supplemental air arrangement (40) configured to generate supplemental heated air (42) when operating and to operate independent of the gas turbine engine; and a kettle boiler (26, 28) configured to use heat from the supplemental heated air to generate steam used in the steam turbine. |
| US09416681B2 |
Turbo compressor
A turbo compressor includes a housing in which lubrication oil is accumulated, a gear that is housed in the housing and to which the lubrication oil is supplied, a demister that is disposed above the gear and on which an intake is provided to catch oil mist of the lubrication oil in the housing, a gear cover that is provided surrounding the gear to catch lubrication oil splashed by the gear and then drip the caught lubrication oil downward, and a demister cover that is disposed near the demister to drip the lubrication oil caught by the demister downward. Here, a narrow gap is formed between the demister cover and an inner wall surface of the housing. According to the turbo compressor, an amount of lubrication oil flowing through the demister can be reduced by the gear cover and the demister cover. |
| US09416676B2 |
Gas turbine
The present invention relates to a gas turbine having a housing (1), an outer sealing ring (2) that can be fastened detachably to the housing, a clamping member (3) for clamping the outer sealing ring and the housing together radially, and a rotation locking member that has at least one housing groove (10) and a radial flange (20) of the outer sealing ring that can be locked against rotation in the housing groove in form-fitting manner with play (sa) in the axial and/or peripheral direction. |
| US09416673B2 |
Hybrid inner air seal for gas turbine engines
A turbine section has a turbine rotor carrying turbine blades. The turbine blades include seal members at a radially inner location. A vane section is formed of a plurality of circumferentially spaced vane components, each of which has an airfoil extending radially outwardly of a platform. A first seal member is fixed to the platform, and is positioned to be adjacent a seal from a blade which is positioned in one axial direction relative to the first seal member. A second seal member extends circumferentially beyond at least a plurality of the vane components and is positioned to be adjacent a seal member of a blade on an opposed axial side from the first blade. A vane component is also disclosed and claimed. |
| US09416672B2 |
Housing structure with improved seal and cooling
A housing structure for a turbo-engine, especially for a gas turbine or an aircraft engine, includes an outer housing wall and an inner housing wall, the inner and outer housing walls annularly enclosing a flow channel for the turbo-engine and being spaced apart radially from the flow channel. At least one heat shield is arranged between the inner and outer housing walls, and a bar or a fixture projects at least somewhat radially from the inner housing wall. The bar or the fixture has on at least one side a broadening element that includes a sealing face against which the heat shield is positioned in a sealing manner. |
| US09416670B2 |
Locking spacer assembly
A locking spacer assembly for securing adjacent rotor blades includes a first end piece having a platform portion and a root portion that define a first inner surface of the first end piece. The root portion defines a first projection and an opposing second projection of the first end piece. The first projection has an outer profile adapted to project into a first lateral recess of the attachment slot. The second projection has an outer profile adapted to project into a second lateral recess of the attachment slot. A second end piece fits between the first inner surface of the first end piece and a sidewall portion of the attachment slot and includes a platform portion and a root portion. A borehole extends continuously through the first end piece and the second end piece. A fastener configured to engage with a sidewall portion of the attachment slot extends through the borehole. |
| US09416665B2 |
Cooling hole with enhanced flow attachment
A gas turbine engine component includes a wall having first and second wall surfaces, a cooling hole extending through the wall and a convexity. The cooling hole includes an inlet located at the first wall surface, an outlet located at the second wall surface, a metering section extending downstream from the inlet and a diffusing section extending from the metering section to the outlet. The diffusing section includes a first lobe diverging longitudinally and laterally from the metering section and a second lobe adjacent the first lobe and diverging longitudinally and laterally from the metering section. The convexity is located near the outlet. |
| US09416658B2 |
Fluid tank balancing system for mining machine
A mining machine includes a frame, a first fluid tank, a second fluid tank, a valve, and a control system. The first fluid tank is supported on the frame proximate a first end, and the second fluid tank is supported on the frame proximate a second end. The valve permits fluid communication between the first and second fluid tanks when the valve is in a first position, and prevents fluid communication between the first and second fluid tanks when the valve is in a second position. The control system includes a first sensor detecting an amount of fluid in the first tank, a second sensor detecting an amount of fluid in the second tank, and a controller. The controller moves the valve to the first position when the difference between the amounts of fluid in the first and second tanks a predetermined threshold. |
| US09416656B2 |
Assessing reservoir connectivity in hydrocarbon reservoirs
A method is disclosed for assessing connectivity between sections in a hydrocarbon reservoir. Samples of hydrocarbons are collected over different depths in at least one wellbore. Fluorescence intensity determines the actual heavy end concentrations of hydrocarbons for the corresponding different depths. Estimated heavy end concentrations of hydrocarbons for corresponding different depths are determined and the actual heavy end concentrations of hydrocarbons are compared with the estimated heavy end concentrations to assess connectivity between sections of the hydrocarbon reservoir. |
| US09416655B2 |
Modular connector
A downhole modular tool includes a first module, a second module, a third module, and one or more connectors for connecting the first, second, and third modules. Each module includes a drill collar, a drilling fluid passageway, a first fluid passageway, and a second fluid passageway. The one or more connectors connect any one of the first, second, and third modules, to another of the first, second, and third modules to transfer the drilling fluid, the first fluid, and the second fluid between the connected modules. |
| US09416654B2 |
Compound sample extraction apparatus
Disclosed is a complex sampling apparatus. The complex sampling apparatus includes a main sampling unit having a predetermined weight to be sunk to sea floor and inserted into the sea floor in order to collect a sample including a sediment; one or a plurality of sub-sampling unit disposed at a side of the main sampling unit to detect that the sub-sampling unit arrives on the sea floor and to scrape a predetermined amount of the sample from a surface of the sea floor; and an image acquiring unit installed to the main sampling unit to acquire an image of the sea floor. |
| US09416653B2 |
Completion systems with a bi-directional telemetry system
An apparatus for use in a wellbore for performing a treatment operation is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment may include an inner string that further includes a first tubular having a first communication link, and a service tool including a cross-over tool having a fluid flow passage therein for supplying a treatment fluid under pressure from an inside of the service tool to an outside of the service tool, and wherein the service tool includes a second communication link operatively coupled to the first communication link and wherein the second communication link runs across or through the fluid flow passage in the cross-over tool that is protected from direct flow of the fluid under pressure from the inside of the service tool to the outside of the service tool. |
| US09416652B2 |
Sensing magnetized portions of a wellhead system to monitor fatigue loading
A wellhead assembly having a tubular magnetized in at least one selected location, and a sensor proximate the magnetized location that monitors a magnetic field from the magnetized location. The magnetic field changes in response to changes in mechanical stress of the magnetized location, so that signals from the sensor represent loads applied to the tubular. Analyzing the signals over time provides fatigue loading data useful for estimating structural integrity of the tubular and its fatigue life. Example tubulars include a low pressure housing, a high pressure housing, conductor pipes respectively coupled with the housings, a string of tubing, a string of casing, housing and tubing connections, housing and tubing seals, tubing hangers, tubing risers, and other underwater structural components that require fatigue monitoring, or can be monitored for fatigue. |
| US09416647B2 |
Methods and apparatus for characterization of hydrocarbon reservoirs
A methodology performs downhole fluid analysis at multiple measurement stations within a wellbore traversing a reservoir to determine gradients of compositional components and other fluid properties. A model is used to predict concentrations of a plurality of high molecular weight solute part class-types at varying reservoir locations. Such predictions are compared against downhole measurements to identify the best matching solute part class-type. If the best-matching class type corresponds to at least one predetermined asphaltene component, phase stability of asphaltene in the reservoir fluid at a given depth is evaluated using equilibrium criteria involving an oil rich phase and an asphaltene rich phase of respective components of the reservoir fluid at the given depth. The result of the evaluation of asphaltene rich phase stability is used for reservoir analysis. The computational analysis that evaluates asphaltene rich phase stability can also be used in other reservoir understanding workflows and in reservoir simulation. |
| US09416646B2 |
Determining drill string status in a wellbore
A method for determining a status of a drill string in a wellbore. The method can include obtaining pressure data and hook load data for the drill string. The pressure data can be filtered to obtain pressure sections. A low pressure threshold can be determined based upon the pressure sections. The hook load data can be filtered to obtain hook load sections. Hook load baselines can be determined based upon the hook load sections. Dynamic thresholds can be determined based upon the hook load baselines. An in-slips status of the drill string can be determined based upon the low pressure threshold, the dynamic thresholds, or both. |
| US09416636B2 |
Hydraulic cutting tool, system and method for controlled hydraulic cutting through a pipe wall in a well
