Document Document Title
US09477101B2 Nanostructured acousto-optic device, and optical scanner, optical modulator, and holographic display apparatus using the nanostructured acousto-optic device
An acousto-optic device capable of increasing a range of a diffraction angle of output light by using a nanostructured acousto-optic medium, and an optical scanner, an optical modulator, a two-dimensional/three-dimensional (2D/3D) conversion stereoscopic image display apparatus, and a holographic display apparatus using the acousto-optic device. The acousto-optic device may include a nanostructured acousto-optic medium formed by at least two different mediums repeatedly alternating with each other, wherein at least one of the at least two different mediums includes an acousto-optic medium. The acousto-optic device having the aforementioned structure may increase the range of a diffraction angle of output light. Thus, various systems such as the optical scanner, the optical modulator, the 2D/3D conversion stereoscopic image display apparatus, and the holographic display apparatus may not require a separate optical system to increase an operational angle range, thereby decreasing a size of the system and/or improving a resolution of the system.
US09477097B2 Means for controlling the progression of myopia
A contact lens for use in controlling or retarding the progression of myopia in an eye has a central optical zone approximating the normal diameter of the pupil of the eye that gives clear central vision at distance for the wearer. An annular peripheral optical zone that is substantially outside the diameter of the pupil is formed around the central optical zone with greater refractive power than that of the central zone so that oblique rays entering the eye through the peripheral optical zone will be brought to focus at a focal plane that is substantially on or anterior to the peripheral region of the retina. Preferably, the rear surface of the lens is shaped to conform to the cornea of the eye and the front surface of the lens is shaped to provide—in conjunction with the rear surface—the desired optical properties of the central and peripheral optical zones. The front surface is also preferably contoured to form a smooth transition between the junction of the central optical zone and the peripheral optical zone, with or without designed optical properties such as progressive power.
US09477095B1 Eyeglasses
It is a subject of the present invention to provide eyeglasses which can be easily put on and off with one hand and which are capable of preventing shifts of the eyeglasses when worn. The present invention relates to eyeglasses 100 comprising a pair of right and left lenses R, a front frame portion 1 supporting the lenses R, a pad portion 2 mounted to a center of the front frame portion 1, a temple portion 5 extending rearward from an end portion on one side of the front frame portion 1 and an abutting portion 10 formed at an end portion on the other side of the front frame portion 1, wherein the temple portion 5 is hooked to an ear while the abutting portion 10 is in a state in which it abuts a side surface of a face.
US09477094B2 Structure of eyeglasses
An eyeglasses structure includes a frame, temples, metal bars that are curved and have two ends each forming a single-loop hook, rivets, and curved grooves. The temples each have a surface forming a curved groove receiving the single-loop hook therein so that the metal bar is curved toward the frame to allow the single-loop hook of the metal bar to connect to a side edge portion of the frame. The side edge portion of the frame is provided with a box having a channel formed therein to receive the single-loop hook to fit therein and includes a box base and a box cover that are formed with multiple the rivet holes, so that with the single-loop hooks of the metal bars being disposed in the channels and covered by the box covers, rivets are individually put through the rivet holes for riveting and fixing.
US09477092B2 Optical imaging arrangement with individually actively supported components
An optical imaging arrangement includes an optical projection unit and a control device. The optical projection unit includes a support structure and a group of optical element units adapted to transfer, in an exposure process using exposure light along an exposure light path, an image of a pattern of a mask unit onto a substrate of a substrate unit. The group of optical element units includes a first optical element unit and a plurality of second optical element units, the first optical element unit and the second optical element units, under a control by the control device, being actively supported by the support structure.
US09477090B2 Laminated body, polarization plate having thereof, stereoscopic image display device, and stereoscopic image display system
Provided are a laminated body which is made to extend and contract to a reduced extent due to humidity so as to reduce the number of the occurrence of crosstalk, a polarization plate having the same, a stereoscopic image display device and a stereoscopic image display system. A laminated body includes a patterned phase difference film having a supporter film and a patterned optical anisotropic layer in which a first phase difference region and a second phase difference region having mutually different in-plane slow axis directions and/or phase differences are disposed in a predetermined pattern on the supporter film, and a stiff body attached to a surface of the patterned optical anisotropic layer through a first attaching layer.
US09477089B2 Illumination system, projection apparatus and illumination switch method
An illumination system includes an optical switch component, a wavelength conversion element, a first light splitter and a light combining element. The optical switch component switches between a first state and a second state. The illumination system generates first and second waveband lights on the first and second states respectively. The first light splitter reflects a first light generated by a first light source to the wavelength conversion element to generate a second light. The composite light splitter includes a second light splitter to transmit a third light generated by a second light source to the optical switch component. In the first state, the optical switch component reflects the second light to the second light splitter to generate the first waveband light. On the second state, the second light and the third light penetrate the optical switch component to a reflection component to generate the second waveband light.
US09477081B2 Imaging lens and imaging apparatus
An imaging lens, consisting of a first lens group, a top, and a second lens group having a positive refractive power, in order from the object side, in which the first lens group is composed of a first front lens group having a negative refractive power and a first rear lens group having a positive refractive power in order from the object side, the first rear lens group is composed of a cemented lens formed of a negative lens and a positive lens, the first front lens group at least includes four negative lenses, and at least two of the negative lenses included in the first front lens group satisfy a conditional expression given below: 70<νd1n  (1).
US09477080B2 Head-up display device
A head-up display device including a screen member, a first generation portion, and a second generation portion is provided. The screen member is provided with multiple optical elements each of which has a curved surface portion and forms a scan surface by an array of the curved surface portions. The first generation portion generates a first laser beam that is irradiated to the scan surface to draw a display image. The second generation portion generates a second laser beam to draw a display image that is irradiated to the scan surface from a direction different from the first laser beam.
US09477079B2 Systems, devices, and methods for wearable heads-up displays
Systems, devices, and methods for transparent displays that are well-suited for use in wearable heads-up displays are described. Such transparent displays include a register of light-emitting diodes that sequentially generates pixels or other discrete portions of an image. Respective sets of light signals corresponding to the respective portions (e.g., rows) of the image are sequentially directed into the user's field of view by a combination of a dynamic reflector and a set of static light-redirection elements. The dynamic reflector is an elongated reflective strip (including, for example, one or more MEMS-based digital micromirror(s)) mounted outside of the field of view of the user and the set of static light-redirection elements are substantially transparent and mounted directly in a field of view of the user. Successive portions of the image are generated in rapid succession until the entire image is displayed to the user.
US09477077B2 Projection device with color wheel locking function and method using the same
A projection device with a color wheel locking function is provided. The projection device includes a light source, a first color wheel unit, a first spindle motor, a magnetic locking mechanism and a control unit. The light source generates a light beam. The first color wheel unit has at least one transparent region through which the light beam transmits. The first spindle motor is to be enabled to rotate the first color wheel unit, and disabled to stop rotating in correspondence with an external magnetic force. The magnetic locking mechanism abuts upon the first spindle motor and generates the external magnetic force. The control unit controls the magnetic locking mechanism. When the first spindle motor stops in correspondence with the external magnetic force, a position of the at least one transparent region corresponds to the light source so that the light beam transmits through the transparent region.
US09477076B2 EMS device having flexible support posts
This disclosure provides apparatus, systems and methods for an electromechanical systems (EMS) device having one or more flexible support posts. In one aspect, the EMS device includes a substrate, a stationary electrode over the substrate, one or more flexible support posts over the substrate, and a movable electrode over the stationary electrode and supported by the one or more flexible support posts. The movable electrode is configured to move across a gap between the movable electrode and the stationary electrode upon electrostatic actuation, where the one or more flexible support posts include a first organic material and can be configured to compress to permit the movable electrode to move across the gap.
US09477073B2 Immersion microscope objective and microscope using the same
An immersion microscope objective includes, in order from an object side, a first lens group having a positive refractive power, a second lens group, and a third lens group, wherein the first lens group changes a light beam from an object to a convergent light beam, the second lens group has a refractive power smaller than that of the first lens group, and the following conditional expression (1-1) is satisfied: 7.5 mm
US09477066B2 Imaging lens
The present invention relates to an imaging lens, the imaging lens including, in an ordered way from an object side, a first lens having a positive (+) refractive power, a second lens having a negative (−) refractive power, a third lens having a positive (+) refractive power, and a fourth lens having a negative (−) refractive power and having a negative (−) refractive power from a lens center to a lens outer edge.
US09477065B1 Heliostat array
A heliostat array comprising a modular grid is disclosed. The array comprises a plurality of grid members; a plurality of stanchions connected to six of the plurality of the grid members; a plurality of heliostats mounted on stanchions and grid members. Each stanchion may consist of a threaded rod and locking mechanism for rigidly affixing the six grid members to the threaded rod. Each of the plurality of heliostats comprises a mirror, a circular track, and a carousel for rotating the mirror about the circular track. The circular track is concentric with a stanchion and mounted to three grid members that are 120 degrees apart. Each of the carousels may be operably coupled to and biased toward the corresponding circular track.
US09477064B1 Image capturing apparatus
An image capturing apparatus is applied in air or in a non-air medium and includes a lens assembly, an image sensor and a removable cover lens. The lens assembly includes at least one lens element. The image sensor is disposed on an image surface of the lens assembly. When the image capturing apparatus is applied in the non-air medium, the removable cover lens, the lens assembly and the image sensor are disposed along an optical axis in order from an object side to an image side.
US09477061B2 Passively aligned imaging optics and method of manufacturing the same
An infrared imaging system is formed by passively aligning two or more lens wafers including a plurality of lenses. The lens wafers may be pre-fabricated lens wafers in which the plurality of lenses are aligned utilizing an alignment jig having a plurality of conduits for distributing bonding material. Alternatively, the lens wafers may be formed of a base material molded around the plurality of optical lenses. The lens wafers may have a variety of alignment features, alignment inserts and/or alignment elements.
US09477060B2 Wet mateable connection assembly for electrical and/or optical cables
A wet mateable connection assembly includes: at least one first and a second watertight case mateable to each other in a watertight manner, the first and the second case having respective first and second gates at respective first and second coupling ends; at least one first phase connector arranged inside the first case; and at least one second phase connector arranged inside the second case, wherein the first gate is movable inwardly to the second case.
US09477059B2 Application of a continuous substrate with segmented adhesive
A system for adhering a length of continuous substrate to a mounting surface is disclosed. The continuous substrate can be attached to a mounting surface by a regular array of spaced apart adhesive segments disposed longitudinally along the continuous substrate and between the mounting surface and the continuous substrate.
US09477057B2 Fiber optic cables and assemblies
A fiber optic cable includes a jacket, a pair of strength members, and an optical fiber. The jacket has a cavity, a major dimension and a minor dimension, and a medial portion. The strength members are disposed on opposing sides of the cavity and impart a preferential bend characteristic to the cable. The at least one optical fiber is disposed within the cavity. The jacket includes preferential tear portions disposed between a respective strength member and the medial portion, for separating the strength members from the medial portion.
US09477056B2 Fiber optic cables and assemblies for fiber toward the subscriber applications
A fiber optic cable includes an optical fiber, strength components disposed on opposite sides of the optical fiber, and a polymeric cable jacket. The optical fiber includes a glass core, a glass cladding, and a polymer coating. The cable jacket surrounds the optical fiber and the strength components. Further, the cable jacket is tightly drawn onto the optical fiber, where excess fiber length of the optical fiber is such that positive strain is present in the optical fiber at room temperature (25° C.).
US09477053B2 Optical coupling lens and optical coupling module
An optical coupling lens includes a first lens portion and a second lens portion. The first lens portion includes a substrate portion and a coupling portion. The substrate portion includes a supporting surface and a bottom surface opposite to the supporting surface, the bottom surface includes at least two lenses. The coupling portion is substantially a cuboid and includes at least one lens corresponding to one of the least two lenses and a top end surface. The top end surface defines a recess, the recess is arranged at least one reflecting portion. The second lens portion is formed on the supporting surface. The second lens portion includes a coupling surface and a fourth reflecting surface. The coupling surface is arranged an eighth lens corresponding to the other lens of the at least two lenses arranging on the bottom surface.
US09477049B2 Lockable connectors and connection assemblies
Lockable connection assemblies including lockable connection components are described. A lockable connection assembly may include an assembly for connecting components in an electrical or communication system, such as a fiber optic communication network. The lockable connection assemblies may include a connector (for example, a plug) and an adapter configured to be connected together, for example, using a bayonet-type connection. The components of the lockable connection assemblies may include elements configured to prevent the connector from unintentionally disconnecting from the adapter. For instance, the connector may include a locking nut configured to engage and lock a coupling nut connected to the adapter from rotating and disconnecting from the adapter. In another instance, the connector may include a coupling nut having finger flanges arranged at one end thereof and configured to engage a non-rotatable connector body when connected to the adapter to prevent the unintentional movement of the coupling nut.
US09477047B2 Dual inner diameter ferrule device and method
A fiber optic ferrule includes a body extending from a first end to a second opposite end, with the body including an axial passage extending between the first and second ends. The axial passage includes a first diameter portion having a diameter of at least 125 microns, and a second diameter portion having a diameter of at least 250 microns and less than a diameter of the buffer, the second diameter portion positioned between the first diameter and the second end. The axial passage further defines a tapered shape at the second end extending inward from the second end to the second diameter portion. A hub holds the ferrule. A method of assembling a terminated fiber optic cable is also provided.
US09477045B2 Optical element using multicore optical fiber grating and method for processing optical signal using the same
An optical element includes a multicore optical fiber, the multicore optical fiber including an inner core and at least one peripheral core arranged around the inner core and having an effective refractive index different from that of the inner core, and an optical fiber grating formed at the multicore optical fiber to cause an optical signal to be coupled between different cores among the inner core and the at least one peripheral core. The optical element allows a signal of a specific wavelength to be dropped added from an optical signal. Since the optical element may be fabricated easily, designed in a small size and mass-produced reproducibly at low costs, the optical element may be advantageously utilized for an optical communication network such as a wavelength division multiplexing network, an ultra-high speed optical communication system, an optical sensor system or the like.
US09477041B2 Low stray light beam dump with fiber delivery
The present invention is directed to a beam dump which is configured for not increasing a temperature of a laser with which it may be implemented. The beam dump may include an opaque enclosure which is configured for receiving light (ex.—initial light) from a light source (ex.—a frequency-converted laser), said light being delivered through an aperture of the enclosure via one or more connected optical fibers. The received light may be scattered within the enclosure. However, the beam dump is configured for minimizing the amount of light which is back scattered light into the fiber(s). For instance, the amount of back scattered light may be less than 1/1000 of the initial light. Further, the beam dump may be configured for minimizing photocontamination which may be caused when the light contacts interior surfaces of the enclosure. Still further, the beam dump may be a small size, low cost structure.
US09477039B2 Slab-mode and polarization clean-up in silicon photonics
Disclosed are structures and methods directed to waveguide structures exhibiting improved device performance including improved attenuation of scattered light and/or transverse magnetic modes. In an illustrative embodiment according to the present disclosure, a rib waveguide structure including a rib overlying a slab waveguide (or superimposed thereon) is constructed wherein the slab waveguide is heavily doped at a distance from the rib which has a very low overlap with rib guided modes. Advantageously, such doping may be of the P-type or of the N-type, and dopants could be any of a number of known ones including—but not limited to—boron, phosphorous, etc.—or others that increase optical propagation loss. As may be appreciated, the doped regions advantageously absorb scattered light which substantially improves the structures' performance.
US09477034B2 Twinkling suspender
A twinkling suspender mainly includes a main body, main seat and light guiding unit. The main seat is configured on one side of the main body, and has an accepting space and a through hole in communication with the accepting space. The accepting space is configured with at least two light-emitting elements adapted to illuminate toward the through hole and controlled by a control circuit to wink in sequence. The light guiding unit has two light guiding plates pervious to light stacked together, fixed to one side of the main seat and sealing up the through hole. One side of each light guiding plate has staggered decorative patterns and a light incidence face corresponding to the light-emitting element. Whereby, light beams can be scattered into the light guiding plate to form an effect of staggered twinkling of decorative patterns.
US09477027B2 Back light structure and keyboard with back light
A back light structure for a keyboard with back light includes a supporting plate, a light guiding plate, a flexible circuit board, and a light-emitting component. Keyswitch structures of the keyboard are disposed on the supporting plate. The light guiding plate is disposed under the supporting plate and has a through hole and a lateral surface. The circuit board adheres onto both a lower surface of the light guiding plate and a bottom surface of the supporting plate and covers the lateral surface. The light-emitting component is disposed on the circuit board in the through hole. Thereby, the circuit board also performs as a light shading structure for the lateral surface. A light reflection sheet need not cover both the lateral surface and the circuit board for avoiding light leakage but adheres onto only the lower surface, conducive to reducing the structural thickness of the back light structure.
US09477025B2 EUV light source for generating a used output beam for a projection exposure apparatus
A light source includes: a generation device configured to generate a first EUV beam having a polarization that is a superimposition of two linearly polarized waves with directions of polarization that are perpendicular to each other and that have a phase difference with respect to each other that is non-zero and not an integral multiple of π; and a polarization setting device configured to interact with the first EUV beam to provide a second EUV beam by exerting an effect on the first EUV beam that is linearly polarizing with respect to the direction of polarization to set a polarization of the second EUV beam.
US09477023B2 Visible light-transmissive and infrared-reflective substrate
Provided is a visible light-transmissive and infrared-reflective substrate, including: a visible light-transmissive substrate layer disposed so as to serve as a partition between inside and outside of a room; and an infrared-reflective layer laminated on a surface on the room side of the visible light-transmissive substrate layer, wherein the visible light-transmissive substrate layer has a solar absorbance of at least 30%, the infrared-reflective layer includes a reflective layer configured to reflect infrared rays and a protective layer laminated on a surface on the room side of the reflective layer, and normal emissivity of a surface on the protective layer side of the infrared-reflective layer is not more than 0.50.
US09477021B2 Glazing design with variable heat and light transmittance properties, device and method
An energy efficient optical window has different optical properties when irradiated by solar light from front or back side of the window. The window is used to reflect most of the infrared light at summer times, leaving the interior cooler and to absorb most of the infrared light at winter times, making the interior hotter by heat transfer from the hot window pane. Mechanical reversal of the window, inside out, is used to apply the needed version for winter and summer. The window is coated with alternating thin metallic and dielectric layers that transmit most of the visible light while reflecting most of the infrared part of the spectrum when impinged by solar light on one side and transmit most of the visible light while absorbing most of the infrared part of the spectrum when impinged by solar light on the other side.
US09477020B2 Display apparatus
A display apparatus including a first substrate, a second substrate, a pixel, and a unit color filter. The first and second substrates are opposite to each other. The pixel is disposed between the first and second substrates. The color filter is disposed between the first substrate and the pixel or between the second substrate and the pixel. The color filter includes a red color filter, a green color filter, a blue color filter, and a yellow color filter. The yellow color filter includes a sub-red color filter and a sub-green color filter.
US09477016B2 Display and tiled display
A display includes an effective display area and a frame area; an image overlap display area is disposed at a position in the effective display area, close to the frame area, and includes first display positions related to an image to be displayed in the effective display area and second display positions related to an image to be displayed in the frame area; the first and second display positions are distributed in an alternate form; a polarization splitting prism is disposed on a light-emitting surface of the display and at a position at least corresponding to the frame area and the image overlap display area; and a convergent prism configured to converge light from the second display positions in the image overlap display area to the frame area is disposed on a light-emitting surface of the polarization splitting prism. Also a tiled display is disclosed.
US09477015B2 Microlens array, method for manufacturing microlens array, electro-optical device and electronic apparatus
A microlens array includes a cell, and P lenses (P is an integer of 4 or more) arranged in the cell, in which the apexes of the P lenses are arranged such that symmetry is at least partially broken, when viewed in plan view. In this way, it is possible to suppress diffraction caused by regularity in the lens shape in the cell. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a microlens with a high utilization efficiency of light.
US09477013B2 Reflective optical source device
Disclosed is an optical source device. The optical source device includes: a mode converter configured to be optically coupled with an optical fiber; a semiconductor optical amplifier coupled with the mode converter, and configured to amplify an optical signal input through the optical fiber; and an electro absorption modulator coupled to the optical amplifier, and configured to modulate the amplified optical signal and output the modulated optical signal, in which each of the semiconductor optical amplifier and the optical absorption modulator includes a heater.
US09477010B2 Systems and methods to build sedimentary attributes
A method and system for computing and visualizing sedimentary attributes may include receiving, by a processor, paleo-geographic coordinates representing predicted approximate positions of particles of sediment deposited at a time period when a layer was originally formed. The processor may numerically compute or determine a sedimentation rate that varies laterally along the layer. The processor may determine a sedimentary attribute based on the lateral variation of the sedimentation rate along the layer with respect to the paleo-geographic coordinates. A monitor or display may display the sedimentary attribute of the layer in the present-day geological space.
US09477005B2 Method for obtaining information signatures from nuclear material or about the presence, the nature and/or the shielding of a nuclear material and measurement setup for performing such method
The invention relates to a method for obtaining information or signatures about the presence or the nature of a nuclear radiation source, especially in a homeland security application, said nuclear radiation source emitting in a time or angle correlated manner at least a first radiation and a second radiation. The method includes the steps of detecting said first radiation with at least one first radiation detector and detecting said second radiation with at least one second radiation detector. The detection of said second radiation is triggered by said detection of said first radiation in a manner that is adapted to the radiation's correlation structure, thereby increasing the signal-to-background ratio for the detection of said second radiation.
US09477004B2 Dual coil for electromagnetic sounding of layered earth
Methods and systems for measuring subsurface electrical conductivity, using first and second sensor coils. The second sensor coil has a smaller effective area and a greater bandwidth than the first sensor coil. The first and second sensor coils are positioned with respect to each other to achieve zero or near zero mutual inductance.
US09477003B2 Combination capacitive and resistive obstacle sensor
An obstacle sensor for a closure panel of a vehicle includes an elongate non-conductive case which encloses a first, second, and third elongate conductive electrodes. The first and second electrodes are separated by a portion of the case, with a capacitance between the first and second electrodes changing when an obstacle approaches the first electrode. The changed capacitance of the obstacle sensor provides a proximity indication of the obstacle to the obstacle sensor. The second and third electrodes are separated by an air gap formed in the case, with a resistance between the second and third electrodes changing when the second and third electrodes come into contact upon compression of the case by the obstacle. The changed resistance of the obstacle sensor provides a contact indication of the obstacle with the obstacle sensor.
US09476997B2 Method for locating seismic diffractors in subsurface formations from a wellbore
A method for locating diffractors in subsurface formations includes actuating at least two seismic energy sources at spaced apart locations. Seismic energy is detected in the formations resulting from actuation of the two sources. Signals corresponding to the detected seismic energy are processed to remove components related to direct arrivals from each source. Arrival times of seismic energy in the signals corresponding to energy diffracted from at least one diffractor are identified. The at least one is located diffractor in a plane using the identified arrival times.
US09476996B2 System and method of high definition tomography and resolution for use in generating velocity models and reflectivity images
A system and method are provided for determining a broadband high definition reflectivity based image for a geographical area of interest (GAI). The system and method generate a conventional reflectivity image based on acquired seismic data for the GAI, generate a high frequency (HF) velocity model of the GAI based on the acquired seismic data, convert the HF velocity model into a low frequency (LF) reflectivity image, and adaptively merge the LF reflectivity image with the conventional reflectivity image to form the broadband HD reflectivity image of the GAI.
US09476994B2 Virtual frames for distributed list-mode time-of-flight reconstruction with continuous bed movement
A positron emission tomography (PET) system includes a memory (18), a subject support (3), a categorizing unit (20), and a reconstruction unit (22). The memory (18) continuously records detected coincident event pairs detected by PET detectors (4). The subject support (3) supports a subject and moves in a continuous movement through a field of view (10) of the PET detectors (4). The categorizing unit (20) categorizes the recorded coincident pairs into each of a plurality of spatially defined virtual frame (14). The reconstruction unit (22) reconstructs the categorized coincident pairs of each virtual frame into a frame image and combines the frame images into a common elongated image.
US09476993B2 Apparatus and method for computing detector response of a photon-counting detector
A computed tomography (CT) apparatus and a method for determining response of a photon-counting detector of a CT scanner. Based on a count rate of an incident spectrum and a dead time parameter of the photon-counting detector, a highest pileup order that has a contribution towards an output spectrum of the photon-counting detector greater than a threshold corresponding to the pileup order is determined. In computing the overall output spectrum of the photon-counting detector, only the spectra corresponding to pileup orders lower than or equal to the highest pileup order are considered.
US09476990B2 Tracking of occluded navigation satellite signals
A navigation system includes a first navigation module for determining a first position and a second navigation module for determining a second position. The first and the second navigation modules are mechanically connected, such that the first position is dependent on the second position. Also, the first and the second navigation modules are communicatively connected to exchange information including at least one of the first and the second positions. At an instant of time during an operation of the navigation system, the first navigation module receives the second position from the second navigation module and determines the first position based on the second position.
US09476989B2 Vector tracking loop operability through oscillator micro-jump event
A navigation system comprises a GNSS receiver that receives GNSS signals on multiple tracking channels, an INS that generates inertial data, and a processor. A micro jump detection and correction module comprises an oscillator micro jump detector that monitors estimates of C/N0 in all tracking channels, and detects a micro-jump event when there is an abrupt decrease of C/N0 in all tracking channels. An offsets module defines a plurality of carrier NCO command offsets to search over signal Dopplers in all available tracking channels after the micro jump event is detected, and sends the carrier NCO command offsets to the GNSS receiver to be added to nominal carrier NCO commands. The micro jump detector selects a tracking channel with the highest C/N0 after carrier NCO command offsets are added to nominal carrier NCO commands, computes corrections for clock error estimates, and sends the corrections for the clock error estimates to a GNSS/inertial Kalman filter.
US09476983B2 System and method for fusing radar/camera object data and LiDAR scan points
A system and method for fusing the outputs from multiple LiDAR sensors on a vehicle that includes cueing the fusion process in response to an object being detected by a radar sensor and/or a vision system. The method includes providing object files for objects detected by the LiDAR sensors at a previous sample time, where the object files identify the position, orientation and velocity of the detected objects. The method projects object models in the object files from the previous sample time to provide predicted object models. The method also includes receiving a plurality of scan returns from objects detected in the field-of-view of the sensors at a current sample time and constructing a point cloud from the scan returns. The method then segments the scan points in the point cloud into predicted scan clusters, where each cluster identifies an object detected by the sensors.
US09476981B2 Optical phased arrays
An optical phased array formed of a large number of nanophotonic antenna elements can be used to project complex images into the far field. These nanophotonic phased arrays, including the nanophotonic antenna elements and waveguides, can be formed on a single chip of silicon using complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) processes. Directional couplers evanescently couple light from the waveguides to the nanophotonic antenna elements, which emit the light as beams with phases and amplitudes selected so that the emitted beams interfere in the far field to produce the desired pattern. In some cases, each antenna in the phased array may be optically coupled to a corresponding variable delay line, such as a thermo-optically tuned waveguide or a liquid-filled cell, which can be used to vary the phase of the antenna's output (and the resulting far-field interference pattern).
US09476980B2 Remote measurement of shallow depths in semi-transparent media
Through discrimination of the scattered signal polarization state, a lidar system measures a distance through semi-transparent media by the reception of scattered signals from a first surface and scattered signals from a second surface. Combined and overlapped light signals scattered from the two surface signals can be separated by exploiting their differing polarization characteristics. This removes the traditional laser and detector pulse width limitations that determine the system's operational bandwidth, translating relative depth measurements into the conditions of single surface timing measurements and achieving sub-pulse width resolution.
US09476971B2 Method of radar surveillance and of radar signal acquisition
A radar includes an antennal structure, with means for transmitting an impulse signal in a band centered on F1 according to a repetition period centered on a recurrence period Tr1 and pulse width T1, with means for receiving signals by the antenna in frequency band ΔF, with a unit for processing the signals received on a set of N distance bins. The signals received are transmitted by another radar in a frequency band centered on F2 where F2−F1≦ΔF, according to a repetition period centered on a period Tr2 and pulse width T2. The signals transmitted by the two radars are asynchronous. The method comprises: slaving frequency F1 to frequency F2, by measuring the power received integrated over the N distance bins and over several recurrences, determination of period Tr2 and T2 and slaving the period centered on Tr1 to a period centered on Tr2 with Tr1=k*Tr2.
US09476968B2 System and method for monitoring optical subsystem performance in cloud LIDAR systems
A method of detecting optical subsystem failures includes emitting a pulsed light beam from a laser through a window. A reflection signal indicative of a portion of the beam reflected by the window is compared to an expected signal to monitor for degradation of an optical component.
US09476967B2 Method of kinematic ranging
A method of kinematic ranging for finding the range R of a jammer moving on a trajectory involves measuring the bearing of the jammer and the rate of change thereof using an airborne detector radar at a first position (24), causing the airborne detector radar to carry out a manoeuvre such that is it displaced in the horizontal plane by a displacement having orthogonal components Δx, Δy, and measuring the bearing of the jammer at a second position subsequent to the manoeuvre. By making an appropriate choice for the components Δx, Δy, the range R may be found with a desired relative range accuracy, and the error in R may be minimized.
US09476966B2 Methods and apparatuses for use in selecting a transmitting device for use in a positioning function
Methods and apparatuses are provided which may be implemented in various devices having one or more computing platforms to obtain signaling characteristics for one or more transmitting devices. The signaling characteristics may, for example, be based, at least in part, on one or more signals received by a receiving device from the transmitting device(s), and may comprise at least a received signal strength measurement and a propagation time measurement. Such methods and apparatuses may further be implemented to determine whether a mobile station is to use or not use positioning data for one or more transmitting device(s) in a positioning function based, at least in part, on the received signal strength measurement and the propagation time measurement.
US09476962B2 Device, system and methods using angle of arrival measurements for ADS-B authentication and navigation
The present disclosure is directed to a receiver for Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) verification of a target aircraft including a first input for receiving flight tracking information from a target aircraft that indicates positional information of the target aircraft. The receiver further includes a second input for receiving positional and heading information indicating the location and orientation of a multi-element array antenna configured to be attached to the receiver, and a processing module that generates a measured bearing derived from angle of arrival data, and an expected bearing of the target aircraft derived from the indicated positional information of the target aircraft and the positional and heading information defining the receiver location and orientation. A comparator compares the expected bearing to the measured bearing and verifies the ADS-B flight tracking information of the target aircraft and outputs an indication of authenticity based on the verification.
US09476955B2 Method and control device to operate a magnetic resonance system
In a method and a control device for operation of a magnetic resonance tomography system to generate image data, multiple of slices in an examination subject are initially excited at a first time interval by a respective RF slice excitation pulse of a series of spatially selective slice excitation pulses. An RF refocusing pulse is then emitted at a second time interval after the first excitation pulse or after the last excitation pulse of the series of RF slice excitation pulses. At least one additional RF refocusing pulse is emitted at a third time interval after a preceding RF refocusing pulse. The third time interval is twice as long as the second time interval. The width of the RF refocusing pulses is selected to generate a number of chronologically separate echo signals per RF refocusing pulse for simultaneous refocusing of all excited slices.
US09476954B2 Method and apparatus to generate magnetic resonance data
In a method, a magnetic resonance system, and a computer-readable storage medium to generate magnetic resonance measurement data of an imaging area of an examination subject, the imaging area being located in a measurement volume of the magnetic resonance system, by operation of the magnetic resonance system, during the acquisition of the magnetic resonance measurement data, at least one additional nonlinear gradient is switched in addition to the gradients for spatial coding, and k-space is read out according to a random pattern, less densely than is required by the Nyquist condition.
US09476951B2 DC SQUID based RF magnetometer operating at a bandwidth of 200 MHz and higher
An RF DC SQUID based magnetometer capable of sensing coherent magnetic fields up to 200 MHz and higher is developed which overcomes frequency limitations associated with noise signals due to transmission line delays between the SQUID circuit and readout electronics. The bandwidth limitations are overcome by superimposing the RF flux on the modulation flux to produce at the SQUID output a binary phase modulated RF voltage, which is processed to lock the static flux, and to control modulation regime by producing an AC bias for the RF flux. RF readout electronics based on a double lock-in technique (sequential demodulation of the RF SQUID voltage at the modulation flux frequency ωm and the RF flux frequency ωRF), yields a signal proportional to the product of amplitude and phase cosine of RF flux with linear dynamic range up to five orders in magnitude if compared to DC SQUID operated in traditional flux-locked loop regime.
US09476950B2 Measuring instrument, electrical resistance elements and measuring system for measuring time-variable magnetic fields or field gradients
The invention relates to a measuring instrument for time-variable magnetix fluxes, or flux gradients, to electrical resistance elements, and to a measuring system comprising a measuring instrument or electrical resistance element according to the invention. The core component of the measuring instrument is a flux transformer composed of a base material which has a phase transition to the superconducting state. According to the invention, even when the base material is in the superconducting state, this flux transformer comprises at least one load region having electrical resistance that is other than zero for dissipating the electric energy in the conductor loop thereof. For this purpose, according to the invention the conductor loop and the magnetic field source are disposed in one plane and are typically photolithographically structured. The resistance elements according to the invention, having resistance values of ≦10−4Ω, are used as core components in the measuring instrument. According to the invention, measurement is possible in a broader frequency range, with less noise and with greater sensitivity than was possible with generic measuring instruments or measuring systems.
US09476944B2 Insulation inspection instrument
A continuity tester that has particular application for inspecting the insulation on the stator windings in an electric machine. The continuity tester includes a power supply, a brush having conductive bristles, and an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter. One terminal of the power supply is electrically coupled to the brush and another terminal of the power supply is electrically coupled to the A/D converter and the stator being tested. The conductive brush is selectively positioned against the exposed windings of the stator, and if an electrical circuit is formed as a result of loss of insulation, the potential at the input of the A/D converter drops, which can be detected. In one embodiment, the conductive brush is a manual brush that is moved across the stator windings, and in alternate embodiments the conductive brush is specially configured to be positioned against the conductive windings in an automated process.
US09476943B2 Solenoid status determination methods and systems
Methods and systems for determining the status of a solenoid. A method includes measuring a plurality of parameters associated with a current conducting through the solenoid. The measured parameters are compared to predetermined reference parameters to determine the status of the solenoid. A system includes a sensor configured to measure a plurality of parameters associated with a current conducting through the solenoid. The system includes a control module configured to receive the measured parameters and operable to compare the measured parameters to predetermined reference parameters to determine the status of the solenoid.
US09476939B2 Gaining timing accuracy of digital signals through averaging in the X-axis
Rising and falling edges captured by a digital acquisition device appear to chatter on the X-axis by two or more sampling bin boundaries as live acquisition continually updates. This leads to a confusing display of limited usefulness. Averaging of multiple edges eliminates chatter while at the same time increases timing accuracy of the edges beyond the abilities of the base acquisition system. An object of the invention is to display a waveform for an averaged digital signal converted from an analog signal received by a signal processing instrument. A plurality of data acquisitions is stored in memory, and for each data acquisition, a number of rising and falling edges are identified. Each rising and falling edge is counted in each data acquisition. From these counted edges, an average waveform is calculated from the plurality of data acquisitions. The average waveform is displayed as an improved representation of the digital signal.
US09476936B1 Thermal management for microcircuit testing system
The IC test system provides a system and method for thermal management of test pins. A test pin array (22) in a pin guide (24) is mounted in a retainer (20) which is located between an IC wafer (12) which contains IC devices to be tested (DUT) and a load board (40) which provides pathways to test signals to the DUT. On the other side of the load board is a contact plate (50) which together with the retainer straddles the load board. Leg extensions (36) pass through the load board apertures (42) and provide a thermal circuit from the contact plate to the retainer and to the pin array. On the upper side of the contact plate is a cooling/heating system with a thermal electric peltier device (62) and a further heat exchanger (64) as needed. Holes (44) are provided in the legs (36) to provide a supply of dry air to the wafer and pin array to minimize condensation as a result of cooling effects.
