| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09459813B2 |
Configurable and scalable storage system
The system utilizes a plurality of layers to provide a robust storage solution. One layer is the RAID engine that provides parity RAID protection, disk management and striping for the RAID sets. The second layer is called the virtualization layer and it separates the physical disks and storage capacity into virtual disks that mirror the drives that a target system requires. A third layer is a LUN (logical unit number) layer that is disposed between the virtual disks and the host. By using this approach, the system can be used to represent any number, size, or capacity of disks that a host system requires while using any configuration of physical RAID storage. |
| US09459812B2 |
System and method for zero contention memory bank access in a reorder stage in mixed radix discrete fourier transform
Device and method for writing Discrete Fourier transform (DFT) samples in a memory in a reorder stage, the memory includes memory banks, each having a dedicated address generator. The method includes: dividing the DFT samples into R(reorder) equally sized segments, where R(reorder) is the radix value of the reorder stage of the DFT; checking whether a number of butterfly computations per cycle of a reorder stage of the DFT operation times R(reorder), denoted as P, is not larger than the number of segments; if P is larger than the number of segments: further dividing the segments or sub-segments into X equally sized sub-segments, where X is a radix value of a next stage of the DFT operation until P is not larger than the number of sub-segments; and mapping the sub-segments to the memory, each in a separate row, with an offset that includes segment offset and sub-segment offset. |
| US09459806B2 |
Combining virtual mapping metadata and physical space mapping metadata
For combining virtual mapping metadata and physical space mapping metadata in a storage system by a processor device in a computing environment, data and metadata are maintained into separate virtual streams. The separate virtual streams include a metadata stream for the metadata and a data stream for the data. Metadata for each input/output (I/O) operation received is determined using a linear function operation, the function operation being an offset of the metadata in the metadata stream that is equal to the I/O operation multiplied by a maximal metadata ratio. The metadata is allocated on the metadata stream and the metadata stream is divided into fixed size block that is responsible for describing a size of a logical space, where the logical space is equal to one divided by the maximal metadata ratio, and it is determined if the metadata has been previously loaded. |
| US09459805B2 |
Backup of volatile memory to persistent storage
Approaches for automatically backing up data from volatile memory to persistent storage in the event of a power outage, blackout or other such failure are described. The approaches can be implemented on a computing device that includes a motherboard, central processing unit (CPU) a main power source, volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), an alternate power source and circuitry (e.g., a specialized application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the backup of volatile memory to a persistent storage device. In the event of a power failure of the main power source, the alternate power source is configured to supply power to the specialized ASIC for backing up the data in the volatile memory. For example, when power failure is detected, the ASIC can read the data from the DIMM socket using power supplied from the alternate power source and write that data to a persistent storage device. |
| US09459804B1 |
Active replication switch
A method, system, and computer program product for replication comprising allowing a subset of sites, wherein the sites comprise a first site, a second site and a third site and further wherein each site has a volume, to have active/active VSL replication, which presents two volumes at two different sites as a single volume, and another set of the sites to have a volume which is a replications of the volume presented by the VSL, and enabling the system to transparently shift which subset of the sites are replicated by the VSL and which sites are replications of the volume presented by the VSL; where the replication of the VSL is performed by a second replication technique. |
| US09459802B1 |
Hybrid-HDD that limits dirty data in NAND
A hybrid hard disk drive (HDD) that includes a magnetic storage medium and a nonvolatile solid-state device limits the amount of data that are stored in the solid-state storage device but are not also stored in the magnetic storage device. By limiting such “flash-only” data to as much as can be flushed to the magnetic storage medium within a specified time, the hybrid HDD can flush all flash-only data to the magnetic storage medium immediately prior to a power-off of the drive. Thus, the hybrid HDD can employ a write cache, which relies on storing flash-only data in the hybrid HDD, without the disadvantage of storing flash-only data after shut-down. |
| US09459801B2 |
Tiered storage system provided with trial area, storage controller, area allocation method and storage medium
According to one embodiment, a tiered storage system includes a high-speed storage device, a low-speed storage device, and a storage controller. The storage controller interchanges a location destination of data of a first logical chunk to which a third storage area of the low-speed storage device is allocated and a location destination of data of a second logical chunk to which a first storage area of the high-speed storage device is allocated and whose access frequency statistical value is smaller than that of the first logical chunk. The storage controller reallocates a second storage area of the high-speed storage device to a set of logical chunks to which the third storage area is allocated. |
| US09459800B2 |
Storage region metadata management
Methods, computing systems and computer program products implement embodiments of the present invention that include configuring a mapping table to store mappings between logical and physical storage regions on one or more storage devices, and configuring recent and stable lists to store physical region numbers for non-mapped physical storage regions. A request is received to delete, from the mapping table, a given mapping including a given physical storage region, and the metadata indicating the given physical storage region is stored to a recent list stored in the memory. When the mapping table is destaged from the memory to a given storage device, the metadata is moved from the recent list to a stable list stored in the memory. Upon receiving a mapping request, a physical storage region is allocated from the stable list. If the recent list is empty, then the physical storage region is allocated from the recent list. |
| US09459797B2 |
Uniformly distributed self-assembled cone-shaped pillars for high efficiency solar cells
A method for fabricating a photovoltaic device includes applying a diblock copolymer layer on a substrate and removing a first polymer material from the diblock copolymer layer to form a plurality of distributed pores. A pattern forming layer is deposited on a remaining surface of the diblock copolymer layer and in the pores in contact with the substrate. The diblock copolymer layer is lifted off and portions of the pattern forming layer are left in contact with the substrate. The substrate is etched using the pattern forming layer to protect portions of the substrate to form pillars in the substrate such that the pillars provide a radiation absorbing structure in the photovoltaic device. |
| US09459794B1 |
Interactions based on multiple stylus inputs
In some examples, a stylus may be used to make a first input including a first shape at a first location on a display. The first location may correspond to a location of a graphic element presented on the display, and a mark consistent with the shape may be presented on the display, such as overlying the graphic element. Additionally, the stylus may be used to make a second input including a second shape. For example, the second shape may correspond to a command for performing an operation. In response, to the entry of the first shape and the second shape, the operation may be performed on or with respect to the graphic element. In some instances, various different shapes and combinations of shapes may be mapped to various different operations, designations, destinations, and so forth. |
| US09459792B2 |
Portable electronic device for photo management
A portable electronic device with a touch screen display for photo management is disclosed. One aspect of the invention involves a computer-implemented method in which the portable electronic device displays an array of thumbnail images corresponding to a set of photographic images. The device replaces the displayed array of thumbnail images with a user-selected photographic image upon detecting a user contact with a corresponding thumbnail image in the array. The user-selected photographic image is displayed at a larger scale than the corresponding thumbnail image. The portable device displays a different photographic image in replacement of the user-selected photographic image in accordance with a scrolling gesture. The scrolling gesture comprises a substantially horizontal movement of user contact with the touch screen display. |
| US09459789B2 |
Information processing apparatus and operation method thereof for determining a flick operation of a pointer
There is provided an information processing apparatus with an interface with high convenience for a user. A reference speed is set according to an amount of movement or a movement time period of a pointer of a stylus or a finger. It is determined based on a movement speed of the pointer and the reference speed that a flick operation with the pointer has occurred. |
| US09459780B1 |
Documenting interactive graphical designs
Examples of systems and methods for documenting an interactive graphical design address the need to document interactive graphical designs automatically and efficiently without requiring substantial manual time and effort. These examples are operable to automatically generate documentation based on data collected from an interaction session of a user with the interactive graphical design without any additional user input. The documentation is populated automatically with descriptive text and images of the interactive graphical design. Some examples also provide tools for editing the documentation. Examples of these tools include tools for removing portions of the documentation on the basis of events that occurred during the interaction session, and tools for customizing the content and appearance of the documentation. In addition, some examples are operable to update the documentation automatically to reflect modifications to the interactive graphical design. |
| US09459777B2 |
Method and apparatus for setting font size in a mobile terminal having a touch screen
A method and apparatus for setting a font size in a mobile terminal having a touch screen. During a font size setting mode, an area of a region where a user's finger touches the screen is detected. A font size corresponding to the detected area is determined from among preset font sizes, and the determined font size is displayed in a specific region on the touch screen. If a font size setting request to the displayed font size is received from the user, the displayed font size is stored for a subsequent display on the touch screen. |
| US09459774B1 |
Time-based image display
Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for time-based image display. In an aspect, a method includes accessing two or more images; obtaining, for each of the images, a timestamp for the image; generating, based on the timestamps for each of the images, a slideshow schedule, the slideshow schedule specifying, for each of two or more time windows, one or more of the images for display during the time window; identifying, based on a current time, a current time window from the two or more time windows; and causing display of the one or more images specified by the slideshow schedule for the current time window. |
| US09459772B2 |
Systems and methods for providing remote communications and visitations
Processor based systems and methods for providing a communication between a first and a second user are disclosed, one example method comprising receiving a first service request from the second user interface, authorizing a first communication type to the second user interface and the first user interface based on a profiles of a service provider profile, the first user and the second user profile, and providing the first communication type as the communication. In some embodiments, the systems and methods further comprise providing a notification to at least one of the first user interface or the second user interface of a service event based on the service provider profile. In some embodiments, the step of authorizing the communication service based on a service provider profile comprises comparing the service request to at least one service provider profile attribute. |
| US09459771B2 |
Method and apparatus for modifying attributes of media items in a media editing application
Some embodiments provide novel methods for editing the value of an attribute of a media item (e.g., a media content or a media operation) for a media editing application. Such attributes of a media item can include scale, rotation, opacity, pan, volume, etc. In some embodiments, a media editing application represents the changing value of such an attribute over a duration (e.g., a duration of time or frequencies, etc.) as a key-indexed geometry. A user can manipulate these geometries to change the attribute value over a duration, which may include graphs and shapes. For such applications, some embodiments provide a novel method for editing the value of one or more attribute directly in a preview display area used to view the composite presentation created in the media editing application. |
| US09459767B2 |
Tablet web visual browsing
In various embodiments, systems and methods for providing tablet web visual browsing is provided. In example embodiments, a landing webpage having a plurality of categories from which a user at a mobile device may begin a non-textual navigation sequence to navigate to an item of interest is provided. A first non-textual input of the non-textual navigation sequence that indicates a selection of a category is received from the mobile device. A plurality of subcategories of the selected category and a search result having a plurality of item selections identified based on the selected category are determined. At least one further non-textual input of the non-textual navigation sequence is received that causes adjustment to a visualization of the plurality of item selections to facilitate non-textual navigation to the item of interest. The adjusted visualization of the plurality of item selections is provided for display on the mobile device. |
| US09459765B2 |
Graphical user interface for search request management
A computer apparatus includes i) a graphical user interface with a first command interface area for inputting and displaying cryptic commands for the definition of a search request and a form-based second command interface area having fields for displaying parameters of the search request, and ii) a coupling part for coupling the first and the second command interface areas such that the input of cryptic commands generates a pseudo-simultaneous display of parameters reflecting at least some of the cryptic commands, the elements for coupling including elements for parsing the cryptic commands, program instructions for extracting structured data from the cryptic commands, elements for storing the structured data within JavaScript objects, and program instructions for filling fields of the second command interface area by mapping the structured data. |
| US09459759B2 |
Method for displaying contents use history and electronic device thereof
A method for displaying a contents use history and an electronic device thereof are provided. The method for displaying the use history of contents in the electronic device includes sensing a contents display event and, upon sensing the event, displaying contents and concurrently displaying in any region of the contents an icon of at least one application that has used the contents. |
| US09459754B2 |
Interactive oral presentation display system
A computer implemented interactive oral presentation display system provides server computers allowing one or more client devices and one or more administrator devices access to an oral presentation display application which provides client user interfaces having a first image display area and a second image display area concurrently displayed on a display surface allowing the client user to control presentation of streaming media in the first image display area and selection of one or more images for serial display in the second image display area, each of which can be coupled in timed synchronized relation with the streaming media. |
| US09459753B2 |
Apparatus and method for multimedia content interface in image display device
An apparatus performs a method for searching a playback timing of multimedia content in an image display device. The method for searching the playback timing includes playing multimedia content, and displaying at least two image navigation bars during the multimedia content playing. The at least two image navigation bars include different searching magnifications. |
| US09459749B1 |
Multi-stage stylus detection
A system comprises a processing device and a capacitive sense array that includes a plurality of electrodes. The system receives a first signal from a first scan of electrodes in a capacitive sense array. The system processes the first signal using a first set of sequences to detect a stylus. The system receives a second scan from a second scan of electrodes in a capacitive sense array. The system processes the second signal using a second set of sequences to detect the stylus. |
| US09459748B2 |
Capacitance type touch panel, manufacturing method of the same, and input device
A capacitance type touch panel includes: an insulating layer; a plurality of electrode portions; a plurality of lead-out wiring portions; a transparent resin layer; and a substrate disposed on the transparent resin layer, wherein at least on the surface of the peripheral edge of the transparent resin layer exposed between the insulating layer and the substrate and on the exposed surface of the lead-out wiring portions, a sealing layer is disposed, and the sealing layer has a moisture vapor transmittance equal to or less than 20 g/m2/24 h/atm (25° C., 90% RH, 25 μm), and has a thickness equal to or greater than 1.0 μm. |
| US09459745B2 |
Capacitive touch panel and electrode set thereof
A capacitive touch panel has multiple electrode couples formed on a substrate. Each electrode couple has multiple first electrodes and multiple second electrodes. Each of the first electrode and the second electrode has three traces. Each end of one of the three traces is connected to one end of one of the other two traces. The three traces of the first electrode and the three traces of the second electrode are alternately arranged. Given the foregoing layout of the electrode couples, the first electrodes and the second electrodes have symmetrical capacitance values and resistance values. Accordingly, the capacitive touch panel has an enhance signal-to-noise ratio and an anti-interference capability. |
| US09459744B2 |
Touch panel substrate and display device
A touch panel substrate used for a touch panel with enhanced display quality is realized. A touch panel substrate (2) in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes a first detection electrode (11) including a plurality of first lattice electrodes (13) aligned in a lateral direction. Each of the plurality of first lattice electrodes (13) includes conductive lines (17a) and second conductive lines (17b). The conductive lines (17a) and the second conductive lines (17b) form a lattice. The conductive lines (17a) are inclined by an angle α (0°<α<45°) in a lateral direction. A pitch of conductive lines (21) of a connecting section (16) which are parallel to the conductive lines (17a) is smaller than a pitch of the conductive lines (17a). |
| US09459743B2 |
Touch sensing circuit, touch sensing method, touch sensing panel and touch sensing display device
The present invention provides a circuit, a method, a panel and a display device of touch sensing. The touch sensing circuit comprises a first gate line, a second gate line, data lines, a signal transmission line and a common electrode, the first gate line, the second gate line and the data lines defining a plurality of pixel units, each of the pixel units is provided therein with a first switch tube, a second switch tube and a third switch tube, and the signal transmission line being connected to a signal processor; the third switch tube is connected in series between the first switch tube and the second switch tube. The present invention improves the sensitivity of touch sensing. |
| US09459742B2 |
Method for designing pattern of sensing channels in touch panel
A method for designing a pattern of sensing channels is provided. The method is applied to a touch panel including a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of sections of sensing channels. The electrodes are connected to a plurality of sensors for the touch panel via the sections of sensing channels. According to a minimum sensing channel width, a minimum sensing channel gap, a maximum distribution width and lengths of the sections of sensing channels, a set of rules are established. According to the set of rules, a programming process is utilized to determine respective widths of the sections of sensing channels. |
| US09459741B2 |
Conductive film and touch panel including the same
A conductive film may be provided that includes a base member, a first hard coating layer formed on a surface of the base member, and a conductive layer formed on the first hard coating layer. The conductive layer may include conductors composed of a nano-material forming a network structure. |
| US09459737B2 |
Proximity detection using multiple inputs
In one embodiment, a method includes determining, by a capacitive touch sensor of a device, a presence of an object; activating an optical sensor of the device in response to determining the presence of the object; and determining, by the optical sensor of the device, a touch or proximity input within a proximity-sensing volume. |
| US09459734B2 |
Input device with deflectable electrode
Devices and methods are provided that facilitate improved input device performance. The devices and methods utilize a set of sensor electrodes comprising at least one transmitter sensor electrode and at least one receiver sensor electrode that are capacitively coupled to form a transcapacitance for capacitively sensing input objects in a sensing region. A measure of the transcapacitance may be used to determine positional information for the input objects in the sensing region. In accordance with the various embodiments, the devices and methods additionally utilize at least one deflectable electrode, where the deflectable electrode is electrically floating. The deflectable electrode is configured to be deflectable toward the set of sensor electrodes, where the deflection causes a change in the transcapacitance. |
| US09459731B2 |
Managing sensory information of a user device
External mobile device sensors may be provided that are configured to manage sensory information associated with motion of objects external to the mobile device. In some examples, the object motion may be detected independent of contact with the device. In some examples, a device may include a screen with a first sensor (e.g., a touch sensor). The device may also include at least a second sensor external to the screen. Instructions may be executed by a processor of the device to at least determine when an object is hovering over a first graphical user interface (GUI) element of the screen. Additionally, in some cases, a second GUI element may be provided on the screen such that the second GUI element is rendered on the screen adjacent to a location under the hovering object. |
| US09459728B2 |
Mobile device with individually controllable tactile sensations
An image displayed on a multi-touch display is associated with a tactile area that has an individually programmable tactile vibration pattern. The image may be automatically associated with a tactile area in association with a sensor detected rotation. Subsequent to the rotation, the image may be automatically associated with the individually programmable tactile vibration pattern. |
| US09459726B2 |
Position detector and position indicator
A position detector includes a tablet and a position indicator, which includes a coil and configured to continuously transmit a coil-based signal to the tablet as a position signal and to intermittently transmit the coil-based signal to the tablet as a non-positional signal. The tablet is configured to detect a position on its surface pointed to by the position indicator by detecting the continuously-transmitted coil-based signal, and to determine non-positional information regarding the position indicator (e.g., pen pressure, pen ID, etc.) by detecting the intermittently-transmitted coil-based signal. The position indicator further includes position indicator control circuitry configured to control the position indicator to: (i) receive an indicator control signal from the tablet; (ii) based on the received indicator control signal, select one type of non-positional information from among multiple types of non-positional information regarding the position indicator; and (iii) transmit the selected one type of non-positional information to the tablet. |
| US09459724B2 |
Touch terminal, a near-field communication method and system of the touch terminal
The disclosure provides a touch terminal, a near-field communication method and system of the touch terminal. The method includes: a second touch terminal receiving a wireless communication request of establishment of the near-field sent by first touch terminal touch through the near-field electric field; the second touch terminal sending a interference source peripherals closing signal to a main control chip, and informing the main control chip to close interference source peripherals; the first touch terminal and the second terminal establishing a wireless connection by touching near-field electric field, and exchange data. The disclosure enables to make the communication environment purified and guarantee the quality of communication. |
| US09459723B2 |
Detection algorithm for an infrared proximity sensor of a touch screen mobile phone
A detection algorithm for an infrared proximity sensor of a touch screen mobile phone is provided. The working principle is that, during the call, the detection algorithm detects the magnitude of the energy received by the infrared proximity sensor in real time, judges the proximity action or departure action according to the change trend, and adjusts the proximity and departure threshold values in real time to control the mobile phone screen to turn off and on. Said algorithm can avoid influences of the component consistency, structural consistency and other outside interference factors of the mobile phone on the infrared proximity detection, and solve the problem of malfunction due to aging of the IR-LED infrared emitter tube and clearance change caused by dropping of the mobile phone. The algorithm is widely applicable. |
| US09459721B2 |
Active matrix organic light emitting diode pixel unit circuit, display panel and electronic product
Disclosed are an AMOLED pixel unit circuit, a display panel and an electronic product, to integrate a TSP in Cell circuit into the AMOLED pixel unit circuit, and to manufacture the AMOLED display panel having a touch screen function and the electronic product having the display panel. The AMOLED pixel unit circuit comprises a driving module configured to amplify an induction signal generated by the touch sensing module, output the induction signal through an induction signal outputting module, and drive a light emitting module; a light emission controlling module configured to control the light emitting module to emit light; a threshold compensating module configured to compensate a threshold voltage for the driving module; a touch sensing module configured to generate the induction signal and output the induction signal to the driving module; and the induction signal outputting module configured to output the induction signal amplified by the driving module. |
| US09459720B2 |
Touch panel
A disclosed touch panel includes a panel including a plurality of first conductive films arranged in a first direction, and a plurality of second conductive films arranged in a second direction different from the first direction; a first selecting unit connected to the first conductive films to select one first conductive film or more from the first conductive films; a second selecting unit connected to the second conductive films to select one second conductive film or more from the second conductive films; and an inductor connecting the first selecting unit with a power source, which applies a voltage to the first conductive films. |
| US09459715B1 |
Using spectral control in detecting touch input
Detecting a location of a touch input on a surface of a propagating medium is disclosed. A transmitter coupled to the propagating medium emits a signal. The signal is received using a receiver coupled to the propagating medium. The receiver is configured to receive the signal from the transmitter to at least in part detect the location of the touch input as indicated by an effect of the touch input on the signal. Spectral control of the signal is performed. |
| US09459713B2 |
Electronic device having touch screen panel, vibration mechanisms, and peripheral support structures having different rigidities
An electronic device includes: a touch screen panel; a support structure having a first support member and a second support member, the first support member and the second support member being in contact with touch screen panel to support the touch screen panel at a periphery of the touch screen panel; a base being in contact with the support structure to support the touch screen panel via the support structure; and a vibration mechanism for vibrating the touch screen panel, the vibration mechanism being provided near the periphery of the touch screen panel so as to be closer to the first support member than to the second support member. The first support member has a rigidity which is greater than a rigidity of the second support member. |
| US09459712B2 |
Detection device, electronic apparatus, and robot
A detection device includes a first substrate that has a plurality of pressure sensors disposed around a reference point, and a second substrate on which disposed an elastic projection whose center is positioned in a position overlapping with the reference point and that elastically deforms due to the external force in a state in which the tip portion of the elastic projection makes contact with the first substrate. When an external force has been applied, the direction and intensity of the applied external force is found by carrying out a predetermined calculation using pressure values detected by the pressure sensors. |
| US09459711B2 |
Pointer control method
A pointer control method comprises a providing pointer upon a position input apparatus. Then a corresponding distance table is generated according to a moving distance of the pointer upon the position input apparatus, and a pressure gradient value range corresponding to the distance table is generated. A pressure table according to the pressure gradient value range is also generated. Finally, a tip pressure of the pointer is calculated according to a maximum pressure gradient value in the pressure gradient value range and a pressure gradient value corresponding to the moving distance of the pointer. |
| US09459710B1 |
Method and device for charging stylus
Systems, methods, and devices for charging a power source/battery of a stylus device through a conductive tip of the stylus device are disclosed. Voltage may be input into the stylus device through the conductive tip and applied to a rechargeable battery. This may be accomplished using a charging component, such as, a charging station or dock, including a corresponding electrical contact that interacts with the conductive tip to charge the battery of the stylus device. In this aspect, the stylus device may be configured to recognize when the stylus device is in the charging component and configure itself into a tip charging mode to receive voltage and charge the battery. |
| US09459709B2 |
Scaling voltage for data communication between active stylus and touch-sensor device
In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a data-transmitting component and a data-receiving component. The data-transmitting component is operable to: select a set of first reference values and a set of second reference values respectively indicating a lower bound and an upper bound of a range of values; respectively represent the set of first reference values and the set of second reference values as a set of first pulses and a set of second pulses; represent a set of analog values as a set of third pulses, each third pulse having a third amplitude between the first amplitude of a corresponding first pulse and the second amplitude of a corresponding second pulse that is determined based on a percentage of the corresponding analog value within the range of values; and transmit the set of first pulses, the set of third pulses, and the set of second pulses to the data-receiving component. |
| US09459704B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing one-handed user interface in mobile device having touch screen
A method provides a user interface in a mobile device having a touch screen. The method includes detecting a touch region from the touch screen, and determining whether the detected touch region satisfies at least one of a first condition of exceeding a predetermined area, a second condition of exceeding a predetermined time, and a third condition of exceeding a predetermined pressure. The method further includes displaying a pointer at a specific location of the touch screen when the detected touch region satisfies at least one of the first, second and third conditions, detecting a movement of the touch region, and moving the pointer in response to the movement of the touch region. |
| US09459703B2 |
Character input device and character input method
A character input device includes: a terminal control unit that accepts information on a character candidate being a candidate of an input confirmed character, and performs a displaying process of the character candidate, and generates a guide image whose image varies in accordance with a remaining time until an input confirmation of the character candidate; and a display unit that displays the character candidate and the guide image. By displaying the guide image that varies in accordance with the remaining time before the input character is confirmed, how long it takes until the character is confirmed, or whether the character has already been confirmed is reported to the user, so as to avoid an unintended manipulation of the user. |
| US09459688B2 |
Methods and apparatus for reducing energy consumption of network equipment
In some embodiments, an equipment unit has a set of visual indicators, a power switch, and a set of compute components. The power switch receives a signal representing a status such that when the status is in a first mode, the power switch provides power to the set of visual indicators and when the status is in a second mode the power switch does not provide power to the set of visual indicators. The compute components are configured to receive power when the power switch does not provide power to the set of visual indicators. |
| US09459687B2 |
Storage systems and UFS systems configured to change interface idle mode to active state based on estimated time to execute at least one operation
A storage system includes a host and a storage device. The storage device includes a device controller and a device interface. The device controller is configured to generate interface idle time information in response to a command received from a host, the interface idle time information being determined based on an estimated time to execute at least one operation at the memory storage device. The device interface is configured to output the interface idle time information to the host. |
| US09459684B2 |
Idle duration reporting for power management
For one disclosed embodiment, data corresponding to an idle duration for one or more downstream devices may be received. Power may be managed based at least in part on the received data. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US09459683B2 |
Techniques for entering a low power state
Various embodiments are generally directed to an apparatus, method and other techniques for initiating a transition into a lower power state, determining that a device process prevents a platform processing device from completing the transition to the lower power state and interrupting a processing component from an intermediate power state in order to process the process prior to execution of a defined event. |
| US09459682B2 |
Power management of devices in a network
A method includes receiving, at a first connectivity device, a first wake-up signal from an electronic device associated with a first class of devices. The first connectivity device is coupled to provide communications between the electronic device and a gateway device that provides access to an external network. The method includes determining a length of time that the first connectivity device is to remain in an active power mode based on a usage pattern defined for the first class of devices. The method includes updating the first connectivity device to be in the active power mode for at least the length of time. |
| US09459678B2 |
Power manager for virtual machines
A virtual power manager provides for, when plural virtual machines are running, accessing these virtual machines to determine their respective virtual-machine power settings and determining hardware power settings at least in part as an aggregate function of the virtual-machine power settings. |
| US09459676B2 |
Data storage device control with power hazard mode
In response to a warning that power may be interrupted, a non-volatile data storage sub-system of a host computer system re-orders machine readable instructions that the non-volatile data storage sub-system is going to perform. This re-ordering of instructions decreases the probability that important data will be lost. The re-ordering of instructions is performed according to rules. |
| US09459674B2 |
Power integration module and electronic device
A power integration module includes a first input connector, a second input connector, an output connector, a switch unit, a determining unit. The first input connector and the second input connector are electrically connected to a first power supply and a second power supply of a power supply module. The output connector is electrically connected to an electrical load. The switch unit is coupled between the first input connector, the second input connector and the output connector. When the switch unit is turned on, the first input power supply and the second input power supply are integrated in parallel and outputted to the output connector to the electrical load. Moreover, an electronic device with a plurality of power integration modules is provided. Thus, the wrong connection is prevented and the condition that the power supplies of different electrical parameters are connected in parallel is avoided. |
| US09459672B2 |
Capacitance management
A system and method are provided for sharing capacitance. The system may include a first electronic entity with a capacitor having capacitance. The system may further include a switched path in the first electronic entity. The switched path may have a first switched position in which the switched path provides the capacitance to a voltage using device in first electronic entity. The switched path may also have a second switched position in which the switched path provides the capacitance to a second electronic entity. The switched path may also have a third switched position in which the switched path provides the capacitance to both the voltage-using device in the first electronic entity and the second electronic entity. |
| US09459671B2 |
Systems and methods for use in adapting the operation of a gas turbine
A control system for use in adapting the operation of a gas turbine is provided. The control system is configured to be coupled to at least one component of the gas turbine. The gas turbine is coupled to a power grid having a standardized frequency. The control system includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory includes processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the control system to store a status of the at least one component of the gas turbine and generate and store a first operating setting for the at least one component. The first operating setting corresponds to a first frequency of the power grid that is less than the standardized frequency. |
| US09459670B2 |
Adapter for use with a portable electronic device
An adapter for enabling connection of a portable electronic device with an accessory includes two connectors, an identification device, a power control device, and power clamping circuitry. All of these components may be included in a single integrated housing. Another adapter may have a cable with two connectors connected to either end of the cable. One of the connectors may house the identification device and the power control device. Optionally, the adapter may also house the power clamp circuitry. |
| US09459667B2 |
Heat sensitivity optimization for battery cells
An embodiment provides a battery cell, including: one or more contacts; a material providing output power to a device via the one or more contacts; and a tab element forming a part of a temperature cutoff mechanism; the tab element being thermally coupled to the material and conducting heat generated by the material; and the tab element being positioned proximate to a geometrically determined heat center. Other aspects are described and claimed. |
| US09459665B2 |
Electronic device having a slide mechanism
An electronic device is provided, including a housing, a circuit board, a fixed member, a curved groove formed on the fixed member, a slider, and a supporting member. The circuit board is disposed in the housing. The fixed member is fixed to the housing. The slider is movably disposed in the groove, and the supporting member is connected to the slider. When the slider moves from a first position to a second position in the groove, the slider protrudes from the housing for supporting the housing, and an angle is formed between the supporting member and the housing. |
| US09459659B2 |
Multi-port mini computer
A multi-port mini computer includes a main housing and an adapting stage. The main housing comprises a first male connector, a microprocessor, a wireless network unit, an antenna, a second first male connector and a first casing enclosing above elements. The adapting stage comprises a second female, a third male connector, and a second casing enclosing above elements. The first casing has a sliding rail on outer face thereof and the second casing has a connection member on outer face thereof. The adapting stage is assembled to the main housing by connecting the connection member into the sliding rail. The first male connector, the second male connector and the third male connector are different kinds of male connectors, the second female connector is corresponding to the second male connector. |
| US09459653B2 |
Display device
A shaft is rotatably supported by an upper housing (base), a raising and lowering gear for a monitor is rotatably supported by the shaft, and a pivot gear and a guide member are unrotatably supported by the shaft. A rack and a guide rail are disposed on the back face of the monitor such that the raising and lowering gear meshes the rack and the guide member slidably engages with the guide rail. When the raising and lowering gear rotates by a drive source of a first motor, the guide rail is guided by the guide member to move upward and downward, and accordingly, the height position of the monitor is adjusted. When the pivot gear rotates by a drive source of a second motor, the guide member rotates along with the shaft, and accordingly, the tilt angle of the monitor is adjusted. |
| US09459651B2 |
Multi-level clock signal distribution network and integrated circuit
A multi-level clock signal distribution network comprises a plurality of lower network levels comprising at least a first lower network level and a lowermost network level that is connected to one or more lowermost clock signal driving circuits connectable to receive a clock signal; and a topmost network level arranged to distribute the clock signal to a plurality of clocked circuits, and connected to a plurality of topmost clock signal driving circuits connected to receive the clock signal from the first lower network level. The lowermost network level comprises at least one net and each of the plurality of lower network levels except the lowermost network level comprises a plurality of nets and is connected to a corresponding plurality of lower clock signal driving circuits being connected to receive the clock signal from a subjacent one of the plurality of lower network levels, wherein each of the plurality of nets is driven by all nets of the subjacent one. |
| US09459648B2 |
AC coupled single-ended LVDS receiving circuit comprising low-pass filter and voltage regulator
A receiving circuit is provided that can accurately detect a clock signal that has a single phase and a small amplitude. A receiving circuit includes an AC coupled circuit 22 that creates an AC coupling between a first end and a second end, a low-pass filter circuit 23, 25 that produces a third signal by applying a low-pass filtering on a second signal that is produced on the second end in response to a first signal that is applied to the first end, and a comparator 21 that inputs the second signal and the third signal. |
| US09459645B2 |
Phase reconfigurable switching power supply
Embodiments of circuitry, which includes power supply switching circuitry and a first inductive element, are disclosed. The power supply switching circuitry has a first switching output and a second switching output. The first inductive element is coupled between the first switching output and a power supply output. The power supply switching circuitry operates in one of a first operating mode and a second operating mode. During the first operating mode, the first switching output is voltage compatible with the second switching output. During the second operating mode, the first switching output is allowed to be voltage incompatible with the second switching output. |
| US09459640B2 |
Redundant electric circuit for cutting off the power supply to a piece of equipment
