| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09823681B2 |
Actuation device of a bar-end bicycle gearshift
An actuation device for bar-end bicycle gearshift comprises a mount adapted to be mounted to the end of handlebars facing forwards in the direction of travel. An actuation part is mounted on the mount in a neutral position with respect to the mount when no gearshifting is commanded. An adjuster is provided for adjusting the neutral position of the actuation part with respect to the mount. A cyclist can adjust the neutral position based on personal physical characteristics and preferences. |
| US09823679B2 |
Power delivery system with mitigation for radiation induced single event latch-up in microelectronic devices
A power delivery system includes a programmable current limit switch circuit connected between a power supply and electronic control circuits that are susceptible to single event latch-up. The programmable current limit switch is connected in a power bus between the power supply and the electronic control circuits. The programmable current limit switch circuit removes power from the electronic control circuits when an over-current condition persists for a blank time period, and restores power to the electronic control circuits after a retry time period. |
| US09823676B2 |
Method and electronic device for controlling current
A method of controlling current includes receiving a current value detected by at least one regulator supplying a unit-specific voltage to each unit of an electronic device. The method also includes controlling a current flowing through the each unit on the basis of the current value. |
| US09823674B2 |
Communications system, a HVAC system employing the same and a method of manufacturing a component for the HVAC system
In one aspect, the disclosure provides an HVAC system. In one embodiment, the HVAC system includes: (1) an air handler configured to condition and circulate air for the HVAC system, and (2) an air handler controller for the HVAC system configured to control operation of the air handler, the air handler controller including interface circuitry having a predetermined coupling impedance and configured to couple the air handler controller to components of the HVAC system via a communications network of the HVAC system, wherein a total of the predetermined coupling impedance and an end node coupling impedance at each of the components is substantially a defined maximum loading impedance for the communications network and wherein the end node coupling impedance of one of said plurality of end nodes is determined based on said predetermined coupling impedance and end node coupling impedances of remaining ones of the plurality of end nodes. |
| US09823673B2 |
Energy efficiency aware thermal management in a multi-processor system on a chip based on monitored processing component current draw
Various embodiments of methods and systems for energy efficiency aware thermal management in a portable computing device that contains a heterogeneous, multi-processor system on a chip (“SoC”) are disclosed. Because individual processing components in a heterogeneous, multi-processor SoC may exhibit different processing efficiencies at a given temperature, energy efficiency aware thermal management techniques that compare performance data of the individual processing components at their measured operating temperatures can be leveraged to optimize quality of service (“QoS”) by adjusting the power supplies to, reallocating workloads away from, or transitioning the power mode of, the least energy efficient processing components. In these ways, embodiments of the solution optimize the average amount of power consumed across the SoC to process a MIPS of workload. |
| US09823669B2 |
Pressure-reducing valve having a residual pressure function built into the reducing valve
The invention relates to a device for regulating the flow rate and/or pressure of a fluid, such as valve for a pressure gas cylinder, comprising a reducing valve including a first plug designed to be moved in the normal flow direction of the fluid during closure. The reducing valve also comprises a plunger to which the plug is coupled. The face of the plunger that is oriented towards the first plug defines a regulation chamber together with the body. The aforementioned face also comprises a seal that engages with a corresponding surface of the body such as to form a second plug for maintaining residual pressure. The regulation device also comprises a means for preloading and releasing a spring acting on the opposite face of the plunger. |
| US09823667B2 |
Flow rate control apparatus, storage medium storing program for flow rate control apparatus and flow rate control method
In order to keep a stable flow rate at a set flow rate value when a pressure fluctuation occurs in an upstream side of a valve, without providing an additional sensor for detecting a pressure fluctuation, a flow rate control apparatus is provided with: the valve; a flow rate sensor; a valve control part configured to control the valve so that a deviation between a set flow rate value and a measurement flow rate value is reduced, on the basis of the deviation and a set control coefficient; and a control coefficient setting part configured to set the control coefficient so that when a pressure rise occurs in the upstream side of the valve, a decreased amount in flow due to a decreased opening of the valve and an increased amount in flow due to an increased amount of a differential pressure before and after the valve, are balanced. |
| US09823665B2 |
Cross contamination control systems with fluid product ID sensors
A crossover protection system including a product transport vehicle having a tank compartment for containing a liquid product, a fluid property sensor positioned to contact liquid product stored in the tank compartment, a system controller, and a valve coupled to the tank compartment. The valve regulates a flow of liquid product from the tank compartment and has a normally locked state. The system controller may compare a received transported liquid type signal from the fuel property sensor indicative of the type of liquid product in the tank compartment and compare the type of liquid product to a stored liquid product type. If the two types match, the crossover protection controller transitions the valve to an unlocked state to allow the liquid product to unload from the tank compartment. If the two types do not match, the crossover protection controller will disable the valve from transitioning to the unlocked state. |
| US09823664B2 |
Unmanned aircraft for positioning an instrument for inspection purposes and methods of inspecting a target surface
A method of positioning an instrument by an unmanned aircraft for measurement purposes relating to a target surface is provided. The method includes coupling the instrument to the unmanned aircraft and moving the unmanned aircraft to position the instrument away from the target surface. The method further includes stabilizing the unmanned aircraft to maintain a constant altitude and a level attitude relative to the target surface and orientating the instrument perpendicular to the target surface. A measurement is conducted by the instrument while the instrument is orientated perpendicular to the target surface. The method also includes transmitting the measurement to a receiver. |
| US09823663B2 |
Unmanned lighter-than-air-safe termination and recovery methods
Innovative new methods in connection with lighter-than-air free floating platforms, of facilitating legal transmitter operation, platform flight termination when appropriate, environmentally acceptable landing, and recovery of these devices are provided. Especially, termination of radio transmissions and flight related to regional, governmental and international border requirements, regulations and laws. The new methods comprise specific criteria, detection of the criteria and elements of operation for reducing or preventing illegal transmissions, for producing rapid descend to the ground, for environmentally acceptable landing and for facilitating recovery all with improved safety and enhanced compliance with known regulations. |
| US09823661B2 |
Occupancy grid map for a vehicle
An occupancy grid map for a vehicle includes several cells disposed in grid-like fashion. The cells of the occupancy grid map are adapted, as a function of a driving situation of the vehicle, to the driving situation. Areas of the cells are configured to be smaller in a region closer to the vehicle, and are configured to be larger in a region further away from the vehicle. |
| US09823659B2 |
Motor system for vehicle steering and locomotion
The present disclosure provides an example motor system. The motor system includes a steering motor with a first rotor positioned within a first stator. The steering motor is configured to rotate the first rotor about a steering axis. The motor system also includes a traction motor including a second stator positioned within a second rotor. The second rotor includes a traction surface defining a wheel. The traction motor is configured to rotate the second rotor about a rolling axis, and the traction motor is positioned within an opening in the first rotor. The motor system also includes an axle positioned coaxial to the second rotor and coupled to the first rotor such that the traction motor rotates about the steering axis as the steering motor rotates the first rotor about the steering axis. |
| US09823657B1 |
Measuring operator readiness and readiness testing triggering in an autonomous vehicle
This disclosure relates to a system and method for transitioning vehicle control between autonomous operation and manual operation. The system includes sensors configured to generate output signals conveying information related to the vehicle and its operation. During autonomous vehicle operation, the system gauges the level of responsiveness of a vehicle operator through challenges and corresponding responses. The system determines when to present a challenge to the vehicle operator based on internal and external factors. If necessary, the system will transition from an autonomous operation mode to a manual operation mode. |
| US09823656B1 |
Method and system for automatically performing safety operations to prevent crash of an airborne vehicle
The present subject matter is related to a safety mechanism that comprises method and system for automatically performing safety operations to prevent crash of an airborne vehicle. When there is a deviation of current airborne vehicle path from predefined airborne vehicle path, the airborne vehicle safety system sends a notification to receive authentication of all aircraft operators in the airborne vehicle, as a safety measure. If the authentication is provided, then the airborne vehicle proceeds along the current path, otherwise control of the airborne vehicle is switched from manual control to automatic control that proceeds along the predefined path. Therefore, the airborne vehicle safety system prevents intentional crash or deviation from the current path. Further, the airborne vehicle safety system unlocks cockpit door of the airborne vehicle when authentication is not received from the aircraft operator in cockpit so that necessary measures can be taken to prevent the crash. |
| US09823653B2 |
Method and device for managing electric energy consumption and/or production
A method of managing electric energy consumption and/or production dynamics, includes the steps of: sampling an electric energy flow, adapted to be measured by an electricity metering device (1) within a network (15) of an electrical company; calculating a variation ΔEi=(Ei−Ei−1)/Δt at regular intervals, where Ei and Ei−1 are two integral sum values of electric energy amounts consolidated over a given number of cycles and Δt represents a time interval between the respective times at which the two values are obtained; adding the variation (ΔEi) to analogous variations calculated at previous times, to obtain a cumulative sum of such variations; determining whether the variation and/or the cumulative sum exceed a predetermined threshold value (δDE); transmitting a message over the network (15) from the electricity metering device (1) if the variation and/or cumulative sum exceed the predetermined threshold value (δDE). |
| US09823650B2 |
Method and system for interacting master and slave information in real time
A method for interacting master and slave information in real time, comprising: collecting, by N slave control MCUs, sensor signals of sensors respectively connected thereto; feeding back, by the N slave control MCUs, the sensor signals to a master control MCU via a signal transfer panel; and when the sensor signals satisfy a pre-set condition, giving, by the master control MCU, a control instruction to a corresponding slave control MCU according to the pre-set condition, wherein both the sensor signals and the control instruction are transmitted between the master control MCU and the slave control MCUs via the signal transfer panel in an SP signal manner. Also disclosed is a system for interacting master and slave information in real time. The method for interacting master and slave information in real time can reduce the redundant information interaction and improve the communication efficiency. |
| US09823648B2 |
Method and apparatus for an automated configuration of a monitoring function of an industrial robot
The invention refers to a method for an automated provision of a monitoring function for a processing process which is to be performed by an industrial robot, wherein the method comprises the following steps: (a) analyzing a computer aided manufacturing (CAM) program of the processing process with respect to processing steps which are to be monitored by means of a post processor; and (b) inserting at least one monitoring instruction which is executed when performing the processing process into a control program of the industrial robot by means of the post processor. |
| US09823642B1 |
Automated application of cut thermal adhesive films
A system and method for causing a specialized device to cut and weed a cut thermal transfer film is provided. In an embodiment, a service provider computer receives a request for one or more designs to be attached to a substrate. The service provider computer uses the design to generate additional instructions for a thermal transfer film cutting device that describe regions of the thermal transfer film to be cut to create the one or more designs, regions of the thermal transfer film to be cut to provide a registration means, and regions of the thermal transfer film to be attached to a receiving sheet. The service provider computer sends the additional instructions to the thermal transfer film cutting device which executes the instructions on a thermal transfer film. |
| US09823638B2 |
Variable resistance electronic device brake clutch
A variable resistance brake clutch facilitates a rotational coupling of electronic device components, and can include a rotatable shaft, a brake disposed proximate the rotatable shaft, and an actuator coupled to and configured to actuate the brake. The brake applies a braking force against a rotational motion of the shaft, and release of the brake results in low to no frictional resistance against the rotational motion. The braking force can be provided by default, and a capacitive touch sensor or other input component can allow a user to actuate the actuator manually to release the brake when desired. The release can be maintained as long as the sensor detects the touch event or other user input. A processor and solenoid can facilitate actuation by on a touch event, which sensor can be located at a back corner of a laptop upper component. |
| US09823634B2 |
System and method for providing three-dimensional paths
A system and method are provided for obtaining a 3D cue path and timing. In one example aspect, this path and timing may be manipulated in software. In another example aspect, one or more conditions may be specified which pertain to the path, timing, state of the path's environment, or state of one or more objects or actors in the path's environment. In another example aspect, these conditions may be accompanied by specifications for one or more actions to be taken if one or more of the conditions are or are not satisfied. In another example aspect, a person or object may be monitored as they follow the path, and prescribed actions may be taken if the specified conditions are or are not found to be satisfied. |
| US09823627B2 |
Self learning control system and method for optimizing a consumable input variable
A control system for an operable system such as a flow control system or temperature control system. The system operates in a control loop to regularly update a model with respect at least one optimizable input variable based on the detected variables. The model provides prediction of use of the input variables in all possible operation points or paths of the system variables which achieve an output setpoint. In some example embodiments, the control loop is performed during initial setup and subsequent operation of the one or more operable elements in the operable system. The control system is self-learning in that at least some of the initial and subsequent parameters of the system are determined automatically during runtime. |
| US09823625B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device includes a dial, a module and a solar panel. The module is arranged under the dial and including a circular polarization antenna which includes a power feed point and a radiating electrode. The solar panel is arranged between the dial and the module and has an area corresponding to an area of the dial in a face direction thereof. The solar panel is constituted by a plurality of solar cells including a solar cell that has a light receiving surface arranged at a position corresponding to the radiating electrode. |
| US09823624B2 |
Method for producing timepiece spring, device for producing timepiece spring, timepiece spring, and timepiece
A method for producing a timepiece spring includes a step for producing, by casting, a metallic glass raw material constituted of a metallic glass; a step for heating the metallic glass raw material to achieve a superplastic state; and a step for rolling the metallic glass raw material in a superplastic state to produce a sheet material. A timepiece spring is characterized by being obtained by the method for producing a timepiece spring. |
| US09823622B2 |
Drive force transmission device having air channels and image forming apparatus
A drive force transmission device includes a frame that supports therein plural gears transmitting a rotational drive force and that has a flat portion extending in a direction intersecting a direction in which the rotational drive force is transmitted. The drive force transmission device has an air channel that allows air sucked from an outside of the frame to pass therethrough so as to exhaust the air to the outside of the frame. |
| US09823621B2 |
Photosensitive member cartridge and process cartridge
A photosensitive member cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus for forming an image, includes a frame; a photosensitive drum on which and which is provided in the frame; a transfer member for transferring an image formed on the drum onto the sheet; a mounting portion for detachably mounting a developing cartridge including a developer carrying member onto the drum and a memory for storing information; a first electrical contact provided on the frame and electrically connectable with a main assembly electrical contact provided in the main assembly when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly; and a second electrical contact provided on the frame for electrically connecting the memory and the first electrical contact portion with each other when the developing cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion. |
| US09823619B2 |
Cartridge detachably mountable to main assembly of electrophotographic image forming apparatus, assembling method for drive transmitting device for photosensitive drum, and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
With a structure in which a coupling member includes a sphere providing a center of inclination (pivoting), a rotational force transmitted member has an opening have a diameter smaller than that of the sphere, and the coupling member is prevented from disengaging from rotational force transmitted member by contact of inner edge of the opening to the sphere, the inner edge of the opening may limit an inclinable (pivotable) angle range of the coupling member. In a state that a pin that is a shaft portion is inserted in a hole that is a through-hole provided in a coupling member, opposite end portions of the pin are supported by a driving side flange, which is a rotational force transmitted member. The coupling member, the driving side flange, and the pin are connected in this manner, and the pin contacts the inside of the hole without limiting the inclinable angle range. |
| US09823617B2 |
Power supply apparatus and image forming apparatus
The power supply apparatus includes a first line and a second line to each of which an AC voltage is input from an AC power supply; a conversion element configured to convert the AC voltage to be input to the first line or the second line into a current corresponding to the AC voltage; a voltage detection unit including a first current transformer, the first current transformer including a primary winding and a secondary winding, the voltage detection unit being configured to detect an AC voltage output from the secondary winding of the first current transformer through supply of the current converted by the conversion element to the primary winding; and a zero cross detection unit configured to detect a zero cross timing of the AC power supply based on the AC voltage detected by the voltage detection unit. |
| US09823616B2 |
Image heating unit having an electrical substrate mounted on a surface of an outermost wall
An image heating unit detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus includes a pair of rotatable members configured to form a nip for heating a toner image formed on a recording material; an outermost wall positioned outside the rotatable members; and an electrical substrate including a storing element. The electrical substrate is mounted on an outer surface of the outermost wall so that the storing element faces the outer surface of the outermost wall with a predetermined gap therebetween. |
| US09823614B2 |
Photoreceptor drum having a flange
To reduce the influence of a coupling pin that fixes a shaft to a photoreceptor drum on rotation of a photoreceptor drum. To provide photoreceptor device including: a photoreceptor drum having an insertion hole formed along a lengthwise direction; and a flange that is provided at a lengthwise end portion of the photoreceptor drum and has a through hole formed thereon at a position to overlap the insertion hole, wherein the flange has a first protruding portion and a second protruding portion that: are provided on an end surface at which the through hole is provided and around the through hole; and protrude from the end surface, the first protruding portion has a first opening at a position facing the through hole, and the second protruding portion is provided at a position opposite to the first opening across a center of the through hole on the end surface. |
| US09823613B2 |
Image forming apparatus having a white toner
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms, when forming an image with a white toner on a colored recording medium, a base toner layer and a white toner layer in an overlapped manner such that the base toner layer is inserted between the white toner layer and the colored recording medium, and a fixing unit that fixes the base toner layer and the white toner layer that are formed by the image forming unit on the recording medium. |
| US09823610B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: a cassette including a first and a second sheet storage areas, arranged side by side, each on which a sheet having a predetermined size is placeable; a sheet feeder configured to feed the sheet from the first area to an image forming portion; a first sheet sensor; a second sheet sensor; a movement member configured to move the sheet from the second area to the first area when no sheet placed on the first area is detected by the first sheet sensor and the sheet placed on the second area is detected by the second sheet sensor; and an annunciator configured to annunciate that a sheet having a size different from the predetermined size is placed on the cassette when the first sheet sensor does not detect the sheet after a completion of a movement of the sheet. |
| US09823609B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: a fixing part including a heater, and a first temperature detection part configured to detect the temperature of the heater; a chopper circuit including a reactor, a freewheeling element, and a switching element, the chopper circuit being configured to switch an input direct current on and off in a specified duty cycle by using the switching element and to supply the current to the heater; and a control part configured to control the duty cycle based on a detection result obtained by the first temperature detection part, as well as to control a switching frequency of the switching element based on an operation mode of the image forming apparatus. |
| US09823606B2 |
Image forming apparatus, control method, and non-transitory storage medium
An image forming apparatus has an operating state and a non-operating state with power consumption smaller than in the operating state. The image forming apparatus includes a fixing device for fixing a toner image on a print material by heat, a fan for discharging heat from the image forming apparatus, and a control unit for controlling operation of the fan. When a non-operating time from shifting to the non-operating state to shifting to the operating state is shorter than a predetermined time, the control unit allows the fan to operate with predetermined power in the operating state. When the non-operating time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the control unit stops the fan or allows the fan to operate with power smaller than the predetermined power in the operating state. |
| US09823605B2 |
Method and apparatus to improve toner transfer in a printer
A print group for a digital printer can include a transfer station and a wetting system. The transfer station can be configured to transfer a toner image onto a first side of a recording medium at a transfer point in response to an electrical field, the transfer station being configured to apply the electrical field between a transfer electrode on the first side of the recording medium and a counter-electrode on a second side of the recording medium, wherein the recording medium is directed between the transfer electrode and the counter-electrode. The wetting system can be configure to apply a conductive fluid onto a surface of the second side of the recording medium at the transfer point, the conductive fluid at least partially forming a conductive connecting layer between the surface of the second side of the recording medium and a surface of the counter-electrode at the transfer point. |
| US09823600B2 |
Semiconductive roller
A semiconductive roller of the present invention includes a crosslinked product of a rubber composition containing just the two types of rubber of butadiene rubber and epichlorohydrin rubber as rubber components. |
| US09823599B2 |
Light guide body, static elimination device, and image forming apparatus
A light guide body that extends in a rod shape and guides light incident from an end surface thereof to emit the light from a circumferential surface thereof, the light guide body having a shape such that according to an angle of a circumferential direction around the light guide body, an amount of emitting light in a direction of the angle is different. Additionally, a static elimination device and an image forming apparatus include the light guide body. |
| US09823593B2 |
Polyester resin for toner, method for producing same and toner
Disclosed is a toner which is excellent in low-temperature fixability, high-temperature offset resistance, storage stability and durability, while having a wide range of fixing temperature. Also disclosed is a polyester resin used for such a toner. The polyester resin is one of the following polyester resin (A)-(E) for toners. (A) A polyester resin for toners having an Mp as determined by GPC of not less than 12,000 and having an unsaturated double bond (B) A polyester resin for toners obtained by crosslinking the polyester resin (A) (C) A polyester resin for toners containing the polyester resin (A) and another polyester resin having an Mp as determined by GPC of less than 12,000 (D) A polyester resin for toners obtained by crosslinking the polyester resin (C) (E) A polyester resin for toners containing a THF soluble fraction and a THF insoluble fraction wherein the Mw/Mn of the THF soluble fraction is not less than 6 and the total of the acid value and the hydroxyl value of the THF insoluble fraction is not more than 40 mgKOH/g. |
| US09823591B2 |
Coated photoconductive substrate
The present disclosure is drawn to apparatuses and methods that include a coated photoconductive substrate. The coated photoconductive substrate can include a photo-conductive substrate with a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer, and can also have a coating adhered to the photoconductive substrate. The coating can comprise a polymer and can be devoid of charge transport materials. |
| US09823586B2 |
Inspection apparatus, inspection method and manufacturing method
A product structure (407, 330′) is formed with defects (360-366). A spot (S) of EUV radiation which is at least partially coherent is provided on the product structure (604) to capture at least one diffraction pattern (606) formed by the radiation after scattering by the product structure. Reference data (612) describes a nominal product structure. At least one synthetic image (616) of the product structure is calculated from the captured image data. Data from the synthetic image is compared with the reference data to identify defects (660-666) in the product structure. In one embodiment, a plurality of diffraction patterns are obtained using a series overlapping spots (S(1)-S(N)), and the synthetic image is calculated using the diffraction patterns and knowledge of the relative displacement. The EUV radiation may have wavelengths in the range 5 to 50 nm, close to dimensions of the structures of interest. |
| US09823583B2 |
Liquid immersion member, exposure apparatus, exposing method, method of manufacturing device, program, and recording medium
A liquid immersion member used in a liquid immersion exposure apparatus, and is capable of forming liquid immersion space on a surface of an object opposite to an emitting surface of optical member which emits exposure light. Liquid immersion member includes a first member that includes a first part disposed at surrounding of an optical path of exposure light, and in which a first opening part, through which exposure light is able to pass, and first liquid supply part, which is disposed at at least a portion of surrounding of first opening part and is capable of opposing surface of object, are provided at first part, and a second member that includes a first liquid recovery part which is capable of opposing surface of object and is movable with respect to first member outside first part with respect to optical path. |
| US09823576B2 |
Radiation modulator for a lithography apparatus, a lithography apparatus, a method of modulating radiation for use in lithography, and a device manufacturing method
A radiation modulator for a lithography apparatus, a lithography apparatus, a method of modulating radiation for use in lithography, and a device manufacturing method is disclosed. The radiation modulator for a lithography apparatus may have a plurality of waveguides supporting propagation therethough of radiation having a wavelength less than 450 nm; and a modulating section configured to individually modulate radiation propagating in each of the waveguides in order to provide a modulated plurality of output beams. |
| US09823572B2 |
Lithographic method
A method of patterning lithographic substrates that includes using a free electron laser to generate EUV radiation and delivering the EUV radiation to a lithographic apparatus which projects the EUV radiation onto lithographic substrates. The method further includes reducing fluctuations in the power of EUV radiation delivered to the lithographic substrates by using a feedback-based control loop to monitor the free electron laser and adjust operation of the free electron laser accordingly, and applying variable attenuation to EUV radiation that has been output by the free electron laser in order to further control the power of EUV radiation delivered to the lithographic apparatus. |
| US09823570B2 |
Field guided post exposure bake application for photoresist microbridge defects
Embodiments described herein generally relate to methods for mitigating patterning defects. More specifically, embodiments described herein relate to utilizing field guided post exposure bake processes to mitigate microbridge photoresist defects. An electric field may be applied to a substrate being processed during a post exposure bake process. Photoacid generated as a result of the exposure may be moved along a direction defined by the electric field. The movement of the photoacid may contact microbridge defects and facilitate the removal of the microbridge defects from the surface of a substrate. |
| US09823565B2 |
Photoimageable compositions containing photobase generators
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention encompass negative-tone, solvent developable, self-imageable polymer compositions containing photobase generators which are useful for forming films that can be patterned to create structures for microelectronic devices, microelectronic packaging, microelectromechanical systems, optoelectronic devices and displays. |
| US09823564B2 |
Patterned inorganic layers, radiation based patterning compositions and corresponding methods
Stabilized precursor solutions can be used to form radiation inorganic coating materials. The precursor solutions generally comprise metal suboxide cations, peroxide-based ligands and polyatomic anions. Design of the precursor solutions can be performed to achieve a high level of stability of the precursor solutions. The resulting coating materials can be designed for patterning with a selected radiation, such as ultraviolet light, x-ray radiation or electron beam radiation. The radiation patterned coating material can have a high contrast with respect to material properties, such that development of a latent image can be successful to form lines with very low line-width roughness and adjacent structures with a very small pitch. |
| US09823562B2 |
Imprint apparatus, imprint method, and method of manufacturing article
The present invention provides an imprint apparatus for forming a pattern in a plurality of shot regions on a substrate, comprising a heating unit configured to deform each of the shot regions by heating the substrate, and a control unit configured to control the heating unit, wherein when performing imprint processing for a target shot region as a shot region to undergo imprint processing based on heating control information used to heat, by the heating unit, a shot region which has undergone imprint processing prior to the target shot region, the control unit controls heating of the substrate by the heating unit so that a shape of the target shot region which has been deformed by heating of the substrate according to the control information becomes close to a target shape. |
| US09823561B2 |
Method and apparatus for joining screen material for minimal optical distortion
The present disclosure describes a manufacturing method for seaming materials. The process may be suitable for manufacturing high performance projection screens using a number of methods including, but not limited to, conventional (convert-before-coating) methods, or convert-after-coating methods. An objective of the present disclosure is to identify a process which may substantially minimize distortion of the local surface normal in the vicinity of the join. |
| US09823554B2 |
Projector
A projector includes a base and a cover configured to be attached on the base. The base is equipped with a cooling fan, a light module and a cooling member. An air inlet and an air outlet are located on the two sides of the light module. The cooling member is aligned with the air outlet and close to the cooling fan. The cooling member guides the airflow to flow to the cooling fan. The air inlet, the air outlet, the cooling member, and the cooling fan define an air path, and the airflow is guided out of the projector under an action of the cooling fan. |
| US09823550B2 |
Camera apparatus and mount adapter
A camera apparatus includes: a camera main body having a single plate type imaging section; and a handle mounting section for mounting a handle on an upper portion of the camera main body, wherein a lens for a three-plate type imaging section can be mounted on a lens mount section of a front portion of the camera main body via a mount adapter, and the handle mounting section mounts the handle on the upper portion of the camera main body so as to be able to move in a front-back direction. |
| US09823549B1 |
Levered mount adapter
The levered mount adapter couples with a camera system to stabilize and enable the camera system to capture high quality images. The levered mount adapter includes a fingered base component, a first lever, and a second lever, which altogether, are designed to couple with extensions of the camera system. A user may decouple the camera system from the levered mount adapter by providing a force input on input structures located on the levered mount adapter. In doing so, the applied force rotates the lever components of the levered mount adapter, thereby eliminating their coupling with extensions of the camera system and enabling the convenient removal of the camera system. |
| US09823544B2 |
Method and system for controlling stray light reflections in an optical system
Systems and methods for controlling stray light reflections are provided. An optical system includes an aperture having an optical axis passing therethrough, one or more optical elements disposed along an optical path, and a detector disposed along the optical path. The system further includes an optical housing disposed between the aperture and the detector. The interior surface of the optical housing includes a predetermined surface feature adapted to control reflections of stray light along the optical path between the aperture and the detector. A method of fabricating an optical housing includes forming a pattern comprising a predetermined surface feature on an interior surface of the optical housing. The predetermined surface feature is configured to control reflections of stray light along an optical path between an aperture at a proximal end of the optical housing and a detector at a distal end of the optical housing. |
| US09823537B2 |
Reflective display device
A reflective display device includes an electrophoretic display module, an adhesive layer, and a color filter layer. The adhesive layer is located on the electrophoretic display module. The color filter layer is located on the adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer is between the electrophoretic display module and the color filter layer. The color filter layer includes at least one color resist. The color resist has at least one opening, such that light can pass through the opening. |
| US09823530B2 |
Electro-optical apparatus and electronic apparatus
An electro-optical apparatus includes a semiconductor layer which is provided on a first substrate, a gate electrode which is provided on the semiconductor layer, a first light-shielding member which is provided between the semiconductor layer and the first substrate, a second light-shielding member which is provided in an extension direction of the first substrate in the semiconductor layer, and a third light-shielding member which is provided on an opposite side to the first substrate in the semiconductor layer, in which the second light-shielding member is embedded within a groove which is formed between the first light-shielding member and the third light-shielding member, and the third light-shielding member is electrically connected to the gate electrode and the first light-shielding member via the second light-shielding member. |
| US09823521B2 |
Apparatus and liquid crystal display device with column spacers
Disclosed are an apparatus and an LCD device. An apparatus includes a color filter (CF) substrate having a black matrix layer, a thin-film transistor (TFT) substrate facing said CF substrate, a column spacer array, between said CF substrate and said TFT substrate, corresponding to certain portions of said black matrix layer, and a structure, between said CF substrate and said TFT substrate, corresponding to said column spacer array and configured to protect said column spacer array from damage due to external pressure. |
| US09823517B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device including a specific liquid crystal composition and a sealant in which a cured product of a specific curable resin composition is used.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 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 a VA mode and PSVA mode and can be applied to liquid crystal display apparatuses such as liquid crystal TVs, monitors, mobile phones, and smartphones. |
| US09823503B2 |
Touch screen liquid crystal display device
Disclosed is a touch screen liquid crystal display device (LCD) that includes a first substrate that includes a plurality of pixels defined by crossings of gate lines and data lines, each pixel including a thin film transistor; a second substrate that includes a color filter and a black matrix; a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate; a plurality of gap column spacers on the second substrate and contacting the first substrate; a press column spacer on the second substrate and spaced apart from the first substrate; and a third substrate attached to the second substrate, wherein the plurality of gap column spacers have a density of 0.05% to 0.11% with respect to a display region of the first substrate. |
| US09823498B2 |
Optical modulator with plasmon based coupling
A device comprising a metal layer on a crystalline silicon substrate, and a waveguide that has a refractive index greater than that of the crystalline silicon, wherein the waveguide is arranged to couple light to a surface plasmon mode at an interface between the silicon substrate and the metal layer when a waveguide mode is phase matched to the surface plasmon mode. |
| US09823497B1 |
Electroabsorption optical modulator
An electroabsorption modulator incorporates waveguiding regions along the length of the modulator that include quantum wells where at least two of the regions have quantum wells with different bandgaps. In one embodiment of the invention, the regions are arranged such that the quantum wells have bandgaps with decreasing bandgap energy along the length of the modulator from the modulator's input to its output. The bandgap energy of the quantum wells may be decreased in discrete steps or continuously. Advantageously, such an arrangement better distributes the optical absorption as well as the carrier density along the length of the modulator. Further advantageously, the modulator may handle increased optical power as compared with prior art modulators of similar dimensions, which allows for improved link gain when the optical modulator is used in an analog optical communication link. |
| US09823491B2 |
Methods and apparatus for ophthalmic devices including cycloidally oriented liquid crystal layers
This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some examples, an alignment layer for the liquid crystal layer may be patterned in a cycloidally dependent manner. The patterning may allow for a polarization dependent lens in some examples. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some examples, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control optical characteristics. |
| US09823489B2 |
Spectacles-frame hinge
