| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09625438B1 |
Device for measuring expansive soil shrinkage
The device for measuring expansive soil shrinkage includes a plurality of molds, a plate positioned beneath each mold, and a scale. The scale includes a primary plate having a center portion including an aperture and a secondary plate. The primary plate is positioned on top of the secondary plate. The scale also includes a plurality of primary supports, each primary support being positioned between the primary plate and the secondary plate, as well as a first arm movably positioned on the primary plate and a second arm movably positioned on the primary plate, the first arm and the second arm being connected to one another by a plurality of test wires. Further, the scale includes a plurality of cantilever arms movably positioned on the primary plate. The cantilever arms are configured for supporting one of the molds on the test wires. |
| US09625437B2 |
System for determination of explosibility indicies of fuels
Explosion test systems for determining explosibility indicies (Kst) of certain dust and gaseous fuels are provided. The test systems comprise a combustion vessel (130) and associated control equipment (110) containing software for operating the combustion vessel and collecting data generated thereby. The combustion vessel (130) generally comprises a test chamber (140) and a reservoir module (150) operable to inject a fuel into the test chamber, wherein an ignition module (170) ignites the fuel. |
| US09625434B2 |
Dripless, permanent sealing assembly for container
An embodiment provides a permanent sealing assembly for a container, such as a reagent bottle. The permanent sealing assembly allows for drip-less reagent container exchange for liquid analysis instruments. The permanent sealing assembly may be integrated into a container, such as a reagent bottle, and provides an outflow tube that extends into the container. The permanent sealing assembly and the outflow tube thereof remain in the container such that, on an exchange of regent containers, a removable cap assembly of the liquid analysis instrument may be affixed to a new container of reagent without the risk of reagent from the old container contacting the surroundings. Other aspects are described and claimed. |
| US09625430B2 |
Multielectrode electrolytic device and method
An electrolytic device comprising: a central sample flow channel, first and second regenerant flow channels, first and second charged barriers disposed between said sample flow channel and first and second regenerant flow channels, and pairs of oppositely charged, spaced electrodes disposed in the regenerant flow channels. Also, electrolytic devices with a different electrode configuration are described. Also, methods of using the devices, e.g., for suppression in an ion chromatography system are described. |
| US09625423B2 |
System and method for testing a composite structure using a laser ultrasound testing system
A method and apparatus for testing a composite structure. A pulsed laser beam having a number of properties is generated. Each of the number of properties is within a selected range. The pulsed laser beam generated by the generation laser system is directed towards a composite structure comprised of a number of composite materials. A number of ultrasonic waves are formed in the composite structure when the pulsed laser beam contacts the composite structure without causing any undesired inconsistencies in the composite structure outside of selected tolerances. |
| US09625420B2 |
Sensing sensor and sensing device
A sensing sensor includes a wiring board, a piezoelectric resonator, a channel forming member, a channel, an effluent channel, a capillary member, and an absorbing member. The effluent channel is disposed at a downstream side of the channel. The effluent channel is configured to discharge the sample solution inside of the channel by capillarity. The capillary member is disposed at a downstream side of the effluent channel in contact with the sample solution flowing through an inside of the effluent channel. The capillary member is configured to cause the sample solution to flow through by the capillarity. The absorbing member is disposed at a downstream side of the capillary member. The absorbing member is configured to absorb the sample solution flowing through the capillary member. |
| US09625414B2 |
Application of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in sensor systems, devices, and related methods
A diagnostic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) procedure is applied to measure values of impedance-related parameters for one or more sensing electrodes. The parameters may include real impedance, imaginary impedance, impedance magnitude, and/or phase angle. The measured values of the impedance-related parameters are then used in performing sensor diagnostics, calculating a highly-reliable fused sensor glucose value based on signals from a plurality of redundant sensing electrodes, calibrating sensors, detecting interferents within close proximity of one or more sensing electrodes, and testing surface area characteristics of electroplated electrodes. Advantageously, impedance-related parameters can be defined that are substantially glucose-independent over specific ranges of frequencies. An Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) enables implementation of the EIS-based diagnostics, fusion algorithms, and other processes based on measurement of EIS-based parameters. |
| US09625413B2 |
Analyte monitoring devices and methods therefor
Method and apparatus for performing a discrete glucose testing and bolus dosage determination including a glucose meter with bolus calculation function are provided. |
| US09625410B1 |
Substance detection device and method
Devices and methods are employed to detect substances in a medium. The device comprises an electrogenic bacterium that selectively interacts with a substance to produce electrons. A portion of the electrons provides power to the device and a portion of the electrons generates a signal as an indication of the presence of a substance in the medium. The method comprises contacting the electrogenic bacterium of the device with a medium suspected of containing the substance and measuring the signal generated by the electrons. |
| US09625408B2 |
Detection method and apparatus for reduced cross-talk and asic area of a fingerprint sensor
A method and apparatus for electrical detection of a finger print has a reduced number of interconnect signals between a sensor area and a substrate and an electronic circuit for excitation and detection of the finger print compared to a single-chip finger print sensor. The individual signals are connected internally at the sensor substrate in such a way that the response from the individual sensor elements can be separated from each other. Cross-talk is reduced by keeping the sensor outputs at a constant potential, thus eliminating the effect of capacitive coupling between different sensor outputs and also between sensor outputs and a ground or reference potential. |
| US09625407B2 |
Catalysis combustion type gas sensor
A catalysis combustion type gas sensor that detects an inflammable gas includes a heat-insulating portion; a heater that is formed on the heat-insulating portion; a gas reaction film that is formed on the heater on the heat-insulating portion and includes a carrier carrying a combustion catalyst for the inflammable gas; a temperature-measuring element that is formed in the vicinity of the gas reaction film on the heat-insulating portion; and a soaking portion that is formed on the heat-insulating portion and is arranged between the heat-insulating portion and the gas reaction film. The soaking portion is configured so as to decentralize heat transferred to the soaking portion in the entire soaking portion. |
| US09625406B2 |
Combustible gas sensors including integral support structures and combustible gas sensor with multiple active elements
A combustible gas sensor includes at least a first sensing element comprising a first conductive element having, for example, an average diameter less than 20 μm in electrical connection with electronic circuitry. The combustible gas sensor further includes a first support element having a first anchored end, a second anchored end and an extending intermediate section between the first anchored end and the second anchored end, the extending intermediate section providing support for the first conductive element. Another combustible gas sensor includes a first sensing element and a second sensing element. The first sensing element includes a first catalyst support member having a volume less than a sphere having a diameter of 500 μm. The second sensing element includes a second catalyst support member having a volume less than a sphere having a diameter of 500 μm. The combustible gas sensor further includes electronic circuitry that is adapted to cycle between a first mode in which the first sensing element is operated in a higher power mode and the second sensing element is operated in a lower power mode and a second mode in which the second sensing element is operated in a higher power mode and the first sensing element is operated in a lower power mode. |
| US09625404B2 |
Systems and methods for single-molecule detection using nanotubes
A method for single-molecule detection is provided and uses a carbon nanotube having a probe entity attached thereto to define a first state of the carbon nanotube. The carbon nanotube is introduced to a target entity to define a second state of the carbon nanotube. The electrical conductance of the carbon nanotube in the first and second states is compared to detect the presence of a biomolecular entity. A system for single-molecule detection including a carbon nanotube is also provided. |
| US09625402B2 |
Method and apparatus for detection of defective brakes
A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for detecting defective brakes are disclosed. For example, the method detects that a wheel of a vehicle is in a position to be read by an infrared (IR) thermometer, signals the IR thermometer to take a temperature measurement of a brake of the wheel, receives the temperature measurement of the brake and determines that a defective brake condition exists when the temperature measurement of the brake is outside a temperature range. |
| US09625399B2 |
Device for determining thermal conductivity and methods for the use thereof
The application relates to a device based on the electrothermal method for determining thermal conductivity, which allows the examination of various phenomena, with a high level of reliability, through the study of the thermal behavior of materials. The device is constituted by a sample-carrying cylinder surrounded by a resistance element that creates a radial heat flow in the sample, a cooling system based on a spiral-form heat exchanger incorporated into the thermal device, means for the storage of a fluid and a data-storage device. Furthermore, the present application describes the use of the device in processes for determining the productive potential of the soil (“PPS”) and the examination of the nutritional quality of agro-ecological produce and foods. |
| US09625395B2 |
Microwave ablation antenna radiation detector
A radiation detector disposed on a microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The radiation detector includes a receiving antenna adapted to receive errant microwave energy and a rectifier coupled to the receiving antenna that is adapted to rectify at least a portion of the errant microwave energy. A filter is coupled to the rectifier and is adapted to convert the rectified microwave energy into a detection signal. |
| US09625393B2 |
Gemstone viewer
An apparatus for viewing images of a gemstone is described. The apparatus comprises a support structure for supporting the gemstone at an observation position. An illumination structure comprises a plurality of directional light sources directed towards the observation position so as to illuminate the gemstone. The support structure and illumination structure are relatively rotatable relative to one another about a rotation axis. An imaging device is arranged to obtain images of the gemstone at the observation position at a variety of relative rotational positions between the illumination structure and support structure: the imaging device has an imaging axis passing through the observation position. The support structure is arranged so that the gemstone can be placed at the observation position in such a way that the normal to a selected facet of the gemstone is within a range of tilt angles from the rotation axis. The arrangement of directional light sources is such that, for any tilt angle within the range, at least one of the directional light sources will be specularly reflected from the selected facet into the imaging device for at least one rotational position of the support structure. |
| US09625388B2 |
Cell analysis apparatus and cell analysis method
A cell analysis apparatus that can accurately distinguish between an aggregating cell and a non-aggregating cell is provided. The cell analysis apparatus (10) includes: an optical detection section (3) for flowing a measurement sample obtained from a biological sample and a pigment into a flow cell (51), irradiating the measurement sample flowing in the flow cell (51) with laser beam and detecting fluorescence from the measurement sample; a signal processing circuit (4) for acquiring, based on a fluorescence signal outputted from the detection section (3), a value reflecting the height of a waveform of the signal and a value reflecting the length of a ridge line of the waveform of the signal; and a system control section (13) for distinguishing between an aggregating cell formed by aggregation of a plurality of cells and a non-aggregating cell, based on the value reflecting the height of the waveform of the fluorescence signal and the value reflecting the length of the ridge line of the waveform of the fluorescence signal obtained by the signal processing circuit (4). |
| US09625387B2 |
System and method for controlling depth of imaging in tissues using fluorescence microscopy under ultraviolet excitation following staining with fluorescing agents
The present disclosure relates to a method for analyzing tissue specimens. In one implementation the method involves obtaining a tissue sample and exposing the sample to one or more fluorophores as contrast agents to enhance contrast of subcellular compartments of the tissue sample. The tissue sample is illuminated by an ultraviolet (UV) light having a wavelength between about 200 nm to about 400 nm, with the wavelength being selected to result in penetration to only a specified depth below a surface of the tissue sample. Inter-image operations between images acquired under different imaging parameters allow for improvement of the image quality via removal of unwanted image components. A microscope may be used to image the tissue sample and provide the image to an image acquisition system that makes use of a camera. The image acquisition system may create a corresponding image that is transmitted to a display system for processing and display. |
| US09625385B2 |
Photothermal spectroscopy systems for offset synchronous testing of flow assays and methods of using same
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to photothermal spectroscopy apparatuses and systems for offset synchronous testing of flow assays. Methods of using and operating such photothermal spectroscopy systems are also disclosed. |
| US09625381B2 |
Sensor including nanostructure and method for fabricating the same
Provided is a sensor having a nanostructure as a sensing element and a fabrication method thereof. The sensor includes a nanostructure as a sensing element for sensing a marker over a substrate, wherein the nanostructure includes: a linker layer, including linkers, bonded to the substrate; and metallic nanoparticles grown from metal ions bonded to the linkers. |
| US09625372B2 |
Ultraviolet-based ozone sensor
A solution for evaluating a sample gas for a presence of a trace gas, such as ozone, is provided. The solution uses an ultraviolet source and an ultraviolet detector mounted in a chamber. The chamber can include reflecting walls and/or structures configured to guide ultraviolet light. A computer system can operate the ultraviolet source in a high power pulse mode and acquire data corresponding to an intensity of the ultraviolet radiation detected by the ultraviolet detector while a sample gas is present in the chamber. Using the data, the computer system can determine a presence and/or an amount of the trace gas in the sample gas. |
| US09625369B2 |
Polychromatic polarization state generator and its application for real-time birefringence imaging
Apparatus for generating polychromatic polarized light with the polarization ellipse orientation determined by the wavelength. The proposed polychromatic polarization state generator can be used in various configurations of polarized light microscope (called “polychromatic polscope”) for imaging birefringent samples. The polychromatic polscope produces a spectral-modulated visual scene, in which birefringent structures are evident because their appearance is different from the background. New polarized light microscope can subtract the background and produce video-enhanced color image of birefringent structures. The obtained picture can be also mathematically processed in order to obtain a map of quantitative distribution of specimen retardation and orientation of the principal axes. |
| US09625368B2 |
Apparatus, optical assembly, method for inspection or measurement of an object and method for manufacturing a structure
An optical assembly for a system for inspecting or measuring of an object is provided that is configured to move as a unit with a system, as the system is pointed at a target, and eliminates the need for a large scanning (pointing) mirror that is moveable relative to other parts of the system. The optical assembly comprises catadioptric optics configured to fold the optical path of the pointing beam and measurement beam that are being directed through the outlet of the system, to compress the size of the optical assembly. |
| US09625367B2 |
Enhancing flow cytometry discrimination with geometric transformation
In flow cytometry, particles (2) can be distinguished between populations (8) by combining n-dimensional parameter data, which may be derived from signal data from a particle, to mathematically achieve numerical results representative of an alteration (48). An alteration may include a rotational alteration, a scaled alteration, or perhaps even a translational alteration. Alterations may enhance separation of data points which may provide real-time classification (49) of signal data corresponding to individual particles into one of at least two populations. |
| US09625366B2 |
Microwave resonator sensor and associated methods of sensing
The sensor for sensing at least a physical property of an environment generally has a microwave resonator having a top conductive layer, a bottom conductive layer and a substrate layer therebetween, the substrate layer being made of a first dielectric material, a fence electrically connecting the top conductive layer to the bottom conductive layer across the substrate layer, and enclosing at least one resonance cavity, at least one microwave signal port across the fence, at least one sensing portion of a second dielectric material functionalized to the physical property of the environment, extending in the at least one resonance cavity and being exposed to the environment across at least one of the top conductive layer and the bottom conductive layer, the microwave resonator having at least one resonance frequency being dependent of the exposure of the second dielectric material with the environment to affect a microwave signal resonating therein. |
| US09625364B2 |
Non-radioactive density measurement in oilfield operations
The current application discloses a non-contact, non-radioactive densitometer system, comprising a curved tube containing an oilfield fluid, a mass measuring device connected to the curved tube, and a data acquisition system connected to the mass measuring device. The mass measuring device measures the mass of the curved tube and the data acquisition system calculate the density of the oilfield fluid in the curved tube. In one embodiment, the non-contact, non-radioactive densitometer system further comprises an antilog amplifier that is connected between the mass measuring device and the data acquisition system, where the antilog amplifier transforms the mass of the curved tube into an exponential value which is then fed into the data acquisition system. |
| US09625362B2 |
Method of impact testing using mount assembly with deformable member
A method of impact testing an article of protective equipment includes mounting the article of protective equipment on a deformable member. The method also includes impacting the article of protective equipment with an impact object. Moreover, the method includes detecting an effect of impact on the deformable member due to impacting the article of protective equipment with the impact object. |
| US09625358B2 |
Gas sampling apparatus and monitoring apparatus
There is provided a monitoring apparatus including a gas sampling apparatus and a sensor that detects a chemical substance included in gas obtained by the gas sampling apparatus. The gas sampling apparatus includes: an air supplying unit that forms an air curtain to form a space that covers a region to which an object to be monitored is included and which is separated from the outside environment; a sampling unit that extracts the gas inside the separated space; and a diffusion gas supplying unit that supplies, into the separated space, an amount of diffusion gas that is at least equal to the sampled amount of the sampling unit, wherein the sampling unit includes a plurality of sampling nozzles disposed at three-dimensionally different positions inside the separated space. |
| US09625354B2 |
Detecting occurrence of abnormality
A method, apparatus and computer program for detecting occurrence of an anomaly. The method can exclude arbitrariness and objectively judge whether a variation of a physical quantity to be detected is abnormal or not even when an external environment is fluctuating. The method includes acquiring multiple primary measurement values from a measurement target. Further, calculating and a reference value for each of the multiple primary measurement values by optimal learning. The method further includes calculating a relationship matrix which indicates mutual relationships between the multiple secondary measurement values. Further the method includes calculating an anomaly score for each of the secondary measurement value which indicates the degree of the measurement target being abnormal. The anomaly score is calculated by comparing the secondary measurement value with a predictive value which is calculated based on the relationship matrix and other secondary measurement values. |
| US09625353B2 |
Shape inspection device
A raised and depressed plate has a base surface, a raised surface, and a depressed surface. A mask processing section is configured to use mask data in which a given region and the remaining region in each of the base surface, the raised surface and the depressed surface are defined as a valid region and an invalid region, respectively, to extract measurement data of the valid regions from measurement data obtained from the sidewall surface of the master disk. A master data generation section is configured to generate master data representing a surface shape of the master disk, by using the measurement data of the valid regions. A user can check measurement accuracy of a shape inspection device by comparing shape values of the raised and depressed plate with the master data. |
| US09625349B2 |
Time-stamped emissions data collection for process control devices
The claimed method and system provide a process control device monitoring system and a process control valve assembly with a process control device monitoring system to measure one or more operating states of a process control device. The process control device monitoring system may also associate a time-stamp with the one or more measured operating states of the process control device in response to a trigger generated based on the one or more measured operating states. The process control device monitoring system may also transmit the time-stamp and an indication of the one or more operating states to a monitoring device. |
| US09625348B2 |
Fibre optic acoustic sensing
This invention relates to the fiber optic distributed acoustic sensing to detect P and S waves in a solid medium. Distributed acoustic sensing can be achieved using an unmodified fiber optic by launching optical pulses into the fiber and detecting radiation which is Rayleigh backscattered there from. By analyzing the returns in analysis bins, acoustic disturbances can be detected in a plurality of discrete longitudinal sections of the fiber. The present invention extends such fiber distributed acoustic sensing to detection of S and P waves. |
| US09625347B2 |
Adaptor, system, and method for inflating a glove
An adaptor for use to direct pressurized fluid into a glove to inflate the glove is disclosed. A kit for holding several test components for use to inflate a glove is also disclosed. The kit is provided for testing a glove for leakage. The components include an adaptor, a strap, and a portable pump, which can be either a DC-powered air compressor or a hand or foot pump. A method is also disclosed for inflating a glove to test the glove for leaks. |
| US09625340B2 |
Gas pressure testing device for a gas compartment portion of a bag
A gas pressure testing device, which is for checking pressure of gas inside the gas compartment portion of a bag, including: a pressing member (31) disposed on one side of the bag, a receiving member (38) positioned on another side of the bag, and a movable support member (39) having thereon the pressing member and a distance sensor (32). The pressing member being kept urged toward the gas compartment portion by air cylinder (44) is moved toward the bag so that the gas compartment portion is sandwiched by the pressing member and the receiving member. The distance sensor measures the distance (D) at such time to the pressing member and sends a distance signal to a control unit (37). Based on the distance signal, the control unit determines whether or not the gas pressure in the gas compartment portion is within a preset range. |
| US09625334B2 |
Method of measuring elongation of a fastener with ultrasound, performed by a power tool, and a power tool
The invention relates to a method of measuring elongation of a fastener by means of minimum peak side lobe (MPS) coded ultrasonic signals, and a power tool configured to performing the method. MPS coded signals with different base frequencies are transmitted into the fastener and a corresponding set of reflected signals are received from the fastener. Each reflected signal is cross-correlated with the corresponding transmitted signal, and a quality attribute of each transmitted signal is determined from the cross-correlated signals. Based on the quality attributes at least one parameter of an ultrasonic measurement signal is determined and the measurement is performed by transmitting the ultrasonic measurement signal into the fastener, and receiving a reflected ultrasonic measurement signal. |
| US09625331B2 |
Surface force apparatus based on a spherical lens
A force detector and method for using the same includes a movable lens having a spherical surface; a cantilever below the movable lens; a laser above the movable lens configured to emit a beam of light through the movable lens, such that light reflects from the spherical surface and the cantilever; a camera configured to capture images of interference rings produced by the light reflected from the spherical surface and the light reflected from the cantilever; and a processor configured to determine a force between the movable lens and the cantilever based on a change in phase of the interference rings. |
| US09625330B2 |
Methods and apparatus concerning multi-tactile sensitive (E-skin) pressure sensors
Various aspects as described herein are directed to electronic skin pressure sensors and methods of using the same. As consistent with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes an electronic skin pressure sensor and sensor circuitry. The electronic skin device is configured and arranged for differentiating between different mechanical stimuli including lateral stress and at least one additional mechanical stimuli. The sensor circuitry is configured and arranged to respond to the electronic skin pressure sensor by sensing a change in impedance due to the lateral stress. |
| US09625325B2 |
System and method for identifying operating temperatures and modifying of integrated circuits
Aspects of the present disclosure include a computer-implemented method for identifying an operating temperature of an integrated circuit (IC), the method including using a computing device for: applying a test voltage to a test circuit embedded within the IC, the test circuit including a phase shift memory (PSM) element therein, wherein the PSM element crystallizes at a crystallization temperature from an amorphous phase having a first electrical resistance into a crystalline phase having a second electrical resistance, the second electrical resistance being less than the first electrical resistance; and identifying the IC as having operated above the crystallization temperature in response to a resistance of the test circuit at the test voltage being outside of the target operating range. |
| US09625324B1 |
Thermal monitoring and estimating system and method
A thermal-tag device including a temperature sensor capable of continuously measuring the temperature in a closed space and of generating corresponding real time temperature data and a low-power communication module capable of wireless communication with a plurality of remote smartphone type devices, a plurality of remote smartphone type devices wirelessly coupled to the thermal tag implementing a temperature monitoring application, the temperature monitoring application continuously processing the received real-time temperature data and displaying real-time temperature information while the smartphone device is wirelessly coupled to the thermal-tag, and the temperature monitoring application continuously deriving and displaying estimated temperature data while the smartphone device is not wirelessly coupled to the thermal-tag device. |
| US09625323B2 |
Method for determining the relative temporal position of electromagnetic pulses and determination device
The invention relates to a method for determining the relative temporal position of electromagnetic pulses. Said method having the steps generating a sequence of first electromagnetic pulses, generating a sequence of second electromagnetic pulses, overlaying at least a part of the first and the second pulses in a saturable absorber, detecting the second pulses that have passed through the saturable absorber by means of a detector in such a manner that the second pulses, but not the first pulses that have passed through the saturable absorber, are detected, and determining the temporal position of the first pulses relative to the temporal position of the second pulses with the aid of a signal from the detector which is generated when the second pulses that have passed through the saturable absorber are received. |
| US09625318B2 |
Divided-aperture infra-red spectral imaging system for chemical detection
A divided-aperture infrared spectral imaging (DAISI) system that is structured to provide identification of target chemical content in a single imaging shot based on spectrally-multiplexed operation. The system is devoid of spectral scanning acquisition of infrared (IR) spectral signatures of target content with an IR detector and does not require content. |
| US09625316B2 |
Spectrometer touch panel graphical user interface display support and movement mechanism
The present invention is directed to a spectrophotometer instrument that includes an arm that can swing between a closed position and an open position which is upward and backward of the lower position and wherein the display is moveable between a position behind the arm to a position to a side of the arm. Thus, the features herein provides the instrument user with positioning features to allow for a superior human factors user experience. |
| US09625306B2 |
System and method for conveying agricultural material in a harvester
A system and method for conveying agricultural material in a harvester. One harvester includes a rotor which rotates to separate a plant into a first agricultural material and a second agricultural material. A grate is disposed vertically below the rotor and further separates the first and second agricultural materials from one another. A first conveyor receives the first and second agricultural material directly from a trailing end of the rotor and a trailing end of the grate. |
| US09625304B2 |
Systems and methods to initiate a verification test within a flow meter via a flow computer
Systems and methods to initiate a verification test within a flow meter via a flow computer are disclosed. An example method includes communicating, via a flow computer, a request to a flow meter to initiate a verification test of the flow meter. The example method also includes retrieving diagnostic data from the flow meter. The example method further includes logging a result of the verification test in a log of the flow computer, the result based on the diagnostic data. |
| US09625302B2 |
Adjustable pet food scoop
An adjustable scoop comprising a sheet of flexible material having a periphery configured so that the sheet may be bent from a flat configuration to form a scoop having a curved body, two handles, a base and a cross member, wherein the cross member may be secured to the body at one of a plurality of locations so that the body, base and cross member form a receptacle having one of a plurality of volumetric capacities for particulate material. |
| US09625300B2 |
Metering material dispenser
A measuring and dispensing device is defined for a stored flowable material. The device includes a container portion and a lid or covering portion. A first spout portion is formed as part of the container and is positioned on the outside of a sidewall, adjacent an upper rim. The first spout portion defines a measurement chamber. The lid closely fits on the upper rim of the container. A second spout portion is integrally formed with the lid and projects from the lid sidewall, adjacent an engagement rim. The second spout portion defines a pre-measurement chamber within the container sidewall. The first and second spout portions aligned upon assembly of the container and the lid, with the first spout portion positioned within the measurement chamber. The first spout portion is spaced from the second spout portion, with the spacing defining a discharge passageway for the measurement chamber. |
| US09625299B2 |
Adjustable dosing cap
A dispensing cap including a first housing portion defining a first chamber, a lid coupled to the first housing and defining an outlet, the lid movable between a first position and a second position, a second housing portion defining a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber, the second housing portion further defining a third chamber separate from the second chamber, wherein when the lid is in the first position, the outlet is in fluid communication with the second chamber to dispense a first volume of fluid, and wherein when the lid in the second position, the outlet is in fluid connection with the second chamber and the third chamber to dispense a second volume of fluid. A method of operating a dispensing cap is also provided. |
| US09625297B2 |
Flow meter
A flow meter includes: a measuring portion having rotors and provided on a pair of shafts positioned horizontally; a sensor that measures a pressure and a temperature within a flow path of the measuring portion; a front side panel that supports front side components of the measuring portion; a front cover that covers the front side components of the measuring portion; a main substrate that is installed in the front cover and collects a signal from the sensor; and a counter displaying portion that displays the signal from the sensor outputted from the main substrate. The sensor is assembled in the tip end of a cylindrical sensor case, the sensor case is inserted into the front side panel through an insertion opening formed in the front cover, the sensor is installed within the front cover, and the sensor and the main substrate are connected to each other. |
| US09625296B2 |
Thermal flow meter with thin resin portion sealing temperature detection element
To obtain a thermal flow meter capable of providing thermal insulation without degrading responsiveness of a temperature detection element. A thermal flow meter 300 of the present invention includes an air flow sensing portion 602 that detects a flow rate by performing heat transfer with a measurement target gas passing through the main passage 124 using a heat transfer surface, a temperature detection element 518 that detects a temperature of the measurement target gas, a circuit package 400 obtained by connecting a processing unit 604 that processes signals of the air flow sensing portion 602 and the temperature detection element 518 to a lead and sealing the processing unit 604 using a first molding resin through a first molding process, and a housing 302 where the circuit package 400 is fixed using a second molding resin through a second molding process, wherein, in the circuit package 400, a thickness of a temperature detecting portion 452 for sealing the temperature detection element 518 is thinner than that of a package body portion 426 for sealing the processing unit 604. |
| US09625295B2 |
Doppler measurement instrument and doppler measurement processing method
A fluid flow measurement instrument is provided. The measurement instrument includes a sensor producing a time domain signal representative of reflections of an emitted signal; and a meter being coupled to the sensor and configured to: receive the time domain signal; create two or more spectral estimates for the time domain signal, wherein said two or more spectral estimates have different frequency ranges and resolutions; determine a frequency offset value using one or more of the two or more spectral estimates; and convert the frequency offset value into a fluid velocity. Other aspects are described and claimed. |
| US09625290B1 |
Dynamic calibration of MEMS sensors
A MEMS type sensor is used for measuring a particular parameter on an IC chip within an electronic device, such as music player, a smart cellular telephone, etc. The parameter may be a scalar parameter, such as a directional orientation indicative a current compass point, or a multidimensional vector parameter, such as a three-dimensional acceleration. The sensor output is recalibrated using stored coefficients when ambient conditions vary. The stored coefficients may be modified during calibration. |
| US09625286B2 |
Adjustable probe holder assembly for an inspection sensor
An adjustable probe holder assembly is disclosed for an inspection or measurement sensor, such as an ultrasound transducer, eddy current sensor, magnetic thickness sensor or optical image sensor, in order to position the sensor in a confined space using an extended arm with an adjustable curvature. The probe holder has at least two elongated holding arms, among which a first arm and a second arm, each having a probe end and a holding end, wherein the probe end of each of the holding arms are attached to the probe and the at least two arms remain substantially parallel and very close to each other when the probe holder is at a non-operational status. The two arms bulge open away from each other due to either a tension force or a compression force being exerted along the longitudinal direction of either one of the arms, holding the probe to be against the test surface of the test object. |
| US09625285B2 |
Multi-piece inline jet-sonde
A multi-piece sonde configuration for use in troubleshooting a pipe and providing precise location of the problem includes a sonde carrier having a first end adapted to attach to a line and a second opposite end adapted to attach to a troubleshooting device. The multi-piece sonde can include a first carrier having a sonde housing with a central fluid passageway and a sonde transmitter operably positioned about the central fluid passageway. A second carrier can include a housing with a central fluid passageway and a power source carried by the second carrier. A flexible connector has a central fluid passageway and first and second opposing ends, and the first carrier is operably connected to the first end of the flexible connector and the second carrier is operably connected to the second end of the flexible connector. An electrical connection between the power source and the sonde transmitter can be carried by the flexible connector. |
| US09625279B2 |
Open circuit detection for inductive sensors
A system for open circuit detection for inductive sensors includes coils coupled in a star configuration on a first side of each coil. The system further includes driving pins coupled to the coils on a second side of each coil and voltage sources coupled to the driving pins. The system further includes one or more comparators coupled to the driving pins that monitor the voltages of the driving pins to detect open circuits. |
| US09625277B2 |
Sensor arrangement for a driven wheel hub-rolling bearing arrangement with a signal generator, a sensor and a sealing cap
An ABS encoder arrangement for a driven wheel bearing unit, with a multi-pole ring, a sensor device with a sensor head, and an annular cap element that has an annular wall portion which shields a cap interior against the exterior. The annular wall section extends through an intermediate region lying between the multi-pole ring and an end face of the sensor head. An extension concentric with the axis of rotation of the multi-pole ring and extending axially over a circumferential area of an articulated shaft head is connected to the annular wall section on a side facing away from the multi-pole ring. In the end portion of the extension facing away from the multi-pole ring and extending over the articulated shaft head, the extension forms a circumferential profile that radially stiffens the extension and forms an annular edge which extends into a circumferential groove of the articulated shaft head and forms a channel cross-section open to the outside. |
| US09625275B2 |
External access to meter display
A utility meter comprises a measurement circuit configured to measure consumption data, a memory configured to store meter data including the consumption data, and a receiver configured to receive a priority message from a source external to the utility meter. A meter display on the meter comprises a plurality of display segments. The meter display is configured to display the meter data according to a standard meter display routine. The meter display is further configured to display the priority message on at least a first portion of the plurality of display segments such that meter data normally displayed during the standard meter display routine is not displayed on the first portion of the plurality of display segments. A meter controller is configured to determine whether the standard meter display routine should be interrupted or overridden in order to display the remote message. |
| US09625273B2 |
Thickness measurement apparatus and method thereof
A thickness measurement apparatus and method to measure an object to be inspected. The thickness measurement apparatus includes: an ultrasonic wave transmission/reception device that receives/transmits an ultrasonic wave to/from a wall of a pipe to be inspected, covered with a heat insulation material; a support device that supports the ultrasonic wave transmission/reception device from an outer surface of the pipe to be inspected; a thickness calculation device that measures a propagation time of the ultrasonic wave received/transmitted by the ultrasonic wave transmission/reception device, and calculates thickness of the pipe to be inspected; a calibration board with a predetermined thickness greater than a thickness of a dead zone of the ultrasonic wave transmission/reception device; and a calibration board adjustment device that moves the calibration board toward and away from a gap between the ultrasonic wave transmission/reception device and the outer surface of the pipe to be inspected. |
| US09625271B2 |
Systems and methods for terrain warning suppression using flight plan information