A hydraulic cutting tool, a system, and a method are for hydraulic cutting through a pipe wall of a pipe body. For this purpose, the cutting tool is provided with at least one cutting section comprising at least one fluid discharge body. Each such fluid discharge body comprises at least two outwardly directed discharge openings having non-parallel discharge directions directed at a common intersection point located outside the fluid discharge body. The cutting is carried out by means of an abrasive fluid being supplied, via a flow-through pipe string, to the at least one fluid discharge body from a remote location. Thereby, abrasive cutting jets will discharge at high velocity from the fluid discharge body so as to meet and disperse in the intersection point, thus weakening the further cutting ability of the cutting jets. |
| US09416634B2 |
Multiple sectioned wire-wrapped screens
Operators manufacture a wellscreen by forming a wire-wrapped screen on a base pipe. Rather than stopping and restarting winding, the desired length of screen is completed along the base pipe, and then the wire screen is segmented into a plurality of screen sections as required for the various zones and details of the implementation. Operators arrange the screen sections relative to one another on the base pipe, which can have different lengths with and without perforations. On the free ends of these separate screen sections, mating split ring components fit around the free ends and the base pipes. Male edges of one split ring component mate to complementary female edges of another to form the end ring around the screen section and base pipe, and longitudinal welds made in seams along the mating edges affix the split ring components together. |
| US09416632B2 |
Containment system
A containment system for recovering hydrocarbon fluid from a leaking device situated at a deep seafloor comprising a pipe for conveying an input fluid that is a mix of water, oil, gas, and hydrate, and a treatment facility fed with the input fluid from the pipe and separating the components of the input fluid. The treatment facility comprises a tank for dissociation of hydrate component and extraction of the oil component. The treatment facility comprises a heater device inside the tank. |
| US09416628B2 |
Blowout preventer activator and method of using same
The disclosure relates to an activator for a blowout preventer of a wellsite. The blowout preventer includes rams sealingly positionable about a tubular of a wellbore at the wellsite and driven by a circuit. The activator includes a cylinder, a trigger valve operatively connectable between the cylinder and the circuit, a piston, and a timing adjuster. The trigger valve includes a trigger to selectively pilot the circuit. The piston has a piston stroke extending between a retracted position and an extended position. The timing adjuster is engagable by the piston and adjustably positionable about the cylinder to define the retracted position of the piston stroke whereby a length of the piston stroke is adjustably defined. |
| US09416626B2 |
Downhole debris removal tool and methods of using same
A downhole tool for removing debris from a wellbore comprises a mandrel and a shroud disposed around a portion of the mandrel. The mandrel includes at least one mandrel port in fluid communication with a mandrel bore. The shroud includes a cavity and a shroud port. Debris laden fluid is pulled into the shroud cavity by flowing fluid through the mandrel bore, out the mandrel port, into the shroud cavity, and through the shroud port. The debris-laden fluid is pulled into the shroud cavity due to a pressure differential created by the flow of the fluid through the mandrel port and out of the shroud port. As the debris laden fluid flows into the shroud cavity, the debris is captured within the tool. |
| US09416624B2 |
Pressure-operated dimple lockout tool
The disclosure describes a lockout tool including a cam housing configured to fit within a flow tube of a safety valve that is coupled to production tubing and has a longitudinal up-down axis. The lockout tool further includes a piston disposed within the cam housing and configured to move within the cam housing parallel to the longitudinal up-down axis and form a plurality of dimples in the flow tube upon provision within the production tubing of a pressurized fluid. |
| US09416618B2 |
Apparatus and method for positioning of a fluidized plugging material in an oil well or gas well
An apparatus and a method are for supplying a fluidized plugging material to a well. The apparatus includes: a carrier body defined by an indefinite side portion extending between a first end portion and a second end portion, the carrier body being arranged to be set in motion by a driving device; and at least one displacement member arranged on the carrier body, the displacement member being defined by the surface of the carrier body and a free end portion facing the inside of the casing, and the driving device being arranged to set the carrier body and the displacement member in motion in the bore of the casing, so that the fluidized plugging material is set in motion within the bore of the casing. |
| US09416616B2 |
Assisting retrieval of a downhole tool
A well tool includes: a well packer; a hydraulic sub-assembly coupled to the well packer; an anti-preset assembly coupled to the hydraulic sub-assembly; a slip assembly coupled to the anti-preset assembly; and a fold-back assembly coupled between the well packer and the hydraulic sub-assembly. The well packer includes an expandable member that rides on a mandrel extending at least a portion of the well tool. The fold-back assembly includes a bias member carried on the mandrel and adapted to engage a profile formed on the mandrel based on a setting stroke that adjusts the expandable member into an expanded position in substantially sealing contact with a tubular. |
| US09416611B2 |
Method for forming slots in a wellbore casing
An embodiment of a method for forming slots in a wellbore casing, comprises providing at least one cutting tool, the cutting tool comprising at least a jetting assembly and an indexing assembly, disposing the cutting tool into the wellbore via a conveyance, stopping movement along the wellbore axis of the cutting tool, and forming slots in the casing by actuating the indexing assembly such that the jetting assembly forms slots in a predetermined pattern in the casing. In an embodiment, the method further comprises flowing a material into the slots formed in the casing to seal the wellbore. |
| US09416610B2 |
Apparatus and method for abrasive jet perforating
An apparatus for performing abrasive jet perforating in a well comprises a generally cylindrically shaped tube with a side, an upper portion, and a lower portion; a plurality of smooth holes drilled into the side of the tube; abrasive jets mounted in at least some of the plurality of smooth holes; protective plates mounted in the side of the tube and surrounding the abrasive jets to hold the abrasive jets in place; wafers recessed into pockets on the protective plates and surrounding the abrasive jets to protect the abrasive jets from damage due to rebound of abrasive-carrying fluid slurry ejected by the abrasive jets; and fasteners securing the protective plates to the side of the tube and positioned away from the rebound of abrasive-carrying fluid slurry ejected by the abrasive jets. |
| US09416609B2 |
Tool positioning and latching system
A system and method for positioning a tool within a tubular segment or a tubular tool, wherein the interior surface of the tubular segment or tubular tool is provided with one or more pluralities of grooves, each defining a selected profile. A downhole tool is lowered into the tubular segment or tubular tool, having a blade in communication therewith. The blade includes a plurality of protruding members thereon, which define a profile complementary to one of the selected profiles formed by one of the pluralities of grooves. A biasing member biases the blade toward the interior surface of the tubular segment or tubular tool to engage the protruding members of the blade within the complementary profile of the tubular segment or the tubular tool. The system and method further include a slip and wedge assembly usable to position a tubular segment or tubular tool within a tubular member or wellbore. |
| US09416606B2 |
While drilling valve system
A system includes a valve subassembly configured to be disposed along an internal flowline exit of a first internal flowline within a downhole drilling module. The valve subassembly includes an active valve configured to regulate flow of a fluid through the internal flowline exit and a passive valve configured to be passively controlled based on a differential pressure between a first volume of the downhole drilling module and a second volume surrounding the downhole drilling module. |
| US09416601B2 |
Top drive operated casing running tool
A casing running tool is connected to a top drive with a clutch that operates with set down weight against a spring resistive force. Setting down weight with rotation in a first direction raises an actuation member that pushes the slips out radially. The weight of the string then keeps the slips in position so that the string can be picked up and the rig floor slips removed followed by lowering the string while circulating and rotating. With slips set inside the joint and the string hanging free, rotating the top drive rotates the string as the string is lowered. With slips again supporting the string on the rig floor the top drive can be rotated in an opposed direction with weight set down to back off the slips and to remove it from the top joint. |
| US09416598B2 |
Method and system for protecting a conduit in an annular space around a well casing
To protect a hydraulic, electric and/or other conduit in an annular space around a well casing against damage from perforating and other well operations the conduit is arranged in a groove in a U- or V-shaped protective gutter, which is secured to the outer surface of the well casing and which is capable of deflecting a shaped charge. |
| US09416597B2 |
Compressible bearing assembly for downhole tools and methods of operation of same
Bearing assemblies for downhole tools include a compensator member operatively associated with a slidable member and a bearing member. The slidable member is movable longitudinally relative to the bearing member. Such movement of slidable member occurs when a force acts upwardly on the downhole tool. Thus, the slidable member facilitates absorption of the upward force acting on the downhole tool. During movement of the slidable member, the compensator member is moved from its expanded position to one of its plurality of compressed positions. As a result, the compensator member becomes biased or further biased toward the expanded position. After the upward force dissipates, the compensator member releases some of its stored energy to move from a compressed position toward the expanded position. Longitudinal movement of the slidable member facilitates maintaining engagement of the downhole tool in its working position so that interruptions of operations are minimized. |
| US09416594B2 |
System and method for drilling a borehole