The invention concerns an electric circuit designed to control a power supply of a piece of electrical equipment, the electric circuit comprising a piece of electrical equipment and a source of supply voltage, and further having, as inputs, at least two discrete electrical signals of which the values condition the cutting off of the power supply to the piece of equipment, the circuit being characterized in that it further comprises:—a module for the redundant comparison of the discrete electric signals, comprising two branches for comparing said signals, parallel to one other, each branch being designed to supply, at the output, a control signal representative of each of the comparisons of said discrete electrical signals, and—a first module for cutting off the power supply to the piece of electrical equipment comprising two switches in series, each one being controlled respectively by one of the two control signals. The invention also concerns a system for acquiring, processing and communicating avionics data installed in an aircraft, comprising such an electric circuit. |
| US09459639B2 |
Power supply circuit with control unit
According to one embodiment, a power supply circuit includes a load switch, a switching control unit, a first control unit, and a second control unit. The load switch is connected to a power supply and switches between an ON state connecting the power supply to a load and an OFF state disconnecting the power supply from the load. The switching control unit outputs a first signal for controlling switching of the load switch between the ON and OFF states. The first control unit increases an output voltage of the load switch in a steady manner over a predetermined period of time when the load switch is switched to the ON state in response to the first signal. The second control unit causes a charging current to flow to the load switch after the first signal is output from the switching control unit. |
| US09459638B2 |
Internal voltage generation circuit for adjusting internal voltage signal based on received bulk voltage signal, an upper limit reference voltage signal, and a lower limit reference voltage signal
An internal voltage generation circuit includes a bulk voltage generator and an internal voltage driver. The A bulk voltage generator is configured to output any one of a power supply voltage signal and a core voltage signal as a first bulk voltage signal and any one of a ground voltage signal and a low voltage signal as a second bulk voltage signal. An internal voltage driver receives the first and second bulk voltage signals to pull down an internal voltage signal when a level of the internal voltage signal is higher than a level of an upper limit reference voltage signal and to pull up the internal voltage signal when a level of the internal voltage signal is lower than a level of a lower limit reference voltage signal. |
| US09459637B2 |
Distributed voltage network circuits employing voltage averaging, and related systems and methods
Distributed voltage network circuits employing voltage averaging, and related systems and methods are disclosed. In one aspect, because voltage in one area of a distributed load circuit may vary from voltage in a second area, a distributed voltage network circuit is configured to tap voltages from multiple areas to calculate average voltage in the distributed load circuit. The distributed voltage network circuit includes a voltage distribution source component having source nodes. Voltage is distributed from each source node to a corresponding voltage load node via resistive interconnects. Voltage tap nodes access voltage from each corresponding voltage load node. Each voltage tap node is coupled to an input node of a corresponding resistive element in voltage averaging circuit. An output node of each resistive element is coupled to a voltage output node of the voltage averaging circuit, generating the average voltage of the distributed load circuit on the voltage output node. |
| US09459632B2 |
Synchronized array of vibration actuators in a network topology
The disclosure relates to a Synchronized Array of Vibration Actuators in a Network Topology providing synchronized arrays of low-cost, readily available vibration actuators to emulate superlative single actuators and bring together sets of these emulated high-performance actuators to create a broad range of desired control effects. Such actuator arrays may operate in both spatial and temporal modes, creating haptic effects that relate to the user via their position and orientation in space. The spatial mode may create h-pulses or the amplitude of a vibrational effect may change based on position of the device. The temporal mode may create vibrational effects that interact with the user to create an awareness of time. Additionally modes include performance, bandwidth, magnitude and reliability modes. The different control modalities may be combined together into a single vector control space, which spans the haptic capabilities of sets and/or subsets of actuators. |
| US09459631B2 |
Pressure regulator seat assembly
A pressure regulator seat assembly is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the assembly includes a chamber, a tapered flange projecting from an upstream edge of the chamber into a flow path of the assembly, where a proximate end of the flange attached to the chamber is tapered continuously to its distal end into the flow path. In addition, the assembly includes a throttling stem seat disposed on a lower surface of the flange and a plurality of support ribs adapted to support the flange, where the plurality of ribs is spaced about one half side of the chamber. The assembly may also include a complementary base adapted to mount to the chamber about a downstream edge of the chamber to form the assembly. |
| US09459626B2 |
Learning signs from vehicle probes
Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for identifying road signs along a roadway segment from vehicle probe data. Probe data is received from vehicle sensors at a road segment, wherein the probe data includes observed static objects along the road segment. Road signs are identified within the observed static objects of the probe data using a logistic regression algorithm. The geographic location of the identified road signs are determined using a linear regression algorithm. |
| US09459621B2 |
Trackless vehicle and system for synchronous control of trackless vehicle
A system to transport a payload platform along a predefined path in an amusement facility, including a system controller to generate and transmit a timing signal and a propulsion platform, coupled to and supporting the payload platform, to traverse the predefined path in synchronism with the timing signal received from the system controller. The propulsion platform having an address corresponding to at least one of a plurality of individually addressed timing signals. The system may further include a plurality of entertainment devices positioned along the predefined path in an amusement facility, that likewise operate in synchronism with the timing signal received from the system controller. |
| US09459620B1 |
Human interaction with unmanned aerial vehicles
In some examples, an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided. The unmanned aerial vehicle may include a propulsion device, a sensor device, and a management system. In some examples, the management system may be configured to receive human gestures via the sensor device and, in response, instruct the propulsion device to affect an adjustment to the behavior of the unmanned aerial vehicle. Human gestures may include visible gestures, audible gestures, and other gestures capable of recognition by the unmanned vehicle. |
| US09459618B2 |
Instrument controlling device and instrument controlling method
An instrument controlling device includes an instrument information storing portion that stores instrument information, a receiving portion that receives an alert event, a first evaluating portion that evaluates whether an address of an instrument that produced the alert event matches any of the addresses in the instrument information that is stored if the alert event is an installation event, a second evaluating portion that evaluate whether instrument identifying information of device information matches identifying information of the alert event if the address matched, a selection requesting portion that requests, from an administrator, a selection as to whether or not to update the instrument information using the instrument identifying information of the alert event if the instrument identifying information does not match, and an updating portion that updates the instrument information using the instrument identifying information of the alert event if a selected instruction is an updating instruction. |
| US09459616B2 |
Universal conversational programming for machine tool systems
A method is disclosed for controlling movement of machine tool systems by providing a conversational programming interface that permits a user to create a universal program for execution by various machine tool systems for machining a part, each system having at least four movable axes. The user defines program blocks including geometry definitions which are independent of any axis kinematics configuration. A first tool path relative to a first Cartesian coordinate system is generated for forming the geometry, then mapped to a second Cartesian coordinate system corresponding to the part. The mapped path is transformed to a third Cartesian coordinate system corresponding to an orientation and location of the part relative to an axis kinematics configuration of a current machine tool system. The transformed path is processed to generate positions for the movable axes of the current system. |
| US09459614B2 |
Machining condition estimating apparatus and machining condition estimating method
A machining condition estimating apparatus, and method, for estimating a machining condition to suppress a wear volume of a tool when conducting cutting work in a work machine are provided. For example, an analysis model presenting shapes of a tool and cutting material, may be defined, to be a target of analysis, and an initial value for use of analysis and change volume of the machining condition parameter as analysis parameters may be set up. Coordinates for tool and cutting material contact may be calculated. Moreover, a boundary movement rate, a maximum contact length, and a contact angle are calculated. A machining condition presented by the analysis parameter may also be searched and outputted. |
| US09459611B2 |
Wire electric discharge machine having peak current compensation function
A wire electric discharge machine is configured to machine a workpiece by computing an electric current at the machining time before starting a main machining and compensating a power source voltage for machining. The wire electric discharge machine measures an average electric current and an electric discharge frequency at the machining time, in a measuring section in an approach before the main machining, and computes a peak current at the machining time. Further, an electric voltage of a machining power source is compensated by comparing the computed peak current at the machining, with a reference peak current. |
| US09459609B2 |
Actuator monitoring circuit, controller, and actuator unit
An actuator monitoring circuit 1 which is mounted in an airplane and monitors an actuator 30 having a piston (output portion) calculates the moving distance of the piston, and outputs, when the moving distance exceeds a predetermined threshold, an approaching notification signal 78s and a progression notification signal 79s to notify the excess over the threshold. |
| US09459607B2 |
Methods, apparatus, and systems for monitoring and/or controlling dynamic environments
A dynamic environment (e.g., an automated industrial process) has multiple conditions in response to which corresponding actions are required, and comprises various equipment, control device(s) to control the equipment, and one or more sensors to generate input signal(s) representing a monitored condition of the environment. A control system for the environment comprises a master processor and one or more co-processors, wherein the master processor configures a given co-processor to evaluate only a first subset of conditions expected to occur in the environment within a specified time period (e.g., less than a response time of the master processor), and to provide first control information representing an action to be taken if a particular condition of the first subset is satisfied. The co-processor receives the input signal(s) representing the monitored condition, processes the input signal(s) so as to determine if the particular condition of the first subset is satisfied, and provides the first control information to the control devices so as to control the equipment. Exemplary applications include dynamic environments in which machine vision techniques and/or equipment are employed. |
| US09459603B2 |
Tactical illusion device and related methods
An apparatus for providing an illusion of occupancy is provided. The apparatus includes a prime mover having a shaft configured to receive an actuator, an actuator configured to interface the prime mover to an illusion target, and a microcontroller having a memory operatively coupled to selectably operate the prime mover. The microcontroller is configured with a first value representing an average time between a plurality of first movements of the prime mover, a second value representing an average time between the first movement and a second movement of the prime mover, and a third value representing a quantity of random variability to be applied to the first value and the second value. The microcontroller is further configured to operate the prime mover in accordance with the first value, the second value, and the third value, thereby manipulating the illusion target and providing the illusion of occupancy. |
| US09459593B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device includes a display section, at least one substrate, a control section, a connecting section, a receiving section, and output wiring. The at least one substrate includes a plurality of wiring layers overlapped as a whole. Output wiring is provided on the first layer among the plurality of wiring layers and connects each of the plurality of the output terminals and the control section. From a planar view of the substrate, a bar antenna is attached on a face of a second layer on a side opposite of the first layer, in a position between positions corresponding to positions of the connecting section and the control section. The output wiring crosses between regions corresponding to both edge regions including both edges of the bar antenna. |
| US09459585B2 |
Image forming apparatus having opening for replacement of cartridge
An image forming apparatus includes a cartridge, a first unit, and a second unit. The first unit includes a sheet discharge tray and a guide. The cartridge has an accommodating portion configured to accommodate a color material. The guide is positioned below the sheet discharge tray and is configured to guide the cartridge to its assembled position. The first unit has an opening directing downward, and the guide has a lower end. The second unit includes a sheet supply tray positioned below the guide. The first unit and the second unit are pivotally movably connected to each other about a pivot axis to provide a first position and a second position. In the first position, the opening is closed by the second unit and the lower end of the guide is directed toward the sheet supply tray. In the second position, the opening is exposed to an outside. |
| US09459580B2 |
Optical sensor with multiple detect modes
An imaging apparatus including an imaging system and an optical sensor for detecting a print medium within a paper path. The optical sensor may include at least one light emitter and at least one light detector. The light detector is configured to output two or more light intensities sequentially onto the paper path, which reflects from the paper path or transmits directly onto the optical sensor. Data indicating an amount of light received by the at least one light detector is received by the controller, which performs data analysis to determine the presence or absence of a print medium in the paper path. |
| US09459577B2 |
Updating a supported-supplies database of an image forming apparatus
Example updating a supported-supplies database of an image forming apparatus are disclosed. An example method includes receiving an imaging supply in a printer; accessing an action identifier on the imaging supply; and in response to the action identifier, at least one of updating a database of the printer to include a first supported imaging supply previously not supported by or compatible with the printer, or removing a second supported imaging supply previously supported by or compatible with the printer from the database. |
| US09459576B2 |
Image forming apparatus, method for controlling image forming apparatus, and storage medium
An image forming apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect an object and a power-supply control unit. The power-supply control unit shifts the image forming apparatus to a second power state, in response to a lapse of a predetermined time following no detection of the object, when a job has not been executed until the detection unit detects no object, after the power-supply control unit shifts the image forming apparatus to the first power state. The power-supply control unit shifts the image forming apparatus to the second power state before a lapse of the predetermined time, when a job has been executed until the detection unit detects no object, after the power-supply control unit shifts the image forming apparatus to the first power state. |
| US09459571B2 |
Fixing device including reflecting plate with tilted ends
A fixing device includes a heating element disposed inside a flexible fusing member, a nip member disposed to contact with a surface of the flexible fusing member and to allow the flexible fusing member to slide along the nip member, a reflecting plate for reflecting radiant heat from the heating element toward the nip member, and a backup member for nipping the flexible fusing member with the nip member. The reflecting plate includes a central reflecting portion extending along a longitudinal direction of the heating element at least in a region corresponding to along a heat generating portion of the heating element, and end reflecting portions stationarily provided on both ends of the central reflecting portion. The end reflecting portions are disposed in positions longitudinally outward of the heat generating portion and each has a reflecting surface tilted with respect to the longitudinal direction of the heating element. |
| US09459567B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device that fixes a toner image carried on a transfer sheet onto the transfer sheet includes a fixing belt that relatively moves, with its surface being in contact with the toner image during the fixing operation, with respect to the transfer sheet, surface information detecting devices that determine surface information of the fixing belt, a surface condition changing roller that is arranged so as to be capable of coming into contact with and separating from the fixing belt and abrades the surface of the fixing belt in contact with the fixing belt, and a surface condition changing controller that controls the contact and separation of the surface condition changing roller with and from the fixing belt based on detection results obtained by the surface information detecting devices. |
| US09459566B2 |
Image forming apparatus controlling the operation speed of each of an image forming portion and a fixing portion thereof when an image formation process is continuously performed for a plurality of sheets
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device for forming an image on a sheet; a fixing device for fixing an image formed on a sheet; a detector for detecting a temperature of the fixing device, and a controller for controlling an image formation start timing in accordance with an output of the detector. In an operation of continuously forming images on a plurality of predetermined sheets, when a number of image formations is not less than a predetermined number, the start of the image formation is delayed until a temperature of the fixing device rises up to a first temperature, and when the number of image formations is less than the predetermined number, the image formation is started when the temperature of the fixing device rises up to a second temperature which is lower than the first temperature. |
| US09459553B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a first roller, a second roller, a first voltage applying section, and a control section. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the first roller. The second roller is located opposite to the first roller with a first gap therebetween. The first voltage applying section applies voltage to the second roller. The control section determines a first voltage value to be applied to the second roller during development of the electrostatic latent image. The control section determines a first distance non-uniformity value indicating a degree of non-uniformity of a distance across the first gap. The control section determines a first indicator value by increasing voltage applied to the second roller in stages and performing electrical discharge measurement at each of the stages. The control section determines the first voltage value based on the first distance non-uniformity value and the first indicator value. |
| US09459552B2 |
Drive circuit for printing apparatus, light-emitting element unit, and printing apparatus
A drive circuit for a printing apparatus includes a first driver arranged on an electrical path from a first current supply unit to a first connection portion for a light-emitting element, a second driver arranged on an electrical path from a second current supply unit to the first connection portion, a third driver arranged on an electrical path from the second current supply unit to a second connection portion for a light-emitting element, and a switch unit configured to selectively connect the second current supply unit to one of the second driver and the third driver and disconnect the connection between the second current supply unit and the other of the second driver and the third driver when the second current supply unit is connected to the one of the second driver and the third driver. |
| US09459550B2 |
Applying device and image forming apparatus
An applying device includes an applying member and a contact member. The applying member applies voltage to an image bearing member and has an elastic layer and an endless surface layer. The elastic layer is disposed facing the image bearing member, is rotatable about a rotation axis, and is composed of a foam material. The surface layer surrounds an outer periphery of the elastic layer, is supported by the elastic layer in a non-bonded state, and is rotatable together therewith. The contact member comes into contact with the surface layer at an upstream side, in a rotational direction of the applying member, relative to an imaginary line segment connecting a rotation axis of the image bearing member and the rotation axis of the applying member, so as to apply tension to the surface layer at a contact position between the image bearing member and the applying member. |
| US09459548B2 |
Liquid developer
A resin in a liquid developer contains a first resin which is a urethane-modified polyester resin resulting from increase in chain length of a component derived from a polyester resin by a compound containing an isocyanate group and a second resin. The first resin is contained by not lower than 70 mass % with respect to a total of the first resin and the second resin. The component derived from the polyester resin includes a constitutional unit derived from an acid component and a constitutional unit derived from an alcohol component. A ratio of a constitutional unit derived from an aliphatic monomer occupied in the constitutional unit derived from the acid component and the constitutional unit derived from the alcohol component is not lower than 80 mass %. Relation of 2.3≦Mw/Mn≦4 (10000≦Mn≦50000) is satisfied. |
| US09459544B2 |
Hydroxygallium phthalocyanine crystal, electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge, and electrophotographic apparatus
The present invention provides a novel hydroxygallium phthalocyanine crystal and an electrophotographic photosensitive member capable of outputting an image with few failures due to a ghost phenomenon not only in normal-temperature, normal-humidity environments but also even in low-temperature, low-humidity environments. The hydroxygallium phthalocyanine crystal has peaks at Bragg angles 2θ±0.2° of 7.5°, 9.9°, 25.2°, and 28.3° as determined by X-ray diffraction with Cu Kα radiation. The intensity of the peak at a Bragg angle 2θ±0.2° of 9.9° is higher than the intensity of the peak at a Bragg angle 2θ±0.2° of 7.5°. |
| US09459543B1 |
Electrophotographic photoreceptor, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
An electrophotographic photoreceptor includes a conductive substrate and a singlelayer type photosensitive layer which is provided on the conductive substrate and contains a binder resin, a charge generating material, a hole transporting material, an electron transporting material represented by the formula (1), and a fluorenone compound represented by the formula (2): wherein R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, R16, R17 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group, and R18 represents an alkyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group; and wherein R21, R22, R23, R24, R26, R27, and R28 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group, and R25 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group. |
| US09459532B2 |
Radiation-sensitive resin composition, polymer and compound
A radiation-sensitive resin composition includes a polymer, an acid generating agent, and an organic solvent. The polymer includes a first structural unit derived from a compound represented by a formula (1), and a second structural unit derived from a compound represented by a formula (2). R1 represents an organic group having a valency of (a+2) that represents a ring structure having 3 to 8 carbon atoms together with the carbon atom constituting a lactone ring. R2 represents a fluorine atom, a hydroxyl group, an organic group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or the like. |
| US09459526B2 |
Process for manufacturing a self-assembled injection monolayer
The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a self-assembled injection monolayer (SAM) on the surface of a metal supporting member, the SAM comprising molecules with a thiol end group. The manufacturing process of the invention comprises the following steps: a) depositing the SAM of desired molecules on a zone in relief of a buffer; and b) transferring the SAM onto the surface of the supporting member by hot pressing of the zone in relief of the buffer obtained in step a). The invention is applicable in particular to the field of electronics. |
| US09459518B2 |
Projection apparatus and image calibration method thereof
A projection apparatus and an image calibration method thereof are provided. The image calibration method of the projection apparatus includes: transmitting N optical pulse signals to N calibration reference points on a projection plane respectively, wherein N is greater than or equal to 2; receiving N reflected optical pulse signals that are generated by reflecting the optical pulse signals; and respectively calculating time intervals between pulse waves of the optical pulse signals and the corresponding reflected optical pulse signals to obtain N time differences, thereby performing an image calibration. |
| US09459517B2 |
Projection image display apparatus for attaching and detaching a projection lens
A projection image display apparatus which performs an operation for attaching and detaching a projection lens by one action with a simple mechanism is provided. The projection image display apparatus includes an optical engine which irradiates a display element with light emitted from a light source to form an image, a projection lens which enlarges and projects the image emitted from the optical engine, a lens shift mechanism for adjusting a position of an image to be projected onto a screen, a lens attachment unit for attaching the projection lens to the lens shift mechanism, and a first plate for attaching the projection lens to the lens attachment unit to achieve a locked state, and the attachment of the projection lens to the lens attachment unit and the achievement of the locked state are performed by only rotation of the first plate in a first direction. Also, detachment of the projection lens and release of the locked state are performed by only rotation of the first plate in a second direction opposite to the first direction. |
| US09459514B2 |
Camera apparatus and method for generating image signal for viewfinder
There is provided a camera apparatus including: a display signal generation unit that generates an index display signal for displaying an index indicative of a current focal position based on focal position information; and a combination unit that acquires an image signal for a viewfinder by combining a captured image signal with the index display signal. |
| US09459511B2 |
Mach-Zehnder type optical modulator, optical transmission/reception system and control method of Mach-Zehnder type optical modulator
A Mach-Zehnder type optical modulator according to the present invention is characterized by: that it comprises a beam splitting unit for splitting input light into two component light beams, a first waveguide and a second waveguide for guiding respective ones of the split component light beams, a beam combining unit for combining together the component light beams guided respectively by the first and second waveguides and outputting the combined light, a plurality of electrodes which are formed into electrode pairs as a result of being arranged on the first and second waveguides in a symmetric and parallel manner, and driving units for differentially driving respective ones of the electrode pairs in accordance with the magnitude relationships between the voltage of an input signal and respective ones of threshold voltages set individually for the electrode pairs; and that, by thus being driven differentially, the plurality of electrodes each apply a voltage for modulating the input light to the waveguide on which they are arranged. |
| US09459510B2 |
Color display device with color filters
The present invention provides a multicolor display device which can display high quality color states. More specifically, an electrophoretic fluid is provided which comprises three or four types of particles and color filters are placed on the viewing side of the display device. |
| US09459509B2 |
Electrochromic structure, method and display apparatus
An electrochromic structure, a method and a display apparatus. The electrochromic structure includes a display layer including a first substrate (9), a color layer (7) and a second substrate (5); and a background layer including a controllable layer (3) and a third substrate (1); and the display layer is over the background layer. The electrochromic structure has clear hierarchy and simple structure, and can be made into display devices of larger size. |
| US09459507B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate including a first wiring line, a second wiring line located on a first interlayer insulation film, a pixel electrode located on the first interlayer insulation film and including a main pixel electrode and a first sub-pixel electrode, a first common electrode located on a second interlayer insulation film and including a first main common electrode opposed to the second wiring line and a first sub-common electrode opposed to the first wiring line and the first sub-pixel electrode, a second substrate including a second common electrode, and a liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and the second substrate. |
| US09459506B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display is provided which can avoid degradation of picture quality by preventing deviations in parasitic capacitance between a data line and a pixel electrode. The liquid crystal display includes data lines and gate lines, compensation patterns covering the data lines, thin film transistors disposed at regions neighbored to crossings of the data and gate lines, pixel electrodes disposed in pixel regions defined by the crossings and respectively connected to the thin film transistors; and a common electrode disposed to overlap the pixel electrodes, One edge of each of the compensation patterns is spaced apart from the pixel electrodes by a predetermined distance. |
| US09459503B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device is provided with a thin film transistor which includes a gate electrode film that is provided in a first electrode layer located over a first insulating layer, a semiconductor film that is disposed over the gate electrode film via a second insulating layer, a drain electrode and a source electrode that are provided in a second electrode layer located over the semiconductor film and are in contact with an upper surface of the semiconductor film, and a light blocking film that is disposed under the first insulating layer. At least a part thereof overlaps the semiconductor film and the gate electrode film in a plan view. One of the drain electrode and the source electrode is connected to a gate line, and the light blocking film is electrically connected to the source electrode. |
| US09459502B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
According to one embodiment, liquid crystal display device includes an array substrate, a counter substrate, and a liquid crystal layer. The array substrate includes a plurality of pixel electrodes, a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of source lines, a plurality of switching elements, and a plurality of light shielding layers. Each of the light shielding layers extends to cross, among the source lines, even-numbered source lines arranged in the direction of the extension of the gate lines. |
| US09459501B2 |
Display device
A display device according to the present invention includes a display panel (liquid crystal panel); a backlight located on a rear surface of the display panel; a circuit board located on a rear surface of the backlight; flexible wiring located between a first connecting side that is one side of the display panel and a second connecting side that is one side of the circuit board to bridge over one side of the backlight, the flexible wiring connecting the display panel and the circuit board to each other; and a support a support that supports the display panel or the circuit board by regulating at least one of a movement, on the first connecting side, toward at least a side opposite to the second connecting side and a movement, on the second connecting side, toward at least a side opposite to the first connecting side. |
| US09459500B2 |
Liquid crystal on silicon panels and associated methods
A liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) panel is provided that includes an electrical contact layer deposited in a pattern on a portion of a transparent conductive layer. An alignment layer protects the conductive layer and electrical contact layer during LCOS panel assembly. The alignment layer is etched away to expose the electrical contact, which protects the underlying conductive layer from the etching process. The resulting LCOS panel has more reliably formed electrical contacts for improved stability of electrical connections to the conductive layer. A method for forming an electrical contact layer on a conductive layer of a LCOS panel includes steps for depositing a patterned layer on a portion of the conductive layer. The method is compatible with microfabrication techniques for scalable manufacturing. The resulting LCOS panel includes a pattern of one or more electrical contacts exposed on a portion of the conductive layer. |
| US09459498B2 |
Liquid crystal display device having first seal member and second seal member being directly connected to junction portions
A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal device having a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other with a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween, and a sealing member formed in a peripheral portion of at least one of the substrates. The method includes forming the sealing member, disposing the liquid crystal layer inside the sealing member, and bonding the first substrate to the second substrate. In forming the sealing member, a ring-shaped portion that seals the liquid crystal layer inside the sealing member, a first sealing layer and a second sealing layer that face each other to be separated from each other are formed. In the bonding of the first substrate to the second substrate, a junction portion is formed in which the first and second sealing layers are pressed and joined outside the sealing member so as to form the ring-shaped portion. |
| US09459496B2 |
Display panel and display device
The present disclosure provides a display panel and a display device. The display panel includes a pixel unit including first and second sub-unit regions. Liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer corresponding to the first sub-unit region have a first initial alignment direction, and liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer corresponding to the second sub-unit region have a second initial alignment direction. The pixel unit further includes a third sub-unit region arranged between the first and second sub-unit regions. Liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer corresponding to the third sub-unit region have a third initial alignment direction, which is an alignment direction in a rotation from the first initial alignment direction towards the second initial alignment direction along a first rotation direction. An angle difference between the first and second initial alignment directions is greater than 0° and less than or equal to 90°. |
| US09459490B2 |
Polarizing plate, image display apparatus, and liquid crystal display apparatus
A polarizing plate includes: a polymer film; a polarizer; and a stress relaxation layer disposed between the polymer film and the polarizer, wherein a relationship of the following Expression (1) is satisfied, a thickness of the polymer film is equal to or greater than 10 μm, a distance(Ds) from the surface of the polarizing plate on the side of the polymer film to the interface between the polymer film and the stress relaxation layer is equal to or greater than 15 μm, a difference between the distance(Ds) and a thickness(C) of the polymer film is less than 15 μm, and a total thickness of the polymer film and the stress relaxation layer is equal to or less than 80 μm, 0.01 |
| US09459488B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device in which a decrease in the voltage holding ratio (VHR) of a liquid crystal layer and an increase in the ion density (ID) are prevented and problems of display defects such as white streaks, alignment unevenness, and image sticking are overcome. The liquid crystal display device of the present invention in which a decrease in the voltage holding ratio (VHR) of a liquid crystal layer and an increase in the ion density (ID) are prevented and problems of display defects such as image sticking are overcome is particularly useful for active matrix driving liquid crystal display devices with an IPS mode and an FFS mode and can be applied to liquid crystal display devices of liquid crystal televisions, monitors, cellular phones, and smart phones. |
| US09459487B2 |
Color liquid crystal display panel comprising dichroic dyes mixed in a liquid crystal material and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a color liquid crystal display panel and a manufacturing method thereof. The color liquid crystal display panel includes: a first substrate (2), a second substrate (3), and dye-doped liquid crystal layers (4) hermetically sealed between the first substrate (2) and the second substrate (3). The dye-doped liquid crystal layers (4) each include a liquid crystal material, a chiral dopant, and at least one dichroic dye. Each of the dichroic dyes absorbs a light of a predetermined wavelength range. The color liquid crystal display panel and the manufacturing method thereof according to the present invention add at least one dichroic dye in a liquid crystal material so as to use selective absorbability of the dichroic dye with respect to visible lights to adjust light intensity and also to achieve color displaying through collaboration of a color filter and the dichroic dye, whereby there is no need to include a conventionally used polarizer so as to reduce the manufacturing cost of the color liquid crystal display panel, also reduce the requirement for backlighting brightness, enhance light transmittal and optical efficiency, and thus lower down energy consumption of the operation of a color liquid crystal display. |
| US09459485B2 |
Array substrate comprising optical diffusion structures having different reflectivities for light reflected from different pixel regions and liquid crystal display apparatus
There are provided an array substrate and a liquid crystal display apparatus. The array substrate comprises: array structures (12) and pixel electrodes (13) that are formed on a first substrate (11); wherein at least part of pixel regions corresponding to the pixel electrodes (13) are in optical diffusion structures (14); the pixel regions include pixel regions corresponding to pixels of different colors; the optical diffusion structures (14) are so arranged that reflectivity of light reflected from an optical diffusion structure of a pixel region, which corresponds to a pixel of a color having the longest light wavelength, is lower than reflectivity of light reflected from an optical diffusion structure (14) of a pixel region, which corresponds to a pixel of another color. |
| US09459483B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A display device includes a touch panel, a display panel, a backlight assembly, a bottom chassis, and a rear cover. The display panel is coupled to the touch panel. The backlight assembly includes a light source to supply light to the display panel, and an optical sheet including a protrusion. The display panel is disposed between the touch panel and the backlight assembly. The bottom chassis includes extensions protruding from walls defining a cavity region to receive the display panel. The extensions support the touch panel. The rear cover is configured to receive the bottom chassis. The bottom chassis is disposed between the rear cover and the touch panel. One of the walls of the bottom chassis includes an opening. The protrusion is configured to engage the opening to couple the optical sheet to the bottom chassis. |
| US09459475B2 |
Method of manufacturing image display device
An image display device is manufactured by: applying a liquid photo-curable resin composition having a total value of cure shrinkage ratios based on pre-curing and complete curing of 3% or more to a surface of the light-transmitting cover member or a surface of the image display member with a thickness greater than that of the light-shielding layer to cancel the step between the light-shielding layer and the light-shielding layer forming surface of the light-transmitting cover member; pre-curing the photo-curable resin composition with the irradiation of ultraviolet rays to form a pre-cured resin layer; bonding the light-transmitting cover member to the image display member such that the pre-cured resin layer is placed inside; and subjecting the pre-cured resin layer to the irradiation of ultraviolet rays to achieve the complete curing thereof. The pre-curing is conducted to obtain a cure shrinkage ratio less than 3% in the complete curing thereof. |
| US09459474B2 |
Methods and systems for enhanced viewing of a display device
A method and system for enhanced viewing of a display device is disclosed in this application. In some implementations, a method and system for improving a perceived contrast of a screen of a display device is disclosed. Some implementations may also relate to a method and system for privately viewing content displayed on a screen. |
| US09459473B2 |
Integrated gate driver circuit for eliminating voltage fluctuation and liquid crystal panel with the same
An integrated gate driver circuit includes a control circuit, a plurality of drive stages and a plurality of discharge transistors. The control circuit is configured to output a plurality of clock signals within a frame period and to output a discharge enabling signal within a blanking period of the frame period. Each of the drive stages receives the clock signals and includes an output terminal configured to output a gate driving signal. Each of the discharge transistors is coupled to the output terminal of one of the drive stages and discharges the output terminal according to the discharge enabling signal thereby eliminating the voltage fluctuation of the output terminal in the blanking period. |
| US09459467B2 |
Method for designing and machining an ophthalmic lens, method for manufacturing a bevelled lens and corresponding lenses
A central area of a lens is defined with a central perimeter coinciding with a perimeter of a frame, a temporal line divides the central area into a nasal area and a temporal area, a useful perimeter is formed from the nasal area and the temporal line, a useful area is delimited by the useful perimeter, and a prescription is determined for the user. The temporal line is outside a cone with at least a 30° opening, an apex of which is in a center of rotation of a user's eye, which is an optical axis. A lens thickness is optimized according to the thickness of the perimeter of the nasal area. Subsequently a transition area is defined extending between the useful perimeter and an external perimeter of the lens. |
| US09459466B2 |
Eyewear temple
The eyewear temple has a temple body and a resilient assembly. The resilient assembly is mounted in the chamber of the temple body and has a guide member and a connecting rod. The guide member has a recess, a shaft hole, an opening and a through hole. The recess is axially formed in the guide member. The shaft hole is radially formed through the guide member. The opening is formed on a front surface of the guide member. The through hole is formed in a rear surface of the guide member. The connecting rod is easy to be directly inserted through the opening and the recess of the guide member, and is connected to the temple body. Therefore, the resilient assembly is easy to be assembled on the temple body, and the combination strength between the temple body and the connecting rod is easy to be adjusted. |
| US09459465B2 |
Lens drive apparatus, camera module and camera
A lens drive apparatus that displaces a lens holder in a direction of an optical axis and a direction orthogonal to the optical axis in collaboration with a magnet and a coil comprises: an assembly that is formed by assembling the lens holder together with a conductive body and comprises a circuit that receives supplied power; a base that is disposed at a position spaced from the assembly and has an aperture through which the optical axis passes; and a plurality of suspension wires that are disposed around the aperture and support the assembly such that the assembly is displaceable in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis, wherein the plurality of suspension wires include a first suspension wire configured to supply power to the circuit, and a second suspension wire configured to supply power to the circuit via a path different from that of the first suspension wire. |