A method according to an aspect of the present invention includes determining if terrain presents a hazard to an aircraft based on the current position of the aircraft and the intended flight plan for the aircraft and providing an alert if it is determined that the terrain presents a hazard to the aircraft. The method may be employed in any situation to achieve any result, such as when the aircraft is in a low-RNP environment to prevent nuisance terrain alerts. |
| US09625269B2 |
Method and system for mobile device selectively reporting of GPS position information to others
A privacy enhancement device for electronic device such as a cellular telephone. The privacy enhancement device may include a jammer which may produces false information, e.g. false information indicative of pseudo ranges. In addition, the navigation information used on the position detecting device may be locally stored versions of dynamically changing information. The navigation operation may be carried out using a Web service. |
| US09625260B2 |
Carbon fiber composite level and method of manufacturing same
A composite level and a method to manufacture the composite level are provided. A composite level can have three layers of material. A first layer comprises a glass-mat material, a second layer comprises carbon fiber, and a third layer comprises a glass fabric material. A composite level can also have only two layers of material. At least one bubble vial is mounted on the level body. The method to manufacture the carbon fiber composite level comprises a pultrusion process wherein a fiber glass material and carbon fiber are saturated with resin and molded into a final shape. |
| US09625256B1 |
Device, system and method for alignment of an integrated circuit assembly
Techniques and mechanisms for evaluating misalignment of circuit structures. In an embodiment, infrared (IR) radiation is variously focused on different planes of an assembly including an integrated circuit (IC) chip and a substrate that is to be coupled to, or that is coupled to, the IC chip. The cross-sectional planes include respective structures that variously reflect IR radiation. The reflected IR radiation is measured to create images each representing a corresponding cross-section of the assembly. In another embodiment, respective reference features of the images are identified and evaluated to determine whether a misalignment between the reference features satisfies one or more threshold test conditions. |
| US09625251B2 |
Facial movement and expression detection and stimulation
The disclosure features systems and methods for detecting a user's facial movement and expression, that include a plurality of radiation sources, a plurality of radiation detectors, where each radiation detector is paired with a different one of the radiation sources and configured to detect radiation emitted by its paired radiation source, and a controller connected to the radiation detectors and configured to receive signals corresponding to measurements of emitted radiation from each of the radiation detectors, determine, for each radiation source-detector pair, information about whether a radiation path between the source and detector is blocked by a portion of the user's face, and determine a facial movement or expression of the user based on the information. |
| US09625250B2 |
Apparatus and method of generating tomographic image
A method of generating a tomographic image includes detecting an interference signal containing cross-sectional information of a target object as raw data of the target object, the raw data being phase-modulated in a first direction with respect to a cross section of the target object; demodulating the raw data by adjusting at least one parameter of a filter function defining filtering using a fixed window size; and generating a tomographic image of the target object by performing signal processing on the demodulated raw data. |
| US09625248B2 |
Device and method for measuring ice thickness
A device and method for measuring ice thickness on a first surface of a construction element. The device includes a sensor arrangement arranged in connection with the construction element and arranged to provide signals related to an impedance. A processing unit is coupled to the sensor arrangement and arranged to determine the presence of ice based on the provided impedance signals. A reference sensor arrangement is arranged to generate reference impedance measurement signals. The processing unit is further arranged to determine the ice thickness based on determinations of a relation between the impedance signals determined by the sensor arrangement and the reference impedance values generated by the reference sensor arrangement. |
| US09625242B1 |
Igniter for modular artillery charge system
A modular artillery charge system module includes a central igniter container and cap end and body end igniter containers fixed to the central igniter container. The central igniter container is a rigid, longitudinal tube with opposing ends. The end igniter containers are fixed to the opposing ends of the central igniter container. Each end igniter container includes a large container portion and a small container portion that extends from the large container portion toward the central igniter container. The central igniter container and end igniter containers are made of a rigid material, such as foamed celluloid. |
| US09625238B2 |
Anti-ballistic shelters
Embodiments of the present application includes methods and structures for Anti-Ballistic Shelters, including an anti-ballistic shelter having a frame comprising at least one support member, and one or more surfaces comprising a flexible high strength layered anti-ballistic material attached to the frame, wherein the flexible high strength layered anti-ballistic material is layered in at least two directions; and further wherein the layered anti-ballistic material is enveloped around the frame. |
| US09625234B2 |
Vehicle gun storage safe with flexible internal locking case
A gun storage safe formed from a flexible fabric having a generally rectangular closeable outer shell, at least one longitudinal cable conduit channel and at least one latitudinal cable conduit channels and a plurality of wire cables of predefined length substantially disposed within said cable conduit channels wherein said longitudinal and latitudinal cables traverse the interior surfaces of the outer shell and further wherein said wire cable ends extend beyond said cable conduit channels; adjustable cable locks in operative contact with each wire cable end; at least one gun case disposed within said outer shell, wherein the wire cables are positioned within said wire conduit channels are drawn down upon and tightened on said gun case to form a wire cage and said each adjustable cable lock engages the opposite end of said wire cables end to securely lock the wire cables in place and further comprising a plurality of voids on a lower surface thereof and a separate cable segment and adjustable lock for securing said safe to a cargo tie down. |
| US09625232B2 |
Firearm buffer system and buttstock assembly
A buttstock assembly configured to work in conjunction with a compact buffer assembly consisting of a buffer tube, spring and bolt carrier with an integral buffer is provided. The buttstock assembly, buffer tube and bolt carrier are configured to work with AR15/M16 type firearms and their derivatives. By incorporating the buffer onto the bolt carrier, which is used in conjunction with a buffer tube of reduced length, the overall length of the host firearm is reduced by approximately 3.2 inches. No permanent modification need be made to the host firearm in order to utilize the compact buffer assembly and buttstock assembly disclosed herein. |
| US09625230B2 |
Archery release having force diversion
An archery release includes, in an embodiment, a body, a finger extension configured to be connected to the body and a hook pivotally coupled to the body. Part of the body has an arc shape centered about a point. The point is located in a horizontal plane or horizontal axis when the archery release is oriented in a vertical position. The hook has a bowstring contact surface which is positioned below the horizontal plane or horizontal axis when the archery release is in the vertical position. |
| US09625229B1 |
Window mounted gun rest
A window mounted gun rest including an inverted U-shaped mounting clamp. A threaded aperture is disposed through a rear portion of the mounting clamp, and a plate screw is threadably engaged within the threaded aperture. A mounting plate is disposed between each of a front portion and the rear portion of the mounting clamp. The mounting plate is attached to a tip of the plate screw. A muzzle rest is disposed on a middle portion of the mounting clamp. An elevation support arm is hingedly attached to the rear portion of the mounting clamp. A padded support member is disposed on the elevation support arm. An elevation locking mechanism is configured to selectively lock the elevation support arm into one of a plurality of heights relative to the muzzle rest. |
| US09625227B2 |
Firing mechanism for a firearm
A firing mechanism for a firearm is provided for reducing maximum trigger pull weight attributable to a sear and for reducing trigger pre-travel and over-travel distances. By this, the likelihood of sear flutter phenomena is greatly reduced while also decreasing or maintaining maximum trigger pull weight. Also, hand movement during firing is reduced helping to increase accuracy. |
| US09625226B2 |
Munitions carrier and method of operating the same
A munitions carrier may include a munitions loading table having a loading section loaded with munitions and a roller assembly for moving the munitions, and a munitions transfer unit attached to one side of the munitions loading table so as to be adjacent to the roller assembly, in order to transfer the munitions to a charge section provided in an artillery gun. |
| US09625224B2 |
Bolt recoil tang clamping system
A self-adjusting clamping system top capture and hold a recoil lug extending outwardly from a bolt style receiver of a firearm. At least a lower portion of the receiver and the recoil lug are received into a chassis having a recess. The chassis is configured to receive an anvil block confronting the rear surface of the recoil lug. The chassis is configured to receive a tightening system confronting the front surface of the recoil lug. The anvil block has a front surface that contacts and confronts the rear surface of the recoil lug. The anvil block also has a rear surface that is outwardly rounded. The tightening system is at least partially wedge-shaped having a front surface that is angled and a rear surface that contacts and closely confronts the front surface of the recoil lug. |
| US09625223B2 |
Self-cleaning fan assembly
A self-cleaning fan assembly is provided that can be used to automatically clean the assembly's heat exchanger or air filter. In use, once the system determines that the heat exchanger/air filter should be cleaned, for example based on the total operational time or the number of use cycles for the system, or based on the air flow passing through the heat exchanger/air filter, the controller temporarily reverses the direction of the fan, thereby reversing the flow of air through the heat exchanger/air filter and forcing out dust, dirt and other debris. |
| US09625220B1 |
Structurally dynamic heat sink
A heat sink structure is provided having fins mechanically altered dynamically to change and optimize the heat sink's performance based on certain environmental conditions. Specifically, the shape of fins of the heat sink structure is dynamically altered in response to environmental conditions that indicate the need for increased thermal performance by spreading the fins through a mechanical device dynamically, or by collapsing the fins to reduce pressure drop across a region when increased thermal performance is not needed. |
| US09625218B2 |
Method of manufacturing a heat dissipation device
A heat dissipation device includes a mounting bracket and a thermal module. The mounting bracket has at least one retaining hole and a mounting section, and the thermal module includes a plurality of radiating fins, to which the mounting bracket is connected. On the radiating fins, at least one engaging zone is provided for correspondingly engaging with the mounting bracket, and at least one locking portion is formed for correspondingly engaging with the retaining hole. With the above structural design, the mounting bracket can be more firmly and stably connected to the thermal module and be more accurately located on the radiating fins without the need of welding, so that the manufacturing cost for welding is saved. A method of manufacturing the heat dissipation device is also disclosed. |
| US09625217B2 |
Heat exchanger and air conditioner including same
An air conditioner includes a compressor and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a first header pipe to have a refrigerant compressed by the compressor to flow therein, a heat exchange unit including a plurality of first refrigeration tubes and a plurality of second refrigeration tubes to thermally exchange the refrigerant with air, a plurality of first header branch pipes coupling the first header pipe with corresponding first refrigeration tubes in the heat exchange unit, a bypass pipe to have the refrigerant, thermally exchanged in the heat exchange unit, passing therethrough in the air cooling operation, and a second header pipe to have the refrigerant passing through the bypass pipe to flow therein. A plurality of second header branch pipes couples the second header pipe with corresponding second refrigeration tubes in the heat exchange unit, where at least two first refrigeration tubes have at least one second refrigeration tube therebetween. |
| US09625213B2 |
Silicon-nitride-containing separating layer having high hardness
The invention relates to a shaped body comprising a substrate with a firmly adhering separating layer, wherein the separating layer comprises 92-98 wt. % silicon nitride (Si3N4) and 2-8 wt. % silicon dioxide (SiO2) and wherein the separating layer has a total oxygen content of ≦8 wt. % and a hardness of at least 10 HB 2.5/3 according to DIN EN ISO 6506-1. |
| US09625211B2 |
Bead collection device and method
A device is provided for separating beads from a carrier fluid, the device comprising: a bead-receiving means for receiving beads dispersed in a carrier fluid, a fluid removal means operable to remove fluid from the bead-receiving means in a first fluid removal zone by the application of reduced pressure, and a bead collection means operable to remove beads from the bead-receiving means in a bead collection zone by the application of reduced pressure, the bead-receiving means being movable so that beads are movable from the first fluid removal zone to the bead collection zone. |
| US09625209B2 |
Method for cryogenically separating a mixture of nitrogen and carbon monoxide
A method for separating a feed gas, containing nitrogen and carbon monoxide as main components, in a distillation column: the feed gas is cooled in a heat exchanger; at least a portion of the feed gas, or at least a portion of a gas derived from the feed gas, is sent to a reboiler of the distillation column so as to condense the gas while producing a liquid, and optionally a gas; at least a portion of the liquid is sent to the distillation column; a nitrogen gas-rich flow is extracted from the distillation column; a carbon monoxide-rich flow is extracted from the distillation column, heated in the heat exchanger, and compressed so as to provide a carbon monoxide-rich material at production pressure. |
| US09625207B2 |
Beverage cooling device
The present invention is a cooling device having a number of cooling sub-assemblies, each having a body having a top with an opening, and an interior chamber for holding a cooling fluid. An equal number of sub-assembly connectors connect each body to two adjacent bodies so that the cooling device forms a generally cylindrical inner surface that can be placed around the outside of a beverage container so cooling fluid can absorb heat from a beverage in the container. Each sub-assembly may also have an activator bin inside it for storing an endothermic reactant and having a release mechanism that a user can activate to cause the endothermic reactant to mix with the cooling fluid thereby cooling the cooling fluid which in turn cools the beverage. |
| US09625202B2 |
Direct contact icemaker with finned air cooling capacity
A refrigerator includes a direct contact ice making system in conjunction with a circulating coolant. The ice making system includes a cold air loop including a plurality of fins to cool ambient air adjacent the cold air loop in the ice making system. The cooled air is passed by a fan assembly through a supply duct into an ice storage container or compartment to cool the area within the ice storage compartment, thus preventing ice cubes in the compartment from melting. The ice making system also includes a return duct for directing warm air from the ice storage compartment to the cold air loop for re-cooling and recirculation. The cold air loop may generally be a heat exchange zone for cooling the ambient air. |
| US09625201B2 |
Device for cooling or frosting a container
The invention relates to a device (1) for cooling or frosting at least one container (2), in particular a glass or mug, by means of cold air, the device (1) comprising a base (4) with a container receiving portion (3), at least one air inlet (5) and an annular chamber (7), whereby the container receiving portion (3) is comprised with the at least one air inlet (5) through which cold air may be introduced into the annular chamber (7), wherein the container receiving portion (3) comprises an air outlet portion (10) comprising a pipe (9) extending upwards into the at least one container (2), the pipe (9) being configured to suck the air out of the at least one container (2). The at least one air inlet (5) is positioned at an outer circumference of the annular chamber (7) so as to introduce the air into the annular chamber (7) tangentially, thereby generating a swirling upward air flow which is led as a thin layer along the inner surface of the at least one container (2) being placed on the container receiving portion (3), thereby cooling or frosting the container (2). |
| US09625198B2 |
Automatic ice vending structure
An ice vending structure for making and dispensing ice has an ice maker couplable to a water source. An ice bin is positioned under the ice maker for receiving ice made by the ice maker. A substantially horizontal ice moving auger is positioned in the bottom of the ice bin for ejecting ice out an aperture substantially horizontally, to be received by an ice chute coupled to the aperture. The ice chute directs the ice in a downward and rearward direction into bags supplied by a bag holder assembly. |
| US09625196B2 |
System and method for controlling of vapor compression system
A method for controlling an operation of a vapor compression system (VCS) determines values of measured outputs of the operation of the VCS that include performance and constrained outputs. The method determines states of the VCS using an estimator model of the VCS defining a relationship between the states of the VCS, control inputs and controlled outputs, such that a difference between outputs predicted using the estimator model and the measured outputs asymptotically approaches zero. The states of the VCS include a main state representing the operation of the VCS and an auxiliary state representing the effect of unknown disturbances on each measured output of the VCS. The control inputs for controlling the operation of the VCS are determined using a prediction model, such that the constrained output satisfies the constraints, and a difference between the performance output and the value of the setpoint asymptotically approaches zero. |
| US09625189B2 |
Absorption type heat pump device
Provided is an absorption type heat pump device including: a battery, a battery case, a regenerator, a condenser, an evaporator, an absorber, and a controller, in which, in the cooling operation, heat exchange between the absorber and the outside of the absorber is performed, the refrigerant having a liquid phase is supplied to the battery case from the condenser, and the refrigerant having a gas phase which is obtained by evaporating the refrigerant having a liquid phase by the heat of the battery, is supplied to the absorber, and in the heating operation, heat exchange between the absorber and the battery case is performed, the refrigerant having a gas phase or a liquid phase is supplied to the absorber from the evaporator, and the absorbing solution with relatively high concentration which is accommodated in the regenerator is supplied to the absorber. |
| US09625184B2 |
Multi-split HVAC system
A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system has a first variable refrigerant flow outdoor unit, a first ducted variable speed indoor unit configured to selectively exchange refrigerant with the first variable refrigerant flow outdoor unit, and a second indoor unit configured to selectively exchange refrigerant with the first variable refrigerant flow outdoor unit. |
| US09625179B1 |
System to provide a backchannel to an HVAC thermostat
In an HVAC system Polarity Splitting is used to provide for one or more backchannels from the furnace to the thermostat. Polarity Splitting is also used to allow a four-wire house cable to provide for three thermostat functions as well as furnace power to the thermostat while also providing for one or more backchannels. A serial datalink can be used to provide for a number of thermostat functions and a number of backchannels as well as to provide furnace power to the thermostat while using only three wires between the furnace and the thermostat. A Wi-Fi enabled furnace adapter can allow the use of a Wi-Fi thermostat while supplying only furnace power (two wires) to the thermostat. A Wi-Fi enabled furnace can use only a remote temperature sensor instead of a remote thermostat. |
| US09625178B2 |
Water heater attachment method and water heater attachment structure
A water heater attachment method is a method for attaching a water heater body to a wall surface by using an attachment member provided at a rear end of an upper surface of the water heater body. The method includes a first step of inserting a tip of a rod member into a through hole formed in the attachment member, the rod member projecting forward from the wall surface, a second step of sliding the attachment member toward the wall surface along the rod member to shift the water heater body to an attachment position of the wall surface, and a third step of fastening the attachment member to the wall surface by a screw in a state where the attachment member is held by the rod member. |
| US09625176B2 |
Low emissions direct fired air heater
Method of combusting hydrocarbon fuel to form combustion products low in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) and mixing the combustion products with additional air to provide a heated air stream suitable for heating enclosed spaces includes the following steps: (a) delivering a fuel stream to a burner assembly; (b) delivering a combustion air stream to the burner assembly; (c) combining the fuel and air streams within a combustion chamber and heat exchanger wherein the mixture is ignited, completely combusted, and the temperature of the products of combustion are reduced; (d) providing tempering air to the external side of the combustion chamber and heat exchanger to transfer heat away from the combustion gases to tempering air; (e) combining the partially heated tempering air and cooled combustion products low in NO2 and CO; and (f) discharging the mixture into a space to be heated. |
| US09625175B2 |
Curb adapter
Provided is a curb adapter, comprising a first wall along a first direction of extension; a second wall along a second direction of extension that is different from the first direction of extension; and a corner support mechanism coupled at a corner that includes an edge of the first wall and an edge of the second wall. The corner support mechanism includes at least one fastener coupled to the edge of the first wall and at least one fastener coupled to the edge of the second wall. |
| US09625169B2 |
HVAC controller and method for operating an HVAC system based on a difference in temperature between return air and supply air and an HVAC system employing the controller or method
The disclosure provides an HVAC system, an HVAC controller and a method of operating an HVAC system. In one embodiment, the HVAC controller includes: (1) an interface configured to receive a thermostat call and (2) a processor configured to initiate operation of the HVAC system in response to the thermostat call and control operation thereof based on a temperature difference across a conditioning unit of the HVAC system. |
| US09625167B2 |
Humidifier
A humidifier including a spray unit configured to apply electric charge to water, and to spray water having electric charge applied thereto, an evaporation unit formed with a duct in which evaporation of the electrically-charged water being sprayed is taken place, and configured to guide a vapor and a foreign substance, which are separated from each other through the evaporation, to an outside, and a dust collection unit configured to collect the foreign substance at an inside the duct by forming an electric field, the humidifier capable of performing a large-capacity humidification by the generation of the electrically charged droplets, and capable of removing the foreign substance included in the droplets by using the electrical force, thereby enhancing the cleanliness of the humidification, and by using an electric field, accelerating the evaporation so that the size of the duct is minimized, and thus manufacturing the humidifier in a compact size. |
| US09625166B2 |
Induction displacement air handling unit
An induction displacement unit is disclosed that includes an induction plenum having first nozzles communicating with a first discharge plenum and second nozzles communicating with a second discharge plenum, a return air plenum and a heating coil disposed between the return air plenum and the first discharge plenum. In addition, the induction displacement unit has a cooling coil disposed between the return air plenum and the second discharge plenum, where the induction plenum is vertically disposed between the heating coil and the cooling coil. The heating coil is disposed in an upper portion of the unit. The first discharge plenum is disposed to induce a substantially vertical discharge, and the second discharge plenum disposed to induce a substantially horizontal discharge. |
| US09625163B2 |
Method and apparatus for positioning heating elements
An underlayment system is provided that includes a plurality of protrusions that extend from a common base member. The protrusions and base member can include an opening therethrough that allows for subsequent layers of material, such as adhesive, to interact and bond to each other. The protrusions are arranged in such a way to contain a wire, string, or heating element, within a receiving area. The arrangement of the protrusions allow for routing of the wire, string, or heating element in a variety of angles, bends, and other routing layouts. |
| US09625160B2 |
Hinge
A hinge includes a hinge arm (1) and a hinge base (6) fitting with the hinge arm. A support (2) is disposed between the hinge arm (1) and the hinge base. A first end of the support is movably connected to the hinge arm, and a second end is movably disposed with the hinge base (6). A locking position (12) is disposed on the hinge arm. A connecting piece (4) is disposed in fitting with the locking position. A first end of the connecting piece is movably connected to the body of the support, and a second end is movably connected to a first end of a rocking bar (7). The body portion of the rocking bar (7) is movably connected coaxially to a second end of the support (2) and the hinge base (6). A connecting shaft (72) is disposed on a second end of the rocking bar. A first end of a spring (3) is hung to the connecting shaft, and the other end of the spring is hung to a hanging shaft (62) that is disposed fixedly with the hinge base. Because of the connecting spring, the connecting piece and the support on the key component rocking bar, by adjusting a hole position of a connecting rivet and a force of the spring, a balancing force and a buffering force can be provided for gates with different weights in a changing way, and the adaptability is good. |
| US09625159B2 |
Gas burner with inward facing flame
A gas burner with inward-facing flames has a base body disposed under a cooktop and a discoid lid disposed onto the base body. The base body has a central chamber connected to a horizontal Venturi tube fed by a gas injector. A peripheral annular chamber and partitions-defining apertures provide communication between the central chamber and the peripheral annular chamber. The lid has a central dish disposed onto the central chamber of the base body, an intermediate toroidal portion disposed onto the partitions of the base body, and a flame ring disposed onto the peripheral annular chamber for propagation of flame inwards. |
| US09625156B2 |
Gas turbine engines having fuel injector shrouds with interior ribs
A fuel injector assembly includes a fuel injector and a fuel injector shroud housing the fuel injector. The fuel injector includes a body and a nozzle coupled to the body. The fuel injector shroud includes a swirler device defining a center opening proximate to the nozzle of the fuel injector and a plurality of swirler holes surrounding the center opening, a body section with an air inlet configured to admit a flow of air into the fuel injector shroud and a dome section defining a mount for securing the swirler device to the body section, and at least one interior rib positioned on an interior surface of the dome section configured to direct the flow of air to the swirler holes of the swirler device such that the flow of air exiting through the swirler is mixed with the flow of fuel exiting the nozzle. |
| US09625151B2 |
Cooled combustor liner grommet
A combustor liner grommet is disclosed. The grommet may include a peripheral wall defining a hole in a combustor liner and further including at least one cooling air flow channel. The cooling air flow channel in the grommet wall may be a slot or a hole. The channel may increase cooling flow to the grommet and the combustor liner around the grommet to prevent cracking from heat stress. |
| US09625147B2 |
Combustion heater
A combustion heater includes an inner tube having a supply passage for combustion gas in an inner portion, and an outer tube disposed to provide a separated combustion space in an outer periphery of the inner tube. A hole part for ejecting the combustion gas is formed on a tube wall of the inner tube and combustion gas is ejected with ejection characteristics such that circulating flow is formed on the periphery of a stagnation point. According to this combustion heater, a stable flame can be formed without increasing costs and the heating efficiency can be improved. |
| US09625135B2 |
Angle adjusting device for portable LED light
Disclosed is an angle adjusting device for portable LED light, which includes two symmetrical outer housings of LED light, rotatable shafts fixed to the outer housings, two symmetrical handles, outer gears fixed on an end of the rotatable shafts, and bases. The handle is rotatably connected with the outer housing via the rotatable shafts; two pairs of guide rods are fixed on the handle; the base has an upper guide hole and a lower guide hole formed thereon; the guide rod is sleeved with a compression spring located into the upper guide hole, the base being capable of sliding up and down along the guide rod; and the base has a cavity formed at center thereof for accommodating the outer gear, a gear tooth being provided in the cavity for fitting the outer gear. It has simple structure and the angle between the two outer housings could be adjusted freely. |
| US09625133B2 |
Light fixture mounting method and assembly
An assembly for mounting a light fixture in a hole in a ceiling panel and including an annular trim ring that's held upward against a lower surface of a ceiling panel by the light fixture to be mounted, such that the trim ring spans an annular gap between such light fixture and the ceiling panel hole. A top plate is carried by the ceiling panel across the ceiling panel hole and includes a top plate hole that receives the light fixture to be mounted such that the top plate spans an annular gap between the light fixture and the ceiling panel hole. A mount supports the light fixture on the top plate in a position holding the trim ring up against the lower surface of the ceiling panel. |
| US09625129B2 |
LED tube light
An LED tube light having a substantially uniform exterior diameter from end to end is disclosed. It has a glass light tube with narrowly curved end regions at ends for engaging with end caps, in which outer diameter of each end cap is equal to outer diameter of light tube. LED tube light also include a thermal conductive ring. The narrowly curved end region is formed by glass tempering. End caps are joined to the light tube by sleeving over the rear end regions with a hot melt adhesive disposed between the rear end region, the transition region, the insulating tubular part and the thermal conductive ring. An outer diameter of thermal conductive ring is the same as the outer diameter of the main region of the light tube. The transition region is curved, and an outer diameter of rear end region is less than that of the main region. |
| US09625126B2 |
Luminaire with removable lighting modules
There is provided a luminaire apparatus for illuminating an object. The luminaire apparatus may also include a light module housing that is to be substantially parallel to the object and includes a light module recess. Further, the luminaire apparatus includes lighting module configured to be disposed within the light module recess and configured to be oriented substantially parallel to the object. Additionally, the luminaire apparatus includes a housing mounting member configured to be attached to the light module housing. |
| US09625122B2 |
Path light and unitary gasket-reflector
The present application discloses a unitary gasket-reflector for use in light sources having at least one reflector and at least one gasket to seal the inside of the light sources against the elements. |
| US09625118B2 |
Optical lens, light emitting device, and lighting device having the same
Disclosed is an optical lens. The optical lens includes a bottom surface having a recess part at center thereof; a light exit surface provided in opposite to the bottom surface and having a convex curved surface; an outer sidewall connected between the bottom surface and the light exit surface; a recess portion recessed toward the bottom surface; and a convex portion provided between the recess portion and the light exit surface. The recess part is convexly recessed in a direction of the recess portion. The recess portion includes a first to third total-reflection surface having curvatures different from each other. The convex portion is protruded inwardly from an inflection point between the convex portion and the light exit surface. |
| US09625112B2 |
Electronic flameless candle
An electronic flameless candle including a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a sidewall between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a cavity defined by the top surface, the bottom surface and the sidewall, the body configured in shape and size to simulate a true flame candle. The candle may also include a light source operably connected to the body, the light source electrically operated to illuminate in a way that simulates a natural flicker of a real candle flame. The candle may also include a scent component, operably connected to the body, the scent component configured to emit a scent when heated and/or a sensor component, operably connected to the body, the sensor component configured to sense an environmental condition and affect a mode of the light source upon the sensing of the environmental condition. |
| US09625110B2 |
Suspendable light fixture
A suspendable includes a housing including a light reflective material. The housing defines an aperture proximate the center of the housing configured to receive a light source. The housing further defines at least two pairs of through holes; a first channel extending between the a first pair of the at least two pairs of through holes and a second channel extending between the second pair of the at least two pairs of through holes, the first channel and the second channel collectively defining a pathway entirely through the housing; the first and second channels each being curvilinear; an at least two substantially arcuate grooves. |
| US09625102B2 |
Systems and methods for cascading burst discs
Systems and methods are provided herein for gas storage and the safe release of gas using cascading burst discs. A vessel for storing gas is in pneumatic communication with a first flow path. A first burst disc is disposed in the first flow path such that gas flow is prevented when the disc is intact. A second flow path is in pneumatic communication with the first flow path and configured to receive gas flow when the first burst disc is ruptured. A second burst disc is disposed in the second flow path and configured to prevent a gas flow while the second burst disc is intact. At an operating pressure, the first burst disc may be punctured by an operator allowing normal use of the system. In the event of a gas overpressure, the first and second burst discs will rupture permitting safe release of the gas. |
| US09625098B2 |
Transport of natural gas through solution in liquid hydrocarbon at ambient temperature
A method of transporting natural gas by liquefaction of natural gas at ambient temperature, achieved by mixing the natural gas at high pressure with a hydrocarbon that is a stable liquid at ambient temperature and ambient pressure. The hydrocarbon liquid may be crude oil or a distillate of crude oil. The method includes: liquefaction: mixing the natural gas with the hydrocarbon liquid at an ambient temperature and a high pressure to generate a liquid mixture, which contains the natural gas dissolved in the hydrocarbon liquid; shipping: transporting the liquid mixture using a marine tanker, during which the liquid mixture is maintained at ambient temperature and the high pressure; and regasification: at the destination, releasing a gas from the liquid mixture by lowering the pressure of the liquid mixture. The hydrocarbon liquid may be used multiple times. |
| US09625094B2 |
Operating method for a cryo-compressed tank
An operating method is provided for a cryo-compressed tank for supplying cryogenic hydrogen to a consumer of a motor vehicle under supercritical pressure at 13 bar or more. In order to compensate for pressure loss resulting from hydrogen removal, the removed hydrogen that has been heated in a heat exchanger is conveyed to a heat exchanger, provided in the cryo-compressed tank, by way of a tank pressure regulating valve and a branch line, which branches off of a supply line leading to the consumer. After flowing through the heat exchanger, it is introduced into the supply line downstream of the branching off of the branch line. Over a period of time that significantly exceeds the cycle times of a conventional frequency valve, either the removed amount of hydrogen is guided without limitation into the heat exchanger, provided in the cryo-compressed tank, the tank pressure regulating valve being completely open, or no return of the heated hydrogen into the heat exchanger occurs at all. Downstream of the branching off of the branch line, the supply line has a pressure regulating unit, which ensures that irrespective of the changes in the pressure in the supply line caused upstream of the pressure regulating unit by switching the tank pressure regulating valve, a sufficient and continuous supply of hydrogen to the consumer at the pressure required is guaranteed. |
| US09625087B2 |
Outrigger mount
A mount capable of rotating a body in multiple planes with a single handle. The handle can be disposed in a first position, where rotation of the handle causes the body to rotate in a horizontal plane; or a second position, where rotation of the handle causes the body to rotate in a vertical plane. The body can otherwise be locked and not rotatable. |
| US09625086B2 |
Fixing device
A fixing device includes a base body, a connecting unit and a fixing unit. The base body includes a holding wall and a connecting wall having a connecting hole. The connecting hole has a plurality of tooth-like grooves. The holding wall is provided with a holding element for holding the base body onto a first external object. The connecting unit includes a connecting pole and an engaging element. The engaging element has at least a first engaging leg and a second engaging leg that correspondingly pass through the tooth-like grooves to be engaged in between the connecting wall and the holding wall, so as to connect the connecting unit and the base body, where the base body is rotatable upon the connecting pole. The fixing unit is connected to the connecting pole and is provided with a fixing element for securing the fixing unit onto a second external object. |
| US09625082B2 |
Simultaneously foldable multi-screen monitor arm device
A simultaneously foldable multi-screen monitor support having separate support arms connected to separate posts extending from a base. The posts are mounted on end sections of the base and are pivotable about a center section. When one post is moved between a first position and a second position, the other post simultaneously moves between a third position and a fourth position. The movement of one post moves the other post and monitors that are supported on the posts are moved in the same manner from a folded position to an operating position or vice versa. |
| US09625081B2 |
Stand for supporting a laptop computer
A stand for supporting a computing device at an elevated position is provided. The stand may support a laptop computer at a height such that a screen of the laptop computer is at or near eye-level of a user. The stand may include support arms and cross-members attached to the support arms to provide an offset to the support arms. Mounting points may be attached to ends of the support arms. The mounting points may be engageable with a base of the screen of the laptop computer such that a chassis of the laptop computer is suspended from the base of the screen. |
| US09625078B2 |
Pipeline and methods
A pipeline comprising one or more pipes, the pipeline having: one or more sacrificial anodes to provide cathodic protection; one or more pre-formed one-piece integral metallic rings around at least one pipe; and one or more electrical connectors attached to the or each metallic ring and to at least one sacrificial anode to allow an electrical current to flow between the pipeline and one or more of the sacrificial anodes. Each metallic ring has a one-piece form and can be fitted to the pipe without welding. |
| US09625074B2 |
High-pressure fluid conduit
A high-pressure fluid conduit that conducts high-pressure fluid from a high-pressure fluid source to a high-pressure fluid container through a hose unit during open or normal operation. This high-pressure fluid conduit has a safety feature that is activated when the high-pressure fluid conduit fails due to exposure to a predetermined force. The safety feature closes off the flow of high-pressure fluid from the high-pressure fluid source and closes off the escape of high-pressure fluid from the hose unit that entered the hose unit during open or normal operation. |
| US09625073B2 |
Joint unit and joint assembly comprising such a joint unit for non-detachable connection of media-conveying lines
A joint unit is provided, including a main body, a bush, which is fastened to the main body in the axial direction and forms with the main body a receiving space intended to receive a connecting piece not forming part of the joint unit, and a retaining unit for interacting with the main body and the connecting piece. The bush and the retaining unit are formed together in one piece. A joint assembly is further provided, including a joint unit and a connecting piece. |
| US09625069B2 |
Method for connecting plastic tubes by plastically deforming and widening connecting stub
A method for coaxially connecting a first plastic tube (10, 110) to a second plastic tube (20, 120), said plastic tubes (10, 20) in particular being provided as part of a medical catheter (102), the two plastic tubes (10, 20) being connected by way of a tubular connecting piece (50), characterized in that the first plastic tube (10) and/or the second plastic tube (20) are integrally molded from the outside onto the tubular connecting piece (50) using a forming process such that an adhesive and/or positive connection is produced. |
| US09625065B2 |
Plastics for medical technical devices