Connection hinge for spectacles frames of the type adapted to connect the lateral sidearm of a spectacles frame to the front part of the same spectacles frame; the connection hinge being characterized by comprising: a cup-shaped body, which is structured so as to be fixed cantilevered in a rigid manner onto the lateral side of the front part of a spectacles frame, and is provided with a central cavity of substantially cylindrical shape and with a transversal, oblong, pass-through slot or cut, which extends along the lateral side of the cup-shaped body while remaining on a lying plane locally substantially perpendicular to the reference axis of the central cavity, and penetrates in the cup-shaped body up to said central recess; a central pin which has a cylindrical shape substantially complementary to that of the central cavity of the cup-shaped body, and is inserted in axially rotatable manner in the central cavity of the cup-shaped body; and a transverse locking plug which has an end rigidly fixed to the body of the central pin, and is structured so as to protrude cantilevered from the cup-shaped body engaging in pass-through and sliding manner the pass-through slot or cut present on the lateral side of the cup-shaped body, and to be rigidly fixed or incorporated on the proximal end of the lateral sidearm of the spectacles. |
| US09823488B2 |
Zoom lens and imaging apparatus
A four-group or five-group zoom lens consists of, in order from the object side, a positive first group being fixed during magnification change, a negative second group being moved during magnification change, one or two middle groups including a positive mp lens group being moved during magnification change, and a positive rearmost group being fixed during magnification change. Zooming is effected by changing all distances between the adjacent groups. The rearmost group consists of, in order from the object side, a positive front group, a negative middle group, and a positive rear group. Air spaces between the front and middle groups, and between the middle and rear groups are constant during zooming and focusing. The front group includes at least two positive lenses and at least one negative lens. Image stabilization is effected by shifting the middle group perpendicularly to the optical axis. The zoom lens satisfies given condition expressions. |
| US09823487B2 |
Lens assembly and test apparatus
A lens assembly and test apparatus includes a bearing tray, a controller, a lens eccentricity detection system, a lens assembly device, a dispensing device and a resolution detection device. The bearing tray includes a mechanical arm. The lens eccentricity detection system, the lens assembly device, the dispensing device and the resolution detection device are arranged along the edge of the bearing tray. The controller is configured to control the bearing tray and the mechanical arm, and make the mechanical arm grab an optic lens and arrange the optic lens in the lens eccentricity detection system, and the lens assembly device in sequence. The lens eccentricity detection system is configured to detect the optic lens. The lens assembly device is configured to assemble the optic lens into a lens barrel to form a lens module. The dispensing device is configured to cement the lens module. |
| US09823484B2 |
Electrochromic grating and 3D display device
The disclosure relates to a 3D display device. The 3D display device includes a display panel and an electrochromic grating that is located on a light output side of the display panel; wherein the electrochromic grating comprises: a first transparent electrode layer, an electrochromic layer, a solid electrolyte layer and a second transparent electrode layer that are overlapped on a substrate of the display panel in sequence. As the solid electrolyte layer is used replacing the process in prior art that an upper and lower glasses substrates are used to package the electrochromic grating and thus avoiding complex packaging process, the 3D display device can be thinned. Further, as the electrochromic grating is directly formed on the substrate of the display panel, alignment between the electrochromic grating and the sub-pixels in the display panel can be more simple and accurate. |
| US09823483B2 |
Image display device using diffractive element
An image display device includes a display panel displaying an image, and a diffractive element formed to operate in a 2D mode or a 3D mode so that the image of the display panel is perceived as a 2D image or a 3D image after passing through the diffractive element. In the image display device, the diffractive element includes a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other, a first electrode layer formed on the first substrate that includes a plurality of zones, a second electrode layer formed on the second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. Further, when the diffractive element operates in the 3D mode, a common voltage is applied to the second electrode layer, and polarity of voltages applied to the first electrode layer with respect to the common voltage is inverted every zone. |
| US09823482B2 |
Autostereoscopic displays
An autostereoscopic display system includes a display including a plurality of addressable pixels. Each of the plurality of pixels includes two or more sub-pixels. The display is adapted to have n views in the horizontal direction wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to 2. A native pixel density of the display in the horizontal direction divided by n is greater than 75% of a native pixel density in the vertical direction. The system further includes a view selector that, for each of two or more viewing perspectives, makes one of the views visible and a multiplexer system in operative connection with the display. The multiplexer system is adapted to controllably shift light horizontally from at least one of the plurality of pixels. |
| US09823481B2 |
Beam combining device having a diffractive grating surface
The present application discloses a beam combining device, which includes a reflective diffractive grating surface configured to combine a first, a second and a third incident light beam having different colors to a single diffracted mixed-color light beam when impinging on the reflective diffractive grating surface, wherein a profile of the grating surface is configured according to an optimization criterion with respect to a diffraction efficiency. |
| US09823478B2 |
Illumination optical apparatus, exposure apparatus, and exposure method with optical integrator and polarization member that changes polarization state of light
An illumination optical apparatus illuminates a pattern on a mask with illumination light. The illumination optical apparatus includes an optical integrator arranged in an optical path of the illumination light, and a polarization member made of optical material with optical rotatory power, which is arranged in the optical path on an incidence side of the optical integrator, and which changes a polarization state of the illumination light. The illumination light from the polarization member is irradiated onto the pattern through a pupil plane of the illumination optical apparatus. |
| US09823475B2 |
Head-mounted display
A head-mounted display having a first light incident region and a first light emitting region is provided. The head-mounted display includes a first light-guide plate, a first micro-display, a first reflector, a first collimating lens and a first filling structure. A first inner surface of the first light-guide plate has plural first hollow microstructures located in the first light emitting region. The first micro-display is located in the first light incident region and faces the first inner surface. The first reflector is located in the first light incident region, obliquely disposed at the first light-guide plate and faces the first micro-display. The first collimating lens is disposed between the first reflector and the first micro-display. The first filling structure fills in the first hollow microstructures, wherein a refractive index of the first filling structure is greater than a refractive index of the first light-guide plate. |
| US09823472B2 |
Head up display for vehicle
A head up display for a vehicle, the head up display including a display panel configured to emit image light; a polarized light plate configured to linearly polarize the image light emitted from the display panel; a reflection mirror configured to reflect the image light to a windshield of the vehicle; a phase retardance mirror spaced apart from the reflection mirror to reflect the image light forward while converting a phase of the image light, wherein the phase retardance mirror includes a rear mirror and a phase retarder disposed on a front surface of the rear mirror; and a polarization reflection mirror disposed between the reflection mirror and the phase retardance mirror and configured to reflect the image light passing through the polarized light plate to the phase retardance mirror, wherein the image light reflected to the phase retardance mirror is converted in phase by the phase retardance mirror and reflected by the phase retardance mirror to pass through the polarization reflection mirror. |
| US09823469B2 |
Projector utilizing opaque / transparent projection screen
A projector assembly having a projecting device and a display screen with a film. The display screen is changeable from between opaque and transparent and the projecting device selectively rear projects an image onto the film such that the image is visible to a user generally from the front side of the screen. When the projector is off or the projection of images is otherwise stopped under predetermined conditions, the screen becomes transparent to provide the user a clear view through the display screen. When the projector is off power is simultaneously applied to the film which becomes transparent. A control device coordinates the application of power with the image projection, such that when the projected image is removed the screen becomes clear to see through the display screen, and when the projected image returns the screen becomes opaque for viewing the image. |
| US09823468B2 |
Barrier for a lens
A lens for a camera that has a flash and an image sensor is disclosed. The lens includes a transparent portion including a flash portion for covering the flash and an image sensor portion for covering the image sensor. The lens also includes a barrier positioned between the image sensor portion and the flash portion. The barrier has a top portion and a lower portion, the lower portion defining a plurality of securing holes such that lens material passes through at least some of the securing holes to secure the barrier to the transparent portion. |
| US09823467B2 |
Scanning type endoscope
A scanning type endoscope includes a light guide section configured to guide illumination light, a ferrule provided along the light guide section, an actuator configured to vibrate the ferrule to thereby swing a distal end of the light guide section, a cylindrical member configured to include a space containing the light guide section, the ferrule and the actuator and being provided along the light guide section, and a damping section configured to fix the ferrule to the cylindrical member and absorb vibration of the ferrule, in which the damping section is formed of a ferrule holding member configured to hold a proximal end of the ferrule and a ring-shaped member configured to fix the ferrule holding member to the cylindrical member, be disposed near a joint in the cylindrical member connected to holding member and be made of a material that absorbs vibration of the ferrule. |
| US09823458B2 |
Imaging system and method for multi-scale three-dimensional deformation or profile output
An optical microscope system for 3D surface deformation and morphology measurement that can serve as a powerful tool in quality engineering and control, as well as in biological and materials research is described. The system was developed in part by combining the DAIC technique with optical microscopy. Decoding algorithms were derived for calculating the 3D displacement or profile of a micro-sized test sample from the in-plane displacement components of it first-order diffracted views. |
| US09823457B2 |
Multiplane optical microscope
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to optical microscopy. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a sample holder, a first objective lens, a plurality of optical components, a second objective lens, and a mirror. The apparatus may directly image a cross-section of a sample oblique to or parallel to the optical axis of the first objective lens, without scanning. |
| US09823456B2 |
Laser scanning microscope
In order to allow precise observation of a specimen at an observation point with a desired depth without changing the working distance of an objective optical system while employing a simple configuration, a laser scanning microscope according to the present invention includes an objective lens having a plurality of optical elements that are disposed with gaps therebetween in an optical-axis direction and that condense laser light emitted from a light source onto a specimen and also having an adjustment ring that allows changing of the focal point by moving the optical elements in the optical-axis direction; a scanner that has a galvanometer mirror capable of oscillating about a predetermined oscillation axis and that scans the laser light condensed onto the specimen by the objective lens in accordance with an oscillation angle of the galvanometer mirror; a light detecting unit that obtains image information of the specimen on the basis of return light returned from the specimen scanned with the laser light; and a scanner controlling unit that controls the oscillation angle of the galvanometer mirror so as to maintain an observation range of the specimen observed by the light detecting unit on the basis of the positions of the optical elements moved by the adjustment ring. |
| US09823455B2 |
Single plane illumination microscope
The invention relates to a microscope in which a layer of the sample is illuminated by a plurality of thin strips of light (11) passed through a grid (34) and the sample is viewed (5) perpendicular to the plane of the strips of light. To record the image, the object (4) is displaced through the strips of light (11). At least three different images of the objects (4) are made at different phase angles. The images can be combined to form a single combined image. |
| US09823454B2 |
Pneumatic parabolic mirror solar energy collector and grids made thereof
A scalable parabolic or disc shaped mirror, that is formed and maintained by inflating, with air or inert gas, a rigid polymer membrane envelope, that is pre-formed, and such that when inflated, forms this parabolic or disc shape, governed by a center supporting pole, and ring around circumference of the mirror. The top half of the ballooned envelope is made of a clear transparent membrane through which the sun's rays pass through and on to the lower inner lower surface, which is coated with reflective surface. The balloon is skewered through the middle of each membrane, and clamped with flanges to hermetically seal the envelope.The pole or center structure is anchored and hinged at the base so the Pneumatic Mirror can be articulated to face towards the sun, thus focussing the energy to whatever device is at the focal point. |
| US09823446B2 |
Photographing lens assembly
A photographing lens assembly includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, a fifth lens element and a sixth lens element. The first lens element with positive refractive power has a convex object-side surface. The second lens element, the third lens element and the fourth lens element have refractive power. The fifth lens element with negative refractive power has a convex object-side surface and a concave image-side surface, wherein the surfaces thereof are aspheric, and at least one of the surfaces thereof has at least one inflection point thereon. The sixth lens element with negative refractive power has a convex object-side surface and a concave image-side surface, wherein the surfaces thereof are aspheric, and at least one of the surfaces thereof has at least one inflection point. |
| US09823445B2 |
Imaging optical lens assembly, image capturing unit and electronic device
An imaging optical lens assembly includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, a fifth lens element and a sixth lens element. The first lens element has negative refractive power. The second lens element has negative refractive power. The third lens element has negative refractive power. The imaging optical lens assembly has a total of six lens elements. |
| US09823443B2 |
Imaging lens and imaging apparatus including the same
An imaging lens is provided. The imaging lens includes, in an order from an object side to an image plane side, a first lens having an object side surface that is convex and having a positive refractive power, a second lens having a positive or negative refractive power, a third lens having a positive or negative refractive power, a fourth lens having a negative refractive power, and a fifth lens having a positive or negative refractive power, wherein an image side surface of the fifth lens has a concave center portion and has at least one inflection point, and the imaging lens satisfies a condition that −0.25≦(Y−yp)/yp≦−0.05, where Y denotes an image height of a real chief ray, and yp denotes an image height of a paraxial chief ray. |
| US09823441B2 |
Optical image capturing system
A three-piece optical lens for capturing image and a three-piece optical module for capturing image, along the optical axis in order from an object side to an image side, include a first lens with positive refractive power, wherein an object-side surface thereof can be convex; a second lens with refractive power; and a third lens with refractive power, wherein both surfaces of each of the aforementioned lenses can be aspheric; the third lens can have positive refractive power, wherein an image-side surface thereof can be concave, and both surfaces thereof are aspheric; at least one surface of the third lens has an inflection point whereby the optical lens can increase aperture value and improve the imaging quality for use in compact cameras. |
| US09823439B2 |
Imaging lens
A compact high-resolution imaging lens which meets the demands for low-profileness, a low F-value and a wide field of view and corrects aberrations properly. It includes, in order from the object side: a first positive lens having a convex object-side surface; a second negative lens having a convex object-side surface; a third lens; a fourth positive lens; and a fifth negative double-sided aspheric lens having a concave image-side surface. When Fno denotes F-number, ih maximum image height, TTL total track length, f45 the composite focal length of the fourth and fifth lenses, r5 and r6 the curvature radii of the third lens object-side and image-side surfaces, r7 and r8 the curvature radii of the fourth lens object-side and image-side surfaces, and r9 and r10 the curvature radii of the fifth lens object-side and image-side surfaces, respectively, it satisfies the following conditions: Fno≦2.4; TTL/2ih<0.9; f45<0; 0 |
| US09823433B2 |
Staggered optical fiber splices
Staggered Splices. At least some illustrative embodiments are apparatus including a tube having a wall defining an interior volume, first and second optical fibers disposed within the interior volume and the first and second optical fibers joined at a first splice. Also included are third and fourth optical fibers disposed within the interior volume, the third and fourth optical fibers joined at a second splice. The first splice and the second splice have an axially spaced-apart relationship within the interior volume of the tube. |
| US09823427B2 |
Methods and systems for distributing fiber optic telecommunications services to local area
A fiber optic drop terminal assembly includes a housing, a spool and a fiber optic distribution cable. The housing has a first exterior surface and an oppositely disposed second exterior surface. A plurality of ruggedized adapters is mounted on the first exterior surface of the housing. The ruggedized adapters include a first port accessible from outside the housing and a second port accessible from inside the housing. The spool is engaged with the second exterior surface and includes a drum portion. The fiber distribution cable is coiled around the drum portion. The distribution cable includes a first end and an oppositely disposed second end. The second end is disposed inside the housing. |
| US09823423B2 |
Waveguide grating device
An optical waveguide comprises at least two TIR surface and contains a grating. Input TIR light with a first angular range along a first propagation direction undergoes at least two diffractions at the grating. Each diffraction directs light into a unique TIR angular range along a second propagation direction. |
| US09823421B2 |
Wavelength insensitive expanded beam with grin fiber
A GRIN fiber lens connection system particularly suited for high-power laser applications is disclosed. In one aspect, a GRIN fiber lens expanded beam system that is efficient over a wide spectral region, e.g., a range of about 200 nm, 300 nm or 400 nm, is disclosed for coupling one optical fiber (such as a single-mode fiber) to another. For example, a GRIN fiber lens expanded beam system is efficient over a range of wavelengths from about 400 nm to about 800 nm, from about 190 nm to about 390 nm, or from about 1270 nm to about 1650 nm. A method for designing such a coupling system is also disclosed. In another example, the cores of the GRIN fiber lenses are substantially devoid of germanium, and the cladding is doped with an element, such as fluorine, that lowers the refractive index of the cladding. |
| US09823419B1 |
Optical coupling surface fabrication
An optical system may include a substrate that includes an etched region and a laser-induced breakage region. The optical system may further include an optical waveguide disposed on the substrate. The optical system may further include an optical device coupled to the optical waveguide within the etched region. The laser-induced breakage region may produce a predetermined coupling gap between the optical waveguide and the optical device. |
| US09823417B2 |
Waveguide polarizing optical device
Disclosed is a waveguide polarizing optical device, including a first waveguide polarizer (6), a section of a second optical waveguide (31) and a second thin-plate polarizer (52) having a physical thickness T and a refractive index n, the second thin-plate polarizer (52) being disposed on the optical path between a waveguide end (8) of the first polarizer (6) and one end (32) of the second optical waveguide (31), the physical distance d between the waveguide end (8) of the first polarizer (6) and the end (32) of the second optical waveguide (31) being less than or equal to twice the Rayleigh length and the physical thickness T of the second polarizer (52) being less than or equal to the physical distance d. |
| US09823409B2 |
Photoluminescent layered composite, backlight unit, and display device including the composite
A photoluminescent layered composite includes: a light conversion layer including a first polymer matrix and a plurality of semiconductor nanocrystals dispersed in the first polymer matrix; and a metal oxide layer, wherein the metal oxide layer includes a plurality of conductive metal oxide particles, and wherein the metal oxide layer is disposed on at least one surface of the light conversion layer. Also a backlight unit and a display device include the same. |
| US09823405B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a display panel displaying an image using light; a light source generating first light; a light conversion member converting the first light into the light; a case member accommodating the light source and the light conversion member and including an open part to transmit the light which is converted by the light conversion member; and a light guide plate receiving the light through the open part and guiding the light to a upward direction where the display panel is disposed. |
| US09823403B2 |
Light guiding body and lighting system
A light guiding body includes, an introducing portion including a plane of incidence and a plane of reflection opposite to the plane of incidence, a diffusion portion including a first plane provided on a side of the plane of reflection and a second plane provided on the side of the plane of incidence and opposite to the first plane, a first point positioned on a border between the plane of reflection and the first plane, and a second point on the plane of incidence, wherein when a center of curvature of the first plane at the first point is a third point, an index of refraction of the light guiding body is n, the curvature of the first plane at the first point is K, and a distance between the second point and the third point is D, Formula (4) is satisfied. |
| US09823400B2 |
Cured film formation composition, orientation material, and retardation material
There is provided a cured-film formation composition that forms a cured film having excellent photoreaction efficiency and solvent resistance, and high adhesion, an orientation material for photo-alignment, and a retardation material formed with the orientation material. |
| US09823398B2 |
Polarizer and optical element having polarizer
A polarizer according to the present invention includes a thin film with a constant thickness composed of a dielectric, and a plurality of slit-shaped through-holes each having the same width formed in the thin film and extending in a first direction. The plurality of through-holes are arranged on a surface of the thin film at a constant interval in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. |
| US09823394B2 |
Retroreflective articles including a security mark
The present disclosure relates to prismatic retroreflective articles that includes a security mark and to methods of making such articles. |
| US09823391B2 |
Non-photosensitive resin composition
A non-photosensitive resin composition including: a self-cross-linkable copolymer having structural units of Formulae (1) and (2): wherein each R0 is independently a hydrogen atom or methyl group; X is an —O— group or an —NH— group; R1 is a single bond or a C1-6 alkylene group; R2 is a C1-6 alkyl group; a is an integer of 1 to 5, b is an integer of 0 to 4, and when a and b satisfy 1≦a+b≦5, and b is 2, 3, or 4, such R2 optionally differ from each other; R3 is a divalent organic group of Formula (I), Formula (II), or Formula (III), and R4 is an organic group having an epoxy group: wherein c is an integer of 0 to 3, d is an integer of 1 to 3, and each e is independently an integer of 2 to 6; and a solvent. |
| US09823390B2 |
Optical sheet and edge-lit backlight unit
An optical sheet includes: a transparent substrate sheet; and a sticking preventive portion provided on the back face of the transparent substrate sheet. The sticking preventive portion includes a plurality of printed dots. The average diameter of the printed dots is preferably no less than 1 μm and no greater than 200 μm. The ratio of the average height to the average diameter of the printed dots is preferably no less than 1/100 and no greater than 1. The printed dot preferably has a hemisphere-like shape having a height less than a diameter. The arrangement density of the printed dots on the back face of the substrate sheet is preferably no less than 10 dots/mm2 and no greater than 2,500 dots/mm2. A principal component of the printed dots is preferably is preferably an acrylic resin, a urethane resin or an acrylic urethane resin. |
| US09823385B1 |
Method and apparatus for operating a downhole tool with an electronic photon source at different endpoint energies
A system is disclosed for downhole logging. The system comprises a photon source configured to generate photons at different endpoint energies; at least one radiation detector configured to detect photons after interactions with a wellbore, a geological formation surrounding the wellbore, or both; an energy detection system configured to determine an endpoint energy of the photon source; and a processing system configured to determine properties of a wellbore, a geological formation, or both, based on photons detected at the at least one radiation detector and the endpoint energy determined by the energy detection system. |
| US09823384B1 |
Mud activation measurement while drilling
A method for estimating a drilling fluid flow rate in a subterranean wellbore includes processing an acquired gamma ray spectrum in combination with standard elemental spectra and at least one standard oxygen activation spectrum to compute an oxygen activation yield. The oxygen activation yield is further processed to estimate a drilling fluid flow rate and or to infer a borehole diameter change or a lost circulation event. The gamma ray spectrum is acquired using a logging string employing a neutron source and a natural gamma ray sensor. |
| US09823377B1 |
Multi-threat detection of moving targets
The present invention comprises a multi-modal security checkpoint. The security checkpoint can simultaneously scan for and simultaneously identify hidden metallics (e.g., weapons, shrapnel) and non-metallics (e.g., explosives, dielectrics). The security checkpoint performs scanning and identifying at a rate of 15 or more frames per second for all targets within the inspection area. The security checkpoint comprises blocks for sending and receiving radiation signals, the blocks comprising transmitters and/or receivers, the blocks being configured to share information to compare cross- and co-polarizations of signals emitted. The security checkpoint combines many threat detection technologies into one checkpoint that allows it to be robust and detect a large variety of threats in mass transit hubs requiring high throughput processing capabilities. |
| US09823375B2 |
Apparatus for logging while drilling acoustic measurement
Apparatus for acoustic measurement in a downhole environment to enable high quality measurements to be obtained in difficult logging conditions are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a downhole tool having a body with a plurality of transmitters located on the body. A receiver is located on the body a distance from the transmitters and an attenuator section is integrally formed on the body between at least one transmitter and the receiver. |
| US09823374B2 |
Methods and apparatus for wellbore evaluation
A wellbore tool string includes a combination of acoustic inspection tool(s) and electro-mechanical inspection tool(s). The tool string is configured to combine acoustic with electro-mechanic wellbore inspection to circumvent limitations that both technologies may be subject to in wellbore environments. Anomalous data from one or more acoustic tools can be correlated with data acquired by an electro-mechanical tool incorporated into the same tool string to determine wellbore conditions that may have adversely affected the operation of the acoustic tool(s). |
| US09823373B2 |
Acoustic telemetry with distributed acoustic sensing system
An acoustic telemetry method for use with a subterranean well can include positioning a well tool in the well, the well tool including an acoustic transmitter and a sensor, and an acoustic receiver in the well receiving an acoustic signal transmitted by the transmitter, the acoustic signal including information representative of a measurement by the sensor. A system for use with a subterranean well can include a well tool positioned in the well, the well tool including an acoustic transmitter and a sensor, the acoustic transmitter transmits an acoustic signal including information representative of a measurement by the sensor to an acoustic receiver positioned in the well. |
| US09823372B2 |
Controlled spaced streamer acquisition
A seismic measurement system and a method of obtaining seismic measurements are described. The seismic measurement system includes a cable and a plurality of sensors disposed at a first interval along the cable. The plurality of sensors receives reflections resulting from a seismic source and each of the plurality of sensors receives the reflection corresponding with a particular subsurface location. The system also includes a controller to turn on a first set of the plurality of sensors and turn off a second set of the plurality of sensors based on an area of interest. |
| US09823367B2 |
Seismic shooting with mammal mitigation system and method
A system and method for detecting marine mammals and mitigating sound effects on them. The mammal detecting and mitigating system includes a first mammal monitoring system and a second mammal monitoring system. The first and second mammal monitoring systems are configured to be deployed away from each other, and the first and second monitoring systems communicate to each other such that the first mammal monitoring system is informed about a presence of a marine mammal detected by the second mammal monitoring system. |
| US09823366B2 |
Radiation detector calibration using voltage injection
Among other things, one or more systems and/or techniques for calibrating a direct conversion detector array are provided. An electrical charge is generated on an interface of a photoconductor (e.g., amorphous selenium) of the detector array when there is a change in voltage that is applied to the photoconductor. Such a change in voltage may occur because the voltage that is supplied to the photoconductor by a power supply is changed. The changed voltage causes an electrical charge to be produced, or causes a change in the net charge density at an interface of the photoconductor, that is substantially similar to the electrical charge that may be produced when radiation impinges the detector array. In this way, calibrations of the detector array (e.g., the generation of a uniformity map, defect table, etc.) may be performed without the emission of radiation and onsite or outside of a factory setting. |
| US09823359B2 |
Radiation image detection device
A radiation image detecting device includes a photodetecting element that detects fluorescence light, and a prism that is disposed on an optical path of excitation light traveling toward an imaging plate and between the photodetecting element and the imaging plate. The prism includes, as surface thereof, a side face that is opposed to the imaging plate, and a side face and a side face that are inclined relative to the side face. The prism is disposed so that the excitation light incident through the side face propagates inside and is output from the side face and so that reflection from the imaging plate incident through the side face propagates inside and is output from the side face. The photodetecting element is disposed so as to be opposed to a region different from a region where the reflection from the imaging plate is output, in the surface of the prism. |
| US09823352B2 |
Absolute distance measurement for time-of-flight sensors
A time-of-flight (TOF) sensor device is provided with features for correcting distance measurement offset errors caused by such factors as temperature, dynamic reflectivity ranges of objects in the viewing space, or other factors. In various embodiments, the TOF sensor device generates corrected distance values based on comparison of two different distance values measured for an object by two different measurement techniques, including but not limited to phase shift measurement, pulsed TOF measurement, distance measurement based on the focal length of the TOF sensor's lens, and comparison of distance variations with light intensity variations. In addition, some embodiments of the TOF sensor device perform self-calibration using internal waveguides or parasitic reflections as distance references. |
| US09823349B2 |
Driver entry detector for a motor vehicle
Driver-detection technology includes various systems, methods, and apparatuses. For example, an active infrared (IR) sensor might be affixed in the driver's footwell of a motor vehicle and detect the driver's entry into the vehicle. The detection of the driver by the IR sensor is usable to personalize motor-vehicle features, such as seat position, steering-wheel position, interior lighting, radio controls, mirror angles, and touch-screen configuration, among others. |
| US09823347B1 |
Weather radar system and method for high altitude crystal warning interface
A hazard warning system can be utilized in an aircraft. The hazard warning system can include a processing system for determining a high altitude ice crystal (HAIC) condition and causing a warning of the HAIC condition to be displayed. An avionic display can be used to display the warning of the HAIC condition. |
| US09823344B2 |
Feature-based tracking of moving objects
Systems and methods are provided for tracking moving objects. A sensor system is configured to measure a position of each of a plurality of moving objects as a set of measurements. A track assignment component is configured to accept the set of measurements from the sensor system and assign a subset of the measurements to respective tracks. The tracks represents the motion of respective objects. The track assignment component represents a cost calculation component configured to provide a cost matrix from at least a change point detection analysis of a feature associated with the set of measurements and an object assignment component configured to assign the subset of the measurements to respective tracks. A filtering component is configured to update respective associated states of tracks representing the plurality of moving objects according to the set of measurements and the assignment of the subset of the measurements to respective tracks. |
| US09823342B2 |
System and method for mobile monitoring of non-associated tags
A system for monitoring at least one tag device has at least one mobile cellular telephone. The mobile cellular telephone is capable of communicating on a WiFi network, wherein the at least one tag device transmits wireless data messages in a non-associating mode. |
| US09823339B2 |
Plural anode time-of-flight sensor
A time of flight (TOF) camera comprises a light source for illuminating an object with light and a plurality of light-sensitive pixels for collecting return image light reflected by the object. Further, each light-sensitive pixel of the TOF camera may comprise a photoelectric cathode for generating electrons responsive to return image light incident on the pixel and a plurality of anodes for collecting electrons generated at the photoelectric cathode. |
| US09823337B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling alignment of vehicle radar
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling an alignment of a vehicle radar capable of automatically detecting a vertical angle of a target to perform an alignment in a vertical direction. The apparatus includes: a substrate; a transmitting antenna unit configured to be disposed at one side of the substrate; a receiving antenna unit configured to be disposed at the other side of the substrate; and a vertical angle detection unit configured to detect a vertical angle of a target based on a signal received from the receiving antenna unit, wherein the receiving antenna unit includes: a plurality of first antennas configured to be arranged in a row direction to a surface of the substrate; and a plurality of second antennas configured to be arranged in a column direction to the surface of the substrate. |
| US09823335B2 |
Vehicle system, in-vehicle apparatus, and portable device
A vehicle system includes: an in-vehicle apparatus having a signal transmission unit that transmits different pulse pattern signals from multiple transmitting antennas; and a portable device having a receiving unit that receives the signals. The in-vehicle apparatus or the portable device includes a portable device position identification unit that identifies a position of the portable device according to the signals. The portable device includes a frequency-to-voltage conversion unit that outputs a voltage corresponding to a frequency of each signal. The portable device position identification unit includes: a first storage unit that preliminary stores voltage change patterns corresponding to the frequencies of the signals in relation to positions of the vehicle; and a first position estimation unit that compares the voltage change patterns of the frequency-to-voltage conversion unit with the voltage change patterns in the first storage unit, and estimates the position of the portable device. |
| US09823334B2 |
Time of arrival information passing in a distributed antenna system
Embodiments described herein provide for a method for obtaining location information regarding a wireless unit in a distributed antenna system (DAS). The method includes identifying a first time of arrival of a wireless signal in a time and frequency unit at a first active antenna unit (AAU). A second time of arrival of the wireless signal in the time and frequency unit at a second AAU is also identified. A location of a wireless unit transmitting the wireless signal is estimated based on a location of the first AAU, a location of the second AAU, and a difference between the first time of arrival and the second time of arrival. The location of the wireless unit and an indication that the location corresponds to the time and frequency unit is sent to a baseband unit or serving mobile location center (SMLC). |
| US09823333B2 |
Power and network independent locating of a lost device
A broadcast from a beacon associated with a mobile device is detected, at a proximate device. The broadcast includes an identifier associated with the mobile device. The identifier is sent to a service provider system to receive a confirmation that the mobile device associated with the identifier is lost. Upon receiving the confirmation, using the proximate device, a first location of the proximate device is determined at a first time, and a first signal strength of the broadcast is measured at the first time and at the first location. A location of the beacon is computed using the first signal strength and the first location from the proximate device, and by further using a second signal strength measurement at a second location and a third signal strength at a third location. |
| US09823329B2 |
Magnetic current sensor calibration system
A magnetic current sensor calibration system includes a plurality of sensors and a substrate. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface, and the sensors are mounted on the first surface. The substrate includes a bipolar calibration conductor and a unipolar calibration conductor. The bipolar calibration conductor is spaced apart from the plurality of sensors and is disposed between the first and second surfaces. The unipolar calibration conductor is spaced apart from the plurality of sensors and the bipolar calibration conductor, and is disposed between the first and second surfaces. |
| US09823328B2 |
Systems and methods of current sense calibration for voltage regulator circuits
Systems and methods are disclosed that may be employed to calibrate current sense circuitry of CPU core voltage (Vcore) DC/DC voltage regulation circuitry by coupling an individual Vcore phase of a VR as a current source to a VSA phase of the same VR so that the Vcore phase acts as a current sink for the coupled Vcore phase during calibration of the current sense circuitry of the individual Vcore phase. |
| US09823326B2 |
Method and magnetic resonance apparatus to correct magnetic resonance measurement data
The method according to the invention for the correction of measurement data acquired along Cartesian lines in k-space, which measurement data have been acquired by means of a pulse sequence in which gradients are switched simultaneously during the radiation of at least one non-selective excitation pulse, includes the steps of measurement data acquired with the pulse sequence are entered into k-space, i.e. entered into a memory organized as k-space, a pulse excitation profile is determined, and the acquired measurement data are corrected using the pulse excitation profile, the correction including a de-convolution operation in at least one of the three k-space directions. The correction of measurement data according to the invention allows an unrestricted use of pulse sequences, in particular gradient echo sequences, in which an excitation is implemented given already activated gradients (for example for noise reduction). A distortion due to superposition of an excitation with a pulse profile can be remedied via the method according to the invention. |
| US09823325B2 |
Methods and compositions relating to reporter gels for use in MRI techniques
The present invention describes methods and compositions for non-invasively assessing the molecular structure of biocompatible hydrogels using MRI analysis. It is shown that biocompatible hydrogels prepared from polymerizing macromolecules that are attached to a paramagnetic, superparamagnetic or ferromagnetic contrast agents form reporter gels wherein monitoring of the changes in the structure of the hydrogels by MRI is facilitated by the presence of such paramagnetic, superparamagnetic or ferromagnetic agents in the biocompatible hydrogel. |
| US09823322B2 |
Method and apparatus for magnetic resonance data acquisition using a multipoint dixon technique