US09476932B2 Systems and methods for implementing S/SSTDR measurements
Systems and methods which utilize spread spectrum sensing on live circuits to obtain information regarding a circuit under test are provided. In some embodiments S/SSTDR testing may be utilized to obtain R, L, C and Z measurements from circuit components. In yet further embodiments, these measurements may be utilized to monitor the output of sensors on a circuit.
US09476931B2 Method for fault location analysis of ungrounded distribution systems
A location of a fault in an ungrounded power distribution system is determined by identifying a faulty feeder section and a type of the fault using voltages and currents measured before and after the fault and selecting the location of the fault at the faulty feeder section by testing a relationship of a current over a voltage measured at boundaries of the faulty feeder section after the fault with different equivalent admittance matrices of the faulty feeder section determined for different candidate locations of the fault of the determined type. The fault is a short-circuit fault including one or combination of a single-phase-to-ground fault, a phase-to-phase fault, a double-phase-to-ground fault, a three-phase-to-ground fault, and a phase-to-phase-to-phase fault.
US09476930B2 Locating multi-phase faults in ungrounded power distribution systems
A method determines a location of a fault in a faulty feeder section of an ungrounded power distribution system based on a type of the fault and the type of the faulty line. The method determines, if the faulty line is the lateral and the fault is phase-to-phase or double-phase-to-ground fault, the fault at a first point on an un-faulty phase of the lateral where a fault current equals a load current. The method determines, if the faulty line is the lateral and the fault is the three-phase fault, the location of the fault at a point with a minimal difference between imaginary parts of equivalent fault impedances. The method determines, if the faulty line is the mainline, the location of the fault at a point partitioning the faulty segment on two sub-segments with a ratio of lengths determined based on the voltages at the buses of the faulty segment.
US09476927B2 Structure and method to determine through silicon via build integrity
A structure to detect changes in the integrity of vertical electrical connection structures including a semiconductor layer and an electrically conductive material extending through an entire depth of the semiconductor layer. The electrically conductive material has a geometry that encloses a pedestal portion of the semiconductor layer within an interior perimeter of the electrically conductive material. At least one semiconductor device is present on the pedestal portion of the semiconductor layer within the perimeter of the electrically conductive material.
US09476925B2 Method and device for electromagnetically testing an object
The invention relates to a method for electromagnetically testing an object, a method in which electromagnetic radiation is directed by a probe in a predetermined main aiming direction toward a predetermined test point at which the object is located. The invention is characterized in that the probe and a stand for the object are moved relative to one another by a mechanical moving device according to a movement representative of a predetermined angular spread statistic relative to the main aiming direction, in order to generate, by means of the probe, electromagnetic radiation having said predetermined angular spread statistic relative to the main aiming direction.
US09476924B2 Sensor system and method for reducing a settling time of a sensor system
A sensor system has a first sensor device and a second capacitive sensor device for detecting a movement of the object relative to a detection surface, wherein the sensor system is configured to be operated in a first mode of operation and in a second mode of operation, wherein the sensor system is configured to be switched over from the first mode of operation into the second mode of operation, wherein the second capacitive sensor device has a number of second sensor electrodes, and wherein in the sensor system at least in the second mode of operation at least one signal path connectable with a predetermined fixed electric potential is provided, which is parallel to a parasitic capacitance of the first sensor device.
US09476915B2 Magnetic field current sensors
Embodiments relate to magnetic field current sensors. In an embodiment, a magnetic field current sensor includes a semiconductor die having first and second opposing surfaces and comprising at least one magnetic field sensing element; and a unitary conductor comprising a footprint portion, first and second pillar portions, and first and second contact portions, the first pillar portion having a first height and coupling the first contact portion to the footprint portion, the second pillar portion having the first height and coupling the second contact portion to the footprint portion, the first height being a monotonic vertical dimension separating the footprint portion from the first and second contact portions, and the footprint portion coupling the conductor to the first surface of the die such that the footprint portion is substantially parallel to the first surface of the die and within a perimeter of the first surface and the first and second contacts portions are closer to the first surface than the second surface.
US09476913B2 Probe card
A probe card includes a wiring substrate including an opening portion, a first connection pad, and a second connection pad arranged in an opposite area to the first connection pad, a resin portion formed in the opening portion, a first wire buried in the resin portion, in which one end is connected to the first connection pad and other end constitutes a first contact terminal, and a second wire buried in the resin portion, in which one end is connected to the second connection pad and other end constitutes a second contact terminal, wherein the first and second wires extend on one line, and the first and second contact terminals are arranged on the one line, and the first and second contact terminals are gathered to be separated such that the first and second contact terminals touch one electrode pad of a text object with a pair.
US09476909B2 Test terminal block
A test terminal block is formed of a series terminal block and a test plug block pluggable onto the series terminal block and fastening clamps for releasably securing them together. Each of two fastening clamps has a clamp housing contains at least two catch elements and the housing of each has at least two corresponding mating catch elements that determine two interlocking positions of fastening parts in the fastening clamps, one position is arranged after the other in the plug-on direction of the fastening parts. An unlocking element is movably arranged in the housing of each of the two fastening parts, which unlocking element can be brought into a first unlocking position and a second unlocking position, the locking of the first interlocking position being released in the first unlocking position and the locking of the second interlocking position being released in the second unlocking position by the unlocking element.
US09476908B2 High throughput microscopy device
An object is mounted on a surface of a sample carrier. Properties of the surface of the object are measured and/or modified by means of a plurality of independently movable heads, each comprising a microscopic probe. The heads being located between the surface of a reference grid plate and the surface of the sample carrier. Head specific target locations are selected for the heads. Each head is moved over the surface of the reference grid plate, to the target location of the head. During movement a position of the head is determined from markings on the reference grid plate sensed by sensor in the head. When the sensor has indicated that the head is at the target location selected for the head a force between the head and the reference grid plate is switched to seat and/or clamp the head on the reference grid plate.
US09476905B2 Sensor element, electronic apparatus and moving object
A sensor element includes: a detection electrode section; a movable body that is provided to face the detection electrode section; and a protruding section that is provided in a region where the detection electrode section is provided in a plan view of the detection electrode section seen in a vertical direction and protrudes toward the movable body. At least a part of a surface of the protruding section is made of an insulating material.
US09476904B2 Acceleration sensor having at least one micromechanical sensor element for an occupant protection system in a vehicle
In an acceleration sensor having two redundantly disposed micromechanical sensor elements having redundant signal paths with a separate A/D converter, a monitor includes a substitute circuit, integrated in the evaluation unit, for a sensor element, and a redundant further A/D converter, which converts the fixed, acceleration-independent output signal of the substitute circuit as a function of the shared operating parameters of all A/D converters to plausibilize the output signals of the acceleration sensor by means of the monitor. This makes it possible to detect faulty triggering of an airbag due to faults in both A/D converters.
US09476902B2 Methods, apparatuses, and systems for measuring the amount of material dispensed from a container using an accelerometer
The application discloses a device that determines how much material is dispensed from a container by measuring the angle at which the container is tilted. The device includes an accelerometer for measuring an angle by which the container is tilted, and an electronic component for transmitting data based on the angle measured by the accelerometer. In some embodiments, the accelerometer measures the angle by which the container is tilted at a multiple different times.
US09476901B2 Optical sensor
Three light emitting elements and one light receiving element are provided on a surface of a substrate. An arithmetic processing portion of a signal processing circuit separates three reflected light signals from a light detection signal from the light receiving element. The arithmetic processing portion calculates a square sum of the difference between the entire waveforms of the reflected light signals while the reflected light signal is shifted. The arithmetic processing portion calculates a phase difference between the reflected light signals on the basis of a shift amount with which the calculated value is minimum. On the basis of similar processing, the arithmetic processing portion calculates a phase difference between the reflected light signals. The arithmetic processing portion identifies a movement direction of a detection object on the basis of the phase differences.
US09476892B2 Composition and method for measuring thallium influx and efflux
The present invention relates to methods for detecting the activity of an ion channel in a cell. The methods comprise providing a loading buffer solution to a cell that has an ion channel. The loading buffer comprises at least one thallium indicator (e.g., an environmentally sensitive, luminescent dye) and a physiological concentration of chloride ions. The methods further comprise providing a stimulus buffer to the cell, wherein the stimulus buffer comprises thallium (e.g., thallium ions). Providing the stimulus buffer causes thallium influx into the cell through the ion channel. After providing the stimulus buffer, the luminescence (e.g., fluorescence) of the dye in the cell is detected. The luminescence of the dye can change in the presence or absence of thallium. The methods may be used to measure influx or efflux of thallium through an ion channel.
US09476891B2 Insulin assay
The present invention provides an insulin-specific assay and an assay reagent capable of sensitively and specifically assaying insulin using an antibody having a property of reacting with insulin bound to an anti-insulin antibody while not reacting with insulin not bound to an anti-insulin antibody, without being affected by proinsulin and insulin analogs.
US09476886B2 Sensor
A sensor for detecting and/or quantifying the amount of analyte in a sample, the sensor including: a sensing region; and a barrier layer including a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-quenching, analyte-permeable membrane having an ROS-quenching agent adsorbed thereto; wherein the sensor is adapted so that the sample enters the sensing region of the sensor through said barrier layer.
US09476885B2 Water-dispersable nanoparticles
Provided herein are methods for making water-soluble nanoparticles comprising a core/shell nanocrystal that is coated with a surface layer comprising enough hydrophilic ligands to render the nanoparticle water soluble or water dispersable. Methods for crosslinking molecules on the surface of a nanoparticle, which methods can be used on the above water-soluble nanoparticles also are provided. Nanoparticle compositions resulting from these methods are also provided.
US09476882B2 Methods and compositions for diagnosing and treating cancer
The invention provides assays, methods, systems, compositions, and kits for diagnosing and treating cancer.
US09476879B2 Test strip detection system
A test strip detection system, comprising a test strip card (1) and a detection device (2); the test strip card (1) comprises a card box (16), a built-in test strip (15) and an electronic label (20) matched with the built-in test strip (15); the electronic label (20) stores parameters such as the standard working curve of an object to be detected and the like; the detection device (2) comprises an optical system (3), a photoelectric detector (4), an analog/digital converter (5), a data processing device (6), an electronic label read-write module (10) with an aerial (11), a voice module (34), a cell box (7) and an output display device (8). The system further comprises a wireless communication module (12) and a wireless network system (13) connected with the wireless communication module (12) and comprising a remote server (14). The data processing device (6) calculates a sample detection result according to the characteristic frequency optical signals transmitted by a test strip detection band (27) and a quality control band (28) in combination with an electronic label (20) transmission parameter; the detection result is displayed on the output display device (8); the voice module (34) vocally prompts the detection result at the same time; the detection result is transmitted to the remote server (14) via the wireless communication module (12) for data management and information feedback.
US09476876B2 Sol composition for sol-gel biochip to immobilize probe on substrate without surface treatment and method for screening thereof
The present invention relates to a method for screening a sol composition for sol-gel biochips, which is used to immobilize a probe on a surface-untreated substrate, also relates to a sol composition screened by said method and a sol-gel biochip comprising said sol composition immobilized thereon. The sol composition screened by the disclosed method can be mixed with a probe, and the sol mixture can be integrated on 96-well plates, which are widely used in existing bioassays, without surface treatment. Also, the biochip can provide a sensitive and specific good analysis results because this immobilization methods of probe maintain the nature of probes without modification.
US09476875B2 Integrated buffer dual-path immunoassay device
A test device for use with a liquid solution includes a housing that houses a plurality of sorbent strips. At least one strip has a location for receiving the solution. The housing defines at least an opening in said housing wherein said opening is aligned with the location for receiving the solution. The device includes a sealed reservoir filled with the liquid solution, the sealed reservoir being disposed in alignment with the opening and coupled to the housing. The device includes an opener coupled to the housing. The opener is arranged to rotate from a first position, in which the opener is not in contact with the sealed reservoir, to a second position, in which the opener causes the sealed reservoir to effect a release of the solution from the reservoir and into the opening and onto the sorbent strip housed within the housing.
US09476874B2 Analyte detection
The present disclosure provides methods and/or kits for detecting an analyte in a sample. Some embodiments provide a method for detecting a non-nucleic acid analyte in a sample using a solid substrate comprising a bound immobilization agent and an capture agent and a detectable agent, which can bind to the analyte. The capture agent comprises, at a plurality of sites, a ligand for the immobilization agent. A complex between the analyte, the capture agent and a detectable agent is formed and immobilized on the solid substrate by binding between the immobilization agent and the ligand. In some embodiments, the ligand and the immobilization agent are a binding pair comprising a peptide tag and an anti-peptide tag antibody.
US09476872B2 Method for evaluation of function of phagocyte
A novel convenient method for evaluating the function of a phagocyte is provided. The method assays sCD14-ST, which is a humoral factor specifically produced in phagocytosis by the phagocyte and which is stable enough for use in an assay. Also provided is a method for detecting diseases associated with the phagocytosis by the phagocyte.
US09476864B2 Radioactive gas monitor
A shield has a detector installing hole having a central axis orthogonal to a central axis of a detection tube. A radiation sensor of a columnar scintillation detector to which a low concentration side measurement range within all required measurement ranges is allocated is arranged inside the detector installing hole. An ionization chamber to which a high concentration side measurement range is allocated is arranged side by side in parallel with the detection tube. The measurement range of the columnar scintillation detector and the measurement range of the ionization chamber are adjusted so as to be overlapped with each other.
US09476861B2 Ultrasound diagnostic device and ultrasound probe
In order to reduce the variation of transmitting and receiving sensitivity among a plurality of CMUT cells, an ultrasound diagnostic device comprises: a plurality of CMUT cells each having a vibrating membrane that vibrates when ultrasound is transmitted to or received from a subject; an upper electrode and a lower electrode disposed facing each other on mutually opposite sides of each of the CMUT cells to apply a bias voltage to each of the CMUT cells by a bias power supply; and transmitting and receiving correction units for each correcting the voltage supplied from the bias power supply by using a function using at least one parameter of the thickness and resonance frequency of the vibrating membrane of each of the CMUT cells.
US09476855B2 Particle analyzing systems and methods using acoustic radiation pressure
The present invention comprises methods and systems that use acoustic radiation pressure.
US09476854B2 Electric field directed loading of microwell array
An apparatus includes a device substrate including an array of sensors. Each sensor of the array of sensors can include a electrode structure disposed at a surface of the device substrate. The apparatus further includes a wall structure overlying the surface of the device substrate and defining an array of wells at least partially corresponding with the array of sensors. The well structure including an electrode layer and an insulative layer.
US09476851B2 Nitric oxide microsensors via fluorosilane-based xerogel membranes
The presently disclosed subject matter relates to sensors for measuring an amount of a gaseous species in a sample. The sensors comprise a gas permeable polysiloxane network membrane, comprising both alkyl and fluorinated alkyl groups. In some embodiments, the polysiloxane network can be formed from the co-condensation of a mixture of an alkylalkoxysilane and a fluorosilane. The presently disclosed subject matter also relates to methods of making the sensors, methods of selectively measuring an amount of a gaseous species, such as nitric oxide, in a sample, and to compositions comprising the polysiloxane networks.
US09476841B1 High-brightness LPP EUV light source
The invention provides a method and apparatus for a commercially viable EUV light source for EUV metrology and actinic inspection of EUV lithography masks. The invention is carried out using a laser target in the form of a continuous jet of liquid Lithium, circulated in a closed loop system by means of a high temperature pump. The collector mirror is placed outside the vacuum chamber in an environment filled with an inert gas and EUV output to a collector mirror is provided through the spectral purity filter, configured as an EUV exit window for the vacuum chamber. In the vacuum chamber, the input window for the laser beam is coated with a screening optical element. Evaporative cleaning of the EUV spectral purity filter and the screening optical element is provided. The protective shield with a temperature higher than 180° C. may be adjusted around the target jet.
US09476840B2 Methods of inspecting a semiconductor device and semiconductor inspection systems
Inventive concepts provide a method of inspecting a semiconductor device including obtaining inspection image data of an inspection pattern of an inspection layer on a substrate. The method may include extracting inspection contour data including an inspection pattern contour from the inspection image data, and merging the inspection contour data with comparison contour data of a comparison layer to obtain merged data. The comparison layer may overlap the inspection layer. The method may also include determining a horizontal distance between the inspection pattern contour and a comparison pattern contour of the comparison contour data based on the merged data.
US09476835B2 Bioluminescent packaging
Some embodiments provided herein relate to bioluminescent packaging, methods of making, and methods of sensing the state of a material. In some embodiments, light emitted by a bioluminescent organism can be used to sense the state of a material.
US09476830B2 Second harmonic imaging nanoprobes and techniques for use thereof
Second harmonic nanoprobes for imaging biological samples and a method of using such probes to monitor the dynamics of biological process using a field resonance enhanced second harmonic (FRESH) technique are provided. The second harmonic generating (SHG) nanoprobes are comprised of various kinds of nanocrystals that do not possess an inversion symmetry and therefore are capable of generating second harmonic signals that can then be detected by conventional two-photon microscopy for in vivo imaging of biological processes and structures such as cell signaling, neuroimaging, protein conformation probing, DNA conformation probing, gene transcription, virus infection and replication in cells, protein dynamics, tumor imaging and cancer therapy evaluation and diagnosis as well as quantification in optical imaging.
US09476821B2 Plug gauge with maintenance line and round point and method of manufacturing the same
Due to repeated use of a gauge portion, used to perform positioning and accuracy comparison measurement at the time of manufacture of various type of molds for metalworking, a gauge line on an outer circumferential surface portion of the gauge portion can disappear due to friction. A plug gauge body, which helps a user recognize the time for maintenance and replacement of the plug gauge, has a constricted portion formed on one side of a shank portion and a cylindrical gauge portion having a uniform diameter and extending from one side of the constricted portion, with the shank portion, the constricted portion, and the gauge portion, being formed axially, a wear checking gauge line having a predetermined depth and width formed so as to extend from one end portion of an outer circumferential surface portion of the gauge portion in the direction of the constricted portion.
US09476820B2 Corrosion resistance evaluators
A corrosion resistance evaluator is provided for evaluating corrosion resistance of coated metals substrates, such as autobodies, at an accelerated rate. The evaluator includes a chamber for retaining an electrolyte that is exposed to an anode and cathode coated with protective coating being tested. These anode and cathode coatings are provided with predetermined and standardized defects, such as micro-holes, to accelerate the corrosion of the underlying metal substrate in a predictable and repeatable manner. The evaluator further comprises an anode holder and a cathode holder for testing the corrosion resistance of the anode and cathode coatings. The evaluator substantially reduces the time required to test corrosion from several days (40 plus days) to few days (about two days).
US09476818B1 Method and apparatus for high sensitivity particulate detection in infrared detector assemblies
A detector assembly includes a dewar chamber having an aperture and an infrared radiation detector. The detector assembly also includes a mirror disposed adjacent the aperture of the dewar chamber, where the mirror has a reflective surface and an emitting region facing the aperture. The infrared radiation detector is configured to detect first radiation and second radiation from the mirror. The first radiation originates from at least one relatively cold surface in the dewar chamber and reflects off the reflective surface of the mirror. The second warm radiation originates from at least one relatively warm surface at or behind the emitting region. The infrared radiation detector is also configured to detect an artifact caused by a particle in the dewar chamber that blocks a portion of the first or second radiation.
US09476817B2 Determination of interfacial tensions in supercritical conditions
The invention concerns a method whereby: (E1) an inner liquid phase is made to flow in an inner flow member, and an outer liquid phase in an outer flow member, the flow of the inner liquid phase opening within the flow of the second liquid phase; and the temperature and pressure in the contact area between the first and second liquid phases being such that the first and/or second liquid phase is in the supercritical state, (E2) the flow rate of the inner phase and/or outer phase is varied in such a way as to modify the flow profile, and a torque is identified from values of the flow rates of the inner and outer phases, called transition flow rates, from which the modification in the flow profile occurs (from drops to a jet; or from a jet to drops); (E3) from the transition torque identified in step (E2), the value of the interfacial tension between the two inner and outer liquid phases is calculated, or the result obtained is compared to that obtained for another torque in the conditions of steps (E1) and (E2).
US09476816B2 Probe tip heating assembly
A heating assembly configured for use in mechanical testing at a scale of microns or less. The heating assembly includes a probe tip assembly configured for coupling with a transducer of the mechanical testing system. The probe tip assembly includes a probe tip heater system having a heating element, a probe tip coupled with the probe tip heater system, and a heater socket assembly. The heater socket assembly, in one example, includes a yoke and a heater interface that form a socket within the heater socket assembly. The probe tip heater system, coupled with the probe tip, is slidably received and clamped within the socket.
US09476813B2 Extraction chamber for collecting analytes from samples and method thereof
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for the collection and analysis of analytes from samples. In one embodiment an extraction chamber is provided that includes a sample holder and an extraction lid that allows for simultaneous multifiber solid phase microextraction of analytes from a sample held in the sample holder. Methods of collection and analysis include using simultaneous multifiber solid phase microextraction of analytes from a sample.
US09476805B2 Systems and methods for backflow preventer testing management
Systems and methods are described for performing, verifying, and managing testing of backflow preventers. A method can include aspects directed toward confirming proper performance of tests on a backflow preventer by interrogating an inspector's location and credentials before producing test results. Systems are described to perform aspects of such methods. Further, a mobile device is provided for use by an inspector, the mobile device being directed toward confirming proper performance of tests on a backflow preventer. Aspects can also relate to the management of data related to the tests and backflow preventers.
US09476804B1 Pneumatic drop test method and apparatus for use with lifts and work cages in wind turbine towers
An apparatus and method for testing a lift in the tower of a wind turbine comprising a pneumatic fixture that is placed in the tower and attached to the lift. The pneumatic fixture has a pneumatic cylinder which is attached to the floor. In one embodiment, the cylinder is attached to the strap which is attached to the lift. In another embodiment, the cylinder is attached directly to the lift. The claimed method is a method for testing the safety breaking system in the lift using the pneumatic fixture.
US09476803B2 Method and an apparatus for predicting the condition of a machine or a component of the machine
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for predicting the condition of a machine or a component of the machine based on measurements of a condition monitoring parameter. The apparatus comprising—a data storage (6) for storing a moving window including measurement values of the condition monitoring parameter,—a monitoring module (7) configured to determine when a measurement value exceeds a potential failure level at which damage of the machine or component is considered initiated, and to determine the point in time (tP) when the monitoring parameter exceeded the potential failure level,—a data cleaning module (8) configured to discard a new measurement value if it is smaller than the latest stored measurement value in the moving window, to determine an expected value for the measurement based on a defined pattern for the condition monitoring parameter, which pattern reflects an expected behavior of the monitoring parameter after damage has been initiated, and the time elapsed since the point in time the monitoring parameter exceeded the potential failure level, and to discard the new measurement value if it deviates too much from the expected value, and to store not discarded measurement values in the moving window, and—a prediction module (10) configured to predict the level of the condition monitoring parameter at a future point in time based on the measurement values stored in the moving window.
US09476800B2 Wheel measurement apparatus
An apparatus is mounted to a vehicle for obtaining a camber angle measurement. The apparatus includes a lower elongated member, a vertical elongated member, and an upper elongated member. The apparatus further includes a lower coupling that connects the lower elongated member to the vertical elongated member. The lower coupling allows the vertical elongated member to rotate about an axis, and prevents the lower elongated member from rotating about its longitudinal axis. The apparatus also includes an upper coupling that connects the vertical elongated member to the upper elongated member. A lower connector is connected to the lower elongated member, and is configured to be connected to a wheel of a vehicle. An upper connector is connected to the upper elongated member, and is configured to be connected to the vehicle.
US09476799B2 Method and apparatus for measuring corrosion of mobile body
A mobile body corrosion measuring apparatus having a corrosion sensor installed in at least one portion of a mobile body, the corrosion sensor measuring a corrosion state at the portion and outputting corrosion data; a vehicle (mobile body) running speed sensor installed in the mobile body, the running speed sensor measuring a running speed of the mobile body and outputting the running speed data; and a data collection unit that acquires the corrosion data from the corrosion sensor and the running speed data from the vehicle speed sensor at the same time and collects the corrosion data and the running speed data with the corrosion data and the running speed data associated with each other. Due to above structure, a corrosion state specific to the mobile body can be accurately measured.
US09476796B2 Device for detecting a pressure, in particular a combustion chamber pressure of an internal combustion engine
A device for detecting a pressure, in particular in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, has a housing and an adapter element secured in the housing for accommodating a sensor module. The sensor module includes at least one sensor element and one support element. The sensor element makes electrical contact with connecting lines which extend in the axial direction of the sensor module. The support element has a section on which support surfaces are formed for the connecting lines.
US09476794B2 Pressure decay testing system and testing device for a connector and method of testing
A pressure decay testing system including a testing device for determining the reliability of connectors is provided and includes a pneumatic cylinder that raises and lowers a sealing member that closes a second end of a connector inserted in the device. A base member is adjacent pneumatic cylinder and includes a receiving surface having at least one receiving member for holding the connector. A channel is disposed therethrough though the receiving surface of the base member and aligns with an inner bore of the connector inserted in the testing device. An air line is attached to base member fluidly connecting inner bore of the connector with decay tester. Decay tester introduces a pressure differential through the channel to reach a predetermined set point pressure when the connector is closed by the testing device. Decay tester is configured to measure a change in pressure over time with respect to the predetermined set point.
US09476792B2 Evaporative emissions leak tester and leak test method
A tester and method for testing for a leak in an evaporative-emissions system of a motor vehicle comprise a/an power supply, computer, display communicating with the computer, analog-to-digital board communicating with the power supply and computer, pressure sensor communicating with the board, housing into which the power supply, board, and sensor are integrated, stationary enclosure, and test connection including a hose to the enclosure. A fuel-vapor pressure-rise rate is recorded with an engine of a motor vehicle turned “off.” A value is recorded that directly correlates with an out-gassing effect created by a volume, blend, and temperature of fuel. A “purge” cycle occurs at idling of the vehicle within a short period of time. The engine applies a vacuum to a fuel-delivery system of the vehicle. Vacuum decay is recorded. A leak rate is determined by off-setting the recorded fuel-vapor pressure-rise rate with the recorded vacuum decay.
US09476788B2 Semiconductor sensor with gel filled cavity
A pressure sensor has a housing having a bottom surface and side walls that form a cavity. A pressure sensor die is attached to the bottom of the cavity and covered with a layer of low modulus gel. A lid is secured to upper ends of the side walls and covers the cavity, gel and pressure sensor die. The lid has an inner surface facing the gel and an exposed outer surface, and includes protrusions extending from the inner surface along the side walls and towards the gel such that the gel near the upper ends of the side walls is displaced towards a central region of the cavity to ensure that the gel completely covers the pressure sensor die.
US09476787B1 Fluid detection system for a plurality of tanks
A system for continuous measurement of multiple fluids in multiple tanks and computation of physical properties for each of the multiple fluids continuously. The system can use a plurality of probes, a plurality of client devices, a master control processor, and a master control data storage. The master control data storage can have computer instructions for receiving data from the plurality of probes, receiving data from other detection devices associated with the fluid in each tank, mapping collected data to a relational database, and comparing mapped data to stored values associated with prioritized alarm functions. The master control data storage can also have computer instructions for generating alarms to both a display connected with the master control processor and to the plurality of client devices using a network, generating reports associated with each generated alarm, generating an alarm log, and generating a history of actions taken by a user.
US09476785B2 Carbon nanotube temperature and pressure sensors
The present invention, in one embodiment, provides a method of measuring pressure or temperature using a sensor including a sensor element composed of a plurality of carbon nanotubes. In one example, the resistance of the plurality of carbon nanotubes is measured in response to the application of temperature or pressure. The changes in resistance are then recorded and correlated to temperature or pressure. In one embodiment, the present invention provides for independent measurement of pressure or temperature using the sensors disclosed herein.
US09476777B2 Temperature detector, temperature sensor and method for manufacturing the temperature detector
There is provided a temperature detector adapted to be provided in a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of a temperature detection target. The temperature detector includes a cylindrical fixing body made of a metal material, the cylindrical fixing body having a single through hole extending therethrough and one axial end portion serving as a fixing portion, a thermocouple having a pair of wires partially inserted into the through hole and a welding material welded to the fixing portion while being at least partially inserted into the through hole to fix the thermocouple to the fixing portion. An end of the thermocouple is exposed on a surface of the welding material by polishing the welding material together with the thermocouple.
US09476776B2 Holder replacing member and holder assembly including the same
Disclosed are a holder replacing member and a holder assembly including the same. The holder replacing member includes: a pipe-shaped conductive case; a first insulating body disposed on an inner surface of a leading end of the conductive case; a first contact pin and a second contact pin located in a hollow portion of the conductive case to be electrically connected to probes, respectively; a second insulating body electrically isolating the first contact pin, the second contact pin, and the conductive case from one another; and a female screw member coupled to an outer peripheral surface of a rear end of the conductive case to be rotated independently of the conductive case and having a female screw on an inner peripheral surface thereof.
US09476772B2 Temperature sensor and an infrared detector including such a sensor
A temperature sensor for use in an infrared detector the temperature sensor comprising: a first resistor associated with a first thermal path having a first thermal conductivity between the first resistor and a substrate and a first temperature coefficient of resistance; a second resistor associated with a second thermal path having a second thermal conductivity between the second resistor and the substrate and a second temperature coefficient of resistance, and a measurement circuit responsive to changes in the resistance of the first and second resistors to estimate changes in temperature, and wherein at least one of (a) the first and second thermal conductivities are different or (b) the first and second temperature coefficients of resistance are different.
US09476770B1 Resonator coupling modulation spectroscopy
Disclosed herein is a system for detecting the presence of an chemical in a sample comprising a laser light source for generating a beam of light; a beam splitter that is operative to split the beam of light into a first beam of light and a second beam of light; a reference cell and a first recording device that are operative to receive the first beam of light; where the first recording device is downstream of the reference cell; a resonator that is operative to receive the second beam of light via a coupler; where the resonator contains the sample that contains the chemical; a phase modulator and a second recording device that lie downstream of the resonator and are operative to receive the second beam of light.
US09476765B2 Ultraviolet monitoring device
Monitoring a user's exposure to ultraviolet radiation, including determining the amount of radiation to which the user is exposed from different directions, respectively.
US09476764B2 Wavefront adjustment in extreme ultra-violet (EUV) lithography
Some embodiments of the present disclosure related to a method to form and operate the reflective surface to compensate for aberration effects on pattern uniformity. In some embodiments, the reflective surface comprises a mirror of within reduction optics of an EUV illumination tool. In some embodiments, the reflective surface comprises a reflective reticle. An EUV reflective surface topography comprising a reflective surface is disposed on a surface of a substrate, and is manipulated by mechanical force or thermal deformation. The substrate includes a plurality of cavities, where each cavity is coupled to a deformation element configured to expand a volume of the cavity and consequently deform a portion of the reflective surface above each cavity, for local control of the reflective surface through thermal deformation of a resistive material subject to an electric current, or mechanical deformation due to pressurized gas within the cavity or a piezoelectric effect.
US09476760B2 Precision measurements in a fiber optic distributed sensor system
A fiber optic distributed vibration sensor provides a highly sensitive measurement of a measurand with a high degree of linearity. The distributed vibration sensor includes subsections configured to have a high sensitivity to a measurand of interest interspaced in an alternating manner with subsections having a low sensitivity to the measurand. The distributed vibration sensor is interrogated such that a phase difference between the backscattered signals generated in low sensitivity subsections surrounding a high sensitivity subsection can be determined. Characteristics of the measurand may then be determined based on the phase difference.
US09476759B2 Method for determining pore size and pore size distribution of porous material using phase of electro-acoustic signal
A method of determining pore size of a porous material. The method includes saturating the porous material with a conducting liquid. Measuring, with an electro-acoustic device, a phase of the seismo-electric or electro-seismic signal at a single frequency or multiple frequencies. Calculating an average pore size from the measured phase of the seismo-electric or electro-seismic signal at single frequency using a theory that takes into account the hydrodynamic relaxation of the conducting liquid inside of the pores of the porous material. Calculating pore size distribution from the similar measurement conducted at multiple frequencies using the same theory.
US09476758B2 Handheld devices and methods for acquiring object data
A handheld apparatus includes a weight sensor configured to weigh an object, a display configured to display the weight of the object, and a wireless transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit the object weight data from the weight sensor to one or more remote devices. The apparatus also includes a user interface that allows a user to control operation of the weight sensor, and to control transmission of object weight data to a remote device via the wireless transmitter. The user interface may also allow a user to enter and display descriptive information about an object that can be transmitted with the object weight data to a remote device. A second handheld apparatus is used to capture an image of the object and display object weight data within the image.
US09476750B2 Method and apparatus for water level sensing
An apparatus and method of sensing fluid level in reservoir for calculating fluid flow there from. The method comprising the steps of: receiving a plurality of fluid level signals each indicative of respective fluid level state at a predetermined location within the reservoir; identifying change of a first fluid level state; recording a relative first time, with respect to fluid flow duration, at which the first fluid level state changed; and calculating fluid dispensed from the reservoir using the fluid flow duration and an average fluid flow rate associated with the respective fluid level location within the reservoir. The apparatus comprising: a plurality of fluid level probe elements located within the reservoir, each adapted to provide a respective fluid level signal; and a processor module adapted to receive receiving a plurality of fluid level signals.
US09476749B1 Nesting measuring cups
Nesting measuring cups include a first measuring cup having a measuring portion for measuring a first volume, a first handle provided on first measuring portion, and measuring cup includes upper and lower faces. A first pour spout on first measuring portion has two spaced apart end walls defining pour spout. A second measuring cup has a second measuring portion for measuring a second volume and a second handle. Second measuring volume is smaller than first measuring volume and nests inside it. A second pour spout is on second measuring portion, and a post is provided adjacent lower face of second measuring portion. Post is engageable with a stop on upper face of first measuring portion, so user may rotate second measuring cup relative to first measuring cup until post engages stop, stops rotation of first and second measuring cups relative to each other, and achieves fixed fanned out position.
US09476748B1 Self-filling graduated cylinder system
A self-filling graduated cylinder system for efficiently filling a graduated cylinder with a chemical solution. The self-filling graduated cylinder system generally includes a graduated cylinder having an interior, an upper end, an upper opening in the upper end a lower end opposite of the upper end, and a check valve attached to the graduated cylinder near the lower end of the graduated cylinder. The check valve is adapted to allow a liquid chemical to flow upwardly through the check valve into the graduated cylinder and to prevent the liquid chemical within the interior of the graduated cylinder from flowing downwardly through the check valve.
US09476744B2 Integrated orifice plate assembly
An orifice plate assembly for use with a process variable transmitter for measuring flow of a process fluid includes a single piece body having a circumferential support ring. A first face of the circumferential support ring is configured to be sealingly coupled to a first flange of a first process pipe. A second face of the circumferential support ring is configured to be sealingly coupled to a second flange of a second process pipe. A flow plate region is positioned between the first and second pipes and has first and second sides. The flow plate region is concentric with the circumferential support ring. At least one flow orifice in the flow plate region provides a restricted fluid path between the first and second process pipes. A first pressure tap is configured to fluidically couple to the process variable transmitter to the process fluid proximate the first side of the flow plate region. A second pressure tap configured to fluidically couple the process variable transmitter to the process fluid proximate the second side of the flow plate region.