The invention relates to a molded body, especially for parts, top shells, inner elements, accessories and components of devices, for molding materials, filling materials for medical technical devices and/or medical products. The inventive molded body is characterized by being in at least some sections germ-repellant. The invention also relates to a medical device which comprises at least one molded body according to the invention. The invention finally relates to a method for producing the inventive molded body. |
| US09625063B2 |
Composite pipe
A pipe comprises a pipe wall formed of a composite material of a matrix and a plurality of reinforcing fibers embedded within the matrix. At least one longitudinal portion of the pipe wall comprises or defines a local variation in construction to provide a variation in a property of the pipe. |
| US09625062B2 |
Fuel system components
Fuel system components comprising polymer compositions containing functionalized graphene sheets. The components are formed from the polymer compositions or are coated with the polymer composition. |
| US09625057B2 |
Multi-activity pipe-laying vessel
A pipe-laying vessel has a bow, a stern and a weather deck therebetween, with a moonpool passing through the weather deck. The vessel includes an S-lay pipe deployment facility located below the weather deck, having a main firing line extending along a centerline of the vessel and a pipe assembly factory for assembling single lengths of pipe to form pipe assemblies and introduce them into the firing line for deployment from the vessel. The vessel further includes a J-lay pipe deployment facility for deploying pipe through the moonpool, the J-lay pipe deployment facility including a tower located above the moon pool and pipe handling equipment for delivering pipe assemblies from the firing line to the tower. The moonpool is located to one side of the firing line. By virtue of this configuration a relatively compact structure can be achieved whereby minimal length and width dimensions for the vessel are achievable. |
| US09625056B2 |
Automated system for laying pipe
An automated vehicle system for laying pipe includes a vehicle (e.g., a stringing trailer) with a bed for storing a plurality of pipes. Tilted gravity members extend across the bed of the vehicle to feed the pipes toward a chute with conveyor running toward the rear of the vehicle. A gate arm and rocker arm mechanism ensure that pipes are fed one at a time onto the conveyor to lay a series of pipes on the ground. Optionally, a joining trailer can be connected behind the vehicle for joining the pipes together before the pipe is placed on the ground. |
| US09625053B2 |
Hydraulic actuator lockout
The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, an apparatus that includes a valve with a valve housing having an axial bore, a first inlet port, a first outlet port, and a piston located within the axial bore and having a first fluid passage and configured to allow reciprocal axial movement of the piston within the axial bore between a first position in which the first fluid passage aligns axially with the first inlet port and the first outlet port to form a first fluidic circuit, and a second position in which the piston blocks at least one of the first inlet port and the first outlet port. The apparatus also includes a lockout assembly configurable to fix the piston into a selected position in a first configuration, and not interfere with reciprocal axial movement of the piston in a second configuration. |
| US09625047B2 |
Flow control valve for flow controller
A flow control valve for a flow controller includes a valve main body provided with an open-top valve chamber hole, a metal diaphragm valve element, a lower support cylinder having notches facing each other, an upper support cylinder attached to the lower support cylinder, a support frame horizontally disposed through the notches of the lower support cylinder, a disc spring placed between the support frame and a bottom of the lower support cylinder, a lower cradle placed on the support frame, a piezoelectric element inserted into the support cylinder above the lower cradle, a guide fixed to the valve main body together with the support frame with the support cylinder being inserted through the guide cylinder in a vertically movable manner. The support cylinder is pressed upward by the extension of the piezoelectric element, whereby the metal diaphragm valve element is separated from the valve seat by the elastic force. |
| US09625043B2 |
Apparatus to bias spool valves using supply pressure
Methods and apparatus to bias spool valves using supply pressure are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a housing of a spool valve, the housing including a first port to receive a fluid at a supply pressure. The example apparatus further includes a spool within the housing. A position of the spool is to be selectively controlled via an input force acting on the spool, the position of the spool to define a path of a flow of the fluid through the spool valve from the first port to a second port of the housing. A biasing force is to bias the spool opposite the input force, the biasing force to be generated from the supply pressure applied to an end of the spool. |
| US09625042B2 |
Fluid additive control valve
A valve arrangement includes various improvements useable in the context of a fluid additive system, such as a water softener. For example, the valve assembly may include a seal assembly engaged by a reciprocating piston, in which the seal assembly includes a minimal number of parts, is easily assembled, and can be easily inserted in the bore of the valve body without jeopardizing the integrity of the seals. The valve assembly may further include a quick-disconnect system which allows a “control head” including a valve actuation system and electronic controls to be disconnected from the rest of the valve arrangement with only a partial rotation of the control head. The valve assembly may also include a venturi used for drawing regeneration fluid into the system, and an associated venturi cleaner system which allows a user to unclog the fluid-flow orifice of the venturi without any disassembly of parts of the valve arrangement. |
| US09625040B2 |
Ball valve with anti-rotational pressure plate
A ball valve having an anti-rotational pressure plate that allows for a balanced pressure load on a valve member is provided. Additionally, the pressure plate can also fix the rotation of an adjacent flow disk, allowing for angular-orientation specific flow characterizing features to be used with the flow disk. By fixing the rotation of the flow disk, the ball valve can characterize flows using a greater variety of flow disk geometries, including angular-orientation dependent and angular-orientation independent flow disks. Further, the pressure plate could also be directly in the form of a flow disk that has anti-rotation features. |
| US09625032B2 |
Method for executing a gearshift in an automatic transmission
A method is provided for executing a gearshift in an automatic transmission with several shifting elements. Upon the execution of the gearshift, a first frictional-locking shifting element is opened and a second positive-locking shifting element is closed. If, upon the execution of the gearshift, an input torque of the automatic transmission is less than a threshold value, after at least partially opening the frictional-locking shifting element and after releasing the positive-locking shifting element, there is a monitoring of whether the positive-locking shifting element is transferred into its end position. If it is then determined that the positive-locking shifting element is not in its end position, a torque transferred by the partially open frictional-locking shifting element initially increases. If, despite the increase in torque transferred by the frictional-locking shifting element, the positive-locking shifting element is not in its end position, the operating pressure of the positive-locking shifting element is then increased. |
| US09625026B2 |
Locking differential assembly
A locking differential assembly includes a differential case defining an axis of rotation and a gear chamber. A first side gear is at a first end of the differential case. A second side gear is at a second end of the differential case opposite the first end for selectable rotation relative to the differential case. At least two pinion gears are rotatably supported in the gear chamber in meshing engagement with the first side gear and the second side gear. A solenoid is at the first end. A plunger is selectably magnetically actuatable by the solenoid. A lock ring is selectably engagable with the second side gear to selectably prevent the side gear from rotating relative to the differential case. At least two relay rods are each connected to the plunger and to the lock ring to cause the lock ring to remain a fixed predetermined distance from the plunger. |
| US09625025B2 |
Inboard spring arrangement for a clutch actuated differential
The present disclosure relates to a differential including a differential case adapted to be rotated about an axis of rotation, and a cross-shaft operatively coupled to the differential case such that the cross-shaft and the differential case rotate together about the axis of rotation. The differential includes left and right clutch actuators having opposing inboard sides between which the cross-shaft is positioned and left and right axle hubs positioned on opposite sides of the cross-shaft. The differential includes a left clutch pack that prevents relative rotation between the left clutch actuator and the left axle hub about the axis of rotation when a left clutch engagement pressure is applied to the left clutch pack and a right clutch pack that prevents relative rotation between the right clutch actuator and the right axle hub about the axis of rotation when a right clutch engagement pressure is applied to the right clutch pack. A rotation limiting arrangement at the inboard sides of the left and right clutch actuators is provided for limiting relative rotation between the left and right clutch actuators about the axis of rotation. The rotation limiting arrangement includes a rotation limiter captured between first and second stop surfaces which cooperate to define a limited range of relative rotational movement between the left and right clutch actuators. The rotation limiter has a first location that makes line contact with the first stop surface. The rotation limiter also has a second location that makes line contact with the second stop surface. |
| US09625024B2 |
Differential with torque coupling
A torque coupling unit for use with a differential assembly is provided. The torque coupling unit comprises a first member, a second member, a clutching assembly, and a clutch actuator. The first member is in driving engagement with a side gear of the differential assembly. The second member is in driving engagement with an output shaft. The clutch actuator assembly is disposed adjacent the clutching assembly and comprises a roller and ramp assembly. In response to a rotation of a portion of the clutch actuator assembly a portion of the roller and ramp assembly is driven in an axial manner to apply a force to the clutching assembly, causing a first portion of the clutching assembly to be at least variably frictionally engaged with a second portion of the clutching assembly. |
| US09625023B2 |
Torque converter damper with shudder control
A tuned damper for a torque converter includes a piston plate with a pivot ring, an inertia ring at least partially rotatable in a circumferential direction relative to the piston plate, and a resilient element fixed to the inertia ring and frictionally engaged with the piston plate pivot ring. In some example embodiments, the pivot ring includes a pair of radially extending tabs, the resilient element includes a radially-extending leaf spring fixed to a slide roll, and an outer circumference of the slide roll is clamped by the pivot ring tabs. In an example embodiment, the pivot ring tabs each include respective distal bent segments extending toward one another to limit radial displacement of the slide roll. In an example embodiment, an inertia of the inertia ring and a torsional spring rate of the resilient element are selected so that a natural frequency of the inertia ring is less than a shudder frequency. |
| US09625021B2 |
Electric portal axle for electrically driving a motor vehicle
An electric portal axle (1) for electrically driving a motor vehicle has a housing (28), a single electric machine (2) and two spur gear stages (13, 14) for driving two wheels of the axle. A shiftable transmission (5) is downstream of the electric machine (2) and is embodied as a planetary gear mechanism with a freewheel (6) and a differential (7). The portal axle (1) has a shifting mechanism (23) for shifting two gear stages of the portal axle (1). In a first gear stage, a ring gear (9) of the transmission (5) and a clutch body (27) that is fixed to the housing are connected, and a clutch (29) between the ring gear (9) and a planetary carrier (11) of the transmission (5) is opened. In a second gear stage the ring gear (9) and the clutch body (27) are disconnected and the clutch (29) is closed. |
| US09625012B2 |
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission (1) includes, in a transmission case (2), an input shaft (3), first to third planetary gear sets (PL1-PL3) of a single pinion type, a fourth planetary gear set (PL4) of a double pinion type, five frictional engagement elements (CL1, CL2, and B1-B3), and outputs (7, 8). The outputs (7, 8) are always engaged with a fourth ring gear (R4). |
| US09625011B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicles
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft receiving torque of an engine, an output shaft outputting changed torque, a first planetary gear set including first, second, and third rotation elements, a second planetary gear set including fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements, a compound planetary gear set formed by combining third and fourth planetary gear sets and including seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth rotation elements, a fifth planetary gear set including eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth rotation elements, and six friction elements disposed between at least one rotation element among thirteen rotation elements and another rotation element or the input shaft, or between at least one rotation element among the thirteen rotation elements and a transmission housing. |
| US09625010B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft receiving torque of an engine, an output shaft configured to output changed torque of the engine, a first planetary gear set including first, second, and third rotation elements, a second planetary gear set including fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements, a third planetary gear set including seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements, and a fourth planetary gear set including tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements. |
| US09625008B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicles
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for vehicles may include an input shaft receiving torque of an engine, an output shaft outputting changed torque, a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, a first rotational shaft selectively connected to a transmission housing, a second rotational shaft directly connected to the input shaft, a third rotational shaft, a fourth rotational shaft, a fifth rotational shaft selectively connected to the first rotational shaft or the second rotational shaft, a sixth rotational shaft directly connected to the output shaft, a seventh rotational shaft selectively connected to the transmission housing, an eighth rotational shaft selectively connected to the fourth rotational shaft or the fifth rotational shaft, and six friction elements interposed between the rotational shafts, or between at least one rotational shaft and the transmission housing to connect selectively. |
| US09625005B2 |
Speed reducer
A speed reducer includes a first transmission shaft, an eccentric wheel, a first roller assembly, a rotating wheel, a second roller assembly and a second transmission shaft. The rotating wheel includes a main body and an axle hole. The main body includes a convex structure and a concave structure. The convex structure is protruded from an outer periphery of the main body and has outer teeth. The outer teeth are contacted with the corresponding first rollers. The concave structure is concavely formed in a surface of the main body and includes inner teeth. The inner teeth are contacted with plural second rollers of the second roller assembly. Since the speed reducer is designed to have four operating situations, the speed reducer can have various reduction ratios. |
| US09625004B2 |
Connecting link pin retaining device
A connecting link pin retaining device has main frame with a lead screw threadably engaged with the main frame. The main frame has opposing upper and lower sections, and is sized and shaped to fit around a connecting link, typically used in connecting sections of mooring lines in subsea mooring applications. The retaining device is positioned around a connecting link, subsea, by a Remotely Operated Vehicle (“ROV”), and the main frame engages the connecting link and positions the lead screw in alignment with the connecting link pin of the connecting link. The lead screw is then rotated by an operating arm of the ROV, advancing the end of the lead screw against the connecting link pin and retaining it in place. |
| US09624999B2 |
Vibration absorption device
A floor portion (34) is formed to be inflected to a radial direction inner side from a lower end portion of a channel outer tube portion (32), and is disposed apart from and opposing a flange portion (24) at an outer periphery side of a tube portion (22) of a dividing member (20). The floor portion (34) is disposed within the tube portion (22) in an axial direction S, that is, so as to overlap with the tube portion (22) when viewed from a radial direction. A diaphragm (50) in the form of an elastic film is adhered by vulcanization to a restriction channel member (30) so as to cover an aperture in a lower side of the restriction channel member (30). A seal portion (56) is vulcanization-formed integrally with the diaphragm (50), so as to cover an inner periphery face of a channel inner tube portion (36) of the restriction channel member (30). |
| US09624998B2 |
Electromagnetic flywheel damper and method therefor
The present disclosure relates to an electromagnetic rotary shock absorber for damping a wheel suspension component associated with a motor vehicle. The electromagnetic rotary shock absorber has a flywheel and at least one damper. The damper has a first element operably associated with the flywheel for driving the flywheel rotationally, and a second element operably associated with the wheel suspension component. The damper operates to dampen relative movement of the wheel suspension component using an inertia of the flywheel. |
| US09624991B2 |
Method for reducing chatter vibrations in a drivetrain
A method is provided for reducing chatter vibrations in a motor vehicle drivetrain having a drive unit, a vehicle transmission and an automated friction clutch, wherein a vibration absorber is emulated by an appropriate operation of the friction clutch in order to improve the method. |
| US09624990B2 |
Actuator arrangement for a motor vehicle drive train
Actuator arrangement for a drive train, which has at least one friction clutch for transmitting drive torque and has a transmission. The friction clutch can be actuated by means of a hydraulic clutch cylinder, which is connected directly to a pump port of a pump driven by an electric motor in order to actuate the friction clutch, such that the friction clutch can be actuated by varying the speed of the pump. The actuator arrangement has a parking lock actuator device for actuating a parking lock arrangement of the drive train. The parking lock actuator device has at least one hydraulic parking lock cylinder, which can be connected to the pump, such that the parking lock arrangement can be actuated by varying at least one of the direction of rotation or the speed of the pump. |
| US09624989B2 |
Freewheel and freewheel arrangement
A freewheel (4) having a first running ring (28), a second running ring (30), a clamping gap (32) formed between the first and second running rings (28, 30), and at least one clamping element (34) in the clamping gap (32), the clamping gap (32) being assigned a side wall (40; 52) on which the at least one clamping element (34) can be or is supported. A side (60; 64) of the clamping element (34) which faces toward the side wall (40; 52) and/or that side (68; 72) of the side wall (40; 52) which faces toward the clamping element (34) is provided with a friction-reducing, wear-reducing and/or corrosion-reducing coating (62, 66; 70, 74) or surface treatment. |
| US09624987B2 |
System for controlling torque converter temperature during torque converter stall conditions
A method and system are provided for controlling the operating temperature of a torque converter during torque converter stall conditions. The torque converter has a pump rotatably driven by an internal combustion engine and a rotatable turbine fluidly coupled to the pump. The system first determines whether the torque converter is currently in a torque converter stall condition, and, if so, determines a slip speed as a difference in rotational speeds between the pump and the turbine, determines an engine output torque limit as a function of the slip speed and a desired slip speed, and controls the operating temperature of the torque converter by limiting output torque produced by the engine based on the engine output torque limit. |
| US09624982B2 |
Hollow shaft coupling
A hollow shaft coupling for connecting a shaft to a hollow shaft, where the hollow shaft coupling can be arranged completely in the hollow shaft and can effect clamping both radially inwardly as well as radially outwardly. The coupling enables a first clamping unit to clamp the hollow shaft coupling radially inwardly against the shaft and a second clamping unit which is separate from the first clamping unit to clamp the hollow shaft coupling radially outwardly against the inner circumferential surface of the hollow shaft, with the two clamping units spaced apart from one another axially, and the two clamping units connected to one another via a play-free and rotationally stable coupling which is arranged between them. |
| US09624981B2 |
Gas pressure bearing element
A gas pressure bearing element including a housing element with recesses, wherein the housing element is closed by a cover, wherein the recesses are defined by rib shaped intermediary walls and/or other island shaped protrusions and define first intermediary spaces between the intermediary walls and/or the island shaped protrusions, wherein the cover is formed in sections by a cured encasement compound provided with an open pore reinforcement mat, wherein the encasement compound has a flat surface that is processed after curing and forms a bearing surface for the gas pressure bearing element, wherein the bearing surface includes a plurality of gas outlet nozzles which are formed by micro holes penetrating the cover, and wherein the micro holes are provided at locations under which the first intermediary spaces are arranged below the cover, which first intermediary spaces form channels for a pressurized gas supply for the gas outlet nozzles. |
| US09624973B2 |
Apparatus having friction preventing function and method of manufacturing the same
A friction preventing apparatus and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The apparatus includes: a first object; a second object spaced apart from the first object and facing the first object; and a plurality of charged nanoparticles provided on a surface of one of the first and second objects, such that the nanoparticles are disposed between the first object and the second object. A potential difference is formed between the first and second objects. The nanoparticles may be positively charged and may adhere to the first object, and the first object has a potential lower than a potential of the second object. The nanoparticles may be negatively charged and may adhere to the second object, and the second object has a potential higher than a potential of the first object. |
| US09624972B2 |
Linear ball bushing
End rings fit over the opposite ends of the retainer inserted in the outer sleeve to keep properly the retainer against either of rotational and axial directions. End rings fit over the opposite ends of the retainer extending out of the outer sleeve to make abutment against the outer sleeve to cover the outside peripheries of the retainer. The circular groove of the retainer is composed of the raceway groove having the raceway surface with the slit, the return passage lying in parallel with the raceway groove and a pair of turnaround passages to intercommunicate between the raceway groove and the return passage. The end rings are kept in angular location against rotation by means of engagement between the first projections at the opposite ends of outer circular groove of the retainer and the second projections in the inside circular grooves of the end rings. The outer sleeve is to keep the retainer in lengthwise direction. |
| US09624970B2 |
Tapered roller bearing
A tapered roller bearing includes an outer ring having an outer-ring raceway surface that increases in diameter from a first side toward a second side in an axial direction, an inner ring having an inner-ring raceway surface and having a cone large face rib that is located on the second side of the inner ring in the axial direction, a plurality of tapered rollers, an annular cage, and a holding member provided on the second side of the outer ring in the axial direction to enable a lubricant inside the bearing to be held. The holding member has a cylindrical portion provided adjacently to the outer ring and a protruding portion protruding inward from the cylindrical portion in the radial direction. A slit is formed in the cylindrical portion to separate a radially inner portion, on which the protruding portion is provided, from a radially outer portion. |
| US09624968B1 |
Swing arm latch for a wheel servicing machine
A swing arm latch for a wheel servicing machine provides at least one moveable locking member associated with a support column or a swing arm. The locking member may be selectively engaged with the other one of the support column and swing arm, or may be alternatively engaged with a corresponding structure attached to or defined on the other one of the support column and swing arm. When the locking member is engaged, the swing arm is fixed at a desired angular position relative to the support column. When the locking member is disengaged, the swing arm may freely move in at least one angular direction. In some embodiments, a first locking member is attached to a support column, and a second locking member is attached to the swing arm, wherein the first and second locking members are selectively engageable to lock the swing arm at a desired angular position. |
| US09624967B2 |
Device for positioning an object at a user-adjusted position
A device is provided for positioning an object with respect to another object. The device includes a linkage having an extended condition and a collapsed condition, the linkage including at least one pair of links coupled to one another about a pivot rotation axis. The device also includes a friction element positioned at the pivot rotation axis of the at least one pair of links of the linkage. A spring of the device is positioned to apply bias to the links of the at least one pair of links of the linkage. The device is configured to resist unintended movement of the object from the user-adjusted position along the path and to facilitate intended movement of the object proximally toward or distally away from the other object. |
| US09624966B1 |
Floating clevis mechanism
A mechanical joint is provided comprising a bracket having a first elongated opening formed therein. An alignment guide comprising a second elongated opening formed therein is configured to rotatably attach to the bracket and is moveable between a first, floating position, and a second, non-floating position. In the first position the first elongated opening of the bracket and the second elongated opening of the alignment guide are axially aligned with one another and define a single elongated opening. In the second position the first elongated opening of the bracket and the second elongated opening of the alignment guide are partially aligned with one another and define a generally circular opening. The alignment guide is configured to slideably attach to a moveable end of a linear actuator. |
| US09624964B2 |
Hydroformed driveshaft tube with secondary shape
A hydroformed driveshaft tube formed using a hydroforming process is provided. The hydroformed driveshaft tube comprises a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion. The middle portion is at least partially defined by a circular arc shaped surface of revolution. At least a portion of the middle portion has a diameter greater than a diameter of the first end portion and the second end portion. The middle portion comprises a first distension, a constriction, and a second distension and is formed between the first end portion and the second end portion. The constriction is formed between the first distension and the second distension and the middle portion affects a critical speed and a breathing mode frequency of the hydroformed driveshaft tube. The hydroformed driveshaft tube reduces a cost of a driveshaft assembly. |
| US09624963B2 |
Vacuum suction cup having bowl-shaped framework
A suction cup, including a bowl-shaped framework, a cup body covering the framework, a connecting rod on a back surface of the framework and passing through the cup body, a bowl-shaped cup cover placed on the connection rod and covering the back surface of the cup body, and an annular protruding rib placed on the periphery of the back surface of the framework, which is in direct contact with the inner surface of the cup cover for effectively transfer the pressing force to make the suction cup less likely to fall off from the supporting surface. |
| US09624959B2 |
Connecting means
In order to provide a connecting means for connecting a first component and a second component, in particular for connecting furniture parts or machine parts, by means of which the components may be connected to one another simply and reliably, it is proposed that the connecting means includes a first connecting element which in the connected condition of the components is arranged on the first component, and a second connecting element which in the connected condition of the components is arranged on the second component, wherein, for connecting the first component and the second component, a spring element of the first connecting element is configured to come into engagement with a receiving element of the second connecting element, wherein the connecting means, in particular the first connecting element and/or the second connecting element, includes a reinforcing element for reinforcing a spring force of the spring element. |
| US09624958B2 |
Adaptor for connecting an electronic device having a camera to an optical device
This invention comprises an adaptor device for connecting an electronic device having a camera to a range of optical devices, including but not limited to binoculars, monoculars, riflescopes, spotting scopes, telescopes, and microscopes. This adaptor device has a plurality of protrusion that provide a self-centering and fitted connection between the electronic and optical device, so that the optical axes are aligned so that the user may take images or video on their electronic device through the optical device. The structure of the adaptor device allows the adaptor to fit a range of differently sized optical device, denoted by the diameter of the eyepiece end of the optical device. |
| US09624955B2 |
Sub-sea multiple quick connector assembly
A multiple quick connector (MQC) assembly is described herein. The MQC assembly includes a male sub-assembly that includes a plurality of quick connectors coupled to a first circular plate, and an actuator coupled to the first circular plate. The actuator is configured to actuate a shaft having a draw nut attached to an axial end of the shaft. The MQC assembly also includes a female sub-assembly that includes a plurality of couplers coupled to a second circular plate. Each of the couplers is configured to couple to a respective quick connector of the male sub-assembly. The second circular plate comprises an aperture disposed therethrough. Actuation of the shaft causes the draw nut to extend axially through the aperture, and to rotate with respect to the aperture to lock the male sub-assembly axially with respect to the female sub-assembly. |
| US09624950B2 |
Boot band
Provided is a boot band that is configured for preventing the occurrence of buckling in the inner-layer portion of a band body. In the boot band, by applying a diameter-reducing tightening force on the band body when an engagement pawl of an inner-layer portion of the band body has entered a top-end engagement hole of an outer-layer portion of the band body, the top-end engagement hole rides over the engagement pawl. Buckling is prevented by providing, at the area of the top-end engagement hole opposite where the engagement pawl enters therein, a guide that faces the engagement pawl. |
| US09624945B2 |
Circulation pump
An electric pump has a pump casing, a sealing plate, an impeller and a motor for driving the impeller. The pump casing has a main body. A recess is formed in the main body and with the sealing plate defines a pump chamber. A suction port is connected to the pump chamber by a suction channel and a suction passage formed in the main body. A discharge port is connected to the pump chamber by a discharge channel. The suction passage extends axially from the recess. The recess, suction passage, suction channel and discharge channel are all shaped in a manner allowing the pump casing can be molded as a monolithic structure in a single injection molding process. |
| US09624933B2 |
Support assembly for a turbomachine
A support assembly and method for supporting an internal assembly in a casing of a turbomachine are provided. The support assembly may include a support member that may be slidably disposed in a recess formed in the internal assembly and configured to engage an inner surface of the casing. A biasing member may be disposed in a pocket extending radially inward from the recess. The biasing member may at least partially extend into the recess and may be configured to apply a biasing force to the support member disposed therein. |
| US09624931B2 |
Pump unit
A pump assembly with an electric drive motor and with an electronics housing (10). The electronics housing in which at least one first electrical circuit board (14) is arranged. On the circuit board electrical contacts (18) are formed. Via the electrical contacts, at least one electronic component (16), in the inside of the electronics housing (10) may be programmed. At least one opening (22), through which the electrical contacts (18) on the circuit board (14) are contactable from the outside, is formed on a wall (20) of the electronics housing (10). |
| US09624929B2 |
Electric pump
An electric pump includes a housing and a motor unit having a stator disposed in the housing. A rotor is rotatably disposed on the stator and a rotating shaft is inserted in and passing through the rotor. A pump comprises an inner rotor coupled to one end of the rotating shaft and an outer rotor, and the pump has an inserting recess for receiving the pump. |
| US09624924B2 |
Air compressor having enlarged compartment for receiving pressurized air
An air compressor includes a cylinder housing, an outlet receptacle disposed on the cylinder housing, and a partition formed between the cylinder housing and the outlet receptacle and having an air passage formed in the partition, a piston slidably received in the cylinder housing and coupled to a motor for moving relative to the cylinder housing in a reciprocating action in order to generate a pressurized air, and a spring-biased check valve engaged with the partition for selectively blocking the air passage of the partition, the outlet receptacle includes an inner diameter “D2” no less than an inner diameter “D1” of the cylinder housing for allowing the pressurized air to easily flow into the outlet receptacle and for allowing the piston to be moved in a greater moving speed. |
| US09624923B2 |
Control arrangement for controlling a piston pump unit for liquid chromatography
A control arrangement for controlling a piston pump unit for liquid chromatography, in particular high-performance liquid chromatography, is described. The piston pump unit has at least two piston-cylinder units which operate cyclically in a phase-offset manner and generate, at an outlet port, a predetermined flow of a liquid medium to be delivered. A system pressure is established at the outlet port, irrespective of an associated fluid load resistance. The control arrangement is configured to record the pressure in the cylinder volume of at least a first of the at least two piston-cylinder units. During a measurement phase of the compression phase of the first piston-cylinder unit or during a measurement phase of the decompression phase of the first piston-cylinder unit, the control arrangement stops the drive device for the first piston-cylinder unit for a predetermined time period and in the process records measurement data which characterize the time profile of the pressure. |
| US09624922B2 |
Pressure monitoring device for controlling a compressor
A pressure monitoring device for use in an air system of a vehicle and for controlling a compressor comprises an input air connector for connection to an air tank and for receiving an input pressure from the air tank. A first signal air connector can output a pneumatic ON-load signal for adjusting the compressor to an operation mode. A second signal air connector can output a pneumatic OFF-load signal for adjusting the compressor to a non-operation mode. |
| US09624918B2 |
Pumping device
A pumping device compresses fluid, provides a vacuum, or both compresses fluid and provides a vacuum. A pumping device may be used to force gas through a sieve bed, draw gas out of a sieve bed, or both force gas through a sieve bed and drawing gas out of a sieve bed. A pumping device may be operated at high speed to provide a high fluid flow rate with a small pumping device. |
| US09624917B2 |
Hurricane dissipation system and method
The present invention concerns itself with systems and methods for the dissipation of hurricanes and/or tropical storms through the use of wind turbine pumps. These pumps, which are driven by the storm's own winds, draw cold deeper water from below the storm and spray it high into the air. This cold spray absorbs the heat energy from the air thus removing the driving force (the heat energy) from the hurricane. The spray also acts as a brake on wind speed. Hence, by using a series of these wind turbine pumps acting in cohesion, dissipation of hurricanes and/or tropical storms may be achieved. |
| US09624916B2 |
High-pressure fuel supply pump
The damper mechanism used for a high-pressure fuel supply pump system is configured so that an outer circumferential surface of a cover in regard to the thickness direction of the base material of the cover engages with the inner circumference of an open end part of a bottomed tubular concave part formed in a damper housing or in a pump housing of the high-pressure fuel supply pump. The total height of the damper as a low-pressure pulsation reducing mechanism can be reduced and the dimensions of the damper in the radial directions can also be reduced. In cases where the damper mechanism is formed integrally with the high-pressure fuel supply pump, the total height of the high-pressure fuel supply pump can be reduced and the dimensions of the damper part in the radial directions can also be reduced. |
| US09624914B2 |
Hydraulic pump
A rotational shaft 22 receives input of torque that is output from an electric motor 19. A housing 23 rotatably supports the rotational shaft 22. A cylinder block 24 inside the housing 23 rotates with the rotational shaft 22. The pistons 25 are supported relative to the respective cylinder chambers 24a in the cylinder block 24 so as to be slidably displaceable. A swash plate 26 is provided so as to come into contact with ends of the pistons 25 and be rotatable around the rotational shaft 22 with the pistons 25, and be rotatable about a rotation centerline that is obliquely inclined relative to the rotational shaft 22. A case 27 inside the housing 23 is pivotably supported relative to the housing 23. A bearing portion 28 holds the swash plate 26 relative to the case 27 so as to be rotatable around the rotation centerline. |
| US09624913B2 |
Hybrid trigeneration system based microgrid combined cooling, heat and power providing heating, cooling, electrical generation and energy storage using an integrated automation system for monitor, analysis and control
Provided is a consumer to industrial scale energy trigeneration process based microgrid combined cooling, heat and power. The present invention includes conversion, processing, extraction and/or storage systems for electrical, chemical and thermal energy. The invention provides a quintessential renewable energy ecosystem incorporating vital energy generation, thermal heating and cooling processes with integrated components installed to encompass a distributed renewable energy generation, energy storage and integrated automation system. The automation system of the invention provides the ability to view, monitor, analyze, control and interact with system components. |
| US09624909B2 |
Platform for generating electricity from flowing fluid using generally prolate turbine
A platform-like device for generating electricity from moving fluids has at least two fluid turbines coupled to one another through a frame. The fluid turbines are adapted to rotate in opposite directions. The fluid turbines also provide buoyancy for the platform so that the platform is self supporting in the water. The fluid turbines preferably have helicoid flights (screw-like threads) mounted to generally prolate casings. The fluid turbines preferably connect to electric generators through belt, chain-drive, or other transmission systems. The platform may additional support a wind turbine. |
| US09624905B2 |
System and method for preventing excessive loading on a wind turbine
Systems and methods for preventing excessive loading on a wind turbine are disclosed. The method includes determining a current wind turbine parameter using at least one operating condition via a processor, the operating condition indicative of wind turbine operation; storing the current wind turbine parameter in a memory store over a predetermined time period; calculating a standard deviation of a plurality of the stored current wind turbine parameters; determining a future wind turbine parameter; calculating a maximum wind turbine parameter as a function of the standard deviation of the plurality of stored wind turbine parameters and the future wind turbine parameter; and, controlling the wind turbine based on a difference between the maximum wind turbine parameter and a parameter setpoint to prevent excessive loading from acting on the wind turbine. |
| US09624904B2 |
Wind turbine defense to escape high wind events
Embodiments of the invention provide a number of passive and active defense designs and methods that enable a wind turbine to escape high wind events. The disclosure includes descriptions of multiple designs and methods for lowering the elevated portion of a wind turbine. Other embodiments of the invention concern ways to connect the elevated portion of a wind turbine to the tower. Numerous counterweight systems are also disclosed which enable the lowering of the elevated portion of the wind turbine. |
| US09624902B2 |
Assembly method for a main rotor shaft and an installation tool thereto
The present invention relates to an installation tool for assembling a main rotor shaft unit and an assembly method thereof. The installation tool comprises a first element for supporting the generator end of the rotor shaft and a rotatable support plate is coupled to a second element of the installation tool via engaging coupling elements. The rotor shaft is rotated by a single crane unit via lifting elements mounted to the generator end, and then lifted out of the installation tool and placed on a floor. The bearing units are then mounted to the outer surface of the rotor shaft. The rotor shaft is afterwards lifted onto the installation tool so that the coupling element is brought into engagement and the rotor shaft is rotated on to the first element. This provides an installation tool that eliminates the need for two crane units to rotate the rotor shaft and reduces the amount of man-hours needed to assemble the rotor shaft unit by up to six hours. The installation tool also provides a stable tool for the workers since the center of gravity is located between the first element and the rotation point. |