In a method and magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus to acquire MR data from a subject, a predetermined spectral model of a multipoint Dixon technique is used that includes at least two spectral components with respective associated relaxation rates, a first phase due to field inhomogeneities; and a second phase due to eddy current effects. MR data are acquired using a bipolar multi-echo MR measurement sequence for multiple image points wherein, for each image point, the multi-echo MR measurement sequence alternately uses positive and negative readout gradient fields for the readout of MR signals of the MR data at at least three echo times. The at least two spectral components are determined based on the MR data. |
| US09823321B2 |
Method and apparatus for acquisition of magnetic resonance data with fat saturation pulses radiated with respectively different flip angles
In a method and apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging of an examination subject using an acquisition sequence that includes at least one acquisition cycle, wherein the acquisition cycle includes a readout block set with at least two readout blocks, and a saturation pulse set with at least two saturation pulses, the saturation pulses of the saturation pulse set are respectively associated with respective readout blocks of the readout block set, and the saturation pulses of the saturation pulse set have respectively varying flip angles. |
| US09823316B2 |
Magnetic biomedical sensors and sensing system for high-throughput biomolecule testing
A magnetic biosensor can include a magnetic stack comprising a free layer, a fixed layer, and a nonmagnetic layer between the free layer and the fixed layer. At least one of the free layer or the fixed layer may have a magnetic moment oriented out of a major plane of the free layer or the fixed layer, respectively, in an absence of an external magnetic field. The magnetic biosensor also may include a sample container disposed over the magnetic stack, a plurality of capture antibodies attached to a bottom surface of the sample container above the magnetic stack, and a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field substantially perpendicular to the major plane of the free layer or fixed layer. |
| US09823314B2 |
Magnetometer with a light emitting diode
A device includes a diamond with one or more nitrogen vacancies, a light emitting diode configured to emit light that travels through the diamond, and a photo sensor configured to sense the light. The device also includes a processor operatively coupled to the photo sensor. The processor is configured to determine, based on the light sensed by the photo sensor, a magnetic field applied to the diamond. |
| US09823312B2 |
Apparatus and method for indirectly cooling superconducting quantum interference device
An apparatus and a method for indirectly cooling a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) are provided. The apparatus includes an outer container extending in a vertical direction; a metallic inner container inserted into the outer container to store a liquid coolant, the metal inner container including a top plate; a SQUID sensor module disposed between a bottom surface of the outer container and a bottom surface of the inner container; a heat transfer pillar adapted to cool the SQUID sensor module, the heat transfer pillar having one end connected to the bottom surface of the inner container and the other end directly or indirectly connected to the SQUID sensor module; a magnetic shield part formed of a superconductor covering a top surface of the SQUID sensor module; and a heat conduction plate being in thermal contact with the other end of the heat transfer pillar. |
| US09823308B2 |
Method for monitoring demagnetization
A method for discovering demagnetisation faults of a permanent magnet synchronous generator, such as a wind power generator. The method is performed during operation of the synchronous generator and includes measuring the vibration of the stator, performing a frequency analysis of the vibration, and deducing whether the generator suffers from demagnetization of a permanent magnet, from the vibration analysis. Moreover, geometric eccentricity faults and electric short circuit faults may also be detected from the vibration. |
| US09823307B2 |
Switched reluctance motor double-switch power converter that identifies fault of a node using node energy analysis
A node energy diagnosis method for a fault of a switched reluctance motor double-switch power converter. By detecting a transient value of a phase current of a switched reluctance motor double-switch power converter, a node energy standard deviation σ is calculated to be used as a fault characteristic quantity, and a main switch lower-tube short-circuit fault of the switched reluctance motor double-switch power converter is diagnosed by adopting a node energy standard deviation σ curve of the phase current of the switched reluctance motor double-switch power converter in the whole rotation speed range. It also can be applied in fault diagnosis when a main switch lower-tube short-circuit fault occurs in two phases or more than two phases of a switched reluctance motor double-switch power converter. It is applicable to switched reluctance motor power converters with various phase numbers and a double-switch structure, is durable, reliable in fault diagnosis and good in effect, and has good practicability, and wide application prospect. |
| US09823306B2 |
Measuring internal signals of an integrated circuit
An integrated circuit (IC) is provided with functional logic having a plurality of internal signal lines and test logic. The test logic has a plurality of inputs coupled to the plurality of internal signal lines and with an output coupled to a first external pin of the integrated circuit. The test logic includes a buffer, and the test logic is configured to selectively couple each of the signals received on the plurality of signal lines either directly or via the buffer to the first external pin of the IC. The test logic is configured to selectively couple a signal received on a second external pin of the IC either via the buffer to the first external pin of the IC in order to calibrate the buffer. |
| US09823305B1 |
Method and system for generating post-silicon validation tests
A method for generating a post-silicon validation test for a system on chip (SOC), may include obtaining a selection of action scenarios from a set of scenarios originally constructed for generating simulation tests; combining the selected scenarios into a combined scenario in which the selected scenarios are to be executed in parallel; and generating a post-silicon test code corresponding to the combined scenario. |
| US09823304B2 |
Integrated electronic device having a test architecture, and test method thereof
An electronic device having a functional portion and a test portion. The test portion includes a boundary scan register formed by a plurality of test cells arranged in the body according to a register sequence, where first test cells are configured to form a serial-to-parallel converter and second test cells are configured to form a parallel-to-serial converter. The test cells are each coupled to a respective data access pin of the device and to a respective input/output point of the functional part and have a first test input and a test output. The boundary scan register defines two test half-paths formed, respectively, by the first test cells and by the second test cells. The first test cells are directly coupled according to a first sub-sequence, and the second test cells are directly coupled according to a second sub-sequence. |
| US09823303B1 |
Methods for selecting integrated circuit dies based on pre-determined criteria
Methods for selecting integrated circuit dies based on pre-determined criteria are disclosed. A disclosed method includes binning tools that characterizes multiple integrated circuit dies based on performance attributes. Each integrated circuit die is labeled with an identifier that represents bin location of the integrated circuit die within a die storage structure. A user can search for integrated circuit dies that matches certain performance grading by providing a performance description to an input interface on testing equipment. A tester is then configured to perform a screening to identify the physical locations of integrated circuit dies that match the retrieved identifiers from the die storage structure. |
| US09823299B2 |
Socket for semiconductor chip test and method of manufacturing the same
Provided are a socket for a semiconductor chip test, and a method of manufacturing the same, the socket for the semiconductor chip test including: a film layer; a semiconductor chip test terminal disposed on the film layer and connected to a terminal of a semiconductor chip; and a conductive elastic pad disposed on the film layer and connected to a ground terminal of the semiconductor chip. |
| US09823297B2 |
Degradation detection circuit and degradation adjustment apparatus including the same
A degradation detection circuit may include a degradation unit including multiple delay elements driven by a high voltage for degradation. The high voltage for degradation value may be higher than an operation voltage. The degradation unit may be configured to provide a first delayed signal after passing a test signal through the degradation unit, wherein the test signal retains a pulse for a preset time. The degradation detection circuit may include a reference unit including a plurality of delay elements driven by the operation voltage, and configured to provide a second delayed signal after passing the test signal through the reference unit, a delay setting unit configured to provide a third delayed signal by selectively adding delay elements with respect to the second delayed signal, and a delay checking logic configured to detect a delay of the test signal by comparing the first delayed signal and the third delayed signal. |
| US09823294B1 |
Negative voltage testing methodology and tester
A negative voltage testing including a monitoring and triggering circuit coupled to a supply voltage rail of a device under test (DUT) and a switching circuit coupled to the monitoring and triggering circuit. The monitoring and triggering circuit is configured to cause the switching circuit to provide a first negative voltage to the supply voltage rail when a supply voltage on the supply voltage rail decays below a predetermined level during a first test of the DUT. |
| US09823289B2 |
Automated digital earth fault system
An automated earth fault testing system and early warning system designed to be used with mobile towers for real-time monitoring of the earthing values. The automated earth fault testing system comprises an earth fault testing device powered by a low voltage direct current battery, a plurality of terminals, at least one calibration switch including a calibration pad for calibrating the earth fault testing device, a plurality of visual indication means for providing indication of a variety of conditions including high and/or normal value of the earth resistance value and for indicating a charge level of the earth fault testing device and a liquid crystal display for displaying the earthing values. The earth fault testing device is connected to an alarm system of a base transceiver station utilizing a relay for informing the mobile signal station and operator with information regarding a status of the earth fault testing device. |
| US09823288B2 |
Method for monitoring multiple electrical energy lines in a cable strand
The invention concerns a method for monitoring a cable strand containing multiple electrical lines, such that the cable strand is designed to conduct electrical energy generated by a generator in a wind turbine involving the steps: measuring the temperature of at least two of the electrical lines, comparing the temperatures of said lines, and determining whether the two temperatures deviate from one another by more than a predefined threshold. |
| US09823287B2 |
Systems and methods for rating solar cells
A method for providing an environmental impact rating for a solar cell includes acquiring power generation data and thermal exchange data regarding the solar cell using a data acquisition device, transmitting the power generation data and the thermal exchange data to a controller, and generating the environmental impact rating based on the power generation data and the thermal exchange data using the controller, wherein the environmental impact rating provides an indication of an environmental impact of using the solar cell. |
| US09823286B2 |
Moisture detection system for external electrical connector and methods therefor
An electronic device includes a housing and an electrical connector disposed along the housing. The electrical connector includes one or a plurality of electrical contacts having at least a portion thereof exposed to an exterior of the housing. An interface circuit is operable with the electrical connector and coupled to one or more electrical contacts of the electrical connector to interact with a complementary connector when connected to the electrical connector. A moisture detection circuit is to detect moisture contacting the electrical connector. |
| US09823281B2 |
Time frame measuring method with calibration in the frequency range
A method for determining electric voltage u(t) and/or electric current i(t) of an RF signal in the time domain in a calibration plane, wherein by at least one directional coupler having two outputs and one signal input a first component of a first RF signal that runs from the signal input in the direction of the calibration plane, and a second component of a second RF signal that runs from the calibration plane in the direction of the signal input is decoupled. For a two-port error of the directional coupler, the error terms e00, e01, e10 and e11, are determined as a function of a frequency f and the signal values v1(t) and v2(t) are transformed into the frequency domain as wave quantities V1(f) and V2(f), and absolute wave quantities a1 and b1 in the frequency domain in the calibration plane are calculated from the wave quantities V1(f) and V2(f) by the error terms e00, e01, e10 and e11. |
| US09823277B1 |
Fiber optic electromagnetic phenomena sensors
A fiber optic sensor for measuring electromagnetic phenomena, including electrical and magnetic fields, voltage, and current is disclosed. The sensor includes an optical fiber probe containing a transmitting fiber and at least one receiving fiber, and a reflective surface or body. The reflective surface or body may be part of or attached to a material exhibiting a physical displacement from a force exerted upon the material due to electromagnetic phenomena, such as an electrical field, a magnetic field, voltage, and current. The reflective surface may be spaced apart from the ends of the fibers in the probe, and positioned so that light transmitted through the transmitting fiber is reflected by that surface into at least one receiving fiber. A light sensing means is coupled to the at least one receiving fiber, so light from a light reflected by the reflector body back into the receiving fibers is detected. |
| US09823271B2 |
Semiconductor testing structures and semiconductor testing apparatus
A method is provided for fabricating a semiconductor testing structure. The method includes providing a substrate having a to-be-tested device structure formed on a surface of the substrate, a dielectric layer formed on the surface of the substrate and a surface of the to-be-tested structure, and conductive structures and an insulation layer electrically insulating the conductive structures formed on a first surface of the dielectric layer. The method also includes planarizing the conductive structures and the insulation layer to remove the conductive structures and the insulation layer until the first surface of the dielectric layer is exposed; and bonding the first surface of the dielectric layer with a dummy wafer by an adhesive layer. Further, the method includes removing the substrate to expose a second surface relative to the first surface of the dielectric layer of the dielectric layer and a surface of the to-be-tested device structure. |
| US09823262B2 |
Container inspection device
A container inspection device includes an inlet conveyor, an outlet conveyor, a mounting table having a mounting surface, a chamber portion having an opening in a section of the chamber portion, in which a receiving space is formed when the mounting surface contacts the chamber portion to close the opening, and a transfer. The transfer is movable in the certain direction at a speed greater than the conveying speed of the cartons by the inlet conveyor. The transfer holds multiple ones of the cartons that have been conveyed by the inlet conveyor collectively and conveys the cartons to the mounting surface of the mounting table, and holds the multiple ones of the cartons mounted on the mounting surface collectively and conveys the cartons to the outlet conveyor. |
| US09823258B2 |
In vitro diagnostic and prognosis of major adverse events in patients undergoing coronary angiography
Method of diagnosis and prognosis of contrast media induced nephropathy (CIN) including the steps of i) taking a urine sample from a patient exposed to the application of contrast media, notably patients subjected to coronary angiography; ii) assessing the level of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) in the urine sample obtained in step (i); iii) relating the urinary vitamin D binding protein level determined in step (ii) to a pre-selected threshold level. A urinary vitamin D binding protein level higher than the pre-selected threshold level indicates that the patient is at risk of renal failure and in need of a dialysis treatment. |
| US09823254B2 |
Reversible chemoenzymatic labeling of native and fusion carrier protein motifs
Provided herein, inter alia, are methods and compositions for removing a phosphopantethiene analog moiety from an ACP-phosphopantetheine conjugate thereby providing Apo-ACP proteins. |
| US09823249B2 |
System and method for detecting pathogens
A method of detecting a pathogen in a sample. The pathogen from the sample is captured with at least one recognition element. The sample is introduced to a paper-based microfluidic device having spaced electrodes disposed thereon. An impedance magnitude of the sample is measured across the spaced electrodes to detect a presence of the pathogen in the sample. A related paper-based microfluidic device and system are also disclosed. |
| US09823243B2 |
Immunoanalysis method and immunoanalysis device
An object of the present invention is to provide a highly sensitive immunoanalysis method and analysis apparatus. The invention relates to an analysis method and an analysis apparatus which are constituted in such a way that a component to be measured is reacted with capture component specifically reacting thereto and the reactant is labeled when the component to be measured is present and which are characterized by analyzing the component to be measured with single-molecule sensitivity and resolution by arranging the labeled reactant in a spatially separated certain position and detecting the label of the labeled reactant. |
| US09823237B2 |
Integrated breath alcohol sensor system
Systems, apparatus and methods determine the presence of a volatile substance in expired breath. Alcohol concentrations can be determined from expired breath through the use of electromagnetic detection. The systems, apparatus and methods allow measurements of volatile substances to be done accurately and quickly over a wide range of temperatures, and are easily incorporated into vehicles. |
| US09823235B2 |
Droplet interfaces
The invention provides a method of forming a membrane between a first volume of polar medium and a second volume of polar medium. In some embodiments, the method involves providing a first volume including polar medium and a second volume including polar medium which are separated from one another by an apolar medium, in which at least one of the first and second volumes has a layer including amphipathic molecules. |
| US09823232B2 |
Ligand for detection of chromium (III) and a process for the preparation thereof
The invention disclosed herein relates to novel ligands (Lx) of Formula-I for selective detection of Cr (III) in pure aqueous medium and industrially viable process for the preparation thereof. Further the invention provides the process of selective detection of Cr (III) by fluorimetry using novel ligands of Formula-I. The invention also discloses a method of solubilizing novel ligands of formula-I in pure aqueous medium with the aid of non-ionic surfactant. The invention discloses a method of selective detection of Cr (III) using novel ligands of Formula-I. |
| US09823231B1 |
Systems and methods for assembling a collection of peaks characterizing a gas leak source and selecting representative peaks for display
In some embodiments, vehicle-based natural gas leak detection methods include assembling a collection of measured concentration peaks originating from a common natural gas leak according to wind direction, wind variability and inter-peak distance data, and selecting from the collection a subset of one or more representative peaks for display. Assigning peaks to a collection may be performed according to a peak overlap condition dependent upon a scaling (overlap) factor which scales the spatial reach of a peak, and according to a wind condition which determines whether a downwind event points toward an upwind event. The scaling factor may depend on wind variability and on an orientation of an inter-peak vector relative to a representative wind direction. Peak filtering is particularly useful in urban environments, where buildings channel gas plumes and one leak may lead to sequential detections of multiple concentration peaks along a path. |
| US09823229B2 |
Hydrogen sensor and method for manufacturing the same
A hydrogen sensor and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The hydrogen sensor includes a metal oxide layer formed over a substrate, and a catalytic pattern that is formed over the metal oxide layer. Further, a protective layer is formed over the catalytic pattern. |
| US09823220B2 |
NOx concentration detection apparatus and NOx concentration detection method
An apparatus and method for individually detecting NO and NO2 concentrations as NOX components of an object gas. An NO concentration corresponding value is obtained from a first detection element not having a reduction section. An NO concentration corresponding value is obtained from a second detection element having a reduction section, and having an NO2/NO sensitivity ratio greater than that of the first detection element. The difference ΔC between the NO concentration corresponding values of the two detection elements is obtained, and divided by the difference ΔS between the NO2/NO sensitivity ratios of the two detection elements, whereby an NO2 concentration corresponding value is obtained. A value obtained by multiplying the NO2 concentration corresponding value by the NO2/NO sensitivity ratio of the second detection element is subtracted from the NO concentration corresponding value of the second detection element, whereby an NO concentration corresponding value is obtained. |
| US09823211B1 |
Gas characterization system having a preconcentrator
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a gas sensor system and methods of analyzing data therefrom. In embodiments, a gas sensor system includes one or more gas preconcentrator modules and one or more gas sensor modules. Each gas preconcentrator module includes a substrate that has a top surface having a gas adsorbent material attached to the top surface and has an electrical heater element for heating each preconcentrator module to release adsorb gases to the sensor. The gas sensor modules and the gas preconcentrator modules are in fluid communication with each other. The gas sensor modules responses are readout in parallel multiple times as the preconcentrators are heated yielding a 2-dimensional gas spectrum. The gas sensor output data is analyzed and compared to a library of known data to analyze the gas composition. |
| US09823201B2 |
Combined scatter and transmission multi-view imaging system
The present specification discloses a multi-view X-ray inspection system having, in one of several embodiments, a three-view configuration with three X-ray sources. Each X-ray source rotates and is configured to emit a rotating X-ray pencil beam and at least two detector arrays, where each detector array has multiple non-pixellated detectors such that at least a portion of the non-pixellated detectors are oriented toward both the two X-ray sources. |
| US09823195B2 |
Optical instrument comprising multi-notch beam splitter
An instrument is provided that can monitor nucleic acid sequence amplification reactions, for example, PCR amplification of DNA and DNA fragments. The instrument includes a multi-notch filter disposed along one or both of an excitation beam path and an emission beam path. Methods are also provided for monitoring nucleic acid sequence amplifications using an instrument that includes a multi-notch filter disposed along a beam path. |
| US09823189B2 |
Optical method for determining morphological parameters and physiological properties of tissue
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an optical method for determining morphological parameters and physiological properties of tissue is presented. The method includes using reflectance measurements from a tissue area for a plurality of wavelengths, using a bio-optical model, using radiative transfer modeling and using a non-linear inversion procedure. The method further includes systematically varying values of the morphological parameters and physiological properties of the tissue and simultaneously varying the inherent optical properties, which are linked to the morphological parameters and the physiological properties of the tissue, until the non-linear inversion procedure returns values for the morphological parameters and the physiological properties of the tissue such that an agreement between the reflectance measurements and reflectances computed by the radiative transfer model, based on the returned morphological parameters and the physiological properties of the tissue values and corresponding inherent optical properties values, reach a predetermined level of accuracy. |
| US09823181B2 |
Cp2Mg concentration measuring device
The present invention intends to provide a Cp2Mg concentration measuring device capable of accurately measuring the concentration of Cp2Mg to be supplied to a process chamber without being affected by spontaneous decomposition, and is adapted to measure light intensity in a predetermined wavelength band around 12.8 μm and on the basis of the light intensity, calculate the concentration of Cp2Mg in a material gas. |
| US09823180B2 |
Method for measuring resistance of conveyor belt to getting over support roller, and device therefor
An evaluation subject formed by a cut sample of a conveyor belt is mounted on a flat substrate with an inner periphery-side cover rubber layer located on the upper side, a support roller mounted in a frame is horizontally pulled and rolled in the longitudinal direction of the evaluation subject by pulling the frame by a wire while the support roller is pressed vertically downward against the upper surface of the evaluation subject at a preset pressure using a pneumatic cylinder without substantial deformation of the outer peripheral surface thereof, and tensile force in a horizontal direction measured at this time by a tensile force sensor connected to the wire is evaluated as resistance to moving over the support roller. |
| US09823179B2 |
Method and apparatus for inspection of corrosion and other defects through insulation
Detection of corrosion and other defects in piping is needed to prevent catastrophic pipeline failure. Sensors, systems and methods are provided to enable detection of such defects. These apparatus and methods are configured to characterize pipe protected by insulation and conductive weather protection. The sensors may utilize inductive and/or solid state sensing element arrays operated in a magnetic field generated in part by a drive winding of the sensor. Multiple excitation frequencies are used to generate the magnetic field and record corresponding sensing element responses. Relatively high excitation frequencies may be used to estimate the properties of the weather protection and sensor lift-off while lower frequencies may be used to detect internal and external pipe damage. Linear arrays may be moved to generate damage images of the pipe providing size and location information for defects. Two dimensional sensor arrays may be used to provide imaging without moving the sensor. |
| US09823176B2 |
Particulate matter sensor
A particulate matter sensor is provided. The particulate matter sensor includes a particulate matter detection unit that has first and second electrodes separately disposed on a substrate and configured to generate capacitance to correspond to a quantity of a particulate matter accumulated between the first and second electrodes. A signal generator is configured to generate a frequency signal that determines a resonant frequency by the capacitance. A detection result processor is configured to detect a signal magnitude of a predetermined reference frequency in the frequency signal and distinguishes an exhaust level of the particulate matter based on a change of the signal magnitude. |
| US09823174B2 |
Devices and methods for sorting droplets by surface tension
A tunable superomniphobic surface with flower-like TiO2 nanostructures was fabricated into a device with precisely tailored surface energy domains that can sort droplets by surface tension. This apparatus and method for droplet sorting will enable inexpensive and energy-efficient analytical devices for personalized point-of-care diagnostic platforms, lab-on-a-chip systems, fuel sensor applications, biochemical assays and biosensors. |
| US09823172B2 |
Apparatus and methods for detecting analytes
The present invention provides an apparatus for retaining solid state reagents and/or for processing sample for a diagnostic test, where the apparatus avoids liquid “hang-up” that would otherwise result in loss of sample or fluid volume during sample transfer. The invention further provides diagnostic methods that employ the apparatus, so as to provide sensitive and accurate analyte detection. |
| US09823168B2 |
Auto tire localization systems and methods utilizing a TPMS angular position index
Embodiments relate to tire localization systems and methods for tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). In embodiments, a tire pressure management system comprises a wheel speed sensor (WSS), a tire pressure sensor (TPS) that can comprise circuitry and/or sensors configured to measure or record tire pressure data and TPS phase data, and an electronic control unit (ECU) that can comprise circuitry and/or sensors configured to process the speed sensor data and TPS data. TPMS systems and methods utilize a reference position index transmitted by the TPS to determine a constant value pattern of WSS data representative of a specific tire in order to localize the set of tires. |
| US09823167B2 |
Tire air pressure monitoring system
Provided is a tire air pressure transmission device configured to determine the rotational position of the tire air pressure transmission device based on a gravitational acceleration component of a centrifugal acceleration at the time of transmission of the tire air pressure information and to transmit in a wireless signal and at a prescribed cycle, tire air pressure information and tire air pressure transmission device rotational position information. |
| US09823164B2 |
Assembly and method for testing point machines
A device under test, such as a point machine, which is screwed to two longitudinal supports, which can be individually moved horizontally and vertically is provided. Thus, a highly flexible solution is created, because even devices under test having unknown or asymmetric dimensions can be fittingly accommodated and positioned. Linear drives enable highly accurate positioning of the supports, in particular even if the supports are have high inherent weight or are already loaded with the device under test. According to one embodiment, the mechanical system is designed to grasp and/or to lift a mounting cart by means of the supports, on which mounting cart the device under test is fastened by screwing. This provides the advantage that the device under test can be tested while mounted directly to the mounting cart without separate transferring and screwing of the device under test being required. |
| US09823161B2 |
Leak detection and location system and method
The system of the present invention is used for detecting and locating leaks in a roofing envelope that includes an insulation package. The system includes at least two contacts disposed within the roofing envelope, where at least one contact is active and at least one is passive. The active contact is capable of emitting an electric signal of a known voltage, and the passive contact is capable of reading voltage at the location of the passive contact. All contacts are in electrical communication with a computer. |
| US09823155B2 |
Test plug for a pipe elbow
A test plug for insertion into and plugging of an open end of an elbow pipe is provided. The test plug includes a resilient sealing element and set of gripper segments carried on a shaft. The set of gripper segments are movable relative to the shaft between pipe-gripping and pipe-non-gripping positions such that, when the test plug is placed in sealing and gripping engagement relative to an inner diameter wall of an elbow pipe, the set of gripper segments are positioned in eccentric relation to at least one of the sealing element and the shaft. |
| US09823150B2 |
Micro-machined optical pressure sensors
A micro-machined optical pressure sensor, comprising: a diaphragm configured to deform when a force is applied thereto; and a sensing micro-ring spaced apart from the diaphragm by a gap, the gap being variable depending on the force applied on the diaphragm, wherein the sensing micro-ring is configured to produce a resonance wavelength shift when the gap is varied, the resonance wavelength shift indicative of the force applied to the diaphragm. |
| US09823145B2 |
Bearing nut for measuring the rotational speed of a shaft connected to a turbomachine and associated measuring device
A nut screwed around a rotating shaft with a view to securing a part to said shaft and to cooperate with a fixed sensor sensing a quantity of material in a pre-defined volume to measure the speed of rotation of the shaft, including a ring of teeth separated by slots. At least a portion of the teeth includes at least one recess maintaining the clamping function of the ring of teeth, the at least one recess forming, with notches separating the teeth, respective material deficit intervals detected by said sensor when passing through the detection volume during the rotation of the nut. A method of using the nut with a sensor in a rotational speed measuring device and the production of same. |
| US09823143B2 |
Additively grown enhanced impact resistance features for improved structure and joint protection
A method includes designing a part. The part includes at least one internal structure. The internal structure is designed to provide strain mitigation, energy dissipation, or impact resistance for the part during an emergency condition. The part is built by a layer-by-layer additive manufacturing process. While building the part, the internal structure is connected to the part. |
| US09823142B2 |
Force sensor for manually operated or pneumatic presses
A force sensor for measuring axially occurring forces in manually operated or pneumatic presses has a central axis and an outer diameter and includes a bolt and a nut that preload between them a piezoelectric force washer with a plug connection. The washer has an inner end face defining a first bore having a first diameter with an internal thread. The bolt defines a throughbore with an internal diameter, a head portion and a hollow shaft defining a frontal external thread extending through the force washer and engaging the nut's internal thread. The nut or the head portion defines a second bore with a second diameter measuring smaller than the shafts internal diameter but at least one quarter of the outer diameter and at least as long as its diameter. The inner wall of the second bore defines a center mount for a sliding fit. |
| US09823141B2 |
Sensing device
A sensing device has a first substrate, a second substrate, a plurality of sets of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, a plurality of first axis signal lines, a plurality of second axis signal lines, and a plurality of second signal lines. The second substrate is above the first substrate and has a reset structure. The second electrodes are on the first surface of the second substrate in array. Each set of first electrodes is on the first substrate in array, corresponding to one of the plurality of second electrodes, and having at least one first axis electrode and at least one second axis electrode. The first axis electrode and the second axis electrode both partially overlap with the corresponding second electrode. |
| US09823138B2 |
Non-invasive automatic monitoring of pet animal's core temperature
A system, device and method monitoring whether a core temperature of a warm-blooded pet animal is within a normal range for the pet animal comprises a sensing assembly including (i) a skin temperature sensor positioned such that a sensing surface of the skin temperature sensor faces the animal, the skin temperature sensor configured to produce a skin temperature output, (ii) an ambient temperature sensor spaced away from the animal and configured to produce an ambient temperature output, and (iii) an accelerometer for sensing an acceleration of the pet animal and producing an acceleration output; and a processor for receiving the outputs, calculating an activity level from the acceleration data and determining whether the core temperature of the pet animal is within the normal range based on a pre-defined function relating the skin temperature TS, the ambient temperature TA, and the activity level of the pet animal. |
| US09823134B1 |
Burn saver device
A decoupling radiant and convective heat sensing device, and a decoupling radiant and convective heat sensing device with a means for performing calculations and then determining a heat flux and an ambient temperature using formulas or reference tables, and also with a means for alerting a person of hazardous fire conditions based on a calculated heat flux and ambient temperature. |
| US09823133B2 |
EMI/RF shielding of thermocouples
Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a temperature sensor disposed in an apparatus. In many semiconductor, liquid crystal display, solar panel or organic light emitting display fabrication processes, RF power is utilized to either ignite a plasma within the processing chamber or to provide supplemental energy to the process. Temperature control during many processes may be beneficial in order to produce a consistent product. Temperature sensors or thermocouples are sometimes utilized to measure the temperature of a substrate within a processing chamber. The RF power may have a negative impact on the temperature sensor. By coating the temperature sensor with a nanoparticle based metal coating, such as a silver coating, the negative impacts of the RF power on the temperature sensor may be reduced without contaminating the process, and an accurate temperature measurement may be obtained. |
| US09823129B2 |
Spectrometry device, image forming apparatus, and spectrometry method
A printer includes a spectroscope and a carriage moving unit. The spectroscope includes a wavelength-selective interference filter on which light from a measurement target is incident, and the carriage moving unit moves the spectroscope in an X direction with respect to the measurement target. If the measurement target is a color patch, the spectroscope performs spectrometry by changing a wavelength of light passing through the wavelength-selective interference filter in a first period during which the spectroscope is moved in the X direction, and passes light of an initial wavelength through the wavelength-selective interference filter at a start of measurement and at an end of measurement in the first period. A first output value that is a measured value from the spectrometry at the start of measurement is compared with a second output value that is a measured value from the spectrometry at the end of measurement. |
| US09823128B2 |
Multispectral imaging based on computational imaging and a narrow-band absorptive filter array
Multispectral imaging systems are disclosed. An exemplary multispectral imager includes a narrow-band absorptive filter array and a sensor array comprising a plurality of pixels. The narrow-band absorptive filter array has a plurality of filter elements, each filter element being associated with a pixel of the sensor array. The filter elements are organized into groups of N filter elements, where N is greater than three. Each filter element absorbs one narrow band and transmits N−1 narrow bands. The group of N filter elements absorbs all N narrow bands. |
| US09823120B2 |
UV dosimetry system with optimal sun exposure prediction
A UV exposure dosimetry system includes at least one UV sensor that accurately measures the UV irradiance intensity. The UV dosimetry system integrates the measured UV irradiance intensity over time to calculate the real-time UV dosage and the vitamin D production by taking into account factors comprising UV sensor location, body surface area, clothing coverage, and sunscreen usage. Based on the measurement, the system can predict the time remaining to skin burn and the time remaining to reach daily goal of vitamin D production. The system can also estimate UV intensity for a time in the future at a geographic location based on the forecast UV index data, and predict UV dose and vitamin D generation for the user corresponding to user defined scenarios. The UV dosimetry system supports multi-user control through an advanced and user friendly input and output interface. |
| US09823118B2 |
Low power, high resolution solid state LIDAR circuit
An optical circuit includes solid state photonics. The optical circuit includes a phased array of solid state waveguides that perform beamsteering on an optical signal. The optical circuit includes a modulator to modulate a bit sequence onto the carrier frequency of the optical signal, and the beamsteered signal includes the modulated bit sequence. The optical circuit includes a photodetector to detect a reflection of the beamsteered optical signal. The optical circuit autocorrelates the reflection signal with the bit sequence to generate a processed signal. |
| US09823117B2 |
Ambient light detection and data processing
A method, apparatus, and a computer program is provided. The method comprises: determining an ambient light value from ambient light data provided by at least one ambient light sensor, in dependence upon the spectral distribution of the ambient light data provided by the at least one ambient light sensor and a manufacturer of the at least one ambient light sensor. |
| US09823112B2 |
Real-time structural measurement (RTSM) for control devices
Relative displacements related to a structure are measured for use of a feedback signal in real time for the structural monitor of active and semi-active vibration. The monitors reduce structural movement caused by any source of natural or artificial vibration. A pre-stressed axial element is installed between two different points of the structure using a fixed connector and a flexible one. As the structure vibrates in response to an external “source”, a relative displacement is caused between two connecting points of the axial element, which can be measured based on the rotation φ of the flexible connector of the axial element. Discrete displacement can be obtained in real time of the whole structure where the axial element is installed. A modal monitor through active or semi-active devices can improve the structural behavior in some cases. |
| US09823108B2 |
Fuel management
The invention relates to a fuel management system for a vehicle. The fuel management system includes a fill-up sensor located at an inlet of a fuel tank of the vehicle, for determining the volume of fuel flowing into the fuel tank, a fuel supply sensor located in a fuel line between the fuel tank and an engine of the vehicle, for determining the volume of fuel flowing to the engine of the vehicle and a return line sensor located in the fuel return line of the vehicle, for determining the volume of fuel returning to the fuel tank. The system further includes a controller in communication with the fill-up sensor, fuel supply sensor and return line sensor, for collecting data from the sensors, calculating whether there is a fuel deviation between the amount of fuel entering the fuel tank and consumed by the vehicle, and generating fuel deviation events. |