US09476743B1 Probe with no moving parts for use in a tank
A probe with no moving parts for use in a tank having pressure transducers, temperature sensors, a probe processor electrically connected to the pressure transducers and the temperature sensors, and a probe data storage. The probe controls the temperature sensors and the pressure transducers to produce bidirectional signals and calculate at least one physical property, and perform adaptive measurement for synchronized measurement of the fluid in static operation, non-synchronized measurement of the fluid in static operation, non-synchronized measurement of the fluid in dynamic operation, synchronized measurement of the fluid in dynamic operation, and combinations thereof. The probe data storage contains computer instructions to instruct the probe processor to identify temperature sensors and pressure transducers not covered by the fluid, measure movement of the fluid in the tank, calibrate pressure transducers of the tank, and communicate with a client device via a network using bidirectional signals.
US09476741B2 Method for density correction in a vortex, flow measuring device
A method for determining mass flow of a two-phase medium flowing through a measuring tube of a vortex, flow measuring device. The measuring tube has in a measuring cross section at least one bluff body for producing vortices. By sensor registering of the produced vortices, a flow velocity of the medium in the region of the measuring cross section is determined. In the method, the density of the medium in the region of the measuring cross section is determined from the specific, total enthalpy of the medium in the region of the measuring cross section, from the flow velocity of the medium in the region of the measuring cross section, from a static pressure of the medium in the region of the measuring cross section and from the static temperature of the medium in the region of the measuring cross section. Additionally, the mass flow is determined from the determined flow velocity, the determined density and a flow cross section of the medium in the region of the measuring cross section.
US09476737B2 Encoder, apparatus including the encoder, encoder calculation method and storage medium storing encoder calculation program
The encoder includes a scale provided with multiple periodic patterns having mutually different periods, a sensor outputting, with a relative movement between the scale and the sensor, multiple periodic signals periodically changing respectively corresponding to the periods of the periodic patterns, and a signal processor calculating a detected movement amount as a detected relative movement amount between the scale and the sensor. The signal processor calculates, by using each of the periodic signals, an accumulated movement amount which is an accumulated value of the relative movement amount between the scale and the sensor in units of one over an integer of the period of the periodic pattern corresponding to the periodic signal used, unifies the units of the accumulated movement amounts calculated by using the respective periodic signals, and calculates the detected movement amount from the accumulated movement amounts with the unified units.
US09476735B2 Magnetic encoder and bearing device including magnetic encoder
A magnetic encoder 1 including a support member 2 attached to a rotating body 12 and a magnet member 3 fixed to the support member 2, the support member 2 and the magnet 4 are not attached to each other using an adhesive but the support member 2 and the plastic magnet 4 are joined together by molding shrinkage or wrap-around form of the magnet 4, and the material for the magnet 4 is selected such that the value of the ratio ((αp−αm)/εc) of a difference (αp−αm) between flowing-direction linear expansion coefficient (αp) of the magnet 4 and linear expansion coefficient (αm) of the support member 2, to tensile breaking strain (εc) of the material for the magnet 4 is equal to or less than a value beginning at a threshold (Nth) based on a prescribed value of cycle member at thermal shock destructive test.
US09476734B2 Systems and methods for calibrating and adjusting a heading reference system
Systems and methods of calibrating and adjusting for deviations in a vehicle's heading system, such as the attitude heading and reference system of an aircraft or the heading system of a ship, positioned along the Earth's surface involve calibrating magnetometers for hard iron and misalignment errors using single heading measurements. This can be accomplished by obtaining both actual and theoretical readings for the magnetometer of the heading system, and comparing these values to obtain calibration values for the heading system. The vehicle may be repositioned, such as to North, South, East, and west magnetic headings, with the procedure repeated at each of these headings, and the calibration values averaged, further increasing the accuracy.
US09476728B2 Navigation apparatus, method and program
A navigation apparatus, method or program extracts only a guide expression a talker such as a fellow passenger says to a driver, and outputs a presentation content which corresponds to the guide expression. Accordingly, the driver can understand the content intuitively. This makes it possible to prevent the misunderstanding of the driver and to prevent a vehicle from going in the direction the talker does not intend.
US09476726B2 Navigation apparatus and navigation method
A navigation device 10 comprises: position detecting means 11 for determining the current position of a user from the absolute position in longitude and latitude by using the electric waves coming from a plurality of artificial satellites going around the earth; storage means 14 for storing the coordinates in longitude and latitude of nodes, as obtained by setting a starting point and a final place, on a scheduled route; display means 12 for displaying the current position and the scheduled route; and control means 16 for controlling the display on the display means 12 by converting the angular data of the absolute positions and the coordinates into distance data while making corrections according to the current position, and by calculating an element between the nodes thereby to calculate whether or not the current position is on the scheduled route, in dependence upon whether or not the distance between the element and the current position is within a predetermined range.
US09476723B1 Hierarchical processing and caching of path solutions
Technologies are disclosed herein for providing a pathfinding service for processing and caching of path data for a grid. The pathfinding service is configured to initiate computing instances to process the path data, and to determine if an acceptable path exists through the grid. The pathfinding service may cache results for sub-portions of the grid as an overlying hierarchical representation. Thereafter, the cached results can be used to quickly determine acceptable paths for the entire grid. Additionally, the cached results may be updated when underlying information related to the sub-portions have been altered or invalidated.
US09476716B2 Methods and apparatuses for location-triggered sensor initialization
Methods, apparatuses, and devices for generating one or more harsh or diminished radiofrequency environments relative to a planned route of a mobile device user. In one example, a mobile device user a be routed through a harsh or diminished radiofrequency environment based, at least in part, on a sensor suite of a mobile device and/or based on a user's preferences. Prior to entry into such an environment, various sensors may be activated in a manner that permits position estimation in an absence of SPS based positioning signals and/or TPS based positioning signals.
US09476714B2 Augmentation for GPS calculations
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer program products for providing improved augmentation for GPS calculations. In general, various embodiments of the invention involve using a plurality of GPS devices associated with stationary objects associated with a common carrier's delivery network and the common carrier's delivery fleet to calculate error corrections and to communicate these error corrections to a number of GPS enable devices to be used by these devices to augment GPS calculations to correct errors associated with GPS signals. Further, various embodiments of the invention involve collecting GPS data for a plurality of delivery routes traveled by the common carrier's delivery fleet. In particular embodiments, this collected data may be used to provide more accurate address information for locations along these delivery routes and more accurate renderings of various landscapes along these delivery routes.
US09476713B2 Ring mirror optical rotation sensor
An optical rotation sensor includes a Fabry Perot laser having an active gain medium for generating first and second light beams, a closed optical path through which the first and second light beams counter-propagate and first and second mirrors coupled to respective ends of the closed optical path. The first minor is a ring mirror having a complex valued reflectivity that varies with a rotation rate of a frame within which the optical rotation sensor is placed. A detector is coupled to an output of the Fabry Perot laser to measure an output intensity thereof.
US09476708B2 Accelerometer based attitude determination
Determining an object's inclination fixed reference frame relative to a gravity field includes supplying circularly disposed accelerometers rigidly linked by the object and measuring in non-collinear directions. A radius linking it to the circle's center defines an accelerometer's measurement direction. The accelerometers measure components of the field along the measurement directions to provide measurement values. Then, a matrix equation is solved to obtain the object's inclination relative to the reference frame.
US09476704B2 Flexible display and method for measuring angle of the same
There is provided a flexible display capable of improving an angle-measuring accuracy using different kinds of sensors and a method of measuring an angle thereof. The flexible display includes a first sensor unit disposed in a first region and including different kinds of sensors, a second sensor unit disposed in a second region adjacent to the first region and including different kinds of sensors, and an angle-measuring unit measuring a folding angle between the first region and the second region in response to sensing signals outputted from the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit.
US09476701B2 Apparatus for detecting a pre-aligning element at a wafer
An apparatus detects a pre-aligning element at a wafer. The wafer has the pre-aligning element at a wafer edge. The apparatus includes a sensor arrangement and an evaluation unit. The sensor arrangement is configured to illuminate subsequent edge portions of the wafer edge, to receive transmitted fractions and reflected fractions of the illumination from the illuminated edge portions with an illumination sensor, and to output a first and a second sensor signal. The first sensor signal is based on the transmitted fractions of the illumination and the second sensor signal is based on the reflected fractions of the illumination. The evaluation unit is configured to evaluate the first sensor signal and to determine a first position information with respect to a coarse position of the pre-aligning element if the first sensor signal indicates that the transmitted fractions of the illumination has reached a predetermined threshold value.
US09476700B2 Phase resolved shearography for remote sensing
A shearography system and method provide advances allowing for rapid processing to produce shearograms which provide surface motion information which may be helpful in multiple fields. For instance, amongst virtually endless possibilities, the system and method may allow for detection of underground structures or ordnance and or be used in the medical field to provide non-contact sensing of a person's internal structures or movements.
US09476699B2 Measurements of strain, stress and temperature by using 1-dimensional and 2-dimensional distributed fiber-optic sensors based on sensing by polarization maintaining fiber of distributed polarization crosstalk distribution
Techniques and devices for measuring stress, strain, or temperature based on polarization crosstalk analysis in birefringence optical birefringent media including polarization maintaining fiber. The disclosed techniques and devices can be implemented to measure polarization crosstalk distribution in polarization maintaining fiber by placing the PM fiber in a 1-dimensional or 2-dimensional configuration for sensing temperature, stress or strain in the PM fiber at different locations along the fiber with a high spatial sensing resolution. In some implementations, the disclosed techniques and devices can be implemented to simultaneously measure stress, strain and temperature from analyzing the probe light. For example, both temperature and stress/strain can be simultaneously measured by using the same sensors to extract and separate temperature measurements from stress/strain measurements.
US09476698B2 Periodic patterns and technique to control misalignment between two layers
A method and system to measure misalignment error between two overlying or interlaced periodic structures are proposed. The overlying or interlaced periodic structures are illuminated by incident radiation, and the diffracted radiation of the incident radiation by the overlying or interlaced periodic structures are detected to provide an output signal. The misalignment between the overlying or interlaced periodic structures may then be determined from the output signal.
US09476695B2 Laser tracker that cooperates with a remote camera bar and coordinate measurement device
A system includes a laser tracker, a camera bar, an accessory, and an electrical system, the camera bar including a mounting structure, two cameras, and three non-collinear reflector points, the accessory including a plurality of light markers, the electrical system including a processor that causes the tracker to measure 3D coordinates of the three reflector points, to measure the light markers with the cameras, and to determine a position and orientation of the assembly in a tracker coordinate system.
US09476693B2 Optical property measurement apparatus and optical property measurement method
An apparatus enabling abnormality detection of a sample. A first interference optical system scans the sample with first signal light from a first sample optical path, making the first signal light interfere with first reference light from a first reference optical path, to detect first interference light. Optical path length difference between the first sample optical path and first reference optical path is changed based on the detection. A change in the optical path length difference is determined. A second interference optical system scans the sample with second signal light from a second sample optical path, making the second signal light interfere with second reference light from a second reference optical path to detect second interference light. Tomographic information of the sample based on detection of the second interference light is determined. A refractive index profile of the sample is obtained based on the change amount information and tomographic information.
US09476692B2 Angular displacement sensor of compliant material
Disclosed is an apparatus including a compliant capacitor and an elongated structure extending between a first end and a second end. The elongated structure is compliant material that is flexible and bendable from a linear, non-bent position to multiple bendable positions and is an elastomer based material. The compliant capacitor includes a first conductive filler embedded within and extending from the first end to the second end along a longitudinal length of the elongated structure to form a first electrode of the compliant capacitor. The compliant capacitor also includes a second conductive filler embedded within and extending from the first end to the second end along the longitudinal length to form a second electrode of the compliant capacitor. The compliant capacitor further includes an elastomer dielectric layer extending between the first conductive filler and the second conductive filler.
US09476688B2 Coordinate measuring apparatus for measuring a workpiece
A coordinate measuring apparatus for measuring a workpiece having a workpiece surface includes a sensor to capture the workpiece surface and a mechanism to move the sensor in coordinate directions (x, y, z) relative to the workpiece. The mechanism includes a rigid frame, a mount and measuring skids. The rigid frame includes mutually parallel horizontal longitudinal members having respective horizontal guides. The rigid frame includes vertical supports having respective upper and lower ends. The horizontal longitudinal members are rigidly connected to the upper ends of the vertical supports. The rigid frame includes transverse members oriented transverse to the longitudinal members and being rigidly connected to the lower end of the vertical supports. The transverse members are supported via the mount and a first one of the measuring skids is configured to move the sensor in the coordinate direction (x) along the first and second horizontal guides.
US09476685B2 Detonation control
Detonation control modules and detonation control circuits are provided herein. A trigger input signal can cause a detonation control module to trigger a detonator. A detonation control module can include a timing circuit, a light-producing diode such as a laser diode, an optically triggered diode, and a high-voltage capacitor. The trigger input signal can activate the timing circuit. The timing circuit can control activation of the light-producing diode. Activation of the light-producing diode illuminates and activates the optically triggered diode. The optically triggered diode can be coupled between the high-voltage capacitor and the detonator. Activation of the optically triggered diode causes a power pulse to be released from the high-voltage capacitor that triggers the detonator.
US09476683B2 Munition, charge for such a munition, and method of manufacturing such a munition
The invention provides a filler material for a munition, inluding an explosive charge, an inert charge and at least one pyrotechnic transmission unit adapted to transmit a remotely initiated detonation to said explosive charge. The invention also concerns a munition incorporating said filler material, said munition including a hollow elongate casing suitable for housing the explosive charge and the inert charge, and a firing device, at least a portion of the inert charge being interposed between the firing device and said explosive charge, and the pyrotechnic transmission unit being provided with a pyrotechnic extension and coupling the firing device to the explosive charge in order to prime detonation of the explosive charge under the action of the firing device.
US09476682B1 Multi-charge munitions, incorporating hole-boring charge assemblies
Multi-charge munition suitable for defeating a concrete target consists of a detonatable array of hollow primary charges (14) of explosive supported laterally of a line of target penetration on which is disposed a secondary explosive charge (48). Simultaneous detonation of the primary charges in the array causes jet penetrators to be projected together towards the target which produce wide boreholes in concrete suitable for the subsequent emplacement and detonation of the secondary charge. The munition may be an aerially-deliverable bomb or submunition.In one preferred embodiment, the primary charges (14) are positioned in a convergent configuration behind a forwardly-tapered secondary charge (48). Detonation of the primary charges projects penetrators forwardly passed the sides of the secondary charge and thrusts the secondary charge into the borehole produced in the target by the penetrators.
US09476679B2 Ultra light bar armor
Bar armor currently provides a means of providing partial protection of vehicles and structures against certain types of Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs). However, the individual bars must provide enough strength to cut through or deform the outer ogive of an RPG and cause electrical contact with the inner ogive. This in turn imposes constraints on the overall effectiveness of the system and how light it can be made. These constraints can be eased by providing cross-attachments for the bars, provided that the cross-attachments themselves are mutually supporting and of low enough density and sufficient frangibility to avoid detonating the RPG when they are struck by the RPG nosepiece, which contains a piezoelectric element that causes the fuse of the RPG to function. Through this means, bar armor can be made lighter, more effective, and easier to see through.
US09476670B2 Carrying case for police or military baton
A holster system including an elongated backer plate having a plurality of slots, a hinge that pivotally connects a first end of the backer plate to a first end of the cover plate, a resilient lock that releasably connects a second end of the backer plate to the second of the cover plate, an adjustable spacer located between the backer plate and cover plate, the cover plate, the hinge and resilient lock is adapted to accept a range of different sizes of belts worn by a human user and wherein the adjustable spacer may be inserted into any of the plurality of slots to accommodate the different sizes of belts and a police or military holster rotatably attached to the backing plate.
US09476668B1 Hypervelocity projectile launching system
A gun system for launching a projectile that forms a component of a two-part payload that also includes a pusher that is separable from the projectile. The system includes a barrel, a source of propellant gas to propel the projectile and the pusher through the barrel, and a retarding coil and an accelerating coil, each having a coil axis parallel to the barrel axis and surrounding a projectile passage through the barrel, the retarding coil being disposed closer to the source of propellant gas than the accelerating coil. The retarding coil is configured to generate electromagnetic energy in response to passage of the pusher when being propelled by propellant gas ignition, and the accelerating coil is configured and coupled to impose an accelerating force on the projectile in response to the electromagnetic energy generated by the retarding coil.
US09476667B2 Mating arrow mounted slide and arrow rest cradle assembly for bowfishing and bowhunting
A mating arrow mounted slide and arrow rest cradle assembly for bowfishing and bowhunting utilizes an arrow shaft mounted slide that is releasably snapped into a cradle carried by the riser of a bow, in which the slide cradle combination provides a tight arrow rest as well as an anchoring mechanism for one end of a line when used for bowfishing. When the arrow is released the slide unsnaps from the cradle and moves in unison with the arrow as the arrow moves out of the bow.
US09476665B2 Crossbow cabling arrangement
In at least one embodiment, a crossbow comprises a stock, a first limb, a first rotatable member, a second limb and a second rotatable member. A bowstring, a first cable and a second cable each extend between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member. The crossbow defines a shooting axis. The first cable is offset from the shooting axis in a first direction and the second cable is offset from the shooting axis in a second direction different from the first direction.
US09476662B2 Silencer for a long gun
A silencer for a firearm, in particular, an assault rifle or another long gun, is provided. The silencer can be fitted onto a barrel of the firearm, wherein a muzzle brake is fixed to the barrel and wherein the muzzle brake can be fixed to the silencer by a releaseable connection, such as a screw connection.
US09476661B2 Firearm suppressor
A suppressor for reducing muzzle blasts in firearms includes mounting apparatus with a rear end designed to mate with a firearm barrel. A blast cap includes aligning and joining features mating the blast cap with the mounting apparatus. A plurality of baffles each includes aligning and joining features mating one baffle with the blast cap and the remaining baffles to each other. Each baffle includes a plate having gas ports therethrough positioned within a cylindrically shaped sidewall. The gas ports are positioned intermediate a central aperture and an outer edge of the plate. An end cap includes aligning and joining features mating the end cap with the adjacent baffle. The mounting apparatus, the blast cap, the plurality of baffles, and the end cap are affixed together using the aligning and joining features to form a suppressor and each includes a central aperture longitudinally aligned with the firearm barrel.
US09476660B2 Firearm safety mechanism
A firearm with safety mechanism in one embodiment comprises a receiver, a trigger-actuated firing mechanism with movable trigger operable to discharge the firearm, and a safety mechanism configured to arrest the firing mechanism. The safety mechanism is movable between a first position preventing movement of the trigger and a second position allowing movement of the trigger for discharging the firearm. In one embodiment, an elongated stock bolt attaches a buttstock to the receiver. The stock bolt passes through a portion of the safety mechanism to engage the receiver. This allows an operating button of the safety to be ergonomically mounted on a top surface of the firearm above the stock bolt. In one implementation, the firing and safety mechanisms may each be operably mounted in a fire control module disposed in the receiver and removable therefrom as a separate self-supported unit.
US09476653B2 System and method for storing thermal energy as auxiliary power in a vehicle
There is provided a controller for a heat capture and storage system configured to capture and store energy from heat expelled in engine exhaust. The controller includes a plurality of inputs, a plurality of outputs, and at least one processor coupled to a memory for storing within the memory instructions executable by the at least one processor. The controller is configured by execution of the instructions stored in the memory to: receive signals at one or more of the plurality of inputs, the signals representing at least one operating parameter of the heat capture and storage system; and based on at least one operating parameter, generate signals at one or more of the plurality of outputs for controlling at least one component of the heat capture and storage system to capture and store the energy from the heat expelled in the engine exhaust.
US09476651B2 Thermal management system
A system is disclosed. The system includes a thermally conductive enclosure bounding an interior cavity, a metallic cell wall structure disposed within the cavity, in thermal communication with the enclosure, and defining a plurality of cells, and a phase change material disposed within the cells and in thermal communication with the cell walls. The plurality of cells have a cell width less than about 5 millimeters, and the cell wall thickness of the cell wall structure is in a range from about 0.25 millimeter to about 1 millimeter.
US09476646B2 Castable refractory composition
A castable refractory composition may include from 5% to 95% by weight of alumina, aluminosilicate, or mixtures thereof; up to 70% by weight silicon carbide; up to 10% by weight carbon; from 0.1% to 5% by weight alkaline earth metal oxide and/or hydroxide; and from 0.1% to 5% by weight of silica having a surface area of at least about 10 m2/g. The refractory composition may further include no more than 0.5% by weight of cementitious binder, and the refractory composition may not release a significant amount of hydrogen gas upon addition of water. The refractory composition may set on addition of water. An installable refractory lining may be formed using the composition and a method including at least one of casting, self-flowing, wet shotcreeting, rodding, cast-vibrating, spraying, conventional dry gunning, or high density gunning the castable refractory composition, and setting and drying the composition.
US09476644B2 Scrap submergence system
In accordance with one aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a furnace including a charge well is provided. The charge well comprises an open top chamber including side and base walls of a heat resistant material. An inlet is provided in a side wall of the chamber for receiving molten metal. A ramp is provided adjacent the side wall and an inner wall forms a central cavity. The ramp is disposed between the inner wall and the side wall. The ramp is generally inclined from an intersection with the base wall to adjacent a top surface of the inner wall. The cavity is in fluid communication with an outlet. A passage in the inner wall provides fluid communication between the inlet and the cavity. The inlet and an outlet each receives a conduit and at least one of the conduits can include an elbow joint.
US09476641B2 Down-flow condenser reboiler system for use in an air separation plant
A condenser reboiler system located within a bottom region of a low pressure column of a double column arrangement that is used in an air separation system to separate air. The condenser reboiler system incorporates first and second heat exchangers of the down-flow type that are situated in a side-by-side relationship and with the first heat exchanger being shorter than the second heat exchanger so that the first heat exchanger will remain functional after a shut-down of the air separation system when the second heat exchanger(s) are not capable of operating due to liquid dumping into a sump region of the low pressure column. The side-by-side relationship allows the column to be fabricated without excessive height.
US09476640B2 Method and apparatus for producing nitrogen by cryogenic distillation of air
In a method for producing nitrogen by cryogenic distillation, air containing carbon monoxide is sent to a cryogenic distillation column (5), a flow D of nitrogen is taken from the top of the distillation column, with a CO content less than a fixed value S1, and a flow of nitrogen-rich cryogenic liquid coming from an external source (7) is sent to the top of the column, the flow rate of cryogenic liquid sent to the column being less than a value V if the CO content in the air does not exceed a previously defined threshold (S0), and the flow rate of cryogenic liquid sent to the column being greater than a value V if the carbon monoxide content of the air exceeds this previously defined threshold (S0).
US09476638B1 Cooler with multiple compartments
A cooler assembly with multiple compartments comprised of a bottom floor, two parallel longitudinal sidewalls, a grill end, a handle end and two lateral interior dividing walls is disclosed. The dividing walls separate the interior into a grill end compartment, a storage end compartment, and a cooler compartment. Each compartment has its own hinged top panel, with the center cooler compartment designed for cold food storage. The cooler assembly also includes a water filtration system for recycling and reuse of melt water from the cooler. A slide out grill assembly is disposed within the grill end and a fold out tabletop is disposed upon the top of the cooler compartment. The cooler is wheeled to allow transport to a desired location and umbrella mounts are included on the cooler body.
US09476635B2 Radio frequency identification heat flux measurement systems for refrigerator vacuum insulation panels
Radio frequency identification heat flux measurement systems for refrigerator vacuum insulation panels and methods of operation thereof are provided. One example refrigerator includes a plurality of vacuum insulation panels respectively positioned within a plurality of walls of the refrigerator. The plurality of walls of the refrigerator define an interior refrigerated space. Each of the plurality of vacuum insulation panels includes a conductive barrier layer forming a jacket around such vacuum insulation panel. The refrigerator includes a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) temperature sensors respectively positioned adjacent to the plurality of vacuum insulation panels. The refrigerator includes an RFID receiver. Each of the plurality of RFID temperature sensors transmits information concerning a local temperature to the RFID receiver. Each of the plurality of RFID temperature sensors utilizes the conductive barrier layer of its adjacent vacuum insulation panel as an antenna during the transmission of the information.
US09476634B2 Refrigerator
A refrigerator is provided that may include a main body having a storage compartment in which food or other items may be stored, a main door configured to open or close the storage compartment, the main door having a storage chamber separate from the storage compartment, a sub door configured to open or close an opening of the storage chamber, a tray configured to be introduced into or withdrawn from the storage chamber, a guide configured to guide movement of the tray by being compressed when the tray is introduced into the storage chamber and released from compression when the tray is withdrawn from the storage chamber, and a basket placed on the tray, the basket having a storage space therein. The guide may cause variation in a moving speed of the tray when the tray is introduced into or withdrawn from the storage chamber.
US09476633B2 3D vacuum panel and a folding approach to create the 3D vacuum panel from a 2D vacuum panel of non-uniform thickness
A three-dimensional (3D) vacuum insulation panel (VIP) and a folding approach to create the 3D VIP from a two-dimensional (2D) VIP of non-uniform thickness for a refrigerator, a refrigerator freezer or a non-appliance, are disclosed. The folding approach includes placing a VIP main panel and a plurality of VIP wall panels on an outer film, where one or more panels are of a greater thickness than other VIP panels; placing an inner film on top of the VIP main and wall panels and sealing the films together. The inner film is longer than the outer film and this allows the films and the VIP wall panels to be folded into a finished panel, wherein the longer inner film allows for fording without causing tears or micro-cracks in the film that would adversely affect the insulation properties of the three-dimensional (3D) VIP.
US09476632B2 Positive air pressure ice making and dispensing system
An aseptic ice making system includes an ice making system to receive water from a water supply. The ice making system includes an ice producing subsystem to produce ice and a positive air pressure subsystem to maintain a positive air pressure environment within the ice making system.
US09476631B2 Ice making device and refrigerator having the same
A refrigerator includes a separate cool air supply channel formed in an ice making chamber door so as to supply cool air to a crushing chamber formed in the ice making chamber door, which is connected to the front portion of an ice bank storing ice dropped from an ice making tray, to open and close an ice making chamber, thereby preventing ice remaining in the crushing chamber from melting.
US09476628B2 Industrial shell and tube heat exchanger
The invention discloses an industrial shell and tube heat exchanger for providing freezing or chilling of brine to produce slurry ice, which includes a shell and tube heat exchanger located in a horizontal position and which includes at least one tube within the shell and tube heat exchanger; and at least one rotatable spiral driven in at least the one tube, and which is adapted to move or pump the brine and slurry ice through the respective tube to ensure individual supply of brine for the production of slurry ice.
US09476625B2 System and method for monitoring compressor floodback
A system and method for monitoring a floodback condition includes a compressor connected to a condenser, a discharge sensor that outputs a discharge temperature signal corresponding to a discharge temperature, and a control module connected to the discharge sensor. The control module receives compressor power data or compressor current data, determines a saturated condensing temperature based on the compressor power data or compressor current data, calculates a discharge superheat temperature based on the saturated condensing temperature and the discharge temperature, monitors a floodback condition of the compressor by comparing the discharge superheat temperature with a threshold, and, when the discharge superheat temperature is less than or equal to the threshold, increases the speed of the compressor or decreases an opening of an expansion valve associated with the compressor.
US09476624B2 Scroll compressor differential pressure control during compressor shutdown transitions
A method including determining whether an OFF criterion is satisfied for a lag compressor of a tandem set of scroll compressors. The tandem set of scroll compressors includes a lead compressor. The method further includes: initiating at least one process when the OFF criterion is satisfied; and maintaining the lag compressor in an ON state for a predetermined period subsequent to the OFF criterion being satisfied. The at least one process includes at least one of: operating the lead compressor at a maximum level; overriding a motor overload protection method, wherein the motor overload protection method protects motors of the lead compressor and the lag compressor; and overriding a proportional integral derivative (PID) method to reduce a speed of a condenser fan. The PID method controls the speed of the condenser fan. A system including the lag compressor module and the lead compressor module.
US09476623B2 Multiple-unit air conditioning apparatus
To obtain a multiple-unit air conditioning apparatus capable of detecting, when improper wire connections are made, improper wiring and eliminating an improper wiring state without performing a re-wiring work. When an operation command for an indoor unit Y, received from indoor unit control means 15, does not match a refrigerant circuit of an indoor unit Y whose refrigerant circulation is controlled by outdoor unit control means 14, operation patterns are extracted on the basis of the number of operating indoor units Y. A refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant is circulated is switched in accordance with the operation patterns. Each wire 18 connected to the indoor unit control means 15 of each indoor unit Y is associated with each refrigerant circuit controlled by the outdoor unit control means 14, and recognition of wire connections is changed.
US09476622B2 Method of part replacement for refrigeration cycle apparatus and refrigeration cycle apparatus
A part replacement method replaces a part of a refrigeration cycle apparatus including a compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger, an expansion device, a heat exchanger related to heat medium, and first and second refrigerant flow closing devices. The first and second refrigerant flow closing devices control a flow of a refrigerant into and out of an outdoor unit accommodating the compressor and the heat source side heat exchanger. The method includes a pump-down step of closing the first refrigerant flow closing device, allowing the refrigerant in a pressure reduction section to flow into the outdoor unit and reducing a pressure in the reduction section until a set pressure or time is reached, a flow closing step of closing the second refrigerant flow closing device, and a part replacement step of removing the part from the refrigerant circuit by heating to replace the part.
US09476620B2 Cogeneration system
In a cogeneration system 1 configured to supply electricity and heat with a gas engine 5 as an engine and including a thermally driven heat pump 3 and a thermally-driven-heat-pump assisted electric heat pump 4 as an electrically driven heat pump, a controller 44 as an operation controller configured to perform a power control in such a manner that generated electricity e of the gas engine 5 becomes equal to balance electricity eb as the sum of required electricity De2 for driving a thermally-driven-heat-pump assisted electrically driven heat pump 4 configured to compensate heat demand Dh of the cogeneration system 1 and electricity demand De1 of the cogeneration system 1, is provided.
US09476617B2 Thermoelectric modules for an exhaust system
A thermoelectric generator includes a thermoelectric module and a micro heat exchanger. The thermoelectric module includes p- and n-conducting thermoelectric material pieces which are alternately connected to one another via electrically conductive contacts. The thermoelectric module is thermally conductively connected to a micro heat exchanger. The micro heat exchanger includes a plurality of continuous channels having a diameter of at most 1 mm, through which a fluid heat exchanger medium can flow.
US09476615B2 Autonomous induction heat exchange method using pressure difference and gas compressor and heat pump using the same
Disclosed herein is an autonomous induction heat exchange method using a pressure difference caused by heat exchange in a single pipeline. In addition, the present invention relates to a gas compressor and a heat pump using the method. The present invention does not require a separate drive device. Therefore, occurrence of vibration or noise can be fundamentally prevented. Consumption of power for compressing gas or heat exchange can be minimized. Furthermore, gas circulates in an autonomous induction manner using a pressure difference. Thus, the length, size and structural shape of a gas compressor or a heat pump can be modified in a variety of ways. Thereby, the present invention can be easily used in different kinds of apparatus and systems and can be easily applied to small heat exchange modules using micro-channels as well as large heat exchange systems.
US09476611B1 Solar assembly for production of ethanol, electricity, potable water, or combinations thereof
A modular and portable motorized solar concentrator assembly for production of ethanol, electricity, potable water, or combinations thereof can include a housing and a reflective array. An airtight chamber is formed in the reflective array, and ancillary reflective concentrators can provide addition solar radiation thereto. An inert gas in the airtight chamber can form a low-humidity and air-free environment. The portable motorized solar concentrator assembly can engage an electricity producing plant, a desalination plant, an ethanol producing plant, or combinations thereof.
US09476609B2 Water separator and system
A water separator and system includes a compressed air aftercooler and water/moisture separator with a demister core comprising a plurality of offset fins. In one embodiment, the compressed air aftercooler comprises a compressed air core having an aftercooler inlet, an aftercooler outlet at the bottom of the compressed air core, and one or more heat transfer passages. In one aspect, the system comprises a moisture separator substantially integral to the aftercooler. In another aspect, the system includes a first generally horizontal region beneath and adjacent to the aftercooler outlet; and an expansion zone adjacent to and in fluid communication with the first region, the expansion zone being configured to reduce the horizontal velocity of compressed air passing therethrough. In another aspect, the demister core is in fluid communication with the expansion zone. In certain aspects, the demister core comprises a plurality of offset fins creating an undulating/uneven flow and/or creating air flow direction change. Another aspect includes an exit zone downstream from the demister core, wherein the exit zone has a compressed air outlet and a condensate drain.
US09476607B2 Reflective laminate insulating assembly
An insulated HVAC duct component such as a transition box includes a first insulation layer and a second, different insulation layer. The transition box includes at least four sidewalls and one of a top and a back wall, the transition box further including a first access port and a second access port, the first access port having a different cross section than the second access port, one of the access ports being spaced from a nearest sidewall by less than 2 inches. The first insulation layer is located along an inside surface of the box. The second different insulation layer overlies the first insulation layer, the second different insulation layer having an air impervious surface, wherein the combined thickness of the first insulation layer and the second different insulation layer is less than 2 inches.
US09476605B2 Building for a computer centre with devices for efficient cooling
The invention relates to a structure of a multi-storey computer center building, which is suitable for accommodating a multiplicity of racks, each of which has storage space for computer hardware. The building has a first cooling circuit in order to dissipate heat generated by the computer hardware and the first cooling circuit is designed to supply at least some of the racks with a coolant. The first cooling circuit is also designed to remove the heated coolant from at least some of the racks. And, the racks have heat exchanger devices, which are suitable for transferring the generated heat to the coolant.
US09476603B2 Heater with humidifying device
The present invention discloses a heater with a humidifying device. The humidifying device includes a water container, a cotton rod, a fixing knob, an atomization plate, a hollow pipe, and a fog output box. Through the cotton rod, water is sent to the atomization plate to directly generate atomized particles. The heater is combined with an air purifying device, the humidifying device, and a heating device to provide multiple functions. An air outlet outputs warm wind, humidified air and purified air, so the user can feel fresh but not dry warm wind.
US09476602B2 Cooling system for a building with low energy consumption
Building cooling system involving circulation of a cooling liquid in a hydraulic circuit comprising at least one first tank (2), at least one second tank (4) in which at least part of one of its walls (4.1) are made of a porous material and at least one heat exchanger (6) connected in series through a hydraulic circuit, at least one hydraulic pump (8) placed between the first tank (2) and the heat exchanger (6), in which the second tank (4) is located outside the building, in which in which the system comprises means (10) of controlling circulation of liquid from the second tank (4) to the first tank (2), and when the system is in operation to cool the inside of the building, flow from the second tank (4) to the first tank (2) is interrupted and the hydraulic pump (8) circulates the liquid from the first tank (2) to the second tank through the heat exchanger (6), such that the second tank fills up.
US09476598B2 Oven appliance and method for operating an oven appliance
Oven appliances and methods for operating oven appliances are provided. A method includes determining if a cooktop burner is active during operation of a cooking chamber self-clean cycle. The method further includes deactivating the self-clean cycle if the cooktop burner is active, and continuing the self-clean cycle if the cooktop burner is not active.
US09476597B1 Adjustable oven
An adjustable oven having a floor and heating element that can be adjusted from a lower position to an upper position forming a smaller cooking space. An oven door has grooves to accommodate an adjustable oven floor, and a handle extending perpendicular to the face of the oven the door, and along the plane of the side wall, for opening the door in which one hand may be used.
US09476591B2 Crack resistant combustor
A combustion chamber louver assembly includes an aft louver having a forward panel 24 that extends axially from a louver leading edge 26 to a corner 28, and a forward louver joined to the forward panel of the aft louver. A lip 48 defined by a portion of the forward louver that extends axially past the corner to a louver trailing edge 36 includes circumferentially distributed trailing edge slots 60 extending forwardly from the trailing edge a nominal distance equal to about 88% to 95% of the length L of the lip.