| US09624900B2 |
Linear faraday induction generator for the generation of electrical power from ocean wave kinetic energy and arrangements thereof
A buoy includes a flotation device configured to float at surface of a body of water. A vibrational linear electric generator (VLEG) is configured to generate power from vibrational oscillations caused by waves using compressed repulsive magnetic fields focused by end magnetic field deflecting magnets. A power collection circuit, which includes a first battery, is configured to collect and store energy generated by the VLEG. One or more electronic components are powered by the vibrational linear electric generator. |
| US09624899B2 |
Reaction body for wave energy apparatus
A subsurface reaction body arranged for use in apparatus for converting wave motion in a body of water to useful energy is provided. The subsurface reaction body is arranged to be selectively filled with air to a maximum buoyancy configuration and to be filled with water to a minimum buoyancy configuration. The subsurface reaction body has an arrangement of chambers therein to inhibit free flow of water through the reaction body and to define at least one further preset buoyancy configuration between the respective maximum and minimum configuration. |
| US09624897B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine and method of controlling internal combustion engine
A control device for an internal combustion engine capable of controlling an intake-pipe pressure within a range which allows restartability to be ensured. A control device for an internal combustion engine includes: an idle-stop control section for restarting the engine in response to generation of a restart request; and an intake-air amount control section for setting a control amount of an intake system so that the intake air amount becomes zero when an intake-pipe pressure of the engine upon generation of the automatic stop request is higher than a predetermined pressure and setting the control amount of the intake system so that the intake air amount becomes larger than the amount upon generation of the automatic stop request, and then becomes zero when the intake-pipe pressure is lower than the predetermined pressure. |
| US09624895B2 |
Control device and control method for vehicle
A vehicle control device includes: a controller configured to adjust a temperature of an evaporator constituting an air conditioning system of the vehicle to a target temperature; the controller being configured to automatically stop an engine when a predetermined engine automatic stop condition is satisfied; the controller being configured to automatically start the engine when at least the temperature of the evaporator reaches a predetermined temperature or higher during automatic stop of the engine, and the predetermined temperature being higher than the target temperature; and the controller being configured to set the target temperature of the evaporator to be lower when a vehicle speed is low than that when the vehicle speed is high. |
| US09624893B2 |
Engine shut-off and re-start strategy
When a non-hybrid motor vehicle is stopped, its engine is shut-off upon concurrence of certain conditions precedent without turning off the ignition switch. |
| US09624888B2 |
Apparatus for spray injection of liquid or gas
An injection gate (44,144,244,344) for high pressure, high velocity secondary fluid for admixture of an atomized spray (80,180) thereof with another or primary fluid that atomizes the other fluid. The secondary fluid may be an accelerant and the primary fluid may be a low pressure fuel/air mixture in a fuel injection arrangement for an internal combustion engine. An injection billet (10,110,210,310) for an engine is interposed between the carburetor (12) and the manifold (14), with an array of such injection gates (44,244,344) paired with an array of fuel/air gates (34,234,334) about an aperture coinciding with a throttle bore (60,160,260,360) and evenly balancing the spray about the throttle bore, creating a halo effect of atomized admixture of accelerant/fuel. The injection of accelerant is directed sharply downwardly toward the center of the bore and through the injected fuel stream, atomizing the fuel thereof for a high efficiency boost of horsepower. |
| US09624886B2 |
Hydraulic coupling
A hydraulic coupling is specified, particularly for fuel injectors, which has a housing pot having a pot bottom and a lateral pot surface, a piston guided axially displaceably in the housing pot, a fluid-filled coupling gap that is provided between the piston and the pot bottom, diaphragm situated on the outer side of the housing pot facing away from the piston, a compensation chamber that is bordered by the diaphragm and flow-connected to the coupling gap, and a spring element acting upon the diaphragm with an axially directed spring force. In order to achieve a low overall stiffness of the hydraulic coupling at the required specified coupling force, the spring element is developed as a spring bracket fixed to the housing pot, which lies against the diaphragm with axial prestressing in the region of the pot bottom. |
| US09624882B2 |
Aspirator for internal combustion engine having integrated flow bypass and check valve
An aspirator for a brake system is provided having the integrated functions of a flow bypass and a check valve for automotive applications to achieve various suction flow openings in response to different engine operating condition to enhance brake boost performance. The brake system includes a brake vacuum booster, an engine having an intake manifold, an aspirator having a movable total flow divergence nozzle, the aspirator being connected to the manifold, and a vacuum line connecting the booster to the aspirator. The aspirator includes a body having an internal end wall. A biasing element such as a spring is provided between the movable total flow divergence nozzle and the internal end wall of the aspirator body. The body of the aspirator includes an air flow path having an upstream area and a downstream area. The movable motive flow nozzle is positioned in the downstream area of the flow path. |
| US09624881B2 |
Airbox for engine
An airbox for an engine is provided. The airbox includes a first cylinder bank including a plurality of first cylinder sections. The airbox also includes a second cylinder bank including a plurality of second cylinder sections. The airbox further includes an isolation assembly provided in association with the first cylinder bank and the second cylinder bank. The isolation assembly is configured to isolate at least one first cylinder section of the plurality of first cylinder sections from another first cylinder section of the plurality of first cylinder sections, at least one second cylinder section of the plurality of second cylinder sections from another second cylinder section of the plurality of second cylinder sections, and the first cylinder bank from the second cylinder bank. |
| US09624879B2 |
Condensed water treatment device for internal combustion engine
The condensed water processing device determines (S2) whether the pH of condensed water stored in the condensed water tank is smaller than a threshold value (t). When the pH of condensed water is smaller than the threshold value (t), the supply quantity of urea water being supplied to the upstream side of the NOx catalyst is increased (S7) so that the supply quantity is larger than that in normal control (S4) executed when the pH of the condensed water is equal to or more than the threshold value (t). |
| US09624878B2 |
Non-return valve device for an internal combustion engine
A non-return valve device for an internal combustion engine includes a valve housing comprising an aperture with a downstream end arranged in a duct housing. The aperture defines a flow cross section. A valve seat surrounds the flow cross section. A valve closing member, provided as leaf springs, adapts, closes or opens the flow cross section. A distance between each of the leaf springs in their maximum opened position at the downstream end of the aperture and the duct housing arranged opposite to each of the leaf springs has a maximum which is twice as large as a distance between each of the leaf springs in their maximum opened position and the valve seat arranged opposite to each of the leaf springs. Defining inner walls of the duct housing downstream of the valve housing are arranged so that the flow cross section is first continuously reduced and then continuously enlarged. |
| US09624876B2 |
Methods and systems for fuel vapor metering via voltage-dependent solenoid valve on duration compensation
Methods and systems are provided for compensating a pulse width of a signal applied to a solenoid purge valve based on an input voltage, and delays in opening and/or closing the solenoid valve. |
| US09624874B2 |
Exhaust gas recirculation apparatus and control method therefor
An exhaust gas recirculation apparatus including an engine; a suction line; an exhaust line; a post-processing unit which is disposed in the exhaust line to reduce hazardous substances contained in the exhaust gas; a first circulation line which guides a part of the exhaust gas, which is guided to the exhaust line, to the suction line; a second circulation line which guides a part of the exhaust gas, which is guided to a downstream side of the post-processing unit, to the suction line; and a bypass line which branches off from an upstream side of the second circulation line, and merges with a downstream side of the second circulation line, wherein ammonia slip, which is discharged from the post-processing unit, is prevented from being guided to the suction line. |
| US09624871B2 |
Method and apparatus for supplying a gaseous fuel to an internal combustion engine
An apparatus and method for supplying gaseous fuel from a tender car to an internal combustion engine on a locomotive comprising storing the gaseous fuel at a cryogenic temperature in a cryogenic storage tank on the tender car; pumping the gaseous fuel to a first pressure from the cryogenic storage tank; vaporizing the gaseous fuel at the first pressure; and conveying the vaporized gaseous fuel to the internal combustion engine; whereby a pressure of the vaporized gaseous fuel is within a range between 310 bar and 575 bar. |
| US09624866B2 |
Method of estimating the injection pressure of an internal combustion engine
A method of estimating an injection pressure for an internal combustion engine of an automotive system is disclosed that is well-suited for use with a digital pressure sensor, which periodically acquires injection pressure signals. An updated injection pressure value is calculated starting from an injection pressure signal and compensated with a pressure-correcting parameter, based on an elapsed time from the injection pressure signal acquisition, an actual engine speed and an actual fuel injection quantity. |
| US09624863B1 |
System and method for supplying fuel to engine
A system for supplying fuel to an engine is disclosed. The system includes a first sensing unit for determining multiple operating parameters and multiple ambient conditions of the engine. The system includes an adaptive adjustment mechanism, a pressure regulator having a first valve and a second valve, and a controller communicating with the adaptive adjustment mechanism and the pressure regulator. The controller determines a first error and a second error associated with a pressure of a fuel supply to a pre-combustion chamber and a main combustion chamber, respectively, and receives an output signal indicative of an adjustment factor determined by the adaptive adjustment mechanism. The controller controls the first valve and the second valve based on the first error, the second error, and the output signal, to supply the fuel to the pre-combustion chamber and the main combustion chamber at a first pressure and a second pressure, respectively. |
| US09624861B2 |
Method for operating an internal combustion engine
A mixture pilot control for operating an internal combustion engine, in particular a gasoline engine of a motor vehicle, is provided. The mixture pilot control determines at least one composition of an air-fuel mixture required for a predetermined target air-fuel mixture ratio. The internal combustion engine is also provided with a lambda control with at least one lambda probe arranged in the exhaust gas flow of the internal combustion engine for determining a deviation of the actual air-fuel ratio from the predetermined target air-fuel ratio. Operating-parameter-dependent correction factors for the composition of the air-fuel mixture by the mixture pilot control are determined in dependence on the lambda control deviation, at least one of the load and/or the rotational speed and/or the temperature of the internal combustion engine, and further operating parameters of the vehicle other than the load, rotation speed or temperature of the internal combustion engine. |
| US09624854B2 |
Method and apparatus for fuel injection of engine system
A method for fuel injection of an engine system may include detecting driving information, including a combustion pressure in a combustion chamber, a heat generation amount in the combustion chamber, a crank angle, and a pressure/temperature/air amount of an intake manifold and an exhaust manifold, setting a fuel amount and injection timing with respect to a pilot injection as map data from an internal temperature, determining whether a maximum combustion pressure change rate is greater than a predetermined pressure change rate, determining generation timing of the maximum combustion pressure change rate, when the maximum combustion pressure change rate is greater than the predetermined pressure change rate, and decreasing a fuel amount of the pilot injection when the maximum combustion pressure change rate is generated during the pilot injection. |
| US09624846B2 |
Manual transmission active speed matching
In a vehicle having a manual transmission, various sensors such as pedal and gearshift position sensors and accelerometers provide data to a control module such as an engine control module. The control module includes a microprocessor which calculates derivatives, i.e., the rate of change (first derivative) or the rate of change of the rate of change (second derivative) of the data from the sensors. Based on these derivatives, the microprocessor classifies the current driving activity into one of two, three or more modes, for example, track, sport and touring. During a shift, from the data from the gearshift sensor, the microprocessor determines whether an upshift or downshift is imminent or in progress and decreases or increases the engine speed to achieve zero or negligible cross clutch speed differential upon clutch engagement, rapidly if in the first (track) mode, less rapidly in the second (sport) mode and less rapidly still in the third (touring) mode. |
| US09624844B2 |
System and method for emptying a tank
A system for method for emptying a gas storage tank of a vehicle is presented. In one example, engine valve timing is adjusted to facilitate reducing pressure within the gas storage tank. The system and method may extend the use of the gas stored in the gas storage tank. |
| US09624839B2 |
Electronic throttle body assembly
A throttle body assembly includes a housing defining a throttle bore with a throttle plate in the bore and mounted on a shaft. An electric motor has a pinion gear. A gear assembly transfers rotational drive from the electric motor to the throttle plate. Biasing structure biases the gear assembly and thus the shaft to cause the throttle plate to close the throttle bore defining a closed position thereof. When the motor is energized, rotation of the gear assembly, against the bias biasing structure, thereby causing rotation of the shaft to move the throttle plate from the closed position to an open position. A position sensor assembly determines a position of the plate. |
| US09624833B2 |
Compressor comprising a stator vane assembly having an inner ring and a seal carrier secured thereto with a clamping element
A compressor having a stator vane assembly having an inner ring and a seal carrier secured thereto, the seal carrier having two opposite seal carrier end faces and the inner ring having two inner ring end faces which face said seal carrier end faces and are received between said seal carrier end faces with an axial gap therebetween, at least one clamping element bearing axially with a first clamping element end face against the inner ring and with a second clamping element end face against the seal carrier and being axially resiliently clamped between the inner ring and the seal carrier. A compressor with a clamping element for radial clamping is also provided. |
| US09624832B2 |
Heat exchange arrangement
A heat exchange arrangement for a gas turbine engine. The arrangement includes a first conduit for an engine component cooling fluid and a second conduit for a second fluid. The arrangement further includes a heat exchange portion in which fluids flowing through the first and second conduits are in a heat exchange relationship. A valve is provided, which is configured to moderate the mass flow rate of one of the fluids through the heat exchange portion. The arrangement includes divert valve in the first conduit which diverts flow to the second conduit as the flow in the second conduit is moderated to reduce thermal shock in the heat exchange portion. |
| US09624828B2 |
Thrust efficient turbofan engine
A turbofan engine according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, among other possible things includes a gas generator section for generating a gas stream flow with higher energy per unit mass flow than that contained in ambient air. A power turbine converts the gas stream flow into shaft power. The power turbine rotates at a first rotational speed. A speed reduction device is driven by the power turbine. A propulsor section includes a fan driven by the power turbine through the speed reduction device at a second speed lower than the first speed for generating propulsive thrust as a mass flow rate of air through a bypass flow path. The fan includes a tip diameter greater than about fifty (50) inches and an Engine Unit Thrust Parameter (“EUTP”) defined as net engine thrust divided by a product of the mass flow rate of air through the bypass flow path, a tip diameter of the fan and the first rotational speed of the power turbine is less than about 0.30 at a take-off condition. |
| US09624827B2 |
Thrust efficient turbofan engine
A turbofan engine includes a gas generator section for generating a gas stream flow with higher energy per unit mass flow than that contained in the ambient air and a power turbine that converts the gas stream flow into shaft power. The turbofan engine further includes a propulsor section including a fan driven by the power turbine through a geared architecture at a second speed lower than the first speed for generating propulsive thrust as a mass flow rate of air through a bypass flow path. An Engine Unit Thrust Parameter defined as net engine thrust divided by a product of the mass flow rate of air through the bypass flow path, a tip diameter of the fan and the first rotational speed of the power turbine is less than about 0.15 at a take-off condition. |
| US09624826B2 |
Variable compression cylinder head, crankshaft, and piston rod and system thereof
A variable compression cylinder head assembly usable with an internal combustion engine having at least one piston, the cylinder head assembly including a cylinder head housing having a combustion chamber formed therein, a compression control piston disposed within the combustion chamber, a compression head actuator coupled to the cylinder head housing, the compression head actuator including an actuator housing defining an actuator reservoir, a fluid port coupled to the actuator housing to receive a fluid, a movable force plate disposed within the actuator reservoir and coupled to the compression control piston, wherein the force plate and the compression control piston move between a first position and a second position when the fluid enters the actuator reservoir. |
| US09624823B2 |
Internal combustion engine with deactivatable cylinder, and method for operating an internal combustion engine of said type
A method and system is provided for a turbocharged multi-cylinder internal combustion engine comprising a two-channel turbine and at least two groups of cylinders, wherein one group of cylinders is switchable responsive to an engine load over a threshold. Exhaust lines of each group of cylinders are arranged in a targeted manner to couple with the turbine such that the switchable group is attached to one channel and the active group is attached to the other channel to reduce the difference in distances that pressure pulses travel, wherein a shut-off element is provided in the channel attached to the switchable group and may be moved to block exhaust flow through the channel when the cylinders are deactivated, thus improving the partial deactivation and turbocharging characteristics of the engine. |
| US09624821B2 |
Air intake structure for internal combustion engine
ProblemIn an air intake structure for an internal combustion engine 1 where a compressor impeller 22 of a turbocharger 20 is disposed in an air intake passage (4) of the internal combustion engine 1, not to prevent an ice clump 15 from appearing on an inner wall surface of the air intake passage (4), but prevents this ice clump 15 from colliding with the compressor impeller 22, especially, a vane 22a of the compressor impeller 22 when the ice clump 15 formed on the inner wall surface of the air intake passage (4) peels off.SolutionA capture member 30 is provided upstream side with respect to the compressor impeller 22 in the air intake passage (4). The capture member 30 is configured to capture an ice clump 15 formed at an inner wall surface of the air intake passage (4) when the ice clump 15 peels off. |
| US09624820B2 |
Control device for direct injection gasoline engines
A control device for direct injection gasoline engines includes a fuel injection control part (engine control device) composed to control a fuel injection aspect of an injector. The fuel injection control part changes an injection mode of the injector by changing the lift amount of the injector and the injection interval of the fuel respectively. The fuel injection control part switches between a first injection mode, which includes multiple times of the fuel injection with the small lift amount of the injector and the small interval of the fuel injection, and a second injection mode, which includes multiple times of the fuel injection with the bigger lift amount of the injector and the larger interval of the fuel injection than those of the first injection mode, according to an operating state of the engine body. |
| US09624817B2 |
Cooling fan module and adapter device therefor
The present invention provides a cooling fan module for an automotive cooling system, comprising: a cooling fan having a hub and a plurality of fan blades extending from the hub; a motor for driving the cooling fan, the motor having a rotor mounted or supported for rotation about an axis on a fixed shaft or axle of the motor; and an adapter device by means of which the cooling fan is attached to the rotor, wherein the adapter device comprises a connection member for rotationally fixed connection to a body of the rotor, and an attachment member for attachment with the hub of the cooling fan. The connection member may comprise a stub, which is desirably inserted into a central opening or aperture of the rotor body and the adapter device desirably accommodates at least one bearing upon which the rotor is supported for rotation about the rotational axis. |
| US09624815B2 |
Support structure for mounting an emissions cleaning module
A support structure for mounting an emissions cleaning module to an engine is provided. The support structure includes a lower section adapted to be mounted to the engine and an upper section, coupled to the lower section, and adapted to carry the emissions cleaning module. The support structure may include anti-vibration mounts to reduce movement, in use, of the emissions cleaning module due to movement of the engine. |
| US09624811B2 |
Control device of internal combustion engine
A control device of an internal combustion engine which is provided with an exhaust purification catalyst is provided with a downstream side air-fuel ratio sensor, a feed control means for controlling the fuel feed amount so that the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas becomes a target air-fuel ratio, and an excess/deficiency estimating means which estimates an oxygen excess/deficiency in the exhaust gas. The target air-fuel ratio is switched to a lean air-fuel ratio when the output air-fuel ratio of the downstream side air-fuel ratio sensor becomes a rich air-fuel ratio and is switched to the rich air-fuel ratio when the stored amount of oxygen of the exhaust purification catalyst after this becomes a switching reference amount or more. An absolute value of cumulative oxygen excess/deficiency at a time period during which the target air-fuel ratio is made the lean air-fuel ratio and an absolute value of cumulative oxygen excess/deficiency at a time period during which the target air-fuel ratio is made the rich air-fuel ratio are used as the basis to correct the target air-fuel ratio etc. so that the difference of these absolute values becomes small. |
| US09624810B2 |
Delivery unit for a liquid additive with a temperature sensor, method for checking the operating state of a delivery unit and motor vehicle having a delivery unit
A delivery unit for delivering a liquid additive in a motor vehicle, includes at least one temperature sensor for contactlessly measuring a temperature at least at one measurement point in the delivery unit. The temperature sensor and the measurement point have a spacing therebetween and a radiation channel which is free from fixtures is provided between the temperature sensor and the measurement point. A method for checking the operating state of a delivery unit and a motor vehicle having a delivery unit are also provided. |
| US09624797B2 |
Lubricating system for internal combustion engine, oil pan apparatus, and internal combustion engine
A lubrication system for an internal combustion engine. The lubrication system may comprise an oil cooler; an oil cooler supply passage for delivering oil to an inlet of the oil cooler from an oil reservoir; an oil cooler outlet passage for delivering oil from an outlet of the oil cooler to one or more portions of the internal combustion engine to be lubricated; a first pressure relief valve operably coupled to the oil cooler supply passage, the first pressure relief valve configured to open at a first predetermined pressure to allow oil in the oil cooler supply passage to return to the oil reservoir without passing through the oil cooler; and a second pressure relief valve operably coupled to the oil cooler outlet passage, the second pressure relief valve configured to open at a second predetermined pressure to allow oil in the oil cooler outlet passage to return to the oil reservoir after passing through the oil cooler, the second predetermined pressure being less than the first predetermined pressure. |
| US09624791B2 |
Noise suppression apparatus and methods of manufacturing the same
A noise suppression apparatus includes a body portion including a plurality of nested channels, each channel of the plurality of nested channels including a first end opening and a second end opening, and a surface portion including each first end opening and each second end opening of each channel. |
| US09624789B2 |
Turbomachine casing assembly
A turbomachine casing assembly including a casing adapted to encase an aerofoil structure, the aerofoil structure having a tip, a leading edge and a trailing edge, the casing substantially surrounding the tip of the aerofoil structure, wherein the casing has a set-back portion extending from a position in the region of the leading edge or the trailing edge of the aerofoil structure part way towards a position in the region of the respective other edge and set back from the remainder of the casing away from the aerofoil structure, such that the set-back portion permits a flow over a corresponding portion of the tip of the aerofoil structure. |
| US09624784B2 |
Turbine seal system and method
A system includes a multi-stage turbine that includes a first turbine stage having a first wheel having a plurality of first blade segments spaced circumferentially about the first wheel. The turbine also includes a second turbine stage having a second wheel having a plurality of second blade segments spaced circumferentially about the second wheel. The turbine also includes a seal assembly extending axially between the first and second turbine stages. The seal assembly includes a first coverplate coupled to the first turbine stage. The first coverplate includes a first air director. The seal assembly also includes a second coverplate coupled to the second turbine stage. The second coverplate comprises a second air director. The seal assembly also includes an interstage seal. The first coverplate, the second coverplate, or both are configured to support the interstage seal. |
| US09624779B2 |
Thermal management article and method of forming the same, and method of thermal management of a substrate
A thermal management article, a method for forming a thermal management article and a thermal management method are disclosed. Forming a thermal management article includes forming a duct adapted to be inserted into a groove on the surface of a substrate, and attaching the duct to the groove so that the top outer surface of the duct is substantially flush with the surface of the substrate. Thermal management of a substrate includes transporting a fluid through the duct of a thermal management article to alter the temperature of the substrate. |
| US09624778B2 |
Rotor blade manufacture
A method is provided of processing one or more blades of a row of blades which forms part of a rotor for a gas turbine engine. The method includes: providing a rotor disc having a slot for mounting one or more blades; loading the blades in the slot and loading the wax blocks in or adjacent the slot, the wax blocks being configured and positioned such that, on loading, the blades shear material from the wax blocks, the sheared wax blocks reducing a range of tilt angles which can be adopted by the blades; and performing a processing operation on the loaded blades. |
| US09624777B2 |
Mobile member of a turbomachine which comprises means for changing the resonance frequency of same
A rotor of an aircraft turbomachine having a main axis A, which includes modifying the critical speed of the rotor, depending on whether the rotational speed of the rotor is lower or higher than a predefined rotational speed, including a component that is capable of occupying a first state or a second state depending on whether the rotational speed of the rotor is lower or higher than the predefined rotational speed, each state of the component corresponding to a critical speed of the rotor, and driving the component to one or the other of the two states thereof, depending on the rotational speed of the rotor, wherein modifying the critical speed of the rotor further includes a component that engages with the drive means and is capable of being deformed elastically between one or the other of two stable forms, each of which corresponds to a state of the component. |
| US09624773B2 |
Proximity switch actuation mechanism
An actuation mechanism for an electromagnetic switch for a hydraulic cylinder includes a housing adapted to be inserted into a cylinder head. A rod is slidably engaged in the housing and is adapted to move between a first position and a second position. A biasing element, which may be located inside or outside of the housing biases the rod into the first position. |
| US09624771B2 |
Take-up mechanism for conveyor system
A tensioning mechanism for a conveyor system includes a first end including a drive unit, an anchor structure, a continuous belt extending at least partially between the drive unit and the anchor structure, a first carriage, and a second carriage. The first carriage is coupled to the drive unit and supports a portion of the belt. The first carriage is supported for movement relative to the drive unit to adjust a tension in the belt, and the first carriage is movable between the drive unit and an intermediate position. The second carriage is releasably secured to the anchor structure and supports another portion of the belt. The second carriage is supported for movement relative to the anchor structure between a first position and a second position. A distance between the first end and the second carriage defining a take-up length, and movement of the second carriage changes the take-up length. |
| US09624770B2 |
Self-undercut anchor system
The self-undercut anchor with carbide tip is designed to create a drill hole and enlarging the lowermost end of said drill hole by means of a carbide tip or cutting portion. The carbide tip or cutting portion is positioned in such a way so as to not obstruct the setting of the anchor by means of the spreading lamellae. Once said lamellae have been positioned properly and forced downward, the self-undercut anchor is set in place. |
| US09624768B2 |
Methods of evaluating rock properties while drilling using downhole acoustic sensors and telemetry system
Methods of identifying rock properties in real-time during drilling, are provided. An example of method includes connecting a downhole sensor subassembly between a drill bit and a drill string, operably coupling acoustic sensors to a downhole processor, operably coupling a borehole telemetry system, downhole and surface data transmitting interfaces, and a surface computer to the downhole data transmitting interface. The method also includes receiving raw acoustic sensor data resulting from rotational contact of the drill bit with rock by the downhole processor, transforming the raw acoustic sensor data into the frequency domain, filtering the transformed data, and deriving acoustic characteristics from the filtered data. The method also includes the surface computer receiving the acoustic characteristics and deriving petrophysical properties from the acoustic characteristics directly or by utilizing a petrophysical properties evaluation algorithm. |
| US09624764B2 |
Method and apparatus for testing a tubular annular seal
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for testing a wellbore, and to an apparatus and method to efficiently and effectively test the annular seal of a tubular string positioned within a wellbore. More specifically, the cement seal between a casing string and a wellbore is tested to assure there is no contamination of groundwater or between different geologic formations. An additional aspect of the present invention is to provide a testing assembly comprising a frangible body and a tool body, the tool body providing a passageway to the annular seal when the frangible body is drilled out. In one particular embodiment, the frangible body initially forms an encapsulated bore that aligns with the passageway. |
| US09624756B2 |
Sliding sleeve having contracting, dual segmented ball seat
A sliding sleeve opens with a deployed ball. The sleeve has a seat disposed in the housing, and the seat has segments biased outward from one another with a C-ring or other biasing element. Initially, the seat has an expanded state in the sliding sleeve so that the seats segments expand outward against the housing's bore. When an appropriately sized ball is deployed downhole, the ball engages the expanded seat. Fluid pressure applied against the seated ball moves the seat into the inner sleeve's bore. As this occurs, the seat contracts, which increases the engagement area of the seat with the ball. Eventually, the seat reaches the shoulder in the inner sleeve so that pressure applied against the seated ball now moves the inner sleeve in the housing to open the sliding sleeve's flow port. |
| US09624755B2 |
Wireline retrievable injection valve assembly with a variable orifice
A wireline retrievable injection valve for an oil or gas well has an internal valve that is initially moved to open a flapper safety valve and also opens to allow fluid flow through the valve. The internal valve includes a sleeve that opens the flapper safety valve and shields the flapper safety valve from fluid. In this manner the flapper valve is protected from being caused to “flutter” or “chatter” due to pressure variations in the fluid flow, thereby damaging the seat. |
| US09624754B2 |
Radiused ID baffle
A method for servicing a subterranean formation comprising providing a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation, and placing a wellbore servicing tool in the wellbore, wherein the wellbore servicing tool comprises a baffle, wherein the baffle comprises a seat contoured to match a spherical zone of an obturator. |
| US09624752B2 |
Seal and assembly comprising the seal and method for applying the seal
A seal including a seal wall comprising a swelling polymer material having elastomeric properties so that the seal has a non-swollen state and an expanded state, the seal wall having a closed circumference that extends around a central longitudinal axis and that extends from a first end via an intermediate section to a second end along a length (L) in the direction of the central axis (A), wherein the first end of the seal sleeve wall is connected or connectable to the inner element and wherein the seal wall, apart from at and adjacent to the first end thereof, is freely radially expandable due to the fact that the second end and the intermediate section of the seal wall are not connected to any structural parts. |
| US09624739B2 |
Drilling rig
An offshore drilling rig comprising a drill floor deck having a hole defining a first well center. The drilling rig may further include a first hoisting system configured for hoisting and lowering tubular equipment through the first well center. The drilling rig may further include first pipe handling equipment for presenting tubular equipment to the first hoisting system so as to allow the first hoisting system to hoist or lower the tubular equipment through the first well center. The drilling rig may include a mounting structure, separate from the first hoisting system for suspending suspendable auxiliary equipment from an elevated position above the drill floor deck, allowing the auxiliary equipment to be lowered or hoisted through the first well center; wherein the mounting structure is movable between a lower position for rigging up auxiliary equipment to the mounting structure, and an elevated position allowing lowering or hoisting of auxiliary equipment suspended from the mounting structure through the first well center. |
| US09624737B1 |
Locking collar
A lock collar for locking a centralizer in place on a tubular of the type used in production strings in the oilfield. The lock collar relates to mechanisms such as stop rings or lock collars commonly used in downhole applications to prevent axial and/or rotational movement of centralizers mounted on the tubing or casing outer surface. |
| US09624736B1 |
Sucker rod end
A sucker rod including a sucker rod body (122); a transition section (125) having an outer surface disposed circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the transition section, the outer surface having a longitudinal profile comprising a continuous curve beginning at the cylindrical outer surface of the rod body and having a concave curved portion having a radius (RA) and a convex curved portion having a radius (RB), wherein RB is less than RA and a diameter of the transition section measured transverse to the longitudinal axis (AA) is continuously increasing with distance from the outer surface of the rod; a wrench square section (127) having at least four wrench flats (124); a pin shoulder section (128) having a pin shoulder face (126) adapted to contact an end of a coupling (117) the pin shoulder face having an outer diameter (DF); and a threaded pin connection section (129) having male threads. |
| US09624735B2 |
Marine drilling riser protection system
A marine drilling riser protection system including a plurality of protection modules adapted for fitment at spaced intervals along the length of a riser, and a plurality of cover parts, wherein each cover part is adapted to be fitted at one end of the cover part to a first protection module, and at an opposite end of the cover part to a second protection module. |
| US09624732B2 |
Hole opener and method for drilling
The present document describes a drill-bit which achieves both the rigidity and a fast rate of penetration. The drill-bit comprises a cone shaped central portion comprising a plurality of ribs protruding from the central portion and defining a plurality of blades. The blades are curved along a direction of a longitudinal axis of the cone to facilitate insertion into a hole when rotating in a first direction, and exit from the hole when rotating in a second direction opposite the first direction. The drill-bit comprises a plurality of polycrystalline diamond cutters (PDC) on the blades provided in a first position for cutting the hard structure as the drilling-bit rotates in the first direction, and a plurality of up-drill PDC cutters provided in a second position for cleaning the hole as the drill-bit rotate in the second direction to exit the hole. |
| US09624730B2 |
Hard facing configuration for a drilling tool
Bits configured for drilling rock that are of the type that includes a plurality of teeth supported in pockets that are on a cutting face that is driven to rotate. The pockets are configured to allow the teeth to passively rotate while in the pockets. The present disclosure provides a bit having hardfacing around the pockets and related methods. |
| US09624728B2 |
Controllable deflection housing, downhole steering assembly and method of use
This invention relates to a controllable deflection tool. The controllable deflection tool is likely to have its greatest utility as part of a downhole assembly to steer a drill bit during drilling for oil and gas. There is provided a controllable deflection tool having a first end and a second end, the tool having: a conduit for a working fluid; a rotary element adapted for rotation within the tool; a deflection member; a vane motor configured to rotate the deflection member relative to the rotary element; and a valve for controlling the flow of working fluid to the vane motor. There is also provided a downhole steering assembly and a method of steering a downhole drilling assembly incorporating the controllable deflection tool. |
| US09624726B2 |
System and methodology for mechanically releasing a running string
A technique facilitates selectively disengaging a running string from a lateral tube assembly. The running string comprises a running sub which is engageable with the lateral tube assembly. The running string further comprises a window finder which is positioned to extend into a main bore casing window when the running string is deployed downhole with the lateral tube assembly. Additionally, the running string comprises an extension sub which is coupled to the window finder. The extension sub is selectively extensible to disengage the window finder from the main bore casing prior to release of the running sub from the lateral tube assembly via a release force applied through the running string. |
| US09624718B2 |
Dynamic desk accessory delivering on-demand privacy on an open work table
A privacy accessory includes a base having a body portion; a retention portion defining a retention edge for releasably securing the base to a work surface; a plurality of frame members secured to the base, each frame member having a first side portion pivotably secured to the base and a second side portion pivotably secured to the base, each of the plurality of frame members telescopically received with an adjacent one of the plurality of frame members in a series that graduate from a smallest one to a largest one, the frame members being sequentially deployable to a first, expanded state by pulling on the largest one and sequentially folded to a second, collapsed state by pushing on the largest one of the plurality of frame members. |
| US09624716B2 |
Multi-layer sealing spacer for entryway components
A spacer for sealing a joint between a first component and a second component of an entryway. The spacer may include substantially rigid support and a first gasket having a first uncompressed thickness (T1). The first gasket is attached to a first surface of the support. The first surface has at least one first boss extending therefrom by a distance (D1) such that (D1) is less than (T1). The at least one first boss is configured to abut a portion of the first component to provide the desired compression of the first gasket between the first component and the support. |