| US09823099B2 |
Instrument panel meter
An instrument panel meter including a flexible face and a pointer. The flexible face includes indicators configured to convey information to a user regarding operation of the vehicle. The pointer is beneath the flexible face, and is movable between an inactive position and an active position. In the inactive position, the pointer does not stretch the flexible face. In the active position, the pointer does stretch the flexible face at or proximate to one of the indicators so as to convey information to the user regarding operation of the vehicle. |
| US09823098B2 |
Apparatus for interrogating distributed optical fibre sensors using a stimulated brillouin scattering optical frequency-domain interferometer
Apparatus for measuring the distribution of strain and temperature along an optical fibre (34) by analysing the distribution of the Rayleigh scattering and stimulated Brillouin scattering wavelength shifts along the length of a sensing fibre (34) using a Wavelength-Scanning Optical Frequency-Domain Analysis (WS-BOFDA) technique in which a wavelength-swept laser (12) sources a Brillouin “pump” radiation and excites a Brillouin ring laser (14) that sources a Brillouin “stimulus” radiation with wavelength shifted with respect to the excitation of a tuneable quantity. One optical Mach Zehnder or Michelson interferometer (27) is excited by the “stimulus” radiation on both the measurement arm, that comprises the sensing fibre (34), and the reference arm (38) while the “pump” radiation is injected only in the measurement arm by a controllable inhibition system (57). The output of the interferometer (27) is analysed in the frequency domain differential detectors (73, 74) sweeping the wavelength of the pump laser (12) and of the wavelength shift of the Brillouin laser (14). The invented apparatus does not require electro-optical modulators, phase-locking, high power optical amplifiers or microwave electronics and overcomes the prior art issues on manufacturing cost, stability, spatial resolution and on separate measurement of strain and temperature on the same sensor. |
| US09823095B2 |
Contact laser encoding anti-theft lock
This invention provides a contact laser encoding anti-theft lock, comprising: a key for generating a set of light signals with different pulse repetition frequencies; a signal processing module for receiving a set of optical pulse signals, in which the optical signals are converted to a set of voltage signals at different voltage values, and for comparing the voltage signals with a predetermined voltage (the voltage signals within the predetermined voltage range can be output as usual otherwise the output voltage is set to be zero); an electrically controlled lock, for opening or locking anti-theft doors according to the output voltage from the signal processing module; and a power supply for the signal processing module and the electrically controlled lock. The contact laser encoding anti-theft lock of this invention shows higher security and duplication of the keys is more difficult compared with prior anti-theft locks. |
| US09823090B2 |
Magnetic field sensor for sensing a movement of a target object
A magnetic field sensor operates as a motion detector for sensing a movement of a ferromagnetic target object having features. The magnetic field sensor has a plurality of magnetoresistance elements to generate, in a first channel, a feature signal indicative of a proximity of a feature of a ferromagnetic target object and, in a second channel, an edge signal indicative of a proximity of an edge of a feature of a ferromagnetic target object. |
| US09823088B2 |
Custom navigational data based on user recognition
An image of a vehicle user is captured. The image is compared to a corresponding account image in a preset profile. It is determined whether the image matches the corresponding account image. A destination is selected based on the user profile. A traffic report is generated based on the destination. |
| US09823087B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing traffic information associated with map requests
A method and apparatus for enabling users who request a map of a specified route to invoke a data session to see images of the key markers and a video session to see live views of key points along the route are disclosed. If traffic appears congested, the subscriber can request an alternative route from the network along with image and video sessions to verify the traffic conditions of the alternative route. |
| US09823086B2 |
Fuel consumption predictions using associative memories
A method, system, and computer program product for predicting fuel consumption for a vehicle operation is provided. Data for historical vehicle operations is stored in an associative memory and includes values for different attribute categories. The values of the attribute categories for the historical vehicle operations are compared to values of the attribute categories for a planned vehicle operation to identify historical vehicle operations that are most similar to the planned vehicle operation. Historical vehicle operations that are most similar to the planned vehicle operation are returned from the associative memory and the fuel consumption values for the historical vehicle operations are used to generate a predicted fuel consumption for the planned vehicle operation. An average, weighted average, maximum, or minimum fuel consumption value from the historical vehicle operations could be used as the predicted fuel consumption value for the planned vehicle operation. |
| US09823083B2 |
Forecasting arrival times
Apparatuses, method, systems, and program products are disclosed for forecasting arrival times. A method includes receiving, by a processor, travel data in response to requesting travel data from each of one or more users travelling to a location. The travel data includes data associated with one or more factors that affect an arrival time of each user at the location. A method includes calculating an estimated arrival time at the location for each user of the one or more users based on the travel data. A method includes presenting the estimated arrival time at the location for each user of the one or more users. |
| US09823080B2 |
Method, system, and computer program product for providing a facility map
A map of a facility is provided. Dispatch instructions for dispatching a mobile device from a starting location to the facility at a destination within a geographical area are received, and a current location of the mobile device is detected as the mobile device moves from the starting location towards the destination. The map of the facility is received based on the dispatch instructions and the current location of the mobile device, and the map of the facility is provided. |
| US09823078B2 |
Generating maps of private spaces using mobile computing device sensors
Digital maps of private spaces may be implemented using mobile computing device sensors. Sensor data may be received from one or more mobile computing devices to determine a digital signature describing a private space. Scheduling data may also be received from the one or more mobile devices. The scheduling data may describe a location associated with the private space to be mapped. A digital map of the private space may then be generated from the digital signature and the location associated with the private space in the scheduling data. |
| US09823074B2 |
Micro-electro-mechanical system drive-mode oscillator module and method therefor
A drive-mode oscillator module for use within a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device is described. The drive-mode oscillator module is arranged to receive a proof-mass measurement signal from a proof-mass of the MEMS device and to output a proof-mass actuation signal to the proof-mass of the MEMS device. The drive-mode oscillator module comprises a first, higher gain accuracy drive-mode component for generating an actuation signal to be output by the drive-mode oscillator module during an active mode of the MEMS device, and a second, lower power consumption drive-mode component for generating an actuation signal to be output by the drive-mode oscillator module during a standby mode of the MEMS device. |
| US09823073B2 |
Rotation-rate sensor having a substrate having a main extension plane for detecting a rotation rate
A rotation-rate sensor having a substrate with main extension plane, for detecting a rotation rate, extending in a direction parallel/orthogonal to the main plane; the sensor including a primary/secondary pair of seismic masses; the primary pair having first/second primary masses; the secondary pair having first/second secondary masses; the first/second primary masses being movable relative to the substrate along a primary deflection direction extending parallel to the main plane; the first/second secondary masses being movable relative to the substrate along a secondary deflection direction extending parallel to the main plane; the first/second primary masses and the first/second primary masses being movable antiparallel or parallel to one another corresponding to the deflection direction, essentially extending orthogonally to the secondary deflection direction; and the primary pair and/or secondary pair being drivable so that, based on sensor rotation, the Coriolis force leads to deflection of the first/second primary masses and/or the first/second secondary masses. |
| US09823070B2 |
Remote reconnaissance for space exploration
A system of reconnaissance for the staging of a mission in a target area of a remote location in space is disclosed, including satellite surveillance means; a plurality of radio beacon/video camera transceiver means; communication means connecting the satellite surveillance means with the plurality of radio beacon/video camera transceiver means; communication means connecting the plurality of radio beacon/video camera transceiver means with at least one base station; and analysis means to analyze video, positional and other data from the target area. |
| US09823069B2 |
Measuring apparatus to aide with hanging objects
Implementations of a measuring apparatus to aide with hanging objects are provided. In some implementations, the measuring apparatus comprises a housing containing a level and a first coiled tape blade, a second coiled tape blade, and a third coiled tape blade. In some implementations, each tape blade includes measuring indicia and each coiled tape blade is configured to uncoil and extend outside the housing and retract to a coiled configuration. In some implementations, the first tape blade is configured to extend in a first direction, and the second tape blade is configured to extend in a second direction. In some implementations, the second direction is 180 degrees from the first direction. In some implementations, the third tape blade is configured to extend in a third direction. In some implementations the third direction is 90 degrees from the first direction. In some implementation, the third tape blade has attached to the end that extends outside the housing a weight. |
| US09823068B2 |
Reducing elevation error with environmental pressure anomaly compensation
A method for determining an environmental pressure change affecting a pressure sensor within a portable device to determine an elevation of the portable device is disclosed. The method involves estimating a location of the mobile device, estimating an atmospheric pressure associated with the mobile device at a server based on data indicative of atmospheric pressure received from the mobile device, and generating the elevation of the mobile device based on the atmospheric pressure associated with the mobile device and reference data indicative of an absolute elevation reference. The absolute elevation determined may be based on the estimated location of the mobile device and elevation data obtained from a reference map. |
| US09823067B2 |
Methods for calculating distance using depth sensor and apparatuses performing the same
A method of calculating, using a depth sensor, a distance excluding an ambiguity distance including outputting a modulated light signal output from a light source to an object, receiving the modulated light signal reflected by the object, calculating a distance between the light source and the object using the reflected modulated light signal input to photo gates in conjunction with demodulation signals supplied to the photo gates, the calculating including calculating, using the modulated light signal, at least one distance farther than a maximum measurable distance, and setting the at least one distance to be equal to the maximum measurable distance may be provided. A range of the distance farther than the maximum measurable distance can be determined according to a duty ratio of the modulated light signal. |
| US09823064B1 |
Apparatus for contact angle measurement
Subject matter disclosed herein relates to arrangements and techniques that provide for improving contact angle measurement of a liquid droplet on an interface. An apparatus for measuring contact angles of a liquid droplet on a substrate comprises a platform configured to support the substrate and a camera configured to capture images of a liquid droplet on the interface. The apparatus further comprises multiple light sources to illuminate the liquid droplet along multiple direction and multiple optical paths to direct light illuminating the liquid droplet to the camera. |
| US09823063B2 |
Machine and method for acquiring data for measuring the twist and concavity of agricultural discs
The machine includes a rotational mounting bracket, upon which an agricultural disc is supported and held. A hold-down plate that can rotate freely is arranged above the mounting bracket. A linear actuator displaces the hold-down plate vertically in a downwards direction to press the agricultural disc. A laser measurement device is coupled to a linear guide where the hold-down plate forms part of a rotational head-piece fixed to a rod of the linear actuator. A method includes determining a central reference height on a model disc, determining the height of points in the periphery of the disc to be measured, calculating the average of the measured heights and comparing with the central reference height to determine whether the disc is valid or not. |
| US09823057B1 |
Motorcycle starter contact alignment tool
A motorcycle starter contact alignment tool is configured to be an adaptation of a solenoid tool plate incorporating a threaded aperture to adjustably control the advancement of a threaded rod and a contact jig. The threaded rod is intended to depress the contact jig, having an alignment face which coincidentally contacts a pair of electrical contacts within the solenoid housing, so as to properly align those contacts prior to being tightened in position. The threaded rod is provided with a handle to facilitate the turning thereof. |
| US09823056B2 |
Measuring tool
The present invention provides a measuring tool comprising a support portion and a measuring portion, the measuring portion is movably connected to the support portion, the support portion is configured for supporting the measuring portion, the measuring portion is configured for successively measuring at least one gap between a base and a workpiece on the base. The measuring tools, by providing a measuring portion capable of successively measuring at least one gap between the rubbing base and the rubbing roller, avoid frequent replacement of the measuring portion, thereby the measuring efficiency is increased greatly, and the utilization rate of processing equipment is improved. |
| US09823053B1 |
Solid-fuel ramjet ammunition
A ramjet projectile comprising: an outer assembly that is tubular and comprises first, second and third portions; solid ramjet fuel attached to and disposed inside the first portion of the outer assembly; an inner assembly disposed inside the outer assembly and comprising a first portion threadably coupled to the second portion of the outer assembly and a second portion surrounded by the third portion of the outer assembly to form an annular air passageway having an air inlet. The first portion of the inner assembly comprising a plurality of openings spatially distributed about a circumference. The inner assembly is rotatable relative to the outer assembly between first and second locations displaced by a distance from each other during travel along the gun barrel. The openings are not in flow communication with the annular air passageway when the inner assembly is at the first location and are in flow communication with the annular air passageway when the inner assembly is at the second location. Preferably the solid ramjet fuel comprises boron and a binder. |
| US09823051B2 |
Measuring frame for contactless optical determination of a gunshot position and associated measurement process
The invention relates to a measuring frame (106) for optically ascertaining a perforation position of a projectile (134) through a target surface (102) in a contactless manner. In addition, the invention relates to a corresponding measurement and analysis method. The invention further relates to a display system which uses at least one such measuring frame (106). The measuring frame comprises at least one first (120) radiation source for emitting a first diverging radiation field, at least one second radiation source for emitting a second diverging radiation field, said first and second radiation fields intersecting at an angle on a plane transverse to a perforation direction, and at least one first (126) and at least one second (126′) optical receiving device, which are paired with the at least one first and second radiation source, respectively. Each of the optical receiving devices has an array of optical receiving elements which can be analyzed such that a spatially extended shading position resulting from the projectile to be detected is determined. |
| US09823048B2 |
Ballistic effect compensating reticle and aim compensation method
A ballistic effect compensating reticle (e.g., 200 or 300) and aim compensation method for rifle sights or projectile weapon aiming systems includes a multiple point elevation and windage aim point field (e.g., 150 or 350) including a primary aiming mark (e.g., 158 or 358) indicating a primary aiming point adapted to be sighted-in at a first selected range and a plurality of secondary aiming points arrayed beneath the primary aiming mark. The method for compensating for a projectile's ballistic behavior while developing a field expedient firing solution permits the shooter to express the field expedient firing solution in units of distance, (e.g., yards or meters, when describing or estimating range and nominal air density ballistic characteristics), and velocity (e.g., mph or kph, for windage hold points). |
| US09823043B2 |
Rail for inductively powering firearm accessories
A method and system for an inductively powering rail on a firearm to power accessories such as: telescopic sights, tactical sights, laser sighting modules, and night vision scopes. This is achieved by having primary and secondary electromagnets (U-Cores) on both the inductively powering rail and the accessory. Once the electromagnets are in contact, the accessory is able to obtain power through induction via the inductively powering rail. Accessories may be attached to various fixture points on the inductively powering rail and are detected by the firearm when attached and detached. When attached, power and data communications may flow between the accessory and a master CPU located on the firearm. Accessories that are attached to the inductively powering rail and have rechargeable power systems may be recharged via the inductive power rail. Further, accessories that have power that is not needed may be transferred to other accessories. |
| US09823041B2 |
Device and method for connecting a cheek rest to a rifle butt
Connection device (1) for connecting a cheek rest (2) to rifle stock (3) with at least one internal space (4), whose cheek rest (2) includes at least one first connection bracket (7) and at least one second connection bracket (9) with which the cheek rest (2) may be adjustably connected to at least one bracket which during use is inserted into the internal space of a rifle stock. The bracket is comprised of a locking block (10) which when connecting the cheek rest (2) to the rifle stock (3) is inserted into the internal space (4) and positioned in relation to the inside of the internal space and through holes drilled in the rifle stock's top side and side, and that the cheek rest's connection brackets are temporarily connected to at least one bracket in the locking block (10) by said holes in the stock's top side. The present invention also encompasses a method for utilizing the device. |
| US09823040B1 |
Gun barrel unit for a toy gun
A gun barrel unit for a toy gun includes: an inner barrel and an outer barrel, the inner barrel is axially inserted in the outer barrel, at least one rotary member is provided between the inner and outer barrels to allow for rotation of the inner barrel with respect to the outer barrel, and at least one eccentric weight is fixed in the inner barrel. The inner barrel is pivotable and the inner barrel is provided with the eccentric weight, so that even when the gun is held in an inclined position, the inner barrel still can return to a non-inclined manner to ensure the ballistic trajectory stability when firing. Besides, an engaging assembly is provided at the rear end of the inner barrel, so that the inner barrel can still be fixed to the outer barrel in a fixed manner to facilitate ballistic trajectory adjustment. |
| US09823037B1 |
Ammunition belt capture and release mechanism and method for an imitation machine gun
A simulated ammunition belt is captured in and released from a feedway of an imitation machine gun by selectively extending and retracting a retaining projection into the space between adjacent simulated rounds of the ammunition belt. The retaining projection is operably connected to a cover of the gun housing and is concealed within the housing when the cover is closed. |
| US09823036B2 |
Firearm cleaning tool
The disclosure features firearm cleaning tools that include a planar tool body having a length and width that exceed a thickness of the tool body and comprising a first end, a second end, and a middle portion extending within a plane defined by the tool body along a first direction between the first and second ends. The first end features two arms forming a U-shaped portion and defining a recess in the tool body and an angled projection extending in the plane, and the second end features a tab extending from the second end in the first direction and having a width measured in the plane and in a direction orthogonal to the first direction that is less than a width of the middle portion measured in the plane and in the direction orthogonal to the first direction. |
| US09823035B2 |
Mount for firearm assembly and adjustment
A mount for firearm assembly and adjustment includes a firearm engagement portion having a hollow body with at least one recess for receiving a firearm buffer tube therein, and a support member configured to be secured to a support. |
| US09823025B2 |
Heat recovery system having a plate heat exchanger
A heat recovery system has an evaporator in which a working medium is evaporated, an expander by means of which energy from the working medium in vapor form is made usable, a recuperator operating as an internal heat exchanger, a condenser that condenses the working medium in vapor form, and a pump to move the working medium through a circuit. At least one plate heat exchanger with flow channels formed in interspaces between the heat exchanger plates is provided as a component of the system and includes at least the recuperator and the condenser. |
| US09823024B2 |
Stirling cycle machine
A Stirling cycle machine. The machine includes at least one rocking drive mechanism including a rocking beam having a rocker pivot, at least one cylinder and at least one piston. The piston is housed within a respective cylinder and is capable of substantially linearly reciprocating within the respective cylinder. The drive mechanism includes at least one coupling assembly. Also, a crankcase housing the rocking beam and housing a first portion of the coupling assembly is included. The machine also includes a working space housing the at least one cylinder, the at least one piston and a second portion of the coupling assembly. An airlock is included between the workspace and the crankcase and a seal is included for sealing the workspace from the airlock and crankcase. A burner and burner control system is also included for heating the machine and controlling ignition and combustion in the burner. |
| US09823023B2 |
Heat exchanger unit with removable cassettes for air conditioning in motor vehicles
A heat exchanger unit that enables a quick interchanging of function, form and size of the different heat exchanger modules. The interchanging may be possible in regard to the sequence of the individual heat exchanger modules. The heat exchanger unit in includes inserts configured such that appropriately configured cassettes can be inserted, and an inner shape of the cassettes is configured so that different heat exchanger modules can be accommodated therein. The cassettes are thus designed specific to the heat exchanger, while the outer shape of all cassettes conforms to the shape of the uniformly configured inserts. |
| US09823022B2 |
Integrated fan drive system for air-cooled heat exchangers (ACHE)
An air-cooled heat exchanger (ACHE) for cooling process fluids used in an industrial process. In one embodiment, the ACHE is configured as a forced-draft ACHE. A support structure supports the forced draft ACHE above grade. A tube bundle is supported by the structure and is configured to receive process fluids used in an industrial process. A plenum is connected to the support structure, positioned beneath the tube bundle and configured to direct air-flow through the tube bundle. A fan is supported by the support structure and positioned beneath the plenum. Rotation of the fan produces an air-flow that is directed through the tube bundle by the plenum. A fan drive system is supported by the support structure, positioned beneath the fan and comprises a permanent magnet motor comprising a motor casing, a stator and a rotatable shaft, the rotatable shaft being connected to the fan. |
| US09823017B2 |
Method and system of controlling a temperature within a melt tray assembly of a distillation tower
A method and system of controlling a temperature within a melt tray assembly of a distillation tower. The method may include determining a melt tray fluid composition of a melt tray fluid, determining a melt tray fluid temperature of the melt tray fluid, determining if the melt tray fluid temperature is within an expected melt tray fluid temperature range for the melt tray fluid composition, decreasing the melt tray fluid temperature if the melt tray fluid temperature is greater than an expected melt tray fluid temperature range upper limit, increasing the melt tray fluid temperature if the melt tray fluid temperature is less than an expected melt tray fluid temperature range lower limit, and maintaining the melt tray fluid temperature if the melt tray fluid temperature is within the expected melt tray fluid temperature range. |
| US09823016B2 |
Method and system of modifying a liquid level during start-up operations
The present disclosure provides a method for separating a feed stream in a distillation tower. The method includes operating a controlled freeze zone section in a distillation tower that separates a feed stream at a temperature and pressure at which the feed stream forms a solid in the controlled freeze zone section, wherein the feed stream includes a first contaminant; maintaining a melt tray assembly in the controlled freeze zone section; introducing the feed stream to the controlled freeze zone section; and accumulating a liquid in the melt tray assembly until the liquid is at a predetermined liquid level in the controlled freeze zone section, by: feeding a second contaminant to the controlled freeze zone section; and adding the second contaminant to the melt tray assembly, wherein the liquid comprises the second contaminant. |
| US09823013B1 |
Home appliance device
For the purpose of improving efficiency a home appliance device, in particular a home chiller appliance device, is proposed. The device includes an insert (16) which is insertable into a storage space (12) and which has a front cover element (32) and a cover support element (34), wherein the front cover element (32) is connected to the cover support element (34) in a form-fit manner in at least one first direction (36) and is in at least one pre-assembly state movable with respect to the cover support element (34) in at least one second direction (38) that is at least substantially perpendicular to the first direction (36). |
| US09823008B2 |
Refrigerator storage compartment assembly
A storage compartment assembly is located within the interior of a compartment of a refrigerator such as a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator. The storage compartment assembly includes a storage container the temperature of which can be controlled independently of the temperature in the fresh food compartment. At least one of the sides of the storage container can be spaced away from a respective interior side of the refrigerator compartment and a housing located in the space between the side of the storage container and the interior side of the refrigerator compartment. The housing can contain components that are configured to function in the operation of the refrigerator, including the storage compartment assembly. The refrigerator can comprise a bottom-mount refrigerator and the fresh food compartment can be provided with double-doors for closing and opening the interior of the fresh food compartment. |
| US09823007B2 |
Beverage container chilling apparatus and method
A vessel for chilling wine with ice or ice-water mixture has an inner support chamber for standing up wine bottle and separating them from liquid water to avoid over chilling. The inner support as a plurality of perforations in an upper portion of the vessel to facilitate heat exchange. As ice outside the support melts, the water formed will remain below the perforations. |
| US09823006B2 |
Ice maker and method of controlling the same
The disclosure includes a water tray member receiving raw water for ice-making from a water tank, an ice making unit cooling the raw water received in the water tray member and forming ice, a heating unit heating the raw water received in the water tray member, and a control unit controlling an operation of the heating unit such that the raw water received in the water tray member is heated before the ice making unit cools the raw water in the water tray member. According to the ice maker, the temperature of the raw water received in an ice-making water tray is raised to a preset temperature at the initial stage of an ice making process, thereby preventing the formation of an opaque layer in the central portion of ice. |
| US09823002B1 |
System to cool beverages using a refrigeration system having a defrosting feature
The present disclosure discloses a liquid cooler having separable and portable components. The liquid cooler has a liquid cooling section and a refrigerating system section. In an operative liquid cooling configuration, the components present in the liquid cooling section and the refrigerating system section are connected with each other with a first and second releasing coupler. In an operative defrosting configuration, the components of present in the liquid cooling section and the refrigerating system section are separated with each other by releasing the first and second releasing coupler and hence are easily portable. The separated liquid cooling section and the refrigerating system section enables easy periodic maintenance or replacement of faulty components in less time, labor and cost. Further, the liquid cooler is powered by power received from power mains or by power storage device such as battery. |
| US09823001B2 |
Method and system for measuring volume of fluid drained from an air conditioning service unit
An air conditioning service system includes an accumulator defining an accumulator chamber, a pressure transducer operably connected to the accumulator chamber, a drain valve operably connected to the accumulator chamber, and a controller operably connected to the pressure transducer and the drain valve. The controller includes a processor configured to execute program instructions stored in a memory to determine a volume of liquid drained from the accumulator by: determining a volumetric flow rate of liquid through the drain valve by controlling the drain valve with the controller to an open position for a predetermined period of time; detecting an increased rate of pressure reduction while the drain valve is open; and determining an amount of liquid drained through the drain valve based upon the volumetric flow rate and a total time elapsed between opening the drain valve and the increased rate of pressure reduction. |
| US09823000B2 |
Cold dynamic cycle refrigeration apparatus
This invention is about a cold dynamic cycle refrigeration apparatus, which makes up cold energy with cryogenic liquid refrigerant by liquid circulating pump boosting, after its temperature is increased via the cold regenerator, it flows through the expander to reduce pressure and temperature to provide the cold to the refrigeration apparatus, and then returns to the refrigerant tank via the cold regenerator, so as to form the cold dynamic cycle circuit of the refrigerant. This invention requires no circulation cooling water system as in a traditional steam compression refrigeration apparatus, so its maintenance and operation cost can be substantially reduced, with an apparatus of the same refrigerating capacity, it can save energy by more than 30% as compared with traditional ones, producing substantial economic, social and environmental protection benefits. |
| US09822996B2 |
Additive heat unit for HVAC heat pump system
An additive heat transfer unit (AHTU) can be part of or added to an air source heat pump HVAC system. The heat pump system can include a compressor, an expansion valve, first and second air source heat exchangers, and a reversing valve. The system can have a cooling mode and a heating mode, such that in the cooling mode the first air source heat exchanger functions as an evaporator and the second air source heat exchanger functions as a condenser, this being reversed in the heating mode. The AHTU can include a liquid source heat exchanger that can be used to increase the efficiency of the system. |
| US09822994B2 |
Refrigeration cycle system with internal heat exchanger
In a refrigeration cycle system, switching is allowed between a parallel operation mode and a series operation mode. In the parallel operation mode, a refrigerant, upon leaving a load side heat exchanger, parallelly flows through a high-pressure side passage of each of a first internal heat exchanger and a second internal heat exchanger and then flows into an expansion valve. In the series operation mode, the refrigerant, upon leaving the load side heat exchanger, flows through the high-pressure side passage of the first internal heat exchanger, further flows through the high-pressure side passage of the second internal heat exchanger, and then flows through a high-pressure side bypass pipe into the expansion valve. |
| US09822993B2 |
Transcritical R744 refrigeration system for skating rinks with total condensation and without flash-gas bypass
A transcritical R-744 refrigeration system, especially used for refrigerating a skating rink, has a heat exchanger between the gas cooler followed by a throttling device and the flash tank (or receiver), in order to eliminate the need of a flash-gas bypass. The heat exchanger connects to an external mechanical refrigeration system operating at a higher evaporating temperature than the transcritical R-744 refrigeration system, and generally totally condenses the vapor of the R-744 refrigerant before it reaches the flask tank. A method for improving the energy efficiency of the transcritical R-744 refrigeration system is also disclosed. |
| US09822992B2 |
Solar oven
A solar oven designed for year-round use is readily-accessible and easy to use by simply removing a protective oven cover. The solar oven replicates the mainstream cook's current pattern with standard stoves, requiring little set-up or storage. Access to the solar oven is from the front and solar heat is stored in an upper oven chamber. By changing the solar oven chamber above the door, heat remains in the trapezoidal-pyramid cover during transfers and condensation is reduced to a minimum. By raising and lowering the floor, the solar oven allows the gasketed oven chamber to perform food cooking while being protected to prevent loss of heat. The solar oven remains available in all weather, does not fade in color and is attractive to most mainstream cooks. |
| US09822989B2 |
Controlling air temperatures of HVAC units
Systems and methods of stabilizing HVAC systems with multiple HVAC units configured to control return air temperature or discharge air temperature are provided. HVAC units that are controlled by the return air temperature compare the return air temperature to a setpoint that determines whether the HVAC unit's operation increases, decreases, or stays the same. By adjusting the setpoint of an HVAC unit based on certain criteria (e.g., a desired operational effort of an HVAC unit) the system can be stabilized. A temperature setpoint reset (TSPR) system can be included in each HVAC unit that resets the temperature setpoint (TSP) of the HVAC unit so that the HVAC unit operates within a desired operational effort (e.g. compressor speed or valve position). A master feedback loop and optimizer loop may be implemented to further control the behavior of the HVAC system. |
| US09822985B2 |
Radiant heating system
A radiant heating system includes a housing and a plurality of heating elements. The housing includes a top cover configured to cover and seal an upper surface of the housing and a coolant directing enclosure positioned on an upper interior surface of the top cover. The top cover includes a plurality of openings, an inlet configured to allow a coolant to enter into the housing and an outlet configured to allow the coolant to exit the housing. The plurality of heating elements are configured to be inserted into the plurality of openings of the top cover such that the plurality of heating elements project into the housing and contact a coolant. A diameter of the inlet is greater than a diameter of the outlet. |
| US09822984B2 |
Telescoping pull-out device
The invention relates to a telescoping pull-out device for household appliances and furniture, especially a pull-out system for an oven. The telescoping pull-out device includes a first telescoping rail mounted in such a way that it can be displaced between a retracted position and an extended position. The telescoping pull-out device operates in a manner which prevents an uncontrolled and/or undesired automatic extension of the telescoping rail. The telescoping pull-out device includes a catch element for catching the first telescoping rail in the retracted position. |
| US09822980B2 |
Fuel nozzle
A fuel nozzle for a combustor of a gas turbine engine includes a body defining an axial direction and a radial direction, a primary air passageway centrally defined axially in the body, and a plurality of concentrically-arranged nozzle tip projections disposed at a downstream portion of the body. Each of the plurality of nozzle tip projections has a radially inwardly facing fuel filming surface communicating with respective fuel passages. The fuel filming surfaces are disposed radially outwardly of an outlet of the primary air passageway. A method for delivering fuel from a fuel nozzle of a combustor of a gas turbine engine is also presented. |
| US09822977B1 |
Advanced lean burn injector igniter system
An internal combustion engine with a piston having a piston head with a resonance cavity opening onto the head, and where a fuel nozzle located in a cylinder head is positioned to inject a fuel such as natural gas into the combustion chamber where resonance formed within the resonance cavity will ignite the fuel without the need of a spark plug. Inlet and exhaust ports in the cylinder head allow for air and combustion gas enter or leave the combustion chamber. |
| US09822976B2 |
Gas valve unit
A gas valve unit for controlling a gas throughput routed to a gas burner of a gas appliance includes a valve housing, an actuation shaft which is able to set an opening cross section of the gas valve unit, and a stop valve. A linearly-displaceable connection element transmits a movement of the actuation shaft to the stop valve. The connection element has a plastic bend forming an overpressure protection. |
| US09822971B2 |
Separable burner device
A burner device includes a fuel tank and an ignition unit. The fuel tank includes a chamber, a first thread portion, and a check valve including a valve body. The ignition unit removably attached to the fuel tank. The ignition unit includes a second connecting portion engageable with the first thread portion, and a top pillar selectively to push against the valve body of the check valve to slide along a longitudinal axis. When the fuel in the fuel tank is depleted during the operation, a user can use a filling assembly to fill the supplemental fuel into the fuel tank or replace another fuel tank instantly to improve convenience. |
| US09822970B2 |
Combustion device for melting furnace, and melting furnace
An object of the present invention is to provide a combustion device which does not cause an increase in the amount of generated NOx or a degradation in efficiency due to a lower flame luminance, even when the combustion space is limited in the lengthwise direction of the flame. A fuel ejector is configured so as to be provided with at least a first fuel ejector and a second fuel ejector lined up in a specific direction as viewed in the lengthwise direction of fuel ejection, and is configured so that a first ejection stream ejected from the first fuel ejector and the second fuel ejector collide on the downstream side of ejection. |
| US09822969B2 |
Fuel injector having tip cooling
According to various embodiments, a system includes a gasification fuel injector. The gasification fuel injector includes a tip portion, an annular coolant chamber disposed in the tip portion, a recessed surface for cooling control and a first structural support extending through the annular coolant chamber. The first structural support divides the annular coolant chamber into a first passage and a second passage. |
| US09822968B2 |
Burner
A burner comprises a nozzle main body (7) which is installed along a central axis of a throat (4) provided on a furnace wall (3) and comprises an inner nozzle (11) in which an auxiliary combustion air (24) flows and an outer nozzle (9) which is provided on an outer side and concentrically with the inner nozzle and in which a pulverized coal mixed flow (18) obtained by mixing a carrying medium with a pulverized coal flow, a wind box (5) for accommodating the nozzle main body, a secondary air regulator (8) accommodated in the wind box and provided at a tip portion of the nozzle main body, an auxiliary combustion air intake pipe (23) for introducing a combustion air as an auxiliary combustion air (22) into the inner nozzle from the wind box, a pulverized coal flow supply pipe (16) for introducing a pulverized coal mixed flow into the outer nozzle, and an oxygen-containing gas supply pipe (17) for supplying an oxygen-containing gas (19) to the pulverized coal mixed flow and raising the oxygen concentration in the pulverized coal mixed flow. |
| US09822966B2 |
Quench system, system having quench system, and method of superheating steam
A quench system includes a housing having a longitudinal axis, a gas path for a gas within the housing, a steam input and output, and a dip tube within the housing. The dip tube includes tubing arranged to form a wall. A steam path, separate from the gas path, is disposed within the tubing in a thickness of the wall. The dip tube is configured to allow passage of the gas along the gas path. The steam input is fluidically connected to the steam output by the tubing. The quench system is configured to cool the gas along the gas path and heat steam along the steam path within the tubing of the dip tube. |
| US09822962B2 |
Underwater modular light probe