US09476588B2 Boiler and operating method of same
A boiler operating method operates a boiler by switching between air combustion mode and oxygen combustion mode when burning fossil fuel with first combustion gas and second combustion gas. The second combustion gas compensates for oxygen deficiency in the first combustion gas. The air combustion mode uses air as the first combustion gas and the second combustion gas while the oxygen combustion mode uses mixed gas of combustion flue gas and oxygen-rich gas as the first combustion gas and the second combustion gas, the combustion flue gas being produced when the fossil fuel is burned. By mixing the oxygen-rich gas in the air in the process of switching between air combustion mode and oxygen combustion mode, the air being the first combustion gas used in the air combustion mode, the boiler operating method can switch between the air combustion mode and oxygen combustion mode while maintaining stable combustion.
US09476585B2 Water-cooling U-valve
A water-cooling U-valve is composed of a downcomer (1), a riser (2), and a return chute (3), which are sequentially connected. An intermediate partition (4) is disposed between the downcomer (1) and the riser (2), the lower parts of the downcomer (1) and the riser (2) are interconnected. A material returning partition (5) is disposed between the riser (2) and the return chute (3), the upper parts of the riser (2) and the return chute (3) are interconnected. The casing of U-valve comprises membrane walls, the inside of the membrane walls are laid with refractory. Some water-cooling tubes of the membrane walls extend into the inside of the U-valve, forming the water cooing intermediate partition (4) and material returning partition (5). The headers (40, 50) are connected with the headers (33, 13) formed by some water-cooling tubes of membrane walls by connecting tubes (7, 8).
US09476578B2 Dodecahedronally-shaped illumination device with orientation detector
An illumination device includes a plurality of light panels facing in different directions and having light emitting elements, a user-operable power switch, an orientation detector for detecting the current orientation of the illumination device, and a controller for receiving information from the orientation detector and the user-operable power switch, and controlling electrical power to the light emitting elements based on such information. A timer, used for automatic shutoff and/or delayed-on functionality, might also be included. The controller is configured to operate in one or more different operational modes, which can be preset and/or user-selectable.
US09476576B2 Rotatable illumination system
A rotatable illumination system includes a base and an illumination apparatus. The base includes a first housing, a rotating axis, a first brush and a second brush. The illumination apparatus includes a second housing, at least one light source, and a first electrode set. The second housing includes a bottom portion fixed to the rotating axis. The light source is disposed on the second housing. The first electrode set is disposed on the outer surface of the bottom portion. The first electrode set includes a first outer annular electrode and a first inner annular electrode electrically insulated from the first outer electric disc. The first brush electrically contacts with the first outer annular electrode and the second brush electrically contacts with the first inner annular electrode. The first outer annular electrode and the first inner annular electrode electrically connect with the light source, respectively.
US09476574B2 Fastening device, in particular for lighting devices
A fastening device includes a clip 14 with a first clip member 22 and a second clip member 24. The second clip member 24 is resiliently pivotable relative to the first clip member 24, such that a flat object may be resiliently clamped between the first and second clip members 22, 24. The clip 14 has a strap holding portion 30, where a first end of a flexible strap 16 is held within the strap holding portion 30. The clip 14 further has a strap receiving portion 32 arranged at a distance from the strap holding portion 30. The strap receiving portion is shaped to receive a portion of the strap. By use of the fastening device, an element, and in particular a lighting device 12, may be alternatively fixed to another element by the flexible strap 16 or may engage a flat object within the clip 14.
US09476573B2 Lighting apparatus comprising phosphor wheel
Various embodiments relate to a lighting apparatus including at least one light generating device for generating primary light, and at least one phosphor wheel arranged optically downstream of the light generating device. The phosphor wheel may include at least one phosphor for wavelength conversion of the primary light into secondary light. A plurality of phosphor wheels are arranged optically downstream of the light generating device.
US09476572B2 Optical lens assembly and light source module having the same
A light source module includes a light source and an optical lens assembly covering the light source. The optical lens assembly includes an optical lens, a reflecting member located on the optical lens, and a reflecting film formed on an outer circumferential surface of the reflecting member. The optical lens includes a main portion and a protruding portion. The light emitting face includes a lateral face extending upwardly from the connecting face and a top surface of the protruding portion, and the top surface of the protruding portion is recessed inwardly towards and located above the light incident face. The reflecting member is conical, the reflecting member is invertedly located on the protruding portion, a tip of the reflecting member is inserted into an inside of the optical lens from the protruding portion, and the reflecting film faces the top surface of the protruding portion.
US09476569B2 Apparatus light pen and its use
A light pen for writing on a polarized light sensitive surface is disclosed. Light emitting diodes emit non-polarized light and a polarization block comprising of a truncated cone shaped collimating optical element, a broad band polarization divider, a broadband semi-wave plate, shifting bi-prism and light beam coupler are built to convert the non-polarized light to be converted to polarized uniform intensity light that is focused using a set of projection lens to a writing surface. The said light pen can be used for creating non erasable writing on many types of articles, documents, and records that would provide verification of authenticity and security.
US09476559B2 Vehicle headlamp
A vehicle headlamp is provided with a semiconductor light source and a lens. The light emission center of the semiconductor light source is arranged at a reference focal point of the lens, or in the proximity thereof. The incident surface of the lens is configured such that upper parts and the lower parts above and below the reference focal point form pairs. Light distribution patterns formed by the upper parts are shifted upwards relative to light distribution patterns formed by the lower parts. As a result, the vehicle headlamp is capable of suppressing occurrence of color bands due to lens spectral phenomena.
US09476555B2 Headlight for a motor vehicle having an interchangeable complex light source
A headlight (10) for a motor vehicle having a housing (14), a semiconductor light source (46), a cooling body (48), an optical system (50) which collects and directs light of the semiconductor source, a securing frame (20) which is mechanically connected to the housing (14) and which holds the semiconductor light source (46) with the cooling body (48) and the optical system (50) in the housing (14), and having an interface between the first part (16) which forms a complex light source (46) and comprises at least the semiconductor light source and the cooling body (48), and a second part (18) which comprises at least the holder (20), wherein the first part (16) is connected to the second part (18) at the interface so that it can be separated without destruction. The first part (16) comprises, in addition to the semiconductor light source (46) and the cooling body (48), at least one optical system (50) which collects and directs a light of the semiconductor light source.
US09476554B2 Rectangular light duct extraction
The present disclosure describes light delivery and distribution components of a ducted lighting system having a cross-section that includes planar duct portions, and a light source. The delivery and distribution system (that is, light duct and light duct extractor) can function effectively with any light source that is capable of delivering light which is substantially collimated about the longitudinal axis of the light duct, and which is also preferably substantially uniform over the inlet of the light duct.
US09476552B2 LED light fixture and assembly method therefor
An LED panel light fixture and method for assembling the same includes (a) selecting a set of specifications of the LED panel light fixture, the set of specifications comprising a fixture/base specification comprising a form factor of the LED panel light fixture; and a top specification comprising a visual feature of a top in accordance with the top specification; (b) providing a knock-down kit having parts including the top in accordance with the top specification, a frame in accordance with the fixture/base specification, an optically transmissive panel assembly, a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs), and driving circuitry; and (c) assembling the LED panel light fixture using parts of the knock-down kit. An LED panel lighting fixture kit includes a top and a base. The base includes a mounting mechanism that is accessible before joining the top to the base, but not accessible after joining the top to the base.
US09476549B2 Flexible light shield and diffuser
A flexible shield/diffuser attachment for a portable light, the light comprising a light emitting end emitting light generally along an axis is shown. The attachment comprises an elongated hollow body fabricated from a pliable material and having a shape memory. A first end of said hollow body is secured to the light emitting end coaxial with the axis.
US09476545B2 Pressure vessel
Provided is a pressure vessel having a vessel main body and a partition wall. The vessel main body is provided with a top wall, a bottom wall, and a peripheral wall. The top wall is provided with: a top-wall main body; a top-wall protruded part having a shape which protrudes externally from an outer surface of the top-wall main body; top-wall first-chamber-side ribs; and top-wall second-chamber-side ribs. The bottom wall is provided with: a bottom-wall main body; a bottom-wall protruded part having a shape which protrudes externally from an outer surface of the bottom-wall main body; bottom-wall first-chamber-side ribs; and bottom-wall second-chamber-side ribs. The top-wall first-chamber-side ribs and the top-wall second-chamber-side ribs each have a shape which connects with the top-wall protruded part. The bottom-wall first-chamber-side ribs and the bottom-wall second-chamber-side ribs each have a shape which connects with the bottom-wall protruded part.
US09476540B2 Displacement system for an assembly bench or a welding bench
The invention relates to a moving system for an assembly table or welding bench to be able to rapidly and safely adapt the size of the work area by moving the assembly table or welding bench or further support elements to the workpiece to be machined. The moving system comprises a guide rail (10) with grid holes (11); a foot element (20) for an assembly table or welding bench (40) which can be contacted with the guide rail (10) at a first end region, wherein a contact area and a rolling means are arranged at the first end region. The moving system also comprises an adjustment means which is coupled to the rolling means, wherein the rolling means can be moved from a first position relative to the contact area (22) to a second position relative to the contact area using the adjustment means, wherein in the first position the contact area (22) contacts the guide rail (10) in a planar fashion and wherein in the second position the foot element (20) on the guide rail (10) is supported on the rolling means and can be moved linearly along the guide rail (10) using the rolling means.
US09476536B2 Jointed pipe splitter with pneumatic hammer
A pipe splitting assembly includes an articulating hammer nose assembly having a pipe splitting cutter and a rotatable joint coupled with the pipe splitting cutter. A pneumatic hammer is distal to the articulating hammer nose assembly. The pneumatic hammer is configured to drive the articulating hammer nose assembly proximally away from the pneumatic hammer. The rotatable joint is coupled between the pipe splitting cutter and the pneumatic hammer, and the articulating hammer nose assembly is rotatable into one or more angles relative to the pneumatic hammer through the rotatable joint. A cable coupling is interposed between the pneumatic hammer and the articulated hammer nose assembly. The cable coupling is configured to attach a cable to the pipe splitting assembly. The cable coupling and the rotatable joint are configured to transmit to the pipe splitting cutter a compression force from the cable coupling and dynamic percussive forces from the pneumatic hammer.
US09476529B2 Hose nipple and hose arrangement
A hose nipple (4) for a hose arrangement (1) is provided, having retaining ribs (6) on the outer side. According to the invention, the retaining ribs (6) vary in their form, size and arrangement on the nipple base body (5) between the hose side (12) and the outlet side (11) of the hose nipple (4) such that a uniform and parallel input of force into the pressure hose (2) is achieved by the retaining ribs (6), which causes the force- and/or form-fitting connection between the hose nipple (4) and the pressure hose (2) fitted thereon.
US09476528B2 Fluid coupling element and corresponding assembly
A fluid coupling element including a base body having a central axis (X-X) in which a complementary fluid coupling element is selectively received, and wherein a locking ring includes a locking ball that is capable of locking the complementary fluid coupling element relative to the base body locking ball is movable radially in the body between a locking position of the complementary fluid coupling element and an unlocking position and wherein an actuating ball of the locking ring is adapted to be pushed into an elongated housing of the base body by the complementary fluid coupling element so as to move the locking ring axially from a locking position, wherein the locking ball is locked in the locking position, to a release position and a spring for returning the locking ring to the locking position and wherein the actuating ball has a diameter greater than a diameter of the locking ball.
US09476527B2 Quick connector for hydraulic hose coupling
A hydraulic fluid line coupling system is disclosed. The coupling may include a female fitting, a male fitting, first and second elastomeric seals between the female fitting and male fitting, and a twist nut surrounding the female fitting, male fitting, and first and second elastomeric seals.
US09476521B2 Method for laying a submarine line on the seabed
A method of laying an undersea line at the bottom of the sea from the surface to connect the bottom end thereof to a coupling element at the sea bottom by positioning the undersea line suspended from the surface in a substantially vertical position and including a curving device extending between two points and having at least one cable and tensioning means for tensioning the cable suitable for reducing the length of the cable extending between the two fastening or guide points from a maximum length L0 to a given shorter limit value L1; moving the bottom end of the undersea line in such a manner as to move the bottom end of the undersea line away from its initial position through a distance D, if necessary, moving the undersea line closer to the sea bottom while simultaneously lowering the line additionally from the surface, and then finalizing the positioning and connecting of the bottom end of the line to the sea bottom.
US09476518B2 Valve assembly and method
A valve assembly includes a housing defining a cavity and a bore which opens into the cavity. A valve member is disposed in the cavity. The valve member moves between an open position for allowing fluid flow through the housing and a closed position for preventing fluid flow through the housing. An actuator extends through the bore for moving the valve member between the open and closed positions. A packing is positionable in the bore to provide a seal about the actuator for preventing fluid from exiting the housing through the bore. The packing is ejectable from the bore. The valve assembly includes a first and second biasing member. The first biasing member is configured to apply a first force to the packing to provide the seal. The second biasing member is configured to apply a second force to the packing for ejecting the packing from the bore.
US09476513B2 Fuel cell compound valve for vehicle
A fuel cell compound valve that opens and closes an inflow line and an exhaust line of a fuel cell stack for a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle includes a support frame having a first bore to which the exhaust line is connected and a second bore to which the inflow line is connected. A first rotation valve is configured to receive a driving torque of a motor installed in the support frame, rotate, and open and close the first bore. A second rotation valve is connected to the first rotation valve and is configured to open and close the second bore. A first coupler protrusion protrudes from a first shaft in a longitudinal direction and has at least one first flat surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. A second coupler protrusion protrudes from a second shaft in the longitudinal direction of the first shaft.
US09476509B2 Axially aligned rotationally adjustable flow control valve
A rotationally adjustable valve is disclosed whereby the user is able to control the flow of fluids from complete shutoff to maximum flow by rotating the adjustment means of the valve, said rotation being axial to the flow of the fluid. Additionally, the user is able to attach high and low pressure test probes directly to the valve, as it is rotatably adjusted, so that additional equipment is not required next to the valve. An embodiment of this invention includes the use of an adjustable Cv disk to set the maximum flow of the valve, rather than just create a simple 180° on/off, very similar to a current 90° ball valve that this device will replace.
US09476507B2 Valve, pressure controlling apparatus, liquid ejecting apparatus, and method of opening and closure valve
A valve includes a seat having a through hole through which ink flows and a valve body that is configured to be in contact with the seat to close the through hole such that the valve is in a closed state and to be separate from the seat to open the through hole such that the valve is in an open state. At least one of the seat and the valve body is configured to move relative to the other of the seat and the valve body while the valve is in the closed state.
US09476499B2 Shovel
A shovel includes: a speed reducer configured by stacking a plurality of gear speed reducers each having a sun gear, a planetary gear, an internal gear, and a carrier member supporting the planetary gear provided in a case, in a direction of an axis of rotation of an upper turning body; and a movement restriction section which is provided between the sun gear of one gear speed reducer among the gear speed reducers stacked in a plurality and another gear speed reducer stacked so as to face the sun gear and restricts movement of the sun gear of the one gear speed reducer toward the other gear speed reducer, wherein the movement restriction section is provided at the case.
US09476498B2 Drive device for construction machine
A drive device for a construction machine, which includes a speed reducer and a brake mechanism, wherein the speed reducer has a casing in which lubricating oil and the brake mechanism are provided, and wherein the brake mechanism includes: a ring-shaped brake piston; and a brake plate configured to generate a braking force by a pressing force of the brake piston, and wherein the brake piston has: a plurality of oil pockets provided in the brake piston at respective positions along a circumferential direction of the brake piston, each of the oil pockets formed as a space capable of storing lubricating oil; oil inlets allowing lubricating oil rising during operation of the drive device to be introduced into the oil pockets respectively; and oil outlets allowing lubricating oil stored in the respective oil pockets to be discharged.
US09476493B2 Differential device and method of manufacturing the same
In a differential device and a method of manufacturing it, a press-fit regulation device regulating a press fit depth of the flange and the ring gear is provided in a press-fit portion between the flange and the ring gear, the flange includes thin-walled portions with recessed portions and thick-walled portions without the recessed portions, the thick-walled portions and the ring gear are welded from a second bearing boss side to a predetermined weld depth, and the thin-walled portions and the ring gear are welded from the second bearing boss side to a weld depth shallower than the predetermined weld depth or not welded. Accordingly, the press-fit portion between the flange and the ring gear can be efficiently welded even in a case where work windows of a differential case cut into a side surface of the flange on a first bearing boss side to form the recessed portions.
US09476490B2 Extended turbine blade
A torque converter, including: an impeller and a turbine with: a shell; and at least one blade including: a blade body with a first edge connected to the shell; and a portion extending from the blade body. The torque converter includes a stator including: a stator body, and at least one stator blade axially disposed between the impeller and the turbine and connected to the stator body. A circumferential space is formed between the turbine shell and the stator body. At least a portion of the circumferential space is radially aligned with the portion of the at least one blade.
US09476489B2 Electric linear actuator
An electric linear actuator has a housing, an electric motor mounted on the housing, a speed reduction mechanism, and a ball screw mechanism. The ball screw mechanism has a nut and screw shaft. Both have helical screw grooves. The screw shaft is inserted into the nut, via a large number of balls. A sleeve is secured on the housing to prevent rotation of the screw shaft relative to the housing. At least one axially extending recessed groove is formed on the inner circumference of the sleeve. At least one guide pin, mounted on the end of the screw shaft, engages the recessed groove. A tapering chamfered portion is formed on the end of the nut.
US09476488B2 Push-pull chain actuator with reduced chain vibrations
A push-pull chain actuator (1) includes a housing with a chain exit/entry opening (4) and a sprocket (9) arranged to engage a push-pull chain (3). The sprocket (9) causes the polygon effect. The actuator includes a first chain guide part (10a) for guiding said push-pull chain (3) around the sprocket (9) and a second chain guide part (lob) for guiding said push-pull chain (3) at the correct angle between the chain exit/entry opening (4) and the sprocket (9). The second chain guide part (10b) is shaped and dimensioned to counteract the polygon effect. Alternatively, the second chain guide part (10b) can be shaped and dimensioned to reduce chain oscillations caused by the rollers (8c) engaging or disengaging the chain exit/entry opening (4) at the end of the second chain guide part (10b).
US09476487B2 Nested endload assembly for a variator
A transmission includes a toroidal variator including a nested endload assembly. The nested endload assembly has two chambers configured to develop a clamping force on components of the variator. The endload assembly includes a housing, a backing plate, a piston positioned adjacent the backing plate and cooperating with the backing plate to define a first chamber for receiving pressurized fluid to act on the piston. The endload assembly also includes a load plate and an input race that cooperate to define a second chamber. The input race of the variator is acted upon by the piston when the piston is acted upon by pressurized fluid in the first chamber. The input race is also acted upon by pressurized fluid in the second chamber.
US09476484B2 Oscillatory gearbox
A gearbox apparatus comprising a base gear, output gear, center gear set, and input cam. The input cam has eccentricity to allow simultaneous gear interaction between the center gear set and the base gear, and the center gear set and the output gear. The center gear set's gear interacting with the output gear having number of teeth A. The output gear with number of teeth being B. The center gear set's gear interacting with the base gear having number of teeth C. The base gear with number of teeth being D. For gears of the same pitch the number of teeth is A−B is equal to N while C−D is also equal to N. The resultant ratio between the output gear and the input cam when the base gear is held stationary is equal a predetermined ratio of 1:(1/(A/B−C/D)).
US09476479B2 Tubular vibration-damping device used for vibration-damping connecting rod, vibration-damping connecting rod using the same, and method of manufacturing vibration-damping connecting rod
Provided are a tubular vibration-damping device for a vibration-damping connecting rod, a vibration-damping connecting rod using the same and a method of manufacturing the vibration-damping connecting rod. The device including an inner shaft member and an outer tubular member being connected by a main rubber elastic body, the inner shaft member having a structure wherein first and second connecting members are inserted into a sleeve member bonded to the main rubber elastic body, the connecting members being axially overlapped with and spaced from each other to provide a rod-end insertion space communicated with outside via rod insertion holes that open through peripheral walls of the sleeve member and the outer tubular member, one end of a rod main body being inserted via the rod insertion holes into the rod-end insertion space and fixed to the first and second connecting members by a fastening member.
US09476476B2 Shock absorber
A shock absorber including a cylindrical outer shell and a piston rod slidably inserted into the outer shell, the shock absorber includes a cylindrical dust cover coupled to the piston rod and permitting an entry of the outer shell to inside thereof; and an annular dust filter whose inner peripheral side is attached to the outer shell and whose outer periphery is brought into slidable contact with an inner periphery of the dust cover at all times.
US09476475B2 Polymer spring
A polymer spring has a hollow tubular polymer body, wherein the first end portion of the body, the second end portion of the body, and the mid-portion of the body together substantially maintain an annular cylindrical column structure throughout the length of the body from the first end portion of the body to the second end portion of the body, such that the mid-portion of the body has a substantial portion that is in direct alignment with the first end portion of the body and the second end portion of the body when the spring is compressed to eliminate or reduce the chances of the spring failing caused by the spring folding or buckling and to reduce material fatigue in the polymer spring associated with folding or buckling.
US09476474B2 Copper alloy wire and copper alloy spring
A copper alloy wire is a filamentary material of a copper alloy containing, in percent by mass, Ni: 3.0 to 15.0%, Al: 0.5 to 5.0%, and Si: 0.1 to 3.0%, with the remainder being composed of Cu and incidental impurities, which is provided with the tensile strength (σB) of 900 to 1300 MPa and electrical conductivity of 10 to 22% IACS and, in addition to that property, satisfies an intensity ratio of A:B:C of 1.0:1.2 to 6.0:2.2 to 8.0 when A, B and C represent diffraction intensities of Cu (111), Cu (200) and Cu (220), respectively, according to an X-ray diffraction method in a predetermined cross section, and which is used for an operation or contact spring by incorporating in mobile phones and various small electronic instruments by formulating into a copper alloy spring used, particularly, for an electrical conductive spring.
US09476473B2 Brake actuator for an aircraft wheel hydraulic brake
A brake actuator comprising a sleeve (1), a piston (3) sealingly slidably mounted in the sleeve to apply a braking force, the piston being provided with an internal cage (21), and a wear compensating device (10) which defines a retracted position of the piston in the sleeve by means of an axially mobile stop which is able to be moved forward by the piston during the application of a braking force and/in frictional relationship with a fixed part (12) of the wear compensating device attached to the sleeve. The mobile stop comprises a radially deformable bushing (16) which cooperates with an olive (15) which is attached to a distal end of the fixed part of the wear compensating device. The bushing comprises means for guiding its proximal end (17) against an internal face of the internal cage (21).
US09476472B2 Brake
A brake having an adjustable tappet for applying a brake force to a brake pad, a tappet having a rotating part in threaded engagement with a non-rotating part, the rotating part including a tappet gear, an adjuster mechanism for selectable rotating the tappet gear, the adjuster mechanism having a clutch with a driving clutch plate in frictional engagement with a driven clutch plate, the driven clutch plate having external teeth in direct meshing engagement with the tappet gear.
US09476471B2 Braking actuator for a hydraulic brake of an aircraft wheel
A braking actuator for a hydraulic aircraft brake, received in a cavity of a ring of the brake. The actuator comprises a liner structure (1) sealed in the cavity of the ring, and a piston (3) slidably mounted in the liner structure to apply a braking force. A wear-compensating device (10) defines a retreated position of the piston in the liner structure by an axially movable stop (11) which can be advanced by the piston during the application of a braking force and in frictional relationship with a fixed part (18) of the wear-compensating device secured to the liner. An elastic member (24) returns the piston to the retreated position defined by the piston bearing against the movable stop, the movable stop being in frictional relationship with the fixed part via at least one telescopic intermediate element (16) interposed between the movable stop (11) and the fixed part (18).
US09476465B2 Spatial wedging friction overrunning clutch
An overrunning clutch is provided with a spatial wedge-shaped mechanism including a rotation guide mechanism (G) and a traction friction mechanism (F1). The traction friction mechanism (F1) has a friction member. A guide member of the rotation guide mechanism (G) preferably has a helical tooth guide surface. The rotation guide mechanism (G) and the traction friction mechanism (F1) are rigidly, axially linked by a common annular intermediate member, which has complementary guide surfaces and a rotation friction surface. The lead angle of the guide surfaces is less than the maximum value of the lead angle which is capable of ensuring self locking of the friction pairs between the guide surfaces, so that the intermediate member can be wedged between the guide member and the friction member, and then transfer torque therebetween. The invention has many advantages such as fully surface contact, a simple structure, no disperse and asymmetry rotation members, and various beneficial operating conditions can be achieved conveniently by the direction controllable scheme.
US09476463B2 Piston-cylinder arrangement, in particular for a clutch actuation system in a motor vehicle
A piston-cylinder arrangement, in particular for a clutch actuation system in a motor vehicle, including a housing (10) that is concentrically arranged around a shaft (11), and an annular pressure chamber (1) inside which a piston (13) is movably mounted. A sealing ring support (14) on which a seal (15) is arranged is connected to the piston. In a piston-cylinder arrangement which is less expensive to produce and nevertheless reliably prevents gap extrusion of the seal between the housing and the sealing ring support, the piston is connected without play to the sealing ring support.
US09476462B2 Clutch with wire pivot ring having straight sections
A pivot ring for a clutch includes a central axis; a plurality of circumferentially curved portions; a plurality of engagement portions, each engagement portion circumferentially disposed between respective first and second circumferentially curved portions from the plurality of circumferentially curved portions and including: an alignment portion; a first and second stiffened attachment portions extending in lines from the alignment portion to the adjacent curved portions; and, first and second circumferential distal ends. Each engagement portion is arranged to receive a respective lever for the clutch; and, the first and second distal ends are arranged to fixedly connect to the clutch. Also presented is a clutch assembly including: an axis of rotation; a pressure plate having opposing first and second surfaces; a plurality of levers, and the pivot ring. Each lever is pivotably connected to a respective engagement portion, such that the plurality of levers is displaceable to close the clutch.
US09476461B2 Electric hybrid module for a dual clutch transmission
An adapter module for a dual clutch transmission in a drivetrain is provided. The dual clutch transmission has a first input shaft and a second input shaft concentric with the first input shaft, a mainshaft, an output shaft, and a countershaft offset from the first and second input shafts. The countershaft is drivably connected to the first input shaft, the second input shaft, and the mainshaft. An alternative power source including an electric machine is provided for the drivetrain. An adapter module is disposed between the dual clutch transmission and the alternative power source. The adapter module has an adapter gearset connecting the electric machine to the dual clutch transmission and at least one clutch configured to (i) selectively drivingly connect the electric machine to the output shaft, and (ii) selectively drivingly connect the electric machine to the countershaft.
US09476460B2 Drive assembly with a clutch
A drive assembly comprises a rotatingly drivable housing an output part and a clutch arranged between the rotatably drivable housing and the output part. The clutch comprises a first clutch part held relative to the housing in a rotationally fixed and axially movable way, as well as a second clutch part fixedly connected to the output part arranged in the rotatably drivable housing; a controllable actuator for actuating the clutch; a target element which, upon actuation of the clutch, is axially movable; and a sensor for recording switched positions of the clutch; wherein the first clutch part comprises an annular portion arranged outside the housing, and a plurality of cam elements that extend axially from the annular portion through the apertures in the housing into the interior of the housing.
US09476459B2 Spline lock shaft locking system
A coupling shaft assembly system is disclosed. A coupling shaft assembly system may have a coupling shaft spline lock body having spline lock spline teeth, a main coupling shaft body having input spline teeth, and a locking bolt, wherein the locking bolt retains the coupling shaft spline lock body in substantially fixed communication with the main coupling shaft body, wherein the coupling shaft spline lock body retains the coupling shaft assembly system in mechanical communication with a power shaft. In this manner, a coupling shaft assembly system may reduce the axial forces transferred by the coupling shaft assembly system.
US09476456B2 Rolling bearing
A rolling bearing is provided wherein one open end of a bearing space formed between an outer race and an inner race is covered with a sealing ring provided with oil flow holes provided with filters. The sealing ring includes engaging portions provided on the sealing ring in a protruding manner along a circumferential direction thereof, and engaged in recesses provided on the inner race. An annular member made of a material softer than that of the sealing ring is fixed to the sealing ring. The annular member includes a lip portion facing the outer race with a gap or kept in contact with the outer race. The sealing ring is formed by injection molding a resin, and weld lines generated during the injection molding are formed in portions of the sealing ring corresponding to radial directions along which the oil flow holes are not disposed.
US09476455B2 Outer ring for a rolling-element bearing, and method for assembling a rolling-element bearing
An outer ring for a rolling-element bearing includes a first region having a first diameter on an outer surface of the outer ring, a second region on the outer surface of the outer ring, the second region having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, a circumferential groove at a boundary between the first region and the second region, and a filler in the groove. The filler is configured such that a temperature compensation ring can be mounted to the outer ring at the first region so that it abuts on an axial end of the second region, the temperature compensation ring having an inner diameter, at least in the region which is disposed over the groove in the radial direction, that corresponds to the outer diameter of the first region.
US09476454B2 Sliding element
The invention relates to a sliding element with a substrate and at least one layer of a sliding layer material applied onto the substrate. The sliding layer material can consist of an antifriction lacquer comprising at least one cross-linkable binder or at least one high-melting thermoplast material or of a material that contains a matrix of at last one high-melting thermoplast material or at least one duroplast material. Said sliding layer material contains Fe2O3 with a preferred fraction of 0.1 to 15 vol. %.
US09476453B2 Cu-based oil-impregnated sintered bearing
There is provided a Cu-based oil-impregnated sintered bearing which can be used for high-load applications such as an ABS system and a wiper motor system in automobile, can be manufactured at low cost, and is excellent in abrasion resistance and seizure resistance. The bearing contains 5 to 40% by mass of Ni, 3 to 15% by mass of Sn, 0.5 to 4.0% by mass of P, or further 0.3 to 5.0% by mass of a solid lubricant, and a remainder comprising Cu and inevitable impurities, and has a metallic structure in which a phase mainly composed of Ni and P is dispersed in a matrix, and has a 5 to 25% porosity.
US09476452B2 Transmission thrust washer with circulation circuit
An automatic transmission includes: a torque converter; a stator in the torque converter; and a thrust washer adjacent the stator. The thrust washer includes a circulation circuit formed in the washer to facilitate fluid movement from one side of the washer to another side of the washer.
US09476449B2 Fluid dynamic bearing device and motor with same
A fluid dynamic bearing device including: a bearing sleeve fixed to an inner periphery of a housing; a shaft member removably inserted along an inner periphery of the bearing sleeve; an annular member having an inner peripheral surface for defining a radial gap together with an outer peripheral surface of the shaft member; and radial bearing portions and a thrust bearing portion for supporting the shaft member. At least the radial bearing gap at each of the radial bearing portions, and a bottom gap having the thrust bearing portion received therein are filled with lubricating oil. A void section is formed in an interior space of the housing. Assuming that d1 represents a gap width of the radial bearing gap and d2 represents a gap width of the radial gap, a relationship of 30d1≦d2≦250d1 is satisfied.
US09476440B2 Fixing structure for casing and method for manufacturing the same
A fixing structure for a casing and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The fixing structure for a casing includes a hollow-core post, a fixing post, and a screwing element. The hollow-core post extends from the casing. The fixing post comprises a fixing segment. The fixing segment is inserted into the hollow-core post and has an inner screw hole. The screwing element is inserted into the casing and screwed to the inner screw hole. Therefore, the fixing structure is conducive to enhancement of the strength of engagement between the hollow-core post and the fixing post.
US09476439B1 Clamping device for clamping portable smart apparatus
A clamping device for clamping a portable smart apparatus includes an installation plate, two clamping elements and an elastic member. Two ends of the elastic members are respectively connected to the two clamping elements. The two clamping elements are opposite each other and are slidably disposed on the installation plate. Each of the two clamping elements is disposed with a rotating ring, which has its two ends pivotally connected to two ends of the clamping element and forming a clamping rod on the clamping element. The two clamping elements respectively clamp two diagonal corners of the portable smart apparatus. By rotating the rotating ring, a gap between the clamping rod and the clamping element can be changed. The two clamping elements are further capable of relative sliding movements. Accordingly, the present invention is apt for clamping portable smart apparatuses having different thicknesses and sizes to satisfy utilization requirements.
US09476427B2 Contra rotating wet gas compressor
A counter-rotating wet gas compressor for deployment and operation on the sea floor is described. The compressor has alternating rows of impellers, with each successive row of impellers being mounted a central hub or to an outer sleeve. According to some embodiments, no static diffusers are positioned between the alternating counter-rotating rows of impellers such that the design is structurally robust, compact and capable of compressing fluids that contain significant portions of liquid phase.
US09476426B2 Vibration isolating engine cooling fan
An axial fan assembly includes a hub, a plurality of connection structures, and a plurality of isolated members. The hub is rotatable about an axis of rotation and includes a radially extending face and a cylindrical portion extending axially from the face. The face includes a radially inner face portion and a radially outer face portion. The plurality of connection structures extends radially inwardly from the radially outer face portion and extends radially outward from the radially inner face portion. The plurality of isolated members extends radially outwardly from the radially inner face portion and is isolated from the plurality of connection structures and from the radially outer face portion by a plurality of slots.
US09476425B2 Apparatus for monitoring an electrical submersible pump
Apparatus for monitoring an Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) are provided, and example of an apparatus includes a rotation rate or other sensor located in, for example, an ESP gauge. When the ESP is started the rotating elements rotate in a first direction while the static elements will experience an opposing torque in a second opposite direction. The small rotational movement of the ESP gauge housing, for example, is sensed by the sensor and is used to determine the direction of rotation of the motor and pump to ensure proper ESP motor and/or ESP assembly configuration.
US09476422B2 Sliding vane positive displacement pump having a fixed disc configuration to reduce slip paths
A sliding vane, positive displacement pump is provided which uses a fixed disc configuration wherein a rotor includes a pair of discs affixed to opposite faces of the rotor so as to rotate with the rotor/shaft. Preferably, the discs each have an outer diameter proximate the outer diameter of the rotor and define an outer disc surface which faces radially outwardly towards an opposing, inside surface of the pump head or other casing structure. A dynamic seal is provided along the outside disc diameter which eliminates the formation of slip between end surfaces. The path of fluid traveling from the high pressure pump side near the outlet to the low pressure side of pump near the inlet is controlled with a radial clearance that is defined between the OD of each disc and the ID of the stationary head. This effectively eliminates direct slip paths extending radially across axially-directed end faces.
US09476420B2 Supply pump
A supply pump includes a housing, a tappet and an anti-rotation pin. The housing has a cylindrical slide wall and an attachment hole. The tappet is provided in the housing to be slidably reciprocatable along the slide wall, and the tappet has an elongated hole. The anti-rotation pin includes an end pin inserted into the attachment hole to be attached to the housing, and a plug fixed to the housing to prevent the end pin from dropping out of the attachment hole. The end pin is fitted into the elongated hole of the tappet to prevent the tappet from rotating with respect to the housing. The end pin is provided separately from the plug.
US09476419B2 Adhesive dispensing system and method including a pump with integrated diagnostics
An adhesive dispensing system includes a pump and at least one sensor positioned to sense movements of a component of the pump and produce signals based on the sensed movements. The dispensing system also includes a controller communicating with the at least one sensor to collect information regarding operational cycles of the pump based on the signals. As a result, one or more diagnostic processes are enabled at the controller during operation of the adhesive dispensing system. These diagnostic processes may include a leak rate test for the dispensing system, an overspeed detection test for the pump, and expected life cycle monitoring of the pump or other components.
US09476417B2 Method and system for detection and localization of a fluid related to a piston machine
A method for detecting and localizing a valve leak in a piston machine having a shaft includes: attaching one or more vibration sensor to a valve block of the piston machine; measuring the vibrations from at least one of the vibration sensors; attaching a sensor to the piston machine where the sensor is designed to produce, directly or indirectly, an angular shaft position signal for the shaft; determining, directly or indirectly, an angular shaft position signal for the shaft; transforming vibration signals from the one or more vibration sensors into one envelope signal representing an instant vibration level; using the angular position signal for constructing window functions that pick the envelope signal in selected angular shaft sectors; using the window functions to find sector based averages of the vibration level; and comparing said averages with a critical ambient vibration level to detect and localize leaks in one or two valves.