| US09624715B2 |
Glazing panel including glass sheets joined together by means of spacers and corresponding method for manufacturing same
The invention relates to a glass panel including a first (5) and a second (5) glass sheet combined together via at least one spacer (8) that keeps the glass sheets at a certain distance from each other, wherein an inner gap (4) between said glass sheets (5) includes at least a first recess (41) in which a vacuum of lower than 1 mbar is formed, said recess being sealed by a peripheral seal arranged at the periphery of the glass sheets around said inner space (4), the seal (1) being a metal seal rigidly connected to the first and second glass sheets, respectively. According to the invention, the metal seal (1) further includes a means (11) for placing the inner gap (4) in communication with the outside of the panel, wherein said communication means can be sealed. |
| US09624711B2 |
Locking insert mechanism and receiver to secure personal weapons, valuables and other items
A personal security apparatus to house weapons, valuables, and/or items requiring concealment includes a lockable insert mechanism to securely house items and at least one receiving apparatus adapted to mount the insert mechanism into or onto various structures and a lockable access door that provides convenient, rapid access to the items contained in the personal security apparatus and further prevents access by unauthorized persons. |
| US09624710B2 |
Door operating system
A door operating system or door opening and closing apparatus comprising at least one motive source, a linkage assembly and a door. Preferred door operating systems will include two linkage assemblies, two doors and two motive sources, one for each door. Each motive source is preferably attached to an interior facing surface of a frame of a structure and the door is pivotally attached to an exterior facing surface of the frame of a structure. Each linkage assembly operatively connects the respective motive source to the respective door. By having the motive source attached to the interior facing surface of the frame, doors of the operating system can preferably be opened the full width of the frame opening to maximize available vehicle clearance. |
| US09624706B2 |
Hinge assembly
A hinge assembly is disclosed herein. An example includes a first knuckle including a first wall that defines a first cavity and second knuckle including a second wall that defines a second cavity. The example also includes a friction element disposed in both the first cavity defined by the first wall of the first knuckle and the second cavity defined by the second wall of the second knuckle to both rotatably and resistively couple the first knuckle to the second knuckle by application of a force directed toward the first wall and the second wall, the friction element including a third wall that defines a third cavity. Modifications and additions to, as well as other examples of, the hinge assembly are also disclosed herein. |
| US09624705B2 |
Displacement device for slidable and turnable separation elements and functional entity
The displacement device includes a guide carriage that is slidable along a running rail and that is pivotally connectable to a first separation element. The guide carriage includes a carriage body with a carriage head and a carriage foot, which carriage head and carriage foot are connected with one another by a connecting beam, wherein the carriage head holds at least one support wheel and at least two guide wheels and wherein the carriage foot is connected torque proof with a first end piece of a hinge lever, whose second end piece is pivotally held by a hinge shaft that is connectable to a sidewall of the first separation element. |
| US09624703B1 |
Positioning mechanisms of double-pintle hinge
A double-pintle hinge includes a first pintle, a second pintle, and positioning mechanisms configured to allow the first and second pintles to rotate relative to each other to releasably retained positions. The positioning mechanisms include first and second joining members interconnecting the first and second pintles and sandwiching a first and second cams, a first and second cam followers, and a biasing member. The first cam is coupled to the first pintle. The second cam is coupled to the second pintle. The first and second cam followers are positioned between the first and second cams, and respectively abut the first and second cams, and are movably connected with each other. The biasing member is positioned between the first and second cam followers. |
| US09624702B1 |
Port O lock
A portable lock for public bathroom stalls for providing temporary closure and external visual notification of occupation for public bathroom stalls. The portable lock for public bathroom stalls may generally include housings connected by a connection rod to springs pivoting on pins retained by retaining rings. Magnets may be installed into lids provide simple closure before use and additional tension or mounting fixation in use. |
| US09624701B2 |
Multi-point lock having a shootbolt with a flat driverail mounted in a narrow groove
A multi-point lock having an easy to install modular drive mechanism for shootbolts located at the top and bottom edges of a door in which the multi-point locking system is installed that requires only relatively simple door preparation. The shootbolt operating mechanism is installed into a narrow groove cut into a lateral edge of a door which may be cut using relatively simple tools in relatively quick fashion. The shootbolt actuating mechanisms are flat driverails that are made of flat barstock that fit slidably entirely within the narrow groove defined in the lateral edge of the door above and below the mortise pocket. |
| US09624699B2 |
Push-pull closing device
The invention regards a locking device for the closing door of a washing and drying machine, constituted of a body of containment that houses a locking wheel for the door latch, subject to the action of elastic means, a sliding bolt capable of preventing the rotation of said wheel and a time-delay mechanism fitted with a locking pawl for said sliding bolt. The wheel is fitted with a cavity that presents a surface tilted with respect to the plane of rotation, so as to resolve the force it exerts on the bolt, when a pulling is exerted on the door while the device is in a closed and locked position. |
| US09624697B1 |
Computer security lock for trapezoidal security slot
A portable electronic device requiring securing against theft, includes a cavity with an opening thereinto. The opening is accessible at an exterior of the device, and defined by an upper edge, a juxtaposed lower edge, and a pair of juxtaposed side edges. The cavity is defined by an upper wall, a juxtaposed lower wall, and juxtaposed side walls, the side walls being angled relative to each other with a separation distance between them gradually increasing in a direction into said cavity, away from said opening into said cavity, whereby a planar cross section through the cavity that bisects both side walls has a trapezoidal shape. The lock opening has a size and shape slightly larger than the cross-sectional size of the forward section of a locking element and an interior larger in cross-sectional size than at the opening of the cavity. |
| US09624694B2 |
Tamper detection mechanism for electronic lock device
An apparatus and method for tamper detection of an electronic lock device using a capacitive proximity sensor. The capacitive proximity sensor is positioned on a printed circuit board that is positioned in an inner region of a housing of the electronic lock device. An electronic signal is transmitted to a conductive element, such as, for example, an area of a copper layer(s) or trace(s) on the printed circuit board. The transmitted electronic signal is monitored to determine a capacitance value. The capacitance value is evaluated to determine whether the capacitance value corresponds to known or predetermined capacitance values that are associated with a cover plate covering an opening of the inner region. In the event the capacitance value is determined to be outside of predetermined capacitance values, and signal may be generated to a reporting authority indicating the removal of the cover plate from the housing. |
| US09624693B2 |
Integrated locks with visual indicators for aircraft galley systems
Provided are integrated locks, aircraft galley systems using such locks, and aircraft including such galley systems. An integrated lock has a low profile and provides secure locking and visual indication of the lock status to meet various FAA regulations. The visual indication may be provided mechanically (e.g., by moving a two-color indicator between two positions) or electronically (e.g., by triggering a switch connected to a light or an electro-chromic device). Furthermore, a main indicator may be connected to multiple different locks to provide a combined visual indication of the status of all locks. A visual indicator may be disposed on a galley system frame. Each integrated lock may include a handle portion and a locking portion connected to the handle portion and configured to engage the galley system frame when the handle portion is in the locked position and the door is closed. |
| US09624692B2 |
Tamper evident cargo container seal bolt lock
Systems and methods for a tamper-evident cargo container seal bolt lock are disclosed herein. The device can include a receiving member, a conductive bolt member adapted to be snap-locked into the receiving member, and a plastic encapsulant which tethers the bolt member to the receiving member. The encapsulant can contain an electrically conductive medium, such as a wire, which runs from the receiving member to the second end of the bolt. A sensory circuit disposed within the receiving member can be configured to sense whether the circuit has been interrupted (e.g., if the bolt has been cut). In the event of an interruption, the circuit can record the present time and/or date in memory. An RFID transponder disposed within the encapsulant or the receiving member can then transmit the recorded date/time to an RFID interrogator if a dispute subsequently arises as to when the lock had been broken. |
| US09624691B2 |
Key and disc tumbler cylinder lock
A key and a lock cylinder, which are formed such that the guiding the key into the keyhole and the key canal occurs precisely and in a user-friendly manner. The precise placement of the key in relation to the lock cylinder and its parts enables even distribution of the forces directed onto the key and the lock cylinder. |
| US09624689B2 |
Retractable canopy
Aspects of the present disclosure provide retractable canopies, kits of parts for assembling retractable canopies, and methods for assembling and operating retractable canopies. The retractable canopies provide tracks extending in a longitudinal direction and transversely spaced apart. A support extends in a transverse direction between the tracks and is moveably coupled to the tracks via mounts to the tracks. The mounts include engagement members, such as wheels, to engage with the tracks. The engagement members may be biased transversely away from the support (e.g. toward the track), thereby permitting the engagement members to adjust their transverse positions relative to the support as the support moves along the track. |
| US09624688B1 |
Inflatable sleeper apparatus
An inflatable sleeper including an inflatable support skeleton of spaced apart parallel tubular arches and an inflatable mattress having an air inlet-outlet valve and further including a waterproof cover, which has an arched door parallel to the arches, removably attached to and covering the entire support skeleton when the support skeleton is in an inflated condition. Each arch has a pair of outer ends attached to and in fluid communication with a bottom edge of the mattress. Spaced apart fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners, on the arches secure the cover and the support skeleton together. Spaced apart tie down eyelets on the cover are configured to receive a tie down fastener, such as a rope, therethrough to secure the cover and support skeleton to one of a pickup truck bend interior side and a ground stake. The mattress rests atop a separate foldable floor provided. |
| US09624685B1 |
Mount system for an umbrella
A mount system for an umbrella includes a base configured to be adhered to a ground surface. An attachment assembly is connected to the base. A main tube assembly is connected to the attachment assembly with a key such that the key can hold the main tube assembly to the base at any angle. An umbrella is connected to the main tube assembly. |
| US09624683B1 |
Reciprocating in-floor pool cleaner head with adjustable nozzles
A device for use in a swimming pool structure includes an insert defining a chamber and including a lower surface disposed within the chamber. The device includes a piston having a plurality of nozzles, and a cap having an outlet, the cap mounted for rotation among a plurality of positions each aligning the outlet in the cap with one of the nozzles in the piston. The piston is carried in the chamber for reciprocal movement between a lowered position and a raised position in which one of the nozzles is aligned with the outlet, and the one of the nozzles and the outlet are free of obstruction above the insert. |
| US09624680B2 |
Bricklaying
There is provided a portable apparatus (10) for supporting and carrying a brick structure (22). The portable apparatus (10) includes a base (12) that is configured to carry, in use, the brick structure (22). The portable apparatus (10) also includes a position assembly (14) that has one or more position members (16). The or each position member (16) is configured to define, in use, a first layout for a plurality of bricks of the brick structure (22). |
| US09624679B2 |
Anchor member for insulated concrete form
The invention comprises connector for a pair of opposed spaced concrete forming panels. The connector comprises an elongate spacer member having flanges formed thereon intermediate a central portion thereof and each opposite end thereof. A portion of at least one end of the spacer member is sized and shaped to selectively engage an elongate panel bracing member. A composite insulated concrete form and a method of using the insulated concrete form are also disclosed. |
| US09624678B2 |
Panel for forming a floor covering and method for manufacturing such panels
Panel for forming a floor covering, wherein this panel comprises at least two layers of thermoplastic material, wherein said two layers substantially consist of a strewn and pressed granulate, wherein the respective layers enclose a glass fiber layer. |
| US09624677B2 |
Joint devices, systems, and methods for exterior flooring
Novel joint devices and systems are disclosed. In one aspect, a joint member for an exterior floor covering can include a body portion, at least one tongue portion extending from the body portion, and at least one opening extending through the body portion. The opening can be configured to pass a liquid directly from an upper surface of the exterior floor covering through the body portion of the joint member. |
| US09624676B2 |
Floor covering
Hard panels formed from a wood-based material and having a decorative layer for floor coverings are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling devices made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling devices provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the plane of coupled panels. These coupling devices are constituted of a tongue and a groove. The top side of the tongue has a protrusion that cooperates with a meshing recess located in the lower side of the upper lip of the groove of the coupling devices, and a portion extending generally parallel with the plane of the panel to form a contact surface cooperating with the lower side of the upper lip of the groove. |
| US09624673B2 |
Enhanced gutter hanger
A gutter hanger for hanging a rain gutter on the fascia board of a structure or building. The gutter hanger includes an elongated horizontal top member connected to a downwardly extending back member, the top and back member connected by a web of material. A bore for a fascia screw extends from the top member, through the web, and exit the back member. The gutter hanger also includes an upwardly extending protrusion to engage the lip of the gutter. The top member also includes a threaded bore hole to accept a screw, so that the top member may be attached to the top front of the gutter with a threaded fastener. |
| US09624669B2 |
Roof tiles and roof tile structures
A roof tile having a mesh covered foam core with a cement-based protective coating, a roof covering formed from such tiles and methods for making same. |
| US09624667B2 |
Hollow, composite rebar structure, associated fabrication methodology, and apparatus
A rebar structure for concrete reinforcement may include an elongate tubular central wall portion having an inside surface and an outside surface. The central wall portion may be formed circumferentially around a core axis and may include glass or carbon fibers mostly being oriented longitudinally parallel to the core axis. The rebar structure may include an inner wall portion bonded to the inside surface of the central wall portion. The inner wall portion may include glass or carbon fibers and may have a higher percentage of fibers oriented non-parallel to the core axis as compared to the central wall portion. |
| US09624666B2 |
Structural insulated panel framing system
Systems and methods are disclosed herein to a structural insulated panel framing system comprising: insulation sheathing receivable by a wall jig; a frame for placement atop the insulation sheathing; and spray foam for application to the frame and the insulation sheathing to fuse the frame and insulation sheathing to produce a structural insulated panel. |
| US09624663B2 |
Thermal barrier in building structures
A building structure includes a base structure (10), a thermal barrier layer (20) and an external layer (30). The thermal barrier layer may be a three-dimensional matrix of filaments. The filaments may be irregularly looped and intermingled in a highly porous, three-dimensional structure with a large open space. The filaments form a thermal barrier by reducing the physical contact between the external layer and the base structure. The filament material is low in conductivity, so little heat transfer occurs between the external layer and the filaments. |
| US09624662B1 |
Noise-cancelling wall
A noise-cancelling wall is described that includes a height, a width, a depth, and first and second portions. The first portion has a first characteristic acoustic wavelength and a first thickness along the depth, and the second portion has a second characteristic acoustic wavelength and a second thickness along the depth. A relationship between the first and second portions is such that twice a difference between a ratio of the first characteristic acoustic wavelength to the first thickness, and a ratio of the second characteristic acoustic wavelength to the second thickness ranges from 0.25 above an odd integer to 0.25 below the odd integer. The first portion causes an acoustic phase shift of sound waves passing through the first portion relative to sound waves passing through the second portion, and the phase shift results in destructive acoustic interference between sound waves traveling through the wall. |
| US09624660B2 |
Insulative building panels
A panel is disclosed for use in insulating an edifice that includes a first pane, a second pane in engagement with the first pane so as to define a channel therebetween configured and dimensioned for drainage and air flow, a clip in engagement with the first and second panes, and an insulator including an upper portion that is positioned within the clip. A system for use in insulating an edifice includes identical panels, wherein the insulator of one panel is positionable within the clip of another panel to connect the panels together. A panel clip for use in insulating an edifice includes a first arm defining an outer surface with a plurality of connectors, a saddle extending from the first arm, and a second arm connected to the saddle opposite the first arm such that the clip is generally H-shaped in configuration. |
| US09624655B2 |
Touchless control of electronic water faucets
Embodiments described herein provide touchless temperature and/or flow control for water faucets utilizing the movements of a user's hand toward or away from to a dispensing area of the faucet. One embodiment comprises a water faucet that provides touchless control of water dispensed by the water faucet. The water faucet comprises a controller and a spout head. The spout head includes a sensor electrically coupled to the controller that detects a movement of a user's hand toward or away from the spout head. The controller initiates dispensing of the water from the spout head at a pre-defined rate, and varies the flow rate based on the movement of the user's hand toward or away from the spout head. |
| US09624650B2 |
System and method for implement control
A system associated with an implement of a machine is provided. The system includes a ground speed detection module configured to generate a signal indicative of a ground speed of the machine. The system further includes an implement control module coupled to the ground speed detection module. The implement control module receives the signal indicative of the ground speed of the machine. The implement control module detects at least one of the ground speed of the machine being less than a predetermined speed threshold and a rate of change of the ground speed being above a limit. The implement control module determines a presence of an obstruction in a path of the machine based, at least in part, on the detection. The implement control module further select a movement from a plurality of movements associated with the implement and triggers the movement of the implement. |
| US09624643B2 |
Blade tilt system and method for a work vehicle
A work vehicle may comprise a chassis, a ground-engaging blade, a sensor assembly, and a controller. The ground-engaging blade may be movably connected to the chassis via a linkage configured to allow the blade to be tilted relative to the chassis. The sensor assembly may be connected to the work vehicle and configured to provide a tilt signal indicative of an angle of the blade in a roll direction and a roll signal indicative of a rotational velocity of the blade in the roll direction. The controller may be configured to determine a target tilt angle, receive the tilt signal, receive the roll signal, and send a command to tilt the blade toward the target tilt angle, the command based on the tilt signal, the roll signal, and the target tilt angle. |
| US09624637B2 |
Flood vent
According to one embodiment, a flood vent includes a frame forming a fluid passageway through an opening in a structure. The flood vent further includes a door pivotally mounted to the frame in the fluid passageway for allowing a fluid to flow through the fluid passageway. The door has two opposing faces that include a first face and a second face. The flood vent further includes a first float positioned within the door in a location in-between the first face and a second float. Additionally, the first float is configured to allow the door to pivot in a first direction. The flood vent further includes the second float positioned within the door in a location in-between the second face and the first float. Furthermore, the second float is configured to allow the door to pivot in a second direction. |
| US09624636B2 |
Multi-stage suspended wave screen and coastal protection system
A shoreline protection system comprising a first barrier assembly, which comprises a first pile extending into a bottom of a body of water, a second pile extending into the bottom of the body of water, wherein the first pile and the second pile are spaced apart and essentially parallel relative to each other, and a first screen having an upper edge, a lower edge, and a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, wherein the first screen extends between the first pile and the second pile, wherein the lower edge of the first screen is spaced from the bottom of the body of water. |
| US09624634B2 |
Snow plow assembly
A snow plow assembly comprising a main plow body, at least one butterfly gate, at least one blocker and a diverter. The at least one butterfly gate and the at least one blocker are jointly connected to the main plow body and are controlled by actuators to be opened and closed. The actuators allow the users to control when to release or hold snow collected into the main plow body. This feature is used to prevent the buildup of high snow ridges in front of small pathways such as driveways. |
| US09624632B2 |
Snowblower impeller
An impeller for a snowblowing apparatus and a snowblower being designed to rotate about a rotation axis and is including a front axial region to receive snow therein, a rear axial region and a plurality of vanes generally radially extending from the periphery toward the rotation axis, the plurality of vanes including snow-engaging portions generally located toward the front axial region, wherein the snow-engaging portions are radially extending from the periphery further toward the rotation axis over the impeller's eye, at least some of the snow engaging portions including an angle of attack toward the front axial region for engaging snow when the impeller is rotating about the rotation axis. |
| US09624628B2 |
Auxiliary drive
A construction machine for the treatment of ground surfaces includes a machine frame and a work drum supported from the machine frame and including exchangeable tools fastened to the work drum. A drive line includes a work motor and a transmission connecting the work motor to the work drum. The transmission includes a belt drive and a reduction gear. An auxiliary drive is mounted at a location on the construction machine and includes an auxiliary drive motor. The auxiliary drive has a first configuration in which the auxiliary drive motor is coupled to the work drum via at least a portion of the transmission to rotate the work drum. The auxiliary drive has a second configuration in which the auxiliary drive remains mounted at the location on the construction machine and the work drum can be rotated by the work motor. |
| US09624626B1 |
Geometrically constrained slope control system for cylinder construction equipment
A computer control system in a paving machine determines a location, long slope (pitch), cross-slope (roll), and elevation (with respect to reference surface) of the machine with reference to a plurality of sensors. The long slope, cross slope and elevation are compared to values from a design surface (horizontal alignment, vertical profile, and cross sections) using the location of the machine to query the design data. Deviations from measured orientation and elevation to the design (desired values) are determined for each elevation cylinder of the paving machine based on the sensor data using constrained geometric control algorithms that predict future deviations. Corrections are applied to bring the actual location, long slope, cross-slope and elevation to within acceptable tolerances of the desired values. Sensors are associated with specific legs, with some sensors associated with more than one leg, such that sensor values may be averaged to reduce error. |
| US09624624B2 |
Infrared asphalt heating apparatus and method
An infrared asphalt heating and repair apparatus includes a converter having downward facing slits cut therein to provide enhanced durability over prior art ceramic blanket or metal ribbon style heaters. In embodiments, the slits are cut by a milling machine, which may be an automatic milling machine, a band saw, or a laser. Embodiments also provide for more uniform heating over prior art solutions, while largely preventing damaging and costly flame-through events. Because the heat is more uniform than that of the prior art, lower temperatures can be used to achieve similar results, thereby extending equipment life, lowering fuel costs, and reducing warm-up times. |
| US09624623B2 |
Emulsification of alkenyl succinic anhydride with an amine-containing homopolymer or copolymer
The present disclosure provides for a method of preparing and using an emulsion for treating a papermaking process. The emulsion is an oil-in-water emulsion of alkenyl succinic anhydride emulsified with a polymer comprising at least one primary or secondary amine containing monomer. The method comprises adding an oil-in-water emulsion to the papermaking process; wherein the oil-in-water emulsion comprises alkenyl succinic anhydride emulsified with a polymer comprising at least one primary or secondary amine containing monomer; and wherein the oil-in-water emulsion is added in an amount sufficient to improve sizing of the paper produced by the papermaking process. The primary or secondary amine may be a secondary amine comprising diallylamine, and the polymer may be a diallylamine-acrylamide copolymer. |
| US09624622B2 |
Flame retardant carpet products with coating and/or adhesive layers formed from vinyl acetate/ethylene copolymer dispersions
Disclosed are carpet products comprising at least one flexible substrate and at least one coating and/or adhesive layer associated with the at least one flexible substrate. The coating and/or adhesive layer is formed from an aqueous composition comprising: A) an emulsifier-stabilized vinyl acetate/ethylene (VAE) emulsion copolymer dispersion and B) at least one particulate filler material selected from particulate inorganic compounds and particulate plastic material. The vinyl acetate/ethylene copolymer in the copolymer dispersion has a selected ethylene content or glass transition temperature. It is also preferably substantially free of cross-linkable co-monomer moieties which generate formaldehyde upon curing and preferably has a particle size, dw, ranging from about 50 to about 500 nm. The carpet product is substantially free of polyvinyl chloride and bitumen and exhibits a Class B1 flame-retardancy in accordance with DIN 4102-14, corresponding to a critical heat flux of ≧about 4.5 kW/m2. |
| US09624621B2 |
Process for the production of coated textiles
A process for the production of coated textiles comprises the steps of: providing a textile substrate having a first side and a second side opposing the first side; contacting at least a part of the first side of the textile substrate with a spreadable polyurethane mechanical foam; applying a reduced pressure to at least a part of the second side of the textile substrate opposing the first side which has been contacted with the polyurethane mechanical foam; and solidifying the polyurethane mechanical foam with which the textile substrate has been contacted. The invention further relates to a coated textile obtainable by such a process, in particular a synthetic leather. |
| US09624612B2 |
Align-N-line fabric alignment, marking and cutting guide
A fabric alignment, marking and/or cutting guide that allows for accurate marking, and/or cutting of fabric along the diagonal using a multiple axis fixed edge alignment and a movable triangular angle. The alignment guide has a square cutting board with right angularly positioned upstanding angular edge surfaces for material engagement. A transparent hinged triangular cutting guide plate extends from one alignment edge surface defining a true diagonal line guide edge across a material square to be marked and cut positioned on the cutting board under the triangle guide plate. |
| US09624611B2 |
Sewing machine
A sewing machine includes a sewing-machine motor that drives, through an upper shaft and a lower shaft, a thread take-up lever, a needle bar, and a shuttle in conjunction one another. In addition, the sewing machine includes a stepping motor different from the sewing-machine motor. A bobbin-thread supply member is driven by drive power from the stepping motor, and applies tension to a bobbin thread in accordance with the drive timing of the stepping motor and the drive amount of the stepping motor. The drive timing of the stepping motor is variable in accordance with a sewing condition. |
| US09624610B2 |
Embroidery pattern placement system, embroidery pattern placement device, method of placing embroidery pattern for embroidery pattern placement device, and sewing machine
Provided is an embroidery pattern placement system including: an image-taking unit configured to take an image with an embroidery frame and cloth to be embroidered included in an image taking range; an image analyzing unit configured to analyze to make correspondence between the information of the embroidery frame obtained by the embroidery frame information obtaining unit and the embroidery frame in the image; a display control unit configured to display the embroidery pattern obtained by the embroidery pattern obtaining unit and at least a part of the image taken by the image-taking unit in an overlapping manner at an identical scale; and an operation unit configured to accept an operation from a user; an embroidery placement editing unit configured to determine a position and orientation of the embroidery pattern relative to the embroidery frame according to a content of the operation to the operation unit. |
| US09624600B2 |
Direct graphene growth on metal oxides by molecular epitaxy
Direct growth of graphene on Co3O4(111) at 1000 K was achieved by molecular beam epitaxy from a graphite source. Auger spectroscopy shows a characteristic sp2 carbon lineshape, at average carbon coverages from 0.4-3 monolayers. Low energy electron diffraction (LEED) indicates (111) ordering of the sp2 carbon film with a lattice constant of 2.5 (±0.1) Å characteristic of graphene. Six-fold symmetry of the graphene diffraction spots is observed at 0.4, 1 and 3 monolayers. The LEED data also indicate an average domain size of ˜1800 Å, and show an incommensurate interface with the Co3O4(111) substrate, where the latter exhibits a lattice constant of 2.8 (±0.1) Å. Core level photoemission shows a characteristically asymmetric C(1s) feature, with the expected lr to lr* satellite feature, but with a binding energy for the three monolayer film of 284.9 (±0.1) eV, indicative of substantial graphene-to-oxide charge transfer. |
| US09624599B2 |
SiC single crystal manufacturing method using alternating states of supersaturation
A SiC single crystal manufacturing method whereby growing speed improvement required to have high productivity can be achieved, while maintaining flat growth in which uniform single crystal growth can be continued at the time of growing a SiC single crystal using a solution method. In the method, a SiC single crystal is grown in a crucible from a Si solution containing C. The method includes alternately repeating: a high supersaturation degree growing period, in which the growth is promoted by maintaining the supersaturation degree of C in the Si solution higher than an upper limit critical value at which flat growth can be maintained, the supersaturation degree being at a growing interface between the Si solution and a SiC single crystal being grown; and a low supersaturation degree growing period, in which the growth is promoted by maintaining the supersaturation degree lower than the critical value. |
| US09624597B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for delaminating process pieces
Methods and apparatuses for delaminating workpieces are provided. In one or more aspects, a method can include processing or otherwise delaminating the workpiece by separating a delamination stack and a support substrate disposed thereon. The workpiece that can include a sacrificial layer disposed between the delamination stack and the support substrate. The method can include exposing at least a portion of the workpiece to an electrolyte solution, applying an electrical current through the sacrificial layer and the electrolyte solution, selectively removing the electrically conductive or semiconductive material from the sacrificial layer during an etching process, and separating the delamination stack and the support substrate one from the other. The delamination stack can include a process piece that can be one or more wafers or devices (e.g., thin-film devices) or one or more portions of the one or more wafers or devices. |
| US09624596B2 |
Electrochemical deposition method
The present invention is to provide a substrate holder which can effect a more complete sealing with a sealing member and makes it possible to take a substrate out of the substrate holder easily and securely, and also a plating apparatus provided with the substrate holder. The substrate holder includes: a fixed holding member and a movable holding member for holding a substrate therebetween; a sealing member mounted to the fixed holding member or the movable holding member; and a suction pad for attracting a back surface of the substrate held between the fixed holding member and the movable holding member. |
| US09624594B2 |
Plating apparatus
A plating apparatus is described. The apparatus includes: a substrate holder configured to hold a substrate in a vertical position; at least one processing bath configured to process the substrate held by the substrate holder; a transporter configured to grip and horizontally transport the substrate holder; at least one lifter configured to receive the substrate holder from the transporter, lower the substrate holder to place the substrate holder in the processing bath, elevate the substrate holder from the processing bath after processing of the substrate, and transfer the substrate holder to the transporter; and a controller configured to control operations of the transporter and the lifter. |
| US09624590B2 |
Method for recovering an electropositive metal from a metal carbonate
A method recovers an electropositive metal from a metal carbonate. In the method, hydrogen and halogen are combusted to form hydrogen halide. The solid metal carbonate is converted into metal chloride by a gaseous hydrogen halide. In an electrolysis, the metal chloride is decomposed into metal and halogen. The halogen produced in the electrolysis is led out of the electrolysis for combusting. Preferably, the hydrogen halide is produced by combusting the hydrogen and the halogen and the metal carbonate is converted into metal chloride in a fluidized bed reactor. Preferably, lithium is used as the metal. |
| US09624584B2 |
Coating method using enamel and equipment for carrying out the method
Provided are an enamel coating method and apparatus. The enamel coating method includes (a) preprocessing a surface of the metal tube by feeding the metal tube into a preprocessing chamber by an in-feed conveyor; (b) coating the surface of the metal tube with an enamel glaze supplied from an enamel glaze supply nozzle provided inside a coating chamber by feeding the preprocessed metal tube into the coating chamber; and (c) firing the coated metal tube by feeding the coated metal tube into a firing chamber, wherein the (b) coating includes spraying air toward the metal tube by an air spray nozzle provided inside the coating chamber. |
| US09624583B2 |
Slurry-based coating techniques for smoothing surface imperfections
An article may include a substrate defining a surface imperfection and a coating deposited over the substrate. The coating does not substantially reproduce the surface imperfection, and the coating comprises mullite and at least one rare earth silicate, rare earth oxide, alumina, boron oxide, alkali metal oxide, alkali earth metal oxide, silicon, barium strontium aluminosilicate, barium aluminosilicate, strontium aluminosilicate, calcium aluminosilicate, magnesium aluminosilicate, or lithium aluminosilicate. In some examples, the coating may be a first coating deposited from a slurry over the substrate, and a second coating may be deposited over the first coating. In other examples, a first coating that substantially reproduces the surface imperfection may be deposited over the substrate, and the coating that does not substantially reproduce the surface imperfection may be deposited over the first coating. |
| US09624581B2 |
Composition for production of metal film, method for producing metal film and method for producing metal powder
A composition that includes a high-valent compound of copper, silver or indium; a linear, branched or cyclic C1-18 alcohol; and a Group VIII metal catalyst forms a metal film of copper, silver or indium on a substrate when the composition is coated on the substrate and heated to reduce the high-valent compound. The composition may alternatively include metal particles of silver, copper or indium in which the surface layer of the particle includes a high-valent compound of copper, silver or indium. A metal film of copper, silver or indium may also be formed on a substrate by coating a substrate with the composition including the metal particles, and heating to reduce the high-valent compound in the same manner as above. |
| US09624580B2 |
Thin film deposition apparatus
A method for forming a thin film on a substrate includes discharging a deposition material from a deposition source through a plurality of deposition source nozzles arranged in a first direction on a deposition source nozzle unit disposed at a side of the deposition source; passing the deposition material through a patterning slit sheet; and depositing the deposition material on the substrate, while moving the substrate and the patterning slit sheet relative to each other. The patterning slit sheet is spaced apart from the substrate by a distance. A blocking member is disposed between the substrate and the deposition source and is moved along with the substrate to be positioned to screen at least one portion of the substrate, and the patterning slit sheet is disposed opposite to and spaced apart from the deposition source nozzle unit, and includes a plurality of patterning slits arranged in the first direction. |
| US09624576B2 |
Systems and methods for gap filling improvement
Systems and methods are provided for contact formation. A semiconductor structure is provided. The semiconductor structure includes an opening formed by a bottom surface and one or more side surfaces. A first conductive material is formed on the bottom surface and the one or more side surfaces to partially fill the opening, the first conductive material including a top portion and a bottom portion. Ion implantation is formed on the first conductive material, the top portion of the first conductive material being associated with a first ion density, the bottom portion of the first conductive material being associated with a second ion density lower than the first ion density. At least part of the top portion of the first conductive material is removed. A second conductive material is formed to fill the opening. |
| US09624575B2 |
Thin film deposition apparatus, deposition method using the same, and method of manufacturing organic light-emitting display apparatus by using the apparatus
A thin film deposition apparatus, a deposition method using the same, and a method of manufacturing an organic light-emitting display apparatus by using the apparatus are provided. A thin film deposition apparatus is provided that includes a chamber containing a substrate holder on which a substrate is mounted, a plurality of rotary shaft units that change rotation and an inclination angle of the substrate holder, and a target unit that supplies a thin film material for formation on the substrate. |
| US09624573B2 |
Production method for transparent conductive film
A method for producing a transparent conductive film includes: forming a transparent conductive coating on at least one surface of an organic polymer film substrate in the presence of inert gas by RF superimposed DC sputtering deposition using an indium-based complex oxide target with a high horizontal magnetic field of 85 to 200 mT at a surface of the target in a roll-to-roll system, wherein the indium-based complex oxide target has a content of a tetravalent metal element oxide of 7 to 15% by weight as calculated by the formula {(the amount of the tetravalent metal element oxide)/(the amount of the tetravalent metal element oxide+the amount of indium oxide)}×100(%), wherein the transparent conductive coating has a thickness in the range of 10 to 40 nm, and the transparent conductive coating has a specific resistance of 1.3×10−4 to 2.8×10−4 Ω·cm. |
| US09624571B2 |
Method for manufacturing a metal-borocarbide layer on a substrate
The invention relates to a PVD process for coating a substrate with a layer containing at least one microcrystalline metallic borocarbide phase. During the PVD process, the source output is pulsed such that the at least one peak of which the half intensity width allows conclusions to be drawn about the presence of a microcrystalline phase of the metallic borocarbide layer can be identified in the x-ray spectrum of a layer produced in this way at a substrate temperature below 600° C. |