An underwater light probe includes a body, a heat sink, and a lens assembly. The heat sink forms at least a portion of the body and includes a longitudinally extending mounting base having a plurality of laterally facing mounting surfaces configured to mount a plurality of laterally facing light elements thereon. The lens assembly is configured to couple to the body and defines a bore configured to receive the longitudinally extending mounting base and the plurality of laterally facing light elements mounted thereon and provide a watertight seal therearound when coupled to the body. |
| US09822958B2 |
Table lamp
A table lamp including a base, a lamp handle, a lamp holder provided with a light source and an adjustment component. The base can be placed on a placement surface, and a bottom surface of the base is a curved surface. The adjustment component can adjust the center of gravity of the table lamp by varying the center of gravity thereof, to thereby change a contact position of the bottom surface of the base and the placement surface, and thus change the illumination angle of the lamp holder. Since this technical solution adjusts the illumination angle of the lamp holder by adjusting the center of gravity of the table lamp instead of rotating the lamp holder, it solves the problem of breakage of the connection part of the lamp handle and the lamp holder caused by rotation of the lamp holder. |
| US09822957B2 |
Recessed downlight fixture and method for installing and universally adjusting the fixture in a retrofit application
A recessed downlight fixture and method for installation is provided. The recessed downlight fixture can be installed in a retrofit application, after a ceiling is installed, through a pre-existing opening in that ceiling. Alternatively, a recessed downlight fixture according to a second embodiment can be installed before a ceiling is present. In either embodiment, the light source coupled to, for example, a heat sink, can be universally moved in three degrees of movement, rotationally, along a tilt axis, or further within the ceiling to increase or decrease the recess. All such universal adjustments can take place through and below the ceiling opening during or after installation. |
| US09822956B2 |
System and method for calibrating a fixture configured to rotate and/or translate
Systems and methods are provided for calibrating equipment, such as a lighting fixture. A kinematic model of the lighting fixture is obtained. Test points, which include a pair of a corresponding control signal and an output are collected. These can be collected using a tracking system. The test points are then used to update the kinematic model of the lighting fixture. The process of updating the kinematic model can include the use of a Kalman filter. The calibration is then verified and may be re-calibrated. These methods can also be used to calibrate other equipment, for example, lasers, light projectors showing media content, audio speaker, microphones, cameras, and projectile equipment. |
| US09822955B2 |
Breakaway connector and fuse receptacle
A mast lighting system of the type including at least one mast having a proximate end and an opposite distal end, the distal end capable of supporting an electrical component and the proximate end mounted to a foundation that has at least a portion extending into the ground, an electrical cable within the mast connecting the electrical component to a distribution component assembly through a breakaway electrical connector, and a power source connected to the distribution component assembly. The breakaway electrical connector including a fuse in a first part and a fuse clip in a second part forming the breakaway connection between the two parts of the electrical connector. |
| US09822954B2 |
Clamp with external support
The present disclosure describes a clamp used for adherence and securement to a desired object. The clamp has an upper half and a lower half held together by hinges. Opposite the hinges there is a locking mechanism which can be loosened or tightened as necessary. The clamp further has a shaped support designed to support a number of objects including solar lights, flags, poles, signs, rods, and the like. The clamp is designed to fit on existing colonial style and chain link fence structures, however, the clamp can be sized appropriately for the specific need. |
| US09822951B2 |
LED retrofit lens for fluorescent tube
Light fixtures having light bar elements therein. In order to mimic the size and appearance of fluorescent bulbs in existing troffer-style and surface-mount fixtures, LEDs are may be arranged on light bars with integrated lenses to both diffuse the light and shape the output beam. One or more LEDs can be mounted, sometimes in clusters, along the length of a base of the light bar which can then be inserted into a fixture. An elongated lens is mounted to the base over the LEDs so that light emitted from the LEDs interacts with the lens before it escapes the fixture. These elongated lenses may be extruded from a diffusive material, for example, and can be shaped in various ways. For example, the lenses may be shaped to disperse more light to the sides, i.e., in a direction away from a normal axis that is perpendicular to the base. |
| US09822948B2 |
Solid state illumination devices including spatially-extended light sources and reflectors
A luminaire module delivers light with a beam angle of α. The luminaire module includes a light emitting module and a reflector positioned symmetrically about an axis. Light produced by the light emitting module exits the light emitting module from one or more spatially-extended light emitting portions. The light emitting portion(s) is (are) fully contained within a spatially extended notional design envelope which is used to guide the design of reflector and its corresponding reflective surface, such that when any light exiting the light emitting portions through the design envelope strikes the reflective surface of the reflector, the light does not return to the source and escapes from the luminaire module within a beam angle α, with no more than a single reflection from a reflector. |
| US09822942B2 |
Low-beam headlight element for a vehicle
A low-beam headlight element includes a lens (301) for modifying the distribution pattern of light penetrating the lens, and a reflector element (302) including a first end having a place for a light source (303) and a second end having an opening constituting a passage for the light penetrating the lens. The thickness of the lens is shaped to decrease more strongly towards a first edge (303) of the lens than towards an opposite second edge of lens so as to provide more refractivity on a first area of the lens abutting on the first edge than on a second area of the lens abutting on the second edge. The refractivity on the first area produces a cutoff line in a resulting light distribution pattern. Hence, for achieving a cutoff line meandering in a desired way, there is no need for a screen element which converts light into heat. |
| US09822940B2 |
Lighting system, track and lighting module therefore
A lighting system comprising a track having a first and a second rail, mutually extending equidistantly. Said first and second rail comprise a first respectively a second electrically conductive strip, mutually electrically isolated. A lighting module comprising a first and second electrical contact, which lighting module in mounted position rests by gravitational force on the first and second rail. When mounted the first and second electrical contact are in electrical contact with a respective one of the first and second electrically conductive strip. The lighting module is dismountable from the track by a single displacement of the lighting module in a direction against the direction of the gravitational force. |
| US09822933B2 |
Gas-filled LED bulb
A gas-filled LED bulb includes a shell, a holder, and a filament assembly. The shell defines a chamber therein, and the chamber is filled with thermally conductive gas. The holder is secured in the chamber. The filament assembly is positioned in the chamber. The filament assembly includes a plurality of LEDs in a SMD or a CSP and a plurality of metallic wires. The LEDs and the metallic wires are alternatively connected to each other to form a chain. Opposite ends of the filament assembly are fixed to the holder. |
| US09822930B2 |
Protection structure for gas cylinder and valve replacement
There is provided a protection structure for a gas cylinder assembly comprising a gas cylinder body and a valve. The gas cylinder body includes a base and a neck to which a proximal end of the valve is connectable in use. The protection structure comprises first and second structural sections, the first section being connectable to the valve such that the second section is spaced from the valve by the first section. Further, in use, the second section is arranged to transfer impact forces to the first section, and the second section is arranged to deform with respect to the second section in response to said impact forces to reduce the peak impact force on the valve. |
| US09822929B2 |
Inactive gas supply facility and inactive gas supply method
A first control device executes, if it is determined that a second control device has become unable to output an operation instruction, continued operation processing for operating an inactive gas supply portion based on the operation instruction that was last output by the second control device. The first control device further executes, if it is determined during execution of continued operation processing that a stop condition is satisfied, operation stop processing for stopping the inactive gas supply portion by suspending the continued operation processing. |
| US09822923B2 |
Methods and apparatus for a suspension system
Various embodiments of the present technology may comprise a method and apparatus for a space-saving suspension system. In various embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a fine suspension device, a coarse suspension device, and a mechanical assembly. In various embodiments, the fine suspension device is arranged at an angle greater than zero degrees from the z-axis. In various embodiments, the mechanical assembly is coupled to the fine suspension device and a payload, such that when a force is exerted on the mechanical assembly by the payload, an applied force is transmitted to the fine suspension device. |
| US09822922B2 |
Medical stand apparatus
A medical stand apparatus includes a cylindrical lower arm that accommodates an upper arm divided into sections, so that only the lower arm is visible from the outside and so that a drape can tightly be fastened to the lower arm. The upper arm sections are connected to each other through a shaft that is guided along an arc groove of a bracket. This configuration is beneficial to reduce a diameter of the lower arm when the upper and lower arms are curved. |
| US09822918B2 |
Bending restrictor assembly for a pipeline
A bending restrictor assembly has a pipeline section, a first pipe section affixed to the pipeline section overlying the outer diameter of the pipeline section, a second pipe section affixed to the pipeline in spaced relation to the first pipe section and overlying the outer diameter of the pipeline section, a first collar element having at least a portion positioned between the first and second pipe sections in which the portion overlies the outer diameter of the pipeline section, a second collar element having at least a portion positioned between the first and second pipe sections in which the portion overlies the outer diameter of the pipeline section, and at least one stop member cooperative at the first and second collar elements so as to limit the relative movement of the first and second collar elements so as to limit the bending of the pipeline section. |
| US09822917B2 |
Tube end connector and zeolite separation membrane element
Tube end connector which connects a first tubular member and a second tubular member while securing sealing performance is provided. The tube end connector according to the present invention is provided with a heat-shrinkable Teflon® tube 4b which covers both outer surface of an end portion of a zeolite membrane covered ceramic tube 1 and outer surface of an end portion of a metal tube 5 in conditions of jointing the end portion of the zeolite membrane covered ceramic tube 1 and the end portion of the metal tube 5; and a heat-shrinkable fluororubber tube 3b which is placed at the region between the heat-shrinkable tube 4b and the outer surfaces both of the first tubular member and the second tubular member, and which has solvent resistance and swelling property. |
| US09822914B2 |
Pipe connecting connector
A pipe connecting connector adapted to connect a pipe to a connecting object, includes a connector main body adapted to insert or remove the pipe, and including a locking opening formed on a side portion thereof; a lock member including an annular portion and a pipe locking portion extending from the annular portion and including a locking claw extending inside the connector main body through the locking opening for locking the pipe, the lock member being movably held relative to the connector main body between a locking position wherein the pipe locking portion locks the pipe, and an unlocking position releasing the locking, and an urging device urging the lock member to a locking position side. The pipe locking portion is urged in a locking direction of the pipe by an urging force of the urging device when the lock member is in the locking position. |
| US09822910B2 |
Joint restraint assembly
An apparatus for restraining a member includes a gland, a plurality of bolts disposed in the gland, a plurality of wedges disposed in the gland, a “C” shaped clip, and a spacer. The gland has pockets and a face having an access opening providing lateral access to each pocket. Each gland pocket includes a wedge having teeth and a cavity. Each cavity includes a slot formed transverse to the bore. The clip is sized to slide through the access opening of the gland and shaped to be closely received in the slot of the wedge. The spacer attaches to the bold and has flexible prongs. |
| US09822902B2 |
System and method to detect and communicate faucet valve position
A faucet configured for touchless actuation that includes a spout; a mechanical valve configured to move between an open state and a closed state and having a member radially movable between an open position and a closed position in response to operation of the mechanical valve between the open state and the closed state; an electronic valve configured to move between an open state and a closed state; and a system configured to detect and communicate a state of the faucet in response to the position of the member. |
| US09822899B2 |
Arrangement of an electromagnet for controlling a central valve
An arrangement of an electromagnet (6) for controlling a central valve (2) is provided. A thrust pin (4) is coupled to the electromagnet (6) and can be moved along a first axis (A) in such a way that a control piston (1) of the central valve (2) can be displaced along a second axis (B) in a central valve housing (8) by the movable thrust pin (4). The first axis (A) of the thrust pin (4) extends parallel to and at a radial spacing (10) relative to the second axis (B) of the control piston (1). |
| US09822894B2 |
Valve seats for use in fracturing pumps
A valve seat at least partially formed of a ceramic material for use in a fracturing pump includes a first body and a second body. The first body is configured to be inserted into a fluid passageway of the fracturing pump. The first body has an outer diameter, D1. The second body extends radially from the first body and has an outer diameter, D2, greater than the outer diameter, D1, of the first body. The second body is at least partially formed of the ceramic material. |
| US09822890B2 |
Method and system for pre-programmed self-power microfluidic circuits
A major challenge for the general use of “lab-on-a-chip” (LOAC) systems and point-of-care (POC) devices has been the generally complex and need for sophisticated peripheral equipment, such that it is more difficult than anticipated to implement low cost, robust and portable LOAC/POC solutions. It would be beneficial for chemical, medical, healthcare, and environmental applications to provide designs for inexpensive LOAC/POC solutions compatible with miniaturization and mass production, and are potentially portable, using compact possibly hand-held instruments, using reusable or disposable detectors. Embodiments of the invention address improved circuit elements for self-powered self-regulating microfluidic circuits including programmable retention valves, programmable trigger valves, enhanced capillary pumps, and flow resonators. Additionally embodiments of the invention allow for the flow direction within a microfluidic circuit to be reversed as well as for retention of reagents prior to sale or deployment of the microfluidic circuit for eased user use. |
| US09822889B2 |
Flow limiting device with a back flow prevention
A flow limiting device with a back flow prevention mechanism includes a body that has an isolation board and a water-through cavity. The isolation board has a water-through hole connecting to the water-through cavity and a flow limiting device having a flow limiting component and stop ribs which limit the position change of the flow limiting component. The stop ribs are arranged on the inner wall of the water-through cavity at equal intervals. The flow limiting component is set in the water-through cavity. The outer side of the flow limiting component is contacted on the stop ribs. A back flow prevention mechanism comprises, a back flow prevention component which is fixed in the water-through hole and a supporting structure which is set for supporting the back flow prevention component when it expands on the inner wall of the water-through cavity. |
| US09822883B2 |
Load ring for seal assembly and seal assembly of machine
A load ring for a seal assembly includes an inner axial surface, an outer axial surface, a first frustoconical surface, a second frustoconical surface, and a rib. The inner and outer axial surfaces are cylindrical and extend along a longitudinal axis. The outer axial surface is in outward radial relationship to the inner axial surface along a radial plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The first and second frustoconical surfaces are annular and extend radially between the inner axial surface and the outer axial surface. The second frustoconical surface is in spaced relationship with respect to the first frustoconical surface along the longitudinal axis. The rib projects radially inwardly from the inner axial surface. |
| US09822873B2 |
Gear engagement mechanism for transmissions and related methods
A position sensor system is useful for monitoring positions of shifters in transmissions and other applications. The position sensing system has an array of magneto resistive sensors and a controller configured to determine a position of a magnet along a path by triangulation. Some embodiments are relatively insensitive to fluctuations in a distance between the sensors and the path. Also described is an actuating assembly comprising a movable cylinder and a fixed rod. The actuating assembly may be applied for moving synchronizers or the like in power transmissions. |
| US09822869B1 |
Speed regulated shaft oil flow controller
A shaft oil flow controller arrangement for pinion shaft bearings in a differential is provided, including a housing along with a pinion shaft supported therein by head and tail bearings. A ring gear is mounted for rotation and is engaged with a pinion gear. A bearing spacer is located on the pinion shaft between the head and tail bearings. A diverter is located on the bearing spacer, and includes a circumferentially extending diverter wall that is moveable from a first position in which the wall extends generally in a longitudinal direction of the pinion shaft at a first, lower rotational speed of the pinion shaft allowing a first volume of lubricant oil flow to the head bearing, to a second position, in which the wall extends radially outwardly at a second, higher rotational speed, to restrict lubricant oil flow to the head bearing to a lower volume, and increase oil flow to the tail bearing. |
| US09822861B2 |
Torque converter drive assembly including spring retainer riveted to turbine shell
A drive assembly for a torque converter is provided. The drive assembly includes a turbine including a turbine shell and a plurality of turbine blades; and a spring retainer riveted to the turbine shell by at least one rivet. A torque converter for a motor vehicle drive train is also provided that includes the drive assembly and an impeller, with the turbine shell being axially slidable against the impeller to operate as a piston of a lock-up clutch of the torque converter. Further, a method of forming a drive assembly for a torque converter is provided that includes riveting a spring retainer to a turbine shell. |
| US09822851B2 |
Multistage transmission for a motor vehicle
A multistage transmission, in particular for a motor vehicle, is provided at least structurally for selecting at least twelve forward transmission gears with different step-up ratios. This multistage transmission has four operatively interconnected planetary gear stages, a transmission input shaft for attaching to an internal combustion engine, a transmission output shaft, for attaching to drive wheels, four clutch units, each of which includes two clutch elements, and three brake units, each of which includes one clutch element. |
| US09822847B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include: an input shaft receiving torque of an engine; an output shaft outputting changed torque; a first planetary gear set including a first rotation element, a second rotation element, and a third rotation element; a second planetary gear set including a fourth rotation element, a fifth rotation element, and a sixth rotation element; a third planetary gear set including a seventh rotation element, an eighth rotation element, and a ninth rotation element; and a fourth planetary gear set including a tenth rotation element, an eleventh rotation element, and a twelfth rotation element. |
| US09822845B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for a vehicle
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft receiving torque of an engine, an output shaft outputting changed torque 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, a fourth planetary gear set including tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements, and seven friction elements disposed to selectively connect the rotation elements with each other and selectively connect the rotation elements with a transmission housing. |
| US09822844B2 |
Shifting device and gear unit
A shifting device for a transmission unit of a vehicle, in particular a vehicle that is driven by muscle force. The transmission unit has a first shaft, which is formed as a hollow shaft, on which a plurality of free gears is mounted. The free gears are in engagement with a corresponding plurality of gearwheels, which are mounted on a second shaft, wherein the free gears are connectable to the first shaft by means of selecting devices. The selecting devices can be actuated by means of a camshaft arranged coaxially in the first shaft, wherein the camshaft is connected to a driving device in order to be rotated relative to the first shaft to actuate the selecting devices. |
| US09822842B2 |
Friction drive belt and manufacturing method therefor
In order to allow a friction drive belt to have an effect of reducing slip noise produced between the belt and pulleys for a long period even when the belt gets wet with water or suffers from wearing out, a V-ribbed belt B as the friction drive belt includes a belt body 10 made of a rubber composition and configured to be wrapped around the pulleys to transmit power. The surfaces of V-shaped ribs 15 serving as a pulley contact-side surface of the belt body 10 are covered with a fabric layer 16 which is integrated with the surfaces of V-shaped ribs 15, and the fabric layer 16 retains powder 17 embedded between fibers of the fabric layer 16 and integrally stuck. |
| US09822837B2 |
Secondary dampening assembly for shock absorber
A shock absorber assembly includes a pressure tube having an upper end and a lower end and defining an interior, a rod guide disposed adjacent the upper end, a first compression valve assembly adjacent the lower end, a rod operatively coupled to the pressure tube having a first end and a second end, an extender coupled to the second end of the rod, a piston assembly coupled to the extender between the rod guide and the first compression valve assembly with the piston assembly disposed within the interior and slideably coupled to the pressure tube, with the piston assembly dividing the interior into an upper and a lower working chamber, a second compression valve assembly coupled to the extender between the piston assembly and the first compression valve assembly, and a cup disposed within the lower working chamber and defining a bore shaped to receive the second compression valve assembly. |
| US09822836B2 |
Agricultural implement
An agricultural implement includes a first central implement section. At least one second implement section is positioned on each of two sides of the first implement section. Adjacent implement sections are each displaceable relative to one another about a pivot axis in order to displace the implement between a transport position and a working position. Each implement section comprises mowing mechanisms, conveying mechanisms or both. A hat-like conveying element made from an elastically deformable material is positioned on at least one of the mowing mechanisms, on at least one of the conveying mechanisms or both. |
| US09822832B2 |
Disc brake device
A disc brake device includes flat springs assembled in a support body and holding the brake pad back plates. The flat springs have a C-shaped part provided with: a connection surface part comprising a pad-receiving surface part; an outer circumferential surface part extending along the rotor circumferential direction from the end region of the connection surface part in the rotor radially outward direction; and an inner circumferential surface part extending along the rotor circumferential direction from the end region of the connection surface part in the rotor radially inward direction. Each flat spring also has a tongue-shaped part that: extends towards the connection surface part from the tip region of the inner circumferential surface part in the rotor circumferential direction; elastically engages an inner circumferential wall of a recess at a tip region of the tongue-shaped part; and biases the pad-receiving surface part towards a base wall of the recess. |
| US09822829B2 |
Controller of vehicle and vehicle
A controller including an electronic control unit, the electronic control unit is configured to determine at least one of whether a first absolute value is at least equal to a first threshold and whether a second absolute value is at least equal to a second threshold. When the electronic control unit determines that at least one of the first absolute value and the second absolute value is at least equal to the corresponding threshold, torque capacity of an automatic clutch is controlled such that the automatic clutch is brought into a slipping state. The first absolute value is an absolute value of rotational acceleration of an input shaft of a transmission, and the second absolute value is an absolute value of rotational acceleration of drive wheels. |
| US09822827B2 |
Saddle-ride type vehicular dry clutch having passive clutch disc of co-axial fixed plane contact
A saddle ride type vehicular dry clutch having passive clutch disc of co-axial fixed plane contact, used for seamlessly undertaking the drives from the drive bearing assembly, in which the drive bearing assembly includes a bearing body and an active disc, and the saddle ride type vehicular dry clutch comprises: a clutch device, including a drive axle body formed with a central through-hole, having non-planar guiding slide grooves and an axle body perimeter edge remote from the central through-hole; a passive clutch disc, having a contact surface and a friction drive surface, and assembly ports for assembling elastic components outside of the engage drive area; centrifugal rollers, accommodated within the non-planar guiding slide grooves; and the driven devices includes a drive disc, formed with radially symmetric drive snap ports; a clutch shell, having a tubular inner wall, a surrounding outer wall and a connection wall. |
| US09822824B2 |
Clutch pack release spring engaged with inner race
A clutch assembly for a motor vehicle drive train is provided. The clutch assembly includes a clutch pack; a piston for engaging the clutch pack; a housing including a surface for slidably supporting the piston; a release spring for disengaging the piston from the clutch; and a bearing supporting the clutch pack. The bearing limiting axial movement of the release spring away from the piston. A method of assembling a clutch assembly is also provided. |
| US09822823B2 |
Drive shaft assembly
A drive shaft assembly includes a drive shaft that includes a first cylindrical end having a first diameter, a cylindrical portion having a second diameter, and a second cylindrical end having the first diameter. A first distal end of the drive shaft includes a first distal spherical indentation. A first adapter cap includes a first tapered inner aperture and a first seal disposed within a first groove formed in a circumference of the first tapered inner aperture. The first tapered inner aperture is configured to receive the first cylindrical end of the drive shaft and the first seal forms a seal with the cylindrical portion of the drive shaft having the second diameter. A first adapter includes a first distal spherical indentation. A first distal spherical ball is removably attached to the first distal spherical indentation. |
| US09822821B2 |
Rotating shaft coupling assembly
A rotating shaft coupling assembly includes a first rotating shaft defining a step at a longitudinal end. A second rotating shaft has a longitudinal end to be received against the step of the first rotating shaft such that the first and second rotating shafts form an overlapping portion. A coupler sleeve including a shape memory alloy is disposed about at least the overlapping portion of the first and second rotating shafts to couple the shafts together. |
| US09822816B2 |
Foil bearing
Provided is a foil bearing, an air film is formed in a radial bearing gap between a first bearing surface arranged on a top foil and a second bearing surface along with rotation of a shaft, and the shaft is supported with a pressure of the air film. Lubricating powder is interposed between the bearing surfaces. The top foil is partially elastically deformed in a width direction of the radial bearing gap in accordance with the pressure of the air film generated in the radial bearing gap, thereby being alternately shifted between a first state in which a retaining portion capable of retaining the lubricating powder is formed and a second state in which the retaining portion substantially disappears, and shifted from the second state to the first state along with an increase in the pressure of the air film. |
| US09822811B1 |
Captive externally threaded fastener method
An externally threaded fastener is captivated by a component that includes an opening. The externally threaded fastener includes a thread and a non-threaded shaft. The opening includes a major diameter and a minor diameter. The minor diameter includes a first diameter portion, a second diameter portion, and orthogonal portions that connect the first diameter portion and the second diameter portion. To captivate the externally threaded fastener with the component, the externally threaded fastener is positioned within the component opening and the externally threaded fastener is angled relative to an axis of symmetry of the opening in order to engage the threads of the externally threaded fastener with the component opening until the non-threaded shaft is fixed against at least two planes of the component by the first diameter portion of the minor diameter. |
| US09822803B2 |
Work machine
A work machine is adapted for reduced fuel consumption in regions where swinging by a hydraulic motor is prone to deterioration in efficiency, such as when the operating stroke of the swinging is small. The work machine includes an engine, a hydraulic pump, a swing structure, an electric motor for driving the swing structure, and a hydraulic motor for driving the swing structure, the hydraulic motor being driven by the hydraulic pump, and includes a swing control lever device that commands the swing structure to be driven. A control device operates in either an electric swing mode in which the swing structure is driven mainly by torque of the electric motor or a hydraulic swing mode in which the swing structure is driven mainly by torque of the hydraulic motor, depending on an operating stroke of the control lever device and/or a swing speed of the swing structure. |
| US09822799B2 |
Arrangement with a vacuum pump and method of compensating magnetic field produced by magnetic interference field of at least one vacuum pump component
An arrangement includes a vacuum pump having a rotor, and a drive unit for driving the rotor and having at least one magnetic interference field-generating component and at least one compensation coil for compensating the magnetic interference field generated by the at least one component. |
| US09822797B2 |
Turbomachine
A turbomachine having a cooling device for supplying cooling air onto a compressor region from an air distribution chamber is disclosed, the air distribution chamber being arranged between an outlet diffuser of a compressor and a combustion chamber, where the cooling device has cooling air pipes for supplying cooling air from the air distribution chamber into a cavity between the outlet diffuser and a rotor segment of the compressor. |
| US09822793B2 |
Centrifugal compressor with twisted return channel vane
Three-dimensional (3D) return vane for a multistage centrifugal compressor. The return channel vane extends upstream to a region proximate the bend apex of the return channel. In each point of the return channel vane, the angle “beta” is defined as the acute angle between the tangent to the local camberline and the local circumferential direction. At each normalized position between leading edge and trailing edge, the local twist of the return channel vane is defined as the algebraic difference between the angles beta at the two points at hub and shroud having said normalized position. When moving in streamwise direction from leading edge to trailing edge, the twist first decreases, reaching an algebraic minimum, then increases, reaching an algebraic maximum, then decreases again. However, the absolute twist of the algebraic minimum is larger than the absolute twist of the algebraic maximum. |
| US09822786B1 |
Light activated rotor
Provided is a light activated rotor comprising typically a plurality of vanes affixed to a hub rotatable around the longitudinal axis of an axle. Each vane comprises a planar surface oriented generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the axle with each vane separated into a first surface and a second surface. The first and second surface are adjacent and share a common boundary generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the axle. Additionally, the first and second surfaces have differing emissivities. When the light activated rotor is illuminated with a radiant flux, the differing emissivities of the first and second surfaces produce a temperature gradient across the vane and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a thermal creep force across the planar surface of the vane generates a revolution of the vane and the affixed hub around the longitudinal axis of the axle. |
| US09822785B2 |
Turbocharger compressor recirculation system
Recirculation systems for engine intake air are disclosed having a turbocharger compressor with an inlet and an outlet, a recirculation pathway connecting fluid flow from the outlet of the turbocharger compressor to fluid flow into the inlet of the turbocharger compressor, and a recirculation valve assembly controlling fluid flow through the recirculation pathway. The recirculation valve assembly includes an actuator operating a valve coupled to an aspirator assembly that produces vacuum when the fluid flows through the recirculation pathway from the inlet to the outlet and when fluid flows through the recirculation pathway from the outlet to the inlet. Fluid flows through the recirculation pathway from the outlet to the inlet when the turbocharger generates boost. The vacuum generated by the aspirator assembly is in fluid communication with the actuator to move the valve between two or more positions. |
| US09822779B2 |
Vane rotary compressor
The present invention relates to a vane rotary compressor wherein the volume of a compression room is reduced and a fluid is compressed when a rotor rotates. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides the vane rotary compressor for maximizing the rotational moment of a vane by extending a weight part at a front end part of the curved blade type vane so as to remove the hitting noise due to the delay of the rotational operation of the vane when the rotor is rotated, and increasing the performance by reducing the internal leak. |
| US09822775B2 |
Peristaltic pump and pumphead therefor
A peristaltic pumphead comprising a pumphead housing accommodating a pumping tube, an end of the tube being provided with an end fitting having a through passage and an abutment shoulder and a threaded shank extending from the abutment shoulder into the tube the tube end abutting the abutment shoulder and being accommodated in an opening, in the pumphead housing, the abutment shoulder abutting the housing at the opening, and the end fitting being engaged by a retaining element to retain the abutment shoulder against the housing. |
| US09822774B2 |
Diaphragm pump having a strip connector
A micropump in the form of a stack comprising, in succession, a flexible diaphragm, a pumping chamber and a closing-off plate, said pumping chamber communicating with the outside, for example via the flexible diaphragm; said diaphragm being furthermore secured to an actuator arranged outside the micropump, characterized in that said diaphragm is secured to the actuator by way of at least one element in the form of a strip, which is rigid along its main axis and flexible in the direction perpendicular to its main axis. |
| US09822767B2 |
Floating-body type wind turbine power generating apparatus and method of transporting components of the same
A floating-body type wind turbine power generating apparatus includes a floating body floating on a water surface; and a wind turbine disposed on the floating body and configured so that at least a part of the wind turbine is submersible. The wind turbine includes: at least one blade; a hub to which the blade is mounted; a tower erected on the floating body; a nacelle disposed on the tower; a first electrical device disposed inside the hub or the nacelle; and a second electrical device connected to the first electrical device via a cable and configured to be movable relative to the tower in a vertical direction so as not be submerged upon submergence of the wind turbine. |
| US09822766B2 |
Method for operating a wind farm and wind farm
A method for operating a wind farm is provided. The wind farm includes at least two groups of wind turbines, each of the at least two groups of wind turbines includes at least one wind turbine of the wind farm, each of the wind turbines of the wind farm belonging to one of the at least two groups of wind turbines. The method includes determining a power setpoint for the wind farm, determining a group curtailment setpoint for each of at least two groups of wind turbines, determining a power production value of each of the at least two groups of wind turbines, determining for each of the at least two groups of wind turbines a power reference value using the respective group curtailment setpoint and the respective power production value, determine for each of the at least two groups of wind turbines a group power setpoint which is proportional to the respective power reference values, and operating the at least two groups of wind turbines in accordance with the respective group power setpoint. Furthermore, a wind farm is provided. |
| US09822763B2 |
Method and apparatus for protecting wind turbines from extreme events
A wind turbine has a Lidar device to sense wind conditions upstream of the wind turbine. Wind speed signals from the wind turbine are processed to detect an extreme operating gust. The detection is performed by differentiating the axial wind velocity and filtering for a period of time. On detection of extreme operating gust the system controller takes necessary evasive action which may include shutting down the turbine or varying the blade pitch angle. |
| US09822761B2 |
Structural components and methods of manufacturing
A method of manufacturing is presented. The method includes providing a plurality of structural layers comprising a plurality of composite rods, wherein at least one structural layer from the plurality of structural layers is attached to a separation layer. The method further includes stacking the plurality of structural layers, detaching the separation layer from the at least one structural layer, and curing the plurality of structural layers to form a structural component of a wind turbine blade. |
| US09822756B2 |
Cylinder head for an auto-ignition engine with direct injection
An auto-ignition engine system is provided. The auto-ignition engine system includes a cylinder having an intake valve and an exhaust valve coupled thereto, an opening in a cylinder head defining a portion of the boundary of the cylinder, a glow plug heating element extending through the opening into the cylinder, an insert at least partially surrounding a glow plug heating element and coupled thereto, and an adjustment mechanism configured to alter the position of the glow plug heating element and the insert in the cylinder. |
| US09822752B2 |
Vehicle heating system and method
Methods and system for providing heat to a vehicle are presented. In one example, a heat pump supplies thermal energy to an engine to reduce engine emissions during engine starting. Further, heating the engine via the heat pump may also reduce engine friction at colder ambient temperatures where oil viscosity may be increased. |
| US09822750B2 |
Valve for metering in a flowing medium
A valve for metering a flowing medium, in particular a fluid, having a metering opening situated in the fluid flow and surrounded by a valve seat, a valve needle that controls the metering opening and that has a closing head that works together with the valve seat to close and release the metering opening, a piezoelectric actuator that acts on the valve needle to release the metering opening, and an elastic resetting element that acts on the valve needle to close the metering opening. To minimize the required stroke of the piezoelectric actuator for a required stroke of the closing head of the valve needle, the point of action of the resetting element on the valve needle is situated on or close to the end of the valve needle that bears the closing head. |
| US09822749B2 |
Fuel injector
A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine includes: an electromagnetic actuating element having a solenoid coil, a core and a valve casing as the outer solenoid circuit component, and a movable valve-closure body, which cooperates with a valve-seat surface assigned to a valve-seat body. The core and a connection pipe are fixedly connected in an inner opening of a thin-walled valve sleeve and the valve casing at the outer circumference of the valve sleeve is fixedly connected to the valve sleeve by being pressed in/on. |
| US09822746B2 |
Fuel injection control apparatus
A fuel injection control apparatus is provided with a first valve opening timing determination portion that determines a first valve opening timing on the basis of a collision signal that is included in detected signals of an in-cylinder pressure sensor and indicates a collision between a movable core and a valve element and a second valve opening timing determination portion that determines a second valve opening timing on the basis of another collision signal that is included in the detected signals and indicates a collision between the movable core and a stationary core. |
| US09822740B2 |
Air intake duct and method for producing same
An air intake duct 8 is fixed to a rear of a cab 3 of a transport vehicle to extend vertically, air intakes 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e and 6f being opened on an upper portion of the air intake duct for suction of fresh air through the intakes as engine intake air. The air intake duct 8 is constituted by a blow-molded duct body 9 and an internal partition component 10 enclosed in the duct body in blow molding of the duct body 9 to partition an interior of the duct body 9 into a plurality of channels A, B, C, D, E and F reaching the air intakes. |