| US09459462B2 |
Stereoscopic display device
The objective is to provide a stereoscopic display device that can be switched among 2D display mode, 3D display mode and mirror mode, where 2D display may be realized even while the device is staying in mirror mode. The device includes: a display panel (12); a switch liquid crystal panel (14); an absorptive polarizer (16); and a reflective polarizer (22). The switch liquid crystal panel is located closer to the viewer than the display panel is. The absorptive polarizer is located closer to the viewer than the switch liquid crystal panel is. The reflective polarizer is located between the display panel and the switch liquid crystal panel. The reflective polarizer passes those components of light entering the reflective polarizer that are parallel to the transmission axis (L6) while reflecting those components that are perpendicular to the transmission axis. At least one of the substrates (32, 34) includes a transparent region (58) capable of passing light from the display panel. |
| US09459460B2 |
Optical image capturing module, aligning method, and observing method
A method of aligning an upper substrate and a lower substrate is provided. The upper and lower substrates are oppositely arranged, and the aligning method includes the following steps: providing an optical image capturing module; emitting light rays to a third surface of a first prism; filtering the light rays, so that the light rays are divided into light rays at the first wavelength range and light rays at the second wavelength range, wherein the light rays at the first wavelength range irradiate a pattern on the upper substrate, and light rays at the second wavelength range irradiate a pattern on the lower substrate; reflecting a pattern image on the upper substrate to an image capturing apparatus; reflecting a pattern image on the lower substrate to the image capturing apparatus; and determining locations of the patterns of the upper and lower substrate that are on the image capturing apparatus. |
| US09459459B2 |
Methods and devices for controlling the size of light beams of large dimensions
Methods and devices for reducing the dimensions of an incident light beam of large dimensions are disclosed. The method includes the dispatching of a first light beam toward a partially reflecting plate of dimensions suitable for the dimensions of the light beam of large dimensions, the dispatching onto a convergent reflective element of a second light beam arising from the transmission through the partially reflecting plate of the first light beam, the dispatching of a third light beam arising from the reflection on the convergent reflective element of the second light beam, toward said partially reflecting plate, and the reflection of the third beam on the partially reflecting plate so as to form a fourth light beam. |
| US09459456B2 |
Display device and control method thereof
A head-mounted display device includes: a medium recognizing section that detects information that is viewable by a user; a display section that performs display to be viewable by the user; and an update processing section that causes the display section to display, to overlap with at least a part of the information detected by the medium recognizing section, new information corresponding to the information. |
| US09459452B2 |
Display device with improved heating for operating in a low temperature environment
Provided is a display device for a vehicle that can, in a configuration in which the cost of parts is curbed, quickly raise the temperature of a laser light source (LD) in a low temperature environment, and quickly perform stable image output. The LDs (11, 12, 13) emit laser light (RGB) and an MEMS mirror (30) scans the laser light (RGB) and generates a display image (M). A convex mirror (70) reflects display light (L) indicating the display image (M) in an external direction via a translucent light-transmitting unit (90). An LD driving means (101) emits laser light (RGB) to the LDs (11, 12, 13) when the temperature is low, and causes the LDs (11, 12, 13) to perform self-heating driving for raising the temperature of themselves. |
| US09459451B2 |
Eye tracking apparatus, method and system
A transparent waveguide for use in eye tracking includes an input-coupler and an output-coupler. The input-coupler comprises a plurality of curved grating lines having a radially varying pitch. When positioned in front of an eye illuminated with infrared light, infrared light beams reflected from the eye and incident on the input-coupler enter the waveguide at the input-coupler, propagate through the waveguide by way of total internal reflections, and exit the waveguide proximate the output-coupler. The radially varying pitch of the curved grating lines of the input-coupler provides angular encoding of infrared light incident on the input-coupler, and more specifically, causes different beams of infrared light incident on respective different horizontal and vertical positions of the input-coupler to propagate through the waveguide at respective different angles of reflection and exit the waveguide at respective different angles of incidence relative to a surface of the waveguide through which infrared light beams exit. |
| US09459448B2 |
Beam scanning type display apparatus
A beam scanning type display apparatus includes a reflection angle variable mirror that scans a beam light, at least two light detectors disposed at a predetermined distance in a beam scanning direction of the mirror that detects a light amount of screen reflection light, a distortion correction calculation unit that obtains a drive correction value of the mirror by calculating an irradiation distance and a screen inclination, from a light amount of a reflection light detected by the light detectors at two different scanning timings and an inclination angle of the mirror at this time, and a mirror driving unit that controls an inclination angle of the mirror by the drive correction value. A drive correction value of the mirror driving unit is obtained at a plurality of timings of a scanning period of beam light, and beam light is scanned at the corrected inclination angle of the mirror. |
| US09459430B2 |
Wide-angle depth imaging lens construction
Embodiments are disclosed herein related to the construction of optical elements for depth sensor systems. One disclosed embodiment provides a wide-angle lens construction comprising a first, negative stage, and a second, positive stage positioned behind the first, negative stage along an optical axis of the lens construction. The second, positive stage further comprises a first positive lens substage, a second positive lens substage, a third positive lens substage, the second positive lens substage positioned between the first positive lens substage and the third positive lens substage. |
| US09459429B2 |
Lens apparatus and image capturing apparatus including the same
A lens apparatus includes a diaphragm unit that is driven in a first driving direction and a second driving direction, a driving unit that drives the diaphragm unit based on a driving instruction, a storage unit that stores a first driving instruction value for performing the driving in the first driving direction, and a second driving instruction value for performing the driving in the second driving direction, and a control unit that outputs a driving instruction for driving the diaphragm unit, wherein the control unit outputs, when driving the diaphragm unit in the first driving direction, the driving instruction based on the first driving instruction value or the like, and outputs, when driving the diaphragm unit in the second driving direction, the driving instruction based on the second driving instruction value or the like. |
| US09459428B1 |
Buffer tubes having reduced stress whitening
Disclosed are buffer tubes of various colors having reduced stress whitening while retaining compliance with standard color requirements. In this regard, each buffer tube includes a polymeric tube that typically has a small amount of titanium dioxide. Each buffer tube typically demonstrates color compliance with the EIA Standard EIA-359-A. |
| US09459425B2 |
Spooling cable
A spool system includes a spool and a spool support. The spool includes a spool body, a shaft, and an anti-rotation feature. The spool body has a center axis of rotation. The shaft includes a first end disposed on the spool body and extends from the spool body along the center axis of rotation to a second end. The anti-rotation feature is disposed on the shaft and defines a non-circular shape. The spool support supports the spool and defines a slot sized to slidably receive the shaft and a feature receiver that has a complimentary shape of the anti-rotation feature. The spool moves along the slot between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position, the anti-rotation feature of the spool is received by the feature receiver and prevents rotation of the spool. In the deployed position, the anti-rotation feature allows rotation of the spool. |
| US09459419B2 |
Opto-electric hybrid module
An opto-electric hybrid module is provided which has a linear light-path core and an electric circuit including mounting pads and an electric circuit body provided on a surface of an under-cladding layer of an optical waveguide. An optical element is mounted with its electrodes in abutment against the mounting pads. The electric circuit body and a portion of the surface of the under-cladding layer other than a core formation portion and an electric circuit formation portion are covered with a stack including a core material layer and an over-cladding material layer. A surface portion of the stack present between the mounting pads and the electric circuit body is located at a lower height position than a surface portion of the stack present on the electric circuit body. |
| US09459415B2 |
Endoscopic LED light source having a feedback control system
An external endoscope light source system includes light emitting diodes for providing a light output to an endoscope. The light is provided to a fiber optic cable for transmission to the endoscope. A fiber optic receives a portion of the light output and provides the output to a color sensor for sensing color values. The color values are provided to a controller that adjusts power to the various LEDs to provide a white light output. Instead of a color sensor in the light source, the light source can receive a white balance signal from a video camera provided for an endoscope. The white balance signal varies intensity of light output from each of the LEDs to obtain a white light output. The camera also provides shutter speed of a camera image sensor to the light source. The shutter speed is used to pulse or modulate the light output only when the shutter of the camera is open. By modulating the light output by the light source, the amount of heat generated by the light source is minimized. |
| US09459414B2 |
Optical coupling system and optical sensor including the same
An optical coupling system is provided which includes a first layer structure and a second layer structure. The first layer structure includes a plurality of layers sequentially stacked on a substrate, and is configured to compresses a beam emitted from a light source along a direction substantially perpendicular to a top surface of the substrate. The second layer structure is formed on the substrate, and is configured to compresses the beam, having passed through the first layer structure, along a direction substantially parallel to the top surface of the substrate. |
| US09459409B2 |
Optical coupling device
An optical coupling device comprises an optical fiber block including a first block part and a second block part contacting with one side of the first block part, an optical fiber penetrating the optical fiber block and having an end surface exposed at a bottom surface of the optical fiber block, a semiconductor chip disposed below the optical fiber block and having an optical input/output element disposed on a top surface of the semiconductor chip to correspond with the end surface of the optical fiber, and a planarization layer disposed on the top surface of the semiconductor chip and having a recess region. A bottom surface of the first block part has a higher level than that of the second block part. The bottom surface of the second block part contacts with a bottom of the recess region. The optical fiber is optically coupled with the optical input/output element. |
| US09459402B2 |
Bend compensation in telecommunications optical fibers
Optical fiber profiles are shown in which the optical fiber has a large mode area, but is nevertheless sufficiently bend-insensitivity to comply with technical specifications for telecommunication optical fibers. The optical fibers meet two bend-loss conditions. First, they meet tight bend conditions, which reflects macro-bending due to coiling or bending of the optical fiber. Second, these optical fibers meet cable bend conditions, which reflect macro-bending conditions that are introduced as a result of cabling. By satisfying the tight bend-loss condition and then adjusting for the cable bend-loss condition, the optical fiber permits larger effective areas than normally achievable with only bend-compensation designs. |
| US09459401B2 |
Isotopically altered optical fiber
An optical waveguide having a cladding layer formed of high-purity glass, or a cladding layer formed of high-purity isotope-proportion modified glass, and with a core of high-purity isotope-proportion-modified glass with the index of refraction of the core glass greater than the index of refraction of the cladding glass, said high-purity isotope-proportion-modified core material having a Si-29-isotope proportion at most 4.447% Si-29 (atom/atom) of all silicon atoms in said core, or at least 4.90% of Si-29 (atom/atom) atoms in said core, or having a Ge-73 isotope proportion of at most 7.2% Ge-73 (atom/atom) of all germanium atoms in said core, or at least 8.18% of Ge-73 (atom/atom) of Germanium atoms in said core region. |
| US09459398B2 |
Illumination device in which source light injection is non-parallel to device's optical axis
An illumination device includes a light source configured to emit, during operation, light with a prevalent direction of propagation different from a direction of an optical axis of the illumination device; and an optical coupler including a transparent material, the optical coupler having an input aperture, an exit aperture and a first side surface and a second side surface arranged between the input aperture and the exit aperture, the exit aperture being centered on the optical axis of the illumination device. The optical coupler receives the emitted light through the input aperture from the light source. Further, the first side surface and the second side surface redirect the received light via total internal reflection (TIR) to the exit aperture. Additionally, the redirected light is issued through the exit aperture. |
| US09459393B2 |
Backlight module structure
The present invention provides a backlight module structure, which includes a backplane (1), a light guide plate (3) arranged inside the backplane (1), and at least two backlight sources (5) arranged inside the backplane (1). The backplane (1) includes a bottom board (11) and a plurality of side boards (13) perpendicularly connected to the bottom board (11). The light guide plate (3) includes at least two sub light guide plates (4) that are sequentially connected in such a way that a recess (33) is formed in a connection between two adjacent ones of the sub light guide plates (4). The recess (33) has an opening facing the bottom board (11). The bottom board (11) includes a protrusion (111) formed thereon to correspond to the recess (33). The at least two backlight sources (5) are mounted on the protrusion (111) and located between the recess (33) and the protrusion (111) so that the two backlight sources (5) emit lights respectively toward the two adjacent sub light guide plates (4). The backlight module structure suits the need for size enlarging of light guide plates and also better achieves dynamic light adjustment, reduce energy consumption, and improve optical quality. |
| US09459392B2 |
Illumination converter
The disclosure generally relates to illumination converters that are capable of converting light from one geometrical format to another. In particular, the described illumination converters are capable of converting a circular source such as an LED to a linear source useful in an edgelit waveguide, which can be used in a backlight for a display. The converter consists of a waveguide plate (210) with two edges (220, 218) oriented towards each other at 45° such that a the waveguide plate consists of a rectangular part (204) attached to a triangular part (202). The triangular part is rolled into a coil around a central axis (250) and one side of the coil is used for coupling in of the light from a source. |
| US09459387B2 |
Optical filter and optical module provided with same
An optical filter includes first and second substrates, first and second mirrors, and first and second electrodes. The first substrate has a flat surface. The second substrate includes a first surface, a second surface and a third surface, the second surface surrounding the first surface in a plan view, the third surface surrounding the second surface in a plan view, a height of the first surface above the second surface being lower than a height of the third surface above the second surface, the first surface and the second surface facing the flat surface of the first substrate. The first mirror is disposed on the flat surface of the first substrate. The second mirror is disposed on the first surface of the second substrate, the second mirror facing the first mirror. The first electrode is disposed on the flat surface of the first substrate. The second electrode is disposed on the second surface of the second substrate, the second electrode facing the first electrode. |
| US09459384B2 |
Diffraction optical system using free curve surface prism, and image capturing device
A diffraction optical system comprises a free curve surface prism (14), and a multilayer diffractive optical element in which a plurality of diffractive element members (121, 122) are laminated together and a diffractive optical surface (DM) having a grating structure is formed at the interface thereof. The diffraction optical system further satisfies the following conditional expression: 0.005<(ΔNg+ΔNs)/2<0.45, where ΔNg denotes a refractive index difference at g-line on the diffractive optical surface (DM), and ΔNs denotes a refractive index difference at s-line on the diffractive optical surface (DM). |
| US09459383B2 |
Optoelectronic device
The invention relates to an optoelectronic device (101), comprising: a semiconductor layer sequence (103) comprising an emitter layer (105) for emitting electromagnetic radiation, a converter (113) for converting electromagnetic radiation with a first wavelength into an electromagnetic radiation with a second wavelength which differs from the first wavelength, a scattering body (109) for scattering at least a part of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter layer (105) in the direction of the converter (113) in order to convert at least a part of the emitted electromagnetic radiation, wherein the scattering body (109) comprises a positive, temperature-dependent scattering cross-section and so, as the temperature increases, scattering of the electromagnetic radiation in the scattering body (109) in the direction of the converter can be increased. The invention also relates to a scattering body (109). |
| US09459382B2 |
Surface microstructures for light shaping reflectors
A method for designing microstructures for a light shaping reflector for use in a light field display is provided. A mathematical function is derived to reflect light uniformly from an incident light beam. Curved elements shaped by the mathematical function are combined to design the microstructures. The microstructures are formed in a reflective surface to provide the light shaping reflector for use in the light field display. |
| US09459377B2 |
Polymers comprising sulfonic acid groups
The present invention relates to a polymers and hydrogels comprising a sulfonic acid component formed from reactive components comprising (i) at least one hydrophobic monomer and (ii) at least one sulfonic acid-containing component, wherein the sulfonic acid-containing component is comprised of a salt formed by a non-polymerizable, hydrophilic base and a polymerizable sulfonic acid. One or more embodiments provide that the at least one hydrophobic monomer comprises a silicone component. |
| US09459376B2 |
Optical polymer and optical element obtained by forming thereof
An optical polymer satisfying an expression: (ηA−ηB)/ηB×100<60, where, ηA is the melt viscosity of the optical polymer measured at a temperature of 290° C. and a shear rate of 200 (l/s), and ηB is the melt viscosity of the optical polymer measured at a temperature of 290° C. and a shear rate of 2000 (l/s). |
| US09459373B2 |
Optical sensing system
An optical sensing system for detecting objects passing through a volume of interest, wherein the sensing system has an emitter and a detector. The detector detects motion of object shadows generated as the object passes through the volume of interest between the emitter and detector. Motion detection algorithms, using computed motion vectors of the detected object, logically determine whether an object has traveled completely through the detection space, and can be used to discriminate a specific outcomes and/or impediments. |
| US09459370B2 |
Method of determining formation parameter
A nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation dispersion method to determine the wettability and other parameters of a fluid in a porous medium such as in an earth formation is provided. The method includes the steps of measuring the spin-lattice relaxation time T1 of the fluid in the porous medium at varying polarizing magnetic field strengths or nuclear Larmor frequencies; and determining whether the values of T1 at varying Larmor frequencies follow a dispersion curve that is characteristic of the parameter of the fluid in the porous medium to be determined. |
| US09459365B2 |
Apparatus and methods for loading and unloading of sensor capsules
An apparatus and methods for loading and unloading of sensor capsules (9) into or out of seismic node casings (5) forming part of a seismic cable (19) to be deployed or retrieved by a vessel (18), the apparatus comprises: a trolley (3) with room for at least one sensor capsule (9), the trolley (3) is moveable back and forth in a direction essentially corresponding to the longitudinal direction (24, 25) of the seismic cable (19); a support structure (12) for the trolley (3); a latching mechanism (7) for latching the trolley (3) to a node casing (5), and at least one inserting/withdrawing mechanism (8, 11) for inserting and withdrawing the sensor capsules (9) into or out of the node casing (5). |
| US09459360B2 |
Method and system for transmission of seismic data
The transmission system combines a self-contained, wireless seismic acquisition unit and a wireless, line of site, communications unit to form a plurality of individual short-range transmission networks and also a mid-range, line of sight transmission network. Each seismic unit has a power source, a short-range transmitter/receiver disposed within a casing and a geophone disposed within the casing. Each wireless communications unit is formed of an elongated support structure on which is mounted an independent power source, mid-range radio transmitter/receiver; and a short-range transmitter/receiver configured to wirelessly communicate with the short-range transmitter/receiver of the acquisition unit. Preferably, when deployed, the acquisition unit is buried under the surface of the ground, while the wireless communications unit is positioned in the near vicinity of the buried unit so as to vertically protrude above the ground. The acquisition unit and the wireless communications unit communicate by short-range transmissions, while the wireless communications unit communicates with other seismic acquisition systems using mid-range radio transmission. When multiple seismic acquisition unit/wireless communications units are deployed in an array, the system can pass collected seismic and quality control data in relay fashion back to a control station and/or pass timing and control signals out to the array. |
| US09459358B2 |
Reference calibration in photon counting based spectral CT
Calibrating a photon-counting detector can include receiving a reference signal, by circuitry, where the reference signal is measured by a reference detector that measures an output from an X-ray tube. Determining circuitry can then determine, for a detector channel of the photon-counting detector, a mapping between a first true count rate on the detector channel without an object and the reference signal in accordance with a linear relationship between the reference signal and the first true count rate, based on a measured count rate on the detector channel and a predefined relationship between the first true count rate and the measured count rate. |
| US09459357B2 |
CsLiLn halide scintillator
Li-containing scintillator compositions, as well as related structures and methods are described. Radiation detection systems and methods are described which include a Cs2LiLn Halide scintillator composition. |
| US09459356B2 |
Composition for radiation imaging detector and a radiation imaging detector comprising the same
Disclosed is a novel composition for radiation image detector. The composition comprises an organic matrix comprising a charge transport material (CTM); and scintillating particles for absorbing radiation, being dispersed in the organic matrix, wherein the scintillating particles are in contact with a charge generation material (CGM). |
| US09459355B1 |
Radiation detector with stacked barrier layers and method of forming the same
In one embodiment, a radiation detector is provided. The radiation detector includes a scintillator layer that converts incident radiation into lower energy optical photons. The scintillator layer includes a plurality of pixels formed by one or more dividers, and the one or more dividers form one or more radiation pathways through the scintillator layer. The radiation detector also includes a photodetector layer that detects the lower energy photons generated by the plurality of pixels within the scintillator layer and signal electronics that receive signals generated by the photodetector layer. The radiation detector also includes one or more barrier layers disposed between the photodetector layer and the signal electronics. Each barrier layer of the one or more barrier layers includes electrically conductive vias containing a high Z material that blocks radiation from the one or more radiation pathways from reaching the signal electronics. |
| US09459348B2 |
Millimeter wave radar system for and method of weather detection
A system and method relates to a weather detection system using millimeter wave radar data. Processing electronics receives millimeter wave radar (MMWR) data and senses a presence of weather spatial extent using return strength data associated with the MMWR data. The processing electronics uses spectral width data associated with the MMWR data to assign a level to the weather in the spatial extent. |
| US09459345B2 |
Passive detection of unauthorized electronic devices using wafer scale beam forming
Systems and methods for screening, where a subject walks through or in front of a passive detector (or scanning unit) to be screened for possession of unauthorized electronics devices, provide for detecting and monitoring electronics systems not authorized to be used in secure areas. By focusing a very narrow beam width antenna array, individuals can be screened who may have concealed electronics devices that can pose danger to the surroundings. There is no need for removing clothing or accessories such as a jacket or backpack, for example. The detection system may include a frequency scanned passive receiver that captures a signal from a detected electronics device, measures its strength, and identifies the device or classifies it according to a pre-determined set of categories (e.g., cellular phone, camera, or global positioning system (GPS)). |
| US09459344B1 |
Ship position and velocity using satellite ephemerides and radar range measurement of satellite
There may be situations in which a ship at sea is lost and GPS is not available due to jamming, and neither a position fix nor GPS is available. A system and method allow estimation of ship position (SPOS) using only single radar range measurements and satellite ephemeris data. The same radar can determine ship velocity using radar range rate information. |
| US09459343B2 |
Synthetic aperture RFID handheld with tag location capability
A system for determining a bearing or location of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag using a handheld RFID reader is described. In one embodiment, the reader is equipped with an accelerometer. A user moves the reader while the reader receives the tag's signal and determines the tag signal's phase at multiple locations. The locations of the reader antenna can be reconstructed using the accelerometer data. By using the phase determined at multiple locations in conjunction with the location of the reader antenna, the reader can determine the bearing of the tag. For an RFID reader not equipped with an accelerometer, the sign and ratio of the rate of change in the phase of a tag's signal to the distance traveled by the reader antenna can be used to determine the location of the tag relative to the reader. |
| US09459342B2 |
Radar device
A radar device capable of reducing load of a clustering process and improving the tracking performance is provided.A tracking calculation unit 116 of a radar device 100 performs a clustering process, in which an input detected data set is grouped into clusters, and a tracking process, in which an averaged value and a prediction value are calculated for each of the clusters. In the radar device 100, the shape of cluster areas for grouping the detected data is defined to be a fan shape. The clustering process and tracking process using fan-shaped cluster areas can reduce the load of the clustering process and improve the tracking performance. |
| US09459340B2 |
Method and system for a head unit application host for a radar detector
A vehicle computer system comprises one or more transceivers in communication with a radar-detector and an off-board server. The vehicle computer system further comprises a processor in the vehicle computer system in communication with the one or more transceivers. The processor is configured to receive a message from the radar-detector that includes information related to an alert, send data to the off-board server utilizing the one or more transceivers, the data including information related to the alert, and output at the VCS a notification based upon the message received from the radar-detector. |
| US09459336B1 |
Hybrid load pull system and method
Fast tuning and measuring algorithms in open loop active load pull systems have been developed to accommodate high speed production testing of many chips of the same kind on wafer; they are based on re-setting the (pre-calibrated) amplitude and phase of the injected power into the device output port. Because of the dispersion of the chip characteristics this often leads to non-physical load synthesis, i.e. |Γ|>1, which not only is unrealistic test condition, but also risks destroying the device under test, or reflection factors not high enough to reach the optimum Gamma of the DUT. A method is proposed to use a mechanical tuner in order to shift the active tuning inside meaningful areas; the tuner is also used to pre-match the device to the injection amplifier. |
| US09459332B2 |
Indirect cooling type superconducting magnet apparatus
A superconducting magnet apparatus comprises a superconducting coil, a superconducting magnet cooling module comprising a heat shunt for thermally contacting the superconducting coil, and a cooling channel for cooling the heat shunt by contacting the heat shunt. A refrigerator cools the cooling channel and the heat shunt comprises a contact portion surrounding at least a part of a surface of the superconducting coil, and a protruding portion externally extending from the contact portion to contact the cooling channel. |
| US09459330B2 |
System and method for obtaining nuclear magnetic resonance measurements on reservoir fluids for prediction of fluid properties
A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurement system for high pressure and temperature measurements on fluids is disclosed. The system has a sensor assembly that includes a sample holder having a body formed from a non-magnetic metal and defining an interior cavity for receiving a fluid sample, a frame member disposed in the interior cavity of the sample holder, an antenna coil disposed in the interior cavity about the frame member, an inlet that allows the fluid sample to enter the interior cavity, an outlet that allows for the fluid sample to be flushed from the interior cavity, and a magnet assembly having a central bore in which the sample holder is disposed. Adjacent to the sample holder are pulsed field gradient coils for performing diffusion measurements. The system further includes pulse sequencer circuitry that supplies signals to the antenna coil. When the interior cavity of the sample holder is filled with the fluid sample, the antenna coil and the frame member are at least partially submerged in the fluid sample, and the antenna coil obtains NMR measurements of the fluid sample in response to the signals. Related methods and apparatuses are also disclosed herein. |
| US09459329B2 |
Magnetic field detector
There is provided a system (100) for magnetic field detection, comprising a fiber optic interrogator (104) adapted to interrogate a first length of optical fiber (102) with interrogating radiation, detect radiation backscattered from said optical fiber and analyze said detected radiation to provide distributed sensing indicative of mechanical disturbances of said optical, wherein the optic fiber is mechanically coupled to a material whose dimensions vary dependent on applied magnetic field. Changes in dimensions of the optic fiber as can be detected by virtue of changes in back-scattering of light from said fiber using the principles of fiber optic distributed acoustic sensing. |
| US09459322B2 |
Battery management system
A battery management system for a battery pack including a plurality of battery cells connected in series is provided. The battery management system includes a voltage divider, a plurality of switching units and a detection circuit. Each switching unit is corresponding to one of the battery cell and coupled between an anode of the corresponding battery cell and the voltage divider. When a control signal directs one of the switching units to turn on, the voltage divider divides a voltage difference transmitted from the one of the switching units to obtain a divided voltage signal, and transmits the divided voltage signal to the detection circuit, and the detection circuit detects the voltage difference according to the divided voltage signal, wherein the voltage difference is a voltage difference between an anode of the battery cell corresponding to the one of the switching units and a ground. |
| US09459315B2 |
Tray for aligning semiconductor packages and test handler using the same, and method of aligning semiconductor packages and test method using the same
A tray for aligning semiconductor packages, a test handler using the same, a method of aligning the semiconductor packages, and a test method using the same include a tray main body comprising a plurality of package pocket portions at which a plurality of semiconductor packages are individually received and an air position-aligning unit coupled to the tray main body. The air position-aligning unit applies air having a preset pressure to the semiconductor package received at the package pocket portion. The semiconductor package is aligned at the package pocket portion. |
| US09459309B2 |
Test device, semiconductor device and testing method thereof
A test device for testing a semiconductor device including a TSV may comprise a ring oscillator including a plurality of inverters, a switch selectively connecting an output node of an inverter of the plurality of inverters and the TSV, and a controller controlling the switch. |
| US09459306B2 |
Equipment and a plug-in unit of the equipment
Equipment including at least one plug-in unit and a body device for receiving the plug-in unit is presented. The plug-in unit includes a mechanical structure (108) enabling the plug-in unit to be locked in its operating position with respect to the body device with a fastening element (141) that can be, for example, a fastening screw. The plug-in unit further includes a sensor circuit (111) having first electrical properties when the fastening element is in the position locking the plug-in unit in the operating position and otherwise different electrical properties. The equipment includes a monitoring circuit (112) for generating a signal indicative of a difference between the prevailing electrical properties of the sensor circuit and the first electrical properties, the signal being indicative also of correctness of the installation of the plug-in unit. Thus, the correct installation of the plug-in unit can be electrically indicated and monitored. |
| US09459305B2 |
Implantable medical device and method for monitoring the insulation of an electrode line of such a medical device
An implantable medical device including at least one electrode line having an electrode pole, an electrode feed line, a counter electrode to the at least one electrode line, and an insulation sleeve. The insulation sleeve surrounds the electrode feed line and provides insulation between the electrode feed line and an electrolyte formed by bodily fluid. The electrode feed line and the electrode pole(s) include different materials, wherein the materials are different based on electrochemical series. The implantable medical device includes an insulation test unit having a DC voltage detector arranged between the electrode pole and the counter electrode, in order to detect an electrochemical voltage produced in the event of an insulation fault of the insulation sleeve due to defective contact between the electrolyte and the electrode feed line. |
| US09459304B1 |
Method of fault prediction for electrical distribution systems and monitored loads
A method for fault prediction in electrical systems. It includes a network of recording nodes that transmit data to multi-channel recorder. The nodes monitor power quality based on a number of system parameters. These data are assembled into data blocks and are analyzed to determine load factors for the system over time. Data blocks are collected over 22 cycle periods and are evaluated against a derived standard deviation factor for the given system. The standard deviation is used to determine alert and alarm levels. The constant monitoring allows the system to alert workers of a potential upcoming fault in one or more system components. In this way repairs can be made before the component fails and the system experiences a fault condition. |
| US09459303B2 |
Method and device for identifying an allocation of control circuits to at least one control device
The present invention relates to a method and a device for identifying an allocation of control circuits to at least one control device. In this context, it can be checked whether wiring for example of heating circuits and/or sensors to a central control device is correct. Provided actuation patterns are switched on at a number of control circuits. This makes it possible to identify correct wiring efficiently and without error. The invention can be used in vehicle construction, and especially in aircraft construction. |
| US09459302B2 |
Device under test tester using redriver
Disclosed is a device under test (DUT) tester using a redriver. The DUT tester more effectively tests the DUT, which is a predetermined semiconductor device, by applying an electrical signal to the DUT and measuring the electrical signal. The DUT tester includes a DUT test unit, a printed circuit board (PCB) provided therein with connectors for the connection with the DUT test unit, one DUT or more horizontally arranged on the PCB, and redrivers horizontally provided under the PCB and one-to-one matched with one DUT or more to compensate for the distortion of the signal integrity of test signals caused according to the variation of the transmission distance. |
| US09459297B2 |
On-die capacitance measurement module and method for measuring an on-die capacitive load
An on-die capacitance measurement module (ODCMM) arranged to measure a capacitance element. The ODCMM comprises an oscillating voltage supply that outputs first and second oscillating voltage signals, the first and second oscillating voltage signals comprising differing phases, and the oscillating voltage supply component coupled to a first node of the capacitance element and arranged to provide thereto the first oscillating voltage signal, and a reference voltage component coupled to a second node of the capacitance element to provide a reference voltage signal. The ODCMM operates in a first mode, wherein the reference voltage component is arranged to provide a constant reference voltage to the second node of the capacitance element. The ODCMM is arranged to operate in a second mode, wherein the reference voltage component is arranged to provide a reference voltage signal representative of the second oscillating voltage signal output by the oscillating voltage supply component to the second node of the capacitance element. |
| US09459296B2 |
Electrode design for electric field measurement system
An electrode arrangement for an electric field sensor device with a transmitting electrode and at least one receiving electrode may have a nonconductive substrate having a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. A first electrode is arranged within the first conductive layer, wherein the first electrode is a receiving electrode of the electric field sensor device, and a second electrode is arranged within the second conductive layer, wherein the second electrode is a transmitting electrode of the electric field sensor device wherein the second electrode covers a larger area than the first electrode and wherein the second electrode is textured to reduce the capacitance between the first and second electrode. |
| US09459293B2 |
Current sensor
A current sensor includes: four magnetic sensor elements arranged within a plane orthogonal to a measured current, having a symmetrical magnetic characteristics curve, and adapted to convert a magnitude of a magnetic field into an electrical signal and output the electrical signal; a bridge circuit including the four magnetic sensor elements; and a bias magnetic field application member adapted to applying a bias magnetic field to the magnetic sensor elements. |
| US09459289B2 |
Probe card and method for manufacturing probe card
A probe card includes a frame-shaped wiring substrate having interlayer insulation layers and a wiring layer that are alternately stacked. A cavity is defined in a central portion of the wiring substrate. A first insulation layer is arranged in the cavity so that a frame-shaped clearance exists between an outer side surface of the first insulation layer and an inner side surface of the wiring substrate as viewed from above. The cavity is filled with a second insulation layer. A contact terminal projecting from a lower surface of the first insulation layer is electrically connected to the wiring layer by a conductive wire. Elasticity of the second insulation layer is smaller than elasticity of each interlayer insulation layer. |
| US09459287B2 |
Guide plate for probe card
The invention provides a guide plate for a probe card including a silicon substrate including a surface and a through-hole, an edge part of the through-hole, and a curved-face part. The through-hole is configured to guide a probe and includes an inner wall face. The edge part of the through-hole is constituted by the surface of the silicon substrate and the inner wall face of the through-hole. The curved-face part is formed on the edge part and formed of a silicon dioxide film. |
| US09459286B2 |
Large-area probe card and method of manufacturing the same
A large-area probe card and method of manufacturing the same including an insulation plate including at least one contactor formed thereon, a main substrate disposed below the insulation plate, and a flexible signal connector vertically passing through the insulation plate and disposed between the at least one contactor and the main substrate to electrically connect the at least one contactor with the main substrate. |
| US09459283B2 |
Contact test device
A probe is fitted into cylindrical retaining holes formed in an upper block and a lower block. A plunger of the probe has a plate-like guide portion, and an edge contact portion. A bottomed one of the cylindrical retaining holes is formed in the upper block from a lower part thereof and a guide groove is formed from an upper surface thereof. The plate-like guide portion is movably guided vertically while being prevented from turning and slipping out by the guide groove. |
| US09459281B2 |
Socket, and test apparatus and method using the socket
An apparatus for testing electric characteristics of a test object including first connection terminals on a bottom surface and second connection terminals on a top surface, the apparatus comprises a test board comprising first pads on a predetermined surface; a socket configured to electrically connect the test object to the test board; and a handler configured to transport the test object to the socket. The socket comprises a first connection unit configured to be electrically connected to the first connection terminals of the test object and a second connection unit configured to be electrically connected to the second connection terminals of the test object. |
| US09459280B2 |
Using fluid to position a device in a socket for testing
Provided are a method and system for using fluid to position a device in a socket for testing. The device is positioned within a socket and a body is coupled to the socket. Fluid is delivered to a chamber defined in part by the body, a first surface of the device to provide pressure onto the device to move the device within the socket. |
| US09459277B2 |
Systems and methods for 3-axis accelerometer calibration with vertical sample buffers
Systems and methods for the calibration of 3-axis accelerometers using vertical sample buffers in accordance embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a telematics system includes a processor, an acceleration sensor, a velocity sensor, and a memory configured to store an acceleration alignment application, wherein the acceleration alignment application configures the processor to receive a velocity information sample using the velocity sensor, determine vehicular acceleration information along at least one vehicle axes using the velocity information sample, receive at least one acceleration sensor acceleration information sample using the acceleration sensor, determine a plurality of vertical vector samples using the vehicular acceleration information, calculate an average vertical vector sample using at least one of the vertical vector samples, and calibrate at least one of the vehicle axes to an acceleration sensor axis using the vehicular acceleration information, the acceleration sensor acceleration sample, and the average vertical vector sample. |