US09476416B2 Air compressor
The air compressor contains a casing member, a driving member, and a cylinder member. The casing member has a first accommodation section, a second accommodation section, and a connection section connecting the first and second accommodation sections. The first accommodation section has a number of first inlets and first outlets. The driving member is located between the first and second accommodation sections, and is adjacent to the first outlets. The cylinder member is located both in the second accommodation section and the connection section, and is adjacent to the second outlets. The outside cool air is drawn into the casing member through the first inlets. A portion of the drawn air is released through the first outlets, forming a first flow path for cooling down the driving member. Another portion is released through the second outlets, forming a second flow path for cooling down the cylinder member.
US09476415B2 System and method for controlling motion profile of pistons
A method includes driving a fluid pumping unit having a plurality of pumping cylinders via a plurality of hydraulic cylinders respectively of a hydraulic power unit. The method further includes controlling activation of the hydraulic power unit such that each stroke of the corresponding piston assembly between the top dead center and the bottom dead center follows a corresponding trapezoidal velocity profile with respect to a time duration. Controlling activation includes controlling flow of a hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic power unit so as to control the corresponding trapezoidal velocity profile with respect to the time duration of the corresponding piston assembly to obtain a predefined flow rate of the fluid medium from the pumping unit.
US09476413B2 Electric propulsion system with stationary plasma thrusters
An electric propulsion system includes a first stationary plasma thruster including a single first cathode, a first anode, and a first gas manifold, and a second stationary plasma thruster including a single second cathode, a second anode, and a second gas manifold. The system further includes an electrical connection device common to the first and second cathodes, first and second gas flow rate control devices with a common fluid flow device for feeding gas, and a selective control device for activating at any given instant only one of the first and second cathodes in co-operation with one or the other of the first and second anodes.
US09476412B2 Resistively heated shape memory polymer device
A resistively heated shape memory polymer device is made by providing a rod, sheet or substrate that includes a resistive medium. The rod, sheet or substrate is coated with a first shape memory polymer providing a coated intermediate unit. The coated intermediate unit is in turn coated with a conductive material providing a second intermediate unit. The second coated intermediate unit is in turn coated with an outer shape memory polymer. The rod, sheet or substrate is exposed and an electrical lead is attached to the rod, sheet or substrate. The conductive material is exposed and an electrical lead is attached to the conductive material.
US09476411B2 Cold water pipe assembly for ocean thermal energy conversion
A cold water pipe assembly, and mechanisms for generating a cold water pipe assembly, are provided. A plurality of mooring lines are secured to a pipe end member. A pipe segment of a plurality of pipe segments is slidably coupled with respect to the mooring lines at a plurality of locations on a pipe wall of the pipe segment. The plurality of pipe segments is iteratively extended to form a pipe assembly of a desired length by joining a next pipe segment to a previous pipe segment to extend the pipe assembly, and lowering the pipe end member and the pipe assembly by extending the mooring lines. At least some of the next pipe segments are slidably coupled with respect to the mooring lines at a plurality of locations on a respective pipe wall of the at least some of the next pipe segments.
US09476409B2 Offshore wind turbine
An offshore wind turbine apparatus may include a platform and an equalizer with sealed internal volumes, a turbine mast connected to the platform, a turbine which is connected to the turbine mast, and turbine blades connected to the turbine. The apparatus may be rotatably mounted on a barge via a trunnion. The apparatus may rotate from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially upright position when sufficient ballast material is inserted into the equalizer. The equalizer may rest on a sea floor. The platform may provide a restorative buoyant force that tends to cause the apparatus to return to the upright position when perturbed from the upright position.
US09476406B2 Vortex generators aligned with trailing edge features on wind turbine blade
A wind turbine blade (80, 82) having a spanwise series of vortex generators (26, 28, 26P, 28P, 64, 66) and having a trailing edge (42) defining a waveform. The vortex generators are aligned with a predetermined position or phase (44, 46) of a respective period of the trailing edge waveform. Each vortex generator may be designed to create a vortex (27, 29) that crosses the trailing edge at an angle of less than 30 degrees from parallel to the trailing edge. The blade may include alternating ridges (52) and troughs (54) that end at the waveform trailing edge. A front end of each trough may form a V-shaped drop-off in the suction side of the blade that forms a pair (64, 66) of vortex generators to create counter-rotating vortices within the trough that entrain energy to the bottom of the trough.
US09476397B2 Glowplug control device and method for estimating temperature of glowplug
A glowplug control device for controlling an applied voltage or power for a glowplug is provided, which includes a target calculating module for calculating a target applied voltage or power to adjust a glowplug temperature to a predetermined target temperature, an output module for applying the target applied voltage or power to the glowplug when the target applied voltage or power is below a maximum applicable voltage or power, and applying the maximum applicable voltage or power to the glowplug when the target applied voltage or power is above the maximum applicable voltage or power, and a temperature estimating module for estimating the glowplug temperature to be the target temperature when the target applied voltage or power is applied to the glowplug, and estimating the glowplug temperature to be below the target temperature by a temperature decrease amount when the maximum applicable voltage or power is applied to the glowplug.
US09476392B2 Fuel pump assembly
A fluid pump includes an electric motor having a commutator and one or more brushes communicated with the commutator, and a pumping assembly driven by the electric motor. An outer shell of the pump encloses at least a portion of the electric motor and the pumping assembly, a cap is carried by the outer shell and has a brush passage formed therein for each brush, with each brush passage including a cavity defined by at least one wall. A brush cap has an end received in the cavity with an interference fit wherein the end of the brush cap has an outer diameter that is larger than the diameter of the cavity and the end of the brush cap has strength that causes it to deform upon installation into the cavity without causing significant plastic deformation of the wall of the cavity.
US09476388B2 Method and systems for exhaust gas recirculation
Various methods and systems are provided for reducing cylinder-to-cylinder variation in exhaust gas recirculation. In one embodiment, a system comprises a first cylinder group of an engine having a first number of cylinders, a second cylinder group of the engine having a second number of cylinders that is not an integer multiple of the first number of cylinders, and an exhaust system coupled to the first cylinder group and the second cylinder group. In at least one mode of operation, the exhaust system has exhaust ports of the first cylinder group fluidly coupled to an intake of the engine and exhaust ports of the second cylinder group fluidly decoupled from the intake.
US09476381B2 Piston of an internal combustion engine
A piston for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The piston may have a piston skirt with a center axis. The piston may also have a piston crown disposed adjacent a top of the piston skirt. The piston crown may have a diameter D. The piston crown may have a piston crown margin of width b extending in a circumferential direction. The piston crown may also have a piston trough with a depth t. The piston trough may have a piston trough wall with a base diameter. The piston trough may also have at least one recess with a height h. The height h parallel to the direction of the center axis may satisfy the following requirement: 0.2 t<=h<=t.
US09476376B2 Fuel injection controller and fuel injection system
A fuel injection controller includes an increase control portion applying the boost voltage to the coil to increase a coil current to a first target value, and a constant current control portion applying a voltage to the coil to hold the coil current to a second target value. A threshold is an energization time period that is necessary to reach a boundary point between a seat throttle area of a property line and an injection-port throttle area of the property line from an energization start time point. An initial-current applied time period is from the energization start time point that the boost voltage starts to be applied to the coil to a time point that the coil current is decreased to the second target value. The increase control portion controls the coil current such that the initial-current applied time period is less than the threshold.
US09476375B2 Method and system for pre-ignition control
Methods are provided for controlling an engine in response to a pre-ignition event. A pre-ignition threshold and a pre-ignition mitigating action are adjusted based on a rate of change of cylinder aircharge. As a result, pre-ignition events occurring during transient engine operating conditions are detected and addressed different from pre-ignition events occurring during steady-state engine operating conditions.
US09476373B2 Multi-level skip fire
In one aspect, a method for controlling operation of an internal combustion engine is described. The engine is operated in a skip fire manner such that selected skipped working cycles are skipped and selected active working cycles are fired to deliver a desired engine output. A particular level of torque output is selected for each of the fired working chambers. Various methods, arrangements and systems related to the above method are also described.
US09476372B2 System and method for diagnosing a fault in a throttle area correction that compensates for intake airflow restrictions
A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a desired throttle area module, a correction factor module, a throttle control module, and an airflow compensation diagnostic module. The desired throttle area module determines a desired throttle area based on a driver input. The correction factor module determines a throttle area correction factor based on a difference between an estimated intake airflow and a measured intake airflow to compensate for a decrease in the measured intake airflow due to a flow restriction. The throttle control module determines a desired throttle position based on the desired throttle area and the throttle area correction factor. The airflow compensation diagnostic module diagnoses a fault in an amount of intake airflow compensation based on the throttle area correction factor.
US09476369B2 Variable power output and maximum speed in drive mode
A variable power drive mode system for a vehicle. The system includes a pedal, a processor, an engine or other vehicle power source for moving the vehicle and a battery. The processor of the vehicle determines, either automatically or based upon user input, a desired drive mode for the vehicle. A memory connected with the processor stores different data corresponding to the different drive modes determinable by the processor for the vehicle. The processor uses the different data stored in memory in combination with a position of the pedal to control the engine or other vehicle power source to generate power in accordance with the determined drive mode. Certain drive modes may provide for more aggressive driving profiles at the expense of fuel efficiency or fuel consumption when compared to other drive modes.
US09476364B2 Internal combustion engine having a plurality of exhaust ports per cylinder and charge exchange method for such an internal combustion engine
A method for controlling valve actuation in an engine is provided. The method includes initiating combustion operation in a first cylinder, opening, via a first cam, a first exhaust valve coupled to the first cylinder for a first opening duration. The method further includes opening, via a second cam, a second exhaust valve coupled to the first cylinder for a second opening duration not equivalent to the first opening duration.
US09476361B2 Systems and methods for control of operating life of a gas turbine
A system includes a gas turbine system including a compressor, a combustor, and a turbine. The system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the gas turbine system and configured to control operations of the gas turbine system. The system further includes a life consumption model configured to determine an operating life of the gas turbine system based on both a health status of one or more components of the gas turbine system and operating conditions of the gas turbine system. The controller is configured to utilize at least the life consumption model to derive a control action for the gas turbine system.
US09476358B2 Parallel metering pressure regulation system for a thermal efficient metering system
A fuel pressure regulation system is provided. The fuel pressure regulation system includes a supply arrangement for supplying an outlet flow. A primary metering circuit is provided, an inlet of which receives a first portion of the outlet flow of the supply arrangement, the primary metering circuit comprising a fuel metering valve and a primary pressure regulator. The primary pressure regulator is connected to an outlet of the fuel metering valve. The system also includes at least one secondary metering circuit. The primary pressure regulator is operably connected to the at least one secondary metering circuit to sense a pressure of the at least one secondary metering circuit. The system also includes a bypass regulator connected in parallel with the primary metering circuit and the least one secondary metering circuit such that an inlet of the bypass regulator receives a second portion of the outlet flow of the supply arrangement.
US09476355B2 Mid-section of a can-annular gas turbine engine with a radial air flow discharged from the compressor section
A midframe portion (213) of a gas turbine engine (210) is presented, and includes a compressor section (212) configured to discharge an air flow (211) directed in a radial direction from an outlet of the compressor section (212). Additionally, the midframe portion (213) includes a manifold (214) to directly couple the air flow (211) from the compressor section (212) outlet to an inlet of a respective combustor head (218) of the midframe portion (213).
US09476348B2 Method and apparatus for achieving high power flame jets while reducing quenching and autoignition in prechamber spark plugs for gas engines
A prechamber spark plug may have a prechamber having a pre-determined aspect ratio and hole pattern to achieve particular combustion performance characteristics. The aspect ratio and hole pattern may induce a rotational flow of fuel-air in-filling streams inside the prechamber volume. The rotational flow of the fuel-air mixture may include both radial flow and axial flow characteristics based on the aspect ratio and hole pattern. Axial flow characteristics can include a first axial direction proximate the periphery of the rotational flow and a counter second axial direction approaching the center of the rotational flow. The radial and axial flow characteristics may further include radial air-fuel ratio stratification and/or axial air-fuel ratio stratification. The rotational flow, the radial flow and the axial flow may be adjusted by alteration of the aspect ratio and hole pattern to achieve particular combustion performance characteristics in relation to a wide variety of spark gap geometries.
US09476347B2 Controlled spark ignited flame kernel flow in fuel-fed prechambers
A pre-chamber spark plug that includes a shell. Additionally, the pre-chamber spark plug includes an insulator disposed within the shell. In a particular embodiment, a center electrode has a first portion surrounded by the insulator, and a second portion that extends from the insulator into a pre-chamber. The pre-chamber defined by the shell. In a further embodiment, a ground electrode is attached to the insulator. In particular embodiments, the ground electrode is tubular in shape and includes an inner spark surface ring spaced in surrounding relation to the center electrode to create a spark gap, an outer ring attached to the shell, and a plurality of rounded spokes connecting the inner and outer rings. In a particular embodiment, the ground and center electrodes accommodate attachment of precious metal alloys to increase electrode surface life. In another embodiment the ground electrode and insulator is coaxial to the center electrode.
US09476342B2 Thermal displacement compensation assembly for a work vehicle prime mover
A thermal displacement compensation assembly for an engine system including a cylinder head and an exhaust manifold coupled to the cylinder head. The thermal displacement assembly includes a bracket configured to be operatively coupled to cylinder head and to the exhaust manifold and a multi-layer coupler. The multi-layer coupler is configured to be disposed between the bracket and the cylinder head, wherein a first component of the coupler is configured to slide with respect to a second component of the coupler such that relative movement between the bracket and one of the cylinder head and exhaust manifold is enabled by relative movement of the first component with the second component of the multi-layer coupler.
US09476341B2 Exhaust treatment system that generates debounce duration for NOx sensor offset
An exhaust treatment system configured to treat exhaust gas generated by an internal combustion engine includes a reductant delivery system that injects a reductant solution into an exhaust gas. A selective catalyst reduction (SCR) device reacts with the reductant solution to reduce NOx from the exhaust gas. A control module is in electrical communication with the SCR device and the reductant delivery system. The control module determines at least one of an injection status of the reduction delivery system and a performance of the SCR device. The control module further determines at least one debounce time for delaying diagnosis of a NOx sensor based on at least one of the injection status and the performance of the SCR device.
US09476337B2 Engine unit and work vehicle
Two sets of assemblies are arranged such that a diesel particulate filter device of the assembly, a selective catalytic reduction device of the assembly, a selective catalytic reduction device of the assembly, and a diesel particulate filter device of the assembly are located next to each other in this order. Exhaust tubes are provided to extend upward from gas outlets of the selective catalytic reduction device of the assembly and the selective catalytic reduction device of the assembly. The two exhaust tubes are located on a virtual plane orthogonal to longitudinal directions of the selective catalytic reduction devices of the assemblies. Thereby, an air intake position for an engine can be easily set to a position from which exhaust gas from the engine is less likely to be taken in, in a configuration provided with two sets of assemblies.
US09476332B2 Device for treating a gas stream flowing radially outwardly from a central area
A device for treating a gas stream, especially an exhaust-gas stream of an internal combustion engine, includes at least one radial chamber radially conducting the gas stream and extending substantially radially from a central region to an outer collecting chamber. First and second, preferably parallel, substantially disk-shaped walls delimit the chamber. Electrodes project from the first wall into the chamber. The first wall is formed of electrically insulating material having the electrodes fastened therein and electrically interconnected by electrical conductors in or on the insulating material. Two or more chambers may be disposed, axially in series, around the central region. Very effective treatment of exhaust gas with an electric field for ionization or generating a plasma can be provided over a relatively short structural length in a flow direction. Electric fields running transversely to the flow direction provide new possibilities for selecting various parameters of the treatment device.
US09476324B2 Exhaust collector with curved side panel
An exhaust collector for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The exhaust collector includes a front panel, a rear panel, and a side panel. The side panel includes a circumferential portion, a first contoured portion, and a second contoured portion. The circumferential portion extends about the exhaust collector axis with a constant radius. The first contoured portion and the second contoured portion are each between the circumferential portion and the exhaust outlet and include a plurality of curved sections with alternating concavity. Each of the plurality of curved sections extends from the front panel to the rear panel.
US09476306B2 Components with multi-layered cooling features and methods of manufacture
A manufacturing method includes providing a substrate having one or more grooves formed therein. One or more coatings having one or more grooves formed therein are disposed on the substrate and in fluid communication with the one or more grooves in the substrate. A cover coating is disposed on a portion of an outermost surface of the one or more coatings, having one or more cooling outlets formed therein and in fluid communication with the one or more grooves in the one or more coatings. The substrate, the one or more coatings and the cover coating define therein a cooling network for cooling a component. A component having a cooling network defined therein a substrate, one or more coatings disposed on at least a portion of the substrate, and a cover coating disposed over at least a portion of an outermost coating of the one or more coatings.
US09476305B2 Impingement-cooled turbine rotor
An integral turbine includes a forward hub section and an aft hub section. The forward hub section and the aft hub section are metallurgically coupled to one another along an annular interface that resides within a plane generally orthogonal to a rotational axis of the axially-split turbine. The turbine further includes an airfoil blade ring metallurgically coupled to a radial outer surface of the coupled forward and aft hub sections and an impingement cavity formed within an interior portion of the coupled forward and aft hub sections. The impingement cavity includes an interior surface that is positioned proximate to the radial outer surface of the coupled forward and aft hub sections. Further, an impingement cooling air flow impinges against the interior surface of the impingement cavity to provide convective and conductive cooling to the radial outer surface of the coupled forward and aft hub sections.
US09476303B2 Integrated automation system for regions with variable geographical boundaries
Methods and systems are described for effecting autonomous operations within a defined geographical region (1110). A plurality of localized zones (1102, 1104, 1106, 1108) having operation-defined geographical boundaries are specified within the region. A plurality of control modules are established associated with respective ones of the localized zones and autonomous operations are effected under the supervisory control of the control module associated with the localized zone in which the autonomous operation occurs. The geographical disposition of the boundary of at least one of the localized zones is varied within the defined geographical region.
US09476302B2 Discharging of material excavated in underground workings
A device for the conveying of material excavated in underground workings in a mine road stretch including a belt conveyor system which has an endless conveyor belt having a conveyor section which is continually extendible along a conveyor stretch in step with the rate of advance. The belt conveyor has at least one first support device and a plurality of inter-coupled conveyor belt vehicles movable in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor stretch, each carrying support elements. Arranged between the first support device and the plurality of conveyor belt vehicles is a second movable support device for coupled to the first support device and including guide means for the introduction of conveyor belt vehicles into the conveyor stretch. At least one part of the conveyor belt vehicles arranged in the conveyor stretch are guided in movable guide frame elements in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor stretch.
US09476301B2 Mine ventilation door with wings and slidable or pocket personnel door
A personnel access door assembly of an opposing wing of a mine ventilation door. The personnel access door includes a frame including a top portion, a bottom portion, a first post portion and a second post portion, the top frame portion and the bottom frame portion coupled to respective top and bottom ends of the first post and second post portions. The personnel access door further includes sets of trolley wheels affixed to the top or bottom of the frame to engage a top rail or bottom rail affixed on the opposing wing.
US09476300B2 Pan pitch control in a longwall shearing system
A system and corresponding method of monitoring a longwall shearing mining machine in a longwall mining system, where the shearing mining machine includes a shearer having a cutter drum, the method includes obtaining, by a processor, desired pitch angle information, and receiving, by the processor, a pitch angle indicative of a current pitch position of the shearer. The method also includes determining, by the processor, whether the pitch angle is within a desired pitch angle range, and controlling, by the processor, a position of the cutter drum based on whether the pitch angle is within the desired pitch angle range. The desired pitch angle range is based on the desired pitch angle information.
US09476298B2 Continuous mining machine having core cutting assembly
A core cutting assembly is disclosed for use with a continuous mining machine having a milling drum. The core cutting assembly may have a drive mechanism configured to rotate about a first axis of the milling drum. The core cutting assembly may also have at least one rotary cutting bit powered by the drive mechanism to rotate about a second axis that is substantially orthogonal to the first axis.
US09476292B2 Deepwater drilling condition based marine riser mechanical behavior test simulation system and test method
The present invention discloses a deepwater drilling condition based marine riser mechanical behavior test simulation system. An upper three-component dynamometer, an upper connecting structure, a marine riser, a lower connecting structure and a lower three-component dynamometer are connected between an upper trailer connecting plate and a lower trailer connecting plate in sequence. The invention further discloses a test method. The present invention has the advantages that the mechanical behavior of the marine riser under deepwater drilling condition and marine environment coupling effect can be simulated comprehensively and accurately, and the apparatus can simulate ocean current environment, apply top tension to the marine riser, simulate circulation of internal drilling fluids at different current rates, simulate rotation of the drill stem at different rotational speeds and apply different drill pressures.
US09476288B2 Stepped liner hanger expander
Disclosed is a tubular expansion tool which includes a plurality of stackable piston/slip/spring assemblies that are used to radially expand a liner against well casing along a longitudinal distance “L.” The pistons are repeatedly stroked a short distance “S” with the application of hydraulic pressure. As the pistons are stroked, they move a mandrel-expansion die sub assembly in successive steps a distance “S” to perform the tubular expansion over a longer distance “L.”
US09476278B2 Electronically activated jarring with traveling release
An impact apparatus conveyable in a tool string via conveyance means within a wellbore. The impact apparatus comprises a first portion, including a first interface coupled with a first tool string component, a first engagement feature, and a first impact feature. The impact apparatus also comprises a second portion, including a second interface coupled with a second tool string apparatus, a second engagement feature in selectable engagement with the first engagement feature, and a second impact feature positioned to impact the first impact feature in response to disengagement of the first and second engagement features and a tensile force applied across the tool string by the conveyance means. A release member positionable between first and second positions in response to a signal carried by the conveyance means prevents disengagement of the first and second engaging features when in the first position but not the second position.
US09476274B2 Apparatus and system and method of measuring data in a well extending below surface
The present invention relates to a system for measuring data in a well extending below surface, said system comprising a body having a longitudinal axis and a front end and a rear end; locomotion means; control means adapted to control direction and/or speed of the locomotion means; said control means being controllable from the surface. Thereby is achieved that a body may be remotely controlled from the surface e.g. the entrance of an oil well.
US09476273B2 Pressure activated down hole systems and methods
Systems and methods for activating a down hole tool in a wellbore. A trigger is moveably positioned in the interior of a base pipe and includes a first end and a second, smaller end. The trigger is moveable between an unactivated position where a port in the base pipe is blocked and an activated position where the port is open. At least one latch member prevents movement of the trigger from the unactivated position to the activated position until a predetermined force is applied to the trigger. Increasing pressure in the interior increases a force differential between the first end and the second end. When the force differential is substantially equal to the predetermined force, the latch releases and allows the trigger to move from the unactivated position to the activated position, thereby opening the port to permit activation of the down hole tool.
US09476272B2 Pressure setting tool and method of use
A non-explosive, down hole, setting tool, system method includes a hydraulic fluid reservoir, a first compressible fluid for applying a first force against hydraulic fluid in contact with one side of a setting piston that is movable in the tool, and a second compressible fluid for applying a second force greater than the first force against the other side of the setting piston. Hydraulic fluid is pumped against one end of the setting piston to overcome the second force and move the setting piston. A reset valve is located in a hydraulic fluid return passageway that is connected between other end of the setting piston and the source of hydraulic fluid. The reset valve can move to selectively block the flow of the hydraulic fluid or allow hydraulic fluid to flow through the fluid return passageway, so that the setting piston can move the setting piston back to its start position.The tool can be calibrated by running the tool at a first predetermined voltage, automatically shutting off the tool when applied voltage exceeds a second predetermined voltage higher than the first predetermined voltage, and automatically restarting the tool after it is shut off when the voltage reaches a third predetermined voltage lower than the second predetermined level.
US09476270B2 High energy in-line hydraulic shearing unit for oilfield drilling fluids
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for shearing well drilling fluid mixtures containing an emulsifier, and utilizing pumping the fluids through a plurality of nozzles, reducing the size of the fluid droplets as they pass through the nozzles, discharging the fluid droplets into a output chamber where the emulsifier surrounds the smaller droplets with the nozzle discharges aligned to intersect in the stabilization chamber.
US09476266B2 Hydraulic cable-skate drive system for catwalk
A drive system for a catwalk skate that uses a hydraulic skate-cable drive system. The system includes two counteracting hydraulic cylinders, each with a sheave connected to the cylinder rods, and a cable that winds around each of the sheaves and connects to both ends of the skate.
US09476261B2 Mitigation of rotational vibration using a torsional tuned mass damper
An apparatus for reducing vibration includes a damping assembly configured to be fixedly attached to a downhole component. The downhole component is configured to rotate within a borehole in an earth formation, and the damping assembly has a damping frequency that is tuned relative to a selected natural vibration frequency of the rotating downhole component to reduce vibration due to component rotation.
US09476260B2 Casing window assembly
A casing window assembly and methods for installing the casing window assembly.
US09476256B2 Mining vehicle and method of moving boom
The disclosure relates to a mining vehicle and a method of moving a boom of a mining vehicle. The boom is provided with several boom joints and there is a mining work device at a distal end of the boom. One or more boom joint positions are determined and stored in a memory medium. A control unit of the mining vehicle may automatically move the boom to a predetermined transport position.
US09476252B2 Retractable shade with collapsible vanes
A retractable cover for architectural openings having collapsible vanes includes a support structure in the form of a sheet of material, monofilaments, tapes, ribbons, cords, or the like, supporting an upper edge of a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally extending vanes with the lower edges of the vanes in most embodiments of the invention being connected to operating elements adapted to raise the lower edges of each vane toward the upper edges to define openings or gaps between the vanes through which vision and light can pass in an open condition of the covering. Variations of the covering do not require movement of a lower edge of a vane relative to an upper edge but simply movement of some vanes relative to other vanes. The vanes can be made of materials having different flexibilities and where more rigid materials are used, creased fold lines can be established for desired operability.
US09476249B2 Window having ventilation structure
Disclosed therein is a window having a ventilation structure which can ventilate the indoor air smoothly without regard to weather conditions, such as, yellow dust, rainy season, or localized heavy rain. The window includes: a window frame having upper and lower openings which are divided by a horizontal member; and upper and lower window panes respectively mounted in the upper and lower openings for selectively opening and closing the upper and lower openings, wherein at least a pair of the horizontal members are spaced apart from each other in the window frame, and a ventilation hole is disposed between the horizontal members. The window can ventilate the indoor air smoothly without regard to weather conditions, such as, yellow dust, rainy season, or localized heavy rain, and prevent rain from coming into the room through the open window.
US09476247B2 Shower threshold and methods of implementation
A shower threshold and a method of implementing a shower threshold are disclosed. The shower threshold includes an elongated base component having one or more sidewalls extending from a base region of the elongated base component to an apex of the elongated base portion. The shower threshold also includes a flexible cap coupled to and extending from the elongated base component along the apex of the elongated base component. The flexible cap may be composed of a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers includes a core layer and a shell layer. The core layer is composed of a material that is softer than the shell layer.
US09476246B2 Door apparatus and method
A door apparatus includes a door, actuating mechanism, and tie rod mechanism, the actuating mechanism actuating the tie rod mechanism to impart a substantially translating motion to the door. The actuating mechanism can include a drive yoke coupled to the tie rod mechanism with a one-way coupling. The tie rod mechanism can include a primary tie rod coupled to a secondary tie rod coupled to a latch. In another aspect a door apparatus includes an actuator, a first door, a second door, a first linkage assembly coupling the actuator to the first door, and a second linkage assembly coupling the first door to the second door, the actuator configured to activate the first linkage assembly to move the first door, the first door imparting motion to the second linkage assembly to move the second door in a synchronous and opposite motion with respect to the motion of the first door.
US09476245B2 Door cable pulley system
A door cable pulley system for use with a motor vehicle having a closure movable between an open and closed position. The door cable pulley system includes a first tension pulley, a second tension pulley, a cable drum driven by a motor, and a pair of drive cables. The first drive cable includes a first end coupled to the cable drum and a second end coupled to the closure, where the first drive cable extends from the cable drum, passes over the first tension pulley, and exits the body through the second exit opening. The second drive cable includes a first end coupled to the cable drum and a second end coupled to the closure, where the second drive cable extends from the cable drum, passes over the second tension pulley, and exits the body through the first exit opening.
US09476243B2 Method for controlling an adjusting movement of a vehicle closing element with collision avoidance for a lock region and anti-trap system
The invention relates to a method for controlling an adjusting movement of a vehicle closing element of a vehicle to be closed in a manner actuated by an external force, such as a tailgate lid, wherein an obstacle in the path of adjustment of the vehicle closing element can be detected by means of a capacitive anti-trap system in order to prevent this obstacle from being trapped, and the vehicle closing element has a locking part, via which the vehicle closing element can be locked in a closed position. An obstacle in a monitoring region around the locking part provided on the vehicle closing element can also be detected via the capacitive anti-trap system in order to prevent a collision of this locking part with an obstacle at least as the vehicle closing element closes.
US09476242B2 Window balance assembly
A window balance assembly may include a carrier, a spring element, and a mounting bracket. The spring element may include first and second portions. The first portion may be coupled to the carrier. The mounting bracket may engage the second portion of the spring element and may selectively engage the carrier. The mounting bracket may include a first mounting surface disposed at a non-perpendicular angle relative to an exterior surface of carrier when the window balance assembly is in an uninstalled configuration. The first mounting surface may be substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the carrier when the window balance assembly is in an installed configuration and the mounting bracket is disengaged from the carrier.
US09476233B2 Hood latch assembly
A hood latch assembly is provided comprising a first member arranged to be mounted to a body member within an engine compartment of a vehicle. The first member comprises a lock mechanism. The hood latch assembly further comprises a second member arranged to be mounted to the hood of the vehicle and comprising a striker arranged to engage with the lock mechanism to retain the hood of the vehicle in the closed position. The second member further comprises a hood bracket arranged to be mounted to the hood of the vehicle, a striker bracket comprising the striker, and a mechanical lock arranged to lock the striker bracket to the hood bracket, the mechanical lock being arranged to allow unlocking by movement of an actuator. The present disclosure also relates to active hood latch system and a vehicle comprising a hood latch assembly and/or an active hood latch system.
US09476232B1 Remote switch controller
A wireless remote control system and method for activating a switch including a transmitter assembly and a receiver assembly. The receiver assembly attaches to and is stabilized by connecting a flex rod to an object near the switch. The receiver assembly includes a servo that connects to an object, such as a key or switch. The transmitter assembly can send differing signals to cause the servo to take alternate actions.
US09476229B2 Security strip defining a security slot and attachable to mobile electronic devices
A security strip or stick-on tab is attachable to the underneath of a very thin tablet or notebook device, with very little thickness added at the bottom of the device and not interfering with its resting on a flat surface. The strip or stick-on tab has a section protruding from underneath which becomes thickened and defines a standard security slot into which a lock with a cable are attachable to enable the cable to be irremovably attached to an immobile object, such as a chair or a desk, preventing theft of the secured device.
US09476228B2 Latches for gates and doors
A latch has a displaceable latching element in a housing for engagement with a separate striker arm to be latched behind an engagement shoulder of the latching element. The housing mounts a cylinder lock to receive a key from the front. A rotor is mounted on the rear of cylinder lock and rotation of the key rotation the rotor to drive a locking element to engage and lock the latching element. The rotor may also be axial displaceable against spring biasing responsive to a rear unit pushing element whereby unlocking from a rear cylinder lock may rotate the rotor to unlock and pushing causes the latching element to be displaced against its biasing to release the striker arm. Embodiments include a gravity biased and manually opened latch and a spring biased self-locking embodiment.
US09476226B2 Lock assembly with an interchangeable lock core
An interchangeable core assembly for a lock core assembly capable of being flush mounted in a door including a housing, a lock insert mounted in the housing, a lock core mounted in the housing adjacent to and cooperative with the lock insert, a thumb-turn assembly mounted in the non-cylindrical housing coaxial with the lock core, a first offset cam mounted on the thumb-turn assembly for rotation therewith, and a second offset cam mounted on the lock core for rotation therewith. The barrel of the lock core assembly is unobstructed by locking train components such that the lock core assembly extends completely through the latch assembly when installed therein. The lock core assembly is secured to the latch assembly without threads and a means to remove/replace the thumb-turn component is provided.
US09476221B2 Modular concrete fence system
The present fencing system includes panel modules having a substantially planar central panel with semicolumnar projections extending at either side. The semicolumnar projections each have a longitudinal slot extending between the top edge and the bottom edge, such that two adjacent panel modules overlap to form a column element having an internal cavity. A support column secured to the ground is received within the internal cavity formed by the longitudinal slots of overlapping semicolumnar projections. One or more connection brackets fixed to the panel module engage the support column to hold the panel modules in place.
US09476214B2 Removable pool skimmer plug
This application describes a device to convert an existing pool skimmer assembly into a pressurizable pool skimmer assembly which allows the existing pool skimmer assembly to act with this existing pool pump in emergency situations, such as assisting firefighters with pool water for extinguishing local wildfires or house fires. This method utilizes a removable plug cap and o-rings to allow the pool pump to draw the pool water from the poolmaid drain using the existing pool skimmer. This device can also be used to drain the pool for cleaning the pool or for winterizing the pool, with out the need for an electrical sump pump.
US09476207B2 Panel
A panel, with a horizontally and vertically active locking system, which allows two of such floor panels to be connected to each other at their sides by providing one of these floor panels, by means of a downward movement. The vertically active locking element comprises a locking element in the form of an insert and comprises at least a pivotable lock-up body and an attachment portion. The pivotable lock-up body and the attachment portion, in the non-coupled condition, horizontally extend at least for a part underneath each other and maintain a vertical mutual distance.
US09476202B2 Foam board with pre-applied sealing material
A board with preformed seals. In an exemplary embodiment, a sealing material is applied to at least one edge of a board to form a preformed seal on that edge. The board is configured such that when the board is attached to a frame adjacent to a another board, at least a portion of the sealing material applied to the edge of the board seals against at least a portion of an edge another board. In one exemplary embodiment, the boards are configured to seal against edges of substantially identical boards. A plurality of the sheathing boards may be installed on a building frame to form a sheathing system that provides a moisture and/or gas barrier between and interior and exterior of a building.
US09476200B2 Masonry wall assembly
The present invention includes a method and a unit for a masonry wall system, each unit comprising a face shell wherein the interior surface has a transverse axis running from the top surface to the bottom surface of the face shell, and one or more webs having a front end and a rear end, wherein the rear end of each web is integral with or attached to the interior surface of the face shell along the transverse axis. The method for wall construction further comprising positioning one or more vertical reinforcement rods or tendons with one end embedded in a wall-foundation and laying a layer wall units on the wall-foundation such that the one or more webs of the layers of wall units are aligned, and the vertical reinforcement rods or tendons run through or are adjacent to the webs of the wall units.
US09476198B2 Glass fiberboard and production method therefor
The present invention relates to a glass fiberboard and to a production method therefor, and more specifically, to technology for providing a glass fiberboard for vacuum heat insulation and a production method therefor, which have outstanding initial heat insulation performance and economic advantages through application of an optimized inorganic binder.
US09476197B2 Method of insulating a building
A method of insulating a building that includes one or more existing external walls and an existing roof structure supported by the walls, comprises constructing a first external shell structure that covers an outer surface of at least one external wall, said shell structure being spaced from the outer surface of the wall to provide a wall void between the external wall and the shell structure. A second shell structure is constructed that extends around or through the existing roof structure and provides an enclosed roof void that extends around or through the roof structure. The roof void is interconnected with the wall void. The wall void and the roof void are filled with an insulating material to provide an insulating layer that extends substantially continuously through the roof void and the wall void.