A system and method is provided for drilling a wellbore including a rotary drill bit with a bit body having a plurality of mechanical cutters to cut away formation material as the wellbore is formed; and a directed energy mechanism to direct energy into the formation such that energy from the directed energy mechanism causes fracturing of surrounding material to facilitate drilling in the direction of the directed energy. The energy from the directed energy mechanism is used to enhance the cutting of the mechanical cutters by fracturing surrounding material to facilitate drilling in the direction of the directed energy. |
| US09416593B2 |
Piston strike face and bit interface for percussion hammer drill
A percussion drilling assembly includes a housing with a hammer bit disposed in the lower end portion thereof and configured to move longitudinally within the housing. The hammer bit includes an annular bit shank having a bit strike face and a cutting structure at a lower end portion thereof. An annular piston having a piston strike face arranged and designed to strike the bit strike face is also disposed in the housing. At least one of the bit strike face and the piston strike face has a toroidal curvature profile. A method includes one or more of lowering the percussion drilling assembly into a borehole, engaging the cutting structure with a formation, and impacting the bit strike face of the annular bit shank with the piston strike face of the annular piston. |
| US09416589B2 |
Deformable guide for a rollable door, rollable door guiding system having a deformable guide, and door using the same
A deformable guide for a rollable door is disclosed. The guide has two wall portions. One wall portion defines a longitudinal edge while another wall portion defines an inner longitudinal planar face. Together, the inner longitudinal planar face and the longitudinal edge define a longitudinal slot. The guide receives, via the longitudinal slot, a longitudinal end section of a rollable door side strip, the inner longitudinal planar face of the guide providing a mating surface for a planar surface of the side strip. A longitudinal rib of the longitudinal end section of the side strip is maintained within the guide. The side strip is released by widening of the longitudinal slot upon application on the side strip of a force exceeding a predetermined threshold. A guiding system including the deformable guide and the side strip and a rollable door including the guiding system are also disclosed. |
| US09416588B2 |
Safety assembly structure of curtain bead chain
A safety assembly structure of a curtain bead chain is revealed herein. It comprises a bead chain having a string with a plurality of beads and having a safety assembly thereon for controlling a curtain. The safety assembly includes two insert blocks for joining to both ends of the string of the bead chain and a connecting unit wrapping around the two insert blocks for connecting thereof. |
| US09416584B2 |
Method and device for sealing insulating glass blanks
A method for sealing insulating glass blanks (1), in which a sealing compound (3) is introduced from a sealing nozzle (7) into the outwardly open edge joint (2) of the insulating glass blank (1). A material tongue (15) of the sealing compound (3) emerging from the sealing nozzle (7) forms in front of the sealing nozzle (7). The size of the material tongue (15) is proportional to the amount of the sealing compound (3) introduced into the edge joint (2) per unit of time. Sealing is controlled in accordance with the length of the material tongue (15) detected by a sensor (10). In particular the amount of sealing compound (3) introduced per unit of time to the sealing nozzle (7) and/or the relative speed between the insulating glass blank (1) and the sealing nozzle (7) is controlled in accordance with the length of the material tongue (15) detected by the sensor (10). |
| US09416582B2 |
Insulating glazing
The invention relates to double glazing comprising at least one glass sheet that has a set of low-emission layers on each side, one side being coated with layers which are produced using sputtering and which include at least one metal layer that reflects infrared radiation. The other side of said at least one glass sheet comprises one or more metal oxide layers that are deposited using gas phase pyrolysis. The disclosed glazing has a minimum light transmittance of 60 percent (with 4 mm thick clear glass sheets). |
| US09416578B2 |
Door closer
Disclosed is a door closer that can easily adjust the spring force of a return spring. A piston 2 moves toward a first oil chamber 15 upon a door opening operation and moves toward a second oil chamber 16 upon a door closing operation. A return spring 50 is located on the same line as the piston 2. The return spring 50 is interposed between a spring retaining seat on a fixed side close to a main shaft 3 and a spring retaining seat on a moving side distant from the main shaft 3. The return spring 50 is compressed by the spring retaining seat on the moving side moving closer to the spring retaining seat on the fixed side upon the door opening operation and then stores the closing force. The door closer includes a spring force adjustment mechanism configured to change the position of a spring retaining member 40, which has the spring retaining seat on the fixed side, in the axial direction of the piston 2 with respect to the main body housing 1, and configured to adjust the spring force of the return spring 50 by changing the position of the spring retaining member 40 through an operation from the outside of the main body housing 1. |
| US09416572B2 |
Adjustable swing-controlled hinge
A hinge, providing a swinging function for a first object attached thereto with respect to a stationary object attached thereto, includes a first leaf; a second leaf; and a pintle. The first leaf has a first knuckle. The second leaf has a second knuckle forming a volume for receiving said pintle. The second knuckle has a contact arm located within the volume. The pintle has a first stop surface feature and a second stop surface feature. The first stop surface feature causes the swinging function of the first object to stop when the contact arm of the second knuckle engages, by contact, the first stop surface feature. The second stop surface feature causes the swinging function of the first object to stop when the contact arm of the second knuckle engages, by contact, the second stop surface feature. |
| US09416571B1 |
Swinging double gate latch with a lock pin
A swinging double gate latch with a lock pin including a vertical beam disposed on an end portion of a fence having a left side, a top side, and a bottom side. An outer mounting plate disposed on the beam left side proximal each of the top side and the bottom side, with an annular collar centrally disposed on each of the outer mounting plates. An inner mounting plate disposed on the beam left side disposed proximal each of the outer mounting plates. A pair of latches comprising an upper latch and a lower latch, with each of the upper latch and the lower latch further comprising a front flap and a rear stopper flap. A U-shaped mount having a pair of outer ends and center support therebetween disposed proximal the beam top side. A handle continuously engaging the mount center support and a continuous shaft rotationally engaging the collars. |
| US09416568B2 |
Door lock device with an opening button
A door lock device for a household appliance door provided with a prong is described. The device has a mechanical module for retaining the device in a closed position, or releasing the prong for opening the device. The device also has opening means with an unlock slider, returning means of the unlock slider, and an activation member. |
| US09416560B2 |
Door handle mounting system
A door handle mounting system is comprised of a face plate having a handle mounting hole therein to receive a shank portion of a handle therethrough. A circumferential abutment is associated with the handle for abutment about the mounting hole on an outer face of the face plate when the shank portion is disposed thereinto. A retainer ring, formed of flexible non-metallic material having a memory, is adapted to engage with the shank portion adjacent a rear face of the face plate. The retainer ring has an integrally formed locking portion for locking engagement with the shank portion, and an integrally formed tensioning portion for flexible abutment with the rear face of the face plate to apply a pulling force on the shank portion while retaining the handle operationally secured to the face plate. A coupling sleeve is also securable to the shank portion and engageable by the retainer ring. |
| US09416554B2 |
Vehicle parking with automated guided vehicles and vehicle lifts
A parking system includes parking trays, each of which includes a parking platform for supporting a vehicle thereon and legs depending down from the parking platform. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) can move between the legs of a tray and then lift the tray with the vehicle thereon for moving the vehicle to or from parking spaces in a parking facility. Each parking space has a vehicle lift device suspended from the ceiling. Each vehicle lift device includes a tray support for supporting the tray and the vehicle thereon. The AGV can move the tray and the vehicle into a position at the parking space so that the tray and the vehicle can be lifted by the vehicle lift device. Thus, another vehicle can be moved into position below the lifted tray and vehicle. |
| US09416548B2 |
Narrow lined modular flooring assemblies
This specification describes a tray substrate for tile flooring that can be used in narrow grout line modular floating tile assemblies. The tray is preferably made of plastic and has vertical tray edges around the top of the tray substrate with upward and downward tabs protruding from the sides of the tray substrate wherein some of the tabs are at least partially recessed under the surface of the tray. |
| US09416544B2 |
Non-penetrating roof-mounted support device
Disclosed within is a support that attaches to the roof without mechanical fasteners, results in only minor increases to the roof load by requiring no ballast, and bonds to the surface of the roof. The result is a roof that is stronger with the roof supports than without, and a roof with an enhanced ability to perform its functions.The roof support device consists generally of a baseplate, a column affixed to, or intrinsic to, the upper surface of the baseplate, the column surrounding a rod, the rod protruding above the top of the column. The roof support device is preferably affixed to a roof using an adhesive applied the underside of the baseplate. The roof support device is installed using spray foam, which acts to strengthen the bond with the roof, and providing additional protection against water infiltration. |
| US09416534B2 |
Interlocking block construction system
An interlocking block construction system is provided. A plurality of interlocking blocks may each include: a top portion having a top protruding ridge; a bottom portion having a bottom recessed channel; a first side having a side protruding ridge; and a second side having a side recessed channel. The top protruding ridge of a first interlocking block is formed to fit within a bottom recessed channel of a second interlocking block. The side protruding ridge of the second interlocking block is formed to fit within a side recessed channel of a third interlocking block. The plurality of interlocking blocks connected together form a wall. |