| US09459275B2 |
Method of sampling acceleration measurements of a motor vehicle wheel
A method of sampling acceleration measurements of a wheel (10, 20, 30, 40) of a motor vehicle (1), the vehicle (1) having a tire pressure monitoring system, and being fitted with an electronic central unit (2), each of the wheels (10, 20, 30, 40) including: a wheel unit (A, B, C, D) fixed to a rim (J10, J20, J30, J40) of radius R and having at least one accelerometer, measuring the radial acceleration F1 of the wheel, and a microprocessor; the method including the measurement, for each wheel revolution, at given time intervals (Tmeasurement), of a number (N) of radial acceleration values by the radial accelerometer. The method proposes: that a minimum number (N) of acceleration measurements be fixed per wheel revolution, and that the time intervals (Tmeasurement) between two radial acceleration measurements be determined by element of the following relation: T measurement = 2 π · R F 1 N |
| US09459271B2 |
Analyzer and automatic analyzer
To reduce the influence of air bubbles and dust in measuring scattered light beams on an automatic analyzer. A light source emits a light beam with a first wavelength 18a on a shorter wavelength side and a light beam with a second wavelength 18b on a longer wavelength side, and then, transmitted light beams 19a and 19b and scattered light beams 21a and 21b are received. Noise is estimated from the ratio between the intensities of the transmitted light beams with the first wavelength and the second wavelength and a change in the amount of the scattered light beam with the second wavelength. Then, the estimated noise is subtracted from a change in the amount of the scattered light beam with the first wavelength, so that noise due to air bubbles and dust is reduced. |
| US09459269B2 |
Assay timing in a clinical analyzer using a cuvette carrier
The clinical analyzer includes a cuvette carrier that is moved in a manner to provide flexible assay timing and variable incubation periods. Multiple assays having such varied incubation times can be run concurrently in random-access, avoiding timing conflicts. Fluid delivery stations are placed around the cuvette carrier in positions that are independent of assay timing. The cuvettes move in unison, in multiples of incremental steps, along a closed geometrical path. The cuvette carrier is movable variable distances in opposite directions in a single time cycle to position specific cuvettes at specific locations for delivery of sample or reagent. The direction of movement of the cuvette carrier is preferably based on a determination of the shortest distance between the cuvette and respective fluid delivery stations. However, in each time cycle there is a net progressive incremental stepwise movement of the cuvettes in a selected direction. |
| US09459263B2 |
VEGF-A121 assay
The invention provides a method for enriching the level of VEGF-A121 isoform in a sample by selectively removing the VEGF-A165 isoform from the sample using a neuropilin-1 pull-down procedure, then determining the total amount of VEGF-A remaining afterward. The invention provides methods of treating a patient suffering from a disease which may benefit from the administration of a VEGF antagonist by determining the level or ratio of VEGF-A121 in the patient's circulation. Methods of diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring, and patient stratification are also provided. |
| US09459261B2 |
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 a one or more assays configured to detect a kidney injury marker selected from the group consisting of Heat shock 70 kDa protein 1, Alpha-1-antitrypsin Neutrophil elastase complex, Stromelysin-1:Metalloproteinase inhibitor 2 complex, 72 kDa type IV collagenase:Metalloproteinase inhibitor 2 complex, Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor, Myeloid differentiation primary response protein MyD88, Neuronal cell adhesion molecule, and Tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 10 as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in renal injuries. |
| US09459260B2 |
Detection of diagnostic peptides
An assay for citrullinated fragments of SOCS-2, Alpha 1 anti tyrpsin, versican, biglycan, laminin, or other protein having a terminal antibody binding site comprising citrulline in a blood derived sample shows diagnostic relevance in relation to rheumatoid arthritis or fibrotic disease. |
| US09459259B2 |
Electrophysiological assays using oocytes that express human enac and the use of phenamil to improve the effect of enac enhancers in assays using membrane potential reporting dyes
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a mammalian cell-based high-throughput assay for the profiling and screening of human epithelial sodium channel (hENaC) cloned from a human kidney c-DNA library and is also expressed in other tissues including human taste tissue. The present invention further relates to amphibian oocyte-based medium-throughput electrophysiological assays for identifying human ENaC modulators, preferably ENaC enhancers. Compounds that modulate ENaC function in a cell-based ENaC assay are expected to affect salty taste in humans. The assays described herein have advantages over existing cellular expression systems. In the case of mammalian cells, such assays can be run in standard 96 or 384 well culture plates in high-throughput mode with enhanced assay results being achieved by the use of a compound that inhibits ENaC function, preferably an amiloride derivative such as Phenamil. In the case of the inventive oocyte electrophysiological assays (two-electrode voltage-clamp technique), these assays facilitate the identification of compounds which specifically modulate human ENaC. The assays of the invention provide a robust screen useful to detect compounds that facilitate (enhance) or inhibit hENaC function. Compounds that enhance or block human ENaC channel activity should thereby modulate salty taste in humans. |
| US09459257B2 |
High-speed screening apparatus for a Raman analysis-based high-speed multiple drug
The present invention relates to a high-speed screening apparatus for a Raman analysis-based high-speed multiple drug. The screening apparatus according to the present invention may easily detect a Raman signal using a core-cap-shell nanoparticle which amplifies the Raman signal by 1012 times and has high reproducibility through Raman spectroscopy in which materials do not interfere with each other and a spectrum has a sharp peak to detect the Raman signal multiple times. Also, since a CCD camera, not a scanner, may be used as the detector, the screening apparatus may multiply screen the drug at a high speed without movement between molecules within a sample. In addition, since multicolors of 5 colors or more may be coated, the screening apparatus may be usefully used for screening various drugs. |
| US09459256B2 |
Methods and compositions for single chain variable region ENOX2 antibodies for cancer detection and diagnosis
Cancers of different cellular or tissue origins express different ENOX2 cancer isoforms or combinations of isoforms and shed these proteins into the circulation. Herein are disclosed methods both for cancer detection and diagnosis of particular origin, based on the patterns and molecular weights of the isoforms which allow the identification of the cell type and or tissue of origin of the neoplasm. Relative ENOX2 amounts are proportional to tumor burden and provide a reliable measure of response to therapy and disease progression. Also provided is the amino acid sequence to which the scFv antibodies bind as the molecular basis for the specificity of the test. |
| US09459254B2 |
Method for determining sensitivity to an anticancer agent
To provide a marker for determining sensitivity of a patient to an anti-cancer agent, and novel cancer therapeutic means employing the marker.The marker for determining sensitivity to an anti-cancer agent is formed of a protein selected from the group consisting of a protein or a fragment thereof which is detected as a peak at m/z of 16,450 to 16,620, a protein or a fragment thereof which is detected as a peak at m/z of 22,080 to 22,310, and a protein or a fragment thereof which is detected as a peak at m/z of 17,100 to 17,270, the peaks being determined by means of a mass spectrometer. |
| US09459252B2 |
Use of focused light scattering techniques in biological applications
Methods for using focused light scattering techniques for the optical sensing of biological particles suspended in a liquid medium are disclosed. The optical sensing enables one to characterize particles size and/or distribution in a given sample. This, in turn, allows one to identify the biological particles, determine their relative particle density, detect particle shedding, and identify particle aggregation. The methods are also useful in screening and optimizing drug candidates, evaluating the efficacy and dosage levels of such drugs, and in personalized medicine applications. |
| US09459246B2 |
Induced intercellular communication
The present invention provides an approach for the determination of the activation state of discrete cell populations and/or the state of one or more cellular networks in an individual, when modulated with a modulator that acts on one cell population to communicate with other cell populations in the network. The status of discrete cell populations and/or the state of one or more cellular networks can be correlated with the diagnosis, prognosis, choice or modification of treatment, and/or monitoring of a condition, and with screening of agents. |
| US09459244B2 |
Implementation concepts and related methods for optical computing devices
Various implementations of optical computing devices are described herein which include a “tuning fork” probe, “spark plug” probe, “grooved tubular” and “modular” type implementation. |
| US09459242B2 |
Catalyst deterioration judging system
The deterioration judgment for an absorption reduction type NOx catalyst (1) is performed quickly and correctly. A catalyst deterioration judging system comprises a supply unit (5) which supplies a reducing agent, a measuring unit (8) which measures a NOx concentration in an exhaust gas at a position downstream from the catalyst (1), a control unit (10) which regulates an amount of the reducing agent so that an air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is a lean air-fuel ratio when the reducing agent is supplied from the supply unit (5), and a judging unit (10) which judges deterioration of the catalyst (1) on the basis of the NOx concentration measured by the measuring unit (8) when the amount of the reducing agent is regulated so that the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is the lean air-fuel ratio when NOx is absorbed by the catalyst (1). |
| US09459240B2 |
Integrated system for liquid separation and electrospray ionization
The present invention relates to an integrated system for liquid separation, such as LC, CE, affinity chromatography, and ion exchange chromatography. A preferred aspect relates to a specialized protection means for protecting the fragile electrospray needle when not in use. Another preferred aspect relates to a specialized electrical contact means for applying voltage to the electrospray needle. The invention comprises an integrated system for liquid separation and electrospray ionization comprising: a separation column; and an electrospray emitter connected with the separation column. In one aspect there is a retractable protective sleeve (8) for covering and supporting the electrospray emitter (2) along at least a portion of its axis. In another aspect there is an electrically conducting sheath surrounding the emitter and providing an electrical connection. |
| US09459239B2 |
Intake monitoring for accurate proportioning
A fluid supply system configured for metering two or more fluids in controlled proportions, including a plurality of solvent supply lines, a pumping unit configured for taking in fluids from selected solvent supply lines and for supplying a pressurized mixture, a proportioning valve configured for modulating solvent composition by sequentially coupling selected ones of the solvent supply lines with the inlet of the pumping unit, a sensor configured for sensing process information in the fluid supply system, an analysis entity configured for analyzing the process information for determining reciprocating element related information at a beginning of fluid intake, and a control unit configured for switching the proportioning valve to sequentially couple selected ones of the solvent supply lines to the inlet of the pumping unit at one or more switching points based on the given metering scheme and based on the reciprocating element related information. |
| US09459233B2 |
Amperometric gas sensor
The disclosed invention relates to an amperometric gas sensor for measuring the concentration of an analyte, comprising: a solid support; and a working electrode in contact with the solid support; wherein the analyte comprises a dopant which when in contact with the solid support increases the electrical conductivity of the solid support. A sterilization process employing the amperometric gas sensor is disclosed. |
| US09459231B2 |
Method and system to determine erroneous measurement signals during a test measurement sequence
Various embodiments that allow a more accurate electrochemical test strip measurement by identifying erroneous output signals during a glucose measurement thereby ensuring a much more accurate glucose test system. |
| US09459228B2 |
Electrochemical sensor and method for manufacturing
The present disclosure relates to a sensor including an elongated member including at least a portion that is electrically conductive. The elongated member includes a sensing layer adapted to react with a material desired to be sensed. An insulating layer surrounds the elongated member. The insulating layer defines at least one access opening for allowing the material desired to be sensed to enter an interior region defined between the elongated member and the insulating layer. The insulating layer has an inner transverse cross-sectional profile that is different from an outer transverse cross-sectional profile of the elongated member. The difference in transverse cross-sectional profiles between the elongated member and the insulating layer provides channels at the interior region defined between the insulating layer and the elongated member. The channels extend generally along the length of the elongated member and are sized to allow the material desired to be sensed to move along the length of the sensor. |
| US09459227B2 |
Portable diagnostic test apparatus
Provided is a portable diagnostic test apparatus including: an accommodation portion including an outer side, an inner side, and an accommodation space provided on the inner side; a hinge; and a main body coupled to the accommodation portion by the hinge, where the portable diagnostic test apparatus is configured to be opened and closed by rotating one of the accommodation portion and the main body about the hinge, and where the main body is configured to obtain a result of a measurement based on data collected from drawn blood. The main body and/or the accommodation portion includes at least one strip keeping portion configured to store at least one strip. The at least one strip keeping portion may include: a housing; a discharge portion; and a first movement portion configured to move one of the strips to the discharge portion. |
| US09459226B2 |
Lens coating/contamination electronic detection
A contamination detection apparatus may include an optical element having an outer surface and an other surface opposing the outer surface, a first capacitor plate located on the outer surface at an outer periphery of the optical element, and a second capacitor plate located on the outer surface at the outer periphery of the optical element. The second capacitor plate is located adjacent the first capacitor plate and separated from the first capacitor by a gap to form a capacitor, whereby a contaminant is electrically detected based on the contaminant entering the gap and varying a capacitance value corresponding to the capacitor. |
| US09459223B1 |
Method for chemical vapor identification using swelling-based sensors
The method for chemical vapor identification using swelling-based sensors uses an apparatus that having a first gas chamber including a gas inlet port for inletting a hydrocarbon vapor to be analyzed; a second gas chamber having a hydrocarbon vapor outlet port for exiting the vapor; a chemical sensor placed inside the first and the second gas chambers; and a thermometer placed inside the first and the second gas chambers for measuring the internal temperature; wherein the second gas chamber is placed at a lower temperature compared with the first chamber; and wherein the first gas chamber is in communication with the second chamber by a pipe for transmitting the hydrocarbon vapor from the first chamber to the second chamber. |
| US09459221B2 |
Electronic device, information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
An exemplary electronic device is in a housing to be gripped by both hands, and measures the potentials of first and second fingers of respectively different hands. The device includes: a first electrode group provided in a position to come in contact with the first finger, including a first main electrode and at least one first auxiliary electrode provided in a position away from the first main electrode; a second electrode group provided in a position to come in contact with the second finger, including a second main electrode and at least one second auxiliary electrode provided in a position away from the second main electrode; a biological signal processor for, from potential values measured at the first and second electrode groups, determining respective contact states concerning the first and second fingers; and a transmission circuit for presenting information concerning a finger contact state based on a result of determination. |
| US09459219B2 |
Temperature control chamber for compact X-ray machine
A sample temperature control chamber is described for a benchtop X-ray machine and/or full-protection X-ray machine, which comprises (a) a first chamber part (11) and a second chamber part (12) which can be connected together and are configured so as to form a closed chamber, (b) a sample holder, (c) an integrated temperature control device for controlling the temperature of a sample (P) which is provided on the sample holder, and (d) an active cooling system for dissipating heat from the sample temperature control chamber, the active cooling system comprising a heat sink and/or a fan. A system for X-ray-based analysis of a sample, in particular for X-ray diffraction measurements, is also described. |
| US09459213B2 |
Method of detecting nucleic acids, method of optically observing sample and fluorescent substance
[Object] A method of detecting nucleic acids easily without requiring complicated operations such as mixing of liquids and cleaning within micro-scale flow channels.[Solving Means] A method of detecting nucleic acids including the steps of bringing a sample containing the nucleic acids into contact with copper, and detecting fluorescence emitted from the sample is provided. According to the method of detecting nucleic acids, only by bringing the sample containing nucleic acids into contact with copper, the fluorescence derived from the composite of the nucleic acids and copper can be easily detected. |
| US09459212B2 |
Mixed-metal substrates for metal-enhanced fluorescence
The present invention provides for mixed metal structures that can be deposited on a substrate or free in solution that exhibit several distinctive properties including a broad wavelength range for enhancing fluorescence signatures. Further, metal surface plasmons can couple and such diphase coupled luminescence signatures create extra plasmon absorption bands. The extra bands allow for a broad range of fluorophores to couple therefore making more generic substrates with wider reaching applications. |
| US09459211B2 |
Fast thermo-optical particle characterisation
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for a fast thermo-optical characterization of particles. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and a device to measure the stability of (bio)molecules, the interaction of molecules, in particular biomolecules, with, e.g. further (bio)molecules, particularly modified (bio)molecules, particles, beads, and/or the determination of the length/size (e.g. hydrodynamic radius) of individual (bio)molecules, particles, beads and/or the determination of length/size (e.g. hydrodynamic radius). |
| US09459209B2 |
Gas analysis device
If the specific gas concentration is relatively high, controller sets 0 as the modulation amplitude in a modulation amplitude controlling voltage generator for frequency modulation of laser light, controls a switching unit to select the output of a second ADC, and causes a computation unit to compute according to the direct absorption detection method to calculate the water molecule volume concentration. If the specific gas concentration is relatively low, the modulation amplitude is set to A, not 0, controls switching unit to select the output of a first ADC, which digitizes a synchronized detection signal, and causes the computation unit to compute according to the harmonic synchronous detection method to calculate the water molecule volume concentration. The concentration calculated using either of the methods is compared against a threshold value, and if decided that an accurate result cannot be obtained, the method is switched as the measurements are continuously executed. |
| US09459208B2 |
Duct detector with remote airflow test capability
A device and method for facilitating convenient measurement of airflow in a duct detector. The device may include a detector assembly and an airflow sensor mounted within the detector assembly. The airflow sensor may be coupled to a remote control device, such as via control circuitry. A method for testing airflow in the duct detector may be performed by measuring airflow in the detector assembly, generating a signal that corresponds to the measured airflow in the detector assembly, and determining whether the generated signal exceeds a predetermined threshold signal level. If the generated signal does not exceed the threshold signal level, alarms may be activated and/or blowers in a ventilation system may be deactivated. |
| US09459207B2 |
Method of characterizing interactions and screening for effectors
This invention enables high throughput detection of small molecule effectors of particle association, as well as quantification of association constants, stoichiometry, and conformation. “Particle” refers to any discrete particle, such as a protein, nucleic acid, carbohydrate, liposome, virus, synthesized polymer, nanoparticle, colloid, latex sphere, etc. Given a set of particle solutions having different concentrations, dynamic light scattering measurements are used to determine the average hydrodynamic radius, ravg, as a function of concentration. The series of ravg as a function of concentration are fitted with stoichiometric association models containing the parameters of molar mass, modeled concentrations, and modeled hydrodynamic radii of the associated complexes. In addition to the ravg value analysis, the experimental data may be fit/analyzed in alternate ways. This method may be applied to a single species that is self-associating or to multiple species that are hetero-associating. This method may also be used to characterize and quantify the association between a modulator and the associating species. |
| US09459203B2 |
Systems and methods for generating and using projector curve sets for universal calibration for noninvasive blood glucose and other measurements
A synthetic projection system determines analyte concentration, such as blood glucose concentration, from a spectral-energy change associated with an uncharacterized instance of a medium in which the analyte is likely present. The projection system is factory calibrated for different instances of the medium, without needing instance-specific training or calibration. The projection system includes a set of projector curves, each relating spectral-energy change values obtained by analyzing reference medium samples to analyte concentrations in those samples. Each projector curve also corresponds to a respective range of energy-change gradients, determined using a group of surrogate media characterized according to analyte concentrations measured using a reference system. A spectral-energy-change gradient for the uncharacterized medium may be computed to select one of the projectors curves. Analyte concentration in the uncharacterized medium can be reliably computed at a specified high level of accuracy using the spectral-energy change associated therewith and the selected curve. |
| US09459197B2 |
Method for measuring dynamic viscoelasticity of particulate material
A method for measuring a dynamic viscoelasticity of a particulate material uses, as a sample to be subjected to the dynamic viscoelasticity measurement, a sheet-shaped test piece in which the particulate material to be measured is attached to an adhesion layer formed on a heat-resistant sheet base material. With regard to the measurement conditions of the dynamic viscoelasticity measurement, the measurement temperature is within a predetermined temperature range of from −150 to 300° C., the heating rate is a constant rate ranging from 0.01 to 100° C./minute, the measurement frequency is a constant frequency ranging from 0.01 to 100 Hz, and a sine wave control tensile mode is employed. When the particulate material is attached to the adhesion layer, the particulate material crushed in advance is sprinkled on one side of the adhesion layer and then the particulate material-sprinkled surface is squeegeed and/or air-blown. |
| US09459189B2 |
Device for isolating a fraction in a biological sample
A device and a method are provided for isolating a fraction in a biological sample. The fraction is bound to solid phase substrate to define a fraction-bound solid phase substrate. The device includes an input zone for receiving the biological sample therein and a second zone for receiving an isolation fluid therein. A force is provided that is generally perpendicular to gravity. The force is movable between a first position adjacent the input zone and a second position adjacent the isolation zone. The force captures the fraction-bound solid phase substrate and the fraction-bound solid phase substrate moves from the input zone to the isolation zone in response to the force moving from the first position to the second position. |
| US09459186B2 |
Sample preparation and loading module
The device has a fluid inlet; a filtering compartment, connected to the fluid inlet and accommodating a filtering matrix in presence of adsorption agents; a fluidic circuit connected downstream of the filtering compartment and including a discharge circuit and a loading circuit; a discharge chamber, connected downstream of the discharge circuit; a preparation outlet, connected downstream of the loading circuit; and suction pumps, connected to the fluidic circuit and configured so as to fluidically connect the filtering compartment alternatively to the discharge circuit or to the loading circuit. |
| US09459185B2 |
Solar powered sample analyzing system using a field deployed analytical instrumentation and vacuum jacketed small diameter tubing
Provided herein is a solar powered system for a gas sampling and analysis for placement and operation remote from conventional infra-structure that utilizes a minimum of power to obtain a sample extracted from a source such as a pipeline or well-head, conditions the extracted sample, transmits the conditioned sample through vacuum jacketed tubing to an analyzer while maintaining the sample at a temperature and pressure preventing phase transition, condensation or component partitioning. |
| US09459184B2 |
Sorption of water from a sample using a polymeric drying agent
A method of extracting an analyte from a sample is described where the sample includes water. The sample and polymeric drying agent are added to a container. The polymeric drying agent includes a cationic monomer, an anionic monomer, and a crosslinker. The polymeric drying agent is configured to sorb water from the sample. |
| US09459183B1 |
System for the collection and disposal of grain samples
A system for the collection and disposal of grain samples including a grain sample receptacle, a vacuum bin and a vacuum pump. A grain sample conduit extends from a discharge opening of the receptacle to the upper interior of the vacuum bin. The air inlet end of the vacuum pump is connected to the interior of the vacuum bin to create a negative pressure therein. The grain samples which have been tested are dumped into the receptacle. When the receptacle is full, the vacuum pump is operated so that the grain samples in the receptacle will be drawn into the interior of the vacuum bin. When the vacuum bin is full, the vacuum bin may be transported to a dump pit or the like so that the contents of the vacuum bin may be dumped therefrom into the dump pit. |
| US09459178B2 |
Method and tool for checking alignment between gears
The present disclosure relates to a method of checking an alignment between a first gear and a second gear using a tool is provided. The tool includes a base portion defining a longitudinal axis and an elongate portion extending from the base portion along a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Further, the second gear is received in an inner bore of the first gear. The method includes inserting at least partially the base portion of the tool within an inner bore of the second gear. The method also includes inserting a first pin extending from the elongate portion within a space between adjacent teeth of the first gear. The method further includes determining that the first gear is aligned with the second gear if a second pin extending from the elongate portion is received within a space between adjacent teeth of the second gear. |
| US09459172B2 |
Diaphragm piezoresistive pressure sensor
A diaphragm piezoresistive pressure sensor includes: a base member; a diaphragm including a middle portion and a surrounding portion surrounding the middle portion; a spacer disposed between and cooperating with the base member and the diaphragm to define a cavity thereamong; an inner abutment member disposed in the cavity and spaced apart from the base member by a clearance; and a piezoresistive sensor unit embedded in the diaphragm. The spacer surrounds and is spaced apart from the inner abutment member. At least one of the inner abutment member and the middle portion of the diaphragm defines a chamber therebetween. |
| US09459170B2 |
Process fluid pressure sensing assembly for pressure transmitters subjected to high working pressure
A pressure measurement assembly is provided. The assembly includes a pressure sensor mount having an aperture therethrough. A pressure sensor passes through and is mounted to the aperture. The pressure sensor has an electrical characteristic that varies with applied pressure. An isolator plug is configured to be exposed to a process fluid. The isolator plug has an isolation diaphragm disposed to contact the process fluid. A passageway is fluidically coupled to the isolation diaphragm to convey process fluid pressure from the isolation diaphragm to the pressure sensor through an incompressible fluid. The pressure sensor mount is coupled to the isolator plug and has a non-circular shape when viewed along an axis of the aperture. |
| US09459169B2 |
Pressure sensor and method for its manufacture
A method for manufacturing a pressure sensor, comprising: providing a ceramic platform, a ceramic measuring membrane, and an intermediate ring; providing an active braze material by means of gas phase deposition at least on a first surface section of a first surface and on a second surface section of a second surface. The first surface is a platform surface, which is to be connected with the intermediate ring by means of the active hard solder, or braze, or a surface of the intermediate ring, which is to be connected with the platform by means of the active hard solder, or braze. The second surface is a measuring membrane surface, which is to be connected with the intermediate ring by means of the active hard solder, or braze, or a surface of the intermediate ring, which is to be connected with the measuring membrane by means of the active hard solder, or braze. The intermediate ring is positioned between the measuring membrane and the platform; the active hard solder, or braze, is heated in a soldering, or brazing, process, wherein the intermediate ring remains essentially solid during the soldering, or brazing, process. |
| US09459168B2 |
High sensitivity, load alleviating load sensor for strut application
A load-sensing strut has a main body (26) having a longitudinal loading axis (A) along which an applied load is transmitted, and a load sensing member (38) arranged to carry at least a portion of the applied load when the load is within a predetermined range, wherein the load sensing member (38) includes at least one load sensor (46) generating a load signal. The strut also has a load alleviation member (36) arranged to reduce the portion of the applied load carried by the load sensing member (38) when the applied load is outside the predetermined loading range. Consequently, the load sensors exhibit greater sensitivity to incremental changes in the applied load within the predetermined range, yet the strut provides high strength and is capable of reacting to very high loads outside of the predetermined range. The strut may be used in actuating aircraft control surfaces in a high-lift system. |
| US09459158B2 |
Thermometer with age specific feature selection
The invention includes a thermometer with a backlight and a method for lighting the backlight. The thermometer has temperature sensing tip, a processor taking temperature readings and determining a sensed temperature reading of the living being from the temperature sensing tip. The thermometer also includes a display and a backlight for lighting the display. The backlight is activated upon a command from the processor and the processor determines whether to activate the backlight based upon the temperature readings. The method embodiment can includes the steps of using the processor to monitor a temperature change indicated by a temperature sensing element. The processor then detects a temperature decrease and activates a first color light emitting element to backlight a display if the temperature decrease exceeds or equals a predetermined threshold. The thermometer is operable in one of a plurality of selectable operating modes, and the predetermined threshold is dependent upon the selected operating mode. For example, operating modes may depend on patient age range or measurement location. Age range may include infant, toddler and adult. |
| US09459155B2 |
Method for measuring optical phase, device for measuring optical phase, and optical communication device
The present invention relates to an optical phase measuring method and an optical phase measuring device which can measure phase information contained in an object beam with high accuracy. Intensity distributions of a test object beam, a first reference beam and a first hologram made from the object beam and the first reference beam are detected by the first light intensity detection section. Intensity distributions of the test object beam, a second reference beam and a second hologram made from the object beam and the second reference beam are detected in the second light intensity detection section. Phase information contained in the object beam is computed on the basis of the intensity distributions detected in the first light intensity detection section and the intensity distributions detected in the second light intensity detection section. |
| US09459148B2 |
Snapshot spectral imaging based on digital cameras
Snapshot spectral imagers comprise an imaging lens, a dispersed image sensor and a restricted isometry property (RIP) diffuser inserted in the optical path between the source image and the image sensor. The imagers are used to obtain a plurality of spectral images of the source object in different spectral bands in a single shot. In some embodiments, the RIP diffuser is one dimensional. An optional disperser may be added in the optical path, to provide further dispersion at the image sensor. In some embodiments, all imager components except the RIP diffuser may be part of a digital camera, with the RIP diffuser added externally. In some embodiments, the RIP diffuser may be included internally in a digital camera. |
| US09459146B2 |
Spectrometer
A spectroscopic system is provided. In one embodiment, the spectroscopic system comprises a light source adapted to provide a beam of illumination; an optical system adapted to provide the beam of illumination to a sample and receive a spectroscopy signal from the sample and direct the spectroscopy signal to at least one single channel detector, wherein the optical system comprises an adjustable dispersing element for directing one or more spectral features of the spectroscopy signal to the at least one single channel detector; a calibration detector adapted to determine a set point of the adjustable dispersing element; and a source synchronization component adapted to synchronize an operation of the light source and the at least one single channel detector. A method of calibrating a dispersing element of a spectrometer is also provided. |
| US09459145B1 |
Optical relay with adjustable magnification
The present disclosure provides an optical imaging system with adjustable magnification. In one aspect, the optical imager, which defines an optical axis, includes an object plane and an image plane, an optical sub-system located along the optical axis and optically disposed between the object plane and the image plane, the optical sub-system being configured to substantially image electromagnetic radiation emanating from the object plane onto the image plane, and at least one detecting element located substantially at the image plane. In one example, the object plane and the image plane are separated by a fixed distance. In one example, the optical sub-system is configured to mechanically translate along the optical axis. |
| US09459142B1 |
Flame detectors and testing methods
Exemplary embodiments of a flame detector and operating method. Optical energy is received at one or more optical sensors, and the detector processes the energy to determine whether the received energy is from a known remote test source. If so, the flame detector is operated in a test mode. If the processing indicates that the received optical energy is not a test signal, the flame detector is operated in a flame detection operating mode. The detector processing uses an artificial neural network in an exemplary embodiment in the flame detection operation mode. |
| US09459141B2 |
Brightness control apparatus and brightness control method
A brightness control apparatus and a brightness control method are provided. A basic input/output system unit determines to let a chip or an embedded controller to control the brightness of a display according to an environmental condition or an adjustment operation of a user. |
| US09459140B2 |
Optical detecting device and related method of adjusting synchronization
A method of an optical detecting device for synchronizing an exposure timing sequence of an image detector with a light emitting timing sequence of a reference light source is disclosed. The method includes capturing a continued image set according to a predetermined period, analyzing intensity variation of the continued image set, and adjusting the exposure timing sequence of an image detector according to the intensity variation, so as to synchronize the exposure timing sequence of the image detector with the light emitting timing sequence of the reference light source. |
| US09459134B2 |
Table top combination weigher
A combination weigher according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of weighing conveyors which are manually fed with objects and conveys the objects fed manually; a plurality of weight sensors to correspond to the weighing conveyors to measure weights of the objects; a control section which finds a discharge combination including a combination of the weighing conveyors holding the objects in which a total weight thereof falls within a target weight range, and activates the weighing conveyors selected to make up the discharge combination to convey the objects on the weighing conveyors in a first direction and discharge the objects from the weighing conveyors; and a collecting conveyor which is fed with the objects discharged from the one ends of the weighing conveyors, conveys the objects in a direction, and discharges the objects. |
| US09459130B2 |
System for measuring a liquid level and orientation
A system including a container, an imaging structure, an image capturing device, and a processor. The container at least partially surrounds a liquid. The liquid has a liquid surface that is defined by a quantity of the liquid in the container, a shape of the container, and an orientation of the container relative to a horizontal plane. The imaging structure is positioned in the container. The image capturing device captures an image of the liquid surface and the imaging structure. The processor is in communication with the image capturing device for analyzing a characteristic of the image, and for determining an attribute therefrom. |
| US09459121B2 |
Angle measuring device and methods for calibration
The invention relates to a method for calibration of 2-axis high precision digital angle measurement device, particularly for initializing a planar angle measuring device and an apparatus to generate simultaneous two-dimensional resultant planar angles of full 360° rotation. The planar angle measurement device is, typically but not exclusively, used in concurrent two-dimensional angles leveling, setting and alignment tasks for precision machine setup in the fields of precision engineering and metrology applications. |
| US09459120B2 |
Methods and systems for displaying flight information
Avionics systems, controllers, and methods are provided. An avionics system includes a display and a controller. The controller is communicatively coupled with the display. The controller is configured to generate a flight clearance portion of the image including flight clearance information and to generate a flight progress portion of the image including flight progress information. |
| US09459116B2 |
Display method for a display system, display system and operating method for a navigation system of a vehicle
A display system includes a display for the graphic representation of changeable information, an operating unit for the control of the displayed information by a user, a proximity sensor which is arranged to detect an approach of the user to the operating unit, and a control unit. The control unit is coupled to the display, the operating unit and the proximity sensor. The control unit is arranged such that, as a function of an approach of the user to the operating unit, it alters the representation of the changeable information, such that a time rate of display change of the graphic representation of the changeable information is reduced. |
| US09459115B1 |
Unobstructed map navigation using animation
The subject technology provides a mapping view that enables a user to view, from their current location, a portion of a route to a destination including a graphical element corresponding to the current location and a second graphical element in the form of an arrow-shaped object to indicate a direction of a turn to be made on the route. As progress on route is made, when the current location of the user is within a distance threshold of the location of the turn to be made, the subject technology may animate the second graphical element to move in the direction of the turn along the route to another location where a subsequent turn is to be made. The second graphical element may remain stationary at this other location to indicate a direction of the subsequent turn until the user's current location reaches the distance threshold for this subsequent turn. |
| US09459111B2 |
Methods and apparatus for estimating power usage
A computer-implemented method includes establishing a road network model on which a plurality of simulated vehicles may be run. The method also includes setting up a plurality of scenarios under which vehicle driving conditions vary to be run on the road network model. The illustrative method includes receiving energy usage related data for a plurality of simulated vehicles run in at least one of the plurality of scenarios on the road network model. The method further includes calculating a total energy consumption for each of the vehicles. The method additionally includes repeating the receiving and calculating steps to determine how various elements of the road network model and scenarios effect vehicle energy consumption. |
| US09459108B2 |
Hedging risk in journey planning
Embodiments of the disclosure include a computer system for journey planning, the computer system includes a journey planning server configured to perform a method. The method includes receiving a journey planning request, the journey planning request having an origin and a destination in a transportation network. The method also includes calculating an optimized journey plan by identifying a plurality of routes through the transportation network from the origin to the destination and determining an uncertainty associated with each of the plurality of routes. Calculating an optimized journey plan also includes evaluating a robustness of each of the plurality of routes to the uncertainty associated with each of the plurality of routes and selecting the optimized journey plan based on the journey planning request and the robustness of each of the plurality of routes. |
| US09459104B2 |
Systems and methods for performing a multi-step process for map generation or device localizing
Examples describe systems and methods for performing a multi-step approach for map generation and device localizing using data collected by the device and observations of interdependencies between the data. An example method includes receiving logs of data collected by the device, determining a constraint for locations of the device according to a comparison of data in the logs of data with available known signal strength maps of corresponding data, and performing a first simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) optimization of location estimates of the device using the logs of data and the constraint as a first initialization. A second SLAM optimization is performed using outputs of the first SLAM optimization and relative estimates of the device based on dead reckoning as a second initialization. An output location estimate of the device is provided based on the second SLAM optimization. |
| US09459103B2 |
Non-transitory computer readable medium storing program, movement situation determining method, and movement situation determining device