US09476195B2 Anchoring system for a bearing ground in the building industry as well as procedure for applying the same
Anchoring system is appropriate for solid rock and concrete (2) and any firm bearing system. The anchor rod (4) of for example a threaded bar out of a shape memory alloy (SMA) is held in the armature bore (3) with a filling compound (5) as anchoring means. For filling the achoring bore (3) between anchor rod (4) and wall of the armature bore (3) a heat resistant filling compound (5) of a polymer connection on a two-component-basis or such on a cementous basis is used. Then the anchor rod (4) is heated by heat input over its butt that is emerging the filling compound on its austenit phase, which pre tensions the anchor rod (4). Finally, after the cooling of the filling compound (5) the anchor rod (4) is cooling of to ambient temperature. A counter bearing board (10) lays on the outer wall (1) around the port of the armature bore (3) and is tensed up with the anchor rod (4).
US09476188B2 System and method for remotely disinfecting plumbing fixtures
A system for remotely disinfecting plumbing fixtures includes a controller provided at a first location remote from a plumbing fixture and configured to control a heater provided within the plumbing fixture. The controller is further configured to activate the heater to heat at least a portion of the plumbing fixture to an elevated temperature.
US09476179B2 Excavator thumb toolbar coupling system
A toolbar for a thumb assembly for a machine is disclosed. The toolbar includes a toolbar member, tooling joined to the toolbar member, a first toolbar plate and a second toolbar plate extending from opposite ends of the toolbar member. The first toolbar plate and the second toolbar plate each include a plate member connector joined to the toolbar member, a leaf arm, and a saddle extension. The leaf arm extends from the plate member connector. The saddle extension extends from the leaf arm proximal the plate member connector forming a post saddle for receiving a post of a thumb frame of the thumb assembly.
US09476169B1 Concrete finishing machine
An attachment is pivotally connected to a compact loader and operable to level uncured concrete. A base of the attachment is removably securable to the loader and a horizontal roller support is pivotally connected to the base on a first side thereof and pivotal about a vertical pivot axis. A screed roller is suspended from the roller support and driven by a drive motor which may be mounted in the tube forming the roller. The roller support and attached screed roller pivot between a stowed position extending along a side of the loader, generally parallel to the direction of travel, and an extended position in which the roller support and screed roller extend up to approximately ninety degrees to the side of the loader. Pivot bearings are preferably included on both sides of the base so that the roller support may be pivotally mounted on either side.
US09476167B2 Decking walkway for beaches and other soft terrain
A semi-permanent walkway construction comprising multiple sections of walkway decking configured to be longitudinally connected by rail and splicer structure on lower surfaces of the decking. The rail and splicer structure is generally U-shaped and mates in a male/female fashion, with the rails downward-facing, and the splicers upward-facing with perforated bottom walls so that the rail and splicer structure buries itself in soft terrain to anchor the joined walkway sections. In a further form, a junction rail is provided to create a welding shelf to connect walkway sections in lateral and parallel configurations in addition to the longitudinal configuration provided by the rails and splicers.
US09476166B2 System for regulating temperature and moisture on a field
A system for regulating temperature and moisture on a field, while also absorbing an impact force from the field, uses adjacently joined panels positioned beneath the field, and that have sufficient thermal mass to transfer heat between an underlying fluid and the field. The temperature of the fluid regulates the temperature of the field, such that the field can be heated and cooled accordingly. The panels have water exfiltration and infiltration holes to drain moisture buildup from the field, and aeration channels for circulation. An interior region of each panel is defined by tube channels. The tube channel carries at least one fluid tube through the joined panels. The fluid tube carries a fluid having a predetermined temperature. The heat transfers between the fluid and the field through the plurality of panels. The temperature of the fluid can be adjusted to affect the temperature on the field.
US09476162B2 High softness, high durability batch tissue incorporating high lignin eucalyptus fiber
A cellulosic tissue includes cellulosic fibers that include at least one of (a) chemically pulped fibers and (b) mechanically pulped fibers. The cellulosic fibers include (i) from about 10% to about 50% by weight eucalyptus fibers having a lignin content of at least about 20% by weight, and (ii) a percentage by weight of regenerated cellulosic microfibers. The cellulosic fibers further include virgin chemically pulped fibers, recycle fiber in an amount of up to 50%. The eucalyptus fiber has been prepared from eucalyptus chips by alkaline peroxide mechanical pulping, exhibiting an ISO brightness of at least 0.82×(% VCP)+0.795×(% RF)0.98+0.84×(% APMP), in which % VCP is the percentage of virgin chemical pulp in the sheet, % RF, the percentage of recycle fiber, and % alkaline peroxide mechanical pulping (APMP), the percentage of APMP eucalyptus.
US09476158B2 Dryer
Provided is a dryer. In the dryer, foreign substances such naps generated during a drying process are filtered by a filter unit, and the foreign substances attached to the filter unit are automatically removed.
US09476157B2 Drain hose and washer having the same
A drain hose has a simple structure which absorbs vibration of a drain pump, and a washer has the same. The washer includes a main body, a drain pump disposed at the lower portion of the main body, a drain hose to guide wash water pumped by the drain pump to the outside of the main body, and an anti-vibration member formed of a material differing from the drain hose, and including a corrugation part connected between the drain pump and the drain hose and absorbing vibration of the drain pump during drainage of the wash water.
US09476153B2 Knitting spirality stabilizer
The knitting spirality stabilizer is constituted of a frame (1) and a circle pattern constituted of one fixed ring (2) and one movable ring (3). A layout circumferentially located on the movable ring regulates the operation diameter according to the fabric. The layout includes external rests (4), which can be height regulated and position stabilized using external pins (6). External magnets (7) are located on the external rests. Turn wheels (10) on the external rests enable smooth fabric rolling without wears. Internal mechanism (9) is positioned inside the frame and constituted of foldable frame (11) and internal pins (16) for the initial placement. Internal rests (12) on the foldable frame correspond to the external rests, and have their own respective turn wheels (10) and internal magnets (8). Internal and external magnets have opposite polarity to create a magnetic field. Flexible bands (13) are used as drivers during the fabric passage.
US09476150B2 Sewing machine
A sewing machine includes a frame support portion, a moving device, a movable member and a detecting device. The frame support portion is configured to be detachably mounted with a mounting portion of an embroidery frame. The mounting portion has a specific shape that corresponds to a type of the embroidery frame. The moving device is configured to move the frame support portion. The movable member is configured to move in a first direction by a movement amount corresponding to the type of the embroidery frame, in conjunction with an operation in which the mounting portion of the embroidery frame is mounted on the frame support portion. The detecting device configured to detect the movement amount of the movable member, and to detect the type of the embroidery frame mounted on the frame support portion based on the detected movement amount.
US09476145B2 Flexible ceramic fibers and a process for making same
The present invention is generally directed to flexible ceramic fibers and to methods for making same. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to flexible ceramic fibers that are heat and chemical resistant, and to a method for making same. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to flexible ceramic nanofibers, and to a method for making same. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to electrospun flexible ceramic nanofibers, products that include such fibers, and to methods of making same.
US09476142B2 Method for manufacturing silicon single crystal
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a silicon single crystal according to a Czochralski method: bringing a sharp end of a seed crystal into contact with a silicon melt; melting the seed crystal from the end up to a position at which the seed crystal has a predetermined diameter; growing the silicon single crystal without a Dash-Necking process, wherein the seed crystal is melted while a crucible is rotated at a rotational speed of 2 rpm or less, and the rotational speed of the crucible is decelerated to below the rotational speed at the time of the melting within 10 minutes after an end of the melting and a start of the crystal growth. The method avoids reduction in success rate for dislocation-free single crystal growth in manufacture of a heavy, large-diameter ingot and improves the productivity by the dislocation-free seeding method without the necking process.
US09476141B2 Weir for inhibiting melt contamination
A system for growing a crystal ingot from a melt is provided. The system includes a first crucible, a barrier, and a shield. The first crucible has a first base and a first sidewall forming a first cavity for containing the melt. The barrier is disposed within the first cavity of the first crucible to inhibit movement of the melt from outward of the barrier to inward of the barrier. The barrier extends from the first base to above the melt. The barrier has an inner arm and an outer arm extending upward to form a channel therebetween. The shield extends downward between the inner arm and the outer arm to inhibit passage of contaminants.
US09476139B2 Cleaning electroplating substrate holders using reverse current deplating
Provided are cleaning methods and systems to remove unintended metallic deposits from electroplating apparatuses using reverse current deplating techniques. Such cleaning involves positioning a cleaning (deplating) disk in an electroplating cup similar to a regular processed substrate. The front surface of the cleaning disk includes a corrosion resistant conductive material to form electrical connections to deposits on the cup's surfaces. The disk is sealed in the cup and submerged into a plating solution. A reverse current is then applied to the front conductive surface of the disk to initiate deplating of the deposits. Sealing compression in the cup may change during cleaning to cause different deformation of the lip seal and to form new electrical connections to the deposits. The proposed cleaning may be applied to remove deposits formed during electroplating of alloys, in particular, tin-silver alloys widely used for semiconductor and wafer level packaging.
US09476138B2 Composite plating liquid
In one embodiment, there is provided a composite plating liquid. The composite plating liquid includes: a plating metal salt; a sulfate of at least one element selected from alkali metals and alkaline earth metals; boric acid; a carbon nanotube; and a dispersant. Also, there is provided a plating method of plating a member using the composite plating liquid, and a composite plating film formed by the plating method.
US09476137B2 Metal oxide film, laminate, metal member and process for producing the same
A metal oxide film suitable for protection of metals, composed mainly of aluminum. A metal oxide film includes a film of an oxide of a metal composed mainly of aluminum, having a thickness of 10 nm or greater, and exhibiting a moisture release rate from the film of 1E18 mol./cm2 or less. Further, there is provided a process for producing a metal oxide film, wherein a metal composed mainly of aluminum is subjected to anodic oxidation in a chemical solution of 4 to 10 pH value so as to obtain a metal oxide film.
US09476136B2 Electrodeposition process of nickel—cobalt coatings with dendritic structure
The present invention refers to an electrodeposition process of nickel-cobalt coatings (2), from aqueous solutions containing nickel and cobalt salts, by applying a pulsed waveform in the cathodic current range. It also refers to nickel-cobalt coatings (2), obtained by this process in a substrate (1), having a dendritic structure (4) supported by a base-layer (3) at the interface with the substrate, and being thus mechanically stable. Such nickel-cobalt coatings (2) have application in energy storage and conversion areas.
US09476135B2 Electro chemical plating process
The present disclosure relates to an electro-chemical plating (ECP) process which utilizes a dummy electrode as a cathode to perform plating for sustained idle times to mitigate additive dissociation. The dummy electrode also allows for localized plating function to improve product gapfill, and decrease wafer non-uniformity. A wide range of electroplating recipes may be applied with this strategy, comprising current plating up to approximately 200 Amps, localized plating with a resolution of approximately 1 mm, and reverse plating to remove material from the dummy electrode accumulated during the dummy plating process and replenish ionic material within the electroplating solution.
US09476131B2 Electrochemical cell having a frame seal for alternative sealing against marginal leakages of the electrolyte
The invention relates to an electrochemical cell comprising an anode and a cathode compartment separated by a membrane, housing corresponding electrodes. The anode and the cathode compartments having external walls with frame-type flanged areas in the contact area of both compartments. The flanged areas having mounting bores marking an inner area and an outer area of the electrochemical cell a, gas-diffusion electrode resting on a support system, a porous material resting on the gas-diffusion electrode, and devices for the inlet and outlet of gas and electrolyte. At least one circumferential gasket frame is in the contact area of both compartments, between the frame-type flanged areas of the external walls of both compartments, said gasket resting on the membrane, with the porous material and the gas-diffusion electrode resting on the frame-type cathodic flanged area and the circumferential gasket frame overlapping in this area with the porous material and the gas-diffusion electrode.
US09476128B2 Method of cleaning steel sheet and continuous cleaning system of steel sheet
The present invention provides a method of cleaning steel sheet, said method of cleaning steel sheet feeding a cleaning solution activated by ultrasonic waves of a frequency of 0.8 MHz to 3 MHz to a surface of steel sheet at an angle inclined by 1 to 80° with respect to a line perpendicular to the surface of the steel sheet in a direction opposite to the running direction, thereby enabling megasonic waves to be applied to cleaning of running steel sheet and improving the cleaning effect and cleaning speed, and a continuous cleaning system of steel sheet.
US09476125B2 Chromium-free conversion coating
A chromium-free conversion coating is prepared by the addition of inorganic metallic salts and one or more silanes to dispersions of conducting polymers which are then exposed to alloys of aluminum or other metals. Advantageously, the performance of the coating is comparable to that of conventional chromium-based methods for a number of aluminum alloys having particular significance in the manufacture of aircraft.
US09476124B2 Selective deposition and co-deposition processes for ferromagnetic thin films
A method for selectively depositing a ferromagnetic layer on a conducting layer, includes providing a substrate including a conducting layer; preparing a solution including a metal salt; adding a complexing agent to the solution; adding a reducing agent to the solution; while a temperature of the solution is less than 75° C., immersing the substrate in the solution for a predetermined period to deposit a ferromagnetic layer on the conducting layer by electroless deposition, wherein the ferromagnetic layer comprises one of cobalt (Co), iron (Fe) or CoFe; and after the predetermined period, removing the substrate from the solution.
US09476110B2 Nickel—chromium—iron—aluminum alloy having good processability
The invention relates to a nickel-chromium-aluminum-iron alloy, comprising (in wt %) 12 to 28% chromium, 1.8 to 3.0% aluminum, 1.0 to 15% iron, 0.01 to 0.5% silicon, 0.005 to 0.5% manganese, 0.01 to 0.20% yttrium, 0.02 to 0.60% titanium, 0.01 to 0.2% zirconium, 0.0002 to 0.05% magnesium, 0.0001 to 0.05% calcium, 0.03 to 0.11% carbon, 0.003 to 0.05% nitrogen, 0.0005 to 0.008% boron, 0.0001 to 0.010% oxygen, 0.001 to 0.030% phosphorus, max. 0.010% sulfur, max. 0.5% molybdenum, max. 0.5% tungsten, the remainder nickel and the common contaminants resulting from the process, wherein the following relations must be satisfied: 7.7C−x·a<1.0, wherein a=PN if PN>0 or a=0 if PN≦0. Here, x=(1.0 Ti+1.06 Zr)/(0.251 Ti+0.132 Zr), PN=0.251 Ti+0.132 Zr−0.857 N, and Ti, Zr, N, and C are the concentration of the respective element in mass percent.
US09476109B2 Cu—Ni—Si—Co copper alloy for electronic material and process for producing same
A Cu—Ni—Si—Co system alloy having an improved spring bending elastic limit is provided. The alloy is a copper alloy for electronic materials, which contains 1.0% to 2.5% by mass of Ni, 0.5% to 2.5% by mass of Co, and 0.3% to 1.2% by mass of Si, with the balance being Cu and unavoidable impurities, wherein from the results obtainable by an X-ray diffraction pole figure analysis using a rolled surface as a base, among the diffraction peak intensities of the {111}Cu plane with respect to the {200}Cu plane obtained by β scanning at α=35°, the peak height at a β angle of 90° of the copper alloy is at least 2.5 times the peak height of a standard copper powder.
US09476108B2 Utilization of temperature heat adsorption skin temperature as scale control reagent driver
The invention provides methods, compositions, and apparatuses for preventing the formation of scale in heap leach process solution distribution systems comprised of piping, spray nozzles, or emitter tubes. Solution distribution system components often become fouled by scale because of local hot spots more prone to form scale than other locations along the systems length. Positioning sensors that detect periods of high temperature stress and adjusting scale control reagent dosage to send the right amount to inhibit hot spot deposition allows for the control of scale without using wasteful excessive amounts of scale control reagents. This can vastly improve scale control performance under high temperature stress conditions while minimizing scale control reagent waste under less severe stress conditions to reduce the total operating cost of running heap leach mining operations which depend upon well-functioning solution distribution systems.
US09476106B2 Methods and systems for processing a sucrose crop and sugar mixtures
A method comprising: (a) providing a partially processed sucrose crop product containing at least 2% optionally at least 5% of the sucrose content of said crop at harvest on a dry solids basis, cellulose and lignin; (b) hydrolyzing said partially processed crop product with HCl to produce an acid hydrolyzate stream and a lignin stream; and (c) de-acidifying said hydrolyzate stream to produce a de-acidified sugar solution and an HCl recovery stream. Additional, methods, systems and sugar mixtures are also disclosed.
US09476098B2 Multigene prognostic assay for lung cancer
The present invention provides methods for providing a prognosis for lung cancer using a panel of eleven molecular markers that includes BAG1, BRCA1, CDC6, CDK2AP1, ERBB3, FUT3, IL11, LCK, RND3, SH3BGR, and WNT3A, which are differentially expressed in lung cancer. The eleven markers are related to patient prognosis to 5-year overall survival outcomes, and are particularly useful in providing a prognosis for non-squamous NSCLC.
US09476097B2 Structural mutations in titin cause dilated cardiomyopathy
Provided herein are diagnostic markers and methods for identifying a subject having an increased susceptibility for developing or having dilated cardiomyopathy. The method comprises determining if the subject has a mutation in the TTN nucleic as acid or titin polypeptide. Further provided herein are methods of treating subjects having or at risk of having dilated cardiomyopathy.
US09476095B2 Safe sequencing system
The identification of mutations that are present in a small fraction of DNA templates is essential for progress in several areas of biomedical research. Though massively parallel sequencing instruments are in principle well-suited to this task, the error rates in such instruments are generally too high to allow confident identification of rare variants. We here describe an approach that can substantially increase the sensitivity of massively parallel sequencing instruments for this purpose. One example of this approach, called “Safe-SeqS” for (Safe-Sequencing System) includes (i) assignment of a unique identifier (UID) to each template molecule; (ii) amplification of each uniquely tagged template molecule to create UID-families; and (iii) redundant sequencing of the amplification products. PCR fragments with the same UID are truly mutant (“super-mutants”) if ≧95% of them contain the identical mutation. We illustrate the utility of this approach for determining the fidelity of a polymerase, the accuracy of oligonucleotides synthesized in vitro, and the prevalence of mutations in the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes of normal cells.
US09476093B2 Polymerization of nucleic acids using activation by polyphosphorolysis (APP) reactions
This disclosure relates to methods of performing activation by polyphosphorolysis (APP) reactions using at least one of the polyphosphorylating agents triphosphate, polyphosphate, imidodiphosphate, thiodiphosphate (or μ-monothiopyrophosphate), and related compounds.
US09476088B2 Analyte measurement method and system with hematocrit compensation
Described and illustrated herein are systems and exemplary methods of operating an analyte measurement system having a meter and a test strip. In one embodiment, the method may be achieved by applying a first test voltage between a reference electrode and a second working electrode and applying a second test voltage between the reference electrode and a first working electrode; measuring a first test current, a second test current, a third test current and a fourth test current at the second working electrode after a blood sample containing an analyte is applied to the test strip; measuring a fifth test current at the first working electrode; estimating a hematocrit-corrected analyte concentration from the first, second, third, fourth and fifth test currents; and annunciating the hematocrit-corrected analyte concentration.
US09476087B2 Methods and compounds for detecting beta-lactamase activity
The present invention relates to compounds for and a method of detecting beta-lactamase activity in a sample. The sample is contacted with a nanoparticulate tag. The nanoparticulate tag comprises a metal or a combination of metals, or it comprises a nanotube of a metal, boron nitride and/or carbon. The respective metal is capable of forming one of a covalent bond, a coordinative bond and a non-covalent interaction with a thio or a seleno group. The sample is contacted with a compound of one of general formulas (I)-(III) and (VII)-(IX). At least one beta-lactam moiety of the compound is cleaved by the beta-lactamase activity in the sample. As a result a cleavage moiety Z-A-Z, Z-A-Z—R15, Z-A-Z—R16, Z-A-Z—R17, Z-A-Z—R18 or Z-G-N(R8)R9 is released that is immobilized on the surface of the nanoparticulate tag by a covalent bond via a Z atom. The presence of beta-lactamase activity is determined based on the presence of the cleavage moiety immobilized onto the surface of the nanoparticulate tag.
US09476082B2 Method of producing isoprenoid compounds in yeast
Yeast strains capable of increased prenyl phosphate production are provided, enabling increased terpenoid molecule production. Heterologous yeast strains with high prenyl phosphate availability are prepared using one or both of two different strategies for increasing the availability of prenyl phosphates for terpenoid production. First, by co-expressing multiple mevalonate pathway gene analogs, a novel heterologous combination of genes results, some of which increases the inherent availability of prenyl phosphates in yeast. Second, by expressing the non-endogenous enzyme ATP citrate lysase (ACL), a buildup of high cytosolic concentration of acetyl-CoA is produced in the cytosol of S. cerevisiae.
US09476080B2 Clonal amplification of nucleic acid on solid surface with template walking
Novel methods of generating a localized population of immobilized clonal amplicons on a support are provided.
US09476075B2 Oil enriched with arachidonic acid of microorganisms (unicellular fungus Mortierella alpina) and method for the production thereof
The invention relates to a strain of Mortierella alpina that can produce large quantities of arachidonic acid (ARA), to the methods for producing lipidic compounds of interest using said strain, and to the products and compositions produced with said strain.
US09476072B2 Cutinase variants and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to cutinase variants. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.
US09476067B2 Shuttle vector capable of transforming multiple genera of cyanobacteria
A plasmid vector for the production of compounds in cyanobacteria is described which is capable of being efficiently transformed to and replicating in a broad range of cyanobacterial species.
US09476064B2 Neuro-progenitor produced from an SCNT-derived ES cell
An embryonic stem cell line derived from a nucleus-transferred oocyte prepared by transferring a nucleus of a human somatic cell into an enucleated human oocyte may differentiate into various desired cell types.
US09476060B2 Generating genotypic variations in plant genomes by gamete infection
A method of generating genotypic variation in a genome of a plant is disclosed. The method comprising introducing into a gamete or a gamete producing tissue of the plant at least one viral expression vector encoding at least one chimeric nuclease which comprises a DNA binding domain, a nuclease and a localization signal to a DNA-containing organelle, wherein the DNA binding domain mediates specific targeting of the nuclease to the genome of the plant, wherein the introducing is performed such that the gamete or gamete producing tissue expresses the chimeric nuclease but not all plant tissues express the chimeric nuclease, thereby generating genotypic variation in the genome of the plant.
US09476058B2 Method for speeding up plant growth and improving yield by introducing phosphatases in transgenic plant
Transgenic plants having increased growth rate, increased sugar content, and increase yield are disclosed, and methods for making the same. The transgenic plants have a gene coding for a phosphatase having a C-terminal motif under control of a heterologous promoter incorporated into the genomic DNA of the plant.
US09476051B2 Antisense modulation of superoxide dismutase 1, soluble expression
Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of superoxide dismutase 1, soluble. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding superoxide dismutase 1, soluble. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of superoxide dismutase 1, soluble expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of superoxide dismutase 1, soluble are provided.
US09476048B2 DNA virus MicroRNA and methods for inhibiting same
The invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising the sequence of a human cytomegalovirus microRNA. In another embodiment, the invention relates to single stranded DNA virus microRNA molecules comprising the sequence of a human cytomegalovirus microRNA. The invention also relates to the anti-DNA virus microRNA molecules.
US09476047B2 RNAi-mediated inhibition of connexin 43 for treatment of IOP-related conditions
RNA interference is provided for inhibition of connexin 43 (Cx43) in intraocular pressure-related conditions, including ocular hypertension and glaucoma such as normal tension glaucoma and open angle glaucoma.
US09476046B2 Methods targeting miR-128 for regulating cholesterol/lipid metabolism
Methods for targeting microRNA 128 (miR-128) for regulating cholesterol/lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
US09476041B2 Method for producing novel hipsc by means of siRNA introduction
A novel compound to induce a pluripotent stem cell is provided. A novel anti-malignant-tumor substance is provided. A pluripotent stem cell-inducing agent, including one or more single-stranded or double-stranded polynucleotides selected from the group consisting of: a) a single-stranded or double-stranded polynucleotide containing a sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or a sequence including deletion, substitution, or addition of 1 to 3 bases in SEQ ID No: 1, b) a single-stranded or double-stranded polynucleotide containing a sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 or a sequence including deletion, substitution, or addition of 1 to 3 bases in SEQ ID No: 2, c) a single-stranded or double-stranded polynucleotide containing a sequence of SEQ ID NO:3 or a sequence including deletion, substitution, or addition of 1 to 3 bases in SEQ ID No: 3, in which the pluripotent stem cell-inducing agent induces a cell to become a pluripotent stem cell is provided.
US09476039B2 Polynucleotides and polypeptides in plants
The invention relates to plant transcription factor polypeptides, polynucleotides that encode them, homologs from a variety of plant species, and methods of using the polynucleotides and polypeptides to produce transgenic plants having advantageous properties compared to a reference plant. Sequence information related to these polynucleotides and polypeptides can also be used in bioinformatic search methods and is also disclosed.
US09476034B2 Ketoreductase polypeptides for the production of azetidinone
The present disclosure provides engineered ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, and methods of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize a variety of chiral compounds.
US09476028B2 Method for proliferation of antigen-specific T cells
The present invention relates to an in vitro method for priming genetically modified T cells suitable for administration to a patient having a tumor. The invention is also directed to the composition obtained by the method and uses thereof.
US09476025B2 Ferromagnetic cell and tissue culture microcarriers
A porous, collagen coated, ferromagnetic cell culture microcarrier, which is suitable for in vitro cell and tissue culture and which facilitates 3D multicellular construct generation. Also provided is a method for creating batches of microcarriers which have inserted within them magnetite (Fe3O4) in the presence of collagen, thus creating a microcarrier which becomes magnetic in nature when placed in a the presence of a magnetic field and which facilitates cellular adherence (via the collagen coating) for 3D construct development.
US09476024B2 Thermoresponsive substrate with microgels, method for its preparation and culture method for biological cells
The invention relates to a culture substrate having thermoresponsive microgel particles that have a thermoresponsive polymer and modulator particles fixed to the carrier area of the substrate. The modulator can be a substance that has an adhesion capability with biological cells or a substance that causes cellular reactions that are inducible to binding to surface receptors of biological cells. Methods for preparation and use in culturing cells are given.
US09476023B2 Culture device
The culture device (100, 200) for culturing algae includes a culture pond (110) including an opening (112) on an upper side thereof and accommodating an alga solution (M) as a culture solution containing algae; a sheet (130) having optical transparency and flexibility, the sheet sealing at least a portion of the opening (112) of the culture pond (110); and a gas supply unit (124, 160, 212) used to supply high concentration CO2 gas having a higher concentration of carbon dioxide than that of the atmosphere, between the culture pond (110) and the sheet (130). A gas storage space (G) to store gas between a liquid surface (114) of the alga solution (M) and the sheet (130) is formed by at least part of the supplied high concentration CO2 gas.
US09476016B2 Cleaning solution, cleaning facility and method of cleaning mount substrate
A method of cleaning a mount substrate comprising the step of: preparing a cleaning solution and cleaning the mount substrate by using the cleaning solution. The cleaning solution is a chemical solution produced by providing organic amine as a content in a hydrocarbon-based solvent containing a ketone or an aromatic and by adding unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride or carboxylic anhydride to this solvent.
US09476013B2 Builder granules and process for their preparation
A process for preparing builder granules suitable for use in a granular or tabletted detergent compositions, particularly for machine dishwash, involves forming a slurry of solid and aqueous MGDA Na3 spray dryer, under non-agglomerating conditions, to form spray dried particles comprising solid crystalline MGDA Na 3 dihydrate, compacting the spray dried particles into compacted aggregates and comminuting the compacted aggregates into granular particles to form builder granules having a particle size distribution suitable for use in a granular detergent composition. Prior to spray drying, the slurry is maintained at a slurry temperature of 20° or more for sufficient time for the resulting builder granules to remain free flowing after 48 hours storage at 20° C. and 65% relative humidity. The resulting granules, made by an efficient process, using conventional detergent manufacturing apparatus, exhibit excellent resistance to caking when damp and can be incorporated into granular detergent compositions or detergent tablets, such as machine dishwash compositions or tablets, without substantial degradation of flow or stickiness (for granular compositions) and without substantial reduction in friability or disintegration (for tabletted compositions).
US09476011B2 Dishwashing method
An automatic dishwashing liquor comprising: a) from about 0.5 to about 10 ppm of orthophosphate expressed as elementary phosphorous; b) from about 40 to about 600 ppm of a first polymer comprising: i) carboxylic acid monomers; ii) monomers comprising a sulfonic acid group wherein the monomers comprising a sulfonic acid group represent 10% or less of the polymer on a molar basis; c) from about 15 to about 150 ppm of a phosphonate; d) a bleach system comprising bleach and a bleach catalyst; and e) less than 30 ppm of polyphosphate.
US09476009B2 Acidic methanol stripping process that reduces sulfur content of biodiesel from waste greases
The present invention provides a method of producing fatty acid alkyl esters from a lipid, comprising steps of introducing a gas comprising vapor of an alcohol selected from methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, iso-propanol and butanols, into the lipid in a form of bubbles to enable the bubbles to pass through the lipid and be discharged from the lipid. The product may then be subjected to a transesterification process catalyzed by a base catalyst. The present invention is robust with low quality feedstocks thus significantly reduce production cost for biodiesel.
US09476004B2 Liquid fuel composition and the use thereof
The present invention relates to a liquid fuel composition comprising a mixture of hydrocarbons and a cyclic hydrocarbon compound that suppresses the emission of soot particulates. The present invention also relates to a method for reducing the emission of soot particulates in the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine. It is desirable for the cyclic hydrocarbon compound to contain one or more oxygen atoms.
US09476001B2 Process and apparatus for the treatment of tar in syngas
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus (10) for use in rarefying a syngas so as to improve a calorific value of the syngas through the reduction of a concentration of tar from the syngas. The apparatus (10) comprises a gasification/pyrolysis means (12) such as a kiln (11), for generation of a flow of syngas from a raw material, and a cracking means (14). The cracking means (14) comprising a body (42) having an insulated internal volume (44) adapted to hold a heated bed of char. The flow of syngas from the kiln (11) is directed through the cracking means (14) where it comes into contact with the heated bed of char. Heavy long-chained carbon based molecules within the syngas undergo a cracking reaction and are broken into constituent lighter carbon based molecules. The method and apparatus of the present invention provides a rarefied output flow of syngas having an improved calorific quality and a substantially reduced concentration of tar.
US09476000B2 Hydrotreating process and apparatus
A process for hydrotreating full range naphtha is disclosed including the steps of passing a vapor stream composed of naphtha hydrocarbons to a first catalyst bed of a hydrotreating reactor, passing a liquid stream composed of naphtha hydrocarbons to a second catalyst bed of the hydrotreating reactor, and recovering a hydrotreated product stream from the hydrotreating reactor. The first and second catalyst beds are arranged in series within the hydrotreating reactor, and the second catalyst bed is downstream of the first catalyst bed.
US09475996B2 Centrifugal fluid ring plasma reactor
The Centrifugal Fluid Ring Plasma Reactor employs a centrifugal impeller and a fluid barrier to mix multi-phase fluids and repeatedly move the mixture through a reaction zone, where the mixture contacts catalysts and/or is subjected to electromagnetic, mechanical, nuclear, and/or sonic energy to create ions, free radicals or activated molecules, which initiate or promote a desired reaction. In one embodiment, high-voltage electromagnetic energy is applied to Cobalt and Tungsten/Thorium electrodes in the reaction zone to create plasma. The Centrifugal Fluid Ring Plasma Reactor is suitable for converting carbon dioxide and methane into useful fuel products and for performing other multi-phase chemical reactions.
US09475994B2 Enhancing fine capture in paraffinic froth treatment process
A modified paraffinic froth treatment (PFT) process is described, in which a fine tailings stream obtained from a water extraction process practiced on oil sands is added during the treatment process. This modified process may be useful as a treatment for the fine tailings stream, allowing for the flocculation of the fines, thus reducing the volume of such fine tailings. The modified process may also be useful in that the fine tailings stream can be used as a supplement or a replacement for dilution water, thus eliminating or reducing the need for dilution water in the PFT process.
US09475992B2 Production and use of a premium fuel grade petroleum coke
A premium “fuel-grade” petroleum coke is produced by modifying petroleum coking technology. Coking process parameters are controlled to consistently produce petroleum coke within a predetermined range for volatile combustible material (VCM) content. The invention includes a process of producing a coke fuel, the method comprising steps: (a) obtaining a coke precursor material derived from crude oil and having a volatile organic component; and (b) subjecting the coke precursor material to a thermal cracking process for sufficient time and at sufficient temperature and under sufficient pressure so as to produce a coke product having volatile combustible materials (VCMs) present in an amount in the range of from about 13% to about 50% by weight. Most preferably, the volatile combustible materials in the coke product typically may be in the range of from about 15% to about 30% by weight. The present invention also provides methods for (1) altering the coke crystalline structure, (2) improving the quality of the coke VCM, and (3) reducing the concentration of coke contaminants. Fuels made from the inventive coke product and methods of producing energy through the combustion of such fuels are also included. Finally, novel environmental control techniques are developed to take optimal advantage of the unique characteristics of this upgraded petroleum coke.
US09475991B2 Polymerizable liquid crystal composition, polarized light-emitting coating material, novel naphtholactam derivative novel coumarin derivative, novel nile red derivative, and novel anthracene derivative
Provided are a polymerizable liquid crystal composition, a coating material, a medium, and a polarizing device each produced using a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a colorant and each capable of producing polarized light suitable for polarizing devices, and also a novel naphtholactam derivative, a novel coumarin derivative, a novel Nile Red derivative, and a novel anthracene derivative each suitable for use as the colorant. Specifically provided are a polymerizable liquid crystal composition containing (A) at least one liquid crystal compound having a polymerizable functional group, (B) at least one colorant, and (C) a polymerization initiator, and a novel naphtholactam derivative of formula (IV′), a novel coumarin derivative of formula (VI′), a novel Nile Red derivative of formula (VII′), and a novel anthracene derivative of formula (VIII′) each suitable for use as the colorant (B).
US09475987B2 Yellow light emitting phosphor and light emitting device package using the same
Disclosed are phosphors and, more particularly, yellow light emitting phosphors and light emitting device packages using the same. The yellow light emitting phosphor includes a first phosphor including at least one of Lu3Al5O12:Ce, SrSi2O2N2, and β-type SiAlON and a second phosphor mixed with the first phosphor to form a mixture, the second phosphor including α-type SiAlON(Li-α-SiAlON) containing Li as a metal component, wherein the second phosphor emits light having a central wavelength in a range of 550 nm to 590 nm by being excited by near ultraviolet (UV) or blue light, The mixture of the first phosphor and the second phosphor is excited by the near UV or blue light to emit yellow light.
US09475984B2 Quantum dot phosphor for light emitting diode and method of preparing the same
Disclosed herein is a quantum dot phosphor for light emitting diodes, which includes quantum dots and a solid substrate on which the quantum dots are supported. Also, a method of preparing the quantum dot phosphor is provided. Since the quantum dot phosphor of the current invention is composed of the quantum dots supported on the solid substrate, the quantum dots do not aggregate when dispensing a paste obtained by mixing the quantum dots with a paste resin for use in packaging of a light emitting diode. Thereby, a light emitting diode able to maintain excellent light emitting efficiency can be manufactured.
US09475983B2 Fluorescence light emitting element comprising a phosphor layer including phosphors and a binder made of an inorganic material
A fluorescence light emitting element includes a phosphor layer that includes phosphors and a binder made of an inorganic material. A thermal conductivity B of the binder is larger than 1.88 times a thermal conductivity A of the phosphors. When the volume of the phosphors included in the phosphor layer is X and the volume of the binder included in the phosphor layer is Y, a relationship of X/Y>1/2 is satisfied.