| US09416531B1 |
Blown insulation apparatus and method
The subject apparatus is designed to facilitate the installation of blown insulation during construction of building assemblies. In a typical embodiment, there is provide a length or strip of friction clip configured to provide a tight grip along the outer surface of a framing member such as a stud, thereby maintaining tension on a masking film or web thereby affixed to an array of studs. The masking film arrayed in such manner thereby defines a plurality of voids or cavities which may thereafter be filled with blown insulation and then finished with wall paneling. The friction clips are designed to complement conventional framing members. Thus, one embodiment described below is suitable for a solid stud such as lumber or polymer; other embodiments are designed to be affixed to steel light framing members such as C-studs and similar profiles. |
| US09416530B2 |
Concrete anchor
An anchor for supporting a load comprises an anchor rod having a lower threaded portion for being embedded in a concrete structure and an upper portion for extending outside the concrete structure; a metallic body attached to the lower portion, the body including a top surface and a bottom surface joined by a vertical side surface; and the side surface including at least one shoulder extending therefrom. |
| US09416528B2 |
Folding shed with portable feature
A folding shed may include a roof with a first roof section pivotally connected to a first sidewall and a second roof section pivotally connected to a second sidewall. The folding shed may further include foldable first and second end walls, each pivotally connected to the first and second sidewalls. The folding shed may be transformed from an operation to a storage configuration by outwardly pivoting the first and second roof sections until the exterior surface of each roof section approximately abuts the exterior surface of the sidewall to which it is connected and inwardly moving foldable end walls until the interior surfaces of the sidewalls approximately abut the interior surfaces of the end walls. The folding shed may optionally include multiple wheels for facilitating transport of the shed. |
| US09416525B2 |
Water closet bolt
A water closet bolt comprises an upper end and a lower end with a threaded body extending therebetween. The lower end includes an oblong foot and the upper end includes a male or female notch for visually indicating the orientation of the long axis of the oblong foot. The notch also serves as a gripping surface to aid the installer in the installation of the toilet. Furthermore, the bottom of the notch acts as a break-off point to aid the installer in removing an excess portion of the bolt after the completing the installation. |
| US09416524B2 |
Piston-flush toilet system
The present invention comprises a piston-flush toilet system that may use appreciably less water than commonly used toilets today. Such a piston-flush toilet system may comprise a bowl to accept waste and a chamber comprising a waste inlet connected to the bowl and a waste outlet connected to a sewer system or the like. A piston may be disposed within the chamber capable of sealing the waste inlet. |
| US09416523B2 |
Retro flush toilet
A flushometer toilet is used in a bathroom that has access to only a small diameter water supply pipe that usually would be useful only with a gravity toilet. A water storage apparatus (60) is provided that includes large diameter pipes (of 1.5 inches diameter) lying close to the flushometer valve (44) so at the beginning of a flushing, a large volume of water is available at a pressure of at least 30 psi. |
| US09416522B2 |
Sanitary outlet insert
A sanitary outlet insert (1) which can be mounted on the water outlet of a sanitary outlet fitting, comprising a flow rate regulator (2) or a flow limiter that has an adjusting element (3) which regulates or limits the flow area in cooperation with a counter element (3′). The aim of the invention is to easily adapt said outlet insert to the prevailing on-site water pressure and/or to the corresponding application in a simple manner. According to the invention, this is achieved in that the flow area of the flow rate regulator (2) or the flow limiter can be preselected or varied by an axial change of the relative position of the adjusting element (3) and the counter element (3′); in that additionally a handle is provided on the outlet end face (7) of the outlet insert (1), said handle being designed as a pushbutton; and in that an adjusting movement on the handle can be converted into a relative axial movement of the adjusting element (3) and the counter element (3′) by means of a pushbutton mechanism. |
| US09416521B2 |
Sanitary fixture, inner-hose arrangement for a sanitary fitting, and sanitary fitting
A sanitary fixture (8) having a connector assembly (14) for the connection to a single-lever mixing cartridge (15) including a pivotable connector piece (16) having a hose connector (20) on a base plate (9). The base plate (9) includes receptacles (10, 12) for a cold-water hose end piece (11) and a warm-water end piece (13). |
| US09416518B2 |
Ball-and-socket joint for work vehicle
A ball-and-socket joint (12) comprises a ball stud (32) comprising a ball (38) at an end thereof, and a socket (34) in which the ball (38) is positioned for relative movement between the ball (38) and the socket (34). An associated method is disclosed. |
| US09416516B2 |
Pressure responsive locking latch arrangement for manhole covers
A manhole cover assembly is adapted to be received in an opening in a frame enclosing a vault chamber. A manhole cover is fit into the opening. A pair of lugs are mounted to an underside of said manhole cover on opposite sides thereof. Each lug has a portion projecting radially out in a first position so as to engage a fixed feature of said frame. At least one of said lugs is connected to a pivotable member having an upper end projecting up through said manhole cover so that said upper end is engageable to be able to be rotated and cause rotation of said lug therewith between the first position and a second position with said lug not projecting radially out such that the lug radially clears said fixed feature of said frame to allow said manhole cover to be moved up and out of said frame opening. |
| US09416514B2 |
Post driver with limited movement floating post anvil
The post driver with limited movement floating post anvil does not rely heavily upon the skill of the operator to efficiently drive posts. The post anvil is allowed to move up and down in relation to the driver, but its movement is limited by both lower and upper fixed barriers. Since the movement is limited, the operator can position the driver upon the post allowing the full weight of the driver framework/carrier machine to rest upon the post. The post would push the floating post anvil upward only to the point at which the upper fixed barrier prevents further upward movement of the floating post anvil. Thus, once the floating post anvil abuts the upper fixed barrier, substantially the entire weight of the post driver is resting on the post. |
| US09416509B2 |
Machine group and method for cleaning ballast of a track
A machine group for cleaning ballast of a track includes a first machine, having an endless clearing chain for ballast cleaning, and a second machine preceding the former with regard to a working direction and having a pick-up device for picking up cleaned ballast pre-deposited on the track. A third machine is arranged to precede the second machine. The third machine has two shoulder excavating devices for picking up the ballast located in a shoulder region of a ballast bed, and a second screening plant for cleaning the picked-up ballast. |
| US09416508B2 |
Terminal arrangement for a road rail
In a terminal arrangement for a road rail with a rail profile (2) a terminal guiding device (10) is movable along the road rail under the influence of kinetic energy from a vehicle hitting the terminal guiding device. A terminal profile (8), constituting a prolongation of the rail profile (2), extends within the terminal guiding device (10) obliquely down to a ground anchor (4), where it is attached. The terminal arrangement includes a mechanism for deforming the terminal profile (8) and eventually the rail profile (2) and thus for absorbing kinetic energy. |
| US09416506B2 |
Apparatus and method for rapidly immobilizing a land vehicle
An apparatus to be positioned at the side of a roadway for ensnaring tires of an oncoming land vehicle. The apparatus comprises a plurality of segments flexibly attached end-to-end. At least a subset of the segments further comprise a spike ramp. The segments are connected at the ends via hinges. The segments are adapted to house a net package in a stowed-away configuration. The net package includes a set of spikes tethered to netting. A deployment hose is connected to a subset of the segments to cause the segments to become unstacked for deployment when the deployment hose is inflated. |
| US09416505B2 |
Bridge span replacement system
A vertically-adjustable gantry assembly installation adapted for removal or placement of a train bridge-span of the type which spans and is supported by two piers, comprises a gantry assembly positioned on load-bearing first ground-support locations, the gantry assembly comprising a gantry and a ground-engaging vertical support and lift system, the vertical support and lift system adapted for supporting a combined weight of the gantry and a bridge span in at least one operational vertical position above respective bridge span support-surfaces of the piers including a position corresponding to a disembarking plane in which the leg portions are extended from a stowed position to an extent at least sufficient for the gantry assembly to self-liftoff the pre-installation conveyance system onto the first ground-support locations to effect the gantry assembly installation. |
| US09416498B2 |
Method for profiling a laid rail and processing vehicle
The invention relates to a method of profiling a running surface of a laid rail by means of a processing vehicle, in particular in the region of a switch, comprising placing a first copying probe element displaceable transversely to the rail in contact with the running edge or the inner side edge and machining the rail. |
| US09416496B2 |
Method for reducing the bulk and increasing the density of a tissue product
A method of increasing the density and reducing the bulk of multi-ply paper products allowing one to reduce the roll size or increase the roll content, while minimizing the destruction of favorable product attributes. |
| US09416494B2 |
Modified cellulosic fibers having reduced hydrogen bonding
The present invention provides a modified cellulosic fiber having reduced hydrogen bonding capabilities. The modified fiber formed in accordance with the present invention may be useful in the production of tissue products having improved bulk and softness. More importantly, the modified fiber is adaptable to current tissue making processes and may be incorporated into a tissue product to improve bulk and softness without an unsatisfactory reduction in tensile. |
| US09416487B2 |