| US09822739B2 |
Vehicle with an EGR-cooler and its diagnotic
In a vehicle provided with an engine, an EGR cooler for cooling EGR gas recirculated from an exhaust channel of the engine to an intake channel thereof by using a coolant, an electric pump for supplying the coolant to the EGR cooler, and a gas temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the EGR gas temperature at the downstream of the EGR cooler, an ECU acquires a first gas temperature in a normally stable state where the electric pump is rotating, thereafter performs a coolant amount suppressing process to suppress the rotational speed of the electric pump, acquires a second gas temperature in a suppressed stable state after a predefined time has elapsed from the start of the coolant amount suppressing process, and determines that the EGR cooler is abnormal if a difference between the first gas temperature and the second gas temperature is less than a threshold value. |
| US09822736B2 |
Self-propelled construction device, in particular a soil compactor
A self-propelled construction device, in particular a soil compactor, includes a turbocharged diesel engine with a first radiator arrangement for cooling charge air and a second radiator arrangement for cooling a cooling liquid and/or hydraulic oil, with a first radiator fan being allocated to the first radiator arrangement and a second radiator fan being allocated to the second radiator arrangement and the first radiator fan and the second radiator fan being able to be operated essentially independently from each other. |
| US09822735B2 |
Device for mixing a stream of inlet gases and of recirculated exhaust gases comprising insulating means for the recirculated exhaust gases
The invention relates to a device for mixing a stream of supercharging air and a stream of recirculated exhaust gases. The device comprises a manifold allowing the stream of air and the stream of recirculated gases to be mixed, and allowing the mixture to be distributed in the cylinder head. The device also comprises means for conveying the recirculated exhaust gases in the manifold that allow the distributed injection of the recirculated exhaust gases into the stream of supercharging air. The device additionally comprises means for thermally insulating the conveying means in order to limit the cooling of the recirculated exhaust gases by the supercharging air. |
| US09822734B2 |
Tandem thrust reverser with multi-bar linkage
One embodiment includes a pivot thrust reverser. The pivot thrust reverser includes a first tandem pivot door subassembly comprising an inner panel and an outer panel. The inner panel and the outer panel are connected so as to rotate simultaneously about respective pivot axes that are each positionally fixed axes relative to the gas turbine engine assembly. A second tandem pivot door subassembly is included, spaced from the first tandem pivot door subassembly and comprising an inner panel and an outer panel. The inner panel and the outer panel are connected so as to rotate simultaneously about respective pivot axes that are each positionally fixed axes relative to the gas turbine engine assembly. |
| US09822733B2 |
Aerodynamic feature for aft edge portions of thrust reverser lower bifurcation wall
A thrust reverser of a propulsion system nacelle is provided. The thrust reverser includes a fixed structure, a translating structure, and an aerodynamic feature. The fixed structure includes an annular wall that partially defines an annular bypass airstream duct. The fixed structure is bifurcated into left and right side sections. The annular wall extends between upper and lower bifurcation walls of the left side section, and extends between upper and lower bifurcation walls of the right side section. The translating structure is moveable relative to the fixed structure, between a stowed position and a deployed position. The aerodynamic feature that includes a flange disposed relative to an aft end portion of one of the lower bifurcation walls. The flange aids in preventing aerodynamic drag. |
| US09822731B2 |
Control scheme using variable area turbine and exhaust nozzle to reduce drag
A method to reduce aerodynamic drag of a engine exhaust/engine nozzle includes collecting data that is indicative of an instant flight condition, entering the data into a decision algorithm that, based on the data, outputs at least first and second drag control parameters corresponding, respectively, to an angle of one or more variable area turbines of a turbine engine and a position of a variable area exhaust nozzle of the turbine engine, and adjusting the angle of the one or more variable area turbines and the position of the variable area exhaust nozzle according to, respectively, the first and second drag control parameters to reduce aerodynamic drag of an engine exhaust/engine nozzle of the turbine engine. |
| US09822729B2 |
Engine piston having a notched top land
A piston is disclosed. The piston may have a piston crown having a top surface. The piston may also have a first land disposed in the piston crown adjacent the top surface. The first land may have a side surface disposed generally orthogonal to the top surface. Further the piston may have a second land axially separated from the first land. In addition, the piston may have a groove disposed between the first land and the second land. The piston may also have a notch extending between the side surface and the top surface. The notch may have a generally concave shape and may extend circumferentially around the top surface. |
| US09822718B2 |
System and method for controlling canister purging
Methods and systems are provided for controlling canister purge flow in a boosted engine. An example method for the boosted engine comprises, during boosted conditions, flowing stored fuel vapors from a canister into an ejector coupled in a compressor bypass passage, the flowing bypassing a canister purge valve. The method further comprises, responsive to a canister load higher than a threshold load, closing a canister vent valve coupled to the canister, and discontinuing flowing stored fuel vapors from the canister into the ejector. |
| US09822715B2 |
Ignition plug for a cylinder in a combustion engine
The present disclosure relates to an ignition plug for initiating combustion in a cylinder of a combustion engine, wherein the cylinder can be operated in an active mode and in a deactivated mode. The ignition plug comprises a housing that can be connected to the cylinder, an insulator is fastened to the housing and comprises an axial bore hole and a middle electrode is arranged in the axial bore hole to form an annular gap between the middle electrode and the insulator. The ignition plug comprises a sealing element that can be activated in dependence upon the mode of the cylinder so as to seal the gap preventing any seepage of oil during cylinder deactivation. |
| US09822705B2 |
Power augmentation system for a gas turbine
A power augmentation system for a gas turbine that is electrically coupled to a power grid incudes, in serial flow order, a compressed air supply, a compressed air storage tank and an expansion turbine that is disposed downstream from the compressed air storage tank. An exhaust outlet of the expansion turbine is in fluid communication with at least one of an inlet section or a compressor of the gas turbine. |
| US09822702B2 |
Carbon scraper
A carbon scraper, a method of manufacturing a system with a carbon scraper, and method of scraping carbon from a piston of an internal combustion engine are provided. The carbon escaper includes an outer annular metallic shell portion having an annular recess therein. The annular scraper also includes an inlaid thermal barrier coating portion positioned within the annular recess of the outer annular metallic shell portion such that the inlaid thermal barrier coating portion is concentric with an outer annular metallic shell portion. |
| US09822699B2 |
Turbocharger and marine vessel
A hybrid turbocharger includes a first power conversion unit to convert a direct-current power into alternating-current power to be output to a generator motor, a smoothing capacitor between direct-current buses, and a control unit that controls the first power conversion unit so as to cause actual generator motor speed to comply with an engine speed command of the generator motor input from an upstream controller during a motoring operation of the generator motor. The control unit changes the engine speed command to a value which is equal to or greater than the actual generator motor speed if the engine speed command of the generator motor is less than the actual generator motor speed and a direct-current bus voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold value during the motoring operation. Accordingly, the direct-current bus voltage can be prevented from increasing during the motoring operation. |
| US09822694B2 |
Methods and system for controlling surge in a two-stage turbocharger
Various methods and systems are provided for controlling air flow in a two-stage turbocharger. In one example, an engine method comprises adjusting one or more exhaust gas recirculation valves to maintain a first turbocharger within a first air flow range, and adjusting a turbocharger bypass valve to maintain a second turbocharger within a second air flow range. |
| US09822693B2 |
Exhaust-gas turbocharger
An exhaust-gas turbocharger (1) having a turbine housing (2), having a compressor housing (3), having a bearing housing (4), which has a bearing housing axis (L), and having a connecting device (5), for connecting the bearing housing (4) to the compressor housing (3) and/or the turbine housing (2). The connecting device has a plurality of connecting elements (6) which each have a connecting element end face (7). The number of bores (8) in the compressor housing (3) corresponds to the number of connecting elements (6). The bores (8) and the connecting elements (6) inserted into the bores (8) are arranged at an acute angle (α) with respect to the bearing housing axis (L), and the connecting element end faces (7) rest on an associated bearing surface (9) of the bearing housing (4) and/or turbine housing (2). |
| US09822688B2 |
Exhaust flow device
Methods and systems are provided for a mixer. In one example, the mixer may include a plurality of projections spatially separated from one another along an exhaust conduit. |
| US09822685B2 |
Water injection exhaust treatment system
An exhaust aftertreatment system may include a reductant supply and diluent supply conduits, an injector and a control module. The reductant supply conduit includes a first valve controlling a flow of reductant through the reductant supply conduit. The diluent supply conduit includes a second valve controlling a flow of diluent through the diluent supply conduit. The injector is in fluid communication with the reductant supply conduit and the diluent supply conduit and is configured to provide fluid to an exhaust stream. The control module may control the first valve to provide a targeted amount of reductant through the injector. The control module may control the second valve to maintain a fluid flow rate through the injector that is at or above a minimum flow rate threshold of the injector based on a difference between a flow rate through the reductant supply conduit and the minimum flow rate threshold. |
| US09822684B2 |
Exhaust gas duct system for an internal combustion engine
An exhaust gas duct system for an internal combustion engine includes an upstream, first exhaust gas pipe area (30), a downstream, second exhaust gas pipe area (34) adjoining the first exhaust gas pipe area (30) in a transition area (38) in an exhaust gas flow direction (G), and a liquid drain channel area (60) in the transition area. The drain channel area is open from the exhaust gas flow volume (78) in the first exhaust gas pipe area (30) or/and in the second exhaust gas pipe area (34) to a liquid collection volume (80). |
| US09822680B2 |
Exhaust gas treatment device, especially for an exhaust gas flow path of an internal combustion engine, and method for manufacturing an exhaust gas treatment device
An exhaust gas treatment device for an exhaust gas flow path of an internal combustion engine, includes a tubular carrier body (12) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) of the carrier with a first axial end area (18) and with a second axial end area (20) and at least one exhaust gas treatment element (34) carried in the carrier body (12) with the interposition of at least one fiber material layer (36). The carrier body (2) includes carrier elements (14, 16) connected to one another in a first connection area (22) and in a second connection area (24) that extend from the first axial end area (18) to the second axial end area (20). At least one connection area (22, 24) does not extend in parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the carrier from the first axial end area (18) to the second axial end area (20). |
| US09822677B2 |
Vehicle body
An internal combustion engine with a reduced size while securing a sufficient amount of lubricating oil for rocker shafts in the internal combustion engine. A cam holder formed in a cylinder head extends from a rear wall portion of the cylinder head toward the attachment hole, and an intake-side downstream rocker shaft oil supply passage formed in a cross shape by causing two linear portions to intersect each other is formed inside the cam holder. In the intake-side downstream rocker shaft oil supply passage, one of the linear portions communicates with a left intake-side support hole located on a left side and configured to support a left intake-side rocker shaft, while the other one of the linear portions communicates with a right intake-side support hole located on a right side and configured to support a right intake-side rocker shaft. |
| US09822673B2 |
Latch interface for a valve actuating device
A novel latch seat for a switching rocker arm assembly used in variable valve actuation (VVA) systems for internal combustion engines. The seat is formed interactively in the assembled switching rocker arm using a novel fixture and press. The press interactively creates a curved dimple of the correct curvature, position and depth while measuring several lash dimensions. Since the latch seat is formed on the assembled rocker arm assembly, the latch seat depth is designed to account for the inaccuracies in the rocker arm assembly parts which create lash. Therefore all of the parts may be made with less precision since the latch seat is sized to compensate for the inaccuracies of all of the parts. The rocker arm assembly parts now may be manufactured to less stringent standards, but result in a rocker arm assembly with same accuracy of rocker arm assemblies manufactured to previous standards. |
| US09822671B2 |
Composite hybrid cam carrier
A cam carrier assembly includes a body made of a material lighter than aluminum. The body has a first side operably coupled with a cylinder head and a second side having bearing surfaces with bearing inserts. The bearing inserts support the camshaft. A series of apertures extend between the first and second sides of the body. Lobes of the camshaft operably couple with the valves of the cylinder head through the series of apertures extending between the first and second sides of the body. |
| US09822669B2 |
Turbine assembly with detachable struts
A turbine assembly having an outer casing (36), an inner structural ring (38), and an annular gas path (42) defined between outer and inner flow path walls (44, 46) for conducting a gas flow through the turbine assembly. A plurality of structural struts (52) are spaced apart in a circumferential direction, each strut (52) including a strut body (52a) extending in a radial direction for supporting the inner structural ring (38) to the outer casing (36). A first strut end (64) at a radially outer end of the strut body (52a) is detachably attached to the outer casing (36) with a first fastener structure (68) engaging the outer casing (36), and a second strut end (66) at a radially inner end of the strut body (52a) is detachably attached to the inner structural ring (38) with a second fastener structure (70) engaging the inner structural ring (38). |
| US09822667B2 |
Tri-tab lock washer
A washer includes a hub and a first lobe connected to the hub. The first lobe includes a first hole. A second lobe is also connected to the hub and includes a second hole. A third lobe is also connected to the hub and includes a third hole. The first lobe extends from the hub at least partially in a first direction opposite the second lobe and the third lobe. |
| US09822663B2 |
Fan casing for a gas turbine engine
The present invention relates to a fire resistant fan casing for a gas turbine engine. The casing has a projection such as a reinforcing rib or a mounting pad. The projection comprises at least one shell portion formed of a fiber/plastic composite material encasing a core of fire resistant material such as a metallic material or a ceramic matrix composite material. |
| US09822662B2 |
Cooling system with compressor bleed and ambient air for gas turbine engine
A cooling system for a turbine engine for directing cooling fluids from a compressor to a turbine blade cooling fluid supply and from an ambient air source to the turbine blade cooling fluid supply to supply cooling fluids to one or more airfoils of a rotor assembly is disclosed. The cooling system may include a compressor bleed conduit extending from a compressor to the turbine blade cooling fluid supply that provides cooling fluid to at least one turbine blade. The compressor bleed conduit may include an upstream section and a downstream section whereby the upstream section exhausts compressed bleed air through an outlet into the downstream section through which ambient air passes. The outlet of the upstream section may be generally aligned with a flow of ambient air flowing in the downstream section. As such, the compressed air increases the flow of ambient air to the turbine blade cooling fluid supply. |
| US09822660B2 |
Stopper structure for regulating opening degree of nozzle vane in turbocharger
A stopper 30 is provided with: a nut-receiving part 44a provided on a heat insulation plate 44 that is attached to an actuator bracket 43; and a movable-side stopper part 33 provided on an actuator rod 26 that moves in relation to the heat insulation plate 44. An actuator 27 is provided with an actuator body 41 that generates driving force, and the actuator rod 26 which transmits the driving force from the actuator body 41. The movable-side stopper part 33 is provided on the actuator rod 26 that extends from the actuator body 41 to the nozzle vane side. |
| US09822656B2 |
Rotor assembly for gas turbine
The present invention relates to a rotor assembly for a rotary machine such as a gas turbine. The present solution provides a sealing wire located inside a groove engraved in the rotor body. The sealing wire is responsive to radial centrifugal forces acting during normal operation of the machine, and moves radially in the groove until a sealing configuration is achieved such to prevent damaging hot leakage towards machine components. |
| US09822652B2 |
Supporting structure for a gas turbine engine
A supporting structure for a gas turbine engine comprises an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced, load carrying radial elements connecting the inner and outer rings, said radial elements being configured to transfer loads between the inner ring and the outer ring, wherein a gas channel for a primary axial gas flow is defined between the inner and outer rings, wherein the supporting structure has an inlet side for primary gas flow entrance and an outlet side for primary gas outflow, wherein the radial elements have an airfoil shape with a leading edge directed towards the inlet side, a trailing edge directed towards the outlet side, and two opposite sides connecting the leading edge and the trailing edge, and wherein at least a first of said radial elements is connected to an adjacent part of the supporting structure via a weld joint that extends across the leading edge and circumferentially at least partly around the first radial element. |
| US09822651B2 |
Synchronization ring runner with cradle
A runner assembly includes a runner with an aperture, a cradle, and a fastener. The cradle includes a planar base with an aperture, a tab extending from the base, and fingers extending from the base. The fastener extends through the apertures for attaching the runner to the cradle, and the fingers are adjacent to the runner and constrain the runner with respect to the cradle and the fastener. |
| US09822645B2 |
Group of blade rows
The present invention relates to a blade row group arrangeable in a main flow path of a fluid-flow machine and including N adjacent member blade rows firmly arranged relative to one another in both the meridional direction and the circumferential direction, with the number N of the member blade rows being greater than/equal to 2 and (i) designating the running index with values between 1 and N, with a front member blade row (i) as well as a rear member blade row (i+1) being provided, and with the blade row group having two main flow path boundaries. It is provided that there is a gap between one blade end of at least one blade of at least one of the member blade rows and at least one of the two main flow path boundaries. |
| US09822644B2 |
Rotor blade vibration damper
A rotor blade vibration damper for a gas turbine engine includes an elongated damper body including a top portion extending longitudinally between a front end and a rear end. The top portion has a width defined between spaced apart lateral sides and is substantially flat between the front and rear ends and between the lateral sides such as to define a longitudinal plane within which the top portion lies. A front tab extends downwardly from the front end of the top portion relative to the longitudinal plane. The rear end of the top portion is flat and generally contained in the longitudinal plane. A pair of lateral tabs extends downwardly from each of said lateral sides of the top portion relative to the longitudinal plane. |
| US09822642B2 |
Rotary machine
The disclosure provides rotary machines that include, in one embodiment, a rotatable shaft defining a central axis A, the shaft having a first end and a second end. The shaft can have an elongate first island disposed thereon. The first island can have a body with a volume generally defined between front and rear surfaces that are spaced apart. The front and rear surfaces can lie in a plane parallel to a radial axis R. The perimeters of the front and rear surfaces can define a curved perimeter surface therebetween. The disclosure further provides embodiments having stationary islands and casings that rotate about the island. |
| US09822641B2 |
Mine dewatering system and method
A system and method for removing water from mine areas. In one embodiment, one or more directionally drilled dewatering wells are drilled into the geologic formation such that at least a portion of the dewatering well is positioned underneath the mine. In one embodiment, one or more of the dewatering wells may originate outside the perimeter of the mine so as not to interfere with mine operations. In one embodiment, a hydrogeologic assessment along with mine dewatering requirements may be used to generate a mine dewatering plan. In one embodiment, a hydrogeologic assessment along with a determination of the dewatering requirements of the mine and surrounding areas may be used to create a mine dewatering plan. In one embodiment, the mine dewatering plan provides design information pertaining to each dewatering well. |
| US09822637B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting a message in a wellbore
A message to be sent from a downhole tool in a wellbore is modulated into a data uplink signal of pressure variations in the drill string. The pressure variations are generated by varying the torque on the rotor of the generator by varying the electric load on the generator. The pressure variation sequence of the data uplink signal may be selected from a look up table of known sequences. The message may be received by a surface receiver using one or more pressure sensors. The message may be demodulated from the detected pressure data using digital and analog signal processing. The frequency of the data uplink signal may be selected based in part on detected noise in the wellbore. The data uplink signal may be modulated using a spread spectrum protocol. |
| US09822635B2 |
Controlled pressure pulser for coiled tubing applications
An apparatus, method, and system for generating pressure pulses in a drilling fluid flowing within coiled tubing assembly is described that includes; a flow throttling device longitudinally and axially positioned within the center of a main valve actuator assembly that allows main exit flow fluid to flow past a drive shaft and motor such that the pilot fluid and the main exit flow fluid causes one or more flow throttling devices to generate large, rapid controllable pulses. The pulses generated by the flow throttling device thereby allow transmission of well-developed signals easily distinguished from any noise resulting from other vibrations due to nearby equipment within the borehole or exterior to the borehole, or within the coiled tubing assembly wherein the signals also provide predetermined height, width and shape of the signals. |
| US09822634B2 |
Downhole telemetry systems and methods with time-reversal pre-equalization
Specific embodiments of disclosed downhole telemetry systems and methods employ time-reversal pre-equalization. One downhole telemetry system embodiment includes an acoustic transducer and a digital signal processor. The acoustic transducer transmits an acoustic signal to a distant receiver via a string of drillpipes connected by tool joints. The digital signal processor drives the acoustic transducer with an electrical signal that represents modulated digital data convolved with a time-reversed channel response. Due to the use of time-reversal pre-equalization, the received signal exhibits substantially reduced intersymbol interference. |
| US09822631B2 |
Monitoring downhole parameters using MEMS
A method for measuring parameters related to wellsite operations comprises mixing Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors with a wellbore servicing composition in surface wellbore operating equipment. The MEMS sensors are assigned a unique identified that may be used to track individual MEMS sensor as the MEMS sensors travel through the wellbore and may be used to correlate sensor measurements taken by the MEMS sensors with particular locations in the wellbore. The MEMS sensors may be active and transmit their respective identifiers and sensor data to the surface. Transmitting identifier and sensor data from a MEMS sensor to the surface wellbore operating equipment may be via one or more other MEMS sensors, downhole devices, and surface devices. |
| US09822628B2 |
Sealing element wear detection for wellbore devices
A system is provided that can include a rotating control device (RCD) with a sealing element and a force measurement device for measuring an axial force imparted to the sealing element. The system can also include a computing device that is communicatively coupled to the force measurement device for receiving the axial force measurements and from which the wear status of the sealing element can be determined. |
| US09822624B2 |
Vapor blow through avoidance in oil production
A vapor blow through avoidance method, process and system for oil producing wells developed based on an innovative theory of vapor blow through pump. The system consists of casing gas remover, dynamic fluid level detector and downhole pump. Process includes adjusting casing gas remover and or pump rate based on result of comparison of the detected dynamic fluid level with the pre-set target dynamic fluid level; therefore, it prevents vapor in annular space blowing through pump and optimizes the well production. The avoidance system applies to single or group and horizontal or vertical wells. |
| US09822622B2 |
Hydrocarbon resource heating system including choke fluid dispensers and related methods
A system for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein may include a radio frequency (RF) source, a choke fluid source, and an elongate RF antenna configured to be positioned within the wellbore and coupled to the RF source. The elongate RF antenna may have a proximal end and a distal end separated from the proximal end. The system may further include a first choke fluid dispenser coupled to the choke fluid source and positioned to selectively dispense choke fluid into adjacent portions of the subterranean formation at the proximal end of the RF antenna, and a second choke fluid dispenser coupled to the choke fluid source and positioned to selectively dispense choke fluid into adjacent portions of the subterranean formation at the distal end of the RF antenna. |
| US09822620B2 |
Pumping system with plunger having a shaped edge and coating
In one aspect, the present invention provides a plunger for use in a pumping system. The plunger can include a cylindrical plunger body that is adapted to be coupled to a drive rod. The plunger body can define an aperture configured to receive pumped fluids. The aperture can define an inner diameter of the plunger body. The plunger body can include a leading end having a tapered portion configured to direct solids into the aperture. The tapered portion can be tapered from the inner diameter toward an outer diameter of the plunger body to form a tip aligned with the outer diameter. The tapered portion can include two or more different degrees of taper along a length of the tapered portion. The plunger body can further include a rear end coupleable to a traveling valve. |
| US09822618B2 |
Initiator head assembly
According to an aspect an initiator head assembly (10, 110) is provided having particular application with a perforating gun assembly, in particular for oil well drilling applications. The initiator head assembly includes a body (20, 120) and an electrical contact component (40, 140) with the electrical contact component embedded therein. In another aspect, the initiator head assembly with the embedded electrical contact component is configured as a unitary component and also to hold a pressure differential across the top and bottom parts of the initiator head assembly. In an aspect, the method of forming the initiator head assembly is also generally described. |
| US09822617B2 |
Extended jet perforating device
An explosive charge assembly comprises a casing, a first liner, a second liner, a first explosive charge disposed between the casing and the first liner, and a second explosive charge disposed between the first liner and the second liner. The first liner and the second liner are configured to form a single jet upon detonation of the first explosive charge and the second explosive charge. |
| US09822616B2 |
Pressure actuated flow control in an abrasive jet perforating tool
There is disclosed herein a method and apparatus for using rupture pins to selectively open jets on a jet perforating tool. Rupture pins inserted in jets within a jet perforating tool are configured to rupture at pre-designed thresholds, thereby opening the jet to begin a perforating job, or to circulate fluid through the tool. Also disclosed are systems and methods for holding the rupture pins within the tool prior to rupture. |
| US09822615B2 |
Apparatus and method for jet perforating and cutting tool
A system and method for jet perforating within a well are disclosed. A jet perforating tool configured to be lowered inside a production tubing string comprises a tool body with a passage, an inlet in the upper section, perforating jets in the lower section, and a stepped outer diameter configured to seat on a production tubing string restriction such as a seat nipple. The tool may be lowered into the production tubing string without the need to trip the production tubing string in and out of the wellbore. |
| US09822613B2 |
System and method for riserless subsea well interventions
The system for inserting a tubular member from a surface into a subsea well includes a riserless vessel, a surface injector being mounted on the vessel at the surface and delivering tubular member, such as coiled tubing, to the subsea well from the surface, a subsea snubbing jack releasably engaged to the tubular member, a subsea hydraulic power unit connected to the snubbing jack, and a device to maintain tension of the tubular member between the surface injector and the snubbing jack. The dynamic control of the subsea snubbing jack provides either active additional force for pipe light and pipe heavy conditions or passive support of the tubular member for equilibrium conditions without a riser. The method is responsive to transitions between well conditions. A riserless system without a subsea injector can more efficiently and reliably insert coiled tubing under various well conditions and during changes in the well conditions. |
| US09822612B2 |
Junction-conveyed completion tooling and operations
An assembly and method for completion of lateral wellbores is disclosed. The completion assembly includes a junction fitting with main and lateral legs, and a lateral completion string and anchoring device connected to the downhole end of the lateral leg and the uphole end of the junction fitting, respectively. A working string, positioned within the lateral leg, anchoring device, and lateral completion string, includes a setting tool that is removably connected to the anchoring device and a completion tool assembly located within the lateral completion string. The completion assembly is run by the working string into the wellbore. After setting the anchoring device, the working string conveys the completion tool assembly within the lateral completion string for gravel packing, fracturing, frac-packing, acidizing, cementing, perforating, and inflating packers, for example. After wellbore completion, the completion tool assembly is removed through the lateral leg of the junction fitting. |
| US09822610B2 |
Selective magnetic positioning tool
A method of actuating a downhole component comprises positioning a magnetic positioning tool adjacent an actuable component within a wellbore, where the magnetic positioning tool comprises a plurality of magnets arranged in a first position, transitioning the plurality of magnets from the first position to a second position, detecting the plurality of magnets using a sensor associated with the actuable component, generating a signal indicative of the plurality of magnets being in the second position, and actuating the actuable component within the wellbore in response to the signal. |
| US09822609B2 |
Well tools operable via thermal expansion resulting from reactive materials
Methods of actuating a well tool can include releasing chemical energy from at least one portion of a reactive material, thermally expanding a substance in response to the released chemical energy, and applying pressure to a piston as a result of thermally expanding the substance, thereby actuating the well tool, with these steps being repeated for each of multiple actuations of the well tool. A well tool actuator can include a substance contained in a chamber, one or more portions of a reactive material from which chemical energy is released, and a piston to which pressure is applied due to thermal expansion of the substance in response to each release of chemical energy. A well tool actuator which can be actuated multiple times may include multiple portions of a gas generating reactive material, and a piston to which pressure is applied due to generation of the gas. |
| US09822604B2 |
Pressure variance systems for subsea fluid injection
The present disclosure generally relates to a system for injecting a fluid into a subsea hydrocarbon extraction component. The system comprises a pressure variance device including an ambient chamber and a variance chamber, the ambient chamber exposed to an external subsea environment and configured to transfer the pressure to the variance chamber via a pressure variance device piston. The system further comprises an accumulator including a fluid delivery chamber and a pressure chamber, the pressure chamber configured to receive the pressure from the variance chamber and transfer the pressure to the fluid delivery chamber via an accumulator piston. The system also comprises a control system configured to regulate injection of the fluid from the fluid delivery chamber into the hydrocarbon extraction component. In this way, the system can intensify or deintensify a hydrostatic pressure in the subsea environment to inject chemicals in the hydrocarbon extraction component at a desired pressure. |
| US09822603B2 |
Subsea equipment visual indicator
A position indicator for a subsea component of a well system includes a visual indicator including an illuminator, an electrical connector selectably connected between the visual indicator and a power supply, and an actuator configured to connect the visual indicator with the power supply when a moveable member of the subsea component is disposed in a first position, wherein the illuminator is configured to emit a first subsea illumination when the moveable member is disposed in the first position. |
| US09822600B2 |
Subsea energy storage for well control equipment
A subsea energy storage for well control equipment, wherein stored energy near a well on the sea floor monitors and activates well control equipment independently of, or in conjunction with, hydraulic energy. Energy to the subsea energy storage can be supplied by surface umbilical, remotely-operated vehicle, or by subsea electrical generation from stored hydraulic energy. Stored electrical energy may also recharge stored hydraulic energy. A subsea control system is configured to record data, compare the data to predetermined event signatures, and operate the well control equipment with stored electrical energy. |
| US09822597B2 |
Hybrid dump bailer and method of use
A hybrid dump bailer is disclosed herein comprising a bailer tubes for containing a material, such as cement slurry, to be dumped. The hybrid dump bailer comprises a pressure pulse piston that is accelerated by a spring causing a pressure pulse to expel the material to be dumped. The hybrid dump bailer further comprises a collet, a retaining rod, a piston, valve, and a supply of pressurized fluid which is holds the pressure pulse piston in place while the spring is compressed. Once the valve is opened, releasing the pressurized fluid, the retaining rod separates from the collet allowing the pressure pulse piston to accelerate can produce the pressure pulse to dump the material. |
| US09822595B2 |
Methods and systems for drilling
A method of automatically placing a drill bit used to form an opening in a subsurface formation on a bottom of the opening being formed comprises a) increasing a flow rate in a drill string to a target flow; b) controlling a flow rate of fluid into the drill string to be substantially the same as a flowrate of fluid out of the opening; c) allowing a fluid pressure to reach a relatively steady state; and d) automatically moving the drill bit toward the bottom of the opening at a selected rate of advance until an increase in measured differential pressure indicates that the drill bit is at the bottom of the opening. |
| US09822592B2 |
Cable-based well heater
A resistive cable-based well heater for providing heat to an oil or gas bearing formation includes a length of coiled tubing having a sealed down-hole end and an open-ended cable support adapter attached to the up-hole end of the coiled tubing. A bundle of cables is contained within the coiled tubing. The cables extend from the upper opening of the adapter and have free upper ends. A wedging tube is placed in the open end of the adapter to support the cables against the interior sidewall of the adapter when the well heater is deployed in a well. The wedging tube has an inner surface shaped to conform to the shape of one or more of the cables and an outer surface configured for weight bearing frictional contact with the inner sidewall of the cable support adapter. |
| US09822590B2 |
Apparatus and methods for testing inductively coupled downhole systems
Apparatus and methods for testing inductively coupled downhole systems are described. An example inductive coupler assembly for use in a wellbore includes an inductive coupler fixed to a completion in the wellbore, a drill pipe, a portion of which is to be located adjacent to the inductive coupler, and a sleeve surrounding the portion of the drill pipe to reduce a reluctance of a magnetic circuit including the inductive coupler. |
| US09822588B2 |
Multimodal rock disintegration by thermal effect and system for performing the method
Multimodal rock disintegration by non-contact thermal effect, spallation, melting, evaporation of a rock through a movable electric arc, arc thermal expansion and subsequent shock pressure wave allows in comparison with currently available and known technologies to drill into the rock by direct action of the electric arc and heat flows generated by the electric arc. The principle of the disintegration is based on the electric arc generation, force action to it and pressing it towards the rock intended to disintegrate, which causes heating of the rock so that a phase change and thermal disintegration of the rock occurs. Subsequently, the crushed rock is transported by a fluid streams, which are involved in stabilizing and guiding of the electric arc, from the area between the rock and the electric arc, which is the area of the rock disintegration. |
| US09822587B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling downhole rotational rate of a drilling tool
A downhole rotational rate control apparatus, adapted for coupling to the lower end of a drill string, includes a progressive cavity pump or motor, a mud flow control valve, and an electronics section. Drilling mud flowing downward through the drill string is partially diverted to flow through the pump or motor, with the mud flow rate and, in turn, the pump or motor speed being controlled by the mud flow control valve. The control valve is actuated by a control motor in response to inputs from a sensor assembly in the electronics section. By varying the rotational rate of the pump or motor relative to the rotational rate of the drill string, the tool face orientation or non-zero rotational speed of the controlled device in either direction can be varied in a controlled manner. |
| US09822585B2 |
Hands free gate
The present gate includes a barrier frame and a gate in the barrier frame. The gate is opened by inserting a foot into a foot opening in the gate, which action compresses springs disposed about pivot pins between the gate and the barrier frame and draws an extended latch downwardly and out of a latch receiver that is bottomless, which action unlatches and frees the gate from the barrier frame such that the gate can be swung open. Downward travel of the gate is minimized until a foot pushes a pivoting stop out of the way. |
| US09822578B2 |
Flexible portable security bag
A portable, universally fitting, stylish, lockable security box or bag that integrally affixes to a an object such as the support or cross bar on a frame of a beach lounge chair, a stroller, bike, wheelchair or similar member where it is desirable to protect your valuables on a stationary or a larger movable object. The security bag is a device preferably comprised of a flexible flap component and a main bottom component which encloses the valuables of the user. When the security bag is positioned over an elongate object, such as the support bar of a chair, stroller or other object, the security bag can be affixed to the elongate object by employing a locking mechanism to close the security bag around the support object, such that the support object extends through the security bag by passing through specially configured side openings. The security bag includes a secure internal cavity formed by the two main components which makes this device simple and unique. The exterior design of the security bag makes decorative universal fit a reality and protects the valuables of the user by securing them to a larger object and also hiding them from the view of third parties. |
| US09822573B2 |
Apparatus for and method of controlling power window by using output current of motor