US09475977B2 Process for producing mineral oil using surfactants based on a mixture of C28 Guerbet, C30 Guerbet, C32 Guerbet-containing hydrocarbyl alkoxylates
The present invention relates to a surfactant mixture comprising at least three ionic surfactants which differ in terms of the hydrocarbyl moiety (R1)(R2)—CH—CH2— and are of the general formula (I) where R1, R2, A0, k, X, o, Y, a, b, M are each as defined in the description and the claims. The invention further relates to the use and preparation thereof, and to aqueous surfactant formulations comprising the mixtures, and to processes for producing mineral oil by means of Winsor type III microemulsion flooding, in which the aqueous surfactant formulation is injected into a mineral oil deposit through injection wells and crude oil is withdrawn from the deposit through production wells.
US09475974B2 Controlling the stability of water in water emulsions
This invention relates to compositions and methods of treating a surface in contact with a wellbore and/or a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore, comprising forming a treatment composition comprising a rheological polymer, a partitioning agent, and a liquid medium; and injecting the treatment fluid into the well bore, wherein the treatment composition forms a heterogeneous mixture comprising a dispersed rheological polymer-rich phase and a partitioning agent-rich phase, and wherein the stability of the heterogeneous mixture is controlled by introducing a stability control agent. This invention relates to compositions and methods for forming a water in water emulsion, comprising a rheological polymer, a partitioning agent, a liquid medium; and a stability control agent, wherein the emulsion is a heterogeneous mixture comprising a dispersed rheological polymer-rich phase and a partitioning agent-rich phase.
US09475972B2 Adhesive useful for installing vehicle windows
The invention is a composition comprising: a) one or mote isocyanate functional polyether based prepolymers; b) one or more alkyl esters of one or more long chain; fatty acids; and c) one or more catalysts for the reaction of isocyanate moieties with hydroxyl, groups. The invention is s method, of bonding two or more substrates together which comprises contacting the two or more substrates together with a composition according to this invention disposed along at least a portion of the area wherein the substrates are in contact.
US09475967B2 Adhesives comprising crosslinker with (meth)acrylate group and olefin group and methods
A pressure sensitive adhesive composition is described comprising at least 50 wt-% of polymerized units derived from alkyl meth(acrylate) monomer(s); and 0.2 to 15 wt-% of at least one cross-linking monomers comprising a (meth)acrylate group and a C6-C20 olefin group, the olefin group being optionally substituted. In another embodiment, an adhesive composition is described comprising a syrup comprising i) a free-radically polymerizable solvent monomer; and ii) a solute (meth)acrylic polymer comprising polymerized units derived from one or more alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers; wherein the syrup comprises at least one crosslinking monomer or the (meth)acrylic solute polymer comprises polymerized units derived from at least one crosslinking monomer, the crosslinking monomer comprising a (meth)acrylate group and a C6-C20 olefin group, the olefin group being optionally substituted. In yet other embodiments, methods of preparing adhesive compositions are described.
US09475965B2 Pipe joining material for connecting pipes
A pipe joining material for connecting pipes and fittings and a method of making a pipe joining material are provided. The pipe joining material may include a thermoplastic material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and/or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) and a bonding agent for the thermoplastic material.
US09475964B2 Joining a thermoplastic material and a metal
A method and apparatus comprising a sol-gel solution. Zirconium n-propoxide is aged in a solvent to form a first part for the sol-gel solution. The first part is combined with deionized water to form a second part for the sol-gel solution. Aminoaryltrialkoxysilane is combined with an alcohol to form a third part for the sol-gel solution. The third part is combined with the second part to form a mixture for the sol-gel solution. The deionized water, or the alcohol, or a combination thereof is combined with the mixture to form a solution. The solution is aged to form the sol-gel solution comprising a mole balance ratio of approximately 1:5 between the zirconium n-propoxide and the aminoaryltrialkoxysilane.
US09475963B2 Fixed array ACFs with multi-tier partially embedded particle morphology and their manufacturing processes
An ACF comprising a substrate, a layer of an adhesive on the surface of the substrate, the adhesive optionally having conductive particles dispersed therein, at least one tier of conductive particles arranged in a non-random array, the tier being formed by transfer of conductive particles from a carrier belt having a stitching line to the surface of the adhesive layer wherein the portion of the tier corresponding to the stitching line is free of conductive particles, and the adhesive layer being overcoated with a second tier of conductive particles arranged in a non-random array at least in the area of the first tier corresponding to the stitching line. The tiers may be at the same or different depths within the adhesive layer. More than two tiers of conductive particles may be present in the ACF.
US09475961B2 Swelling tape for filling gap
A swelling tape for filling a gap and a method of filling a gap are provided. The swelling tape can be applied within the gap having a fluid to realize a 3D shape thereby filling the gap, and be used to fix a subject forming the gap as necessary.
US09475956B2 Powder coating compositions for low temperature curing and high flow
The present invention discloses powder coating compositions and to components and ingredients for incorporation therein, suitable for low temperature curing schedule and with excellent resistance to outside aging. The powder coating composition can be cured at a temperature from 140° C. to lead to a coating with excellent flow and high gloss. In one aspect of the invention, a composition having a polyester resin comprises 0.1 to 60 weight percent of mono or poly-functional satured or unsatured fatty acids of mixtures of them, 30 to 60 weight percent of an aromatic diacid or cycloalkyl diacids or anhydride 20 to 30 weight percent of aliphatic diol, 0 to 6 weight percent of aliphatic triol, 0 to 10 weight percent of isosorbide and isomers or cycloalkyl diol, 0 to 10 weight percent of C3-C12 aliphatic diacid, and with total weight percent of the monomers equal to 100.
US09475955B2 Film forming coating compositions containing carboxamide coalescing solvents and methods of use
A film may be formed from film forming compositions which comprise at least one carboxamide based coalescing solvent. These coalescing solvents impart equivalent or improved wet-scrub resistance, block resistance, gloss, dirt pick-up resistance and leveling characteristics to the films on a substrate, without contributing to total VOC levels, when replacing conventional coalescing solvents. The present invention also includes a method for forming a film comprising applying a film forming composition comprising polyunsaturated reactive carboxamides to a substrate and curing the film under ambient conditions. The coalescing carboxamide solvents are suitable for paint, latex based caulk, adhesives and floor care applications.
US09475954B2 High-hardness clear coating material
A high-hardness clear coating material capable of improving hardness and corrosion resistance of an aluminum material surface includes, in % by weight, 10 to 20% of a melamine curing agent, 10 to 15% of silica, 1 to 5% of a phenol resin, and a remainder of an acrylic resin and other unavoidable impurities.
US09475947B2 Siloxane coating for a display lens assembly for mobile devices
Hard coatings are applied to a lens assembly. In an embodiment, the coated lens assembly (140) includes a first layer (106B) including siloxane; a second layer (106A) including siloxane, wherein the second layer has opposing sides and a hardness greater than the first layer; and a third layer (104) including an amorphous carbon selected from a diamond-like carbon and a diamond-like nano-composite. The first layer (106B) and third layer (104) are positioned on opposing sides of the second layer (106A). The third layer (104) has a hardness greater than the second layer (106A).
US09475944B2 Active energy ray curable aqueous emulsions
The present invention relates to an aqueous radiation curable composition comprising: (I) at least one ethylenically unsaturated compound (A), and (II) at least one emulsifier (B) comprising alternating polyalkylene oxide segments, wherein said emulsifier optionally bears one or more groups selected from alkyl groups, aryl groups hydroxyl groups and/or ethylenically unsaturated groups, and wherein said emulsifier (B) has an HLB value of at least 4.5, preferably at least 7. The compositions of the invention are particularly suited for the manufacture of sprayable eco-friendly hardcoats, but they are also suitable for the making of inks, overprint varnishes and adhesives, alone or in combination with e.g. a water-borne polymer dispersion.
US09475937B2 Thermoplastic resin composition and molded product made using the same
A thermoplastic resin composition comprises (A) a polycarbonate resin; (B) a rubber-modified aromatic vinyl copolymer; and (C) a branched copolymer produced from a mixture that comprises a silicon compound having two or more unsaturated radicals. A molded product can be prepared using the composition.
US09475932B2 Composition comprising a latex and a HEUR thickener
The present invention relates to a composition comprising stable aqueous dispersion of polymer particles with acorn morphology, a hydrophobically modified ethylene oxide urethane based rheology modifier (HEUR) and a substantial absence of pigment particles with a refractive index in the range of from 2.0 and 3.0. The composition imparts improved HEUR efficiency for coating compositions such as deep base coating compositions.
US09475931B2 Water-dispersible halogen-capping polyalkylacrylate, vinyl chloride-based block copolymer and method for preparing the same
Disclosed are a water-dispersible halogen-capping polyalkylacrylate, a vinyl chloride-based block copolymer and a method for preparing the same. By using the water-dispersible halogen-capping polyalkylacrylate derivative as a chain transfer agent for polymerization of a vinyl chloride-based monomer, it is possible to obtain effects such as reduction of coagulation of particles and adhesion of particles to a reactor wall, improvement in reaction efficiency and polydispersity index, and prevention of yellowing.
US09475929B2 Fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin composition, reinforcing fiber bundle, and process for production of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin composition
The present invention relates to fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin composition comprising 0.1 to 10 mass % of a (meth)acrylic-based polymer, 1 to 70 mass % of reinforcing fiber, and 20 to 98.9 mass % of thermoplastic resin, wherein the (meth)acrylic-based polymer has, in a side chain, at least one functional group selected from a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, an amide group, and an urea group, and has a cohesive energy density (CED) of 385 to 550 MPa. The present invention provides, particularly in the case of using a polyolefin-based resin as matrix resin, a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin composition and a reinforcing fiber bundle which have high adhesiveness and good mechanical characteristics.
US09475928B2 Reinforced polypropylene composition
The present disclosure provides a composition comprising: a) a polypropylene; b) a polyolefin elastomer; and c) a block composite. The polyolefin elastomer has an I10/I2 from greater than 7.5 to 15.0. The composition may optionally include a filler.
US09475927B2 Polyethylene compositions having high dimensional stability and excellent processability for caps and closures
A dual reactor solution polymerization process gives high density polyethylene compositions containing a first ethylene copolymer and a second ethylene copolymer and which have high dimensional stability, excellent processability as well as good organoleptic properties and reasonable stress cracking resistance. The polyethylene compositions are suitable for compression molding or injection molding applications and are useful, for example, in the manufacture of caps and closures for bottles, and for example, in bottles containing non-pressurized liquids.
US09475925B2 Blended rubber, blended rubber composition and vulcanizate
Provided are a blended rubber and a blended rubber composition that give a vulcanizate superior in abrasion resistance and ozone resistance, and a vulcanizate prepared by vulcanizing the blended rubber composition. A blended rubber, comprising 30 to 93 mass % of a chloroprene rubber, 5 to 50 mass % of a soft polyvinyl chloride, and 2 to 20 mass % of an acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber. The polyvinyl chloride resin used preferably has a polymerization degree of 300 to 3000 and the acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber preferably has an acrylonitrile content of 18 to 50 mass %.
US09475924B2 Rubber composition for tire tread and pneumatic tire using the same
A rubber composition for tire tread contains a diene-based rubber including 30 wt % or more of a terminal modifying group-containing conjugated diene-based copolymer, silica, carbon black, and at least one of silane coupling agents represented by specified formulae. The total amount of silica and carbon black in the composition is 35 to 140 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the diene-based rubber, while the silane coupling agent content is 4 to 18 wt % on the silica content. The copolymer is produced by a specified method such that the aromatic vinyl monomer content in the copolymer is 38 to 48 wt %, the vinyl unit content in all the conjugated diene-based monomers is 20 to 35 mol %, the weight average molecular weight of the copolymer is 600,000 to 1,000,000, and the terminal modifying group in the copolymer contains a functional group which interacts with the silica.
US09475922B2 Nanoparticles with multiple attached polymer assemblies and use thereof in polymer composites
Methods of synthesizing a binary polymer functionalized nanoparticle are generally provided. In one embodiment, a first anchoring compound is attached to a nanoparticle, and a first plurality of first monomers are polymerized on the first anchoring compound to form a first polymeric chain covalently bonded to the nanoparticle via the first anchoring compound. In another embodiment, a first polymeric chain can be attached to the nanoparticle, where the first polymeric chain has been polymerized prior to attachment to the nanoparticle. Thereafter, a second anchoring compound is attached to the nanoparticle, and a second plurality of second monomers are polymerized on the second anchoring compound to form a second polymeric chain covalently bonded to the nanoparticle via the second anchoring compound. Nanoparticles are also generally provided having multiple polymeric assemblies.
US09475921B2 Nanoplate-nanotube composites, methods for production thereof and products obtained therefrom
Compositions and methods of producing discrete nanotubes and nanoplates and a method for their production. The discrete nanotube/nanoplate compositions are useful in fabricated articles to provide superior mechanical and electrical performance. They are also useful as catalysts and catalyst supports for chemical reactions.
US09475919B2 Smart composites containing modified cellulosic nanomaterials
In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a composite material is prepared by blending a bio-derived filler into a polymer, wherein the filler includes a diene-modified cellulosic nanomaterial (e.g., cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and/or cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) functionalized to contain a diene) and a dienophile-modified cellulosic nanomaterial (e.g., CNCs and/or CNFs functionalized to contain a dienophile). The modulus of the composite material is reversibly controllable by adjusting a degree of crosslinking between the diene-modified cellulosic nanomaterial and the dienophile-modified cellulosic nanomaterial. This degree of crosslinking is thermally reversible. On one hand, the degree of crosslinking may be increased via a Diels-Alder (DA) cycloaddition reaction at a first temperature, thereby increasing the modulus of the composite material. On the other hand, the degree of crosslinking may be decreased via a retro-DA reaction at a second temperature higher than the first temperature, thereby decreasing the modulus of the composite material.
US09475918B2 Stabilizer mixture
Suitable stabilizers for organic material are a mixture comprising A. at least one oligomeric compound, comprising repeat units of the formula (I), in which the meanings of the symbols are as follows: R1 is hydrogen, C1-C6-alkyl, formyl, C2-C6-alkanoyl, C1-C12-alkoxy, C5-C6-cycloalkoxy, cyanomethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, benzyl or a radical of the formula —CR′═CH—CO—OR″, where R′ is hydrogen, C1-C6-alkyl or a radical of the formula —CO—OR″, and R″ is C1-C18-alkyl, C5-C8-cycloalkyl, C7-C18-aralkyl, phenyl, or tolyl; R2 is a mixture composed of C14-C28-alkyl groups, where two of these alkyl groups whose number of carbon atoms is not permitted to differ by more than two respectively make up at least 30% of this mixture; R3 and R4, independently of one another, are C1-C6-alkyl; and B. at least one compound of the formula (II) or (III) where the meanings of the symbols and indices are as follows: n and m, independently of one another, are a natural number from 2 to 22, and R1, R3 and R4, independently of one another, have the meanings given in formula (I).
US09475916B2 Process for curing surface-coating compositions
The present invention relates to a method for coating surfaces by applying an oxidatively drying coating composition comprising at least one oxidatively drying binder and at least one drying agent acting as an accelerator of the drying and curing process proceeding under the action of an oxidizing agent, characterized in that the drying agent comprises at least one oxidoreductase and at least one mediator which is converted by the at least one oxidoreductase.
US09475913B2 Foam sheet using polylactic acid having extended chain and method for preparing the same
Disclosed is a foam sheet using polylactic acid, which provides the advantages of energy reduction and greenhouse gas reduction, and does not emit toxic substances such as toxic gas or endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The foam sheet, according to the present invention, comprises at least one resin layer comprising a biodegradable resin composition including the polylactic acid having an extended chain, a plasticizer, and a foaming agent, and thus provides the advantages of superior processing properties, superior water resistance after processing, energy reduction and greenhouse gas reduction, and of not emitting toxic substances such as toxic gas or endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
US09475912B1 Optically fixable shape memory polymers
This application discloses a method of photomechanically manipulating optically fixable SMPs that employ glassy, photoresponsive polymeric materials, which are capable of rapid optical-fixing with short exposures (<<5 min) of eye-safe visible light. Key to the optical fixing is the use of polymeric materials composed of covalently attached photochromic units such as azobenzene and the use of light capable of inducing simultaneous trans-cis and cis-trans isomerization of azobenzene or other photochromic moieties capable of similar cycling. Upon exposure to light in this wavelength regime (440-514 nm for the azobenzene unit here), real and lasting reconfigurations are induced capable of fixing both the optically induced strain as well as mechanically induced strain. A linear dependence of bending angle on polarization angle is observed and may be used to control the shape reconfiguration of the SMPs.
US09475911B2 Polyester composition and polyester film
The present invention is a polyester composition for a film, wherein the polyester composition comprises a masterbatch polyester composition including 1.0 to 2.0%, by mass of inorganic particles having an average particle diameter of 0.5 to 3.0 μm and having been prepared using a polycondensation catalyst containing, and an inorganic particle-free polyester resin in a mass ratio of 1:15 to 35; and wherein the polyester composition will cause little filter clogging and can provide a polyester film that is excellent in slipping properties, running properties and wear resistance and will suffer from little deterioration in quality due to defects or insoluble particles located on the film.
US09475906B2 Arc-extinguishing insulation material molded product and gas circuit breaker including the same
The present invention relates to an arc-extinguishing insulation material molded product provided in the vicinity of a contact point between contactors in a gas circuit breaker. The arc-extinguishing insulation material molded product includes a polymer which contains a carbon-oxygen bond in the main chain, and in which a part of or all of terminal atoms are non-hydrogen atoms.
US09475903B2 1,4-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane, polyisocyanate composition, polyurethane resin, molded article, eyewear material, eyewear frame, and lens
1,4-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane contains 70 mol % or more and 95 mol % or less of a trans isomer relative to a total amount of a cis isomer and the trans isomer, and 0.1 ppm or more and 300 ppm or less of the compound represented by formula (1) below:
US09475897B2 Process for the preparation of (co)polymers of conjugated dienes in the presence of a catalytic system comprising a bis-imino-pyridine complex of cobalt
Process for the preparation of (co)polymers of conjugated dienes which comprises polymerizing at least one conjugated diene in the presence of a catalytic system comprising at least one bis-imino-pyridine complex of cobalt having general formula (I): wherein: R2 and R3, equal to or different from each other, represent a hydrogen atom; or they are selected from linear or branched C1-C20 preferably C1-C15, alkyl groups, optionally halogenated, cycloalkyl groups optionally substituted, aryl groups optionally substituted; R1 and R4, different from each other, represent a hydrogen atom; or they are selected from linear or branched C1-C20 preferably C1-C15, alkyl groups, optionally halogenated, cycloalkyl groups optionally substituted, aryl groups optionally substituted; arylalkyl groups; or R1 and R2 can be optionally bound to each other to form, together with the other atoms to which they are bound, a cycle containing from 3 to 6 carbon atoms, saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic, optionally substituted with linear or branched C1-C20, preferably C1-C15, alkyl groups, said cycle optionally containing other heteroatoms such as, for example, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, silicon, phosphorous, selenium; or R3 and R4, can be optionally bound to each other to form, together with the other atoms to which they are bound, a cycle containing from 3 to 6 carbon atoms, saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic, optionally substituted with linear or branched C1-C20, preferably C1-C15, alkyl groups, said cycle optionally containing other heteroatoms such as, for example, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, silicon, phosphorous, selenium; R5, R6 and R7, equal to or different from each other, represent a hydrogen atom, or they are selected from linear or branched C1-C20, preferably C1-C15, alkyl groups, optionally halogenated, cycloalkyl groups optionally substituted; aryl groups optionally substituted; arylalkyl groups; or R5 and R6, can be optionally bound to each other to form, together with the other atoms to which they are bound, a cycle containing from 3 to 6 carbon atoms, saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic, optionally substituted with linear or branched C1-C20, preferably C1-C15, alkyl groups, said cycle optionally containing other heteroatoms such as, for example, oxygen, -sulfur, nitrogen, silicon, phosphorous, selenium; or R6 and R7, can be optionally bound to each other to form, together with the other atoms to which they are bound, a cycle containing from 3 to 6 carbon atoms, saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic, optionally substituted with linear or branched C1-C20, preferably C1-C15, alkyl groups, said cycle optionally containing other heteroatoms such as, for example, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, silicon, phosphorous, selenium; X1 and X2, equal to or different from each other, represent a halogen atom such as, for example, chlorine, bromine, iodine; or they are selected from linear or branched C1-C20, preferably C1-C15, alkyl groups, —OCOR8 groups or —OR8 groups wherein R8 is selected from linear or branched C1-C20/preferably C1-C15, alkyl groups.
US09475896B2 Loop reactor providing an advanced production split control
Method for preparing olefin polymer in a loop reactor, said loop reactor comprises a first outlet for withdrawing polymer slurry from the loop reactor, and a second outlet for withdrawing a polymer slurry from the loop reactor, wherein the first outlet is located such that polymer slurry is withdrawn having a concentration of polymer which is equal or higher than the average concentration of polymer in the loop reactor, and the second outlet is located such that polymer slurry is withdrawn having a concentration of polymer which is lower than the average concentration of polymer in the loop reactor, the method comprises the steps of supplying olefin monomers and a catalytic system to the loop reactor to form a polymer slurry in the loop reactor, and controlling the total amount of polymer and/or the total amount of polymer slurry withdrawn from the loop reactor by adjusting the ratio of polymer slurry withdrawn through the first outlet and polymer slurry withdrawn through the second outlet.
US09475890B2 Catalyst
A catalyst comprising (i) a metallocene complex of a group (IV) metal said metallocene comprising at least two cyclopentadienyl type ligands; (ii) a boron cocatalyst; and (iii) an aluminoxane cocatalyst; said catalyst being in solid form, preferably in solid particulate form, and being free from an external carrier.
US09475889B2 Photoinitiator and photocurable compositions and uses
The photocuring efficiency of an N-oxyazinium salt photoinitiator is increased by mixing it with an organic phosphine as a photoinitiator efficiency amplifier, and with an aryl aldehyde or alkyl aldehyde having a molecular weight of less than 1000. This mixture or photoinitiator composition can be used to cure acrylates or other photocurable compounds, particularly in an oxygen-containing environment.
US09475887B2 Carnosine hyaluronic acid mixtures and their use
A novel compound is disclosed, said compound comprising hyaluronic acid, optionally cross-linked, or an oligomer, optionally cross-linked, dimer or monomer thereof, which is salified or at least partially salified with carnosine, wherein the carnosine is in the form of an L- or D-enantiomer or a racemate; a process for producing this compound, its cosmetic and therapeutic use as well as pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions containing the same are also disclosed.
US09475879B2 Antibody polypeptides that antagonize CD40
Antibody polypeptides that specifically bind a novel epitope of human CD40 are provided. The antibody polypeptides do not exhibit CD40 agonist activity. The antibody polypeptides are useful in the treatment of diseases involving CD40 activation, such as autoimmune diseases. The antibody polypeptides may be domain antibodies (dAbs) comprising a single VL or VH domain. The half-life of the antibody polypeptides may be increased by modifying the antibody polypeptides to be dual specific reagents that can also bind human serum albumin (HSA).
US09475872B2 Nucleic acid molecules encoding moonoclonal antibodies speceific for IL17F
Provided are novel binding molecules of human origin, particularly human antibodies as well as fragments, derivatives and variants thereof that recognize antigens such as native endogenous proteins associated with, e.g., immune response, autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, metabolic disorders, vascular function, neurodegenerative diseases or tumors. More particularly, a human Auto-Immunosome and corresponding monoclonal antibody reservoir are provided. In addition, pharmaceutical compositions, kits and methods for use in diagnosis and therapy of are described.
US09475866B2 Human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) specific antibodies and uses thereof
Provided are novel human islet amyloid polypeptide, also known as amylin and IAPP and proIAPP respectively, specific antibodies as well as fragments, derivatives and variants thereof as well as methods related thereto. Assays, kits, and solid supports related to antibodies specific for IAPP and/or proIAPP are also disclosed. The antibody, immunoglobulin chain(s), as well as binding fragments, derivatives and variants thereof can be used in pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions for IAPP and/or proIAPP targeted immunotherapy and diagnostics, respectively.
US09475865B2 Direct administration of REIC/Dkk-3 to mesothelioma
This invention provides an inducer of apoptosis in cancer cells comprising a fragment of the REIC/Dkk-3 gene and a cancer therapeutic agent comprising the same. This invention also provides a polynucleotide fragment encoding the REIC/Dkk-3 protein (a) or (b), which encodes a polypeptide having apoptosis activity: (a) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of amino acid 1 to any of amino acids 39 to 78 of the amino acid sequence of the REIC/Dkk-3 protein as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; or (b) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence derived from the amino acid sequence of amino acid 1 to any of amino acids 39 to 78 of the amino acid sequence of the REIC/Dkk-3 protein as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 by substitution, deletion, or addition of 1 or several amino acids and having apoptosis activity.
US09475863B2 H. pylori lipopolysaccharide outer core epitope
Helicobacter pylori, one of the most common human pathogens, is associated with the development of human chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. The invention relates to a α1,6-glucan-containing Helicobacter pylori compound comprising the structure of Formula I: wherein R is a α-DDHep-3-α-L-Fuc-3-β-GlcNAc trisaccharide substituted with an α1,6-glucan linked to an α1,3-DD-heptan, and wherein the last DD-Hep residue of α1,3-DD-heptan is capped with β-GlcNAc residue. Compositions comprising the compound, uses of the compound, and antibodies raised against the compound are also described.
US09475860B2 Process for obtaining immunoglobulins from colostral milk
Suggested is a process for obtaining immunoglobulins, wherein (a) colostral milk from days 0 to 7 is subjected to thermal treatment, skimming the cream, (b) the skimmed milk such obtained is subjected to sterile microfiltration thus producing a first retentate R1 which contains the casein, and a first permeate P1, (c) the first permeate P1 is subjected to ultrafiltration thus producing a second permeate P2 which contains lactose and minerals, and a second retentate R2, in which the immunoglobulins are concentrated.
US09475852B2 Method for producing web protein, a fused protein, recombinant DNA, an expression vector, a host cell and strain-producers
The invention relates to the field of biotechnology and provides a method for producing recombinant proteins from the orb-weaving spider silk in yeast cells. This involves the construction of an expression vector which comprises a DNA sequence encoding a recombinant protein of the orb-weaving spider silk fused with a sequence encoding an ubiquitin-like protein occupying an N-terminal position with respect to the spider silk recombinant protein within the fused protein. The expression of a hybrid gene makes it possible to increase tens of times the production of recombinant spider silk protein, wherein the recombinant protein accumulates in the yeast cells in a water-insoluble fraction in the form of a processed protein free of a hybrid component.The invention also relates to fused proteins comprising sequences of recombinant proteins of the orb-weaving spider silk and of ubiquitin-like proteins, to recombinant DNAs encoding the fused proteins, to host yeast cells and to expression vectors suitable for carrying out the method, and also to producer strains of recombinant proteins of the orb-weaving spider silk.
US09475851B2 High MAST2-affinity polypeptides and uses thereof
The invention relates to polypeptides containing a cytoplasmic domain ending with a MAST-2 binding domain, from 11 to 13 residues, the first two residues of which are S and W, and the last four residues of which are Q, T, R and L, the polypeptides presenting a high affinity for the PDZ domain of the human MAST2 protein. The invention also relates to polynucleotides, vectors, lentiviral particles, cells as well as compositions containing the same. The invention is also directed to the use of the polypeptides, polynucleotides, vectors, lentiviral particles, cells and compositions in the treatment and/or prevention of a disease, disorder or condition, which alters the Central Nervous System (CNS) and/or the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). The invention also concerns molecular signatures of cellular genes to determine the neurosurvival and/or neuroprotection activity of a molecule.
US09475846B2 Conjugated Vi saccharides
Two Vi conjugates have been prepared by carbodiimide-mediated synthesis, using adipic acid dihydrazide derivatized CRM197 (a non-toxic variant of diphtheria toxin) and tetanus toxoid, as carrier proteins.
US09475843B2 Antimicrobial peptide WY-21 and application thereof
An antimicrobial peptide WY-21 has amino acid sequence of Val-Lys-Phe-Phe-Arg-Lys-Leu-Lys-Lys-Ser-Val-Lys-Glu-Lys-Ile-Gly-Lys-Glu-Phe-Lys-Arg (SEQ ID NO: 1). The antimicrobial peptide WY-21 can be used as broad-spectrum antibacterial agents for the treatment of Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacterial infection. It can also be applied for reducing immune system regulated inflammation.
US09475842B2 Hexadepsipeptide analogues as anticancer compounds
This invention relates to an isolated compound of Formula (1) or derivatives or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The invention also includes all isomeric and tautomeric forms of the compound of Formula (1) or the derivatives thereof. The present invention further relates to processes for the production of the compound of Formula (1) by fermentation of the fungal strain of Actinomycetes (PM0895172/MTCC 684), pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound of Formula (1) as the active ingredient; and use of the compounds or composition containing them in the treatment of cancer.
US09475840B2 Protease-resistant compounds useful as shuttles through the blood-brain barrier and shuttle-cargo constructs
The peptides of formula (I) where: R1 is the group attached to the N-terminal of the first amino acid of the sequence P, optionally via the ligand X, and is selected from H, CH3C(═O)—, and maleimide; X is a biradical selected from —NH—(CH2)r—C(═O)—, —C(═O)—(CH2)r—C(═O)—, —S(CH2)r—, —S—(CH2)r—C(═O)—, —O—(CH2)r—, —S—CH—CH(NH2)—C(═O)—, —O—(CH2)r—C(═O)—, —(CH2)r—C(═O)—, —NH—O—CH2—C(═O)—NH—(CH2)r—CH(NH2)—C(═O)—, —(CH2)r—C(═O)—NH—(CH2)r—CH(NH2)—C(═O)—, and —NH—(CH2)r—CH(NHC(═O)CH2NH2)—C(═O)—; r is 1-5; P is a biradical of an amino acid sequence comprising the sequence D-Pro-D-Trp-D-Val-D-Pro-D-Ser-D-Trp-D-Met-D-Pro-D-Pro-D-Arg-D-His-D-Thr (SEQ ID NO: 1); Y is the group attached to the C-terminal of the last amino acid of the sequence P, and is selected from —NH2, —OH, —OR2 and —NHR2; R2 is a radical selected from (C1-C6)-alkyl and (CH2)2—NH—C(═O)—CH2—O—NH2; k is 0-2; m is 0-1; with the proviso that when the biradical X is —C(═O)(CH2)r—C(═O)—, then R1 is H; when the N of the amino acid of the sequence P to which is attached the biradical X is a biradical —NH—, then m is 1, and when is a biradical —N—, then m is 0; and when R1 is maleimide then the biradical X is —C(═O)—(CH2)r—C(═O)—, —(CH2)—C(═O)—, —(CH2)r—C(═O)—, and —(CH2)r—C(═O)—NH—(CH2)r—CH(NH2)—C(═O)—. The peptides are useful as shuttles through the blood brain barrier (BBB). The constructs BBB-shuttle-cargo, being the cargo of a biologically active substance or for use in a diagnostic method, are useful in therapy and diagnosis. R1—(X)K—P—Y  (I)
US09475833B2 Method for lignin separation from black liquor comprising removal of sulfur compounds from formed water effluent
The method is for separation of lignin from original black liquor (BLIN) having a first precipitation phase (PR1/PR2) for precipitation of lignin by a first acidification using acidifier, CO2, at alkaline conditions, then separating a lignin cake with subsequent suspension of the lignin cake in a strong acid to leach our metals from the lignin followed by dewatering and obtaining a clean lignin product LP. The acidic liquid phase (FL1) subjected to a sulphur removal process wherein a calcium containing compound is added to the acidic liquid phase, whereby sulphur in the acidic liquid phase is reacting with the calcium compound forming solid gypsum which could be separated and bled off from the process. The remaining acidic liquid could then be returned to the recovery process without negatively affecting the sulphur balance of the mill.
US09475828B2 Organopolysiloxane and use thereof as surfactant, powder treatment agent, thickening agent of oil-based raw material or gelling agent. gel and emulsion compositions, as well as, preparations for external use and cosmetics comprising the same
The present invention provides a co-modified organopolysiloxane having a specified chemical structure in which a sugar alcohol-modified group and a silylalkyl group having a siloxane dendron structure, and optionally a long-chain hydrocarbon group are present. The co-modified organopolysiloxane is blended, as a surfactant, a powder treatment agent, a gelling agent or the like, or as a cosmetic raw material together with powder (s), oil agent (s) or the like, in a preparation for external use, and in particular, a cosmetic.
US09475827B2 Tris(trimethyl siloxyl)silane vinylic monomers and uses thereof
The invention provides a TRIS-containing vinylic monomer which comprises one sole (meth)acryloyloxy group and a tris(trimethylsiloxy)silyl group covalently linked to the ethylenically-unsaturated group through a polyoxyethylene linker. The present invention is also related to a polymer, an actinically-crosslinkable silicone-containing prepolymer, a silicone hydrogel polymeric material, or a silicone hydrogel contact lens, which comprises monomeric units derived from a TRIS-containing vinylic monomer of the invention. In addition, the invention provides a method for making a TRIS-containing vinylic monomer of the invention.
US09475824B2 Fused pyrimidines as inhibitors of p97 complex
Disclosed are fused pyrimidine compounds having scaffolds composed of left and right rings, the left ring being a saturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring and the right ring being a pyrimidine ring. The left saturated ring is fused to the pyrimidine ring at the 5 and 6 carbons of the pyrimidine. The saturated ring may be 5 or 6 members in size and may be all carbon or may contain a single oxygen, sulfur or nitrogen atom as one of the non-fused members of the ring. The pyrimidine ring is substituted at the two position by a 5:6 bicyclic aromatic heterocycle such as indole, benzimidazole or benzopyrazole and at the four position by an aryl methyl amino group. The 5:6 bicyclic aromatic heterocycle is substituted at its 2 position by hydrogen or an aliphatic or functional aliphatic group and at the 4 position by a functional group as described herein. The aryl methyl amino group may be aminobenzyl or aminomethyl-substituted phenyl. These fused pyrimidine compounds are inhibitors of the AAA proteosome complex containing the enzyme complex p97 and are effective medicinal agents for the treatment of diseases associated with p97 bioactivity such as cancer.
US09475823B2 Methods for the preparation of hydromorphone
The present application relates to methods for the preparation of morphine derivatives. In particular, the present application relates to methods for the preparation of hydromorphone from oripavine and oripavine from thebaine.
US09475819B2 Substituted 7-azabicycles and their use as orexin receptor modulators
The present invention is directed to compounds of Formula I: wherein ring A is phenyl, naphthalenyl, pyridyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, imidazopyridyl, furanyl, thiazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazothiazolyl, benzimidazolyl, or indazolyl; R1 is H, alkyl, alkoxy, hydroxyalkylene, OH, halo, phenyl, triazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, piperazinyl, pyrazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyrrolidinyl, thiophenyl, morpholinyl, or dialkylamino; R2 is H, alkyl, alkoxy, hydroxyalkylene, or halo; Z is NH, N-alkyl, or O; R5 is pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl, pyrazolyl, benzoxazolyl, imidazopyrazinyl, triazolopyrazinyl, optionally substituted with a one or two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy, or halo; and n is 0 or 1. Methods of making the compounds of Formula I are also described. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of Formula I. Methods of using the compounds of the invention are also within the scope of the invention.
US09475818B2 Selective PI3K delta inhibitors
The present invention relates to selective inhibitors of PI3K delta protein kinases, methods of preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and methods of treatment and/or prevention of kinase mediated diseases or disorders with them.