Super-piezoelectric composite fiber mats for power generation and soft actuators
A piezoelectric device includes a fiber mat comprising polymer fibers with ferroelectric particles embedded in the polymer fibers. The ferroelectric particles are oriented to generate a net polarization in the fiber mat. The ferroelectric particles may comprise barium titanate particles. The polymer fibers may comprise polylactic acid (PLA) fibers. The piezoelectric device may further include substrates sandwiching the fiber mat, and the fiber mat may be formed by electrospinning polymer fibers containing ferroelectric particles onto one of the substrates. The piezoelectric device may be a piezoelectric actuator configured to receive an input voltage applied across the fiber mat and to output a mechanical displacement in response to the voltage, or the piezoelectric device may be configured to output a voltage in response to a mechanical force applied to the fiber mat. |
| US09416483B1 |
Laundry machine leveling devices
Laundry machine leveling devices for a laundry machine are disclosed which employ a screw arrangement having left and right hand threads engaged with a foot arranged such that the machine, the floor, and the foot in contact with the floor does not turn. Using the friction between an elastomeric foot element and the floor permits adjustment of devices disclosed herein. |
| US09416481B2 |
Washing machine with a water supply to detergent supply device connection
A washing machine includes a cabinet, a washing tub disposed in the cabinet, a detergent supply device to supply detergent to the washing tub, a valve housing, having valve devices to control water supply, connected to the detergent supply device, a coupling pipe coupled to a water supply hose outside the cabinet to guide water into the cabinet, and a connection pipe to connect the valve housing to the coupling pipe, wherein the valve housing is directly coupled to the detergent supply device, and the connection pipe is fixed to the valve housing and the coupling pipe. |
| US09416477B2 |
Control method for washing machine, washing machine
A control method for a washing machine including a wireless communication unit for communicating with an electronic device includes: causing the washing machine to operate a washing tub of the washing machine as a preliminary operation; acquiring motion information regarding a motion of the electronic device during the preliminary operation; determining whether or not the electronic device is inside the washing tub based on the acquired motion information and information indicating the preliminary operation; and giving the washing machine a notification indicating that the electronic device is inside the washing tub if the determining step determines that the electronic device is inside the washing tub. |
| US09416472B2 |
Method for the production of a body implant
A method for production of a body implant (1), having the steps: generating a braiding (10) from a first fiber material (12); executing a first heat treatment on the braiding (10); removing part of the fibers of the first fiber material (12), and replacing by a second fiber material (14) or reinsertion of the first fiber material (12) after the execution of a further processing step on the removal part of the fibers of the first fiber material (12). |
| US09416471B2 |
Lightweight quadriaxial surgical mesh
A method for making a lightweight surgical mesh, having the steps of applying a first set of filaments in a first wale direction and forming a first series of loops at each of a plurality of courses. Applying a second set of filaments in the first wale direction and forming a second series of loops at a first adjacent wale to the first wale direction and a third series of loops at a second adjacent wale opposite the first adjacent wale along the plurality of courses. Further, applying a third set of filaments in the first wale direction so that the second series of loops are formed at the second adjacent wale and the third series of loops are formed at first adjacent wale along the plurality of courses. Additionally, applying a fourth set of filaments that interlace repeatedly with the first set of filaments along the first wale direction. |
| US09416470B2 |
Method for limiting elasticity of selected regions in knitted fabrics
A method for substantially reducing the elasticity of at least one selected textile region of a garment. The method includes producing the garment including a conductive textile electrode and rigidifying the at least one selected textile region. The rigidifying process includes applying rigidifying matter onto or into the at least one selected textile region. The at least one selected textile region is selected from the group consisting of a conductive textile electrode and a region of the garment situated between two adjacent textile electrodes. The invention further provides a garment having a tubular form, knitted by a seamless knitting machine with base-yarns. The garment includes at least one conductive textile electrode, composed of multiple knitted line segments, each knitted with a conductive yarn and a spandex yarn, wherein the spandex yarn and at least one base-yarn are knitted continuously. |
| US09416469B2 |
Flexible, abrasion resistant woven textile sleeve and method of construction thereof
A woven sleeve and method of construction are provided. The sleeve has a flexible, abrasion resistant, self-curling elongate wall constructed from woven monofilament and/or multifilament yarns. The wall has opposite edges extending generally parallel to a central axis of the sleeve, wherein the opposite edges overlap one another. The wall is woven with warp yarns that extend generally parallel to the central axis of the sleeve and fill yarns that extend circumferentially about the sleeve, generally transversely to the central axis. The warp yarns are bundled into individual, discrete groups, with each group including a plurality of yarns in side-by-side relation with one another, wherein each of the yarns within the same discrete group is interlaced over the same side of a common fill yarn. |
| US09416466B1 |
Core cabling
A core cabling device and method provides a first supply of yarn supported by a structure having a bore, such as a yarn cone, and a second supply of yarn that is then directed through the bore. As the first and second yarns are fed simultaneously, the first yarn winds, at least loosely, about the second yarn. It will become apparent that more than two yarns may be cabled together in such a manner. |
| US09416462B2 |
Machining systems and methods
A machining system for machining a workpiece is provided. The machining system comprises a machine tool, a plurality of cutting tools, a CNC controller. The plurality of cutting tools comprises an electrode and a conventional cutting tool exchangeably disposed on the machine tool. The machining system further comprises a power supply, a process controller, and an electrolyte supply, wherein the machine tool, the electrode, the CNC controller, the power supply, the process controller and the electrolyte supply are configured to cooperate to function as an electroerosion machining device, wherein the machine tool, the CNC controller, the conventional cutting tool and the electrolyte supply are configured to cooperate to function as a conventional machining device, and wherein the machining system is configured to function alternately as the electroerosion machining device and the conventional machining device. |
| US09416458B2 |
Methods for determining green electrode electrical resistivity and methods for making electrodes
The instant disclosure is directed towards methods of determining green electrode quality via electrical resistivity measurements on green electrode forms (e.g. prior to baking) The instant disclosure is directed towards methods of making electrodes, utilizing the electrical resistivity measurement(s) from green anodes to monitor and if necessary, adjust electrode processing parameters (e.g. composition, mixing parameters, forming parameters, or baking parameters). |
| US09416457B2 |
System and method for renewable resource production, for example, hydrogen production by microbial, electrolysis, fermentation, and/or photosynthesis
System and method for sustainable economic development which includes hydrogen extracted from substances, for example, sea water, industrial waste water, agricultural waste water, sewage, and landfill waste water. The hydrogen extraction is accomplished by thermal dissociation, electrical dissociation, optical dissociation, and magnetic dissociation. The hydrogen extraction further includes operation in conjunction with energy addition from renewable resources, for example, solar, wind, moving water, geothermal, or biomass resources. |
| US09416456B1 |
Nano-hybrid structured regioregular polyhexylthiophene (RRPHTh) blend films for production of photoelectrochemical energy
The novel photoelectrochemical nano-hybrid film fabricated by blending regioregular polyhexylthiophene (RRPHTh) with titanium oxide (TiO2), Zinc oxide (ZnO) and nanodiamond (ND) nanoparticles on ITO coated glass plate, n-type silicon, and gold coated glass surfaces. The photoelectrochemical study reveals photoinduced electron transfer in nano-hybrid RRPHTh with donor and ND as acceptor providing a molecular approach to high-efficiency photoelectrochemical conversion properties. The ND-RRPHTh has shown promising morphological and photoelectrochemical properties than RRPHTh as well as TiO2-RRPHTh and ZnO-RRPHTh nano-hybrid films. |
| US09416455B2 |
Protecting a metal surface from corrosion
A system and methods for protecting a metal surface from corrosion are provided herein. The method includes injecting particles comprising a sacrificial anodic material into a fluid proximate to the metal surface. |
| US09416454B2 |
Method for conversion treating surface of magnesium alloy workpiece
A method for conversion treating a surface of a magnesium alloy workpiece includes the following steps: providing a magnesium alloy workpiece, degreasing the magnesium alloy workpiece, acid pickling the magnesium alloy workpiece in a first acid pickling treatment step, surface conditioning the magnesium alloy workpiece in a first surface conditioning treatment step, acid pickling the magnesium alloy workpiece in a second acid pickling treatment step, surface conditioning the magnesium alloy workpiece in a second surface conditioning treatment step, pre-phosphating the magnesium alloy workpiece in a pre-phosphating treatment step, and phosphating the magnesium alloy workpiece in a phosphating treatment step to form a phosphating film on the surface of the magnesium alloy workpiece. |
| US09416450B2 |
Showerhead designs of a hot wire chemical vapor deposition (HWCVD) chamber
Embodiments of process chambers and methods for performing HWCVD processes within such process chambers and depositing a thin film from two or more source compounds on a surface of a substrate are provided. In some embodiments, the process chamber includes a showerhead assembly disposed between a metal filament assembly and a substrate processing zone. The showerhead assembly includes a showerhead body and a dual-zone face plate with a plurality of first channels and second channels therein. A first source compound is delivered through the metal filament assembly to form radicals of the first source compound and pass through the first channels into the substrate processing zone without forming any plasma. A second source compound is delivered through the showerhead body into the second channels of the dual-zone face plate without passing through the metal filament assembly and without contacting the radicals until reaching the substrate processing zone. |