An apparatus and method of controlling a power window by using an output current of a driving motor. The output current is measured to calculate and store a current reduction time, and then, execution of a safety function is delayed when an interruption in ascending of the window glass is sensed, so that interruption caused by noise generated when a car moves over an unpaved road or road bumps may be distinguished from interruption caused by an actual obstacle. Then, the safety function is prevented from being executed if the interruption in the ascending of the window glass is caused by the noise. Therefore, the interruption of the ascending of window glass due to the noise generated when the car moves on the unpaved road or road bumps may be distinguished without using an additional sensor. |
| US09822569B2 |
Pneumatic door closer
A pneumatic door closer includes a rotary energy-storing mechanism including a housing and a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism includes a cylinder, a second piston assembly and a sealing element, the sealing element is in an air tight connection with the cylinder and the second piston assembly, to form a closed space filled with high pressure gas in the cylinder. The second piston assembly drives the closed space into a first air chamber and a second air chamber in communication with each other. The driving mechanism also includes a first piston assembly connected to the second piston assembly. The pneumatic door closer also includes a transmission mechanism having one end received in the housing and another end connected to the door frame. |
| US09822566B2 |
Spring actuated engagement device
A spring actuated engagement device for remotely coupling a movable member to a stationary member comprises a fixture mountable onto a stationary member, a spring biased bar that is axially displaceable within a central recess formed within the fixture, an abutting element extending outwardly from the bar for actuating the spring, and a seating element outwardly spaced from the fixture and longitudinally spaced from the abutting element. The abutting element is axially displaceable in a first direction when contacted by a first edge of a movable member, allowing a second edge of the movable member to be received in an interspace between the seating element and the outer face, and to be axially displaced in a second direction after a force that initiated the contact with the first edge is released. A pivotally displaceable locking device, when set to a locked condition, prevents displacement of the actuator. |
| US09822564B2 |
Recessed door hinge
A hinge for recessed installation between a door frame and a door panel that has first and second housings adapted for recessing in the door frame and an edge of the door panel, a pair of links having ends pivoted in the housings and pivoted together about a vertical axis extending in a vertical direction perpendicular to mutually perpendicular first and second horizontal directions, and two supports in the second housing in which the respective ends of the links are pivoted. A vertical connector body to which the supports are fixed is limitedly vertically movable in the first housing along with the supports and links. Respective pairs of guide faces on the connector body spaced apart in the vertical direction flank each of the supports. |
| US09822563B2 |
Method and apparatus for installing cutting edges on a V-blade plow
For a V-plow having a pair of blades hinged together along inboard ends of the blades at a hinge, a gauge on a lower end of the hinge having a spacer, the spacer having a thickness in a direction generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the V-plow corresponding to a desired minimum spacing between inboard ends of a pair of cutting edge plates to be installed on the blades, a method of installing the cutting edge plates on the blades is provided. The method comprises positioning one of the cutting edge plates along a lower edge of one of the blades so that the inboard end of the one cutting edge plate abuts one side of the spacer, securing the one cutting edge plate to the one blade, positioning the other cutting edge plate along a lower edge of the other blade so that the inboard end of the other cutting edge plate abuts the other side of the spacer, and securing the other cutting edge plate to the other blade. |
| US09822558B1 |
Tamper evident trailer lock
A cover for a handle of a cargo door to cover hasp elements and a lock. The cover includes a first housing with a first front wall, first side walls each having a front and rear edge, and a top end wall and define a first housing interior. A guide leg and a latch is disposed on the first housing. A second housing includes a second front wall, second side walls, and a bottom end wall that define a second housing interior. The second housing includes a guide socket configured to receive the guide leg and a catch configured to receive and retain the latch. The housing interiors define a cover interior that covers the hasp elements and an installed lock with one of the guide leg and the latch disposed behind the handle and the other of the guide leg and the latch disposed in front of the handle. |
| US09822557B2 |
Portable lock mounting assemblies
Portable lock mounting assemblies including straps or connectors for securing each assembly to a bicycle or the like. Each mounting assembly having a structure defining a retaining assembly to securely retain a lock and easily release the lock from the mounting assembly. |
| US09822556B1 |
Retractable latch bolt assemblies for upgrading locks
Spring-projected latch bolt assemblies each having a retractable latch bolt component are used to upgrade commercially available lock operating mechanisms so that closures carrying the upgraded lock operating mechanisms can lock automatically when the closures reach their fully closed positions. To permit unobstructed closing of each closure, a normally extended component of each associated spring-projected latch bolt assembly retracts during a final segment of the closing of an associated closure, and snaps back to its fully extended position as the associated closure comes to rest in its fully closed position. |
| US09822551B2 |
Resettable devices
A device for cycling a component between a first condition and a second condition includes an element and a reset apparatus connected to and driven by the element. The element is formed from a shape memory alloy, wherein the alloy is transitionable between a martensite crystallographic phase and an austenite crystallographic phase in response to a thermal energy source. The apparatus is actuatable by the element from an initial state in which the alloy has the martensite phase and the component is in the first condition, to an actuated state in which the alloy has the austenite phase and the component is in the second condition. The apparatus is resettable from the actuated state to a reset state in which the alloy transitions from the austenite to the martensite phase while the component is in the first condition, and further resettable from the reset state to the initial state. |
| US09822550B2 |
Flexible door latch strike
A door strike which includes a base plate, and a strike tongue, wherein the strike tongue comprises a flexible material. |
| US09822546B1 |
Reusable ground anchor, related methods of manuafacture and methods of use
Ground anchors are provided that may include at least one extendable protrusion. A ground anchor may include an extendable protrusion actuator configured to extend at least one extendable protrusion subsequent to a sub-surface portion of the ground anchor being inserted into the ground. A ground anchor may include a plurality of extendable protrusions configured to be extended by a single extendable protrusion actuator. |
| US09822544B2 |
Monopole tower reinforcement system
An upright reinforcing rod connected to the ground with a mechanical anchor and to the monopole tower with a bracket at a top elevation. The rod is stabilized laterally by being disposed through vertically oriented openings in lateral supports at intermediate elevations. There may be a clearance fit between the rod and lateral supports. The rod may be inserted sideways into the supports. The connection between rod and support may be boltless and simple. The support may comprise spring loaded latch fingers for capturing the rod. The mechanical anchor and intermediate supports provide improved installation methods. |
| US09822542B2 |
Universal motor mount and cap
A universal device for capping and mounting a motor within a motorized pool cleaner housing that allows a moto pump to be installed in different brands of pool cleaners. The universal device has a base and a central through opening. At least two sets of posts extend substantially perpendicular from a surface of the base, each post is adapted to engage the housing of the pool cleaner. The first set of posts extend adjacent an edge of the base to define a first footprint. The second set of posts extend adjacent the first set of posts defining a second footprint smaller than the first footprint. |
| US09822537B2 |
Personnel safety shield and system
A safety system may include a shield for protecting or shielding personnel operating in a personnel working area from a hazard provided on a structure. The structure may be a wind turbine, the hazard may be a projecting flange of the wind turbine tower, and the personnel working area may be a ladder inside the wind turbine tower. The shield may have a bend or curvature when installed in order to cover the hazard. The shield may include a plurality of wings projecting from an intermediary portion of the shield. The wings may be separated from each other by a wing gap. Other structures, working areas, and hazards are contemplated and described in the disclosure. |
| US09822530B2 |
Underground vault roof support
A shoring assembly for utility vaults. A crossbeam member is carried by a column member and a bracket is connected between the crossbeam member and the column member. The bracket supports the crossbeam member on the column member and comprises a jack member that is extendable upward to engage and move the crossbeam member upward relative to the column member into a support position against a vault roof to be shored. |
| US09822525B2 |
Method for installing concrete crack inducing expansion joint filler, and apparatus therefor
The present invention relates to a method for installing a crack inducing expansion joint filler when placing concrete so as to reduce cracks generated during concrete construction, and an apparatus therefor and, more particularly, to a method for installing a concrete crack inducing expansion joint filler and an apparatus therefor which can vertically install and fix a plurality of fixed rod shafts on a bottom surface, place concrete, and then fit connection means to the fixed rod shafts while connecting and installing a joint filler member, having a cover means which can be attached and detached between the connection means, before the concrete is cured. Thus, since it is possible to install the joint filler member at the same time as placing the concrete on the bottom surface the method and apparatus can significantly reduce the concrete construction period and also cause that cracks generated by the joint filler during concrete curing can be reduced to a minimum, thereby increasing concrete durability and enhancing construction efficiency. |
| US09822523B1 |
Heavy load bearings and related methods
Bearing assemblies, bearing components and related methods are provided for heavy load applications. In one embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a first bearing apparatus having a base member and a first plurality of polycrystalline diamond compacts (PDCs) on a first surface of the base member, the first plurality of PDCs defining a first collective bearing surface. A second bearing apparatus is configured to engage and slide over the first collective bearing surface. the second bearing apparatus may include a second plurality of PDCs defining a second collective bearing surface. The collective bearing surfaces may be configured to be substantially planar or substantially arcuate. Such bearing assemblies may be implemented in, for example, bridges, roadways, buildings, railways and other structures and machines that may require heavy load bearing support. |
| US09822522B2 |
Arched cabin
An alternative design for a cabin or a house which utilizes an arched shape to provide a significantly stronger overall structure. The design includes a first roofing structure, a second roofing structure, a planar base, and a ridge beam. The planar base makes up the flooring for the cabin. The ridge beam is positioned parallel to and offset to the planar base to join and support the first roofing structure and the second roofing structure. The first roofing structure and the second roofing structure are positioned opposite to each other across the bridge beam and each includes a plurality of arched beams and a plurality of roofing boards. The arched beams are distributed along the bridge beam and are connected in between the bridge beam and the planar base. The roofing boards are distributed across and mounted to the arched beams to make up the roof of the cabin. |
| US09822520B2 |
Toilet with flushable overflow drain
A toilet with a flushable overflow drain includes a bowl and a primary drain connected to the bowl to receive fluid therefrom and having a primary drain trap. An overflow drain including an overflow drain trap is connected to the bowl at one end thereof and is connected at a second end to the primary drain at a location downstream of the primary drain trap. An overflow drain flush passage is connected to the overflow drain at a position upstream of the overflow drain trap. Accordingly, water can be directed through the overflow drain flush passage and into the overflow drain to flush the overflow drain and the overflow drain trap free of debris to prevent clogging. |
| US09822519B2 |
Intelligent dispensing toilet bidet system
A toilet apparatus provides intelligent bidet dispensing. Dynamic dispensing according to a bidet wand position, type of substance dispensed, user preferences, user gender, and user identification is disclosed. Cleansers, surfactants, moisturizers, medicines, deodorants, and fragrances are dispensed through a bidet wand to a user and are stored reservoirs which are contained in a tank area of the toilet. In other embodiments, reporting of levels of reservoir substances is automated. |
| US09822514B2 |
Passive sensors and control algorithms for faucets and bathroom flushers
An optical system includes one or several passive optical detectors sensitive to ambient (room) light for controlling, for example, the operation of automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers. The passive optical sensors provide signals to flow controllers, including control electronics and flow valves and require only very small amounts of electrical power for sensing users of bathroom facilities, and thus enable battery operation for many years. To control the operation of automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers based on ambient light, the controller executes novel algorithms. |
| US09822508B2 |
Bucket articulated rake attachment
An articulated rake assembly attachable to an excavating vehicle having a bucket. The rake assembly has a rake mechanism adapted and constructed to retain material having a certain size. A reciprocating mechanism operationally connects the rake mechanism to the bucket of the vehicle, and is adapted and constructed to selectively reciprocate the rake mechanism with respect to the bucket, thereby selectively retaining material. The rake mechanism configurable to have either or both a push orientation and a gather orientation. |
| US09822503B2 |
End treatments and transitions for water-ballasted protection barrier arrays
An end treatment array for crash attenuation includes a transition barrier module formed of side walls, end walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall, wherein the module walls together define an enclosed interior space. The end treatment array further includes a containment impact sled having an axially extending frame. The frame has a width sufficient to contain the transition barrier module within the frame when in an assembled configuration, and has an axial length which is at least one-half the length of the transition barrier module. The frame defines an interior volume, the purpose of which is to contain a substantial portion of the transition barrier module in the assembled configuration, and to contain debris caused by destruction of the plastic barrier modules in a vehicular impact. The containment impact sled is attached to the transition barrier module. |
| US09822501B2 |
Dual arm fortified barrier assembly
A dual arm barrier assembly comprising spaced-apart stanchions and a pair of barrier arms pivotally connected to a first stanchion for movement between closed and open positions. The barrier arms have distal end portions immediately adjacent to and out of engagement with the second stanchion when in the closed position during normal operation and when the vehicle is out of engagement with the barrier arms. The first barrier arm in the closed position is at a height corresponding to vehicle's windshield, and the second barrier arm in the closed position is below the first barrier arm and is at a height corresponding approximately to the vehicle's body or frame. The second stanchion engages the barrier arms only when the vehicle presses against barrier arms, thereby securely retaining the barrier arms in the closed position. |
| US09822494B1 |
Decorative grating and method of manufacturing the same
A grating assembly and a method for manufacturing the same. The grating assembly comprises a plurality of crossbars that are secured together. The grating assembly includes a decorative image that is visible when approaching the grating. The image is formed by providing one or more image sections on one or more of the crossbars of the grating assembly. Each of the crossbars has a front surface and an opposed back surface and the one or more image sections are provided on one or both of the front surface and the back surface. |
| US09822490B2 |
Vibration absorber arrangement
The invention relates to a vibration absorber arrangement (2) for attaching at least one vibration absorber (4) to a rail (1), comprising: a clamping means (3) which has a clamp fastening portion (12) and a fastening portion (11) for at least one vibration absorber (4) on the outside thereof, wherein the clamp fastening portion (12) can be clamped between one end (16) of a clamp (5) and a foot (8) of the rail (1) and the fastening portion (11) presses with its inside against a web (9) of the rail (1), the clamp (5) being formed as an integral spring clip. |
| US09822489B2 |
Flavored wipe and dispensing system
An example flavored wipe and method of manufacturing the flavored wipe includes a material configured for use as a wipe, and a solution comprising water and a flavoring component. The flavoring component may be stevia or other natural or artificial sweetener. An example dispensing system for the flavored wipe includes a compartment to hold a material configured for use as a wipe including a solution with at least a flavoring component. An opening is formed in the compartment to dispense the material and the solution from the compartment. |
| US09822488B2 |
Ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowire/microwire, method of preparing same, hydroxyapatite paper comprising same and preparation method thereof
The invention relates to an ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowire/microwire, a method of preparing the same, a hydroxyapatite paper comprising the same and a preparation method thereof, and provides an ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowire/microwire having a length of tens to hundreds of micrometers and a diameter of tens to hundreds of nanometers. There is also provided a method of preparing the ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowire/microwire, a hydroxyapatite paper comprising the ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowire/microwire, and a method of preparing the hydroxyapatite paper. |
| US09822485B2 |
Compact former section
A former section including a headbox, a felt, a wire, a forming roll having a suction zone and a forming section, and a gap section defined by the section between the headbox and a position where the felt and the wire are brought together at the forming roll. The headbox distributes a pulp slurry into the gap section to be sandwiched by the felt and the wire to form a paper sheet. A bottom side of the paper sheet contacts the felt and a top side of the paper sheet contacts the wire, and the sandwiched felt, paper sheet and wire wrap around the forming roll. A press roll forms a nip with the forming roll through which the paper sheet is carried by the felt and the wire, and the suction zone of the forming roll is arranged in a section around the nip. |
| US09822483B2 |
Deckle board system with a boundary layer shower and method
A system comprising: one or more deckle board that extend along a machine direction of a paper machine, and a boundary layer shower that is located proximate to each of the one or more deckle board systems and directs a fluid unto a stock side face of the one or more deckle boards so that a boundary layer of fluid is formed between the one or more deckle boards and stock. |
| US09822480B2 |
Garment treatment system
A garment treatment system includes a base, a water tank mounted to the base and having water contained therein, a steam generator in fluid communication with the water tank and adapted to convert the water from the water tank into steam, a steam nozzle having a steam reservoir and a steam outlet for distributing the steam to a garment, a first lumen in fluid communication with the steam generator and the steam nozzle for delivering steam to the steam reservoir of the steam nozzle and a second lumen in fluid communication with the steam reservoir of the steam nozzle and the water tank for returning condensed water to the water tank. |
| US09822479B2 |
Clothing dryer
A clothing dryer including a cabinet; a drying tub that is disposed in the cabinet and accommodates laundry; a drying shelf disposed in the drying tub; and a supporting member disposed to support the drying shelf and provided to be movable at a first position in which one side of the drying shelf is supported in the cabinet and at a second position in which the supporting member is mounted on the drying shelf. Through this configuration, supporting force of the drying shelf can be improved. |
| US09822473B2 |
Control method of a laundry machine
A laundry machine and a control method thereof are provided in which laundering ability may be improved while also improving efficiency and noise/vibration. The laundry machine employs a plurality of drum motions by varying drum rotational speed, drum rotational direction, and drum starting and stopping point, to provide different motion of laundry items in the drum. |
| US09822471B2 |
Woven fabric for airbags having superior suppression of air permeability, high tear strength, and excellent reliability
A woven fabric for an air bag characterized by the asymmetry (R), in the front and back of the woven fabric and indicated by the following formula, of the radius of curvature (φof an intersecting section in which the warp thread and the weft thread come in contact in the cross section of the woven fabric, being in the range of 1.05-1,50, R=φa/φb (φa indicates the larger radius of curvature out of the radii of curvature (φ) in the front and back surfaces of the woven fabric, and φb indicates the smaller radius of curvature). |
| US09822468B2 |
Method for producing SiC single crystal
A method for producing a SiC single crystal by a solution process is provided, which allows generation of miscellaneous crystals to be reduced. Method for producing a SiC single crystal wherein a crucible has thickness Lu in horizontal direction at same height as liquid level of Si—C solution, and thickness Ld in horizontal direction at same height as bottom inner wall, Ld/Lu is 2.00 to 4.21, and thickness in horizontal direction of crucible monotonously increases between Lu and Ld from Lu toward Ld, wall thickness of crucible is 1 mm or greater, bottom thickness Lb in vertical direction of crucible is between 1 mm and 15 mm, bottom outer wall of crucible has flat section with area of 100 mm2 or greater, depth of Si—C solution from bottom inner wall is 30 mm or greater, and method includes heating and electromagnetic stirring Si—C solution with high-frequency coil. |
| US09822461B2 |
Dynamic current distribution control apparatus and method for wafer electroplating
Methods, systems, and apparatus for plating a metal onto a work piece are described. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a plating chamber, a substrate holder, an anode chamber housing an anode, an ionically resistive ionically permeable element positioned between a substrate and the anode chamber during electroplating, an auxiliary cathode located between the anode and the ionically resistive ionically permeable element, and an insulating shield with an opening in its central region. The insulating shield may be movable with respect to the ionically resistive ionically permeable element to vary a distance between the shield and the ionically resistive ionically permeable element during electroplating. |
| US09822455B2 |
Method for chemical etching of a needle cannula
A regular metallic, cylindrical tubular needle cannula (1) is subjected to a metal etching liquid (21) in the inside lumen (4) thereby increasing the inside diameter and enhancing the flow properties while maintaining the outside appearance. The inside diameter is only increased over a controlled length (7) of the full length of the needle cannula (1) leaving sufficient length and wall thickness to also taper the outside diameter. |
| US09822452B2 |
Conduction structure, method of manufacturing conduction structure, droplet ejecting head, and printing apparatus
A conduction structure includes a device substrate (third substrate) including a conductive portion, an IC (second substrate) including an upper surface, an end surface inclined toward the upper surface, and a conductive portion (second conductive portion), a sealing plate (first substrate) including an upper surface, an end surface (first side wall portion) inclined toward the upper surface, and a conductive portion (first conductive portion), and plating layers that respectively form electrical connections between a conductive portion and a conductive portion and between a conductive portion and the conductive portion. |
| US09822451B2 |
Device and method for manufacturing nanostructures consisting of carbon
A device for manufacturing nanostructures consisting of carbon, such as monolayers, multilayer sheet structures, tubes, or fibers includes a gas inlet element having a housing cavity enclosed by housing walls, into which a gas feed line opens, through which a gaseous, in particular carbonaceous starting material can be fed into the housing cavity, having a plasma generator, which has components arranged at least partially in the housing cavity, which has at least one plasma electrode to which electrical voltage can be applied, to apply energy to the gaseous starting material by igniting a plasma and thus converting the gaseous starting material into a gaseous intermediate product, and having a gas outlet surface having a plurality of gas outlet openings, through which the gaseous intermediate product can exit out of the housing cavity. A gas heating unit is provided for assisting the conversion, which is arranged downstream of the components. |
| US09822450B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus
The present invention provides a vacuum processing apparatus capable of reducing attachment of particles generated in a processing space to an inner wall of a chamber, and of easily adjusting pressure in the processing space while introducing a gas into the processing space at a desired flow rate. A vacuum processing apparatus according to one embodiment includes: a container; a gas exhaust portion; a substrate holder configured to retain a substrate; a shield provided to surround the substrate holder and dividing an inside of the container into a processing space and an outside space; a gas introducing portion; a plasma generating portion; and an exhaust portion provided to the shield having a communication path through which the processing space and the outside space communicate, wherein at least part of the communication path is hidden from a region where the plasma generating portion generates the plasma. |
| US09822441B2 |
Iridium underlayer for heat assisted magnetic recording media
A heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) media stack is provided in which Iridium (Ir)-based materials may be utilized as a secondary underlayer instead of a Magnesium Oxide (MgO) underlayer utilized in conventional media stacks. Such Ir-based materials may include, e.g., pure Ir, Ir-based alloys, Ir-based compounds, as well as a granular Ir layer with segregants. The use of Ir or Ir-based materials as an underlayer provide advantages over the use of MgO as an underlayer. For example, DC sputtering can be utilized to deposit the layers of the media stack, where the deposition rate of Ir is considerably higher than that of MgO resulting in higher manufacturing production yields. Further still, less particles are generated during Ir-based layer deposition processes, and Ir-based underlayer can act as a better heat sink. Further still, the morphology and structure of a recording layer deposited on an Ir-based layer can be better controlled. |
| US09822440B2 |
Transparent vapor-deposited film
Employed is a roller-type continuous vapor-deposited film forming device in which a film-forming section and a preprocessing section provided with a plasma preprocessing device are arranged in series at a distance from each other. With a substrate transported at a high speed, plasma (P) is supplied to the substrate surface side while set to an electrically positive potential by a plasma preprocessing means for supplying the plasma toward the substrate (S) in a space enclosed in a preprocessing roller, and enclosed in a plasma supply means for supplying a plasma-forming gas and in a magnet (21), which is a magnetism formation means. An active preprocessed surface is formed on the surface of the substrate (S). An inorganic oxide vapor-deposited film having as a principal component thereof an aluminum oxide containing AL-C covalent bonds is immediately formed at high speed in succession on the preprocessed surface of the substrate to produce a highly adhesive transparent vapor-deposited film. |
| US09822437B2 |
Process for producing thermal barrier coating
A process for producing a thermal barrier coating having an excellent thermal barrier effect and superior durability to thermal cycling. Also, a turbine member having a thermal barrier coating that has been formed using the production process, and a gas turbine. The process for producing a thermal barrier coating includes: forming a metal bonding layer (12) on a heat-resistant alloy substrate (11), and forming a ceramic layer (13) on the metal bonding layer (12) by thermal spraying of thermal spray particles having a particle size distribution in which the 10% cumulative particle size is not less than 30 μm and not more than 100 μm. |
| US09822435B2 |
Lean austenitic stainless steel
An austenitic stainless steel composition including relatively low Ni and Mo levels, and exhibiting corrosion resistance, resistance to elevated temperature deformation, and formability properties comparable to certain alloys including higher Ni and Mo levels. Embodiments of the austenitic stainless steel include, in weight percentages, up to 0.20 C, 2.0-9.0 Mn, up to 2.0 Si, 15.0-23.0 Cr, 1.0-9.5 Ni, up to 3.0 Mo, up to 3.0 Cu, 0.05-0.35 N, (7.5(C))≦(Nb+Ti+V+Ta+Zr)≦1.5, Fe, and incidental impurities. |
| US09822433B2 |
Spheroidal graphite cast iron
A spheroidal graphite cast iron comprising: C: 3.3 to 4.0 mass %, Si: 2.1 to 2.7 mass %, Mn: 0.20 to 0.50 mass %, S: 0.005 to 0.030 mass %, Cu: 0.20 to 0.50 mass %, Mg: 0.03 to 0.06 mass % and the balance: Fe and inevitable impurities, wherein a tensile strength is 550 MPa or more, and an elongation is 12% or more. |
| US09822431B2 |
β-type titanium alloy
The present invention provides a β-type titanium alloy that includes, by mass %, when Al: 2 to 5%, 1) Fe: 2 to 4%, Cr: 6.2 to 11%, and V: 4 to 10%, 2) Fe: 2 to 4%, Cr: 5 to 11%, and Mo: 4 to 10%, or 3) Fe: 2 to 4%, Cr: 5.5 to 11%, and Mo+V (total of Mo and V): 4 to 10% in range, and a balance of substantially Ti. These include Zr added in amounts of 1 to 4 mass %. Furthermore, by making the oxygen equivalent Q 0.15 to 0.30 or leaving the alloy in the work hardened state or by applying both, the tensile strength before aging heat treatment can be further increased. |
| US09822428B2 |
Extraction/separation method
The inventive extraction/separation method involves the step of contacting an organic phase containing a dialkyldiglycol amic acid extractant: R1R2NCOCH2OCH2COOH with an aqueous solution containing scandium and zirconium and/or hafnium for thereby extracting zirconium and/or hafnium into the organic phase. The purity of scandium can be efficiently increased by the simple step of solvent extraction. |
| US09822427B2 |
Production process
A process for the production of a metal which comprises: carbothermal reduction of the corresponding metal oxide to produce a mixed gas stream comprising the metal and carbon monoxide; maintaining the mixed gas stream at a suitably elevated temperature to prevent reformation of the metal oxide; ejecting the mixed gas stream through a convergent-divergent nozzle in order to cool the mixed gas stream instantaneously to a temperature at which reformation of the metal oxide cannot take place; and separating and collecting the metal, wherein the nozzle is heated by means other than gas flow through the nozzle so that temperature of surfaces of the nozzle in contact with the mixed gas stream are maintained at a temperature sufficient to prevent deposition on the said surfaces of products from the gas stream. |
| US09822423B2 |
Method for producing silicon steel normalizing substrate
A method for producing a silicon steel normalizing substrate comprises: steelmaking, hot rolling and normalizing steps. The normalizing step uses a normalizing furnace having a nonoxidizing heating furnace section. The nonoxidizing heating furnace section comprises more than 3 furnace zones. An energy investment ratio of the furnace zones used in the nonoxidizing heating furnace section is adjusted, so as to control an excess coefficient α of the nonoxidizing heating furnace section to be within a range of 0.8≦α<1.0. |
| US09822422B2 |
Processes for reducing flatness deviations in alloy articles
A process for reducing flatness deviations in an alloy article is disclosed. An alloy article may be heated to a first temperature at least as great as a martensitic transformation start temperature of the alloy. A mechanical force may be applied to the alloy article at the first temperature. The mechanical force may tend to inhibit flatness deviations of a surface of the alloy article. The alloy article may be cooled to a second temperature no greater than a martensitic transformation finish temperature of the alloy. The mechanical force may be maintained on the alloy article during at least a portion of the cooling of the alloy article from the first temperature to the second temperature. |
| US09822417B2 |
Methods and biomarkers for analysis of colorectal cancer
The present invention relates to methods and biomarkers (e.g., gene expression biomarkers) for detection of colorectal cancer in biological samples (e.g., tissue samples, biopsy samples, stool samples, blood samples, plasma samples, serum samples). In some embodiments, methods and biomarkers of the present invention find use in detection of colon cancer, providing a prognosis to colorectal cancer patients, and in companion diagnostics. |
| US09822416B2 |
miRNA in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer
The present invention provides novel methods for diagnosing a state of health based on the determination of specific miRNAs that have altered expression levels in different conditions, e.g. disease states compared to healthy controls. |
| US09822415B2 |
Method for predicting the onset of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) induced by an antipsychotic-based treatment
The invention relates to methods for predicting the onset of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) induced by an antipsychotic-based treatment as well as methods for providing personalized medicine to patients based on the sequence of several SNPs associated with the onset of EPS. The invention relates as well to kits for carrying out the diagnostic and predictive medicine methods. |
| US09822414B2 |
In vitro method for predicting in vivo genotoxicity of chemical compounds
The invention is in the field of genomics and it provides an in vitro method for predicting whether a compound is genotoxic in vivo. In particular, the invention provides a method for predicting the in vivo genotoxicity of a compound comprising the steps of performing an Ames test on the compound and determining if the result is positive or negative, followed by a step wherein the gene expression of at least 3 genes is determined in a HepG2 cell, compared to a reference value and predicting that the compound is in vivo genotoxic if the expression level of more than 2 of the genes is above a reference value. |
| US09822412B2 |
Detection of DNA that originates from a specific cell-type
The present invention relates to methods to detect an amount of DNA that originates from cells of a given type, where the sample comprising such DNA in admixture with DNA that does not originate from such cells. Such methods are based on differential methylation, at certain regions, of the DNA that originates from the given type of cells compared to the admixed DNA. Such methods have particular application in the detection, from a biological fluid from a pregnant female, of cell free DNA that originates from a foetus or the placenta of a foetus, or the detection, from a biological fluid from an individual, of cell free DNA that originates from cells of a tumor. Accordingly, such methods have diagnostic, prognostic and/or predictive utility for detecting an increased risk of an individual suffering from or developing a medical condition such as preeclampsia or cancer, and/or to aid subsequent diagnostic, prognostic and/or predictive methods such as the detection of chromosomal trisomy in a foetus, including for twin-pregnancies. The present invention also relates to compositions, kits, computer program products and other aspects that are used in, useful for or related to the practice of such methods. |
| US09822405B2 |
Multiplex amplification of polynucleotides
The present invention provides methods, reagents and kits for carrying out a variety of assays suitable for analyzing polynucleotides or samples that include an amplification step performed in a multiplex fashion. Also provided are methods for analyzing and improving the efficiency of amplification and for carrying out gene expression analysis. |
| US09822403B2 |
Chip-based droplet sorting
A non-contact system for sorting monodisperse water-in-oil emulsion droplets in a microfluidic device based on the droplet's contents and their interaction with an applied electromagnetic field or by identification and sorting. |
| US09822401B2 |
Methods and systems for nucleic acid amplification
The disclosure provides methods and systems for nucleic acid amplification including isothermal nucleic acid amplification. |
| US09822400B2 |
Methods for treating, diagnosing, and monitoring rheumatoid arthritis
Methods of identifying, diagnosing, and prognosing rheumatoid arthritis are provided, as well as methods of treating rheumatoid arthritis. Also provided are methods for identifying effective rheumatoid arthritis therapeutic agents and predicting responsiveness to rheumatoid arthritis therapeutic agents. |
| US09822396B2 |
Chromosome conformation capture in partitions
Methods compositions and kits are provided for performing a chromatin or chromosome conformation capture assay in partitions. |
| US09822393B2 |
Compositions, methods and systems for polymerase chain reaction assays
The present disclosure provides methods, devices, systems and compositions for detecting nucleic acids in polymerase chain reaction assays, such as droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assays. The present disclosure provides methods, devices, systems and compositions for detecting nucleic acids in ddPCR assays using intercalating dyes. A dual surfactant system with at least one fluorosurfactant and at least one non-ionic non-fluorosurfactant may be employed for droplet generation and nucleic acid detection. |
| US09822391B2 |
Methods for monitoring methotrexate therapy
The present invention provides methods for assessing efficacy of a methotrexate (MTX) dosing regimen in a patient. |
| US09822388B2 |
Methods for increasing mannose content of recombinant proteins
The present invention relates to methods of modulating the mannose content of recombinant proteins. |
| US09822386B2 |
Cooling and processing materials
Systems and methods for cooling and processing materials are disclosed. |
| US09822385B2 |
Method for producing an L-glutamic acid and L-aspartic acid using a recombinant microorganism having enhanced expression of a ybjL protein
An acidic substance having a carboxyl group is produced by culturing in a medium a microorganism which has been modified to enhance expression of the ybjL gene, and collecting the acidic substance having a carboxyl group from the medium. |
| US09822383B2 |
Continuous process for treating a lignocellulosic biomass
It is disclosed a continuous process for soaking a ligno-cellulosic biomass stream in an extraction solution comprising water and dissolved water soluble species derived from a previously treated ligno-cellulosic biomass, wherein the soaked ligno-cellulosic biomass stream is optionally rinsed with a rinse solution stream to produce a soaking liquid. The electrical conductivity of the extraction solution and/or the soaking liquid are controlled to a value in a suitable target range by regulating one or more dilution streams.The disclosed process is useful to remove non-ligno-cellulosic water soluble compounds from the ligno-cellulosic biomass with a low consumption of water. |
| US09822382B2 |
Process for making ethanol by fermentation
A process for making ethanol by fermentation comprises the steps fermenting a mash comprising a fermentable sugar with a yeast to form a fermented mash comprising ethanol, separating a yeast concentrate from the fermentation mash, adding a mineral acid to the yeast concentrate to provide an acidified yeast concentrate having a pH between 1.8 and 3.0, adding a peroxycarboxylic acid to the acidified yeast concentrate in an amount of from 5 to 80 ppm by weight to provide a treated yeast concentrate, and fermenting a mash comprising a fermentable sugar with addition of treated yeast concentrate to form a fermented mash comprising ethanol. |
| US09822379B2 |
Highly inducible dual-promoter lentiviral TET-ON system
The invention relates to expression systems useful for regulated expression of a gene of interest based on the constitutive expression of the original TetR repressor and the expression of the polynucleotide driven by a constitutive promoter operably linked to an operator sequence for a tetracycline operator sequence. The system can be provided as two different polynucleotides or as an all-in-one vector. The invention also relates to vectors, host cells and viral particles according to the invention as well as to the uses thereof for in vitro and in vivo production of products of interest or for therapy. |
| US09822373B2 |
Mutant cells for protein secretion and lignocellulose degradation
The present disclosure provides mutant cells for the secretion of proteins and for the degradation of lignocellulosic biomass. Methods for the use of these cells are also provided. Specifically, the utility of combined genetic deletions of β-glucosidases and the catabolite repressor gene creA/cre-1 for protein secretion in fungal and yeast cells is disclosed. |
| US09822370B2 |
Method of making a deletion in a target sequence in isolated primary cells using Cas9 and two guide RNAs
Disclosed herein are methods, compositions, and kits for high efficiency, site-specific genomic editing of cells. |
| US09822368B2 |
Modulators of intracellular chloride concentration for treating down syndrome
Modulators of intracellular chloride concentration for treating down syndrome The present invention relates to a modulator of a chloride transporter for use in the treatment of Down syndrome. |
| US09822365B2 |
Compositions and methods for inhibiting expression of the PCSK9 gene