| US09624569B2 |
Hard coating film and method for producing same
A hard film whose composition formula satisfies M1-a-bCaNb, in which M is at least one element selected from Ti, Cr and Al, or is the element and at least one element selected from Group 4 elements except for Ti, Group 5 elements, Group 6 elements except for Cr, Si, Y, and rare earth elements. Atomic ratios of M, C and N satisfy: 0.01≦a≦0.50; 0.10≦b≦0.50; and 0<1-a-b. A ratio y of C-to-C bonding to all C bonding in the film is 0.20 or more. |
| US09624568B2 |
Thermal spray applications using iron based alloy powder
A thermal spray powder is provided for use in a thermal spray technique, such as flame spraying, plasma spraying, cold spraying, and high velocity oxygen fuel spraying (HVOF). The thermal spray powder is formed by water or gas atomization and comprises 3.0 to 7.0 wt. % carbon, 10.0 to 25.0 wt. % chromium, 1.0 to 5.0 wt. % tungsten, 3.5 to 7.0 wt. % vanadium, 1.0 to 5.0 wt. % molybdenum, not greater than 0.5 wt. % oxygen, and at least 40.0 wt. % iron, based on the total weight of the thermal spray powder. The thermal spray powder can be applied to a metal body, such as a piston or piston ring, to form a coating. The thermal spray powder can also provide a spray-formed part. |
| US09624567B2 |
Methods for processing titanium alloys
Methods of refining the grain size of a titanium alloy workpiece include beta annealing the workpiece, cooling the beta annealed workpiece to a temperature below the beta transus temperature of the titanium alloy, and high strain rate multi-axis forging the workpiece. High strain rate multi-axis forging is employed until a total strain of at least 1 is achieved in the titanium alloy workpiece, or until a total strain of at least 1 and up to 3.5 is achieved in the titanium alloy workpiece. The titanium alloy of the workpiece may comprise at least one of grain pinning alloying additions and beta stabilizing content effective to decrease alpha phase precipitation and growth kinetics. |
| US09624566B2 |
Alpha and beta titanium alloy sheet excellent in cold rollability and cold handling property and process for producing the same
An α+β type hot-rolled titanium alloy sheet, wherein: (a) ND represents the normal direction of a hot-rolled sheet; RD represents the hot rolling direction; TD represents the hot rolling width direction; θ represents the angle formed between the orientation of c axis and the ND; Φ represents the angle formed between a plane including the orientation of the c axis and the ND, and a plane including the ND and the TD; (b1) XND represents the highest (0002) relative intensity of the X-ray reflection caused by crystal grains when θ is from 0° to 30° and Φ is within the entire circumference; (b2) XTD represents the highest (0002) relative intensity of the X-ray reflection caused by crystal grains when θ is from 80° to 100° and Φ is ±10°. (c) The α+β type titanium alloy sheet has a value for XTD/XND of at least 5.0. |
| US09624562B2 |
Al alloy film for display or semiconductor device, display or semiconductor device having Al alloy film, and sputtering target
Provided is an Al alloy film for display devices, which has excellent heat resistance under high temperatures, low electric resistance (wiring resistance), and excellent corrosion resistance under alkaline environments. The present invention relates to an Al alloy film containing Ge (0.01-2.0 at. %) and a group X element (Ta, Ti, Zr, Hf, W, Cr, Nb, Mo, Ir, Pt, Re, and/or Os), wherein, with regard to precipitates each containing Al, the group X element and Ge generated when a heat treatment at 450 to 600° C. is carried out, the density of some of the precipitates which have equivalent circle diameters of 50 nm or more is controlled. |
| US09624561B2 |
Method for producing aqueous solution of perrhenic acid from rhenium sulfide
A method for allowing production of high-purity perrhenic acid from crude rhenium sulfide by applying a dry process is provided. A method for producing an aqueous solution of perrhenic acid includes 1) a step for roasting rhenium sulfide under an oxygen-containing gas to collect gasified rhenium oxide; 2) a step for cooling and solidifying the gasified rhenium oxide while keeping sulfur oxide entrained in the gasified rhenium oxide a gaseous state, and subsequently performing solid-gas separation, thereby improving purity of rhenium oxide; and 3) a step for dissolving the solidified rhenium oxide into water, or heating and gasifying the solidified rhenium oxide and then dissolving the gasified rhenium oxide into water, to obtain the aqueous solution of perrhenic acid. |
| US09624560B2 |
Recovery of residual copper from heap leach residues
A process for recovering copper from heap leach residues, the process comprising treating heap leach residues to provide treated heap leach residues providing improved permeability of a heap of the treated heap leach residues, and leaching the heap of the treated heap leach residues with a leaching solution. Treating the heap leach residues includes: a) blending the heap leach residues with additional material to provide a blend; or b) agglomerating the heap leach residues; or c) both blending the heap leach residues with additional material and agglomerating. |
| US09624559B2 |
Bearing steel excellent in rolling-contact fatigue properties and method for producing same
A bearing component having increased rolling-contact fatigue life, the bearing component being made of a bearing steel that satisfies a predetermined chemical composition, and Si (boundary Si), Mn (boundary Mn), Cr (boundary Cr), Cu (boundary Cu), Ni (boundary Ni), and Mo (boundary Mo) included in a matrix phase region (boundary surface region) from the surface of spheroidized cementite to 20 nm away satisfy the formula: 9.0≦1.4×boundary Si+1.8×boundary Mn+5.5×boundary Cu+4.2×boundary Ni+4.8×boundary Cr+5.5×boundary Mo. |
| US09624557B2 |
Compositions, methods and kits to detect herpes simplex virus nucleic acids
The disclosed invention is related to methods, compositions, kits and isolated nucleic acid sequences for targeting Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) nucleic acid (e.g., HSV-1 and/or HSV-2 nucleic acid). Compositions include amplification oligomers, detection probe oligomers and/or target capture oligomers. Kits and methods comprise at least one of these oligomers. |
| US09624555B2 |
Sequences and methods for detecting influenza A and influenza B virus
Nucleic acid amplification primers and methods for specific detection of influenza A and influenza B nucleic acid targets are disclosed. The primer-target binding sequences are useful for detection of influenza A and influenza B targets in a variety of amplification and hybridization reactions. The oligonucleotide sequences are able to differentiate between influenza A and influenza B strains through specific hybridization to one or the other virus strain, enabling specific detection of the presence of influenza A and/or influenza B in a specimen. |
| US09624554B2 |
Modular nucleic acid-based circuits for counters, binary operations, memory, and logic
We have created novel engineered genetic counter designs and methods of use thereof that utilize DNA recombinases to provide modular systems, termed single invertase memory modules (SIMMs), for encoding memory in cells and cellular systems. Our designs are easily extended to compute to high numbers, by utilizing the >100 known recombinases to create subsequent modules. Flexibility in our engineered genetic counter designs is provided by daisy-chaining individual modular components, i.e., SIMMs together. These modular components of the engineered genetic counters can be combined in other network topologies to create circuits that perform, amongst other things, logic and memory. Our novel engineered genetic counter designs allow for the maintenance of memory and provide the ability to count between discrete states by expressing the recombinases between their cognate recognition sites. |
| US09624551B2 |
Catalytic nucleic acid probes as microbial indicators
The disclosure relates to a method of generating catalytic nucleic acid probes useful for detecting microorganisms such as bacterial pathogens. In one embodiment, the catalytic nucleic acid probes are fluorogenic DNAzymes. The disclosure also relates to catalytic nucleic acid probes and methods of using the probes for detecting microorganisms. |
| US09624549B2 |
Stable gene targets in breast cancer and use thereof for optimizing therapy
A method for determining genes in breast cancer that are stable in copy number, expression and sequence in tumors from nearly all patients. Certain stable genes are targets of standard chemotherapy. The effectiveness of therapies that act upon these targets depends on maintaining the stability and integrity of these genes in tumors. Mutations in these targets result in poor response to therapies that target these gene products. In the instant invention, ordinarily stable gene targets are characterized as either normal or mutant for the purpose of determining whether to include or exclude particular drugs as potential treatments. |
| US09624548B2 |
Methods for diagnosing cancer
Described are bladder cancer specific biomarkers and lung cancer specific biomarkers comprising the nucleic acid sequence of the Engrailed-2 (EN2) gene or the amino acid sequence of the encoded EN2 protein. Also described are uses of the biomarkers in the treatment, diagnosis, monitoring and imaging of bladder cancer and lung cancer. |
| US09624544B2 |
Allelic disorders caused by mutations in TRPV4
The present invention provides methods, kits, and compositions for detecting mutations in transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 4 (TRPV4). In particular, mutations are detected in TRPV4 to detect diseases such as scapuloperoneal spinal muscular atrophy (SPSMA) and hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy type IIC (HMSN IIC) or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2C (CMT2C). |
| US09624543B2 |
Markers for diagnosis of pulmonary inflammation and methods related thereto
The present invention is related to the novel discovery of a number of genes that were identified as systemic markers of pulmonary inflammation. This discovery allows for development of a novel tool for reliable, rapid and efficient assessment of therapeutic responses and enables design of novel therapies targeted against diseases associated with pulmonary inflammation. In one embodiment, the present invention allows quantification of therapeutic response in patients who have a disease associated with pulmonary inflammation. In preferred embodiments, the genes are CD64, ADAM9, CD36, IL32, HPSE, PLXND1, HCA112, CSPG2, TLR2, and CD163. |
| US09624542B2 |
Telomere length measurement in formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples by quantitative PCR
Methods of reliably quantifying telomere length in cells or tissues that have been formalin fixed and paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples by quantitative polymerase chain reaction protocol and kits for use with such various methods are provided. The methods of the present invention may be used to predetermine an individual's response to treatment with a telomerase inhibitor, a telomere damaging agent or a telomerase activator. |
| US09624541B2 |
Combination of biomarkers for the detection and evaluation of hepatitis fibrosis
The application concerns means for determining the stage of hepatic tissue damage, in particular the hepatic fibrosis score of subjects infected with one or more hepatitis viruses. In particular, the means of the invention involve measuring the levels of expression of selected genes, said selected genes being: SPP1, and at least one gene from among A2M and VIM, and at least one gene from among IL8, CXCL10 and ENG, and optionally, at least one gene from among the list of the following sixteen genes: IL6ST, p14ARF, MMP9, ANGPT2, CXCL11, MMP2, MMP7, S100A4, TIMP1, CHI3L1, COL1A1, CXCL1, CXCL6, IHH, IRF9 and MMP1. |
| US09624538B2 |
Nanogrid rolling circle DNA sequencing
The present invention relates to methods for sequencing a polynucleotide immobilized on an array having a plurality of specific regions each having a defined diameter size, including synthesizing a concatemer of a polynucleotide by rolling circle amplification, wherein the concatemer has a cross-sectional diameter greater than the diameter of a specific region, immobilizing the concatemer to the specific region to make an immobilized concatemer, and sequencing the immobilized concatemer. |
| US09624533B2 |
Multiplex nucleic acid detection methods
Methods for multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification include (a) providing a sample tissue to query different target nucleic acids, (b) providing different probe sets for each of the target nucleic acids, each probe set including a first locus specific probe having a first adapter sequence and a first target specific portion and a second locus specific probe having a second adapter sequence, and a second target specific portion adjacent to the first target specific portion, (c) hybridizing the probe sets to the target sequences to form hybridization complexes, (d) ligating the hybridization complexes to form ligated probes, (e) amplifying the ligated probes to form amplicons, the amplifying step being carried out with a first universal primer including a region complementary to the first adapter sequence and a second universal primer including a region complementary to the second adapter sequence, and (f) detecting the amplicons in a detection system by sequencing each of the amplicons. |
| US09624530B2 |
Methods for preservation of genomic DNA sequence complexity
The present invention relates to methods and kits for preserving genomic DNA sequence complexity within chemically and/or enzymatically converted DNA by an enzyme or series of enzymes that adds a methyl group to a cytosine outside of CpG dinucleotide sequences of genomic DNA. Further, the present invention relates to methylation analysis of the genomic DNA. |
| US09624528B2 |
Method for thrombogenicity testing of implanted medical device
A method of determining the thrombogenicity of an implantable medical device is disclosed. The implanted device is exposed in vitro to platelet rich plasma, the activity of an indicator is assayed, and the thrombogenicity is determined. |
| US09624526B2 |
Method for treating pervasive development disorders
A method of utilizing the chymotrypsin level of an individual as a measure of the success of neuropeptides, and peptides or digestive enzyme administration to such individuals, and in particular, as a prognosticative of potential neuropeptides, peptides, and digestive enzyme administration for persons having ADD, ADHD, Autism and other PDD related disorders. A method for determining the efficacy of neuropeptides, peptides, or digestive enzymes for the treatment of an individual diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) comprises obtaining a sample of feces from an individual, determining a quantitative level of chymotrypsin present in the sample, and correlating the quantitative level of chymotrypsin determined to be present in the sample with the PDD to determine the efficacy of treating the individual with neuropeptides, peptides, or digestive enzyme administration. |
| US09624524B2 |
In vivo proteomic mapping
The application discloses methods, materials, and compositions for the labeling of molecules, for example, proteins, in living cells or in subcellular compartments of living cells. In particular, the application relates to proteomic analysis methods; materials and compositions and means based on direct tagging of unknown proteins with tagging enzymes (such as biotin ligase or a peroxidase) within the vicinity of a tagging substrate (such as a tyramide) within living cells, with optional targeting to specific subcellular locations by expression of genetic constructs. |
| US09624520B2 |
Biosynthetically generated pyrroline-carboxy-lysine and site specific protein modifications via chemical derivatization of pyrroline-carboxy-lysine and pyrrolysine residues
Disclosed herein is pyrroline-carboxy-lysine (PCL), a pyrrolysine analog, which is a natural, biosynthetically generated amino acid, and methods for biosynthetically generating PCL. Also disclosed herein are proteins, polypeptides and peptides that have PCL incorporated therein and methods for incorporating PCL into such proteins, polypeptides and peptides. Also disclosed herein is the site-specific derivatization of proteins, polypeptides and peptides having PCL or pyrrolysine incorporated therein. Also disclosed herein is the crosslinking of proteins, polypeptides and peptides having PCL or pyrrolysine incorporated therein. |
| US09624511B2 |
Specific TT virus sequences and chimeric TT virus host cell DNA molecules for use in diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cancer and autoimmunity
Described are single-stranded new sequences of TT viruses, rearranged TTV sequences and hybrid molecules of a specific TT virus sequence and host cell DNA that are capable of replicating autonomously for use in diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases like cancer and autoimmunity. In addition, it relates to the use of such molecules as gene vectors and artificial chromosomes. |
| US09624507B2 |
Spinach plants that are resistant to downy mildew
The present invention relates to the field of spinach breeding, in particular to a new dominant resistance gene, designated RPF11, which confers resistance against races 7 to 14 of Peronospora farinosa and to spinach plants comprising said gene. |
| US09624506B2 |
Glyphosate resistance enhancement
The present invention relates to a new method for improving glyphosate resistance of a plant. The method encompasses providing one or more specific mutations in a specific nucleotide sequence in said plant. In comparison to a plant not manipulated according to the method, the plant obtained by the method displays (improved) glyphosate resistance. Also provided are a (transgenic) plant, including a seed thereof, and a plant product that can be obtained by the method according to the invention. |
| US09624504B2 |
Drought tolerant plants and related constructs and methods involving genes encoding DTP6 polypeptides
Isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides and recombinant DNA constructs useful for conferring drought tolerance, compositions (such as plants or seeds) comprising these recombinant DNA constructs, and methods utilizing these recombinant DNA constructs. The recombinant DNA construct comprises a polynucleotide operably linked to a promoter that is functional in a plant, wherein said polynucleotide encodes a DTP6 polypeptide. |
| US09624499B2 |
Promoters for regulating expression in plants
Isolated nucleic acid molecules capable of regulating expression in plants, as well as expression [cassettes, vectors and transgenic plants comprising the same are provided. |
| US09624496B2 |
Modulation of apolipoprotein C-III expression
Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of apolipoprotein C-III. The compositions comprise oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acid encoding apolipoprotein C-III. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of apolipoprotein C-III expression and for diagnosis and treatment of disease associated with expression of apolipoprotein C-III are provided. |
| US09624491B2 |
Methods and compositions for the detection and treatment of cancer involving miRNAs and miRNA inhibitors and targets
The present invention relates to microRNAs (miRNAs) which are associated with cancer, particularly including hematologic malignancies, and particularly T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), and to the assessment and modulation thereof in the treatment and management of cancer. The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for diagnosing and treating cancer, particularly T-ALL, by modulating miRNAs, and the use of miRNAs and antagonists thereof, particularly antagomirs, for predicting and assessing response to treatment, in assays for isolating and selecting antagonists, and as compositions for the treatment and management of cancer. Methods and compositions are provided for treatment or alleviation of cancer, particularly T-ALL, with antagonists/antagomirs of miRNAs, particularly one or more of miR-19b, miR-20a, miR26, miR92, miR148 and miR223. |
| US09624490B2 |
Multiplexed sequential ligation-based detection of genetic variants
The present invention provides multiplexed sequential ligation-based analysis of genetic variants in a mixed sample, including copy number variations and single nucleotide polymorphisms. The invention employs the techniques of sequential ligation and amplification. |
| US09624485B2 |
Genetic incorporation of unnatural amino acids into proteins in mammalian cells
The invention relates to orthogonal pairs of tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases that can incorporate unnatural amino acids into proteins in mammalian host cells, for example, primate host cells and rodent host cells. The invention provides, for example but not limited to, translation systems that include host cells (e.g., primate or rodent cells), orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases derived from eubacterial synthetases, orthogonal tRNAs, and the unnatural amino acid. The invention also relates to methods for producing proteins of interest comprising at least one unnatural amino acid in mammalian host cell systems. |
| US09624484B2 |
Engineered primate L-methioninase for therapeutic purposes
Methods and compositions relating to the engineering of an improved protein with methionine-γ-lyase enzyme activity are described. For example, in certain aspects there may be disclosed a modified cystathionine-γ-lyase (CGL) comprising one or more amino acid substitutions and capable of degrading methionine. Furthermore, certain aspects of the invention provide compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer with methionine depletion using the disclosed proteins or nucleic acids. |
| US09624479B2 |
Polynucleotides encoding MHC class I-restricted hTERT epitopes, analogues thereof or polyepitopes
This invention relates to the field of anticancer therapy, and to the identification of immunogenic peptides derived from the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). The present invention relates to polynucleotides encoding hTERT epitopes restricted to MHC class I molecule, analogs thereof and polyepitopes containing such epitopes and/or analogs. Are also included in the present invention, vector and cell comprising such polynucleotides. The present invention also concerns composition comprising hTERT polypeptides, corresponding polynucleotides, vectors and cells, for use in the treatment and/or prevention of cancer. |
| US09624477B2 |
Method for producing unsaturated omega-3-fatty acids in transgenic organisms
The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences coding for polypeptides with ω-3-desaturase activity. The invention furthermore relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors and organisms comprising at least one nucleic acid sequence according to the invention, at least one vector comprising the nucleic acid sequence and/or the nucleic acid constructs, and transgenic organisms comprise the abovementioned nucleic acid sequences, nucleic acid constructs and/or vectors. |
| US09624476B2 |
Conditionally replicating adenovirus
The object of the present invention is to provide a novel conditionally replicating adenovirus and a reagent comprising the same for cancer cell detection or for cancer diagnosis.The present invention provides a polynucleotide, which comprises human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) promoter, E1A gene, IRES sequence and E1B gene in this order and which comprises a target sequence of a first miRNA. The present invention also provides a recombinant adenovirus, which comprises a replication cassette comprising the above polynucleotide, wherein the replication cassette is integrated into the E1 region of the adenovirus genome. |
| US09624475B2 |
Genetically stable live attenuated respiratory syncytial virus vaccine and its production
Provided herein are recombinant respiratory syncytial viruses that contain mutations that make the disclosed viruses attractive vaccine candidates. The viruses disclosed contain attenuating mutations designed to have increased genetic and phenotypic stability. Desired combinations of these mutations can be made to achieve desired levels of attenation. Exemplary vaccine candidates are described. Also provided are polynucleotides capable of encoding the described viruses, as wells as methods for producing the viruses and methods of use. |
| US09624472B2 |
Production of insulin producing cells
The invention provides methods for differentiating stem cells along the pancreatic lineage as well as large scale culture methods. The present invention further provides pancreatic progenitor cells derived from stem cells to provide pancreatic cells to a subject. |
| US09624468B2 |
Methods for generating the inner ear and other cranial placode-derived tissues using pluripotent stem cells
Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for generating cultures and isolated cell populations containing preplacodal ectoderms cells, otic placode cells, and inner ear sensory hair cells derived from pluripotent cells by modulating TGFβ, BMP, and FGF signaling pathways under defined culture conditions. Also described are methods for obtaining non-otic placodal tissues from pluripotent stem cells. Methods for identifying agents that induce or enhance differentiation and generation of hair cells are also disclosed. Methods for identifying cytoprotective agents for hair cells are also described. |
| US09624467B2 |
Biocontrol formulation containing Streptomyces spp., method for preparing the formulation and relevant use
The present invention is a method for preparing a biocontrol formulation by the following steps. A Streptomyces bacterium is selected simultaneously with superior sporulation ability, chitinase activity and antagonistic effectiveness against plant fungal pathogens by culturing with fungal pathogens, wherein the selected Streptomyces bacterium is cultured on a chitin-limited plate to assess the ability of sporulation and chitinase activity, and the Streptomyces bacterium with superior sporulation ability is the strain with producing powder-like and maturity form spore chains. Spores from the selected bacterium is collected. The obtained spores are taken as a seed inoculum. Then the seed inoculum is cultured to directly yield a broth medium containing at least 109 viable spores/ml which the spores contained in the broth medium are well suspended. The biocontrol formulation is obtained. The present invention further provided a biocontrol formulation containing a high concentration of Streptomyces spp. spores. |
| US09624465B2 |
Compositions and methods for collecting algae
The invention relates to compositions containing Bacillus sp., optionally with magnetite, useful in methods for collecting algae. The invention also relates to methods for collecting algae by contacting algae and bare maghemite and compositions thereof. |
| US09624457B2 |
Method for controlling the plasticization of a water soluble film
The present invention relates to a method for controlling the plasticization of a water soluble film comprising preparing a detergent composition comprising anionic surfactant and solvent system comprising at least one primary solvent having Hansen solubility (δ) of less than 30 and encapsulating said composition in a water soluble film to form a pouch unitized dose product. |
| US09624455B2 |
Detergent composition with anti-spotting and/or anti-filming effects
The present invention relates to an Automatic Dishwashing (ADW) detergent composition comprising at least one cationic polysaccharide of molecular weight of less than 1,000,000 g/mol. The invention also relates to a method for eliminating, limiting or preventing the spotting and/or filming phenomena during the washing comprising the use of a detergent composition according to claim 1. |
| US09624453B2 |
Lubricating oil composition and automotive transmission oil using same
An object of the present invention is to provide a lubricating oil composition having a low viscosity and an extremely high viscosity index as well as an excellent shearing stability. The present invention relates to a lubricating oil composition including the following components (A) to (C): (A) a low-viscosity synthetic oil including a compound containing an ether bond in a molecule thereof and having a kinematic viscosity of less than 10 mm2/s as measured at 40° C., in which a ratio of the number of oxygen atoms to the number of carbon atoms as constituents of the compound (O/C ratio) and the kinematic viscosity (mm2/s) of the compound as measured at 40° C. satisfy the following formula (1): Kinematic Viscosity at 40° C.≦12−[(O/C ratio)×30] (1); (B) a high-viscosity synthetic oil as a hydrocarbon-based synthetic oil having a kinematic viscosity of 40 mm2/s or more as measured at 100° C. which includes at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an α-olefin oligomer or a hydrogenated product of the α-olefin oligomer, and an ethylene-propylene co-oligomer; and (C) a polymethacrylate having a weight-average molecular weight of 50,000 or less. |
| US09624444B2 |
System and method for creating and maintaining liquid bunker and reducing sulfur contaminants
A method for reducing sulfur and lowering viscosity in bunker oil by the steps of passing bunker oil over a core that ionizes the bunker oil with an electrostatic charge. The core consists of a metal bar being made of an alloy comprising, by weight, 40-70% copper, 10-32% nickel, 15-40% zinc, 2-20% tin and 0.05-10% silver. The metal bar of the core comprises a plurality of grooves, which allows the bunker oil to be agitated as it comes in contact with the core, activating an electrostatic charge. The electrostatic charge of the core creates a magnetic catalytic reaction that causes: (1) a molecular separation molecular chains within the bunker oil thereby lowering the viscosity of the bunker oil and (2) sulfur to merge with metals and create metal sulfides in the bunker oil thereby reducing the sulfur in the bunker oil. |
| US09624439B2 |
Conversion of polymer containing materials to petroleum products
Systems and methods achieve the conversion of polymer containing material into petroleum products such as hydrocarbon gas, wax, crude oil and diesel. The reactor and its system are designed to subject the polymer containing material to pyrolysis in a way that results in a higher petroleum product yield than conventional existing systems. The system has controls which allow for the heating temperature, rotation of the body, and throughput rate, to be adjusted depending on the reaction time required for the material inside the reactor. The condensing system is able to separate the products into the desired petroleum products by percentage output ranging from wax to crude-like oil to diesel-quality oil. |
| US09624433B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device including a specific liquid crystal composition and a sealant containing the cured product of a specific curable resin composition.The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device which prevents a decrease in the voltage holding ratio (VHR) of the liquid crystal layer and an increase in ion density (ID) and which enables elimination of problematic defective display such as voids, uneven alignment, and screen burn-in.Since the liquid crystal display device of the present invention prevents a decrease in the voltage holding ratio (VHR) of the liquid crystal layer and enables a reduction in defective display such as uneven alignment and screen burn-in, it is particularly useful for active-matrix liquid crystal display devices of an IPS mode and FFS mode and can be applied to liquid crystal display apparatuses such as liquid crystal TVs, monitors, mobile phones, and smartphones. |
| US09624431B2 |
Anti-ultraviolet additive comprising a UVA filter, a UVB filter and an oil that is a solvent for said filters, and use thereof in coloured and/or perfumed compositions
The invention relates to an additive comprising at least 95 wt. % of a mixture consisting of at least one organic filter filtering UVA, at least one organic filter filtering UVB, and from 1 to 50 wt. % of at least one non-volatile oil that is a solvent for said filters. This composition is particularly useful as an agent for protecting the organoleptic properties of a transparent cosmetic composition, against UV radiation. |
| US09624429B2 |
Ternary metal halide scintillators
Metal halide scintillators are described. More particularly, the scintillators include doped (e.g., europium-doped) ternary metal halides, such as those of the formulas A2BX4 and AB2X5, wherein A is an alkali metal, such as Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs or any combination thereof; B is an alkali earth metal, such as Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba or any combination thereof; and X is a halide, such as Cl, Br, I, F or any combination thereof. Radiation detectors comprising the novel metal halide scintillators and other ternary metal halides, such as those of the formulas A2EuX4 and AEu2X5, wherein A is an alkali metal and X is a halide, are also described. |
| US09624426B2 |
Light converter and lighting unit comprising such light converter
The invention provides a lighting unit having a light source, configured to generate light source light, and a light converter, configured remote of the light source and configured to convert at least part of the light source light into luminescent material light. The light converter includes (a) a yellow light emitting cerium containing garnet luminescent material, (b) a green light emitting luminescent material, (c) a red light emitting organic luminescent material, and (d) a particulate scattering material. |
| US09624423B2 |
Use of fluorescent polymers in marking compositions for the diagnostic determination of cleaning performance
The present invention generally relates to fluorescent marking compositions and their use to determine whether a surface has been cleaned. More particularly, the marking compositions comprise fluorescent polymers. |
| US09624421B2 |
Dual function proppants
Proppants for use in fractured or gravel packed/frac packed oil and gas wells are provided with a contaminant removal component to remove one or more of the contaminants found in subterranean water/hydrocarbon from a production well. The water/hydrocarbon cleaning proppant solids may be used as discrete particles in a proppant formulation, as a coating on proppant solids in pores of a porous proppant solid or as part of the proppant's internal structure. The contaminant removal component removes contaminants, especially dissolved contaminants, in the subterranean water or hydrocarbon before the water/hydrocarbon leaves the well. For those contaminant removal components that can be regenerated, such as ion exchange resins, a measured quantity of an acidic regeneration solution can be injected into the fractured stratum for regeneration and recovered when the well resumes production. |
| US09624420B1 |
Foam stabilizer composition, foamed cement slurry and additive composition thereof
The present invention relates to the field of oil and natural gas well cementation engineering, in particular to a foam stabilizer composition, foamed cement slurry and an additive composition thereof. The foam stabilizer composition comprises C6-C20 alkyl amido alkyl amine oxide, C6-C20 alkyl amido alkyl betaine, and triterpenoid saponin compound. The foam stabilizer composition provided in the present invention is helpful for forming foamed cement slurry that has high foam stability, and the foam stabilizer composition can work with other active components in the foamed slurry additive composition provided in the present invention to enable the foamed cement slurry that contains the additive composition to obtain low density, high foam stability, low permeability, and high compressive strength, which is especially applicable to well cementing operation in an oil and natural gas exploration and development process. |
| US09624419B2 |
Methods for producing fluid migration resistant cement slurries
Methods including providing a wellbore in a subterranean formation; providing a proposed cement slurry; calculating a fluid migration threshold; manipulating the proposed cement slurry based on the fluid migration threshold so as to produce a fluid migration resistant cement slurry; introducing the fluid migration resistant cement slurry into the wellbore in the subterranean formation; and curing the fluid migration resistant cement slurry in the wellbore in the subterranean formation. |
| US09624416B2 |
Polyamide resin composition and molded article comprising the same
A polyamide resin composition containing a polyamide resin (A) and a property imparting component. The composition comprises relative to 100 parts by volume of the polyamide resin (A), as the property imparting component, 50 to less than 100 parts by volume of flake graphite (B), 5 to 40 parts by volume of carbon fibers (C), and 0.1 to 5 parts by volume of a polyhydric alcohol (D). |
| US09624414B2 |
Refrigerant
A refrigerant composition consisting essentially of R227ea 3-9% R134a 25-70% R125 3-35% R32 10-35% together with an optional hydrocarbon component; wherein the amounts are by weight and are selected to total 100%. |
| US09624411B2 |
Vacuum infusion adhesive and methods related thereto
An epoxy adhesive that is adapted to enable spray delivery and seamless polymerization during epoxy resin vacuum infusion techniques is disclosed. The epoxy adhesive can include one or more epoxy resins and one or more solvents that are used to dissolve the one or more epoxy resins. An adduct, a tackifier, and fumed silica can also be added to the adhesive. |
| US09624410B2 |
Adhesive composition for polarizing plate, polarizing plate including the same and optical display including the same
A polarizing plate including an adhesive film for polarizing plates and an optical display including the polarizing plate, the adhesive film being formed from an adhesive composition for polarizing plates, the adhesive composition including a tertiary amine group-containing (meth)acrylic copolymer; a cellulose resin; an isocyanate compound; and a metal chelate compound. |
| US09624409B2 |
Adhesive composition
Provided is an adhesive composition whose initial adhesive strength (A) and adhesive strength at increased temperature (B) satisfy a ratio (B/A) of 2.0 or lower, wherein the (A) value is measured through a peeling test after a sample is left for 24 hours at 23° C. and 50% relative humidity, and the (B) value is measured through a peeling test after a sample is left for 48 hours at 50° C. and 50% RH; the sample is prepared by laminating an adhesive-attached polarizing plate having a size of 25 mm×100 mm on a substrate at a pressure of 0.25 MPa and treating the laminate in an autoclave, the adhesive being formed from the adhesive composition; and the peeling test is performed by peeling the adhesive from the glass substrate at a peeling rate of 300 mm/min and a peeling angle of 180° using a universal testing machine. |
| US09624408B2 |
Method for coagulating polymer dispersions using expandable microspheres
Method for coagulating an aqueous polymer dispersion, where the aqueous polymer dispersion comprises at least one polymer in dispersion in aqueous phase, and also comprises thermally expandable, thermoplastic microspheres, the polymer dispersion is coagulated by energy input, and the coagulated composition is delivered via an outlet aperture, preferably in the form of a nozzle. |
| US09624407B1 |
Toy and hobby building blocks adhesive
A water soluble adhesive for use in assembling toy interlocking plastic building blocks is disclosed which add strength to assembled structures yet enables easy disassembly and reuse. |
| US09624403B2 |
Adhesive film for polarizing plate, polarizing plate including the same and optical display including the same
An adhesive film for polarizing plates has a K value of about 0.2 to about 0.5, as calculated by Equation 1. A polarizing plate includes the adhesive film for polarizing plates. An optical display includes the polarizing plate. The adhesive films for polarizing plates according to embodiments of the invention suppress light leakage due to dimensional changes in the polarizing plates at high temperature and/or high humidity. K=ΔG′×ΔR0 Equation 1 |
| US09624402B2 |
Non-aqueous inkjet printing method
The method is a non-aqueous inkjet printing method including the steps of: ejecting droplets of a non-aqueous pigment ink containing at least a pigment and a non-aqueous solvent onto a surface of a printing medium to form dots composed of the non-aqueous pigment ink, and then ejecting droplets of a non-aqueous post-treatment liquid containing at least silica and an organic solvent toward the printing medium so that the droplets overlap with the dots composed of the non-aqueous pigment ink, wherein either of the non-aqueous pigment ink and the post-treatment liquid contains a water-soluble resin having an amino group. |
| US09624401B2 |
Process for producing aqueous polyurethane formulations
A process for producing aqueous polyurethane preparations comprises the steps of: A) providing a solution in at least one solvent of at least one polymeric polyurethane bearing ionizable groups, B) using at least one neutralizing agent to partially neutralize the at least one polymeric polyurethane bearing ionizable groups, C) dispersing the at least one polymeric polyurethane bearing ionizable groups in water, D) optionally removing the at least one solvent, E) optionally diluting the mixture after solvent removal with further water, F) admixing neutralizing agent after solvent removal. |
| US09624397B2 |
Methods for the production of poly(cyanoacrylate) fibers
Methods are provided for the production of poly(cyanoacrylate) micro- or nanofibers which include mixing the cyanoacrylate monomer with a dipolar aprotic solvent to form a poly(cyanoacrylate) gel, dissolving the gel in a solvent for acrylates to form a solution suitable for electrospinning, and submitting the solution thus obtained to electrospinning to form said micro- or nanofibers. The micro- or nanofibers thus obtained can be used to form coatings that adhere to a substrate as a result of thermal treatment. |
| US09624396B2 |
Water-based primer composition
The present invention is to provide a water-based primer composition that exhibits excellent adhesion toward an adherend such as mortar. This water-based primer composition contains a high molecular weight emulsion (A) which is an emulsion of a resin having a weight average molecular weight of 200,000 or higher, and a low molecular weight emulsion (B) which is an emulsion of a resin having a weight average molecular weight of 100,000 or lower, wherein an average particle diameter of the resin of the low molecular weight emulsion (B) is 0.6 μm or less. |
| US09624395B2 |
Image recording method, ink, and liquid composition
An image recording method including the steps of applying an ink containing a coloring material and anionic resin particles to a recording medium; and applying a liquid composition to the recording medium so as to at least partly overlap with an area where the ink is applied, the liquid composition destabilizing a dispersion state of the coloring material or of the anionic resin particles in the ink. The ink contains a polyamine compound having a group formed by substituting a hydrogen atom of an amino group by a structure represented by —Rnn—H, where R is an alkyleneoxy group including an ethyleneoxy group, and the number of Rs per molecule is 5 or more and 180 or less. |
| US09624391B2 |
Water-based ink composition and water-based ballpoint pen
A water-based ink composition capable of forming depicted lines with excellent drying property and with little bleed is described. Also, a water-based ballpoint pen using the water-based ink composition is described. The water-based ink composition includes a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, a water-soluble organic solvent, a colorant and water, wherein the HLB value of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is from 14 to 15, and wherein the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether has an alkyl group contains 8 to 10 carbon atoms. |
| US09624387B2 |
Aqueous acrylic coating system and method for improving the appearance of grained wood surfaces
The invention is directed to a one-component (1K) coating system comprising an aqueous polyacrylate polymer dispersion and one or more compounds of elements of sub-groups 5 and/or 6 of the periodic table in which the particular element has an oxidation state of at least +4. |
| US09624386B2 |
Method to prepare a metallic nanoparticle dispersion