| US09416448B2 |
Film deposition apparatus, substrate processing apparatus, film deposition method, and computer-readable storage medium for film deposition method
There is disclosed a film deposition apparatus and a film deposition method for depositing a film on a substrate by carrying out cycles of supplying in turn at least two source gases to the substrate in order to form a layer of a reaction product, and a computer readable storage medium storing a computer program for causing the film deposition apparatus to carry out the film deposition method. |
| US09416447B2 |
Method for line density multiplication using block copolymers and sequential infiltration synthesis
Block copolymers (BCPs) and synthetic infiltration synthesis (SIS) are used to double the line density on a substrate. The BCP comprises first and second interconnected BCP components with a functional group at the junction or interface of the components. After deposition of the BCP on the substrate and annealing, a pattern of parallel stripes of first and second BCP components is formed with a pattern of functional group interfaces between the components. Each of the BCP components is non-reactive with atomic layer deposition (ALD) precursors, while the functional group is reactive with the ALD precursors. The ALD results in the infiltration of inorganic material into the interfaces where the reactive functional groups are located but without affecting the BCP components. After removal of the organic material, a pattern of parallel lines of inorganic material remains with a pitch half that of the stripes of BCP components. |
| US09416446B2 |
Semiconductor device manufacturing method and substrate processing apparatus
Provided is a semiconductor device manufacturing method of forming a film of less than one atomic layer on a substrate. The method includes (a) supplying a source gas into a processing chamber accommodating the substrate to adsorb the source gas on the substrate; (b) supplying a reactive gas different from the source gas into the processing chamber to cause a reaction of the reactive gas with the source gas adsorbed on the substrate before the source gas is saturatively adsorbed on the substrate; (c) removing an inner atmosphere of the processing chamber; and (d) supplying a modifying gas into the processing chamber to modify the source gas adsorbed on the substrate. |
| US09416444B2 |
Apparatus for producing polycrystalline silicon and method for producing polycrystalline silicon
Raw material gas supply nozzles are arranged within a virtual concentric circle having its center at the center of a disk-like base plate (having an area half as large as an area of the base plate). Raw material gas is ejected at a flow velocity of 150 m/sec or more into a bell jar from the gas supply nozzles. In addition to one gas supply nozzle provided in a center portion of the base plate, three gas supply nozzles can be arranged at the vertex positions of a regular triangle inscribed in a circumscribed circle having its center at the gas supply nozzle in the center portion. With the gas supply nozzles so arranged, a smooth circulating flow is formed within a reactor. |
| US09416440B2 |
Coating of substrates using HIPIMS
A process and a device for coating a substrate (22) are described. In a vacuum chamber (10), a first magnetron cathode (24) is provided with a sputtering target (28) of a first metal composition comprising predominantly aluminium. A second magnetron cathode (26) is provided with a sputtering target (30) of a second metal composition comprising at least 50 at-% of a second metal selected from groups IVA-VIA of the periodic table. In order to obtain coatings with improved properties, electrical power is supplied to the cathodes (24, 26) such that the targets (28, 30) are sputtered, where electrical power is supplied to the first cathode (24) as pulsed electrical power according to high power impulse magnetron sputtering with a first peak current density, and to the second cathode (26) with a second peak current density lower than the first peak current density. The substrate (22) is arranged within the vacuum chamber such that particles from the plasma deposit onto the substrate forming a coating. |
| US09416436B2 |
Steel for steam turbine blade with excellent strength and toughness
The present invention aim at providing a steel for steam turbine blades which is excellent in terms of strength and toughness. The steel of the present invention has a composition which contains, in terms of % by mass, 0.02-0.10% of C, up to 0.25% of Si, 0.001-0.10% of Mn, up to 0.010% of P, up to 0.010% of S, 8.5-10.0% of Ni, 10.5-13.0% of Cr, 2.0-2.5% of Mo, 0.001-0.010% of N, 1.15-1.50% of Al, less than 0.10% of Cu, up to 0.20% of Ti, and the remainder being incidental impurities and Fe, and which satisfies 6.0≦Ni/Al≦8.0, 9.0≦Nieq≦11.0 and 17.0≦Creq≦19.0, in which Nieq=[Ni]+0.11[Mn]−0.0086([Mn]2)+0.44[Cu]+18.4[N]+24.5[C] Creq=[Cr]+1.21[Mo]+0.48[Si]+2.2[Ti]+2.48[A1]. |
| US09416433B2 |
Copper alloy strip for lead frame of LED
Provided is a lead frame made of a Cu—Fe-based copper alloy strip to improve the heat dissipation in an LED package. An Ag plating reflective film formed on the lead frame enhances the brightness of the LED package. In the Cu—Fe-based copper alloy strip, arithmetic mean roughness Ra is 0.2 μm or less, ten-point mean roughness RzJIS is 1.2 μm or less, and maximum height roughness Rz is 1.5 μm or less and depressions having an average length in a rolling parallel direction of 2 to 100 μm, an average length in the rolling vertical direction of 1-30 μm, and a maximum depth along the rolling parallel direction of 400 nm or less. The Cu—Fe-based copper alloy strip contains 1.8-2.6 mass % of Fe, 0.005-0.20 mass % of P, and 0.01-0.50 mass % of Zn or contains 0.01-0.5 mass % of Fe, 0.01-0.20 mass % of P, 0.01-1.0 mass % of Zn, and 0.01-0.15 mass % of Sn. |
| US09416427B2 |
Assay methods for MDV-1
A method for the quantification of a vaccine strain and/or a virulent strain of Marek's Disease Virus Serotype-1 (MDV-1) in a sample from a bird, comprising the steps of: (i) providing a biological sample from the bird and optionally isolating nucleic acid from the biological sample; (ii) subjecting the biological sample of (i) to real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) comprising: (a) amplification of a region of the pp38 gene within the nucleic acid sample of (i), said region containing a consistent single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) difference between vaccine and virulent strains of MDV-1; and (b) contacting the amplified nucleic acid of (a) with a detectable nucleic acid probe specific for the SNP of the vaccine strain of MDV-1 and/or a detectable nucleic acid probe specific for the SNP of the virulent strain of MDV-1; and (iii) Measuring changes in the detectable signal produced by the probe of (ii). Methods are also provided for the absolute quantification of vaccine and virulent viruses. |
| US09416426B2 |
Assay for Chlamydia trachomatis by amplification and detection of Chlamydia trachomatis pmpA gene
A region of the Chlamydia trachomatis pmpA gene has been identified which is useful for performing amplification assays to determine specifically whether C. trachomatis is present in the sample being tested. Oligonucleotides useful for detecting this gene by performing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are disclosed. The disclosed oligonucleotides can be used in an assay which is specific for multiple strains or serovars of C. trachomatis, including the variant E serovar, and which does not show cross reactivity with the genomes of other microorganisms or with human DNA. In addition, the disclosed oligonucleotides can be used to in a multiplex system. This invention also contemplates a kit including oligonucleotides, and optionally other reagents, for the detection of C. trachomatis using PCR. |
| US09416422B2 |
Methods for detecting minimum residual disease
The present invention features methods and compositions for identifying markers of minimum residual disease (MRD), as well as markers of metastatic cells. The present invention further provides methods for detecting MRD and metastatic cell in a subject. |
| US09416420B2 |
Monitoring health and disease status using clonotype profiles
There is a need or improved methods for determining the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with conditions, including autoimmune disease and cancer, especially lymphoid neoplasms, such as lymphomas and leukemias. Provided herein are methods for using DNA sequencing to identify personalized, or patient-specific biomarkers in patients with lymphoid neoplasms, autoimmune disease and other conditions. Identified biomarkers can be used to determine and/or monitor the disease state for a subject with an associated lymphoid disorder or autoimmune disease or other condition. In particular, the invention provides a sensitive method for monitoring lymphoid neoplasms that undergo clonal evolutions without the need to development alternative assays for the evolved or mutated clones serving as patient-specific biomarkers. |
| US09416416B2 |
Biological specimen collection/transport compositions and methods
Disclosed are compositions for collecting, storing, and transporting populations of nucleic acids from biological specimens, and clinical, forensic, or environmental samples. Also disclosed are methods for using these compositions as one-step formulations for killing pathogens, inactivating nucleases, and releasing polynucleotides from other cellular components within the sample, and stabilizing the nucleic acids prior to further processing or assay. In particular embodiments, the invention provides a single, one-step, sample collection/transport/storage formulation containing a known quantity of a non-genomic, nucleic acid carrier molecule that serves as an internal reference control to monitor the fidelity of the collection/transportation medium, and measure the integrity of nucleic acids subsequently isolated and purified from the processed sample. |
| US09416415B2 |
Method of sequencing nucleic acid colonies formed on a surface by re-seeding
A method of sequencing nucleic acids, which can include steps of (a) providing a substrate having a surface having a repeating pattern of features, wherein the features are spatially separated from each other on the surface of the substrate; (b) contacting the repeating pattern of features with a solution of different target nucleic acids to seed a subset of the features that contact the solution, wherein no more than the subset of the features that contact the solution is seeded with the target nucleic acids; (c) amplifying the target nucleic acids at the subset of features; (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) to increase the number of features that are seeded with a nucleic acid, thereby making an array of different nucleic acid colonies; and (e) detecting sequencing reactions at the different nucleic acid colonies on the surface. |