A non-transitory computer readable medium stores a movement situation determining program for causing a computer to function as a two-axial direction correlation value calculating portion that calculates a correlation value indicating a relationship between motions in two axial directions of a plurality of axial directions on the basis of information obtained by detecting motions of a moving target in the plurality of axial directions, and a movement situation determining portion that determines a movement situation of the moving target on the basis of the correlation value. |
| US09459102B2 |
Managing navigation changes
In accordance with some embodiments, multiple navigation changes to a navigation system may be managed. The navigation system may receive and first set of navigation changes. Then, the navigation system may establish communication with a user device. The navigation system may then receive a second set of navigation changes associated with the user device. As a result, the navigation system may merge the first set of navigation changes with the second set of navigation changes. |
| US09459097B2 |
Tilt sensing apparatus, system and method for using same
A tilt sensing apparatus, a system and a method detect the tilt of a vehicle using tilt sensing devices mounted to the vehicle. An accelerometer and a gyroscope provide orientation data to a processor. The processor calculates the tilt of the vehicle and provides an audible indication and/or a visual indication to an operator of the vehicle via a communications module. The communications module has a display panel accessible to the operator for receiving the tilt information. The system provides tilt information for different amounts of tilt of the vehicle. The method of detecting the tilt of the vehicle accumulates position data from the accelerometer and the gyroscope to provide tilt indications to the operator. The apparatus, system and method compare a tilt angle to preset values and generate corresponding output signals to the operator if the preset values are exceeded. The system disables a power take-off connected to the vehicle in the event of a tilt condition in which the vehicle may roll over. |
| US09459093B2 |
Deflection measuring device and deflection measuring method
According to one embodiment, a deflection measuring device that irradiates an effective region of a pattern transfer plate on which a pattern is formed, with parallel lights from at least two directions, and detects interference fringes of the parallel lights reflected from the effective region. |
| US09459090B2 |
Optical delay apparatus and optical coherence tomography apparatus
According to one embodiment, an optical delay apparatus includes the following elements. The first retroreflector includes a first and a second reflection surface. The second retroreflector includes a third and a fourth reflection surface opposite to the first reflection surface. The third retroreflector includes a fifth and a sixth reflection surface opposite to the second reflection surface. The first driving mechanism moves the first retroreflector and a set of the second retroreflector and the third retroreflector relative to each other. The second retroreflector and the third retroreflector are misaligned with each other in a direction along a first line of intersection between the first reflection surface and the second reflection surface. |
| US09459089B2 |
Method, devices and systems for detecting an attachment of an electronic patch
An electronic sensor patch includes a capacitive sensor configured to detect when the electronic sensor patch is applied to a patient. A processor may be powered down for a predetermined time interval in response to determining that the electronic patch is not in close proximity to a body. The electronic sensor patch may be activated in response to determining that the electronic patch is in close proximity to the body. The capacitance sensor may be used to determine whether the electronic sensor patch is in close proximity to a body by measuring capacitance of the capacitance sensor, comparing the measured capacitance to a threshold, and determining that the electronic sensor patch is in close proximity to a body in response to the measured capacitance of the capacitance sensor being more than the threshold. |
| US09459083B2 |
Positioning goniometry
An apparatus and associated method contemplating a goniometer stage having a base, and a roller bearing having a first annular race supported by the base and a concentric second annular race. A rotor plate is configured to support a workpiece, and defines a bearing surface contacting the second annular race throughout a selective movement of the rotor plate with respect to the base along an arc defining an axis of rotation that is spaced apart from the rotor plate. |
| US09459082B2 |
Compact case trimmer
A method and apparatus for sizing ammunition cartridge cases includes a cartridge case trimmer including a cylindrical housing, a mandrel detachably coupled to a longitudinally-oriented opening formed in a first side of the cylindrical housing, the mandrel having a first end including a cutting tool disposed in a slot on the first end and comprising one or more notched cutting surfaces, the mandrel having a second end opposing the first end, the second end protruding from the first side of the cylindrical housing and sized to be received in a chuck, a bearing disposed within the cylindrical housing adjacent to a second side of the cylindrical housing, and an insert comprising a tapered region disposed in an inside diameter of an inner ring of the bearing. |
| US09459074B2 |
System, method and apparatus for securing valuables
A safe includes a safe body that has an opening. A door is movably interfaced to the safe body such that the door selectively occludes the opening, thereby, selectively permitting access to the opening in one position and precluding access to the opening in a second position. A locking mechanism engages between the door and the safe body when the door occludes the opening. When provided with a key, the locking mechanism disengages between the door and the safe body, permitting access to the opening. An insert is positioned within the safe body. The insert has an opening formation configured to support at least one specific weapon, which is arranged to be accessed from the opening. |
| US09459072B2 |
Magazine attached firearm grip
A magazine attached firearm grip provides an off hand grip for various firearms while allowing its user to present a small target to adversaries. A magazine attached firearm grip comprises recesses at a front side of its body and a groove at its rear side. The grove engages and is attached to an edge at a bottom end of a magazine. Once a top end of the magazine is inserted into a magazine well of a firearm the magazine attached firearm grip provides a gripping area for a firearm that receives a user's off hand. The tactile elements of the magazine attached firearm grip, such as the recesses and walls thereof allow for touch based installation and removal of the magazine without the need for visual inspection. |
| US09459069B1 |
Lubrication arrow rest
A lubricating arrow rest is configured to lubricate an arrow shaft when the arrow is inserted into the arrow rest and then shot. A lubricating arrow rest has a plurality of whiskers configured within a whisker retainer and a lubricant receiving feature configured to accept a lubricant into the lubricating arrow rest. A lubricant reservoir may be attached to a lubricant receiver feature and may have a lubricant dispensing feature to force lubricant from the lubricant reservoir onto the whiskers through a supply orifice. A whisker retainer may comprise a retainer conduit that disperses the lubricant through a plurality of outlet orifices configured around the inner perimeter of the whisker retainer. A lubricating arrow rest may have a bow fixture for attachment to a bow. A lubricant reservoir may be coupled to the bow fixture and a bow fixture conduit may couple the lubricant reservoir with a supply orifice. |
| US09459067B1 |
Crossbow fletching groove and method therefore
A modified fletching groove for a crossbow that assists with efficiently setting the crossbow into an armed or fully drawn position. The fletching groove includes at least one setting disposed between the rearward end and forward end of the crossbow stock. Each of the at least one settings define a path that includes at least a first direction and a second direction and a catch. The first direction preferably extends downwardly and slants towards the forward end of the stock, and the second direction preferably extends from the lower most end of the first direction, and upwardly extends at a slanted angle towards the forward end. The upwardly incline surface of the second direction is at substantially forty-five degrees relative to the top surface of the fletching groove. The second direction further defines an upper most end that includes the catch adjacent the upper most end. The at least one setting for receiving the crossbow bowstring at selected intervals along the length of the fletching groove. |
| US09459065B2 |
Flash suppressor for firearm
Novel flash suppressors comprised of tines formed by cuts of varied lengths and widths to better reduce muzzle flash and eliminate any unwanted ringing caused by resonance of the tines. |
| US09459062B2 |
Magazine carrier
A magazine dispenser for loading a magazine into a gun having an opening to receive and hold at least one magazine through an opening. Once at least one magazine is inserted, a flange of the magazine is received in a track provided by a slot region in the magazine dispenser. The magazine then rests on a retention bar disposed in the track which may impede the magazine from being dispensed or support the magazine to be dispensed from the magazine dispenser depending on circumstances. |
| US09459061B2 |
Super and subsonic gas regulator assembly
A retro fit capable super & subsonic gas regulator assembly designed to interface with an auto-loading gas operated host firearm is provided to replace existing gas systems. The gas regulator assembly optimizes gas flow into the host firearm's operating system. The gas regulator has a spring actuated gas regulator and cross-pin including a flat that disengages with the gas regulator when the gas regulator is rotated to allow the gas flow to be set to one of a plurality of gas settings e.g., four. In embodiments, setting one is optimal for using supersonic ammunition with a silencer, setting two is optimal for using supersonic ammunition without a silencer, setting three is optimal for subsonic ammunition, and setting four turns the gas flow off optimizing sound reduction and providing for manual operation of the host firearm. The system works by precisely metering gas entering the operating system and not by exhausting excess gas into the atmosphere. The super & subsonic gas regulator assembly provides optimal performance with both subsonic and supersonic ammunition in a single firearm allowing the operator full advantage. |
| US09459058B2 |
Heat sink and method for manufacturing heat sink
This heat sink has bonded on one surface a member to be bonded, and has a cooling member in contact with the other surface. The heat sink is provided with a metal plate having a thermal expansion coefficient larger than that of the member to be bonded, and the metal plate is provided with a center portion where the member to be bonded is bonded, and a plurality of linear peripheral slits formed in a whirl-like radial manner such that the linear peripheral slits surround the center portion. |
| US09459056B2 |
SPRDR—heat spreader—tailorable, flexible, passive
New heat spreaders are proposed to connect high power, high heat generating electronic devices to their downstream heat dissipating cooling components. First, the spreaders distribute the high heat flux over a wider surface area, thus reducing the flux to levels more easily handled by the downstream cooling system. Second, the spreaders incorporate flexible columns or elements to join the electronic devices to the main body of the spreader, so as to negate the undesirable effects of CTE mismatch. Columns with a higher standoff distance between the components are more flexible than a direct flat interface attachment between the heat source and the heat sink, and will have less chance of delaminating. Several embodiments are proposed and can be used in appropriate situations. The heat spreaders can be helpful in harsh environments and in high heat generating applications, such as spacecraft, satellites, as well as land locked high power computer systems. |
| US09459055B2 |
Heat transfer system including tubing with nucleation boiling sites
A heat transfer system includes a steam chamber that communicates in an open-loop arrangement with a first steam source for supplying steam to the steam chamber, the steam chamber including a steam exit for supplying steam to air at atmospheric pressure. A heat transfer tube communicates in a closed-loop arrangement with a second steam source for supplying steam to an interior surface of the heat transfer tube, the heat transfer tube vaporizing condensate forming within the heat transfer system back to steam that is supplied to the air via the steam exit. The outer surface of the heat transfer tube is configured to contact the condensate and vaporize the condensate back into steam, wherein the heat transfer tube includes a plurality of pockets formed on the outer surface of the tube, each pocket including a pocket exit/entry portion having a smaller cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of the pocket at a root portion thereof adjacent the outer surface of the tube. |
| US09459051B2 |
Heat exchanger for horizontal installation under a motorcycle engine
A motorcycle has a heat exchanger adapted to be installed on the motorcycle in a substantially horizontal orientation. Also, the heat exchanger is adapted to be installed on the motorcycle beneath the engine, crankcase, oil pan and/or gearbox without substantial vertical orientation and not attached directly to the engine, except by cooling fluid connectors. Preferably, the heat exchanger is made with finned tubular core elements. The heat exchanger is installed in a suspended manner beneath the motorcycle, so that cooling air may pass over its top and bottom surfaces. Preferably, the heat exchanger is an oil intercooler. |
| US09459050B2 |
Heat pipe system
A heat pipe apparatus having a sintered lattice wick structure includes a plurality of wicking walls having respective length, width and heights and spaced in parallel to wick liquid in a first direction along the respective lengths, the respective lengths being longer than the respective widths and the respective heights, the plurality of wicking walls being adjacent to one another and spaced apart to form vapor vents between them, a plurality of interconnect wicking walls to wick liquid between adjacent wicking walls in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and a vapor chamber encompassing the sintered lattice wick structure, the vapor chamber having an interior condensation surface and interior evaporator surface, wherein the plurality of wicking walls and the plurality of interconnect wicking walls are configured to wick liquid in first and second directions and the vapor vents communicate vapor in a direction orthogonal to the first and second directions. |
| US09459047B2 |
Waste heat system
A preheat charging system for preheating scrap metal prior to delivery to a melting furnace. The system includes a preheating station having a heating chamber adapted to receive scrap metal. Hot gas from a burner chamber is circulated around the scrap metal. The burner chamber is adapted to receive exhaust gas from a hot exhaust gas source such as a melting furnace. A burner apparatus is mounted within the burner chamber in a flow path of an exhaust inlet port. The burner is configured to supply supplemental heat on demand to the heating chamber to supplement the hot exhaust gas. A first fan can be provided to direct exhaust air from a furnace to the burner chamber. A second fan can be provided for directing air into the burner apparatus. |
| US09459046B1 |
Portable foodware cleaning and storage system
A foodware storage system includes a storage rack, a hook assembly, and a foodware item. The storage rack includes a rod having an adjustable length coupled between a first support and a second support to maintain the rod in an elevated position above a surface upon which the storage rack is placed. The rod is disconnectably connected to at least one of the supports. The hook assembly includes a hanger and a hook. The hook is suspended from the hanger and the hanger is configured to slidably move along the adjustable length of the rod. The foodware item has an aperture dimensioned to receive the hook such that the foodware item can be hung from the hook to dry when wet. |
| US09459044B1 |
Freeze drying methods and apparatuses
A freeze drying method includes decreasing pressure to a first vacuum pressure and, as a result of reaching the first pressure, a control system automatically activating a heater. The method includes sublimating solid water, increasing pressure to a second vacuum pressure greater than the first pressure, and, as a result of reaching the second pressure, the control system automatically deactivating the heater. As a result, a decrease in pressure, pressure-activated heater activation, material heating, water sublimation, and increase in pressure occur, accomplishing pressure-activated heater cycling. Another freeze drying method includes decreasing a temperature in a chamber to −50° F. or less using a refrigeration system with single-stage compression and sublimating solid water at a vacuum pressure. A freeze drying apparatus includes a chamber, a vacuum pump, a heater, and a control system programmed with instructions operable to accomplish pressure-activated heater cycling. |
| US09459040B2 |
Refrigerator
Disclosed herein is a refrigerator includes a center frame provided to be spaced apart from the both walls of the body. The center frame includes a rear coupling unit coupling to the rear wall of the body, an arm unit extended forward from the rear coupling unit. The center frame may support at least two shelves disposed in a left side and a right side in the body so that the center frame supports moving of one or a combination of the shelves forward and backward with respect to the body. |
| US09459039B2 |
Outdoor unit of air conditioning device
An outdoor unit of an air conditioning device in which a compressor, a heat exchanger, and a fan are accommodated in a casing including a top plate, side plates, and a bottom plate is provided. The top plate is formed in a rectangular shape, and a flat mount surface is formed in each of corner portions of the top plate. Regarding each of sides of the top plate, an intermediate part excluding the corner portions serves as a retreat portion set back to the side of the device, and an end of the retreat portion and the mount surface are connected by a standing surface. |
| US09459032B2 |
Air conditioning apparatus and refrigerant quantity determination method
An air conditioning apparatus and a refrigerant quantity determination method are provided, whereby a refrigerant quantity can be determined in a simple and accurate manner without compromising the reliability of a compressor. A refrigerant circuit (10) has a compressor (21), an outdoor heat exchanger (23) that functions as a condenser, an indoor expansion valve (41, 51), an indoor heat exchanger (42, 52) that functions as an evaporator, an indoor unit interconnection pipe (4b, 5b), a liquid refrigerant connection pipe (6), a gas refrigerant connection pipe (7), and an outdoor unit interconnection pipe (8). A controller (9) performs liquefaction control for liquefying refrigerant and placing the refrigerant in a portion extending from the indoor expansion valve (41, 51) to the outdoor heat exchanger (23). The controller (9) directly or indirectly regulates the flow rate of refrigerant flowing through a liquid bypass circuit (70) from a liquid reserving portion (Q) toward the gas refrigerant connection pipe (7). A liquid level detection sensor (39) detects at least one of either a volume of liquid refrigerant in the portion where liquid refrigerant accumulates and a physical quantity equivalent to the volume. |
| US09459031B2 |
Cooling apparatus and cooling system
A cooling apparatus includes N (N is an integer of 2 or larger) refrigerant storage units arranged in a vertical direction and configured to store refrigerants, a condensation unit disposed above the N refrigerant storage units, a steam pipe for circulating gas phase refrigerants flowing out of the N refrigerant storage units to the condensation unit, a liquid pipe for circulating a liquid phase refrigerant flowing out of the condensation unit to an uppermost refrigerant storage unit, and separation piping for circulating a liquid phase refrigerant flowing out of an upper refrigerant storage unit to a lower refrigerant storage unit. The liquid phase refrigerant flows into each refrigerant storage unit via an inlet, and flows out from the refrigerant storage unit via a first connection port formed below the inlet. |
| US09459025B2 |
Air conditioning system having an aluminum heat exchanger and an aluminum/copper coupling
An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device and an evaporator. The condenser or the evaporator may include a heat exchange tube formed of an aluminum material and allowing refrigerant to flow therein, and a fin connected to the heat exchange tube, the fin being formed of the same metal material as that of the heat exchange tube so as to prevent potential corrosion of the heat exchange tube. |
| US09459024B2 |
Localized solar collectors
A localized heating structure, and method of forming same, for use in solar systems includes a thermally insulating layer having interconnected pores, a density of less than about 3000 kg/m3, and a hydrophilic surface, and an expanded carbon structure adjacent to the thermally insulating layer. The expanded carbon structure has a porosity of greater than about 80% and a hydrophilic surface. |
| US09459019B2 |
Method and apparatus for metal positioning and forming
A duct making apparatus includes a first station configured to accept a formable sheet material and a second station configured to receive the formable sheet material from the first station. The first station includes a mechanism for forming one of a male lock bend and a female lock seam in a leading edge of the formable sheet material. The second station includes a retractable conveyor. Movement of the sheet material from the first station to the second station defines an axis of travel of the sheet material. The retractable conveyor is selectively movable from a first position in which the retractable conveyor is in close association with the first station, and a second position in which the retractable conveyor is spaced from the first station. |
| US09459014B2 |
Air conditioning system and air conditioning method
The present invention adjusts the discharge rate or discharge direction of air-conditioned air discharged from the discharge openings of air conditioners (301 to 308) according to the occupancy rates of work areas in the air-conditioned regions of the air conditioners (301 to 308). In this way, the work areas are intensively air-conditioned and the aisles and the space where cabinets and multifunctional machines are provided are moderately air-conditioned. Consequently, creating a comfortable environment around the users working in the work areas and reduce the energy consumption required for air-conditioning is possible. |
| US09459013B2 |
Air-conditioning apparatus with safety measure for ventilation of inflammable refrigerant from heat exchanger
A refrigerant circuit device includes a compressor, a heat exchanger that is capable of exchanging heat between the refrigerant and a heat medium, and other components that are connected by pipes, in which the refrigerant circuit circulates a refrigerant. A heat medium circulating circuit circulates the heat medium in the heat exchanger. At least the compressor is housed in an outdoor unit, at least the heat exchanger is housed in a heat medium relay unit, and an indoor unit is housed in a use side heat exchanger. The outdoor unit, the heat medium relay unit, and the indoor unit are formed separately and can be disposed in separate positions. A housing of the heat medium relay unit has an opening that allows ventilation between the housing space of the heat exchanger related to heat medium and the space outside the housing space. |
| US09459005B2 |
Steam cycle efficiency improvement with pre-economizer
A method for improving pulp mill steam cycle efficiency includes the steps of providing at least one deaerator tank having a first pressure, and lowering the pressure of said deaerator tank to a second pressure. Feedwater is supplied to a pre-economizer, where it is heated. The water is then delivered to at least one feedwater heater, where it is heated. The water is then delivered to an economizer. By this method boiler steam rate is increased while boiler efficiency is maintained and turbine extraction for deaerator and feedwater heating is minimized. |
| US09459004B2 |
Appliance using fluorescent material for appearance of desired color light on user interface
The present invention provides a cooktop appliance with features for correcting the color of light passing through the cooking surface such that the light appears a desired color to a user of the cooktop appliance. More specifically, a fluorescent ink may be applied to, or a fluorescent dye incorporated into, a light transmissive layer of a user interface assembly such that light passing through the light transmissive layer and the cooking surface appears a desired color to the user. |
| US09458998B2 |
Electrical fixture for transmitting and receiving data using the same component for electrical as well as structural connections
Described herein is an apparatus for simplifying the connection of an electrical fixture to an electrical source. The system can include a plate element that attaches to an electrical source, such as a junction box. The plate element can mate with a canopy element that is attached to an electrical fixture, such as a light. The plate and canopy can structurally and electrically mate, allowing a user to easily connect various electrical fixtures using the plate and canopy system. |
| US09458994B1 |
Decorative lighting apparatus having two laser light sources and a switch
A motion assembly for a decorative lighting apparatus. The motion assembly including an articulating element configured to secure an optical element in a path of a light being generated by the decorative lighting apparatus, and a motor coupled to the articulating element via a linkage such that a movement generated by the motor is imparted to the articulating element so that the light passing through the optical element is articulated when projected onto a surface. |
| US09458989B2 |
Methods and apparatus for transparent display using up-converting nanoparticles
Disclosed herein are transparent color displays with nanoparticles made with nonlinear materials and/or designed to exhibit optical resonances. These nanoparticles are embedded in or hosted on a transparent substrate, such as a flexible piece of clear plastic or acrylic. Illuminating the nanoparticles with invisible light (e.g., infrared or ultraviolet light) causes them to emit visible light. For example, a rare-earth doped nanoparticle may emit visible light when illuminated simultaneoulsy with a first infrared beam at a first wavelength λ1 and a second infrared beam at a second wavelength λ2. And a frequency-doubling nanoparticle may emit visible light when illuminated with a single infrared beam at the nanoparticle's resonant frequency. Selectively addressing these nanoparticles with appropiately selected pump beams yields visible light emitted from the nanoparticles hosted by the transparent substrate in a desired pattern. |
| US09458987B2 |
Multi-wavelength light emitting assembly
A light assembly may include a reflector having a focal point in space, and a first light source configured to generate a first light at a first wavelength proximate to the focal point during a first illumination mode. The first light reflects off the reflector as a first collimated beam at the first wavelength. One or more second light sources are configured to direct one or more second light beams at one or more different wavelengths towards the focal point during a second illumination mode. The different wavelength(s) differ from the first wavelength. At least a portion of the second light beam(s) reflects off the reflector as one or more second collimated beams at the different wavelength(s). |
| US09458986B2 |
Lighting unit
A lighting unit can project light in a linear fashion without enlarging a light guide body. The lighting unit can include an upward-directed LED and a light guide body. The light guide body can include: a light incident portion to receive light from the LED and collimate the incident light; a first reflecting surface provided to a front portion above the light incident portion, to reflect the entering light; second reflecting surfaces provided to a rearer portion than the first reflecting surface, configured to reflect the entering light toward respective sides of the lighting unit; and third reflecting surfaces located outside of the second reflecting surfaces in the left-to-right direction, to reflect the light from the second reflecting surfaces forward. The second reflecting surfaces are curved to direct the light radially, and the third reflecting surfaces are provided to extend more forward than the second reflecting surfaces. |
| US09458983B2 |
Method and system for managing light from a light emitting diode
A light source, for example a light emitting diode, can emit light and have an associated optical axis. The source can be deployed in applications where it is desirable to have illumination biased laterally relative to the optical axis, such as in a street luminaire where directing light towards a street is beneficial. The source can be coupled to an optic that comprises an inner surface facing the source and an outer surface that is opposite the inner surface. The inner surface can comprise a refractive surface that receives light headed away from the optical axis of the light source, for example opposite the street. The refractive surface can form the received light into a beam. The outer surface of the optic can reflect the beam back across the optical axis, for example so that light headed away from the street is redirected towards the street. |
| US09458982B2 |
Light emitting device
A light emitting device includes a light emitting element, a wire, and a substrate. The substrate is formed with a first recess and a second recess that are open in a common surface of the substrate. The first recess includes a first bottom surface and a first side surface connected to the first bottom surface. The light emitting element is disposed on the first bottom surface. The second recess includes a second bottom surface and a second side surface connected to the second bottom surface. The wire is bonded to the second bottom surface. Both of the first side surface and the second side surface reach the common surface. The first side surface is connected to both of the second bottom surface and the second side surface. The opening area of the first recess is larger than the opening area of the second recess. |
| US09458981B2 |
Lighting apparatus for a gaming machine cabinet
A lighting apparatus for a gaming machine cabinet comprising: a spot light source which emits light relative to a central emission axis; and a translucent diffuser spaced from the spot light source, the diffuser comprising an inner portion located so as to intercept light emitted along the emission axis and an outer portion spaced from the emission axis, the inner and outer portions arranged such that the diffuser prevents transmission of more light in the region of the inner portion than in the region of the outer portion. |
| US09458979B2 |
Signal lamp for vehicle having a light guide and mirror housing and lamp housing with reflection unit and support unit
A lamp for a vehicle is provided and includes a signal lamp that displays a predetermined image of repetition on an exterior mirror of a vehicle. The lamp further includes a mirror housing into which a mirror is installed and a signal lamp disposed on one surface of the mirror housing. The signal lamp includes a reflection unit, a lens unit disposed at a predetermined distance apart from the reflection unit and having a half mirror installed on at least one surface thereof, and a first light source unit disposed between the reflection unit and the lens unit and is about the same distance apart from the reflection unit and the lens unit. |
| US09458977B2 |
Vehicle lighting unit
A vehicle lighting unit can reduce the load applied to the actuator for driving a reflecting member as well as can improve the durability of the actuator. The vehicle lighting unit can include a light source, a reflecting member configured to reflect light from the light source toward an illumination area, an actuator including inner piezoelectric actuators and outer piezoelectric actuators configured to cause the reflecting member to swing (turn) around X and Y axes simultaneously, to thereby scan the illumination area with the reflected light from the reflecting member horizontally and vertically, and a controller configured to control the inner piezoelectric actuators and the outer piezoelectric actuators such that a scanning frequency in the vertical direction of the reflected light is larger than a scanning frequency in the horizontal direction of the reflected light. |
| US09458976B2 |
Lighting device for a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one light unit (2), for example two or more light units (2), wherein each light unit (2) comprises: a reflector (3) and also at least one light source (4) paired with the reflector (3), wherein light from the at least one light source (4) is emitted into a region in front of the vehicle via the corresponding reflector (3) (in the installed state of the lighting device (1)), and the one or more light sources (4) is/are arranged, preferably fixedly, on at least one mounting body (5), preferably on a common mounting body (5). In accordance with the invention the reflector (3) of the at least one light unit (2), or at least one reflector (3) in the case of two or more light units (2), preferably two or more reflectors (3) of two or more light units (2), in particular preferably all reflectors (3), is/are mounted on the at least mounting body (5) so as to be pivotable about at least one axis paired with the respective reflector (3), for example a vertical axis (Z), and can be fixed in a pivoted position. |
| US09458974B2 |
Flexible moment connection device for mast arm signal mounting
An attachment assembly and a method for mounting a traffic control device to a mast arm are provided. The attachment assembly includes an attachment device. The attachment device includes a first portion operably connect to the mast arm so that a first surface of the first portion is oriented toward the mast arm, a second portion extending substantially parallel to the first portion along at least a portion of a first length, a second surface of the second portion is oriented toward the traffic control device, and a third portion having a third length and extending between the first portion and the second portion so that a gap is formed between a second face of the first portion and a first face of the second portion that allows the attachment device to flex when the traffic control device is mounted to the mast arm. |
| US09458967B2 |
Integrated lubrication cooling system
A system including a lubrication system, including a block with a first cooler interface, a second cooler interface, and at least one lubrication passage extending through the block, wherein the at least one lubrication passage fluidly couples to the first cooler interface and to the second cooler interface, a first cooler including a first mating cooler interface coupled to the first cooler interface, and a second cooler including a mating second cooler interface coupled to the second cooler interface, and a first valve within the block, wherein the first valve is configured to control a flow of a lubricant through the at least one lubrication passage relative to the first cooler and/or the second cooler. |
| US09458965B2 |
Lubricating oil monitoring and maintenance cap with oil level monitoring system
A lubricating oil reservoir has an open end closed by a cap removably coupled to the open end. The cap is formed with a sensor located in the lubricating oil reservoir. The sensor is for sensing the presence of lubricating oil that fills the lubricating oil reservoir to a recommended oil level for providing machine lubrication, and the non-presence of lubricating oil that does not fill the lubricating oil reservoir to the recommended oil level, and a signal apparatus is operatively coupled to the sensor for issuing a first stimulus in response to the sensor sensing the presence of lubricating oil for identifying a normal lubricating oil level condition, and for issuing a second different stimulus in response to the sensor sensing the non-presence of lubricating oil for identifying a low oil level condition. |
| US09458963B1 |
360-degree gimbal system
A 360-degree gimbal device includes an upright support, a pan motor rotatably coupled with a hollow shaft mounted on the support, a slip ring disposed in the hollow shaft, a first arm having a proximal end attached to the pan motor so that the first arm is freely rotatable 360° about a pan axis, a roll motor connected with a distal end of the first arm, a second arm having a proximal end attached to the roll motor so that the second arm is rotatable 270° about a roll axis, a tilt motor connected with a distal end of the second arm, a holder attached to the tilt motor so that the holder is rotatable ±60° about a tilt axis. The gimbal device is in wireless communication with a mobile device which has a mobile application for generating a plurality of image-shooting modes based on a plurality of customized paths. |
| US09458960B2 |
Method of using gelled fluids with defined specific gravity
Gelled barrier fluids preventing the ingress of undesired fluids from subsurface environments into subsurface apparatus have a specific gravity which is within ±0.05 of the specific gravity of the undesired fluid. |
| US09458958B2 |
Hose coupling
A hose coupling is sleeve-shaped form and which, at at least one coupling end, has a connector with a retention profiling provided on the outer circumference at least in one connector subregion, onto which at least one profiled coupling end a hose end of a flexible hose can be pushed. The hose coupling according to the invention is characterized in that the retention profiling is formed by at least one retention groove which is provided on the outer circumference of the connector and which has groove long sides oriented in the connector circumferential direction and groove narrow sides oriented in the connector longitudinal direction. |
| US09458957B2 |
Multilayer annular clamp
A multilayer annular clamp including a plurality of sealing rings radially spaced from one another, at least two of the sealing rings including L-shaped axial-plane cross-sections nested in one another, an innermost one of the sealing rings being operative to contact an outer contour of the pipe, two clamp members disposed around a portion of the sealing rings, and a fastener, including a shank, operative to fasten the clamp members towards each other in a direction along the shank so as to apply a radially-inward clamping force on the innermost sealing ring that contacts the pipe so that the multilayer annular clamp clamps the pipe. |
| US09458956B2 |
Flexible armored pipe
The invention relates to a flexible armored pipe for transportation of fluids, comprising an inner sealing sheath and at least one displacement reduced armor layer comprising a plurality of elongate elements comprising at least a female type elongate element comprising at least one recess in each opposite side and a male type elongate element comprising at least one protruding tongue in each opposite side and wherein each of the female type and the male type elongate elements are substantially symmetrical in a symmetry line substantially normal to the inner sealing sheath when the pipe is in a non-bended state and where said protruding tongues of said male type elongate element windings are engaged in said recesses of adjacent female type elongate element windings. |
| US09458954B2 |
Double-wall pipe and production process
A double-wall pipe for a transportation means which includes an outer pipe and an inner pipe extending therein. The outer pipe has two pipe segments which are formed like half-shells and are joined together to form the outer pipe along the longitudinal edges thereof. In this way, it is possible to make both the outer pipe and the inner pipe of metal, such that the wall thickness of the inner pipe can be relatively small. |
| US09458952B2 |
Trapeze hanger system including twist-locking fitting
A twist-locking fitting for securing a strut to a rod includes first and second fitting pieces. Each fitting piece includes a half-nut portion having an interior surface defining an axis extending through first and second axial ends of the half-nut portion. Each fitting piece includes an outer flange extending outward from adjacent the first axial end of the half-nut portion and an inner flange extending outward from adjacent the second axial end of the half-nut portion. The inner flange is spaced axially apart from the outer flange to define a clearance gap. The fitting pieces are positionable on the strut in an unsecured position in which the fitting pieces are movable relative to one another. The fitting pieces are rotatable relative to the strut to move from the unsecured position to a secured position, in which the fitting pieces are fixed relative to one another on the strut. |
| US09458945B2 |
Valve
A valve for controlling two gas flows, having: two ducts, in each of which a flap is rotatably mounted on a shaft; an electric motor that drives a shaft via a gear unit; and a transmission mechanism which, depending on the movement direction of the first flap, drives the second flap. Each flap is arranged in a separate housing part and the two housing parts are connected to one another. |
| US09458941B2 |
Rotary stepping actuator for valve
Valve system with rotary stepping actuator to actuate a valve stem. An actuator drive shaft is supported for stepwise rotation in clockwise and counterclockwise directions to impart rotation to a valve stem nut to axially move a valve stem to open and close valve flow trim. The drive shaft forms peripheral first and second slotted circular drive paths co-axially spaced from each other. The drive paths include outwardly-opening, circumferentially-spaced slots which are matched in number, size and spacing, but the slots in the first drive path are rotationally offset from the slots in the second drive path by a set fraction, for example one half of the slot spacing. Actuation assemblies provide separate forward and reverse actuation cycles to the drive shaft to incrementally rotate the drive shaft in predetermined angular increments (steps) set by the slot spacing. Due to the offset, a counter step in a direction counter to the direction of a directly preceding step rotates the drive shaft by an amount less than the predetermined angular increment, as determined by the set fraction. If the set fraction is one half, the counter step rotates the drive shaft by a half step, while the next following step in the same counter direction is a full step in the predetermined angular increment. |
| US09458940B2 |
Plug head assemblies
In accordance with various embodiments, a plug head assembly is provided comprising a ceramic plug head having a frustroconical geometry, wherein the ceramic plug head has a proximal terminus and a distal terminus, wherein the ceramic plug head has a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), a sleeve having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the ceramic plug head and a second CTE, wherein the second CTE is greater than the first CTE, a distal retainer having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the sleeve, the distal retainer having a first engagement portion for engaging the a proximal retainer, the proximal retainer having a second engagement portion for engaging the distal retainer, and a base that couples with the proximal retainer. In addition, thick banded plug heads are provided. |
| US09458938B2 |
Movable installation parts or machine parts with a cover device
The object of the invention is a cover device (1) for moving system or machine parts such as e.g. machine bellows, axle boots etc., the cover device (1) having a reinforcing element, the reinforcing element having a plurality of threads or yarns, the threads or yarns featuring a reticulated silicone-rubber. |
| US09458933B2 |
Combination oil ring
A combination oil ring prevented from freeze up of the side rails and spacer expander, that is, a combination oil ring of the present invention provided with a top and bottom pair of side rails 11 and 12 and a spacer expander 13 having large numbers of top pieces 14 and bottom pieces arranged separated in the axial direction and circumferential direction and alternating in the circumferential direction, connecting pieces 16 connecting adjoining top pieces 14 and bottom pieces 15, and ear parts 17 and 18 formed rising up at the inner circumference side ends of the top pieces 14 and bottom pieces 15 for pushing against the side rails 11 and 12, in which combination oil ring 10, grooves 19 and 20 are formed in at least one surfaces of top surfaces of the top pieces 14 and bottom surfaces of the bottom pieces 15, and through holes 17a and 18a by which the grooves 19 and 20 are communicated are formed in the ear parts 17 and 18. |
| US09458932B2 |
Shift control method for vehicle with DCT
A shift control method for a vehicle with a Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) may include determining whether power-on up-shifting has been initiated, performing torque handover control by controlling release-side and engage-side clutches by repeatedly calculating control torques of the release-side clutch and the engage-side clutch over time, when the power-on up-shifting is started and a torque handover period is entered, determining whether tip-out is generated during the performing of torque handover control, obtaining a remaining updating time by recalculating a remaining time until the end of the torque handover period in accordance with a decrease in engine torque, when it is determined that tip-out has been generated, and controlling the release-side and the engage-side clutches on the basis of the control torques for the release-side and the engage-side clutches that are made different in accordance with the calculated remaining updating time during a remaining torque handover period. |
| US09458926B2 |
Automatic transmission control