The invention relates to a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting the expression of the PCSK9 gene (PCSK9 gene), comprising an antisense strand having a nucleotide sequence which is less that 30 nucleotides in length, generally 19-25 nucleotides in length, and which is substantially complementary to at least a part of the PCSK9 gene. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the dsRNA together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and method for treating diseases caused by PCSK9 gene expression. |
| US09822362B2 |
Compositions and methods for treating lung disease and injury
Disclosed herein are therapeutic methods for treating lung diseases, disorders and injury in a mammal, including treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), acute lung injury, pulmonary fibrosis (idiopathic), bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis, mechanical ventilator induced lung injury, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, bronchiolitis obliterans after lung transplantation and lung transplantation-induced acute graft dysfunction, including treatment, prevention or prevention of progression of primary graft failure, ischemia-reperfusion injury, reperfusion injury, reperfusion edema, allograft dysfunction, pulmonary reimplantation response, bronchiolitis obliterans after lung transplantation and/or primary graft dysfunction (PGD) after organ transplantation, in particular in lung transplantation, comprising down-regulating the TLR2 gene or both the TLR2 gene and TLR4 gene. Provided herein are compositions, methods and kits for treating lung diseases, disorders and injury. |
| US09822361B2 |
Compositions and methods using capsids resistant to hydrolases
Novel processes and compositions are described which use viral capsid proteins resistant to hydrolases to prepare virus-like particles to enclose and subsequently isolate and purify target cargo molecules of interest including nucleic acids such as siRNAs and shRNAs, miRNAs, messenger RNAs, small peptides and bioactive molecules. |
| US09822357B2 |
Bidirectional promoter
The invention refers to a library of bidirectional expression cassettes or expression vectors comprising a repertoire of bidirectional promoter sequences, each expression cassette comprising a promoter sequence operably linked to a first gene in one direction, and operably linked to an oppositely oriented second gene in the other direction which is different from the first gene, and bidirectional Pichia pastoris or CHO cells promoter sequences. The invention further refers to a method of screening or selecting a bidirectional promoter suitable for expressing at least two GOI in a host cell and a kit comprising a) an expression cassette consisting of the first and second genes and a stuffer sequence separating them, which stuffer sequence comprises a recognition site for a type IIS restriction enzyme at both ends; b) the type IIS restriction enzyme; c) and a repertoire of promoter, preferably a promoter library including bidirectional promoters. |
| US09822354B2 |
Polynucleotide encoding acyl-CoA synthetase homolog and use thereof
The present invention relates to an acyl-CoA synthetase homolog protein from microorganisms of the genus Mortierella, a polynucleotide encoding the protein, and so on. The invention provides polynucleotides comprising an acyl-CoA synthetase homolog protein gene from, e.g., Mortierella alpina, expression vectors comprising these polynucleotides and transformants thereof, a method for producing lipids or fatty acids using the transformants, food products containing the lipids or fatty acids produced by the method, etc. |
| US09822351B2 |
Bacterial hyaluronidase and process for its production
The present invention relates to a hyaluronidase from S. koganeiensis, applications thereof and a method for the production thereof. |
| US09822350B2 |
Polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides. |
| US09822336B2 |
Blastoid, cell line based artificial blastocyst
A method for making an at least double layered cell aggregate and/or an artificial blastocyst, and/or a further-developed blastoid termed blastoid, by forming a double layered cell aggregate from at least one trophoblast cell and at least one pluripotent and/or totipotent cell, and culturing the aggregate to obtain an artificial blastocyst having a trophectoderm-like tissue that surrounds a blastocoel and an inner cell mass-like tissue. The cell aggregate can be formed from toti- or pluripotent stem cell types, or induced pluripotent stem cell types, in combination with trophoblast stem cells. Formation of a blastoid can be achieved by culturing the cell aggregate in a medium preferably comprising one or more of a Rho/ROCK inhibitor, a Wnt pathway modulator, a PKA pathway modulator, a PKC pathway modulator, a MAPK pathway modulator, a STAT pathway modulator, an Akt pathway modulator, a Tgf pathway modulator and a Hippo pathway modulator. Also, a method for growing an at least double layered cell aggregate into an artificial blastocyst, and into a further-developed blastoid, a foetus or a live animal and an in vitro cell culture comprising the mentioned compounds and/or cell aggregates. |
| US09822333B2 |
Acoustic perfusion devices
Acoustic perfusion devices for separating biological cells from other material in a fluid medium are disclosed. The devices include an inlet port, an outlet port, and a collection port that are connected to an acoustic chamber. An ultrasonic transducer creates an acoustic standing wave in the acoustic chamber that permits a continuous flow of fluid to be recovered through the collection port while keeping the biological cells within the acoustic chamber to be returned to the bioreactor from which the fluid medium is being drawn. |
| US09822331B2 |
Method and device for automated removal of cells and/or cell colonies
The method comprises an automated removal of cells and/or cell colonies from a cell culture whilst executing a first detection step for selecting cells and/or cell colonies with reference to corporeal and/or physical parameters and detecting position data and storing the detected position data of the selected cells and/or cell colonies in a position database.In order to be able to select special cells and/or cell colonies having special properties from the detected cells and/or cell colonies, at least one second detection step for detecting at least one further parameter of the cells and/or cell colonies is then executed, comparative data from the data of the first and second detection step are created, cells and/or cell colonies are selected with reference to the comparative data and the position data from the position database are transferred to a harvesting unit. |
| US09822330B2 |
Light-degradable material, substrate, and method for patterning the substrate
There is provided a new material that can form a finer pattern and can be applied to adsorption/adhesion control of various cell species, proteins, viruses, and the like without the limitation of the light source. A light-degradable material comprising: a moiety that is capable of bonding to a surface of a substrate through a siloxane bond; and a structural unit of Formula (2-a) and/or Formula (2-b): (where R2 to R4 are saturated linear alkyl groups; X is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; Z is a carbanion or a sulfo anion; Q is an ester bond group, a phosphodiester bond group, an amido bond group, an alkylene group, or an phenylene group or a combination of these divalent groups; m1 is an integer of 1 to 200, and n is an integer of 1 to 10). |
| US09822326B2 |
Low viscosity, low volatility lubricating oil basestocks
This disclosure provides low viscosity, low volatility alkylated siloxane compounds and alkylated alkoxy silane compounds. This disclosure also provides processes for producing the alkylated siloxane compounds and alkylated alkoxy silane compounds, and lubricating oil basestocks and lubricating oils containing one or more of the alkylated siloxane compounds or one or more of the alkylated alkoxy silane compounds. This disclosure further provides a method for improving one or more of solubility and dispersancy of polar additives and/or sludge in a lubricating oil by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil containing one or more of the alkylated siloxane compounds or one or more of the alkylated alkoxy silane compounds. |
| US09822322B2 |
Molybdenum monoxide layers, and production thereof using PVD
The invention relates to a coating comprising at least one molybdenum-containing layer having molybdenum oxide, said molybdenum being essentially molybdenum monoxide. The invention further relates to a PVD process for producing the disclosed coating, in which the layer comprising the molybdenum monoxide is produced using arc evaporation. The invention also relates to a component that has said coating. |
| US09822320B1 |
Hybrid metallized organic fuels
A formulation and methods for making high energy organic fuels that incorporate suspended metal particles with metal particle sized ranging from 33 nm to 5 micron. The hybrid organic fuels contain superior density and/or energy content to conventional liquid organic fuels. These hybrid organic fuels used in combination with metal particle afford fuels with 5 to 80% more net heat of combustion (based on volume). These fuels should extend the distant range for jets, liquid rocket engines, SCRAM jet engines, and improve energy content in fuel-air explosive applications such as fuel-air explosives and in the Multi-Effects Weapons System (MEWS) where the fuel is used both for propulsion and explosive effects. |
| US09822319B2 |
Method and system for gasification of biomass
A system for gasifying biomass is disclosed. The system comprises a water storage tank, a water pump, a heat exchanger, a plasma torch heater, a gasifier, an ash cooler, a spray tower, a dust collector, a deacidification tower, and a desiccator. The water storage tank is connected to the water inlet of the heat exchanger; the vapor outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the vapor inlet of the plasma torch heater; the vapor outlet of the plasma torch heater is connected to the vapor nozzle of the gasifier; the ash outlet of the gasifier is connected to the ash inlet of the ash cooler; the gas outlet of the gasifier is connected to the gas inlet of the spray tower; and the gas outlet of the spray tower is connected to the gas inlet of the heat exchanger. |
| US09822316B2 |
System and method for on stream catalyst replacement
A system of reforming reactors comprises a plurality of reactors coupled by flow lines, a feed header coupled to the plurality of reactors by a plurality of feed lines, an effluent header coupled to the plurality of reactors by a plurality of effluent lines, and a plurality of valves disposed in the flow lines, the feed lines, and the effluent lines. Each reactor comprises a reforming catalyst, and the plurality of valves is configured to dynamically connect the plurality of reactors to create a first serial flow path and reconnect the plurality of reactors to create a second serial flow path through the plurality of reactors. A first reactor of the plurality of reactors is adjacent to a second reactor of the plurality of reactors in the first serial flow path, and the first reactor is not adjacent to the second reactor in the second serial flow path. |
| US09822315B2 |
Methods and systems for the removal of heavy hydrocarbons
Apparatuses, systems and methods for separating heavy hydrocarbons from a solvent stream are disclosed. The heavy hydrocarbons and solvent can be recovered and processed further. |
| US09822313B2 |
Forming light hydrocarbons
Form liquid product stream that has a C13 to C20 hydrocarbon content of less than 5.0 wt % based upon a total weight of the liquid product stream via a process that includes contacting synthesis gas with a sulfurized Zeolite Socony Mobil-5 catalyst. The sulfurized Zeolite Socony Mobil-5 catalyst can include ZSM-5, cobalt, an alkali metal, sulfur, and a reduction promoter. |
| US09822311B2 |
Method for preparing synthetic fuel from natural gas of stranded gas field and associated gas from oil and gas fields by GTL-FPSO process
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a synthetic fuel on a vessel above a stranded gas field or an oil & gas field by a GTL-FPSO process, more particularly to a method for preparing a synthetic fuel with superior economic feasibility, productivity and efficiency using a compact GTL (gas to liquid) apparatus that can be used for a stranded gas field or an oil & gas field and an FPSO (floating production, storage and offloading) process under a condition optimized for the ratio of carbon dioxide in the stranded gas field or the oil & gas field and an apparatus for the same. |
| US09822310B2 |
Process for producing liquid hydrocarbon
The invention relates to a continuous process for converting carbonaceous material contained in one or more feedstocks into a liquid hydrocarbon product, said feedstocks including the carbonaceous material being in a feed mixture including one or more fluids, said fluids including water and further liquid organic compounds at least partly produced by the process in a concentration of at least 1% by weight, where the process comprises converting at least part of the carbonaceous material by pressurizing the feed mixture to a pressure in the range 250-400 bar; heating the feed mixture to a temperature in the range 370-450° C., and maintaining said pressurized and heated feed mixture in the desired pressure and temperature ranges in a reaction zone for a predefined time; cooling the feed mixture to a temperature in the range 25-200° C. and expanding the feed mixture to a pressure in the range of 1-70 bar, thereby causing the carbonaceous material to be converted to a liquid hydrocarbon product and separating from the converted feed mixture a fraction comprising liquid hydrocarbon product. |
| US09822309B2 |
High carbon concentration biomass and biosolids slurry preparation using a hydro-thermal pretreatment
Provided is a process where the biomass and bisolids are hydrothermally treated under a reductive gas. Using this process a high carbon content pumpable mixture of biomass and biosolid slurry is produced with a viscosity value of less than 1.5. |
| US09822308B2 |
Star-and tree-shaped branched polymers having flame-retardant properties
Disclosed are polymers with a complex branched structure (star- or tree-shaped) obtainable by polymerizing a bifunctional type AB monomer and/or type AA+BB monomers in the presence of: a) one or more polyamine and/or a polyacid and/or a polyalcohol and/or more generally a compound (such as POSS) having at least three functional groups such as amino, carboxylic acid or hydroxyl functions; b) one or more phosphorus containing molecules reacting with only one reactive group during the polymerization; c) optionally one or more organic acid and/or an amine and/or an alcohol having one or two functional groups. |
| US09822301B2 |
Alkenyl ether compound and a liquid crystal composition using the same
The present invention provides a compound represented by general formula (1) as well as a liquid crystal composition containing this compound and a liquid crystal display using this liquid crystal composition. Using the compound represented by general formula (1) as a component of a liquid crystal composition makes it possible to obtain a liquid crystal composition having a low viscosity (η), a high Δn, suitable T-i, high miscibility with other liquid crystal compounds, and presenting a liquid crystal phase over a wide temperature range. This is therefore extremely useful as a structural component of a liquid crystal composition for a liquid crystal display requiring a high speed response. |
| US09822299B2 |
Fluorine-fluorine associates
The present invention relates, inter alia, to compositions comprising, a compound which is able to emit and/or absorb light and a compound which is able either to absorb or emit light, where both compounds each include at least one fluorine radical. The present invention is furthermore directed to a process for the preparation of the composition, to the use of the composition in electronic devices and to the device itself. |
| US09822297B2 |
Invertible water-in-oil latices and methods of use
Invertible latices suitable for use in enhanced oil recovery are formed by adding a first inversion surfactant and a second inversion surfactant to a water-in-oil latex comprising about 15 wt % to 50 wt % of a water soluble polymer having a net ionic charge. The first inversion surfactant has a hydrophilic/lipophilic balance of about 15 to 35 and an ionic charge that is the opposite of the net ionic charge of the polymer. The second inversion surfactant has a hydrophilic/lipophilic balance of between about 8 and 20. The invertible latices are diluted in a single step to provide dilute latices having 10,000 ppm or less polymer solids. |
| US09822296B2 |
Proppants for removal of contaminants from fluid streams and methods of using same
The invention relates to the proppants and proppant substrates treated with active compounds that reduce the presence of contaminants in fluids, methods of using those materials, as well as methods of making those materials. The invention further provides that the contaminated fluids are associated with wells, including oil and gas wells. |
| US09822294B2 |
Agglomerated boron nitride particles, composition containing said particles, and three-dimensional integrated circuit having layer comprising said composition
To provide a composition for a three-dimensional integrated circuit capable of forming a filling interlayer excellent in thermal conductivity also in a thickness direction, using agglomerated boron nitride particles excellent in the isotropy of thermal conductivity, disintegration resistance and kneading property with a resin.A composition for a three-dimensional integrated circuit, comprising agglomerated boron nitride particles which have a specific surface area of at least 10 m2/g, the surface of which is constituted by boron nitride primary particles having an average particle size of at least 0.05 μm and at most 1 μm, and which are spherical, and a resin (A) having a melt viscosity at 120° C. of at most 100 Pa·s. |
| US09822293B2 |
Sugar alcohol microcapsule, slurry, and resin molded article
A sugar alcohol microcapsule obtained by mixing particles that include molten sugar alcohol and are dispersed in an oil phase with a material that reacts with the particles, and encapsulating the sugar alcohol. |
| US09822288B2 |
Waterproof silane-end capped adhesive compositions
A polymeric matrix adhesive composition and methods of preparing said compositions. A silane is added to a prepolymer urethane to react with the urethane and at least partially end-cap the urethane to produce a silane end-capped polymer component. A reinforcing extender and a thixotropic agent are reacted with the silane end-capped polymer component. The cured product of the polymeric matrix adhesive composition is waterproof, hydrolytically stable, and pH resistant. |
| US09822287B2 |
Adhesive composition and endoscope device
An adhesive composition comprising a main agent including at least one epoxy resin selected from a bisphenol A epoxy resin, a bisphenol F epoxy resin, and a phenol novolac epoxy resin, and an acrylic rubber; a curing agent including xylylene diamine; and a filler including silica. The adhesive composition further comprises an ion exchanger. |
| US09822284B2 |
Adhesive film and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
An adhesive film of the present invention includes a base material layer and a self-peeling adhesive layer laminated therein. The base material layer has a thermal contraction percentage in a direction of flow (thermal contraction percentage in an MD direction) and a thermal contraction percentage in an orthogonal direction with respect to the direction of flow (thermal contraction percentage in a TD direction) that satisfy the following conditions: (1) after heating at 150° C. for 30 minutes, 0.4≦|thermal contraction percentage in MD direction/thermal contraction percentage in TD direction|≦2.5 and average of thermal contraction percentage in MD direction and thermal contraction percentage in TD direction≦2%, and (2) after heating at 200° C. for 10 minutes, 0.4≦|thermal contraction percentage in MD direction/thermal contraction percentage in TD direction|≦2.5 and average of thermal contraction percentage in MD direction and thermal contraction percentage in TD direction≧3%. |
| US09822283B2 |
Hot melt adhesive
The present invention provides hot melt adhesives for disposable products. The hot melt adhesives may be applied at high-speed and at low temperature ranges. The hot melt adhesives also provide excellent adhesion to polyethylene and a nonwoven fabric. The hot melt adhesive comprises (A) a thermoplastic block copolymer, which is a copolymer of a vinyl-based aromatic hydrocarbon with a conjugated diene compound; and (B) a propylene homopolymer having a melting point of 100° C. or lower, which is obtainable by polymerizing propylene using a metallocene catalyst. The disposable products are produced at high-speeds and low temperature with the inventive hot melt, and therefore, the disposal products are produced efficiently and safely, and a nonwoven fabric and a polyethylene film of the disposable products are less likely to peel. |
| US09822276B2 |
Inkjet ink set
Examples provide inkjet ink sets and related methods. An ink set may include a pre-treatment fixing fluid, an ink, and a post-treatment fluid including a wax and a binder present in the post-treatment fluid in a range of about 10 weight percent to about 30 weight percent. |
| US09822275B2 |
Water-based compositions that resist dirt pick-up
Water-based compositions containing a low VOC coalescent, a latex or water-dispersible polymer, and a water-insoluble UV-VIS (preferably, ultraviolet) absorber. |
| US09822273B2 |
Radiation-curable inkjet ink composition
The present invention relates to a radiation curable ink composition comprising a gellant. The present invention further relates to an ink set comprising such ink composition. The present invention further relates to a method for making such ink composition and a printing method using such ink composition. |
| US09822272B2 |
Printing ink composition
A printing ink composition includes a disperse dye, a first solvent, a water soluble dye, and a dispersant, in which an IOB value A of the disperse dye, an IOB value B1 of the first solvent, and an IOB value C of the water soluble dye satisfy the following Equation (1), A |
| US09822268B2 |
Ink composition
There is provided an ink composition including: a predetermined dye (C-1); a dye (C-2) containing at least one of C.I. Direct Blues 86 and 199; an alkylene oxide adduct of an acetylene glycol having a main chain of 12 or more carbon atoms; an acetylene glycol having a main chain of 10 or more carbon atoms; and a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether, in which the content ratio A of the dye (C-1) and the dye (C-2) (the dye (C-1):the dye (C-2)) is 7:3 to 9.5:0.5, and the content of the dye (C-1) is 2.0 mass % to 5.0 mass %. |
| US09822267B1 |
Phase-change digital advanced lithographic imaging ink with polyester transfer additive
An ink composition useful for digital offset printing applications includes a colorant and a high viscosity thickening agent. The ink is formulated to incorporate polyester viscosity modifier to help meet the requirement of two different viscosity or temperature pairs at two different stages of the process. In digital offset printing a bulk ink is first transferred onto an anilox roll, and then from the anilox roll onto the imaging cylinder blanket. During the bulk ink to anilox roll the disclosed ink has a low viscosity while the transfer from roll to imaging blanket the ink has a higher viscosity. The addition of the polyester viscosity modifier increases the viscosity difference within the allowable temperature range, thus, increasing process latitude and robustness. |
| US09822265B2 |
CO2 abating latex coating composition
The present invention relates to a composition, an aqueous dispersion of polymer particles functionalized with acetoacetoxyethyl groups and a CO2 abating additive, an ion exchange resin functionalized with amine groups or quaternary ammonium salt groups or a combination thereof. The composition is useful for CO2 abatement in acetoacetoxy functionalized latexes compositions. |
| US09822263B2 |
Electrodeposition coating material composition and catalyst for electrodeposition coating material
Provided is an organic tin-free cationic electrodeposition coating composition which does not contain organic tin compound and can sustain a superior coating curability under currently used baking conditions, and to a catalyst for the composition. A catalyst for electrodeposition coating composition containing a bismuth compound (A), wherein: the bismuth compound is a compound having a ligand prepared from a β-diketone represented by Chemical Formula (1) is provided. (wherein, a plurality of R1 are the same or different from each other and represent a hydrocarbon group, and a number of total carbon atoms in two R1 is 4 or larger) |
| US09822257B2 |
Dissolvable films and methods of using the same
The present invention provides dissolvable films for customizing art materials, such as inks, paints, and modeling doughs. The invention also provides methods and kits for delivering artistic effects to art materials. The dissolvable films comprise one or more cellulose compounds, propylene glycol, glycerin, and one or more artistic components. The dissolvable film imparts an artistic effect following administration of the film to the art material. In exemplary embodiments, the artistic components of the film comprise one or more colorants which provide a coloring effect. A kit for delivering one or more artistic effects to an art material includes dissolvable films of various colors and shapes, and one or more art materials, such as ink, paint, or modeling dough. |
| US09822249B2 |
Asphalt modifying agent with improved mixing performance and asphalt composition containing the same
Disclosed are an asphalt modifying agent and an asphalt composition containing the same. More specifically, disclosed are an asphalt modifying agent comprising a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon-conjugated diene block copolymer and a low-molecular weight conjugated diene rubber (LCDR), and an asphalt composition containing the same.Advantageously, the present invention provides an asphalt modifying agent for greatly improving low-temperature properties and modification workability of a modified asphalt and an asphalt composition containing the same. |
| US09822248B2 |
Polysiloxane composition, hardened material and optical device
The present invention aims to provide a polysiloxane composition which exhibits high heat and light resistance, and excellent gas-barrier properties. The polysiloxane composition of the present invention includes: (A) a modified polyhedral polysiloxane which is obtained by modifying (a) an alkenyl group-containing polyhedral polysiloxane compound with (b) a hydrosilyl group-containing compound; and (B) an organopolysiloxane containing at least two alkenyl groups in a molecule, wherein the polysiloxane composition after curing has a water vapor permeability of not more than 30 g/m2/24 h, and the polysiloxane composition includes (B1) an aryl group-containing organopolysiloxane as the organopolysiloxane (B), and/or (C) a component which is (C1) an organosilicon compound that contains one alkenyl or hydrosilyl group in a molecule, or (C2) a cyclic olefin compound that contains one carbon-carbon double bond in a molecule. |
| US09822245B2 |
Studless winter tire
Provided is a studless winter tire which provides good performance on ice and snow and good abrasion resistance, and suffers little change in hardness and little discoloration on the tire surface. The present invention relates to a studless winter tire including a tread formed from a rubber composition containing a predetermined amount of a farnesene resin obtained by polymerizing farnesene. The present invention relates to a studless winter tire including a tread formed from a rubber composition containing a predetermined amount of at least one myrcene resin selected from the group consisting of myrcene polymers with a Mw of 1,000-500,000, myrcene-butadiene copolymers with a Mw of 1,000-500,000, and myrcene-styrene copolymers with a Mw of 1,000-150,000; and a predetermined amount of a silica with an N2SA of 40-400 m2/g, the rubber component containing a predetermined amount of a high-cis polybutadiene with a cis content of 95% by mass or more. |
| US09822244B2 |
Off-road tire tread
The invention relates to an off-road tire comprising a composition based on at least one filler, a crosslinking system, from 50 to 80 parts by weight, per hundred parts by weight of elastomer (phr), of at least one isoprene elastomer and from 20 to 50 phr of at least one polybutadiene having a high vinyl content, the total content of isoprene elastomer and of polybutadiene having a high vinyl content being within a range varying from 85 to 100 phr. |
| US09822240B1 |
Light reflective parts and reflective parts for automobile lamp
Provided is a molded article in which the formation of depressions in a vapor deposited aluminum surface of the molded article caused by long-term exposure to high-temperature conditions is suppressed such that the vapor deposited aluminum surface has excellent external appearance that has not conventionally been achieved. A light reflective part includes a polyphenylene ether resin composition containing a polyphenylene ether (A) and at least one compound (B) selected from the group consisting of: an organophosphorus compound having a chemical structure in formula (I) or (II), shown below, in molecules thereof; phosphonic acids, phosphonic acid esters, phosphinic acids, and phosphinic acid esters other than the organophosphorus compound; monocarboxylic acids; sulfonic acids; and sulfinic acids. The (A) component has a content of from 95 mass % to 99.95 mass % and the (B) component has a content of from 0.05 mass % to 5 mass % relative to 100 mass %, in total, of the (A) component and the (B) component. |
| US09822239B2 |
Low-corrosion fire-resistant thermoplastic resin composition
A low-corrosion fire-resistant thermoplastic resin composition comprising a thermoplastic resin, a phosphinic acid salt flame retardant, a reinforced glass fiber, and a rare earth metal salt corrosion inhibitor. The resin composition improves the corrosion resistance and mechanical performance of the metal to a great extent while maintaining the high flame resistance. |
| US09822238B2 |
Compositions comprising tetrahydrofurfuryl and alkoxylated alkyl esters as plasticisers for biodegradable resins
The present invention refers to a composition comprising tetrahydrofurfuryl and alkoxylated alkyl esters and their use as plasticizers in biodegradable resins, more in particular, in a biodegradable aliphatic polyester resin comprising polylactic acid. In a preferred embodiment the composition comprises a tetrahydrofurfuryl butyldiglycolate ester. The invention also refers to a biodegradable resin composition, more in particular, comprising homo- or co-polymers of polylactic acid and comprising such compositions. |
| US09822234B2 |
Thixotropy-increasing additive and composition containing said additive
The invention relates to a use of at least one condensation product (A) in the form of the free compound or in the form of a salt of at least one acid as a thixotropy-increasing additive, which condensation product can be obtained by reacting at least one polymerized fatty acid or at least one reaction product (U) of at least two polymerized fatty acids and at least one polyamine having at least two primary amino groups as component (a1) with at least one polyalkylene polyamine, which is capable of forming at least one imidazoline and/or tetrahydropyrimidine unit and which has at least two primary amino groups or at least one primary and at least one secondary amino group, a composition containing at least one such condensation product (A) and at least one thixotropic agent (B), and a use of said composition, which additionally comprises at least one binder (C), as an adhesive, sealant, paint, coating agent, adhesive resin, casting resin, artificial marble, floor covering, polymer concrete, or fiber composite material. |
| US09822233B2 |
Use of self-assembled nanoporous glass colloids for prolongation of plasticity of polymeric materials
This invention describes the encapsulation of and self-assembly of meso (nano) porous silica particles from inorganic an inexpensive silica precursor, sodium silicate. The particles have a well defined shape, high surface area, and high uniformity of the pore size, the properties that are typically found for high quality mesoporous material synthesized from organic silica precursors. The disclosure illustrates a synthesis of hard spheres, discoids, and a mixture comprising discoids, gyroids and fibers, termed as origami. |
| US09822230B2 |
Nanocellular foam with solid flame retardant
Prepare nanofoam by (a) providing an aqueous solution of a flame retardant dissolved in an aqueous solvent, wherein the flame retardant is a solid at 23° C. and 101 kiloPascals pressure when in neat form; (b) providing a fluid polymer composition selected from a solution of polymer dissolved in a water-miscible solvent or a latex of polymer particles in a continuous aqueous phase; (c) mixing the aqueous solution of flame retardant with the fluid polymer composition to form a mixture; (d) removing water and, if present, solvent from the mixture to produce a polymeric composition having less than 74 weight-percent flame retardant based on total polymeric composition weight; (e) compound the polymeric composition with a matrix polymer to form a matrix polymer composition; and (f) foam the matrix polymer composition into nanofoam having a porosity of at least 60 percent. |
| US09822225B2 |
Fluororesin film having excellent transparency
The present invention aims to provide an ETFE film having excellent transparency and heat resistance and cost efficiency. The present invention relates to a film including a copolymer containing an ethylene unit, a tetrafluoroethylene unit, and a (fluoroalkyl)ethylene unit represented by Formula (1): CH2═CX—Rf (1) wherein X represents H or F, and Rf represents a fluoroalkyl group having 2 or more carbon atoms, the copolymer containing the (fluoroalkyl)ethylene unit in an amount of 0.8 to 2.5 mol % relative to the amount of all the monomer units and containing the ethylene unit and the tetrafluoroethylene unit at a molar ratio of 30.0/70.0 to 50.0/50.0, the film having a crystallinity of 68% or less, the crystallinity being calculated on the basis of a diffraction intensity curve of the film resulting from X-ray diffraction measurement. |
| US09822224B2 |
Antioxidant stabilized crosslinked ultra high molecular weight polyethylene for medical device applications
An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques. |
| US09822220B2 |
Antifouling system comprising silicone hydrogel
A multi-layer or single layer antifouling coating system. A multi-layer coating system comprises (a) a base coating for coating a substrate, and (b) an antifouling coating composition adapted to be disposed over the base coating, the antifouling coating composition comprising a functionalized polymer, and a curable polyether-containing silane of the Formula (1): (R1O)a(R1)(3-a)Si—R2—(Si(R1)2O)p—Si(R1)2—R2—O—(CH2—CHR1—O)q—R1 (1) where a is 1-3; R1 is H or alkyl radical from C1-C10; R2 is alkylene from C2-C10; p is 1-100; and q is 1-50. The base coating composition can comprise an epoxy modified adhesion promoter. Additionally, the anti-fouling coating composition can comprise an acetoxy, alkoxy, and/or ketoxime functional adhesion promoter. |
| US09822218B2 |
Process for producing a high molecular-weight aromatic polycarbonate resin
The present invention is to provide a process for producing a high molecular-weight aromatic polycarbonate resin, the process includes mixing a dialcohol compound represented by the following Formula (1) with a first catalyst to obtain a catalyst composition; mixing the obtained catalyst composition with an aromatic polycarbonate prepolymer to obtain a prepolymer mixture; and obtaining a high molecular-weight aromatic polycarbonate by subjecting the obtained prepolymer mixture to heating treatment under reduced pressure condition. In the Formula (1), R1 to R4 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group and the like. Q represents a divalent group or a single bond. |
| US09822213B2 |
Flame resistant flexible polyurethane foam
A method of forming a flame resistant flexible polyurethane foam that has a V-0 rating, according to Underwriters Laboratories Standard 94 Flammability Test, includes forming a reaction mixture that has an isocyanate component and an isocyanate-reactive component, and the isocyanate-reactive component includes a polyol component. The isocyanate component includes at least 30 wt % of a biuret modified aromatic diisocyanate, based on a total weight of the isocyanate component, and an isocyanate index of the reaction mixture is less than 100. The polyol component includes at least 5 wt % of a filled polyether polyol and at least 65 wt % of one or more other polyols that are different from the filled polyether polyol, based on a total weight of the isocyanate-reactive component. |
| US09822210B2 |
Synthesis and use of metallized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane catalyst compositions
The present invention relates to a method to form a polyurethane material, a catalyst composition comprising metalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POMS) compounds in combination with reactive compounds suitable to be used to provide a polyurethane material and the polyurethane material obtained using the catalyst composition. |
| US09822208B1 |
Flame retardant materials derived from furan dicarboxylic methyl ester
A process of forming a flame retardant material from furan dicarboxylic methyl ester (FDME) includes converting an FDME molecule to a 2,5-furan dicarbonyl dichloride (FDCC) molecule and chemically reacting the FDCC molecule with a phosphorus-containing material to form an FDME-based flame retardant material that includes a phosphorus-based flame retardant moiety. |
| US09822204B2 |
Vinyl ether functional oligomers and methods for making and using same
The present invention includes vinyl ether functional oligomers and methods for their preparation, the method including alternating free radical copolymerization of a dialkyl maleate or dialkyl fumerate monomer with a multifunctional vinyl ether monomer in the presence of a solvent with a high chain transfer constant. Also within the scope of the invention are uses for the vinyl ether functional oligomers compositions of this invention, including radiation curable coatings, adhesives, printing inks and composites. |
| US09822200B2 |
Ligand compound, transition metal compound, and catalystic composition including the same
The present invention relates to a novel ligand compound, a transition metal compound, and a catalytic composition including the same. The novel ligand compound and the transition metal compound of the present invention are useful as a polymerization reaction catalyst in preparing an olefin-based polymer having low density. In addition, an olefin polymer polymerized using a catalytic composition including the transition metal compound is capable of being prepared to a high molecular weight product having a low melt index (MI). |
| US09822199B2 |
Metallocene catalyst based on a transition metal of groups 4 or 5 of the periodic table immobilized on a support modified with soluble hybrid silica, method for producing and using same
The present invention pertains to a metallocene catalyst based on a transition metal of groups 4 or 5 of the periodic table prepared by the immobilization of a metallocene complex on a support modified with hybrid soluble silica, prepared by a non-hydrolytic sol-gel process. There is also described a process for preparing said catalyst.The supported metallocene catalyst of the present invention has the advantages of high catalytic activity, morphology, besides the fact of producing copolymers of ethylene with alpha-olefins having molecular behavior that will bring benefits in mechanical properties, such as resistance to tearing, piercing and impact, as well as improved optical and weldability properties. |
| US09822198B2 |
Process for the preparation of branched polybutadiene having a high content of 1,4-cis units
A process for the preparation of branched polybutadiene having a high content of 1,4-cis units which comprises polymerizing butadiene in the presence of at least one organic solvent, and in the presence of: a) a catalytic system prepared in situ including: (a1) at least one neodymium carboxylate, (a2) at least one alkyl compound of aluminum, (A3) at least one alkyl compound of aluminum containing at least one halogen atom, and b) at least one organic ester containing at least one halogen atom. Said branched polybutadiene having a high content of 1,4-cis units, depending on the branching degree and molecular weight distribution, can be advantageously used in various applications ranging from the modification of plastic materials [production, for example, of high impact polystyrene (HIPS)] to the production of tires, in particular the production of treads and/or of sidewalls of tires. |
| US09822195B2 |
Process for producing diene polymers
The invention describes a process for producing a diene polymer, the process comprising the following steps in this order: i) polymerizing one or more diene monomers in the presence of a catalyst composition to give a reaction mixture; ii) adding to the reaction mixture one or more alkoxysilane compounds; iii) adding S2Cl2, SCl2, SOCl2, S2Br2, SOBr2 or a mixture thereof to the reaction mixture; and iv) optionally adding a protic agent to the reaction mixture so as to deactivate the catalyst. The invention further includes polymers that are obtainable according to this process, as well as products including the polymer. |
| US09822193B2 |
Unified cooling for multiple polyolefin polymerization reactors
A system and method for startup of 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. In some embodiments, during startup the second reactor temperature control path is configured to allow the temperature of a second reactor to rise due to the heat of the exothermic polymerization reaction occurring within reactor until reaching a predetermined setpoint temperature. In other embodiments, during startup a first reactor temperature control path is configured to include a heat exchanger used as a cooler, and a second reactor temperature control path is configured to include a heat exchanger used as a heater, to raise the temperature of the second reactor until reaching a predetermined setpoint temperature. |
| US09822188B2 |
Cellulose suspension, method for the production and use thereof
The present invention relates to a phase-stable suspension of cellulose II in water, having a high water retention capacity and a cellulose concentration between 0.1 and 5.0% by weight, a method of its preparation, and its use. |
| US09822185B2 |
Use of IGG1 immunoglobulins and/or ligands of the CD32 receptor for treating inflammatory diseases and incidents via the mucosa
The present invention concerns the use of immunoglobulins of IgG1 type, and more generally of ligands of the CD32 receptor, for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and manifestations, in particular of allergies and auto-immune diseases, more particularly the treatment of allergic asthma, the immunoglobulins and ligands being administered via mucosal route, in particular via sublingual route. |
| US09822179B2 |
Recombinant TNF ligand family member polypeptides with antibody binding domain and uses therefor
The present invention relates in general to the field of TNF ligand family members. In more detail the present invention relates to polypeptides comprising at least three components A, each of which comprises the sequence of a TNF homology domain (THD) of a TNF ligand family member, or a functional derivative thereof, and comprising at least one component B consisting of a VL region and a VH region linked directly to each other with a linker sequence L which has a length of <12 amino acids. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. |
| US09822175B2 |
Amino acid sequences directed against the angiopoietin/tie system and polypeptides comprising the same for the treatment of diseases and disorders related to angiogenesis
The present invention relates to amino acid sequences that are directed against proteins from the group of the Angiopoietin/Tie family such as Tie1, Tie2, Ang1, Ang2, Ang3, Ang4, Angptl1, Angptl2, Angptl3, Angptl4, Angptl5, Angptl6, as well as to compounds or constructs, and in particular proteins and polypeptides, that comprise or essentially consist of one or more of such amino acid sequences. |