| US09416413B2 |
Alternative nucleotide flows in sequencing-by-synthesis methods
A method for sequencing a polynucleotide strand by using sequencing-by-synthesis techniques. To address the problem of incomplete extension (IE) and/or carry forward (CF) errors that can occur in sequencing-by-synthesis reactions, an alternative flow ordering of dNTPs is used. In contrast to conventional flow orderings, the dNTPs are flowed in an ordering that is not a continuous repeat of an ordering of the four different dNTPs. This alternate flow ordering may reduce the loss of phasic synchrony in the population of template polynucleotide strands that result from IE and/or CF errors. |
| US09416412B2 |
Thermus thermophilus nucleic acid polymerases
The invention provides novel nucleic acid polymerases from strains GK24 and RQ-1 of Thermus thermophilus, and nucleic acids encoding those polymerases, as well as methods for using the polymerases and nucleic acids. |
| US09416408B2 |
Thermostabillization of DNA polymerase by protein folding pathway from a hyperthermophile Archaeon, Pyrococcus furiosus
The present invention relates to maintaining the activity and stability of enzymes and biologically active proteins at increased temperatures by contacting same with a combination of isolated passive and active chaperones from a hyperthermopilic Archaeon, wherein the chaperones may include heat shock proteins, prefoldin and/or chaperonin proteins. |
| US09416401B2 |
Method for determining amounts of polynucleotide sequences present in cell or tissue samples
The invention is related to a method and test kits for quantitative determination of polynucleotide amounts present in a sample. The test kit comprises organized pools with polynucleotide probes having distinct sizes and optionally provided with tracer tags or primer tags. The probes are allowed to hybridize with affinity tagged analyte polynucleotides from the sample. The result is hybrids, which can be recovered on a separation aiding tool provided with the pair of the affinity tag. After the quantitative release of the probes, the probes are either directly recorded, or if primer tagged, they are amplified and optionally provided with a tracer tag before recording. The invention provides a sensitive and quantitative determination of the amount polynucleotides present in a cell or tissue sample and allows a quantitative assessment of variations in the amounts of polynucleotides as a response to inherent changes or due to external stimuli. |
| US09416400B2 |
Method and device for producing and/or purifying polynucleotides and products obtainable thereof
An apparatus and a method for obtaining a (poly)nucleotide sequence of interest include steps of cultivating hosts cells to produce a nucleotide sequence of interest and harvesting these cells, introducing these cells in a passageway and disintegrating them in a continuous process. In the continuous process, performing in the passageway a precipitation of contaminants by a mixing of the disintegrated cells with a solution containing one or more salt(s) and obtaining a mixture and allowing a precipitate to separate from the solution of this mixture, preferably to float and/or to sediment from the solution of this mixture for 1-48 hours and pumping out a soluble material from this solution, while excluding recovering the precipitate. |
| US09416399B2 |
Method for purification of nucleic acids, particularly from fixed tissue
The invention relates to a method for purification of nucleic acids, to a kit for performing the method according to the invention and to a new application of magnetic particles for purification of a biological sample. The method according to the invention comprises the following steps: a) accommodating of the sample in a first sample vessel in an aqueous solution and lysing of the sample under non-chaotropic conditions; suspending of first magnetic particles in the solution and inserting of the first sample vessel in a sample vessel holder, wherein the sample vessel is inserted in the annular interior space of a ring magnet associated with the sample vessel holder; separating of the solution from the magnetic particles; and isolating of the nucleic acids from the solution. |
| US09416398B2 |
Generic buffer for amplification
The present invention relates to a method of amplifying a first and a second target nucleic acid in separate reaction receptacles, wherein said reaction receptacles comprise a solution comprising amplification reagents and oligonucleotides specific for said first or said second target nucleic acid, wherein said solution is the same for amplifying said first target nucleic acid and said second target nucleic acid. |
| US09416396B2 |
Covalently linked thermostable kinase for decontamination process validation
A biological process indicator is provided for validating a treatment process in which the amount or activity of a contaminant in a sample is reduced. The indicator comprises a thermostable kinase covalently linked to a biological component, with the proviso that the biological component is not an antibody. Methods of preparing the indicator, and methods of using the indicator, are also provided. |
| US09416395B2 |
Methods, compositions, and kits for detection of aspergillosis
Provided herein are methods for detecting an Aspergillus protease in a sample, diagnosing a subject with aspergillosis caused by an Aspergillus infection based on the presence of an Aspergillus protease in a sample, and methods of aspergillosis treatment that incorporate these diagnostic methods. In certain embodiments, the Aspergillus protease is Asp f2, and the Aspergillus infection is caused A. fumigatus, A. flavus, A. versicolor, A. niger, or A. terreus. Also provided herein are antibodies and kits for use in these methods, including novel antibodies specific for Asp f2. |
| US09416394B2 |
Pericarp DNA extraction and matrilineage determination
Methods for separating pericarp tissue from surrounding tissues in grain are provided. Included are methods for isolation of high-purity pericarp DNA from a grain plant that reflects the genotype of the maternal parent of the grain plant, such that the isolated DNA may be used in a PCR-based genotyping assay. |
| US09416393B2 |
Biological indicator
This invention relates to a biological indicator derived from a composition comprising: a host organism comprising a spore forming bacteria; a reporter gene for producing an indicator enzyme; a regulatory gene; and a vehicle for inserting the reporter gene and the regulatory gene in the host organism; the host organism bearing a transposable genetic element in its genome for inserting an insertion sequence in the regulatory gene; the insertion sequence comprising a transposase, a pair of terminal inverted repeat sequences, and at least one open reading frame for expressing the transposase. The vehicle may be taken up by the host organism. The insertion sequence may be inserted in the regulatory gene. The host organism may undergo sporulation to form the biological indicator. A process and an apparatus for using the biological indicator are disclosed. |
| US09416392B2 |
Diagnosis of bacterial meningitis based on the measure of ROS production in a sample of cerebrospinal fluid
The present invention pertains to a method for in vitro diagnosing a bacterial infection in a biological fluid selected amongst cerebrospinal fluid, ascitic fluid, pericardial fluid, pleural fluid, urine and synovial fluid, based on the measure, in a sample of said fluid, of the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS); a high level of ROS production is indicative of the presence of activated polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) in said fluid, which in turn is a hallmark of bacterial infection. |
| US09416389B2 |
Methods for reducing mannosyltransferase activity in lower eukaryotes
Disclosed are methods for reducing detectable mannosylation of N-linked and O-linked oligosaccharides in lower eukaryote host cells. In particular, recombinant lower eukaryote host cells are provided in which expression of the GDP-mannose transporter encoded by the Vanadate Resistant Glycosylation 4 (VRG4) gene has been disrupted. In general, the VRG4 gene is essential for cell viability; however, the present invention provides host cells that are viable when expression of the VRG4 gene therein has been disrupted. The host cells are capable of producing proteins or glycoproteins that have reduced or no detectable α-linked mannose, β-linked mannose or phosphomannose containing N- and/or O-glycans. |
| US09416388B2 |
Method for producing disulfide bond containing proteins in a prokaryotic cytoplasm
The present invention relates to a method for producing natively folded disulfide bond containing proteins in a prokaryotic host. The method comprises that in the cytoplasm of a prokaryotic cell is expressed protein(s) of interest that naturally contain disulfide bonds and naturally occurring or inverted transmembrane enzyme, wherein the cysteines of the active site(s) are naturally or after genetic engineering located towards the prokaryotic cytoplasm. The enzyme is selected from the group of VKOR, inverted VKOR (iVKOR) and inverted Dsb B (iDsb B). In the prokaryotic cell is also expressed cytoplasmic DsbA or a corresponding protein being capable of providing electrons to the active site(s) of VKOR, iVKOR or iDsbB. The invention relates also to a prokaryotic host cell and a vector system for producing natively folded disulfide bond containing proteins. |
| US09416385B2 |
Method for microbial production of cyclic adenosine 3′, 5′-monophosphate
The invention relates to a method for the production of adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP) by a permeable microbial strain which uses polyols for protecting activities of enzymes and a cAMP precursor and phosphate as substrates. Glucose is used as an energy provider and metal ions and an organic solvent such as acetone are used in the medium. |
| US09416384B2 |
Methods of hydrolyzing oligomers in hemicellulosic liquor
The present invention relates to methods of degrading or converting biomass material enriched with hemicellulosic material into fermentable sugars. |
| US09416383B2 |
Method for enhancing catalytic activity of a lipase
Methods for enhancing a biological activity, for example, catalytic activity, of a lipase, are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include the step of alkylating one or more cysteine residues present within the lipase. Also provided are modified polypeptides for which a biological activity is enhanced by the disclosed methods, methods for using the disclosed polypeptides, including for the transesterification of renewable oils to produce a biofuel, and cell free systems that include a lipase, to which one or more moieties, such as steroidal moieties, are conjugated. |
| US09416380B2 |
Yeast cell with activated lactate dehydrogenase and method of producing lactate using the yeast cell
A yeast cell comprising LDH from a Sordaria genus fungi, in which activity of lactate dehydrogenase converting pyruvate into lactate is increased, as well as a method of preparing the yeast cell and a method of using the yeast cell to produce lactate. |