An automatic transmission control arrangement includes an automatic transmission coupled to a propulsion device. A selector device is operably connected to the automatic transmission for selecting a mode of operation of the automatic transmission including at least a forward drive setting. A temperature sensor arrangement measures a control temperature of at least one of a cooling system of the propulsion device and the automatic transmission. A motion sensor arrangement detects a motion status of the vehicle. The controller temporarily operates the automatic transmission in a decoupled mode in which the automatic transmission is at least partially decoupled from the propulsion device with the selector device in the forward drive setting in order to reduce heat generation in response to the temperature sensor arrangement detecting the control temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature and the motion sensor indicating that the vehicle is not in motion. |
| US09458925B1 |
Vehicle shift system
A vehicle shift system, including a shift pedal, a sensor configured to generate a first signal when the shift pedal moves in a first direction, and a controller coupled to the sensor and configured to control a transmission to change from a first transmission setting to a second transmission setting in response to the first signal. |
| US09458923B2 |
Gearbox with passive lubrication system
A lubrication system includes a reserve housing configured to retain a lubrication fluid. A supply line in fluid communication with the reserve housing is configured to provide pressurized lubrication fluid to the reserve housing. An overflow tube has an overflow port, the overflow tube being configured to prevent the volume of the lubrication fluid from exceeding a certain amount. A metering jet is configured to allow the lubrication fluid to flow from the reserve housing onto a component, such as a bearing, in the gearbox at a predetermined rate. The metering jet provides flow of the lubrication fluid onto the bearing even when the supply line no longer provides pressurized lubrication fluid to the reserve housing. |
| US09458922B2 |
Lubricant management system
A lubricant management system for a vehicle is provided. The lubricant management system includes a housing, a power transmitting component, and a valve. The housing defines a lubricant passage therethrough. The power transmitting component is rotatingly disposed in the housing. The valve is at least partially disposed in the lubricant passage and has a first position and a second position. The valve in the first position militates against a flow of lubricant from a first portion of the housing to a second portion of the housing and the valve in the second position facilitates the flow of lubricant from the first portion of the housing to the second portion of the housing. The lubricant management system varies an amount of lubricant used in a sump of the housing in a simple and cost effective manner. |
| US09458921B2 |
Gearbox for a motor vehicle
A gearbox for a motor vehicle including a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio. The gearbox including an electro-hydraulic actuation unit configured for selection and engagement of the gear ratios. The gearbox comprises a first hydraulic pump and a second hydraulic pump. The first hydraulic pump is driven in rotation by an electric motor and is configured for supplying hydraulic fluid taken in from a first intake environment to said electro-hydraulic actuation unit. The second hydraulic pump is driven in rotation by an engine of said motor vehicle and is configured for supplying hydraulic fluid taken in from a second intake environment to said gearbox, for lubrication thereof, and to said first intake environment. |
| US09458920B2 |
Reusable dust cap for a pulley assembly
A dust cap for sealing engagement with an opening of a member is disclosed. The dust cap is removable from the opening of the member by a tool. The dust cap includes a body and an elastomeric portion. The body defines an outer perimeter, an inner surface, an outer surface, and a recess disposed along the outer surface. The recess is shaped to receive a portion of the tool. The elastomeric portion is located around the outer perimeter of the body. The elastomeric portion is sealingly engageable with the opening of the body member. |
| US09458916B2 |
Guide pin assembly
A guide pin assembly for a CVT variator includes a retainer and a guide pin coupled to the retainer. The retainer provides at least three functions for the guide pin: pilot, orientation and retention. The guide pin provides lateral and axial constraints to a chain guide through which a chain extends. |
| US09458913B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft receiving torque of an engine, an output shaft outputting changed torque, a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, a first rotation shaft, a second rotation shaft directly connected to the input shaft, a third rotation shaft, a fourth rotation shaft selectively connected to the first rotation shaft or the second rotation shaft, a fifth rotation shaft selectively connected to a transmission housing, a sixth rotation shaft selectively connected to the transmission housing, a seventh rotation shaft selectively connected to the first rotation shaft, and an eighth rotation shaft directly connected to the output shaft, and selectively connected to the first rotation shaft. |
| US09458912B2 |
Multi-stage transmission for vehicle
The present disclosure relates to a multi-stage transmission for a vehicle that includes four planetary gear devices and six shifting elements, and each of the planetary gear devices include three rotary elements selectively connected to the six shifting elements, preferably so that the multi-stage transmission provides at least ten forward shifting stages and at least one reverse shifting stage with a relatively small number of parts and a simple configuration. In this configuration, an engine may be operated at desired operation points, to improve the fuel efficiency of the vehicle and improve the quietness of the vehicle. |
| US09458908B2 |
Vibration isolation system with support divided into sections, and method for controlling same
A vibration isolation system which comprises a support divided into a plurality of rigid sections on which a displaceable stage is arranged. The sections are arranged on pneumatic bearings, and the pneumatic bearings of the individual sections are controlled independently from each other and based on the position of the displaceable stage. |
| US09458907B2 |
Vibration isolation systems including multi-parameter isolators providing piezoelectric-based damping
Embodiments of a vibration isolation system are provided. In one embodiment, the vibration isolation system includes a first isolator having opposing mounting interfaces, a tuning spring disposed between the opposing mounting interfaces, and a piezoelectric actuator disposed between the opposing mounting interfaces and coupled in series with the tuning spring, as taken along a first load path through the first isolator. A controller is operably coupled to the piezoelectric actuator. During operation of the isolation system, the controller varies a control voltage supplied to the piezoelectric actuator to dampen vibrations transmitted through the first load path. |
| US09458905B2 |
Spring assembly and method
A method of assembling a spring inside of a tube includes providing a coil spring and a tube having a first retaining structure at a first end of the tube. The method includes positioning a rod in the tube. The spring is positioned in the tube, and a second retaining structure is attached to the rod with the spring positioned between the first and second retaining structures. A force is applied to the spring, and the second retaining structure is fixed at a position wherein the spring provides a desired preload. |
| US09458901B2 |
Bracketless caliper
A device comprising: a caliper comprising: one or more piston bores housing a piston; an outboard pad retainer; a bridge; and a shoulder; wherein the caliper is attached directly to a knuckle of an automobile via the shoulder. |
| US09458900B2 |
Pressure controlled driveline mechanical coupling
A vehicle includes a motive power source, a transmission, and a clutch system. The vehicle further includes a controller that causes the clutch system to generate a generally constant clutch pressure to mechanically couple the motive power source and transmission as a line pressure associated with the transmission varies. |
| US09458895B2 |
Lead screw actuator having axially movable plunger with compliance in both axial directions
A vehicle power transmitting device can include a clutch and an actuator. The actuator can include a coil spring, a plunger, and a rotating member. The coil spring can include a plurality of coils disposed about an axis. The plunger can include a body and a follower. The follower can be fixedly coupled to the body. The body can be disposed about the axis and coupled to the clutch to selectively activate the clutch. The follower can be received between adjacent ones of the coils. The rotating member can be rotatable about the axis and drivingly coupled to one of the coil spring and the plunger to rotate the one of the coil spring and the plunger about the axis. Rotation of the rotatable member can effect translation of the plunger, compression of the coil spring, or both translation of the plunger and compression of the coil spring. |
| US09458892B2 |
Electromagnetic clutch device
An electromagnetic clutch device includes: a meshing member; an electromagnetic coil; an armature; a cylindrical cam member; and a locking portion. The cam member is provided with a plurality of locked portions to be locked by the locking portion at different axial positions, such that the plurality of locked portions is formed adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction; the cam member rotates only by a first predetermined angle due to an axial movement of the armature from a first position to a second position, and the cam member further rotates only by a second predetermined angle due to a movement of the armature from the second position to the first position; and when locking of the locking portion is shifted from one of the plurality of locked portions to another locked portion circumferentially adjacent thereto so that the locking portion locks the another locked portion at a different axial position, the second meshing portion is meshed with the first meshing portion. |
| US09458890B1 |
Square quick connect interface
In one embodiment, a quick connect interface for a surgical instrument includes a body having an outer surface and an inner surface that defines an inner cavity. One or more ball bearings are disposed in respective holes in the body. A locking pin is disposed on a ramp formed in the body. A sleeve surrounds a portion of the body and is slideable along the body, from an unlocked position to a locked position. The sleeve includes a camming ramp that urges the one or more ball bearings to partially extend through the holes into the inner cavity. One or more springs are arranged to urge the locking pin down the ramp, so that the locking pin partially extends through an opening into the inner cavity. The one or more ball bearings and the locking pin are positioned to urge the shaft to one side of the inner cavity. |
| US09458888B2 |
Journal housing for a cylindrical bearing and related method
To address the problem of flush fluid leakage under normal operating conditions in rotary machinery, an improved pack-box has been conceived. The pack-box has a rotary bearing concentrically disposed within the pack-box, wherein a circumferential segment of the rotary bearing is circumferentially fixed within the pack-box. The pack-box further comprises a wall-step that defines at least a first thermal expansion channel and an inner wall that defines at least a second thermal expansion channel. |
| US09458865B2 |
Cylinder device with force multiplier
A first piston (10) is inserted in a housing (2) so as to be hermetically movable vertically. A second piston (20) is inserted in a cylindrical hole (14) of the first piston (10) so as to be hermetically movable axially, and has an output rod (26) projecting upward from the housing (2). A lock chamber (40) is formed below the first piston (10) and the second piston (20), and a release chamber (42) is formed above the first piston (10) and the second piston (20). A force multiplier (52) is arranged in the housing (2) so as to cause (i) a first force, with which a pressurized fluid supplied into the lock chamber (40) pushes the first piston (10) upward, to be transformed in a force-multiplying manner into a second force and (ii) the second force to be transmitted to the second piston (20). Further, a change-over mechanism (54) is arranged in the housing (2) so as to selectively couple the first piston (10) to the housing (2) or the second piston (20). |
| US09458861B2 |
Dust-proof fan
An exemplary dust-proof fan includes a frame, a stator mounted in the frame and a rotor received in the frame. The rotor includes a bracket and multiple blades pivotably mounted to the bracket. The bracket includes an inner ring and an outer ring surrounding the inner ring. Each blade has an inner pole inserted into the inner ring and an outer pole inserted into the outer ring. The blades are spaced from each other to form multiple airflow passages therebetween when the dust-proof fan is in use. The blades are overlapped with each other to close the airflow passages when the dust-proof fan is not in use. |
| US09458858B2 |
Mounting structure of cooling-fan
A mounting structure of a cooling-fan mounted in an opening formed on a Front End Module (FEM) carrier may include a locking guide fixed to the opening and along a longitudinal direction of which a guide hole is formed, a link bar along a longitudinal direction of which a sliding hole is pierced and one end of which is connected rotatively to the FEM carrier, a first pin that is slid through the respective guide hole and sliding hole and connects the link bar and the locking guide, a second pin, one end of which is connected slidingly to the sliding hole, and a motor connected to the other end of the second pin to rotate the second pin. The cooling-fan is connected to the first pin and slid through the opening by link-movement of the first pin, the second pin and the link bar. |
| US09458854B2 |
Electrical connection mechanism for reversible fan module
A reversible fan module may include a first attachment member that may receive power from a controller when an orientation of the reversible fan module is a first orientation; a second attachment member that may receive power from the controller when the orientation of the reversible fan module is a second orientation; a first electrical connection, disposed between the first attachment member and the second attachment member, that may transmit power from the second attachment member to the first attachment member when the orientation of the reversible fan module is the second orientation; and a second electrical connection, disposed between the first attachment member and a fan unit, that may transmit power to the fan unit. |
| US09458852B2 |
Centrifugal fan having a flow control member
A centrifugal fan includes an impeller, a motor portion, and a housing. The housing includes an upper plate portion, a lower plate portion arranged to have the motor portion fixed thereto; and a side wall portion. A flow control member is arranged to extend in a line along a boundary between an inside surface of the side wall portion and one of a lower surface of the upper plate portion and an upper surface of the lower plate portion. The flow control member includes a flow control surface arranged to extend radially outward from the one of the lower surface of the upper plate portion and the upper surface of the lower plate portion to the inside surface of the side wall portion while becoming more distant from the one of the lower surface of the upper plate portion and the upper surface of the lower plate portion. |
| US09458851B2 |
Electric machine for a hybrid or electric vehicle
An electric machine (1) for a hybrid or electric vehicle has an external rotor and a stator (2) within the rotor (3). The rotor (3) has a rotor carrier (4), rotor plates (5) and permanent magnets (6). The rotor carrier (4) has a first, radially extending carrier section (7) and a second axially extending carrier section (8). The second carrier section (8) bears the rotor plates (5) and permanent magnets (6). The stator (2) has stator plates (9) and wire windings (10) that form winding heads (11, 12) extending axially on both sides over the stator plates (9). An impeller wheel (14) is connected to the rotor carrier (4) and is between the winding heads (11) on an axial side of the stator (2), and the second carrier section (8). The electric machine provides high power in a small axial extent with optimum air cooling of the rotor and stator. |
| US09458849B2 |
Vane compressor that suppresses the wear at the tip of the vane
A gap between a vane tip and a cylinder inner circumferential surface is denoted by δ. If rv is set as in an Expression (1), a first vane rotates with the vane tip thereof being out of contact with the cylinder inner circumferential surface. In the vane compressor, wear at the tip of a vane is suppressed, loss due to sliding on bearings is reduced by supporting a rotating shaft portion with a small diameter, and accuracy in an outside diameter and center of rotation of a rotor portion is increased. |
| US09458848B2 |
Revolving piston rotary compressor with stationary crankshaft
A revolving piston rotary compressor comprises, in combination, the following: a compressor pump; an internal suction gas delivery system which eliminates an external accumulator, excludes a direct distribution of a refrigerant to the suction chamber and performs double-stage liquid-gas separation to prevent slugging, provides cooling of the motor and supercharges refrigerant into suction chamber due to action of an impeller; a discharge system utilizing a tubular discharge valve, a circular expansion cavity equipped with a plurality of reaction nozzles through which the discharge gas is jets ejected rearwards relatively to the intended direction of the revolving piston assembly rotation, said jets that impart driving moment which supplements the main momentum; a lubricating oil delivery system employing a positive displacement oil pump, an oil reservoir formed in the crankshaft and a plurality of oil accumulated annular pockets which prevent formation of “gas lock” condition and accelerate delivery of oil to the bearing and mating surfaces, said oil which will not only lubricate, but will also prevents leakage through the clearances by providing liquid seal with combine pressure-discharge pressure, pumping pressure and pressure developed due to centrifugal forces. An external rotor electric motor of the compressor has been integrated with a pump parts to form the compressor pump arranged on a stationary crankshaft and surrounding by a housing fixed to opposite ends of the crankshaft and having no another contacts with the pump. A stator of the motor is permanently fixed on the stationary crankshaft and the compressor pump components—a rotor block and an eccentrically fit revolving piston assembly are unidirectional spinning around the crankshaft. The rotor block and the revolving piston assembly have no radial clearance internal line contact through which the rotor block transfers an angular moment to the revolving piston assembly. It is not only supplements main momentum transferred to the revolving piston through a rigidly fixed in it vane, but also reduces frictional losses and eliminates leakage losses at the line of contact. |
| US09458846B2 |
Peristaltic pump for pumping a liquid and method for operating a peristaltic pump
A peristaltic pump (1) for pumping a liquid comprises a flexible tube (2) for guiding the liquid to be pumped, a compression means (5) being actuatable for compressing the flexible tube (2), an upstream valve means (3) arranged in an upstream direction with respect to the compression means (5) and being actuatable to selectively open or close the flexible tube (2) upstream of the compression means (5), and a downstream valve means (4) arranged in a downstream direction with respect to the compression means (5) and being actuatable to selectively open or close the flexible tube (2) downstream of the compression means (5). A drive shaft (6) is provided which is rotatable for periodically actuating the compression means (5), the upstream valve means (3) and the downstream valve means (4). In addition, the peristaltic pump comprises a position detection means (8) for detecting the rotational position of the drive shaft (6) during actuation of the compression means (5), the upstream valve means (3) and the downstream valve means (4), a pressure sensor (7) being arranged between the upstream valve means (3) and the downstream valve means (4) for measuring a pressure signal (P) in the flexible tube (2) at a location between the upstream valve means (3) and the downstream valve means (4), and a control means (9) to control the operation of the peristaltic pump (1), the control means (9) being operative to detect a fault condition during the operation of the peristaltic pump (1) from a measured pressure signal (P). In a peristaltic pump (1) of this kind the control means (9), for detecting the fault condition, is operative to detect a peak (P1, P1′) of the pressure signal (P) in a predefined interval (II) during rotation of the drive shaft (6) and to determine whether the fault condition is present or not by taking the signal value at the peak (P1, P1′) and the location (T1, T1′) of the peak (P1, P1′) in the predefined interval (II) into account. In this way a peristaltic pump is provided allowing for an easy and reliable detection of a fault condition, in particular for detecting an empty-bag condition indicating that a bag supplying liquid to the flexible tube of the peristaltic pump is empty. |
| US09458844B2 |
Propeller rotor and engine overspeed control
An electromagnetic device for overspeed control of a propeller driven by an engine shaft comprises a clutch, an eddy-current coupler, and an electromagnetic brake. The clutch is disposed to mechanically decouple the propeller from the engine shaft. The eddy current coupler is disposed to electromagnetically couple the propeller to the engine shaft when the clutch mechanically decouples the propeller from the engine shaft. The electronic brake is disposed to artificially load the engine shaft when the propeller load on the engine shaft is reduced by mechanically decoupling the propeller from the engine shaft. |
| US09458843B2 |
Pump arrangement with two pump units, system, use and method
A pump arrangement comprising two pump units, each pump unit comprising a pumping cylinder, a reciprocally movable pumping piston, said pumping piston delimiting a pumping chamber in the pumping cylinder in communication with a pump port for fluids, an actuator connected to the pumping piston, and determining a value dependent on the position of the pumping piston in the pumping cylinder, said pump arrangement further comprises a inlet and delivery valves connecting the pump port of each pump unit to a source line and a delivery line for pumped fluids, wherein the pump arrangement comprises at least one regulating unit the flow of the pumped fluids based on the value dependent on the positions of the pumping pistons in the pump units. Also a system comprising such a pump arrangement and a method for pumping fluids in said pump arrangement. |
| US09458841B2 |
Oil circulation system for electric motor in a hybrid electric vehicle
An oil circulation system for electric motors in a hybrid electric vehicle having, as a power source, an internal combustion engine is disclosed. Provision is made to start oil circulation under high reliability even though an electric pump cannot circulate lubricant oil through the electric motors due to increased viscosity at low temperatures. The oil circulation system includes the electric pump in fluid communication with an oil flow path for the electric motors; a mechanical pump, in fluid communication with the oil flow path, operable on driving power of the engine; and a controller for control of operation of the electric pump and that of the mechanical pump. The controller utilizes operation of the mechanical pump upon detection of abnormality in operation of the electric pump derived from viscosity of the lubricant oil in order to recover the electric pump. |
| US09458838B2 |
Power generation plant integrating concentrated solar power receiver and pressurized heat exchanger
A power plant includes a solar receiver heating solid particles, a standpipe receiving solid particles from the solar receiver, a pressurized heat exchanger heating working fluid by heat transfer through direct contact with heated solid particles flowing out of the bottom of the standpipe, and a flow path for solid particles from the bottom of the standpipe into the pressurized heat exchanger that is sealed by a pressure P produced at the bottom of the standpipe by a column of heated solid particles of height H. The flow path may include a silo or surge tank comprising a pressure vessel connected to the bottom of the standpipe, and a non-mechanical valve. The power plant may further include a turbine driven by heated working fluid discharged from the pressurized heat exchanger, and a compressor driven by the turbine. |
| US09458837B2 |
Thermally driven solar power generating system
A proposed thermally driven solar power generating system includes a solar air heater receiving an airflow, a gas turbine driving a generator and at least one exhaust compressor, a humidifying air recuperator communicating with the heater. The recuperator includes a water pipeline, product channels, dry working channels, wet working channels connected with the dry channels, having pair-wise heat transfer relations. The airflow passes via the dry and wet channels, a portion thereof moves and expands through the turbine converting into a product stream, drawn into the product channels, cooled and condensed there. Condensate water moves from the product channels and pipeline into the wet channels. The product stream is sucked by the compressor and converted into a product air stream discharged therefrom. In embodiments, it incorporates an air cooler, auxiliary burner chamber, heat accumulator, solar desorber, additional cooler or M-Cooler, heat exchangers communicating with a number of the exhaust compressors. |
| US09458836B2 |
Wind turbine comprising a detuner
A wind turbine comprises a wind-driven rotor for converting wind energy to a mechanical driving force, a power converter for converting the driving force to exploitable power, and a drive train for rotatably transmitting the driving force from the wind-driven rotor to the power converter. The drive train includes: at least one rotatable driving element configured to provide at least one torsional resonance frequency in the drive train; a first detuner having at least one first mass element with a first mass inertia and at least one first elastic element with first elastic properties; and a second detuner having at least one second mass element with a second mass inertia and at least one second elastic element with second elastic properties. The first and second mass elements and first and second elastic elements are arranged to rotate during operation of the wind turbine. The torsional resonance frequency is influenced by the first and second mass inertias and the first and second first elastic properties. |
| US09458835B2 |
Condition monitoring system
A condition monitoring system that diagnoses an abnormality of an apparatus provided in a wind turbine includes a monitoring apparatus including a sensor provided for the apparatus, a monitoring-side control apparatus that sets a threshold value to be used by the monitoring apparatus for diagnosing the abnormality of the apparatus, and diagnoses the abnormality of the apparatus based on the threshold value, and a monitoring terminal that monitors a condition of the apparatus. The condition monitoring system can correctly diagnose an abnormality of the apparatus provided in the wind turbine. |
| US09458828B2 |
Controlling wind power plant with negative power capability to respond to grid frequency instability
A method of controlling a wind power plant, the wind power plant having a plurality of wind turbines and being connected to a power grid is provided. The method includes (a) detecting a grid frequency instability, (b) selecting a subset of wind turbines, (c) modifying a power reference for each wind turbine in the selected subset of wind turbines to respond to the grid frequency instability, and (d) applying the modified power references to the corresponding wind turbines in the selected subset of wind turbines. A wind power plant controller, a wind power plant, a computer program, and a computer program product are also provided. |
| US09458826B2 |
Method for controlling a wind turbine by optimizing its production while minimizing the mechanical impact on the transmission
A method is disclosed for controlling a wind turbine by optimizing its production while minimizing the mechanical impact on the transmission. The wind turbine comprises a nacelle provided with a rotor on which blades are fastened and an electrical machine linked to the rotor by a transmission in which pitch angle of the blades is controlled, comprising An aerodynamic torque setpoint and an electrical machine torque setpoint making possible maximizing the recovered power are determined from measurements of wind speed, of rotor speed and of electrical machine speed. At least one of the setpoints is modified by subtracting from it a term proportional to a difference between the measured speed of the rotor and the measured speed of the electrical machine. A pitch angle of the blades making possible production of the aerodynamic torque setpoint is determined. The blades are oriented according to the angle of inclination. |
| US09458822B2 |
Rotor for a wind turbine
It includes a rotatable hub carrying blades and a device for attaching a portion of the blades to a portion of the hub. The attaching device includes bushings inside of which corresponding studs can be secured. At least some of the bushings are provided with at least one securing end adapted for providing the stud with a degree of rotation relative to the bushing. Bushings may include an inner receiving member for receiving a corresponding end of the stud. The receiving member can be rotated inside the bushing around an axis. |
| US09458821B2 |
Attachment system for a wind turbine rotor blade accessory
A rotor blade assembly for a wind turbine has a rotor blade. A strip-member blade accessory is mounted to one of the rotor blade surfaces that stretches under normal operating conditions of the wind turbine. The blade accessory has a base portion. An attachment layer connects the base portion to the rotor blade surface and has a lower shear modulus than the base portion to allow for shear slippage between the base portion and the underlying rotor blade surface. |
| US09458820B2 |
Wind turbine nacelle cover and a method for installing a generator on a mainframe in a nacelle
A wind turbine and to a method for installing a generator for a wind turbine, in which a nacelle and a mainframe for installation of, e.g., a generator and a main shaft, is installed on top of a tower. The nacelle further has a nacelle cover extending over the main frame from the hub and to a rear end, covering components installed on the main frame. The nacelle cover has at least a first part and a second part, the first part having a interface for engagement with a corresponding interface on the second part, the second part of the nacelle cover housing a generator as one unit. By having the generator and the second part of the nacelle cover as a single unit, installation can be performed in one go and then only one hoist with a crane is needed. |
| US09458818B2 |
Hydraulic system for machine
A hydraulic system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic system includes a hydraulic tank configured to store a liquid therein. The hydraulic system also includes a first conduit, a venturi, a fluid conduit and a second conduit. The first conduit is in fluid communication with the hydraulic tank and configured to receive the liquid from the hydraulic tank. The venturi is in fluid communication with the first conduit and configured to reduce a pressure of the liquid flowing therethrough. The fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the venturi and configured to supply a gaseous fluid into the venturi. The second conduit is in fluid communication with the venturi and configured to supply a mixture of the liquid and the gaseous fluid into the hydraulic tank in order to increase a pressure of the liquid in the hydraulic tank. |
| US09458815B2 |
Method and apparatus to evaluate a starter for an internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine including a starter is shown. A method for monitoring the starter includes determining electrical energy consumed by pinion and motor solenoids operative to activate and rotate a pinion gear of an electrically-powered motor meshingly engageable to a starter ring gear portion of a flywheel of the engine during an engine starting event. Current ringing in the pinion and motor solenoids is monitored during the engine starting even, and a fault is identified in the pinion and motor solenoids based upon the current ringing and the electrical energy consumption of the starter during the engine starting event. |
| US09458811B2 |
Hybrid vehicle engine start
A vehicle includes an engine having a crankshaft, a transmission having an input, and an electric machine mechanically coupled to the transmission input. The vehicle further includes a clutch configured to mechanically couple the electric machine and engine crankshaft, and at least one controller. The at least one controller, in response to an engine start condition and subsequent partial engagement of the clutch, outputs a torque command for the electric machine to increase the speed of the crankshaft to a speed of the electric machine before commanding fuel injection of the engine. The torque command is based on driver demanded torque and a change in speed of the crankshaft caused by changes in pressure to the clutch. |
| US09458810B2 |
Fuel module with electrostatic discharge mitigation
Methods and apparatus are provided for electrostatic discharge mitigation for a fuel module. In one embodiment, the system includes a fuel pump having a power and ground connection for pumping fuel. A fuel filter in fluid communication with the fuel pump, the fuel filter including one or more components made of a non-conductive plastic and having a sulfonated surface covered with a conductive surface formed over the sulfonated surface. The conductive surface is electrically coupled to the vehicle ground plane. A method is provided for mitigation of electrostatic discharge in a fuel module. In one embodiment, the method includes sulfonating non-conductive plastic components of the fuel module to provide a sulfonated layer on the non-conductive plastic components and forming a conductive layer over the sulfonated layer to provide an electrical discharge path for electrostatic buildup resulting from fuel moving through the fuel module. |
| US09458809B2 |
Method for assessing an injection behaviour of at least one injection valve in an internal combustion engine and operating method for an internal combustion engine
A method for assessing an injection behavior of at least one injection valve of an internal combustion engine includes putting the internal combustion engine into a special operating mode defined by control parameters and operating the engine in the special operating mode during a diagnostic time period, at least one operating parameter of the internal combustion engine being determined at least during the diagnostic time period, and at least one quantity characterizing the injection behavior of the at least one injection valve being evaluated at least during a segment of the diagnostic time period and being evaluated on the basis of the at least one operating parameter. |
| US09458808B1 |
Marine propulsion devices and fuel injection systems for marine propulsion devices
A marine propulsion device comprises an internal combustion engine that has a piston-cylinder. A fuel injector injects fuel into the internal combustion engine. A fuel rail conveys the fuel to the fuel injector. The fuel rail has an upstream inlet end that receives the fuel and a downstream outlet end that supplies the fuel to the fuel injector. A fuel hose has an upstream inlet end that receives the fuel from a fuel reservoir and a downstream outlet end that discharges the fuel to the inlet end of the fuel rail. A filter element axially extends into at least one of the fuel rail and the fuel hose. The filter element is configured to filter particulate materials from the fuel. |
| US09458804B2 |
Filter, especially fuel filter
The invention relates to a filter, especially a fuel filter, comprising a housing of a suitable plastic material, consisting of an upper part and a lower part, and a concertinaed filter element arranged in the housing. Said housing separates an inlet from an outlet. The upper part is connected to the lower part by welding or the like. The front sides of the filter element are directly connected to the opposing front walls of the housing. |
| US09458799B2 |
Method for operating motor vehicle internal combustion engine
A method for operating a motor vehicle internal combustion engine that has an exhaust tract with an exhaust gas purification unit acting catalytically and/or by filtration with which combustion air supplemented by exhaust gas diverging from the exhaust tract is fed to the combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine by exhaust gas branching off from the exhaust tract at a total exhaust gas recirculation rate. The total exhaust gas recirculation rate has a low-pressure proportion diverging downstream from the exhaust gas purification unit and a high-pressure proportion diverging upstream from an exhaust gas turbocharger turbine arranged in the exhaust tract. An essentially decreasing low pressure proportion is set with at least approximately the same operating points of the internal combustion engine with an increasing operating period of the exhaust gas purification unit. |
| US09458797B2 |
Secured double-channel controlling device for automobile engine
A device for dosing inlet fluid in an engine and for regulating the temperature thereof is disclosed. The device has a dosing body on which a first and a second circulation channel are arranged. First and second movable flow dosage flaps are arranged in the circulation channels. The dosing body also includes an actuator motor and a kinematic capable of actuating the first and/or the second flap. The device additionally includes first and second tubes, at least one of the tubes having a means for modifying the temperature of the fluid. The kinematic is shaped so as to position at rest, if flap actuation is lost, the first flap of the cool channel being then in a fully open position and the second flap of the hot channel being then in a fully closed position. |
| US09458796B2 |
Dual-vortical-flow hybrid rocket engine
The present invention discloses a dual-vortical-flow hybrid rocket engine, including a main body and a nozzle communicating with an end of the main body. The main body includes a plurality of disk-like combustion chambers arranged longitudinally, and a central combustion chamber formed along the axial portion and communicating the disk-like combustion chambers. Each of the disk-like combustion chambers is provided with a plurality of oxidizer injection nozzles at its inner circumference surface. Inside the disk-like combustion chambers, the oxidizer is injected in nearly the tangent directions of the circumference, and the injection directions are opposite for the neighboring disk-like combustion chambers, which creates vortical flows with opposite rotating directions so as to increase the total residence time of the combustion reactions of the oxidizer and the solid-state fuel in the disk-like combustion chambers of the present invention. |
| US09458795B2 |
Actuation device for moving a movable cover of a thrust reverser
The invention relates to an actuation device (1) for moving a movable cover of a thrust reverser. Said actuation device includes: —an actuator including a first element (4), such as a screw, and a second element (5), such as a nut, that engages with the first element such that rotation of the first element causes translation of the second element; —a locking portion (31) rotatable between a locked position, wherein the locking portion prevents the first element (4) from rotating, and an unlocked position, wherein the locking portion (31) allows the first element (4) to rotate; and —an inhibiting part (45) that is translatable between a first position, wherein the inhibiting part (45) allows the locking portion (31) to rotate, and a second position, wherein the inhibiting part (45) prevents the locking portion (31) from rotating into the locked position. |
| US09458794B2 |
Tertiary locking assembly for a thrust reverser
A tertiary locking assembly for a thrust reverser includes a tertiary lock, a primary control line associated with the tertiary lock, and a secondary control line. The primary control line includes a primary electromechanical valve and a primary power supply line connected to the primary electromechanical valve. In addition, the secondary control line has a secondary electromechanical control valve and a secondary power supply line connected to the secondary electromechanical control valve. In particular, the secondary control line is provided with at least one manually controlled switch. |
| US09458787B2 |
Technique for correcting injector characteristics in engine of vehicle
A technique for correcting injector characteristics is provided. In particular, a micro control unit is configured to generate a control pulse for controlling the operation of an injector; and a driving semiconductor is configured to detect and calculate a driving characteristic of the injector and compensating for injection timing of the control pulse in accordance with a deviation in injection timing of the injector. |
| US09458782B2 |
Selective catalyst reduction heat management method and system
The heat provided to a vehicle based SCR system may be managed by purposely increasing the load placed on the vehicle's engine such that the engine's exhaust gas temperature remains above a predetermined level. The energy generated by the extra load placed on the engine may be dissipated through an energy absorption device. The need for extra engine load may be anticipated to ensure adequate heat is provided to the SCR throughout various operating conditions. |
| US09458781B2 |
Control device of internal combustion engine and method of controlling the same
In an internal combustion engine that is capable of performing a fuel supply cut control (FC control), a performance of the FC control is suspended, in a case where, when the performance of the FC control is requested to initiate, a deviation between a solid solution of an active element in a carrier and a target solid solution is equal to or more than a predetermined upper limit value and a catalyst temperature is equal to or more than a predetermined upper limit temperature. |
| US09458779B2 |
Intake runner temperature determination systems and methods
An engine control system of a vehicle includes a manifold temperature module, a runner temperature module. The manifold temperature module determines a first temperature of gas in an intake manifold of an engine. The runner temperature module determines a second temperature of gas in an intake runner associated with a cylinder based on the first temperature of the gas in the intake manifold. The engine control system further includes at least one of: a fuel control module that controls fueling of the cylinder based on the second temperature of the gas in the intake runner; and a spark control module that controls spark of the cylinder based on the second temperature of the gas in the intake runner. |
| US09458774B2 |
Abnormal combustion suppression control apparatus for internal combustion engine
Provided is a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine which can favorably achieve a good balance between the prevention of an excessive increase in the piston temperature and the prevention of deterioration of various performances of the internal combustion engine as a result of execution of abnormal combustion suppression control, even when abnormal combustion occurs continuously or substantially continuously over a plurality of cycles. An in-cylinder pressure sensor (34) is provided to obtain the in-cylinder pressure P of an internal combustion engine (10). When continuous pre-ignition is detected using the in-cylinder pressure sensor (34), the control apparatus makes it more difficult for continuous pre-ignition suppression control to be executed when the Pmax at the time of pre-ignition is low than when the Pmax at the time of pre-ignition is high. |
| US09458773B2 |
Method and system for ignition energy control
Methods and systems are provided for improving spark robustness. Spark ignition dwell commands are adjusted based on the fuel fraction delivered via direct injection relative to port injection. The approach allows ignition output to better match the ignition requirement of the given fuel combination. |
| US09458770B2 |
Optimized engine control using secondary power system horsepower extraction information
Apparatus for controlling a turbine aircraft engine may include apparatus to determine an amount of secondary power extraction from the engine, a secondary load processor configured to receive and condition secondary power extraction data. An electronic engine controller (EEC) may be configured to receive secondary load data from the secondary load processor and produce commands to open bleed-air valves of the engine, said commands being based on the secondary load data. |
| US09458767B2 |
Fuel injection insert for a turbine nozzle segment
One embodiment of the present invention is a turbine nozzle segment for a turbine section of a gas turbine. The turbine nozzle segment includes an inner platform, an outer platform and an airfoil that extends therebetween. The airfoil includes a forward portion and an aft portion that is disposed downstream from the forward portion. The turbine nozzle segment further includes a fuel injection insert that extends between the inner platform and the outer platform downstream from the aft portion of the airfoil. The fuel injection insert includes a fuel circuit that extends within the fuel injection insert, and a plurality of fuel injection ports disposed within the fuel injection insert. The plurality of fuel injection ports provide for fluid communication with the fuel circuit. |
| US09458763B2 |
Component and turbomachine having a component
A component, especially contrived and designed for being used in a turbomachine, includes a high-temperature coating being arranged above a base of the component. The base has at least one structural element for connecting it to the high-temperature coating, with the cross-section of the at least one structural element having at least three different widths, i.e. a base width at the lower end of the at least one structural element, a center width above it, and a tip width above that, where on average the center width is greater than or equal to the base width, but less than four times the base width, in particular less than or equal to three times the base width. |
| US09458756B2 |
Cooling device for electric equipment