A method to prepare a metallic nanoparticle dispersion includes the steps of forming a metallic precursor dispersion or solution by adding a metallic precursor to a dispersion medium including: (a) a solvent according to Formula I, and wherein R1 and R2 represent an optionally substituted alkyl group, R1 and R2 may form a ring, (b) a carboxylic acid according to Formula II, R—COOH Formula II wherein R is an optionally substituted C2-C7 alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group, reducing the metallic precursor with a reducing agent to form metallic nanoparticles, sedimenting the metallic nanoparticles to obtain a highly concentrated metallic nanoparticle dispersion comprising at least 15 wt % of metallic nanoparticles. |
| US09624385B2 |
Antifouling paint composition, copolymer for antifouling paint composition and method for manufacturing same, and painted object having on surface antifouling paint film formed using said composition
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a copolymer allowing for an antifouling coating composition used for the formation of an environment-friendly antifouling coating film. The antifouling coating composition gives the coating film increased water resistance and can maintain the stable dissolution property and antifouling performance of the coating film without causing coating film defects such as a crack during long-term seawater treatment. An aspect of the present invention provides a copolymer for an antifouling coating composition, including a copolymer (A) having, on a side chain, a group represented by chemical formula (1) and having, on terminal, at least one of a group represented by chemical formula (2) and a group represented by chemical formula (3). |
| US09624384B2 |
Water stable antimicrobial silanol quaternary ammonium compounds
A method of stabilizing aqueous solutions of antimicrobial silanol quaternary ammonium compounds (SQACs) from premature polymerization where the stabilizing agent is selected from a list of antimicrobial, naturally occurring, renewable, volatile, liquid phytochemical essential oils that easily form crystal clear microemulsions when water is added to the concentrated SQAC/essential oil mixture. These non-foaming oil-in-water microemulsions have excellent long term storage stability, remain very low in viscosity and do not phase or precipitate for many months. Many essential oils found to be useful in this process are non-toxic food additives having pleasant scents, have low flammability yet are volatile enough to evaporate upon cure down of the SQAC, resulting in a higher concentration of SQAC in the cured, antimicrobial film. Economically shippable concentrations of stabilized SQACs can be further diluted with water to application concentrations without losing any stabilizing properties and remain storage stable at these lower concentrations indefinitely. |
| US09624382B2 |
Moisture and ultraviolet light barrier composition
A composition for the creation of a protective barrier on a wide variety of materials to prevent the deterioration and degradation caused by exposure to moisture and sun over time. |
| US09624374B2 |
Addition-curable silicone composition and optical device
The present invention provides an addition-curable silicone composition comprising: (A) a linear organopolysiloxane having silicon atom-bonded aliphatic unsaturated groups and CF3—(CF2)y—(CH2)z— groups; (B) an organopolysiloxane having silicon atom-bonded aliphatic unsaturated groups and CF3—(CF2)y—(CH2)z— groups, and having a branched structure represented by SiO4/2 and RSiO3/2; (C) an organosilicon compound having silicon atom-bonded hydrogen atoms and represented by the following general formula (1); and (D) a platinum group metal-based catalyst. There can be provided an addition-curable silicone composition that provides a cured product having low refractive index, high transparency, excellent light extraction efficiency, good rubber properties and strength properties, and no tack after curing, and in particular, has good transmittance of light with a wavelength of 400 nm at 25° C. |
| US09624371B2 |
Composition based on poly(arylene ether ketone) having improved properties
The present invention relates to a composition based on poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) comprising poly(ether ketone ketone) (PEKK), characterized in that the poly(ether ketone ketone) (PEKK) comprises a mixture of terephthalic and isophthalic units, the percentage by weight of terephthalic units, with respect to the sum of the terephthalic and isophthalic units, being between 55 and 85%, limits included, and preferably between 55 and 70%, the said composition comprising between 1 and 40%, limits included, preferably between 5 and 40% and more preferably still between 10 and 30% by weight of PEKK, with respect to the total weight of the composition. |
| US09624369B2 |
Liquid resin composition, cured product, wiring structure, and package using wiring structure
A liquid resin composition includes a liquid epoxy resin, a liquid curing agent, a curing accelerator and a ceramic filler. The liquid epoxy resin contains a first epoxy resin having a polyalkylene glycol framework. The liquid curing agent has a plurality of phenolic hydroxy groups per molecule. A content of the first epoxy resin in the liquid epoxy resin is in a range from 30% to 70% by mass, inclusive. The ceramic filler has an average particle diameter of 50 μm or less, and a content of the ceramic filler in the liquid resin composition is in a range from 50% to 90% by mass, inclusive. The liquid resin composition has a viscosity of 100 Pa·s or less at 25° C. |
| US09624366B2 |
Crosslinkable halogen-free resin composition, cross-linked insulated wire and cable
A crosslinkable halogen-free resin composition includes a polymer blend, and a metal hydroxide mixed in an amount of 120 to 200 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the polymer blend. The polymer blend includes a high-density polyethylene, 30 to 50 parts by mass of an ethylene-acrylic ester-maleic anhydride terpolymer, 5 to 20 parts by mass of a maleic anhydride modified ethylene-α-olefin copolymer and 10 to 30 parts by mass of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. |
| US09624365B2 |
Halogen-free crosslinkable resin composition, cross-linked insulation wire and cable
A halogen-free crosslinkable resin composition includes a base polymer including a high density polyethylene, 30 to 50 parts by mass of an ethylene-acrylic ester-maleic anhydride terpolymer, 5 to 20 parts by mass of an ethylene-α-olefin copolymer modified with maleic anhydride, and 10 to 30 parts by mass of an ethylene-acrylic ester copolymer, and a metal hydroxide of which content is 120 to 200 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the base polymer. |
| US09624364B2 |
Silane vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers
The present invention relates to novel polymer compositions, particularly in the form of thermoplastic Vulcanisates, said compositions comprising the reaction product of a first polymer (rubber phase); a second polymer (thermoplastic phase); a carboxylic acid anhydride; either a vinylsilane in combination with a peroxide or a sulphursilane; and whereby said silane is allowed to react with the polymers first. The invention further provides for processes of manufacturing such compositions and for articles comprising such compositions. |
| US09624362B2 |
Processing aid, and composition
The present invention provides a processing aid for polyolefins which can eliminate melt fracture occurring at the start of molding in a short time even when a polyolefin, which is a melt-processable polymer, is extrusion-molded at a high speed. The present invention also aims to provide a polyolefin composition containing such a processing aid for polyolefins and a polyolefin. The processing aid for polyolefins contains an ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer as the only fluoropolymer, the ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer having a melting point of 170° C. to 270° C. |
| US09624356B2 |
Ultraviolet absorber, composition for forming a resist under layer film, and patterning process
The present invention provides an ultraviolet absorber containing a compound represented by the formula (A-1), wherein R represents a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, or an allyl group, and R1, R2, R3, and R4 may be the same or different, and each represent a hydrogen atom, a benzoyl group, a toluoyl group, a naphthoyl group, or an anthranoyl group. By adding the ultraviolet absorber to a composition for forming a resist under layer film, reflection can be suppressed particularly in lithography process by an ultraviolet laser, and a pattern profile can be improved without adverse effects on dry etching mask properties and adhesiveness to a resist pattern. |
| US09624351B2 |
Method of making sulfur extended asphalt modified with crumb rubber
The present invention relates to asphalt compositions. The present invention provides for a sulfur rubber asphalt binder composition that includes a base asphalt having a softening point, elemental sulfur, and a crumb rubber material. The crumb rubber material is combined with the base asphalt and the elemental sulfur to create the sulfur rubber asphalt binder composition. The crumb rubber material is present in the sulfur rubber asphalt binder in an amount effective to increase the softening point as compared to the softening point of the base asphalt. |
| US09624349B2 |
Polyolefin microporous film and method for producing same
A polyolefin microporous membrane is produced by forming a gel-like molding using a polyolefin resin containing polypropylene, and stretching the molding in at least one direction, followed by washing, the polyolefin microporous membrane having an injection of electrolyte of 20 seconds or less and a uniform polypropylene distribution in at least one plane perpendicular to the thickness direction. |
| US09624345B2 |
Curable composition
Provided are a curable composition and its use. The curable composition exhibits excellent processability and workability before curing, and excellent light extraction efficiency, hardness, thermal and shock resistance, moisture resistance, gas permeability, and adhesiveness after curing. In addition, the curable composition may provide a cured product that exhibits long-lasting durability and reliability even under harsh conditions, and does not causing whitening and surface stickiness. |
| US09624344B2 |
Polymerization method and polymers formed therewith
Condensation of fluoro-substituted and silyl-substituted monomers provides polymers suitable for use, e.g., as engineering polymers. A monomer composition is condensed in the presence of a basic catalyst. The monomer composition contains a compound of formula F—X—F and a compound of formula (R1)3Si—Z—Si(R1)3, and forms an alternating X—Z polymer chain and a silyl fluoride byproduct. X has the formula -A(-R2-A)n-; each A is SO2, C(═O) or Het; R2 is an organic moiety; n is 0 or 1; Het is an aromatic nitrogen heterocycle; Z has the formula -L-R3-L-; each L is O, S, or N(R4); and each R3 is an organic moiety, and R4 comprises H or an organic moiety. |
| US09624343B2 |
Zinc catalyst/additive system for the polymerization of epoxide monomers
The present invention concerns a catalyst formulation comprising: (a) a Zn catalyst comprising a Zn compound having alcoholate ligand(s) derived from one or more polyols, and (b) a catalyst additive comprising a metal compound (i) having alcoholate ligand(s) derived from one or monohydric alcohol wherein the metal is selected from: (I) group 2 metals, preferably Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba, more preferably Mg, (II) Li, and (III) combinations of at least two metals selected from (I) and (II). The present invention also relates to a process for polymerizing an epoxide monomer, preferably ethylene oxide, comprising carrying out the process in the presence of the catalyst formulation. |
| US09624342B2 |
Process for manufacturing medium and high molecular weight polyesters
Medium and high molecular weight polyester polymers are prepared in syrup form from an ester oligomer. The oligomer is converted to the polymer by polycondensation at elevated pressure and elevated temperature in a nonreactive carrier capable of forming an azeotrope with water. The ester oligomerization or polycondensation reactions desirably are monitored using a non-viscometric technique. The process has a rapid cycle time. The syrup contains the polymer and nonreactive carrier, and may more conveniently be used to make initially non-solid products such as polyester coatings than is the case when employing pelletized solid polyester resins. |
| US09624341B2 |
Glycolide-based polyesters
A polymer comprises reaction product of (a) one or more diacid, diester thereof, glycolide, and (b) one or more polyol, wherein component (a) comprises glycolide or combinations thereof, and component (b) comprises one or more polyol comprising a mixture of 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, or 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, or combinations thereof. |
| US09624340B2 |
Poly(dihydroferulic acid) a biorenewable polyethylene terephthalate mimic derived from lignin and acetic acid and copolymers thereof
A biorenewable thermoplastic, poly(dihydroferulic acid) (PHFA), which is an effective polyethylene terephthalate (PET) mimic is disclosed. The PHFA can be prepared by the self-condensation of acetyldihydroferulic acid as the monomer that can be synthesized from the starting material-ferulic acid, which can be isolated from lignin, rice bran, or other biorenewable sources. |
| US09624339B2 |
Polyester resins based on fatty acids that have a short oil length, aqueous dispersions and associated coatings
The invention relates to a polyester resin which is based on at least one fatty acid, with a zero oil length (0%) or an oil length of between 0 and 35%, with a weight ratio of oxidizable fatty acids (monoacids), relative to the overall fatty acids, of 0 or greater than 0 and ranging up to 1, and which is based on an acid component comprising, in addition to said fatty acid, from 30% to 85% by weight, relative to the total weight of said resin, of rosin and/or of derivatives thereof bearing at least one carboxylic acid function. |
| US09624335B1 |
Functionalizable monolithic platforms
The method of preparing a functionalizable monolithic platform includes the steps of: functionalizing the silanol groups on a support having silanol groups or the ketone groups on a support having ketone groups with an organic compound having a vinyl group; and copolymerizing the alkenyl-functionalized silanol or ketone groups with itaconic anhydride monomers and vinyl monomers and/or a crosslinker having at least two vinyl reactive groups in a solvent by adding a suitable initiator for a time and temperature or radiation energy sufficient to thereby complete the copolymerization reaction process. The functionalizable monolithic platform has the structural formula: wherein n, m, n′ and m′ are integers greater than 0. |
| US09624334B2 |
Hydrophilically-modified silicone compositions
In various embodiments, provided are hydrophilically-modified silicone compositions comprising substantially spherical elastomeric microparticles, methods of making such compositions, and silicone pastes, personal care, and healthcare products comprising such silicone compositions. |
| US09624331B2 |
Mixture of copolymers grafted with polyamide blocks and elastomers formulated with a cross-linking or vulcanisation system
The mixture of the invention contains, for 100 parts by weight: (A) 10 to 90 parts in weight of at least one copolymer grafted to polyamide blocks, said copolymer comprising a polyolefin trunk and at least 1.3 polyamide grafts on said trunk in average, and having a nanostructured organization, wherein said grafts are attached to the trunk by the rest of an unsaturated monomer (X) having a function capable of reacting with a polyamide with an amine end; the rest of said monomer (X) being attached on the trunk by grafting or copolymerization from its double bond thereof, (A) optionally including at least one non-grafted polyolefin in a proportion such that the nano-structured organization of the compound (A) is preserved; and (B) 90 to 10 parts in weight of a formulation of at least one elastomer having unsaturated double bonds and capable of reacting with a crosslinking or vulcanization agent, said formulation containing a crosslinking or vulcanization system of said elastomer(s), at least one plasticizer and the standard additives present in elastomer formulations. |
| US09624328B2 |
Superabsorbent polymer
The present invention relates to a superabsorbent polymer which has excellent initial absorbency and keeps water from flowing out under pressure even after passage of time. The superabsorbent polymer of the present invention is characterized by simultaneously optimizing centrifuge retention capacity (CRC), absorbency under pressure (AUP), liquid permeability (SFC), and gel strength within a predetermined range. The present invention can provide improved physical properties of a final diaper product and apply an ultra-thin technology to the diaper product. |
| US09624324B2 |
Metal complex with a bridged cyclopentadienyl amidine ligand
The present invention relates to a new metal complex of the formula (1) wherein: M is a group 4-6 metal R1 means is a substituent comprising a heteroatom of group 15, through which R1 is bonded to the imine carbon atom; R2-R5 are the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted C1-10 alkyl group, an optionally substituted C1-10 alkoxy group, an optionally substituted C6-20 aryl group, an optionally substituted C6-20 aryloxy group, an optionally substituted C7-20 aralkyl group, an optionally substituted C7-20 aralkyloxy group, a silyl group substituted with optionally substituted C1-20 hydrocarbon group(s), a C1-20 hydrocarbon-substituted amino group or the adjacent R2-R5 may be linked to each other to form a ring; R6-R9 are the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an optionally substituted C1-10 alkyl group, an optionally substituted C1-10 alkoxy group, an optionally substituted C6-20 aryl group, an optionally substituted C6-20 aryloxy group, an optionally substituted C7-20 aralkyl group, an optionally substituted C7-20 aralkyloxy group, a silyl group substituted with optionally substituted C1-20 hydrocarbon group(s), a C1-20 hydrocarbon-substituted amino group or the adjacent R6-R9 may be linked to each other to form a ring; L is an optional neutral Lewis basic ligand, and j is an integer denoting the number of neutral ligands L; and X Is an anionic ligand, and r is an integer denoting the number of anionic ligands X. |
| US09624320B2 |
Maleic anhydride functionalization of polypropylene via solid-state shear pulverization
Functionalization of polymers, including polyolefins, with a, β-unsaturated carboxy-derived moieties through the use of solid-state shear pulverization. |
| US09624316B2 |
Unified cooling in multiple polyolefin polymerization reactors
A system and method for a polyolefin reactor temperature control system having a first reactor temperature control path, a second reactor temperature control path, and a shared temperature control path. The shared temperature control path is configured to combine and process coolant return streams, and to provide coolant supply for the first reactor temperature control path and the second reactor temperature control path. |
| US09624315B2 |
Preparation of new intermediate of heparin pentasaccharide and preparation method thereof
The present invention relates to a process of a chemically synthetic drug, and in particular, to a new intermediate of a heparin pentasaccharide and a preparation method thereof. The process has high reaction efficiency, and an easy reaction operation. The reaction intermediate is easy to be purified, and is appropriate for an industrialization production. |
| US09624312B2 |
Flame retardant modified cellulosic nanomaterials (FR-CNs) prepared using phosphorus-containing monomers
In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a composite material is prepared by blending a flame retardant modified cellulosic nanomaterial (FR-CN) filler into a polymer, wherein the FR-CN filler comprises a cellulosic nanomaterial (e.g., cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and/or cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs)) having a surface functionalized to incorporate a phosphorus-containing moiety. In some embodiments, the FR-CN filler is prepared by reacting hydroxyl groups on the surface of the cellulosic nanomaterial and a halogenated phosphorous-containing monomer (e.g., diphenyl phosphoryl chloride). In some embodiments, the surface of the cellulosic nanomaterial is further functionalized to incorporate an orthogonal functionality selected to enhance the compatibility of the FR-CN filler with the polymer by reacting hydroxyl groups on the surface of the cellulosic nanomaterial and a monomer (e.g., epichlorohydrin when the polymer is an epoxy-based polymer). |
| US09624307B2 |
Factor XII inhibitors for the treatment of silent brain ischemia and ischemia of other organs
Silent brain ischemia (SBI) or ischemia of other organs can result from an embolism that is introduced into the arterial system during a medical procedure. The application provides a method of administering a FXII inhibitor in a patient receiving a medical procedure and animal models useful for studying ischemia including SBI and ischemia in other organs, and for evaluating candidate therapeutics. |
| US09624306B2 |
Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor variant III chimeric antigen receptors and use of same for the treatment of cancer
The invention provides chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) comprising an antigen binding domain of human antibody 139, an extracellular hinge domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain T cell receptor signaling domain. Nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, populations of cells, antibodies, or antigen binding portions thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions relating to the CARs are disclosed. Methods of detecting the presence of cancer in a host and methods of treating or preventing cancer in a host are also disclosed. |
| US09624300B2 |
Antibodies that bind human dendritic and epithelial cell 205 (DEC-205)
Isolated monoclonal antibodies which bind to human DEC-205 and related antibody-based compositions and molecules are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies, as well as therapeutic and diagnostic methods for using the antibodies. |
| US09624299B2 |
Cell line 3M
The present invention provides, inter alia, an isolated cell line, 3M as well as methods for making such a cell line and methods of using such a cell line, e.g., to produce a protein such as an immunoglobulin. |
| US09624295B2 |
Uses and compositions for treatment of psoriatic arthritis
The invention provides methods, uses and compositions for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis. The invention describes methods and uses for treating psoriatic arthritis, wherein a TNFα inhibitor, such as a human TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, is used to psoriatic arthritis in a subject. Also described are methods for determining the efficacy of a TNFα inhibitor for treatment of psoriatic arthritis in a subject. |
| US09624294B2 |
Antibody recognizing N-domain of midkine
The present disclosure relates to isolated or recombinant proteins, such as antibodies, which inhibit or reduce the function of midkine (hereinafter, referred to as “MK”) for use in the treatment or prevention of midkine-related disorders. |
| US09624293B2 |
Collection and methods for its use
The present disclosure enables methods of identifying the VH and VL class pairs in the human immune repertoire, determining the VH and VL class pairs that are most prevalent and those having favorable biophysical properties. More specifically, the collections of the present disclosure comprise the most prevalent and/or preferred VH and VL class pairings with highly diversified CDRs. |
| US09624291B2 |
Bi- and monospecific, asymmetric antibodies and methods of generating the same
An antibody is provided. The antibody comprises an Fc region and a Fab region, wherein: (i) the Fc region comprises two non-identical heavy chains, wherein at least one of the two non-identical heavy chains comprises an amino acid modification so as to form complementation between the two non-identical heavy chains thereby increasing the probability of forming heterodimers of the non-identical heavy chains and decreasing the probability of forming homodimers of identical heavy chains; and (ii) the Fab region comprises a first covalent link between a first heavy chain and a first light chain of the Fab region and a second covalent link between a second heavy chain and a second light chain of said Fab region, wherein a position of the first covalent link relative to the first heavy chain is different to a position of the second covalent link relative to the second heavy chain. |
| US09624290B2 |
Lowered affinity antibodies and methods of making the same
The present invention provides methods for making novel, rationally designed lowered affinity antibodies. The methods of the present invention make antibodies that have variable domains that have been designed to reduce or eliminate the antigen binding activity of the parental antibody without altering the overall (3) dimensional antibody structure. Using the antibodies made using methods of the present invention in various assays allows researchers to distinguish effects that result from specific antigen-antibody interactions from other, non-specific antibody effects. |
| US09624288B2 |
Engineered receptors and their use
Engineered chloride channel receptors, nucleic acids encoding these receptors, expression vectors including these nucleic acids are disclosed herein. Nanoparticles and pharmaceutical compositions including these engineered chloride channel receptors, nucleic acids, and expression vectors are disclosed. The use of these compositions and nanoparticles, such as for the treatment of pain, cystic fibrosis and asthma, is also disclosed. |
| US09624285B2 |
Methods of treating diabetes and compositions capable of same
A composition of matter is disclosed which comprises isolated oligomers of human islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP). Antibodies recognizing same are also disclosed. Use of the composition of matter and the antibodies are also disclosed. |
| US09624282B2 |
Microdystrophin peptides and methods for treating muscular dystrophy using the same
According to the embodiments described herein, a series of biological materials for treatment/therapy of DMD and/or BMD through the recovery of sarcolemmal nNOS is provided. The biological material comprises the complete dystrophin repeats R16 and R17 or certain domains, sections, or fragments of the dystrophin repeats R16 and R17. In some aspects, such domains, sections, or fragments may be selected from sequence motifs including dystrophin R17 α1 helix, α2 and α3 helices of both R16 and R17, or a combination thereof. |
| US09624275B2 |
Msp nanopores and related methods
Provided herein are Mycobacterium smegmatis porin nanopores, systems that comprise these nanopores, and methods of using and making these nanopores. Such nanopores may be wild-type MspA porins, mutant MspA porins, wild-type MspA paralog porins, wild-type MspA homolog porins, mutant MspA paralog porins, mutant MspA homolog porins, or single-chain Msp porins. Also provided are bacterial strains capable of inducible Msp porin expression. |
| US09624268B2 |
Oral peptide inhibitors of interleukin-23 receptor and their use to treat inflammatory bowel diseases
Peptide inhibitors of the interleukin-23 receptor, and related compositions and methods of using these peptide inhibitors to treat or prevent a variety of diseases and disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease are described. |
| US09624265B2 |
Short peptides and a method of use as an antioxidant
A method for attenuating effects of free radicals on a keratinous material of a subject in need thereof, comprising applying a composition to the keratinous material is provided. The composition comprises a physiologically or pharmaceutically acceptable medium and a short chain polypeptide having four amino acid units of a specific formula. The composition may be a sunscreen, a skin cream, a shampoo or a hair conditioner. |
| US09624264B2 |
Hydroxystatin derivatives for the treatment of arthrosis
The present invention relates to compounds of the formula (I) and in particular to medicaments comprising at least one compound of the formula (I) for use in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of physiological and/or pathophysiological conditions in the triggering of which cathepsin D is involved, in particular for use in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of arthrosis, traumatic cartilage injuries arthritis, pain, allodynia or hyperalgesia. |
| US09624254B2 |
Hydroxysafflor yellow pharmaceutical salts
A new pharmaceutically acceptable salt of hydroxysafflor yellow A as presented in formula (I), in particular new monomer compounds of potassium, ammonium, calcium, and magnesium salts of hydroxysafflor yellow A, preparation method therefor, and medical uses thereof are provided. Compared to hydroxysafflor yellow A, the hydroxysafflor yellow A pharmaceutical salts of the present invention have a purity of at least 98% and are monomer compounds that are safer, more effective, stable, and controllable. The salts have the effects against PAF- or ADP-induced platelet aggregation, and can be used in treating blood circulatory disorders such as platelet aggregation, coronary artery diseases, angina, and acute cerebral ischemia to the effect comparable to hydroxysafflor yellow A, wherein, n and M are defined as in the description. |
| US09624245B2 |
Macrocyclic compounds as HCV entry inhibitors
Compounds of Formula I, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are set forth, in addition to compositions and methods of using these compounds. The compounds have activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and may be useful in treating those infected with HCV. |
| US09624198B2 |
Substituted piperidinyltetrahydroquinolines
The present application relates to novel substituted piperidinyltetrahydroquinolines, to processes for their preparation, to their use for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases and to their use for preparing medicaments for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases, in particular for the treatment and/or prevention of diabetic microangiopathies, diabetic ulcers on the extremities, in particular for promoting wound healing of diabetic foot ulcers, diabetic heart failure, diabetic coronary microvascular heart disorders, peripheral and cardial vascular disorders, thromboembolic disorders and ischaemias, peripheral circulatory disturbances, Raynaud's phenomenon, CREST syndrome, microcirculatory disturbances, intermittent claudication, and peripheral and autonomous neuropathies. |
| US09624196B2 |
Inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase
A compound of formula (XV): wherein R1 represents an amino group, a protected amino group or nitro group; or a salt thereof. The compound is a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor. The compound and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be used for treatment of conditions, such as inflammatory diseases. |
| US09624195B2 |
Isoquinoline compounds
Described herein are compounds of Formula (I) and tautomers and pharmaceutical salts thereof, compositions and formulations containing such compounds, and methods of using and making such compounds. |
| US09624193B2 |
Cyclic azine derivatives, processes for producing these, and organic electroluminescent element containing these as component
A cyclic azine compound represented by general formula (1): wherein each Ar1 represents an aromatic group, which is unsubstituted or substituted by a C1-4 alkyl group, a phenyl group or a pyridyl group; and A represents a group selected from those which are represented by general formulae (2) to (5), described in the description. The cyclic azine compound is useful for an organic compound layer of fluorescent or phosphorescent EL device. |
| US09624191B2 |
Cyclic carbonate monomers and ring opened polycarbonates therefrom
Eight-membered ring cyclic carbonates having an oxygen or an acylated nitrogen at position 6 were prepared by reaction of precursor diols with ethyl chloroformate. The cyclic carbonates undergo organocatalyzed ring opening polymerization. In one instance, the initial polymer formed comprises a carbonate repeat unit having a Boc-protected nitrogen in the polymer backbone. Deprotecting the nitrogen with acid forms a cationic carbonate repeat unit having a positive charged secondary ammonium nitrogen in the polymer backbone. |
| US09624189B2 |
Fluorinated benzofuran derivatives
The invention relates to fluorinated compounds and their use in the field of pathological syndromes of the cardiovascular system. Novel fluorinated benzofuran derivatives of amiodarone and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof and their use for the treatment of arrhythmias are described. |
| US09624187B2 |
Oxathiazine derivatives as antibacterial and anticancer agents
New oxathiazin-like compounds and their derivatives are useful as antineoplastic and antimicrobial agents. Compositions and methods of using oxathiazin-like compounds and their derivatives are disclosed. |
| US09624185B1 |
Method for preparing IDO inhibitor epacadostat
The present disclosure provides a new method for preparing IDO inhibitor epacadostat. The whole reaction route is simple, easy to control and has high yield. |
| US09624183B2 |
Process for the preparation of a fluorolacton derivative
A novel process for the preparation of a fluorolactone derivative of the formula and of its acylated derivative of formula wherein R1 stands for a hydroxy protecting group is described. The acylated fluorolactones of formula V, particularly the benzoyl derivative with R1=benzyl are important precursors for the synthesis of prodrug compounds which have the potential to be potent inhibitors of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) NS5B polymerase. |
| US09624180B2 |
Squaric derivatives for the treatment of hepatitis C
Compounds of Formula I, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are set forth, in addition to compositions and methods of using these compounds. The compounds have activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and may be useful in treating those infected with HCV. |
| US09624178B2 |
Substituted cyclopenta pyrimidine bicyclic compounds having antitmitotic and/or antitumor activity methods of use thereof
The present invention provides substituted cyclopenta and cyclopentyl pyrimidine bicyclic compounds of Formula III, and 5,6-saturated and unsaturated and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, solvates, and hydrates thereof, having antimitotic activity, anti-multidrug resistance activity, such as for example P-glycoprotein inhibition, and antitumor activity, and which inhibit paclitaxel sensitive and resistant tumor cells. Also provided are methods of utilizing these compounds for treating tumor cells and inhibiting mitosis of cancerous cells. |
| US09624176B2 |
Method for preparing caprolactam by using a microreactor under lewis acid catalysis
A method for preparing caprolactam by using a microreactor under Lewis acid catalysis, wherein a hydroxyl group in a cyclohexanone oxime is activated to obtain a cyclohexanone oxime sulfonates intermediate, then rearranged under Lewis acid catalysis to prepare the caprolactam. The method of this invention has a simple process and a high operation safety and selectivity, the reaction condition is mild, an efficient reaction can take place even at room temperature, the reaction time is short, the conversion of the cyclohexanone oxime can reach 100% within a short time, the selectivity of the caprolactam can reach 99%, the energy consumption is greatly reduced in the premise of maintaining a high yield, and the production cost is reduced, being an efficient and green and environmentally friendly method of for synthesizing the caprolactam. |
| US09624168B2 |
Compositions and methods for the treatment inflammation and lipid disorders
The invention relates to the compounds of formula I and formula II or its pharmaceutical acceptable salts, as well as polymorphs, solvates, enantiomers, stereoisomers and hydrates thereof. The pharmaceutical compositions comprising an effective amount of compounds of formula I or formula II; and methods for treating or preventing inflammation and lipid disorders may be formulated for oral, buccal, rectal, topical, transdermal, transmucosal, intravenous, parenteral administration, syrup, or injection. Such compositions may be used to treatment of hypertriglyceridemia, steatohepatitis, cystinosis and inflammatory diseases. |
| US09624165B2 |
Xylylene dicarbamate, method for producing xylylene diisocyanate, xylylene diisocyanate, and method for reserving xylylene dicarbamate
Xylylene dicarbamate contains impurities represented by formulas (1) to (4) below at a ratio of less than 100 ppm as a total amount thereof on a mass basis. (In the above-described formulas (1) to (4), R represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group.) |
| US09624164B2 |
Phenyl carbamate compounds for use in preventing or treating epilepsy
A method for treatment or prevention epilepsy comprising administering a phenyl carbamate compound in a pharmaceutically effective amount to a subject in need of treatment or prevention of epilepsy is provided. |
| US09624161B2 |
Estrogen receptor ligands and methods of use thereof
The present invention relates to methods for reducing testosterone levels in a male subject and methods of treating, suppressing, reducing the incidence, reducing the severity, or inhibiting prostate cancer, advanced prostate cancer, castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), and methods of reducing high or increasing PSA levels and/or increasing SHBG levels in a subject suffering from prostate cancer, advanced prostate cancer, castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The compounds of this invention suppress free or total testosterone levels despite castrate levels secondary to ADT and reduce high or increasing PSA levels. This reduction in testosterone levels may be used to treat prostate cancer, advanced prostate cancer, CRPC and mCRPC without causing bone loss, decreased bone mineral density, increased risk of bone fractures, increased body fat, hot flashes and/or gynecomastia. |
| US09624149B2 |
Process for preparing a chlorinated alkene
Disclosed is a process for preparing a chlorinated alkene, comprising contacting a chlorinated alkane with a catalyst in a dehydrochlorination zone to produce a liquid reaction mixture comprising the chlorinated alkane and the chlorinated alkene, and extracting chlorinated alkene from the reaction mixture, wherein the concentration of the chlorinated alkene in the reaction mixture present in the dehydrochlorination zone is controlled such that the molar ratio of chlorinated alkene:chlorinated alkane is from 1:99 to 50:50. |
| US09624148B2 |
Process for purifying (hydro)fluoroalkenes
The invention relates to a process for removing one or more undesired (hydro)halocarbon compounds from a (hydro)fluoroalkene, the process comprising contacting a composition comprising the (hydro)fluoroalkene and one or more undesired (hydro)halocarbon compounds with an aluminum-containing absorbent, activated carbon, or a mixture thereof. |
| US09624144B2 |
1, 3-butadiene-separating material, and separation method using said separating material
The invention separating material and separation method make it possible to separate and collect 1,3-butadiene selectively from a mixed gas containing 1,3-butadiene and a C4 hydrocarbon other than 1,3-butadiene. A separating material capable of adsorbing 1,3-butadiene selectively includes: a dicarboxylic acid compound (I) represented by formula (I) (wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or the like); a metal ion such as a zinc ion and a cobalt ion; and a metal complex having such a structure that multiple pseudo-diamondoid frameworks are intruded mutually, wherein each of the pseudo-diamondoid frameworks comprises an organic ligand (II) that is represented by formula (II) (wherein X represents —CH2—, —CH2—CH2—, —CH═CH— or the like; and R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11 and R12 independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or the like) and is capable of being bidentately coordinated with the metal ion. |
| US09624135B2 |
Polycrystalline abrasive materials and method of manufacture
A method of manufacturing polycrystalline abrasive elements consisting of micron, sub-micron or nano-sized ultrahard abrasives dispersed in micron, sub-micron or nano-sized matrix materials. A plurality of ultrahard abrasive particles having vitreophilic surfaces are coated with a matrix precursor material and then treated to render them suitable for sintering. The matrix precursor material can be converted to an oxide, nitride, carbide, oxynitride, oxycarbide, or carbonitride, or an elemental form thereof. The coated ultrahard abrasive particles are consolidated and sintered at a pressure and temperature at which they are crystallographically or thermodynamically stable. |
| US09624133B2 |
Solid electrolyte, method of producing the solid electrolyte, and gas sensor equipped with gas sensor element using the solid electrolyte
A solid electrolyte is made of zirconia grains containing yttria and alumina grains dispersed in the zirconia grains. In the solid electrolyte, the yttria content per zirconia content is within a range of 2 to 10 mol. %, the relative density is not less than 93%, and the average particle size Rz of the zirconia grains is not more than 2 μm, an average particle size Ra of the alumina grains is not more than 1 μm. The average particle size Ra of the alumina grains is smaller than the average particle size Rz of the zirconia grains. An average distance value ALa between the alumina grains is not more than 2 μm, and a standard deviation SLa thereof is not more than 0.8. The solid electrolyte satisfies a relationship of (SLa/ALa)×Rz≦0.9. |
| US09624132B2 |
Sintered zircon material for forming block
A component includes a body including zircon (ZrSiO4) grains, the body having a free silica intergranular phase present between the zircon grains and distributed substantially uniformly through the body. The body comprises a content of free silica not greater than about 2 wt. % for the total weight of the body. |
| US09624131B1 |
Freeze-thaw durable geopolymer compositions and methods for making same
A freeze-thaw durable, dimensionally stable, geopolymer composition including: cementitious reactive powder including thermally activated aluminosilicate mineral, aluminate cement preferably selected from at least one of calcium sulfoaluminate cement and calcium aluminate cement, and calcium sulfate selected from at least one of calcium sulfate dihydrate, calcium sulfate hemihydrate, and anhydrous calcium sulfate; alkali metal chemical activator; and a freeze-thaw durability component selected from at least one of air-entraining agent, defoaming agent, and surface active organic polymer; wherein the composition has an air content of about 4% to 20% by volume, more preferably about 4% to 12% by volume, and most preferably about 4% to 8% by volume. The compositions are made from a slurry wherein the water/cementitious reactive powder weight ratio is 0.14 to 0.45:1, preferably 0.16 to 0.35:1, and more preferably 0.18 to 0.25:1. Methods for making the compositions are also disclosed. |
| US09624130B2 |
Optimizing polycarboxylate admixtures for cementitious compositions
The present invention provides a composition and method for modifying a hydratable cementitious composition such as concrete or mortar using at least three different, distinct carboxylate polymers, even when clay is present in the concrete or mortar that would otherwise diminish dosage efficiency of polycarboxylate polymer used as dispersant. The three polycarboxylate polymers, designated as Polymer I, Polymer II, and Polymer II, are derived from monomer Components A, B, and C wherein Component A is an unsaturated carboxylic acid, Component B is a polyoxyalkylene, and Component C is an unsaturated carboxylate ester. The component molar ratio ranges for A:B:C are different as between Polymers I and II; while a distinct component molar ratio A:B+C is identified for Polymer III. When treated with these three different polycarboxylate polymers, the hydratable cementitious composition is surprisingly enhanced in terms of initial workability and slump retention, especially if clay is present. |
| US09624128B1 |
Glass container coating and surface treatment process