| US09416377B2 |
Cellulolytic enzyme enhancement of dry grind corn processing and ethanol production
A method to increase ethanol production from a corn dry-mill process is described that comprises adding an enzyme preparation derived from Trichoderma reesei having cellulolytic activity to a saccharification process that includes conventional alpha amylase and glucoamylase. The addition of the cellulolytic enzyme decreases viscosity of the saccharified mash and can increase ethanol yield from a dry grind fermentation by as much as 10% or more. Specific characteristics are provided to show surprising and advantageous results of one particular preparation of cellulolytic enzymes from T. reesei. |
| US09416376B2 |
System for management of yeast to facilitate the production of ethanol
A system and method for managing an ethanologen for use in biorefinery is disclosed. The method for propagating ethanologen for use in the production of a fermentation product from biomass comprises the steps of providing a medium for propagation of ethanologen and supplying a first cell mass of ethanologen to the medium. A first cell mass of ethanologen is propagated into a larger second cell mass of ethanologen. |
| US09416375B2 |
Methods using peracids for controlling corn ethanol fermentation process infection and yield loss
A process for the use of peracid compositions to eliminate and/or control the growth of undesirable bacteria, including contaminating bacteria, in the fermentation production of alcohol is disclosed. Beneficially, the peracid compositions and methods of use of the same do not interfere or inhibit the growth or replication of yeast and have low or no adverse environmental impact. |
| US09416372B2 |
Anaerobic fermentation to produce biogas
A process and apparatus for the anaerobic digestion of organic wastes, preferably to also produce a useful biogas, is described. The waste may have a total solids (TS) concentration of 6% or less while a digester is operated at a higher solids concentration, for example with a feed TS concentration of 8-12%. One or more separation stages downstream of the digester separate active bacteria and undigested organics from the digestate, and return separated matter to the digester. Optionally, a feed thickening apparatus and step may be provided upstream of the digester. The upstream thickener and recycle from the downstream separation stages are operated such that the TS of the combined inputs to the digester is within a desired range. |
| US09416370B2 |
Alphavirus replicon particles matched to protein antigens as immunological adjuvants
The immune response to an antigen of interest, especially one in purified form, can be significantly enhanced by the simultaneous administration of an alphavirus replicon particle which expresses the same antigen. This allows for the use of significantly smaller quantities of the protein antigen than in conventional immunization strategies, and this new immunization strategy can also eliminate the need for boosting administration of the antigen or it can reduce the number of boosts required for an effective immune response to the antigen. |
| US09416369B2 |
Methods and compositions to modulate RNA processing
The present disclosure provides methods and compositions to selectively modulate RNA processing. The methods and compositions selectively enhance or repress RNA processing by up- or down-regulating Drosha expression and/or by providing RNA sequences with mis-matches introduced or removed 5 and/or 9-12 nucleotide positions from the Drosha cutting site. Therapeutic uses of the methods and compositions are also described. |
| US09416365B2 |
TaBV transcriptional control element, chimeric constructs and uses therefor
This invention discloses a constitutive promoter for expression of foreign or endogenous coding sequences in plants, including dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plants. The invention also discloses a chimeric nucleic acid construct comprising the promoter of the invention operably linked to a foreign or endogenous polynucleotide that codes for a protein of interest or a transcript capable of modulating expression of a target gene. The invention further discloses transformed plant cells, as well as differentiated plants and plant parts, containing the construct. Methods for diagnosis and treatment of viral infections, especially badnaviral infections, are also disclosed. |
| US09416363B2 |
Methods and compositions for weed control
Novel compositions for use to enhance weed control. Specifically, the present invention provides for methods and compositions that modulate protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase in weed species. The present invention also provides for combinations of compositions and methods that enhance weed control. |
| US09416362B2 |
Methods and compositions for reducing viral genome amounts in a target cell
Methods and compositions for reducing viral genome amounts in a target cell are provided. In the subject methods, the activity of a miRNA is inhibited in a manner sufficient to reduce the amount of viral genome in the target cell, e.g., by introducing a miRNA inhibitory agent in the target cell. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits and systems for use in practicing the subject methods. The subject invention finds use in a variety of applications, including the treatment of subjects suffering from a viral mediated disease condition, e.g., an HCV mediated disease condition. |
| US09416358B2 |
Method for exclusive selection of circularized DNA from monomolecular DNA in circularizing DNA molecules
The present invention provides a method for producing a circular DNA molecule having a specific structure that enables to distinguish circular DNA formed from a single DNA molecule (single-molecule circular DNA), from circular DNA formed from multiple DNA molecules (multiple-molecule circular DNA) and also from single-molecule circular DNA derived from the circular DNA formed from multiple DNA molecules. According to the present invention, only single-molecule circular DNA that is not derived from multiple-molecule circular DNA can be selected in the production of circular DNA. |
| US09416357B2 |
Method for isolating total RNA from cells
Provided herein are methods for isolating cellular ribonucleic acid (RNA) from cells. The method includes suspending cells in an extraction solution comprising formamide; incubating the cells and formamide mixture; and pelleting cell debris, DNA, and protein to form an RNA-containing supernatant. Also provided herein are kits for isolating RNA and solutions for extracting RNA from a cell. |
| US09416356B2 |
Compositions and methods for nucleic acid extraction
Compositions and techniques for the extraction, enrichment and isolation of nucleic acids from fresh, fixed or fixed and embedded cells, tissues, biological materials and cellular source material using amine monomers are disclosed herein. |
| US09416352B2 |
Mutant Neq HS DNA polymerase derived from Nanoarchaeum equitans and its application to hot-start PCR
A DNA polymerase (Neq DNA polymerase) derived from Nanoarchaeum equitans is split into Neq L and Neq S fragments, each of which contains inteins. A Neq hot-start (HS) DNA polymerase in which the inteins of the Neq L and Neq S fragments are linked with each other is provided in the form of a precursor of Neq DNA polymerase. A purification method can be significantly improved by inserting a His-tag sequence composed of six histidine residues between the inteins of the Neq L and Neq S fragments at a gene level. As a result of effort to enhance PCR efficiency of the Neq HS DNA polymerase, a gene coding for the Neq HS DNA polymerase is mutated at specific positions to screen mutant Neq HS polymerases (M1, M2, and M3) having a highly improved PCR amplification rate and amplification level. |
| US09416347B2 |
Method of treating bacterial contamination in a microalgae culture with pH shock
Methods of treating contamination, particularly bacterial contamination, in an open culture of microalgae with organic carbon are described herein. The methods comprise reducing the pH of a culture for a period of time and then raising the pH of the culture, wherein the culture comprises the presence of a first acid and the culture is contacted with a second acid to reduce the culture pH from a first pH value to a second pH value. The culture is maintained at the second pH value for at least 5 minutes before the culture pH is raised from the second pH value by contact with a base. |
| US09416343B2 |
Instruments for biological sample-to-answer devices
Methods and devices for biological sample preparation and analysis are disclosed. A device may have a linear or circular arrangement of containers, with a connecting structure such as a bar or disk. Fluidics channels between containers allow the performance of different techniques for sample preparation, such as lysing, washing and elution. Different functional elements, such as grinders or mixers, may be attached to the containers. |
| US09416342B2 |
Sparkling alcoholic beverage and process for producing the same
The invention provides a sparkling alcoholic beverage produced using, as a part of ingredients thereof, at least one selected from the group consisting of etherified starch, etherified cross-linked starch and enzymatic hydrolysates thereof; and a method for producing the sparkling alcoholic beverage, wherein at least one selected from the group consisting of etherified starch, etherified cross-linked starch and enzymatic hydrolysates thereof is added in any step of the production process.The sparkling alcoholic beverage of the invention has good body and prolonged froth duration and contains water-soluble dietary fiber. |
| US09416341B2 |
Sustained release additives for fermentation products
A sustained release delivery system and composition of materials for slowly releasing an additive to a fermentation fluid over a sustained period of time of up to 96 hours is described. The product of the present invention includes a complement of additives and a sustained release mechanism to allow a single addition of components that yield release profiles consistent with multiple additions in juice, fermented beverages, other foodstuffs, and biofuels production. |
| US09416338B2 |
Composition for and method of suppressing titanium nitride corrosion
Cleaning compositions and processes for cleaning residue from a microelectronic device having said residue thereon. The composition comprises at least one amine, at least one oxidizing agent, water, and at least one borate species and achieves highly efficacious cleaning of the residue material, including post-ash residue, post-etch residue, post-CMP residue, particles, organic contaminants, metal ion contaminants, and combinations thereof from the microelectronic device while simultaneously not damaging the titanium nitride layers and low-k dielectric materials also present on the device. |
| US09416337B2 |
Ester synthesis
The present invention relates to a process for preparing esters from fatty alcohols, in which fatty alcohols and fatty acids are reacted in the presence of an enzyme at a temperature in the range of 30 to 50° C., the water which forms is removed and the reaction is completed under reduced pressure at a temperature of 50 to 80° C. |