A cooling device for electric equipment includes a cooling unit for cooling an inverter element as a heat source. The cooling unit has a surface on which the inverter element is provided and a back surface disposed on a back side of surface, and includes a heat mass for transferring heat generated by the inverter element, an air-cooling fin provided on the back surface and radiating heat transferred through the heat mass, and an air-conditioner coolant pipeline provided on the surface and forming a coolant passage through which the coolant for vehicle cabin air-conditioning flows. With such configuration, a cooling device for electric equipment excellent in the cooling efficiency is achieved. |
| US09458752B2 |
Heat exchange device and drive unit for a motor vehicle
A heat exchange device having a first media channel for a first medium and a second media channel for a second medium is further refined in that, in at least one section of the heat exchange device, a third media channel for a transfer medium is arranged between the first media channel and the second media channel, so that the heat transfer from the first medium to the second medium takes place via the transfer medium. |
| US09458743B2 |
Iron-based alloys and methods of making and use thereof
An iron-based alloy includes, in weight percent, carbon from about 2 to about 3 percent; manganese from about 0.1 to about 0.4 percent; silicon from about 0.3 to about 0.8 percent; chromium from about 11.5 to about 14.5 percent; nickel from about 0.05 to about 0.6 percent; vanadium from about 0.8 to about 2.2 percent; molybdenum from about 4 to about 7 percent; tungsten from about 3 to about 5 percent; niobium from about 1 to about 3 percent; cobalt from about 3 to about 5 percent; boron from zero to about 0.2 percent; and the balance containing iron and incidental impurities. The alloy is suitable for use in elevated temperature applications such as in valve seat inserts for combustion engines. |
| US09458738B2 |
Heat engine and heat to electricity systems and methods with working fluid mass management control
Aspects of the disclosure generally provide a heat engine system and a method for regulating a pressure and an amount of a working fluid in a working fluid circuit during a thermodynamic cycle. A mass management system may be employed to regulate the working fluid circulating throughout the working fluid circuit. The mass management systems may have a mass control tank fluidly coupled to the working fluid circuit at one or more strategically-located tie-in points. A heat exchanger coil may be used in conjunction with the mass control tank to regulate the temperature of the fluid within the mass control tank, and thereby determine whether working fluid is either extracted from or injected into the working fluid circuit. Regulating the pressure and amount of working fluid in the working fluid circuit selectively increases or decreases the suction pressure of the pump to increase system efficiency. |
| US09458731B2 |
Turbine shroud cooling system
The present application provides a turbine shroud cooling system for a gas turbine engine. The turbine shroud cooling system may include a number of variable area cooling shrouds with tuning pins and a number of fixed area cooling shrouds with anti-rotation pins. The variable area cooling shrouds may include modulated cooling shrouds. The fixed area shrouds may include non-modulated shrouds. |
| US09458729B2 |
Electric power supply for apparatuses supported by the rotor of an aircraft engine
An aircraft engine including: a stator; a main shaft; a first rotor; a second rotor; a transmission mechanism; a first electrical apparatus supported by the first rotor and a second electrical apparatus supported by the second rotor; at least one first field winding supported by the stator; a control unit configured to circulate direct electric current in the first field winding; at least one first armature winding supported by the first rotor and connected to the first electrical apparatus and at least one second armature winding supported by the second rotor and connected to the second electrical apparatus. |
| US09458728B2 |
Method for forming three-dimensional anchoring structures on a surface by propagating energy through a multi-core fiber
A method for forming three-dimensional anchoring structures on a surface is provided. This method may result in a thermal barrier coating system exhibiting enhanced adherence for its constituent coatings. The method involves applying a first laser beam (20) through a first portion (7) of a multi-core fiber (4) to a surface (12) of a solid material (14) to form a liquefied bed (16) on the surface (12) of the solid material (14), then applying a pulse of laser energy (24) through a second portion (6) of the multi-core fiber (4) to a portion of the liquefied bed (16) to cause a disturbance, such as a splash (28) of liquefied material outside the liquefied bed (16). A three-dimensional anchoring structure (30) may thus be formed on the surface (12) upon solidification of the splash (28) of the liquefied material. |
| US09458727B2 |
Turbine component having a low residual stress ferromagnetic damping coating
A turbine component having a low residual stress ferromagnetic damping coating. The ferromagnetic damping coating may include a ferromagnetic damping material applied in at least partially molten powder form, which may be directed at a surface of the substrate at an application velocity so that it causes partial plastic deformation of the surface while adhering to the surface of the substrate and solidifying in less than 3 seconds to create a ferromagnetic damping coating, resulting in a coated substrate. The ferromagnetic damping coating has a balanced coating residual stress, including a tensile quenching stress component and a compressive peening stress component. The balanced coating residual stress is within a range of ±50 MPa without having to subject the coated substrate to a high temperature annealing process. The resulting coated substrate exhibits a high damping capacity. |
| US09458722B2 |
High efficiency propeller blade with increased pressure side surface
A propeller used in aircraft/sea vessels, pumping systems, wind and hydraulic turbines is provided. Propeller blades are distributed around the propeller hub and positioned so as to set an angle with the axis (x) of the propeller hub, to a concave curvilinear contact surface formed on the suction side of said blades that push water and to a convex outlet surface which follows this concave surface and is shorter than said concave surface. |
| US09458717B2 |
Connection means with shape memory
A connector is disclosed for providing a positive and/or a non-positive connection between at least two connecting partners. The connector or connecting means has at least one first region which engages with the first connecting partner by way of a positive and/or a non-positive connection, and at least one second region is provided which engages with the at least second connecting partner by way of a positive and/or a non-positive connection. The connecting means provides a positive and/or non-positive connection between at least two connecting partners in a simple and inexpensive manner and which meets high safety requirements. The second region of the connecting means has a region which is formed from an at least partially flat material made of an Fe alloy with shape memory characteristics and which, when activated, ensures the positive and/or non-positive connection with the second connecting partner by way of a change in shape. |
| US09458715B2 |
Determining the plus fraction of a gas chromatogram
Methods and devices for determining a plus fraction of a plus fraction of a gas chromatogram are provided. A gas chromatogram may obtained, such as from a downhole gas chromatograph module of a fluid analysis tool. The plus fraction of the gas chromatogram may be determined using one or more of a ratiometric determination, fitting an exponential decay function, and fitting a probability density gamma function. |
| US09458711B2 |
Downhole low rate linear repeater relay network timing system and method
A downhole repeater network timing system for a drilling rig including a drillstring extending subsurface downwardly from a surface wellhead. The system includes a node located at the drillstring lower end and including a sensor adapted for providing a signal data set output corresponding to downhole drilling conditions. Multiple nodes are located downhole between the Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) and the wellhead and are associated with the drillstring. The nodes are adapted for receiving and transmitting the signals. The timing control system is adapted for controlling all times within a timeframe according to pre-configured constants known to all nodes. A downhole low rate linear repeater network timing method uses the system. |
| US09458710B2 |
Hydraulic fracturing system
A method is given for fracturing a formation, in particular far-field in a tight formation, in which at least a portion of the proppant is crushable in situ at some point during pumping, during fracture closure, or at higher stresses experienced later during fracture closure. The closure stress or hydrostatic stress is estimated, then a proppant is selected that is at least partially crushable at that closure stress, and then the fracturing treatment is performed with at least a portion of the total proppant being the selected crushable proppant. |
| US09458709B2 |
Heavy oil production with EM preheat and gas injection
An enhanced oil recovery technique that combines gas injection with EM radiation to heat and mobilize heavy oil at least until fluid communication is achieved. |
| US09458705B2 |
Multiple use termination system
Systems and methods for electrically connecting conductors of a downhole electric system using connector bodies that includes an outer housing, one or more inner conductors and an inorganic insulating material such as a glass-ceramic material which forms a fluid-tight seal between the outer housing and the inner conductor. The insulating material may be bonded to the outer housing and to the inner conductor. The insulating material may alternatively have an interference fit with the outer housing and the inner conductor. The connector bodies may have standardized connector interfaces to facilitate connection to complementary standardized connector interfaces on cable-end connectors, etc. Connector bodies may be formed as motor heads, mandrels for cable splices, penetrators, etc. |
| US09458702B1 |
Method and apparatus for catching and retrieving objects in a riser assembly
A riser magnet assembly having selectively removable magnet members can be incorporated within a riser assembly of a drilling rig to generate a magnetic field within a central bore of the riser assembly. The magnetic field catches falling metal objects and prevents such objects from passing beyond the magnet assembly and entering subsea equipment or subterranean portions of a wellbore without sacrificing fluid pressure integrity of the riser assembly. At least one stripper door is provided for easy access to inner portions of the magnet assembly. |
| US09458698B2 |
Linearly indexing well bore simulation valve
Stimulation valves are provided that have a valve housing, an indexed driver, a reciprocating shifter, an actuation seat, and an isolation seat. The indexed driver is linearly actuated from an initial position through intermediate positions to a terminal position. In the driver initial and intermediate positions, the valve body shuts off fluid communication through ports provided in the housing. In the driver terminal position the valve body allows fluid communication through the ports. The reciprocating shifter indexes the indexed driver from its initial position through its intermediate positions to its terminal position. The actuation seat receives a ball for actuation of the shifter and releases the ball after actuation of the shifter. The isolation seat allows passage of the ball when the indexed driver is in its initial and intermediate positions and receives the ball when the indexed driver is in its terminal position. |
| US09458697B2 |
Method for individually servicing a plurality of zones of a subterranean formation
A method of servicing a subterranean formation comprising providing a first sleeve system comprising a first one or more ports and being transitionable from a first mode to a second mode and from the second mode to a third mode, and a second sleeve system comprising a second one or more ports and being transitionable from a first mode to a second mode and from the second mode to a third mode, wherein, in the first mode and the second mode, fluid communication via the one or more ports of the first or second sleeve system is restricted, and wherein, in the third mode, fluid may be communicated via the one or more ports of the first or second sleeve system, transitioning the first and second sleeve systems to the second mode, and allowing the first sleeve system to transition from the second mode to the third mode. |
| US09458692B2 |
Isolation devices having a nanolaminate of anode and cathode
A wellbore isolation device comprising: a nanolaminate, wherein the nanolaminate comprises two or more layers of a first material and two or more layers of a second material, wherein the first material and the second material form a galvanic couple, and wherein the first material is the anode and the second material is the cathode of the galvanic couple. A method of removing the wellbore isolation device comprises: contacting or allowing the wellbore isolation device to come in contact with an electrolyte; and causing or allowing at least a portion of the two or more layers of the first material to dissolve. |
| US09458685B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling a completion operation
A method, computer-readable medium and apparatus for delivering a material to a downhole location in a formation is disclosed. A device is operated at a surface location to produce an action at the downhole location related to delivery of the material to the formation. A downhole parameter is measured at the downhole location, wherein the downhole parameter is affected by the operation of the device at the surface location. The downhole parameter is measured using a sensor proximate the downhole location. The measured downhole parameter is used to alter operation of the device at the surface location to deliver the material to the formation at the downhole location. |
| US09458684B2 |
Petroleum well injection system for an intervention cable with a well tool run into or out of a well during a well operation
A petroleum well injection system is provided for an intervention cable with a well tool ran into or out of a well during a well operation. The system includes a blow out valve BOP connected to a well head at a well, a lock chamber at the BOP arranged to contain the well tool before and after the well operation, an injector for the intervention cable, with drive belts driven by an electric motor, and a sensor for measuring the injector force or the tension that the drive belts applies to the intervention cable, a guide arch at the injector, wherein the intervention cable runs taut over the guide arch to a first end of the closed bending restrictor channels, a guide arch load cell arranged to measure the backward tension between an intervention cable the first end of the bending restrictor channel, and wherein the other end of the bending restrictor channel is connected to a drum frame with a motor running a drum for the intervention cable. |
| US09458683B2 |
Mechanized and automated well service rig system
A well service rig system includes a well service rig, a catwalk, a racking system, and a tong system. The well service rig system provides techniques for tripping rods and/or tubulars with improved efficiency, such as reducing the need for operator intervention by providing process automation. The well service rig system is further adaptable for use with rods, tubulars, or both. The well servicing rig system also provides rod and/or tubular storage and delivery solutions via the integrated racking system. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides improved methods for tripping rods and/or tubulars. |
| US09458682B2 |
Coiled tubing injector with limited slip chains
A coiled tubing injector comprises a drive system for independently driving a plurality of chains independently but otherwise retarding relative motion between the driven chains when a chain begins to slip uncontrollably. |
| US09458680B2 |
Drilling rig
Disclosed herein are embodiments of an offshore drilling rig comprising a drill floor deck having a hole defining a first well center. Embodiments of the drilling rig further comprise a first mast upwardly extending relative to the drill floor deck, and a first hoisting system supported by the first mast and configured for hoisting and lowering tubular equipment through the first well center. The first mast is located on a first side of the first well center. Embodiments of the drilling rig further comprise first pipe handling equipment for presenting tubular equipment to the first hoisting system so as to allow the first hoisting system to hoist or lower the tubular equipment through the first well center. |
| US09458679B2 |
Apparatus and method for damping vibration in a drill string
An apparatus and method for damping vibration, especially torsional vibration due to stick-slip, in a drill string, Sensors measure the instantaneous angular velocity of the drill string at one or more locations along the length of the drill string. One or more vibration damping modules are also spaced along the length of the drill string. When torsional vibration above a threshold is detected, the damping module imposes a reverse torque on the drill that dampens the torsional vibration. The reverse torque can be created by imparting a frictional resistance to the rotation of the drill string. The frictional resistance can be created externally, by extending friction pads from the damping module so that they contact the bore hole wall and drag along the bore hole as the drill string rotates, or internally by anchoring a housing mounted on the drill string to the wall of the bore hole and then imposing frictional resistance on a fluid, such as a magnetorheological fluid, flowing within the drill string. |
| US09458670B2 |
Ram accelerator system with endcap
One or more ram accelerator devices may be used to form one or more holes in geologic or other material. These holes may be used for drilling, tunnel boring, excavation, and so forth. The ram accelerator devices propel projectiles which are accelerated by combustion of one or more combustible gasses in a ram effect to reach velocities exceeding 500 meters per second. An endcap may be deployed within a tube of the ram accelerator device to prevent incursion of formation pressure products such as oil, water, mud, gas, and so forth into a guide tube of the ram accelerator. During operation the projectile penetrates the endcap and at least a portion thereof impact a working face. In some implementations a purge gas may be used to form a ullage between the endcap and the working face. |
| US09458669B2 |
Drilling table
A drilling table for a drilling rig has an accommodation sleeve that can be rotated via a rotational drive for accommodation of a Kelly rod provided with driving contours. Coupling elements are disposed on the inside wall of the accommodation sleeve for engagement into the driving contours of the Kelly rod for transfer of torque and bias forces. Broken-out areas are introduced into the accommodation sleeve, through which areas the coupling elements that can be inserted from the outside are passed, to project into the sleeve interior. A drilling rig has such a drilling table. |
| US09458668B1 |
Small gate within big gate within barrier
A gate within a gate within a barrier. A first, relatively small gate is engaged within a second, relatively large gate, which is engaged in a barrier for extending across a passageway of a residence. The relatively large gate can be closed to, for example, minimize access of toddlers to the passageway, while the relatively small gate can be opened to, for example, maximize access of small dogs to the passageway. One example of a passageway is the head or bottom of a stairway. The relatively large gate, when closed, minimizes toddlers from falling down or climbing up stairs. The relatively small gate, when open, permits small dogs to walk down or climb up the stairs. |
| US09458667B2 |
Gate for composite railing
A gate for a deck railing is made with composite rails that match the profile and height of the composite rails of the deck railing where the gate is being used. The gate includes a pair of spaced side rails that securely support mounts that fit within the ends of the top and bottom composite rails. In some configurations, a cross brace is used from the top of the side rail with the hinges to the bottom of the other side rail. The gate is assembled from a gate kit that allows the user to provide lengths of the composite deck railings to be used as the top and bottom rails in the gate at locations that match the deck railing in order to provide a strong, durable deck gate that blends in with the deck railing. |
| US09458664B2 |
Adjustable cord locker and window blind having such adjustable cord locker
An adjustable cord locker for fastening at least a lift cord to a bottom rail and regulating a length of the lift cord includes a barrel, a reel, and a control wheel. The reel is received in the barrel for rotation by control. The lift cord is inserted into the barrel and fastened to the reel to be wound around the reel when the reel is turning. The control wheel is connected to the reel for a user to operate to turn the reel. The control wheel is provided with teeth, and the barrel is provided with a pawl. The pawl is engaged with the teeth to allow the control wheel to be turned or hold still. |
| US09458663B2 |
Process and system for manufacturing a roller blind
A process and system for manufacturing roller blinds is provided which includes structure for performing plural steps including a first step of helically winding slat fabric about a drum, thereby forming a slat product. A second step includes moving the slat product from the drum to a platform. A third step includes winding the slat product about a roller tube to form a roller blind. A fourth step includes moving the blind from the platform to a heat treating device. |
| US09458662B2 |
Energy-efficient fenestration assemblies
A fenestration assembly is described. The fenestration assembly includes: (1) a layer of film; (2) a frame having a first surface and a second surface, which is opposite to the first surface, the first surface substantially surrounding and having secured thereon the film and the frame having a thickness such that when the second side is fitted onto a window or a window frame, the thickness of the frame defines a space between the film and the window; and (3) wherein said film is a low-emittance film having an emissivity equal to or less than 0.35. |
| US09458661B2 |
Sliding door with tortuous leading edge path
A sliding door assembly is provided comprising a first door having a tortuous leading edge, a door frame, a guide track, and a member having a complementary tortuous edge to that of the door. The drive assembly includes magnets to drive the door between open and closed positions. |
| US09458657B2 |
System and method for automatically closing a garage door
Systems and methods for automatically closing a garage door can include one or more door open sensors, one or more motion sensors, one or more timers, and a door close activator. In certain embodiments, the one or more door open sensors are configured to detect whether the garage door is completely open. In various embodiments, the one or more motion sensors are focused in a garage and configured to detect motion within the garage. In certain embodiments, the one or more timers are configured to delay for a predetermined time period after motion is no longer detected. In various embodiments, the door close activator is configured to close the garage door after the delay of the predetermined period of time. |
| US09458653B2 |
Check link structure
A check link structure includes a first bracket, a cam arm and a cam follower. The first bracket has a pivot support structure defining a first pivot axis. The cam arm is coupled to the first bracket for pivotal movement about the first pivot axis. The cam arm includes a cam block and a support shell. The cam block has a cam surface that includes a plurality of positioning recesses and a plurality of movement restricting lobes between adjacent ones of the plurality of positioning recesses. The support shell defines a block receiving space that non-movably retains the cam block. The cam follower has a follower surface that is configured to continuously contact the cam surface of the cam block in response to movement of one of the first bracket and the cam follower relative to the other of the first bracket and the cam follower. |
| US09458651B2 |
Adjustable door lock and associated method
An adjustable door lock includes a catch plate having a body and a plurality of flanges positioned on an exterior face of the body such that a corresponding gap is formed between the body and each of the flanges, respectively. Advantageously, a catch having a channel is adjustably connected to the catch plate wherein the catch is selectively interfitted through at least of one of the gaps. A door plate is disposed adjacent to the catch plate and adapted to be secured to the door. A locking bolt is in communication with the door plate and linearly reciprocated along a first linear path passing along the door plate and the channel. Notably, the catch is automatically adjusted along a second linear path orthogonally registered relative to the first linear path such that the linear channel automatically becomes axially aligned with the locking bolt as the locking bolt ingresses and egresses the catch. |
| US09458650B2 |
Endgate retainer pin assembly
A latch assembly is provided for a holding a vehicle endgate in a closed position. The assembly includes a latch pin having a main shaft disposed generally along an axis and a projection that is spaced apart from and projects toward the main shaft axis. A first receiving member is connected to one of a vehicle frame and the endgate and has a hole for receiving the latch pin main shaft. A second receiving member is connected to the other of the frame and the endgate and has a hole for receiving the latch pin main shaft. The first receiving hole and the second receiving member hole are in alignment when the endgate is in the closed position. The first receiving member includes an inclined annular groove for receiving the latch pin projection. When the latch pin projection is disposed in the annular groove, gravity will impede the latch pin projection from exiting the groove. |
| US09458644B1 |
Apparatus for erecting a hunting blind
Apparatus for erecting a hunting blind, comprising a frame including at least one movable frame member for selective orientation in a configuration defining a blind outline, and a plurality of vegetation support elements spaced apart on the at least one frame member, each support element defining an opening sized and configured for insertion of an item of vegetation and having a clamping element for securing the vegetation item in an upright disposition to conceal a hunter behind the blind outline. |
| US09458641B2 |
Decontamination shelters with integrated ballast systems
Ballast systems for, particularly, inflatable decontamination shelters are described. The systems may be integrated into the overall structures of the shelters so as to avoid need for sand bags or other discrete weight-providing objects. They additionally may use liquids (rather than or in addition to solids) for weight-providing purposes, with the liquids including water supplied by the same plumbing system that supplies a shower of a shelter. |
| US09458639B1 |
Metal roof safety anchor device
A safety anchor device attachable to a metal roof is provided in one-piece construction and is noninvasively attached to a metal roof. The device leaves no marks or flaws in or on the roof or roof structure. The device has a substantially tetragonal beam. Rods extended from the beam slidingly engage raised ridges in a metal roof panel, typically at a roof ridge or at any other open-ended roof panel. A closed rounded end of a u-loop is permanently affixed to the tetragon beam and faces downwardly toward the metal roof panel. Objects, equipment and people can be linked to the u-loop to prevent falling. |
| US09458638B2 |
Leave-in-place concrete formwork combining plate dowels, divider plates, and/or finishing, armoring and/or sealing molding
A leave-in-place forming system for concrete slabs and pavements that comprises a number of components including two or more of the following: a plate dowel for load transfer between adjacent concrete panels (joint stability), a divider plate, and an assembly or molding to finish the concrete to, that armors the joint and/or provides a water-tight seal to the joint. The joint assembly could incorporate an integral setting assembly or bracket or could be used with a re-usable setting bracket. The integral assembly or bracket is most suitable when it is desirable to place concrete to both sides of the joint assembly at the same time. The re-usable setting bracket is most suitable where concrete is placed to just one side of the assembly and it is desirable to re-use the setting assembly. |
| US09458636B2 |
Multi-stage shock absorbing modular floor tile apparatus
Modular floor tiles and modular floor systems are described herein. A floor tile system includes a modular floor tile and a plurality of resilient support assemblies. The modular floor tile includes a top surface layer having a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of rigid support portions extending from the bottom surface. The resilient support assemblies are supported against the bottom surface and include an outer resilient support portion having a hollow interior, and an inner resilient support portion positioned centrally relative to the outer resilient support portion. |
| US09458634B2 |
Building panel with a mechanical locking system
A set of essentially identical panels (1, 1′), such as building panels, provided with a mechanical locking system including a displaceable tongue (30), which is arranged in a displacement groove at a first edge of a first panel (1). A second panel is provided with a tongue groove at a second edge. The displaceable tongue is configured to cooperate with the tongue groove (20) for locking together the first and the second edge. The displaceable tongue has a spring constant that varies along the length of the tongue. |
| US09458632B2 |
Composite materials and applications thereof and methods of making composite materials
Various embodiments of the present invention provide composite materials and methods of making the same. In some embodiments, the composite materials comprise high temperature resistant composite materials and methods of making high temperature resistant composite materials. In some embodiments, high temperature resistant composite materials of the present invention can be fabricated into landing pads, components used in landing pads to provide a structure to support the take-off and landing of aircraft, roadways or similar travel paths for heavy equipment, and/or components used in roadways or similar travel paths for heavy equipment. In one embodiment, a composite material comprises an inorganic ceramic matrix having a top surface in facing opposition to a bottom surface and at least one side surface between the top surface and the bottom surface, a first open weave fabric comprising a plurality of fibers disposed in the matrix proximate the bottom surface of the matrix, and at least one additional open weave fabric comprising a plurality of fibers disposed in the matrix between the first open weave fabric and the top surface of the matrix, wherein the at least one additional open weave fabric is positioned closer to the bottom surface than the top surface of the matrix. |
| US09458617B1 |
Sump pump apparatus and method
A sump pump assembly with a basin, a first shelf fixedly position in a lower end of the basin, a lid for securing to an upper end of the basin, the lid having a transparent window for viewing a water level in the basin, a light mounted within the basin for assisting in viewing the water level, a first pump positioned on a floor of the basin, a second pump positioned on the first shelf, and an alarm for notifying a building owner when the first pump ceases to operate but prior to operation of the second pump. Alternative embodiments comprise a battery-powered third pump, a battery for powering the third pump, and a mount for mounting the battery inside the basin. |
| US09458615B2 |
Spraying device
The present invention relates to a automated spraying device for spraying an enclosure with a liquid cleanser, the device having,—a reservoir (16) for containing the liquid cleanser,—a pump (14) in fluid communication with the reservoir, and—a movable spray head (15) having an outlet orifice through which cleanser from the reservoir can be expelled during operation of the pump if there is such liquid cleanser in the reservoir. Said spraying device also contains an electrical motor drive mechanism (12) for sequentially operating th pump (14) and moving the spray head (15) to modify the direction of the spray there from, such that the spray head is not simultaneously spraying and moving. Furthermore, the spray head is suitable for producing an aerosol whereby the Dv50 of the aerosol is in the range of from 30 to 70 micron. |
| US09458611B2 |
Method and a liquid distribution system for retaining the temperature of a liquid in the system
A method and a fluid tap device for retaining the temperature of a liquid, in a liquid distribution system having at least one liquid conduit extending from a liquid source to a liquid tap. After completion of a tapping operation and replacing the liquid with gas in the conduit, the refilling of liquid in the conduit is performed in three steps: a first step, initiated by activating the tap thereby causing a change of a physical variable which propagates backwards along the conduit and initiates a second step, the second step involving refilling the conduit with liquid from the source, while permitting remaining gas to escape via a gas passage separate from a liquid passage in the tap, and a third step, initiated when the liquid reaches the tap, involving opening the passage and permitting the liquid to flow out via the passage and through the tap. |
| US09458610B2 |
Plumbing connector
A plumbing connector for the outlet portion of a toilet water input hose is disclosed. The plumbing connector may have a circular body (e.g., cylindrical body) having multiple flanges radially extending from the circular body. One or more of the flanges may each define at least one pyramidal recess or slot thereby reducing the cross-sectional area of a portion of each of the one or more flanges. As a result, the one or more flanges are configured to separate (e.g., break away) from the circular body at the reduced cross-sectional area portion of each of the one or more flanges to prevent a user from over-tightening (e.g., over-torqueing) the plumbing connector. |
| US09458601B2 |
Apparatus for mounting a tool to a power vehicle
An apparatus for mounting a tool to a powered vehicle including a support frame, at least one mounting bracket, a threaded shaft, and a carriage assembly. At least one mounting bracket extends from the support frame and is configured to mount to the powered vehicle. The threaded shaft has a first end journaled to the support frame and a second end journaled to the support frame. The carriage assembly has a plurality of connectors and is movingly connected to the support frame and the threaded shaft. |
| US09458597B2 |
Construction machine control system, construction machine, and construction machine control method
A control system includes: a control valve control unit that controls a control valve; a data acquisition unit that acquires data on an operation command value and a cylinder speed in a state where an operation command for operating a hydraulic cylinder is output; and a deriving unit that derives operation characteristics in an operation direction of each of a plurality of hydraulic cylinders in relation to the operation command value based on the data acquired by the data acquisition unit. In acquisition of the data by the data acquisition unit, the control valve control unit controls a control valve of one pilot oil passage that is an acquisition object where the data is acquired among the plurality of pilot oil passages to open one pilot oil passage and controls control valves of the other pilot oil passages to close the other pilot oil passages. |
| US09458596B2 |
Conduit cartridge
An industrial machine includes a frame, an elongated member, an attachment, a plurality of fluid lines, and a cartridge. The frame includes a boom and a fluid source. The elongated member is movably coupled to the boom and includes a first end and a second end. The attachment is pivotably coupled to the first end of the elongated member. The plurality of fluid lines is coupled to the second end of the elongated member and is in fluid communication with the fluid source. The cartridge is removably coupled to the elongated member. The cartridge includes a housing and a plurality of conduits supported within the housing. The conduits are in fluid communication with the plurality of lines. |
| US09458595B2 |
Heavy duty vent cap system for a suction pile
The heavy duty a vent cap system includes a top plate with a bucket interface, a center stem assembly, a retainer assembly, a bottom plate with a stem sleeve and guiding device, an adapter ring, a plurality of perimeter stem assemblies and a plurality of perimeter installation stems. A remote operated vehicle engages the bucket interface to rotate a center stem member in the center stem assembly. A threaded portion of the center stem assembly engages a stem nut in the retainer assembly. The rotation along threads of the stem nut held within the retainer assembly actuates the bottom plate between opened and closed positions. The bottom plate maintains alignment to the top plate and adapter ring and resists cocking and distortion. The bottom plate seals to a connection portion of the adapter ring in any orientation of the heavy duty vent cap system, ranging from vertical to horizontal. |
| US09458594B2 |
System and method for retaining wall
A retaining wall system for mechanically stabilizing an earthen wall is provided. The system comprises a plurality of modular block members that may be assembled in a number of desired states or orientations. Tieback members for supporting the wall and related fill are provided and the wall comprises interconnection members for the tieback members. |
| US09458586B2 |
Apparatus and method for securing a fairing to a marine element
Apparatus and methods for securing a fairing around a marine element. The apparatus can include first and second opposing sides, and a third side extending between the first and second sides. An attachment mechanism can extend from the third side, and is configured to interlock with a corresponding attachment mechanism of an opposing connector to secure the fairing around a marine element. |
| US09458585B2 |
Leakproof spreader device
A device for spreading a granular material over a road surface. The device includes a hopper fillable with the granular material and an agitating member configured to discharge the granular material from an outlet of the hopper. A brush is aligned with the outlet of the hopper and includes a plurality of bristles configured to inhibit leakage of the granular material from the outlet of the hopper during stoppage of the agitating member. Also provided are a system in which the spreader device is mounted on a vehicle, and a method of operating the spreader device. |
| US09458583B2 |
Energy attenuating safety system
An energy absorbing system with one or more energy absorbing assemblies is provided to reduce or eliminate severity of a collision between a moving vehicle and a roadside hazard. The energy absorbing system may be installed adjacent various roadside hazards or may be installed on highway service equipment. One end of the system may face oncoming traffic. A collision by a motor vehicle with a sled assembly may result in shredding or rupturing of portions of an energy absorbing element to dissipate energy from the vehicle collision. |
| US09458581B1 |
Coordinated and proportional grade and slope control using gain matrixes
A multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) computer control system in a heavy equipment machine is in communication with multiple sensors in order to measure deviations from a path to be followed. Sensor corrections are applied to return the heavy equipment machine to a path to be followed or to restrain the machine from deviating from the path to be followed. Sensor corrections affect a controlled variable, such as cross-slope. Sensor corrections may account for false positives and false negatives. Sensor corrections are applied to the heavy equipment machine using a gain matrix (G). The multiple vectors of gain values comprising the gain matrix (G) are utilized by the MIMO computer control system to simultaneously and proportionally actuate each drive leg of the machine to obtain a desired grade including a compensated slope and/or elevation. |
| US09458574B2 |
Fibrous structures
A fibrous structure includes first, second, and third relatively high density wet-formed discrete elements disposed in a repeating concentric pattern. Each relatively high density wet-formed discrete element is at least partially defined by a continuous relatively low density wet-formed network that extends about an area of the fibrous structure. The first, second, and third relatively high density wet-formed discrete elements are distinguishable one from another by their respective area dimensions. |
| US09458571B2 |
Method for producing furnish, furnish and paper
A method for preparing aqueous furnish to be used in paper or paper board manufacturing. Filler and/or fibers are treated with cationic polyelectrolyte and nanofibrillated cellulose. The strength of the paper and the retention of the fillers in paper can be improved. A furnish prepared by a method, and a paper or a paper board manufactured from the furnish. |
| US09458569B2 |
Wet oxidation of biomass
The present disclosure comprises methods, apparatus, components, and techniques for pretreatment of biomaterials using targeted wet oxidation. The targeted wet oxidation pretreatment is an upstream method for converting solid biomass into fuels and/or specialty chemicals. Embodiments of the present disclosure comprise methods carried out on biomaterials to selectively oxidize lignin components of the biomass, thereby resulting in bio accessible/digestible biomass fibers. In embodiments of the present disclosure, such methods may comprise pretreatment processes to prepare the biomaterials for a subsequent fermentation or other like conversion may be carried out to result in useful bio fuels or other bioproducts. |
| US09458568B2 |
Creation of patterns in fibrous matrices using localized dissolution printing
A method for fabricating a patterned fibrous matrix includes providing a printer adapted to use an etching solvent as an ink; providing to the printer a fibrous matrix to use as a printing medium; providing to the printer a pattern for printing on the fibrous matrix; printing by the printer the pattern on the fibrous matrix; and receiving from the printer the patterned fibrous matrix with the pattern etched thereon. |
| US09458560B2 |
Stitchwork status checking system, stitchwork status checking apparatus, stitchwork status checking method and stitchwork status checking program
A sewing machine includes a temporal memory that stores stitchwork data currently stitched, and a first CRC data converter unit that converts the stitchwork data into unique codes. A stitchwork status checking apparatus includes a temporal memory that stores stitchwork data, a second CRC data converter unit that converts the stitchwork data stored in the local temporal memory into unique codes, and a CRC data converter unit that compares the codes converted by the first CRC data converter unit with the codes converted by the second CRC data converter unit. The stitchwork data stored in the temporal memory of the stitchwork status checking apparatus is the stitchwork data currently stitched by the sewing machine and transferred via a wireless network. |
| US09458558B2 |
High-strength lightweight non-woven fabric made of spunbonded non-woven, method for the production thereof and use thereof
The invention relates to a high-strength light-weight non-woven fabric made of spunbonded non-woven, particularly for use as a reinforcement or strengthening material, comprising at least one ply of melt-spun synthetic filaments, which are bonded by means of high-energy water jets, characterized in that it includes a thermally activatable binding agent, which is applied onto the ply of melt-spun filaments in the form of at least one thin layer. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a non-woven fabric. |
| US09458556B2 |
Fiber comprising polyvinylpyrrolidone
The present invention relates to a fiber comprising polyvinylpyrrolidone, and a web employing such a fiber. |
| US09458555B2 |
Characterization of microarrays by nanogold staining
Methods for determining the quality of a biomolecular microarray to determine suitability of the microarray for performing specific binding reactions, such as hybridization, are provided. Methods are based on staining a microarray with a solution of detectable nanoparticles that reversibly stain the biomolecules through an electrostatic interaction to select microarrays that meet quality standards for hybridization reactions. A gold nanoparticle solution based staining method for DNA microarrays is provided. Destaining methods allowing multiple rounds of hybridization of nanogold stained microarrays are provided. Microarrays selected by methods of the invention are provided. |
| US09458554B2 |
Semiconductor wafer composed of monocrystalline silicon and method for producing it
The invention relates to a semiconductor wafer of monocrystalline silicon, and to a method for producing it. The semiconductor wafer has a zone, DZ, which is free of BMD defects and extends from a front side of the semiconductor wafer into the bulk of the semiconductor wafer, and a region having BMD defects which extends from the DZ further into the bulk of the semiconductor wafer. A silicon single crystal is pulled by the Czochralski method and processed to form a polished monocrystalline silicon substrate wafer. The substrate wafer is treated by rapidly heating and cooling the substrate wafer, slowly heating the rapidly heated and cooled substrate wafer, and keeping the substrate wafer at a specific temperature and over a specific period. |
| US09458553B2 |
Method for growing GZO (ZnO:Ga) crystals
The disclosure provides a method for growing GZO (ZnO:Ga) single crystals and relates to the technical field of crystal growth. The method may include the following steps: firstly, preparing compact, uniform and single-phase polycrystalline rods; secondly, optimizing the components and the proportions of flux; finally, optimizing the process parameters of travelling solvent floating zone crystal growth method for GZO, such as growth power, growth rate and rotation speed, etc. GZO crystals grown by this disclosure are high in crystalline quality, consistent in growth direction and excellent in electrical properties. |