A glass container that includes a microwave susceptor coating on an exterior surface thereof, and a process for healing flaws in an exterior portion of the glass container. When the glass container is exposed to microwave radiation, the microwave susceptor coating generates heat and selectively and locally provides a major portion of such heat to regions of glass in the exterior portion of the glass container that are in close proximity to the flaws. These regions of glass in the exterior portion of the glass container may be selectively and locally heated so that the glass therein can flow and thereby fill-in the flaws in the exterior portion of the glass container. This process can be used to heal flaws in an exterior portion of a glass container without impairing the structural integrity of the glass container. |
| US09624127B2 |
Barrier layers comprising Ni-inclusive alloys and/or other metallic alloys, double barrier layers, coated articles including double barrier layers, and methods of making the same
Certain example embodiments relate to Ni-inclusive ternary alloy being provided as a barrier layer for protecting an IR reflecting layer comprising silver or the like. The provision of a barrier layer comprising nickel, chromium, and/or molybdenum and/or oxides thereof may improve corrosion resistance, as well as chemical and mechanical durability. In certain examples, more than one barrier layer may be used on at least one side of the layer comprising silver. In still further examples, a NixCryMoz-based layer may be used as the functional layer, rather than or in addition to as a barrier layer, in a coating. |
| US09624124B2 |
Bismuth borate glass encapsulant for LED phosphors
Embodiments are directed to glass frits containing phosphors that can be used in LED lighting devices and for methods associated therewith for making the phosphor containing glass frit and their use in glass articles, for example, LED devices. |
| US09624123B2 |
Multi-component rotary spinner apparatuses systems and methods for producing fiber from molten material
Rotary spinner apparatuses, systems and methods for producing fibers from molten materials are disclosed. Certain exemplary embodiments include rotary spinners including a hub, a slinger, an annular member, a retaining member, and a plurality of fasteners. In certain embodiments the hub, the retaining member, and the plurality of fasteners are structured to limit axial movement of the annular member relative to the hub member and to allow radial expansion and contraction of the annular member relative to the hub member. In certain embodiments the annular member is structured to contact the hub at a plurality of contact areas and is spaced apart from the hub at a plurality of gap areas. In certain embodiments the slinger is structured to contact the hub at a plurality of contact areas and is spaced apart from the hub at a plurality of gap areas. |
| US09624121B2 |
Methods and apparatus for free-shape cutting of flexible thin glass
Methods and apparatus provide for supporting a source glass sheet and defining an at least partially non-straight cutting line that establishes a closed pattern that circumscribes a desired final shape; scoring the glass sheet at an initiation line using a mechanical scoring device; applying a laser beam to the glass sheet starting at the initiation line and continuously moving the laser beam relative to the glass sheet along the cutting line to elevate a temperature of the glass sheet at the cutting line to a substantially consistent temperature, where the laser beam is of a circular shape; and applying a cooling fluid simultaneously with the application of the laser beam, such that the cooling fluid at least reduces the temperature of the glass sheet in order to propagate a fracture in the glass sheet along the cutting line. |
| US09624119B2 |
Enhanced catalyst stability in activated peroxygen and/or alkaline detergent formulations
Stabilized catalyst detergent compositions are provided in solid formulations of detergents including an active oxygen source and/or a highly alkaline detergent composition. The compositions are suitable for use with additional detergent and/or bleaching compositions while providing stabilized catalysts within a polymeric matrix. Methods or process for manufacturing the compositions, and methods of use for cleaning are disclosed. |
| US09624115B2 |
Radiation reactor
The present invention relates to radiation reactors for sanitizing fluids. In particular the present invention concerns a radiation reactor for a fluid, whereby the radiation reactor comprises a tubular casing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and, the radiation reactor also comprises a radiating element, with the radiation element being arranged within the tubular casing. As a fluid is passed into the tubular casing through the fluid inlet, a first direction of rotation is imparted to the fluid. The fluid is discharged from the tubular casing through the fluid outlet, after the fluid has been irradiated by the radiating element. In order to improve the efficiency of the irradiation process while maintaining flow rate through the radiation reactor, the tubular casing also comprises at least one protrusion on the inner wall of the casing and the protrusion extends into a flow path of the fluid such that the protrusion interrupts the first direction of rotation imparted to the fluid by directing the fluid out of the first direction of rotation. |
| US09624112B2 |
Desalination system using a filter press
A filter press system for water desalination may comprise: a frame; a plurality of filter plates configured to form a stack of parallel plates, each of filter plates being movably attached to the frame, the filter plates further being configured to form a multiplicity of chambers, each of the chambers being formed by adjacent filter plates, each of the chambers being lined by filter cloths and substantially filled with beads, wherein the plurality of filter plates, the multiplicity of chambers and the filter cloths are configured to allow water vapor to escape from the chambers while retaining salts from the water to form a filter cake; a heater, for heating the water in the chambers; a condenser for condensing the water vapor; and a separator for separating the beads from the filter cake after the filter cake is released from the chambers. |
| US09624109B2 |
Method of manufacturing carbon-rich product and co-products
A method in which a parent hydrocarbon-rich material is processed so as to produce both a carbon-rich solid material that has a higher carbon to hydrogen ratio than that of the parent material and a carbon-deficient combustible gas that has a lower carbon to hydrogen ratio than the parent material. In the process, the material is activated by exposing it to a hot gas stream having elevated levels of one or both of carbon dioxide and water vapor. The combustible gas is combusted to produce heat. At least about 80% of the heat is used in one ore more endothermic steps that include drying coal or biomass. |
| US09624108B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing nano-size graphene-structured material
There is provided an apparatus for preparing a graphene-structured material. The apparatus includes a supply hopper configured to supply graphite oxide; a supply line of which an end is connected to a lower end of the supply hopper; a reducing atmosphere gas supply unit connected to a side of the supply line; a vertical fluidized bed furnace of which a lower part is connected to another end of the supply line and configured to reduce the supplied graphite oxide with thermal-expansion; a discharge line of which an end is connected to an upper part of the vertical fluidized bed furnace; a vibrating type vertical micro filter connected to an opening portion on a side of the discharge line; a vacuum pump connected to the vertical micro filter; and a collector positioned under the vertical micro filter and connected to another end of the discharge line. |
| US09624107B2 |
Method for producing difluorophosphate
Provided is a method for producing a difluorophosphate, which can easily and industrially advantageously produce a high-purity difluorophosphate. The method includes a step of producing a difluorophosphate in the fluorophosphoric acid solution by reacting hydrofluoric acid anhydride containing no solvent with an oxoacid and/or the like of phosphorous to produce a fluorophosphoric acid solution; a step of adding a hexafluorophosphate to the fluorophosphoric acid solution in the absence of respective halides, carbonates, borates, phosphates, hydroxides, and oxides of an alkali metal and the like; and a step of heating and drying the fluorophosphoric acid solution containing the difluorophosphate to distill away a fluorophosphoric acid, or a step of depositing the difluorophosphate in the fluorophosphoric acid solution by crystallization, subsequently separating the difluorophosphate by solid-liquid separation, and distilling away a fluorophosphoric acid contained in the difluorophosphate after the solid-liquid separation. |
| US09624106B2 |
Supersulf-a process with internal cooling and heating reactors in subdewpoint sulfur recovery and tail gas treating systems
SuperSulf process refers to an innovative reactor design consisting of internal cooling and heating thermoplate exchangers where it is filled by the Claus type catalysts between plates in the SRU and hydrogenation catalysts in the tail gas unit. SuperSulf reactor consists of 3 reactor zones in the sulfur recovery which operates as a SubDewPoint process where the mode of operation are controlled by switching valves on the utilities streams high pressure steam and high quality water and steam where the first 2 zones operate as hot and cold and switches to cold and hot where the produced sulfur is condensed. The third zone operates as cold all the time where consists of the last sulfur condenser by producing Low pressure steam. The tail gas unit consists of 2 reactor zones of hydrogenation reactor and hydrolysis reactor with internal plate cooling then followed by the tail gas amine with a selective solvent. The thermal incineration system can meet less than 50 ppmv of SO2 and with caustic incineration less than 10 ppmv of SO2 resulting zero emission. |
| US09624105B1 |
Process for producing hydrogen with reduced corrosion
Process for producing a hydrogen-containing product gas while impeding corrosion of piping operatively connecting a condensate separator and a pressure swing adsorption unit by heating the effluent gas stream from the condensate separator well above the dew point of the effluent gas stream to prevent liquid water in the stream. Heating of the effluent gas stream is provided without deteriorating the energy efficiency of the process. |
| US09624102B2 |
Pyrotechnic process for providing very high purety hydrogen and associated device
A pyrotechnic process for providing very high purity hydrogen, includes the combustion of at least one solid pyrotechnic charge capable of generating hydrogen-containing gas for the production of a pressurized hot hydrogen-containing gas that contains at least 70% by volume of hydrogen; and the purification of at least one portion of the pressurized hydrogen-containing gas, by passing through a metallic hydrogen separation membrane maintained at a temperature above 250° C., in order to obtain, at the outlet of the membrane, a hydrogen-containing gas that contains at least 99.99% by volume of hydrogen. |
| US09624101B2 |
Article with controlled wettability
An article is provided, the article including a substrate having a surface with a first wettability characteristic. A nano-structure array is formed on the surface of the substrate to provide a nano-structured surface having a second wettability characteristic. A thin-layer surface coating is formed on the nano-structured surface, the thin-layer surface coating being configured to tune the nano-structured surface to a target wettability characteristic. |
| US09624099B2 |
Planar cavity MEMS and related structures, methods of manufacture and design structures
A method of forming a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) includes forming a lower electrode on a first insulator layer within a cavity of the MEMS. The method further includes forming an upper electrode over another insulator material on top of the lower electrode which is at least partially in contact with the lower electrode. The forming of the lower electrode and the upper electrode includes adjusting a metal volume of the lower electrode and the upper electrode to modify beam bending. |
| US09624098B2 |
Electromechanical devices and methods for fabrication of the same
A fabricated electromechanical device is disclosed herein. An exemplary device includes, a substrate, at least one layer of a high-transconductance material separated from the substrate by a dielectric medium, a first electrode in electrical contact with the at least one layer of a high-transconductance material and separated from the substrate by at least one first supporting member, a second electrode in electrical contact with the layer of a high-transconductance material and separated from the substrate by at least one second supporting member, where the first electrode is electrically separate from the second electrode, and a third electrode separated from the at least one layer of high-transconductance material by a dielectric medium and separated from each of the first electrode and the second electrode by a dielectric medium. |
| US09624090B2 |
Mirco-electro-mechanical system device
The invention provides a micro-electro-mechanical system device including: a substrate; a proof mass, including an outer frame which inwardly defines an internal space, and at least one inner extension portion which is directly connected to the outer frame and inwardly extends from the outer frame; at least one compliant structure, located in the internal space, and directly connected to the corresponding inner extension portion; an anchor, located in the internal space and directly connected to the at least one compliant structure, the anchor being connected to the substrate; movable electrodes, located in the internal space and connected to the proof mass; and fixed electrodes, respectively located in correspondence to the movable electrodes, and being connected to the substrate through fixing portions. |
| US09624089B1 |
Cold weather hydration systems, devices, components and methods
Various embodiments of systems, devices, components, and methods are disclosed for heating a drinkable or other fluid, such as water and/or ice in a hydration system. Such embodiments include heating assemblies for hydration systems, hydration systems with heating elements, electronic control assemblies for hydration systems, and various methods of heating a drinkable or other fluid, gel or semi-solid. |
| US09624087B2 |
Environmentally friendly fluid dispensing system
Environmental friendly automotive fluid dispensing systems and are provided. One disclosed system provides for the controlled dispensing of an automotive fluid selected from multiple automotive fluids. A quantity of fluid to be dispensed can be designated and the system can dispense the designated quantity of the selected fluid. A pump assembly is used to transfer automotive fluid from a selected container to a dispensing gun in a controlled fashion. The product dispensing gun can include a check valve for preventing fluid from exiting the dispensing gun when no fluid is being transferred to the dispensing gun by the pump assembly. |
| US09624081B1 |
Article elevation apparatus
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus is described for use in lifting an article. The apparatus includes a support arm, a lever arm that is movably connected to the support arm, and a headpiece supported by the lever arm that is configured and dimensioned to engage the article such that a force applied to the lever arm is transmitted to the article to thereby lift the article. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a kit is described for use in lifting an article. The kit includes a support arm, a lever arm that is movably connected to the support arm, a first headpiece supportable by the lever arm having a first configuration facilitating engagement with the article, and a second headpiece supportable by the lever arm having a second configuration facilitating engagement with the article different than the first configuration. |
| US09624079B2 |
Forklift and control method of forklift
A forklift includes a variable displacement hydraulic pump driven by an engine, a hydraulic motor that forms a closed circuit with the hydraulic pump therebetween and is driven by hydraulic oil discharged from the hydraulic pump, and driving wheels driven by the hydraulic motor. A control device of the forklift determines a rate of increase of an inching rate, based on at least one of an accelerator opening, a brake opening indicating an operation amount of a brake pedal, a change speed of the brake opening, and a vehicle speed detected by a vehicle speed sensor. |
| US09624076B2 |
Synchronized motorized lifting devices for lifting shared loads
A system includes multiple lifting devices, where each lifting device includes a drum to draw in or let out a line, and a motor and transmission coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto. A grouping module is provided to group the lifting devices for synchronized operation. A synchronization module monitors an amount of line that is drawn in or let out from each of the lifting devices and, based on the amount, adjusts operating parameters (e.g., position, speed, etc.) of one or more of the lifting devices in the group to substantially synchronize the amount of line drawn in or let out with other lifting devices in the group. |
| US09624073B2 |
Method and elevator arrangement
A method for balancing an elevator car including a frame; a cabin box mounted on the frame; and a plurality of elastic members, such as springs, in vertical direction between the frame and the cabin box, via which elastic members the cabin box rests on the frame. The method includes measuring the vertical distance between the frame and the cabin box in several horizontally spaced apart locations with distance sensors; and adjusting the weight distribution of the cabin box by adding and/or removing weight elements on the cabin box. An arrangement for balancing an elevator car is provided to implement the method. |
| US09624072B2 |
Elevator having a light curtain fixing arrangement
The elevator includes an elevator car with a door construction including at least one door panel opening and closing a passage to the elevator car. The light curtain includes a longitudinal transmitter and a longitudinal receiver facing towards each other. The fixing arrangement includes at least one longitudinal support device including a longitudinal support member having a cross section in the form of a letter U, whereby the letter U forms a slot for receiving the transmitter or the receiver of the light curtain. |
| US09624070B2 |
Cable bead manufacturing method and apparatus therefor
The invention provides a method and apparatus for easily and efficiently manufacturing a cable bead, which features excellent wire winding performance. In this method, an annular core is held by a core rotating means. Then a reel wound with a wire is revolved in one direction through the inside and the outside of the core by a reel revolving means by holding the reel wound with a wire alternately on one side and on the other side of the core. And a wire is wound helically around the core as the core is rotated in a circumferential direction in association with the revolving motion of the reel. |
| US09624068B1 |
Linear media handling system
An improved system for handling delicate linear media and in particular to a method and apparatus for winding delicate linear media such as superconducting wire or optical fibers onto a spool. A combination of direct closed loop control and media routing design facilitates the handling of the delicate media without causing damage. The axial tension in the linear media may be closely controlled during winding by means of feedback control loop using tension measurements to control the rotation speeds of the wind-from and wind-to spools. Further, during winding, the delicate linear media is only exposed to large radius bends with no reverse bending. |
| US09624063B2 |
Folding apparatus and method of folding a product using an oscillating member and a folding roll
An apparatus for folding products includes a conveying member adapted to convey the product, an oscillating member disposed adjacent the conveying member, and a folding roll disposed adjacent the conveying member and the oscillating member. The oscillating member is adapted to grasp and lift a first portion of the product from the conveying member while the product is being conveyed by the conveying member. The oscillating member is moveable in a first direction away from the conveying member and in a second direction toward the conveying member. The folding roll is adapted to receive the first portion of the product from the oscillating member and to place the first portion of the product into engagement with a second portion of the product such that the product is in a folded configuration. |
| US09624054B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus including an image forming unit, a conveyance roller, a registration roller disposed on a conveyance path extending from the conveyance roller to the image forming unit, the registration roller being configured to perform skew correction for a sheet by contacting a leading end of the sheet in a conveyance direction while rotation of the registration roller is being stopped, and rotating after a lapse of a particular period of time since the rotation of the registration roller has been stopped, a driving source configured to supply a driving force to the conveyance roller and the registration roller, and a controller configured to determine the particular period of time based on a cumulative number of sheets conveyed by the conveyance roller. |
| US09624053B2 |
Recording apparatus with a medium restricting portion
A recording apparatus comprises: a medium tray on which a medium is set vertically, or with a tilt; a feed roller that feeds the medium set on the medium tray by rotating while being in contact with the medium; a recording unit that performs recording on the medium; an urging mechanism for urging the medium and/or the feed roller in a direction of coming closer; and a restricting portion that faces a recording surface at a lower edge portion of the medium set on the medium tray and restricts movement of the lower edge of the medium, wherein the feed roller feeds the medium so that the lower edge of the medium can get over an upper end of the restricting portion. |
| US09624050B2 |
System, apparatus and method for preparing materials transported in open top conveyance
A system for profiling particulate material in an open top conveyance comprises a profiling structure supported above the open top conveyance and engaging the particulate matter in the open top conveyance as the open top conveyance moves in a forward direction therebelow so that the particulate matter forward of the profiling structure is given a generally uniform profile in at least a longitudinal middle portion of the open top conveyance. The open top conveyance normally is one of a sequential train of gondola cars moving on a pair of rails extending under the profiling structure, and the particulate material typically is or comprises coal. |
| US09624047B2 |
Container denester apparatus
A container denester apparatus which overcomes, among other problems, the problems identified above. The denester apparatus positively controls the flanges of the container so as to individually denest a lowermost container from a stack of containers. The apparatus protects the container by spreading the force required to denest the container along much of the flange structure. In addition, the stack of containers above the lowermost container are retained, again along much of the flange structure of the immediately adjacent container. |
| US09624046B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus and substrate conveying apparatus for use in the same
A substrate processing apparatus includes a substrate processing section that processes a plurality of substrates assuming a vertical posture in a batch manner; a first traversing mechanism that laterally moves a first traverse holding portion along a first traversing path between a substrate transfer position and a substrate delivery position; a second traversing mechanism that laterally moves a second traverse holding portion along a second traversing path disposed below the first traversing path between the substrate transfer position and the substrate delivery position; an elevation mechanism that raises and lowers an elevation holding portion in the substrate transfer position; and a main transfer mechanism that conveys a plurality of substrates assuming a vertical posture in a batch manner between the substrate delivery position and the substrate processing section, the first and second traverse holding portions, and the elevation holding portion each holds a plurality of substrates assuming a vertical posture in a batch manner. |
| US09624041B2 |
Conveying device with an extensively extended conveying element
A conveying device with a revolvingly led, extensively extended conveying element, which forms a conveying section with a conveying surface, and a return section, which is arranged below the conveying section. The conveying element is deflected in each case in two head-end regions, which are spaced from one another along the conveying direction. A wiper device for wiping foreign objects led along on the conveying surface of the conveying element is arranged in the front head-end region, in which the conveying element is deflected from the conveying section into the return section. The wiper device includes a wiper unit with a receiving blade, which runs transversely to the conveying direction, as well as a wiper blade, which is mounted on the wiper unit and forms a flexible wiper lip projecting toward the conveying element beyond the receiving blade. |
| US09624018B2 |
Container structure for removal of vacuum pressure
A hot-fill PET container or bottle (10) filling with a liquid at an elevated temperature has a side wall (9) extending to a lower portion including a pressure panel (11) and a base (21) in its unfolded or pre-fill position. The panel (11) is transversely oriented and has a decoupling or hinge structure (13), an initiator portion (1) and control portion (5) of a steeply angled inverting conical section between 30 and 45 degrees. The control portion enables the inversion of the panel (11) into the container (10) to compensate for vacuum or reduced pressure induced within the container as the liquid cools down. The base (2) can also have a plurality of reinforcing ribs (3). |
| US09624017B2 |
Stand-up bag for pourable goods and method for manufacturing the stand-up bag
A stand-up bag for pourable goods includes a front wall, a back wall coupled to the front wall at a first side edge and an opposite second side edge, and a base fold, wherein the front wall, the back wall, and the base fold are manufactured from a film, and wherein the base fold provides a standing base and is coupled to lower edges of the front wall and the back wall. The bag further includes a bag top situated opposite from the base fold, a closure device, wherein the closure device is attached proximate the bag top, and a carrying handle on the first side edge between the base fold and the bag top, the carrying handle positioned a distance from the base fold and the bag top. |
| US09624006B2 |
Universal non-spill bottle cap
A universal non-spill cap includes an outer wall, an inner wall, and a disk. The outer wall has a bottom end and a top end. The inner wall extends from the top end of the outer wall to the disk. The inner wall defines a gap with the outer wall that is configured to receive a neck of a bottle such that the outer wall forms a seal with the inner wall. The disk is supported by the inner wall. The disk defines an opening that is configured to receive and form a seal about a drinking implement that is inserted through the opening. |
| US09624002B2 |
Beverage can handle
A beverage can handle includes a first arm having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a protrusion for supporting a first lip of a beverage can. The protrusion is shaped for inhibiting slippage of the first lip of the beverage can off of the protrusion. The beverage can handle also includes a second arm that is slideably coupled to the first arm and extendable from a storage position to an extended position relative to the first end of the first arm. The second arm has a first end and a second end. The first end includes a groove for releasably mating with a second lip of the beverage can when in the extended position. The groove is shaped for inhibiting slippage of the second lip of the beverage can out of the groove when the second arm is in the extended position. |
| US09624001B1 |
Drip collar for wine bottles and the like
Drip collar which includes a tubular sleeve body that is made of a flexible material having an open first end and an open second end, the first end having a surface extending around an entire circumference of the sleeve body that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve body. The first end of the sleeve body further having a drip kerchief contiguous with the surface of the first end, the drip kerchief comprising a folded-over portion (1) extending around the circumference of the first end, and (2) extending from the first end towards the second end. |
| US09623999B2 |
Double-valley petaloid container bottom
Container made of plastic material comprising a body and a petaloid bottom (3) extending the body from a periphery (7), the bottom (3) comprising a bottom wall (4) that is generally convex toward the exterior, from which feet (5) protrude that define vertices (8) jointly forming a seat inscribed within a seating circle having a diameter (B) whose ratio is less than 4:5 with respect to the diameter (A) of the periphery (7), the feet (5) being spaced apart by portions of the bottom wall (4) forming hollow valleys (12) that extend radially from a central zone (6) of the bottom to the periphery (7), each valley (12) comprising two adjacent sections, namely: a central section (17) that extends from the central zone (6) of the bottom (3) to a junction zone (18) situated directly below the seating circle, and which has, in a radial plane, a first radius of curvature (C); a peripheral section (19), which extends from the junction zone (18) to the periphery (7), and which has, in said radial plane, a second radius of curvature (D), said peripheral section (19) being offset toward the exterior of the container (1) with respect to the central section (17), the junction zone (18) forming a step (20). |
| US09623994B2 |
Pivoting hold-down device for use with an apparatus for manufacturing a package
The present disclosure relates to a hold-down device for use in the packaging industry. For example, the hold-down may be used with an apparatus for manufacturing a package. The hold-down may be configured to retain a packaging structure during the evacuation and/or sealing steps of a packaging process. The hold-down may include an elongate member and an attachment assembly. The elongate member may be configured to pivot and/or rotate about its longitudinal axis in response to a force exerted on the packaging structure during an evacuation and/or sealing step of a packaging process. |
| US09623991B2 |
Automatic packing machine
Automatic packing machine for thin or small workpieces can include a supporting plate, a transferring belt, a cutting assembly, a vacuum-lifting assembly, and a packing assembly. The edge of the transferring belt has a plurality of positioning holes and carries the workpieces. The cutting assembly can include a cutting subassembly with a lifting mouth and a positioning subassembly including a rotating drive member and a pulling member. The toothed peripheral edge of the pulling member is driven to rotate by the rotating drive member, thereby the teeth of the pulling member are successively latched into the positioning holes of the transferring belt, and the transferring belt is pulled. The workpieces are successively aligned with the lifting mouth so that the cutting subassembly can cut the workpiece from the transferring belt. The vacuum-lifting assembly lifts and transfers the workpiece to packing. |
| US09623987B2 |
Stringer alignment tool
A method and apparatus for aligning stringers. A tool comprises an index feature, a body, a number of legs, and a biasing member. The index feature indicates a centerline of an enclosure. The body has a longitudinal axis running substantially parallel to the centerline of the enclosure. The number of legs is moveably associated with the body. The biasing member contacts the body. The biasing member biases the number of legs towards a selected position. |
| US09623985B2 |
Strut mount
Apparatus and method for mounting an object are provided. The apparatus includes a clamp configured to attach to a strut, and a bracket coupled to the clamp. The bracket includes a first arm having a first end disposed proximal to the clamp and a second end disposed distal to the clamp, and a second arm having a first end disposed proximal to the clamp and coupled to the object, and a second end coupled to the second end of the first arm. The second arm is positioned between the first arm and the object. |
| US09623983B2 |
Aircraft interior monitoring
A system for monitoring an aircraft interior may include a multiplicity of sensors each placed at a selected location of a plurality of locations within the aircraft interior. Each sensor is configured to monitor a condition in an associated area of the aircraft interior. The system may also include a server onboard the aircraft. The onboard server is configured to receive data from each of the multiplicity of sensors and to control operation of each of the multiplicity of sensors. The system may also include a router onboard the aircraft. The onboard router is configured to communicate with a router off-board the aircraft and to transfer data from the onboard server to the off-board router. The off-board router is associated with a ground monitoring facility that is configured to analyze data from each of the multiplicity of sensors, check or compare the data to reference data and depending upon any levels being exceeded an appropriate alert may be generated. |
| US09623982B2 |
On-board aircraft nitrogen enriched air and cooling fluid generation system and method
An on-board aircraft nitrogen enriched air and cooling fluid generation system and method are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a first heat exchanger which is configured to receive pressurized air from a source of pressurized air. Further, the first heat exchanger cools the pressurized air to a temperature in the range of −120° C. to −70° C. Furthermore, the system includes a separation unit is configured and dimensioned to communicate with the first heat exchanger. The separation unit generates nitrogen enriched air from the cooled air at the temperature range of −120° C. and −70° C. |
| US09623978B2 |
Method for providing predefined drive characteristics in an aircraft, and associated drive device
The invention relates to a method for providing predefined desired drive characteristics (38, 50) in an aircraft, characterized by the following steps: —driving a thrust generation element of the aircraft by means of an electric motor that has actual drive characteristics (34) which include at least some of the desired drive characteristics (38, 50) but are also partly different therefrom; and—having a control device adjust operating points of the electric motor exclusively according to the desired drive characteristics (38, 50). |
| US09623976B2 |
Nacelle for a high bypass ratio engine with multiple flow paths
Nacelle air management systems for a high bypass ratio engine are provided. The nacelles air management systems may include an outer cowl and an inner cowl that are configured to provide dual bypass flow channels around an engine core. These systems may be employed to accommodate larger engine fans. The nacelle air management system may also include one or more blocker doors are configured to at least partial obstruct and/or direct air from the dual bypass flow channels to create reverse thrust. |
| US09623973B2 |
Cooling concept for fuel cell emergency power supply
A system is provided for cooling a heat-dissipating device in a vehicle with a fuselage, a passenger cabin, and a region pneumatically communicating with the previously mentioned, which region is situated outside the passenger cabin. At least one heat exchanger is provided for transferring heat of the heat-dissipating device to air, and at least one air conveying device for conveying air through the heat exchanger. The air conveying device is designed to convey air from the passenger cabin to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is designed to subject the inflowing air to heat of the heat-dissipating device and to dissipate it to the region situated outside the passenger cabin, thus inducing mixing of the air that has been subjected to heat with the air present in the outside region, and inducing a return flow from the outside region to the passenger cabin by way of their pneumatic connection. |
| US09623967B2 |
Tiltrotor unmanned aerial vehicle
The invention is directed toward a UAV having a plurality of rotors position on axles extending longitudinally from a fuselage. The axles articulate the rotors from a vertical position, where the rotors provide lift, to a horizontal position, where the rotors provide thrust. The UAV is configured such that the voltage provided to each rotor may be varied to adjust rotor speed, and thus thrust, independently, giving the UAV enhanced maneuverability. |
| US09623965B2 |
Rotorcraft having a stabilizer device
A rotorcraft having at least one stabilizer device of the tail plane and/or of the tail fin type. At least one stabilizer device is a variable wing area stabilizer device comprising an airfoil member provided with a stationary airfoil surface and a movable airfoil surface. A control system is connected to a mover system for moving the movable airfoil surface in translation between a refracted position for occupying when the rotorcraft has a forward speed less than a first speed threshold, and an extended position for occupying when the rotorcraft has a forward air speed greater than a second speed threshold greater than the first speed threshold. |
| US09623964B2 |
Counter-rotating rotor system with stationary standpipe
A rotor system includes a first rotor located at a rotor axis that imparts a first axial load and a first moment, and a first shaft connected to the first rotor at the axis. A first bearing connects a gearbox to the first shaft, transferring the first axial load from the first shaft to the gearbox. A second rotor located at the axis imparts a second axial load and a second moment. A second shaft is connected to the second rotor at the axis, the second shaft coaxial with the first rotor. A second bearing connects the gearbox to the second shaft, transferring the second axial load from the second shaft to the gearbox. A nonrotating standpipe is located at the axis radially between the first shaft and the second shaft. An intershaft bearing located at the standpipe reacts the first and second moments using the first and second bearings. |
| US09623960B2 |
Aircraft wing having continuously rotating wing tips
The present invention relates to a wing for an aircraft. The wing includes a main wing section extending from an inboard end to an outboard end along a lateral axis of the wing, the inboard end for connecting the main wing section to the aircraft. The wing also includes a wing tip having a proximal end and a distal end, the wing tip being rotatably mounted at the proximal end to the outboard end of the main wing section and arranged to freely rotate about a wing tip rotational center with respect to the main wing section. |
| US09623959B2 |
Aircraft having an aircraft fuselage and an air sucking fuselage component
An aircraft having an aircraft fuselage that has an outer skin includes an air sucking fuselage component with an outer surface that is perforated at least in some regions, and a suction profile body. The suction profile body is arranged on the outer skin, forms a local bulge in the outer skin, and further includes a suction opening that is arranged at a location at which there is the lowest pressure, for example at a position furthest away from the outer skin. The suction opening is connected to a suction connection of the air sucking fuselage component. In this way laminarization of the flow at the air sucking fuselage component may take place without the use of active air conveying devices. |
| US09623958B2 |
Method for controlling an aircraft propeller system during thrust reversal
The present invention refers to a method for controlling an aircraft propeller system during thrust reversal, wherein it is checked whether each power plant is ready for the transition to negative pitch, and where the propellers transition to negative pitch is controlled from a flight control system, such as only when both power plants are ready for the transition to negative pitch, the flight control system instructs the aircraft propeller system to reverse thrust. If a power plant failure is detected before a reversal order is received, then the flight control system is informed of that failure condition, and then the flight control system will disable the thrust reversal operation as long as the failure condition remains. The method of the invention improves the aircraft controllability during landing operations, reduces pilot workload, and improves passenger comfort during landing and taxing. |
| US09623956B2 |
High-lift device of flight vehicle
A high-lift device of a flight vehicle includes: a flap main body provided at a trailing edge portion of a main wing of the flight vehicle so as to be extracted from and be retracted in the trailing edge portion and extending in a wing span direction of the main wing; and a vortex suppressing portion provided at a tip end portion of the flap main body in a wing span direction of the flap main body and configured to suppress a vortex rolling up from a lower surface of a tip end portion of the flap main body to an upper surface of the tip end portion. |
| US09623951B2 |
Heating elements for aircraft heated floor panels
A method of forming a heating element includes depositing a conductive ink of silver particles in an epoxy resin on a dielectric film to create a conductive circuit, and heat curing the conductive circuit to achieve a resistivity of the heating element less than 1.68×10−6 ohm·meter. An aircraft heated floor panel includes at least one floor panel of an aircraft includes a conductive circuit positioned within the floor panel having a conductive ink of silver particles in an epoxy resin on a dielectric film. |
| US09623948B1 |
Stern drives for marine vessels
A stern drive for a marine vessel comprises a gimbal housing that is configured for connection to the transom of the marine vessel; a gimbal ring that is steerable with respect to the gimbal housing about a vertical steering axis; a drive leg that is trimmable with respect to the gimbal ring about a horizontal trim axis, wherein the drive leg supports a propulsor for propelling the marine vessel; a trim actuator that is configured to trim the drive leg about the trim axis; and a cradle that decouples the drive leg from the transom of the marine vessel and pivots with and supports the drive leg and as the trim actuator trims the drive leg about the trim axis. |
| US09623947B1 |
Flexible linkage driven outboard drive unit with 360 degree rotation of lower unit
This is a means to solve a problem with flexible linkage driven outboard motors or better known as shallow water belt drive surface driven outboard drive units. This design gives a horizontal drive shaft engine or motor that uses flexible linkage to drive a driven shaft with a propeller the option to drive or propel a boat or watercraft in all directions to include reverse, and not be limited to turning and steering less than 360 degrees. This design also does not restrict a flexible linkage to driven shaft outboard to a limited steering degree of an angle on the steering axis from where said motor rotates to steer. This design eliminates the need for an optional means to change the rotation direction of propeller to achieve reverse. |
| US09623946B2 |
Inboard/outboard with portable outdrive
An apparatus for propelling a water craft including an outboard propulsion assembly having a removable configuration that can be mounted and demounted by hand without tools and a portable size so that it can be carried by an individual. |