US09475811B2 1-aza-bicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes
The present invention relates to 1-aza-bicycloalkyl derivatives of Formula (I); wherein the substituents are as defined in the specification, to processes for their production, their use as pharmaceuticals and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them. Formula (I), wherein A represents O or N(R1); Y represents a group of formula, or wherein the left bond is attached to the A group and the right bond is attached to the R group; R represents a substituted or unsubstituted C5-C10aryl, substituted or unsubstituted hetero-C5-C10aryl, a group N(R1)(R4), or a group N(R2)(CHP3R4); R represent a hydrogen, C1-C4alkyl, or CF3; R2 represents hydrogen, C1-C4alkyl, or CF3; R3 represents hydrogen, C1-C4alkyl, or CF3; R4 represents a substituted or unsubstituted C5-C10 aryl or a substituted or unsubstituted C5-C10heteroaryl; in free base or acid addition salt form.
US09475806B2 Complement factor B inhibitors and uses there of
The present invention provides a compound of formula (I): wherein X is N or CH, Y is NH, O or S, methods for manufacturing these compounds, and their uses as Factor B inhibitors for the treatment of conditions and diseases associated with complement alternative pathway activation such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and related ophthalmic diseases. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions and combinations of pharmacologically active agents.
US09475803B2 Sweet flavor modifier
The present invention includes compounds having structural formula (Ia): or salts or solvates thereof. These compounds are useful as sweet flavor modifiers. The present invention also includes compositions comprising the present compounds and methods of enhancing the sweet taste of compositions.
US09475802B2 Inhibitors of viral replication, their process of preparation and their therapeutical uses
Inhibitors of viral replication of formula (I), their process of preparation and their therapeutical uses. The present invention relates to compounds, their use in the treatment or the prevention of viral disorders, including HIV.
US09475795B2 Sulfonyl piperidine derivatives and their use for treating prokineticin mediated diseases
The present invention provides compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof: (I) in which m, n, W, X, Y, Z, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as defined in the specification, for use in the treatment or prevention of a diseases o conition mediated by a prokineticin, such as psychiatric and neurological conditions.
US09475791B2 Compositions and methods for treating estrogen-related medical disorders
Disclosed herein are methods for treatment of estrogen-related medical disorders. The methods of treatment may comprise administering to a subject in need of such treatment a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US09475789B2 Use of polyenylpyrrole derivatives for treating inflammation
The preset invention relates to a method for treating inflammation comprising administering a subject in need thereof with a therapeutically effective amount of polyenylpyrrole derivatives of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US09475785B2 Iminothiadiazine dioxide compounds as BACE inhibitors, compositions and their use
In its many embodiments, the present invention provides certain iminothiadiazine dioxide compounds, including compounds Formula (I): and include stereoisomers thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of said compounds stereoisomers, wherein each of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R9, ring A, ring B, m, n, p, -L1-, -L2-, and -L3- is selected independently and as defined herein. The novel iminothiadiazine dioxide compounds of the invention have surprisingly been found to exhibit properties which are expected to render them advantageous as BACE inhibitors and/or for the treatment and prevention of various pathologies related to β-amyloid (“Aβ”) production. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more such compounds (alone and in combination with one or more other active agents), and methods for their preparation and use in treating pathologies associated with amyloid beta (Aβ) protein, including Alzheimer's disease, are also disclosed.
US09475778B2 Sulfate of 5-hydroxy-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide
Sulfate of 5-hydroxy-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide has such characteristics as suppressed blue coloring, high purity, low hygroscopic property, and superior storage stability, and thus is useful as an active pharmaceutical ingredient of drugs.
US09475775B2 Benzazepine dicarboxamide compounds
This invention relates to novel benzazepine dicarboxamide compounds of the formula wherein R1 to R4 are as defined in the description and in the claims, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds are TLR agonists and may therefore be useful as medicaments for the treatment of diseases such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, inflammation, sepsis, allergy, asthma, graft rejection, graft-versus-host disease, immunodeficiencies, and infectious diseases.
US09475770B2 Low-temperature synthesis of methylphenidate hydrochloride
The present invention describes a process for the preparation of methylphenidate hydrochloride. The process involves the esterification of ritalinic acid and methanol in the presence of an acid catalyst at a low temperature. The process may optionally involve the addition of an orthoester.
US09475769B2 Zinc halide mediated cyclization process leading to tricyclic indoles
The present invention relates to a method for the production of tricyclic indole compounds comprising a cyclization step wherein this step is improved over known methods.
US09475764B2 Synthesis of tetrabutylammonium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide and related salts
The present invention is directed to methods comprising adding ammonia, either as an ammonium salt or as a gas at pressures below 0.01 MPa, to a sulfuryl fluoride solution to form the anion of bis(fluorosulfonyl)amine under conditions well suited for large-scale production. The bis(fluorosulfonyl)amine so produced can be isolated by methods described in the prior art, or isolated as an organic ion pair, such as an alkylammonium solid salt, or as an ionic liquid.
US09475760B2 Preparation method of aldehyde compound using a metal compound and a phosphorus compound
A preparation method of an aldehyde compound of the present invention includes a step of reacting the compound represented by the following general formula (a1) or (a2) with hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a metal compound including 0.01 ppmmol to 10 ppmmol of a metal belonging to Groups 8 to 10 with respect to 1 mole of the compound and a phosphorus compound, and the amount of a chlorine portion in the reaction system in the step is equal to or less than 1.5 parts by weight with respect to 1 part by weight of the metal belonging to Groups 8 to 10.
US09475751B2 Process for producing dialkyl carbonates
The present invention relates to a continuous process for producing lower dialkyl carbonates as a main product and alkylene glycol as a by-product by transesterification of a cyclic alkylene carbonate (e.g. ethylene or propylene carbonate) with lower alkyl alcohols in the presence of a catalyst and also the necessary purification of the dialkyl carbonate in a subsequent process step. For optimization of the economic efficiency and energy efficiency of the process, additional devices are used for intermediate heating of the internal liquid streams within the apparatus.
US09475749B2 Anti-neurodegenerative natural compound isolated from alpiniae oxyphyllae fructose and their total synthesis
This invention is directed to novel compounds isolated or derived from Alpiniae oxyphyllae fructus, chemically synthesized novel compounds, methods of preparing the novel compounds and uses thereof as neuroprotectants or drugs for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease.
US09475745B2 Process for producing phenol
In a process for producing phenol and cyclohexanone, a cleavage feed containing greater than 40 wt % and no greater than 95 wt % cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-1-hydroperoxide, and at least 5 wt % and less than 60 wt % cyclohexylbenzene is mixed with at least phenol, cyclohexanone, water, and sulfuric acid to produce a cleavage reaction mixture containing from 15 wt % to 50 wt % phenol, from 15 wt % to 50 wt % cyclohexanone, from 1 wt % to 10 wt % cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-1-hydroperoxide, from 5 wt % to 60 wt % cyclohexylbenzene, from 0.1 wt % to 4 wt % water, and from 10 wppm to 1000 wppm sulfuric acid. The cleavage reaction mixture is then reacted at a temperature from 30° C. and to 70° C., and a pressure of at least 1 atmosphere for a time sufficient to convert at least 50% of said cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-1-hydroperoxide in said cleavage reaction mixture and produce a cleavage effluent containing phenol and cyclohexanone.
US09475744B2 Method for recovering fluorine-containing ether
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for recovering a fluorine-containing ether capable of recovering a fluorine-containing ether used for producing a fluoropolymer, in higher recovery yield and in a shorter time. The present invention relates to a method for recovering a fluorine-containing ether, including the steps of: producing a wet fluoropolymer by suspension polymerization, solution polymerization, or bulk polymerization in the presence of at least a specific fluorine-containing ether; vaporizing and discharging vaporizable substances including the fluorine-containing ether by heating the wet fluoropolymer in a container; and transferring the vaporizable substances in the vaporized state to a cooling means to cool the vaporizable substances.
US09475743B2 Process for the preparation of substituted TRIS(2-hydroxyphenyl)methane
Described is a novel process for the preparation of substituted tris(2-hydroxyphenyl)methane derivatives and the use of tris(2-hydroxyphenyl)methane derivatives for tertiary mineral oil production.
US09475739B2 Process for the production of chlorinated propenes
Processes for the production of chlorinated propenes are provided. The present processes make use of a feedstock comprising 1,2,3-trichloropropane and chlorinates the 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropane generated by the process prior to a dehydrochlorination step. Production of the less desirable pentachloropropane isomer, 1,1,2,3,3-pentachloropropane, is thus minimized. The present processes provide better reaction yield as compared to conventional processes that require dehydrochlorination of 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropane prior to chlorinating the same. The present process can also generate anhydrous HCl as a byproduct that can be removed from the process and used as a feedstock for other processes, while limiting the production of waste water, thus providing further time and cost savings.
US09475738B2 Methods and apparatus for deactivating a catalyst composition
Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for deactivating a catalyst composition in an reaction product stream. One such method and apparatus contact the catalyst composition with a catalyst-deactivating composition and a diluent in a vapor phase of a product-receiving vessel, wherein the boiling point of the diluent is at least 5.0° C. greater than the boiling point of the catalyst-deactivating composition. Also disclosed are oligomerization systems for producing oligomers.
US09475731B2 Dry application papercrete
A dry papercrete mix is formed by preparing a wet pulp of fiber material such as newsprint and sharp sand by mixing sand, fiber material and water in a batch or continuous mixer, drying the pulp to a moisture content below that which will cause a reaction with Portland cement and adding additional sand and/or pumice and Portland cement. The resulting dry mix can then be handled, stored and used in the manner which is conventional for concrete. The dry papercrete mix can also be applied by pouring the dry papercrete mix into a form in a dry state and injecting water into the dry mix until the mix is sufficiently wetted without mixing in the manner common for concrete. Structural modules and a technique for joining them into a structure are particularly appropriate to the use of dry application papercrete.
US09475728B2 Toughened glass fabrication method and toughened glass fabricated thereby
A toughened glass fabrication method in which the productivity of a large toughened glass and the strength variation of the toughened glass can be improved and a toughened glass fabricated thereby. The toughened glass fabrication method includes the steps of mounting jigs on an upper surface and an undersurface of a raw glass such that an injection space through which a gel-type salt mixture is to be injected is defined between each of the jigs and the raw glass, injecting the gel-type salt mixture into the injection spaces, and heat-treating the raw glass on which the jigs are mounted.
US09475724B2 Soda-lime glass from 100% recycled glass-forming materials
A method of making soda-lime glass using 100 wt % cullet as the glass forming materials is disclosed. Also disclosed is a soda-lime glass container made according to this method.
US09475720B2 System and method for restricting inward hydrogen permeation in a glass manufacturing system
Hydrogen may permeate into an interior space of an article in response to molten glass being in contact with the outer surface of the article. The permeation may be restricted by having a fluid in a length of the interior space. The fluid may be in contact with the inner surface of the article, the fluid may fill at least about 33% of the volume of the length of the interior space, and the fluid may provide a predetermined partial pressure of hydrogen. Features may be provided for causing the fluid to flow within the interior space.
US09475719B2 Pool water purifying device
A pool water purifying device includes a rough filtration module having a first housing. A rough filter is received in the first housing. An electrolyzing module includes a second housing. Two electrodes and an ultraviolet lamp are mounted to the second housing and extend into the second housing. The electrodes are electrically connected to a power supply. A fine filtration module includes a third housing receiving a fine filter. A piping unit includes a plurality of pipes and a plurality of valves. The valves connect the first, second, and third housings to intercommunicate the first, second, and third housings with each other. The valves are mounted on the pipes to control communication between the pipes.
US09475717B2 Water purification system engineered for legionella control in industrial and commercial water systems
The present invention relates to water purification systems and uses thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of water filtration systems to combat Legionella bacterial contamination of industrial and commercial water systems, such as grocery store misting systems.
US09475715B2 Optimized process and aeration performance with an advanced control algorithm
An automatically controlled wastewater treatment process can include automatically controlling nitrification and denitrification capacity in a water source. The nitrification and denitrification capacity can be automatically controlled simultaneously. In addition, the wastewater treatment process can also include automatically controlling solids retention time (SRT) and biological phosphorus removal in a water source as well as automatically controlling the removal of water from a containment device.
US09475713B2 Method and apparatus for applying plasma particles to a liquid and use for disinfecting water
The invention provides a method and apparatus for creating plasma particles and applying the plasma particles to a liquid. Liquid feedstock (e.g., water and/or hydrocarbons mixed with biomass) is pumped through a pipeline; the single-phase stream is then transformed into a biphasic liquid-and-gas stream inside a chamber. The transformation is achieved by transitioning the stream from a high pressure zone to a lower-pressure zone. The pressure drop may occur when the stream further passes through a device for atomizing liquid. Inside the chamber, an electric field is generated with an intensity level that exceeds the threshold of breakdown voltage of the biphasic medium leading to a generation of a plasma state. Furthermore, the invention provides an energy-efficient highly adaptable and versatile method and apparatus for sanitizing water using plasma particles to inactivate biological agents contaminating water.
US09475707B2 System for extracting water from air for drinking and cleaning purposes and a method thereof
A system for extraction of water from air includes a salt plate, a moisture absorption unit and a filter unit. The system further includes a storage unit. A method for extraction of water using the system includes placing the salt plate beneath the moisture absorption unit during a moisture absorption phase and placing the salt plate beneath the filter unit during a water extraction phase. The extracted water is stored in the storage unit for drinking and cleaning purposes. Further, a system for cleaning solar panels includes a moisture absorbing unit, a filter unit, a salt plate, a water storage unit, a solar panel, a wiper mechanism to receive water from the storage unit to clean the solar panel, and support elements to moveably support wiper mechanism.
US09475706B2 Fuel preparation for use in the production of medical isotopes
The present invention relates generally to the field of medical isotope production by fission of uranium-235 and the fuel utilized therein (e.g., the production of suitable Low Enriched Uranium (LEU is uranium having 20 weight percent or less uranium-235) fuel for medical isotope production) and, in particular to a method for producing LEU fuel and a LEU fuel product that is suitable for use in the production of medical isotopes. In one embodiment, the LEU fuel of the present invention is designed to be utilized in an Aqueous Homogeneous Reactor (AHR) for the production of various medical isotopes including, but not limited to, molybdenum-99, cesium-137, iodine-131, strontium-89, xenon-133 and yttrium-90.
US09475705B2 Self-balanced high-pressure and high-shear autoclave and the application in the preparation of layered double hydroxides
The present invention belongs to the synthesis technology field of inorganic functional materials, and particularly provides a self-balanced high-pressure and high-shear autoclave and its application in the preparation of layered double hydroxides (LDHs). In this invention, by imbedding the handpiece of emulsification mill into the autoclave, and by taking the motor driving system outside of the autoclave, the pressure of the autoclave can be highly stable by the use of self-balanced seal gland. These characters solve the problem that the typical emulsification mill cannot be used in high-pressure system, and ensure the crystallization under the high-pressure and high-shear conditions. Such autoclave takes the advantages of additional equipment, and eliminates the volume effect in the amplification process. By the use of this new autoclave, the reaction time can be shorten from 24 hours to 2-6 hours, the reaction temperature can be reduced from 180° C. to 140° C. The LDHs products with small particle size and narrow size distribution are obtained. These results are better than those prepared at the laboratory level.
US09475702B2 Method for producing graphite sheet
With a manufacturing method of a graphite sheet, a cavity-forming sheet having a mesh structure or a nonwoven fabric structure is firstly impregnated with polyamide acid and then molded into a sheet. The molded sheet is then heat treated to imidize polyamide acid so as to produce a polyimide sheet composed of polyimide and the cavity-forming sheet disposed in polyimide. The polyimide sheet is then fired in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to pyrolyze the polyimide so as to produce the graphite sheet. The cavity-forming sheet is made of material which maintains a shape thereof when the polyimide sheet is produced and which gasifies and loses at least 80% of its weight when the polyimide is pyrolyzed.
US09475700B2 Method for manufacturing carbon fiber, and carbon fiber
In the present invention, a starting material liquid including a carbon compound and a catalyst or a catalyst precursor, and a reaction vessel having a high-temperature zone heated to 900-1,300° C. are prepared. The starting material liquid is introduced into the reaction vessel, and a mixture is generated which comprises a gas including a carbon source, and catalyst microparticles dispersed in the gas. A carrier gas is then introduced in pulses into the reaction vessel, and the mixture is pushed out to the high-temperature zone. The carbon source and catalyst microparticles included in the mixture are then brought into contact with each other in the high-temperature zone, initial fibers are grown, and carbon fibers are subsequently grown in an environment in which the carrier gas is retained.
US09475699B2 Methods for treating an offgas containing carbon oxides
A method of treating an offgas includes purifying the offgas to remove particulate matter, water, undesirable gaseous components and inert gases to produce a dried carbon oxide gas feedstock, and converting at least a portion of carbon oxides in the dried carbon oxide gas feedstock into solid carbon. In other embodiments, a method includes passing a dried carbon oxide gas feedstock through a multi-stage catalytic converter. A first stage is configured to catalyze methane-reforming reactions to convert methane into carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen with residual methane. A second stage is configured to catalyze the Bosch reaction and convert carbon oxides and hydrogen to solid carbon and water.
US09475698B2 Hydrothermal carbonization of sewage wastes
The present disclosure provides methods for hydrothermally treating sewage wastes to preferably obtain valuable products, including fatty acids, carbon-neutral combustible hydrochar fuels, heavy metal salts for recycling into industrially important metals, and phosphoric acid and derivatives thereof. Fatty acids can be chemically transformed into useful products such as soaps, cosmetics and liquid transportation fuels such as biodiesel and conventional gasoline, diesel and aviation fuels; hydrochars created in the process can be combusted and the energy created used to generate electricity; heavy metal salts can be chemically reduced to form industrially important metals for use as catalysts; and phosphoric acid and its derivatives have very important roles as fertilizers in agriculture.
US09475695B2 Printable inks with silicon/germanium based nanoparticles with high viscosity alcohol solvents
Silicon based nanoparticle inks are formulated with viscous polycyclic alcohols to control the rheology of the inks. The inks can be formulated into pastes with non-Newtonian rheology and good screen printing properties. The inks can have low metal contamination such that they are suitable for forming semiconductor structures. The silicon based nanoparticles can be elemental silicon particles with or without dopant.
US09475694B2 Two-axis vertical mount package assembly
Vertical mount package assemblies and methods for making the same are disclosed. A method for manufacturing a vertical mount package assembly includes providing a base substrate having electrical connections for affixing to external circuitry, and providing a package having a mounting region configured to receive a device therein. Flexible electrical leads are formed between the base substrate and the package. The flexible leads can include a plurality of aligned grooves to guide bending. After forming the flexible electrical leads, the package is rotated relative to the base substrate. The aligned grooves can constrain the relative positions of the substrates during rotation, and the beveled edges of the base substrate and package can maintain a desired angular relationship (e.g., perpendicular) between the base substrate and the package after rotation.
US09475683B2 Systems and methods for automatic mixed drink dispensing
A drink dispensing device has refillable sealed containers having ingredients known to a processor. Where the processor can initiate commands to mix and dispense the ingredients based on a selections by a consumer. The drink dispensing device may also retrieve suggested drinks from a remote server for display to a consumer. The suggested drinks may be based on historical data stored in the drink dispensing device.
US09475682B2 Liquid dispensing systems
A liquid dispensing system for use with a bag having a pre-attached spigot includes a cavity arranged to receive the bag of liquid. A spigot-recess is configured to engage the spigot of the bag of liquid. A top plate assembly is locatable at or near the top of the system, the top plate assembly including a pressure plate arranged to apply a downward force on the bag of liquid. The system also includes a lifting plate arranged to apply an upward pressure on the bag of liquid.
US09475681B2 Apparatus and method for treating a loading-zone cover of a filling machine
A filling element for a container treatment machine for filling containers with a liquid filling material includes a first channel formed in a filling element housing and forming a dispensing opening for controlled dispensing of filing material into a container, and a second channel formed in or on the housing for delivering a cleaning or disinfecting medium. On an outer face of the housing, a spray nozzle or spray-nozzle assembly connects to the second channel.
US09475680B2 Vehicle start system
A power machine with an engine, a drive pump driven by the engine, and a drive motor operably coupled to the drive pump to receive a drive signal and provide a motor output to effect travel of the power machine is disclosed. A brake system on the power machine includes a brake for reducing or stopping movement of the power machine. A controller receives indications of a braking condition and whether the drive pump is outputting the drive signal. The controller determines in response to receipt of the indication of the braking condition whether the drive pump is outputting the drive signal to the drive motor shuts down the engine if the drive pump is providing the drive signal to the drive motor upon receipt of the braking condition.
US09475679B2 Chain hoist
A chain hoist includes a body; a hoist chain passing through the body; through-holes in the body for the hoist chain; and an actuator arrangement for operating the chain hoist, the actuator being used for moving the hoist chain through said through-holes in a lifting or lowering direction of the chain hoist, and on the side of at least one through-hole the portion of the hoist chain moving outside the body is provided with a limiter member whose position in the longitudinal direction of the hoist chain is adjustable, the limiter member being provided with a detectable sensor; and a sensor detection member is provided in the vicinity of said through-hole to detect the detectable sensor at a predetermined distance.
US09475677B2 Method of handling wind turbine blades and device for mounting wind turbine blades, in particular mounting blades on a wind turbine
A method for handling a wind turbine blade and mounting said blade on a wind turbine hub located at a nacelle at the top of a wind turbine tower is described. The wind turbine blade is lifted with a lifting system for handling wind turbine blades, in doing so said wind turbine blade is oriented in a substantially horizontal position. The wind turbine blade is fixed in the substantially horizontal position to the wind turbine hub. The lifting device is released from the blade using a remote control unit. The lifting device is further on removed from the blade.
US09475675B2 Elevator and elevator refurbishing method
A car and a counterweight are suspended by a main rope that is wound onto a driving sheave, a car suspending sheave, and a counterweight suspending sheave. A first main rope portion between the driving sheave and the car suspending sheave and a second main rope portion between the car suspending sheave and the car-side rope fastener portion are passed through a common car-side penetrating aperture so as to cross each other when viewed in an axial direction of the driving sheave. A third main rope portion between the driving sheave and the counterweight suspending sheave and a fourth main rope portion the counterweight suspending sheave and the counterweight-side rope fastener portion are passed through a common counterweight-side penetrating aperture that is disposed on the machine room floor so as to cross each other when viewed in the axial direction of the driving sheave.
US09475671B2 Vaginal insert method of manufacture
A method of manufacture for a vaginal insert. The vaginal insert may have a core, a cover, and a removal element. In various embodiments, the cover can be conformed to the vaginal insert. The removal element can be attached to the cover during the method of manufacture of the vaginal insert utilizing a string and knot module.
US09475669B2 Cable transport device
A cable transport device having a pivotably mounted cable transporter, a first drive means connected in a stationary manner to a base frame and intended for achieving an exactly defined pivot movement of the cable transporter around a pivot axis and a second drive means for synchronous driving of at least two cooperating pressure rollers. The second drive means with a drive axle for the pressure rollers is connected in a stationary manner to the base frame, and the drive axle of the second drive means coincides with the pivot axis for the cable transporter. In additional versions, the second drive means with a drive axle for the pressure rollers is also connected in a stationary manner to the base frame, and the rollers' axes of rotation are parallel to one another and parallel to a common pitch axis. In these versions, transmission of the drive movement to the toothed belt driving the pressure rollers is effected via a toothed belt which is tensioned symmetrically to the center of rotation of the pivot axis between a first intermediate shaft arranged on a base plate of the cable transporter and a second intermediate shaft fixed to the machine frame, the pitch axis of the cable transporter being identical to the axis of the first intermediate shaft. The cable transport device may be equipped with a guide sleeve that includes a grooved plate and a cover plate that may be replaced for adaptation to different cable diameters and for correction of the cable position.
US09475664B2 Document conveyance device and image forming apparatus
A document conveyance device according to the present disclosure includes a document conveyance path, a first actuator, a second actuator, and an optical sensor. The first actuator is disposed in the document conveyance path. The second actuator is disposed on a more downstream side than the first actuator in the document conveyance path in the document conveyance direction. An output state of the optical sensor is switched based on pivoting of the first actuator and second actuator. A tip end of the document passes the first actuator, whereby the optical sensor outputs a first output indicating a first state, the tip end of the document passes the second actuator, whereby the optical sensor outputs a second output indicating a second state, and a rear end of the document passes the first actuator, whereby the optical sensor outputs the first output.
US09475652B2 Core wheel processing system and method
A system for processing core wheels and associated method are disclosed. A sorting station is configured to allow sorting of a source of wheels according to a first set of criteria. A first conveyor is configured to receive a plurality of wheels conforming to the first criteria and to a first inspection station, disposed along the first conveyor. The first inspection station is configured to allow examination of the wheels to determine whether the wheels conform to a second criteria. A diverter mechanism, downstream of the first inspection station, is configured to divert wheels conforming to the second criteria from the first conveyor. A second conveyor is configured to receive the diverted wheels and to direct the diverted wheels to a second inspection station, whereby the diverted wheels may be inspected at the second inspection station to confirm that the diverted wheels conform to the second criteria.
US09475649B2 Pickface builder for storage and retrieval systems
A pickface builder for a storage and retrieval system for storing goods units and having an in-feed conveyor and a picking device, each goods unit holding at least one product package therein, the pickface builder including a frame, a pusher member movably coupled to the frame, and a snugger member movably coupled to the frame, wherein the pickface builder is configured to receive goods units from the in-feed conveyor and the pusher member and snugger member are movable at least in a direction transverse to a direction of goods unit travel on the in-feed conveyor and configured to form the goods units into a pickface picked by the picking device as a unit and having a predetermined reference datum relating the pickface to a placement position of goods units forming the pickface along a storage surface of the storage and retrieval system.
US09475647B2 Winch drum tension isolation system
A winch drum tension isolation system includes a winch drum including an outwardly extending flange, the flange including a plurality of holes spaced along the flange. The winch drum tension isolation system also includes a locking mechanism positioned proximate the winch drum and including a locking member engageable with the flange. The locking member is movable between a first position, in which the locking member is received in one of the plurality of holes to prevent rotation of the winch drum, and a second position, in which the locking member is spaced apart from the flange to permit rotation of the winch drum.
US09475639B2 Inventory system with efficient operator handling of inventory items
An inventory system can receive a receipt receptacle from a shipping vehicle. The receipt receptacle can be moved to a case shuttle without separating or sorting inventory items in the receipt receptacle. A mobile drive unit can move the case shuttle to a receiving station, where the receipt receptacle can be removed and where the inventory items can be stowed in a pickable inventory holder. A mobile drive unit can move the pickable inventory holder to an order-compiling station, where inventory items can be picked from the inventory holder into order receptacles. A mobile drive unit can move an order shuttle carrying order receptacles with completed orders to a shipping station, where the completed order receptacles can be transferred to a shipping vehicle.
US09475633B2 Portable cassette for dispensing medication and method thereof
An apparatus for dispensing medications, including: a portable cassette including with a body portion including a plurality of cassette compartments and at least one lid displaceable with respect to the body portion to enable access to the cassette compartments in a predetermined sequence; and a pill-dispenser including at least one dispensing compartment arranged to store respective pills of at least one respective medication; a dispensing element configured to release the respective pills from the at least one dispensing compartment; and a cassette element arranged to receive the portable cassette and displace the portable cassette so that at least one of the in respective pills falls into each cassette compartment. After the at least one of the respective pills fall into said each cassette compartment: the portable cassette is removable from the pill-dispenser; and the lid is displaceable to control access to the cassette compartments.
US09475628B2 Carrier packages and methods of erecting carrier packages
A carrier package is constructed to tightly secure articles within the package. During loading, pushing the containers into the package causes the side panels of the package to deform so that the height of the package decreases and the width of the package increases.
US09475625B2 Closure system and method for resealing a caulking tube nozzle
There is provided a closure system for resealing a caulking tube nozzle of a caulking tube, the caulking tube nozzle having a straight cylindrical portion located near the caulking tube and a frusto-conical end portion located away from the caulking tube, the closure system comprising a hollow adaptor adapted to be removably secured to the caulking tube nozzle, the hollow adaptor comprising a first open end for sealingly receiving the caulking tube nozzle, a second open end and a passageway extending therebetween; and a plug for sealingly engaging the second open end to prevent caulking from exiting the passageway through the second open end. There is also provided a method for resealing a caulking tube nozzle.
US09475624B2 Child-resistant container
A child-resistant container including a bottle having an annular flange associated therewith, an intermediate member selectively engageable with the bottle and having an annular flange associated therewith, and an outer lid selectively engageable with both the intermediate member and the bottle, the outer lid including a plurality of lower projections for selectively engaging the annular flange of the intermediate member when the outer lid is engaged therewith and for selectively engaging the annular flange of the bottle when the intermediate member is removed from the bottle and the outer lid is engaged with the bottle. Removal of the intermediate member from the bottle allows the plurality of lower projections associated with the outer lid to engage the annular flange associated with the bottle thereby activating the child-resistant locking mechanism.
US09475615B2 Reclosable label
A resealable label is disclosed, the label having a top layer and a bottom layer. The top layer may be one or more ply, and the bottom layer may be one or more ply. The top layer is adhered to the bottom layer via an adhesive layer therebetween. The bottom layer includes a concave perforation, the concave perforation having a line defined by endpoints of the concave perforation. The label further includes a layer of deadener between the label layers, the deadener being on the convex side of the perforation, and terminating at the line, the line extending to opposing edges of the label, where the deadener is at least some distance away from the perforation such that the deadener and the perforation do not abut. The label may further have a layer of adhesive on the bottom layer for adhering the label to a surface. The disclosure further includes a reclosure system that includes the resealable label and an inner label for mounting on a surface.
US09475614B2 Material collection apparatus
An apparatus for collecting material is provided. The apparatus may include a flexible support structure having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface including a material collection area. The apparatus may further include a closure system including a first fastener member disposed on the first surface and a second fastener member disposed on the second surface. At least a portion of the closure system may be spaced from a peripheral edge of the support structure and/or may be configured to releaseably join the first surface and the second surface together. The support structure may include an open configuration and a rolled configuration, wherein in the rolled configuration the closure system may releaseably join the first surface and the second surface together and/or funnel shapes may be formed on either side of the material collection area.
US09475612B2 Indicator circuit for storage container for addressable objects
An indicator circuit for a storage container designed to enable remote electronic searching for file folders located within the container. Address signals from a host computer are supplied to the storage container to designate a sought file folder. The indicator circuit is activated whenever a sought file folder is located in a given container. When two or more storage containers are interconnected to receive address signals designating a sought file folder, only the indicator circuit of the storage container containing the sought file folder is activated.
US09475610B2 Waste-disposal device
A waste-disposal device for use with a bag unit of the type having an annular component from which a free end of tube extends to form a bag. The waste-disposal device comprises a bin having an open top end for accessing an inner cavity of the bin. A support is in the bin adjacent to the open top end and adapted to support the annular component of the bag unit for waste to be received in the bag of the bag unit extending in the inner cavity of the bin, by passing through a central opening thereof. A closing mechanism comprises a door pivotally connected to the support by at least one pivot and an abutment surface in the bin, a pivot axis of the at least one pivot being located at a same height or higher than a bottommost edge of the annular component of the bag unit when received in the support and when the bin has a bottom thereof on the ground. The door is pivotable between a closed position in which the door presses the bag toward the abutment surface to close the bag, and an open position in which the door is away from the abutment surface to open the bag.
US09475609B2 Pallet adapter kit and loading unit with corresponding pallet adapter kit
A pallet adapter kit for aircraft cargo pallets, with a plurality of beams each with a top side and an underside, wherein the beams comprise at least one peg beam which on the underside comprises a first peg receiver and a second peg receiver each for receiving a peg, and on the top side a first beam peg and a second beam peg for engagement in container corners, in particular corners of ISO containers, wherein the first beam peg is arranged offset in relation to the first peg receiver and/or the second beam peg is arranged offset in relation to the second peg receiver in the longitudinal direction of the peg beam.
US09475608B2 Palletized shipping and display system
The palletized shipping and display system comprises two support containers, a plastic pallet, a product tray, a tubular sleeve, and a plurality of product containers that are disposed in the support containers. The support containers are latched at their bottoms to the pallet. Each of the support containers includes an open front and a shelf recessed from an open top and the tubular sleeve disposed around the support and product containers. A display chamber is defined in the open top above the shelf for displaying product at a point of sale and when the product is depleted from the display chamber, the sleeve is lifted to expose and retrieve product containers from the bottom of the stack. The retrieved product containers are then used to replenish product in the display chamber.
US09475604B2 Polygonal container and blank for making the same
A blank of sheet material for forming a container is provided. The blank includes a series of four generally rectangular panels connected along a plurality of substantially parallel fold lines. The panels include a first spaced-apart pair of panels and a second spaced-apart pair of panels. Each of the second spaced-apart pair of panels is connected to at least one panel of the first spaced-apart pair of panels. The blank also includes a corner panel extending from each side edge of each panel of the first pair of panels, and a lateral flap extending from each side edge of each panel of the second pair of panels, wherein each lateral flap has free side edges.
US09475602B2 Stackable low depth tray
A tray for storing and transporting bottles includes a plurality of base walls each for supporting a bottle thereon. A plurality of interior columns extend upwardly between the base walls. Longitudinal dividers connect the interior columns. Lateral dividers connect the interior columns to side columns along side edges of the tray. At least one band extends along the side edges of the tray connecting the side columns.
US09475601B2 Devices for containing materials and methods of using and marking same
Embodiments of the present invention feature devices and methods for containing one or more compounds. The inventions feature devices having an ampoule-like closure to preserve the integrity of materials contained therein with vial-{umlaut over (υ)}ke features to allow closure after opening. The devices are sized to be received in a tray or carousal of an autosampler.
US09475600B2 Aseptic transfer bead for plastic containers
A plastic container includes a neck with an opening to an interior of the container, where the neck opening having a first diameter and a second diameter of different lengths. A shoulder portion surrounds the neck of the plastic container. A transfer bead is located on the neck above the shoulder portion where the first diameter of the neck opening is above the transfer bead and the second diameter is below the transfer bead. The transfer bead is advantageously shaped and sized so as to facilitate application and removal of a sterilization solution during the aseptic packaging process.
US09475599B2 Sheet medium stacking and bundling device and self service equipment
A processing device of sheet mediums, in particular, a full-automatic stacking and bundling device of notes and the like. The bundling device mainly includes a sheet medium stacking mechanism, a bundling mechanism and a pinching mechanism, the bundling mechanism mainly including a paper belt looping mechanism, a hot-pressing and bonding mechanism and a paper belt cutting-off mechanism. The paper belt looping mechanism includes a guide groove for guiding the paper belt; the head and the tail of the guide groove are connected to form a conveying loop; an opening of the guide groove faces an inner side of the conveying loop; a bottom part of the guide groove is provided with a paper-belt inserting port and at least one paper-belt conveying wheel; and an opening end of a side wall of the guide groove is provided with an elastic guide piece parallel to the bottom part of the guide groove. The stacking and bundling device also includes a pressing mechanism in bundling and a leveling mechanism after bundling. The invention effectively solves the unreliability for forming the loop by the paper belts, the bundling effect is improved, and the notes are bundled tightly and level.
US09475598B2 Wrapping system and method for large cotton or biomass bales
A system and method for wrapping bales of agricultural material including, but not limited to, cotton bales and biomass bales, provides a supply of tubular wrapping material at an outlet end of bale forming apparatus, for receiving successive large bales, and gathers, clamps, and cuts the wrapping material at a point between a just wrapped bale and the discharge opening, for closing the end of the wrapper of the just finished bale, and forming the wrapper for the next bale.
US09475593B2 Dual layer sandwich for thermal management
A thermal protection system including a plurality of layers. A first layer includes a passive insulation material. A second layer includes a phase change insulation material. A third layer is positioned between the first layer and the second layer to separate the passive insulation material from the phase change insulation material.