| US09458551B2 |
Coated crucibles and methods for applying a coating to a crucible
Silicon nitride coated crucibles for holding melted semiconductor material and for use in preparing multicrystalline silicon ingots by a directional solidification process; methods for coating crucibles; methods for preparing silicon ingots and wafers; compositions for coating crucibles and silicon ingots and wafers with a low oxygen content. |
| US09458546B2 |
Articles from microarc processes and methods of manufacturing same
Disclosed articles as results of a microarc oxidation process, or plurality thereof, which are not limited by size, specifically by certain dimensions of their size, such as their length. Different sections or surfaces of articles of the invention may be subjected to a microarc oxidation process at any given time, such as by gradually subjecting a surface of an article to a microarc oxidation process, or such as by sequentially subjecting different sections of an articles to a microarc oxidation process. Furthermore, disclosed are methods for manufacturing of articles of the invention, or otherwise for subjecting articles of the invention to a microarc oxidation process, or plurality thereof. In some examples, tubes of above 6 meter in length may be coated according to methods of the invention. The coating of said tubes may be beneficial for desalination applications. In other examples, only grooves of pulleys are coated. Further disclosed are articles which underwent a microarc oxidation process, or plurality thereof, which included different solution, optionally by utilizing a solution modulator. |
| US09458545B2 |
Method of ventilating an aluminum production electrolytic cell
An aluminium production electrolytic cell (4) comprises a bath (8) with bath contents (8a), at least one cathode electrode (10) in contact with said contents (8a), at least one anode electrode (6) in contact with said contents (8a), and a hood (16), defining interior area (16a), covering at least a portion of said bath (8). The electrolytic cell (4) is equipped for vent gases to be drawn from said interior area (16a). The electrolytic cell (4) also comprises at least one heat exchanger (52) for cooling at least a portion of the vent gases drawn from interior area (16a), prior to circulation thereof to interior area (16a). |
| US09458544B2 |
Organic hydride conversion device
An exemplary organic hydride conversion device for generating a hydrogen gas through organic hydride conversion according to the present disclosure comprises an anode containing a dehydrogenation catalyst, a cathode containing hydrogenation catalyst, and a proton conductor disposed between the anode and the cathode. The proton conductor has a perovskite crystal structure expressed by the compositional formula AaB1-xB′xO3-x. The A element is an alkaline-earth metal and is contained in a range of 0.4 |
| US09458542B2 |
Materials and design for an electrocatalytic device and method which produces carbon nanotubes and hydrocarbon transportation fuels
The present teachings are directed toward an electrocatalytic cell including a barrier, having at least a first side and a second side opposite the first side, comprising a material permeable to oxygen ions and impermeable to at least CO2, CO, H2, H2O and hydrocarbons, an electrical power supply in communication with the barrier, a catalyst adjacent the first side of the barrier, a supply of feedstock components in communication with the first side of the barrier, a supply of a carrier gas component in communication with the second side of the barrier; wherein the feedstock components contact the catalyst and react to form hydrocarbon-containing components and oxygen-containing components, and the electrical power supply biases the barrier to thereby conduct oxygen ions from the first side to the second side. Also presented are a device and methods for producing carbon nanotubes. |
| US09458540B2 |
Package substrate and manufacturing method thereof
A manufacturing method of a package substrate is provided. A first base is formed. Metal bumps are formed on the first base by plating. A second base having an upper and a lower surfaces, a core dielectric layer, a first and a second copper foil layers and containing cavities is provided. An adhesive layer is formed on inner walls of the containing cavities. The first and the second bases are laminated so that the metal bumps are disposed inside the containing cavities. A first base is removed. Blind via holes extending from the upper surface to the metal bumps are formed. A conductive material layer is formed on the first and the second copper foil layers, wherein the conductive material layer fills the blind via holes so as to define conductive through via holes. The conductive material layer is patterned to form a first and a second patterned metal layers. |
| US09458536B2 |
PECVD coating methods for capped syringes, cartridges and other articles
A method is disclosed in which a vapor-deposited coating or layer is directly or indirectly applied to at least a portion of the internal wall of the barrel of a capped pre-assembly comprising a barrel, optionally a dispensing portion, and a cap. The cap is secured to the barrel and at least substantially isolates the distal opening of the dispensing portion from pressure conditions outside the cap. A vapor-deposited coating or layer is applied directly or indirectly to at least a portion of the internal wall of the barrel while the pre-assembly is capped. The coating or layer is applied under conditions effective to maintain communication from the barrel lumen to the exterior via the front opening, optionally further via the dispensing portion lumen if present, at the end of the applying step. The capped pre-assembly can be pressure tested easily and rapidly, for example with a test duration between 1 and 60 seconds, to determine whether it has container closure integrity. |
| US09458535B2 |
Semiconductor manufacturing device and semiconductor manufacturing method
A semiconductor manufacturing device has a conveyor configured to convey a tray having an unshielded semiconductor device mounted thereon to go through electromagnetic shielding, and a controller configured to control the conveyor. The controller performs control to take out the tray from a tray supply storage storing trays each having an unshielded semiconductor device mounted thereon to go through the electromagnetic shielding, place the tray on a carrier, and convey this carrier to a sputtering device which coats the unshielded semiconductor device with a sputtering material for the electromagnetic shielding, and the controller performs control to take out, from the sputtering device, the carrier having the tray placed thereon with an electromagnetically shielded semiconductor device being mounted on the tray, convey the tray, pick up the tray having the electromagnetically shielded semiconductor device mounted thereon from the carrier, and store the tray in the tray supply storage. |
| US09458534B2 |
High strain damping method including a face-centered cubic ferromagnetic damping coating, and components having same
A method to increase the damping of a substrate using a face-centered cubic ferromagnetic damping coating having high damping loss attributes when a strain amplitude is 500-2000 micro-strain, and/or maximum damping loss attributes that occurs when the strain amplitude is greater than 250 micro-strain, and a turbine component having a face-centered cubic ferromagnetic damping coating. |
| US09458530B2 |
Method of supplying Zn—Al alloy to molten zinc pot, method of adjusting concentration of Al in molten zinc bath, and apparatus for supplying Zn—Al alloy to molten zinc pot
A method of supplying a Zn—Al alloy to a molten zinc pot which accommodates a molten zinc bath in a hot dip galvanizing line, includes: supplying the Zn—Al alloy from a supply portion provided at a lower portion of an insertion guide having a pipe shape, in which the supply portion is immersed between an inner wall of the molten zinc pot on a downstream side in a travelling direction of a steel sheet and a front support roll installed in the molten zinc bath at a depth within ±400 mm from a lower end of the front support roll, and an inside of the insertion guide is pressurized by inert gas to prevent the molten zinc bath from advancing to the inside of the insertion guide. |
| US09458529B2 |
High-hardness shot material for shot peening and shot peening method
A high hardness, high toughness and inexpensive shot material for shot peening is provided. The high-hardness shot material for shot peening comprises, in mass %, 5 to 8% of B; 0.05 to 1% of C; 0 to 25% of Cr; balance Fe and inevitable impurities. B and C are contained in a total amount of 8.5% or less. |
| US09458528B2 |
2xxx series aluminum lithium alloys
New 2xxx aluminum lithium alloys are disclosed. The aluminum alloys include 3.5-4.4 wt. % Cu, 0.45-0.75 wt. % Mg, 0.45-0.75 wt. % Zn, 0.65-1.15 wt. % Li, 0.1-1.0 wt. % Ag, 0.05-0.50 wt. % of at least one grain structure control element, up to 1.0 wt. % Mn, up to 0.15 wt. % Ti, up to 0.12 wt. % Si, up to 0.15 wt. % Fe, up to 0.10 wt. % of any other element, with the total of these other elements not exceeding 0.35 wt. %, the balance being aluminum. |
| US09458526B2 |
Method for separating impurities from an acidic solution containing nickel and cobalt and/or scandium
Provided is a method for efficiently separating nickel, cobalt and/or scandium, and impurities from an acidic solution containing impurities such as manganese, iron, zinc, and aluminum. A valuable-metal extracting agent of the present invention is expressed by general formula (1). In the formula, R1 and R2 each represent the same or different alkyl groups, R3 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, and R4 represents a hydrogen atom or a given group, other than an amino group, that bonds with an α carbon as an amino acid. In general formula (1), the inclusion of a glycine unit, a histidine unit, a lysine unit, an asparagine acid unit, or a normal methylglycine unit is preferred. |
| US09458525B2 |
Method of recovering rare earth elements from oxidized scrap of permanent magnet
Disclosed is a method of recovering a rare earth element from oxidized scrap of permanent magnet. The method includes leaching an oxidized scrap of a permanent magnet from a sulfuric acid solution, and recovering the rare earth element after precipitating the rare earth element contained in the oxidized scrap of the permanent magnet by adding sodium sulfate into the sulfuric acid solution. |
| US09458523B2 |
Corrosion resistant glass coating applied to ceramic foam used to filter molten aluminum
An improved filter is described which is particularly suitable for filtering molten metal. The filter has a porous open celled ceramic foam body with voids separated by struts wherein a portion of the struts are densified with glass. |
| US09458522B2 |
Method for recovery of the constituent components of laterites
Digestion of a laterite ore with sulfuric acid dissolves all constituents except silica. The resulting sulfates—aluminum sulfate, ferric sulfate, titanyl sulfate, and magnesium sulfate—remain in solution at approximately 90° C. Hot filtration separates silica. Solution flow over metallic iron reduces ferric sulfate to ferrous sulfate. Controlled ammonia addition promotes hydrolysis and precipitation of hydrated titania from titanyl sulfate that is removed by filtration. Continued addition of ammonia forms ferrous ammonium sulfate and ammonium aluminum sulfate solutions. Alum is preferentially separated by crystallization. Ammonia addition to ammonium alum solution precipitates aluminum hydroxide, leaving ammonium sulfate in solution. The remaining iron rich liquor also contains magnesium sulfate. The addition of oxalic acid generates insoluble ferrous oxalate which is thermally decomposed to ferrous oxide and carbon monoxide which is used to reduce the ferrous oxide to metallic iron. Further oxalic acid addition precipitates magnesium oxalate which is thermally decomposed to magnesium oxide. |
| US09458521B2 |
High tensile strength galvanized steel sheets excellent in formability and methods of manufacturing the same
A formable galvanized steel sheet includes, in terms of % by mass, 0.05 to 0.3% of C, 0.01 to 2.5% of Si, 0.5 to 3.5% of Mn, 0.003 to 0.100% of P, 0.02% or less of S, 0.010 to 1.5% of Al, and 0.01 to 0.2% in total of at least one element selected from Ti, Nb and V, the remainder being Fe and unavoidable impurities, having a microstructure composed of, in terms of area fraction, 20 to 87% of ferrite, 3 to 10% in total of martensite and residual austenite, and 10 to 60% of tempered martensite, and a second phase composed of the martensite, residual austenite, and tempered martensite having an average crystal grain diameter of 3 μm or less, and having a ratio of absorption energy AE to tensile strength TS (AE/TS) not less than 0.063. |
| US09458520B2 |
Manufacturing method of a high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet having excellent uniform elongation and hole expandability
This high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet having excellent uniform elongation and hole expandability contains, C: 0.01 to 0.4%; Si: 0.001 to 2.5%; Mn: 0.001 to 4.0%; P: 0.001 to 0.15%; S: 0.0005 to 0.03%; Al: 0.001 to 2.0%; N: 0.0005 to 0.01%; and O: 0.0005 to 0.01%; in which Si+Al is limited to less than 1.0%, and a balance being composed of iron and inevitable impurities, in which at a sheet thickness center portion, an average value of pole densities of the {100}<011> to {223}<110> orientation group is 5.0 or less, and a pole density of the {332}<113> crystal orientation is 4.0 or less, a metal structure contains 5 to 80% of ferrite, 5 to 80% of bainite, and 1% or less of martensite in terms of an area ratio and the total of martensite, pearlite, and retained austenite is 5% or less, and an r value (rC) in a direction perpendicular to a rolling direction is 0.70 or more and an r value (r30) in a direction 30° from the rolling direction is 1.10 or less. |
| US09458518B2 |
Starting a smelting process
A method of starting a molten-bath based melting process includes establishing a sufficiently large and stable “hot zone” for ignition of oxygen and coal in a main chamber of a smelting vessel by independent means, i.e. independently of and before supplying cold oxygen and coal into the main chamber. |
| US09458516B2 |
Kit for detecting bovine leukemia virus(BLV), and use thereof
A kit for detecting Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) according to the present invention includes: a first PCR primer being oligonucleotide including successive 20 bases or more in the base sequence denoted by SEQ ID NO: 1, the first PCR primer being oligonucleotide having 50 bases or less; and second PCR primer being including successive 20 bases or more in the base sequence denoted by SEQ ID NO: 2, the second PCR primer being oligonucleotide having 50 bases or less is included. |
| US09458515B2 |
RNA including nucleoside compound, method for regulating amount of protein produced from the RNA, and nucleoside compound
An RNA of the present invention is an RNA containing a 5′ cap structure and a coding region having a 5′ initiation codon and a 3′ stop codon on both ends of the coding region, the RNA having a nucleoside compound introduced at a site selected from among the 5′ cap structure and 10 bases from a 5′ end of the RNA, wherein the nucleoside compound is such that a group is attached to (i) a carbon atom at position 8 of a purine nucleus or (ii) a carbon atom at position 5 or 6 of a pyrimidine nucleus, the group being represented by formula (I): A-X═X-# (I) where A represents an aryl group or a heteroaryl group, # represents a site where the group represented by the formula (I) is attached to the carbon atom at the position 8 of the purine nucleus or the carbon atom at the position 5 or 6 of the pyrimidine nucleus, and two Xs, which are identical to or different from each other, each represents a nitrogen atom or CH whose H may be substituted by alkyl. |
| US09458511B2 |
Multiplexed digital assay for variant and normal forms of a gene of interest
System, including methods, apparatus, and compositions, for performing a multiplexed digital assay of at least three targets. In an exemplary method, partitions may be formed each including a portion of a same sample. The sample may include a first target that is a reference sequence, a second target that is a variant sequence from a gene of interest, and a third target that is a normal sequence from the gene of interest. The target may be amplified in the partitions and amplification data may be collected. A level of the second target may be determined. A copy number of the third target may be determined from a level of the first target and a level of the third target. |
| US09458509B2 |
Multiple input biologic classifier circuits for cells
Provided herein are high-input detector modules and multi-input biological classifier circuits and systems that integrate sophisticated sensing, information processing, and actuation in living cells and permit new directions in basic biology, biotechnology and medicine. The multi-input biological classifier circuits described herein comprise synthetic, scaleable transcriptional/post-transcriptional regulatory circuits that are designed to interrogate the status of a cell by simultaneously sensing expression levels of multiple endogenous inputs, such as microRNAs. The classifier circuits then compute whether to trigger a desired output or response if the expression levels match a pre-determined profile of interest. |
| US09458505B2 |
Diagnosis of cowden and cowden-like syndrome by detection of decreased killin expression
A method of diagnosing Cowden syndrome (CS) and Cowden-like Syndrome (CLS) is described. The method includes diagnosing CS and CLS in a subject by identifying a decrease in expression of the KILLIN gene, or by identifying hypermethylation of the KILLIN promoter region. Kits for diagnosing CS and CLS by identifying subjects having KILLIN promoter region hypermethylation and primers specific for a methylated KILLIN promoter region are also described. |
| US09458502B2 |
Methods and apparatus for measuring analytes using large scale FET arrays
Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in the concentration of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi), hydrogen ions, and nucleotide triphosphates. |
| US09458497B2 |
Multiplex Q-PCR arrays
This invention provides methods and systems for measuring the concentration of multiple nucleic acid sequences in a sample. The nucleic acid sequences in the sample are simultaneously amplified, for example, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the presence of an array of nucleic acid probes. The amount of amplicon corresponding to the multiple nucleic acid sequences can be measured in real-time during or after each cycle using a real-time microarray. The measured amount of amplicon produced can be used to determine the original amount of the nucleic acid sequences in the sample. |
| US09458495B2 |
Methods and systems for assessment of clinical infertility
Methods and computer-based systems for facilitating assessment of clinical infertility are provided. The methods and systems can be implemented to, for example, facilitate assessment of a subject for an in vitro fertilization treatment cycle, including determining probability of a live birth event. The methods and systems can be implemented to, for example, facilitate a determination of success implantation of embryos, selection of an optimal number of embryos to transfer, and determination of success in subsequent in vitro fertilization treatment cycles following an unsuccessful treatment cycle. |
| US09458494B2 |
Extraction of nucleic acids from wax-embedded samples
Provided is a method for extracting nucleic acids from a wax-embedded sample, and use of particular solvents for removing wax from a wax-embedded sample for extracting, isolating and/or purifying nucleic acids from a crosslinked wax-embedded sample. |
| US09458492B2 |
Methods and cells for identifying RIG-I pathway regulators
Disclosed herein are methods for identifying compounds for the treatment of viral infection, including RNA viral infection and uses of the compounds as pharmaceutical compositions. The identified compounds modulate the RIG-I pathway in vertebrate cells. |
| US09458491B2 |
Method and reagent for measuring mevalonic acid, 3-hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A, and coenzyme A
The present invention provides a method for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a test solution wherein the analyte is mevalonic acid and/or 3-hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A, comprising the following steps (p) and (q): (p) a step of allowing an enzyme that catalyzes a reaction represented by Reaction Formula 1 and an enzyme that catalyzes a reaction represented by Reaction Formula 2 to act on a test solution containing mevalonic acid and/or 3 -hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A in the presence of a hydrogen acceptor X, a hydrogen donor Y, and coenzyme A; and (q) a step of measuring an amount of: a reduced hydrogen acceptor X that is produced; or an oxidized hydrogen donor Y that is produced; or a hydrogen acceptor X that is decreased; or a hydrogen donor Y that is decreased, wherein the hydrogen donor Y and the reduced hydrogen acceptor X are not the same. |
| US09458490B2 |
Method and apparatus for collecting representative microbiological water and liquid samples
With a method and equipment according to this invention the best possible growth start of hygiene indicators and other bacteria and other microbes in water samples is ensured in microbe cultivations for example on Colilert™ media using both static cultivations and bubbled cultures such as in a PMEU (Portable Microbe Enrichment Unit) type cultivation. The objective is the best possible microbiological detection value of a water sample or process sample regardless of whether the said cultivation is implemented without bubbling or other mixing or with it. The equipment and method according to the invention applies to and can be connected with automatic or manual sampling. |
| US09458489B2 |
Microfluidics sorter for cell detection and isolation
A method of detecting one or more diseased blood cells in a blood sample includes introducing a blood sample into at least one inlet of a microfluidic device comprising one or more linear channels wherein each channel has a length and a cross-section of a height and a width defining an aspect ratio adapted to isolate diseased blood cells along at least one portion of the cross-section of the channel based on reduced deformability of diseased blood cells as compared to non-diseased blood cells, wherein diseased blood cells flow along a first portion of the channel to a first outlet and non-diseased blood cells flow along a second portion of the channel to a second outlet. The one or more channels can be adapted to isolate cells along portions of the cross-section of the channel based on cell size. In some embodiments, the one or more channels can be spiral channels. |
| US09458486B2 |
Conditioned cell culture medium compositions and methods of use
Novel products comprising conditioned cell culture medium compositions and methods of use are described. The conditioned cell medium compositions of the invention may be comprised of any known defined or undefined medium and may be conditioned using any eukaryotic cell type. Once the cell medium of the invention is conditioned, it may be used in any state. Physical embodiments of the conditioned medium include, but are not limited to, liquid or solid, frozen, lyophilized or dried into a powder. Additionally, the medium is formulated with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier as a vehicle for internal administration, applied directly to a food item or product, or formulated with a salve or ointment for topical applications. Also, the medium may be further processed to concentrate or reduce one or more factors or components contained within the medium. |
| US09458485B2 |
System and methods for making and processing emulsions
An automated template bead preparation system is provided and includes a membrane-based emulsion generation subsystems, a thermal plate and subsystem, and a continuous centrifugation emulsion breaking and templated bead collection subsystem. The emulsion generation subsystem provides uniformity in the preparation of an inverse emulsion and may be used to create large or small volume inverse emulsions rapidly and reproducibly. An emulsion-generating device is provided that can supply a continuous stream of an inverse emulsion to a thermal subsystem, in automated fashion. The thermal subsystem can treat an inverse emulsion passed therethrough. The continuous centrifugation subsystem can continuously break a thermally cycled inverse emulsion and collect template beads formed in the aqueous microreactor droplets of the inverse emulsion. |
| US09458482B2 |
Methods of hydrolyzing pretreated densified biomass particulates and systems related thereto
A method is provided in which pretreated and densified cellulosic biomass particulates can be hydrolyzed at a high solids loading rate as compared with the solids loading rate of loose hydrolysable cellulosic biomass fibers. The resulting high concentration sugar-containing stream can be easily converted to biofuels or to an entire suite of other useful bioproducts. |
| US09458480B2 |
Microorganisms and methods for the biosynthesis of adipate, hexamethylenediamine and 6-aminocaproic acid
The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having a 6-aminocaproic acid, caprolactam, hexametheylenediamine or levulinic acid pathway. The microbial organism contains at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an enzyme in the respective 6-aminocaproic acid, caprolactam, hexametheylenediamine or levulinic acid pathway. The invention additionally provides a method for producing 6-aminocaproic acid, caprolactam, hexametheylenediamine or levulinic acid. The method can include culturing a 6-aminocaproic acid, caprolactam or hexametheylenediamine producing microbial organism, where the microbial organism expresses at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a 6-aminocaproic acid, caprolactam, hexametheylenediamine or levulinic acid pathway enzyme in a sufficient amount to produce the respective product, under conditions and for a sufficient period of time to produce 6-aminocaproic acid, caprolactam, hexametheylenediamine or levulinic acid. |
| US09458479B2 |
Method for late introduction of the (8R) hydroxyl group carbapenem β-lactam antibiotic synthesis
The presently disclosed subject matter demonstrates that ThnG and ThnQ enzymes encoded by the thienamycin gene cluster in Streptomyces cattleya oxidize the C-2 and C-6 moieties of carbapenems, respectively. ThnQ stereospecifically hydroxylates PS-5 giving N-acetyl thienamycin. ThnG catalyzes sequential desaturation and sulfoxidation of PS-5, giving PS-7 and its sulfoxide. The ThnG and ThnQ enzymes are relatively substrate selective, but give rise to the oxidative diversity of carbapenems produced by S. cattleya, and orthologues likely function similarly in allied streptomyces. |
| US09458476B2 |
Method for producing glycerin from tobacco
A method for producing glycerin from one or more plants of genus Nicotiana is provided. The glycerin can be derived inter alia from Nicotiana species biomass or from seed. In certain embodiments, the glycerin is produced by either acid-catalyzed hydrolysis or base-catalyzed hydrolysis of acylglycerol-containing starting material derived from tobacco biomass or seed. The invention also provides articles and compositions including smoking articles and smokeless tobacco compositions that include glycerin produced from one or more plants of genus Nicotiana. |
| US09458475B2 |
Clay in ethanol production
The present methods involves methods of improving ethanol production which may comprise the addition of clay during ethanol production. |
| US09458474B2 |
Method and system for electro-assisted hydrogen production from organic material
A method for producing hydrogen from organic material. Organic material and hydrogen-producing microorganisms are provided in a completely mixed bioreactor for breaking down the organic material into H2, CO2, fatty acids, and alcohols. H2, CO2, and a first liquid effluent are recovered from the completely mixed bioreactor. The first liquid effluent includes hydrogen-producing microorganisms, fatty acids, and alcohols. The first liquid effluent is provided into a gravity settler for separating the first liquid effluent into a concentrated biomass (including hydrogen-producing microorganisms) and a second liquid effluent (including at least a portion of the fatty acids and the alcohols). The concentrated biomass is provided into the completely mixed bioreactor. An input voltage is applied to at least one of the completely mixed bioreactor and the gravity settler for facilitating an electrohydrogenesis process therein. |
| US09458470B2 |
Recombinant influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) produced in transgenic plants expressing hemagglutinin
A method for synthesizing influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) within a plant or a portion of a plant is provided. The method involves expression of influenza HA in plants and the purification by size exclusion chromatography. The invention is also directed towards a VLP comprising influenza HA protein and plant lipids. The invention is also directed to a nucleic acid encoding influenza HA as well as vectors. The VLPs may be used to formulate influenza vaccines, or may be used to enrich existing vaccines. |
| US09458466B2 |
Translational control system using RNA-protein interaction motif
A translational control method using an RNA-protein interaction motif is provided. The method comprises a step of introducing an mRNA having: a 5′UTR regulation structure comprising: (1) a cap structure at the 5′ terminus, (2) a spacer positioned on the 3′ side of the cap structure, and (3) one or more RNA motifs positioned on the 3′ side of the spacer, which comprises an RNA-protein interaction motif-derived nucleotide sequence or a variant thereof; and a nucleotide sequence encoding a target protein gene on the 3′ side of the 5′UTR regulation structure, into a cell in the presence of a protein specifically binding to the RNA motifs, wherein a translational level is decreased as the number of bases of the spacer decreases, and the translational level is decreased as the number of the RNA motifs increases. |
| US09458465B2 |
Compositions and methods to modulate cell membrane resealing
Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for repairing cell membranes. In addition, the invention relates to therapeutic compositions comprising nucleotides and/or polypeptides of the invention in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the composition facilitates the repair of cell membranes. Moreover, the invention relates to the treatment and/or prevention of pathological conditions associated with cell membrane damage. |
| US09458463B2 |
Method for treatment of diabetes by a small molecule inhibitor for GRK5
The present invention is related to compound capable of modulating the activity and/or expression of the protein kinase GRK5, thereby enhancing the expression and/or release of insulin. The invention is further related to methods of identifying said compounds for the treatment of diseases of the carbohydrate metabolism. The invention is further related to methods of treatment of diseases of the carbohydrate metabolism, particularly diabetes mellitus type 2. |
| US09458462B2 |
Agents and methods for treating and preventing seborrheic keratosis
Provided herein are methods and assays for isolating and culturing seborrheic keratosis cells ex vivo. Also provided herein are screening assays using cultured seborrheic keratosis cells and methods for treating seborrheic keratosis in a subject. |
| US09458455B2 |
High efficiency plant expression promoter from Capsicum annuum serine hydroxymethyl transferase gene and uses thereof
A high efficiency plant expression promoter from Capsicum annuum serine hydroxymethyl transferase gene and uses thereof. This high efficiency plant expression promoter and 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) from Capsicum annuum serine hydroxymethyl transferase gene, a high efficiency plant expression vector having the same, a plant transformed with the vector, a process for high efficiency expression of a foreign gene by using the vector and a transformed plant which expresses with high efficiency a foreign gene based on the process and seeds of the transformed plant. |
| US09458454B2 |
Viable gram negative bacteria with reduced proteolytic activity lacking outer membrane agonists of TLR4/MD-2
Viable Gram-negative bacteria or components thereof comprising outer membranes that substantially lack a ligand, such as Lipid A or 6-acyl lipidpolysaccharide, that acts as an agonist of TLR4/MD-2. The bacteria may comprise reduced activity of arabinose-5-phosphate isomerases and one or more suppressor mutations, for example in a transporter thereby increasing the transporter's capacity to transport lipid IVA or in membrane protein YhjD. One or more genes (e.g., lpxL, lpxM, pagP, lpxP, and/or eptA) may be substantially deleted and/or one or more enzymes (e.g., LpxL, LpxM, PagP, LpxP, and/or EptA) may be substantially inactive. The bacteria may be competent to take up extracellular DNA, may be donor bacteria, or may be members of a library. The present invention also features methods of creating and utilizing such bacteria. |
| US09458453B2 |
Methods for efficient, expansive, user-defined DNA mutagenesis
The presently disclosed subject matter relates to modified Kunkel mutagenesis methods that use a thermostable DNA polymerase and a thermostable DNA ligase. |
| US09458449B2 |
Hybrid polymers, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of synthesizing the same
Novel hybrid polymers are disclosed that have a structure represented by the following wherein Abiotic oligomer, Polypeptide, X, Y, and R1 are as described herein. The methods to prepare the hybrid polymers via novel oxazolidinyl compounds are also described. |
| US09458443B2 |
Optimized cellulase enzymes
The invention discloses cellulase enzymes with optimized properties for processing of cellulose- and lignocellulose-containing substrates. In particular, cellobiohydrolase enzymes with preferred characteristics are disclosed. The present invention provides fusion, insertion, deletion and/or substitution variants of such enzymes. Enzyme variants have enhanced thermostability, proteolytic stability, specific activity and/or stability at extreme pH. Nucleic acid molecules encoding said enzymes, a composition comprising said enzymes, a method for preparation, and the use for cellulose processing and/or for the production of biofuels are disclosed. |
| US09458436B2 |
Method for producing polyunsaturated fatty acids in transgenic plants
The present invention relates to a process for the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the seed of transgenic plants by introducing, into the organism, nucleic acids which encode polypeptides with a ω3-desaturase, Δ12-desaturase, Δ6-desaturase, Δ6-elongase, Δ5-desaturase, Δ5-elongase and/or Δ4-desaturase activity. The invention furthermore relates to recombinant nucleic acid molecules comprising the nucleic acid sequences which encode the aforementioned polypeptides, either jointly or individually, and transgenic plants which comprise the aforementioned recombinant nucleic acid molecules. Furthermore, the invention relates to the generation of a transgenic plant and to oils, lipids and/or fatty acids with an elevated content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and/or docosahexaenoic acid, as the result of the expression of the elongases and desaturases used in the process according to the invention. |
| US09458435B2 |
Polypeptides having peroxygenase activity
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having peroxygenase activity, and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides. A polynucleotide encoding a peroxygenase was isolated from Penicillium chrysogenum. |
| US09458434B2 |
Mutant enzyme and application thereof
An object is to provide a novel enzyme that exhibits glucose dehydrogenase activity. Furthermore, another object is to provide a novel method pertaining to enzyme modification. Provided is a mutated enzyme containing an amino acid sequence wherein one or at least two amino acids selected from a group are substituted with another amino acid in the amino acid sequence of a microorganism-derived glucose oxidase. |
| US09458432B2 |
Host cells with artificial endosymbionts
The present invention is directed generally to eukaryotic host cells comprising artificial endosymbionts and methods of introducing artificial endosymbionts into eukaryotic host cells. The invention provides artificial endosymbionts that introduce a phenotype to host cells that is maintained in daughter cells. The invention additionally provides eukaryotic host cells containing magnetotactic bacteria. |
| US09458431B2 |
Microcarriers for stem cell culture
We disclose a particle comprising a matrix coated thereon and having a positive charge, the particle being of a size to allow aggregation of primate or human stem cells attached thereto. The particle may comprise a substantially elongate, cylindrical or rod shaped particle having a longest dimension of between 50 μm and 400 μm, such as about 200 μm. It may have a cross sectional dimension of between 20 μm and 30 μm. The particle may comprise a substantially compact or spherical shaped particle having a size of between about 20 μm and about 120 μm, for example about 65 μm. We also disclose a method of propagating primate or human stem cells, the method comprising: providing first and second primate or human stem cells attached to first and second respective particles, allowing the first primate or human stem cell to contact the second primate or human stem cell to form an aggregate of cells and culturing the aggregate to propagate the primate or human stem cells for at least one passage. A method of propagating human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in long term suspension culture using microcarriers coated in Matrigel or hyaluronic acid is also disclosed. We also disclose a method for differentiating stem cells. |
| US09458430B2 |
Differentiation of pluripotent stem cells
The present invention provides methods to promote the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into insulin producing cells. In particular, the present invention provides a method utilizing a CYP26A inhibitor to produce a population of pancreatic endocrine precursor cells. |
| US09458427B2 |
IFNγR2 compositions and methods of inhibiting neuronal cell death
A method of inhibiting β-amyloid (Aβ) induced neuronal cell death includes administering to a neuronal cell exposed to a neurotoxic amount of Aβ a therapeutically effective amount of cell penetrating peptide (CPP). The CPP has an amino acid sequence that has at least 80% sequence identity to about 5 to about 41 consecutive amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 1. |
| US09458426B2 |
Small molecules supporting pluripotent cell growth and methods thereof
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for maintaining undifferentiated pluripotent stem cell cultures. |
| US09458424B2 |
Methods for cryopreservation of stem cells via slow-freezing
Cryopreserved stem cells with high cell viability after thawing were obtained by slow freezing using a DMSO-free cryopreservation medium. Stem cells and/or progenitor cells thereof are contacted with a DMSO-free cryopreservation medium, comprising between 4 v/v % and 25 v/v % of propylene glycol and between 1.0 w % and 10 w % of a sugar; and are subsequently subject to a slow-freezing process. Optionally, the cryopreservation medium may comprise serum albumin and/or hyaluronic acid. |
| US09458423B2 |
Capsule for non-ferrous metal collection and method for collecting non-ferrous metal
Provided are: a capsule for non-ferrous metal collection that can collect a non-ferrous metal; and a method for collecting a non-ferrous metal using same. The capsule for non-ferrous metal collection comprises capsule contents and a covering section covering the capsule contents, and collects a non-ferrous metal within the capsule for non-ferrous metal collection by means of the capsule for non-ferrous metal collection being immersed in a solution containing a non-ferrous metal. |
| US09458420B2 |
System and methods for conducting in vitro experiments
A system and methods by which in vitro experiments directed to a subject may be managed more efficiently including the more efficient use of a nutrient solution used in certain in vitro experimentation. Certain embodiments of the system and methods may include a retainer in which the subject of the experimentation and a nutrient solution is retainable and a recycling component that facilitates the restoration or reconditioning of the nutrient solution during the period of experimentation. |
| US09458410B2 |
Synthesis of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids by recombinant cell
The present invention relates to methods of synthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, in recombinant cells such as yeast or plant cells. Also provided are recombinant cells or plants which produce long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a group of new enzymes which possess desaturase or elongase activity that can be used in methods of synthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. |
| US09458408B2 |
Thermally stable subsea control hydraulic fluid compositions
An aqueous hydraulic fluid composition comprising of one or more lubricants such as a monovalent metal salt, ammonium, or amine salt of a dicarboxylic acid, such as a C21 dicarboxylic acid is described in which the aqueous hydraulic fluid composition demonstrates increased thermal stability when exposed to elevated temperatures for a prolonged period of time while being able to tolerate the presence of 10% v/v synthetic seawater. The aqueous hydraulic fluid composition contains less than about 20% by weight (preferably none or substantially none) of an oil selected from the group consisting of mineral oils, synthetic hydrocarbon oils, and mixtures thereof. The hydraulic fluid hereof preferably comprises a cyclical or ring base tertiary amine with no hydroxyl functionality such as 1,4-dimethyl piperazine. |
| US09458406B2 |
Calcium hydroxyapatite based sulfonate grease compositions and method of manufacture
An overbased calcium sulfonate grease composition comprising a reduced amount of overbased calcium sulfonate, calcium hydroxyapatite, base oil, one or more converting agents, and one or more complexing acids if a complex grease is desired. The calcium sulfonate grease composition improves thickener yield and expected high temperature utility as demonstrated by dropping point. A method of making the composition comprising the steps of mixing the calcium sulfonate and base oil, adding the calcium carbonate either before or after conversion, adding one or more converting agents, and adding one or more complexing acids. All or a portion of one or more of the complexing acids may be added with or prior to the one or more converting agents. |
| US09458405B2 |
Lubricating oil composition
A lubricating oil composition includes: a base oil; a component (A) that is a dialkyl hydrogen phosphite; a component (B) that is a sulfur antioxidant; and a component (C) that is a polyalkenyl succinimide.Since the lubricating oil composition of the invention exhibits an excellent lubricity to both iron metal and copper metal and an excellent heat stability, the lubricating oil composition of the invention is suitable for a shock absorber of an automobiles and the like. |
| US09458401B2 |
Use of substituted ureas or urethanes for improvement of the use properties of mineral and synthetic nonaqueous industrial fluids
The use of substituted diureas, polyureas, bisurethanes or polyurethanes of the formula R1X—CO—NR3R4 in which X is R2N or O and R1 to R4 are each independently hydrogen, alkyl radicals, alkenyl radicals, cycloalkyl radicals, aryl radicals or arylalkyl radicals, where at least one variable must be a radical having at least 4 carbon atoms and where the urea or urethane functionality must be replicated via bridging members, for improvement of the use properties of mineral and synthetic nonaqueous industrial fluids. |
| US09458398B2 |
Heat recovery systems for biomass gasification systems
Biomass gasification systems including a reactor configured to gasify a dried biomass fuel in the presence of air to generate producer gas are provided. The biomass gasification systems also may include a heat exchanger adapted to transfer heat from the producer gas to a biomass feedstock to produce the dried biomass fuel and cooled producer gas. |
| US09458397B2 |
Method and equipment for producing synthesis gas
A method and equipment for producing synthesis gas (S) from solid carbon particles (C), the carbon particles (C) being obtained by pyrolysis, gasification of the carbon particles (C) occurs by indirect heating of the carbon particles (C) in the presence of a process gas (P) in the same space where the carbon particles (C) are present, and the synthesis gas (S) generated during the gasification is discharged from the space. The method is characterised in that the carbon particles (C) and the process gas (P) are located in a reactor (1), and the indirect heating occurs by way of radiant heat from burners (Br1-Brn) located in the reactor (1). |
| US09458396B2 |
Process for conversion of feedstocks obtained from renewable sources based on marine fuels
The invention relates to a process for the production of diesel fuel bases comprising a sulfur content that is less than 100 ppm, starting from a feedstock that is obtained from a renewable source, comprising the following stages: a) A stage for bringing the feedstock into contact with a fixed-bed hydrotreatment catalyst for producing an effluent that comprises a gaseous fraction comprising hydrogen and a hydrocarbon-based liquid fraction, d) A stage for bringing into contact at least one portion of the hydrocarbon-based liquid fraction in the presence of a selective hydroisomerization catalyst in a fixed bed, e) A stage for separating the effluent that is obtained from stage d) into a gaseous fraction that comprises hydrogen and at least one diesel-fuel-based fraction. |
| US09458395B2 |
Catalysts for hydrodesulfurization
Phosphoranimide-metal catalysts and their role in hydrodesulfurization and hydrogenation are disclosed. The catalysts comprise of first row transition metals such as nickel, cobalt and iron. The catalysts have a metal to anionic phosphoranimide ratio of 1:1 and have no inactive bulk phase and no dative ancillary ligands. In one embodiment, the catalysts comprise discrete mixed-valent precatalyst clusters, the electronic state of which can be adjusted to optimize catalytic activity. The catalysts catalyze the hydrodesulfurization of a range of sulfur-containing organic compounds under lower temperature and pressure conditions than those conditions commonly used in industrial hydrodesulfurization. The catalysts also catalyze the hydrogenation of substrates comprising at least one carbon-carbon double bond which is not present in an aromatic moiety, although the substrate itself may include an aromatic moiety. |